Dit is ons nieuw hondje Kira, een kruising van een waterhond en een Podenko. Ze is sinds 7 februari 2024 bij ons en druk bezig ons hart te veroveren. Het is een lief, aanhankelijk hondje, dat zich op een week snel aan ons heeft aangepast. Ze is heel vinnig en nieuwsgierig, een heel ander hondje dan Noleke.
This is our new dog Kira, a cross between a water dog and a Podenko. She has been with us since February 7, 2024 and is busy winning our hearts. She is a sweet, affectionate dog who quickly adapted to us within a week. She is very quick and curious, a very different dog than Noleke.
DEAR VISITOR,
MY BLOG EXISTS NEARLY 13 YEARS AND 4 MONTH.
ON /30/09/2024 MORE THAN 2.230.520
VISITORS FROM 135 DIFFERENT NATIONS ALREADY FOUND THEIR WAY TO MY BLOG.
THAT IS AN AVERAGE OF 400GUESTS PER DAY.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG AND HOPE YOU ENJOY EACH TIME.
The purpose of this blog is the creation of an open, international, independent and free forum, where every UFO-researcher can publish the results of his/her research. The languagues, used for this blog, are Dutch, English and French.You can find the articles of a collegue by selecting his category. Each author stays resposable for the continue of his articles. As blogmaster I have the right to refuse an addition or an article, when it attacks other collegues or UFO-groupes.
Druk op onderstaande knop om te reageren in mijn forum
Zoeken in blog
Deze blog is opgedragen aan mijn overleden echtgenote Lucienne.
In 2012 verloor ze haar moedige strijd tegen kanker!
In 2011 startte ik deze blog, omdat ik niet mocht stoppen met mijn UFO-onderzoek.
BEDANKT!!!
Een interessant adres?
UFO'S of UAP'S, ASTRONOMIE, RUIMTEVAART, ARCHEOLOGIE, OUDHEIDKUNDE, SF-SNUFJES EN ANDERE ESOTERISCHE WETENSCHAPPEN - DE ALLERLAATSTE NIEUWTJES
UFO's of UAP'S in België en de rest van de wereld In België had je vooral BUFON of het Belgisch UFO-Netwerk, dat zich met UFO's bezighoudt. BEZOEK DUS ZEKER VOOR ALLE OBJECTIEVE INFORMATIE , enkel nog beschikbaar via Facebook en deze blog.
Verder heb je ook het Belgisch-Ufo-meldpunt en Caelestia, die prachtig, doch ZEER kritisch werk leveren, ja soms zelfs héél sceptisch...
Voor Nederland kan je de mooie site www.ufowijzer.nl bezoeken van Paul Harmans. Een mooie site met veel informatie en artikels.
MUFON of het Mutual UFO Network Inc is een Amerikaanse UFO-vereniging met afdelingen in alle USA-staten en diverse landen.
MUFON's mission is the analytical and scientific investigation of the UFO- Phenomenon for the benefit of humanity...
Je kan ook hun site bekijken onder www.mufon.com.
Ze geven een maandelijks tijdschrift uit, namelijk The MUFON UFO-Journal.
Since 02/01/2020 is Pieter ex-president (=voorzitter) of BUFON, but also ex-National Director MUFON / Flanders and the Netherlands. We work together with the French MUFON Reseau MUFON/EUROP.
ER IS EEN NIEUWE GROEPERING DIE ZICH BUFON NOEMT, MAAR DIE HEBBEN NIETS MET ONZE GROEP TE MAKEN. DEZE COLLEGA'S GEBRUIKEN DE NAAM BUFON VOOR HUN SITE... Ik wens hen veel succes met de verdere uitbouw van hun groep. Zij kunnen de naam BUFON wel geregistreerd hebben, maar het rijke verleden van BUFON kunnen ze niet wegnemen...
07-09-2024
Antarctica’s secret role in interstellar traffic and trade
Antarctica’s secret role in interstellar traffic and trade
The Department of Defense has appointed a new director to lead the AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office), which is responsible for investigating UFOs and UAPs. The choice of Dr. Jon T. Kosloski, a former NSA scientist, is notable. According to USAF whistleblower Dan Sherman, the NSA has been involved in tracking UFO and non-human intelligence (NHI) activity for decades. Additionally, there are claims that the NSA manages interstellar trade operations from a base in Antarctica.
Kosloski replaces Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, the inaugural director of AARO, who faced criticism during his tenure. Many believed Kirkpatrick did little to support whistleblowers, hindering efforts to reveal critical information about UFOs and related phenomena.
One of the intriguing aspects of this story is the alleged NSA connection to Antarctica.
Eric Hecker a Raytheon contractor who worked at the Ice Cube Neutrino observatory at Antarctica from 2010-2011 said that this observatory constructed at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica is a huge air traffic control power station that monitors all interstellar craft that be operated by humans as well as non-humans.
The observatory is not the only station that tracks interstellar craft, reports from whistleblowers over the years have hinted at the presence of a vast underground military complex in the area. Allegedly, the NSA operates an office there, which also is involved in monitoring interstellar activity, possibly utilizing the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory's facilities. In addition, this office is reportedly engaged in interstellar trade. According to Navy whistleblowers, the office is managed from the NSA headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland, specifically on the sixth floor.
It may sound fantastical, but the NSA has been tracking UFO activity since its inception in 1952. The agency is believed to have developed capabilities to detect UFOs anywhere on Earth but keep quiet about it.
Now, as we look to the future, institutions that shape national security believe the U.S. needs to prepare the public for disclosure, as humanity's future may lie in space. Advanced propulsion systems, including anti-gravity and torsion field technologies, are being developed to construct fleets of spacecraft that can keep pace with extraterrestrial civilizations.
Furthermore, there is a large spaceport in Alabama, near the caverns around Huntsville, where pilots from around 30 nations are reportedly being trained to fly interstellar craft under supervision of a group of extraterrestrials known as the Nordics. It is said that this underground facility already houses hundreds of these craft.
Despite the ongoing UFO cover-up, with Dr. Kosloski now leading AARO, there is hope that in particular the NSA’s involvement in these operations will become more transparent and that further revelations may follow.
UAP Crash Retrievals and Military Secrecy: Uncovering Hidden UFO Encounters
UAP Crash Retrievals and Military Secrecy: Uncovering Hidden UFO Encounters
In the field of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) research, UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) crash retrievals have long been a subject of fascination and controversy. On the Richard Dolan Show, renowned historian and researcher Richard Dolan sat down with aviation and UFO historian Michael Schratt to delve into some of the most intriguing cases surrounding UAP crash retrievals, alien bodies, and the deep-seated secrecy that surrounds them. Schratt, known for his extensive research and detailed illustrations of UFO encounters, provided a comprehensive overview of several key incidents, offering new perspectives and insights into this enigmatic topic.
Danny Sheehan and Classified UFO Photos
One of the highlights of the conversation is a story from Danny Sheehan, a well-known advocate for UFO disclosure. In 1977, Sheehan was granted a rare opportunity to view classified documents and photographs at the Library of Congress. These images, which were not part of the publicly known Project Blue Book files, reportedly depicted a UFO crash retrieval. The craft was approximately 30 feet in diameter, tipped at a 30-degree angle, and featured strange hieroglyphic inscriptions around the bottom of its dome.
Sheehan described the scene, which included four men in winter parkas documenting the crash with cameras. Schratt and his team, using Sheehan’s description, created detailed renderings of the craft and its surroundings. This case underscores the potential existence of classified UFO crash retrievals and the involvement of the U.S. government in recovering extraterrestrial technology and bodies.
Corpus Christi USO Sighting (1997)
Schratt also discussed a fascinating USO (Unidentified Submerged Object) sighting off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1997. In this case, over 250 people aboard an offshore drilling platform witnessed a massive, cigar-shaped craft rise from the ocean. The object, described as twice the size of a football field, hovered silently above the platform and was surrounded by 25 military helicopters. Despite the presence of helicopters, the noise emanated from the craft itself, not the aircraft. The sighting left many witnesses in awe, and Schratt’s illustration of the event vividly captured the sheer scale and mystery of the craft.
USS Nimitz Encounter (1991)
Another remarkable case involved a 1991 encounter near the USS Nimitz, a well-known aircraft carrier. According to Kevin Thomas, a Navy combat photographer, the ship was ordered to “darken ship” (turn off all lights), and as he found himself locked outside, he witnessed an enormous black triangular UFO rise from the ocean. The object, larger than the Nimitz itself (which is 1,092 feet long), hovered near the carrier for a minute before shooting off into space. This encounter bears striking similarities to the 2004 USS Nimitz UAP incident, raising questions about the U.S. military’s ongoing involvement and knowledge of these phenomena.
Great Lakes Naval Training Center Crash (1973)
Schratt also recounted a lesser-known crash retrieval case from 1973 at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. A Gunnery School instructor reportedly delivered a high-level letter inside a Quonset hut, where he saw a teardrop-shaped UFO propped up on a pedestal. The craft, about 35 feet wide and 12 feet high, exhibited a blue coronal discharge and had a distinctive ridge along its body. Remarkably, a sailor the witness met prior to the incident had mentioned that a UFO had been shot down and recovered by Howard Hughes’ Glomar Explorer, a ship that was officially used to retrieve a Soviet submarine during the Cold War. This connection between the Glomar Explorer and UFO recovery operations suggests a potential dual-use for the vessel, hinting at the broader military-industrial complex’s role in UFO retrievals.
Black Projects at Air Force Plant 42
One of the most intriguing stories Schratt shared came from an employee at Air Force Plant 42, a facility known for its development of advanced aerospace technology. In 1993, the employee witnessed a highly unusual event: a black, disc-shaped object about 100 feet in diameter was lowered into a hanger using a perimeter of boom lifts that created a makeshift screen. Schratt’s illustrations brought this clandestine operation to life, raising questions about the nature of these black projects and the technology involved. Two weeks later, the witness saw the same object being raised from the hanger and then shooting off into the sky, leading to speculation that the U.S. military had made significant breakthroughs in advanced propulsion technology as early as the 1990s.
X-ray Technician’s Encounter (1963)
Another compelling account comes from an X-ray technician in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, in 1963. The technician responded to an emergency call and arrived at the scene of a crash, where she saw three small, humanoid bodies lying on the ground. They were described as being about three feet tall and appeared to be deceased. Shortly after the bodies were brought to a local hospital for examination, the U.S. Air Force arrived, confiscated all evidence, and ordered everyone involved to remain silent. This case, documented in Ryan Wood’s book Magic Eyes Only, offers yet another example of the government’s swift intervention in UFO-related incidents.
The Secrecy Surrounding UFOs and Crash Retrievals
Throughout the discussion, both Dolan and Schratt emphasized the overwhelming secrecy that surrounds UFO crash retrievals and the lengths to which the military-industrial complex goes to keep these operations hidden. They pointed out that there are likely multiple warehouses across the U.S. where photographs, motion picture film reels, and physical evidence of extraterrestrial craft and bodies are stored. Schratt speculated that facilities like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Edwards North Base Complex house some of these materials, and he stressed the need for genuine Congressional hearings to bring this information to light.
VIDEO:
UAP CRASH RETRIEVALS, BODIES, & SECRECY | Richard Dolan Show w/Michael Schratt
Michael Schratt’s extensive research into UFO crash retrievals offers a fascinating glimpse into a hidden world of advanced technology, extraterrestrial bodies, and military secrecy. From the mysterious crash Sheehan witnessed in the 1970s to the massive black triangles emerging from the ocean near the USS Nimitz, these cases challenge our understanding of aviation, physics, and the capabilities of modern militaries. As Schratt and Dolan noted, if true disclosure is ever to occur, it will likely hinge on revealing the crash retrieval programs and the extraordinary evidence they hold.
The future of UFO research depends on diligent investigation, persistent questioning, and a commitment to uncovering the truth about these mysterious phenomena that have intrigued humanity for decades.
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a unique mineral that produces a stunning “cosmic” glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light is capturing the fascination of the rockhounding world.
These unusual stones, dubbed “Yooperlites” by Erik Rintamaki, who is credited with their discovery in 2017, have unique fluorescent qualities that resemble fire escaping from the heart of the surrounding stone when placed under a UV flashlight.
The mineral behind these unique displays is formally known as sodalite, a tectosilicate mineral that, due to its often vivid coloration, is used for ornamental purposes. Sodalite, when seen in large quantities, often has an opaque appearance, although the smaller individual crystalline structures are either transparent or translucent, part of which gives rise to the sodalite’s unique appearance when viewed under UV light.
However, despite Michigan’s well-documented mineralogy, the presence of this fluorescent mineral had gone virtually unnoticed in the state until just a few years ago. In 2017, Erik Rintamaki, an avid local rock collector, began to discover syenite pebbles along the stony shores of Lake Superior that contained small crystalline pockets of sodalite.
According to Rintamaki, the discovery occurred while teaching his brother-in-law how to locate agates along Lake Superior’s beaches. He had previously recalled reading about how many rockhounds had begun using UV lights to aid in detecting and identifying minerals and decided to obtain an inexpensive UV flashlight for such purposes.
On one of his initial expeditions, Rintamaki struck out in the early morning hours to scour Lake Superior’s beaches. Under the illumination of his UV flashlight, he began to find a few small, fluorescent stones, which he began calling “yooperlites,” a name derived from the nickname given to residents of Michigan’s upper peninsula. With time, the small pebbles eventually began to be replaced by larger and larger samples of these curious stones.
