Overview

A viral video captured a bright, green‑hued meteor streaking across the sky and apparently striking near the active Mayon volcano on Luzon, Philippines. The footage, posted by Afar.TV, shows a fireball colliding with the volcano’s plume, followed seconds later by a luminous point that appears to rise from the impact zone. The dramatic sequence quickly sparked online speculation about a possible unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) or even extraterrestrial technology.

This screen grab from AfarTV video shows the moment a meteor strikes in the vicinity of an active volcano in the Philippines.

(Afar.TV)

What the Video Shows

The clip, recorded on May 26 2026, depicts a meteor entering the atmosphere over Mayon, a volcano known for its near‑perfect cone and frequent eruptions. As the meteoroid penetrates the dense volcanic ash, it leaves a vivid green trail before exploding in a flash of light. Within a few moments, a smaller, steadily bright object emerges from the fireball’s aftermath, moving upward against the darkening sky. The video’s high‑definition frame rate and the volcano’s glowing lava flow have contributed to its rapid spread across social media platforms.

Mysterious light after meteor strike: Avi Loeb has explanation | NewsNation Prime

Scientific Explanation

Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb, director of the Galileo Project—a research program that systematically searches for technological signatures of non‑human origin—provided a grounded interpretation on “NewsNation Prime.” Loeb argued that the rising light is most likely a glint from a satellite reflecting sunlight, not a piece of alien hardware.

“There are more than 10,000 communications satellites moving around the Earth, so it’s not very unlikely to see such a thing,” Loeb said.

He noted that the geometry of the scene—sunlight striking a satellite’s solar panels at a shallow angle—can produce a brief, intense flash that mimics a rising object when captured from a ground‑based perspective. This explanation fits within established orbital mechanics and atmospheric optics, requiring no departure from known physics.

Expert Commentary

Supporting Loeb’s assessment, Peter Brown, a planetary‑impact physicist at Western University in Ontario, told The New York Times that the meteor itself likely disintegrated completely in the atmosphere.

“It is possible, but not likely, this produced a meteorite. My bet, particularly given the prominent trail, would be nothing survived.”

Brown’s analysis underscores that meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere at high velocity often vaporize, especially when encountering dense volcanic ash, which can enhance ablation. The combination of rapid deceleration and intense heating makes the survival of solid fragments improbable.

Context and Broader Implications

The incident arrives at a time when public interest in UAPs is heightened, following recent governmental reports and increased media coverage of anomalous aerial observations. The Galileo Project, founded by Loeb in 2021, aims to apply rigorous scientific methodology to such reports, distinguishing between genuine technosignatures and mundane explanations.

In this case, the convergence of three independent factors—a meteor, an active volcanic plume, and a passing satellite—created a perfect visual illusion. The episode illustrates the challenges of interpreting fleeting, low‑resolution footage and reinforces the need for multi‑sensor verification (radar, spectroscopic analysis, and satellite tracking) before assigning extraordinary causes.

Conclusion

While the glowing ascent captured after the Mayon meteor strike offers an eye‑catching visual, the consensus among leading scientists is that it reflects ordinary atmospheric and orbital phenomena. Avi Loeb’s satellite‑glint hypothesis, bolstered by Peter Brown’s impact analysis, demonstrates how conventional physics can account for seemingly mysterious events. As the search for genuine extraterrestrial technosignatures continues, episodes like this serve as a reminder that rigorous, evidence‑based inquiry remains the most reliable path to understanding our sky.

{ https://usubjects.com/ }

Ling Xinin Ohio

In the footage labelled “NAG UAP 1 Jun 20”, a humanoid-like shape hovered for a long time before abruptly moving to a distant location outside the frame.

“Assuming this wasn’t a sensor glitch and that we are looking at an actual, instantaneous displacement, AI-assisted analyses suggest the object’s acceleration could have exceeded 600g – or 600 times the force of gravity on Earth’s surface,” Zhang said.

To put that into perspective, human pilots typically black out at around 12g, and the most durable drones max out near 30g, he said.

“A manoeuvre surpassing 600g is far beyond the limits of any known modern aircraft or living organism.”

However, given that the object lacked any visible propulsion system and appeared to change shape as it moved, he said that an object exceeding 600g “cannot be completely ruled out”.

While Zhang said he found the latest batch of UFO files from the US Department of Defence far more intriguing than the older, grainier images the Pentagon previously released, he pointed out a major hurdle for the scientific community: a lack of hard data.

{ https://www.scmp.com/news/china? }

The Pentagon’s Silver Sphere Mystery Just Got Stranger

An artist’s rendering of a metallic silver sphere based on descriptions from military reports and declassified Pentagon UAP investigations. U.S. officials have not identified the objects and continue to classify several incidents as unresolved.

WASHINGTON DC - For decades, UFO sightings were easy for skeptics to dismiss.

A blurry photo. A shaky video. A witness who swore they saw something extraordinary.

But what happens when the U.S. military sees it too?

Newly released Pentagon files and videos have once again thrust a mysterious object into the spotlight: a smooth metallic silver sphere that appears to move through the sky without wings, rotors, exhaust, or any visible means of propulsion.

Even more intriguing, government investigators still can’t fully explain what it is.

That uncertainty has fueled renewed public fascination.

See The Evidence For Yourself

Readers who want to examine the government’s findings firsthand can review many of the videos, images and reports released by the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and NASA.

* Pentagon AARO UAP Archive:
https://www.aaro.mil/UAP-Cases/Official-UAP-Imagery/

* Pentagon UAP Records Center:
https://www.aaro.mil/UAP-Records/

* NASA UAP Research Program:
https://science.nasa.gov/uap/

* NASA Independent UAP Study Report:
https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/uap-independent-study-team-final-report.pdf

Readers are encouraged to review the evidence and draw their own conclusions.

Newly released Pentagon files show mysterious metallic spheres that investigators still can’t explain, renewing debate over one of the most persistent UFO mysteries of the modern era.

The Return Of The Silver Spheres

The reports are part of an ongoing effort by the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, which investigates what are now known as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, or UAPs.

While officials stress there is no evidence these objects are extraterrestrial, several cases remain officially unresolved.

Among the most discussed cases are reports of metallic orb-shaped objects captured by military sensors operating in various regions around the world.

Unlike the classic flying saucer image popularized in movies and television, these objects are remarkably simple in appearance.

Witnesses describe smooth metallic spheres that reflect sunlight like polished chrome. Military videos show objects maintaining stable flight while displaying no obvious signs of conventional propulsion.

One declassified case involved a metallic sphere tracked by military sensors over a remote region. Another captured an orb-like object moving across the sky while analysts struggled to determine its origin.

The Pentagon has not identified the objects as foreign technology, experimental U.S. aircraft, weather phenomena, or commercial drones.

Instead, they remain classified as unresolved.

NASA And Pentagon Officials Take The Mystery Seriously

Interest in metallic spheres intensified in 2023 when NASA and Pentagon officials publicly discussed orb-shaped UAPs during hearings and briefings.

At the time, officials noted that metallic spheres represented one of the most frequently reported categories of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Investigators emphasized that most sightings eventually receive conventional explanations. Yet a small percentage continue to resist easy answers due to limited data, unusual flight characteristics, or a lack of corroborating evidence.

That distinction is important.

An unexplained object is not proof of extraterrestrial visitors.

It is simply an observation that investigators have not yet been able to fully explain.

Why The Mystery Persists

The silver spheres have become something of a recurring character in the modern UFO story.

They continue appearing in military reports, pilot observations, radar tracks and sensor recordings.

Skeptics argue many sightings likely involve balloons, camera artifacts, atmospheric effects or misunderstood objects viewed under unusual conditions.

Believers counter that some incidents involve multiple sensors, trained military observers and tracking systems specifically designed to identify airborne threats.

Both sides agree on one point:

More data is needed.

The Pentagon itself has repeatedly stated that the vast majority of cases do not provide enough information to determine exactly what was observed.

That uncertainty leaves room for both scientific investigation and public speculation.

Why Technology Readers Should Care

For technology enthusiasts, the story is less about little green men and more about the limits of modern surveillance technology.

The objects have been observed by some of the most sophisticated sensor systems ever developed, including advanced military radar, infrared imaging systems, aircraft sensors and intelligence-gathering platforms.

If the objects ultimately prove to be advanced drones, foreign technology, atmospheric phenomena or sensor anomalies, the findings could improve future detection systems and aerospace intelligence capabilities.

If they turn out to be something entirely different, the implications could be even more significant.

Either way, investigators are still searching for answers.

The Bigger Question

Whether the silver spheres ultimately prove to be advanced drones, unusual atmospheric phenomena, classified technology, sensor errors or something entirely unexpected, the story highlights a fascinating reality.

Despite satellites, artificial intelligence, advanced radar systems and some of the most sophisticated surveillance networks ever built, there are still objects that occasionally appear in the sky and defy immediate explanation.

That doesn’t mean aliens are visiting Earth.

But it does mean that even in an age of unprecedented technology, mysteries remain.

And for now, the Pentagon’s silver spheres remain one of the most intriguing mysteries still floating above us.

For technology enthusiasts, the story is less about little green men and more about sensor systems, artificial intelligence, advanced drones, aerospace technology and the limits of modern surveillance. The silver spheres may ultimately prove to be something mundane—or something entirely new. Either way, investigators are still searching for answers.

Editor’s Note

The Pentagon, NASA and AARO have repeatedly stated that none of the released videos or images constitute proof of extraterrestrial technology. Many cases remain unexplained because investigators lack sufficient sensor data, image quality or corroborating evidence to determine the objects’ origin. The objects remain officially classified as unidentified, not alien.

{ https://mitechnews.com/category/news/ }

Secrets of the Baltic Sea Anomaly: UFO or Hoax?

mariusalbertsen

The ocean floor is a realm of eternal darkness, holding secrets that often challenge our understanding of history and science. Among the most hotly debated underwater mysteries of the 21st century is the Baltic Sea Anomaly. First detected by sonar, this bizarre, circular formation resting on the murky seabed sparked massive global interest and immediate speculation. Could it be a sunken extraterrestrial spacecraft, an elaborate natural hoax, or perhaps a relic of a forgotten human civilization?

When the first grainy sonar images emerged, the shape was instantly compared to the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. The internet exploded with theories ranging from crashed UFOs to secret World War II anti-submarine devices. Yet, as modern marine geologists and archaeologists continue to map the depths of the Baltic basin, a far more complex and grounded truth is beginning to surface. The reality of what lies beneath the waves may not involve aliens, but it is no less fascinating.

• Nearly 11,000-Year-Old Megastructure Is Oldest Ever Found in Europe
• The Unsolved Mystery of the Baltic Sea Anomaly

Discovering the Baltic Sea Anomaly

The story began in 2011 when the Swedish treasure-hunting team, Ocean X, was scanning the seabed for old shipwrecks. Instead of a wooden hull, their sonar pinged a massive, strangely geometric object resting at a depth of roughly 295 feet (90 meters). The structure measured an impressive 200 feet (61 meters) in diameter and appeared to be elevated off the seabed on a pillar-like formation. It featured rigid lines, apparent right angles, and what looked like a drag mark or runway trailing behind it.

Overview map of the Western Baltic Sea. Bathymetric data taken from the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) synthesis.

(Geerson et al./CC BY-SA 2.5)

Diving down to investigate the object proved incredibly difficult due to the freezing, pitch-black conditions of the Baltic waters. When divers finally reached the structure, they reported equipment malfunctions and a total loss of visibility, adding fuel to the supernatural fire. However, they managed to recover stone samples from the site. These samples were dark, burnt-looking rocks that seemed entirely out of place on the sandy bottom of the ocean.

Despite the initial hype, the scientific community remained highly skeptical of the extraterrestrial claims. Experts pointed out that the Baltic Sea is notoriously difficult to scan accurately. The unique salinity gradients and temperature shifts in the water can severely distort sonar readings, often making natural geological formations look artificial. As more data was collected, the mystery began to shift from the realm of science fiction back into the realm of natural science.

Geological Reality or Alien Artifacts?

Recent studies have provided crucial insights into how perfectly circular or highly anomalous structures can form naturally on the ocean floor. A 2023 geological review by Li et al. demonstrated that various biological and geological processes, such as fluid expulsion and gas venting, can create incredibly precise geometric shapes in the seabed. When combined with the unique glacial history of Northern Europe, the "spaceship" theory begins to sink rapidly.

Example of a high-resolution multibeam echosounder bathymetry scan (Western Galapagos Rift) revealing complex seabed morphology. Recent studies utilizing this exact advanced sonar technology in the Baltic Sea have proven that the ocean floor is heavily littered with bizarre, naturally occurring moraines that easily trick standard scanning equipment.

NOAA Photo Library/CC BY 2.0)

During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers carved their way across the region, grinding rocks and trapping volcanic debris within the ice. As the ice melted around 9000 BC, it deposited these massive, out-of-place boulders, known as glacial erratics, into the newly formed Baltic Sea basin. The dark, metallic-looking stones recovered by Ocean X were identified by geologists as basalt and granite, common materials deposited by retreating glaciers.

Furthermore, a 2024 study by Feldens utilizing high-resolution multibeam echosounder bathymetry mapped the complex glacial morphology of the Baltic Sea. The research confirmed that the seabed is littered with bizarre, naturally occurring moraines and deposited rock formations that can easily trick standard sonar equipment. The Baltic Sea Anomaly is widely considered by geologists to be a remarkable, yet entirely natural, glacial deposit rather than a crashed alien vessel.

The Stone Age Megastructures Connection

While the anomaly itself might be a natural rock formation, the idea of finding massive, artificial structures at the bottom of the Baltic Sea is not actually fiction. In early 2024, an astonishing discovery shattered our understanding of ancient European history. Researchers led by Jacob Geersen published findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) detailing a massive, 11,000-year-old artificial stone wall found entirely submerged in the western Baltic Sea.

The coast of the Bay of Mecklenburg in the southwestern Baltic Sea. Just off this shore lies the submerged landscape where archaeologists recently discovered the 11,000-year-old Stone Age megastructure, a remnant of a time when the entire basin was dry land. 

(CC BY-SA 4.0/Jasmin Flad)

This incredible megastructure, stretching nearly 3,200 feet (975 meters) long, was constructed by Stone Age hunter-gatherers long before the region flooded. It was built using thousands of carefully placed stones to create a drive lane for hunting reindeer herds. This revelation proves that the Baltic basin was once a dry, populated landscape where ancient humans actively engaged in monumental construction projects. The discovery of genuine submerged megastructures completely changes the context of the region. It highlights why marine archaeologists are so eager to scan the seabed, even if they occasionally chase shadows like the famous anomaly. While we may not have found an ancient spaceship, we have found definitive proof that the sunken landscapes of the Baltic hide the lost architectural achievements of our earliest ancestors

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Deep

Ultimately, the phenomenon serves as a powerful reminder of how easily our imaginations can be captured by the unknown. The blurry sonar scans allowed people to project their wildest sci-fi fantasies onto a pile of glacial rocks. Yet, the rigorous scientific method, utilizing advanced bathymetry, geological sampling, and peer-reviewed analysis, has slowly chipped away at the myth to reveal a more grounded reality.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with high-powered lights and cameras is descending into the uncharted depths. As this technology continues to map the ocean floor, marine archaeologists are bound to uncover more sunken mysteries, whether they be natural geological wonders or genuine artifacts of lost civilizations. 

