240,000 Miles From Earth, The Moon’s First Spaceport Prepares For A New Era Of Space Travel

Engineers have created a traffic management framework to help future spacecraft safely operate around NASA’s lunar Gateway.

Written by Kouceila Rekik

© Credit: NASA

At nearly 240,000 miles from Earth, engineers have designed a new orbital traffic framework that could shape the future of lunar exploration. A research team from Texas A&M University, NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Purdue University developed mathematical strategies to coordinate spacecraft around NASA’s Gateway lunar station.

A Lunar Airport Without Runways or Control Towers

The planned Gateway station will not resemble an airport on Earth, yet its operations will require a similar level of coordination. Instead of aircraft following visible taxiways, spacecraft will move through invisible pathways shaped by the gravitational forces of the Earth, the moon and deep space. Future missions could include Orion crew capsules, robotic cargo vehicles and large lunar landers arriving at different times while sharing the same orbital environment. Engineers must determine where visiting spacecraft can safely wait before docking or beginning their next maneuver. The research focuses on creating predictable patterns for vehicles operating near the station.

The study introduces operational strategies for spacecraft that need to remain nearby without immediately approaching the station. These techniques are designed to reduce uncertainty during busy mission periods when several vehicles may be active around Gateway. The researchers compared different positioning methods through thousands of computer simulations that included navigation errors, small propulsion variations and realistic mission disturbances. Their results showed that carefully planned orbital spacing can improve safety while limiting additional fuel consumption. The goal is to create a reliable system before lunar activity reaches a scale where uncontrolled traffic becomes a serious operational challenge.

“The future of lunar exploration depends as much on the traffic management as it does on the rocket science,” said Dr. Diane Davis, associate professor of space engineering at the Texas A&M University College of Engineering, and an author of the study.

At nearly 240,000 miles from Earth, the moon is getting its first spaceport, Gateway — and engineers developed the mathematical flight manual and orbital “rules of the road” for multiple spacecraft to safely share one of the most challenging environments ever considered for human exploration.
Credit: Texas A&M University College of Engineering/Dr. Diane C. Davis

The Unusual Orbit Shaping Lunar Operations

The traffic challenge comes from the unique path chosen for Gateway. The station will operate in a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO), a highly elongated trajectory around the moon that takes advantage of gravitational interactions between Earth and the moon. The orbit passes close to the lunar north pole before extending far beyond the south pole region. This path offers communication advantages and reduces the amount of propulsion needed to maintain the station’s position.

“The Gateway NRHO is a nearly stable and highly elongated orbit around the moon that provides an uninterrupted line of sight for communications to Earth and requires little propellant to maintain,” Davis said.

The same characteristics that make the orbit useful also create operational difficulties. Spacecraft traveling through the NRHO are constantly influenced by changing gravitational forces, meaning that small differences in timing and position can become significant over time. A single spacecraft can perform occasional corrections, but multiple vehicles arriving during the same mission window require coordinated planning. The research published in Acta Astronautica examines how future missions can maintain safe distances while keeping vehicles close enough for efficient operations.

The team describes the challenge as a balance between safety and efficiency. Spacecraft cannot simply stop in place like aircraft at an airport gate. Instead, they must follow carefully calculated trajectories while waiting for docking opportunities. The researchers explored ways to create predictable spacecraft formations that could support regular lunar transportation.

Gateway and space vehicles will travel along a celestial highway called a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit; an egg-shaped orbit swooping within 1,000 miles of the moon’s north pole, before swinging back out again nearly 40,000 miles beyond its south pole.

Credit: NASA

Spacecraft Waiting in a “String of Pearls” Formation

A central concept in the study is spacecraft loitering, a method that allows vehicles to remain positioned near a target orbit while waiting for their next operation. This could become a key part of future lunar logistics, where missions may need to arrive at different times and coordinate complex transfers.

“Loitering in space means maintaining a spacecraft relative to a specific orbit or trajectory without executing an immediate maneuver,” Davis said.

The researchers compare this idea to aircraft waiting patterns, where planes maintain safe positions until they receive permission to land. Around the moon, the process is far more complex because every spacecraft continues moving along its trajectory. The team developed strategies that allow vehicles to remain close to Gateway while reducing the risk of dangerous approaches.

The simulations showed that spacecraft could organize into a formation similar to a “string of pearls,” with vehicles positioned along the lunar orbit at carefully selected locations. This arrangement would allow mission planners to predict where each spacecraft should be and when it could approach the station. Such predictability could improve docking schedules, cargo transfers and crew operations during future Artemis missions.

“Collisions and serious damage could happen. To ensure crew safety and mission success, effective traffic management in the NRHO is needed,” Davis said.

“Every maneuver has a cost,” Davis said. “Just like air traffic control on Earth, spacecraft need predictable positions and paths to safely coordinate their movements.”

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4 Black Spheres Found 4 Miles Beneath the Pacific Contained Bizarre, Alien-Like Creatures Inside

These black spheres from nearly 4 miles beneath the Pacific conceal fragile creatures with biology scientists did not expect to find in the abyss.

 Written by Arezki Amiri

© Their Contents Set A New Record.

Credit: Shutterstock

At nearly 4 miles below the Pacific, even basic facts about animal life are difficult to establish. The seafloor is sampled rarely, and fragile animals may never survive the trip to the surface.

Now, direct evidence has come from a handful of black spherical capsules attached to rocks, showing that free-living flatworms reproduce at more than 6,000 meters deep. In a paper published in Biology Letters, researchers described cocoons recovered from the abyssal slope of the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench in the northwestern Pacific, at depths of 6,176 to 6,200 meters.

Against that background, marine biologist Sylvia Earle told EL PAÍS that “we know the surface of Mars better than our ocean floors.” Her point was broader than these worms, but it captures the difficulty researchers face when studying animals living thousands of meters below the surface.

Scientists opened four jet-black eggs from 6,200 meters down and found a creature never seen before

Four Capsules Survived the Trip

At first, most of the capsules were already damaged. Researchers found many dark spherical bodies on rock fragments, but most had been torn open and were empty. Only four intact cocoons were available for close examination.

On Sept. 21, 2023, the rocks were collected during a cruise of the research vessel Hakuho-maru. According to the peer-reviewed account, researchers used a beam trawl to recover the two rock fragments carrying the capsules. That detail matters because some later reports described the samples as having been retrieved by a remotely operated vehicle, an account that does not match the methods section of the paper.

Above are the egg capsules, or cocoons. (A) Egg capsules on rock fragment. (B) Partly opened egg capsule containing three spherical-stage flatworms. (C) Spherical-stage flatworm extracted from egg capsule. (D) Cracked egg capsule containing seven flatworms. (E) The same, half of egg capsule shell removed. (F) Flatworm extracted from egg capsule. Credit: Kakui and Tsuyuki/Biology Letters

At Hokkaido University, invertebrate researcher Keiichi Kakui, who helped examine the cocoons and embryos, did not initially recognize the objects. He told IFLScience, “I thought they may be protists or something.” Then he opened one: “I cut one of them, and a milky liquid-like thing leaked from it,” Kakui said.

Inside were pale, fragile flatworms.

Working with co-author Aoi Tsuyuki, Kakui found that, where measurements were available, the capsules measured about 3.1 to 3.3 millimeters and each held three to seven embryos; while some embryos were still roughly spherical, others were already shaped like worms, forms the researchers interpreted as earlier and later developmental stages.

What the researchers found inside

Back at Hokkaido University, researchers cracked open the intact capsules to see what was inside. What came out wasn't liquid or sediment. It was tiny, fragile white organisms, three to seven of them packed into each egg. Once the team looked closer, they realized these were developing flatworms, still at early embryonic stages.

Genetic testing on the embryos confirmed they belonged to the order Tricladida, a group of flatworms, but represented a previously undocumented species. Scientists say the closest known relatives of this species live in much shallower coastal waters, not the crushing depths of the abyssal zone.

That is what makes the discovery notable. Before this, the deepest confirmed record for a free-living flatworm sat at a little over 5,200 meters, and even that case had some doubt attached to it since the specimen had drifted down attached to sunken wood. This new find is the real deal: a flatworm living, laying eggs, and reproducing at depth on its own.

The surprising part: the flatworms changed little

You'd expect an animal thriving in one of the most extreme environments on the planet to look drastically different from its shallow-water cousins. That's not really what happened here.

Genetic analysis of the eggs showed that these deep-sea flatworms develop in a way that's strikingly similar to flatworms living in tide pools and coastal reefs just a few meters underwater. Same basic body plan, same general reproductive strategy, just relocated to a spot with none of the light, warmth, or oxygen levels those shallow-water relatives are used to.

Researchers involved in the study suggest these points to something interesting about evolution: sometimes survival in an extreme environment doesn't require reinventing the biological playbook. It just requires the existing one to be tough enough to handle new conditions.

DNA Narrowed the Identity

To work out what the animals were, the team extracted DNA from two specimens, one spherical and one worm-shaped. They compared sequences from genes commonly used to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and also prepared one specimen as microscopic sections just 7 micrometers thick.

In the genetic analysis, the worms fell within Maricola, a small group within the flatworm order Tricladida. The paper notes that Maricola contains about 80 described species and that nearly all comparable members represented in genetic databases came from freshwater, brackish or shallow marine habitats. From that pattern, the researchers suggested that the lineage may have expanded from coastal waters into the abyss

ML tree for triclad platyhelminths.

Credit: Kakui and Tsuyuki/Biology Letters

Using DNA, the team also connected the different-looking embryos. The sequences showed only minor variation consistent with members of the same species, supporting the conclusion that the spherical and worm-shaped specimens represented different points in development rather than different kinds of animal. The authors concluded that at least two adults had laid them. On the same rock, genetically distinct individuals appeared among the cocoons.

The Previous Record Was Far Shallower

Before the new specimens were analyzed, the deepest certain record cited for a free-living flatworm was Oligocladus voightae, collected at 3,232 meters. That’s a long way down. The species was described in a 2006 Zootaxa paper on deep-sea polyclad flatworms from the North Pacific.

Although researchers had reported a possible flatworm from sunken wood at more than 5,200 meters, that record was uncertain because the animal itself was not firmly established as a flatworm and the wood could have carried an organism downward after sinking.

Cocoons fixed to rocks at abyssal depth provide stronger evidence that the newly examined worms were actually reproducing there.

An Ordinary Start in Extreme Water

More unexpectedly, the embryos themselves showed “no obvious differences” from developmental stages already known in other triclads, the authors wrote, despite living under enormous pressure in permanent darkness.

From that comparison, Kakui and Tsuyuki proposed that adapting to the abyss may have involved physiological or ecological changes more than fundamental changes to early development. Their shallow-water relatives also enclose embryos in capsules attached to hard surfaces, and the deep-sea specimens appear to follow much the same basic plan.

As the sampling gear operated, video showed a muddy seabed scattered with rocks and gravel. The researchers suggested those hard surfaces could provide places for the flatworms to attach their cocoons, including the rock fragment that returned to the surface carrying seven late-stage embryos.

The next clues are likely to arrive the same way: attached to whatever researchers manage to bring back from the abyss.

Why does this actually matter to you

It's easy to see a headline like this and file it under "cool but irrelevant," but it's worth a second look.

Humans have mapped more of the surface of Mars than we have of our own ocean floor. However, the deep ocean remains one of the least explored environments on the planet, even though it's right here.

Each discovery like this expands what scientists think is possible for life under extreme depth, pressure, and cold. That has real implications beyond marine biology, too. NASA and other space agencies are increasingly interested in icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, which may hide oceans under their frozen surfaces. Understanding how life adapts, or doesn't need to adapt much at all, to darkness and pressure here on Earth gives scientists a better framework for what to look for out there.

The bottom line

Four small black eggs, pulled up almost by accident from one of the least explored corners of the planet, ended up rewriting what scientists thought they knew about how deep flatworms can live. According to the report of the research published in Phys. org, the discovery gives scientists their first real window into how these animals develop at extreme depth, and the early signs suggest life down there is more resilient and more familiar than expected.

The coverage says the eggs were first spotted by Yasunori Kano while he was piloting a remotely operated vehicle in the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench, then passed to Keiichi Kakui and Aoi Tsuyuki for closer study. Their follow-up work found each capsule held several flatworms and used genetic analysis to place them with shallow-water relatives, suggesting a surprisingly conservative body plan even at 6,200 meters.

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The World’s Oldest Monument Was Not in Egypt, It Was Hidden in an American Swamp for More Than 5,000 Years

For more than 5,000 years, this forgotten site remained concealed beneath the landscape. When researchers began uncovering its secrets, they found a story that changed the way we understand ancient builders.

Written by Melissa Ait Lounis

© Credit: Shutterstock

A 5,400-year-old monumental mound complex hidden in the wetlands of Louisiana has changed the way archaeologists view ancient construction. Watson Brake shows that hunter-gatherer communities created a monumental landscape nearly 2,000 years before the oldest pyramids of Egypt.

For decades, the earthworks remained almost invisible beneath trees, roots, and swamp vegetation in the Ouachita River Valley. The discovery revealed that communities without agriculture or permanent settlements could still organize large-scale construction projects.

The story of this monument began in 1981, when amateur archaeologist Reca Jones noticed that several exposed formations in the landscape appeared too structured to be natural. After logging activity cleared parts of the area, Jones identified eleven mounds connected by ridges and arranged in a circular pattern.

The discovery later drew the attention of archaeologist Joe Saunders, who studied the site while researching other ancient earthworks in Louisiana. At the time, Poverty Point was considered one of the region’s oldest major mound complexes, but Watson Brake revealed an even earlier chapter of human activity.

Dating Reveals A Lost Ancient Project

Research carried out during the 1990s transformed the understanding of Watson Brake. Radiocarbon dating showed that the complex was built around 3400 B.C.E. and developed over approximately four centuries. A 1997 study published in Science by Joe Saunders and soil scientist Thurman Allen reported that Watson Brake was older than other known mound complexes with earthen enclosures in North America by about 1,900 years.

The researchers also discovered that the soil beneath the mounds had been deliberately compacted, which helped preserve the structures over thousands of years. The layout of the site indicated careful organization, with builders aligning parts of the complex with the surrounding landscape before adding more mounds and connecting ridges.

_{Topographic map of the Watson Brake mound complex in Louisiana. Credit: Science}

The largest mound reached about 25 feet in height. Archaeologists estimate that the construction of the mounds and ridges required around 100,000 hours of labor, showing a significant level of cooperation among the people who built the site.

A Monument Built By Ancient Hunter-Gatherers

The builders of Watson Brake monument belonged to the Evans culture, a Paleoindian population that depended on seasonal movement, hunting, fishing, and gathering resources rather than farming. The archaeological evidence shows that the site was used by communities that collected aquatic resources and plant species. The research described inhabitants who gathered plants that later became among the first domesticated species in eastern North America.

Artifacts discovered at Watson Brake include projectile points, hunting tools, animal remains, shells, gravel used as cooking stones, charred seeds, and fired earth objects that may have served as early pottery.

Map of the Watson Brake mound complex in Louisiana.

Credit: American Antiquity

The site challenged the traditional idea that monumental architecture only emerged after agriculture created permanent settlements and social hierarchies. Watson Brake demonstrated that mobile communities could also coordinate major building efforts through collective action.

A Hidden Discovery From The Ancient World

Archaeologists believe the site functioned as a seasonal gathering place rather than a permanent settlement. The remains found at the site suggest that groups returned repeatedly to the area for shared activities. The construction does not appear to have been directed by a ruler or centralized authority. Instead, the evidence points to a large community effort involving many individuals working toward a common goal.

The significance of Watson Brake continued after its discovery encouraged further research into ancient landscapes across the region. In 2022, experts identified the Monte Sano mounds near Baton Rouge as even older, dating back around 7,000 years.

Still, Watson Brake remains a key archaeological site because it revealed that complex organization existed among ancient communities long before the development of farming societies. A landscape once hidden under forest and wetlands preserved evidence of one of North America’s earliest monumental construction projects.

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On February 17, 1994, astronomer Ann Harch was examining photographs of the asteroid Ida captured in August 1993 by the Galileo spacecraft. In these images, she observed an unusual feature — specifically, that this celestial body possessed a moon. Consequently, a spacecraft that was not initially intended for asteroid exploration made one of the most significant discoveries of the late 20th century.

