Case file · Sighting
The Madrid 'UFO' of 5 September 1968
On 5–6 September 1968 a bright stationary object was seen over Madrid, Toledo, Cuenca and Pamplona and filled the Spanish papers.
1968 CE · 40.42, -3.70 · status: explained
The account
The Air Force opened a file (Mando Operativo Aéreo) and even a meteorological spokesman told the press that a mysterious object had crossed central Madrid. 1968 was the peak year of Spanish reports.
The sceptical view
A later Air Force file identifies it as a French CNES stratospheric balloon; several 1968 Spanish reports are linked to these launches.