Understanding UFOs

Understanding UFOs

Introduction

Unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, have been a topic of interest and debate for decades. While some believe that UFOs are evidence of extraterrestrial life, others argue that they are simply misidentified natural phenomena or man-made objects. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the topic of UFOs continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. In this article Understanding UFOs, we will take an in-depth look at UFOs, including their history, reported sightings, and possible explanations. We will also explore the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs and consider the implications of the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Understanding UFOs
Understanding UFOs

Understanding UFO History

UFO sightings have been reported throughout history, with some of the earliest accounts dating back to ancient times. In the 3rd century BC, Chinese texts described a “flying metal chariot” that appeared in the sky. Similarly, in the 1st century AD, Roman author Pliny the Younger wrote about a “flaming shield” that appeared in the sky. Understanding UFOs was important even back over 2,000 years ago.

The modern era of UFO sightings began in the 1940s, with the famous Roswell incident in 1947. In this incident, an unidentified object crashed on a ranch in New Mexico, leading to claims that it was an extraterrestrial spacecraft. While the U.S. military later claimed that the object was a weather balloon, many continue to believe that it was a UFO.

Understanding Reported Sightings

There’s a long history involved with understanding UFO reported sightings, it can’t possibly be summarized in just one article. However, since the Roswell incident, there have been thousands of reported UFO sightings around the world. Some of the most well-known sightings include the Phoenix Lights in 1997 and the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980.

In the Phoenix Lights incident, thousands of people in Arizona and Nevada reported seeing a V-shaped formation of lights in the sky. Despite the fact that the lights were later identified as flares dropped by the military, many continue to believe that they were UFOs.

The Rendlesham Forest incident occurred near a U.S. Air Force base in England. Several military personnel reported seeing a bright light in the forest, leading to claims that it was a UFO. While the U.S. Air Force later claimed that the light was simply a lighthouse, many continue to believe that it was a UFO.

Understanding Possible Explanations for UFOs

There are several possible explanations for UFO sightings to understand. One possibility is that they are simply misidentified natural phenomena or man-made objects. For example, many UFO sightings can be explained as aircraft, weather balloons, or even birds.

Another possibility is that UFOs are secret military or government aircraft. Some have suggested that the U.S. government has developed aircraft with advanced technology that is not yet known to the public.

Finally, some argue that UFOs are evidence of extraterrestrial life. While there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, the possibility of extraterrestrial life continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Some seek to understand UFOs, and how they work in order to understand aliens.

This book is a great read, and informs the reader on the UFO phenomena that’s been sweeping the nation.

Rick Wattings, member of BKPS

UFOs continue to be a topic of interest and debate which many seek to understand. While there is no concrete evidence to support the theory that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft, the possibility of extraterrestrial life continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.

This article is intended to provide an in-depth look at UFOs, including their history, reported sightings, and possible explanations. We aim to help the public understand UFO’s. We hope that this article will contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs and help to shed light on this intriguing topic.

UFO Sightings

UFO Sightings Surge Due to FAA Rule Change

In recent years, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made significant changes to their regulations surrounding the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), also known as drones. These changes, which were aimed at increasing safety and security for both operators and the general public, have had unintended consequences that have caused a surge in sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

According to a report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), there has been a significant spike in UFO sightings since the FAA’s “Operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People” rule change went into effect. The report states that the intelligence community has reviewed a total of 510 UFO sightings over the past few years, a significant increase from the 144 they had investigated before the rule change in March 2021.

Many of the newly reported sightings were explained by balloons, drones, or other natural phenomena such as birds or plastic bags. However, a significant number of sightings, 171 to be exact, were marked “uncharacterized and unattributed.” These sightings are particularly concerning as they seem to have demonstrated unusual flight characteristics or performance capabilities, and require further analysis.

The ODNI attributes this surge in UFO sightings to a “concentrated effort to destigmatize the topic” of UFOs and an increased awareness that UFO encounters may pose risks as both a “flight hazard and potential adversarial activity.” Most of the new sightings came from military pilots or operators, according to the report.

It is clear that the FAA’s rule change has had a significant impact on the number of UFO sightings reported. The agency must now work to address this issue by conducting further analysis of these unexplained sightings and implementing measures to mitigate the risks they may pose. The FAA should take steps to correct misinformation. Additionally, the FAA should also consider ways to improve the identification and tracking of drones and other sUAS to reduce the likelihood of misidentification as UFOs.

In conclusion, while the FAA’s rule change was aimed at increasing safety and security, it has also led to a surge in UFO sightings. These unexplained sightings pose a potential threat to national security and require further investigation and analysis. The FAA must take steps to address this issue and improve the identification and tracking of drones to reduce the likelihood of misidentification as UFOs.