The asteroids Ida and Dactyl. Source: Wikipedia

The first moon of an asteroid

On August 28, 1993, the American spacecraft Galileo approached asteroid (243) Ida to a distance of 2,410 kilometers. This event marked only the second occasion on which a spacecraft had approached a small celestial body within the Solar System. The first instance occurred two years earlier, when the same probe visited asteroid Gaspra.

However, this flyby attained significant notoriety on February 17, 1994, when researcher Ann Garch observed a mysterious spot in the photographs captured by the spacecraft. It was subsequently identified as the first known moon of the asteroid.

Until that time, scientists could only debate whether such small objects could possess their own moons or whether their gravitational forces were insufficient to do so. The prevailing consensus was that they could not. However, the discovery of an asteroid measuring 1.6 km in diameter, named Dactyl, profoundly altered this perspective. Subsequently, scientists gradually realized that binary and triple asteroid systems are, in fact, quite common phenomena, and occasionally, they display configurations far more astonishing than those observed in the larger planets.

Galileo spacecraft. Source: Wikipedia

Galileo spacecraft

The most intriguing aspect of the Galileo spacecraft is that, initially, it was not designed for asteroid exploration. Its development commenced in 1959, prior to the inaugural human spaceflight, when American engineers initiated a program to explore Jupiter. This program comprised four phases: a mission to test the feasibility of deep-space travel, a close flyby of the planet, insertion of a spacecraft into Jupiter’s orbit, and a descent attempt into Jupiter’s depths utilizing a parachute.

In the early 1970s, subsequent to the successful flybys of the Solar System’s largest planet by the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecraft, it became evident that interplanetary missions were entirely feasible. Consequently, the necessity for a dedicated flyby mission equipped with advanced instrumentation was recognized. This responsibility was delegated to the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft.

Simultaneously, discussions commenced concerning the necessity of proceeding with the deployment of an orbital observer and an atmospheric probe. Moreover, it was promptly proposed that the two missions should be integrated into a single mission, given that this methodology had demonstrated success during the Mariner program. Specifically, after reaching orbit, the probe would detach from the spacecraft, enter the planet’s atmosphere, and descend via parachute.

Given that Jupiter lacks a solid surface, no plans were devised to land on it; rather, the spacecraft was intended to remain in orbit to accumulate scientific data for the longest feasible duration, despite being continually subjected to extreme temperatures and pressure.

The Galileo spacecraft is situated within the assembly hall. Source: Wikipedia.

It was immediately decided that the spacecraft would be constructed using the same Mariner platform, which had demonstrated its reliability effectively. However, in practice, the design process did not commence until the late 1970s, following the successful missions of Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 to Jupiter.

Subsequently, the construction of the probe commenced, and it was shortly thereafter named Galileo in recognition of the esteemed Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei. The spacecraft was notably substantial, standing 5 meters tall and weighing 2,223 kilograms, with 339 kilograms attributed to the atmospheric probe and 925 kilograms allocated for fuel.

Galileo was equipped with eleven scientific instruments, comprising a camera mounted to the telescope, infrared and ultraviolet spectrographs, a photopolarimeter, high-energy particle detectors, among others. All of these devices were designed for the inaugural investigation of a gas giant.

To deploy such a substantial object onto an interplanetary trajectory, a large booster known as the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) was developed. Originally, it consisted of a three-stage rocket. Its distinctive feature was its capacity to be utilized not only as the upper stage of a heavy-lift rocket but also to be transported into orbit within the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle and subsequently installed manually for launch. This approach was designed to enhance the overall reliability of the operation. This was precisely the method intended for the launch of Galileo.

Design of the Galileo spacecraft. Source: Wikipedia

In accordance with the original plan, the spacecraft’s voyage to Jupiter was intended to be relatively swift. It was scheduled to arrive at Mars within a six-month timeframe, execute a gravity assist maneuver in its vicinity, then accelerate and proceed toward the gas giant.

Launch postponement

Initially, Galileo was scheduled to launch into space as early as 1982. However, shuttle launches did not occur as frequently as anticipated, and the three-stage configuration of the IUS was deemed excessively costly and large. Its practical application in conjunction with a reusable spaceplane could have introduced considerably more challenges than advantages.

Engineers commenced deliberations on potential replacements. The launch was delayed until 1984, and support for the project diminished. At one stage, experts favored maintaining the route via Mars but proposed launching the orbital and atmospheric probes separately, with a one-month interval.

A model of the Galileo spacecraft affixed to the Centaur module. Source: Wikipedia

Nevertheless, it was universally recognized that such a decision heightened the likelihood of an accident. Consequently, during the deliberations, they revisited the concept of launching via the Space Shuttle as a singular integrated mission, incorporating a gravity assist maneuver proximal to Mars, this time utilizing the Centaur booster. 

Nevertheless, the project persisted in facing scrutiny due to its substantial expenses, intricate design, and the limited scope of scientific findings available at that time. Consequently, the researchers proposed investigating one of the asteroids within the Main Belt during the spacecraft’s ongoing mission. This approach was considered particularly viable, as the onboard instrumentation was appropriately equipped to undertake the study.

Amphitrite was determined to be an asteroid, characterized by its substantial dimensions of 223 × 212 × 193 km. Its alternative options included Yi Qing and Britta. Nevertheless, despite the potential benefit of exploring two targets with Britta, precedence was assigned to a single, larger target.

The rationale behind this was that during the early 1980s, NASA maintained the belief that close flybys of asteroids ought to be avoided. Concerns existed regarding the presence of dust and small rocks in the vicinity, which could potentially damage the spacecraft.

Space Shuttle Atlantis. Source: Wikipedia

This is precisely the reason why the study plans for these objects during Galileo’s flyby presumed that the spacecraft would not approach closer than a few thousand kilometers. Consequently, for asteroids measuring only a few kilometers in diameter, it would be impossible to discern any details.

Taking all these factors into consideration, a revised plan was formulated, stipulating that Galileo was to be launched during the STS-61-G mission on May 20, 1986, aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. However, circumstances beyond control thwarted the realization of these plans. On January 28, another shuttle, the Challenger, tragically exploded during launch, leading to the suspension of the entire space shuttle program. 

The engineers thoroughly examined all potential safety protocols and determined that launching the Centaur-G module from the shuttle was excessively hazardous. It was the Centaur-G that was intended to propel Galileo toward Mars for subsequent arrival at Jupiter.

The launch of the shuttle carrying the Galileo spacecraft. Source: Wikipedia.

The developers once again commenced reevaluating methodologies to reach Jupiter. They revisited the concept of utilizing the IUS, which, by that time, was already deployed in space in its two-stage configuration. Its propulsion was insufficient to accelerate Galileo, leading NASA to revise its trajectory entirely. Instead of proceeding to Mars, the spacecraft was designated to fly to Venus, execute a gravity assist maneuver in its vicinity, as well as perform relatively close approaches to the Sun, before returning to Earth twice prior to proceeding towards Jupiter from that point.

All of this extended the flight duration to 6 years; however, it still permitted the spacecraft to safely accelerate to the necessary velocity. Nevertheless, its challenges during the journey to space did not cease there.

In the mid-1970s, during the initial phase of Galileo’s development, it was quite common to consider utilizing a radioisotope thermoelectric generator as its power source. However, in 1978, a Soviet satellite equipped with an identical device experienced a crash in Canada, resulting in widespread radiation contamination over a large area. The subsequent year, the Three Mile Island nuclear incident took place, and by the early 1980s, fears related to radiation began to intensify. This apprehension peaked following the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster in April 1986, just three months subsequent to the Challenger catastrophe. Consequently, many individuals started to perceive Galileo not as a significant scientific milestone, but rather as a hazardous source of radiation.

Galileo is preparing to depart from the cargo bay of the shuttle Atlantis. Source: Wikipedia

The protests by environmental activists did not accelerate the launch into space. The space shuttle Atlantis, carrying the probe, was not launched until October 18, 1989. Subsequently, on October 19, the probe ignited its IUS main engine and commenced its journey to Venus.

On the way to the asteroids

On February 9, 1990, the Galileo spacecraft conducted a flyby of Venus at a distance of 16,106 kilometers. By that time, the planet had been relatively well examined by other spacecraft; however, the infrared cameras continued to be capable of discerning portions of the planet’s night side beneath a dense cloud cover, thereby facilitating the mapping of its terrain.

Furthermore, the spacecraft analyzed the shock wave generated in the direction of the planet’s orbital motion as a result of the interaction between its magnetic field and solar wind particles. The findings indicate that this shock wave is exceedingly weak, thereby permitting radiation to penetrate the planet’s gaseous envelope. Additionally, lightning discharges were observed within the atmosphere itself.

Venus, photographed by the Galileo spacecraft. Source: Wikipedia

Subsequently, on April 11, one of the mission’s most pivotal events was scheduled to occur — the deployment of the primary antenna. This substantial structure was engineered to guarantee data transmission at a rate of 134,000 bits per second, even over several astronomical units. However, it was originally designed at a time when it was anticipated that the spacecraft would pass by Mars.

However, when the trajectory was altered to enable a pass by Venus, it became essential to shield the spacecraft from intense solar radiation. To accomplish this, a small protective shield was employed, kept closed until the spacecraft had traversed Venus. Communication was managed via a minor lateral antenna, and during the initial days of the mission, a respectable data transmission rate of 1,200 bits per second was maintained. Subsequently, this rate declined to 40 bits per second.

The entire team was eagerly anticipating April 11; however, they were unable to deploy the main Galileo antenna at that time or subsequently. Consequently, communication was maintained through a backup antenna, which had an exceptionally slow data transmission rate, thereby impacting all subsequent research.

On December 8, 1990, Galileo executed a gravitational maneuver during its pass by Earth. Subsequently, it completed an orbit around the Sun and made another close approach to Earth on December 8, 1992, before entering a trajectory directed towards Jupiter.

Galileo’s flight path. Source: Wikipedia

During its close approaches, the spacecraft conducted scientific research, notably studying Earth’s magnetosphere and observing high-altitude mesospheric clouds, which indicated processes contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. Furthermore, scientists verified and confirmed the capability to detect signs of life on Earth from a spacecraft passing the planet. Galileo documented the absorption of atmospheric gases that matched their absorption by terrestrial flora.

Gaspra

On October 29, 1991, Galileo arrived at the intermediate destination of its mission—the asteroid Gaspra. This celestial body, measuring 18.2 × 10.5 × 8.9 km, was discovered as early as 1916 and was named after a village in Crimea. Following a review of the spacecraft’s flight plan by American experts after 1986, Gaspra’s advantageous position and comparatively substantial size rendered it the first asteroid target selected for close-up exploration by the spacecraft.

Gaspra possesses an orbital period of 3.29 Earth years. The aphelion of its orbit is situated at a distance of 2.6 astronomical units (AU), while the perihelion is positioned at 1.82 AU from the Sun. This asteroid is classified as a silicate type.

Photographs of the asteroid Gaspra captured from multiple distances. Source: Wikipedia

In October 1991, Galileo approached within a minimum distance of 1,600 km. Overall, it was able to capture 57 photographs of Gaspra, which, considering the slow data transmission and a flight velocity of approximately 8 km/s, represented a commendable achievement. The highest resolution among these photographs featured a resolution of 54 meters per pixel.

Ida and Dactyl

Finally, on August 28, 1993 — almost two years after the Gaspra flyby and four years after launch — Galileo approached Ida. Experts were uncertain until the very last moment whether the spacecraft could execute this maneuver. It was not until August 26, after verifying sufficient fuel to proceed to Jupiter’s orbit, that the command was issued to correct the course, resulting in Galileo’s encounter with Ida.

Once Around Ida and Dactyl

The asteroid Ida 243 was discovered prior to Gaspra, in 1884. It was named after a nymph from Greek mythology. By the time Ida was designated as a target for the spacecraft’s mission, its dimensions were already established as 59.8 × 25.4 × 18.6 kilometers. In terms of the Main Asteroid Belt, it is not considered a particularly small object.

Ida orbits in a nearly circular trajectory with an aphelion of 2.98 AU and a perihelion of 2.74 AU. Its orbital period spans 1,767 days. Spectrographic analyses indicate that it is a silicate asteroid. Galileo approached it at a considerable relative velocity of 12.4 km/s. Nonetheless, scientists were well-prepared for this event, and imaging was conducted from a distance of 240,350 km until the point of closest approach. As a result, they were able to observe 95% of the asteroid’s surface with clarity.

Photos of Ida taken from various distances. Source: Wikipedia

For the first time, scientists had the opportunity to conduct geological studies of such a body and discovered that Ida’s chemical and mineralogical composition is extraordinarily similar to that of ordinary chondrite meteorites, which fall to Earth in substantial quantities. This confirmation supports the hypothesis that large and small rocky bodies in space originate from a shared source.

They also established the asteroid’s mean density and observed that it is enveloped by a layer of regolith — debris and dust akin to that covering the Moon. This regolith has arisen from numerous collisions with other celestial bodies.

Evidence of impacts was also observed on Ida’s surface. It has been identified as one of the most heavily cratered objects within the Solar System. The largest crater measures approximately 12 km in diameter.

Furthermore, it has been established by researchers that solar radiation influences the surface. The older regions of the surface are observed to be more reddish compared to other areas. Overall, the Galileo investigation demonstrated that asteroids possess a considerably more intriguing history than was previously assumed.

Owing to persistent issues with the antenna, the transmission of images from Ida proceeded at an extremely slow pace and was not finalized until February 1994. It was during this period that a significant discovery was made: a moon was identified orbiting Ida, subsequently named Dactyl, in honor of the mythical people from Greek mythology.

Possible orbits of Dactyl. Source: Wikipedia

Dactyl measures 1,200 × 1,400 × 1,600 meters. It closely resembles Ida in terms of albedo and coloration, and, similar to Ida, is extensively cratered. It is believed to have formed concurrently with Ida as a consequence of the disintegration of a substantial parent body.

However, the precise nature of Dactyl’s orbit remains unidentified. It is acknowledged that establishing this orbit necessitates numerous observations; however, scientists presently possess only a limited number of images. From these, they have been able to approximate that Dactyl’s radius is approximately 90 km.

The entire history of the Galileo mission encompasses two decades and consequently illustrates the progression of our comprehension of asteroids. Initially envisioned as a spacecraft intended to avoid these ostensibly unremarkable yet hazardous objects, the probe ultimately evolved into the instrument that enabled scientists to explore the realm of space rocks and appreciate their remarkable nature.

However, Galileo’s journey did not conclude there. After departing from the asteroids, it proceeded to its primary objective — Jupiter. The spacecraft successfully entered orbit, deployed a probe into the planet’s atmosphere, and collected a wealth of valuable data. However, that is a separate chapter in its mission history.

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Kevin Randle | Strange Visitors: UFO Crash & Alien Body Retrievals, Abductions & Evidence

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Trump’s UFO advisor says aliens wouldn’t care who the president is

The Trump administration has released five batches of UFO files so far

Josh Marcus in San Francisco

President Trump has made a point of releasing UFO-related materials to the public, but if little green men ever visit Earth they’re unlikely to care much about our politics or who is in the White House, according to one of the president’s advisors on UFOs.

“If someone arrives from the vast expanses of interstellar space, recognizing how humans divided up territory on Earth is a very low priority for them,” Avi Loeb, who leads the administration’s Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Science Advisory Council, told AlterNet this week. “They wouldn't care about the United States, and they wouldn't care who its president is.”

At the same time, Loeb said, if aliens were discovered or contacted during the Trump administration, that would define the president’s legacy forever.

“Obviously, for a president, it would be a great boon if, during his term, we discovered we're not alone — that we have a neighbor in our cosmic environment,” Loeb, a Harvard University physicist, told the outlet. “That kind of discovery would be remembered millions of years into the future. It's not like a dispute with another nation, which in a century will likely be forgotten. This would be a major discovery that shapes the future of humanity.”

The advisory council, announced in June, is part of the Trump administration’s larger effort to disclose more information about UAPs.

So far, the Pentagon has released five tranches of information to the public, though the materials have not revealed any new, definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life or technology. Instead, the releases consist of records tied to a mix of recent and decades-old mysterious encounters.

The administration is also working on a process to encourage government whistleblowers with information about UAPs to come forward without fear of violating non-disclosure agreements or other secrecy obligations.

Loeb’s selection as leader of the UAP advisory effort was somewhat controversial.

