Tag: Identified

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12-019-AN1 (Atlantic Ocean)

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Synopsis: On 05 Jan 12, at approximately 1841 hours, the witness of this investigation was onboard the cruise ship MSC Poesia, which was underway and heading back to Florida. The witness, who was in cabin #11151, went outside on the balcony to take a photo of the sunset. Upon reviewing the photo, the witness claimed a UFO could be seen in the photo.

Evidence Submitted: Photo of a UFO.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an AN1 – an anomaly that left no lasting physical effects, such as lights in the sky and similar phenomena. A preliminary analysis of the video indicated the UFO was more than likely a Catadioptric Lens Flares.

Investigation and Findings: During the interview, the witness explained that the UFO was not personally observed while taking photos of the sky – a common indicator of a lens flares. In an effort to positively identify the object as a lens flare, investigators obtained the original photo and applied standard cross-section analysis. The analysis of the photo indicated the anomaly intersected with the sun inside the frame of view.

Object Details: Lens flares are created when non-image forming light enters the lens and subsequently hits the camera’s film or digital sensor. The lens flare often appears as a characteristic polygonal shape, giving the appearance of a “flying disk or saucer”.

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12-024-FB1 (Hoboken, NJ)

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Synopsis: On 14 April 12, at 1630 hours, the witness of this investigation was sitting outside a condominium complex and saw a metallic gold UFO in the sky. According to the witness, the UFO was shaped like a donut and appeared to be dragging a line or string.

Evidence Submitted: 13 photos of the UFO.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an FB1, a fly-by of a UFO that traveled in a straight line across the sky. A preliminary analysis of the report indicated a possible balloon or blimp.

Investigation and Findings: According to the witness, the UFO was metallic gold and was moving along with the wind. The UFO, moreover, appeared to have been dragging a string or a rope. The Investigators took a tour of the Hoboken, NJ area and found a party store named Party City and purchased a “Zero Gold Helium Balloon”, which was identical to the UFO photographed by the witness. The investigators concluded the UFO was nothing more than a party balloon.

Object Details: A Gold Helium Balloon

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12-038-FB1 (Buffalo, NY)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 05 June 11, while testing a new high definition video camera, the witness of this investigation recorded a UFO in the sky. The witness, however, did not observe the UFO firsthand and only noticed the UFO when reviewing the footage later at home.

Evidence Submitted: Video footage from a Camcorder.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an FB1, a fly-by of a UFO that traveled in a straight line across the sky. A preliminary analysis of the report indicated a possible airplane on a vector to nearby Buffalo International Airport.

Investigation and Findings: While interviewing the witness, the investigators learned that the footage was taken during a soccer game near Buffalo, NY. After the interview, the photo was enhanced using the Canon Professional Photo Edition software. The enhanced photo revealed a commercial aircraft illuminated by sun flare. The enhanced image, moreover, revealed a wingspan and tail rudder. Additionally, investigators conducted research regarding aircraft illuminated by sun flare and found several photos that resemble the video captured by the witness of this investigation. The investigation concluded the object the witness captured on the camera was an aircraft heading to Buffalo International Airport.

Object Details: Commercial or Military Aircraft

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12-042-AN1 (Whiteford, MD)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 06 June 12, at approximately 2337, the witness of this investigation was walking the family dog and observed a bright star-like object in the sky traveling West to East. According to the witness, “the UFO” was traveling very fast in a straight line.

Evidence Submitted: Video footage from a cellphone.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an AN1 – an anomaly that left no lasting physical effects, such as lights in the sky and similar phenomena. A preliminary analysis of the photo indicated the UFO was more than likely an artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit.

Investigation and Findings: The investigators contacted the witness of this investigation. According to the witness, the UFO was a starlike object and made no noise. The UFO also travelled in a straight path and made no erratic maneuvers. Indices checks on satellite tracking databases later indicated the UFO was the Iridium 44 communications satellite in Low Earth Orbit. The Iridium 44 satellite passed over the witness at the nearly the same time the witness reported seeing the UFO.

