PROJECT BLUE BOOK

RETURN TO

USAF Historical Archives
ASI(ASHAF-A)
Maxwell AFB, Ala 36112

—_

Ce Example of Diagram Use:

le. Verbal Description of Example Sighting: Object was first sighted in the
southeast, about half-way up from the horizon to overhead, at 10:45 si local
time. Its shape or outline was hazy, but appeared round and about the size of a
pea (at arm's length) from where observed. It was dim at first but brightened
considerably as it got higher in the skye Its color at this point was bluish
white. After about two minutes it crossed to the western part of the sky a little
to the north of overhead (zenith) and continued its flight toward the west. At
this point its color appeared yellowish white. The light went dim when it got
two-thirds of the way to the horizon. It then stopped and hovered for about one
minute and then climbed rapidly, going toward the southwest and getting brighter.
In less than thirty seconds, it had climbed to an elevation of approximately
60 degrees, and then the light went out abruptly.

2. Pictorial Description of the Sighting: By referring to the example sheet,
notice how simply the above sighting can be portrayed and described, without
words, on the example diagram attached here. Note the starting point at bearing
135 degrees (southeast) and elevation 45 degrees (half-way up from the horizon)
at 10:45 PM (Military time, 2245), and also the arrow marking direction of flight.
Note also the varying thickness of the line to denote changes in brightness, and
the use of the dotted line to indicate its path in the western part of the sky.
The "time indications" along the path - 2 minutes to get to the meridian (the
north-south overhead line), the hovering for 1 minute, and the ascent in 30 seconds
to its complete disappearance, are all shown with a few lines. Thus, the entire
Sighting can be represented easily on one diagram.

D. Further Instructions and Information:

1. Relatively complex trajectories can be shown easily on a diagram of this
typee A number of objects sighted also can be indicated, ss can any changing
formation. The apparent size and shape of the object should be drawn in, prefer-
ably by the observer. In the case of an object changing shape, this likewise can
be drawn in. Together with the detailed information and data from the "UFO Tech
Sheet," both the investigator and analyst will now have a better, detailed picture
of what took place. It is clear here that one picture-diagram is worth many words.

2. It will be found that the use of sky diagrams wil] provide an excellent
means of making confirmations, and checking discrepancies or contradictions in
reports from two or more observers of the same sighting. A glence at the several
drawings will serve to show whether the various observer's stories are consistent
or support each other, a matter which is much more difficult to deterinine by at-
tempting to compare numerous written statements.

3e It is recommended that the actual observer make the drawings, unless cir-
cumstances such as physical inebility or other reasons make this impossible or
difficult. The investigator should not influence the observer's drawing in eny
way, and should provide assistance only on those points which sre not clear to
the observer. However, if the observer fails to grasp the iden of the diagram

(itself geome indication of his value as a reliable observer), the investigator
or interrogator should make the drawing from the observer's verbal description.
The comleted diagram should always be given to the observer to check and approves

4e In some cases where the investigator makes the drawing for the observer,
it may be advisable for the investigator to deliberately make a mistake or two in
the drawing, to see whether the observer is sure of his facts tu catch the error
when given the diagram to check. This "reliability check" should be used with
tact and discretion.

5+ The landscaping in the sky diagram is placed there to help visualization.
If any prominent landmarks such as known mountains, buildings, water towers, or
specific installations and treés, etc. are part of the sighting area, they should
be incorporated into the drawing. They may later prove to be invaluable as loca-
tion, plotting or reference points in subsequent investigations of the area or
sighting in question.

6. Where the observer has some familiarity with the constellations or other
heavenly bodies, he should indicate, if possible, the relationship (and movements)
of the object with respect to these bodies, This can be sketched on either page 6,
item 33 or pages 9-10 of "Summary Data" sheet. Typical examples that can be easily
illustrated: "...The object seemed to pass very slowly between the two bottom
Stars of the handle of the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper was in a vertical position,
with the handle pointing down," or ",..0bject was about the size of a tennis ball -
and remained stationary slightly below about 15 degrees and to the left of the
moon. *

7- The sky diagram is not meant to replace written statements or reports, but
to supplement them, aiding the investigator to visualize the sighting and the
observer to recall the original circumstances.

QEWs RELEASE cS \ : \ DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Sa OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE DATE WV | Washington 25, D. C.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE rs LI 5-6700, Ext 75131

AIR FORCE RELEASES STUDY ON
UNIDENTIFIED AERLZAL: :CBJECTS

The results of an investigation begun by the Air Force in 1947
into the field of Unidentified Aerial Objects (so-called flying
saucers) were released by the Air Force today.

No evidence of the existence of the popularly-termed "flying
saucers was found.

The report was based on study and analysis by .a private
scientific group under the supervision of the Air Technical Intel-
ligence Center at Dayton, Ohio. Since the instigation of the in-
vestigation more than seven years ago, methods and procedures have
been so refined that of the 131 sightings reported during the first
four months of 1955 only three per cent were listed as unknown. (A
summary of the report is attached.)

a Commenting on this report, Secretary of the Air Force Donald A.
Quarles said: "On the basis of this study we believe that no
objects such as those popularly described as flying saucers have
overflown the United States. I feel certain that even the unknown
three per cent could have been explained as conventional phenomena
or illusions if more complete observational data had been available.

"However, we are now entering a period of aviation technology
in which aircraft of unusual configuration and flight characteris-
tics will begin to appear.

"The Air Force and the other Armed Services have under develop-
ment several vertical-rising, high performance aircraft, and as
early as last year a propeller driven vertical-rising aircraft was
flown. The Air Force will fly the first jet-powered vertical-
rising airplane in a matter of days. We have another project under
contract with AVRO Ltd., of Canada, which could result in disc-
shaped aircraft somewhat similar to the popular concept of a flying
saucer. An available picture, while only an artists' conception,
could illustrate such an object. (Photograph is available at
Pictorial Branch, Room 2D780, Ext. 75331).

"While some of these may take novel forms, such as the AVRO
project, they are direct-line descendents of conventional aircraft
and should not be regarded as supra-natural or mysterious. We ex-
pect to develop airplanes that will fly faster, higher and perhaps

s farther than present designs, but they will still obey natural laws
and if manned, they will still be manned by normal terrestrial air-
men. Other than reducing runway requirements we do not expect
vertical-rising aircraft to have more outstanding military charac-
teristics than conventional types.

MORE

"Vertical-rising aircraft capable of transition ts 3.7¢v3senic
horizontal flight will be a new phenomenon in our ¢

r o “4 > ‘ °.
EX1LE8, Bdhu Udder

certain conditions could give the illusion of the so-called flying
saucer. The Department of Defense will make every effort within

bounds of security to keep the public informed of these developments
so they can be recognized for what they are."

Mr. Quarles added: "I think we must recognize that other

countries also have the capability of developing vertical-rising
aircraft, perhaps of unconventional shapes. However we are satis-

fied at this time that none of the sightings of so-called ‘flying

saucers ' reported in this country were in fact aircraft of foreign
origin.

END
Attachment

“4

SUMMARY

(Analysis Of Reports Of Unidentified Aerial Objects)

Peports of unidentified aerial objects (popularly termed "fly-
ing saucers" or "flying discs") have been received by the U.S. Air
Force since mid-1947 from many and diverse sources. Although there
was no evidence that the unexplained reports of unidentified objects
constituted a threat to the security of the United States, the Air
Force determined that all reports of unidentified aerial objects
should be investigated and evaluated to determine if "flying saucers"
represented technological developments not known to this country.

In order to discover any pertinent trend or pattern inherent in
the data, and to evaluate or explain any trend or pattern found,
appropriate methods of reducing these data from reports of unidenti-
fied aerial objects to a form amenable to scientific appraisal were
employed. In general, the original data upon which this study was
bases consisted of impressions and interpretations of apparently
unexplainable events, and seldom contained reliable measurements of
physical attributes. This subjectivity of the data presented a
major limitation to the drawing of significant conclusions, but did
not invalidate the application of scientific methods of study.

The reports received by the U.S. Air Force on unidentified
aerial objects were reduced to IBM punched-card abstracts of data by
means of logically developed forms and standardized evaluation pro-
cedures. Evaluation of sighting reports, a crucial step in the pre-
paration of the data for statistical treatment, consisted of an
appraisal of the reports and the subsequent categorization of the
object or objects described in each report. A detailed description
of this phase of the study stresses the careful attempt to maintain
complete objectivity and consistency.

Analysis of the refined and evaluated data derived from the
original reports of sightings consisted of (1) a systematic attempt
to ferret out any distinguishing characteristics inherent in the
data of any of their segments, (2) a concentrated study of any trend
or pattern found, and (3) an attempt to determine the probability
that any of the UNKNOWNS represent observations of technological
developments not known to this country.

The first step in the analysis of the data revealed the exis-
tence of certain apparent similarities between cases of objects
definitely identified and those not identified. Statistical methods
of testing when applied indicated a low probability that these
apparent similarities were significant. An attempt to determine the
probability that any of the UNKNOWNS represented observations of
technological developments not known to this country necessitated a
thorough re-examination and re-evaluation of the cases of objects
not originally identified; this led to the conclusion that this
probability was very small.

MORE

The special study which resulted in this report (Analysis of
Reports of Unidentified Aerial Objects, 5 May 1955) started in 1953.
To provide the study group with a complete set of files, the infor-
mation cut-off date was established as of the end of 1952. It will
accordingly be noted that the statistics contained in all charts and
tables in this report are terminated with the year 1952. In these
charts, 3201 cases have been used.

As the study progressed, a constant program was maintained for
the purpose of making comparisons between the current cases received
after 1 Janvary 1953, and those being used for the report. This was
done in order that any change or significant trend which might arise
from current developments could be incorporated in the summary of
this report.

The 1953 and 1954 cases show a general and expected trend of
increasing percentages in the finally identified categories. They
also show decreasing percentages in categories where there was in-
sufficient information and those where the phenomena could not be
explained. This trend had been anticipated in the light of improved
reporting and investigating procedures.

Official reports on hand at the end of 1954 totaled 4834. of
these, 425 were produced in 1953 and 429 in 1954. These 1953 and
1954 individual reports (a total of 854), were evaluated on the same
basis as were those received before the end of 1952. The results
are as follows:

BALLOONS coi astdcvausrteveenes LO DOr CEN
BITVCDPONU: ee cvtubeses Handoas sevceu-per /Snt
RSEGCPOMOMICAL cisecsccessvsetdneci ern per cent
GENEL Ceerecarecé dohket bent dass &S DEM Cent
Insufficient Information ..... 17 per cent
UOKNOWH asics ewes Ct bb se Re eloea. oS Der Ccenv

As the study of the current cases progressed, it became in-
creasingly obvious that if reporting and investigating procedures
could be further improved, the percentages of those cases which con-
tained insufficient information and those remaining unexplained
would be greatly reduced. The key to a higher percentage of solu-
tions appeared to be in rapid "on the spot" investigations by
trained personnel. On the basis of this, a revised program was
established by Air Force Regulation 200-2, Subject: "Unidentified
Flying Objects Reporting" (Short Title: UFOB), dated 12 August 1954.

This new program, which had begun to show marked results before
January 1955, provided primarily that the 4602d Air Intelligence
Service Squadron (Air Defense Command) would carry out all field
investigations. This squadron has sufficient units and is so deploy-
ed as to be able to arrive "on the spot" within a very short time
after a report is received. After treatment by the 4602d Air Intel-
ligence Service Squadron, all information is supplied to the Air
Technical Intelligence Center for final evaluation. This coopera-
tive program has resulted, since 1 January 1955, in reducing the in-
sufficient information cases to seven percent and the unknown cases
to three percent of the totals.

aie MORE

The period 1 January 1955 to 5 May 1955 accounted for 131
unidentified aerial object reports received. Evaluation percentages
of these are as follows:

BALIOONS (cs wees bbs 6a 640046805040 CO BEY COKE
RITODVRED ct hae eesti Seve ib sssanesene ei. DEY cent
RBCPOUOMLCEL sesnccvccesovecovcxrdse 23 Per Cent
OCHET: wccicis Gu Gls CS Ce Secsssddresions, CO Der cent
Insufficient Information ........ 7 per cent
URKRAOWK seco tb or seiS ent nvvesecstune <3 PEF Cent

All available data were included in this study which was pre-
pared by a panel of scientists both in and out of the Air Force.
On the basis of this study it is believed that all the unidentified
aerial objects could have been explained if more complete observa-
tional data had been available. Insofar as the reported aerial
objects which still remain unexplained are concerned, there exists
little information other than the impressions and interpretations
of their observers. AS these impressions and interpretations have
been replaced by the use of improved methods of investigation and
reporting, and by scientific analysis, the number of unexplained
cases has decreased rapidly towards the vanishing point.

Therefore, on the basis of this evaluation of the information,
it is considered to be highly improbable that reports of unidenti-
fied aerial objects examined in this study represent observations of
technological develonments outside of the range of present-day
scientific knowledge. It is emphasized that there has been a com-
plete lack of any valid evidence of physical matter in any case of
a reported unidentified aerial object.

EN D

oe eee

Powearieans) Ch To. sale cOntl
Office of -ublic Infor.ation

y

aSuiny. ton 25, Lb. OC.

Je Se Air rorce Suuary of Zvents und Inforiztion
Concerning the Unidentified Flying Object fro; ram

whe wir Force feels a very definite obligation to identify and cnulyce
things that happen in the air that may have in them menace to the United States
anv, because of that feeling of obligation and pursuit of t.at interest, tie
air Force establisheu an activity known as the Unidentifiea Flying Object 1Lroj raiie

This pro. rain was established in 1947 when unidentified flying objects
were being reported in various parts of tie United States. The reports of
Sightings reached a peak of 1,'700 in 1952 and dropped to a total of 429 in 19593.

From a survey of tie volume of Sightinis received by the Air Force, it
has been determined that over 80 percent are explainable as being known objects.
Generally, sighted objects fall in tie category of: balloons, aircratt, astron-
@:ical bedies, atmospheric reflections, and birdse All reports of unidentified
flying objects result fran either radar or visual sightings.

Explanations pertaining to sightings reported from military ane civilian
racar ficilities are as follows:

1. Teperature inversion reflections cun give a return cn a radar scope
tiuat is as Slurp as that received from an aircraft. Specds of tiese returns
reportedly renge frou zero to fantastic rates. Tie "objects" ulso appear to
riove in &ll directions. Such sightings have resulted in muny fruitless inter-
cent efforts.

To possibly bear out the theory of t emperature inversion reflection
is an incident waich oceurred in Januury 1951 near Oakric;¢, Tennessee. Two
.ir Force aircraft attenpted to intercept an unidentified "object" anc actually
establishee a radar "lock" on the object. Their altitude at the tie was
7,00C fcet. The unidentified object, according, to their radar, a peared to be
at an elevation of 10 to 25 degrees fran tuis altitude. Three passes were . jade
in un attempt to close on the object. In vaca instance the pilvts reported tiat
their rocar led tiem first uoward and tien down toward « sg -cifiec point on tic
ground. (One scientific ti.eory holds tiat ligit can be Similarly r_ftlectecd froi.
a lyer of warm air above tue cartii. If tiis proves to be correct, wany visual
night sightings could be accounted for.)

2e Ionizeé clouds tave cause soue unidentificce radar returns. Thuncer-
storns are identifieble by racar and radar returns Lave also been received fron
ice forretions in tic air, balloons, ~rounc reflections, frequency interference
between other racar stations, anc windborn objects. Obviously, such returns are
very difficult to identify, especially when they occur during Carkness.

b.0it.,

ih

5- Ths radar scereca has pickec uy birds a. in on. ente u floce c1 ducks.
Pli;..t intereestions proved t.ucse phenoiinde
An sxplanetion of known types of visual sijltings ure as rollews:

1. é&resent-cay jet aircruft, flying ut grcat spvcds and high altitudes,
ars often mistaken for unknown objects by the untrained observer. Sunliciht re-
ilections from the polished surfaces aircraft can be svon pleinly even wer tie
wirer.ft itself is too distent to be visible. The exhaust of jet aircraft cnits

*. truil and often this is seen rether than the sireruft itself.

2e ‘eather bulloons account for a substantial number of sightinzs.
TicSs billoons, sent to ultitutdes of 40,0060 fect and inigher, are launched fron
virtually every airfield in the country. ‘Whey are mde of rubber or polyetiiy-
enc, Swell as they gein altitude, have very good reflective qu.litics, carry
Sitill lights when launched after dark, and can be seen at very ign altitu cs.

3- In addition to the ordinury weather bulloon, huce 90-foot balloons,
wW.ies. Sarcticws drift from r>cst to coast, are usec for upyer air rusvorche
ThvSe balloons also have a highly reflective surface ind are visible at extrere
altituces.

4. frequently, unusually briglit meteors anc planets will c.use a flurry
of reports, souctircs from relatively experienced observers. At certiin ti.vs
of tic yuar, Venus, for insta cc, is low on the horizon and will aspear to chenge
colcr and wove erratically cue to hazy atmospheric conditions. Since tic stirs
ére chirtec and most of their characteristics known, muny cases are tracec to
thet:e Meteors on the other hand ure of rapid single-direction movencnt anc cre
only visible for a few seconds. Meteor cctivity is more common at certcin tines
of tie year then others, anc reports of UFO's hive shown a tencency to iacrcase
during, these periods.

5. Soue cases arise wiich, on tie busis of inferm.tion reevivedc, ire of
& woire und peculiar naturee The objects disylay erratic : svenents and plien-
cnenal spevcs. Sinew maneuvers and spucds of t..is kind can.iot be traced Cirectly
to aircraft, balloons, or Known astronaiicaul sources, it isbelievec that thoy
are reflections from objects retier than being objects themsulves. For cxmple:
Supposé we would hole a mirror in hand uncerc light, causing ea reflestion on tie
Coiling. Only c slight, quick movuient of tw henc would result in erritie liove-
iwnts and phuncmunal speeds of the reflected bear. Roflections may be projectec
to vloucs end laze both fron the ground anc aire Many things which ore coniaoa
to the Sty wove Bighly reflective qu litics, such us balloons, circrift, cand
Clouds. s«ccurate spews are also difficult to aeteraine due to the inability
of tix roport.r to jucgo Cistznee, unjlos, anc tice

6. Brillient flasiing lights that so.ctines appear roc cud w. ite in
color icve been ruported by observers. Ti.is type ins been tracccd to « new
ligiiting, systou of commercial cirlines cnd militury aircraft. atop tic teil
Ssctinn of tucse aircraft highly reflective rod unc wi.ite flisher type Li; bts
w2vVG buen installuc. anc cre meny ti cs wisintuerpretecr by the grounc cbecrvcre

It ruy be concluded from the chove cnc frui pest experience tlhe. no new
Sisnifiecnt trencs have cevcloped out of these cases. ‘There was an incrvase in
public intur st woich oecurrec simultcncously with tie publiection of various
bocks ane articles on the subject; however, this trend has been notcc scuveral
ti vs previously.

In omer to overcorne the l.ck of basic cata, snd to stiacardize all
resorts, a ceti.ilecd Gucstionncire is now subriittec to cuch person reporting an
unicentifiee acricl object. It is felt thut the information thus obtained vill
lower still tiorce the number of uncxplainsd sightings.