Yooperlites produce striking fluorescent qualities when seen under UV light (Credit: James St. John/Flickr).
It soon became apparent that the strong fluorescent qualities these stones possessed were something unique, and with the aid of geologist Gabe Reyna, the unique characteristics the samples displayed, including their translucent appearance and distinctive mineral composition, led to the positive identification of sodalite, a mineral that somehow had gone unnoticed in previous mineralogical surveys of Michigan’s upper west peninsula.
Under detailed analysis, the Yooperlites Rintamaki discovered were revealed to exhibit fluorescence consistent with hackmanite, a rare chloric sodium aluminum silicate mineral that is rich in sulfur. Most often appearing in pink or violet shades, it can sometimes also appear in tones of grey or even white. However, due to a unique optical quality hackmanite possesses known as tenebrescence, this unique mineral has the unusual ability to change its coloration under certain kinds of light and even glow in the dark, qualities that helped it garner a rather fitting nickname: “the chameleon stone.”
Hackmanite (above) exhibiting fluorescent qualities similar to “Yooperlites” when observed under UV light
(Credit: Parent Gery/Wikimedia Commons).
In addition to its hackmanite-like fluorescence, tests of Rintamaki’s samples involving scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy carried out at Michigan Technological University helped reveal several key elements. The presence of aluminum, chlorine, oxygen, silicon, and sodium was confirmed in the samples, all of which were consistent with sodalite.
At the time, the positive identification of sodalite had been something of a mystery. Although syenite clasts are a relatively common feature in Michigan, the fluorescent syenite samples containing sodalite that Rintamaki had revealed with the aid of his UV flashlight probably had origins much further away, along the north side of Lake Superior within the Coldwell Alkaline Complex in Ontario, Canada. So how could the samples have made their way all the way to the lake’s southern shores where “Yoopers” like Rintamaki could find them?
As far back as 1779, Swiss geologist Ferdinand de Saussure described massive granite boulders that had somehow found their way onto limestone deposits in the sub-alpine Jura Mountain range. These out-of-place granite bounders were dubbed “erratics” by de Saussure, derived from the Latin word errare meaning “to wander.” For a time, these curiosities of nature baffled early geologists, although, by 1840, Swiss-American geologist J.L.R. Agassiz proposed that these massive “wandering” boulders had actually been transported thousands of years ago with the help of glaciers that once blanketed the northern hemisphere.
Much like the erratics that once baffled 18th—and 19th-century geologists, the samples Rintamaki had discovered along the shores of Lake Superior had also been transported there from their original home far to the north through natural processes related to continental glaciation during the last Ice Age.
The discovery of “Yooperlites” in Michigan helps to reveal the extent to which the region’s mineral diversity remains underexplored and has helped to almost double the number of mineral species now recognized in the state. Indeed, it could be that there are still other minerals in the region that remain undiscovered, awaiting the discerning eye of collectors like Rintamaki who are willing to employ unique methods—and often at odd hours—in their search for mineral wonders and curiosities that would otherwise remain hidden along the shores of the Great Lakes.
For those interested in learning more about Yooperlites, Rintamaki’s official YouTube channel provides a wealth of information about these unique gemstones and other aspects of his rock-hounding pursuits.
Could advanced Earthlings be hiding their UFOs under the sea?
Image credit: TSViPhoto/Shutterstock.com
Aliens passing as humans meet an advanced reptilian race living in a subterranean kingdom. Sounds like the script of a Mork and Mindy vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover episode, but it’s actually the contents of a fantastically speculative new paper about UFOs.
Penned by researchers from Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program and Montana Technological University, the wild study – as yet not peer-reviewed – delves into the slightly insane world of "cryptoterrestrials", which encompasses a bizarre cast of “intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the moon).” According to the authors, these clandestine Earth-dwellers may in fact be responsible for many of the unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) that are typically attributed to intergalactic visitors.
Jumping down the rabbit hole, the researchers present their first category of potential UFO pilot, which they call “human cryptoterrestrials”. These are described as “a technologically advanced ancient human civilization that was largely destroyed long ago (e.g., by flood), but continued to exist in remnant form.”
Possibly lurking in volcanoes or deep beneath the ocean, these few surviving ancient superhumans were apparently exposed by Albert Einstein’s former assistant Dr Shirley Wright, who claimed that she and her famous boss were invited to inspect the “biological entities” recovered from the supposed Roswell UFO crash in 1947. Speaking in 1993, Wright said the pilots were “just humans, but an advanced form,” and that their species “reside underground on our planet.”
Other subtypes of cryptoterrestrials may include highly-advanced non-human primates or reptiles that store their aircraft beneath mountains. For instance, the Popocatepetl volcano in central Mexico and California’s Mount Shasta are both UFO sighting hotspots, and have therefore been identified as possible residences for these secret yet highly intelligent beings.
Navy personnel reports of Unidentified Submersible Objects (USOs) traveling at incredible speeds, meanwhile, have fuelled speculation that some of these cryptoterrestrials may in fact reside in the ocean. In one such report from 1987, a New Zealand frigate was supposedly followed by a 243-meter-long (800 foot) USO that traveled at a top speed of around 4,800 kilometers per hour (2,980 miles per hour).
The authors also cite wild claims by the highly controversial Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb - who, surprisingly, had nothing to do with the study - that the Moon may in fact be a cryptoterrestrial base, and houses many of these strange creatures and their incredible spacecraft. Finally, the researchers say that the engineers behind most UFOs could be hiding in plain sight, and may just be aliens that have mastered the art of blending in as humans.
Admittedly, this all pretty fanciful stuff, and much of the rationale for these claims comes from sources even more dubious than Loeb – including podcaster Joe Rogan and believers in the sunken realm of Atlantis.
Recognizing the many flaws in their proposals, the authors explain that “although this idea is likely to be regarded sceptically by most scientists, such are the nature of some UAP that we argue this possibility should not be summarily dismissed.” They also admit that they themselves consider the existence of cryptoterrestrials to be “unlikely” – but not impossible.
Based on all the available evidence regarding UFOs, the researchers rate the possibility of cryptoterrestrials actually existing as 10 percent. Most observers will probably see that figure as pretty generous.
The study, which has been accepted for publication in the journal Philosophy and Cosmology, is currently available as a preprint.
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- Gemiddelde waardering: 0/5 - (0 Stemmen) Categorie:ALIEN LIFE, UFO- CRASHES, ABDUCTIONS, MEN IN BLACK, ed ( FR. , NL; E )
Secret behind ‘best ever’ UFO sighting revealed
Secret behind ‘best ever’ UFO sighting revealed
An ex- defence intelligence officer has revealed the secret behind the massive, diamond-shaped vehicle in the “world’s best” UFO photo.
Henry Holloway and The Sun
Previously suppressed documents have revealed the secret behind the world’s most famous UFO photo.
Picture: Supplied
A former defence intelligence officer has revealed the secret behind the “world’s best” UFO photo, claiming the massive, diamond-shaped vehicle captured in the image was a top secret US aircraft.
The incredible image, known as “The Calvine Photograph”, shows a huge angular shape hovering over the landscape with a Harrier fighter jet visible in the distance.
It was taken near its namesake, Calvine, a tiny town in central Scotland. The picture was for decades considered a modern myth until it was finally rediscovered and released to the public in August 2022.
The photo — which appeared exactly as had been described by those who had seen it — was found in the hands of a former RAF press officer by a team led by academic and journalist David Clarke.
But while the photo, often has hailed as the “best ever UFO photo”, was found, the mystery still remains. What exactly was the object in the picture, and who took it?
Now, Dr Clarke has told The Sunwhat his years-long investigation into the UFO has uncovered.
The legendary Calvine Photograph showing a UFO and a warplane has been revealed after 30 years
‘Strongest theory’ on secret behind Calvine photograph
Dr Clarke revealed to The Sun that his team has its strongest lead on the photograph to date. They believe the object may have been a piece of top secret and experimental US technology.
This is based on the testimony of a former UK Defence Intelligence officer who revealed, unprompted, that he was tasked with investigating the incident at Calvine.
The defence official, whose credentials were verified by Dr Clarke and his team, explained the UFO was believed to have been a “target designation companion” for F-117 Nighthawk stealth bombers.
The so-called “Calvine Vehicle” was understood to have been unmanned, very large and equipped with a high tech ground-mapping laser.
It was estimated to be between 100ft and 130ft long (30-40m) according to photo analysis by Sheffield Hallam University.
However, it’s not immediately clear the exact nature of the vehicle.
The official, who declined to be named, said it was a “one-in-a-million” chance that the craft was caught on camera — and even flew to Scotland and interviewed the two men who took the original photograph back in August 1990.
He added there was “a hell of a stink” in Washington over the snaps when they were passed up the chain of command and the Americans “went ballistic”.
The “Calvine Vehicle” is understood to have been deployed from the US facility at RAF Machrihanish.
It was spotted and photographed just two days after Saddam Hussein’s forces invaded Kuwait, sparking the first Gulf War.
RAF Machrihanish is a highly isolated base on the tip of Kintyre peninsula, has a 10,000ft long runway, and was an emergency landing site for the space shuttle.
In the 1960s, the base was titled Naval Aviation Weapons Facility Machrihanish, designed to store “classified weapons”. US forces moved out of the base in 1995.
Redacted documents appearing to remove two "Black Project" vehicles from the UK's report into UFOs
Photos from the Black Project section were also removed
Calvine Photograph linked to numerous other UFO sightings
Numerous reports from the period have RAF Machrihanish at centre of various odd occurrences, such as high speed radar blips and “unusual ear-splitting jet noises” heard in the area.
Dr Clarke revealed it was this intelligence official’s testimony that reignited his interest in the case and triggered his investigation that led to the rediscovery of the photo.
“I was not expecting [the officer] to mention it and I had not intended to ask him about it,” Dr Clarke told The Sun.
“The photographs and sighting weren’t on my list of questions.
“I had arranged to speak to him about the time he spent investigating UFOs for British military intelligence and I simply asked ‘was there any particular incident or sighting that stuck in your mind as being inexplicable or out of the ordinary’ and he just said ‘yes’.”
Dr Clarke went on: “He said it was a one in a million chance. When he dropped this out I was stunned.
“It was obvious he was talking about the Calvine images.”
The officer also alleged the Calvine Vehicle was likely linked to the so-called Belgian UFO Wave from November 1989 to April 1990.
Many witnesses reported seeing a large triangular or diamond shaped object flying at low altitude. Two F-16 fighter aircraft were even dispatched to intercept one of the shapes.
Some claimed to have witnessed the shapes firing “lasers” at the ground, which would appear to match up with the account from the source of Calvine Vehicle being a target finding tool.
MoD documents show how they wanted to respond to the photo back in 1990
Declassified defence report provides yet more clues
Dr Clarke uncovered yet more compelling circumstantial evidence contained with a declassified version of Ministry of Defence’s 463-page, four volume UFO report “Condign”.
Within the report is a section talking about Western “black projects” — which includes the SR-71 stealth fighter, a Mach 3 recon plane that was originally top secret before being made public by the US.
Alongside this section are two heavily redacted sections and two redacted photos.
The MoD has declined to release the unredacted version of the report, stating it was “accidentally destroyed”.
The black projects are discussed in relation to UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) events — a term now commonly used in Washington amid the latest spate of UFO sightings in the US.
“I am confident those images are photographs of a still-top secret US reconnaissance aircraft, possibly the one photographed in Scotland,” Dr Clarke told The Sun.
Meanwhile, the investigators obtained a redacted document which makes mention of a D-notice — an official request to media outlets not to publish a story due to national security concerns.
It also makes reference to “the remaining ASTRA/AURORA” photos. The Aurora was a long rumoured hypersonic US spy plane which is also claimed to have been spotted around the UK in the 90s.
Declassified documents which appear to confirm the MoD cracking down on sightings of secret US tech
US patents filed several years after the Calvine incident have an interesting similarity to the object seen in Scotland
Matthew Illsley, another investigator working with Dr Clarke, told The Sun: “Of course, we don’t know if this was related to Calvine or to some other event.
“But it does lend credence to the idea that secret photos, D-notices and black project aircraft that no one publicly knows about or officially admits to do in fact exist.”
Further fuelling the idea the Calvine Vehicle may have been a piece of experimental US tech is a patent filed by aerospace engine Salvatore Cezar Pais.
Mr Pais, who currently works for the US Space Force, has filed a number of a patents while working for the US Department of the Navy for highly experimental and often almost sci-fi aircraft and propulsion systems.
One of his many granted patents shows a diamond shaped aircraft apparently propelled by microwaves.
His patents are not just works of fancy. The chief technology officer of the US Naval Aviation Enterprise James Sheey once wrote to the US Patent Office in support of Mr Pais’ work and insisting “China is already investing significantly in this area”.
Kevin Russell's name appears on the back of the UFO photo. Dr Clark is trying to track him down.
History of the Calvine Photograph
The Calvine Photo was snapped near its namesake Calvine, a small town in central Scotland.
It is claimed two men stumbled across the jaw dropping scene while hiking or hunting, witnessing the large metallic object as fighter jets made passes in the distance before it shot off into the sky, never to be seen again.
Luckily, they seemed to capture the moment on camera, snapping six photographs of the diamond shaped craft with a fighter plane in the background.
The photos were then were given to the Scotland’s Daily Record newspaper who in turn passed them to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
For unknown reasons the story was never published and the photos vanished into the black hole of Whitehall, and so began the modern myth of the “Calvine Photograph”.
Five of the other photos taken that night remain lost, one of which reportedly shows the two men posing with the shape in the background.