Despite his lengthy tenure as a top physicist, he has faced criticism from other scientists who have argued he has made premature claims about the possibility of alien life.

"I don't know what's going to come of this, but we're not going to get any closer to answering these questions with him in charge," Steve Desch, an Arizona State University astrophysicist, told The Associated Press in June.

Loeb, whose team has requested that the Pentagon declassify various UAP-related materials, has said he’s starting from the assumption that UAPs encountered around Earth are man-made phenomena until proven otherwise.

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The lost city of Atlantis could be hidden beneath an undisclosed stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, a retired US Navy admiral has claimed.

Tim Gallaudet said he is working with researchers who believe detailed maps of the seabed contain features matching the legendary civilization’s ancient description.

Atlantis was described by the Greek philosopher Plato more than 2,000 years ago as a wealthy island empire with a capital built around rings of land and water.

According to the legend, violent earthquakes and floods swallowed the island in a single day and night. Plato’s Timaeus

‘We believe we found the region in the Atlantic. We have some proprietary bathymetry [underwater topography], and it’s very high resolution,' Gallaudet told Jesse Michels on the American Alchemy podcast. 'There are a lot of features that correspond to exactly how Plato described it.'

He said a well-funded researcher with a ship and a remotely operated underwater vehicle had expressed interest in hearing the team’s proposal.

But the location remains secret, with Gallaudet citing a nondisclosure agreement that prevents him from revealing the site.

Gallaudet's account describes a possible search target, not a confirmed discovery of Atlantis. 

The former Navy admiral shared a scan he said likely shows the lost city of Atlantis

Plato first introduced Atlantis in his dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written around 360 BC.

He described it as a technologically advanced society that existed 9,000 years before his time, placing it over 11,000 years ago.

Most historians and scientists have concluded that Plato's account of the lost kingdom of Atlantis was fictional. 

Gallaudet previously led the Navy’s oceanography work and served as acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and testified before Congress in November 2024 about Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).

He had hinted at an underwater investigation in an August 2025 appearance on the Danny Jones podcast, saying: ‘We actually have a special project I can’t talk about.’

He described plans to map an ancient underwater site, examine it with a remotely operated vehicle and try to date it, but did not identify the location. 

It is unclear whether he was discussing the same site described to Michels.

In the interview on American Alchemy, Gallaudet said the team was using bathymetry, maps of underwater depths and terrain,  that he described as privately held and very high-resolution.

Gallaudet previously led the Navy’s oceanography work and  testified before Congress in November 2024 about Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) 

He pointed to the dimensions of the canal system in Plato’s writings, saying features in the target area ‘correspond to exactly how Plato described it.’

However, he did not provide the measurements or identify the other features being compared.

In the earlier Jones interview, Gallaudet said he wanted to ‘see some data on Atlantis,’ adding: ‘I have a few leads.’

The current effort is being led by an emergency-room doctor who spent more than a decade gathering geological and archaeological information, Gallaudet said.

He did not name the doctor, but described how the researcher began reading Plato’s original dialogues in his spare time before bringing in specialist advisers.

Gallaudet said he also connected the researcher with physicist Max Derakhshani to explore using an algorithm that analyzes three-dimensional terrain data.

He believes the technique could help distinguish natural formations from artificial structures, although he did not report results establishing that the seabed features were man-made.

An expedition would allow the researchers to investigate the site directly, rather than relying on its appearance in maps.

Later in the interview, Gallaudet said deep-sea explorer Victor Vescovo had also heard the team’s presentation and expressed interest.

Plato first introduced Atlantis in his dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written around 360 BC

‘We gave him the presentation on Atlantis, and he said, “All right, I’m in,”’ Gallaudet recalled.

He did not announce a confirmed departure date for the proposed expedition.

Michels suggested the Azores as a possible location during the conversation, but Gallaudet did not confirm that the team’s target was there.

The Azores Plateau is a large, triangular underwater highland in the North Atlantic Ocean that supports the volcanic peaks of the Azores archipelago. 

Supporters of the Azores theory believe the islands are the surviving mountaintops of a vast landmass that sank beneath the Atlantic.

They point to the region’s position where three tectonic plates meet, the North American, Eurasian and African, as a possible connection to the catastrophic earthquakes described in Plato’s account.

Plato described it as a technologically advanced society that existed 9,000 years before his time, placing it over 11,000 years ago

Some also suggest that lower sea levels during the last ice age exposed a larger area of land that was later submerged, although this does not establish that the islands are the remains of Atlantis.

Gallaudet also argued that a rapid sinking of land could have submerged a city over years rather than millennia, although he did not disclose the geological mechanism behind that hypothesis.

The proposal rests on treating Plato’s account as a possible description of a real place, rather than simply a philosophical story.

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Nepal's flood could just be the beginning: Maps reveal the glaciers around the world at risk of a similar disaster - with 15 million people in the danger zone

• READ MORE: Scientists blame climate change for Nepal's flash flood

By WILIAM HUNTER, SENIOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER

Hundreds of people have been killed, and more than 1,500 are still missing after devastating flash floods swept through the Nepal–Tibet border.

Scientists believe the disaster was triggered by the collapse of a glacier on the Langtang–Lirung mountain, which registered as a magnitude 5.2 earthquake.

Although it may take months of research to uncover the exact story, experts are already warning that this is 'not a one–off event'.

Dr Jonathan Carrivick, an expert on glacial flooding from the University of Leeds, told the Daily Mail: 'Climate change is warming the mountains, causing permafrost and glaciers to melt.'

According to the expert, this makes 'the likelihood of these sorts of events – possibly bigger – more frequent.'

Overall, researchers estimate that a whopping 15 million people worldwide are living in danger zones. 

While the Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindu Kush and neighbouring ranges in Asia are most at risk, people living in the US and Canada are also in danger.

'North America could experience something similar to what we see in Nepal today,' Dr Carrivick warned. 

As rescue efforts continue in the flood–hit regions of Nepal and Tibet, scientists have mapped which glaciers around the world could be at risk of a similar disaster. Pictured: Red regions show areas of high Glacial Lake Overflow Flood risk

High Mountain Asia is the most threatened region because it is rapidly warming, and hosts rapidly melting glaciers, growing meltwater lakes and some of the world's steepest mountains 

Hundreds of people have been killed, and more than 1,500 are still missing after devastating flash floods swept through the Nepal–Tibet border

Although scientists are still scrambling to understand the disaster, the current evidence suggests that Nepal's deadly floods are the consequence of glacial collapse.

Dr Carrivick says: 'This Nepal event appears to have been a massive rock failure that took a large part of the glacier with it.'

According to the research group Antarctic Glaciers, which combines the efforts of about 50 leading experts, initial analysis shows that there was a landslide and glacier collapse shortly before the flood.

This sent ice and rock cascading down the mountain, mixing with sediment left by previous floods, and temporarily blocking the Lhende Khola River.

That caused a large lake to temporarily form before it broke through in a devastating flood.

Deadly events exactly like this have happened in the past and are likely to keep happening with increasing regularity as climate change continues.

For example, in 2021, a massive rock and ice triggered a deadly debris flow that killed over 200 people and damaged two hydroelectric power plants.

Meanwhile, in Canada, a rockslide in 2020 saw 18 million cubic metres of stone cascade into a glacial lake, sending 100–metre–tall waves that scoured a 6–mile (10km) channel.

Outside of Asia, glaciers in the Alps are also putting many areas at high risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods 

The researchers note that the Andes is an area of risk that might have been greatly underappreciated in previous research

Scientists say that Nepal's flooding was not caused by a Glacial Lake Overflow Flood, but warn that this related risk is increasing all over the world. Pictured: Distribution of people at risk of glacial flooding 

What caused the flooding in Nepal and Tibet?

Scientists say that initial analysis the day after the flooding indicates a landslide and glacier collapse from the Langtang–Lirung mountain.

Ice and rock then cascaded down the mountain, mixing with further sediment and water as it travelled down–valley.

The landslide temporarily blocked the Lhende Khola River, causing a large lake to build before it broke through the dam and unleashed a massive flood.

Early reports suggested an earthquake was the trigger, but data now shows that a major rockfault leading to glacial collapse was the cause. 

Source: Antarctic Glaciers 

Scientists have also raised the alarm that mountainous regions are becoming increasingly at risk of a similar threat, known as a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).

This occurs when meltwater from a glacier forms a large lake at its base that is held back by a thin, unstable natural dam.

If the glacier collapses or the meltwater gets too high, that barrier can break, releasing a devastating cascade of water downhill.

Scientists do not currently believe that the deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet were caused by a GLOF, since satellite images do not show any major lakes forming in the area prior to the landslide.

However, glaciers around the world are now putting more people in danger of this form of flooding, which could prove just as, if not more, deadly than what has been seen in Nepal.

In their paper, published in Nature Communications, researchers used the latest modelling to map where this risk was highest.

They found that more than half of the 15 million people threatened by GLOFs live in just four countries: India, Pakistan, Peru, and China.

Populations in High Mountain Asia (HMA), which includes the Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindu Kush and neighbouring ranges, are most at risk.

Scientists currently believe that the floods were triggered by a rock slide that led to glacial collapse on the Langtang–Lirung mountain

Geological factors in the Himalayas lead to 'hazard cascades', chain reactions that release huge volumes of ice and water into populated areas – just like the recent disaster in Nepal

The countries most at risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding

1. China
2. Pakistan
3. Peru
4. Canada
5. India
6. USA
7. Chile
8. Italy
9. Nepal
10. Columbia

Here, people are the most exposed on average and live closest to glacial lakes, with more than a million people living less than six miles (10km) from one.

This region is home to 62 per cent of all people exposed to GLOFs, with three million in India and two million in Pakistan.

Co–author Dr Matt Westoby, Associate Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Plymouth, told the Daily Mail: 'High Mountain Asia is one of the fastest warming regions globally.

'It hosts rapidly melting glaciers, growing meltwater lakes and some of the world’s steepest mountains.

'As the climate warms, shrinking glaciers and thawing frozen ground can destabilise mountain slopes, increasing the risk of rockfalls, landslides and avalanches.'

Dr Westoby adds that these can cause 'hazard cascades', chain reactions that release huge volumes of ice and water into populated areas – just like the recent disaster in Nepal.

However, the researchers note that the Andes is an area of risk that might have been greatly underappreciated in previous research.

The number of glacial lakes in this region has increased by 93 per cent since 1990, compared with just 37 per cent in HMA.

Peru ranks as the third most dangerous country globally, and two of the world's three most hazardous river basins are in the Andes: the Santa basin in Peru and the Beni basin in Bolivia.'

Co–author Professor Rachel Carr, a glaciologist from Newcastle University, told the Daily Mail: 'It is important to note that it’s not just rural populations at risk: major cities draw their water from Andean glaciers,' says Professor Carr.

But it isn't just these highly exposed regions that are at risk, as the researchers show that North America, particularly the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and the Alps are threatened by GLOFs.

Even though there is debate over whether GLOFs are becoming more frequent, it is certain that they are becoming more dangerous.

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•  Nepal flood LIVE: Fears of second tsunami as lake breaks its banks and locals run for high ground 

This is because the downstream populations are growing, putting more people and critical infrastructure at risk.

Part of what makes this so dangerous is that experts cannot say exactly where or when the next devastating flood will strike.

Professor Carr says: 'Usually, larger events are rarer and smaller events happen more frequently, but there is a random nature to them, especially when they are triggered by events such as landslides.

'Thus it’s likely one of a similar scale [to Nepal] will occur in the future, but when and where is much harder to say.'

NEW DETAILS: Glacial collapse triggers CATASTROPHIC floods near China-Nepal border

Nepal Flash Floods: Himalayas In Crisis, Melting Ice, Flash Floods And A Climate Warning

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UAP Disclosure | From Hype to Silence: What Happened?

popular

A wave of excitement once surrounded the Trump administration's initiative to reveal Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) information, yet only a few months later, the conversation has nearly vanished. The hype peaked with expectations for substantial revelations, but the reality is starkly different.

Initial Excitement

When the push for UAP disclosure began, many believed this could fundamentally change the understanding of UFOs. Hushed discussions about hidden truths promised a groundbreaking reveal. However, once the initial releases occurred, they failed to deliver the expected level of intrigue.

• Previously Known Material: Much of what was released consisted of information already available in other forms.

• Unresolved Cases: The released content did not clarify long-standing mysteries, leaving many disappointed.

• Lack of Compelling Evidence: Footage and documents shared failed to establish anything out of the ordinary.

The sentiment among people has soured significantly. One person remarked, ">> "They fed us a bunch of bull and people are disillusioned now." Indeed, perceptions shifted from hope to skepticism.

Disappointment Sets In

With a lack of groundbreaking evidence, some say expectations have been shattered. Skeptics are vocal, suggesting that the administration might not hold any verifiable information. "If what they’ve released is all they’ve been hiding, then there’s really nothing to disclose at all," shared a concerned commentator.

Furthermore, the frustrations didn't stop there.

People have expressed that the entire disclosure process seems like a distraction from more pressing issues. One user cynically pointed out:

">> "Disclosure was just another distraction from bigger problems."

Despite continued calls for transparency, many say it feels as if the movement is on life support.

Emerging Theories and Public Sentiment

The remaining discussion revolves around questions more than answers. A number of individuals speculate if an overarching narrative is being spun to confuse the public.

• Corporate Control?: Some comment on a "cabal" controlling the narrative, alluding to hidden motives behind the government’s reluctance to release substantial evidence.

• Expectation vs. Reality: There seems to be a divide between what enthusiasts hoped for and what has actually come to light. One individual mentioned,

">> "Expectations were met with mediocre dots no real confirmation."

Additionally, the shared experiences of military personnel encountering unexplained aerial phenomena, like sightings of orbs displaying unusual abilities, still evoke fascination, although they lack official acknowledgment or rigorous investigation.

Key Takeaways

• 📉 Declining Interest: Interest in UAP disclosure has plummeted due to underwhelming revelations and a lack of compelling evidence.

• 🔍 Continued Calls for Transparency: Despite ongoing demands for full disclosure, many feel the government downplays the matter.

• 🤔 Distrust in Processes: Heightened skepticism about the sincerity of the UAP disclosure movement persists, with crowds questioning the motives behind released information.

As the conversation dies down, it raises an important question: could such a pivotal movement die from stagnation when the truth remains obscured? With expectations unmet, many are left to wonder if the phenomena will ever get the serious treatment they believe is due.

Predictions on the Horizon

Moving forward, there’s a strong chance that interest in UAP disclosures will continue to decline as disillusioned people seek answers elsewhere. Experts estimate around 65% of individuals may shift their focus to other current events, leaving the UAP conversation largely unattended. However, a smaller cohort might remain dedicated to pressing for transparency, potentially leading to minor policy changes or new initiatives aimed at restoring credibility. The chance for grassroots movements or forums to organize around this topic might rise, but without compelling evidence, substantial reforms will likely remain elusive.

Echoes from the Past

Consider the slow unearthing of the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, which initially seemed mundane and straightforward, much like the early UAP disclosures. The public’s patience waned as early revelations fell flat, but as more substantive evidence surfaced, the situation morphed into a significant political upheaval. Today’s UAP narrative might require similar persistence from the public to press for the truth; even the most mundane beginnings can sometimes lead to the most transformative revelations. Just as a dam can hold back water until the pressure grows too great, the UAP disclosure movement might yet yield deeper truths if enough voices keep pushing for accountability.

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A Brief Look at Angelology: The Study of Angels

by Steve Paslow

Angels have fascinated humanity for millennia, serving as powerful symbols of hope, protection, and divine intervention. Rooted in the spiritual traditions of numerous cultures and religions, angels are typically regarded as celestial beings who act as intermediaries between the divine and humanity. Angels are often sent to deliver divine messages, as seen in the Annunciation to Mary. Guardian angels are believed to watch over individuals, protecting them from harm. Angels offer spiritual guidance, helping individuals align with their higher purpose.  Archangel Michael is often depicted as a warrior leading the battle against evil.

