The 1952 Washington D.C. UFO Flap

Overview

A series of high-profile UFO sightings over the U.S. capital in July 1952, detected by radar and witnessed by pilots and ground personnel.

Investigation

The sightings led to scrambled interceptors and the largest Air Force press conference since WWII. The Air Force attributed the radar returns to temperature inversions, which remains controversial.

Why it matters

A pivotal event in UFO history that led to increased government scrutiny and the creation of the Robertson Panel to manage public perception.