Executive Summary
The Exeter UFO Incident of September 3, 1965, represents one of the most credible police-witnessed UFO encounters in American history. Multiple law enforcement officers and civilians observed a massive, brilliantly illuminated object at close range near Exeter, New Hampshire. The incident featured electromagnetic effects, animal disturbances, and extensive documentation by local police and Project Blue Book investigators. The case gained national attention and became a benchmark for police UFO encounters.
Background and Setting
Exeter, New Hampshire
Population: Approximately 7,000 (1965) Character: Small New England town, rural surroundings Location: Southeastern New Hampshire, near Massachusetts border Terrain: Rolling farmland, forests, and residential areas
Date and Weather Conditions
Date: September 3, 1965 (early morning hours) Weather: Clear, cool evening with good visibility Moon Phase: Waning crescent, minimal light pollution Atmospheric Conditions: Stable, no unusual weather patterns
The Initial Encounter
Norman Muscarello’s Experience
Time: 1:45 AM, September 3, 1965 Witness: Norman Muscarello (18), local resident Location: Rural road near Kensington-Exeter town line
The Approach
Muscarello was walking home from a girlfriend’s house when he observed a series of brilliant red lights approaching from over the treeline.
Initial Observation:
- Five bright red lights in a row
- Pulsating sequence from left to right
- Size estimated as larger than a house
- Silent approach from the east
- Altitude approximately 100 feet
The Close Encounter
Muscarello’s Description:
“This huge thing came right over the field toward me. It was bigger than a house, with these five brilliant red lights that pulsed back and forth. It came so close I thought it was going to hit me, so I dove into a ditch.”
Object Characteristics:
- Size: Estimated 80-90 feet in diameter
- Shape: Large, dark mass behind the lights
- Lights: Five bright red lights in linear sequence
- Behavior: Erratic movement, tilting and wobbling
- Sound: Completely silent
- Proximity: Approached to within 50 feet
Animal Reactions
As the object approached, Muscarello observed significant animal disturbances:
- Dogs barking frantically throughout the area
- Horses in nearby fields running and whinnying
- Cattle showing signs of agitation
- General wildlife disturbance
Police Response
Initial Report
Time: 2:24 AM Location: Exeter Police Station Reporting Officer: Desk Sergeant
Muscarello arrived at the police station in a highly agitated state, reporting his encounter. Initially skeptical, the desk sergeant noted the young man’s genuine distress and called for a patrol unit.
Officer Eugene Bertrand
Experience: 12 years law enforcement Reputation: Reliable, professional officer Assignment: Patrol Unit 21
Officer Bertrand was dispatched to investigate Muscarello’s report and to calm what police initially assumed was an overwrought teenager.
The Drive Back
Time: 2:35 AM Bertrand and Muscarello drove to the encounter site in the police cruiser. During the drive, Bertrand mentioned he had encountered a woman earlier that evening who reported a large object with bright lights following her car.
Previous Incident (approximately 1:00 AM):
- Unidentified woman in distressed state
- Reported large object following her vehicle
- Bright lights described
- Similar location area
The Police Encounter
Arrival at the Scene
Time: 2:45 AM Location: Carl Dining’s field on Route 150
Officer Bertrand and Muscarello arrived at the reported encounter site. Initially, they observed nothing unusual as they walked into the dark field with flashlights.
The Object Returns
Time: 2:55 AM After several minutes of investigation, both men observed the same phenomenon Muscarello had reported.
Officer Bertrand’s Account:
“We walked out into that field, and at first there was nothing. Then this huge thing came up from behind the trees. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was completely silent, bigger than any aircraft I know, and those lights were so bright they hurt your eyes.”
Detailed Police Observation
Object Description:
- Size: Estimated 80-100 feet diameter
- Shape: Large dark mass, house-sized or larger
- Lights: Five bright red lights in sequence
- Pattern: Lights pulsed from left to right repeatedly
- Movement: Tilting, wobbling motion
- Altitude: 50-100 feet above the field
- Distance: Approached to within 50 feet of witnesses
Behavioral Characteristics:
- Silent operation throughout encounter
- Erratic movement patterns
- Apparent intelligence in maneuvering
- Response to human presence
- No visible means of propulsion
Radio Communication
Time: 3:05 AM Officer Bertrand attempted to radio the station but experienced significant radio interference and static, making communication difficult.