It is understood the aircraft in the background at Harrier jump jets, which were used by both the US and UK.
Photo analysis undertaken by senior lecturer Andrew Robinson at Sheffield Hallam University indicated the photo was unaltered.
In an extensive 11-page study, he concluded that if the object is a fake, it would had to have had to be hoax staged in front of the camera.
“The image shows no evidence of negative or print based manipulation and all visible signs suggest this is a genuine photograph of the scene before the camera,” Mr Robinson wrote.
Dr David Clarke, right, tracked down former RAF press officer Craig Lindsay.
Picture: UAP Media UK
Researchers call for final piece of the puzzle
Dr Clarke believes his team is very close to solving the mystery, but they need a few final clues.
“I think we are as close as it is possible for anyone to be,” he told The Sun.
“But as my source said, the authorities have been ‘very clever’ with this one and have gone to great lengths to ensure the truth is, annoyingly, still out there.
“They claim to have no records on the photographs other than the sparse papers released in 2009.
“This is patent nonsense as the photographs were, I am told by another intelligence source, classified secret and were the subject of a meeting held in Washington DC in 1992 attended by US and British intelligence.
“I am confident there is a substantial file on the case that contains both copy negatives and detailed analysis of the images.”
He went on: “Given the secrecy that surrounds the story it is no surprise that the photographer and his friend have ‘disappeared’.
“I feel sure they will be aware of the most recent publicity surrounding the photographs but, for whatever reason, continue to prefer to say nothing.
“If the photos are a ‘spoof’ or a hoax, as many have claimed, this seems a strange state of affairs.
“At the very least the photographer owns copyright on the images and deserves to be properly acknowledged as their creator.”
Dr Clarke said he was releasing the bombshell account as his team continues to search for the photographer who took the famous photo. They are urging anyone with information about the man named “Kevin Russell”, whose name appears handwritten on the back of the original print of the photo, to come forward.
Dr Clarke hopes Kevin is the final piece of the puzzle.
The biggest UFO revelation happened in 2022. A mysterious UFO photo from the Calvine incident, which was set to be released on January 1, 2072, was somehow found and released by UAP Media UK. The 1990 Calvine UFO incident is one of the most discussed cases in the UAP community. After 34 years, the colleague of the two British photographers who witnessed and captured this historic UFO photo has finally come forward with an even more bizarre story.
There are many videos and photographs of UFOs on the Internet, and some of them have credibility. However, there is one photograph sent to the UK defense ministry, the MoD, which is considered to be the most spectacular UFO photo, although somehow, it has disappeared. The photograph contains a 100-foot diamond-shaped flying saucer hovering over a village named Calvine in the Scottish Highlands. The photo was taken in 1990.
Vinnie Adams of the UAP Media UK disclosed that his team not only found the original print of the Calvine “UFO,” taken directly from the negatives, but also the original envelope which was sent from the Scottish Daily Record to Craig Lindsay, who was the MOD Press Officer that dealt with the case at the time.
Retired RAF Press Officer Craig Lindsay and Dr. David Clarke. Credit: VINNIE ADAMS
Mail Online has covered the new addition to the Calvine incident. Dr David Clarke, a research fellow and lecturer in journalism at Sheffield Hallam University writes that retired chef Richard Grieve, who at the time of the incident was 21, spoke about that mysterious night in 1990 for the first time in 34 years. The story goes like this: (Source)
On a dark, stormy night in Pitlochry, Scotland, a group of young chefs took a break outside their hotel kitchen. Normally, they joked and shared drinks, but this night was different. Two chefs were talking excitedly about seeing a huge, diamond-shaped object hovering silently in the sky while hiking in Calvine a few nights earlier. They took photos and showed them to a newspaper.
As they discussed their experience, a dark car arrived, and two men in black suits emerged, calling the two chefs by name. The rest of the group was ordered to get back inside. The chefs were taken for a private talk.
The following morning, different chefs were on duty. Richard remembered the two chefs being very shaken after the meeting with the men who claimed to be from the Royal Navy. Following the encounter, the chefs felt they were being followed, their behavior changed dramatically, and they eventually left their jobs. Richard never saw them again. One of the chefs hinted that whatever they saw involved Americans.
Dr. David Clarke writes that for over 15 years, he has been deeply intrigued by the “Calvine Incident” and the mystery surrounding the photographs taken by two chefs on that night. His search for the truth has led him from the Highlands of Scotland to the secretive depths of the US Pentagon. Dr. Clarke first discovered the story in 2009 when the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) disbanded its UFO desk and released thousands of files. Among these files, he found the heavily redacted Calvine file, which contained a poor photocopy of the chefs’ photograph.
After years of continued investigation with other experts, Dr. Clarke finally found the original photo at the home of Craig Lindsay, a retired RAF press officer. Lindsay had kept the photo hidden on a bookshelf for 32 years. When Dr. Clarke contacted him in 2022, Lindsay, then in his 80s, revealed he had been waiting for someone to ask about the photo for more than 30 years.
The original Calvine photograph, showing the diamond-shaped craft and a Harrier aircraft in what appears to be close proximity. credit: VINNIE ADAMS From UAP Media UK
In 2022, this Calvine UFO photo was published by the Daily Mail. Dr. Clarke has been flooded with emails from UFO enthusiasts wanting more information and sharing their theories about the object in the photo. Some believe it is an alien spacecraft that was intercepted by Royal Air Force (RAF) jets. Others think that it might be a secret U.S. military project involving advanced technology, like the Hopeless Diamond or Aurora, which is known for its stealth capabilities.
Some skeptics think the photo could be a hoax. Despite all this interest, Dr. Clarke has not been able to contact the two men who had taken the photo. Richard Grieve, who worked at a hotel in Pitlochry where those men were chefs in 1990, mentioned that they seemed to have disappeared.
The name “Kevin Russell” was written on the back of the photo print. The Daily Record newspaper sent the photo to Lindsay. Lindsay then faxed the photo to the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and tried to contact the photographer using the phone number provided by the newspaper. However, there was no luck finding any further information about them.
The chefs who took the photo reported seeing a military Harrier jet flying below the UFO, and another jet circling it. They also said the UFO shot up into the sky without making any noise. Lindsay summarized this account and sent it to the MoD, who told him to let their London office handle it.
Dr. Clarke and a film crew have been looking for Kevin Russell, the photographer of a controversial photo, for 18 months. They found 140 people named Kevin Russell, but none admitted to taking the photo. It is possible the name is fake, or the real photographer is still too scared to come forward.
Richard Grieve believes they were genuinely frightened and would not have made up the story. After developing the photos, one chef took a bus to Glasgow to deliver them to the Daily Record newspaper. Soon after, a mysterious dark car appeared. One chef hinted to Richard that “it was the Americans,” suggesting U.S. involvement. The Ministry of Defence refuses to release information about the photos, saying the negatives were returned to the newspaper and all other records were sent to The National Archives or destroyed.
The MoD file mentions that analysis of one of the missing images revealed a second jet in the distance, making a hoax even less likely. The images underwent at least three separate analyses by UK and US government agencies. A 1990 briefing for Defence Minister Ken Carlisle concluded that the jet in the photo was likely a Harrier, even though no Harriers were known to be flying in Scotland that evening. The experts could not definitively identify the diamond-shaped object.
Despite preparing for a story, the Daily Record never published the photos. Malcolm Speed, a former news editor at the paper, recalls seeing the photos and being surprised they were not published, especially after being told by the picture editor, Andy Allan, that the RAF said they were fakes. Andy Allan, who passed away in 2007, could not provide his account, leaving Malcolm Speed to wonder if Andy was misled by the RAF.
Richard Grieve who is now 55 describes the mysterious night of 1990. Image via Dail Mail
Dr. Clarke noted the sighting’s date, August 4, 1990, coincided with the early stages of the Gulf War. The US military was mobilizing many resources, including the F117A stealth fighter, which had been in development for years and resembled the object photographed in Scotland. The US government has since admitted to flying prototype aircraft that looked like UFOs, including triangle-shaped ones capable of hovering. The Calvine UFO might have been one of these prototypes.
The US Department of Defence’s All Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) recently released a report stating that many UFO sightings were actually misidentified highly sensitive national security programs. The report refers to a 1990s sighting near a US military facility, possibly Area 51, where experimental aircraft were tested. This sighting had characteristics matching those of a secret platform being tested at the time.
Dr. Clarke suggests that what the chefs saw over Calvine might have been one of these secret American prototype aircraft.
According to a 30-year rule in the UK, the MoD was supposed to release the secret UFO dossier on January 1, 2021, but the UK government banned the release for another 50 years. This secret file is said to contain the infamous UFO photo from the Calvine incident. Now, it is set to be released on January 1, 2072.
UAP Media UK has been working hard to bring a serious resource to British media outlets on the discussion of UFOs. One of the members of this project, Vinnie Adams had been working with Dr. Clarke and a small team of researchers on the Calvine case from 1990 in Scotland.
In May 2022, Dr. Clarke interviewed Craig in Scotland and was shown the original print. In June, Craig agreed to donate the photograph to the Sheffield Hallam University Archives, handing it to Dr. Clarke and Vinnie Adams. The image now resides in its new home at the Sheffield Hallam University folklore archives.
Authenticity of Calvine UFO Photo
Andrew Robinson, a senior lecturer in Photography at Sheffield Hallam University claims the authenticity of the 1990 Scottish highlands UFO photo. In his detailed analysis, he found the image showing no evidence of negative or print-based manipulation, and all visible signs suggest this is a genuine photograph of the scene before the camera. (Source)
Robinson concluded in his study:
1. The photograph is a color print from XP-1 or XP-2 chromogenic Black and White C41 film printed on a standard;
2. It is not possible to identify the object in the center of the frame. However, the evidence present suggests that this object was in front of the camera in the position shown when the photograph was captured;
3. Thus it follows that this is either a genuine unidentified flying object in the sky OR that any construction or manipulation used to create this effect occurred in front of the camera and not in the capturing of the scene on film nor in the subsequent processing and printing of the image;
4. The results of this analysis are consistent with, and support the claimed heritage of the print.
In the world of UFO research, the name of retired Army sergeant Clifford Stone is nearly a legend. Stone claimed to have been serving for 22 years as a Decorated Vietnam combat veteran. From 1968 to 1990, he was a part of the secret elite group that was assigned to recover the crashed UFO or E.T. parts, alien bodies, and artifacts. Besides, he said that intelligent life had been visiting our planet in highly advanced crafts that are capable of covering many light-years in less time which is beyond modern human knowledge.
Initially, he was assigned to the NBC Team (nuclear, biological, and chemical retrieval and abatement detail) at Fort McClellan Army post in Alabama and did some regular assignments until he was called for retrieval duties. He was reportedly out for a week when the army required him for UFO retrievals. What is more, his army service record was manipulated and excluded all his UFO recovery activities, showing him as a typist.
To support his claims, Stone cleverly disclosed the existence of classified projects such as Moon Dust and Blue Fly, that had been created to hide the UFOs’ debris by using Freedom of Information Acts.
Clifford Earl Stone January 2, 1949 ~ February 10, 2021 (age 72). Image credit: Ballard Funeral Home & Crematory
For example, in reviewing an Air Force Intelligence letter known as the Betz memo (1961), Sgt. Stone was able to reveal to the general public evidence that Project Moon Dust involved a “potential for employment of qualified field intelligence personnel on a quick reaction basis to recover or perform field exploitation of unidentified flying objects.” (Source)
Stone’s catalogs in UFOs are real documents he had been able to retrieve by FOIA even during his years of military service. Consequently, Stone’s pioneering documentary research into UFO crash retrievals is strong support for his testimony of actually having served on such teams during his military service.
Stone claimed in his old interviews that during his military service, he was monitored by an individual whose rank he was never told but whom he called “Colonel.” The colonel was present at UFO crash retrieval locations and led debriefing sessions of Stone. He noted that the colonel allowed him to read a three-inch thick notebook manual that contained information on 57 types of extraterrestrial biological entities (EBEs) known to the military.
He said that many species looked like humans, but their eyes were slightly larger and had black iris. According to him, extraterrestrial species contacted only through telepathy and could even read minds.
In 1973, Stone was involved in the retrieval of a crashed UFO. He hid a small metallic piece of UFO in his shoe and buried it near his property in New Mexico, Nevada, after his retirement in 1989.
He said: “Yes, I have it and wouldn’t dare to keep it in the house. I had it here to show some people where I kept it, a day longer than I should have and then somebody actually came here and tried to take it. That was some tense moments, I almost shot somebody that day.”
On May 9, 2001, over twenty military, intelligence, government, corporate and scientific witnesses came forward at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to establish the reality of UFOs or extraterrestrial vehicles, extraterrestrial life forms, and the resulting advanced energy and propulsion technologies. As part of the Disclosure Project, Sgt. Stone publicly revealed his story and was willing to testify before Congress if they asked him.
Below is the transcript of Sgt. Stone’s part in the Disclosure Program (Full Video link here):
“Morning ladies and gentlemen, my name is Clifford Stone, I was a sergeant first class United States Army. I had a secret clearance with nuclear surety. I could get the clearance that I needed to do whatever it was necessary for me to do at the time on special operations when I was called in on those.
What I’m referring to here is that I was involved in situations where we actually did recoveries of crashed saucers. There were bodies involved with some of these crashes and also some were alive. While we were doing all this, we were telling the American public there was nothing to it. We were telling the world there was nothing to it.
