Synopsis: On 07 July 12, at 1400 hours, the witness of this investigation was taking photos of the sky with a mobile phone. While reviewing the photos, the witness noticed a strange object in one of the photos. The witness submitted the photo to The Aerial Phenomenon Investigations Team for analysis.

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 claimed the UFO was not personally observed when taking the photos of the sky – a common indicator of a lens flare. Analysis of the photo also indicated the Sun was within the frame of view, which indicated the likely source of the lens flare.  In an effort to positively identify the object as a lens flare, the 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 hit 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”.