Project Blue Book Case #2124. On September 24, 1952, a bright object was observed over Charleston, West Virginia — the state capital, nestled in the narrow Kanawha River valley surrounded by Appalachian hills. Charleston's valley setting provided a natural amphitheater where aerial objects were framed against the surrounding ridgelines.
Charleston's chemical industry — the "Chemical Valley" along the Kanawha River — included plants producing materials vital to the defense industry. Yeager Airport (then Kanawha Airport) served the city's air traffic needs.
September 1952 was during the wave's declining phase. The case was classified "Unknown."