FAA Source.

The New X-Files

The New X-Files

The Department of Defense’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) is a new organization that has gained attention recently due to their involvement in the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). With a cut of a $700 billion budget, will the ‘New X-Files’ finally find the evidence we’ve all been waiting for?

The UAPTF was established in 2020 in response to a provision in the Intelligence Authorization Act that required the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to report on the potential threat posed by UAP. This task force is made up of experts from various government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Reconnaissance Office, among others.

The UAPTF is tasked with collecting and analyzing data on UAP events, including UFO sightings reported by military aviators and other government personnel. They also investigate incidents where UAP have interrupted military training or other activities, and examine UAP that display unusual flight characteristics or signature management.

Some have likened the UAPTF to a modern-day equivalent of the FBI’s X-files division, working to uncover the truth about UAP and their potential impact on our world. With an annual budget of over $700 billion, it’s not hard to imagine that even a small percentage directed towards “the new X-files” would make the UAPTF a powerful and formidable organization.

If the UAPTF were given even 1% of the $700 billion dollar budget, they would have $7 billion dollars to spend. $7 billion USD can buy a lot of things, depending on how it is spent. Some possibilities include:

  • A fleet of military aircraft: The cost of a modern military aircraft can vary significantly, but $7 billion USD could buy a large number of planes, such as F-35 fighter jets or C-17 cargo planes.
  • Medical research: Research into diseases and medical conditions can be expensive, and $7 billion USD could fund a significant amount of medical research projects.
  • Infrastructure projects: This amount of money could be used to fund a variety of infrastructure projects, such as building or repairing roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure.
  • Education initiatives: Funding for education initiatives, such as building new schools or providing resources for students, can be expensive. $7 billion USD could go a long way in improving education for a large number of people.
  • Environmental conservation: Protecting the environment can also be costly, and $7 billion USD could be used to fund a variety of conservation efforts, such as protecting wildlife habitats or cleaning up pollution.

As you can see, $7 billion is an almost unfathomable amount of money. It could buy an enormous amount of luxury goods and services, or it could be used to fund important projects and initiatives that could have a huge impact on the world. So, if a government agency were to be given $7 billion to research UFO phenomena, the possibilities for what they could do with that funding are practically limitless.

So, what will they find?

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force

UAPTF: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force

The Department of Defense’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) is a little-known organization that has gained attention recently due to their involvement in the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

UAPTF
The Department of Defense’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force investigates UAP sightings.

Established in 2020, the UAPTF was created in response to a provision in the Intelligence Authorization Act that required the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to report on the potential threat posed by UAP. This task force is made up of experts from various government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Reconnaissance Office, among others.

The UAPTF is tasked with collecting and analyzing data on UAP events, including UFO sightings reported by military aviators and other government personnel. They also investigate incidents where UAP have interrupted military training or other activities, and examine UAP that display unusual flight characteristics or signature management.

Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity.

While the UAPTF’s work may seem like something out of a science fiction show, their mission is a serious one. UAP can pose a safety hazard to aviation, and if they are found to be foreign collection platforms or evidence of a technological breakthrough by a potential adversary, they could pose a threat to national security.

Despite their important role, the UAPTF remains largely unknown to the general public. They operate in secrecy, carefully analyzing and investigating UAP events in an effort to better understand this mysterious phenomena.

So, if you’ve ever wondered who is responsible for investigating UFO sightings and other mysterious occurrences in the sky, now you know. The DoD’s UAPTF is the modern-day equivalent of the FBI’s X-files division, working tirelessly to uncover the truth about UAP and their potential impact on our world.

Faked UFO evidence

How Manipulated UFO Evidence is Created

The creation of manipulated UFO evidence like photos are a relatively simple process that can be accomplished using various digital tools and techniques. In order to create a fake UFO photo, one can start by finding or taking an obscure picture as the base image. This can be a photograph of a landscape, a cityscape, or any other type of scene that would be suitable for the purpose.

Once the base image has been selected, the next step is to create a mesh in a 3D modeling software, such as Blender. The mesh can be in the shape of a UFO or any other object that is desired. After creating the mesh, it can be beveled and scaled to achieve the desired size and shape.

Next, the mesh can be given a texture and the lighting and camera can be set up to match the original photo as closely as possible. Once the lighting and camera have been set up, the mesh can be rendered to create a 3D version of the UFO.

Once the 3D UFO has been rendered, it can be composited into the base image using a photo editing software, such as Photoshop. The composited image can then be adjusted using levels, curves, and other tools to make it fit the scene. Additional elements, such as a shadow, fog, or noise, can also be added to further enhance the realism of the manipulated photo.