(NOAA Ocean Exploration & Research from USA/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Nature is entirely capable of creating shapes that appear designed, and the chaotic forces of the Ice Age left behind a seabed that continues to confuse even modern technology. However, as the genuine discovery of the Stone Age megastructure proves, the truth hidden in the deep ocean is often far more fascinating than any internet hoax. The waters of Northern Europe remain a vital frontier for historical exploration.

Even if the Baltic Sea Anomaly is just a fascinating trick of glacial geology, it succeeded in drawing global attention to the uncharted depths. As remote-operated vehicles and advanced multibeam sonar continue to map the ocean floor, we are bound to uncover more sunken mysteries. Whether those mysteries turn out to be natural wonders or genuine artifacts of lost civilizations, the deep sea will never stop surprising us.

• Top Image: This photorealistic illustration depicts the mysterious circular object on the Baltic Sea floor, heavily encrusted and eroded as if it has rested there for millions of years. The image is an artistic rendering based on descriptions and scans from the Ocean X expedition.

By Marius Albertsen

FAQs

What is the Baltic Sea Anomaly? It is a 200-foot (61-meter) circular rock formation discovered on the floor of the Baltic Sea in 2011 by a treasure-hunting team. Its strange shape, resembling a science-fiction spaceship on sonar, led to widespread speculation that it was a sunken UFO or an ancient artificial structure.

Did scientists prove the anomaly is an alien spaceship? No. Geologists and marine scientists have concluded that the structure is a natural geological formation. It is highly likely a glacial erratic, a massive deposit of rocks, including basalt and granite, left behind by melting glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age.

Are there real ancient structures at the bottom of the Baltic Sea? Yes! In 2024, scientists discovered a massive, 11,000-year-old artificial stone wall stretching nearly 3,200 feet (975 meters) underwater in the western Baltic. It was built by Stone Age hunter-gatherers to corral reindeer before the sea levels rose and flooded the region.

References

• Feldens, P., et al. 2024. High-resolution multibeam echosounder bathymetry reveals complex glacial and post-glacial seabed morphology in the Baltic Sea. Nature Scientific Reports, 14, 75054. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-75054-4
• Geersen, J., et al. 2024. A submerged Stone Age hunting architecture from the Western Baltic Sea. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 121(8), e2312008121. Available at: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2312008121
• Li, Y., et al. 2023. Formation of circular structures on the seabed: A review of geological and biological processes. Frontiers in Earth Science, 11, 1170787. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2023.1170787/full

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{ https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology }

EXCLUSIVE - The shocking evidence about JFK’s death, the CIA and what the president knew about UFOs: It may sound absurd, but I’ve spent five decades researching them, writes top barrister JONATHAN CAPLAN KC. This is what I’ve discovered

• Did you miss Part One of Jonathan Caplan's astonishing revelations? Read more HERE 
• SEE NEXT ARTICLE FOR PART I

By JONATHAN KAPLAN KC

When former US Air Force intelligence officer David Grusch gave evidence to the US Congress about the existence of UFOs or Unexplained Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) in July 2023, one question sent a deep chill through the room. The whistleblower and Afghanistan veteran was asked whether he knew of people who had been ‘harmed or injured’ or ‘murdered’ in efforts ‘to cover up secret programmes into extraterrestrial technology’.

‘Yes,’ he said, ‘personally.’

During decades of research into UAPs – and government programmes to recover crashed alien spacecraft while concealing their existence – I have met people who believe that their lives were under threat for speaking out about what they knew. I have also spoken with two ex-special forces personnel in the US who claimed that colleagues were ordered to kill because of a perceived fear that the target was about to reveal highly secret information connected with a UAP programme.

As a barrister and King’s Counsel, I have spent my career evaluating evidence in very complex cases. I have brought the same rigorous standards to these investigations.

They have led me to the astonishing but unavoidable conclusion that, in order to protect the secrets about UAPs and extraterrestrial technology, agents of the US security services or their private defence contractors have been prepared to physically threaten and even to kill. Even the most famous actress in Hollywood – and even her ex-lover, a US president.

Marilyn Monroe died in her Los Angeles apartment on August 4, 1962. She was found naked in bed, holding the telephone, by her housekeeper. Empty medicine bottles were scattered on the floor.

The toxicology report found that she had acute barbiturate poisoning from doses of chloral hydrate and Nembutal (the brand name for pentobarbitone) that were several times above the lethal limit. Yet there was no trace of pills in the stomach or duodenum: the barbiturates were present only in the blood and liver.

This is an indication that the drugs were injected or given as an enema, rather than taken orally. Despite this, the deputy coroner of Los Angeles County classified her death as ‘probable suicide’.

Her friend Dorothy Kilgallen, a showbusiness journalist and TV personality, was immediately sceptical. She wrote in her syndicated gossip column, The Voice Of Broadway: ‘The real story hasn’t been told, not by a long shot.’

Former US Air Force intelligence officer David Grusch told the US Congress that he 'personally' knew of people who had been 'murdered' in efforts 'to cover up secret programmes into extraterrestrial technology'

Marilyn Monroe's death was immediately classified as 'probable suicide', but many have pointed out her comments on UFOs in the years leading up to it

The bed in which Marilyn was found dead in her apartment in Brentwood, Los Angeles

Marilyn's friend Dorothy Kilgallen had an openly declared interest in UFOs

Kilgallen was a friend of President John F. Kennedy, and became part of Marilyn’s inner circle after they met in 1960, during the filming of Let’s Make Love. She had a long-standing interest in UAPs. She revealed this in February 1954, when she told her readers: ‘Flying saucers are regarded as of such vital importance that they will be the subject of a special hush-hush meeting of the world military heads next summer.’

In May the following year, she published a dispatch based on what a ‘British official of Cabinet rank’ had told her. He said that UK scientists and airmen were examining the wreckage of a ‘mysterious flying ship’ and were convinced that flying saucers from another planet were real.

Her source told her that the saucers ‘are staffed by small men probably under four feet tall’ and that the British government was withholding ‘an official report on the “flying saucer” examination at this time possibly because it does not wish to frighten the public’.

The source has never been identified and nor has the site of the crash to which he was referring.

Kilgallen’s openly declared interest in UFOs is relevant to Monroe’s death because of a document containing details of two of her phone conversations that were intercepted by the CIA. This document was leaked by two separate CIA sources – although during a later FBI review of the document the CIA claimed that the control stamps were not typical of the time.

The document is dated August 3, 1962, one day before Marilyn’s death. Just below the date is the reference ‘Moon Dust’. Moon Dust was a covert project fronted by the US Air Force to recover foreign space vehicles or debris. Any crashed UFO would have been within its remit.

The report covered two conversations, connected by their subject matter. The first was between Kilgallen and her friend Howard Rothberg, the agent for actor Mel Brooks and others.

Rothberg said that Monroe, angry at her treatment by both John Kennedy and his brother Robert, ‘had secrets to tell’ – one of which was ‘the visit by the president at a secret air base for the purpose of inspecting things from outer space’. Kilgallen replied that she knew what that might be. In the mid-1950s, she had learned of a secret effort by the US and UK governments to identify the origins of crashed spacecraft and dead alien bodies.

The second part of the report referred to repeated calls by Monroe to Robert Kennedy, complaining about the way both Kennedy brothers were ignoring her. She ‘threatened to hold a press conference and would tell all’.

She referred to the president’s plan to kill Cuba’s long-time dictator Fidel Castro and to her ‘diary of secrets’ and what the press would do with such disclosures.

An ultra-secret US government department known as Majestic 12 was said to have been set up by president Harry Truman after a crashed craft recovered at Roswell, New Mexico

US National Archives images of the supposed crash site at Roswell

Officer Irving Newton holds up debris from a suspected UFO, which US Air Force officials said was in fact the remains of a weather balloon

There was a block of text which was redacted in both leaked documents and then the signature of James Jesus Angleton, head of counterintelligence at the CIA.

Any connection between the UFO cover-up and the assassination of JFK will seem far-fetched. But I believe it is worthy of serious investigation, because of another leaked document, one that I have personally inspected and which is known as the ‘burned memo’.

It is part of a cache of papers documenting the existence of an ultra-secret US government department known as Majestic 12.

This group was set up in 1947 by President Harry Truman, after a crashed craft constructed by a non human intelligence (NHI) was recovered at Roswell, New Mexico.

Majestic 12, or MJ12, was ordered to take control of the retrieval, storage and research of any NHI craft. This was a secret classified higher than even the atom bomb and, if necessary, people were to be killed to preserve it.

The nine-page ‘burned memo’ is so-named because it was rescued from a fire when MJ12 papers were being destroyed. It is undated but appears to have been written in 1961 by the director of the CIA, Allen Dulles, who refers to himself as MJ1. In it, he invites the views of other Majestic 12 members, including Angleton (MJ2), on the need to assassinate President Kennedy to protect the agency’s alien secrets.

The memo says: ‘As you must know LANCER [Kennedy’s secret service codename] has made some inquiries regarding our activities which we cannot allow.

‘Please submit your views no later than October. Your action to this matter is critical to the continuance of the group.’

The memo went on cryptically to say: ‘When conditions become non-conducive for growth in our environment and Washington cannot be influenced any further, the weather is lacking any precipitation... it should be wet.’ This appears to be intelligence jargon suggesting that assassination should be considered.

Kennedy took office in 1961 and quickly showed a close interest in the activities of Majestic 12, ordering Dulles to provide a brief summary of MJ12’s ‘intelligence operations as they relate to Cold War psychological warfare plans’.

The president was concerned after the Cuban missile crisis that the Soviets might mistake a UFO for an incoming nuclear missile and wanted closer co-operation between the two countries on this topic. This interest continued, right up to his murder in November 1963. It was not, though, until 1971 that an agreement was actually signed to this effect.

JFK is said to have been become concerned after the Cuban missile crisis that the Soviets might mistake a UFO for an incoming nuclear missile

Further evidence pointing to state involvement in Kennedy’s assassination emerged in an extraordinary conversation that took place on a Washington street in early 1975. In the aftermath of the Watergate burglary at Democrat offices, a scandal which brought down President Richard Nixon, CIA operative E. Howard Hunt went to dinner with his friend and lawyer, Douglas Caddy.

Hunt was a colourful and unorthodox CIA agent. As part of the White House Special Investigations Unit, he had helped to mastermind the Watergate break-in and, on the night he dined with Caddy, he was about to begin a jail sentence at the federal prison camp at Eglin Air Force Base.

Over dinner, Caddy pressed Hunt as to the reason for the Watergate break in. ‘We believed,’ Hunt said, ‘that there were important Cuban documents inside dealing with Kennedy’s assassination.’

Later, on the sidewalk as they were leaving, Caddy pressed again as to what could have been in those files. Hunt replied with quiet emphasis: ‘Kennedy was assassinated because he was about to give our most vital secret to the Soviets.’

‘What was that?’ Caddy asked.

Hunt looked at him intently and replied: ‘The alien presence.’

He then shook Caddy’s hand and walked away to prepare for prison. That was the last time they met.

Caddy told me that he was puzzled by that information. What evidence was there that Kennedy was about to discuss aliens with the Soviets? Was Hunt implying that the CIA had killed him?

Though few knew about it at the time, Kennedy had long held an interest in UAPs. He was on the Board of Overseers at Harvard University and had chosen astronomy as his subject of special interest. He became friendly with fellow overseer Dr Donald Menzel, a professor of astronomy.

Menzel led a secret life. He was a covert member of MJ12, he had had a long association with the National Security Agency (NSA), and with his Top-Secret Ultra Clearance he had worked for the CIA. Dr Vannevar Bush, who had advised President Truman to set up MJ12, was also a close associate.

Correspondence between Kennedy and Menzel in 1960 has been discovered in which Menzel, while talking about the NSA, wrote: ‘Properly cleared to one another I should be able to help in this sensitive area.’

It seems evident that Kennedy was eager to learn more.

In 1977 a former mistress of Fidel Castro, Marita Lorenz, told a US Congressional Committee that she had driven with Lee Harvey Oswald and CIA contractor Frank Sturgis to Dallas before JFK's assassination and saw Sturgis handed an envelope filled with cash

Ms Lorenz, seen here at a press conference in 1977, is said to have received death threats

Frank Sturgis would late become infamous as one of the five men who broke into the Democratic National HQ in 1972... leading to the Watergate scandal

Ten days before he was killed, the president wrote a top-secret memo to Angleton, the director of counterintelligence at the CIA, calling for a review of all UFO intelligence files that affected national security and asking to start sharing the ‘unknowns’ with Nasa to help its mission directors in their defensive responsibilities.

More provocative still, on the same day that November, he called Russia’s president Nikita Kruschev, seeking his co-operation on the detection of UAPs.

None of this would have been welcome news to the CIA. Since its inception in 1947, it had pursued a ruthless policy of denying the existence of UAPs while establishing secret reverse engineering programmes to unlock their technology. Kennedy’s initiatives risked it all.

Numerous Senate commissions on CIA activities have since suspected the agency of having been involved in Kennedy’s assassination for other reasons yet have lacked the proof. But in October 1977 a former mistress of Fidel Castro, Marita Lorenz, provided an extraordinary statement to a US Congressional Committee.

She said that she had met Lee Harvey Oswald in Miami (who was arrested for Kennedy’s murder) and that she had driven with him and Frank Sturgis, a CIA contractor, to Dallas once Kennedy’s motorcade had been moved there from Miami. She said that agent Hunt had come to their motel room in Dallas and handed Sturgis an envelope filled with cash.

When Sturgis learned of her proposed evidence, he threatened to kill her. Two detectives from New York’s 18th Precinct were called to protect her. One of them was Jim Rothstein, a tough cop who always carried a shotgun in his coat. Sturgis arrived later in the evening and Rothstein arrested him.

The two men sat and talked for an hour before he was taken to the police station. During that time Sturgis learned that Rothstein had served on the USS Essex in the Bay of Pigs and they shook hands in recognition of the fact that they were both professionals.

Read More

• I've spent five decades researching UFOs. Here's what I discovered: JONATHAN CAPLAN KC 

They discussed the day of Kennedy’s assassination and Sturgis frankly admitted that he had been one of the gunmen in Dealey Plaza in Dallas on November 22, 1963. While Oswald fired three times from a book depository, there have long been claims that a fatal head shot came from a second shooter on the plaza’s grassy knoll.

Back at the precinct, Sturgis was collected by the CIA and no charges were ever brought.

I spoke to Rothstein to confirm that Sturgis had, effectively, confessed to shooting the president. He confirmed he had and that he did not know why the matter had not been taken further.

In July 2025, Caddy contacted me raising further suspicions that the CIA was involved in Kennedy’s death.

Caddy had been looking for a photo he recalled seeing of Hunt which was taken in Dallas on the day of the assassination. He had found it online among many others in the immediate aftermath.

It shows a crowd in Dealey Plaza about five minutes after the shooting. On the far left is a figure in a three-quarter length coat and a trilby hat. ‘I was Hunt’s attorney,’ Caddy told me, ‘and I am certain that is him in the photo.’

Dorothy Kilgallen continued to investigate her friend Marilyn Monroe’s death, as well as the assassinations of Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald, who was shot dead by Jack Ruby two days after the president was killed.

Kilgallen had a contract with Random House to publish her findings and was eagerly working to complete the manuscript, telling close friends that she had made significant progress.

Her last appearance on the hit US television game show What’s My Line?, on which she was a regular panellist, was the evening before her own suspicious death and the host John Daly said that she ‘was in great spirits’. She was at the height of her career.