For observers who wish to report unidentified acrial objects, the ..ir
Fores would welelic the infomartion.e Attuched to this report is a bricf basic
su.tery fori. It would be apprecictce if observers would send the couripleted
form to the neerest Air Force base.

If and wien now developments turn up in this proyvran, the Air Forco will
Kcop tie public informoc.e

1

MEMO ROUTING SLIP | “''concureencés. on sinian AcTioNs

i

1 NAME OR TITLE INITIALS CIRCULATE
ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION \ DATE COORDINATION
2 FILE
Qk . (a \be ae
‘ct INFORMATION
3 NECESSARY
ACTION
NOTE AND
RETURN
4 SEE ME
fel SIGNATURE
REMARKS

ca Usedee Pan. Un timrles G

3 RN aed ys lgh:

DD tite OS

Form 12, 10 Nov 47, whioh

FROM NAME OR TITLE DATE
Ooh
ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION TELEPHONE
ReplacessI)ArA GO Form &95; JdAFHQ 16-48487-4 oeo

t a

NEW FLYING OBJECTS

A new saucer-damed radar plane, now inthe planning stage, is
an example of an unfamiliar type of aircraft which, to the uninitiated
observer, might appear to fall into the unidentified flying object

category.

Technical advancements in the field of supersonic rockets to

gather weather data offer possibilities for radar detection of apparent-
ly unidentified flying objects, Rockets will be shot into the strato-

sphere at 3000-plus miles per hour, At a height of 20 miles or more,
their warheads will explode and release a cloud of metal foil frag-
ments,which will be tracked by radar to learn wind velocity and direc-

tion,

The construction and successful launching of man-made satellites
into the edge of space above the earth as part of the International
Geophysical Year program, which began on 1 July 1957, may lead to
reports of unidentified flying objects. The United States expects to
launch a scientific data-gathering satellite in 1958 at the latest, At
least one other country has announced intentions of duplicating this

feat.

This new radar plane may easily be mistaken for an unfamiliar
flying object, under unusual weather conditions, because of its unique

configuration.

~~

= Pal SNS
les a

—— ee |

New USAF delta-wing jet bomber shows unusual configuration.

The satellite developed by United States scientists is a highly-
polished, 20-inch sphere to be propelled aloft by a three-stage
rocket. ks planned orbit is at a height of about 300 miles and is in
the direction of the earth's rotation. Its course will follow a path
that will permit its sighting fram positions in Europe, North Africa
and the Middle East. Although the satellite's size will appear minute
at such an extreme altitude, its reflection will be visible to the
naked eye under certain weather conditions, ks terrific speed will
carry it from one horizon tothe other, within the view of an obser-
ver, in less than 20 minutes,

Many new types of delta-wing aircraft are under development
and some are in production at this time. Certain types are capable
of vertical take-off, The unusual configuration of this aircraft lends
itself to possible confusion with unidentified flying objects, anda
vertical take-off might add to the observer's failure to identify it
as a known object.

x * oe ok  *

Analysis thus far has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation
for a number of unidentified flying objects, An understanding of same
of the phenomena which may cause familiar objects to assume un-
familiar characteristics, together with an awareness of the many new
technological developments which may be observed, should result in
fewer sightings of this nature, Rational reporting will facilitate
analysis of those sightings reported as unidentifiable,

SECTION II

Meterological and Astronomical Aspects

Scientists have been exploring the mysteries of the universe for
many centuries and today know a great deai about the composition of
the galaxy which includes the earth among its many planets, stars,
and other celestial bodies. Yet, many questions remain unanswered
and the search for more knowledge in the broad field of astronomy
continues, The. same is true regarding the earth's atmosphere, and,
although considerably more is known regarding the natural laws
which govern the sea of air around the earth, there are many aspects
of meteorology that are not yet fully understood,

It is not unusual for the mind to become confused by garbled
messages, caused by unusual astronomical and meteorological condi-
tions and transmitted to it by the eye. Thus, the sky has been the
setting for many strange sights which were not readily understood.
Many may have been the result of unusual astronomical and meteor-
ological conditions, which cannot be scientifically explained. How-
ever, many types of illusions which appear to be flying objects can
definitely be related to astronomical and meteorological phenomena,

Under certain weather conditions, reflection and refraction pro-
cesses can transform conventional aircraft, automobile lights,
planets, meteors, and other identifiable figures into apparently
supersonic flying objects of many shapes and colors, Clouds, haze,
industrial smoke, water droplets and ice particles in the atmosphere
are typical ingredients which make up atmospheric lenses through
which many illusions of flying objects are seen, Car lights reflecting
on clouds can create luminous disks which dart erratically through
the sky at terrific speeds, Other light sources can produce similar
illusions with appropriate variations, many of which even have
specific colors provided by refraction of the light through water and
ice particles in the atmosphere,

MIRAGES

One of the most common causes for optical illusions of distorted
and displaced objects is the mirage, Warm air has a lower refrac-
tive index than cold air, The air is normally warmer at the surface of
the earth and progressively cooler ina fairly steady gradient through
higher altitudes, It is through such atmospheric conditions that
distant objects are usually viewed and the mind becomes accustomed

11

cl

HORIZON

to . conveyed to it through £ eye in this normal pers-
pective, Light rays normally travel in a concave path that intersects
with the horizon, When the normal temperature distribution is upset,
the light rays bend accordingly and optical phenomena result, Causes
of mirages follow two basic patterns:

(1) When the surface air is exceptionally warm, the air expands
and becomes less dense, causing the convex path to shorten and,
under extremely hot conditions, even to became concave.

(2) Under conditions of a temperature inversion, with a layer
of warm air over cold air, the path of light rays will lengthen to
parallel the earth's surface at greater distances.

These abnormal conditions cause mirages and the eye will see
unfamiliar or displaced and distorted images, which the mind is not
immediately capable of interpreting correctly. Realistically propor-
tioned mountains, cities and seas may be projected high into the
atmosphere, On the other hand, land areas may be distorted and
appear as separate images floating in the sky, giving the impression

of suspended or flying objects. From an aircraft in flight, a cigar-
shaped illusion of a land mass can change size drastically with
changes of only a few feet in altitude of the observer's aircraft, there-
by giving the illusion that the object is accelerating rapidly, traveling
alternately at slow and extreme speeds, going away from the observer
or coming toward him. The same is true at night in the case of
objects formed by such light sources as search-lights, glow of lights
from cities, automobile headlights, and celestial bodies, A tempera-
ture inversion can reflect the image of an aircraft to another loca-
tion in the sky and mirror it as two aircraft, perfectly joined, with
one aircraft inverted below the other,

The common mirage, based primarily on temperature distri-
bution, is of course only one type of the numerous meteorological
phenomena producing aerial apparitions, Others are caused by
reflection and refraction of light through various atmospheric
structures, such as different types of clouds, water droplets, ice

and frost formations, haze, and smoke. Combinations of meteor-
ological situations, and even combinations of meteorological and

astronomical conditions, can produce startling effects.

REFLECTIONAL DISPERSION

Combined refraction and dispersion of the earth's atmosphere
can cause a celestial body to appear to be at a different location in
space and distort its normal color as well. When the object is low
on the horizon, this condition is particularly prevalent, The planet
Venus, for instance, may appear as bright red on the bottom and
bright blue at the top edge, thereby giving the illusion of a flying

13

This snow-capped mountain, viewed from an aircraft, is actually
a mirage, as described by a pilot who experienced the phenomenon.
Under other type mirage conditions, land masses may appear as Cigar-
shaped flying objects.

object emitting red exhaust trails, An observer flying in an air-
craft may easily mistake such an apparition for a flying object. As
the aircraft moves through the atmosphere at an advanced speed,

its position relative to the object naturally changes and the atmo-
spheric conditions in line of sight between the aircraft's position and
the object may change as well, The object thus may assume appar-
ent characteristics of erratic behavior and fantastic shapes and
colors.

PLANETS

Although there are other planets that may resemble flying
objects under certain conditions, Venus and Mars are most com-
monly mistaken in this sense, Venus is the brightest of all the
planets and Mars is next. Venus, at its brightest, can be seen in
daylight and can cast shadows after dark, This planet is a morn-
ing star from January to April, and an evening star during the re-
mainder of the year. Mars is an evening star from January to
September and a morning star the rest of the year.

14

In the past, both Venus and Mars, when low on the horizon,
have been observed to change color and move at fantastic speeds,
when viewed through haze or mist, Venus appears low on the
horizon during the spring and is unusually bright. Mare has been
reported to resemble a flying object when it was low on the horizon
in early summer. If one of these planets is stared at for any length
of time without any balancing point of reference, it can appear to
perform erratic maneuvers, Thus, the planets of brighter magni-
tude in our galaxy provide a constant source of illusionary flying
objects,

t

COMETS

Comets and meteors have their effect in the field of mistakenly-
identified flying objects, although sightings of comets are rare
simply because their incidence is so low.

Camets are nebulous bodies revolving around the sun for the
most part in long ellipses, Although their periods are very uncertain,
some few such as Halley's Comet, which pursues unmistakeable
ellipses, can be expected to return, The nucleus of a comet, a
minute disk of condensed light, strengthens in brilliance the nearer
its orbit brings it to the earth. Same comets become bright enough
to be discerned even in daylight. Since the long tail of the typical
comet is composed of matter repelled away from the sun, it may
either follow or precede the head, depending on whether it is
approaching or going away from the sun,

"ne ' a ee aly rx et 4
P £$ %: es "yy ye A. a a > => | . i
™s ae wrens Ye F
Pe Bitte eS iO ee ee EN
7 ; . ?

i

Under certain atmospheric conditions, an aircraft, such as the
C-118 portrayed here, can appear to be mirrored in its own retlection.
The fantasy of this phenomenon may be further exaggerated by distor-
tion through haze or mist.

15

METEORS

Meteors are particles continually entering the earth's atmos-

phere where they become so intensely heated they turn into incandes-
-cent gas, Theories on the origin of meteors are largely contro-

versial; however, educated guesses range fram dissipated camets

to disentegrated planets. It is estimated that 24,000, 000 meteors,
which can be observed by the naked eye, enter the earth's atmosphere
during a 24-hour period, These space particles are of various

sizes, ranging from the microscopic to the rare ones weighing

tons,

Bright meteors are known as fireballs, The ones which penetrate
the lower parts of the atmosphere, where they explode with a noise
like distant thunder, are called bolides, These are rare--probabiy no
more than a few dozen appear over Europe during an average year.
When a meteor, of such size that it is not entirely consumed by fric-
tional heat after it enters the atmosphere, eventually collides with the
earth's surface, it is called a meteorite. It is estimated that about
2,000 of these latter enter the earth's atmosphere during an average
year.

The appearance and behavior of meteors streaking through the
earth's atmosphere take on various fantastic forms, depending upon
their size and composition and the meteorological conditions through
which they are viewed, A meteor with the brilliance of the Pole Star
can be caused by a particle no larger than a grain of sand, A
particle no bigger than a pea can become a fireball. Examination of
discovered meteorites reveals that most are irregular in shape; how-
ever, many become conically shaped in their passage through the
earth's dense atmosphere.

Meteors may appear as bright balls or disks with fiery tails,
which could be mistaken for jet or rocket-type exhausts, It is not
uncommon for meteors to appear as flaming fireballs, with colors
ranging from dull red to’bright green, and they may even travel in
clusters, giving the appearance of flying objects in formation,
Meteors may also move relatively slowly and appear to follow a
path parallel to the horizon, thereby giving strength to the illusion
of flying objects. , y

Large meteors have long paths and may cross from one horizon
to the other in the view of one observer and pass far beyond, They
travel in the same direction as the earth in its orbit and their speed
upon entering the earth's atmosphere varies. Those meteors over-
taking the earth during evening hours may travel initially as slowly as
seven miles per second, while those meeting the earth's rotation head-
on during morning hours can be traveling more than 40 miles per
second, Multiply these types of appearances and behaviors by comple-

mentary meteorological phenomena and the prospects for illusionary
flying objects are considerably increased,

16

Artist's concept of actual meteor procession.

SUNDOGS AND MOONDOGS

The reflection of the sun in a layer of flat ice crystals can cause
a phenomenon known as a sub-sun, cammonly called a sundog. This
apparition will appear at a point adjacent tothe rea] sun and can be
as brilliant as the sun itself. The sub-sun can develop a pattern of
other sub-suns, causing a further complicated illusion, At night,
the moon will reflect in the same manner under like meteorological
conditions, This type of apparition is particularly discernible from
aircraft at high altitudes,

The size and brilliance of sundogs and moondogs, and their be-
havior in relation to the observer's aircraft, will depend upon the loca-
tion and density of the reflecting source, i.e., ice or frost-crystal
formations, and, of course, upon the position and movement of the
aircraft, The sundog or moondog may appear to chase the aircraft
or fly in formation with it, If the aircraft turns toward the illusion,

it may appear to slow down, speed up, and even come toward the
aircraft head-on,

Cirrus cloud formations are effective viewing screens for
illusions resulting from reflected or refracted light, as they contain
ice crystals, These clouds exist inthe upper atmosphere, so that
conditions are favorable throughout the year for sundog and moondog
apparitions, However, such phenomena usually are discernible at
lower levels only during winter months in temperate zones,

17

A moon-dog might appear like this, viewed from an aircraft at two
o'clock high from the one in the picture.

AURORAS

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, produces conditions
and phenomena which have been associated with mistakenly-conceived
flying objects, Auroral activity is associated with the earth's
magnetic fields, explosions on the surface of the sun, and other solar

activity, The auroral zone in the northern hemisphere follows
roughly a circle around, and about 23 degrees away from the magnet-
ic pole, In Europe, auroras are seen only infrequently below 50 de-

grees,

The aurora borealis cannot be seen in daylight, and during moon-
lit periods it is inconspicious, It is sometimes bright enough to read
by, and on rare occasions, its surface brightness surpasses even that
of the moon, The most distinctive form of the aurora is that of a
curtain or long wavy band, often with folds and flutings init. Al-
though the lower edge of the aurora is nearly horizontal, the band as
seen from Europe would appear as anarc, due to its great distance
from the observer, Auroras may consist of more than one curtain
and may appear and disappear rapidly, remain constant for long
periods, or move slowly across the sky, Some may appear merely
as formless, diffused lighting in the sky. Faint auroras may appear
colorless. Bright auroras are usually yellow-green, but other
colors such as red, blue, grey and violet sometimes appear, A
yellow-green curtain often will be tinged with red around its lower

18

edge, Aurofas may appear high in the sky or low on the horizon,
depending on the distance of the particular phenomenon from the
observer,

While the chances of the aurora borealis itself being mistaken
for a flying object are remote, the erratic lighting conditions it
produces may often be a contributing factor to a sighting.

There are other phenomena believed to be associated with
auroral activity which can produce apparitions resembling flying
objects. Such phenomena occur during magnetic storms and prob-
ably are the result of gases emitted fram explosions on the sun,
and other solar activity. One such phenomenon, observed in north-
west Europe, was described as a large brilliant disk which appeared
on the east-northeast horizon and moved slowly across the sky,
changing into an elongated ellipse, thence back to a disk before it
disappeared below the opposite horizon,

This phenomenon was observed by many scientists who were
out in force to observe expected auroral displays in connection with
the magnetic storm they knew to be in progress. It is believed to
have been caused by gases traveling through layers of the upper
atmosphere in the auroral zone, Its color was described variously
as white, pearly-white, greenish-white and yellowish-white. Cal-
culations based on numerous observations of the phenamenon indicate
that it may have been about 70 miles long by 10 miles in diameter.

This phenomenon occurred before the advent of the airplane and
all observations were from the ground, However, a phenomenon of
this+size and brilliance could be seen for hundreds of miles from the
air, and in myriad fantastic shapes and maneuvers if camplemented
by compatible atmospheric conditions, Official astronomical records
reveal numerous equally fantastic illusions resulting fram phenomena
of this sort,

* * * & &*

The composition and structure of the earth's atmosphere and
the space which lies beyond, and the natural laws which govern
them, are complex, The foregoing is not an attempt to relate all
apparently unexplainable aerial phenomena to meteorological and
astronamical causes, Rather, it is a summation of the more import-
ant aspects of meteorology and astronomy which contribute to
sightings of illusionary and real flying objects that cannot be identi-
fied readily, The information is designed to orient the potential
observer in meteorological and astronomical conditions which
affect human perception, thereby enabling him to understand the
implications involved and report his sightings more rationally and
lucidly,

19

t t

SECTION Ill

Radar Sightings

In certain instances, unidentified objects have been observed on
radarscopes, both ground and airborne, Generally speaking these
radar sightings fall into explainable patterns and are caused by certain
meteorological phenomena, or familiar objects that are observed under

unnatural circum stances

Radar echoes can be produced by a variety of objects, many of
which are not visible to the human eye. A majority of solid objects
which return radar energy produce responses on the radarscope that
are easily recognizable, Moving objects,such as birds, aircraft and
meteorological balloons,are normally recognizable by their size and
velocity. However, some balloons, such as ionospheric balloons,
ascend to altitudes above those of normal aircraft and travel with the
upper air currents, sometimes at speeds above 100 mph, Radar re-
turns from these balloons could give impressions of unidentified

objects,

Certain meteorological and astronomical conditions will present
radar returns that are unusual, Radar waves must travel through the
earth's atmosphere where, like light waves, they may be bent by
unusual tem perature and moisture conditions, Radar waves may be
refracted or reflected by atmospheric conditions to where ground
objects may seem to represent an aircraft or flying object, Even
with a moving target indicator, reflected images of distant ground
objects may appear to be moving because of the movement of air

layers,

Temperature inversions, in which a cold air mass is overlaid
by a warmer air mass, can greatly increase the distance from
which normal radar returns are received, Thus, objects may appear
to be much closer than they actually are and these distant objects,

superimposed on the normal radarscope picture, may result in
misinterpretation and confusion,

Radar echoes may be produced by condensed water vapor in
the form of raindrops, ice crystals, or snow, These radar re-
flections may cover a wide area which has diffused, irregular °
boundaries and fluctuating intensities, Movement of this water
vapor will be determined by the movement of upper air currents
which travel at a speed of as much as 100 mph or more and at
altitudes up to 40, 000 feet. Normally, these patterns are easily
recognizable by their size and radar return; however, they may
appear confusing and result in false interptetations,

21

Wf
> Md G
9 \ ‘ Wy Y
—_ 2 Y
if G fy
% EARTHS SURFACE WY
Upp

‘es

RADAR

The transmission of a radar pulse, under normal atmospheric
conditions, follows line of sight. Therefore the curvature of the earth
would place Target ‘‘C’’ in the shadow zone.

The radarscope will show
Targets ‘‘A’’ and ‘‘B’’ at nor—
mal range, but will not pick
up Target ‘‘C”’.

Meteors that enter the earth's atmosphere and get within range
of radar may cause reflections that are extremely difficult to verify,
Meteors reach the outer fringe of the earth's atmosphere at a rate of
something near 100,000 miles per hour, although only a very few
actually get within range of radar, Those that do, approach the earth
from all angles and at velocities approaching 25,000 mph, Radar re-
sponses to these meteors may occur at any range or altitude, depending
only upon the capabilities of the radar set, Radar reports resulting
from this type of phenomenon can be verified by a study of the expected
paths of meteors at the time of the incident,

In addition, there is the possibility that one radar set, which has
characteristics similar to those of another radar set within range,
may cause interference and unusual responses that could lead to
confusion and inaccurate interpretation, Although this type of inter-

22

iv

YW!)

yy ZONE /

SUG,

Under abnormal conditions, with cool air overlaid by a warmer air
mass, a duct is formed through which the radar pulse travels and re-
flects Target ‘‘C’’ at a much greater distance.