Finally, the manipulated photo can be given a timestamp and lens distortion to make it appear more authentic. Cropping the photo to a specific aspect ratio, such as 3:2, can also help to give the image a more natural look.

There are several ways to spot a manipulated UFO photo. One effective method is to use a tool like FotoForensics, which can detect areas of an image that have been compressed differently and may indicate manipulation. Another way to detect a fake UFO photo is to examine the metadata of the image, which can reveal information about the date, time, and location where the photo was taken, as well as the camera and settings used.

Other methods for spotting a manipulated UFO photo include analyzing the shadows, reflections, and other visual details in the image, as well as comparing the image to other photos taken at the same location and time to see if there are any inconsistencies. By being aware of these techniques and methods, it is possible to identify and avoid being fooled by manipulated UFO photos.

UFO Evidence Tutorial

1. Find an obscure picture on google, or take one yourself. Something that would seem suitable.

2. Make a mesh in blender. Lets go with triangle for this one. Bevel the edges and play with the scale till it looks about right.

3. Now lets give it a texture and setup the lights and camera. Match the focal length, resolution, and lighting to the original photo as best we can.

4. Lets render it.

manipulated ufo evidence

5. Comp it into the background photo with Photoshop.

manipulated ufo evidence

6. Play with Levels and curves till it fits the scene. Mask out the boat, add some fog over it, a shadow, and color grade.

manipulated ufo evidence

7. Now the final touches. Add noise, timestamp, lens distortion, and cropping to 3:2.

manipulated ufo evidence

If an intermediate level designer created this in an hour, what could a professional do?

Detecting Faked UFO Evidence

There are several tools and methods that can be used for detecting fake photo evidence. One effective tool is FotoForensics, which can detect areas of an image that have been compressed differently and may indicate manipulation. Checking the metadata of an image can also be useful, as it can reveal information about the date, time, and location where the photo was taken, as well as the camera and settings used. Examining the shadows, reflections, and other visual details in the image can also help to identify inconsistencies or abnormalities that may indicate manipulation. By using these tools and methods, it is possible to more accurately determine the authenticity of photo evidence.

Here’s how we can try to detect them:

  • Fotoforensics – This is an excellent tool for quickly spotting manipulated ufo evidence. It will show a heat map of parts of the image compressed differently. In my fake, I specifically rendered the UFO in the same resolution as the original, to avoid this detection. This tool is not bulletproof. Compare my photo to the photo of KJU, it is certain manipulation took place.
manipulated evidence
manipulated evidence

  • Metadata – When you capture an image using a camera, extra meta information like date, time, camera model, geolocation, etc., are automatically added to it. In some cases, the metadata might also have information about the software that is used to edit or manipulate the image. However, most advanced hoaxers can easily alter the metadata. This is still something to keep in mind. FotoForensics will also display metadata for you.
  • Shadows – Look at the shadows. If the shadow of an object is darker/lighter/further/closer than the shadow of a reference object that it can be compared to, than you may have a fake. Some time, there is no object to use as a point of reference, so use the sun, moon, or brightest closest light source. Is the shadow cast in a way the makes sense in relation to that light source? If not, you may have a fake.

Sharing Phonies

In conclusion, being able to identify a manipulated UFO photo is an important skill for anyone interested in the paranormal or the UFO phenomenon. By understanding the techniques and tools used to create fake UFO photos, you can avoid being misled by these types of images.

If you’ve come across any manipulated UFO evidence online, we encourage you to share it with the Brooklyn Paranormal Society, as we’re maintaining an archive of such evidence. By contributing to our archive, you can help us better understand the prevalence of fake UFO photos and how they’re being created. Together, we can work towards a more accurate and reliable understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

Phoenix Lights

Phoenix Lights

On a warm March evening in 1997, Phoenix, Arizona became the site of one of the most famous UFO sightings in history, known as the Phoenix Lights. Over a thousand people reported seeing strange lights hovering above the city, sparking speculation and debate about what could have caused them. Some believed the lights were extraterrestrial visitors, while others thought they might be some kind of military experiment or natural phenomenon.

Recently, actor Kurt Russell revealed that he was a pilot who reported the Phoenix Lights back in 1997, adding to the mystery surrounding the incident. Join us as we delve into the paranormal world of the Phoenix Lights and explore the various explanations that have been proposed. Are they proof of otherworldly visitors or simply a cover up by the military? The truth may be out there, but only you can decide.

