It is often viewed as the first "close encounter," evoking images of flying saucers and extraterrestrials. In the summer of 1947 in Roswell, New Mexico, a rancher brought remnants of something that crashed in the desert to the local police. It set off a firestorm of speculation, but it proved to be a very down-to-Earth incident in the cold war. Visit the National Air and Space Museum on at noon on January 12 to hear the rest of the story. Hint, there were no flying saucers and extraterrestrials.

 

Every Wednesday at noon, a Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum, or a topic relating to aviation or space.  Talks typically last 10-15 minutes and begin at the Museum "Great Seal," in the Milestones of Flight gallery on the first floor. 

 

Following a supersonic test flight in 1972, a Viking space probe awaits recovery at White Sands Missile Range.
How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560