Technical Issues:
- Radio static and interference
- Difficulty maintaining contact with dispatch
- Electronic equipment irregularities
- Car lights dimming intermittently
Officer David Hunt Arrives
Backup Response
Time: 3:15 AM Officer: David Hunt, Patrol Unit 16 Experience: 8 years law enforcement
Officer Hunt was dispatched as backup after Bertrand’s broken radio transmissions indicated something unusual was occurring.
Three-Officer Observation
Hunt arrived as the object was still visible and observable to all three witnesses.
Officer Hunt’s Account:
“When I got there, Bertrand and the kid were both staring up at this thing. I looked up and saw it too - this huge object with bright red lights that pulsed in sequence. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen. No aircraft moves like that.”
Collective Observation
For approximately 15 minutes, all three witnesses observed the object as it maneuvered over the field and surrounding area.
Unanimous Description Elements:
- Five bright red lights in linear pattern
- House-sized or larger dark mass
- Completely silent operation
- Erratic tilting and wobbling movement
- Close proximity (50-100 feet)
- Apparent response to human presence
The Departure
Object’s Exit
Time: 3:30 AM The object gradually moved away from the field area, gaining altitude and disappearing beyond the treeline to the southeast.
Departure Characteristics:
- Gradual movement away from witnesses
- Steady climb in altitude
- Maintained light pattern until out of sight
- No acceleration burst or sudden movements
- Silent throughout departure
Witness Reactions
All three witnesses were profoundly affected by the encounter:
Norman Muscarello: Shaken but relieved to have police corroboration Officer Bertrand: Professionally disturbed by inability to explain sighting Officer Hunt: Concerned about implications for aviation safety
Additional Witnesses
Prior Encounters That Evening
Investigation revealed several other witnesses in the area:
The Unnamed Woman (approximately 1:00 AM):
- Reported large object following her car
- Bright lights description matching later sightings
- Contacted police but left before giving formal statement
Ron Smith (Hampton, NH):
- Phone company employee
- Observed similar object around 2:30 AM
- Reported large craft with bright red lights
Eugene Boisselle (nearby resident):
- Awakened by animal disturbances
- Briefly observed bright lights in the field area
- Confirmed timing with police encounter
Official Investigation
Exeter Police Department
Chief: Chief of Police Robert Connor Response: Immediate internal investigation ordered
Department Findings:
- Officers Bertrand and Hunt highly credible
- No evidence of hoax or misidentification
- Technical equipment malfunctions noted
- Animal disturbances corroborated
- Report filed with state and federal authorities
Project Blue Book Investigation
Investigator: Major Hector Quintanilla Investigation Date: September 7-9, 1965 Initial Classification: “Insufficient Data”
Air Force Methodology
- Witness Interviews: Separate questioning of all witnesses
- Technical Analysis: Equipment examination
- Flight Path Analysis: Commercial and military traffic review
- Weather Verification: Meteorological data analysis
- Local Inquiry: Community background checks
Air Force Explanation Attempt
Initial Theory: High-altitude military aircraft and advertising plane Supporting Evidence: Operation “Big Blast” conducted at Pease AFB
Problems with Official Explanation:
- Exercise concluded hours before sightings
- No aircraft matched described characteristics
- Silent operation incompatible with military jets
- Size and proximity estimates incompatible with high-altitude aircraft
- Light patterns didn’t match any known aircraft
Public and Media Response
Initial Media Coverage
Local Press: Immediate coverage in area newspapers Regional Attention: New England media picked up story National Interest: Major newspapers covered the incident
John G. Fuller Investigation
Author: John G. Fuller, investigative journalist Research: Extensive interviews and investigation Publication: “Incident at Exeter” (1966)
Fuller’s investigation included:
- Additional witness discovery
- Technical analysis of claims
- Challenge to Air Force explanations
- Documentation of cover-up attempts
Book Impact
Fuller’s book brought national attention to the case and challenged official explanations, making the Exeter incident one of the most well-known UFO cases of the 1960s.