In Judaism-Angels, or mal’akhim (messengers), are prominent in Jewish tradition. They serve as messengers, protectors, and executors of God’s will. Famous examples include: Michael, the archangel who leads God’s armies against evil. Raphael, associated with healing in the Book of Tobit. Gabriel, who interpreted visions for the prophet Daniel. Uriel, a very helpful angel who is often associated with guarding The Tree of Life with a flaming sword after Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden, inspecting the door of Egyptian homes for lamb’s blood over the Passover Plague, and providing guidance and enlightenment to individual like the prophet Ezra through visions and revelations.  The Jewish mysticism of the Kabbalah expands on angelic hierarchies, with ten orders, such as Seraphim, Cherubim, and Ophanim.

Christianity-Angels are deeply embedded in Christian theology, serving as God’s messengers and agents of divine will. The New Testament features angels prominently, such as Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary and the angels who appeared at Christ’s resurrection. The Christian angelic hierarchy, outlined by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, includes nine choirs of angels divided into three spheres: First Sphere: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones. Second Sphere: Dominions, Virtues, Powers. Third Sphere: Principalities, Archangels, Angels.

Descriptions of Angels-Appearance: Angels are often described as radiant, winged beings with human-like forms. However, their depictions vary: The Seraphim are described as fiery beings with six wings. The Cherubim have multiple faces (human, lion, ox, and eagle) and are often associated with guarding sacred spaces. The Ophanim, or “wheels,” are mysterious beings described in Ezekiel’s vision as wheels within wheels covered with eyes. Symbolism: Wings symbolize their swiftness and connection to the heavens, while their light or radiance represents purity and divinity.

Archangel Gabriel: The Divine Messenger Archangel Gabriel, whose name means “God is my strength,” holds a revered place in religious traditions as a celestial messenger and herald of divine truth. As one of the most prominent archangels in Christian, and Jewish traditions, Gabriel is celebrated for playing pivotal roles in delivering important messages from the Divine to humanity. He is perhaps best known for announcing the birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary during the Annunciation, as described in the Gospel of Luke. With the words, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” Gabriel brings one of the most significant messages in Christian theology, he is perhaps best known for announcing the divine, immaculate birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary during the Annunciation, as described in the Gospel of Luke.

In Jewish texts, Gabriel appears in the Book of Daniel as a figure who interprets visions and provides insight into the mysteries of the divine plan. The Talmud also mentions Gabriel as one of the angels who performs acts of justice and judgment,and is often depicted in art holding a trumpet, symbolizing their role as a divine announcer, or a lily, representing purity and divine grace. This archangel is associated with clarity, communication, and creative inspiration. As a result, many people seek his guidance when facing difficult decisions or striving for a deeper understanding of their purpose. Believers across various faiths invoke Gabriel for support in communicating effectively, finding strength during challenging times, or seeking spiritual insight. Gabriel’s presence is thought to bring clarity, confidence, and a sense of peace, making this archangel a powerful symbol of hope and divine connection. Whether as the angel of the Annunciation, the revealer of sacred texts, or a guiding light in personal journeys, Gabriel remains a profound figure whose influence transcends time and tradition.

• Archangel Michael: The Divine Protector and Leader is one of the most venerated and recognized archangels across various religious traditions, including Christianity and Judaism. Known as a warrior and protector, Michael’s name means “Who is like God?”—a rhetorical question emphasizing God’s unparalleled power.

The Role of Archangel Michael In religious texts, he is depicted as a heavenly leader who stands as a defender of faith, justice, and truth. In the Christian tradition, he is often associated with battling Satan and his forces, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This epic battle is vividly described in the Book of Revelation (12:7-9), where Michael leads the angels to victory against the dragon, representing Satan. In the Jewish tradition, Michael is considered the guardian of Israel, often interceding on behalf of humanity before God.  This Archangel is often portrayed as a powerful figure, clad in shining armor, wielding a sword or spear, and standing triumphantly over a defeated dragon or serpent. These symbols represent his role as the defender against darkness and the protector of humanity. His blue or golden aura in art signifies divine power, truth, and protection. Believers across the world turn to Michael in times of need, seeking courage, strength, and protection. Prayers to him often emphasize his role as a guardian against physical and spiritual harm. One of the most well-known prayers, the Prayer to St. Michael, asks him to defend believers in battle and deliver them from evil.

• Archangel Raphael: The Healer of Heaven is revered as the angel of healing, guidance, and protection in various religious traditions, particularly within Christianity and Judaism. His name, derived from the Hebrew Rāphāʾēl, means “God has healed,” reflecting his divine role in bringing physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration.

Raphael is most prominently featured in the Book of Tobit, part of the Deuterocanonical texts in Christian tradition. Disguised as a human named Azariah, Raphael accompanies Tobias, the son of Tobit, on a journey. Along the way, he heals Tobit’s blindness and helps Tobias defeat a demon tormenting his future wife, Sarah. These acts highlight his role as a healer and protector against spiritual and physical harm. He is one of the seven archangels who stand before God. Raphael as the patron of healers, travelers, and those in search of guidance, Raphael is often invoked for assistance in matters of health and well-being. He is traditionally depicted holding a staff, symbolizing his role as a guide, and a fish, a reference to the healing story in the Book of Tobit.Raphael is also associated with promoting harmony in relationships, supporting individuals on their life journeys, and providing protection from harm. Many believe he inspires healers, doctors, and caregivers to bring relief to those in need.  People seeking Raphael’s assistance often pray for his intercession to heal illness, reduce stress, or find clarity in difficult decisions. His gentle and compassionate presence is believed to bring peace and hope to those who call upon him. Whether seen as a divine healer, a guide for travelers, or a protector against adversity, Archangel Raphael’s legacy continues to inspire faith and trust in divine providence.

• Archangel Uriel, whose name means “Light of God” or “Fire of God,” is a revered archangel in many religious and spiritual traditions. Although not explicitly mentioned in canonical biblical texts, Uriel is prominently featured in apocryphal writings, such as the Book of Enoch and 2 Esdras, and is recognized in Jewish, Christian, and some esoteric traditions.

Uriel is often described as a wise and illuminating angel, embodying divine knowledge and understanding. He is believed to bring light to dark situations, offering clarity and insight to those seeking truth. In various traditions, Uriel is considered the angel of wisdom, prophecy, and repentance. In the Book of Enoch, Uriel is one of the four primary archangels, alongside Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. He is tasked with warning Noah of the coming flood, cementing his role as a guide and a messenger. Uriel is associated with intellectual pursuits and the arts. Many view him as the patron of writers, thinkers, and those engaged in creative endeavors. His light serves as a metaphor for the inspiration and enlightenment that fuels human creativity and innovation. In iconography, Uriel is often depicted holding a flame, a scroll, or a book, symbolizing his connection to knowledge and divine revelation. He sometimes appears with a sword, representing his role as a guardian of truth and justice. In literature, this Archangel has inspired numerous works, including John Milton’s Paradise Lost, where he is described as the “regent of the sun,” and in various mystical writings that emphasize his role as a guide to higher understanding. Today, Uriel is embraced by many as a source of wisdom and inner illumination. Those who seek his guidance often turn to meditation or prayer, asking for his assistance in resolving complex issues, gaining insight, or overcoming doubt. Uriel’s enduring legacy lies in his representation of divine light, a reminder that wisdom and clarity are always within reach for those who seek them with an open heart.

Conclusion :

Angels continue to captivate the human imagination, embodying the hope of divine intervention and the presence of higher powers in our lives. Whether viewed as messengers, protectors, or symbols of faith, they serve as a reminder of the unseen forces at work in the universe, bridging the realms of the divine and the mortal.

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Military Reports Removal of Unidentified Craft From Restricted Airspace as Mysterious Incident Sparks Global Debate

Questions surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena have resurfaced after a series of dramatic images circulated online claiming to show an unusual aircraft operating inside restricted airspace before being intercepted and removed by military authorities. The images, which depict a sleek black craft with an unconventional geometric design and illuminated structural points, have generated widespread discussion among aviation enthusiasts, defense analysts, and UFO researchers, with many debating whether the object represents an advanced military platform, an experimental aerospace vehicle, or simply an artistic interpretation of an unidentified aerial incident.

According to claims accompanying the viral images, military officials responded after detecting an unidentified object entering restricted airspace where authorized civilian aircraft are prohibited. Online posts allege that multiple radar systems tracked the craft as it maneuvered through controlled airspace using flight characteristics unlike those of conventional aircraft. While the authenticity of these claims has not been independently verified, the images have fueled renewed public fascination with reports involving unexplained aerial objects.

The artwork shows a dark, angular craft unlike any publicly known commercial aircraft. Instead of a traditional fuselage and wings, the object appears to feature an almost symmetrical star-like configuration with sharp edges extending outward from a compact central body. Several bright white lights appear positioned along the structure, while the surrounding atmosphere seems slightly distorted, giving the impression of high-speed movement or unusual aerodynamic effects.

Supporters of the incident claim military radar operators initially classified the object as an unidentified track after it reportedly entered restricted airspace without transmitting any identification signals. Standard aviation procedures require aircraft operating within controlled zones to communicate with air traffic controllers and broadcast transponder information, allowing authorities to identify and monitor their movements. According to the online narrative, the mysterious craft allegedly failed to comply with these requirements.

Witnesses described in social media posts claim the object demonstrated unusual flight behavior, reportedly maintaining precise altitude before making abrupt directional changes without visible signs of conventional propulsion. Some accounts suggest the craft accelerated rapidly before disappearing from radar coverage, while others allege military aircraft were dispatched to investigate the unidentified target.

No official government source has confirmed the specific details presented in the viral posts, and defense experts caution that many online stories combine factual discussions of unidentified aerial phenomena with fictional or speculative material. As a result, the circulating images should not be interpreted as verified documentation of an actual military operation.

Nevertheless, the incident has sparked renewed discussion regarding how modern armed forces respond to unidentified aircraft entering protected airspace. Around the world, military organizations routinely investigate radar contacts that cannot be immediately identified. These investigations often involve fighter aircraft, ground-based radar systems, satellite monitoring, and coordination with civilian aviation authorities to determine whether an object poses a potential safety or security concern.

Defense analysts emphasize that an unidentified object does not necessarily represent extraterrestrial technology. Many radar anomalies are eventually attributed to weather conditions, balloons, drones, classified military exercises, equipment malfunctions, or previously unknown civilian aircraft. In many cases, limited data prevents investigators from reaching definitive conclusions, leaving incidents categorized as unresolved rather than extraordinary.

The unusual design shown in the viral images has also attracted attention from aerospace engineers. Some observers argue that the sharp, angular geometry resembles conceptual hypersonic aircraft or next-generation stealth platforms currently under development by several nations. Others believe the design appears inconsistent with known engineering principles and is more likely a digitally created illustration inspired by science fiction.

Artificial intelligence image-generation technology has further complicated public discussions surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena. Highly realistic computer-generated images can now be produced within minutes, making it increasingly difficult for casual observers to distinguish between authentic photographs, digital artwork, and manipulated content. Image-forensics specialists therefore stress the importance of examining original source files, metadata, and supporting evidence before drawing conclusions about any extraordinary visual claim.

Despite skepticism surrounding the viral images, interest in unidentified aerial phenomena continues to grow worldwide. Government agencies in several countries have acknowledged reviewing reports submitted by military personnel, commercial pilots, and civilians who have encountered objects that remain unexplained after preliminary investigation. Officials consistently note, however, that an unresolved case should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of advanced non-human technology.

The claim that the military “removed” a hazardous craft from restricted airspace has become one of the most debated aspects of the online story. Some readers interpret the phrase as referring to the interception and escort of an unidentified aircraft out of protected airspace, while others speculate about the recovery of a physical object. Without official documentation or independently verified reporting, neither interpretation can currently be confirmed.

Experts in aviation safety note that protecting restricted airspace remains an essential responsibility for military organizations regardless of the identity of an intruding object. Unauthorized aircraft—whether drones, balloons, civilian planes, or unidentified targets—can present significant risks to national security, military operations, and public safety. Consequently, interception procedures are standard practice whenever unidentified objects enter sensitive areas.

As discussions continue across social media, researchers encourage the public to separate confirmed information from speculation. The available images provide an intriguing visual concept, but they do not constitute evidence that an advanced unidentified craft entered restricted airspace or that military forces recovered or neutralized such an object.

For now, the mysterious images remain part of the growing collection of viral UFO-related content that continues to capture worldwide attention. Until original source material, radar records, official statements, or independently verified evidence become available, the incident should be regarded as an unconfirmed claim rather than an established historical event. Even so, the story highlights the enduring fascination surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena and the ongoing public interest in what may—or may not—be operating in the skies above restricted airspace.

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Dick Cheney and the Alleged Alien Detention Program: What David Grusch Actually Said

A former U.S. intelligence officer appeared to implicate a high-ranking official in an alleged extraterrestrial detention programme — without naming him directly. We examine Grusch's exact words, his verified background, and what remains impossible to confirm.

By Rachid Echahly  

Who Is David Grusch?

Before evaluating any allegation David Grusch makes, it is necessary to understand what his background actually confirms — and what it does not.

Grusch is a decorated Air Force combat veteran with service in Afghanistan. His intelligence career brought him, by his own account and by documentation that has been confirmed, to the position of the National Reconnaissance Office’s representative to the DoD Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force — a sensitive role that would, if accurate, give him plausible access to classified UAP-related briefings. He subsequently served as the DoD’s co-lead for UAP analysis at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

In 2021 and 2022, Grusch made protected disclosures and filed a complaint involving alleged retaliation and concerns that UAP-related information was being withheld from congressional oversight. His legal representatives stated that the Intelligence Community Inspector General considered the complaint credible and urgent for referral. That procedural determination did not publicly validate the underlying claims about recovered non-human vehicles or biological entities.

On July 26, 2023, Grusch testified under oath before the House Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, alongside David Fravor and Ryan Graves. That hearing — a matter of congressional record — is the most verifiable event in the Grusch narrative. His written statement, submitted to Congress, describes a claim that the U.S. government possesses non-human craft and biological material recovered from UAP incidents. It is an extraordinary claim. It remains unproven.

For a fuller account of Grusch’s background and the 2023 testimony, see our Voices of Disclosure profile and the full career dossier.

The August 2026 Allegation: What Grusch Said

In August 2026, Grusch appeared on The Dr. Phil Podcast. During the interview, he discussed what he characterises as a covert UAP retrieval and reverse-engineering programme — claims broadly consistent with his 2023 congressional testimony. But the interview went further in at least one material respect: Grusch appeared to connect a named senior official to an alleged programme of extraterrestrial detention — not merely crash retrieval.

The distinction matters. Crash retrieval and reverse-engineering of non-human technology is the core claim Grusch has made since 2023. The allegation of a detention programme — implying living or deceased non-human biological entities in U.S. custody under the direction of named officials — is a significantly more specific and more serious claim.

The allegation as reported involves a reference to a specific nickname that has long been associated with one senior official. Grusch did not name that official directly. The inference connecting the two is drawn from the nickname — not from any document, recording, or secondhand corroboration that has been made public.

The Grusch interview was reported on by the New York Post, among other outlets. The Post’s coverage interpreted the “Darth Vader” reference as pointing to former Vice President Dick Cheney. That interpretation is plausible — Cheney carried that nickname throughout his 2001–2009 tenure and well beyond — but it is an editorial interpretation of an indirect reference, not a direct attribution.

What Grusch did not say, so far as is publicly documented: He did not state that Dick Cheney personally detained extraterrestrial entities. He did not produce documentation of any detention programme. He did not name firsthand witnesses who can corroborate the specific allegation about the official in question.

The “Darth Vader” Nickname: Where It Comes From

Dick Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from January 2001 to January 2009, under President George W. Bush. The “Darth Vader” nickname emerged in press coverage during this period and became sufficiently established that Cheney himself acknowledged it in public. The nickname reflects his reputation for operating through classified channels, back-room influence, and an opacity that journalists and political commentators found difficult to penetrate.

Cheney was, in documented terms, one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history. He had direct access to the most sensitive intelligence programmes of the post-9/11 era, including programmes whose existence remained classified for years after his tenure. The intelligence infrastructure he helped shape — including expansions to domestic surveillance, enhanced interrogation, and black-site operations — demonstrates that he was comfortable authorising programmes kept entirely out of public view.

None of this establishes a connection to UAP programmes. The documented history of classified intelligence activity under Cheney is relevant context — it explains why the nickname resonates and why disclosure advocates find the inference plausible — but it is not evidence of UAP involvement specifically. A senior official who authorises secret surveillance programmes has not thereby been shown to have knowledge of or control over alleged extraterrestrial detention.

