September 1, 1949🇺🇸Sighting
Anomaly

New Mexico: LaPaz reports on green fireballs

On August 17, 1949, Lincoln LaPaz submitted his sixth report on anomalous luminous phenomena, noting changes in green fireball trajectories from horizontal to nearly vertical paths. He observed a concentration of New Mexico sightings near weekends, especially Sundays around 8:00 PM.

Date
September 1, 1949
Location
New Mexico🇺🇸
Type
Sighting
Country
🇺🇸 United States
Map

Background

Event Details On August 17, 1949, astronomer Lincoln LaPaz delivered the sixth in a sequence of reports concerning anomalous luminous phenomena, specifically focusing on green fireballs observed primarily in New Mexico. This submission highlighted a notable shift in their behavior compared to prior months.

Observations and Changes LaPaz documented that recent green fireballs tended to descend along nearly vertical paths, contrasting sharply with earlier incidents where most traveled almost horizontally. He identified a pattern of increased activity near weekends, with a particular peak on Sundays and frequently around 8:00 PM. These details suggested potential non-natural origins, prompting military and scientific scrutiny amid Cold War tensions.

Witnesses and Evidence LaPaz, a University of New Mexico meteoritics expert, based his analysis on compiled observer accounts from intelligence teams and locals. No physical fragments were recovered, reinforcing arguments against meteor interpretations due to trajectory anomalies and color intensity. Reports drew from Air Force investigations at sites like Kirtland AFB.

Significance This report contributed to ongoing debates over green fireballs, leading to conferences at Los Alamos and Project Twinkle. It underscored intelligence concerns near sensitive installations, blending UFO lore with early UAP studies.

Connections