Page:Project Blue Book, complete status reports.pdf/336

UNCLASSIFIED being submitted to the IBM study. On 2U and 25 April 1953 another two-day evaluation conference was held; 350 reports were examined Jointly and given final evaluation.

The IBM contractor has estimated that a final report will be submitted to Project Blue Book on 15 August 1953 in which statistical 'curves of probability, indexes of comparison on unidentified objects, and a general commentary on the results of the IBM study will /be included. It is believed that this study will be extremely significant in the future evaluation of reports of unidentified objects and perhaps to the operation of Project Blue Book itself.

VI.

On 1 June 1953, 73 Videon cameras were distributed to AACS tower Bites and ADC radar sites strategically located throughout the United States with relation to frequency of FLYOBRPTS. The original plan for these cameras was to take a photograph of an object through both an open lens and a lens equipped with a diffraction grating. The diffraction grating would enable a spectroscopist to attempt to identify the object in question by means of a spectrum bar recorded on the film. It. was found, however, that the diffraction gratings began to deteriorate soon after being received by ATIC. It was concluded that the cameras would be sent out without gratings immediately as an instrument for obtaining photographic intelligence on unidentified objects. When a suitable grating is obtained, the cameras will be recalled from the field and the subject grids mounted.

VII. For the year 1952 22.7% of all reports were classified as insufficient data for evaluation, or not containing enough information to even attempt an analysis. Thus far in 1953 this category has reduced itself to 15.4%. This is a noticeable improvement, but still is believed to be too high.

Upon receiving such a report, ATIC usually TWX's the originating base, but in the past has received little additional information. The problem is significant enough to mention in this Status Report in an attempt to decrease the number of reports with nebulous information. Quoted below is a FLYOBRPT received by ATIC which had to be classified as insufficient data to evaluate: "FLYOBRPT round with tail, yellow, similar in size and shape to hub cap, leaving trail of bright yellow fire with no observed propulsion system nor any sound being heard. In straight flight bearing slightly downward, speed veryslow. Object disappeared behind cloud. Visual sighting by individual in Hiram, Georgia. Object was sighting north of observer andwas traveling from south to north to the left of Marietta, Georgia. Report submitted by a civilian source, Hiram, Georgia, Winds aloft 10000-250/45K: 20000-260/5.5K; 30000-260/ 70K; 40000-260/8OK."

The reported object could be astronomical in nature, possibly a meteor. Its slow movement seems to conflict with this solution, however. The information essential to analyzing this sighting follows: l) What time was the object seen? 2) How long was it seen? 3) What was its azimuth ana elevation at appearance and disappearance? k) Angular velocity across the sky. 5) The name T53-7362

UNCLASSIFIED