Just after 9am on November 8, 1965, her hairdresser, Marc Sinclaire, entered her townhouse on East 68th Street in New York and went upstairs to her dressing room on the third floor. She was not there waiting for him.

Jonathan Caplan's Not For Disclosure

Her bedroom was her private office on the fifth floor. Sinclaire looked in and to his surprise saw Kilgallen sitting up on the bed in a blue robe. She was fully made up and her hair was perfectly in place. She always removed her make-up and hairpiece at night, he said. He knew that she was dead and he called the butler to come up.

The toxicology report showed that she had consumed alcohol and barbiturates. She was not a heavy drinker and was prescribed only Seconal in a moderate dose for insomnia. But two other barbiturates were also detected, Tuinal and (like Monroe) Nembutal, for which she had no prescription. Traces of Nembutal were found on the rim of a glass in the bedroom, which suggested the capsules had been emptied into it before being ingested.

The cause of death was given by Dr James Luke, Manhattan’s chief medical examiner, as acute ethanol and barbiturate intoxication. The conclusion was ‘circumstances undetermined’, meaning this could have been an accidental death.

Other scientists and intelligence officers connected with UAP programmes have spoken of death threats and they continue to this day. The US Congressional Oversight Committee has recently asked the FBI to investigate.

© Jonathan Caplan, 2026

Adapted from Not For Disclosure, by Jonathan Caplan, to be published by Century at £22 on June 11. To order a copy for £19.80 (offer valid to June 13; UK p&p free on orders over £25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.

NEW Evidence from the 2025 JFK Assassination File Release | JFK Assassination: A New Perspective

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EXCLUSIVE - I’ve spent five decades researching UFOs and speaking to highly confidential sources. This is what I’ve discovered about the CIA, China and aliens, writes top barrister JONATHAN CAPLAN KC. You may scoff, but the evidence is undeniable

By JONATHAN CAPLAN KC

To most people, the idea that the US, China and other countries are in possession of crashed alien spacecraft is preposterous. Any suggestion that these craft have been recovered with non-human intelligences inside, dead or alive, stretches credulity to breaking point. But the evidence is overwhelming.

I have been pursuing the truth about this phenomenon since I was a teenager, when I first saw a television report about a ‘flying saucer following a passenger plane’.

For five decades, I have conducted intensive research, combing through a vast body of material and interviewing many of the key people in this twilight area, some highly confidential sources.

I have applied the same rigorous analysis that I would as a lawyer to the evidence. I use in my new book Not For Disclosure only material that I have determined to be both honest and reliable, and which I can credibly and confidently present. I have discarded a great deal. I have also received very sensitive information from many whom I trust and who have placed their trust in me.

My concern about these extraordinary objects – once termed UFOs but now known as UAPs or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – has been shared by many influential figures.

When I was on the editorial board of the leading international journal, Flying Saucer Review, Buckingham Palace requested that a copy of every edition was delivered to the Duke of Edinburgh’s equerry. Prince Philip, of course, was a highly experienced pilot who quietly followed this subject, even having some witnesses interviewed at the Palace.

My professional life has been spent as a barrister, a King’s Counsel, evaluating evidence in very complex cases. I have done my best to bring that experience into this more anomalous arena, and my legal reputation has sometimes meant that I have been able to open doors that were closed to other researchers.

The shocking evidence that I have amassed proves beyond any doubt that not only are UAPs real, but they are undeniably evidence of alien technology. The sources of these non-human intelligences is still not known even by the intelligence services of the world.

My concern about these extraordinary objects – once termed UFOs but now known as UAPs or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – has been shared by many influential figures

The shocking evidence that I have amassed proves beyond any doubt that not only are UAPs real, but they are undeniably evidence of alien technology, writes Jonathan Caplan

More than that, the United States, China and Russia have been competing to reverse engineer and replicate these technologies, including anti-gravity, free energy and the real relationship between space and time.

I am fully aware how extraordinary this sounds. The principal motive for writing my book was to enable a wider and informed debate to take place without stigma or embarrassment. This subject is not on any educational syllabus and it is difficult to know where to access reliable material.

The ridicule surrounding the subject has not arisen by accident. A deliberate policy of denial and fabrication has been implemented by the US government and others, which has ended the reputations and even the lives of many people who have tried to lift the veil.

That is changing. In July 2023, a former Air Force intelligence officer named David Grusch went public under oath on live television before the US Congress, declaring that the United States was in possession of crashed NHI (non-human intelligence) craft.

Senator Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state and a probable contender to be the next president, told political website The Hill in July 2024: ‘Either what they are saying is partially true, or entirely true – or we have some really smart educated people with very high clearances and very important positions in our government who are crazy and are leading us on a wild goose chase. 

‘What incentive would so many serious people have to make something up?’

Grusch did not say how many crashed NHI craft had been recovered, only that it was ‘in double digits’. One was seen by Lance Corporal Jonathan Weygandt. He was a US Marine posted to Peru in 1997, when he was sent with his unit one night to secure the site of a crashed aircraft, close to a radar tracking station.

‘We found the area real easy,’ he said, ‘because there was a huge gash in the land. It was like something had almost cut warm butter with a knife. It was a huge ship, buried in the side of a cliff. And when I first saw it I was scared.

David Grusch did not say how many crashed non-human intelligence craft had been recovered, only that it was ‘in double digits’

One was seen by Lance Corporal Jonathan Weygandt. He was a US Marine posted to Peru in 1997 when he was sent with his unit one night to secure the site of a crashed aircraft close to a radar tracking station

‘It was dripping a syrup-like liquid – about 10 metres in width, 20 metres in length, like something between an egg and a teardrop.’

Whatever it was, this craft was not manmade. As far as Weygandt could work out, it had not crashed but was shot down, apparently by a Hawk surface-to-air missile. And something was still inside it, something alive.

‘I think,’ he said, ‘the creatures inside were trying to communicate with me telepathically.’

A US military unit in plain black fatigues arrived with a Nuclear Energy Support Team from the Department of Energy to recover the entities and the craft. Weygandt was arrested and taken by helicopter to a US Navy Medical Research Unit nearby.

Here, anonymous officers told him he was witness to something that he was not supposed to have seen. ‘I thought they were going to kill me. They threatened to take me up in a helicopter and kick me out into the jungle.’

His story might seem a hallucination, if it did not tally so closely with what we know about other crash retrieval operations. Unidentified craft are tracked in the United States through various agencies, including North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Security Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

If a UAP is detected to have crashed, then special paramilitary units are sent to the scene together with the Office of Nuclear Energy in order to secure the area – just as Weygandt describes.

The CIA is also closely involved, and has recovered craft within US borders and from foreign territory both on land and under the sea. They have also engaged in operations to bring down craft.

When craft have been too large to recover, they have allegedly been left in place, buried under a building or structure while a facility is constructed underground to study it: This is said to have happened in the 1970s in the mountains outside Seoul, South Korea.

In January 1996, NORAD warned Brazilian authorities that a UAP was in their airspace. A cigar-shaped craft was seen by residents to be flying erratically and low before it crashed.

Multiple reports were made of strange beings with dark oily skin, large red eyes and three bony protuberances on their heads in the vicinity of the town of Varginha. Witnesses included three young women as well as military personnel and firefighters. A US plane arrived at the army base in Campinas to collect the wreckage and entities. Two of these creatures were captured. A military officer, Marco Chereze, who came into physical contact with one died soon after.

We do not know what happened to one of the beings but the other was taken to the regional hospital. The head of neurosurgery, Dr Italo Venturelli, attested last year that he went to consult with one of the beings for several minutes.

He said: ‘He was magnificent and very tranquil. I wondered if he was suffering but he was not. It was like he understood everything I was thinking entirely.’

Many suppose the history of crashed spacecraft begins with the 1947 Roswell incident in New Mexico, when a ranch foreman named Mac Brazel discovered wreckage scattered across a wide area. This included metal beams covered in hieroglyphic symbols.

A police officer in Roswell holds debris of an alleged flying saucer found by ranch foreman Mac Brazel

At a second crash site, the main part of the craft was found with five small, non-human bodies inside. The official explanation was that the debris came from a ‘weather balloon’.

But a crash in Magenta in northern Italy pre-dates that by more than a decade. In 1933, a bell-shaped object was recovered from a site near Milan, though no bodies were found inside. A secret group known as Cabinet RS/33 was established to safeguard the craft and it reported directly to dictator Benito Mussolini.

Telegrams and notes from June 1933 have been discovered, ordering a Press blackout and establishing a detailed protocol for dealing with the object’s recovery. 

At the end of the Second World War, the Office for Strategic Services (the OSS, which was the first US intelligence agency), with the assistance of the Vatican, arranged for the US government to take possession of the craft and to transport it back to an American facility.

Beyond any dispute, the international operations carried out across almost a century to keep this technology away from public sight amount to the world’s greatest ever cover-up. But the technology is only part of it. Even more disturbing is the non-human intelligence behind it.

Five alien species are commonly described in the literature but there are many more that have been reported. Paul Hellyer, the former defence minister of Canada, told me that he had been officially notified that more than 40 different species have been recorded visiting Earth. 

The five main observed types include ‘greys’ which are most commonly depicted in popular culture, described as about 4 ft tall with large, teardrop-shaped heads, wraparound black eyes, no nose or ear protuberances and a straight line for the mouth.

The four other most commonly observed body types include small humanoids; larger, well-built reptilian-like beings; tall, fair Nordic types; and those with a mantid or insectoid appearance.

Dr Eric Davis, an astrophysicist who has worked for the US Department of Defense, confirmed his knowledge of these species at a Congressional event held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on May 1, 2025.

Many researchers suspect the ‘greys’ are actually androids, arguing they are synthetic beings built to carry out tasks for the real NHIs.

There is a strong argument that today’s UAP encounters echo the content of our fairy tales and folklore, and even of some religious visions. Instead of coming across goblins and fairies, today it is aliens and spaceships.

Witnesses are often deeply affected by what they have seen, but prefer to say little, either for fear of being mocked or in many cases because they have been directly threatened. Sometimes though such events cannot be contained and become breaking news. 

On July 1, 1965, a French lavender farmer named Maurice Masse, in Valensole in the French Basses Alpes, was smoking a cigarette just before starting his tractor for the day’s work when he heard a whistling noise. On the other side of his field, he saw an egg-shaped object resting on four legs.

On July 1, 1965, a French lavender farmer named Maurice Masse, in Valensole in the French Basses Alpes, was smoking a cigarette just before starting his tractor for the day’s work when he heard a whistling noise

Two small boys were squatting nearby in grey-green overalls, looking at the ground. They stood up when he approached. They were about 4 ft tall with bald heads and large slanted eyes. Their mouths had no lips and resembled a small hole.

He claims there was a telepathic exchange, then they pointed a ‘pencil’ at him causing temporary paralysis.

The craft took off at speed and, once he was free to move, he inspected the place where it had stood. The legs of the craft had left indentations in the ground. The local gendarmerie from Digne came to investigate and alerted government agents who concluded that Masse was not lying.

From then on the landing site, damaged and charred, would only grow weeds. Madame Masse told investigators that her husband thought about these beings every day and that it was a profound experience, something that should not be discussed with anyone. He shied away from media attention but his story quickly spread and was reported in the Washington Post four days later.

A UAP investigator named Jacques Vallee who interviewed Masse wrote: ‘The Valensole case is the best authenticated close encounter incident in continental Europe. It involved hard traces, botanical data, physiological data, and detailed descriptions of beings associated with the object.’

There are also claims of official contact, the most common being that arrangements were made for US president Dwight D Eisenhower to meet a group of extraterrestrials in 1954 at Edwards/Muroc Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert in California.

On another occasion president George HW Bush was informed, when he became director of the CIA, that a craft had landed at Holloman Air Force Base and a tall humanoid of Nordic appearance emerged and met with several uniformed and CIA officers. The Holloman contact was filmed but Bush was not allowed to view it.

The astronaut Gordon Cooper (who flew on the 1963 Mercury-Atlas 9 mission and 1965’s Gemini 5) was present on another occasion when a saucer allegedly landed at Edwards base in May 1957.

He and a crew had set up a Cinetheodolite precision-landing system on a dry lakebed – a system that could take pictures at the rate of 30 frames per second – for an exercise that had nothing to do with UAPs.

Later in the morning they saw a saucer hovering above them. It landed 160 ft away using three extended landing gears. As they approached to get a better view, the landing gears were retracted and the craft took off. Cooper, who was very familiar with experimental aircraft, had never seen technology like this.

When Cooper held the negative print up to the light, he observed that the quality of the photography was excellent. The film was speedily collected by an agent who arrived by special plane. Cooper never heard any more about the matter.

As Marco Rubio has said, why should a highly trained man like that, or his colleagues, lie about such an incident?

But perhaps the accounts that are hardest to dismiss are the mass sightings. On September 16, 1994, more than 60 children at a private elementary school in Ruwa, 12 miles outside Harare in Zimbabwe, were taking a mid-morning break while their teachers were in a staff meeting.

Suddenly, several silver spheres came out of the sky and seemed to vanish and reappear. The largest object came down, hovered and landed on a hill by some gum trees just outside their schoolyard.

The children, aged six to 12, saw one or two small men, about 3 ft tall, dark grey with long black hair, large black almond eyes and tight black suits, atop the craft.

Next day, the headmaster Colin Mackie asked them to draw what they had seen. He received 35 drawings, all very similar.

The BBC’s Zimbabwe correspondent, Tim Leach, was the first to arrive to film interviews. Leach later said: ‘I could handle war zones, but I could not handle this.’

He edited his report and sent the tape to London for BBC News but the tape went missing and he had to prepare a further one – but not before, he said, he had received veiled threats to ‘be very careful’ from a source whom he suspected was working with the CIA.

Several children said they had received telepathic information from the visitors. Lisel, 11, said: ‘I received through the being’s eyes the message that we are not taking care of the planet.’

That message could not be more benign. But the implications for humankind may not be. These craft are present in our skies and oceans in increasing numbers and no government today has any real idea of their agenda.

A race is underway between the superpowers to unlock their scientific secrets which may alter our worldview and our concepts of consciousness and reality.

China is known to have advanced UAP programmes with fewer restrictions on funding and better co-operation between scientists dealing with different projects.

In December 2012, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev was recorded off-air telling a journalist that Vladimir Putin receives a regular report prepared by the special service ‘devoted to the strangers who visit our planet’.

This secret government agency concerns ‘the control of aliens in our country’. He said he could not talk about how many were among us because ‘panic will begin’.

He did not appear to be joking.

• Adapted from Not For Disclosure by Jonathan Caplan (Century, £22), to be published June 11. © Jonathan Caplan 2026. To order a copy for £19.80 (offer valid to 13/06/26; UK P&P free on orders over £25) go to www.mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.

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UFO hype explodes after White House tease

Marcus Walsh - Journalist

Angels and aliens.

Image by Cybernews.

This week, The Cosmic report rounds up a cryptic White House UFO post, as well as disclosure statements from a former director of aviation security and a NASA administrator.

UFO communities have been left feeling intrigued and bewildered, after the White House posted a video on their official X account, showing an otherworldly terrain, coupled with the question, “Are you listening?”

In what feels like a Hollywood movie trailer, the enigmatic offering heightened a sense of uneasiness on social media, whilst failing to clear anything further up in the UAP disclosure movement.

“What’s with the cryptic message? Just be direct with the people,” said one poster.

