This was due to the fact that the cloud had to be in sunlight at high altitude, while it  was still dark enough at ground level for the cloud to be visible against the dark sky. In Carter's official 1973 UFO report, as given in the Rhodes book, he stated that he had seen the phenomenon in October, 1969, at 7:15 pm EST. However, it has been determined from Lions Club records that Carter must have seen the 'UFO' when he spoke to their Leary, GA Chapter on January 6, 1969.
The circumstances surrounding the sighting were such that the cloud had to be in sunlight at high altitude, while it was still dark enough at ground level for the cloud to be visible against the dark sky. Carter's account of the incident, as documented in his official report from 1973 and reported by Rhodes, placed the sighting on October 1969 at 7:15 pm EST. However, Lions Club records indicate that Carter actually observed the 'UFO' when speaking with their Leary, GA Chapter on January 6, 1969.