Alternative Explanations Examined
Military Aircraft
Air Force Claims: High-altitude jets and advertising plane
Analysis: ❌ Operation Big Blast ended before sightings ❌ No aircraft had described light patterns ❌ Silent operation incompatible with jets ❌ Size estimates incompatible with altitude ❌ Advertising planes don’t operate at night
Astronomical Objects
Assessment: Ruled out ❌ Object showed controlled movement ❌ Proximity estimates rule out celestial bodies ❌ Light patterns incompatible with astronomical phenomena ❌ Duration and behavior inconsistent
Weather Phenomena
Assessment: Incompatible ❌ Clear weather conditions documented ❌ No atmospheric disturbances recorded ❌ Structured light patterns rule out natural phenomena ❌ Electromagnetic effects unexplained
Hoax Theory
Assessment: Extremely unlikely ❌ Multiple police officers involved ❌ No financial motivation ❌ Professional reputations at stake ❌ Technical effects unexplained ❌ Additional independent witnesses
Technical Analysis
Electromagnetic Effects
Documented Anomalies:
- Police radio interference and static
- Car light dimming
- Electronic equipment irregularities
- Pattern consistent with electromagnetic field
Technical Assessment: Effects suggest presence of strong electromagnetic field incompatible with conventional aircraft or natural phenomena.
Animal Behavior Analysis
Observed Reactions:
- Dogs barking frantically across wide area
- Horses running and showing agitation
- Cattle disturbance
- Wildlife disruption
Scientific Analysis: Animal reactions consistent with exposure to infrasound, electromagnetic fields, or other environmental factors associated with unknown phenomenon.
Long-term Impact
Law Enforcement Policy
Changes Implemented:
- Enhanced UFO reporting procedures
- Officer training on unusual phenomena
- Documentation requirements improved
- Inter-agency cooperation protocols
Scientific Interest
Research Influence:
- Established credibility of police witnesses
- Demonstrated need for serious investigation
- Influenced academic study of UFO phenomena
- Enhanced documentation standards
Cultural Impact
Public Awareness:
- Increased acceptance of UFO reality
- Challenged official explanations
- Inspired other witnesses to report
- Influenced popular culture portrayals
Modern Analysis
Technology Assessment
1965 vs. Observed Capabilities:
- Silent operation beyond known aircraft
- Light patterns incompatible with 1965 technology
- Electromagnetic effects unexplained
- Proximity and size estimates rule out conventional aircraft
Contemporary Understanding: Even with modern technology, the observed characteristics remain difficult to explain conventionally.
Credibility Factors
Supporting Elements:
- Multiple police officer witnesses
- Independent civilian corroboration
- Technical effects documented
- Animal behavior changes
- Consistent testimony over decades
Current Status
Case Classification
Project Blue Book: Eventually reclassified as “Explained” (disputed) Police Department: Maintains original witness accounts UFO Research: Considered highly credible case Scientific Community: Acknowledged as significant anomalous event
Ongoing Research
- Police officer family interviews
- Additional witness discovery
- Technical effect analysis
- Documentation preservation
- Historical context studies
Legacy
Law Enforcement: Established precedent for professional UFO reporting UFO Research: Benchmark case for police encounters Popular Culture: Influenced books, films, and documentaries Community: Annual commemoration and historical recognition
Conclusions
The Exeter UFO Incident represents one of the most credible and well-documented police UFO encounters in history. The combination of:
- Multiple Police Officer Witnesses: Two experienced law enforcement professionals
- Civilian Corroboration: Independent witness testimony
- Technical Effects: Documented electromagnetic interference
- Extended Observation: 45 minutes of detailed observation
- Professional Investigation: Thorough police and Air Force examination
Creates a compelling case that continues to challenge conventional explanation. The credibility of the police witnesses, combined with the technical effects and animal reactions, suggests a genuine encounter with unknown aerial phenomena.
Despite official Air Force explanations, the evidence strongly supports the witnesses’ accounts of an encounter with a large, silent craft exhibiting capabilities beyond known 1965 technology. The case established important precedents for police UFO reporting and significantly influenced both UFO research and law enforcement policy.
The Exeter incident remains a cornerstone case demonstrating that credible, professional witnesses can encounter phenomena that defy conventional explanation, contributing significantly to our understanding of the UFO phenomenon.
Report compiled from Exeter Police Department records, Project Blue Book files, witness testimonies, and investigative journalism. Technical analysis based on documented effects and 1965 technology capabilities.