1952 UFO sightings over the White House

On July 19–20, 1952, multiple unidentified aerial objects were reported and visually observed over Washington, D.C., including sightings by witnesses near the White House. Air traffic controllers and radar operators recorded unexplained primary returns, and U.S. military jets were scrambled in response. The events prompted widespread press coverage and an Air Force investigation under Project Blue Book. The Air Force later cited atmospheric phenomena (temperature inversions) as a likely explanation, but some witnesses and researchers dispute that conclusion.