_ Target A

, Target 8

The radarscope will show _ Target ¢

Targets ‘‘A’’ and ‘‘B’’ at nor—
mal range, but ye Target
‘*C’’ will appear to be at much
closer range than it actually is.

ference may cause the appearance of one or even two targets on the
radar screen, it can generally be recognized quite easily.

x* * * * *

A careful study of unusual radar sightings will almost always dis-
close that the reason is explainable, Experience in the operation of
radar will provide the operator with the ability to recognize most
unusual phenomena when they occur, However, occasionally a veri-
fication of meteorological or astronomical data may be necessary to
substantiate the validity of what otherwise might be considered an

unfamiliar flying object.
23

+ 7:

SECTION IV

‘Physiological Aspects

Physiological factors may have profound effects upon an indivi-
dual's ability to observe and to interpret observations accurately, One
of the greatest hindrances to human understanding can result from de-
ception of the senses, The sense of sight is, by itself, purely a
physical process and the perception and understanding attached to
visual sightings is determined largely by memory of past experiences
and familiarity with surrounding objects, This relation of experiences
to the interpretation of visual sightings permits many errors,

This margin of error may be applicable particularly to aircrew
members operating high-performance aircraft, under adverse or
unusual weather conditions, under tension, and during periods of

extreme fatigue.

The aircrew member is generally familiar with many of the
unusual observations associated with meteorological and astronomi-
cal phenomena, However, many unusual observations are the result
of certain physiological effects that may be unknown or unfamiliar.

Occasionally, objects that exist on the surface of the eye may
be mistaken for distant objects, These objects take various forms,
Tiny specks of dirt may appear as shimmering globules of light and,
if a speck is illuminated by an outside light source, it may appear as
a large, out-of-focus blob of light, If this speck is viewed against a
dark sky or background, it may be quite spectacular, As this speck
floats across the pupil of the eye, it will create the appearance of
movement,

Many reported unidentified objects, described as flying saucers,
glowing disks, shiny spots or a string of pearls, are nothing more
than minute blood capillaries on the surface of the retina of the eye,
or tiny corpuscles, which become visible under special conditions of
illumination.

Another physiological phenomenon is that of after-image. A
sudden flash of light affects the retina of the eye and causes a dark
image to remain visible for some time after the light has been extin-
guished, Flashes of lightning, comets, or meteors will cause this

effect and may be confused and interpreted as unidentified flying
objects,

25

Hypoxia, resulting from lack of oxygen, has varying effects on
the ability to react and to observe accurately, The effects of hypoxia
may vary much in the same manner as those of alcoholic intoxication.
Usually vision is affected, reactions are retarded, and observations
are distorted, An oxygen mask leak may cause alternating stages of
hypoxia and normalcy, with the individual often being unaware of these

changes.

In 4 series of tests conducted at the USAF School of Aviation
Medicine to determine the effects of fatigue, it was discovered that
extreme fatigue may cause an individual to hallucinate, imagining
that he sees a variety of unusual objects, and with a vividness to
make them seem quite real. Fatigue, even in minor degrees, will
slow down reaction time and reduce ability to observe and interpret
observations,

Two phenomena that occur frequently are those of autohypnosis
and autokinesis., In both of these reactions, a stationary light will
assume apparent movement. In autohypnosis, this reaction is
caused by continued attention to an external light source, Auto-
kinesis is the result of observing a stationary light under circum-
stances in which relation to familiar objects is absent,

There is strong evidence that a great many visual problems,
both physical and physiological, arise as a direct result of flight
at high altitudes,

When flights are conducted at relatively low altitudes, the visi-
bility of distant targets will be reduced by atmospheric haze, This
is because light emanating from objects in space is gradually atten-
uated by absorption and by primary and secondary scattering along
the pathway of sight.

Along with the variation of the contrast by atmospheric inter-
ference, there is a shift of the apparent contours, This has been
disclosed by experiments performed at the USAF School of Aviation
Medicine, From these studies, it was concluded that the apparent
angular size and apparent distance of objects depend on the bright-
ness reduction of the atmosphere, With increasing altitudes, the
deviation of the apparent luminance from the actual luminance of an
object in space will result in the object's appearing brighter than it
actually is. This may result in false identification of a normally
familiar object.

% * * x«

The physiological effects enumerated above are but a few of the
manifestations resulting from known reactions, Many physiological
effects resulting from high-performance flight are still in the cate-
gory of unknowns, However, these factors greatly influence one's
ability to understand and interpret sensory reactions, If recognized

by the aircrew member, they may aid in identifying unfamiliar objects

26

a

SECTION V

Psychological Aspects

Reasoning ability, degree of susceptibility to suggestion, and
general mental attitude are vital factors in identifying and reporting
flying objects, Failure to note details accurately and a tendency to
overdraw descriptions of sightings can result in failure to identify,
An over-active imagination, coupled with physiological strain, can
transform unfamiliar meteorological or astronomical phenomena
and light aberrations into unidentified flying objects,

Perception and feeling are closely related and can have a marked
effect upon understanding. Motivation in many instances determines
how we interpret what we see, and expectancy can induce manifesta-
tions which are only indirectly related to actual physical phenomena
or objects, The separation of what may be observed through the
senses from what is known through thought or intuition is difficult,
inasmuch as understanding is derived from a combination of both,
However, an objective attitude, which permits assessment of ob-
served characteristics, rather than suppositions or theories, will
assist the observer in avoiding distorted descriptions,

It has been suggested that the world each of us knows is a world
created in large measure from our experience in dealing with our
environment, When two points of light, one brighter than the other,
are placed at an equal distance from an observer in a dark room,
the bright point of light looks nearer than the dim light, if one eye
is closed and the observer remains motionless, The direction from
the observer, as well as a difference in brightness, will result in an
apparent variance in distance, Should two equally bright lights be
placed near the floor, one about a foot above the other, the upper
light will appear to be at a greater distance from the observer than
the lower one, Conversely, when the lights are placed near the
ceiling of the room, the lower light will appear to be farther away,

When two partly inflated balloons are illuminated indirectly and
fastened in positions about one foot apart, where their relative
brightness and inflation can be controlled, the observer will experi-
ence a variety of reactions as to what he saw,

If the brightness and size of the two balloons remain the same
and the observer views them with one eye at a distance of approxi-
mately ten feet, he sees two bright spheres equidistant from his
position, If the relative sizes are changed and the brightness re-
mains the same, the larger balloon usually appears nearer, When

27

the size is changed continuously, the lighted balloons seem to

move rae forth, giving the effect of errat’ ovement of
lighted s res through space, This is true eveh when observed
with both eyes, If the relative brightness is varied constantly and
the size remains the same, a similar effect is obtained, When
there is a variation in relative size and brightness, most observers
are inclined to judge distance by relative size rather than by relative

brightness,

The effect of these tests upon the observer is premised on the
fact that he draws upon past experience in assessing distance based
upon relative size and brightness, He assumes that, since the two
points of light appear similar, they are identical and of equal bright-
ness, Therefore, the point of light which seems brighter must be
nearer. In the case of the two points of light placed one above the
other, past experience leads the observer to assume that, when he
looks down, the lower light is nearer and, conversely, that, when he
looks up, the higher light is nearer,

With regard to the seeming variance in distance when the size
of objects is changed continuously, rarely has the observer seen two
fixed objects at the same distance change in size, Usually any change
in size of an object results from a change in the position of the object
in relation to the position of the observer, As the object draws near-
er, it becomes larger, and the reverse is true as it drawg farther
away. Therefore, in the case of the two balloons, the observer as-
sumes that any change in size of the two balloons results from a
variation in distance from his point of observation,

These experiments show how misinterpretations can result from
the relation of visual perception to past experience in an effort to
understand and recognize the object or objects seen,

When we see an object, we derive an impression not only of its
location, but also of its existence as an object, and the location as
related to visual perception will color the characteristics it posses-
ses, Objects seen through haze or mist, or in reflected light, will
assume characteristics they do not possess normally, but, because
they have been perceived visually, the observer tends to accept them
as real, Thus, psychologically, he creates an object with character-
istics which do not exist in actuality, k is essential, therefore,
that the observer analyze his observations in relation to unusual
weather or lighting conditions and reject characteristics which de-
viate from the normal and can be explained by the unnatural condi-
tions under which they were seen.

When we see an unfamiliar object, we draw upon our individual
past experience in an attempt to identify it. If the unfamiliar
characteristics of the object cannot be related to past experience,
we have a feeling of uncertainty and it is then that we draw upon imag-
ination in an effort to relate visual perception to understanding,
Imagination is colored by suggestion and herein lies an inherent
danger,

28

This handbook has been prepared by laymen in the hope that it will
provide guidance in the identification of flying objects which cannot be
identified. Comments and suggestions for improvement will be welcome.

e are open to suggestion constantly in our daily lives, Ad-
vertising media, artists' concepts, modern-day science fiction,
propaganda, exaggerated film versions, publicity on perpetrated
hoaxes, and the imaginings of zealots and fanatics all react upon the
consciousness in the form of suggestion, When we seek an explana-
tion for the unusual or unfamiliar, and attempt to draw upon imag-
ination instead of rationalization, suggestion influences our
thinking.

t

& * * * *

Physiological changes due to fatigue and intense strain enhance
the susceptibility to suggestion and may induce psychological mani-
festations which a more rational state of mind would reject. The
observer should attempt to evaluate his observations. Objective
analysis of those characteristics he has observed, in relation to the
conditions under which they were seen, will assist in identification
of the unfamiliar object and result in more accurate reporting.

29

‘ &

SECTION VI

Visual Perception

Since visual perception supplies the first awareness of a flying
object, it is important to know "how to see,'"' Knowing "how to see"
will facilitate identification and reporting of flying objects. The fol-
lowing aids to "seeing" to the best advantage are provided from Air
Force Manual 51-7, "Your Body in Flight."

SKY SEARCH

It is a common misconception that the eye "'takes a picture" of
everything within its field of view. This is not true, Pick out any
word in this sentence and then move your eye to the next and then
the next, You will discover that you can no longer read the first
word after having moved your eye about 5 degrees,

You see best in daylight and the eye sees by moving in short
jumps. ik is not a sweeping but a jerking motion with which you see
details around you. This is of the utmost importance to the combat
pilot scanning the sky for the enemy. Experiments have shown that
the eye sees nothing in detail while it is moving. It sees only when
it pauses and fixes an object on its retina, In scanning the sky, do
not deceive yourself that ycu have covered an area with a wide,
sweeping glance, The correct way to scan is to cover an area with
short, regularly-spaced movements of the eye, The scanning pat-
tern followed depends, of course, on your position in the airplane.

DEPTH PERCEPTION

Judgment of distance is done subconsciously in a combination

of ways: Close up, we depend on binocular vision, each eye seeing

an object from a different angle, At distance beyond binocular
range, which is usually the case in flight, we judge it on a one-eye
basis, Examples of methods of depth perception follow:

Binocular vision

31

From the known size of an object and how much of our visual
field it fills.

From our knowledge of perspective and the convergence of paral-
lel lines at a great distance.

From overlapping — an object overlapped by another is known to
be farther away.

32

From light and shadow — an object casts a shadow away from the
observer if the light is nearer.

From aerial perspective — large objects seen indistinctly apparent-
ly have haze, fog, or smoke between them and the observer and there-
fore are usually at a great distance.

From terrestrial association — objects ordinarily associated are
judged to be approximately the same distance.

33

4 a

The eyes change focus to see objects within about 20 feet, but
do so almost not at all for distant objects.

SEEING AT NIGHT

It is easy for your eyes to play tricks on you at night when you
stare for some time at a light - say, the tail-light of a lead airplane.
What happens is technically known as autokinetic movement, or more
commonly as stare vision, If the light is stationary, it may seem to
move and swing in wide arcs, [If the light is moving, it may seem to
move to the side when it is actually going straight ahead. The cure
for stare vision is don't stare - keep shifting your gaze from point to

point,

Another common illusion at night is to see a light expanding or
contracting at a fixed distance fram you when actually the light is
approaching or going away. Again, shift your gaze.

One last tip on seeing at night is to keep your windscreen scrupu-
lously clean, Dust, grease, water droplets, scratches, and the like
all obstruct your view, night or day... Many a speck onthe windshield
could, after a few hours, take onthe silhouette of ''an unidentified
flying object."

With regard to color perception at night, blue and green lights
are seen most easily; red and orange are seen least easily,

From motion parallax — When the observer fixes his sight on one
object while his head or body moves, other objects apparently moving
in the same direction as he are judged to be more distant, while those
apparently moving in the opposite direction are judged to be nearer.

34

& t

SECTION VII

Reporting

In reporting flying objects, there are certain major character-
istics which should be noted, These include:

(1) Number.

(2) Shape.

(3) Color.

(4) Speed,

(5) Acceleration,

(6) Size.

(7) Altitude.

(8) Sound,

(9) Light brightness.

(10) Maneuver characteristics.
(11) Range.

(12) Direction,

(13) Initial and final elevation.

Certain variable factors, such as the observer's position or
movement during the sighting, speed of observer's aircraft, the
position of the sun relative to the observer, the angle of elevation
of the sun above the horizon and its bearing from true north as
seen by the observer at the time of sighting, and the duration of

the observation are important in determining final identification
of the flying object.

An estimate of the number of feet at which an object is travel-
ing above the aircraft's altitude may be substantiated by using the
range capability of the radar gunsight.

Air Force Regulation 200-2, dated 12 August 1954, establishes
procedures for reporting information and evidence pertaining to
unidentified flying objects. The reporting format includes the follow-

ing factors, which will serve as a guide to the observer in assessing
the characteristics of flying objects:

(1) Description of the object(s):

(a) Shape.

(b) Size compared to a known object (use one of the following
terms: Head of a pin, pea, dime, nickel, quarter, half dollar, silver
dollar, baseball, grapefruit, or basketball) held in the hand at about
arm's length,

35

a #

(c) Color.

(d) Number,

(e) Formation, if more than one,

(f{) Any discernible features or details.

(g) Tail, trail, or exhaust, including size of same compared
to size of object(s),

(h) Sound, [If heard, describe sound,

(i) Other pertinent or unusual features.

(2) Description of course of object(s).

(a) What first called the attention of observer(s) to the
object(s)?

(b) Angle of elevation and azimuth of the object(s), When
first observed,

(c) Angle of elevation and azimuth of object(s) upon
disappearance,

(d) Description of flight path and maneuvers of object(s).

(e) Manner of disappearance of object(s).

({) Length of time in sight.

(3) Manner of observation:

(a) Use one or any combination of the following items:
Ground-visual, ground-electronic, air-electronic, (If electronic,
specify type of radar),

(NOTE: Air-visual would be applicable here to the air-
borne observer),

(b) Statement as to optical aids (telescopes, binoculars,
and so forth) used and description thereof,

(c) If the sighting is made while airborne, give type air-
craft, identification number, altitude, heading, speed, and home
station,

(4) Time and date of sighting:

(a) Zulu date-time group of sighting:

(b) Light conditions (use one of the following terms):
Night, day, dawn, dusk,

(5) Locations of observer(s), Exact latitude and longitude,
or Georef position, or position with reference to a known landmark,

(6) Weather and winds-aloft conditions at time and place of
sightings:

(a) Ceiling.

(b) Visibility.

(c) Amount of cloud cover,

(d) Thunderstorms in area and quadrant in which located,

36

LS mm

(7) oe other unusual activity or a Se
astronomical, or otherwise, which might account for the sighting.

(8) Interception or identification action taken,

(9) Existence of physical evidence, such as materials and
photographs.

While the above format should be used in reporting unidenti-
fied flying objects, there are other details which are helpful to the
observer in identifying the flying object, or in reporting its character-
istics,

These include:

(1) Relation of the size of the object to the size of the moon
or the sun,

(2) Various types of sound, such as rumbling, whining, hum-
ming, swishing, explosive, or jet or rocket-type sound,

(3) Color may be described in terms of the color spectrum,
with additional details to indicate metallic or luminous character-
istics,

(4) Speed may range from a stationary or hovering position
to 100 to 400 miles an hour, or to a speed similar to that of a
meteor,

(5) Shape may vary from that of a conventional aircraft to
that of an unconventional aircraft and may ! e described as ellipti-
cal or disk-shaped, cigar-shaped, propeller-shaped, conical,
rocket-like, meteor-like, or having the characteristics of tails
of flame or fire.

(6) Light brightness may be described in terms of dullness or
brilliance, by’ camparison to moonlight, or to the reflection of sun-
light on various metals, such as aluminum, or a mirror, or on
dull surfaces such as stone or plaster.

(7) The degree of brightness may be related to the apparent
distance of the object.

(8) Angular velocity, that is, speed measured in degrees, may
vary from zero through very slow, slow, moderate, rapid, very
fast, extremely fast (90 degrees per second) to more than 90 de-
grees per second,

(9) Angular acceleration, or change in angular velocity, may
increase or decrease slowly, fast, or very fast,

37

- t
SUMMARY

The various manifestations that are created by meteorological,
astronomical, physiological, or psychological phenomena have been
discussed with the intent of assisting the aircrew member in observ-

ing and reporting unfarniliar flying objects,

To date, the flying objects reported have imposed no threat to
the security of the United States and its possessions, However,
the possibility that new air vehicles, hostile aircraft, or missiles,
may first be regarded as unfamiliar flying objects by the initial

observer is real,

The United States Air Force is charged with the responsibility
of safeguarding the United States and its possessions, as well as
US forces abroad, from any threat that may arise from the air, In
order to discharge this responsibility, it is imperative that all un-
familiar flying objects be reported accurately, so that identification
may be made through subsequent investigation.

Current Air Force regulations outline the procedures for report-
ing unfamiliar flying objects. However, it is believed that a clearer

understanding of many natural phenomena, and of how to recognize
the conditions under which they occur, will add to the validity of sub-

sequent reports,

38

EEL ee

\easnmad,

me ee
y ’

VER SHEET | t SUSPENSE

ORIGIN OF BASIC

ASSIGNED BY

DATE TYPE 0 or

SUBJECT

AIDS TO IDENTIFICATION OF FLYING OBJECTS

ROUTING

Initial "IN" column to denote review prior to action, Initial "ouT"
action. (¥ for action; y~ tor coordination, )

——_—— _ ——

column to denote review of completed

| Ee rl in] ] Toutl in | 7} OUT
IN | OFFICE tt IN OFFICE Jour| in| _oFFice [our] IN oad [out] in bases {"
OIN-1 OIN-2 OIN+3 OIN-
-_ oe 4 jo
OIN+ 1X OIN- 2x | + Ton: 3x a | OIN+ 4X T T AFOIN-X Ss
| a [ | | _| o ale tT _[ aroin=x =
is + i r tir i: AFOIN-X!
+— = + + —s. ——— —_ a ——
| CIN AFOIN-X2
+ — 4 + Yad ——EE ae
aH 3 4 AFOIN-X3
‘eer or - t t ee a eo
MP t | | AECIN.Ax2 Zo Sgee, | atone
— AFOIN-X5
L [ T = 40 | | AFOIN- 2
i lt f 7 “T caaces
+ 4 4 | oxen
L f 1th orsearer
T | R "| orsParer ; a
TO: DATE
AFCIN-4X ATTN: Mr. Arcier 10 Oct 57
FROM: COMMENT NO.