Military’s Explanation for the Phoenix Lights

One explanation for the Phoenix Lights is that they were caused by military flares. According to the US military, fighter jets were conducting a night training exercise in the area and dropped several flares, which resulted in the lights being seen by witnesses.

However, this explanation has been met with some skepticism. For one, the military’s reported time frame for the flare drops doesn’t align with all of the witness accounts of the incident. Additionally, the type of flares used by the military and the way they behave are not consistent with the lights reported by witnesses.

This has led some to question whether the military’s explanation is a cover up for something more mysterious. It’s worth noting that Operation Snowbird, a military operation that brings in aircraft from other bases during certain months of the year, may have also been involved in the incident. As the truth behind the Phoenix Lights remains shrouded in mystery, it’s up to us to decide what we believe.

Similarly, at 8:30pm, a commercial airline pilot and his wife were driving 90 miles south of the Nickles when they saw the strange lights. The pilot described seeing five lights in a V-formation, and noted that there was no noise coming from the object. This sighting also occurred before the military’s reported flare drops.

These are just two of the many detailed accounts of the Phoenix Lights that occurred before the military’s reported flare drops. This has led some to speculate that the military’s explanation was a cover-up, and that the true cause of the Phoenix Lights remains unknown.

Controversial Early Sightings

One of the more controversial aspects of the Phoenix Lights is the number of early sightings that occurred before the military’s reported flare drops at around 10pm. In fact, of the 128 witness reports from before this time, 95 of them mention seeing a V or triangular shape or formation, with 46 believing this to be a solid object.

The remainder only mention lights. These early sightings, which happened before sunset and before the military exercises began, have led some to question what really happened on March 13, 1997 over Arizona. Could these witnesses have seen something otherworldly or could there be another explanation for these mysterious lights?

The Disappearance of Richard Curtis

One of the more intriguing subplots of the Phoenix Lights story is the case of Richard Curtis, a disabled veteran who claimed to have filmed a large structured craft during the early part of the evening. According to local councilwoman Frances Barwood, Curtis sent a copy of the footage to her and planned to make additional copies.

Phoenix lights eyewitness Richard Curtis claimed to film a solid huge craft during the incident. MIB took over the video & man disappeared. Councilwoman Frances Barwood confirmed the story.

However, before he could do so, he was visited by two Men In Black who claimed to be from Barwood’s office. They took the original tape and promised to return it, but they were never seen again and the footage has not been seen by anyone else. Barwood claimed that her phone had been tapped and that copies of Curtis’s phone calls to her eventually disappeared from the offices of expert Jim Delitoso.

Curtis himself has since disappeared, adding to the mystery and intrigue of the Phoenix Lights. Could this be evidence of a cover up or something more sinister at work? The truth may never be known.

The Phoenix Lights in Pop Culture

The Phoenix Lights incident has had a significant impact on pop culture, with numerous films and documentaries exploring the mysterious event.

“The Phoenix Lights…We Are Not Alone” Documentary, produced by Lynne D. Kitei and featuring astronaut Edgar Mitchell, delves into the possible explanations for the lights. “The Appearance of a Man” and “Night Skies” are both horror films that incorporate the Phoenix Lights into their storylines.

“They Came from Outer Space,” “The Phoenix Incident,” and “Phoenix Forgotten” are all science fiction films that draw inspiration from the incident. The enduring mystery of the Phoenix Lights has captured the public’s imagination and continues to inspire new works in various media.

Conclusion

The Phoenix Lights incident remains one of the most famous UFO cases of all time, with people around the world still debating the true nature of the mysterious lights that appeared over Phoenix on March 13, 1997.

While the military’s explanation of flare drops during a training exercise seems to account for the lights seen around 10pm, the earlier sightings that occurred before sunset and before the military exercises began continue to be a source of controversy.

The disappearance of Richard Curtis and his alleged footage of a large structured craft, as well as the various pop culture works inspired by the Phoenix Lights, only add to the mystery and intrigue surrounding this enduring case. Whether you believe in extraterrestrial visitors or are convinced of a military cover up, the Phoenix Lights remain a captivating and enduring mystery that continues to fascinate people around the world.

Types of UFOs

People have been fascinated by the types of UFOs for centuries, as these mysterious objects in the sky have left us wondering about the limits of our understanding and the possibility of otherworldly beings. Despite the abundance of UFO sightings, we still do not know much about these enigmatic objects. Are they the result of natural phenomena, advanced military technology, or something else entirely? The answer remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: the study of UFOs continues to captivate the imaginations of people around the world.

Are they mere hallucinations or misidentifications, or could they be something more sinister and otherworldly? As we delve into the 21 known types of UFOs, we can’t help but wonder what secrets they may hold, and what dangers they may pose to humanity. So buckle up and get ready to be taken on a journey through the unknown, as we explore the mysterious world of unidentified flying objects.