What's with the cryptic messages? Just be direct with the people.

undefined Inspector Investor (@InspectInvest) May 28, 2026

And, as the White House has a previous form for posting AI generated videos – which this one could well be too – the sense of ridicule was highest on the X platform.

In response to another White House video of a progress bar loading, a flurry of alien memes followed.

Here…I’ll start it RIGHT NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/Kt0KyzS9TZ

undefined Max Kole (@MaxKole1) May 28, 2026

Only time will tell if these teasers were actually worth it in case of meaningful disclosure.

UFOs not made by humans

While much of the disclosure movement whispers about the possibility of reverse engineering programs – private contractors decoding the physics of crashed UFO craft – it’s rare for a spokesperson to openly dispel such a myth.

Former Director of Aviation Security Brett Feddersen has stated the seemingly obvious by claiming that humans are not responsible for the design of UFOs.

This type of technology is not man-made. It’s nothing that we can build, or have built, or are using out there.

In an attempt to comb over his intentions, one Redditor explained that because Feddersen currently works for D-Fend Solutions, a company that sells anti-drone and airspace security technology, the corporation directly benefits.

With major upcoming events like the soccer World Cup (held in the US, Canada, and Mexico), the military and aviation companies may “buy more counter-aerial technology, and as a high-level executive at one of the leading firms in this space, corporate growth directly benefits his position,” explained one Redditor.

In other words, by raising fear among the public, the drone industry can greatly benefit. Makes sense.

Praise for Trump

Meanwhile, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has praised President Donald Trump for committing to UFO disclosure, claiming that previous administrations didn’t do enough.

“Government agencies really didn't take this quite as seriously in the past until President Trump put out the tweet,” Isaacman told Fox News.

And as per usual, there were insights shared among the Reddit community, with one user asking, “maybe they have given it so little attention because the phenomenon is so elusive it's more or less impossible to study.”

So Little attention. Screenshot from Reddit.

And another UFOer pointed out “the anti-intellectual train is unstoppable at this point.”

{ https://cybernews.com/news/ }

Although the team behind the model reported no scenarios that resulted in a complete Lord of the Flies-level breakdown of crew cooperation, they said that their simulations explored the internal human and external environmental factors “that are more likely to lead to sustainable versus catastrophic scenarios on the Moon in the next couple of decades,” including planned NASA missions to the Moon and Mars as well as the burgeoning commercial space market.

Virtual Astronauts Evaluated on Task Performance

In a published paper detailing the study’s results, the George Mason University team behind the Lunar Base simulations noted that recent technological advancements and the emergence of the burgeoning commercial space industry “have led to substantial leaps in planning for future space missions.”

“The largest planned upcoming mission is the Artemis program, supported by NASA and the international Artemis Accords, which aims to create the first permanent human presence on the Moon and in deep space (the Moon to Mars architecture),” the study authors explain.

While engineers will test and plan for potential equipment failures, the authors also note that the success of any future base on the Moon, Mars, in orbit, or elsewhere in deep space will depend on how well the astronauts interact with each other in an extremely challenging environment. This gap led researcher Raymond Vera and colleagues at George Mason University in Virginia, USA, to develop their agent-based module (ABM) simulation tool for the Lunar Base.

According to the study authors, the model’s main objective is to “simulate a theoretical lunar mission environment” including the primary surface habitat (Moon Base) and the orbiting Gateway station, “for astronauts to perform relevant space mission tasks.”

“The successful completion of the mission is measured by task performance, which is significantly influenced by cognitive skills, psychological state, and interpersonal relationships, in addition to the exogenous factors of the extreme environment,” they explain.

Different Personality Types and Skillsets Improve Simulation Accuracy

To make their simulated astronauts as realistic as possible, the George Mason team said they randomly assigned each one with “DISC personality types” such as dominant, influential, steady, or conscientious. The virtual astronauts were also given different professional skills, physical health parameters, and what the researchers termed “other characteristics.”

With their virtual astronauts programmed and ready, Vera’s team had to create the perfect simulated Moon base, complete with task assignments, base operations requirements, and environmental factors gleaned from previous isolated, extreme environment missions and simulations.

“Drawing from the literature on proxy environments (extreme environments on Earth (i.e., Antarctica), space analogs, and past space missions), and on theories of small group complex systems and team science, we created a highly probable representation or simulation of expected social interactions between astronauts, and astronauts with the lunar environment for the Artemis program (i.e., Artemis IV (Lunar Gateway) and Artemis V (Lunar South Pole Base)),” the study authors explained.

Like real humans, the virtual astronauts learned to adapt over time in response to interpersonal dynamics and environmental conditions, becoming more efficient at performing routine tasks. These improvements resulted in the virtual astronauts advancing in skill level over time.

When the virtual astronauts experienced more extreme events, such as simulated radiation or moonquakes, they showed increased signs of stress, including reduced coping capacity and higher tension levels. The researchers said this convergence of stresses and reduced coping capacity can add up over time, resulting in an “emotional penalty that is applied multiplicatively to the task execution likelihood.”

“Scenario analysis shows that increasing crew size results in optimizing skill specialization and increasing the chance of teamwork personality compatibility,” the team explained in their findings. “In contrast, prolonged mission durations, higher learning rates, and the absence of astronaut replacements introduces additional psychological stress resulting in a decrease of task performance.”

Human Factors Increasingly Important in the Commercial 21st Century Space Age

The researchers suggested that future efforts could include examining the physiological effects of extended space missions and communication delays with Earth, which can reach several minutes depending on the base’s distance.

When discussing the implications of their work, the team said that using simulations like theirs “demonstrates how agent-based modeling can help mission planners evaluate operational resilience, team structures, and workload dynamics in support of future lunar exploration.”

“As humanity prepares to establish a permanent presence on the Moon, understanding human behavior becomes just as important as understanding engineering systems,” the study authors conclude. “Although human psychology and team science have been crucial for the success of past space missions, from the Apollo program and Skylab to the Space Shuttle (STS) and the International Space Station (ISS), human factors and social behavior will become even more ubiquitous and essential for space missions in the new era of commercial space.”

• The study “Lunar base agent-based modeling – A benchmark for simulating crewed space missions” was published in PLOS One.
•  Christopher Plain is a Science Fiction and Fantasy novelist and Head Science Writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with him on X, learn about his books at plainfiction.com, or email him directly at christopher@thedebrief.org.

{ https://thedebrief.org/category/space/ }

NASA readies the X-59 for its first supersonic flight, SpaceX's Starship grounded and more science stories

by  Cheyenne MacDonald

NASA/Jim Ross

This week, NASA shared more information about its planned moon base missions, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launchpad and the James Webb Space Telescope spotted a supermassive black hole that researchers say "may have formed within the first second after the big bang." But first, we have updates on NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic research plane and SpaceX's Starship following last week's test flight. Catch up here on this week's science news.

Key test flights approach for NASA's quiet supersonic plane

Over the last decade, NASA has been developing an aircraft that could one day reach supersonic speeds — or travel faster than the speed of sound — without producing the thunderous sonic booms typically associated with this feat. The plane, called the X-59, took its first ever flight back in October and has conducted several more in the months since. Now, NASA says it's ready to go supersonic. The X-59 is scheduled to take its first supersonic flight, hitting over 630 mph at an altitude of about 43,000 feet, in early June, according to the space agency./

55,000 feet. After that, it'll go for its max speed: Mach 1.6, or 1,218 mph, at an altitude of 60,000 feet. NASA isn't ready to show off the X-59's quiet supersonic capabilities yet, though. For this phase of testing, NASA noted in a blog post, "The X-59 will be accompanied by a traditional supersonic chase plane, so any quiet thump it produces in the current phase of testing will be obscured by louder, traditional sonic booms from the chase."

FAA grounds Starship after 'mishap'

SpaceX's Starship V3 launched for the first time last week in a test flight that achieved much of what the company set out to do. But, it wasn't entirely without hiccups, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since ordered a pause on Starship flights while it investigates what went wrong and prevented the Super Heavy booster from making a soft splashdown as intended.

The issue arose after Starship separated from Super Heavy. "Following stage separation, the Super Heavy booster performed a directional flip maneuver and attempted its boostback burn," SpaceX explained in a blog post following the launch. "It was unable to light all planned engines and performed a partial boostback burn that ended early. Super Heavy attempted to reignite its engines for the landing burn before experiencing a hard splashdown in the Gulf of America." Starship went on to complete its journey and splashed down at the planned site in the Indian Ocean.

"After a thorough assessment of the operation, the FAA has determined the May 22 SpaceX Starship Flight 12 launch resulted in a mishap," the agency said in a statement released this week. "The mishap involved the Super Heavy booster as it flew back to the Gulf of America after stage separation. There are no reports of public injury or damage to public property." It added, "The FAA is requiring SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation. The FAA will oversee the SpaceX-led investigation, be involved in every step of the process, and approve SpaceX's final report, including any corrective actions."

It's not an uncommon move on the FAA's part, and SpaceX has faced several such groundings over the years, many of which have been wrapped up fairly quickly. It likely won't be very long before we see Starship back in action. "A return to flight of the Starship-Super Heavy vehicle is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety," the FAA noted in its statement.

The FAA grounded SpaceX competitor Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket last month following its third mission, and it was just cleared earlier this week to resume flights. But, during a hotfire test on Friday, New Glenn exploded on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral. You can read more about that below.

{ https://www.engadget.com/category/tomorrow/ }

Secretly filmed UFO doc reveals insider video as officials release new alien records: 'Something is imminent'

Jeremy Corbell attends the 'The UFO Reality: What Do We Know? What Might We Find Out?' panel at AlienCon 2023 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Calif., on March 4, 2023.

The documentary — which was filmed in secret over the span of several years — also reveals previously unreleased footage from Corbell’s investigations and includes interviews from several prominent names in the movement, including astronaut Edgar Mitchell, David Grusch and George Knapp. 

"[Corbell] revealed a bunch of videos that he had access to that ended up being a part of the Department of War's UAP file drop — which was fascinating. So he's in the know," Josh Golembeske, senior director of production at Gaia and guest host of the series "Cosmic Disclosure," told Fox News Digital. 

Corbell has spent 14 years compiling UAP-related secrets at a time when information surrounding the phenomenon has been met with public skepticism and government pushback.

• Reporter's Notebook: Military Whistleblowers Testify To Congress About Unexplained Ufo Encounters

The result of his efforts has been far-reaching, with experts pointing to a newfound sense of legitimacy toward UAP footage and documentation. 

"The evidence is overwhelming that we’re being visited," Golembeske said. "There’s been a lid put on it."

The film comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s push for federal transparency pertaining to UAPs, with a second batch of declassified documents released by the Department of War last week.

"There's been a long push from the public and behind the scenes to get to this moment," Golembeske said. "That push also leaked into the [Trump] administration. So now this administration is more open to it." 

Congress Pushes for More Unreleased UFO Footage

While Golembeske has long advocated for full federal transparency, he believes that the current method of controlled information releases by officials is the best way to acclimate the public to news of UAP discoveries and sightings.

"I think this is a slow drip disclosure, and you could argue it's compassionate disclosure," Golembeske told Fox News Digital. "This is actually how I would do it, because I know that people are going to be shocked and I wouldn't just drop everything on them."

WATCH: American public ‘can handle’ truth about UAPs, whistleblower says

However, Golembeske cautions against officials using the releases to negatively portray the possibility of alien life, potentially skewing the public perception of otherworldly beings and technology.

"I like what I'm seeing now, but I worry about a fear-based disclosure versus a hope-based disclosure," Golembeske said. "Part of my mission here and part of my mission at Gaia is to empower the evolution of consciousness – and all the evidence suggests there is nothing to fear." 

In light of the renewed interest in UAP disclosure and discovery – along with high-profile documentary releases, such as "Sleeping Dog" – Golembeske remains optimistic that the narrative surrounding UFOs will continue to gain traction nationwide.

"I wouldn't have said this five years ago, but it feels like something is imminent," Golembeske told Fox News Digital. "It does feel like we're building towards a moment and the genie can't be put back in the bottle – I think it's gone too far." 

Fox News Digital reached out to Corbell and the film's distributor, Falcon Scout Media, for comment.

• Original article source: Secretly filmed UFO doc reveals insider video as officials

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Het Socorro UAP-incident: Een van de meest overtuigende UFO-waarnemingen in de geschiedenis

Op vrijdag 24 april 1964 vond een gebeurtenis plaats die nog steeds tot de verbeelding spreekt en waarvan wordt aangenomen dat het één van de meest gedocumenteerde en geloofwaardige UFO-ontdekkingen is uit de geschiedenis. Het incident van Socorro, ook bekend als het Lonnie Zamora-incident, betrof de waarneming van een landend luchtvaartuig van onbekende oorsprong en de aanwezigheid van diens bemanning, door politieagent Lonnie Zamora nabij Socorro, New Mexico. Deze gebeurtenis heeft niet alleen veel aandacht getrokken binnen de ufologie, maar werd ook uitgebreid onderzocht door de Amerikaanse luchtmacht in het kader van Project Blue Book, dat tot doel had om onverklaarde vliegende objecten te analyseren en te verklaren.

Officier Lonnie Zamora

(USAF / Project Blue Book)

De achtergrond van Socorro

Socorro is de hoofdstad van Socorro County in de staat New Mexico. De stad ligt net ten noorden van White Sands Missile Range, de locatie waar in 1945 de eerste atoombom werd getest, bekend als de Trinity Site. Sinds de oprichting van de New Mexico School of Mines in 1889, tegenwoordig bekend als het New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), vormt Socorro een centrum voor wetenschappelijke en technologische studies. Deze omgeving, omgeven door militaire en wetenschappelijke faciliteiten, is altijd een belangrijke spil geweest voor onderzoek naar natuurkunde, ruimtevaart en geavanceerde technologieën.

De inwoner van Socorro, Dionicio E. “Lonnie” Zamora, werd geboren op 7 september 1933 in Magdalena. Voordat hij zijn carrière in de wetshandhaving begon, werkte hij in het machinepark van de universiteit. Toen hij in 1964 de waarneming deed, was hij al vijf jaar politieagent bij de Socorro Police Department. Zijn integriteit en professionele houding zouden later een grote rol spelen in de geloofwaardigheid van zijn getuigenis.

De eerste waarneming en achtervolging

Op vrijdag 24 april 1964, rond 17:45 uur, reed agent Zamora met zijn politiewagen, een witte Pontiac uit 1964, over Park Street in Socorro. Terwijl hij in zuidelijke richting reed, zag hij een zwarte Chevrolet die de snelheid overschreed en die hij probeerde te achtervolgen. De bestuurder leek een jongeman te zijn, in de late tienerjaren, die richting de rodeo-gronden van de stad reed.

Terwijl Zamora de zwarte auto nog enkele blokken volgde, viel zijn oog op een luid, brommend geluid en een flits aan de zuidwestelijke horizon. Hij keek in die richting en zag een “vlam in de lucht”, op ongeveer een halve mijl afstand. Zamora beschreef de vlam later als “blauwachtig met een beetje oranje”, en het was een smalle vlam die zich licht uitbreidde van boven naar onder. Hij kon niet precies inschatten hoe groot de vlam was, maar het leek een smalle, langwerpige vlam die kort daarna begon te groeien.