AFCIN-X1A

COMMENTS (Use reverse, if necessary)

-
i Mr. Sanderson/pah/74903

1. The attached copy of letter from USAFE with inclosure "Aids to Idenfication
of Flying Objects" is forwarded for your comments on which to base a reply.

e. Request comments be directed especially to the accuracy and sufficency of
material therein as well as its possible use by other agencies and the general public.

3. oa woul ~~ 25 October 1957, in order that General Lewis’ reply to Col. Rogers

be prepared pr ouptly.
AN lig
NO

N. PERLBSR G
Lt Colonel USAF
AFCIN-X1A

Inel.

1. Ltr to Gen. Lewis fr Col Rogers 30 Sept 57
2. Booklet

AFHO , nr hs 0-86 previous EDITIONS OF THIS FORM MAY BE USED.

7)

AeEf&in - "TC S. 908344

e TABLE OF CONT Wrs

TITLE SECTION

Flying Objects and Their Characteristics....... i

Meteorological and Astronomical Aspects....... II
Radar Sightings....ccscsscccccccccsccsecceees Il
Physiological AspectS..c.ccccccsccsescccccesecses IV
Psychological Aspect .cccccccscesscsececcscees Vv
Visual Perception. ..ccccsccccccesccccesssseses VI

Reporting. .cccccccccccscccscsccseevcscecsceces Vil

PAGE

11

21

25

27

31

35

SUBJECT: Aids to Identification of Flying Objects

To: AFCIN-X1A 24 OCT 1957
Comment Nr. 2

FROM: AFCIN-4 4gh/Capt G.T. Gregory/
wm/ 69216

1. Attached publication, prepared for the most part from Project Blue Book,
AFR 200-2 and other pertinent guide material originally prepared by this Center,
is a commendable effort towards the philosophy enunciated in the D/I-ATIC con-
ferences last spring; that all USAF units be given guides and assistance to
properiy identify seemingly unidentifiable aerial objects.

2. Up to this time, the only aids to UFO investigation and field analyses

have been given to AISS and GOC units (See inclosures 3 and 4, "UFO Guide” now
being revised, and GOC "UFO" Poster).

3. A complete review and revision of subject publication would require a
respectable effort, which cannot be accomplished within the deadline given in
par. 2 of preceding comment. However, a review has disciosed the omission of
certain key points, significant clues and leads to UFO identification, and other
explanatory items. A number of items were revised; others were clarified. A
number of illustrations are submitted to properly clarify or explain key phenomena
(Figures 1 through 11). (See inclosure 5, detailed review and suggested revisions.

4. It would have been more desirable if a draft of the publication had been
submitted to the Center for review and corrections, assuming the guide in question
is a "final publication item". If not, then it is suggested that it be recomnended
to USAFE that the revisions, additions and illustrations submitted here be
incorporated into the proposed final pubdlication.

5. ‘The UFO guide and GOC poster (inclosures 3 and 4) may also be submitted
to USAFE, and should include the original UFO guide prepared for Air Force units
"How to make UFLYBRPTS", attached (icnlosure 6) both for possible use in the USAFE
guide and to demonstrate that the Air Force has not been remiss in UFO material and
publications as the letter from USAFE appeers to indicate.

6 Inels
1. Ltr to Gen Lewis fr USAFE Cap a USAR
. UFO Guide Booklet Capzin, USAF
. UFO Guide - Rough Draft rUilN-4X2Za

GOC Poster

Suggested Revisions to UFO Guide
w/l2 illustrations

ATIC Guide “How to Make UFLYBRPTS"

wi & Ww fo

ON

ND

—— PRonet VEp “vive

rebo | FILE CLASS:
5 "Roy, " es a % 4 OFFICIAL FILE CC

AFCINd a Vols ; _..OF FICE OF RECOR

'
® le. ah
L j oe (958

AFCIN—4X2b ABCINGWEL

| i‘ SUBJECT: (U) Aids to Identification of Flying Objects

AFCINW4X2c 243 Office of the Air Attache
— ATTN: Col U.W. MecDuffee
| } U.S.N., PPO. 100
4 AFCINA4X3 New York, New York
c| - le Attached is a draft copy of a proposed “Identification to
Palade tlying Objects” which this Center is in the process of revising. For
NJ. AFCIN-4X4_ puieposes of expediency, a copy of the “suggestions and revisions sheet”,
i : ree a4 illustrations to be added to the draft are forwarded.
me AFCIN-4X5_ | @, Subject material is forwarded in accordance with an informal
% | r@quest made to Captain Gregory of this Center. The material is similar
‘aE iP a “t thet used by Headquarters USAFE for the identification of UFOs and
t AFCINLAA Recently revised by this Center.

paren

4 ——| 3, Because of current budgetary limitations and manpower

strictions, publication and dissemination of the prop@ed guide, on
USAF-wide basis, within the near future is unlikely. Therefore, the
terial may be used as a “master” for the preparation of a document
guide to be assembled by your office in any format desired or as
ctated by the requirements of your organization or operations.

ae ee ee eee

_AFCIN=4B

_ - — -_—=—-

ae ee ee

_AFCIN—4C
=

— —~ oe ere re eee.

4. It should be stated, as a matter of guidance, that a large
of UFO reports submitted from overseas commands and facilities
d have been resolved on the spot, by a check and investigation of
1 pertinent local facilities, and conducting & preliminary field
ysis as prescribed in par. 5, AFR 200-2.

| AFCIN-4D

5. Also attached is Department of Defense and other material re-

| Wize . —~—~flecting the work, findings and other aspects on the Air Force "UFO
at et eee hy » together with the aforementioned guide, should provide
Dy Tat +e ¢: "eA necessary for training, indoctrination or informative

FOR. THE COMMANDER

cae
Oh ciate WALLACE W. ELWOOD

dxj|__—S*S*d Ae Cy, “ARMs to Ident of UFOs” = ‘9 elll Adjutant

ak 2. Suggested Revisions w/11l 90 DAYS
SS ewT4 —— | ~—s« Tlilus

| INITIAL

~ 3. USAF Questionnaire

ATIC FORM 144 (REV 10 4 HPD Releases ROUTING AND COORDINATION SHEET

—s -
po ROUTING SLIP

—_—
+

(] - “he « r Ws

FROM NAME OR TITLE

Sat

ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION

NEVER USE FOR APPROVALS, DISAPPROVALS,
CONCURRENCES, OR SIMILAR ACTIONS

\
FORM Replaces DA AGO Form 805, 1 Apr 48, and AFH
1 FEB 50 Q 5 Form 12, 10 Nov 47, which may be used.

e

‘ | ALS
af Le
‘ ™ x t A
ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION DATE

CIRCULATE

COORDINATION

—_— —_

FILE

a RETURN

INFORMATION

—

NECESSARY
ACTION

—-

NOTE AND

SIGNATURE

16—48427-4 Geo *

Ws) Denes -9 Fo & wiOpee ie
"oy Ts a Ae

SFITI, Hq Fifth Air Force, 5 Nov 57, Subj: Information Requesteaby'C® OF RECORD
__AFOIN-4 Fran
|

FCIN-LEL lst Ind 4E4/Capt G.T. Gregory/wm/69216

_AFOIN-4X2b AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER, Wright Patterson Air Force Base,

Dhio

bud

moO:

Commander, Fifth Air Force, ATTN: 5SFITI, APO 925, San Francisco,
California

-
=

ial

AFOIN-4X2¢

1. Attached is a draft copy of a proposed “Identification to
lying Objecte” which this Center is in the process of prepering,

) _AFOIN-4X3_Pditing and revising. For purposes of expediency, a copy of the
suggestions and revisions sheet", and illustrations to be added to
AFOIN-4X4 e Graft are forwarded.

YL AFOIN-4A 2. Because of current budgetary limitetions and manpower
iS] estrictions, publication and dissemination of the proposed guide on
a : USAF-wide basis within the near future is unlikely. Therefore, the
NN 4 material may be used as a "master" for the preparation of a document
‘i —ie pe guide to be assembled by your office in any format desired or as
5S asGnaal lictated by the requirements of the Japanese Air Defense Command,
-4

J 3. Also attached is Department of Defense and other material
y» | eflecting the work, findings and other aspects on the Air Force
y © Program". This, together with the aforementioned guide, should
> ovide ell basic data necessary for training, indoctrination or
S AFOINAC ormative purposes.
is

4
ai

a Incls
1. Cy, “Aids to
| Sea Ident of UFOs"
= ——| 2. Suggested Revisions

a“ 11 Illus

INITIAL

TIC FORM 144 (REV 20 FEB 56) ROUTING AND COORDINATION SHEET AF-WP-O-30 NOV 56 !

Page 3

SUGGESTED REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO UFO AID

DEFINITION: Insert, after 2nd paragraph: “unidentified aircreft"
are not within this definition of unidentified flying objects; hence

should not be a basis for the submiesion of UFO reports within the

meaning of AFR 200-2. The reporting of “unidentified aircraft"
usually results from the sighting of an aircraft which is readily
identifiable as an aircraft, but whose origin, type, purpose,
destination, etc. may not be known. These are the responsibility of
air defense and other pertinent: units, and should be “screened” or
"filtered" out from the UFO reporting system. This should include
jet exhausts, parachute flares, condensation trails, navigation
lights or other phenomena known to originate from aircraft or air-
craft operations, although the aircraft themselves may not be
immediately identified. These “unidentified” familiar objects are
not "UFOs".

BALLOONS: 2nd paragraph, 5th line: Change "one hundred feet” to read
"two hundred feet”.

After 2nd paragraph, insert separate psragraph substantially as
follows: The majority of ballcons released at night carry one or
more “running lights", which often contributes to weird or unusual
appearances. Many balloons carry metallic, triangular shaped “corner
reflectors" suspended some distance below the balloon proper (Fig. 1).
Larger, research types, may rise considerable distances before becoming
fully inflated, and may often be flattened on top until completely
expanded (See Fig. 2). Partially inflated balloons may be caught in

: ‘

jet streams, assume near horizontal positions, and move with con-
siderable speed. Encountering a flat, circular object (balloon
flattened on top) under darkness or adverse weather conditions,
arising from below can be startling even to experienced pilots.
Separate paragraph: Balloons can be observed when the sun is
vehind the horizon and the earth is in comparative darkness (See
Fig. 3). This has resulted in e considerable nuaber of UFO reports
over the last ten years. The two general "ciues” here is that
a. the sighting usually is observed just before dawn or little
after sunset and b. the shape of the UFO appears cither as “disc”
or “spherical” and bright reddish-orange, pink, or reddish-white.
The coloration is caused by the sun's slant rays reflecting off the
balloon's surfaces.
ASTRONOMICAL BODIZS: Separate paragraphs substantially as follows:
Meteors will appear to vary in shape from round to elongated, tear-
drop in shape, and in size from tiny pinpoints to the size of the
moon. Colors will range from yellowish-white through red, blue and

green hues depending on the atmosphere.
Although observed singly, meteors may be observed in clusters.

The time in sight is generally iess than 10 seconds. Although

improbable that meteoric bodies themselves can be picked up on
reader, the meteor trails are generally good refiectors and will
often “paint” on radarscopes.

An extremely brilliant, rarely seen form of meteorite is called
e “firebeli". Fire balls, unlike ordinary meteorites do not burn

Page 5
and 21

' t

themselves out in the upper atmosphere, but persist into the lower
levels crashing into the earth's surface. A fireball that explodes be-
fore reaching the earth's surface is usually referred to ae a

“bolide", An encounter with a fireball during darkness can be a4
frightening experience, as these bodies can suddenly illuminate

the surroundings with a dazzling, daylight intensity.

Conclude with (separate paragraph): It has teen repeatedly
proved that attempting to observe objects later found to be stars,
planets or other apparently fixed celestial bodies, through hand-
held binoculars or giasses will often give an illusion of unusual
maneuvers, trajectories and speeds. This is particularly true when
such bodies ere observed under adverse sky or weather conditions.
RADAR SIGHTINGS: Comment: The summary section (page5) and the
detailed Section III (page 21) gives the impression that unidentified
objects observed on radarscopes are primarily the result of
temperature inversions and other meteorological causes. The following,
in substance, should be integrated, as desired, into both sections:

1. “Spurious” blips or returns may also be caused by

a. Mutual interference between radar units

bob. Jamming

¢. Unknown malfunctioning of equipment

Gd. Rader target simulators
2. Even experienced radar operators can err in interpreting radar
returns. This is particularly true when operating personnel from

radar units located in stable-weather areas are assigned to

Page 9

Page 16

localities subject to unmsual, turbulent or suddenly changeable
weather conditions. Such conditions are generally conclusive to
anamolous propagation (Cee Fig 4 and 5).

3. Ten years experience in the investigation and analyses of the
UFO phenomena reported by radar units, has disclosed numerous
instances where both airborne and ground radar unite have observed
what apparently were objects in the air, and found to have actually
been ground objects. This was caused by temperature inversions
(See Figs 7, & and 9).

NEW FLYING OBJECTS: Suggest lst paragraph be changed to read:
There are two new radar aircraft now in existence which to the
uninitiated may appear as unidentified flying objects or so-called
"flying saucers", because of saucer-shaped radar antennas that are
affixed to their fuselage (See Fig 6 - WF-2 Radar Aircraft, and

the radar Super Constellation).

It should be strongly emphasized that many swept-back and delta-
wing aircraft can appear as weird and unusual flying objects,
particularly when observed under adverse weather or light conditions
(See Fige. 10 and 11, Block of Aircraft Photos). The Air Force is
in daily receipt of UFO reports describing "flying saucer" objects,
which upon investigation are found to be aircraft of the configuration
discussed here.

METEORS: lst paragraph, Sth line. Change "24,000,000 meteors” to
read “approximately 200,000,000 meteors."

Add separate paragraph on “annual meteoric showers", substantially

Page 23

as follows: Each year the earth passes through certain meteoric
showers at specific times eash year, which invariably results in a
large number of UFO reports. These annual showers can be exceptionally
brilliant, having thousands of meteors and meteor trails. Some of the most
prominent of these are the Perseids (August), Orionide (October) and
the Leonids (November). The Leonids, for example, which last for
approximately 7 days and reaches it maximum about November 16, bas
provided close to 200,000 meteors between midnight and dawn. Any

good astronomical text will furnish the dates and schedules of these
periodical showers.

Partial paragraph continued from page 22, should read "... may

cause the appearance of two or more targets on the radar screen.

In some instances hundreds of returns may appear.

* e

MEMORANDUM TO CAPTAIN GREGORY 18 Oct 1957

The data included in the radar portion is correct (with one exception),
there is a great deal of information which should be included but which is not
there. Some explanation regarding returns due to anamalous propagation which

appear as very fast moving targets should be included, since this is one of
the priné¢ipal types of radar reports received.

It should be emphasized that this task would require a respectable effort,
and couldn't be dashed off in a matter of a few minutes to meet a short deadline.
Some good scope photos of actual anamalous propagation and samples of interference
from other radars, returns from clouds, etc, would appear to be more informative

than the diagrams and scope sketches showing normal and abnormal propagation
which are in the article.

The exception noted in the first paragraph is to the statement that an
interferring radar will give one or two returns on the scope. Actually there
will usually be many times this many - hundreds of them, in fact. It is true

that they are usually easily recognizable.
VPS (—
pw G Oo {

V. D. BRYANT
AFCIN-4Ela

SECTION I

Flying Objects and Their Characteristics

DEFINITION

Air Force Regulation 200-2 defines an unidentified flying object
as any airborne object which by performance, aerodynamic character-
istics, or unusual features does not conform to any presently known
aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be positively identified as a
familiar object.

Unusual weather or light conditions may transform many familiar
objects into unidentified flying objects, The speed of the observer's
aircraft and sudden climb or descent may produce distortions of
vision which cause known objects to hover, perform erratic maneu-
vers, or glow and scintillate during hours of darkness, Many of
these flying objects can be identified as follows:

(1) Conventional aircraft observed fram unusual angles.
(2) Modern jet aircraft flying at great speeds and high altitudés,
(3) Reflections of sunlight, moonlight, and starlight fram aircraft
and balloons at great heights,
(4) Searchlight reflections on clouds,
(5) Meteorological and upper air research balloons,
(6) Meteors, comets, and stars,
(7) Planets observed at certain times of the year.
(8) Meteorological phenomena,
(9) Cloud formations,
(10) Birds, especially migratory formations.
(11) Dust and haze,
(12) Kites, fireworks, and flares,
(13) Rockets.
(14) Contrails,

A meteor, a comet, a balloon, or an aircraft, under certain
conditions, assumes speeds, movements and shapes which are entire-
ly uncharacteristic of the object under normal circumstances, Air-
craft at great heights can appear wingless and projectile-shaped,
Objects that appear to hover or move very slowly could be balloons,
Flame-tinged, or brightly glowing objects, and those objects appear-
ing to leave a trail of light in their wake may frequently be identified
as meteors or comets. Another explainable phenomenon may be
caused by the sun's illumination of vapor trails. Moving lights at

night, or shiny objects in the daytime, traveling at moderately fast
speeds, could be aircraft,

- y AFCIN-X1/Mr Sand n/1s8s/74903/15 Nov 57

21 Nov tos»

Colonel Craven C. Rogers

Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence
uarters, U. S. Air Forces in Europe

APO 633

New York, New York

Dear Buck,

Reference your letter of 30 September, forwarding copies of
your booklet on “Aid to Identification of Flying Objecte", TIC
reviewed the booklet and felt it wes a cormmendsble effort toward
solving one of our UFO headaches. However, they felt it would
heve been more advantegeous to you if it had been reviewed by
them before publication. It seems that the philosophy of the
UFO's has changed since the publication of Project Blue Book and
other earlier material. Their review disclosed the omission of
certain key points, significant clues and leads to UFO identifi-
cation, end other explanatory items.

We are in the process of revising AFR 200-2 in order to in-
corporate some of these new ideas, and to delineate responsibili-
ties for various aspects of the UFO progran.

I am sending along for your information the material prepared
by ATIC regarding your booklet.

FRANK B. CHAPPELS ©

4 Incls Colonel, USAF
1. UFO Guide - Rough Draft Office, Assistant Chief of Staff,

2. GO Poster Intelligence

3+ Suggested revisions to >
UPO Guide &/12 illustrations

4. ATIC Guide “How to Make UFLYBRPTS"”

COORDINATION:

AFCIN-X1 Coord cy

Col Hurley AC&.Cross ref
L/Col Perlberg XT Comeback
Mr. L. Sanderson Xl Stayback

BENE: Intelligence Liaison §....

SPITI 5 NOV. 1957

SUBJECT: Information Requested by JASDF

TO: Director
Air Technical Intelligence Center
ATTN: AFCIN-4E, (Capt Gregory)
wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

During a course of training given to JASDF (Japan Self Defense
Force) intelligence personnel on ATI training, considerable interest
was shown on the subject of unidentified flying objects. Request
any unclassified reports published by ATIC on this subject which
could be given to JASDF personnel.

