The True Story of Norman Muscarello's 1965 UFO Encounter
One of the most credible and widely discussed UFO events in U.S. history
September 3, 1965 - A night that changed everything
Exeter, New Hampshire
18-year-old Norman Muscarello spotted a large, silent object with pulsating red lights hovering near Route 150 between Exeter and Kingston.
Muscarello reached the Exeter Police Station, visibly shaken, and reported his encounter to Officer Reginald 'Scratch' Bertrand.
Officer Bertrand accompanied Muscarello back to the location. Both men witnessed the same unexplained phenomenon.
Officer David Hunt arrived as backup and also observed the mysterious craft with pulsating lights.
The U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book conducted a thorough investigation of the incident. Despite attempts to explain it as conventional aircraft or natural phenomena, the case remained officially "unidentified."
The credibility of the witnesses - including two police officers - made this one of the most compelling cases in Project Blue Book's files.
Witnesses reported a large, silent craft approximately 90 feet in diameter with brilliant pulsating red lights. The object appeared to be only 100 feet above the ground and moved in ways that defied conventional aircraft capabilities.
No electromagnetic interference was reported with police radios or vehicle electronics, distinguishing this case from many other UFO encounters.
The credible witness whose testimony changed UFO history
Photo not available
Age 18 at time of incident
Norman Muscarello was an 18-year-old recent high school graduate from Exeter, New Hampshire. At the time of his encounter, he had just enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was preparing to begin his military service. His young age and impending military commitment initially made some skeptical of his account.
However, Muscarello's consistent, detailed testimony and his willingness to return to the scene with police officers quickly established his credibility. His calm demeanor during questioning and his detailed recall of the events impressed investigators.
Following the widespread media attention surrounding his UFO encounter, Muscarello proceeded with his planned Navy service. He maintained his account of the events throughout his life, never wavering from his original testimony despite the scrutiny and occasional ridicule that followed.
The incident marked a turning point in UFO investigations, largely due to Muscarello's credibility and the corroboration by law enforcement officers. His case became a cornerstone for serious UFO research and remains one of the most cited encounters in ufology.
"I know what I saw that night. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and I've never forgotten a single detail of that encounter."— Norman Muscarello, 1965
Born and raised in Exeter, New Hampshire. Attended local schools and graduated high school in 1965.
UFO encounter occurs. Enlisted in U.S. Navy. Case investigated by Project Blue Book and local authorities.
Served in the Navy. Maintained consistent account of encounter throughout life. Case became landmark in UFO research.
Official investigations and media coverage that brought the incident to national attention
Originally classified under Project Blue Book
U.S. Air Force investigation concluded the case as 'unidentified' after ruling out conventional explanations.
First major newspaper coverage of the incident, bringing national attention to the case.
In-depth analysis of the incident by science journalist John G. Fuller, later expanded into a book.
National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena conducted independent investigation.
"After thorough investigation by qualified personnel, Project Blue Book has been unable to identify the object observed by Norman Muscarello and officers Bertrand and Hunt on September 3, 1965. The case remains classified as 'unidentified.'"— Project Blue Book Final Report, Case #9706
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Annual celebration commemorating the historic 1965 UFO encounter in downtown Exeter, New Hampshire
Early September (Annual)
Downtown Exeter, NH
2 Days
Free Entry
Join thousands of visitors who come to Exeter each year to commemorate the famous 1965 UFO incident. The festival brings together researchers, enthusiasts, and curious visitors for a weekend of education and entertainment.
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Get the latest information about this year's festival, including schedules, speakers, and special events.
Exeter, New Hampshire holds a unique place in UFO history. The 1965 incident involving Norman Muscarello and two police officers became one of the most credible and well-documented UFO encounters ever recorded. The annual festival celebrates this legacy while fostering serious discussion about unexplained aerial phenomena.
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