Nevada: Theodolite sighting & radar track
A weather observer at Indian Springs AFB spotted a metallic object via theodolite, from which smaller objects emerged rapidly. Simultaneously, radar at Las Vegas tracked an unknown target for 45 minutes southeast of Nellis AFB.
Background
Sighting and Observation
On September 30, 1961 at 9:04, a weather observer at Indian Springs Air Force Base (today Creech AFB) in Clark County, Nevada noticed a white or metallic round object the size of a pinhead. It appeared through a 20-power theodolite at an azimuth of 133.4° and an elevation of 55°. Four smaller objects suddenly shot out of it at high speed.
Radar Detection
At the same time, the 865th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Las Vegas Air Force Station reported an unidentified target on radar about 45 miles southeast of Nellis Air Force Base, also in Clark County. The target was visible only on the azimuth scope and was tracked for around 45 minutes.
Witnesses and Evidence
Primary witness: the weather observer at Indian Springs AFB. Radar operators of the 865th Squadron supplied corroborating data. Sources include NICAP reports and secondary works such as Sparks (p. 299). This is a rare combination of visual and radar confirmation in a military context.