Project Blue Book Case File
Malden, MassachusettsJuly 1962
Summary
In July 1962, witnesses in Malden, Massachusetts reported seeing an unusual object in the sky. The object appeared oval in shape and white in color, with a bright light on its front end. It moved up and down in the sky before disappearing.
The Air Force received the report through its Project Blue Book program, which investigated UFO sightings nationwide. However, the case file shows that the available information was quite limited. The report noted that no specific elevation or azimuth measurements were recorded, meaning investigators did not have precise angles showing where the object appeared in the sky or where it went. This missing data made it difficult for Air Force analysts to evaluate what the witnesses had seen.
On the initial assessment form, Air Force evaluators listed the sighting as possibly astronomical in nature or possibly a balloon. However, they also noted that without the positional information, they could not properly evaluate the case. The file indicates the sighting was ultimately classified as unidentified, since the evidence available was insufficient to reach a firm conclusion about what the witnesses observed.
The full case file, comprising 7 pages as held by the National Archives, is reproduced below.
Reported location
Malden, Massachusetts
Date of incident
July 1962
State / country
MA / US
Page count
7 scanned pages
USAF evaluation
unidentified
Microfilm
T1206, Roll 46