Salem Coast Guard UFO Photograph During Washington Wave
A Coast Guard photographer captured bright lights in formation over Salem, Massachusetts, during the 1952 Washington UFO wave.
Background
On July 16, 1952, during the height of the Washington UFO wave, Coast Guard photographer Shell Alpert captured a photograph of four brilliant lights in a V-formation at the Salem Coast Guard Air Station in Massachusetts. This image became one of the most iconic UFO photographs of the 1950s.
The Incident
Shell Alpert was on duty when he observed four brilliant lights in a V-formation through the window.
He grabbed his 4x5 Speed Graphic camera and captured a single photograph before the lights dimmed and vanished.
The Photograph
The image shows four clearly defined, intensely bright elliptical objects arranged in a tilted line against the dark sky.
Investigation
The photograph was analyzed by the Air Force as part of Project Blue Book.
It was widely published in newspapers.
Some analysts suggested the lights could be reflections on the window glass.
Witness Account
Alpert insisted the window was open when he took the photograph.
Significance
The timing—during the most intense UFO wave in American history—adds significance to the case.
It became one of the most iconic UFO photographs of the 1950s.