Cheney has not publicly responded to the allegation. His representatives have not issued a statement. That silence is not evidentiary.

What Grusch Witnessed and What He Was Told

One of the most important distinctions in evaluating Grusch’s claims — and one that is routinely collapsed in media coverage — is the difference between what he personally observed and what others allegedly told him.

Grusch has been explicit on this point: he has stated that he did not personally observe non-human craft or biological material. His claims rest on testimony provided to him by other intelligence and military personnel, whose accounts he says were given under legally binding frameworks. He has described reviewing what he characterises as classified photographs and documentation, but this material has not been independently released, examined by an outside body, or verified in any public form.

The August 2026 allegation about a “Darth Vader” figure and a detention programme falls into this same category: it is described as information passed to Grusch, not a direct personal observation. The chain of custody of this claim is: unnamed sources told Grusch something; Grusch reported it publicly using a codename rather than a direct identification; a news outlet interpreted the codename as referring to a specific individual. At each link in that chain, uncertainty compounds.

Secondhand testimony from credentialed sources is not worthless. Courts and intelligence assessments routinely rely on it. But it carries an evidentiary burden that is proportional to the claim being made. An allegation that a former U.S. Vice President oversaw a programme to detain extraterrestrial life is among the most extraordinary claims ever made about a named public official. The evidentiary bar must be correspondingly high.

Timeline

How Researchers Assess Grusch’s Credibility

Grusch occupies an unusual position in the disclosure landscape: he has more verifiable institutional credibility than almost any previous UAP claimant, yet his core claims remain unproven. Different researchers and communities weight these facts differently.

• The disclosure-advocate assessment: Disclosure advocates point to Grusch’s formal career, his use of protected reporting channels, his willingness to testify under oath, and his attorneys’ statement that his complaint was considered credible and urgent for referral. They regard these factors as a significant indication that his allegations deserve further investigation, while acknowledging that the procedural determination did not validate the alleged extraterrestrial programs. Advocates also note that previous UAP whistleblowers — dismissed as cranks — have subsequently been vindicated on at least some specific claims, and argue that the secrecy surrounding UAP programmes makes the absence of public corroboration an expected feature of the landscape, not evidence against the claims.
• The cautious-researcher assessment distinguishes between Grusch’s career credibility and the verifiability of his specific claims. Researchers in this category note that no physical evidence has been produced in the years since his initial complaints; that the secondhand character of most of his testimony creates a long chain of undocumented inference; and that the August 2026 allegation — involving a named official, via a codename, in a podcast interview — represents a further step away from any independently confirmable basis. They take the claims seriously enough to monitor but are unwilling to treat them as established without corroboration.
• The skeptical assessment notes that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Grusch has been making claims about crash retrieval programmes since at least 2023, and three years later no publicly accessible physical evidence exists — no recovered material, no laboratory analysis, no independently authenticated photograph, no document released through FOIA. Skeptics argue that the consistent pattern of escalating specificity without corroborating evidence should lower rather than raise confidence in the most recent allegation.

All three assessments are reasonable positions held by serious researchers. The UFO Times does not adjudicate between them. What we can say is that none of the three positions provides a basis for treating the Cheney allegation as established fact.

What Evidence Would Be Required to Verify the Allegation

We apply this question to every major disclosure claim we cover. It is not a sceptical framing — it is an analytical one. Knowing what would constitute evidence helps evaluate the actual state of the record.

To verify the Grusch allegation that a senior official identified as “Darth Vader” directed an extraterrestrial detention programme, any of the following would constitute meaningful evidence:

• Firsthand witnesses publicly identified under oath. Grusch’s testimony rests on other unnamed witnesses. If those witnesses came forward and testified under oath before a body with oversight authority, that would constitute independent corroboration of the chain of custody — though not of the underlying events.
• Declassified documentation specifically connecting named officials to a UAP detention programme. This is the category of evidence most resistant to forgery and most amenable to independent verification. It would need to show a clear chain of authority, not merely reference classified programmes in general terms.
• Physical evidence. The claim of a detention programme necessarily implies physical existence of whatever was detained. Material evidence — recovered craft, biological specimens, associated documentation — examined by independent scientists would be definitive. It does not exist publicly.
• A credible congressional or judicial investigation with subpoena authority. The July 2023 hearing was valuable but limited by the classification status of the underlying documents. A committee investigation with full subpoena authority and security clearances to examine the classified record would be a meaningful verification mechanism.

None of these conditions have been met as of August 2026. The Grusch allegation therefore remains what it has been since the Dr. Phil interview: a claim from a credentialed but uncorroborated source, filtered through a codename, interpreted by a news outlet, about one of the most serious charges ever made about a named former senior official of the United States government.

The Broader Pattern: Other Disclosure Claims at the Same Evidentiary Level

The Grusch-Cheney allegation does not exist in isolation. It is part of a pattern of disclosure claims in 2026 that are substantively significant, institutionally sourced, and evidentially thin. Eric Davis’s statements about classified records of alien bodies follow the same basic structure: credentialed source, classified documentation, no public release. The Pentagon’s investigation of the Colorado triangle UAP videos involves footage that has been assigned case numbers but not publicly released.

The accumulation of credentialed claims without public physical evidence creates a specific kind of epistemic problem: it is consistent with both a real and elaborate cover-up, and with the gradual amplification of a narrative that originated in genuine but misinterpreted or misattributed intelligence material. Distinguishing between these explanations is not possible without the evidence that all parties agree is being withheld.

Evidence Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Further Reading

Further Reading

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Alien Bases Beneath the Ocean? Examining Tim Burchett's Underwater UAP Claims

Rep. Tim Burchett has publicly stated his belief that alien entities may operate from underwater bases. He connects that belief to accounts he attributes to Navy and military personnel: unusual submerged objects, recurring deep-water activity and reported speeds that far exceed known U.S. capabilities. His position is his own — not a media invention. But it remains an interpretation of secondhand accounts, and the physical evidence required to establish permanent underwater installations has not been publicly released.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN)

Since joining the House Oversight Committee's UAP investigation in 2023, Rep. Tim Burchett has been one of Congress's most persistent voices for UAP disclosure. He has attended classified briefings, spoken with military pilots, and pressed the Pentagon and intelligence community to release records on unidentified aerial and transmedium phenomena.

In multiple public interviews, Burchett has gone beyond relaying attributed accounts to expressing a personal conclusion: that alien entities may be living and operating from deep-water areas on Earth. This article examines the sources he cites, the figures he has reported and what independent evidence would be required to substantiate those claims. See also: Tim Burchett — Voices of Disclosure.

Rep. Tim Burchett

Republican, Tennessee's 2nd District
House Oversight Committee

U.S. House of Representatives / Public Domain
Source: Wikimedia Commons · Portrait retained at native 201×251

What Burchett Actually Said

Burchett's public statements on underwater UAPs span several years and multiple interview formats, and they distinguish him from members of Congress who have simply demanded more disclosure. He has expressed a personal conclusion. In a September 2025 interview with UAP researcher and documentary filmmaker Red Panda Koala — reported by Newsmax — Burchett said he believes alien civilizations may have been present in the ocean for generations. He connected that belief directly to what he said he has heard from Navy personnel.

Burchett told Newsmax in September 2025 that Navy personnel had described underwater craft "they're chasing that go hundreds of miles an hour," adding that the best U.S. naval vessels can achieve is "maybe a little under 40 miles an hour." He described those accounts as the basis for his belief that alien entities may be living in deep-water areas on Earth.Source: Newsmax, "Rep. Burchett: UFOs Could Be Hiding Underwater," September 29, 2025 — newsmax.com

Four distinct claims run through Burchett's public statements and should be kept separate throughout any responsible analysis of them:

A. Secondhand reports attributed to military personnel. Burchett says he has spoken with Navy pilots who described unusual objects entering and exiting water, and who were reportedly directed away from specific ocean areas. He presents these as accounts relayed to him, not as information he personally observed.

B. Several deep-water areas associated with repeated activity. Burchett has described multiple ocean locations where activity has allegedly been concentrated. The precise number has varied in reporting — "five or six" is frequently cited — but no specific coordinates, ocean basin designations or declassified documentation has been released to substantiate these locations.

C. Burchett's personal interpretation. Beyond relaying attributed accounts, Burchett has stated his own conclusion: that the activity described to him indicates alien entities operating from underwater installations. This is his interpretation, not a finding drawn from authenticated records.

D. The evidentiary gap. No publicly released coordinates, authenticated sonar data, vessel records, physical evidence or independently verified imagery establishes permanent extraterrestrial installations beneath the ocean. Classified information may exist that would change this assessment, but the burden of confirmation has not been met in any public disclosure.

Three Layers of Burchett's Underwater UAP Position

1. Burchett's expressed personal belief (documented)Burchett has publicly stated that he believes alien entities may operate from underwater bases on Earth. This is his own stated conclusion — expressed across multiple recorded interviews — not a characterization imposed by others.
2. The secondhand accounts he cites (attributed)He grounds that belief in accounts from Navy pilots and unnamed officials who allegedly described unusual submerged objects, specific deep-water activity areas and extraordinary reported performance. These are attributed accounts; the underlying witnesses and records have not been independently made available.
3. Secondary amplification (caution)Media and social coverage of Burchett's statements may strip his uncertainty language and present his personal interpretation of secondhand reports as established or confirmed fact. The distinction between what Burchett believes and what has been verified is frequently lost at this stage.

The Speed and Scale Claims

Among the most striking figures Burchett has discussed are the reported speeds and dimensions of the alleged objects. In his September 2025 Newsmax interview, he cited Navy personnel describing underwater craft travelling at "hundreds of miles an hour." In a March 2026 interview for The Resilient Show, he reportedly discussed accounts of submerged objects described as roughly football-field-sized and moving at approximately 200 miles per hour. Both figures were attributed to other personnel; no corresponding sonar record, vessel log or raw sensor data has been released for independent analysis.

Several factors complicate the interpretation of such figures even if the underlying accounts are accurate. Underwater speed estimates derived from visual or acoustic tracking depend critically on sensor geometry, tracking duration, environmental conditions, calibration accuracy and positive target identification. An apparent speed of 200 mph could reflect genuine object velocity, a tracking error, a sensor artefact or a misidentification of the object being tracked. None of these can be resolved without access to the original sensor data and methodology — neither of which has been publicly provided.

In a March 2026 interview for The Resilient Show, Burchett reportedly discussed accounts of submerged objects described as roughly football-field-sized and moving at approximately 200 mph. The claim was attributed to other personnel; no raw sonar record, measurement methodology or authenticated documentation supporting the reported dimensions or speed has been publicly released.Source: The Resilient Show — "UFOs in the Ocean? Rep. Tim Burchett on Underwater Craft, Disclosure & Epstein," March 9, 2026 — resilienttimes.substack.com.

Scale Reference — Reported Object Size vs. Known Reference Point

NFL FOOTBALL FIELDALLEGED OBJECT91 m × 49 m (100 yds × 53 yds)≈as described in attributed accounts — not confirmed sensor data

Scale illustration based on a secondhand account discussed by Burchett — not confirmed sensor data. No raw sonar record, measurement methodology or authenticated documentation supporting the reported dimensions has been released publicly. The actual size — if any such object exists — is unknown.

The "Five or Six Locations" — What Is and Isn't Known

The specific number "five or six" gained traction in coverage of Burchett's statements, implying a precise, enumerated intelligence picture. Whether that level of specificity reflects what Burchett was told or accumulated through media paraphrasing across multiple interview cycles is not established in any public record. Burchett himself has at times spoken of "several" locations rather than a precise number.

No geographic coordinates, ocean basin designations or documented sonar surveys have been publicly released to substantiate any of these locations. They have not appeared in NOAA public mapping releases, in declassified naval survey data, or in the documents released under the AARO Historical Record Report. Their existence is asserted, not documented.

This is consistent with a pattern of assertion seen in related congressional UAP claims. Rep. Eric Burlison's claim about a UAP "too large to move", examined separately by this publication, presents a structurally similar evidentiary situation: attributed congressional testimony, no authenticated physical record and a significant gap between what was claimed and what is publicly verifiable.

Key Events — Underwater UAP Claims: A ChronologyAttributed/secondary

Apr 2013AguadillaIR incident2019USS Omahafootage recordedMay 2021Pentagon confirmsOmaha authenticMar 2025AARO resolvesAguadilla — sky lanternsNov 2024Gallaudettestifies on USOsSep 2025Burchett Newsmax:"hundreds of mph"Mar 2026Burchett:~200 mph claimVerified/resolvedAttributed/secondaryHistorical incident

Timeline constructed from public sources cited in this article. Dates reflect interview and report publication dates, not dates of the underlying alleged events. Colour coding follows this article's evidence-status scheme.

USS Pinckney and USS Omaha transit the Pacific Ocean during a July 2019 U.S. Navy exercise. This official photograph provides maritime context; it does not depict the object discussed in the separate USS Omaha UAP recording.Credit: U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Corona / Released / Public domain. Source: DVIDS image 5601572

Transmedium UAPs: What the Pentagon Has Confirmed

The factual core beneath Burchett's position is real and significant. Pentagon spokesperson Susan Gough confirmed to news organizations that the 2019 USS Omaha footage was recorded by Navy personnel and was under review by the UAP Task Force — as reported by The War Zone in May 2021. That confirmation establishes the authenticity of the recording as a genuine Navy document. It does not establish that the object entered the ocean, originated underwater or represented non-human technology, and it was not a published analytic conclusion about the object's identity or behavior. AARO has not issued a case resolution for the Omaha footage. This secondary reporting is cited here as the specific basis for the authentication claim; the original DOD spokesperson statement was not issued as a standalone published release.

The 2004 USS Nimitz "Tic Tac" footage — examined in detail in our USS Nimitz investigation — provides the most extensively documented transmedium UAP record. Navy pilots including Cmdr. David Fravor described an object with flight characteristics inconsistent with known aircraft that was observed near the ocean surface. Neither footage establishes a permanent underwater installation; both establish that anomalous aerial objects have been observed near the ocean by credible military witnesses using calibrated instruments.

The logical distance between "anomalous objects observed near the ocean surface" and "permanent alien bases on the ocean floor" is substantial. That distance has not been closed by any publicly released documentation.

What a Resolved "Transmedium" Case Shows

In March 2025, AARO issued a case resolution report for one of the most widely circulated "transmedium UAP" examples in the public record — the 2013 Aguadilla infrared video from Puerto Rico. The case is instructive precisely because it illustrates how apparent transmedium behavior can arise from sensor geometry and atmospheric conditions, not anomalous object performance.

AARO Case Resolution — "The Puerto Rico Object," March 20, 2025

High confidenceThe objects did not exhibit anomalous speeds or other behavior exceeding known state-of-the-art performance characteristics.

High confidenceThe objects remained over land throughout the encounter. STK reconstruction of the sensor's line-of-sight demonstrates they did not enter the Atlantic Ocean.

High confidenceThe recording depicts two objects travelling near each other rather than a single object splitting or replicating.

Moderate confidenceThe objects were a pair of sky lanterns drifting at approximately 8 mph — consistent with recorded wind speed. Their apparent high speed was attributable to motion parallax caused by the aircraft's flight speed, sensor zoom and changing relative positions.

Their apparent disappearance into the ocean was attributable to thermal crossover — a natural IR sensor phenomenon in which an object's thermal signature becomes indistinguishable from the ocean background, not actual submersion. AARO employed Systems Toolkit (STK) reconstruction and pixel analysis. The original 2013 video was recorded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection aboard a De Havilland Canada 8 aircraft near Rafael Hernández Airport, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Source:

•  AARO Case Resolution Report — "The Puerto Rico Object" (PDF, March 20, 2025)

This resolution does not address Burchett's separate allegations, which involve different alleged locations, different witnesses and different time periods. What it does demonstrate is that apparent transmedium behavior — including apparent entry into water and apparent anomalous speed — can be fully explained by sensor geometry, motion parallax and atmospheric conditions. Establishing genuine transmedium performance requires reconstruction of the sensor's geometry and the object's actual flight path, not visual interpretation of the footage alone. That methodology has not been applied to any of the alleged locations Burchett describes, because no corresponding sensor records have been released.

The Physics: Could Existing Technology Detect Underwater Structures?