Hoewel Zamora nog steeds in beweging was, keek hij door het open raam van zijn auto en zag de vlam langzaam naar beneden dalen. Hij had op dat moment groene brillenglazen over zijn gewone bril, en door de zon die naar het westen scheen was het moeilijk om meer details te onderscheiden over wat de vlam veroorzaakte. De vlam verdween achter een heuvel, maar Zamora zag dat er stof omhoog kwam vlakbij de plek waar de vlam verdween, wat voor hem de aanwijzing was dat er mogelijk iets bijzonders aan de hand was.

Hij besloot niet verder de achtervolging te zetten, maar in plaats daarvan de heuvel op te rijden om te onderzoeken wat er aan de hand was. Hij reed over een onverharde weg die naar de heuvel leidde, en moest meerdere keren achteruit rijden en opnieuw proberen voordat hij de top bereikte. Het terrein was hobbelig en glad, waardoor hij telkens slipte of moest terugrijden. Tijdens de klim hoorde hij een luid brommend geluid dat niet klonk als dat van een straaljager, maar wel van een krachtig apparaat. Het geluid veranderde in toon van hoog naar laag, en hij hoorde het ongeveer tien seconden voordat het plotseling stopte.

Toen hij de top van de heuvel bereikte, zag Zamora een glanzend voorwerp op ongeveer 150 tot 200 meter afstand, naar het zuiden. Hij stopte zijn auto en keek. Aanvankelijk dacht hij dat hij een omgevallen voertuig zag, maar al snel werd duidelijk dat het een ronde, metallic uitziende structuur was, met een buitenkant die leek op aluminium. De kleur was “wittig tegen de achtergrond van de mesa,” maar niet glanzend als chroom.

Afbeelding: Schets door Lonnie Zamora, uit Project Blue Book

Afbeelding: Schets door Lonnie Zamora, uit Project Blue Book

De bemanning en de observatie

Terwijl Zamora stil stond en het object bekeek, zag hij ook twee personen in witte overalls nabij het object. Volgens zijn verslag leek één van hen zich te draaien en hem recht in de ogen te kijken, wat hem deed vermoeden dat ze zich bewust waren van zijn aanwezigheid en mogelijk geschrokken waren. Hij kon niet veel details onderscheiden over deze personen, behalve dat ze een menselijke vorm hadden en dat hun kleding licht van kleur was. Ze waren klein van stature, wat hem deed denken aan kleine volwassenen of grote kinderen.

Zamora voelde dat deze ‘mensen’ in gevaar konden zijn en besloot snel te handelen. Hij zette zijn auto in beweging en schakelde de radio aan om de politie te informeren. Hij meldde een mogelijk ongeluk (“10-44”) en dat hij zo snel mogelijk ter plaatse zou zijn (“bezig met hulpverlening”). Toen hij aankwam bij de plek waar hij het object had gezien, stopte hij zijn auto, maar merkte dat zijn microfoon uit de radio was gevallen. Hij zette hem weer op zijn plek en liep in de richting van het object, dat zich onderaan een heuvel bevond.

Net op dat moment hoorde Zamora twee harde klappen, die hij vergeleek met het geluid van iemand die met een hamer op een deur sloeg. Toen hij uit zijn voertuig stapte, begon het brommende geluid weer, nu veel harder en in toon die van laag naar hoog ging, terwijl hij de vlam weer zag onder het object. Het was duidelijk dat het object niet zomaar een landingsvaartuig was, maar zich begon te bewegen en langzaam omhoog te stijgen.

De vlam onder het object was nu lichtblauw van kleur, met een oranje onderkant. Het object had een ovale vorm en een glad oppervlak zonder ramen of openingen, hoewel Zamora redelijke grote letters zag die op een insigne leken. Het insigne was ongeveer 2,5 voet hoog en 2 voet breed, en leek op een soort markering of logo, mogelijk vergelijkbaar met een merkstempel.

De vlucht en de conclusie

Toen het object begon te stijgen en de vlam produceerde, rende Zamora naar zijn auto om hem te beschermen en om het object in de gaten te houden. Hij struikelde en liet zijn bril vallen, maar bleef kijken. Hij zag dat het object nu op ongeveer 10 tot 15 voet hoogte boven de grond zweefde en snel wegvloog. Het maakte een scherpe, snelle beweging en verdween over de bergen in de verte, waarschijnlijk over de Box Canyon of Six Mile Canyon.

Zamora rende terug naar zijn auto, zette zich erin en belde de centrale via de radio. Hij vertelde dat hij de omgeving moest bekijken en dat hij het object zag alsof het een ballon was. Hij bleef het object volgen totdat het uit het zicht verdween en over de bergen verdween. Hij schatte dat hij het object ongeveer 20 seconden vanaf het moment dat hij zijn auto stopte tot het verdween, van dichtbij had kunnen bekijken.

Het politieonderzoek en de officiële conclusies

Nadat Zamora het object had gerapporteerd, kwam een team van politie en militairen naar de plek. Ze vonden tekenen dat de aarde was verbrand en dat er verbrande planten waren. Ook werden er voetsporen gevonden die mogelijk door de bemanning waren achtergelaten, en er werden sporen van een soort legsels ontdekt die niet overeenkwamen met menselijke voetafdrukken.

De FBI en het Amerikaanse leger deden onderzoek naar de zaak. Ze spraken met Zamora, bekeken de locatie en verzamelden bewijs. Aanvankelijk suggereerden sommige militaire vertegenwoordigers dat het mogelijk om een experimenteel Amerikaans vliegtuig of een testproject ging, maar bewijs daarvoor werd niet gevonden. Later verklaarde het rapport dat er geen radar- of andere technische gegevens waren die het bestaan van een onbekend object konden verklaren.

Andere getuigen en waarnemingen

Naast Zamora waren er enkele andere getuigen die de gebeurtenis of de geluiden die Zamora had gehoord, hadden opgemerkt. Zo had een lokale man en zijn gezin bij een benzinestation gesproken met een manager die had gezegd dat er een vliegtuig laag over hun auto was gevlogen en dat het bijna de daken had geraakt. Ook hadden er mensen gehoord dat er een vreemd blauw-oranje licht was waargenomen in de omgeving, en dat een politieagent een object had zien vliegen dat leek op een helikopter.

Heb altijd van deze illustratie van het Socorro-incident uit Exploring UFOs, Jonathan Rutland,

©1979 Warwick Press gehouden

De theorieën en interpretaties

Verschillende onderzoekers en skeptici hebben geprobeerd om de waarneming te verklaren. Sommigen suggereerden dat het een hoax was, bijvoorbeeld een ballon of een experiment met een prototype van een ruimtevaartuig. Anderen dachten dat Zamora mogelijk een onderschept experiment had gezien dat niet bedoeld was voor het publiek, zoals een prototype van een maanlander of een ander ruimtevaartuig.

Sceptici zoals Phillip J. Klass speculeerden dat het mogelijk om een atmosferisch fenomeen ging, zoals ball lightning of een soort weersverschijnsel. Anderen beweerden dat Zamora misschien betrokken was bij een samenzwering of een hoax, mogelijk in samenwerking met lokale autoriteiten of studenten. Een interessante theorie is dat de witte figuren in werkelijkheid studenten waren die dynamiet hadden laten exploderen om de aandacht te trekken, en dat Zamora per ongeluk de personen in witte overalls had gezien die daar aanwezig waren.

De insignes en het symboliek

Een opvallend detail in Zamora’s beschrijving was het insigne op het object, dat leek op een logo van een bedrijf dat zich bezighield met ruimtevaart en voortstuwingstechnologie. Sommige onderzoekers hebben dit geïnterpreteerd als mogelijk bewijs dat het object verband hield met een militaire of industriële test, hoewel er nooit harde bewijzen zijn gevonden die dat ondersteunen.

Het vervolg en de nasleep

Hector Quintanilla, de toenmalige directeur van Project Blue Book, erkende dat de Socorro-zaak waarschijnlijk de best gedocumenteerde en geloofwaardige UFO-waarneming was die hij had gezien. Toch bleef de officiële conclusie dat er geen bewijs was dat het om een buitenaards object ging. Zamora zelf bleef bij zijn verhaal en werd later erkend als een van de meest geloofwaardige getuigen uit de ufologie.

In de jaren na het incident bleven onderzoekers speculeren over de ware aard van wat Zamora had gezien. Sommige geloofden dat het een buitenaards ruimteschip was dat probeerde te landen, terwijl anderen dachten dat het een geavanceerd experimenteel vliegtuig was dat nog geheim werd gehouden. Het blijft een fascinerend mysterie dat tot op de dag van vandaag niet volledig is opgelost.

Conclusie

Het Socorro-incident van 1964 blijft een van de meest intrigerende en goed gedocumenteerde UFO-waarnemingen uit de geschiedenis. De geloofwaardigheid van Lonnie Zamora en de gedetailleerde beschrijvingen van het object en de bemanning maken het een fundamenteel geval voor onderzoekers en liefhebbers van onverklaarde fenomenen. Hoewel de officiële instanties geen sluitend bewijs konden vinden voor buitenaardse betrokkenheid, blijft het incident een krachtig bewijs dat er nog veel is dat we niet begrijpen over de mysteries van de lucht en het onbekende.

Dit incident benadrukt ook de noodzaak van een open en objectieve benadering van UFO-onderzoek, en herinnert ons eraan dat sommige mysteries misschien nooit volledig ontrafeld zullen worden, maar dat ze ons blijven uitdagen om verder te kijken dan de horizon van ons begrip. Het Socorro-incident blijft een blijvende herinnering aan de complexiteit en het intrigerende karakter van de onverklaarde fenomenen die de menselijke nieuwsgierigheid blijven prikkelen.

{ PETER2011 }

UFO and alien 'evidence' to take center stage on Capitol Hill in just DAYS

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Supporters of UFO disclosure say the movement has reached a tipping point.

With President Donald Trump ordering the declassification of UAP-related materials and public interest surging worldwide, a coalition of lawmakers, whistleblowers and researchers is preparing what they describe as a historic push for transparency.

On June 9, David Grusch and several members of Congress will gather at the US Capitol to call for the public release of UFO-related evidence he says remains hidden in classified government ch

Grusch previously testified under oath before Congress in 2023, claiming he had firsthand knowledge of secret government programs involving technology of non-human origin.

The former intelligence officer is expected to outline why he believes those materials should now be reviewed and released to the public.

'President Trump now has an historic opportunity; this press conference is about moving from testimony to action,' Grusch said. 'Let the American people judge the facts for themselves.'

The event comes after the Trump administration has released two batches of UFO files this month, with the first dump on May 8. 

Investigative filmmaker and moderator of the meeting, James Fox, said: 'The public deserves real answers, Congress deserves access, and reality should not be classified. If our requests are fulfilled, this could change the course of history.' 

The second batch of UFO files released by the Pentagon included a video of a mysterious object in the sky

The event, set for 1pm ET, will feature remarks from Representatives Eric Burlison, Jared Moskowitz, Anna Paulina Luna and Tim Burchett, with additional participants to be announced.

Burlison said in a press release: 'President Trump is the first president to take concrete steps towards transparency on UAP. 

'The recent releases are an important start, so now it's the obligation of Congress to make sure career intelligence officials don't obstruct his directive, in order to prevent selective disclosure or another dead end.'

Officials said additional releases from agencies, including the CIA, are expected in the coming weeks as pressure grows for greater transparency surrounding UFO investigations.

For decades, many UFO-related records remained locked away due to Cold War secrecy, national security concerns and fears about exposing sensitive military technology detected by radar and surveillance systems.

Critics have long argued that successive administrations avoided publicly acknowledging unexplained cases out of concern over public backlash, institutional embarrassment and growing conspiracy theories surrounding UFO investigations.

On Wednesday, President Trump held a Cabinet meeting where he said: 'We’re releasing a lot of information having to do with extraterrestrial... things and people are totally fascinated by it.

'It's literally trending number one, can you believe it?'

David Grusch (center) previously testified under oath before Congress in 2023, claiming he had firsthand knowledge of secret government programs involving technology of non-human origin

Grusch testified alongside two other military whistleblowers, Ryan Graves, an esteemed former pilot, and Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor, who witnessed the 2004 'Tic Tac' UFO.

House lawmakers held the hearing to pressure the executive branch to release more information about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) or UFOs.

This significant event was the first time these three men, or any individual, had sworn under oath about UFO encounters.

Graves, a former F-18 pilot with over a decade of service in the US Navy, was the first to give opening statements.

'My testimony is based on information I've been given by individuals with a long-standing track record of legitimacy and service to this country, many of whom have shared compelling evidence in the form of photography, official documentation and classified oral testimony to myself and many various colleagues,' he told lawmakers, stating he was driven to share it by a 'commitment to truth and transparency.'

He told the committee that he and more than 30 aircrew members and veterans have experienced UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena, along with members of Congress who have confided in him.

Graves said, as an F-18 pilot in the Red Rippers, their squadron was 'split by UAP' during a training mission near Virginia Beach in 2014.

He described the object as 'dark gray or black inside a transparent sphere.' It was about 15 feet in diameter and came within 50 feet of the lead aircraft.

Ryan Graves, a former pilot, Air Force and intelligence agency veteran David Grusch and Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor have been sworn in and are ready to share their experiences

The mission commander ended the flight, and the squadron submitted a safety report. Graves continued to explain.

'This story is more common than we expect,' Graves said, 'more than 30 witnesses had told his group about similar sightings.'

'Often, they are veterans with decades of flying experience,' he added.

Graves also said: 'UAPs are in our airspace but are grossly underreported.'

Grusch spoke next, providing details about how the US government has 'intact and partially intact' extraterrestrial vehicles.

He has previously said the US has run a top-secret UFO retrieval program for decades and claimed the 'Vatican was involved' in the first-ever UFO crash.

Grusch said last month that the first recovery of a UFO was in Magenta, Italy, in 1933, and Mussolini's Italian government held it until 1944 through 1945, when Pope Pius XII tipped America off about it.

David Fravor discussed the Tic Tac-shaped object seen in the sky over California on November 10, 2004 Video of what the Navy could trace of the object was leaked in 2017, and the Pentagon declassified the case in 2020

'Due to my extensive executive-level intelligence support duties, I was cleared to literally all relevant compartments and in a position of extreme trust in both my military and civilian capacities,' Grusch said during Wednesday's hearing.

'I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access to that additional read-on when I requested it.'

Grusch also said he had faced brutal retaliation after coming forward about his firsthand accounts of UFOs.

'I do have knowledge of active planned reprisal activity against myself and other colleagues.

'There were certain colleagues of mine who were brutally administratively attacked. It makes me very upset as a leader to see that happen to other co-workers and superiors of mine in the last three years,' Grusch added.

Fravor reminded the world about his infamous 2004 encounter with the 'Tic Tac' UFO.

'I'd like to say that the tic tac object we engaged in 2004 was far superior to anything that we had at the time, have today or looking to develop in the next 10 years, he said.

'If we, in fact, have programs that possess this technology, it needs to have oversight from those people that the citizens of this country elected in office to represent what is best for the United States and best for the citizens.'

Fravor described the Tic Tac object as being 'perfectly white, smooth and had no windows,' with 'two little objects that came out of the bottom.'

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{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

The White House has finally launched its mysterious 'aliens.gov' website, revealing it was never meant for UFO disclosure. 

The domain, which went live Thursday, opens with a Star Wars-style crawl with ominous text that warns, 'They walk among us,' teasing what appears to be a decades-long government secret involving extraterrestrial life living undetected among ordinary Americans.

Only after scrolling further do visitors discover the site is not about such species at all, but instead features a live ticker tracking federal law enforcement 'encounters' involving migrants living in the US illegally, alongside immigration enforcement data and arrest statistics. 