Object Details: The Iridium 44 was part of a planned commercial communications network comprised of a constellation of 66 LEO spacecraft. The system uses L-Band to provide global communications services through portable handsets. The satellite launched from the Peoples Republic of China on 08 Dec 97. The satellite remains in Low Earth Orbit with an apogee of 654 km and a perigee of 629 km.

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11-015-FB1 (Davidsonville, MD)

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Synopsis: On 08 Nov 11, at 2030 hours, the witness of this investigation was looking at a cornfield and noticed a large black triangle UFO flying low. The UFO changed directions and tilted towards where the witness was standing. The witness claimed the UFO was a black triangle and made little noise. According to the witness, the black triangle had three distinct white lights on each corner, a green light on one corner and a red light on the opposite corner. The UFO flew along Governors Bridge Road towards Route 50 until it was no longer within sight.

Evidence Submitted: Computer-rendered sketch.

Initial Action: This UFO case was opened as an FB1, a fly-by of a UFO that traveled in a straight line across the sky. A preliminary analysis of the report indicated a possible drone, perhaps the X-47B, which operates in the Maryland area.

Investigation and Findings: The investigators travelled to Davidsonville, MD and interviewed the witness of this investigation. The witness, who was the owner of the cornfield, alleged that the UFO flew over the cornfield for an unknown amount of time until it flew North toward Route 50. After the interview, the investigators conducted extensive research regarding man-made triangular aircrafts and drones that were being tested in the Maryland area. Given the description of the UFO, and that it was using FAA navigation and collision beacons, the object was more than likely an aircraft from the Patuxent Naval Air Station, which tests several UAVs in the area.

Object Details: Identified as an aircraft, type unknown.

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11-009-FB1 (Pylesville, MD)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 17 Oct 11, at approximately 1630 hours, the witness of this investigation noticed a “weird looking blimp” up in the sky. The witness claimed the object appeared to be a blimp that was shaped like a worm. The object, according to the witness, appeared to be spinning and reflecting the sunlight off its gray surface. The sunlight, however, prevented the witness from seeing the actual surface of the craft. After a few minutes, the UFO moved out of visual sight.

Evidence Submitted: None.

Initial Action: This UFO case was opened as an FB1, a fly-by of a UFO that traveled in a straight line across the sky. A preliminary analysis of the report indicated an airship (blimp).

Investigation and Findings: The investigators interviewed the witness of this investigation and were able to determine the object was indeed a blimp and not some other type of craft. After the investigation, the investigators conducted research and analysis of the types of blimps that could be operating in the area. The investigators found a photo of the Argus One airship from World Surveillance Group, Inc. The company, which develops surveillance blimps for the military, has a testing facility in nearby Easton, Maryland. The witness was provided photos of the Argus One airship for comparison and subsequently agreed it was what the witness saw.

Object Details: Airship Argus One represents a new airship design. It is equipped with a newly developed stabilization system and an integrated payload bay capable of initially carrying up to approximately 30 pounds of high technology sensors, cameras or electronics packages.

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11-006-MA1 (Hoboken, NJ)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 18 Sep 11, while observing a jetliner flying over Hoboken, NJ, the witness of this investigation spotted a bright white object that appeared motionless. The object was directly above the witness at a high altitude above the clouds.  The witness observed the object for about three minutes to see if it was stationary by comparing it to the adjacent building. Using a Canon digital camera and a tripod, the witness took 12 consecutive photos of the UFO until it completely moved behind the cloud coverage.

Evidence Submitted: 12 Photos of the UFO.

Initial Action: This UFO case was opened as an MA1, a visual sighting of a UFO that traveled in a discontinuous trajectory, such as loops, quick turns, or vast changes in altitude. A preliminary analysis of the photo indicated balloons.