JACK S. ZEIGLER
Lt Colonel, USAF
Director, ATILO
DCS/Intelligence

e @<t

19MM 19 99

HEADQUARTERS

UNITED STATES AIR FORCES IN EUROPE
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence

SEP. 30, 1957

APO 633, New York, N.Y,

Major General Millard Lewis
Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence
Headquarters, United States Air Force
Washington 25, D.C.

Dear Chief:

Please find attached copies of our publication on unidentified
flying objects. Over the past several years all of us in this business
have been concerned, directly or indirectly, with this subject. In fact,
even here in Europe we are plagued by reports from even our own people

which are so poorly rendered that we cannot make head nor tail out of
them,

This booklet was published and intended to be used as a training
aid and reporting guide. As stated in the first pages, there is no intent
to discourage reporting, but rather to acquaint the observer with what
he may actually be looking at. We find it mighty discouraging when
air crews with thousands of hours to their credit make fantastic reports
of what we often know to be natural phenomena,

Other publications may have been prepared in the past by other

agencies, but a thorough search by my people failed to locate any real
usable aid,

The thought occurs to me that this could well be only the first
step in acquainting our people with this sort of thing, and that perhaps
ATI could, for example, develop a system of colored slides to be used
in a course of instruction on the subject. Perhaps it should be included
as a part of our flying training instruction, and it might also be of use to
ADC in assisting their Ground Observer Corps. On the other hand, con-
sidering reports which we have all seen from commercial air lines people
we might make money by offering something of this nature to them,

I hope that in this year of austerity we have not duplicated anyone
else, and would appreciate your reaction to the booklet and the suggestions

made cecacae ee
DCS/INTEL.. IDC-DbCc ]
ONTROL NUMBER 5 ..097 08°" Ae

ee

l Incl: Booklet (10 cys) Ce Ceo ROGERS

Colonel USAF
DCS/Intelligence

io.

0 ahd FILE CLASS:

y Cp, i ’ OFFICIAL FILE COPY

y “the,

= eee ee HOS 46024 ATSS (ADC), 25 Apr 57, Subj: UFOB Guidance Mates MAFICE OF RECORD

—j—__—fponi-seh lst Ind 4Ek/Capt G.T, Gregory/wm/69216
a

| | sss ARR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER, Wright Patterson Air Force Base,

| AFOIN-4X2bUP 1° 2 1 MAY 1957

- eae
os EE 6 ; Commander, 46024 Air Intelligence Service Squadron (ADC), Ent
Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Coliocrado

— ai 1. This Center is currently in process of preparing subject
| | gf tdence material req quested, and should be forthcoming within two

a ace eke of this éate.

f aes 2. The known @ifficulty in attempting to provide guidance
Mterial on such a complex subject as Ul0s s Center's desire

~ “AFOIN-4X4 op erste h 2 bject UFOs, and this Center's desir

ee peep in a simple manner, the numerous clues, hints, leads and

pe 3. Ad@itional research and data is required on all the possible
> a fects that various objects (aircraft, balloons, astronomical bodies,
) can produce under certain conditions. For example, in a study
yo. ) 2=—té‘(a‘é‘éOR CUO reports Which indicate binoculars were used at night, there is
> ee most invariably the stetement "flashing, erratic or zig-zagging”
Tr | re of the UFO.: While the reason is obvious to those invoived
ete UFO analyses, the fact that binoculars, focused on a star, planet

moving spot of light, will produce these precise movements if
AFOIN-4C_ hand-held is often not considered even by experienced intelligence
on Sune a interrogating personnel. Also, the fact that a lerge number of

“| | ss weather and research balloons carry lights, which can produce unusual

| |  —s @pearances and maneuvers at night, is generally unknown to many.
ae

: AFOIN-4D 4, It is suggested that the numerical guidance items under each
i sacri mares item of an appendix, be followed with a brief, informal

pmmentary on other effects, appearances and maneuvers of each object
ee ie given conditions. The material being prepared is designed with

Mae view in mind, and may be used as deemed necessary to your
rticular requirements.

GOR ThHETCOMMANDER
26/s~)s-7

ee
Wve¥¢ ATs
alve¢ Aa yi
3142 “LU.

oY,

oa a
AFOIN-4F WAioR USAR, Oe
ware ta
‘Semantics be ce
aoe, 2 perm |
see ed ae vm |
R f | =
TH Aon FRY) J 4 [90 DAYS|
UN eT Liitiac |

TIC FORM 144 (REV 20 FEB 56) ROUTING AND COORDINATION SHEET AF-WP-0-30 NOV 56 25M

25 Apr 1957
AISOC

SUBJECT: UFOB Guidance Material

TO: Commander
Air Technical Intelligence Center
ATTN: AFOIN-4E4
Wright Patterson Air Force Base
Ohio

1. Reference is made to the conversation, 17-195 Apr 57, between
Captain Gregory, your center, and A/1C Barth, this organization,
concerning UFOB guidance material.

2. In accordance with the views expressed by Captain Gregory,'
this organization will publish a change to 4602d AISS Squadron Guide
200-2 on/about 1 June 1957.

3. The material to be incorporated into this change includes:

a. An expanded section on meteors, draYm primarily from
your letter, AFOIN 4E4, Subject: UGOB Guidance Material - Meteors
and Meteoric Showers, dated 14 Nov 56.

b. A new section on Radar Scope UFOBs, including the article
from "Electronic Week", which your center forwarded to this organization,
and an explanation of Anamalous Propagation.

c. An expanded section on balloons.

4. Im order to assist this organization in accomplishing this
change, request your center prepare:

a. A discussion on Anamalous Propagation.

b. Any information on balloons which your center deems
appropriate for inclusion in the change.

c. Possible suggestions for expanding any of the other
sections of Appendix "A", Guadron Guide 200-2, a copy of which is
attached.

FOR THE COMMANDER;

/s/ RICHARD B. RANDLE
App A, SG 200-2 Asst Adjutant

7-3745 — 9 7A.

10038556

RETURN TO

he ad 1 a «<
$ - ~ “kA

_ AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE
BRIEFING

ISV

\VIVHSY
S8AIUIIY |OWI0}SIN 4won

‘dV []emxoy

CLLIOE DIY

AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE
OHIO

AF-WP-O-15 MAR 5S IM

1. Information conflicting with or pertinently affecting
that contained in this publication should be forwarded by the
recipient directly to:

Commander
Air Technical Intelligence Center
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

This in no way abrogates or alters responsibility for sending
such information or any pertinent intelligence data through
already established intelligence collection channels of the
various services or agencies of the U.S. government.

2. WARNING: This document contains information af-
fecting the national defense of the United States within the
meaning of the Espionage Law, Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 793
and 794, Its transmission or the revelation of its contents in
any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.

to determine that there is 8 certein amount
of work that must be done each day, which does
not mean suspense slip items...was explained
to you.

Therefore, I feel that I must take this
informsl means in requesting some help. It is
difficult for one man to be Project Officer,
enalyst, administrator, policy planner, speech
and brief preparer, lecture writer and a host
of a million other things which sre not apparent
even to @ifearge sitting nearby.

The sttached example which had to be
gccomplished within 2 days in the midst of other
high priority and interrupting things is the
sort of a thing that cannot be done week after
week, by one man,

Agein I should like to apologize, but I
feel this matter has reeched a stage where [I
must ask for help. hi

Capt Gregory

é

NEVER USE FOR APPROVALS, DISAPPROVALS,
CONCURRENCES, OR SIMILAR ACTIONS

MEMO ROUTING SLIP |

1 NAME OR TITLE

INITIALS CIRCULATE

COORDINATION

FILE

INFORMATION

NECESSARY
ACTION

NOTE AND
RETURN

|

|

SEE ME

SIGNATURE

a Sa
remarks Doctor, I hete to burden you with my
troubles as you have plenty of your own.
However, here is one reason why I have been
working Saturdeys and Sundays for the last

4 months.

As you know, General Lewis! 60 minute
briefing, which used only S slides shook the
place up for 5 days in order to prepsre it.
This lecture is for 2 one hour ATI cless
periods end utilizes almost a half a hundred
Slides. Generally, somethingof this order
requires weeks of prepsration. I was given
the requirement PremCol Ericson, thru Mejor
Zimmerman less than a week ago. It hed to be
given Mondsy afternoon = which it was.

I am at my desk,
from 7 to 5:60 every day, and the majority of
the time I do not take the required helf hour
for lunch,to carry out the work ae is branc
All remarks to the effect thet I7teke it easy
or to “stop worrying" (generally “from people
who do not know or will not take Le ous
FROM NAME OR TITLE

|

_

—

as you know, practically

ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION

TELEPHONE

=

FORM
FEB 50

Replaces DA AGO Fortn 895, 1 Apr 48, and AFHQ
Form 12, 10 Nov 47, which may be used.

DD: 5

Jet vapor trails illaminated by the sun.

to determine that there is a certain amount
of work that must be done each day, which does
not mean suspense slip items...was explained
to you.

Therefore, I feel that I must take this
informsl means in requesting some help. It is
difficult for one man to be Project Officer,
analyst, administrator, policy planner, speech
and brief preparer, lecture writer and a host
of a million other things which ere not apparent
even to @ifearg sitting nearby.

The sttached example which had to be
eccomplished within 2 days in the midst of other
high priority and interrupting things is the
sort of a thing that cannot be done week after
week, by one man,

Agein I should like to apologize, but I
feel this matter has reeched a stage where I
must ask for help. fis)

ae
Capt Gregory

LECTURE ON

THE UFO PROGRAM

FOR THi ATA SCHOOL

GENERAL:

I consider it a distinct privilege to be able to speak to
you today and to have the opportunity of meeting a class which
has members that will become part of an organization upon which
so much depends with regardg to the Air Force's UFO project.

Unidentified Flying Objects, or "UFOs" are referred to as
"“Plying saucers" by the general public and by the majority of
nontechnical writers and publishers on the subject. We don't
like the name "flying saucers", not because only s very small
amount of the objects are reported as saucer shaped = but
because it represents weird stories, many of which are purposely
calculated to frighten the general public. The Air Force defini-
tion of UFOs is "any airborne object which, by performance,
configuration, aerodynamic characteristics or unusual features,
does not conform with any presently known or projected aircraft
or missile” - - more generally, we think of them as anything
airborne which cannot be identified as known or explainable objects.

The general purpose of this briefing is to give you some
background, the status and progress, and the general operations
of the UFO program as well as to provide you with some guidance
for the part that you may play in this highly controversial field.

BAC KGROUND:

At this point a brief background and history of the UFO
program should help to determine the progress and status of the
program , and to understand some of its problems and complexities,

The program started in 1947, when on 27 June of that year, a
private civilian flyer named Kenneth Arnold, sighted several disc-
like objects near Mr. Réirler in the State of Washington. He
described them es “flying saucers", a term which was forcibly, and
with much sensationalism brought to the public's attention. The
writer's and newspapers somehow picked it up. There wes a consi-
derable amount of speculation, theory, conjecture, and assumption
@s to the nature and existence of this phenomena. As a result,
the Air Force was given the responsibility of investigating and
analyzing these phenomena, and given the name of Project "Sign".

From June 1947 to February 1949, when the name of the program
was changed to "Project Grudge”, a -proximately 375 UFO reports were
collected and analyzed. In August 1949, a report on the results
was submitted to the Directorate of Intelligence. The average
number of unexplained sightings or "unknowns" for this period was
approximately 20%. It was concluded that these reports were due,
primsrily, tos

(1) Misinterpreation of conventional objects, aircraft,
balloons, astronomical bodies, etc.

(2) War nerves or mass suggestion and hysteria (e.g. the
Orson Wells case)

(3) Hoaxes and publicity seeking persons
(4) Psychopathic persons

In December 1949, these findings were released to the public
by the Department of Defense, and were given wide comment and
circulation by the Press.

From February 1949 to mid-1951, the project was carried on a
low-priority basis. In late 1951, there was suddenly a renewed
public interest and an increase in the number of sightings was
reported. A review of the situation made at this time seemed to
indicate that this was due to the emphasis placed on UFOs by the
Press. In the summer of 1951, the project was reviewed by the
Directorate of Intelligence, Hq, USAF, and Project Blue Book was
established, with the recommendstions that reporting, investigating,
and analytical procedures be improved where possible. This wes
complied with as we shall show later,

The "peak year" in the UFO program was 1952, when a monthly
average of over 10U reports per month were received. This compares
with approximately 10 per month for 1951. The publicity and fanfare
given to the UFO controversy by press, publishers, writers and others
reached a high pitch during 1952 and developed a tendency on the
part of the public to question the Air Force's handling of the
alleged “menace” presented by "flying saucers",

From 1947 to the present time, we have investigated and
analyzed thousands of UFO cases of every imaginable variety.
During these eight years or so, the Air Force was repeatedly
accused of withholding vital “flying saucer" information from the
public; that UFO's were Soviet aircraft of such advanced design
and fantastic speeds that they could traverse the skies of Americe
and return to Russia in a matter of hours; that they were space-
ships manned by super-intelligence beings from another galaxy
which were drawn to the earth by the atomic tests set off by the
U.S. and Russia; that the UFO's represented the Lord's advance
scouts preparatory to the Judgement Day; and, unfortunately, by
some people high in influential positions, that they were our own
experimental aircraft, which,through some conspiracy in top AP
echelons, were purposely allowed to roam our skies at night,
calculated to frighten our people into thinking they were Soviet
aircraft, in order to procure larger appropriations for the Air
Force.

During this trying period - without fanfare, ballyhoo or
undue publicity, the Air Technical Intelligence Center went quietly,
solemnly and seriously about the business of investigsting an

- 3-«=

analyzing this large mass of UFO data. As we got deeper into the
matter, it was found that ATIC investigators and analysts alone
could not do the job of attempting to evaluate and explain this
phenomena. Other fies of science were involved. Therefore, we
solicited the aid of some of the best scientists and technical
people in the country, in the field of astronomy, meteorology,
aerodynamics, physics, and yes, psychology, to name a few. For
example, the prime UFO scientist-consultant is Dr. Hynek, who is
Professor of Astrophysics and Astronomy, Ohio State University,
Secretary of the American A8Stronomical Society, and Director of the
IGY Satellite Tracking Program. Other scientific personnel,
outside of the Air Force, are utilized on s "as needed" basis.
This portion of the project to improve the over-all UFO program
wasunder "Project Stork",

It became apparent thet if reporting and investigative pro-
cedures could be improved, the percentage of unsolved sightings
would decrease, Accordingly, #re-Seitc= ting precedures—rerse—scoptes
; in bette 1952 4

tty fhe 4602d Air Intelligence Services Squadron (Headquar-
ters, Air Defense Command) was directed to carry out all field
investigations and preliminary evalustions of UFO sightings. This
organization has units deployed throughout the U.S. and they are
so highly mobile that they can arrive "on-the-spot" within a very
short time efter a UFO report is received. This would supply the
most important of all factors =- timeliness, end would leave ATIC
free to perform final analysés and evaluations.

(Slide 1 = Location of 4602d Field Units)

We now had, in our opinion, the best investigative snd
analytical tools to do the job of identifying or explaining UFOs.
Let us see what effect the 4602d and the use of scientists and
specialists had on the UFO program.

(Slide 2 - UFO Statistics - 1947 to dste)

The drop in both the percentege of "unknowns" as well as the
total reports should be noted. As may be noted from this chart,
the percentase went from 22% to 15% to 9% and now to approximetely
5%. It became apparent as more prompt investigations, and as we
ecquired more experience in UFO analysis and appraisal procedures,
and better utilized the services of scientists, the percentage of
"unknowns" would drop. However, notice the sudden rise of UFO
reports since early 1956. This is significant and is one of the
reasons for this briefing.

EFFECTS OF PUBLICITY:

Before we proceed in the matter concerning the sudden rise of
UFO reports, a few words should be devoted to the effects that
certain types of publicity has on the UFO Program, which, in turn,
can effect both the top people in the Department of Defense, as
well as the investigators in some field unit. As an example, within
two weeks in July of 1952, radar scopes in the Washington Airport

showed certain unidentified blips. Aircraft were sent up to
intercept and identify these objects. They found nothing. The
press somehow picked it up. Within a matter of hours, headlines

not only in Washington, but in other parts of the country screamed
that "flying saucers" were hovering over our capitsl. The next slide
will show you an example of this newspaper sensationalism,

(Slide 3 - "Jets alerted for saucers"

UFO reports in great numbers started pouring in at the Center.
Both the Department of the AirForce and ATIC were beseiged with
demands for explenation or comment. As @ result, on 29 July 1952,
General Samford held a press conference which was televised
nationally. A review of the statements made by both the press and
puolic indicated thet General Samford's explanations and assurances
that the phenomena were not of interplanetary origin and did not
constitute sa threst to the United States were not only received
with some skepticism generally, but were, in fact, totally rejected
by a large number of writers and so-called UFO "experts", As a
matter of note, the much publicised "Washington Flying Saucer
Sighting", which purported to show flying saucers hovering over
the capital, but which were in reality clips on rader scopes
created by unusual atmospheric oonditions, was a mejor item of
issue during this conference.

The correlation between the type of publicity given to UFO
sightings by the press and the publishers, and the affect it has
on the number of reports received is shown by this slide.

(Slide 4 - Effects of Publicity on UFO Reports)

Note the effect of the conservetive and scientific approach
of "Life™ and "Look" magazines on UFO reports for that period, in
contrast to the newspapers! treatment of the Washington Radar
"Flying Saucer" incidents and General Samford's press conference.
The New Yorker's “middle-of-the-road" treatment, and its effect on
Sightings is also interesting to note.

During the last six months, an increase in UFO reports has
been noted. In August alone, for example, 125 reports were received
by ATIC, the largest number since the pesk yeer of 1952. Of some
concern, and paralleling the increase of UFO reports, is the fact
that during this time, there has been a grest increase in the
number of privste UFO organizations, as well as books, motion
pictures, and TV presentations on this subject.

A year or so ago, there were only s handful of these self
appointed research organizations, dedicseted to investigation and
analysis of UFO's. As of this date, there are more than forty
such organizations of which we have knowledge, and they are
increasing monthly.

et

In early 1955, five books on "flying saucers” were published.
To date approximately twenty have been published, and heve received
wide circulation here and abroad.

There are now six motion pictures in circulation hsving "flying
saucer$ as their theme. One motion picture which was released in
May of this yeer, and which is still receiving considerable publicity
uses as its main characters former UFO Project Officials md per-
sonnel. Its technical advisor is a former UFO Project Officer,

The mein plot is centered around two colored film strips of so-called
"flying saucers". These film strips were previously submitted to

the Air Force for examinetion, and consist primsrily of moving

spots of light against a blue sky. Our corclusions were that the
objects in one film were aircraft and in the other sea gulls.

These conclusions were corroborated by an independent study mace

by the research organization of an aircraft menufacturer of very
high standing.

With very few exceptions, buth these self-appointed organiza-
tions and the books published have been highly critical of the
Air Force handling of the UFO matter. They ell show a desire to
embarrass the Air Force. A number of these privete organizations
have written directly to President Eisenhower, to General Samford
and to members of Congress, requesting or demanding hearings,
briefings, or discussions with UFO project officials.

