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PL-1947-001Credibility: 4/5
Kenneth Arnold Sighting
June 24, 1947Mount Rainier, WashingtonAir Force
Nine unusual objects observed flying in formation near Mount Rainier. Objects described as moving "like a saucer would if you skipped it across water." This incident coined the term "flying saucer" and marks the beginning of modern UFO era.
Object Description
Nine crescent-shaped objects, highly reflective, estimated 50 feet in length
Observed Behavior
Formation flight at estimated 1,700 mph, undulating motion
Case Details
Shapedisk
Duration180s
Witnesses1
Evidence Indicators
Radar ConfirmedNo
Physical EvidenceNo
Multiple WitnessesNo
Tags
historicalformationhigh-speeddaylight
Source Information
Agency: Air Force
Document ID: AF-PROJECT-SIGN-001
Classification: declassified