Dover AFB, DelawareFebruary 1953

At Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on February 26 and 28, 1953, military personnel observed mysterious lights in the western sky. The first sighting occurred around 2130 (9:30 p.m.) on February 26, when several airmen watched a predominantly red light hovering low on the horizon. The object displayed no consistent pattern as it alternated through yellow, green, red, and white colors. Witnesses described it as stationary at first, then slowly moving from west toward northwest before fading below the horizon after about fifteen minutes. The same type of object was observed again two nights later, this time lasting from approximately 2128 to 2135 (9:28 to 9:35 p.m.), also exhibiting alternating colors and moving on a gradual westward to north-northwest course before disappearing. All observers noted the absence of sound, smoke, or vapor. No conventional aircraft were in the area at the time.

The Air Force investigated both sightings thoroughly. Weather conditions were clear with good visibility. Dover Tower reported no air traffic in the vicinity. The 96th Fighter Interceptor Squadron had aircraft on other missions in the region but the pilots reported nothing unusual. An officer-of-the-day scanned the area with negative results. The investigation included consultation with the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and its contract astronomer. After review, the Air Force concluded that both sightings were observations of the planet Venus, which was visible in that direction during that time of year.

A third incident occurred on February 27 near Great Falls, Montana, when radar operators detected an unknown target on their scope. The radar contact lasted eleven minutes, appearing as a blip that faded and reappeared multiple times. The target showed unusual characteristics compared to conventional aircraft, though the radar data sheet indicates insufficient information was provided for a complete technical evaluation. This radar case remains listed as unknown in the file.

The full case file, consisting of 26 pages as held by the National Archives, is reproduced below.