The domain, which the Trump administration secured in March, features a searchable database detailing ICE arrests, including detainees' alleged criminal histories, nationality, arrest records and purported gang ties. 

It also directs visitors to an ICE reporting portal labeled for 'suspicious aliens' while claiming government leaders spent decades concealing what it describes as an ongoing 'invasion.' 

The rollout immediately sparked backlash from members of the UFO community, who accused the White House of 'hijacking the language of disclosure for an immigration campaign.'

Investigative journalist Jeremy Corbell appeared to anticipate the move hours before the website launched, posting on X: 'I suspect tonight the White House is going to punk the American people.'

'They'll use the massive public interest in UAP, in "aliens," and weaponize that curiosity for a political message that has nothing to do with the global mystery surrounding UFOs,' he wrote.

The White House has finally launched its mysterious 'aliens.gov' website - but the site is not about extraterrestrials at all, rather migrants living in the US illegally 

A White House official told Fox News Digital: 'This is a first-of-its-kind effort to draw eyeballs to the fact that the previous administration’s porous border didn’t just put families in border states at risk, many across the country were in harm's way.'

The website text accuses the US government of hiding illegal immigrants from Americans for 60 years. 

'Aliens have been walking among us, living in our neighborhoods, and interacting with us in our daily lives,' it states. 

'They've shopped in the same stores, attended the same classes as our children, and lived seemingly normal human existences.'

'With one exception - they do not belong here,' the website text continued.

A running counter on the website claims more than 3.1 million 'encounters,' with the figure continuing to climb as of Thursday evening.  The site does not explain what period the tally covers.

'President Trump was the first to call out the real danger Aliens pose to every American family, every community, and the future of our nation,' the website reads. 

The website sparked backlash from members of the UFO community, who accused the White House of 'hijacking the language of disclosure for an immigration campaign'

The site is packed with UFO disclosure language, telling people not to be alarmed if they witness an alien abduction.

'The Alien is in good hands. We will take care of it… and return it safely to its place of origin,' it reads.

The site also includes a heat map of the US featuring immigration arrest statistics pulled from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data

The website, however, has led many people to believe that the Trump administration may not be taking disclosure as seriously as it seemed. 

One X user posted: 'There is clearly something going on with UAP (should have never changed from UFO) and conflating "illegal aliens" with "aliens/extraterrestrials" is f***ing stupid. 

'And everyone was thinking this administration was taking disclosure seriously, and then you drop this sad attempt at being witty and punny.'

Other X users did not seem surprised about the true purpose of the domain, with one saying: 'Wait, you really thought there were real aliens the government was going to tell us about? 

'Aliens are almost certainly real, but none of the fuzzy footage, weird radar signals or anything else this gov could release will be aliens.'

The frustration comes as the President released troves of UFO files in the past month, promising Americans transparency. 

The White House has been approached for comment.

{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

Why now?: The list arrives just before 'Disclosure Day,' amplifying interest in its story of extraterrestrial disclosure.

Real cases revisited: The documentaries revisit events like the Phoenix Lights and UFOs near nuclear sites, using testimony and official documents.

From fringe to formal: They reflect UFOs moving into serious arenas such as congressional hearings and mainstream media coverage.

References

• 10 best UFO documentaries to watch while you wait for Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Everything you need to know about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day | Looper
  Steven Spielberg reveals why he returned to alien sci-fi with 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Watch: Final 'Disclosure Day' trailer shows us the aliens | Nerdist
• Steven Spielberg's long-awaited sci-fi masterpiece stops Emily Blunt in her tracks | Collider
• First reactions to Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day have critics saying the same thing | /Film
• Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ first reactions call it his best sci-fi movie in decades | PopViewers

©Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images©Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)/

• 10 best UFO documentaries to watch while you wait for Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Everything you need to know about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day | Looper

©Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images.

(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

• 10 best UFO documentaries to watch while you wait for Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Everything you need to know about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day | Looper

©Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images.

(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

• Everything you need to know about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day | Loope
• 10 best UFO documentaries to watch while you wait for Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie

©Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images.

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

References

• Everything you need to know about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day | Looper

©Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images. ©Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images. 

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• 10 best UFO documentaries to watch while you wait for Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Everything you need to know about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day | Looper

©Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage.

(Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage)

• Steven Spielberg reveals why he returned to alien sci-fi with 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Watch: Final 'Disclosure Day' trailer shows us the aliens | Nerdist

©Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

References

• Steven Spielberg reveals why he returned to alien sci-fi with 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Watch: Final 'Disclosure Day' trailer shows us the aliens | Nerdist

©Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

• Steven Spielberg reveals why he returned to alien sci-fi with 'Disclosure Day' | Netflix Junkie
• Watch: Final 'Disclosure Day' trailer shows us the aliens | Nerdist

©Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Lasers staan op het punt een militaire revolutie teweeg te brengen in de strijd tegen drones

Key takeaways

• Lasertechnologie zal traditionele raketsystemen voor droneverdediging vervangen.
• Elektromagnetische kanonnen neutraliseren bedreigingen door interne microchips te vernietigen.

Yuri Knutov, een specialist in luchtverdediging, suggereert dat de introductie van elektromagnetische wapens en gevechtslasers de strategie voor het bestrijden van onbemande luchtvaartuigen fundamenteel zou kunnen veranderen, wat mogelijk een grote militaire verschuiving teweeg zou brengen.

Nog niet voor direct

Terwijl de huidige droneverdediging sterk leunt op raketsystemen zoals de Tor en Pantsir, stelt Knutov dat de toekomst zich zal concentreren op lasertechnologie. Hoewel hoge kosten en beperkt vermogen momenteel een wijdverbreid gebruik ervan in de weg staan, verwacht hij dat deze technische hindernissen zullen worden overwonnen, wat zal leiden tot een belangrijke doorbraak in de inzet ervan.

Een test van het Britse leger met ‘DragonFire’, een luchtafweersysteem met lasers. 

© zuma press

De opkomst van elektromagnetische wapens

Naast lasers benadrukte de expert de ontwikkeling van elektromagnetische kanonnen, die zowel door de Verenigde Staten als door China zijn getoond. Deze apparaten zijn ontworpen om de interne microchips van drones te vernietigen, en hun massale integratie in arsenalen zou de moderne oorlogsvoering opnieuw kunnen definiëren. Knutov voorziet een post-drone-revolutie waarin traditionele gevechtsrollen opnieuw worden vormgegeven; zo zouden bijvoorbeeld kunstmatige intelligentie of bediening op afstand menselijke bemanningen in tanks en vliegtuigen kunnen vervangen.

Het conflictlandschap evolueert snel, waarbij tegenstanders op zoek zijn naar innovatieve manieren om verdedigingslinies te omzeilen. Knutov wees erop dat er momenteel pogingen worden ondernomen om drones met behulp van ballonnen op grote hoogte diep in Russisch grondgebied te brengen. Omdat deze dragers op hoogtes opereren die detectie en onderschepping bemoeilijken, vormen ze een unieke bedreiging. Hij merkte op dat terwijl de Sovjet-Unie vroeger onderscheppingsvliegtuigen en S-200- of S-75-systemen gebruikte voor dergelijke doelen, de moderne aanpak is verschoven naar lasers.

Regels herschrijven

Deze overgang is al duidelijk zichtbaar bij het Amerikaanse leger, waar grondgebonden lasers worden gebruikt om weerballonnen uit te schakelen en ongeveer een derde van de torpedobootjagers nu is uitgerust met lasercapaciteiten. Volgens Knutov zullen deze ontwikkelingen op het gebied van fysieke wapens de regels voor het gebruik van geweld in de strijd tegen drones in wezen herschrijven.

{ https://businessam.be/ }

Unexplained Flying Discs and Green Orbs: Pentagon Releases New Batch of Declassified UFO Files And Videos

Trump's declassification initiative unveils mysterious UFO footage and documents, sparking global intrigue.

A UFO hovers over three figures on the street. 

PHOTO Danie Franco/Unsplash

The Pentagon has released a fresh cache of declassified UFO files in Washington on Friday, 22 May 2026, unveiling more than 50 videos and documents that show unexplained green orbs, flying discs, and other strange objects in the sky under an order from President Donald Trump.

For context, the new material forms part of an ongoing declassification push that Trump has presented as a transparency drive on what the US military now calls 'unidentified anomalous phenomena', or UAPs.

According to the Pentagon, the first batch of documents and footage, some dating back to the late 1940s, attracted more than a billion views worldwide and fuelled a new, and often confused, public conversation about what exactly the government knows.

Declassified UFO Files Show Orbs, Discs And 'Instant Acceleration'

The latest declassified UFO files include infrared footage from a US Coast Guard sensor recorded in April 2024. The clip appears to show a small, bright object moving close to an aircraft somewhere over the south-eastern United States, though officials have not specified an exact location. The object does not resemble any conventional aircraft in the grainy imagery and is listed as unexplained.

Another recording in the release, labelled 'Syrian UAP instant acceleration,' was captured by an infrared sensor aboard a US military platform in 2021 and then uploaded to a classified network in 2024. The Pentagon has not provided a detailed breakdown of what 'instant acceleration' means in this context, and nothing in the documents offers a firm technical assessment of the manoeuvre, which leaves outsiders guessing how unusual the movement really was.

There is also footage from an undisclosed site in the area covered by US Central Command, recorded in 2020. In that clip, officials say, a spherical object appears to move steadily over a populated area before climbing higher and vanishing into the sky. The Pentagon does not identify the country or city, and there is no independent verification of when or where the video was taken beyond the military's own description, so those particulars should be treated with a degree of caution.

Despite the dramatic descriptions, US defence officials are still officially in the realm of mystery rather than aliens. The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, which has been tasked with cataloguing and assessing UAP reports, acknowledges that many of the incidents in the declassified UFO files remain 'unresolved' and resist easy explanation. At the same time, the office says it has not found evidence that any of the objects are linked to extra-terrestrial life.

He contrasted his approach with what he described as the failures of 'previous Administrations' to be transparent and told followers that, with the new documents and videos, 'the people can decide for themselves, 'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?' Have Fun and Enjoy!'

That pitch to public curiosity has clearly worked on one level. Pentagon spokespeople say the earlier tranche of material drew global attention on a scale they had not anticipated, with more than a billion views across platforms. Whether the new files provide much clarity is another matter.

One of the more striking written accounts in the latest documents comes from a senior US intelligence official who reported seeing 'two large orbs flare up' alongside a helicopter during a mission last year. The orbs were described as 'orange with a white or yellow centre, and emitted light in all directions.'

According to the report, fighter aircraft were scrambled in an attempt to identify the objects, but failed. The same orbs instead reportedly began 'chasing' the fighters before disappearing. 'We were virtually speechless after these observations,' the official said.

Here again, the paperwork offers no final explanation. There are no disclosed radar tracks, no engineering analysis, and no follow-up photographs that might resolve whether the orbs were some sort of atmospheric effect, a misidentified human-made system, or something stranger. Without that data, readers are left, as so often with these declassified UFO files, with vivid testimony and scant corroboration.

The Pentagon insists that each case has been logged and investigated through formal channels within AARO. Officials repeat that no extra-terrestrial activity has been substantiated, yet they also concede that a portion of sightings sit in a grey zone where current information is simply insufficient to draw confident conclusions. In other words, the government is finally showing its workings, but the equations still do not always add up.

Given that key technical details, such as sensor specifications, exact coordinates, and full-length videos, are not being released, outside analysts cannot independently verify most of the claims. Nothing in the newly public material confirms alien craft, and nothing conclusively debunks that possibility either. On the central question Trump posed, the honest answer for now is that not everything is confirmed, and some of it has to be taken with a grain of salt.

{ https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ }

Infamous Tri-State UFO encounter is missing from new government files

Jon Webb  -  Evansville Courier & Press

EVANSVILLE – If you wanted to know more about the goblins, you're out of luck.

Among the hundreds of files and thousands of pages of UFO-centric material released in waves by the U.S. government this month, none of them go into detail about Evansville-area sightings, a review by the Courier & Press found.

That includes the most infamous supernatural event in Tri-State history: the Kelly-Hopkinsville Encounter.

The release follows an executive order by Trump directing federal agencies to make more UAP-related material public.

(US Department of War)

The incident unfolded in and around a cramped farmhouse in Christian County, Kentucky on Aug. 21, 1955. According to the official story, multiple families that evening watched through the window as some bizarre cross between a flying saucer and glowing, airborne bathtub spiraled into a nearby field.

Within minutes, herds of squat-green monsters surrounded their home. The beasts were no more than three-feet tall, with eyes that shimmered at the outskirts of their skulls. They seemed to be wearing silver suits. That, or they were covered in tinfoil.

A view from the Moon during the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, where unidentified phenomena are highlighted and enlarged

They multiplied by the second, pressing their faces against the windows and seizing the hair of a man who tried to run out the door. That's when Elmer and John Sutton grabbed a shotgun and .22-caliber pistol and went to work. They later told authorities they sprayed the little guys with bullets, only to watch them bounce off.

“I hold my hands to God,” Elmer Sutton told the Evansville Press the next day, “and swear on my mother this is true.”

Authorities weren't so sure. One Christian County sheriff's deputy dismissed the story as a product of witnesses' imaginations. And subsequent searches of the area never uncovered the supposed downed aircraft.

Still, the incident became a permanent staple in UFO lore. The History Channel even credits it for launching the phrase "little green men."

None of that is enough to warrant a mention in the "Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters," or PURSUE. Starting on May 8, the newly christened Department of War began releasing previously confidential government files connected to UFO sightings and intelligence. A second batch came on May 22.

The trove includes everything from videos to audio to PDFs of compiled reports, some of which that go on for more than 200 pages.

While it contains several gems – grainy footage of strange crafts; the story of a French farmer paralyzed by weapon-toting gremlins; Buzz Aldrin describing strange flashes of light during his flight on Apollo 11 – actual investigations into the millions of sightings reported across the country over the years are sorely lacking. It falls well short of the massive disclosure for which extraterrestrial researchers have pined for decades. Pictures of aliens at Roswell, if they exist, remain under wraps.

What the files say, and why the Hopkinsville goblins don't appear

Some of the longest collections come courtesy of the FBI, and are split into 10 mostly chronological sections.

Each are stuffed with newspaper clippings and a variety of reports. Apparently an inordinate number of people in the 1940s and '50s wrote letters to then-FBI director J. Edgar Hoover each time a flying saucer crossed their minds. Some of the letters are typed, while others are scrawled freehand on hotel or personalized stationary. Hoover often replied via form letters, saying he'd passed their concerns onto the military.

Section 8 covers the time period in which the Hopkinsville encounter took place.

On July 26, 1955, the FBI received what agents called a "rambling and partly incoherent letter" from a woman writing from the Hotel Gralynn in Miami, Florida. She claimed flying saucers "and worse" were attacking the U.S. "via hail, tornadoes and so-called weather." She asked if Hoover and other agents could come down and help her watch the skies.

Right after that letter, the records leap from late July to mid-October, skipping over the Hopkinsville time frame entirely. The only mention of it comes two sections later, when it's briefly referenced in a clipping of a 1966 San Francisco Examiner column that chronicled the UFO craze.

"Sometimes the alleged sightings spilled over into the bizarre," the column read. "A space ship full of little men allegedly landed in a farm yard near Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The little men glowed, and they were described as 'three feet tall, with eyes like saucers and hands like claws.'"