Investigation and Findings: The investigators interviewed the witness of this investigation multiple times. The investigators, moreover, researched military high-altitude “persistence surveillance” balloons and blimps as the primary object. According to research, the Lakehurst to Picatinny, NJ corridor is home to an array of classified defense contractors competing for Department of Defense aerial surveillance drones and blimps. Moreover, according to open source documents, there are several defense contractors at Lakehurst testing high-altitude inflatable drones. However, all investigative efforts were exhausted and it appears the object is nothing more than helium party balloons.

Object Details: Balloons.

12-044-AN1 (Baltimore, MD)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 29 June 12, at 2330 hours, the witness of this investigation reported seeing a bright red and orange orb that appeared to be descending from mid sky until it disappeared behind the trees.

Evidence Submitted: Video and photo of the orb.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an AN1 – an anomaly that left no lasting physical effects, such as lights in the sky and similar phenomena. A preliminary analysis of the photo indicated the UFO was more than likely a power line explosion. During the exact date and time of this event, a severe thunderstorm with winds up to 60 knots caused massive damage to infrastructure in the Baltimore, MD area, including considerable power outages, fallen trees, and downed power lines.

Investigation and Findings: On 08 July 12, the investigators traveled to Baltimore, MD and interviewed the witness. The witness was deemed credible and displayed no signs of deception. After the interview, the investigators visited the approximate location where the orb descended. While on site, the investigators saw multiple downed trees and power lines, which were a result of the severe thunderstorm. Additional research regarding power line explosions and fires, to include a comparison of photos of known power line fires, indicated the UFO the witness observed was a power line explosion.

Object Details: During a severe storm, flying debris, lighting, and downed limbs can cause power lines to catch fire. In some instances, the transformers can also explode and give the appearance of a large glowing red and orange orb.

12-004-AN2 (Jarrettsville, MD)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 06 Jun 11, the witness of this investigation reported there were crop circles in the wheat fields near Jarrettsville Pike, close to the intersection of Blenheim Rd., North of Loch Raven watershed. Other than the location of the alleged crop circle, no additional information was provided.

Evidence Submitted: None, only location of the crop circle.

Initial Action: This UFO case was opened as an AN2, an anomaly that left lasting physical effects, such as crop circles, scorched earth, and debris.

Investigation and Findings:  The investigators traveled to the wheat fields in the vicinity of Jarrettsville Pike and took dozens of photographs of the alleged crop circles. An interview with the owner of the farm, however, concluded the markings on the wheat field where a result of farming equipment.

Object Details: Identified as markings made by farming equipment.

12-029-AN1 (Marseille, France)

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droppedImage_2

Synopsis: On 21 April 12, at 1658 hours, the witness of this investigation was vacationing on a beach near Marseille, France and noticed many lenticular clouds over the nearby mountains. The witness took several photos of the clouds with a mobile phone and, while reviewing the photos, noticed a black orb-like UFO in all of the photos.

Evidence Submitted: Five photos of the UFO.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an AN1 – an anomaly that left no lasting physical effects, such as lights in the sky and similar phenomena. A preliminary analysis of the photo indicated the UFO was more than likely dirt on the camera’s interior optics.

Investigation and Findings: The witness of this investigation did not speak English. Therefore, after consultation with Ovni France, it was determined that the witness did not see the UFO in the sky while taking the photos. The UFO was noticed later while reviewing the photos. During the photo analysis, the investigators noticed that regardless of where the camera was pointed or what zoom factor was used, the UFO was always positioned in the same location on the photo. By applying a grid pattern on all five photos, the analysis indicated the UFO was positioned on the same location on all the photos. Investigators, moreover, conducted a cross examination of the witness’ photos with several other photos taken with known dirt on the camera sensor. The results of the investigation concluded the UFO was dirt on the camera’s internal optics.

Object Details: Dust or dirt on a camera’s sensor will show up as small gray or black spots in photos. More often than not, the spots will show up the most in portions of an image that contain sky or solid white areas. (Investigator Note: dust or dirt on the camera lens will not appear on the photo due to the distance between the rear element and the camera sensor).