During the last five months, we have prepared detailed letters
to Senator Knowland, Senstor Byrd, and Representative Moss regsarding
aspects of the UFO program which have been bought to the attention
of these gentlemen by so-called privete "UFO specialists",

Although these UFO organizations include some sincere, well-
meaning members, our experience in discussions with sponsors of
such organizations has shown that any Air Force explanstions or
statements are either totally unacceptable or are met, at the
least, with skepticism. Our explenaetions and statements sre
either misinterpreted, misquoted, exagrsersated or used out of
context, all to the detrimen of the Air Force in general, and the
Mirectorate of Intelli,ence in psrticulsr.

UFO OPERATIONS

To give you a little better idea of the project, I would like
to tell you how we operate. Air Force Letter 200-2 is the basis
for our operations *« Zh ’statés that the ATIC is responsible for
analyzing all reports of unidentified flying objects and thet each
Air Force unit is responsible for cooperating with the Air Defense
Command in the investigation of UFOs and in forwarding reports that
they receive to ATIC. It further states that, if possible, all
reports will be forwarded by wire then followed up within three days
by a written AF Form 112. If AF Form 112's are not available the
report can be msce in letter form. This reporting requirement does

<+ ha) ek "
* Insert? Bu our operations 1S meaxt all te units and person
i ' . ' .* 6 r ' \
n2'| mars) vet of wv The YEO prog nam. inorder, Yron The igs
’ " \ \ hn j ‘
ew. ) q Sus a\ | He [ ndev St 3 \ Aha trac racine a a- —s ey \ ,oS aw
. ‘ =
Dv Rivmimany qualyseS weans We bor Tanss, as vwecll «cs ATIC,
= \ ign
- annk < hi

©S fhe meat ot “thd BS a mathe Lect ag .

not mean that the officer receiving the report from the source or
the observer does not have the prerogstive to make his own evalua-
tion and determine whether or not the sighting is worth forwerding.
In fact, we should like to insist on it. He may do this in two ways.
He may be able to identify the object, if he does, it ism longer

an unicentified flying object, and therefore, does not have to be
reported. Secondly, he may evaluste the report according to source
and content and determine that it would be of no value as far as

a follow-up investigation or analysis is concerned. To break down
this last point further, the officer receiving the report or the
person investigating may believe the source is of doubtful character
or it may be obvious that the source did not make cereful observa-
tions or tnat he was unreliable, or trying to perpetrate a hoax,

The more observers to a specific sighting, the better. If several
people make an observation their estimates can be arranged and the
results are a little more accurate. It is a good idea, however,

to at least note the name and address or telephone number of such
sources since it might be that their observation would tie in with
others and it would be necessary to contact them again.

EVALUATING THE SOURCE:

As in all intelligence matters, the source is extremely
important. We know psychology is a strong element in this project,
although we maintain that almost everyone who »eports actually
has seen something. At times they unconsciously let their imaginse-
tion twist the facts. It should be pointed out thet.ss stated in
Project Blue Book's specisl UFO report, in the majority of cases
we are dealing mot with facts, but with the observer's impressions
or interpretations of the UFO sighted. It is very difficult, if
not imposs e, to set down any rule to use in evaslusting a source.
Sometimes you can talk to a person and learn that they are very
imaginative. We go a lot on the person's background, age and sex.
An sirline pilot may see & vapor trail but to a housewife it is a
flying sseucer, possibly enhanced by the fact that she just read a
"flying saucer"story. This does not mean ell housewives are poor
sources, but categorically, commercial airline pilots sre more
reliable then hasewives simply because they have seen and can
identify a larger variety of things in the air enc are nsturally
more prone to be conservative in reports. As field investigators
you may encounter whet we term "complex sightings". we have
recently prepared and disseminated to sll 4602d Units, a solution
to the problem, and will show it to you st the end of tnis briefing.

BASIC CHECKS BOWARDS IDENTIFYING UFOs

Balloons:

“When you receive a report, the first thing that you should
check for is the possibility of its being @ balloon, aircrseft or
astronomical body because these three objects give us the most
trouble. We also go through this same procedure ss part of our
analysis of your report. To go into each of them a little more
specifically, we will start with ballonns,.

There sre two cifferent general categories of balloons. One
is the research type. These balloons vary in size, shape and are
released from various points in the U.S. depending upon what
projects are being conducted and are not launched at any scheduled
time. They may be small like weather ballons, there may be chsters
of these weather balloons, or they may be large plestic balloons
that are 100 feet in diameter. With the present emphasis on cosmic
rey study many different types of ballons are being launched, in the
U.S. every day.

The other category is the regularly launched weather balloons.
These are launched from known locations in the U.S. at definite times.
On the regulerly scheduled weather ballonn launchings, your unit
should have deta on all launch sites and know the approximate time
of launching esch day for the area under your jurisdiction. You
have the authority to go directly to these stations to obtain data
on their balloons or, if the time element is not critical, to go
through Air Weather Service to get it from their central files.
Fortunately, many of these balloons are tracked optically, by radar,
or by radio DF and it is possible to get the exact tracks of the
bal loons.

If you get a report of an object you believe to be a balloon,
check with your weather officer. He will know what stations in
your area launch balloons and from the general wind conditions st
the time of the sighting tell you where the balloon probably came
from. You can then get the plot of ballonn tracks and definitely
establish whether the object wes a balloon. If there are several
lsunch locations in your area, you may have to check them all,

Meany times a call to the unit lauching the balloon will suffice
as they can tell you the location of their balloon 6t a given time,

Balloons do not give us any trouble when they look like balloons,
it is when they don't look like balloons that they give us trouble
and they cm take on many odd appearances. In the daytime a balloon
will appear to be a very bright star in the sky. Under ideal con-
ditions, a balloon can be seen as high as 60,000 feet. This depends
@ great deal on weether conditions. During the daytime a balloon
at very high altitude will appear to be stationary or traveling
very slowly. At night balloons that ere ight will appear to be a
radically moving lisht. This light may even appesr to chenge color,
due to atmospheric conditions. The balloon will change direction
with wind and will appear to be a jerky, zig-zaggy course, At
dawn or dusk a balloon can appear to be a fiery red or oranve,
circular-shaped object inthe sky. The reason for this is that the
balloon is picking up the slanted rays of the sun, exactly the same
as a cloud will pick up the sun's rays in a sunset.

Some balloons carry radar reflectors suspended some cistance
below the balloon to give a radar return. The clue to this is that
they will be traveling with and at the same speed as the wind et
their altitude, and may present a weird appearance under some
conditions. Let us see why balloons make up a large number of our
UFO evaluations,

(Slide 5 = Balloon locations)

(Slide 6 = Balloon tracks)

arate 7 = Balloons reported as UFO's)

Slide 8 - Weather ballon with radar reflector
(Slide 9 - Radar reflectors)

Aircraft;

With the large air traffic triss-crossing the skies over Americe,
day and night, it is difficult to check aircraft. This is because
Flight Services and CAA co not keep a permanent record of sircraft
flights very long aiter the sircraft has landed. Therefore, it
is up to the officer receiving the report from the observer to
thoroughly check aircraft movements immediately. He may check
these through the control tower, through Flight Service, through
CAA radio stations, radar, or many various ways, but he should
check thoroughly, to see whether or not there were any aircraft
flights in the srea of the sighting. ATX units have a distinct
advantage here, because if the report is received soon enouché,
their rader units can be checked,

(Slide 10 - Canberra in fog)
(Slide 1l - Marianna film scene)
(Slide 12 - Marianna film scene)

Astronomical Bodies;

Many UFO sightings are caused by astronomical bodies. By
astronomical bodies we mean bright stars, planets, or meteors.
The most valuable information in the analysis of an UFO that is
suspected of being an astronomical body is the bearing, the azimuth,
angle of elevation, and the time. From this we can check back
through almanacs and navigation t ables and determine the locations
of certain bright stars. Bodies thst give us trouble are Mers,
Venus, Jupiter, Capella and several others. You should check stars
by obtaining the approximate time, azimuth and elevstion of the
reported object and grabbing the nearest navigator. Kemember,
however, that the average laymen cannot give exact degrees of
elevation or besrings.

leteors are not too difficult to evaluste because they seem to
have a standard description. If someone reports an object similar
to a rocket going across the sky at high speed, without chance of
course, zig-zagging or sudden change of sltitude, and leaving a
trail behind it, chances are it is a meteor, A meteor is seldom
observed for more than 10 seconds, horizon to horizon. Six
seconds is the averace. However, in certain instances we have had
very unususl meteors reported. e have found that there are certain
classes of meteors that astronomers call fireballs. These are so
rare that there is a good chance that you may see only one in your
life, if any. Many times these are reported by pilots as missiles.
We have had pilots who have compléeined to the Air Force about
shooting rockets, or experimental missiles through the sirways
and endangering their aircraft. This is a rather illogical state-
ment, when you get to thinking about it. One, if a missile
Sppesred enywhere outside the proving gapundcs chances are it would
be an ememy missile. However, if you have stucied missiles you
will note that the burning time, or the time before fuel cut-off,
is only @ relatively short period during the missile's flight.
If we would say, hypothetically, a rocket was shot from some foreign
country into the U.S., chances are very good tnst the fuel shut-off
point would heve come long before the rocket ever reached the U.S.
and it would not be emitting a flame.or a long trail.

~~

You can check meteors by looking for accounts of them in
the newspaper, or consulting local astronomers. This next slide,
through the courtesy of cur friend Walt Disney, emphasizes the
number of meteors hitting our atmosphere every day.

(Slide 15 - Target Earth,

Radar Sightings:

Since ADC has the vast majority of the radar that is operating
24 hours per day, we often receive UFO reports from them. AM
Regulation 200-2 covers such reporting. This regulation states
what information is to be forwarded. A™ uses a well designed
questionnaire, specifically for rader UFOs.

Although relatively new as a cause of UFO sightings, we are
well aware of the fact that certainweather eonditions and inter-
ference between two radars can cause wierd effects. Our problem
is to determine methods of more positively establishing the cause
of certain effects and even being able to predict when these effects
may take place,

When reporting a rader sighting, the exact weather data are
extremely important. Plots of the temperature, pressure snd moisture
vs. Altitude should always be reported.

Redar Scope Photos:

A large number of AT rader stations ere equipped with special
radsr scope cameras. AM Regulstion 200-2 authorizes the use of
these cameras for photographing abnormal returns. These scope
cameras should be ready to operate at all times since scope photos
ere an absolute necessity for the accurate evaiuetion of reports
involving radar. As intelligence field units, you should insist
that they use these csmeras whenever they verbaay report
unidentified blips doing wierd things on their radar scopes.

(Slide 14 thru 21 - Examples of radar scope
returns - anamolous propagation)

Other Causes of Reports:

Naturally balloons, aircraft snd astronomical bodies do not
account for all the sightings. We hsaveasmaller percentage of
other things, such as ducks and geese flying over drive-in theaters
et night, searchlights on clouds, unusual cloud formations, blimps,
pieces of paper caught in an updraft, and many othr things that
cause reports. These ere very difficult to check and tochecx them
we normally go back to old sightings. For example, sometime back,
a certain Western city was somewhat disturbed by glowing objects
that flew over the city on various nights. Finally, after consider-
able investigations, interviews and scientific study of the
phenomena, it was determ'ned that it was flocks of ducks or geese
reflecting the city's newly installed lights. We will take a case
like this and file it, both mentally and physically. When we come
across a similar report, we will go back and make a compsrative

gk = characteristic of many og eee of
unidentified flying objects in the past that they have indicated at least
some features of modern aircraft, There have been descriptions
including rocket or jet pods, fins or rudders, windows or portholes,
propellers, exhausts, etc. High speeds of modern-day aircraft
lesson the possibility of detailed observation, and only certain prami-
nent or familiar features of the flying object may stand out in the
observer's memory.

BALLOONS

Silvery, transparent, disk-like objects may be balloons, The
absence of exhaust or engine noise, or any visible means of propul-
sion, would support such identification, Weather balloons are often
released in clusters and may drift in what appears to be formation,
depending on the air currents, They shimmer in reflected sunlight
or moonlight, and seem to hover as they pass from one air current
to another.

Upper air research balloons may attain great heights and travel
great distances before they burst and fall back to earth. They may
be observed, therefore, in areas far removed fram any logical
launching site. Research balloons are usually constructed of material
with a highly reflective surface, They often approximate one hundred
feet in diameter and are visible, under certain atmospheric condi-
tions, even at extreme heights, Such balloons, seen in reflected light,
may seem disk-like in shape and may appear to have an oscillating
motion, They carry metallic equipment which can result in electron-
ic contact.

An object usually is not a balloon if its speed is too fast. How-
ever, some balloons, such as those used for cosmic research, travel
in the upper air currents at speeds often in excess of 100 miles per
hour. In identifying a flying object as a balloon, it should be borne in
mind that a balloon moves with the wind and not against it.

In the field of technological developments, new giant weather
balloons are being launched to fly at 30, 000 feet in an effort to learn
more about atmospheric pressures, temperatures, wind directions
and velocity over vast stretches of open sea. They will travel high
above regular air routes and will be rigged to destroy themselves if
they drop below 28, 000 feet, or fail to go that high, These balloons
are 40 feet in diameter and have a plastic skin only 2/1000ths of an
inch thick. Flying at great heights over open water, and reflecting

sunlight or moonlight fram their plastic skin surface, these balloons
could easily be mistaken for unidentified flying objects.

ASTRONOMICAL BODIES

The estimated asimuth and elevation of a flying object can be
checked to determine the known location of astronomical bodies,
Meteors may be identified by conformance to sise, shape and
maneuvers described in Sectim 2, "Meteorological and Astronam-

3

= ie

enalysis of the two reports. If they are substantially alike
we will evalusete the new report accordingly. This is about the
only method we have of checking such difficult-to-ident ify
sightings.

(Slide 22 - Richmond sighting)
(Slide 23 - New Zealend sighting)
(Slide 24 - Lubbuck sighting)

Hoaxes:

One phase of UFO operations which tekes so much tine and
effort, not to ssy unlimited patience, is the constant flow of
Sightings found to be, or strongly believed to be, deliberate
hoaxes. The Air Force does not take personal issue with individuals
who g0 out o: their wey to emberrass or cross-up the Air Force,
Public relations must be maintsined; we cannot, nor do we djesire
to initiate legal charges. Many of these hoaxes ere crude,
others are devilishly clever. JI should like to present only a
few examples from our files - with a few comments regarding escnh:

(Slide 25 - Brazilisn UFO)

(Slide 26 - Brazilian UFO)

(Slide 27 - Brazilian UFO)

(Slide 28 - Garbage can lid)

(Slide 29 - Emulsion flaw)

(Slide 50 = Emulsion flaw)

(Slide S1 - Time exposure of mcon)

(Slide S52 - Fragments of "flying saucer")
(Slide 53 - Crashed "flying saucer")

(Slide 34 - "India Ink" saucer)

(Slide 55 - Professor Adamski's saucer)
(Slide 36 = Reproduction of Adamski's saucer)
(Slide 57 - Hampton Bay, L.I. sighting)
(Slide 38 - ‘ ’ " )
(Slide 39 - e
(Slide 40 - satiae Sieuye

(Brite iz = Hopkinsville "Tittle Green Men" cease)

VIDEON CAMERAS:

As part of our efforts to scientifically approach end explein
the aeriel phenomena under discussion, we have designed and plsced
in selected locations throughout the U.S. specialized cameres,
referred to 6s Videon cemeras. These special cameras combine the
stereo-camere end the spectrographic principle. The Videon camere's
will break down the light received from any object into its vsrious
components. This permits the determinetion of the element or
combination of elements of which the object is composed. At the
present time they sre pleced in epproximstely 70 selected radar
stetions and control towers. To dste their use hes not indicated
anything unknown. to man,

(Slide 43 - Videon camera)
(Slide 4& - Test photo, Videon camera

oe Pine

PROJECT BLUE BOOK SPECIAL UFO REPORT:

At this point in the briefing, a number of you probably
may feel thet we are strongly anti-saucer, or thst our findings
were not scientific, objective or conclusive. To assure both
ourselves, and the people of the United States who we heve
sworn to protect, we undertook another step towerds this end.

In May of 1955, a large panel of distinguished scientists,
under the monitorship of Project White Stork, produced a very
extensive study, the Froject Blue Book Report Nr. 14, entitled,
"Analysis of Reports of Unidentified Aerial Objects". This
report represented the critical analysis of every UFO réport
submitted to the Air Force since 1947. In October 1955, this
report wes declassified by the Secretary of the Air Force, and a
public release ofthe sunmary of this study was mede by the
Department of Defense a few days later.

The conclusions of this study, which covered almost 8 years
of UFO sightings, were that:

(1) There is a totel lack of evidence thst these unknowns were
inimical or hostile

(2) There is a total lack of evidence thst these unknowns
were interplanetary spece ships.

(3) There is a total lack of evidence that these unknowns
represented technological developments or principles outside the
renze of our present-day scientific knowledge.

(4) There is a total lack of evidence that these unknowns
were & threat to the security of the country.

Further, there wes a totel leck of any physical or meterial
evidence - - not a piece - scrap - or 8s minute fragment - of
these so-celled "flying saucers" was ever found. As emphasized
by the Project Blue Book Report, it is our belief that if more
immediste, detailed, objective observational data could have
been obtained on the "unknowns" -- these, too, would heve bean
satisfactorily explained,

In conclusion, I should like to emphasize that regardless how
low the percentage of “unknowns" msy reach; regardless how well we
mesy perfect our investigative and anslytical procedures; and
regardless how adept we may become in explaining UFOs, we must, in
fact, investigste and analyze every reported incident. Even if
a fookproof system of identifying ell aerial phenomene was developed
we must remein on the dert. We do not know what developments may
take place in the future. Thet is our part of our Air Force mission.

Thank you.

(At this point - "Bluebook" Special Reports Nr. 14, will be passed
among the class for group discussion.)

EAAMPLiS OF " HAND-OUT " MATERIAL
TO BE GIVEN TO THE
ATI SCHOOL STU_LENYS FOR STULY

AND DISCUSSION

( UNCLASSIFIED )

*AFR 200-2
1-5

AIR FORCE REGULATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

NO. 200-2 WASHINGTON, 12 AUGUST 1964
INTELLIGENCE
Unidentified Flying Objects Reporting (Short Title: UFOB)

Paragraph
PUPD DER BN MCODE sus nsaguns Wd des baesnnabeabenbesedeneninnnbeeneneddhadakesus bein 1
Definitions saga R (rRUCMEMUAE EHD RSKREREOSRALaMeny Gan bGkmu Nr ueaNine um maaninee min 2
IUCR EN BESaRRenUnNONSEERaTaSURCERE LAE NSaMabnoauruNipaaeee eae ROne ab LLle cee 3
BRRCOUMIDUILY, JagdengnncannsnondlenGee seus phnneadalWuleL Judaun loo dwa coded teliies 4
GAGRNG pisos cant eo cna nwes conan wonvoteaseuineneuwn ne talabuueeneabn cer dunwadbowedeueu 5
Zi COUBCMON: Dakdkuwmdewsrdheraducnenenedntatdcsencubsucclucanswkieameesctbkuscwwunes 6
Reporting 25.252. nanos cn sd esc cie cee ew ene en se enn ene e weno nn cennecnnsencesceccnccnes 7
RIDES esealeiaen debehheaiiadenabbeniabuekunwadidiltnoatnndsnbdsdduonnudiiacdl tude 8
AGRE OTF ROE oad cuance hed nthe oat lellesenn niki Re maim edietsacennusinmtinsiek 9

1. Purpose and Scope. This Regulation es-
tablishes procedures for reporting information
and evidence pertaining to unidentified flying
objects and sets forth the responsibility of Air
Force activities in this regard. It applies to all
Air Force activities.