The 21 Types of UFOs

Unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, have captivated the imaginations of people around the world for decades. While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that UFOs are alien spacecraft, people continue to report seeing a wide variety of objects and phenomena in the sky that they believe are UFOs. Here are 21 of the most common shapes that have been reported:

#1 – Shape-shifting Types of UFOs

One of the most mysterious types of UFOs are those that are reported to change shape or appearance while they are being observed. Some people believe that these objects may be using advanced shape-shifting technology that allows them to transform into different forms.

One possibility is that these objects are alien spacecraft that are equipped with sophisticated camouflage systems that allow them to blend in with their surroundings. This technology could potentially allow the spacecraft to take on the appearance of clouds, stars, or even other objects in the sky, making them difficult to detect and identify.

Alternatively, some people believe that the shape-shifting abilities of these UFOs could be related to the use of advanced materials or energy fields. For example, the UFO might be made of a material that is capable of changing its shape and appearance in response to external stimuli, or it could be using an energy field to manipulate its own form.

Regardless of the technology at play, it is clear that changing UFOs represent one of the most fascinating and enigmatic types of unidentified flying objects. Their ability to transform and adapt has captured the imaginations of people around the world, and it is a testament to the boundless possibilities of the universe.

I first seen multiple lights…round in nature…and thought to myself am I really seeing this?! So I grabbed my phone and took pictures!

It definitely is a UFO sighting. I have pictures. No one else seems to have seen this or is able to explain what happened.
This one was different from what I have experienced in the past. I do have photos on my ring doorbell from previous times too.

Shape-shifting UFO witness in Shenandoah, IA.

#2 – Chevron Shaped Types of UFOs

UFOs that are shaped like an upside-down V or chevron are often referred to as “Chevron” UFOs.

One example is the F-14 Tomcat, a military fighter jet that was used by the United States Navy from the 1970s until the 2000s. The F-14 has a distinctive shape, with two tail fins that are set at an angle and resemble a chevron.

Another example is the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, a military aircraft that is designed to be difficult to detect by radar. The B-2 has a unique, bat-like appearance, with a triangular body and wings that are angled to form a chevron shape.

While these aircraft are known to have a chevron shape, it is important to note that not all Chevron UFOs can be easily explained away as being known aircraft. Many people continue to report seeing objects in the sky that have a chevron shape and whose identity cannot be immediately established, and the true nature of these objects remains a mystery.

I was laying in bed looking out the window partly cloudy day and started taking pictures towards sun when I saw the bright orange color. Started taking pictures before it disappeared behind the clouds. You can see obvious Chem like trail behind it. This is not the first time I have captured strange objects on camera but first time during day. This object was of Chevron symbol and looked to be ablaze it was so bright.
This is not the only on I have several different occurrences and pictures dating back several years of crazy things in the clouds.

Chevron shaped UFO witness in Clover, SC.
The A350 is chevron shaped, and flies often.

#3 – Cigar Shaped Types of UFOs

While getting ready to take off from PWA, I looked to the NW (wearing NVG’s) and saw an elongated oval shaped object

As stated above, I saw the elongated object moving from 2 to 4 o’clock. It was not visible without looking through NVG’s. It had no lights. When comparing it to the planes in the airspace around it, it was very large. Bigger than 3 777’s. When it got to the 4 o’clock position it faded away quickly. The skies were clear.

Cigar shaped UFO witness in Oklahoma City, OK.
Blimps are cigar shaped, and could be confused for UFOs.

#4 – Circle Shaped Types of UFOs

As the name suggests, this type of UFO is circular in shape.

Low cloud, 5 lights circling in the distance, then 5 lights directly over my car.

I watched them whilst driving for a couple of minutes until I turned left, i kept trying to look to see if they were still there. I turned into a small village Culham about 5:50, my car radio started playing up, white noise, I hit the radio button a few times and it went back to normal. I left the village on a road called The Burycroft, very straight and dark.

Five balls of light in a row went over my car ahead of me, (maybe 25-30 metre high, they stopped at the end of the road then came back, the lights stayed in a line, this happened three times in total, very quick and in a matter of seconds. My blood rain cold, I was quite shaken but didn’t want to stop the car.

The lights were bright, not blinding, they didn’t appear to have any solidity, there was no sound. Nothing like this has ever happened to me, I didn’t believe in such things

Circle shaped UFO witness in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
disc shaped LRV UFO
The Lenticular Reentry Vehicle, a formerly top secret aircraft looks like a flying saucer.
Continue reading for 17 more types of ufos