I’d like to go into detail on some of the cases about the nuts and bolts cases right here. But I will be available if you have any questions concerning my involvement in this, you can talk to Dr. Greer to arrange for me to get to talk to you. But the whole situation is, we have setback, we’ve told the American people that there’s no such thing as UFOs. I’ve been involved where we have recovered these objects, we know them to be of extraterrestrials.
In 1969, I had an event that happened to me while I was stationed at Fort Lee Virginia. We went to Indiantown Gap Pennsylvania that would be my first exposure to any time that we would be recovering an unidentified flying object. When we went there, we already had people that were in the facility with a backup team which was supposed to be NBC because there were supposed to be some nuclear materials that were on board this craft.
Later on, most people involved were told that there was nothing on board. It was nothing more than to crash at one of our aircraft. I know better because I was one of the people that approached it with a Geiger counter to get surface readings. I was the first person to go ahead and see that there were bodies on it that would be the first of approximately 12 events.
UFO crashes are not events that take place every day. They’re rare. I know we’re not alone in the universe. I know that the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, it’s evidence that has been denied to the American people. I stand before you today and my Almighty God, and I tell you this: if the Congress calls me in and says: ‘Will you testify in detail what you know?’ I stand here today prepared and ready to do just that, governments must never lie to the people for no reason. Thank you.”
Further, she talked about Stone’s alien encounter in Vietnam, where he helped aliens to escape from military custody, as he cared for the rights of extraterrestrials who visit Earth.
Sgt. Clifford Stone claimed that he had been good at communicating with the ETs found at the crash sites or in an encounter with his military team. Once, his team fired a bullet at an ET, but they deflected it with some advanced technology. He also mentioned the teleport techniques of ETs when he found himself hundreds of feet from his initial position.
Stone also claimed that there are many alien groups that visit our solar system and Earth as well, but when humans learned how to detect their crafts, they limited their visits but did not stop.
He had no intention to benefit from his claims and evidence and no desire to gain publicity. His only desire was to let the US citizens know the truth about the UFOs and extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), that these are interplanetary spacecraft. Sgt. Clifford Stone, aged 72, passed away peacefully at his home on February 10, 2021.
A Brown University astrobiologist and an international team of planetary scientists say they have found an ‘improbable’ series of patches of water frost sitting atop a number of massive Martian volcanoes. According to the researchers behind the discovery, this finding represents the first time that water frost of any kind has been spotted near the planet’s equator. It would also be a finding that goes against current models describing the red planet’s atmosphere and water cycle.
“We thought it was improbable for frost to form around Mars’ equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks,” explained Adomas Valantinas, a postdoctoral fellow and astrobiologist at Brown University and the team’s lead researcher.
This simulated perspective oblique view shows Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano not only on Mars but in the entire solar system. The volcano measures some 600 km across. CREDIT: Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (A. Valantinas)
According to the team’s analysis, the layer of water frost appears each morning until the rising sun heats up the planet’s surface and causes it to evaporate back into the atmosphere. The process normally only takes a few hours, as the frost only appears as a very thin layer, likely only one-hundredth of a millimeter thick, before disappearing. For comparison, this is about the thickness of a human hair.
Still, the researchers say that the actual covering of frost is incredibly vast. In fact, the team calculates that as much as 150,000 tons of water are evaporated and then redeposited on the Martian surface every single day. “That’s roughly the equivalent of 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” they explain.
Discovery Atop Martian VOlcanoes is the Culmination of Six Year Long Project
In the team’s published study, which appears in the journal Nature Geoscience, Valantis notes how he first began searching for evidence of frost atop Martian volcanoes back in 2018 when he was still a Ph.D. student at the University of Bern. That effort involved combing through thousands of high-resolution photos of Mars captured by the Color and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) instrument onboard the European Space Agency’s Trace Gas Orbiter.
When an image revealed a spectral signature consistent with water frost, Valantis says he placed it into a larger series of images sorted by time, location, and season. As more images joined the series, Valantis found that they began to reveal a daily cycle, where this ultra-thin layer of water frost was deposited overnight and then evaporated back into the atmosphere by the rising sun each morning.
“What we’re seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars,” Valantis posited, “where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past.”
To ensure that what they were seeing was real since it was so unexpected, Valantis and his colleagues verified the images using separate observations made by the High-Resolution Stereo Camera onboard the ESA’s Mars Express orbiter and the Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery spectrometer onboard the Trace Gas Orbiter. All told, the researchers say over 30,000 images were selected and verified during the six-year project.
In the study’s conclusion, the team says they believe the water frost, which sits inside the caldera of several Martian volcanoes within the Tharsis range, is created and deposited due to microclimates that form within these massive structures. These microclimates exist due to the enormous height of the Tharis volcanoes. According to the researchers, the mountainous volcanoes of Tharsis range between one and two times the size of Mount Everest on Earth. The largest, Olympus Mons, is as wide as France.
Astrobiology and the Search for Marian Life
Since his transition from Bern University to Brown University, Valantis says he is going to continue exploring “Martian mysteries.” This includes transitioning to a full-time astrobiology role, where he will apply his analysis skills to help characterize the ancient environments around Martian vents, where microbial life may have once thrived.
According to the press release announcing the discovery, the researchers believe that modeling how the frosts are forming atop these Martian volcanoes “could allow scientists to reveal more of Mars’ remaining secrets, including understanding where water exists and how it moves, as well as understanding the planet’s complex atmospheric dynamics, which is essential for future exploration and the search for possible signs of life.”
If everything goes well, Valantis said he hopes his work, including his discovery of water frost atop Martian volcanoes, can help lead to the detection and collection of high-value Martian soil samples that are brought back to Earth for study. In fact, he says that searching for life that evolved outside of Earth has always captured his imagination, so he is not going to miss out on the opportunity to help science try to make another major discovery.
“This notion of a second genesis, of life beyond Earth, has always fascinated me,” Valantinas said.
Christopher Plain is a Science Fiction and Fantasy novelist and Head Science Writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with him onX,learn about his books atplainfiction.com, or email him directly atchristopher@thedebrief.org.
Inside Monster Martian Volcanoes
The newly discovered volcano has monstered-sized company in the form of three other gigantic Martian volcanoes
Background image: NASA Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) digital elevation model. Geologic interpretation & annotations by Pascal Lee and Sourabh Shubham 2024
The volcano, temporarily named the Noctis, spans 280 miles wide and was discovered alongside a buried ice glacier to the east of Mars.
NASA/USGS
“This area of Mars is known to have a wide variety of hydrated minerals spanning a long stretch of Martian history,” said Sourabh Shubham, a graduate student at the University of Maryland’s Department of Geology.
The origin of humanity is perhaps the most significant mystery that the world needs to unravel. In mainstream science, the theory of evolution is proposed to provide an explanation for human biological history. However, not many people subscribe to this theory, and there may be much more to the story that we are not yet aware of.
In episode number 2028 of the Joe Rogan podcast, the two current popular figures in UFOlogy, Jeremy Corbell & George Knapp discussed the possibility that humans were genetically engineered by a non-human intelligence for nefarious purposes, and some individuals within the government are aware of this. Knapp also mentions that he knows someone high-ranking who told him that human conflict, specifically war, is sometimes intentionally designed by a malevolent non-human intelligence through manipulation.
During the podcast, George Knapp discussed Bob Lazar and mentioned that Lazar was told while working on “the program” that humans were viewed by extraterrestrials as “containers of souls.” This may sound bizarre and fictional to many people; however, Lazar can be seen saying the exact same thing in his 1989 interviews. (Source)
“These beings conveyed information about the capability of affecting the human brain to anesthetize the human body. This is done without any physical contact from a remote source. For this anesthesia to be accomplished, the brain has to be in a relaxed state, similar to that required for hypnosis. If the brain is subject to any external stimulation, like stimulant drugs or loud music, this manipulation of the nervous system is ineffective.
These beings said that man was the product of externally corrected evolution. They said that man, as a species, had been genetically altered 65 times. They referred to humans as containers. Yet, I don’t know what we’re containers of. As I’m sure you now know, it was impossible for me to corroborate the information in the second section. And obviously, if this information is true, the ramifications are far-reaching and you don’t have to be a nuclear physicist to figure that out.”
In the podcast, Corbell discusses John Lear, who told him that “Aliens see us like a wine and our bodies are containers and our souls are beings matured as like a commodity.” Moreover, according to another bizarre theory that has been covered by researchers like Linda M. Howe, David Icke, etc., these non-human intelligence or extraterrestrials feed on human souls.
“It’s my conclusion over many years that reincarnation is a trap. It’s not that it doesn’t exist although I don’t think it’s quite the same as it’s explained it’s a bit more subtle maybe but I do think it’s a trap, said David Icke.” Whereas Linda said, “The recycling of souls reincarnation is the Machinery of this universe.” (Watch this episode of the Why Files for more context)
Robert Allan Monroe (1915-1995) was a radio broadcasting executive from Indiana known for his research into altered consciousness and founding The Monroe Institute. His 1971 book, “Journeys Out of the Body,” popularized the term “out-of-body experience.”
In 1958, Monroe suffered a series of bizarre events, prompting him to seek medical advice, but doctors found him to be healthy. He decided to dedicate his life to studying altered states of consciousness, eventually developing Hemispheric Synchronization (Hemi-Sync), a technology using binaural beats to harmonize brain hemispheres.
The US government took an interest in Monroe’s work and invited him to join a classified project called the Gateway Process, aimed at using his techniques for remote viewing. According to declassified files, this program aimed to alter consciousness, allowing participants to access intuitive knowledge and other dimensions. (CIA file)
During these experiments, participants sat in darkness wearing headphones and reported encountering interdimensional entities. According to Robert, subjects would often encounter interdimensional entities. Most frequently, reptilian humanoids were witnessed. Viewers referred to the uncanny creatures as ‘the alligators’ due to their crocodilian features. Curiously, Monroe was already quite familiar with the unsettling breed. During countless expeditions, he observed identical saurian creatures. For over 35 years, he gathered insight about these startling beings.
Experiments opened portals to other dimensions where reptilian humanoids reside.
Robert A. Monroe Photo. Image Credit: The Monroe Institute
Here is what he uncovered: For millennia, humanity has been controlled and enslaved by nefarious vertebrates known as Reptilians, who operate within the 4th dimension, invisible to most but those who can perceive beyond our limited spectrum of visible light. These parasitic entities thrive on our spiritual lifeforce, referred to as “loosh” by Monroe, and rely on negative and low vibrational energy for their survival. Viewing Earth as a vast farm, they harvest human emotions such as fear, hatred, anxiety, anger, and depression. With intelligence equal to or surpassing that of humans, this elusive lizard-like race considers itself superior and the rulers of mankind.
Robert Monroe pursued transcendental endeavors until he passed away in 1995. His beliefs never changed, and he frequently warned of the sinister spiritual vampires. Gateway’s revolutionary experiments continued throughout the 1980s.
There is a case of a British woman named Samantha McDonald who claimed that she had been repeatedly abducted by reptilians since her first contact in the 1990s, but on every abduction, her memory was wiped by her abductors. In 2014, she was invited to a British talk show named “This Morning,” where she revealed there were two alien species, the Greys and Reptilians, who worked together. (Source)
She said that when she woke up, there were needle marks, scratches, and bruises on her body. “I’ve asked them what they want with me and they said they have come to take me and my family. What they were after was my energy and soul essence. I don’t know why they keep coming back to me. I think it is to do with my energies as I’m into healing and meditation.”
Dr. Ellis Silver, an author of the book “Humans are not from Earth: A Scientific Evaluation of the Evidence,” has a strong belief that life on Earth was sparked by aliens thousands of years ago. He said, “Mankind is supposedly the most highly developed species on the planet, yet is surprisingly unsuited and ill-equipped for Earth’s environment: harmed by sunlight, a strong dislike for naturally occurring foods, ridiculously high rates of chronic disease, and more.” (Source)
Ellis strongly believes that Earth is some kind of galactic jail made by aliens to teach humans a behavior lesson. Similarly, in 2019, members of METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence), a San Francisco-based research organization, convened in Paris and suggested that we could all be living in a Galactic Zoo run by aliens.
Florence Raulin Cerceau, who is the METI director as well as an astrobiologist explained: “This puzzle of why we haven’t detected extraterrestrial life has been discussed often,” adding, “But in this workshop’s unique focus, many of the talks tackled a controversial explanation first suggested in the 1970s, called the ‘zoo hypothesis.’” METI president Douglas Vakoch weighed in by saying, “Perhaps extraterrestrials are watching humans on Earth, much like we watch animals in a zoo.” (Source)
MIT researcher John Ball presented the zoo hypothesis in his 1973 paper. He wrote, “Extraterrestrial intelligent life may be almost ubiquitous,” adding, “The apparent failure of such life to interact with us may be understood in terms of the hypothesis that they have set us aside as part of a wilderness area or zoo.” He later wrote in another research paper: “ETI may be discreetly and inconspicuously watching us but not dabbling.”
Additionally, former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent, UFO advocate, and media personality Luis Elizondo explained his reasoning behind claiming that UFO mysteries have made him “somber.” His speculative ideas are straight out of middle 20th-century science fiction, particularly the so-called “zoo hypothesis” that appeared in a number of stories at that time, imagining that Earth was essentially a zoo run by space aliens.
“What if it turns out that there’s another species that is even higher on that ladder than we are? Do we need the social institutions that we have today, do we need government and religious organizations that we have today, if it turns out that there is something else or someone else that is technologically more advanced and, perhaps from an evolutionary perspective, more advanced? Have we been wasting our time all this time? Or are we doing exactly as we are supposed to be doing?
