UFOs Over the Capital

On two consecutive weekends in July 1952, unidentified objects were tracked on radar and observed visually over Washington D.C. They penetrated the most restricted airspace in America with impunity. Fighter jets scrambled but could not intercept them.

The First Incident

On the night of July 19-20, 1952, air traffic controllers at Washington National Airport tracked unknown objects on radar. The objects moved erratically over the Capitol and White House. Visual observers confirmed bright lights in the sky.

The Second Incident

One week later, on July 26-27, the objects returned. Multiple radar stations tracked them. Jets were scrambled multiple times. Pilots reported seeing lights but could not close the distance. The objects seemed to disappear when jets approached.

The Air Force Response

On July 29, the Air Force held its largest press conference since World War II. General John Samford attributed the sightings to temperature inversions causing radar false returns. This explanation was widely rejected.

The Problems

Temperature inversions cannot track across multiple radar stations. The objects were observed visually as well as on radar. They maneuvered in ways inconsistent with weather phenomena. Experienced radar operators knew the difference.

The Impact

The Washington sightings shocked America. The military’s inability to defend the capital’s airspace raised questions. The CIA began involvement in UFO investigation as a result.

Assessment

The 1952 Washington sightings represent a challenge to national security that has never been explained. Whatever entered restricted airspace over the White House did so with capabilities beyond any known technology.