2. Definitions:

a. Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOB)—
Relates to any airborne object which by perform-
ance, aerodynamic characteristics, or unusual
features does not conform to any presently known
aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be
positively identified as a familiar object.

b. Familiar Objects—Include balloons, as-
tronomical bodies, birds, and so forth.

8. Objectives. Air Force interest in unidenti-
fied flying objects is twofold: First as a possible
threat to the security of the United States and
its forces, and secondly, to determine technical
aspects involved.

a. Air Defense. To date, the flying objects
reported have imposed no threat to the security
of the United States and its Possessions. How-
ever, the possibility that new air vehicles, hostile
aircraft or missiles may first be regarded as flying
objects by the initial observer is real. This re-
quires that sightings be reported rapidly and as
completely as information permits.

b. Technical. Analysis thus far has failed
to provide a satisfactory explanation for a num-
ber of sightings reported. The Air Force will
continue to collect and analyze reports until all
sightings can be satisfactorily explained, bearing
in mind that: ;

(1) To measure scientific advances, the
Air Foree must be informed on experi-
mentation and development of new
air vehicles.

(2) The possibility exists that an air ve-
hicle of revolutionary configuration
may be developed.

(3) The reporting of all pertinent factors
will have a direct bearing on the suc-
cess of the technical analysis.

4. Responsibility:

a. Reporting. Commanders of Air Force
activities will report all information and evidence
that may come to their attention, including that
received from adjacent commands of the other
services and from civilians.

b. Investigation. Air Defense Command
will conduct all field investigations within the
ZI, to determine the identity of any UFOB.

ce. Analysis. The Air Technical Intelligence
Center (ATIC), Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base, Ohio, will analyze and evaluate: All in-
formation and evidence reported within the ZI
after the Air Defense.Command has exhausted
all efforts to identify the UFOB; and all informa-
tion and evidence collected in oversea areas.

d. Cooperation. All activities will cooperate
with Air Defense Command representatives to
insure the economical and prompt success of an
investigation, including the furnishing of air and
ground transportation, when feasible.

5. Guidance. The thoroughness and quality
of a report or investigation into incidents of un-
identified flying objects are limited only by the
resourcefulness and imagination of the person
responsible for preparing the report. Guidance
set forth below is based on experience and has
been found helpful in evaluating incidents:

a. Theodolite measurements of changes of
azimuth and elevation and angular size.

b. Interception, identification, or air search

*This Regulation supersedes AFR 200-2, 26 August 1953, including Change 200-2A, 2 November 1953.

AFR 200-2
5-7

action. These actions may be taken if appro-
priate and within the scope of existing air defense
regulations,

c. Contact with local aireraft control and
warning (AC&W) units, ground observation corps
(GOC) posts and filter centers, pilots and crews
of aircraft aloft at the time and place of sighting
whenever feasible, and any other persons or or-
ganizations which may have factual data bearing
on the UFOB or may be able to offer corroborat-
ing evidence, electronic or otherwise.

d. Consultation with military or civilian
weather forecasters to obtain data on: Tracks
of weather balloons released in the area, since
these often are responsible for sightings; and any

unusual meteorological activity which may have
a bearing on the UFOB.

e. Consultation with astronomers in the area
to determine whether any astronomical body or
phenomenon would account for or have a bearing
on the observation.

f. Contact with military and civilian tower
operators, air operations offices, and so forth, to
determine whether the sighting could be the
result of misidentification of known aircraft.

g. Contact with persons who might have
knowledge of experimental aircraft of unusual
configuration, rocket and guided missile firings,
and so forth, in the area.

6. ZI Collection. The Air Defense Command
has a direct interest in the facts pertaining to
UFOB’s reported within the ZI and has, in the
46§02d Air Inteiligenee Service Squadron (AISS),
the capability to investigate these reports. The
402d AISS is composed of specialists trained for
field collection and investigation of matters of
air intelligence interest which occur within the
ZI. This squadron is highly mobile and deployed
throughout the ZI as follows: Flights are at-
tached to air defense divisions, detachments are
attached to each of the defense forces, and the
squadron headquarters is located at Peterson
Yield, Colorado, adjacent to Headquarters, Air
Defense Command. Air Force activities, there-
fore, should establish and maintain liaison with
the nearest element of this squadron. This can
be accomplished by contacting the appropriate
echelon of the Air Defense Command as outlined
above.

a. All Air Force activities are authorized to
conduct such preliminary investigation as may
be required for reporting purposes; however, in-
vestigations shonld not be carried beyond this
point, unless such actien is requested by the
4602d ATSS.

b. On occasions—after initial reports are

submitted—additional data is required which
can be developed more economically by the
nearest Air Force activity, such as: narrative
statements, sketches, marked maps, charts, and
so forth. Under such circumstances, appropriate
commanders will be contacted by the 4602d AISS.

ce. Direct communication between echelons
of the 4602d AISS and Air Force activities is
authorized.

7. Reporting. All information relating to
UFOB'’s will be reported promptly. The method
(electrical or written) and priority of dispatch
will be selected in accordance with the apparent
intelligence value of the information. In most
instances, reports will be made by electrical
means: Information over 24 hours old will be
given a “deferred” precedence. Reports over 3
days old will be made by written report prepared
on AF Form 112, Air Intelligence Information
Report, and AF Form 112a, Supplement to AF
Form 112.

a. Ac'dressees:

(1) Dlectrical Reports. All electrical re-
ports will be multiple addressed to:

‘a) Commander, Air Defense Com-
mand, Ent Air Force Base, Colo-
rado, Springs, Colorado.

‘h) Nearest Air Division (Defense).
(For ZI only.)

(c) Commander, Air Technical Intelli-
gence Center, Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, Ohio.

(d) Director of Intelligence, Headquar-
ters USAF, Washington 25, D. C.

(2) Written Reports:

(a) Within the ZI, reports will be sub-
mitted direct to the Air Defense
Command. Air Defense Command
will reproduce the report and dis-
tribute it to interested ZI intelli-
gence agencies, The original report
together with notation of the dis-
tribution effected then will be for-
warded to the Director of Intelli-
gence, Headquarters USAF, Wash-
ington 25, D. C.

(b) Outside the ZI, reports will be sub-
mitted direct to Director of Intelli-
gence, Headquarters USAF, Wash-
ington 25, D. C. as prescribed in
“Intelligence Collection instruc-
tions” (ICI), June 1954.

b. Short Tile. “UFOB” will appear at the
beginning of the text of electrical messages and
in the subject of written reports.

ec. Negative Data. The word “negative”

in reply to any numbered item of the report
format will indicate that all logical leads were
developed without success. The phrase ‘not
applicable” (N/A) will indicate that the question

does not apply to the sighting being investigated.

d. Report Format. Reports will include the
following numbered items:

(1) Description of the object(s):

(a) Shape.

(b) Size compared to a known object
(use one of the following terms:
Head of a pin, pea, dime, nickel,
quarter, half dollar, silver dollar,
baseball, grapefruit, or basketball)
held in the hand at about arms
length.

(c) Color.

(d) Number.

(e) Formation, if more than one.

(f) Any discernible features or details.

(g) Tail, trail, or exhaust, including
size of same compared to size of
object (s).

(h) Sound. If heard, describe sound.

(i) Other pertinent or unusual features.

(2) Description of course of object (s):

(a) What first called the attention of
observer(s) to the object(s)?

(b) Angle of elevation and azimuth of
the object(s) when first observed.

(c) Angle of elevation and azimuth of
object(s) upon disappearance.

(d) Description of flight path and
maneuvers of object(s).

(e) Manner of disappearance of ob-
ject(s).

(f) Length of time in sight.

(3) Manner of observation:

(a) Use one or any combination of the
following items: Ground-visual,
ground-electronic, air-electronic.
(If electronic, specify type of
radar.)

(b) Statement as to optical aids (tele-
scopes, binoculars, and so forth)
used and description thereof.

(c) If the sighting is made while air-
borne, give type aircraft, identifi-
cation number, altitude, heading,
speed, and home station.

(4) Time and date of sighting:
(a) Zulu time-date group of sighting.

(b) Tight conditions (use one of the
following terms): Night, day,
dawn, dusk.

AFR 200-2
7-8

(5) Locations of observer(s). Exact lati-
tude and longitude of each observer,
or Georef position, or position with
reference to a known landmark.

(6) Identifying information of all ob-
server (8):

(a) Civilian—Name, age, mailing ad-
dress, occupation.

(b) Military—Name, grade, organiza-
tion, duty, and estimate of reli-
ability.

(7) Weather and winds-aloft conditions
at time and place of sightings:

(a) Observer(s) account of weather
conditions.

(b) Report from nearest AWS or U. S.
Weather Bureau Office of wind
direction and velocity in degrees
and knots at surface, 6,000’, 10,000’,
16,000’, 20,000’, 30,000’, 50,000’,
and 80,000’, if available.

(ec) Ceiling.

(d) Visibility.

(e) Amount of cloud cover.

(f) Thunderstorms in area and quad-
rant in which located.

(8) Any other unusual activity or condi-
tion, meteorological, astronomical, or
otherwise, which might account for
the sighting.

(9) Interception or identification action
taken (such action may be taken
whenever feasible, complying with
existing air defense directives).

(10) Location of any air traffic in the area
at time of sighting.

(11) Position title and comments of the
preparing officer, including his pre-
liminary analysis of the possible cause
of the sighting(s).

(12) Existence of physical evidence, such
as materials and photographs.

e. Security. Reports should be unclassified
unless inclusion of data required by d above
necessitates a higher classification.

8. Evidence. The existence of physical evi-
dence (photographs or materiel) will be promptly
reported.

a. Photographic:

(1) Visual, The negative and two prints
will be forwarded, all original film,
including wherever possible both
prints and negatives, will be titled or
otherwise properly identified as to
place, time, and date of the incident

3

AFR 200-2
8-9

(see “Intelligence Collection Instruc-
tions” (ICI), June 1954).

(2) Radar. Two copies of each print will
be forwarded. Prints of radarscope
photography will be titled in accord-
ance with AFR 95-7 and forwarded
in compliance with AFR 95-6.

b. Materiel. Suspected or actual items of
materiel which come into possession of any Air
Foree echelon will be safeguarded in such man-
ner as to prevent any defacing or alteration
which might reduce its value for intelligence
examination and analysis.

By OrprrR OF THE SECRETARY OF THE Arr Force:

OFFICIAL:

K. E. THIEBAUD
Colonel, USAF
Air Adjutant General

DISTRIBUTON:
S30
ONI, Department of the Navy 200
G-2, Department of the Army 10

9. Release of Facts. Headquarters USAF will
release summaries of evaluated data which will
inform the publie on this subject. In response
to local inquiries, it is permissible to inform news
media representatives on UFOB’s when the
object is positively identified as a familiar object
(see paragraph 2b), except that the following
type of data warrants protection and should not
be revealed: Names of principles, intercept and
investigation procedures, and classified radar
data. For those objects which are not ex-
plainable, only the fact that ATIC will analyze
the data is worthly of release, due to the many
unknowns involved.

N. F. TWINING
Chief of Staff, United States Air Force

YY U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE tous

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT

ee epee.

HEADQUARTERS 4602D ATSS
Ent Air Force Base
- Colorado Springs, C,lorado
GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION

Unidentified Flying Objects

Pararraph
Purpose - - ----=-+-+-+-++-+-+-+-+- ]
Definitions - - - <«-+-+-+#+-+*+e-+-s«+=--s. 2
Ovjective - =~ = © es we ss see ee ss 2
Guidance- - -=--+-<-.+-<+-+«+«. Wie io: ite Nee 1G, wht
Identification Criteria - - ----- - Inclosure

1. PURPOSE: This publication is designed for the use of
Ground Observer Corps personnel and is published to familiarize
observers with common phenomena wnich are sometimes misinterpreted as
Unidentified Plying Objects (UFOB's).

2. DEFINITIONS:

a. Unidentified Flying Object (UFOR)-- Relates to any

airborne object which by performance, serodynamic characteristics, or
unusual features does not conform to any presentiy Known aircraft or
miseiie type, or which cannot be positively identified as a familiar
object.

bd. Familiar Objects-- Include ba.loons. astronomicai bodies,

birds, etc.

3. OBJECTIVE: Due to the prolonged observation of the sky during
both daylight and night time hours, familiar objects such as mteors,
aircraft, balloons, astronomica! bodies, searchiignts, birds, etc., wiil
ve frequently observed by GOC personne]. Dwe to atmospheric conditions

(temperature inversions, dust, clouds, etc.,), reflections, sound (or

3. OBJECTIVE (Contd):

Jack of sound), speed, position, etc., common phenomena may sometimes be
misinterpreted as UFOB'’s. It is highly desirabie that all UFO phenomena
be identified or expiained. in this respect, the observer requires some
“rule-of-thumb” to assist him in this identification.
The object of this publication is to familiarize the Gr und

Observer with the appearance(s) of common objects under one or more of
the circumstances listed above.

4, GUIDANCE: Attached is a list of common phenomena to which
Ground Observers may be exposed during their tours of duty. it is
recommended tnat you become thcroughiy famiiiar with these criteria, as

they may enable you to identify objects with a greater degree of accuracy.

i 6 I

BALLOONS

-——-— a Oe

Round, cigar, pinpoint, or bowling pin.

2)
5
~
E

?)

ize; Bailoons up to a hundred feet wiil genera:ly appear from

r
~

pinpoint to size of a pea he.d at armiength.

Color: Silver, white or many tints. It may possibly appeur dark

as when projected agninst tne ciouds. ‘Sometimes transparent.

Speed: Large scale erratic speed ruled out. In general hovering

to slow apparent speed.

Formation: Single to cluster.

Ty

raii: None.

Sound: None

o_o

Course: Straight with a general gradual ascent, uniess fa.lilne.

——-

Time in Sight: Genera.ly long. Note: balloon may suddeniy ourst

=a yo ay Deen j \ | Ay

‘ " Py : j oly'h, |
and disappear. ad Pees r 1 |

Lighting Conditions: Night or day but especiaily at sunset or

sunrise.

What may appear to be an unfamiliar flying object soaring through
the sky may actually be something tangible, such as this artist’s con-
cept of a large weather research balloon.

ical Aspects."' During the month of March, the planet Venus is

low on the horizon and is extremely bright. E& can appear to change
color and perform erratic maneuvers when viewed through thin
clouds or haze. Meteors, onthe other hand, do not pursue an
erratic course, When the duration of observation of a flying object
is extremely short, it is highly probable that the object is an
astronomical sighting.

SHAPE

Shape is an important factor in determining the identity of a
flying object. Distortion of shape,due to distance and darkness, en-
hances the difficulty of identification. Many of the strange shapes
reported in the past would appear to be unidentifiable in terms of
familiar objects, but in many instances could have been reflections
from conventional objects viewed under unusual conditions, Light
and shadow produce fantastic distortions, especially when objects
are viewed at great distances and in varying degrees of gathering
darkness.

An unidentified flying object may assume various shapes, The
four most common shapes reported in the past are:

(1) Elliptical or disk shape,
(2) Aircraft shape.

(3) Cigar shape.

(4) Propeller shape.

a

SS ll

TRCORAFT

Shape: From conventional to circular or elliptical.

Size: Pinpoint to actua

Color: Silver to bright yellow (night - black or color of lights).
Jet exhaust yellow to ae. Under certain conditions
nircraft too far distant to be visibie to the naked eye,
wiil reflect sunlight from wings or fuselage. ’

Speed: Generally only anguiar epeeds can be observed. ‘This depends
on distance but small objects crossing major portion of sky
in less than a minute can be ruled out. Aircraft wili not
cross major portion of sky in less than a minute whereas
a meteor certainly will.

Formation: Two to twenty. Numbers greater than 20 more likely

birds than aircraft.
Traiis: May cor may not have (vapor and exhaust).
Sound: Zero to loud shrill or low depending on altitude and
winds aloft. Under certain conditions, aircraft may be
observed at high altitudes, without making any svound.
Course: Steady, straight or gentiy curving (not erratic - may
appear still if approaching head-on). Right angle turns
and sudden reversals, abrupt changes in altitude ruied out.

Time in Sight: -More than 15 seconds, generally of the order of a

minute or two.

Lighting Conditions: Night or Day.

Lo ee ee

ee
36

hie

6.

Te

Pe

1).

li.

METEOR

Shapes Mound to elongated.

Size: Pinpoint to size of moon.

Color: Flamin: yellow with red, green or blus possible.

Speed: Crosses large portion of sky in few seconds except if

coninzs head-on.

Fornation: Gonerally single - can break into shower al end of
trajectory. Occasionally (but rare) small groups.

Trail: At night almost always 2 luwainous train which can persist

as lon: as a half hour (rarely). Savtime meteors are
much less frequently observod. in da thre, loaves a
whitish to dark saoke trail.

Sounds None

Courses Cenerrlly streaking downward, vut not necessarily sharply

cowmvard. an on rare occasion give impression of slijht
riso.

Time In Sisht: Longest reported about 30 seconds, gengrelly less
than 1).

Lizshting tonditions: Lay or Night. ‘ostly night.

Others An oxceptionally orivht meteor is called a fireball. These

are rare but extremely spectacular and on occasion have been

mown to light surroundin;s to the brichtness of daylicht.

STARS OR PLANETS

OENERAL

The planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, end Saturn are gonerally brighter
than any star, but they twinkle very much less (unless very close to
horizon). Stars twinkle a great deal and when neer the horizon can give
inpressic> ~f flashing livht in many colors.

1. Shanes Pinpoint - starlike.

|

2. Sizes Never appreciable.

3. Color: Yellow with raintow variatious.

ue Speeds: Stars apparent speeds carry then [rom east to west in the
course of the night but they are often reported as erratic.
The ofrect is psycholoyical, most people being unable to
consider a point as being stationary. Occasionally ture
bulence in the upper atmosphere car cause a star to aopear
to jump (rare) but somehow twinkdin: gives the iapression of
movement to many people.

S. Formations There are no clusters of very bright stars tt faint

stars are grouped in their familiar cons ellations.
Notes A report of i; or 5 bricht clustering lights would
rule out stars.

6. Trail: None.

7- Sound: None.

€. Courses Always describe 2) hour circle around pole or sky from east

to weste
9. Time In Sights When clear, stars are always visible. Most stars rise

or sect duriny the course of the night. Stars low in western

d

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT

SEAROLIGHTS
1. Shape: Round to elliptical.

2. Size: Pes at arms leneth to larve luminous glow, dependent

upos Cloud height.
3- Colors White fluorescent.
4. Speed: Stationary to fantastic.
5. Formation: Usually only one but occasionally two or tnree.
6. Trails None
fe Sound: ‘Yone

f. Course: Circlins, straight, stationary or erratic. Notes

Scattered clouds can give inpression of obfect
disappearing and reappearing in a different portion

of the sky in a few seconds.

9. Time in Sight: Generally long.
LO. Lighting onditions: Night

OPTICAL PHENOMENA
GENERAL

This can cover a mititude of things.