In 1978, Isabel Davis and Ted Bloecher penned "Close Encounter at Kelly and Others of 1955" for the Center for UFO Studies. Quoting the U.S. Air Force, which helmed the infamous Project Blue Book inquiry into UFO reports between 1947 and 1969, they wrote that the Hopkinsville encounter was never officially reported to the government. Naturally, that would be one reason it doesn't appear in the newly released files.

But other reports dispute that, they said.

The Aug. 22 edition of the Evansville Press, for example, quoted Christian County Sheriff's deputies as saying Fort Campbell sent an Air Force major to investigate. The then-Hopkinsville police chief also said federal authorities came on scene.

Maybe those reports, if they exist, will land in the next batch of files. Until then, just like they have for the last 71 years, the goblins will remain a mystery.

{ https://eu.courierpress.com/ }

About 66 million years ago, a massive celestial object with a diameter of about 10 km struck the area of the modern-day Yucatán Peninsula. It is a proven scientific fact that this impact triggered a mass extinction and left behind the gigantic Chicxulub crater. This theory was convincingly substantiated as early as 1980 by Luis and Walter Alvarez, along with their colleagues.

Illustration of an asteroid striking Earth 66 million years ago. Created by Gemini AI

However, a study published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports offers a new, somewhat provocative perspective. The authors of the paper, Kunio Kaiho of Tohoku University and Naga Oshima of the Japan Meteorological Research Institute, have put forward a bold hypothesis: the impact site played an absolutely decisive role in the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The fact is that the asteroid struck a shallow tropical sea, the seabed of which was covered with layered sulfur-rich rocks and vast deposits of buried hydrocarbons. Scientists believe that if an asteroid of the same size had struck most other parts of the globe, a mass extinction would not have occurred at all.

Climate shock

The researchers’ main argument is that it was not the explosion itself that wiped out the dinosaurs, but rather the sudden and devastating climate shock that followed the impact. The immense heat from the impact literally burned off the hydrocarbons in the shallow-water sediments. As a result, massive amounts of soot rose into the stratosphere, blocking sunlight for years.

This dense cloud cover triggered an extreme global cooling event. According to the model’s authors, the average global temperature dropped by 8–11 °C, with the decline being particularly pronounced on land and accompanied by a catastrophic decrease in precipitation.

Using a comprehensive climate model that combines data on the atmosphere and oceans, scientists sought to answer the question: How many places on Earth at that time could have triggered such a reaction? Their answer: only about 13% of the planet’s surface. Only coastal areas that were exceptionally rich in hydrocarbons (such as Chicxulub) could have released enough soot to cause a prolonged darkening of the sky and a deadly cooling. Most of the Earth, including the deep-sea ocean floor, contained significantly fewer of these compounds. Consequently, an impact in deeper regions of the planet would have caused only a moderate drop in temperature, which would not have been sufficient to bring about the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.

The worst-case scenario

The geological composition of the target is not the only factor in this perfect storm. In 2020, a team of scientists from Imperial College London, led by Gareth Collins, demonstrated that the geometry of the impact was equally significant. After carefully reconstructing the underground structure of the Chicxulub crater, they discovered that the space debris struck the Earth at an extremely steep angle—about 60°. According to their modeling, it is precisely this steep trajectory that ensures the release of the maximum amount of vaporized rock and climate-active gases into the atmosphere. Oblique or nearly vertical impacts would have had much milder consequences.

An asteroid hitting Earth

These two independent studies complement each other. One focuses on soil chemistry, while the other focuses on the angle of impact. Taken together, they indicate that the event on the Yucatán Peninsula resulted in the worst, most destructive set of consequences of all those mathematically possible.

Limitations of the hypothesis

Despite the soundness of the arguments, these conclusions are not considered definitively proven within the scientific community, and several important limitations should be taken into account.

First, the claim of an “unfortunate coincidence” cannot be verified in practice. We don’t have a second Earth on which to conduct an experiment, so the 13% probability is not a measurable fact, but merely a specific result of a computer model.

Second, the mechanism involving hydrocarbon soot is just one of the popular interpretations. Many scientists believe that sulfate aerosols formed from sulfur were the main factor behind the cooling. And in 2023, a significant study was published proving the crucial role of fine silicate dust in blocking sunlight.

In addition, there is still intense scientific debate surrounding the Deccan Traps—a period of incredibly massive volcanic eruptions in present-day India that occurred concurrently with the meteorite impact. The extent of their impact on Cretaceous ecosystems has not yet been fully determined.

Nevertheless, a 2017 article sheds light on an extremely interesting possibility. While it does not prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that dinosaurs would have survived under different circumstances, it clearly illustrates that the fate of the planet’s rulers depended on the composition of a few kilometers of rock in one specific corner of the world. The survival of entire biological species turns out to be much closer to a simple coin toss than one might have imagined. Whether this theory will gain traction in the future depends on the development of geological reconstructions and further evidence.

Previously, scientists reported that they had identified the origin of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.

• According to spacedaily.com 

• Posted in News, Science

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

Disclosure Day has been lauded as Steven Spielberg's 'best film in 20 years' as the first reviews flood in ahead of its release. 

The science fiction movie, out on June 12, stars Emily Blunt, 43, as Margaret Fairchild, a Kansas City meteorologist and former journalist at the centre of a massive government conspiracy unraveling.

Emily's performance has been praised as 'incredible' as she stars alongside Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo in the David Koepp screenplay.

It was first reported in April 2024 that Spielberg's next project would be a UFO movie, with filming taking place from February to May last year in New York, New Jersey and Atlanta.

After a press viewing, one senior entertainment reporter wrote on X: 'I loved Disclosure Day. A dense roller-coaster ride blending chase film, love story, & mystery, all wrapped in sci-fi wonder. 

'It's Spielberg's best film in 20 years, filled w/ all the magic that makes his films so special, plus an all-time character/performance by Emily Blunt.'

Disclosure Day, featuring Emily Blunt, has been lauded as Steven Spielberg's 'best film in 20 years' as first reviews flood in ahead of the science fiction flick's general release on June 12

 The 43-year-old plays Margaret Fairchild, a Kansas City meteorologist and former journalist at the centre of a massive government conspiracy unraveling

Meanwhile, Collider's Editor-in-Chief, Steven Weintraub, wrote: 'In a shock to absolutely no one, Steven Spielberg has delivered another towering home run with Disclosure Day.

'I could go on and on about what I loved, but I was lucky enough to see the movie knowing almost nothing, and I strongly recommend you do the same. Stop watching the trailers. The one thing I will say: Emily Blunt is incredible. 

'I know big summer movies aren't usually the kinds of performances that get awards-season attention, but once people see what she does in this…'.

Elsewhere, film reporter Bill Bria also praised Emily's 'accomplished performance', and called the movie 'riveting, moving stuff.'

Rotten Tomatoes, meanwhile, branded Disclosure Day 'absolutely phenomenal', with their reviewer penning: 'I was hanging onto every word, captivated by the story as it all played out. 

'The score perfectly elevates every single scene. Part mystery, part Twilight Zone, something new entirely…WOW.'

Disclosure Day marks the 37th film that Spielberg has directed. 

A synopsis for the film reads: 'If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? 

'This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to… Disclosure Day.'

Emily's performance has been praised as 'incredible' as she stars alongside Josh O'Connor (above), Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo in the David Koepp screenplay

It was first reported in April 2024, that Spielberg's next project would be a UFO movie, with filming taking place from February to May 2025 in New York, New Jersey and Atlanta

Spielberg's fascination with UFOs and outer space began in childhood, when his father woke him one night to watch the Perseid meteor shower from a field near their home in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. 

That early wonder inspired his first amateur film project at just 17, a 1964 feature-length sci-fi movie called Firelight, which he screened at a local Phoenix theater for family and friends, charging $1 per ticket.

That film seemed to set the director on the path about the unknown, as his 1977 Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released, followed by E.T in 1982.

Both films were blockbuster hits, with ET becoming the highest-grossing film of all time for over a decade, surpassing Star Wars.

More recently, in 2005, Spielberg revamped the timeless War of the Worlds, which was one of that year's top films.

He has returned to his roots with Disclosure Day, which is based on his original story, but was penned by Koepp, who helped write Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, and War of the Worlds.

Josh plays a determined man on a mission to reveal the truth about alien life to the world

In December, the first trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse into the story that promises to shake the world with revelations about alien life, while keeping much of the plot shrouded in mystery

In December, the first trailer offered a tantalizing glimpse into the story that promises to shake the world with revelations about alien life, while keeping much of the plot shrouded in mystery.

READ MORE 

• Steven Spielberg drops trailer for UFO thriller 'Disclosure Day' revealing humanity's first contact with aliens

Clocking in at two minutes and seven seconds, the teaser opened with a haunting question: 'If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?'

Viewers are then thrust into Emily's world, as she portrays a meteorologist abruptly seized by a mysterious extraterrestrial force during a live broadcast. 

While Josh plays a determined man on a mission to reveal the truth about alien life to the world.

The trailer is packed with cryptic crop circles, high-speed chases, eerie creatures and chilling hints that humanity may not be alone in the universe.

Adding to the buzz, cryptic billboards appeared in Times Square and Los Angeles on December 10, bearing the message: 'All will be disclosed - Spielberg 06.12.26.'

Disclosure Day First Reactions Call It Spielberg's Best In 20 Years, Blunt's "All-Time" Performance

Disclosure Day FIRST REVIEWS - "The Best Spielberg Movie In 20 Years"

{ https://www.dailymail.com/news/index.html }

BREAKING NEWS - UFO and alien 'evidence' to take center stage on Capitol Hill in just DAYS

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Supporters of UFO disclosure say the movement has reached a tipping point.

With President Donald Trump ordering the declassification of UAP-related materials and public interest surging worldwide, a coalition of lawmakers, whistleblowers and researchers is preparing what they describe as a historic push for transparency.

On June 9, David Grusch and several members of Congress will gather at the US Capitol to call for the public release of UFO-related evidence he says remains hidden in classified government channels. 

Grusch previously testified under oath before Congress in 2023, claiming he had firsthand knowledge of secret government programs involving technology of non-human origin.

The former intelligence officer is expected to outline why he believes those materials should now be reviewed and released to the public.

'President Trump now has an historic opportunity; this press conference is about moving from testimony to action,' Grusch said. 'Let the American people judge the facts for themselves.'

The event comes after the Trump administration has released two batches of UFO files this month, with the first dump on May 8. 

Investigative filmmaker and moderator of the meeting, James Fox, said: 'The public deserves real answers, Congress deserves access, and reality should not be classified. If our requests are fulfilled, this could change the course of history.' 

The second batch of UFO files released by the Pentagon included a video of a mysterious object in the sky

The event, set for 1pm ET, will feature remarks from Representatives Eric Burlison, Jared Moskowitz, Anna Paulina Luna and Tim Burchett, with additional participants to be announced.

Burlison said in a press release: 'President Trump is the first president to take concrete steps towards transparency on UAP. 

'The recent releases are an important start, so now it's the obligation of Congress to make sure career intelligence officials don't obstruct his directive, in order to prevent selective disclosure or another dead end.'

Officials said additional releases from agencies, including the CIA, are expected in the coming weeks as pressure grows for greater transparency surrounding UFO investigations.

For decades, many UFO-related records remained locked away due to Cold War secrecy, national security concerns and fears about exposing sensitive military technology detected by radar and surveillance systems.

Critics have long argued that successive administrations avoided publicly acknowledging unexplained cases out of concern over public backlash, institutional embarrassment and growing conspiracy theories surrounding UFO investigations.

On Wednesday, President Trump held a Cabinet meeting where he said: 'We’re releasing a lot of information having to do with extraterrestrial... things and people are totally fascinated by it.

'It's literally trending number one, can you believe it?'

David Grusch (center) previously testified under oath before Congress in 2023, claiming he had firsthand knowledge of secret government programs involving technology of non-human origin

Grusch testified alongside two other military whistleblowers, Ryan Graves, an esteemed former pilot, and Navy veteran fighter pilot Commander David Fravor, who witnessed the 2004 'Tic Tac' UFO.

House lawmakers held the hearing to pressure the executive branch to release more information about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) or UFOs.

This significant event was the first time these three men, or any individual, had sworn under oath about UFO encounters.

Graves, a former F-18 pilot with over a decade of service in the US Navy, was the first to give opening statements.

'My testimony is based on information I've been given by individuals with a long-standing track record of legitimacy and service to this country, many of whom have shared compelling evidence in the form of photography, official documentation and classified oral testimony to myself and many various colleagues,' he told lawmakers, stating he was driven to share it by a 'commitment to truth and transparency.'

He told the committee that he and more than 30 aircrew members and veterans have experienced UAPs, unidentified aerial phenomena, along with members of Congress who have confided in him.

Graves said, as an F-18 pilot in the Red Rippers, their squadron was 'split by UAP' during a training mission near Virginia Beach in 2014.

He described the object as 'dark gray or black inside a transparent sphere.' It was about 15 feet in diameter and came within 50 feet of the lead aircraft.

The mission commander ended the flight, and the squadron submitted a safety report. Graves continued to explain.

'This story is more common than we expect,' Graves said, 'more than 30 witnesses had told his group about similar sightings.'

'Often, they are veterans with decades of flying experience,' he added.

Graves also said: 'UAPs are in our airspace but are grossly underreported.'

Grusch spoke next, providing details about how the US government has 'intact and partially intact' extraterrestrial vehicles.

He has previously said the US has run a top-secret UFO retrieval program for decades and claimed the 'Vatican was involved' in the first-ever UFO crash.

Grusch said last month that the first recovery of a UFO was in Magenta, Italy, in 1933, and Mussolini's Italian government held it until 1944 through 1945, when Pope Pius XII tipped America off about it.

'Due to my extensive executive-level intelligence support duties, I was cleared to literally all relevant compartments and in a position of extreme trust in both my military and civilian capacities,' Grusch said during Wednesday's hearing.

'I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access to that additional read-on when I requested it.'

Grusch also said he had faced brutal retaliation after coming forward about his firsthand accounts of UFOs.

'I do have knowledge of active planned reprisal activity against myself and other colleagues.

'There were certain colleagues of mine who were brutally administratively attacked. It makes me very upset as a leader to see that happen to other co-workers and superiors of mine in the last three years,' Grusch added.

Fravor reminded the world about his infamous 2004 encounter with the 'Tic Tac' UFO.

'I'd like to say that the tic tac object we engaged in 2004 was far superior to anything that we had at the time, have today or looking to develop in the next 10 years, he said.

'If we, in fact, have programs that possess this technology, it needs to have oversight from those people that the citizens of this country elected in office to represent what is best for the United States and best for the citizens.'

Fravor described the Tic Tac object as being 'perfectly white, smooth and had no windows,' with 'two little objects that came out of the bottom.'

{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

White House sparks outrage after revealing true purpose of 'aliens.gov' after months of UFO speculations

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

The White House has finally launched its mysterious 'aliens.gov' website, revealing it was never meant for UFO disclosure. 

The domain, which went live Thursday, opens with a Star Wars-style crawl with ominous text that warns, 'They walk among us,' teasing what appears to be a decades-long government secret involving extraterrestrial life living undetected among ordinary Americans.

Only after scrolling further do visitors discover the site is not about such species at all, but instead features a live ticker tracking federal law enforcement 'encounters' involving migrants living in the US illegally, alongside immigration enforcement data and arrest statistics. 