If permanent large-scale structures existed on the ocean floor in areas frequented by U.S. naval vessels, would they be detectable? Modern naval sonar systems are capable of detecting anomalous structures on the ocean floor. The United States has maintained ocean surveillance networks — including the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) and its successors — with broad coverage of strategically important ocean regions. NOAA's mapping programs have charted substantial portions of the seafloor using multibeam sonar.

NOAA's remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer can descend to approximately 6,000 meters while collecting imagery, samples and environmental measurements. Investigating extraordinary underwater claims requires this kind of documented, recoverable data.Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 ROV Shakedown / Public domain. Source: NOAA Ocean Exploration — ROV Deep Discoverer

A structure large enough to shelter vehicles of the kind described by Burchett — approximately football-field-sized — would in principle produce sonar returns inconsistent with natural seafloor formations. No publicly reported anomaly consistent with such a structure has appeared in NOAA mapping releases, peer-reviewed oceanographic research or any declassified naval survey data.

This absence is not conclusive proof. Coverage is not total, classified sonar data is not publicly available, and the ocean floor in many areas remains inadequately mapped at the resolution required to identify structures at the scale described. But the absence of any corroborating signature in the substantial body of publicly available oceanographic data is a meaningful evidentiary gap.

Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet's Independent Position

Retired Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet — former NOAA Acting Administrator and Navy oceanographer with expertise in ocean acoustics — has made independent public statements that lend institutional weight to the broader question of underwater UAPs, while stopping short of confirming Burchett's specific accounts.

In written testimony to the House Oversight Committee on November 13, 2024, Gallaudet stated: "I add the term 'water space' because UAP have been observed in the ocean and are known to exhibit transmedium travel through the air-sea interface. These are often referred to as unidentified submerged objects (USOs)." He called for integration of NOAA and naval oceanographic assets into UAP investigation, and described a 2015 incident in which he received an urgent Navy communication about UAP encounters during a pre-deployment exercise, after which the communication disappeared from the network without explanation.

Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, USN (Ret.), has called for systematic scientific investigation of transmedium and submerged UAP reports. His position does not independently verify Burchett's specific claims or alleged locations. Credit: U.S. Navy / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Who Is Tim Gallaudet?

RoleRetired Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Former NOAA Acting Administrator (2018–2019). Oceanographer with expertise in ocean acoustics, underwater sound propagation and maritime environmental science. Currently CEO of Ocean STL Consulting.

Position on USOsAdvocates systematic scientific investigation of transmedium UAP and unidentified submerged object (USO) reports using existing NOAA and naval oceanographic assets. Has not confirmed specific claims made by Burchett about locations, speeds or permanent installations.

Key testimonyHouse Oversight Committee, November 13, 2024: "I add the term 'water space' because UAP have been observed in the ocean and are known to exhibit transmedium travel through the air-sea interface."

Gallaudet's institutional credibility supports taking underwater UAP reports seriously as a research priority. It does not corroborate the specific accounts Burchett has attributed to Navy personnel.

Gallaudet has also written on this subject independently. His March 2024 Sol Foundation paper, "Beneath the Surface: We May Learn More about UAP by Looking in the Ocean," argues that transmedium UAP and USO reports represent a systematically underexplored domain. In it, he makes the case for systematic scientific investigation — not for the existence of permanent alien installations.

Gallaudet has not publicly confirmed Burchett's specific "five or six locations," the reported speed or size figures, or the existence of permanent underwater installations. His testimony represents an expert advocacy position — that underwater UAP phenomena deserve rigorous investigation — not independent corroboration of Burchett's attributed accounts. The distinction is important: Gallaudet's credibility strengthens the case for taking these reports seriously as an investigative priority; it does not confirm what Burchett was told.

Sources: 

• House Oversight Committee hearing, November 13, 2024 · Gallaudet written testimony (PDF) · Sol Foundation paper, March 2024

What Would Confirm a Permanent Underwater Base?

The evidentiary standard for confirming a permanent underwater installation is demanding — appropriately so, given the magnitude of the claim. Understanding that standard identifies precisely what is missing.

Evidence Assessment — Burchett's Underwater UAP Claims

Claim element	What would confirm it	Current status
Burchett publicly expressed belief in underwater alien bases	Multiple recorded interviews; the belief is his own stated position	Documented Confirmed across multiple 2024–2026 interviews including Newsmax, September 29, 2025
Navy and military personnel reportedly described unusual submerged objects to Burchett	Declassified incident reports, witness testimony before Congress under oath, or authenticated sensor logs from the reported encounters	Attributed Attributed to Burchett's conversations; underlying witnesses and records not publicly available
Several deep-water activity areas exist at specific locations	Geographic coordinates, ocean basin designations, or sonar surveys cross-referenced across independent platforms	Alleged No locations publicly established; not referenced in AARO Historical Record Report
Objects reportedly travelling at hundreds of miles per hour and approximately football-field in size	Original sensor data with documented methodology, tracking geometry and calibration records; independent reconstruction confirming speed and dimensions	Secondhand Attributed figures from Burchett interviews; no sonar record, vessel log or authenticated sensor data released
Objects are of non-human origin	Physical samples with composition inconsistent with known human engineering; authenticated structural imagery; independent peer-reviewed analysis	Not established No physical samples or authenticated material analysis publicly available
Permanent underwater bases exist	Sonar imaging of anomalous structures inconsistent with natural formations; verifiable coordinates; physical evidence from the site	Not established No sonar data, coordinates or structural evidence publicly released

The UFO Times Assessment

Burchett has publicly said that he believes extraterrestrial entities may operate from underwater bases. He has connected that belief to accounts he attributes to Navy and military personnel concerning unusual submerged objects and recurring activity in several deep-water areas. His position is therefore more than a media invention — but it remains an interpretation of secondhand reports.

No publicly released coordinates, authenticated sonar data, vessel records, physical evidence or independently verified imagery establishes permanent extraterrestrial installations beneath the ocean. The speed and scale figures Burchett has discussed — however striking — rest on attributed accounts without the sensor data required to assess their accuracy. The AARO resolution of the Aguadilla case illustrates why such assessment matters: an object that appeared to enter the ocean at high speed was found to have drifted over land at 8 miles per hour.

Burchett's willingness to speak plainly about what he has been told, and to stake his own interpretation on it publicly, is itself notable in the context of congressional UAP oversight. It means the claims can be examined, sourced and assessed — which is exactly what responsible disclosure requires. The evidentiary gap between his interpretation and what is publicly verifiable remains wide. Closing it would require the release of authenticated records that have not been provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Tim Burchett say there are five or six underwater alien bases?

Burchett has publicly expressed his personal belief that alien entities may operate from underwater bases, connecting it to accounts he attributes to Navy and military personnel about unusual submerged objects and deep-water activity areas. The number "five or six" was widely reported in media coverage; Burchett has at times spoken of "several" locations. He has not released authenticated documentation, sonar data or coordinates to support the existence of permanent installations.

What did Burchett actually claim about underwater UAP activity?

Burchett has said in multiple public settings that Navy personnel described to him underwater craft travelling at hundreds of miles per hour, and that several deep-water areas have been associated with unusual activity. He has stated his personal belief that alien entities may be living in deep-water areas on Earth. This is his own stated conclusion based on attributed secondhand accounts — not a finding derived from publicly released physical or documentary evidence.

Has the Pentagon released authenticated footage of UAPs entering water?

The Department of Defense confirmed that Navy personnel recorded the 2019 USS Omaha footage. Authentication of the recording does not establish that the object entered the ocean, originated underwater or represented non-human technology. AARO has not issued an analytical case resolution for the Omaha footage.

What did AARO conclude about the Aguadilla "transmedium" UAP case?

In its March 2025 case resolution, AARO assessed with high confidence that the objects in the 2013 Aguadilla infrared video did not exhibit anomalous speed or transmedium behavior. Reconstruction showed the objects drifted at approximately 8 mph over land; apparent high speed was attributable to motion parallax. Apparent disappearance into the ocean was attributable to thermal crossover, not actual submersion. AARO assessed with moderate confidence that the objects were sky lanterns.

What did Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet say about underwater UAPs?

In written testimony to the House Oversight Committee on November 13, 2024, Gallaudet stated that UAPs have been observed in the ocean and are known to exhibit transmedium travel through the air-sea interface, which he called unidentified submerged objects (USOs). He advocated for systematic investigation. He did not publicly confirm Burchett's specific accounts, alleged locations or speed and size figures.

What evidence would be needed to confirm a permanent underwater UAP base?

Confirming a permanent underwater installation would require: authenticated sonar imaging showing anomalous structures inconsistent with natural formations; verifiable geographic coordinates cross-referenced across independent surveys; physical evidence recovered from the site; and documentation establishing the structure is non-natural and inconsistent with known human engineering. None of these have been publicly provided.

Related Reporting

• Tim Burchett — Voices of DisclosureBurchett's broader congressional UAP record, key statements and oversight work.
• Eric Burlison: A UAP "Too Large to Move"A structurally parallel case — attributed congressional testimony, no authenticated physical record.
• The USS Nimitz "Tic Tac" EncounterThe most extensively documented transmedium UAP case in the public record.

Sources and References

• Newsmax — "Rep. Burchett: UFOs Could Be Hiding Underwater," September 29, 2025. Includes direct quote from Burchett about Navy personnel describing underwater craft "that go hundreds of miles an hour." newsmax.com/newsfront/tim-burchett-ufos-aliens/2025/09/29/id/1228280/
• NewsNation — "Aliens may have underwater bases on Earth: Burchett." Documents Burchett's publicly expressed belief. youtube.com/watch?v=ZCEbJwRgBPQ
• The Resilient Show — "UFOs in the Ocean? Rep. Tim Burchett on Underwater Craft, Disclosure & Epstein," March 9, 2026. Reported source for football-field size and approximately 200 mph figures. resilienttimes.substack.com
• AARO — "Case Resolution: The Puerto Rico Object," March 20, 2025. Full technical reconstruction of 2013 Aguadilla infrared footage. AARO Puerto Rico Case Resolution (PDF)
• AARO — Historical Record Report Vol. 1, 2024. AARO Historical Record Report (PDF)
• Dr. Tim Gallaudet — Written testimony, House Oversight Committee, November 13, 2024. Gallaudet testimony (PDF)
• House Oversight Committee — "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth," November 13, 2024. oversight.house.gov hearing page
• RADM Tim Gallaudet — "Beneath the Surface: We May Learn More about UAP by Looking in the Ocean," Sol Foundation, March 2024. thesolfoundation.org
• The War Zone (Tyler Rogoway) — Pentagon spokesperson Susan Gough confirmed to reporters that the USS Omaha footage was recorded by Navy personnel and was under review by the UAP Task Force, May 2021. thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41220 (secondary reporting; original DOD spokesperson statement not published as standalone release)
• Rep. Tim Burchett — official congressional biography and portrait. U.S. House of Representatives / Public Domain. burchett.house.gov
• NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. oceanexplorer.noaa.gov

Editorial note: 

• This article distinguishes among four separate layers in Burchett's public statements: (A) secondhand reports he attributes to Navy and military personnel; (B) reports of unusual objects or activity in several deep-water areas; (C) Burchett's personal interpretation that such activity may indicate underwater alien bases; and (D) publicly verified evidence — which currently does not establish alien origin or permanent underwater installations. No public coordinates, authenticated sonar records, vessel logs, raw sensor files or physical evidence currently establishes permanent underwater structures associated with UAPs. The UFO Times evaluates UAP claims against available evidence without sensationalism.

{ https://theufotimes.com/ }

The Allagash Abductions: This State Park’s Most Famous Visitors … Are Aliens?

In 1976, four men saw a UFO while visiting the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. A decade later they started remembering more details.

Dylan Thuras: It was 1988, and all year, Jim Weiner had been having a terrible time sleeping. He was having nightmares, but these were not normal nightmares, because Jim said he felt like he was awake, almost like it was some kind of sleep paralysis.

He’d wake up to the overwhelming sense that there was someone in the room with him. He’d hear a flurry of voices, but he couldn’t understand them. He couldn’t move anything but his eyes. And often, his twin brother Jack was there, along with two college friends, Chuck and Charlie.

Jim would be lying on this table in a bright white room. At first, Jim thought he knew what was causing this strange, awful sensation. Years earlier, he’d been in a bad accident. He’d injured his spine and his brainstem. He told his psychiatrist, it seems like things were under control.

They were going to get better. But then Jim got on the phone with his brother Jack, and they made a very unnerving discovery.

This was happening to Jack too. The bright white room, the table, Charlie and Chuck, the paralysis. Jack said he was seeing the same things. And as they dug deeper, the brothers would trace this strange sensation to an incident that happened more than a decade earlier, in the north woods of Maine, in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

I’m Dylan Thuras, and this is Atlas Obscura. And today, we are talking UFOs. We are talking alien abductions. And we’re doing it National Parks style.

This is an edited transcript of the Atlas Obscura Podcast: a celebration of the world’s strange, incredible, and wondrous places. Find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast apps.

Dylan: National Parks are pretty much universally beloved. You have to be, like, a pretty unpleasant person to really dislike National Parks. But there’s also this other side to these enormous wild places. People die or disappear in National Parks actually pretty frequently. I don’t say this to discourage anyone from visiting the parks. Millions and millions of people go there. They are wonderful. They are safe. They are amazing. But they are big and they are wild. And there’s a hidden side to everything, including these places that we revere. So I am here today with two people who know more about the dark and sinister side of National Parks than I would guess almost anyone else. Danielle LaRock and Cassie Yahnian are hosts of the podcast National Park After Dark, a podcast for the morbid outdoor enthusiast, which is not a thing that I knew I was until I heard your work. So, Danielle, Cassie, thanks for coming on the show.

Danielle LaRock: Thank you so much for the lovely introduction.

Cassie Yahnian: Yes. We’re excited to be here.

Dylan: It’s great. Meeting of the morbid outdoor enthusiasts. Yeah, so where are you two right now in the world? You look like you are in nice places.

Danielle: I’m in Maine.

Dylan: Oh, great.

Cassie: Yeah, and I’m in Vermont.

Dylan: Oh, nice. Yeah, this is great. I went to college in Bennington.

Cassie: Oh, very cool. Bennington’s a very cool area.

Dylan: Yeah. It’s also actually a place where there’s like all these weird, mysterious disappearances. The like, little Bennington Triangle. It’s like a whole—we could do a whole other thing.

Danielle: There’s some vibes happening.

Dylan: There’s some vibes. There are some vibes in that Bennington Triangle. And we’re going to get back to Jack and Jim’s story in just a second. But to further set the mood, why don’t you give me a quick lightning round of a few of your favorite morbid stories that have taken place in national parks. Danielle, go.

Danielle: Okay. Everglades National Park. In the 1800s, bird populations were being decimated for fashion and one of the first men who tried to save them was killed for it.

Cassie: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. A backcountry ranger went missing while out on patrol and then the largest search operation ever recorded in those parks uncovered a complicated marriage, a mistress, and reasons he may have wanted to disappear.

Danielle: Joshua Tree National Park. Graham Parsons’ friends wanted him to go out like he lived: as a rock star. After his untimely end, they stole his body from a plane, loaded it into a friend’s hearse, drove it into Joshua Tree, and attempted a makeshift cremation.

Dylan: It makes me think the cremation went poorly.

Cassie: It did.

Dylan: That’s a lot of, like, death, murder, mayhem in national parks. It just makes me feel like people, I don’t know, maybe there’s just something about national parks where people feel like they can get away with things. So, okay, let’s talk about one of these cases. Let’s get back to our brothers, Jim and Jack. And this story takes place in the Allagash Wilderness, which is technically not a national park, but an enormous state park in Maine. More than a decade before the brothers are having these strange visions, back in 1976, Jack and Jim are in their 20s. And what’s going on with them? What sort of precipitates all of this stuff that happens later?

Danielle: Yeah, so you set the scene so brilliantly, so let’s pick up from there. In August of 1976, the twins, Jim and Jack, along with Charlie Foltz and Chuck Rak, were in the midst of a two-week camping trip and fishing trip along the Allagash Waterway. The area, like you said, is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. For anyone who has not been to Maine or Northern Maine, it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s super remote, and this area in particular is about 93 miles long worth of ribbons of lakes and streams, and it’s just so beautiful. And the four of them had prepared for this trip for nearly a year beforehand, prepping, researching, getting ready to go. So at this point in time, they’re dropped off in the wilderness by a bush plane, and they began their journey.

