Project Blue Book Case File
PALMER, ALASKAJanuary 1952
Summary
Several civilians in Palmer, Alaska, reported seeing a bright blue, tube-shaped object near the setting sun on January 12, 1952, at approximately 1652 (4:52 p.m.). The observation lasted about 30 minutes.
The object was initially stationary and appeared to be a long, luminous tube with a bright blue color. During the sighting, witnesses noticed the object shift from a horizontal to a vertical position. It then slowly moved away from the sun. Observers described the object as having a halo-like appearance around it, and stated that the sun's light may have been reflecting off the object during the observation.
The witnesses were civilians in the Palmer area. Weather conditions were clear with good visibility and calm winds. The Air Force investigation noted no unusual magnetic activity or other environmental conditions that might explain the sighting. No physical evidence was found.
The Air Force concluded that the object was possibly a phenomenon related to the setting sun, with sunlight reflecting off a distant astronomical body. An initial evaluation marked the case as "unidentified," though investigators suggested this likely explained the incident. The file indicates that detailed investigation results would be forwarded for further evaluation.
The full case file, comprising 10 pages, is reproduced below as held by the National Archives.
Reported location
PALMER, ALASKA
Date of incident
January 1952
State / country
AK / US
Page count
10 scanned pages
USAF evaluation
unidentified
Microfilm
T1206, Roll 9