[What] if it turns out that mankind is in fact just another animal in the zoo? If we saw ourselves as the zookeeper before, maybe we’re just another exhibit inside the zoo? What would that mean to us?
So, when I say ‘somber’ or ‘sobering’, I mean there’s going to come a point in this conversation when we’re going to have to do a lot of reconciling with ourselves, whatever that means, from whatever philosophical background you have. This is going to impact every single one of us. And I think that’s important. Do we find ourselves in a situation where history may have to be rewritten? So that’s what I meant.”
I-Team: A look back at 1989 Bob Lazar interview; it started new UFO conversations
Area 51: Aliens, UFOs, Bob Lazar & Advanced Technology
Astronomers have detected a peculiar radio signal originating from deep space that evades current scientific understanding. Designated ASKAP J1935+2148, the signal repeats every 53.8 minutes, making it the longest period ever recorded for such a phenomenon.
Published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the discovery, made using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope, has left astronomers puzzled and excited about the potential implications for our understanding of the universe.
In recent years, astronomers have identified several enigmatic objects emitting repeating radio signals. In 2020, GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3, located near the galactic center, was observed emitting unusually bright flashes for just three months before falling silent.
Another object, discovered last year, GPM J1839-10, behaves like a slow pulsar, emitting five-minute radio bursts every 22 minutes.
However, the newly-discovered radio signal acts a bit differently.
The signal was first detected during routine observations by the ASKAP radio telescope, located in Australia’s Wajarri Yamaji Country. The telescope, known for its wide field of view, was monitoring a gamma-ray burst when it stumbled upon ASKAP J1935+2148. The signal stood out due to its unique properties, including its long period and distinct emission states.
ASKAP J1935+2148 blinking on and off. (Image: Emil Lenc, CC BY-NC)
Dr. Manisha Caleb, an astrophysicist at the University of Sydney and the lead author of the study, said in a press release that she thinks this could be a new type of neutron star.
“It is highly unusual to discover a neutron star candidate emitting radio pulsations in this way,” she said in a press release. “The fact that the signal is repeating at such a leisurely pace is extraordinary.”
Following the initial detection, the team conducted further observations for several months using both ASKAP and the more sensitive MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa.
Equipped with a special type of radio receiver, the ASKAP telescope was set up in a grid pattern to scan the sky at a frequency of 887.5 MHz. The signals it picked up were divided into smaller chunks to get a clearer picture, and the data was processed every 10 seconds to catch the bright pulses from ASKAP J1935+2148. Meanwhile, the MeerKAT telescope, which operates at a higher frequency range (0.86-1.71 GHz), provided more detailed and sensitive observations.
“What is intriguing is how this object displays three distinct emission states, each with properties entirely dissimilar from the others,” Caleb explained. “The MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa played a crucial role in distinguishing between these states. If the signals didn’t arise from the same point in the sky, we would not have believed it to be the same object producing these different signals.”
According to the study, the astronomers observed bright linear pulses that lasted anywhere between 10 and 50 seconds, followed by weaker pulses that followed a circular pattern that only lasted 370 milliseconds, followed by a lull where no pulses were detectable. This would all then repeat.
This new mysterious radio signal challenges the current astrophysical models of neutron stars and white dwarfs. Neutron stars, known for their rapid rotation, typically complete rotations in seconds or fractions of a second. The 53.8-minute period of ASKAP J1935+2148 places it in the “pulsar death valley,” where detectable radio signals are not expected. In other words, if this is a neutron star, it shouldn’t be giving off anything.
One hypothesis is that ASKAP J1935+2148 could be an ultra-long period magnetar, a type of highly magnetized neutron star. However, the slow rotation and continued radio emission are unusual for such objects. Another possibility is a highly magnetized white dwarf, but no known white dwarfs have been observed to emit radio waves in this manner, making this explanation less likely.
Caleb and her team currently believe that this radio signal is probably from a slow-spinning neutron star or a binary system with a neutron star or another white dwarf. They admit that this is only a hypothesis since something like this has never been observed before, and further research needs to be done.
“It might even prompt us to reconsider our decades-old understanding of neutron stars or white dwarfs,” Caleb concluded. “How they emit radio waves and what their populations are like in our Milky Way galaxy.”
MJ Banias covers space, security, and technology with The Debrief. You can email him at mj@thedebrief.org or follow him on Twitter @mjbanias.
Unveiling SETI’s Quest: How Scientists Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Unveiling SETI’s Quest: How Scientists Search for Extraterrestrial Life
The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has fascinated humanity for decades. While science fiction often portrays alien contact in dramatic and immediate terms, the real-world efforts to discover extraterrestrial life are far more systematic and grounded in rigorous science. In a detailed conversation with journalist Ross Coulthart, Bill Diamond, the President and CEO of the SETI Institute, shed light on the current state of the search for intelligent life beyond Earth and the innovative technologies driving the quest.
The Origins of SETI and Its Evolving Mission
SETI, founded 40 years ago, was initially focused on detecting radio signals that could suggest the presence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Diamond explained that the institute’s efforts were originally supported by NASA but now rely heavily on private funding. The core mission remains the same: to search for signals or phenomena that could indicate the existence of advanced civilizations elsewhere in the universe. Over time, however, SETI’s scope has expanded beyond just radio waves.
According to Diamond, SETI has evolved to search for various “technosignatures”—evidence of technology used by extraterrestrial civilizations. This includes not only radio transmissions but also optical signals such as laser pulses, which might be used for communication or propulsion. SETI also considers the possibility of detecting megastructures like Dyson spheres, which could suggest the presence of highly advanced technologies harnessing massive amounts of energy.
SETI’s Use of Radio and Optical Telescopes
SETI employs both radio and optical telescopes in its search. Radio telescopes listen for potential extraterrestrial signals across a wide range of frequencies, while optical telescopes search for laser communications that could indicate advanced extraterrestrial technologies. Diamond described how SETI integrates these methods in its efforts to capture engineered signals that nature alone would not produce.
One of the significant challenges facing SETI is the vastness of space and the relatively short period that humanity has been a “technological civilization.” Earth has only been emitting detectable electromagnetic signals for about a century—since the invention of radio. Diamond pointed out that while Earth’s radio signals might be detectable within 10 to 20 light-years, this range is extremely limited compared to the scale of the galaxy. Thus, SETI’s search is constrained not only by the technological limitations of our telescopes but also by the immense distances over which signals would have to travel.
Quantum Teleportation and Interstellar Communication
A particularly fascinating part of Coulthart and Diamond’s conversation touched on the potential for interstellar quantum communication. Quantum teleportation—where the quantum state of a particle is transmitted instantaneously to another, regardless of the distance between them—has long been a topic of scientific intrigue. Coulthart asked whether such a phenomenon could be used by extraterrestrial civilizations to communicate across the vast distances of space.
Diamond acknowledged that while quantum entanglement is a real and measurable phenomenon, scientists are still unsure how—or if—it could be used to transmit information in the way we understand communication. While there are mathematical models suggesting the possibility of quantum communication across interstellar distances, the technology is currently beyond our grasp. However, Diamond did not rule out the possibility that more advanced civilizations might have discovered ways to harness quantum mechanics for communication.
The Role of AI and New Technologies in SETI’s Future
As SETI continues to innovate, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in its search. Diamond highlighted how AI can help process vast amounts of data collected by SETI’s telescopes, which gather terabytes of information every second. Rather than focusing on specific, narrow-band signals, AI can analyze the entire electromagnetic spectrum, identifying any anomalies or unexpected signals that human researchers might miss. This new approach could significantly increase the likelihood of detecting extraterrestrial signals.
SETI is also exploring the possibility of placing radio telescopes on the far side of the Moon. A lunar-based telescope would avoid the interference from Earth’s noisy radio environment, making it an ideal location for detecting faint extraterrestrial signals. The project is still in the discussion phase, but Diamond expressed optimism about its potential.
The Debate Around Active SETI
Coulthart raised the philosophical debate surrounding “Active SETI,” also known as Messaging to Extraterrestrial Intelligence (METI). Unlike traditional SETI, which passively listens for signals, METI involves actively sending messages into space in the hope of making contact with intelligent civilizations. While some scientists, including the late Stephen Hawking, have cautioned against this approach—arguing that it could attract the attention of hostile extraterrestrial civilizations—others believe it is a logical step in the search for life.
Diamond explained that while SETI does not currently engage in METI, the institute encourages open dialogue about the risks and benefits. He personally does not subscribe to the so-called “Dark Forest” theory, which posits that advanced civilizations may be inherently predatory and dangerous. Instead, Diamond speculates that any civilization advanced enough to communicate across the stars is likely to have solved many of the existential challenges that face humanity today, such as climate change and resource depletion. Such a civilization, he believes, would be more likely to be cooperative and peaceful than aggressive.
VIDEO:
Head of SETI reveals to Ross Coulthart how they search for life in space | Reality Check
Bill Diamond’s conversation with Ross Coulthart provided a comprehensive and insightful look at the current state of SETI’s efforts to discover extraterrestrial intelligence. While the search is fraught with challenges—both technological and philosophical—Diamond remains optimistic. With advancements in AI, quantum communication, and new observatories on the horizon, SETI is poised to push the boundaries of human knowledge and potentially make one of the most profound discoveries in history: proof that we are not alone in the universe.
Einstein, teleportatie en het raadselachtige 'Philadelphia Experiment' Geloof je in buitenaards leven? Denk je dat tijdreizen een mogelijkheid is? Als jouw antwoorden op beide vragen 'nee' is, lees dan verder over deze vermeende gebeurtenis in de Verenigde Staten tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Het is huiveringwekkend!
Vragen zonder antwoorden Het universum verbergt veel mysteries. Een daarvan is of er intelligent leven aanwezig. Het volgende verhaal suggereert dat dit inderdaad het geval is en onthult daarnaast dingen die nog angstaanjagender zijn.
Experiment Volgens het boek 'The Expanding Case for the UFO' van Morris K. Jessup (een aan de University of Michigan opgeleide astronoom) heeft de Amerikaanse marine een experiment uitgevoerd dat bekend zou worden als het 'Philadelphia Experiment'.
Hoe gebeurde het? Verondersteld wordt dat het schip, gemeerd in de stad Philadelphia, in een flits licht, met haar bemanning en al, aan boord spoorloos verdween.
Getuigen Vermeend getuige van het incident was marinier Carl Allen. Hij beweerde eveneens te hebben gezien dat enkele bemanningsleden dood waren, versmolten met de scheepsromp.
EInstein's onderzoek Volgens het History Channel, ontwikkelde Albert Einstein een project van voor het Amerikaanse leger dat het fenomeen zou kunnen verklaren.
Einstein's onderzoek Volgens zijn unificatietheorie ('theorie van alles'), zou een elektromagnetisch apparaat hiervoor verantwoordelijk kunnen zijn. De VS wilde oceaan kunnen oversteken zonder dat het door de vijandelijke schepen waargenomen zou worden.
Onzichtbaar Volgens het History Channel, zou Einstein een experiment hebben ontwikkeld waarbij een sterk elektromagnetisch veld werd geïnstalleerd op het schip dat het 'onzichtbaar' zou maken voor radars en mijnen. Maar beweerd wordt dat het experiment een heel ander effect had.
Film De film 'The Philadelphia Experiment' is gebaseerd op het verhaal en werd uitgebracht in 1984. Jaren later zou de film opnieuw voor controverse zorgen.
Getuigenis Alfred Bielek kwam met nieuwe getuigenverklaringen en claimde dat de film hem zijn ervaringen tijdens het experiment opnieuw deed beleven. Volgens hem werden ze niet alleen naar een andere plek geteleporteerd, maar hebben ze ook door de tijd gereisd.
Buitenaards leven Door de ophoping van zoveel energie zou er volgens Bielek een doorgangsportaal in de ruimte zijn ontstaan door welke UFO's naar onze planeet zouden kunnen komen.
Bewijs? Alfred Bielek ging zelfs verder en zei dat de Amerikaanse marine hier niet alleen weet van had, maar dat het eveneens een buitenaards wezen gevangen had weten te nemen.
Verre van voorbij Zij die niet in deze samenzweringstheorie geloven wijzen op objectieve feiten die het weerspreken. Voor hen die er wel in geloven, zijn de antwoorden op het marineschip zelf te vinden.
Verslagen Volgens de verslagen is er geen buitengewone activiteit waargenomen en er is ook geen document dat kan bevestigen dat het schip in Norfolk is aangemeerd.
Onzichtbaarheid Er zijn gevorderde wetenschappelijke onderzoeken gedaan naar onzichtbaarheid die geen directe relatie hebben tot de theorie van Einstein.
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm (Photo: AP)
It's a drone; it'sa UFO; it's really who you ask: What's buzzing around U.S. nuclear sites?
Going back from the 1940s and ‘50s to the present day, whistleblowers have reported UFO sightings around nuclear sites, but Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm said they’re "drones."
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., hit Granholm with rapid-fire questions, including if the DOE was reverse engineering crashed alien technology, and if it worked with a counter-terrorism task force.
Granholm's answers were, "I have no knowledge of that," and "Yes," respectively, which an expert told Fox News Digital is a "big deal" admission.
Granholm danced around the question at first, but Luna repeated the inquiry and demanded a yes or no answer.
Granholm finally responded, "Yes, we do."
Investigative journalist and leading UFO expert Jeremy Corbell said, "This was a bold move by Congress."