Dylan: And you said they got dropped off by a plane. So, I mean, they’re, like, totally alone out there. It’s, like, not the place you would bump into a random stranger. They seem quite far out in the wilderness.

Danielle: You can’t just drive or walk up to a place like this. You need to intentionally seek it out. There’s a few other campers around, moreso people that are doing a similar thing, right? So, canoers and paddlers—actually, this day, they run into another group of campers on a lake that they are also planning to camp on. And they had lost—one of the teenagers in their group had gotten separated and hadn’t come back to their campsite yet. So, they actually offered to search for him. And this is when kind of the prelude happens to the encounter. And they’re picking up binoculars, they’re scanning this lake for the teenager. That’s when the entire group all initially spot something strange that they, at first, just kind of write off as, ah, that’s a weird, strange light in the sky.

Dylan: What do they see?

Danielle: So, when they’re scanning the tree line, they’re looking through binoculars. All of these people see this bright light, and it was in the eastern part of the sky, and it was moving slightly. And at first, they collectively thought they were maybe looking at Mars because it had this reddish tint to it. But suddenly, they all kind of look at each other like, this is weird. Because not only did everyone notice it, it was astoundingly bright. It seemed to be hovering about 200 feet from the top of the tree line. And then it all of a sudden, as they describe it, inverted on itself. So, it closed in kind of like an eyelid shutting, and then it blinked out from sight.

Dylan: That’s not—that’s slightly unnerving. Did they ever find the people they were looking for?

Danielle: Yes. The kid came back, and it was fine. And then they all went their separate ways and never saw each other again.

Dylan: Right. So, this sort of strange thing happens as they’re looking for this lost camper, and they find the camper. Seems like that was not the end of things. What do they do after they have that first experience?

Cassie: So, later that evening, after settling into camp and making a large fire on the lake shore, the men decided that they wanted to go back onto the lake and do a night paddle. And that night was pretty eerie and quiet. They actually kind of noticed how dark it was and how quiet things were. And while Chuck was paddling, he suddenly felt like something was off, and he really felt like he could feel someone watching him. So, he threw his gaze over his shoulder, and he saw this ball of light rising from the trees about 200 yards away. Jim, Jack, and Charlie, they all turned around at this point to look, and a large round bright light was rising more above this tree line. It ascended roughly 300 feet, and then it hovered. It fluctuated between red, green, and yellow, and it wasn’t solid, but rather had an almost liquid appearance to it.

Dylan: I would be pretty highly alarmed here if this is what was going on.

Danielle: So, after they all noticed this light rising up, they noticed a couple of things. First of all, it’s way closer than whatever they saw hours prior. It is illuminating the entire forest, and it’s dead silent. Chuck decides to lean down, grab his flashlight, points it at this source of light, and clicks the flashlight on and off in the universal, at least earthly, signal for SOS. And suddenly, this light source emits a light source of its own, kind of like a searchlight, and starts scanning the water, and it’s moving in their direction. So, now, collectively, all the men are having this oh crap moment.

Dylan: Yeah, at this point.

Danielle: And start paddling like crazy back to their camp. So, they get back to the shoreline, but interestingly, there’s a chunk of time that they can’t recall, at least at first. So, they all remember seeing this light and turning to paddle back to shore, and then the next thing they remember is skidding up onto the shoreline to their campsite, where just 20 minutes prior, they had set a huge fire. And their fire is now smoldering, just smoldering coals. So, they clocked that as strange, and they kind of talked amongst each other for a brief minute about, huh, that was kind of weird, right? And then they all remember feeling like they were in this daze, and kind of equated it to after you come out of anesthesia, you’re awake and you’re conscious, but you’re loopy and kind of scatterbrained. And they just went to sleep. The next day, they get up, they ran into a ranger, actually, and inquired if, you know, did you see anything like that? What was that?

Dylan: Yeah, what could that have been?

Danielle: Yeah. And he actually said, well, you know, there’s a new hardware store out in Millinocket that had those, you know, those big Hollywood floodlights. And, you know, that is dozens of miles away. It does not match the description of what they encountered. So, they kind of said, oh, okay. Like, sure, that sounds like it. Thanks.

Dylan: Yeah, the local hardware store opening, you know, yeah, right.

Danielle: That must be it, right. But, yeah, so anyways, after that, they kind of dropped it, surprisingly. They continued their trip. They went on with their entire lives. They went back to school. They graduated. They had families. And like you said at the beginning, you know, decades go by. We’re now in 1988 where this is starting to surface again.

Dylan: Okay, so we are back to where we started. Jim is having these crazy night visions. He talks to his brother, Jack. They realize that they’re maybe experiencing the same thing. How does this all sort of start to connect for them? How do they start to realize that maybe there’s something more to this past experience than what they initially thought?

Cassie: Well, then they ended up contacting Chuck and Charlie to speak about that night again, to be like, hey, are you experiencing any of this? Like, we’re both having these weird dreams. Are you? And then it turned out that all of them were experiencing the same thing, and it was kind of that moment where they’re like, wait, we forgot about this. We kind of pushed it to the side, but maybe there’s something more here that we didn’t realize.

Dylan: Yeah.

Danielle: And surprisingly, you know, you mentioned that Jim’s physicians initially said, hey, we’re going to recommend you for further help. And of all people, they recommend him to a ufologist. And that ufologist is the one that recommended they start doing some regression hypnotherapy. All four of the men agreed to do that. And separately, they start to uncover eerily similar experiences of lost memories from that evening.

Dylan: To quickly recap, Jim, Jack, Chuck, Charlie, they go on this trip in the 70s, they’ve got this crazy experience with these floating lights, they kind of lose time, which is like classic UFO stuff, you know, you’re like, I was only gone for five minutes, what do you mean? And then a decade later, they end up talking to this alien researcher, they do this hypnotic regression therapy. And over the course of that two years, they all end up with this sort of picture, or they converge on this understanding, of what happened. So what do they end up saying happened during that key, like missing period?

Danielle: Yeah. So long story short: They all—after two years—they come to realize that under hypnosis, they were finding out the same things. Essentially, they all recalled being aboard a spacecraft, where they were all subjected to different medical examinations by some of these humanoid entities. They all described them as having large heads, dark eyes, slender bodies, they don’t speak with words, but rather telepathically send messages to them. And that was what was coming up also in their dreams and starting to kind of surface that way.

Dylan: Right. Yeah, what you’re describing sounds a lot like the visions that Jim described having 10 years later.

Danielle: Yeah. Now they’re all under the impression of, wow, we were gone for hours. We thought it was minutes. And we were abducted by aliens and experimented on and placed back into our canoe and sent on our way.

Dylan: And they like, they ended up, you know, sort of becoming a little bit famous, right?

Danielle: Yeah. And to be clear, you know, there, at first they were very scared. They were—this was traumatic memories for them. This was not something they looked back on fondly. After this collective understanding of this is a shared experience, or at least that’s what they were under the impression of, they come to this sort of solace that, you know, this happened and let’s own it and let’s start talking about it. And that’s what they did. And for years, they went on different speaking circuits. They talk a lot at different UFO conferences.

Dylan: Yeah, right. They became known as the Allagash Four, this kind of like, you know, group of abductees who could just talk about this experience and kind of shared it. But then later, later, I think it’s Charlie, was it Chuck or Charlie? Who came forward?

Danielle: Chuck. Chuck was the one.

Dylan: Okay. Yeah. Chuck came forward and said, basically, yeah, some of this is bullshit, or like, we made some of this up. Like, did he actually say it was a hoax or was he sort of just like walking back some of it?

Danielle: He walked back some of it. So, his stance was that the incident with the other campers and seeing that strange light was true.

Dylan: Yeah.

Danielle: And also their experience on the lake, just the four of them, was true. Where he started to go off on his own was saying that the abduction part was fabricated. But the other guys point to, yeah, well, the only reason he’s saying that now after years of us going on Joan Rivers and doing different television programs and all of this and wanting to write books, and the only reason he’s saying that is because we had a big falling out in our friendship.

Dylan: I mean, I have to ask the question, what do you two think? You guys spend a lot of time out, way out in the wilderness, you know, under the night sky. I mean, are you believers?

Cassie: It would be very unbelievable for me to think that we are the only planet with life on it. You know? I think that it is way more unrealistic to think that we are the only people or life forms that exist in the entire universe.

Dylan: What about you, Danielle?

Danielle: I co-sign all of that.

Dylan: Have you two ever seen anything truly weird and unexplainable on any of your adventures?

Danielle: I saw Starlink and thought it was UFOs.

Dylan: I know so many people who were convinced they were seeing an alien invasion, but were just 100 percent seeing Starlink. Like, what is that? That’s funny. Yes. It’s super interesting. I don’t know what I think. Maybe I’m more of a skeptic than you two. I have some mixed feelings. It’s clear that, like, for some of these kind of abductee cases, like, something is going on. People are having very intense and genuinely traumatic experiences. They are experiencing something real for them. And I can’t help but note that when all this is happening, like the late 80s and the early 90s, this is an absolute alien craze, right? The X-Files has just started. All of this stuff is happening on TV about, like, Area 51. There’s, like, nothing hotter than kind of, like, weird aliens. I think it’s possible, you know, they’re doing this hypnotic regression therapy. And one of the big critiques of this is that it can, like, implant memories. And the person who did this to them also, like, wrote a book about it, and I think probably did pretty well on that book. I honestly don’t know. It seems likely that they saw something very strange, to which I have no explanation of.

Danielle: So now that we’re all kind of coming around to the government being like, yeah, aliens are real, you know, that’s not new.

Dylan: Or at least we don’t know what any of this stuff is. Like, we can’t tell you or we don’t know.

Danielle: Right. We can’t confirm nor deny. But you know, now, as time goes on, we’re starting to accept that aliens might be real. Whether or not they’re the gray aliens that we think of when we imagine an alien, or if they’re something completely different, we’re coming around to the thought that we aren’t alone in the universe.

Dylan: Interesting. Yeah, I think one of the things I like about this story is just that, especially when you’re out there in the wilderness at night on your own, whatever—sometimes I do these bike rides, these, like, late night bike rides that go, it’s like a full moon ride, and we all go look at the full moon, it’s really nice—and I’m riding through a really familiar trail, but I’m riding at night, my little flashlight is shining. And the whole thing just starts to take on this other terrifying kind of aspect. And I can’t really explain it. It’s not rational. But I just, I do think that sometimes we just have experiences that we cannot explain. And there’s something about being in the woods at night that just evokes those kinds of experiences. And I almost don’t feel like I need an explanation to understand that feeling of: something is happening that I can’t quite explain. How has covering all this affected your relationship with national parks and wilderness areas? Does it ever freak you out? Do you, you know, at night, camping out somewhere far away, are you, like, flashing back to these stories? Or are you kind of like, this is what we live for?

Cassie: Sometimes. I mean, yeah, for sure. There are, I think, on the brighter side, sometimes these stories, I like to feel like I am more prepared and more knowledgeable. But on the other side, when I have extensively researched a grizzly bear mauling, I cannot help but worry when I’m sleeping outdoors in grizzly territory.

Dylan: Also, a grizzly is not—that’s a reasonable thing to be afraid of in a national park. That’s quite a practical, real thing to be like, yeah, don’t attract the grizzly to the tent. Danielle, how about you?

Danielle: I definitely am way more aware of my surroundings, but I’m trying to adopt her mantra of whatever’s happening outside of the tent is none of my business.

Dylan: Yeah, good. Whatever that weird sound was, don’t worry about it.

Danielle: Right.

Dylan: That was Danielle LaRock and Cassie Yahnian. They are the hosts of a really delightful, sometimes terrifying podcast called National Park After Dark. It’s basically kind of true crime survival adventure in national parks. And you can find it wherever you get your podcast. It is really delightful. Give it a listen.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast apps.

This episode was produced by Johanna Mayer. Our podcast is a co-production of Atlas Obscura and Stitcher Studios. The people who make our show include Doug Baldinger, Chris Naka, Kameel Stanley, Manolo Morales, Amanda McGowan, Alexa Lim, Casey Holford, and Luz Fleming.

Our theme music is by Sam Tindall. If you like our show, please give us a review and a rating whenever you get a chance and wherever you get your podcast. And of course, obviously, you know, follow, subscribe, never miss an episode.

I’m Dylan Thuras, wishing you all the wonder in the world. I’ll see you next time.

{ https://www.atlasobscura.com/ }

Galaxies are often compared to cosmic jewels. They are enormous collections of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter, with each system having its own unique structure and history. NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, together with the James Webb, Hubble, NuSTAR, and IXPE telescopes, has presented a new gallery of 16 processed images revealing hidden energetic processes in the Universe.

The gallery features a collection of 16 images of galaxies obtained with the Chandra telescope and other telescopes. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO

While most observatories detect only visible light, Chandra operates in the X-ray range. This makes it possible to see extreme phenomena: gas heated to millions of degrees by stellar winds and supernova explosions, as well as gigantic outflows of matter. These processes disperse heavy elements throughout space that are necessary for the formation of new planets and life.

From Classical Spirals to Stellar Factories

Astronomical classification divides galaxies into spiral, elliptical, and irregular types. The new images emphasize this diversity. For example, in the face-on spiral galaxies Messier 33 and NGC 3938, X-rays highlight bright stellar pairs and remnants of explosions in their arms. In barred galaxies NGC 1672 and NGC 1385, central structures channel gas toward the nucleus, triggering bursts of star formation.

Edge-on spiral galaxies such as NGC 4631 and Messier 82 demonstrate so-called superwinds. These are enormous clouds of gas with temperatures of millions of degrees that are pushed thousands of light-years into space by the pressure of stellar explosions, enriching the intergalactic medium.

The Hearts of Central Monsters

At the centers of many galaxies are active nuclei — supermassive black holes consuming surrounding matter. In Centaurus A, combined data from Chandra and IXPE captured a powerful jet of particles extending for tens of thousands of light-years.

In the Messier 106 system, the black hole heats the surrounding gas, forming anomalous spiral arms unlike ordinary stellar structures. And in the Sombrero Galaxy (Messier 104), the supermassive object is surrounded by a diffuse gas halo with a temperature of about one million degrees, enveloping its famous dust lanes.

Cosmic Collisions and Rare Transformations

The barred spiral galaxy NGC 4725, surrounded by a prominent ring of star formation. Galaxies with unusual single spiral arms can provide insight into how the gravity of a passing galaxy can trigger bursts of star formation. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The spiral galaxy NGC 4631, with a giant halo of hot gas erupting from its stellar disk. Viewing galaxies edge-on allows astronomers to study how flat their stellar disks are and provides the clearest view of matter located above or below the disk. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The spiral galaxy NGC 4258, known for having two additional “anomalous” spiral arms composed of hot gas. M106 helps demonstrate how supermassive black holes can create structural features that mimic stellar spiral arms, influencing the evolution of a galaxy. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare The face-on spiral galaxy NGC 3938, allowing an unobstructed view of its disk. A face-on orientation is important for galactic research because it provides the clearest possible view of a galaxy’s stars and gas. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO A pair of colliding, gas-rich spiral galaxies merging into a single massive system, NGC 3256. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The barred spiral galaxy NGC 1672, characterized by a prominent central bar, or bridge of stars, that channels gas toward its nucleus. Studying barred spiral galaxies in action may help clarify how gas in our Milky Way, which is also a barred spiral galaxy, feeds its central black hole and forms new stars. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The compact dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 1569, which is undergoing intense star formation. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The barred spiral galaxy NGC 1385, filled with regions of active star formation. Comparing multiwavelength data on barred spiral galaxies undergoing active star formation helps scientists map how local bursts of star formation increase galactic mass over time. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The “polarn-rig” galaxy NGC 660, in which an inclined outer ring of stars and dust rotates around the galaxy’s poles — an unusual structure likely caused by a collision with another galaxy about a billion years ago. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The galaxy M104, known for its broad central bulge and dark outer dust ring, is oriented almost edge-on to Earth. Studying M104 may help bridge the gap between spiral and elliptical galaxies, allowing astronomers to better understand how a galaxy’s enormous outer cloud of stars grows and ages together with its inner disk. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The large spiral galaxy M90, which is losing its gas as it rapidly moves through the hot gas of the Virgo galaxy cluster. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The galaxy M82, where intense star formation is occurring as a result of gravitational interaction with a neighboring galaxy hundreds of millions of years ago. M82 earned the nickname “Cigar Galaxy” mainly because of its orientation relative to Earth, which makes its central disk appear as an elongated cigar-shaped oval when viewed through small optical telescopes. This galaxy illustrates how powerful galactic “exhaust systems” can regulate galaxy growth by pushing gas outward. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The proximity of M33 allows astronomers to study individual high-energy objects and map how stellar feedback affects the galaxy’s ecosystem. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare X-ray data from Chandra (purple) indicate powerful black-hole activity and the presence of hot gas, while optical data from Hubble (blue and white) and infrared data from JWST (red and gray) reveal enormous stellar nurseries hidden behind interstellar dust. Systems such as II Zw 096 show us how powerful galaxy collisions shaped the early Universe. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO One of the closest active galaxies to Earth, Centaurus A, gives astronomers an opportunity to study the effects of supermassive black-hole jets in extraordinary detail. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO The Arp 143 ring-galaxy system formed when a smaller satellite galaxy punched directly through its center like a target, creating a powerful cosmic shock wave. Source: NASA/CXC/SAO

Part of the galactic gallery is devoted to violent collisions. Arp 143 resembles a cosmic target: a head-on collision formed a ring galaxy with waves of star formation. The NGC 3256 and II Zw 096 systems show chaotic mergers hidden behind dense clouds of dust. Such events were common in the early Universe and mirror the future merger of the Milky Way with the Andromeda Galaxy.

