White light from ground with fused sand and trace radioactivity — Midland, Michigan, July 9, 1947

Raymond Edward Lane and his wife reported observing a ball of white light approximately the size of a bushel basket burning at approximately 1 foot off the ground near Midland, Michigan on July 9, 1947. The site reportedly showed fused sand, an ammonia odor, a silver nugget, and traces of radioactivity. Dow Chemical Company investigated the physical evidence; laboratory analysis determined the material was ordinary sand with only a minor trace of radioactivity, and the site was assessed as not genuinely anomalous. Lane was characterized by investigating FBI agents as a peculiar individual and the story was assessed as a possible fabrication.

“Lane reported 'ball of white light burning 1 foot off ground, left fused sand with traces of radioactivity (extremely low), silver nugget, ammonia odor'; Dow Chemical determined material was ordinary sand; story assessed as possible fabrication.”

FBI and Dow Chemical investigation determined the physical evidence was not anomalous. Primary witnesses described as having discrepancies in their account. Assessed as likely fabricated by investigating agents. Included for completeness; resolution_status set to explained/debunked.