WATCH FULL EXCHANGE BETWEEN LUNA AND GRANHOLM
JSOC is a military task force that plans and executes special operations missions under the command of U.S. Special Operations Command.
Corbell said a whistleblower had pointed out that JSOC had worked with the DOE to recover crashed alien spacecraft and reverse-engineer their technology.
“JSOC is likely heavily involved in the aircraft recovery program under the purview of the CIA, so it’s a big deal for the Department of Energy to acknowledge that it’s working with JSOC,” Corbell told Fox News Digital. “Secretary Granholm has been loath to acknowledge that.”
JSOC has denied these allegations and implications in previous statements. Fox News Digital reached out to JSOC for comment but did not receive a response.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna questioned Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about reverse engineering alien technology.
(Fox News Digital/John Michael Raasch)
In an email to Fox News Digital, Luna said that while “some people, like Secretary Granholm, want to ridicule these things,” “more than 50 percent of Americans believe UAPs may exist.”
“That means the federal government should be taking this seriously,” the Florida Republican said. “I have confronted Energy Secretary Granholm directly with multiple reports and statements from the Department of Defense, and she continues to deny the facts.”
“And that’s why I think the American people have lost faith in government transparency.”
Luna’s exchange with Granholm wasn’t the end of her interactions with the DOE.
She submitted nine questions to the DOE, obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital. The questions include:
“DOE has received the QFR and will respond directly to the committee and members of Congress,” a DOE spokesperson said in an email.
Footage of a UFO flying near the USS Omaha off the coast of San Diego in July 2019 and disappearing into the ocean without a splash or crash debris.
(Jeremy Corbell/Weaponized Podcast)
Former Navy pilot Ryan Graves, former Navy commander David Fravor, and former U.S. intelligence officer David Grush testified before a House subcommittee specializing in UFOs.
(House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Security, Borders, and Foreign Affairs)
Luna’s Question
How are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) designated by DOE?
What characteristics must an object have to be considered a UAP?
How many UAP intrusions have been reported to the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)?
F1 events deploy private companies that can disable drones and track the pilots. Is that technology available to DOE? Follow-up: If so, how many drones were able to track the pilots? And how many were able to be disabled?
Follow-up: If so, how many drones were you able to track to their operators? And how many were you able to disable?
This year alone, how many UAP intrusions have been reported internally at all critical infrastructure locations under DOE’s oversight (e.g., nuclear weapons, refining, and deployment sites such as Pantex and the Savannah River Site)?
There have been multiple reports of frequent drone intrusions over DOE nuclear facilities, including the incident that occurred at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on April 1, 2021. Can you tell us more about DOE’s current security measures to prevent unauthorized drone activity? Also, given the frequency of these incidents, what steps are being taken to strengthen these measures?
A recent AARO report emphasized that better data collection is essential to understanding the UAP phenomenon. What technologies and methodologies is DOE employing to collect and analyze data related to UAP sightings, especially near critical infrastructure?
Given the potential security and safety risks posed by UAPs near nuclear facilities, what protocols are in place to ensure the safety of DOE personnel and the public? Have there been any documented cases of personnel being adversely affected as a result of an encounter with a UAP?
In the spirit of transparency, how is the Department of Energy handling public disclosure of UAP incidents? Are there plans to declassify and release more detailed reports on UAP sightings over Department of Energy facilities to keep the public informed and reassured?
Department of Energy: Sightings are ‘drones’, not UFOs
Before Luna’s exchange with Granholm, Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee questioned the Energy secretary about “suspicious sightings” of UFOs near nuclear facilities.
She responded that the Department of Defense had concluded that there was no evidence of UFOs or aliens.
“But there is the possibility of malicious drones out there,” Granholm said, emphasizing that safety and defensive measures are in place.
As both senators pointed out, UFO sightings near nuclear facilities predate drones.
This was one of several examples of unexplained UAPs listed in NASA’s Sept. 14 report.
(NASA)
In 2018, a mysterious jellyfish-like object was spotted flying over a military base in Iraq.
(Jeremy Corbell/Weaponized Podcast)
Recently declassified documents about a UFO program called Kona Blue detail a government plan to collect and reverse engineer crashed alien technology.
“Several highly sensitive and unconventional aerospace discoveries have been identified and significant progress has been made,” former U.S. Senator Harry Reid said in a June 2009 letter.
An excerpt from a 2009 letter from former U.S. Senator Harry Reid discussing the need to keep the government’s crashed
alien technology recovery program and reverse engineering efforts secret. (Department of Defense)
“Given the current rate of success, continued research into these subjects is likely to lead to technological advances requiring special protection in the near future…”
“Given the potential applications of these technologies in future systems, including space flight, weapons, communications and propulsion, standard management and protection procedures cannot adequately ensure that all aspects of the project will be adequately protected.”
READ THE FULL DECLASSIFIED KONA BLUE REPORT
AARO, The Pentagon’s specialist unit investigating UAP said “multiple” whistleblowers mentioned Kona Blue during its investigation into the alleged aircraft recovery program.
In its report, AARO stated: History and origins Kona Blue said it was “proposed” to Homeland Security leadership but “never approved or formally enacted.”
According to AARO, the project has never received any materials or funding, and the Department of Homeland Security disapproved the project in 2011 “citing concerns about the adequacy of the program’s legitimacy” and ordered it immediately halted.
According to AARO, its complete origins and history can be found at: It is here.
Chris Eberhart is a crime and U.S. news reporter for Fox News Digital. Email tips to chris.eberhart@fox.com or on Twitter @ChrisEberhart48.
Boeing's Starliner was mysteriously blooping like a submarine in space. Here's why.
Boeing's Starliner was mysteriously blooping like a submarine in space. Here's why.
Story by Elisha Sauers
UPDATE: Sep. 2, 2024, 7:00 PM EDT In a statement released to Mashable on Monday, Sept. 2, NASA said the pulsing sound astronaut Butch Wilmore heard coming from a speaker inside Starliner was the result of an audio configuration between the International Space Station and Starliner and has since stopped. Because many spacecraft are interconnected through the station's audio system, noise and feedback are common, the space agency said: "The speaker feedback Wilmore reported has no technical impact to the crew, Starliner, or station operations, including Starliner’s uncrewed undocking from the station no earlier than Friday, Sept. 6."
Starliner's commander, astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore, asked Houston mission control on Saturday why the test capsule had started emitting strange noises from a speaker. At first the sounds weren't audible, then Wilmore, 61, captured a better recording: an unnerving, perpetual blooping, similar to the pulse of a submarine's sonar ping.
"I'll let y'all scratch your heads and see if you can figure out what's going on," Wilmore said in his Southern drawl over the radio.
Flight controllers didn't seem to immediately know the cause or source of the noise. Neither NASA nor Boeing, the spacecraft's developer, responded to questions from Mashable on Sunday regarding the sounds, and it was unclear whether the issue persisted. The only unusual thing Wilmore had observed at the time was the sound transmitted over the speaker. No other problems or weird configurations were happening within the capsule, he said.
Boeing's Starliner experienced propulsion problems during its crewed testflight in June 2024.
On Monday, after Mashable's report published, NASA responded to the inquiry, saying the pulsing sound coming from a speaker in Starliner has since stopped. The sound was the result of an audio configuration between the International Space Station and Starliner — a common occurrence due to the many interconnected spacecraft and modules to the audio system, the U.S. space agency said.
Related video:
Boeing Starliner to return empty: What happens to Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore? (WION)
NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18 | WION
Boeing Starliner NASA astronauts give update from International Space Station | full video
"The speaker feedback Wilmore reported has no technical impact to the crew, Starliner, or station operations, including Starliner’s uncrewed undocking from the station no earlier than Friday, Sept. 6," NASA said in an emailed statement.
Though the agency recently decided Wilmore and his crewmate, pilot Sunita "Suni" Williams, would not return on Starliner but a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, Starliner remains docked at the space station some 250 miles above Earth. It is expected to stay there until departing for a robotic landing without passengers no earlier than 6:04 p.m. ET Friday, Sept. 6.
If all goes as planned, Starliner will touch down at the Army's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico about six hours later. A system of parachutes and air bags should cushion its drop over the desert shortly after midnight on Sept. 7.
The pulsing sounds were the latest in a series of quandaries related to Starliner, which launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in June for its first test flight carrying people. The issue was first reported by Ars Technica on Sunday, based on a posting of the space station chatter in a NASASpaceflight.com forum.
Boeing Starliner's test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in February 2025.
Veteran astronauts Wilmore and Williams were in limbo this summer while NASA leadership and Boeing managers discussed whether Starliner was safe to bring them home. During their flight to the space station, Starliner experienced propulsion issues.
What should have been an eight-day stint in space for them will now stretch for eight months. Both will be incorporated as regular crew members of Expedition 71/72 through February 2025 and will return with the agency’s Crew-9 mission. In the fallout, two astronauts who were originally assigned to Crew-9 — Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson — lost their ride to space to free up a pair of seats for Wilmore and Williams to come home.
"I'll let y'all scratch your heads and see if you can figure out what's going on."
Getting Starliner through its testing phase has been a relentless battle for Boeing, though its representatives have not always been forthcoming on why the program has suffered so many setbacks. A string of issues has spanned a decade.
After the Space Shuttle retired in 2011, NASA hitched all of its rides on Russian rockets to the space station, costing the United States tens of millions of dollars per ride. Some considered it a national embarrassment.
NASA hired Boeing and SpaceX to build commercial spaceships to carry astronauts to and from the station in 2014. While SpaceX's capsule went into service four years ago, Boeing's Starliner has yet to obtain certification for regular flight operations.
NASA never intended to have all its eggs in Elon Musk's basket and says Starliner is still crucial to have as a backup. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for space operations, hinted that the agency expects Starliner to fly again.
"We’ve learned a lot about the spacecraft during its journey to the station and its docked operations," he said in a statement. "We also will continue to gather more data about Starliner during the uncrewed return and improve the system for future flights to the space station."
This story has been updated from an earlier version to include a NASA statement explaining the nature of the pulsing sound within Starliner.
NASA has an explanation for the “strange noise” emitted by Boeing Co.’s Starliner spacecraft docked at the International Space Station.
The noise was heard by astronaut Butch Wilmore, who radioed mission control about the sound Saturday, as first reported by Ars Technica. “There’s a strange noise coming through the speaker [on Starliner],” he said. “I don’t know what’s making it … I don’t know if there’s something that’s maybe connected between here and there making that happen,” he added.
NASA said the noise — which is no longer being emitted — was the result of an audio configuration between the Boeing capsule and the International Space Station. Boeing referred MarketWatch to NASA for comment.
“A pulsing sound from a speaker in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft heard by NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore aboard the International Space Station has stopped. The feedback from the speaker was the result of an audio configuration between the space station and Starliner,” NASA’s Commercial Crew program wrote Monday on X, formerly Twitter. “The space station audio system is complex, allowing multiple spacecraft and modules to be interconnected, and it is common to experience noise and feedback.”
“The crew is asked to contact mission control when they hear sounds originating in the comm system,” the Commercial Crew program added. “The speaker feedback Wilmore reported has no technical impact to the crew, Starliner, or station operations, including Starliner’s uncrewed undocking from the station no earlier than Friday, Sept. 6.”
Related video: NASA Infusing Fast Laser Communications On Space Missions (Dailymotion)
Starliner will return to Earth uncrewed with Wilmore and his fellow crewmember Suni Williams returning in a SpaceX capsule after the Boeing capsule was beset with problems. The Boeing spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously undock from the space station at approximately 6:04 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 6 to begin the journey home, weather conditions permitting, NASA said, in an Aug. 30 statement. NASA and Boeing are targeting approximately 12:03 a.m. on Sept. 7 for the landing and conclusion of the flight test at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.
NASA and Boeing have wrestled with helium leaks and thruster issues on Starliner, which launched on June 5 and arrived at the ISS the following day. The capsule was initially expected to be docked at the orbiting space lab for at least eight days before bringing the two astronauts home. They have now been there for more than 80 days.
The test, which has faced a number of delays in recent years, is the first crewed mission of the Starliner capsule. The spacecraft’s launch in June also marked the first time NASA has had three crewed vehicles in orbit.
SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission is scheduled to depart for the ISS no earlier than Sept. 24.
Alien Visitation Claims Are Widespread Societal Problem, Researcher Says
Alien Visitation Claims Are Widespread Societal Problem, Researcher Says
Around a fifth of U.K. citizens believe Earth has been visited by extraterrestrials, and an estimated 7% believe that they have seen a UFO. The figures are even higher in the U.S. — and rising. The number of people who believe UFO sightings offer likely proof of alien life increased from 20% in 1996 to 34% in 2022. Some 24% of Americans say they’ve seen a UFO. In his new paper in the Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Dr. Tony Milligan of King’s College London argues that the belief in alien visitors is no longer a quirk, but a widespread societal problem.
The idea that aliens may have visited our planet is becoming increasingly popular.
Image credit: Fernando Ribas.
The belief is now rising to the extent that politicians, at least in the U.S., feel they have to respond.
The disclosure of information about claimed UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) from the Pentagon has got a lot of bi-partisan attention in the country.
Much of it plays upon familiar anti-elite tropes that both parties have been ready to use, such as the idea that the military and a secretive cabal of private commercial interests are keeping the deep truth about alien visitation hidden.
That truth is believed to involve sightings, abductions and reverse-engineered alien technology.
