nature of the objects. One of the objects, described as "a greenish-
blue light that moved slowly away," may have been a star.
In most 'nstances the radar turget~ did not seem directly related
to the visunl UFOs. 'llli5 is characteristi c of radar anomalous propa-
gation returns.
The refractivity profiles both show highly refractive surface
layers, with a 6.7°C (12.1 0
F) surface inversion at Topeka and a
9.7°C (l7.S°r) sllrfacc~ inversion at Oklahoma City. In addition, the
Topeka profile' shows a strong elevated layer at. 2720 m. with a O.6°C
inversion. The temperature inversion at Oklahoma City ~roduced a
o
surface layer having an optical refractivity gradient (at SS70A) of
-101 km- 1 ; thi~ 1.[1)<:." would extend ehe theoretical optical horizon
for the eye of ml observer 2 m. above the surface of a smooth earth
from the normal vaIL::' of 5.6 km. (9 mi.) to 8.S km. (about J4 mL).
Such inversions Can produce many stran~e cffect~, including the
visibility of objects normally well below the horizon.
In summary, since the atmospheric condi ti ons were contluci ve to
anomalous radar propagation I and the raddr targets di sp layed AP-like
characteristics, this incident may probably be clas~ificd as con-
sisting of radar false targets, w~th associated optical sightings
that may have been enhanced by a strong temperature inverslon at the
surface.
Class J l~B. Primari 11 radar, returns mostly 5in~le, sha!J.l.J..
aircraft~likc ~..!..ips, behaving in a continuous manner (i .('. '. no
sudden jUJnlJS I-S!.~
~._ \\alcsvil1e-WC'stmorland, N. Y" 1-2 ,JUly lDS4, llOS-1127 J.S'I'.
Weather: apparently clear. On I ,July EJS4 reports came into the :\F
Uepot lit Rome, N. Y. of an liFO havin~ the appeanln\'e of a balloon. '11H~
officer ill charge ~uid he helieved .it to be! a purtin]1y defl1tcd
240
nature of the objects. One of the objects, described as "3 greenish-
blue light that moved slowly away." may have been a star.
In most 'nstances the radar targets did not seem directly related
to the visunl UFOs. 'nds is characteristic of radar anomalous propa-
gation returns.
The refractivity profiles both show highly refractive surface
layers, with a 6.7°C (12.1°F) surface inversion at Topeka and a
9.7°C (17.5°1') surface inversion at Oklahoma City. In addition, the
Topeka ~n'ofil" shrvls a strong elevated layer at 2720 m. with a O.6 n C
inversion. The temperature inversion at Oklahoma City ;lyoduced a
o
surface layer having an 0ptical refractivity gradient (at S570A) of
-101 km- 1 ; thi~ la)~~ would extend the theoretical optical horizon
for the eye of Ill! oC'_ierver 2 m. above the surface of a smooth earth
from the normal va)\,) of 5.6 kll1. (9 mi.) to 8.S km. (about 14 1111.).
Stich inversions can produce many stran~e offects, incl1lding the
visibility of objects normally well below the horizon.
In summary, si.nce the atmospheric condi ti OIlS were conuuci vo to
anomalous radar propagation, and the raddr targets displayed AF-like
characteristics, this incident may probably he classified as con-
sisting of radar false targets, w~th associated optical sightings
that may have bc£n enhanccd by a strong temperature inversion at the
surface.
Clas:-i J ;-l~. Primari ly raciar, returns mostly single, sha!'r..!..
aircraft-like ~.l.lps, behaving in a continuous manner.J..i '("'. no
sudden jumps. ct l'. 1 .
19-1i. \Ialcsvil1<.'-Wcstmorland, N. Y., .1-2 .)lIly .1!J!)4, llOS-1127 I.S'I'.
Weather: apparently ClCIlT. On I _Jllly EJ!i4 repol't~ came into the !\r
Uerot lit Rome, N. Y. of an liFO having the appear!ln,'e of H balloon. '11H~
officer in chaT'ge said he hclievcd.it tu be. a partil111y dcfl1tcd
240