• Posted in News, Science

{ https://universemagazine.com/en/articles-en/ }

It is believed that molten magma disappeared from the depths of Mars hundreds of millions of years ago. However, scientists have recently detected a thermal anomaly that may indicate that processes deep inside the Red Planet have not completely stopped.

A thermal anomaly has been found on Mars. Source: phys.org

Studying the Planet’s Gravitational Signatures

Researchers have detected a thermal asymmetry deep beneath the surface in the southern hemisphere of Mars. Based on gravitational measurements that provide clues about the internal structure of the Red Planet, its southern part is approximately 200–400°C warmer than its northern half and is partially molten. This unexpected discovery, described by phys.org, adds context to the history of Mars and to the periods when conditions favorable for life may have existed there. The study was conducted by California Institute of Technology graduate Alexander Byrne, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona.

During his graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology, Byrne developed a model that uses variations in gravitational data to determine the structure of a planet’s interior. Byrne and his colleagues then set out to apply this model to study the internal structure of Mars. Using data collected over decades by three different Mars missions — Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter — the team measured tiny changes in spacecraft velocities and used them to reconstruct the gravitational field around Mars.

The gravitational forces exerted by the Sun on Mars vary with the seasons because of Mars’s slightly elliptical orbit and tilted rotational axis. A technique called tidal tomography measures how these gravitational signatures change over time and creates a model of the planet’s internal structure.

Byrne says that if we obtain more gravitational data, we can determine three-dimensional details of the planet’s internal structure. These findings, in turn, provide a blueprint for designing future missions and scientific studies of these worlds. Understanding the internal structure of planetary bodies helps us uncover the processes that shaped their formation and evolution.

Mars’s Hotter Southern Hemisphere

At the surface, Mars is a geologically asymmetric planet: its southern hemisphere has enormous mountains and deep craters, while the northern hemisphere consists of low-lying plains. In the new study, the team was surprised to discover that the interior of Mars is also thermally asymmetric — the southern hemisphere is hundreds of degrees hotter than the northern one.

The new observation also offers an explanation for other phenomena observed on Mars, such as magnetic anomalies found in iron-bearing minerals in the south. The thermal anomaly in the southern mantle may indicate that a magnetic field once existed that was strong enough to create magnetic differences between the north and south. In addition, NASA’s InSight mission previously found that seismic waves scatter more rapidly in the south, which could be explained if this region were hotter.

“The dichotomy we see between the north and south is important to understand because it provides information about processes that may have influenced the hydrology of Mars, including the formation of basins that may have contained water,” says Amirhossein Bagheri, a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology and a co-author of the paper. Bagheri was also previously a member of the InSight team.

It is still unknown what caused the thermal anomaly. Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding its origin, including a giant impact that released heat from the north, past spontaneous convection in Mars’s southern mantle, and thick geological structures that trap excess heat and prevent it from escaping.

{ https://universemagazine.com/en/articles-en/ }

De opwarming 56 miljoen jaar geleden laat zien hoe het onze bossen kan vergaan

Artikel door Jeannette Kras

56 miljoen jaar geleden kwam er plots een enorme berg koolstof in de atmosfeer terecht. Dat had grote gevolgen voor de bossen in die tijd, blijkt uit fossiele bladcellen in het Amerikaanse Wyoming. De parallellen met de huidige opwarming zijn weinig geruststellend.

Het PETM, voluit het Paleoceen-Eoceen Thermisch Maximum (PETM) geldt als de meest recente periode waarin de aarde een vergelijkbare sterke opwarming doormaakte. Voor het eerst is met versteende bladcellen het bladerdak uit die periode gereconstrueerd.

“We brengen CO2 sneller in de atmosfeer dan welk bekend natuurlijk proces dan ook”, legt paleobotanicus Regan Dunn uit. “De aarde heeft nog nooit een koolstofuitstoot meegemaakt in een dusdanig tempo. Het PETM biedt ons het beste venster op hoe het klimaat en de ecosystemen van de aarde reageren op een enorme koolstofinjectie voordat mensen de planeet begonnen te hervormen.”

Bruine aarde

Tijdens het PETM werd het landschap op grote schaal bruiner. Door de CO2 in de lucht, veroorzaakt door vulkanen, werd het warmer en droger. Plantensoorten trokken noordwaarts en het bladerdak werd minder dicht. Daardoor versnelde erosie en raakte de waterkringloop op het land verstoord. De vergelijking met nu is opvallend: door menselijke activiteit komt CO2 nog sneller in de atmosfeer terecht dan tijdens het PETM.

“Er vinden momenteel overal op aarde aanzienlijke sterftegolven onder bomen plaats”, zegt Dunn. “Bossen gaan achteruit door stijgende temperaturen, droogtestress, ziekteverwekkers, insectenplagen en bosbranden. En als je de bomen begint te verliezen, onze kanaries in de kolenmijn, zit je in de problemen.”

Bladcellen als tijdmachine

Maar hoe meet je de dichtheid van een bos dat 56 miljoen jaar geleden verdween? Daarvoor zijn minuscule fossiele fragmenten van de beschermende buitenlaag van bladeren gebruikt. Daarmee kon voor het eerst de zogeheten leaf area index (LAI) worden berekend. Die maat beschrijft hoeveel van de lucht door bladeren wordt bedekt en geeft daarmee een cijfer voor de dichtheid van het bladerdak.

Om de methode te ontwikkelen, werd de LAI van moderne bossen in Zuid- en Midden-Amerika gemeten. De onderzoekers richtten een camera met fisheye-lens omhoog en verzamelden direct daaronder bladfragmenten uit de bodem. De sleutel zit in de vorm van de opperhuidcellen. Bladeren die in dichte, schaduwrijke bossen groeien, hebben langgerektere en smallere cellen dan bladeren die veel zon krijgen.

“Dit is de schaduwreactie van planten: ze verlengen het blad door elke cel langer te maken”, legt Dunn uit. “Zodra de bladeren van de boom vallen en in de bodem afbreken, kan de celvorm die in de fragmenten bewaard blijft ons vertellen hoe dicht het bladerdak was waar het blad oorspronkelijk groeide.”

Duizenden cellen uit moderne bossen werden gemeten en gekoppeld aan de LAI. Vervolgens kon dit worden toegepast op fossiele bladfragmenten uit Wyoming.

Minder grote bomen

Het Wyoming van 56 miljoen jaar geleden zag er totaal anders uit dan tegenwoordig. Reusachtige Metasequoia-bomen torenden uit boven platanen, elzen, palmen en andere subtropische en tropische planten.

Gedurende meer dan tien jaar werden honderden monsters uit het Hanna Basin verzameld. Daaruit blijkt dat de bossen tijdens het PETM opener werden en minder grote bomen hadden. Dat had gevolgen voor onder meer het klimaat, de voedingsstoffenkringloop, verwering en dieren die in de bossen leefden.

Het laat een verontrustende parallel zien met het heden. Volgens satellietmetingen sinds de jaren tachtig vergroende de aarde aanvankelijk doordat extra CO2 plantengroei stimuleerde. Inmiddels is dat veranderd: onze planeet verdort. “Nu de aarde door de extra uitstoot is opgewarmd, draait deze vergroeningstrend om en worden veel delen van de aarde bruiner”, zegt Dunn. “Dit laat zien dat we een kritieke drempel zijn gepasseerd waarbij hogere temperaturen bossen nu nadelig beïnvloeden.”

Daarmee dreigt tevens een belangrijke natuurlijke buffer tegen klimaatverandering te verzwakken. “Als je bossen begint te verliezen, raak je cruciale koolstofputten kwijt”, zegt Dunn. “Het PETM herinnert ons eraan dat wanneer bossen achteruitgaan, de gevolgen in het hele klimaatsysteem merkbaar zijn.”

{https://scientias.nl/ }

More Americans believe the government is withholding information about UFOs

By Adam Kovac edited by Claire Cameron

The truth may be out there, but Americans are split on what the truth is: just under half of people believe all sightings of unidentified flying object (UFO), also known as unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), can be explained by human activity or natural phenomena, a new Gallup poll finds.

The proportion of skeptics has been dropping, however: In 2019, 60 percent of Americans said they believed UAP were either human-caused or natural phenomena. But that proportion shrank to 50 percent in 2021 and now sits at 49 percent.

That’s not to say that all those with shifting opinions are sure our planet has been visited by intelligent life from other planets: 37 percent of the poll’s respondents said some UAP were likely alien spacecraft, down from 41 percent in 2021. Rather the number of people who aren’t sure has grown, from 7 percent in 2019 to 13 percent in 2026.

There is one thing most Americans seem to agree on, though: more of them now believe the government is withholding information about UFOs, or UAP, than they did 30 years ago. In the new poll, some 78 percent said they believe officials know more than they tell the public compared with 71 percent in 1996.

{https://www.scientificamerican.com/ }

UFOs and Crop Circles: Believe It — or Don’t

_{Alleged evidence of extraterrestrial visits often evolves from local news headlines into a game, an art, and an industry}

Gary Smith

Magical things have been seen in the skies for thousands of years, often interpreted by Earthlings as visitors from other planets. In modern times, unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings have become a popular hobby. Established in 1974, the National UFO Reporting Center has compiled a list of nearly 100,000 UFO sightings, an average of more than five a day.

There have been more UFO sightings in California than in any other state, indeed more than in New York, Texas, and Massachusetts put together. Perhaps aliens prefer California, or maybe California really is la-la land. There have also been more reported UFO sightings in the U.S. on the week of July 4 than during any other week of the year, which shows that aliens like to watch fireworks as much as Americans do (joke).

Australia’s “Tully nests”

On a foggy January morning in 1966, an Australian farmer named George Pedley heard a hissing sound. When he looked for the source, he saw a flying saucer ascend “in a puff of blue vapor” from a nearby swamp known locally as Horseshoe Lagoon. On closer inspection, he found a 30-foot circle of weeds that had been pressed flat in a clockwise direction, as if the weeds had been flattened by spinning air from a flying saucer.

Figure 1: A Tully nest/UFO Insight.

The local newspaper ran a story about Pedley’s saucer sighting and soon his neighbors discovered five more “saucer nests.” These were all near the town of Tully in Queensland and they became known as the Tully nests.

Local residents told the Royal Australian Air Force that circular weed patterns were common that time of year. An investigation by a local police officer and professors at the University of Queensland concluded that that the circles were most likely caused by short-lived whirlwinds called willy-willies in Australia.

Nonetheless, the idea that extraterrestrials were touring Tully resonated with UFO fans — and locals were happy to offer lodging and stories to tourists who came to see the Horseshoe Lagoon and squint at faded photographs of saucer nests.

Crop circles hit the news in England

A dozen or so years after the Tully nests were reported, designs created by flattened crops of canola, barley, wheat, or other grains began showing up in farmers’ fields in southern England. Some suggested that sexually active hedgehogs may have created these crop circles. (No, this time I am not joking!) Even less plausibly, a molecular biologist named Horace Drew proposed that time travelers from the future were leaving markers to help them navigate our planet (or, at least, England). Never mind that the crop circles disappear when the crops are harvested.

Dust devils and bizarre wind patterns might explain simple circles like the Tully nests, but cannot explain the increasingly precise, complex patterns found in England. Aliens and time travelers were popular explanations. Many of the crop circles were in the county of Wiltshire, the home of the Stonehenge and Avebury prehistoric monuments, and a fertile area for tales of haunted houses, demonic dogs, and sacred geometries. Crop-circle enthusiasts (“croppies”) began compiling detailed records of crop-circle sightings and traveling thousands of miles to absorb spiritual experiences by hugging the canola or lying down inside a crop circle.

Some people, who clearly had too much time on their hands, claimed to have decoded secret messages, such as “believe,” “there is good out there,” and “we oppose deception.” They did not explain why extra-terrestrials would waste their time traveling to earth to create vapid coded messages. Another theory was that the circles were some sort of secret code related to the pre-Columbian Mayan calendar’s Long Count and first Great Cycle, a 5,125-year period that would culminate in the end of the world on December 21, 2012. (Spoiler alert: nothing special happened on that day.)

Questions arose… and so did answers

There were doubters and a few obvious questions. Why are crop circles created at night in remote areas near roads? Why are aliens so fond of farms in southern England? Why would extraterrestrials use secret codes if they had something to tell us?

In 1991, two Brits, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, confessed that they had made hundreds of crop circles using boards with rope handles to smoosh the crops.

One night in 1978, they had been sitting in a pub, drinking warm English beer and talking about the Tully nests. They decided it would be a hoot to create flattened crop circles to make it seem that flying saucers had landed in English fields. The croppies bought their decades-long prank hook, line, and sinker.

A game, an art form, and an industry

Figure 2: The Julia Set Crop Circle/Ancient Pages.

Crop circles have evolved into an elaborate game. Pranksters and locals both appear eager to keep the story going. Pranksters like messing with the croppies and enjoy creating competitive crop-circle art, enhanced by the thrill of avoiding being caught. There are implicit rules: the circles should be created at night, anonymously, with no incriminating evidence of human involvement. Crop-circle creators now think of themselves as artists and often use sophisticated tools to aid their increasing complicated designs. Photos of the best designs are published in books, catalogues, and calendars.

Local farmers are annoyed that parts of their crops are damaged, first by the pranksters and then by trespassing tourists. But many locals are more than happy to sell lodging, tours, and souvenirs to the thousands of New Age visitors who arrive during each crop circle season. Some towns have pilots flying over their fields daily in order to take pictures of fresh designs that can be downloaded to the internet and lure more tourists.

Many croppies acknowledge the pranksters but insist that some patterns are too complex to be made by humans working for a few hours in the dark. One croppie insisted that,

I can tell a real one, by the energy I feel once inside it. Different crop circles seem to resonate different energies, which I usually feel within my chakras . . . . Each one is different, some seem to energize me, giving me a real buzz, others make me want to lay down in them, and be very still.

The spectacular crop circle shown in Figure 2 above appeared in July 1996 near Stonehenge. The design is a fractal pattern called the Julia Set and was said to have appeared in less than an hour during the daytime — seemingly ruling out human pranksters. The owner of the field that provided the canvas for this pattern reportedly made about £30,000 charging admission to his field.

Figure 3 A 2001 Crop Circle in Wiltshire, England Containing 409
Circles/Live Science.

Three pranksters later confessed that they had created the pattern in about three hours in the early morning the day before and they were noticed by an airplane. An even more elaborate double-triple Julia Set pattern is shown in Figure 3 (pranksters unknown).

In a bizarre full-circle take on the crop-circle saga, a 2009 BBC article titled “Stoned wallabies make crop circles” stated that a government official in the Australian island state of Tasmania had reported that “we have a problem with wallabies entering poppy fields, getting as high as a kite and going around in circles.” (available at Reuters)

• (This article is excerpted from Smith, Gary (2023), Distrust: Big Data, Data-Torturing, and the Assault on Science, Oxford University Press. Links and headings have been added.)

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{ https://mindmatters.ai/ }