Belief in a cover-up is even higher than belief in alien visitation. In 2019, a Gallop poll found that a staggering 68% of Americans believed that the US government knows more about UFOs than it is telling.
This political trend has been decades in the making. Jimmy Carter promised document disclosure during his presidential campaign in 1976, several years after his own reported UFO sighting. Like so many other sightings, the simplest explanation is that he saw Venus.
Hillary Clinton also suggested she wanted to ‘open Pentagon files as much as I can’ during her presidential campaign against Donald Trump.
Trump suggested he’d need to ‘think about’ whether it was possible to declassify the so-called Roswell documentation.
Former president Bill Clinton claimed to have sent his chief of staff, John Podesta, down to Area 51, a highly classified US Air Force facility, just in case any of the rumors about alien technology at the site were true. It is worth nothing that Podesta is a long-time enthusiast for all things to do with UFOs.
The most prominent current advocate of document disclosure is the Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer.
His stripped back 2023 UAP disclosure bill for revealing some UAP records was co-sponsored by three Republican senators.
Pentagon disclosure finally began during the early stages of Joe Biden’s term of office, but so far there has been nothing to see. Nothing looks like an encounter. Nothing looks close.
Still, the background noise does not go away.
This artist’s impression shows the first interstellar asteroid — 1I/2017 U1 (’Oumuamua).
Image credit: M. Kornmesser / ESO.
Problems for Society
All this is ultimately encouraging conspiracy theories, which could undermine trust in democratic institutions.
There have been humorous calls to storm Area 51.
And after the storming of the Capitol in 2021, this now looks like an increasingly dangerous possibility.
Too much background noise about UFOs and UAPs can also get in the way of legitimate science communication about the possibility of finding microbial extraterrestrial life.
Astrobiology, the science dealing with such matters, has a far less effective publicity machine than UFOlogy.
History, a YouTube channel part owned by Disney, regularly delivers shows about ‘ancient aliens.’ The show is now in its 20th season and the channel has 13.8 million subscribers.
The NASA astrobiology channel has a hard won 20,000 subscribers. Actual science finds itself badly outnumbered by entertainment repackaged as factual.
Alien visitation narratives have also repeatedly tried to hijack and overwrite the history and mythology of indigenous people.
The first steps in this direction go back to Alexander Kazantsev’s science fiction tale Explosion: The Story of a Hypothesis (1946). It presents the 1908 Tunguska meteorite impact event as a Nagasaki-like explosion of an alien spacecraft engine.
In Kazantsev’s tale, a single giant black female survivor has been left stranded, equipped with special healing powers. This led to her adoption as a shaman by the indigenous Evenki people.
NASA and the space science community do support efforts such as the Native Skywatchers initiative set up by the indigenous Ojibwe and Lakota communities to ensure the survival of storytelling about the stars. There is a real and extensive network of indigenous scholarship about these matters.
But UFOlogists promise a far higher profile for indigenous history in return for the mashing together of genuine indigenous stories about life arriving from the skies with fictional tales about UFOs, repackaged as suppressed history.
The modern alien visitation narrative has not, after all, emerged out of indigenous communities. Quite the opposite.
It emerged in part as a way for conspiracy-minded thinkers in a Europe torn apart by racism to ‘explain’ how complex urban civilizations in places like South America could have existed prior to European settlement.
Squeezed through a new age filter of 1960s counterculture, the narrative was flipped to value indigenous people as having once possessed advanced technology.
Once upon a time, according to this view, every indigenous civilization was Wakanda, a fictional country appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
If all of this stayed in its own box, as entertaining fiction, then matters would be fine. But it doesn’t, and they aren’t. Visitation narratives tend to overwrite indigenous storytelling about sky and ground.
This is a problem for everyone, not just indigenous peoples struggling to continue authentic traditions. It threatens our grasp of the past. When it comes to insight into our remote ancestors, the remnants of prehistoric storytelling are few and precious, such as within indigenous storytelling about the stars.
Take the tales of the Pleiades, which date back in standard forms to at least 50,000 years ago.
This may be why these tales in particular are heavily targeted by alien visitation enthusiasts, some of whom even claim to be Pleiadeans.
No surprises, Pleiadeans do not look like the Lakota or Ojibwe, but are strikingly blond, blue-eyed and Nordic.
It is increasingly clear that belief in alien visitation is no longer just a fun speculation, but something that has real and damaging consequences.
Tony Milligan. 2024. Equivocal encounters: alien visitation claims as a societal problem. In Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union: IAUS (387). Cambridge University Press
Author: Tony Milligan, a research fellow at King’s College London.
Gewoonlijk draaien sterren rond het centrum van een sterrenstelsel, bijvoorbeeld de Melkweg: dit is het geval voor de zon en de meer dan 200 miljard sterren in ons sterrenstelsel... op één na. Sommige wetenschappers hebben een object gezien dat zo groot en zwaar is als een ster en dat zich met meer dan 1,6 miljoen kilometer per uur voortbeweegt, een snelheid die zo hoog is dat het aan de zwaartekracht van de Melkweg ontsnapt... vroeg of laat. Laten we eens kijken hoe dit mogelijk is!
Er is een ster ontdekt die op de vlucht is uit de Melkweg
We bevinden ons in het project Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, dat tot taak heeft nieuwe planeten en bruine dwergen in de omgeving van ons zonnestelsel te ontdekken, ook met de hulp van amateurs. Door de beelden te bestuderen die zijn gemaakt door de Wide Field Infrared Explorer of WISE-missie en latere missies, hebben sommige amateurwetenschappers een nooit eerder gezien object gezien, een hemellichaam dat veel te snel door de ruimte beweegt, alsof het ontsnapt uit de Melkweg. Dit zijn de woorden van een van de ontdekkers, die samen met anderen een studie publiceerde in Astrophysical Journal Letters:
Ik kan het niveau van opwinding niet beschrijven. Toen ik voor het eerst zag hoe snel het bewoog, was ik ervan overtuigd dat het al was gemeld.
Het hemellichaam, CWISE J124909.08+362116.0 genaamd maar kortweg CWISE J1249 genoemd, heeft zo'n lage massa dat het moeilijk te classificeren is. Volgens onderzoekers zou het desondanks een kleine ster of een bruine dwerg kunnen zijn. Maar waarom beweegt hij zo snel?
Waarom zo'n hoge snelheid?
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Alleen al binnen het project Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 zijn er al meer dan 4000 bruine dwergen geïdentificeerd, hemellichamen die het midden houden tussen een gasvormige planeet zoals Jupiter en een ster zoals de zon. Geen van hen beweegt echter met zo'n hoge snelheid dat ze zouden kunnen ontsnappen aan de zwaartekracht van de Melkweg. Bovendien heeft CWISE J1249 een andere samenstelling dan de andere bruine dwergen en sterren in ons melkwegstelsel, omdat hij minder ijzer en andere metalen bevat: hij zou deel kunnen uitmaken van de eerste generatie sterren in de Melkweg.
Over zijn snelheid hebben wetenschappers twee hypotheses bedacht. Aan de ene kant kan de bruine dwerg deel hebben uitgemaakt van een binair systeem met een witte dwerg, die op een gegeven moment explodeerde als supernova en zo de ontsnapping van CWISE J1249 in gang zette. Aan de andere kant zou de snelheid veroorzaakt kunnen zijn door een ontmoeting met een binair systeem gevormd door twee zwarte gaten, waarvan de interacties de bruine dwerg de ruimte in zouden hebben geslingerd. En uit de Melkweg.
Het belang van Backyard Worlds: Planet 9
De ontdekking van CWISE J1249 en zijn ontsnapping aan de zwaartekracht van de Melkweg is slechts het laatste succes van Backyard Worlds: Planet 9. Het project bevordert de samenwerking tussen duizenden astronomen wereldwijd en heeft het mogelijk gemaakt om enorme hoeveelheden astronomische gegevens te analyseren. Het project bevordert de samenwerking tussen duizenden liefhebbers van de astronomie over de hele wereld en heeft het mogelijk gemaakt om enorme hoeveelheden astronomische gegevens te analyseren, vergelijkbaar met het project Black Hole Finder voor het zoeken naar zwarte gaten. Terwijl Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 ook uitgaat van het idee van het bestaan van een negende planeet in het zonnestelsel voorbij Neptunus, is het een initiatief dat heeft geleid tot de ontdekking van vele bruine dwergen en andere hemellichamen in ons melkwegstelsel.
In dit opzicht is het project een perfect voorbeeld van hoe wetenschap en passie voor de astronomie tot buitengewone resultaten kunnen leiden. Waaronder de ontdekking van een ster die ontsnapt uit de Melkweg, het eerste voorbeeld van een hemellichaam met zo'n hoge snelheid dat het ontsnapt aan de galactische zwaartekracht, maar niet aan onze ogen.
De geheimen rond de Bermudadriehoek De wateren rond Bermuda, dat Brits grondgebied is, hebben van meer dan 1.000 mensen het leven geëist. Veel schepen en vliegtuigen zijn op onverklaarbare wijze verdwenen in het gebied dat ligt tussen Bermuda en Miami. Door veel piloten zijn verhalen verteld over kompassen die niet meer werkten.
Mysterieuze verdwijningen en bizarre verhalen hebben geleid tot talloze complottheorieën en er heerst een akelig gevoel omtrent de Bermudadriehoek. Bekijk deze galerij om enkele van de meest intrigerende onverklaarde mysteries rond het eiland en zijn wateren te ontdekken.
George Somers Hij vertrok vanuit Plymouth in Engeland met een vloot van zeven schepen. Zijn vlaggenschip, de Sea Venture, bracht kolonisten, voedsel en goederen met zich mee.
George Somers De vloot kwam in een zware storm terecht en de schepen werden van elkaar gescheiden. Na een aantal dagen begon de Sea Venture vol met water te lopen en in een poging van wanhoop voer de uitgeputte kapitein het schip naar de riffen van wat Bermuda bleek te zijn.
George Somers Gelukkig hebben alle 150 passagiers die aan boord waren het overleefd. Ze verbleven tien maanden op het eiland en stichtten de eerste nederzetting van Bermuda.
Bermuda Volgens het toerismebureau Bermuda Attractions liggen er meer dan 300 scheepswrakken op de zeebodem rond het eiland. Waarom er zoveel schepen zijn gezonken in de wateren rond Bermuda blijft een raadsel.
Flight 19 In een groep van vijf vliegtuigen waren er in totaal veertien man aan boord, waaronder de ervaren luitenant Charles C. Taylor. Ze verdwenen allemaal spoorloos. Naar verluidt zei een van de piloten via de radio: "beide kompassen werken niet meer en ik probeer Fort Lauderdale in Florida te vinden."
Flight 19 Een opsporingsteam doorzocht in vijf dagen ruim 300.000 vierkante kilometer grondgebied. Helaas zijn er nooit overblijfselen van Flight 19 gevonden. Een boot met een zoekteam van dertien mensen verdween ook toen het op zoek was naar de vliegtuigen.
Christoffel Columbus Naar verluidt schreef hij in een van zijn memoires dat hij een vuurvlam in de zee zag slaan en dat er een paar dagen later in de verte een vreemd licht verscheen.
Mary Celeste Volgens Bermuda Attractions werd het schip drijvend in de Atlantische Oceaan aangetroffen terwijl er niemand aan boord was. Er bestaan complottheorieën rondom het mysterie van de Mary Celeste die gaan van ontvoeringen tot buitenaardse wezens, natuurrampen en zelfs paranormale activiteiten.
USS Scorpion De USS Scorpion was een kernonderzeeër van de Amerikaanse marine. Hij vertrok op 15 februari 1968 uit Norfolk, gelegen in de Amerikaanse staat Virginia, voor een operatie van drie maanden en had een 99-koppige bemanning
USS Scorpion Volgens History Net, een Amerikaanse uitgever van tijdschriften die artikelen publiceren over onderwerpen uit de geschiedenis, werd er een zoekteam ingezet toen de onderzeeër niet terugkeerde naar zijn thuishaven. De 76,5 meter lange onderzeeër verdween spoorloos.
USS Scorpion Het wrak van de onderzeeër werd in de Atlantische Oceaan voor de kust van de Azoren gevonden, maar complotdenkers hebben het mysterie van de USS Scorpion in verband gebracht met de Bermudadriehoek.
Carroll A. Deering Volgens Bermuda Attractions was er een lichtschip in staat om via de radio met de Carroll A. Deering te communiceren. De kapitein van het lichtschip hoorde een bemanningslid zeggen dat ze hun ankers waren kwijtgeraakt en dat dit aan het hoofdkwartier doorgegeven moest worden, maar de Carroll A. Deering stopte niet en voer langs het lichtschip.
US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker In 1963 kwamen naar verluidt twee KC-135-vliegtuigen van de Amerikaanse luchtmacht met elkaar in botsing en stortten ze neer in de Atlantische Oceaan. Ze werden echter gevonden op twee verschillende locaties die ruim 260 kilometer uit elkaar lagen.
De Ellen Austin De Ellen Austin was een schip dat regelmatig tussen Londen en New York door de Bermudadriehoek voer. Tijdens een van haar reizen in 1881 kwam de Ellen Austin een ander schip tegen waarop niemand aan boord was.
De Ellen Austin In een poging het verlaten schip te redden stuurde de kapitein van de Ellen Austin enkele van zijn bemanningsleden. Twee dagen lang zeilden de schepen zij aan zij totdat ze door een storm van elkaar werden gescheiden. Het verlaten schip en de nieuwe bemanning zijn nooit gevonden.
