23857122-0457-180273-0109

OCR Text

Ko. 173: Rawinsonde released from Barksdale AFB at 1500 CST. Shreveport urder influence of very tight low of a local nature which extended through the 500 mb. level. In all probability, rawinsonde balloon path was ciroular following isobar curvature around Shreveport, hence balloon was seen aD} oroximately two hours later in the same area. Assuming a balloon leak, not altogether uncommon, the rawinsonde could have remained low enough to be seen. Winds reported as high as 70K account for speed. Conclusion; Rawinsonde balloon. No. 174; Nearest pilot balloon sounding release was at Lake Charles at 0300 GST. Viind flow WNW in lower levéls, changing to SSW with alti- tude. Mo winds of high enough velocity to carry pilot balloon sounding from Lake Charles to New Orleans in time interval were reported. Only other release in the area was at Siloxi, North of New Orleans. Winds aloft were WSW. Speed stated by observer of 300 NM.P.H. is approximately 15 times greater than any wind reported for that area. Conclusion; Not a balloon. No. 175: Pilot ballcon sounding released from Albuquerque at same time as observation. Upper winds show WNW flow hence could ea have been the AB balloon. Great differences of opinion exist as to speed and shape of the object. One observer states that the object was not a weather balloon. All evidence indicates that this is true. Conclusion; Nota balloon. No. ‘176s Navy rawinsonde and Weather Bureau pilot balloon sounding were released approximately one ee pret to sighting. Wind fon howe ever, was WNW at all levels from the surface to 15,000 feet which would seem to prechude the possibility of either balloon drifting North to the San Pablo area. Both witnesses also agree that the object was travelling at high speed. Winds for that region did not exceed e5 K. Cone lusion; No balloon. No. 177: Crack-pot report; insufficient information to evaluate. No, 178; No weather balloons were released in the vicinity on the date mentioned. No. 179: Crack-pot report; insufficient information to evaluate. ee eed No. 160; No date given hence no analysis possible. Declassification Authority: NND 57565