Dubuque, Iowa: Three elliptical UFOs in line
Charles R. Morris and his wife observed three elliptical glowing objects moving in formation over Dubuque, Iowa. Morris attempted to film them, but the camera failed; investigations confirmed no scheduled aircraft.
Background
Witnesses and Observation
Charles R. Morris, a flight instructor, and his wife observed three elliptical objects glowing blue-white on March 4, 1960 at 17:55. They moved in line from the southeast to the northeast over Dubuque, Iowa while Morris was supervising his students in aerobatics. The objects traversed an arc of about 135 degrees in four minutes and climbed slightly before disappearing. The third object occasionally fell back. They were silent, left no trail, and reached at most one eighth of the apparent size of the moon.
Proof Attempt and Investigations
Morris hurried into the house to fetch his camera, but the 8 mm Kodachrome film failed to capture the objects. Alexander D. Mebane, a NICAP member, interviewed Morris shortly afterwards and confirmed the details. The Air Force questioned Morris and stated that no aircraft had been scheduled in the area. Cedar Rapids Air Traffic Control agreed. Estimates suggested objects about 200 feet long and 60 feet wide at 5,000–11,000 feet and 200 mph.
Significance
This case (BBU 6667) is regarded as high-quality on account of the pilot witnesses and the negative official statements, despite possible B-52 flights to the east.