Niet opgelost en onverklaard Ondanks dat er ruim duizend mensen om het leven zijn gekomen, blijven de wateren rond Bermuda een van de drukst bevaren plekken ter wereld. Zou dit de illusie kunnen wekken dat er hier meer incidenten plaatsvinden of is er echt iets mysterieus aan de hand?
Saturn's majestic rings will vanish in just six months from now
Saturn's majestic rings will vanish in just six months from now
Story by Eric Ralls
Saturn's majestic rings will vanish in just six months from now
Most people consider Saturn's awe-inspiring system of rings that encircle the gas giant to be the most fascinating and iconic celestial feature in our solar system.
Back in the 17th century, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei first spied Saturn through his ancient telescope. He compared the planet's appearance to having "ears" due to the limitations of his device.
The diligent work of scientists like Galileo Galilei has laid the foundation for our modern-day ability to explore the incredible wonders of our universe.
Over the years, advances in technology and innovative techniques have empowered astronomers, such as Dr. Lucy Jones from the esteemed Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), to delve deeper into the enigmas surrounding celestial bodies.
Through cutting-edge research and observations, they have unraveled the intricate mysteries of Saturn's rings, revealing their composition and the dynamic processes that shape them.
Cosmic vanishing act
A fast-approaching and significant cosmic event will soon dramatically alter our view of this magnificent planet. Come March 2025, Saturn's majestic rings will become virtually invisible to earth-based observers.
This phenomenon occurs due to the unique tilt of Saturn's axis, which will position the rings edge-on to our line of sight.
Related video:
Saturn and the moon to join side by side on Aug. 20(Dailymotion)
As a result, this is a rare opportunity for citizens and astronomers alike to witness this celestial transformation, while also reminding us of the ever-changing nature of our universe.
Thankfully, this isn't a permanent change. It's a fleeting cosmic event that recurs every 29.5 years, which is how long it takes Saturn to orbit the Sun. After March 2025, Saturn's axial tilt will bring the rings back into view, then vanish again in November 2025.
So, the rings are not really disappearing but rather playing a celestial game of hide and seek. At their reappearance, we can also enjoy an accentuated view of Saturn's moons.
Saturn's ring structure
So, what are Saturn's rings really made of? Mostly, they consist of ice particles, rocky debris, and cosmic dust, creating a stunning spectacle visible from Earth with a telescope.
Picture a bustling city with buildings of all sizes. Similarly, the ring particles vary from tiny grains, about the size of sand, to huge chunks as big as houses or even school buses. This mix gives the rings their intriguing look.
Saturn's rings aren't just one solid structure. They're made up of several distinct sections, including the A, B, and C rings, along with the fainter D, E, F, and G rings that are harder to see.
These sections are separated by gaps, like the well-known Cassini Division between the A and B rings, which is around 4,800 kilometers wide. The shapes and setups of these rings are mainly shaped by gravitational interactions with Saturn's many moons.
Some of these moons, dubbed "shepherd moons," hang out near the edges of the rings and help keep things in shape by pulling on the ring particles with their gravity.
As for how Saturn's rings came to be, that's still a hot topic among astronomers. There are plenty of theories, from being the leftovers of a destroyed moon or comet that got torn apart by Saturn's strong gravity to materials left over from when Saturn formed over 4 billion years ago.
Each theory has its own fascinating ideas, and ongoing research keeps revealing new insights about these amazing structures that orbit the planet.
This ambitious journey to uncover the cool mysteries of Saturn and its stunning rings started when the spacecraft arrived at Saturn in 2004, kicking off a thorough 13-year exploration that wrapped up in 2017.
Throughout its journey, the Cassini-Huygens mission brought us a treasure trove of information about Saturn and its complex system. One of the coolest finds was discovering gaps in the rings, especially the Cassini Division, which is the noticeable space between the A and B rings.
This division is shaped by the gravitational pull of Saturn's moons, showcasing how dynamic and ever-changing the ring system really is.
The mission also gave us deeper insights into Saturn's many moons, revealing their unique compositions and geological features. For example, Enceladus, one of Saturn's icy moons, has geysers that shoot out water vapor and organic materials, hinting at the possibility of subsurface oceans.
Thanks to the Cassini-Huygens mission, scientists gained valuable insights into the intricate dance of moons and rings around Saturn, completely transforming our understanding of the planet and its unique traits.
Saturn's moons and magnetic field
There is much more to Saturn than just those incredible rings. In fact, Saturn boasts a minimum of 145 moons, each with its own unique characteristics and mysteries.
Among these, Titan, the second-largest moon in the Solar System, truly steals the show with its thick atmosphere and intriguing surface. Interestingly, Titan has a magnetic field that, while weaker than Jupiter's, is stronger than Earth's, indicating complex interactions with Saturn's magnetic environment.
Titan radiates powerful radio waves, particularly from its spectacular auroras at the poles, which can provide valuable insights into both Titan's atmosphere and the overall dynamics of Saturn's magnetic field. The upcoming Dragonfly mission will search for life on Titan.
That said, Titan's mysteries pale in comparison to what we might find on Enceladus. Cassini discovered the presence of vital components for life on this icy Saturnian moon.
Based on this data, experts have identified crucial organic compounds and a potent energy source, hinting at the moon's potential to support life.
"Not only does Enceladus seem to meet the basic requirements for habitability, we now have an idea about how complex biomolecules could form there, and what sort of chemical pathways might be involved," explains Jonah Peter, a doctoral student at Harvard University who conducted the research while working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Stargazers, Saturn, and those magnificent rings
To sum it all up, as Saturn's rings prepare to vanish from view in March 2025, stargazers have a unique opportunity to witness this fleeting cosmic event.
The rings will align edge-on with Earth, making them virtually invisible and highlighting the dynamic nature of celestial objects.
For now, Saturn remains a captivating target for those with telescopes or high-powered binoculars. The planet's stunning rings, composed of countless ice particles and rocky debris, offer a glimpse into the complex and beautiful structure of our solar system.
ESA lanceert nieuwe satelliet die waterkwaliteit, natuurrampen en methaanuitstoot beter in kaart kan brengen
ESA lanceert nieuwe satelliet die waterkwaliteit, natuurrampen en methaanuitstoot beter in kaart kan brengen
Artikel door Michaël Torfs
De lancering maakt deel uit van ESA's Sentinel 2-programma, een project dat in samenwerking met de Europese Commissie loopt. De Sentinel-2C zal de Sentinel-2A vervangen. Die was gelanceerd in juni 2015 en intussen staan we heel wat verder, wat voor een grote verbetering zal zorgen in de aangeleverde data. Dat zegt Inge Jonckheere van de ESA in een gesprek met VRT NWS.
Jonckheere werkt als directeur van de Green Solutions Division bij ESA die satellietdata gebruikt voor alle mogelijke wetenschappelijke en maatschappelijke toepassingen, specifiek dan voor het observeren van de aarde, het milieu en het klimaat.
Over de missie
De Sentinel 2-missie telt 2 identieke satellieten, Sentinel 2A (gelanceerd in 2015) en Sentinel 2B (2017), die in dezelfde baan vliegen maar 180 graden uit elkaar om de dekking en de revisit-tijd te optimaliseren. De satellieten draaien elke 100 minuten in een baan om de aarde en bestrijken elke 5 dagen alle landoppervlakken, grote eilanden, binnenwateren en kustwateren.
Eenmaal in een baan om de aarde zal Sentinel-2C zijn voorganger Sentinel-2A vervangen, terwijl Sentinel-2D later Sentinel-2B zal vervangen om de continuïteit van gegevens na 2035 te waarborgen.
Sneller data, en een goed oog
De combinatie met de nog actieve Sentinel-2B wordt voortaan beter. Er zullen vaker data binnenlopen, wetenschappers zullen zowat om de week een update krijgen van wat er op de grond gebeurt.
"We zullen met deze satellietcombinatie elke 5 tot 10 dagen beeld hebben van een specifiek gebied, afhankelijk van de breedtegraad - tegenover ongeveer tweewekelijks met 1 satelliet - waardoor de tijdsresolutie preciezer wordt", zegt Jonckheere.
"We krijgen daardoor bijna continu een aanvoer van data. En hoe meer data je hebt, hoe beter de opvolging van natuurlijke processen en extreme events."
En er is meer. De nieuwe optische satelliet heeft ook een relatief scherp oog. "Je moet rekenen op een grondresolutie van 10 tot 30 meter, wat relatief gezien behoorlijk nauwkeurig is. Sommige satellieten die gebruikt worden voor het klimaat hebben amper een paar kilometer resolutie."
Het is wel zo dat wolken de observatie kunnen verstoren, maar net daarvoor is het zo belangrijk dat de omlooptijd door het gebruik van de 2 satellieten nu een stuk korter gaat worden.
Van methaan tot algenbloei in het water
De nieuwe satelliet heeft toepassingen voor landbouw, waterkwaliteit, natuurrampen en de uitstoot van het sterke broeikasgas methaan.
Landbouw/bosbouw:"We kunnen opvolgen hoe vochtig het is in een bepaalde regio en hoe goed de Green Index is, die ook een aanwijzing geeft over hoe gezond een stuk land is. Zo kan je bijvoorbeeld de landbouw helpen", schetst Jonckheere. Ze verwijst naar het World Cereal-project dat geleid wordt door de Vlaamse Instelling voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek VITO en gewassen als granen en maïs wereldwijd in kaart brengt.
Waterkwaliteit: onderzoekers kunnen zien hoeveel water (of niet) er is in een bepaald gebied en hoe dat evolueert. Het is ook interessant om waterkwaliteit in kaart te brengen, bijvoorbeeld wat betreft het bloeien van bepaalde algen. Onderzoekers kunnen een soort kwaliteitsindex van het rivierwater opmaken, of onder meer ook afval op zee in beeld brengen.
Natuurrampen: na pakweg een zware bosbrand kan de satelliet in kaart brengen of en hoe snel een gebied zich herstelt, en waar moet worden bijgestuurd. Of hoe groot de impact van overstromingen is, of hoe snel gletsjers wegsmelten.
Methaan: de methaanuitstoot is de jongste jaren naar historische hoogtes gestegen. Voor een deel is dat rechtstreeks het gevolg van bijvoorbeeld olie- of gaswinning met lekkend methaan. Dat moet nog beter in kaart worden gebracht, ook al om landen die zeggen inspanningen te doen goed te kunnen opvolgen. Dat is belangrijk voor het klimaat, want methaan zou momenteel voor ongeveer 30 procent van de klimaatopwarming verantwoordelijk zijn (na CO₂).
De ESA gaf deze illustratie vrij van de lancering van de Sentinal-2C.
Zoveel mogelijk op eigen benen staan in tijden van AI (en fake data)
De lancering is niet enkel van belang voor meer en betere data. Het gaat er ook om dat Europa zelf zoveel mogelijk op eigen benen wil staan wat betreft datagaring. Momenteel is er voor zulke aardobservatie- programma's veel samenwerking met bijvoorbeeld de Amerikaanse ruimtevaartorganisatie NASA en/of met China, en worden veel data samengelegd.
Maar wat als Trump verkozen raakt als VS-president en het programma afbouwt, of wat als China geld vraagt? "Hoe meer ownership Europa zelf heeft, hoe beter", onderstreept Jonckheere.
Bovendien kan Europa de eigen garing 100 procent betrouwen: "We zien dat er door artificiële intelligentie (AI) valse satellietdata circuleren via deep fakes. Bij eigen garing heb je de garantie dat het wel degelijk om authentieke data gaat."
De Sentinel-data zijn open en worden met iedereen gedeeld, zoals ook de NASA dat doet. Ze zullen onder meer gebruikt worden door de Europese klimaatdienst Copernicus.
'Fingers crossed' (want het ging al eens verkeerd)
Hoe veelbelovend de nieuwe satelliet ook klinkt, ze moet komende nacht eerst nog met succes naar de ruimte worden gestuurd. De ESA wacht toch met een beetje spanning de lancering in Kourou, Frans-Guyana, af.
Sentinel-2C wordt de ruimte ingestuurd door de Vega-draagraket, waarvoor het overigens de laatste vlucht wordt. De Vega-raket heeft geen vlekkeloze reputatie. Zo gingen er in december 2022 2 kostbare satellieten verloren toen een lancering mislukte.
Geld op het spel, maar vooral continuïteit
Anderzijds ging het vaak wel goed, zoals in oktober vorig jaar toen Vega enkele Belgische instrumenten meenam van de Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO). De lancering is voorzien voor 3.50 uur vannacht, maar uitstel is altijd mogelijk als het weer zou tegenzitten.
Bij ESA schuiven ze toch wat zenuwachtig heen en weer op hun stoel. Een satelliet zou tussen de 50 en 100 miljoen euro kosten, de lancering zelf 20 miljoen. Maar het zou vooral jammer zijn voor de opeenvolging van data, zegt Jonckheere. "Dan zou er geen datacontinuïteit verzekerd zijn, wat net een van de grote troeven is van het programma."
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Over mijzelf
Ik ben Pieter, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Peter2011.
Ik ben een man en woon in Linter (België) en mijn beroep is Ik ben op rust..
Ik ben geboren op 18/10/1950 en ben nu dus 74 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Ufologie en andere esoterische onderwerpen.
Op deze blog vind je onder artikels, werk van mezelf. Mijn dank gaat ook naar André, Ingrid, Oliver, Paul, Vincent, Georges Filer en MUFON voor de bijdragen voor de verschillende categorieën...
Veel leesplezier en geef je mening over deze blog.
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