1966 - Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio

Multiple sightings from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Ohio excited attention on September 23, 1966 at 0913z.  Sightings were from both ground and air. The Air Force classed it as other and cited a Barium Cloud Release.  It was described as twice the size of the moon, ball shaped (at first), one observer stated he saw what looked like a bright blue comet coming straight toward him. The object expanded in size and at 1/4 mile distance appeared to be 100 feet in diameter. It seemed to be moving eastward.  It gradually faded from view but left a tale or streak for some time. Observers reported the artificial cloud was green tinged with red and then a brighter blue. It was launched from Wallop Islands, Virginia via a Javelin rocket at 045 EST (5:13 a.m. reads the NASA photos in the accompanying file). The payload was barium and copper oxide lofted to 310-510 statute miles. This was related to explorations into various aspects of scientific inquiry at the time.