Optical phenomena which have been reported as UFOKs run from
reflections on clonds and layers of ice crystals (sundozs) to the many
types of mirazes. No one set of optical phenanena can be set down as
representation for the whole class.

There is no Linit to the speed of optical phenomena. Reflect ons
can trave] from incredible speed, as in the case of a searchebeacon on
high clouds to stationary.

1. Shape: “Generally round but can he elliptical or linear.

2. Size: Starlike to larvze luminous glow.

3. Color: ‘Generally yellow

hh. Speeds Stationary to fantastic.

S. Formation: Any.

6. Trail: None.

7. Sound: None.

8. Courset Any.

10. Lighting Conditions: Day and night.

ll. Other: One of the standard types is the "sundog". In this a large

luminous halo is seen around the sun with one te four

images of the sun placed alon;: the talo circle at intervals
of 90 dewrees. Another report often as to do with a bright
planet or even the moon shining trot ch a lisht overcast.
Miragee reflections are said to octur frequently when

temperature inversions exists in the atmosphere.

elcey set within an hour or two. OStare in east, always

v

co higher in sky.

10. Lighting | onditions Wicht - Twilisht.e

U. S$. AIR FORCE TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHEET

This questionnaire has been prepared so that you can give the U. S. Air Force as much
| information as possible concerning the unidentified aerial phenomenon that you have observed.

Please try to answer as many questions as you possibly can. The information that you give will
be used for research purposes, and will be regarded as confidential material. Your name will! not

be used in connection with any statements, conclusions, or publications without your permission.
We request this personal information so that, If it is deemed necessary, we may contact you for

further details.

], When did you see the object? 2. Time of day:
| | Hour Minutes
Day Month Year (Circle One): A.M or P.M,
3, Time zone:
(Circle One): a. Eastern (Circle One): a, Daylight Saving

b. Central b, Standard

c. Mountain

d. Pacific

| & e, Other

4, Where were you when you sow the object?

Nearest Poatal Address City or Town Stete or Country

Additional remarks:

5. Estimate how long you sow the object.

Hours Minutes Seconds

5,1 Circle one of the following to indicate how certain you are of your answer to Question 5,

"y

a. Certain c, Not very sure
b. Fairly certain d. Justa guess

=

6, What was the condition of the sky?

(Circle One): a, Bright daylight d. Just a trace of daylight
b. Dull daylight e. No trace of daylight
c. Bright twilight f. Don’t remember

as IF you saw the object during DAYLIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DAWN, where was the SUN located as you looked at

the object?
a (Circle One): a. In front of you d. To your left
b. In back of you e. Overhead
¢. To your right f. Don't remember

—-—— — ----- 4

ATIC FORM NO. 164 (13 OCT 54)

Page ?

ee

d 8. IF you saw the ovject, at NIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DAWN, what did you notice concerning the STARS and MOON?

8.1 STARS (Circle One): 8.2 MOON (Circle One):
a. None a. Bright moonlight
b, A few b. Dull moonlight
c. Many c. No moonlight — pitch dark
d. Don't remember d. Don't remember

-- _ me ee oe eee — — —_—-

9, Was the object brighter than the background of the sky?

(Circle One): a. Yes b. No c. Don't remember

10, IF it was BRIGHTER THAN the sky background, was the brightness like that of an automobile headlight?:

(Circle One) a. A mile or more away (a distant car)?

b. Several blocks away?

c. Ablock away?
d. Several yards away?

E i ___@. Other
11, Did the object: (Circle One for each question)
i cs, Appear to stand still at any time? Yes No Don't Know
b. Suddenly speed up and rush away ot any time? Yos No Don’t Know
c. Break up into ports or explode? Yes No Don't Know
d. Give off smoke? Yes No Don’t Know
e. Change brightness? Yes No Don’t Know
f. Change shape? Yes No* Don’t Know
g. Flicker, throb, or pulsate? Yes No Don’t Know

| 12. Did the object move behind something at anytime, particularly « cloud?

(Circle One): Yes No Don’t Know. IF you answered YES, then tell what
it moved behind: :

ia ee — we ee ee ee ee ee - -—— —_——— -_ — _ _

13. Did the object move in front of something at anytime, particularly a cloud?

(Circle One): Yes No Don’t Know. IF you answered YES, than tell what
it moved in front of:

14, Did the object appear: (Circle One): a. Solid? b. Transparent? c. Don't Know.
4
15. Did you observe the object through any of the following?
a. Eyeglasses Yes No e. Binoculars Yes No
b. Sun glasses Yes No f. Telescope Yes No
c, Windshield Yes No g. Theodolite Yes No
5 d. Window glass Yes No h. Other

=

Poge 3

; ee Sehiataiiaii tates
16, Tell in a few words the following things about the object.

a. Sound

b. Color

ee

—--- ——---—

17. Drow o picture that will show the shape of the object or objects. Label and include in your sketch ony details
of the object thot you saw such os wings, protrusions, ete., and especially exhaust trails or vapor trails. Place
on arrow beside the drawing to show the direction the object was moving,

—

i
| 18 The edons of the object Gass. a ery

(Circle One): a. Fuzzy or blurred @. Other
b. Like a bright stor

c. Sharply outlined
d. Don't remember

| ERR es SS SRE — ee a ne —_ a aa a a
19, IF there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how mony were there? —--
Drow o picture of how they were arranged, and put an arrow to show the direction that they were travel ing.

Page 4

20. Draw o picture that will show the motion that the object or objects made, Place an “A” at the beginning |

of the path, a "B” at the end of the path, and show any changes in direction during the course.

| 21. IF POSSIBLE, try to guess or estimate what the real size of the object was in its longest dimension.
feet.
| ce
22. How large did the object or objects appear as compared with one of the following objects held in the hand
and at about arm’s length?
| (Circle One): a. Head of a pin g- Silver dollar
b. Pea h. Baseball
c. Dime i. Grapefruit
| d. Nickel j. Basketball
e. Quarter k. Other sii =
‘ §. Half dollar
if 22.1 (Circle One of the following to indicate how certain you are of your answer to Question 22.
a. Certain c. Not very sure
[ b. Fairly certgin d. Uncertain
23. How did the object or objects disappear from view? =

24. In order that you can give as clear a picture as possible of what you saw, we would like for you to imagine that you could
construct the object that you saw. Of what type material would you make it? How large would it be, and what shape
would It have? Describe in your own words a Eommon object or objects which when ploced up in the sky would give the
same cppecrance as the object which you sow,

— ee

a t

This variety of shapes is an indication of individual reaction to
what may have been familiar or conventional objects seen under
unusual conditions, or created in the mind of the observer by his
physiological limitations and psychological responses, Fatigue,
unusual weather conditions, and the stress of flying at great speeds
and high altitudes could induce such manifestations.

One report of an unidentified flying object stated that it was
shaped like a conventional aircraft, but was luminous and surrounded
by a red glow. This phenomenon could have been an actual aircraft
reflecting light from same undetected source within or on the aircraft
and glowing from an unusual play of moonlight or starlight on metal
parts,

A disk-like object, with illuminated portholes, could be a con-
ventional aircraft distorted in shape and stripped of wings by a tem-

perature inversion mirage effect and reflecting light through apparently
dual and convergent sets of windows,

Transparent, cigar-shaped objects, illuminated fram the inside
and emitting an exhaust, could be jet aircraft at high altitudes where
they appear wingless. The mirage effect of a temperature inversion
could cause the apparent illumination and transparency.

Saucer-shaped objects, which hover and maneuver erratically,
could be the planets Venus or Mars seen near the horizon at certain
times of the year, When objects are viewed through haze or mist, the
limitations of the human eye can produce what appears to be a hover-
ing effect, or erratic movement,

Propeller-shaped objects could be conventional or glider-type
aircraft, distorted in shape by mirage effects caused by a tempera-
ture inversion.

RADAR SIGHTINGS

Radar sightings of flying objects frequently may be explained as
ground targets reflected by temperature-inversion layer, or as radar
echoes of various objects, not all of which are visible to the human
eye. Most solid objects produce radar responses which are
recognizable, Moving objects, such as aircraft and birds, normally
can be identified by the size of the radar blip and by the speed,
altitude, and type of movement measured by the radar set, The
radar operator should be able to determine whether the responses
noted on his scope are real, or are caused by the weather or other
phenomena, A blurred effect on the radarscope may indicate a
weather target, whereas a solid target, such as an aircraft, will be
sharply defined,

Page 5

—— ——

y
25. Where were you located when you saw the object? 26. Were you (Circle One)
(Circle One):
a. In the business section of a city?
a. Inside a building b. In the residential section of a city?
b, Ina car c. In open countryside?
c. Outdoors d. Flying near an airfield?
d. In an airplane e. Flying over a city?
e. At sea f. Flying over open country?
f, Other g. Other
27. What were you doing at the time you saw the object, and how did you happen to notice it?
28. IF you were MOVING IN AN AUTOMOBILE or other vehicle at the time, then complete the following questions:
28.1 What direction were you moving? (Circle One)
a. North c. East e. South g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
b

28.2 How fast were you moving? miles per hour.

28.3 Did you stop at any time while you were looking at the object?
(Circle One) Yes No

29. What direction were you looking when you first saw the object? (Circle One)

ca. North c. East
b, Northeast

e. South g. West
d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest

30. What direction were you looking when you last saw the object? (Circle One)

e. South g- West
d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest

a. North © c. East
b. Northeast

31. If you are familiar with bearing terms (angular direction), try to estimate the number of degrees the object was
from true North and also the number of degrees it was upward from the horizon (elevation).

31.1 When it first appeared:

a. From true North degrees.

b. From horizon degrees.
31.2 When it disappeared:

a. From true North degrees.

b. From horizon degrees.

Page 6

32. In the following sketch, imagine that you are at the point shown. Place an “A” on the curved line to show how

high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you first saw it. Place a “B” on the same curved line to
show how high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you /ast saw it.

33. In the following larger sketch place an “A” at the position the object was when you first saw it, anda “B” at its
position when you /ast saw it. Refer to smaller sketch as an example of how to complete the larger sketch.

Page 7

a

34, What were the weather conditions at the time you saw the object?

34,1 CLOUDS (Circle One) 34,2 WIND (Circle One)
a. Clear sky a. No wind
b. Hazy b. Slight breeze
c. Scattered clouds c. Strong wind
d. Thick or heavy clouds d. Don’t remember
e. Don’t remember

34.3 WEATHER (Circle One) 34.4 TEMPERATURE (Circle One)
a. Dry a. Cold
b, Fog, mist, or light rain b. Cool
c. Moderate orheavy rain c. Warm
d. Snow d. Hot
e. Don't remember e. Don't remember

35.

When did you report to some official that you had seen the object?

Doy Month Year

ee ae ee ee

Was anyone else with you at the time you saw the object?

(Circle One) Yes No
36.1 IF you answered YES, did they see the object too?
(Circle One) Yes No

36.2 Please list their names and addresses:

37.

Was this the first time that you had seen an object or objects like this?

(Circle One) Yes No

37,1 !IF you answered NO, then when, where, and under what circumstances did you see other ones?

38.

In your opinion what do you think the object was and what might have caused it?

Page 8

39. Do you think you can estimate the speed of the object?

(Circle One) Yes No
IF you answered YES, then what speed would you estimate? _m.p.h.
40. Do you think you can estimate how far away from you the object was?
(Circle One) Yes No
IF you answered YES, then how far away would you say it was? feet.
41, Please give the following information about yourself:
NAME
Last Name First Name Middle Name
ADDRESS
Street City Zone State
TELEPHONE NUMBER
What is your present job?
Age Sex
Please indicate any special educational training that you have had.
a. Grade school e. e. Technical school
b. High school (Type)
c. College f. Other special training
d. Post graduate
Dat leted thi ti ire:
42. UVate you complete is questionnaire pra ree

Page 9

U. S. AIR FORCE TECHNICAL INFORMATION SHEET
(SUMMARY DATA)

In order that your information may be filed and coded as accurately as possible, please use
the following space to write out a short description of the event that you observed. You may re-
peat information that you have already given in the questionnaire, and add any further comments,
statements, or sketches that you believe are important. Try to present the details of the observa-
tion in the order in which they occurred. Additional pages of the same size paper may be attached
if they are needed.

NAME (Do Not Write in This Space)
(Please Print)
CODE:

SIGNATURE

DATE

UFO OBSERVERS INSTRUCTION SHEET
(Sky Diagram)

le GENERAL?

ae The diagram represents all of the sky nomually visible to the observer,
who is pictured standing under the center of the "dome" of the sky. It is designed
to show a three-dimensional view of the area centered around the observer at the
time of the UFC sighting.

be The position of any object in the sky can be described by giving its
elevation, or angle upward from the horizon, and its bearing or angle along the
horizon, eastward from north.

(1) Illustrations:

(a) Elevation is 0 degrees for an object on the horizon, and 90
degrees for the point directly over the observer (zenith). Thus,
an object half-way up from the horizon to the zenith has an
elevation of 45 degreese

(bo) Bearing (or "azimuth") is the angle along the horizon, starting
from north and moving clockwise eastwarde Thus, an object
directly toward the east, no matter what its elevation is above
the horizon, has a bearing of 90 degrees, an object in the south
has a bearing of 180 degrees; toward the west, 270 degrees and
so one North is, of course, zero.

EXAMPLE: An object is seen in the northeast and one-third way

up from horizon to overhead. Thus, the object has a bearing of
45 degrees, and elevation of 30 degrees. Similarly, an object

having a bearing of 180 degrees and an elevation of 60 degrees

would be seen directly south and two-thirds of the way up from

the horizone

2e PLOTTING THE COURSE OF AN OBJECT ON THE SKY DIAGRAM:

ae The path of an object across the sky can be shown completely on this
diagram simply by connecting with a curved or straight line the various positions
the object successively occupies (see example sheet). To aid visualization, the
path on the western side of the sky is represented by broken lines; the eastern side
in solid lines, Direction of the object is indicated by arrows. The duration of
the sighting can be shown by indicating the time at the position, where the object
was first and last observed. Where possible, the time at various intermediate
positions occupied by the object should also be shown,

be. The diagrem can be made a more effective investigative and analytical tool
by making the lines (showing the path of the object) thicker or thinner to indicate
any varying brightness of the object observed. This is especially valuable when
the object appeared only as a moving light at night. Thus, if a light becomes
brighter and then gradually fades, it can be represented by a line becoming increas-
ingly thicker and then gradually thinning out to nothing.

ce Use of colored pencils is especially recommended if the object changes color

or hue during the sighting.

ATIC FORM 16/5
(25 July 56)

30 EXAMPLE OF DIAGRAM USE: * QU tg Pe

&- Verbal Description of Example Sighting: Object was first sighted in the
southeast, about half-way up from the horizon to overhead, at 10:45 FM local time.
Its shape or outline was hazy, but appeared round and about the size of a pea (at
arm's length) from where observed. It was dim at first but brightened considerably
as it got higher in the sky. Its color at this point was bluish white. After
about two minutes it crossed to the western part of the sky a little to the north
of overhead (zenith) and continued its flight toward the west. At this point its
color appeared yellowish white. The light went dim when it got two-thirds of the
way to the horizon. It then stopped and hovered for about one minute and then
climbed rapidly, going toward the southwest and getting brighter. In less than
thirty seconds, it had climbed to an elevation of approximately 60 degrees, and
then the light went out abruptly.

be Pictorial Description of the Sighting: By referring to the example sheet,
notice how simply the above sighting can be portrayed and described, without words,

on the example diagram attached heres Note the starting point at besring 135
degrees (southeast) and elevation 45 degrees (half-way up from the horizon) at
10:45 FM (military time, 2245), and the arrow marking direction of flight. Note
also the verying thickness of the line to denote changes in brightness, and the
use of the dotted line to indicate its path in the western part of the sky. The
"time indications" along the path - 2 minutes to get to the meridian (the north-
south overhead line), the hovering for 1 minute, and the ascent in 30 seconds to
its complete disappearance, ere all shown with a few lines. Thus, the entire
Sighting can be represented easily on one diegram.

4. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION:

6- Relatively conplex trajectories can easily be shown on a disgram of this
typee A number of objects sighted can also be indicated, 8s can any changing
formation. The apparent size snd shape of the object should be drawn in, prefer-
ably by the observer. In the case of an object changing shape or color, this
likewise can be drawn in. As previously pointed out, the use of colored pencils
to indicate change of color is very desirable.

be The landscaping in the sky diegram is placed there to help visualization.
If any prominent landmarks such as known mountains, buildings, water towers, or
specific installations, trees, etc., sre part of the sighting area, they should
be incorporated into the drawing. These landmarks mey later prove to be invalu-
eble as location, plotting or reference points.

Ce If you are familiar with the constellations or other heavenly bodies,
indicate if possible, the relationship (and movements) of the object with respect
to these bodies. This can be sketched on either pege 6, item 33 or pages 9-10
of "Summary Data" sheet. Typical exemples that can be easily illustrated: "...The
object seemed to pass very slowly between the two bottom stars on the handle of
the Big Dipper, which was in a vertical position, with the handle pointing down,"
or ",..Object was about the size of a tennis ball -- and remained slightly below
and about 15 degrees to the left of the moon."

(EXAMPLE SHEET )

INVESTIGATONS INSTRUCTION SHEBT
(Sky Diagram)

Ae General:

1. The diagram represents all of the sky normally visible to the observer,
who is pictured standing under the center of the "dome" of the sky. It is
designed to show a three-dimensional view of the area centered around the
observer at the time of the UFO sighting.

2. The position of any object in the sky can be described by giving its
elevation, or angle upward from the horizon, and its bearing or angle along the
horizon, eastward from north.

3- Illustration: Elevation is 0 degrees for an object on the horizon, and
90 degrees for the point directly over the observer (zenith). Thus, an object
half-way up from the horizon to the zenith has an elevation of 45 degrees.

4. Bearing (or “azimith") is the angle along the horizon, starting from
horth and moving clockwise eastward. Thus, an object directly toward the east,
no matter what its elevation is above the horizon, has a bearing of 90 degrees,
an object in the south has a bearing of 180 degrees; toward the west, 270 degrees
and so one North is, of course, zero.

5- Example: An object is seen in the northeast and one-third way up from
horizon to overhead. Thus, the object has a bearing of 45 degrees, and elevation
of 30 degrees. Similarly, an object having a bearing of 180 degrees and an ele-
vation of 60 degrees would be seen directly south and two-thirds of the way up
from the horizon.

Be. Plotting the Course of an Object on the Sky Diagram:

1. The path of an object across the sky can be shown completely on this dia-
¢ram simply by connecting with a curved or straight line the various positions
the object successively occupies (see example sheet). To aid visualization, the
path on the western side of the sky is represented by broken lines; the eastern
Side in solid lines. Direction of the object is indicated by arrows. The dura-
tion of the sighting can be shown by indicating the time of the position where
the object was first and last observed. Where possible, the time at various
intermediate positions occupied by the object should also be shown.

2e The diagram can be made a more effective, investigative and analytical
tool by making the lines (showing the path of the object) thicker or thinner to
indicate any varying brightness of the object observed. This jis especially valu-
able when the object appears only as a moving light at night. Thus, if a light
becomes brighter and then gradually fades, it can be represented by a line becon-
ing increasingly thicker and then gradually thinning out to nothing.

3- Use of colored pencils is especially recomnended if the object changes
color or hue during the sightings.