Easton, MaineFebruary 1953

In February 1953, residents of Easton and Westfield, Maine reported seeing unusual lights in the night sky on separate occasions. The sightings occurred over roughly two weeks and generated an official Air Force investigation.

The first incident involved a couple from Presque Isle who were driving through the area. Between 2055 and 2110 hours (roughly 8:55 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.), they observed a bright white light that periodically changed to pink or red. The light appeared two to three times larger than the brightest stars visible that evening. As they watched from multiple locations while driving, they noted the light moving first northward, then shifting toward the northwest before fading in intensity and disappearing as they approached Presque Isle. The observers had stopped at different points along their route to track the object's movement against stationary landmarks like telephone poles. They reported excellent visibility, clear skies, and that the light was definitely not a star. The man had military experience and was familiar with aerial observation techniques.

A second sighting occurred a few days later near Easton Center. A local woman observed a dark red circular light from her bedroom window between 2070 and 2170 hours (approximately 8:50 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.). She watched it for three to four minutes as it appeared above a nearby hill and gradually dimmed before disappearing. The woman had lived in her home for twenty years and stated that known local light sources, such as navigation lights at Presque Isle Air Force Base, could not be seen from her vantage point.

The Air Force investigation included interviews with both witnesses and checks of local air activity. The tower operator at Presque Isle confirmed that all local aircraft were grounded at the time of both sightings. No radar contacts or other corroborating evidence was obtained. Weather conditions on both dates were favorable, with clear skies and good visibility.

The Air Force concluded the sightings were caused by the planet Venus. This evaluation remains noted in the case file, though the observers' own observations and the sequential nature of the incidents are also preserved in the record. The full case file, comprising 22 pages as held by the National Archives, is reproduced below.