The domain, which the Trump administration secured in March, features a searchable database detailing ICE arrests, including detainees' alleged criminal histories, nationality, arrest records and purported gang ties. 

It also directs visitors to an ICE reporting portal labeled for 'suspicious aliens' while claiming government leaders spent decades concealing what it describes as an ongoing 'invasion.' 

The rollout immediately sparked backlash from members of the UFO community, who accused the White House of 'hijacking the language of disclosure for an immigration campaign.'

Investigative journalist Jeremy Corbell appeared to anticipate the move hours before the website launched, posting on X: 'I suspect tonight the White House is going to punk the American people.'

'They'll use the massive public interest in UAP, in "aliens," and weaponize that curiosity for a political message that has nothing to do with the global mystery surrounding UFOs,' he wrote.

The White House has finally launched its mysterious 'aliens.gov' website - but the site is not about extraterrestrials at all, rather migrants living in the US illegally 

A White House official told Fox News Digital: 'This is a first-of-its-kind effort to draw eyeballs to the fact that the previous administration’s porous border didn’t just put families in border states at risk, many across the country were in harm's way.'

The website text accuses the US government of hiding illegal immigrants from Americans for 60 years. 

'Aliens have been walking among us, living in our neighborhoods, and interacting with us in our daily lives,' it states. 

'They've shopped in the same stores, attended the same classes as our children, and lived seemingly normal human existences.'

'With one exception - they do not belong here,' the website text continued.

A running counter on the website claims more than 3.1 million 'encounters,' with the figure continuing to climb as of Thursday evening.  The site does not explain what period the tally covers.

'President Trump was the first to call out the real danger Aliens pose to every American family, every community, and the future of our nation,' the website reads. 

The website sparked backlash from members of the UFO community, who accused the White House of 'hijacking the language of disclosure for an immigration campaign'

The site is packed with UFO disclosure language, telling people not to be alarmed if they witness an alien abduction.

'The Alien is in good hands. We will take care of it… and return it safely to its place of origin,' it reads.

The site also includes a heat map of the US featuring immigration arrest statistics pulled from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data

The website, however, has led many people to believe that the Trump administration may not be taking disclosure as seriously as it seemed. 

One X user posted: 'There is clearly something going on with UAP (should have never changed from UFO) and conflating "illegal aliens" with "aliens/extraterrestrials" is f***ing stupid. 

'And everyone was thinking this administration was taking disclosure seriously, and then you drop this sad attempt at being witty and punny.'

Other X users did not seem surprised about the true purpose of the domain, with one saying: 'Wait, you really thought there were real aliens the government was going to tell us about? 

'Aliens are almost certainly real, but none of the fuzzy footage, weird radar signals or anything else this gov could release will be aliens.'

The frustration comes as the President released troves of UFO files in the past month, promising Americans transparency. 

The White House has been approached for comment.

{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

Chilling new twist in murder case connected to missing scientists

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

The mystery surrounding the murder of an astrophysicist linked to a string of strange scientist deaths and disappearances in the US has taken a new twist in court.

Carl Grillmair, 67, was shot dead outside his California home on February 16 after stepping onto his front porch around 6am local time.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department charged Freddy Snyder, 29, with murder, carjacking and first-degree residential burglary, alleging he personally used a rifle during the killing.  

Snyder pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment Tuesday, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 5. If convicted on all charges, Snyder faces a potential life sentence in prison.

The veteran California Institute of Technology (Caltech) astronomer helped contribute to the discovery of water on a distant planet, with colleagues describing his work as 'ingenious' and saying the findings could help scientists search for signs of life less than 160 light-years from Earth.

Investigators alleged Snyder armed himself with two rifles in the early morning hours of February 16 and demanded his mother's car keys inside their home. When she refused, he allegedly fired a shot into the ceiling before stealing the vehicle and driving away.

Authorities said Snyder then drove to Grillmair's nearby home, where the scientist stepped outside after noticing a vehicle in his driveway. Grillmair was allegedly shot once in the neck and died on his front porch.

Grillmair's death drew national attention after it emerged alongside a growing number of scientists tied to sensitive aerospace, defense and advanced technology programs who have been reported missing or found dead in recent years. 

Carl Grillmair was killed by a gunshot wound while on his front porch. The scientist have been studying exoplanets and dark matter at the California Institute of Technology

Grillmair dedicated over 40 years to advancing science. According to his Caltech biography, Grillmair specialized in research involving NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, studying galactic structure, dark matter and stellar populations.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J Hochman said in a statement: 'Carl Grillmair was a dedicated Caltech scientist who was ruthlessly shot and killed outside his own home.

'This senseless act of violence has devastated his family and cut short a life devoted to advancing science and improving the world around him. We will ensure justice is served for this victim and his loved ones.' 

Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrived at Grillmair’s home after receiving a 911 report of an assault involving a firearm and discovered the scientist wounded on his front porch, officials said.

Emergency crews attempted to render aid, but Grillmair was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said deputies investigating the fatal shooting were simultaneously called to a nearby carjacking involving the same suspect.

Snyder was taken into custody shortly afterward and later formally arrested in connection with the killing, investigators said.

Prosecutors charged Snyder on February 18 with murder, alleging he intentionally fired a rifle and caused Grillmair’s death. 

Grillmair lived in a rural home in Llano, a neighborhood in northern Los Angeles, pictured above. Police responded to reports of assault with a deadly weapon and later arrested a suspect for carjacking and murder 

Retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland, 68, vanished from his New Mexico home without his phone, wearable devices or glasses on February 28

He also faces charges of carjacking and first-degree residential burglary tied to separate incidents, authorities say occurred in December and February.

Court and jail records show Snyder had previously been arrested in December on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, though the charge was later dismissed for unclear reasons.

A longtime colleague told the Los Angeles Times that Grillmair chose to live in the California desert because the dark skies offered ideal conditions for astronomy, eventually building a private observatory at his home.

While Grillmair's alleged killer had been arrested, no motive was given, leaving some of the public to deem the death mysterious. 

The murder entered the spotlight following the discovery of the disappearance and deaths of other scientists with ties to NASA, nuclear research, aerospace programs and classified projects.

Steven Garcia was last seen on August 28 last year. A source has revealed to the Daily Mail that he worked as a government contractor at a key nuclear weapons facility

Monica Jacinto Reza, 60, was last seen hiking in the rugged San Gabriel Wilderness area within the Angeles National Forest on the trail to Waterman Mountain summit on June 22 last year

This disturbing pattern emerged after retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland vanished on February 28.

The strange circumstances surrounding the general's disappearance were almost identical to four other missing-person cases taking place between May and August 2025 in the Southwest.

Concerningly, all four have been tied to McCasland through his work overseeing the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which has been rumored to study extraterrestrial technology since the 1947 Roswell UFO crash.

While at Wright-Patterson, McCasland oversaw and reportedly approved the funding for scientist Monica Jacinto Reza's work on a space-age metal for rocket engines called Mondaloy.

Reza, 60, disappeared while hiking with friends in California on June 22 last year. She had just become the director of the Materials Processing Group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

  

Anthony Chavez (left) and Melissa Casias were both employees at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Both disappeared within weeks of each other last year

The three other disappearances all involved workers at some of America's most important nuclear facilities, and all three were last seen walking out of their homes without their phones or keys, just like McCasland.

Steven Garcia, 48, vanished without a trace on August 28 last year. He was last seen leaving his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home on foot, carrying only a handgun.

An anonymous source told the Daily Mail that Garcia was a government contractor working for the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), a major facility in Albuquerque that manufactures more than 80 percent of all the non-nuclear components that go into building the military's nuclear weapons.

Anthony Chavez and Melissa Casias both worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), one of the nation's most important nuclear research sites.

Chavez, 79, worked at the lab until his retirement in 2017, although his role there has not been made clear. Casias, 54, was an active administrative assistant at the facility and is believed to have had top security clearance.

All three were last seen leaving their homes in New Mexico on foot, leaving behind their cars, keys, wallets and phones before disappearing without a trace. Police have not had any updates in the cases since last year.

In addition to the string of disappearances, five scientists in key areas of research have died over the last few years.

Amy Eskridge was a scientist researching anti-gravity technology before her death in 2022 at age 34

Scientists Nuno Loureiro (left) and Carl Grillmair were both murdered in their own homes after making significant progress in the fields of nuclear fusion and astrophysics

Amy Eskridge was just 34 years old when she allegedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in Huntsville, Alabama, on June 11, 2022. However, neither the police nor the medical examiners have publicly released any details of an investigation ever taking place.

Before her death, she was openly researching and trying to develop anti-gravity technology, a way to control or cancel out gravity, which could revolutionize space travel and energy production.

Nuclear physicist Nuno Loureiro and astrophysicist Carl Grillmair were both shot to death in their homes in recent months.

Independent investigators have noted that Loureiro's revolutionary work in nuclear fusion may have made him a target of a greater conspiracy against US scientists, as his work may one day upend the energy industry.

Last year, Claudio Neves Valente was identified by Boston authorities as a suspect in the shooting of Loureiro, as well as two Brown University students, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook.

  

NASA scientists Michael David Hicks (left) and Frank Maiwald, who also worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab, died from unknown circumstances at an early age 

Jason Thomas was found dead after being pulled from a Massachusetts lake on March 17. He had been missing since December 12

After eluding police for days, Valente, 48, died by suicide in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, on December 16.

Meanwhile, NASA scientists Michael David Hicks and Frank Maiwald, who also worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab, died from unknown circumstances at an early age.

Maiwald, 61, was the lead researcher on a breakthrough that could help future space missions detect clear signs of life on other worlds just 13 months before he died in 2024.

Hicks, whose death came just a year after leaving JPL at age 59, had been involved with the DART Project, NASA’s test to see if humans could deflect dangerous asteroids away from Earth.

In another mysterious incident, Jason Thomas, a pharmaceutical researcher testing cancer treatments at Novartis, was found dead in a Massachusetts lake on

March 17, after disappearing without a trace in December. Local police have claimed there was no foul play suspected.

{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos has lamented a 'very rough day' after his $100 million (£74 million) rocket exploded during a routine test.

The New Glenn rocket erupted into a giant fireball while undergoing a 'hotfire test' on Launch Pad 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Bezos said it is 'too early to know the root cause' of the anomaly, which sent flames and debris exploding high into the sky.

The rocket, which measures 320 feet (98 metres) tall, has been designed to launch 48 Amazon satellites into low–Earth orbit.

But there are concerns the catastrophic failure could now have repercussions for NASA's Artemis moon mission.

Blue Origin was recently awarded the contract for NASA's moon lander, with expectations that it will launch on one of its rockets later this year.

This is a crucial step in building a permanent 'city on the moon', as the main purpose of the lander is to carry cargo and scientific equipment to the lunar surface.

'We will provide information on any impacts to the Artemis and Moon Base programs as it becomes available,' said Jared Isaacman, the NASA administrator.

   

The New Glenn rocket erupted into a giant fireball while undergoing a 'hotfire test' on Launch Pad 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The explosion caused debris to rain down and sparks to fly over the coast

The test, which took place in the early hours of this morning (UK time), appeared to start normally with the launch pad lighting up and smoke coming out of the engines

The test, which took place in the early hours of this morning (UK time), appeared to start normally with the launch pad lighting up and smoke coming out of the engines.

But it soon turned to disaster when the bottom of the spacecraft exploded into a ball of fire that soon consumed the entire rocket and later the entire launch pad.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in the explosion, and Brevard County Emergency Management officials said there was no threat to the general public.

'All personnel are accounted for and safe,' Bezos wrote on X. 'It's too early to know the root cause but we're already working to find it.

'Very rough day, but we'll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It's worth it.'

Elon Musk, who founded rival company SpaceX, commented 'Ad astra per aspera', which loosely translates to 'to the stars through difficulties'.

Static tests such as this are carried out to ensure everything runs smoothly on launch day, which has been slated to be as early as June 4.

However, repairs will likely take months to complete.

The 320–foot tall New Glenn rocket was expected to soon launch 48 Amazon Leo broadband satellites into low–Earth orbit

Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos lamented a 'very rough day' after his $100 million rocket exploded during a routine test

Under the plans for the Artemis III mission, scheduled to launch next year, NASA astronauts would practice docking their Orion capsule with landers from both Blue Origin and SpaceX while remaining in orbit.

But with the destruction of the launchpad, Blue Origin may not be able to participate.

A smaller Blue Origin robotic lunar lander, known as Blue Moon Mark I, was also scheduled to launch later this year on a New Glenn rocket.

On Tuesday, NASA also announced it had awarded contracts to Blue Origin for two New Glenn rockets to take rovers to the moon in 2028, for astronauts to drive during the Artemis IV and Artemis V moon missions.

Mr Isaacman has vowed to work with Blue Origin in its investigation.

'Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy–lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,' he posted on X.

'We will work with our partners to support a thorough investigation of this anomaly, assess near–term mission impacts and get back to launching rockets.'

The disaster comes weeks after the New Glenn rocket failed a mission to deliver a communications satellite into the correct orbit, prompting an investigation. 

'We will provide information on any impacts to the Artemis and Moon Base programs as it becomes available,' said Jared Isaacman, the NASA administrator

Read More

•  NASA unveils plan to build a 'city on the moon' in just six years 

Although the company successfully reused and recovered a booster for the rocket, the uncrewed mission did not deliver the satellite from the company AST SpaceMobile.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in response that it required Blue Origin to conduct a 'mishap investigation', which was completed earlier this month.

'The FAA has approved our NG–3 report, and corrective measures have been implemented,' Blue Origin said last week, explaining that thermal conditions caused one of the rocket's engines to not achieve its full thrust, causing it to miss its target orbit.

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{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html } 

Glowing Sphere Hovers Over City In UK, May 26, 2026, UFO UAP Sighting News.

Date of sighting: May 26, 2026 

Location of sighting: Caerleon, Wales, UK

Source: NUFORC #198119

 

UFO spheres come in many sizes from golf ball size to 747 size. This one looks to be about the size of a city bus and yes UFOs sometimes leave trails as seen in US gov UFO videos recent release. Compounded with the fact that it was seen rising upwards and gone. 

Thats real alien tech there.

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily

 

Eyewitness states: 

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

UFO Disk Cloaked In Cloud Over 1 Mile Across Heads To Skin Walker Ranch Area! May 28, 2026, UAP Sighting News.

Date of sighting: May 28, 2026

Location of sighting: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Source: Facebook post

•  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18pvnpDttx/

This huge UFO disk cloud appeared yesterday over Salt Lake City, Utah and was seen by thousands of people. UFOs can create clouds within their shields and thus the clouds take on the shape of the alien craft. Here its a disk and it was seen all the way to America Fork and beyond, said to be heading towards Skin Walker Ranch.  For a long time I have said, Skin Walker Ranch has an alien base 5km below the ground and this cloaked UFO is huge! About a mile across and heading directly towards the Ranch to drop off and pick up people and supplies. 

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily 

 

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

The White House’s official X page has just posted a cryptic video, accompanied by a chilling question: “Are you listening?” The clip itself lasts less than 10 seconds. It appears to show the shadow of an unidentified figure cast across the ground. At the very beginning, a voice can be heard asking, “Where are they?” 

But who are “they”? What exactly is this post trying to say? And what is it hinting at? 

Some believe the mysterious message could be connected to the growing conversation surrounding UFO disclosure. 

The timing has certainly fueled speculation. Spielberg’s upcoming film Disclosure Day is scheduled for release in the United States on June 12, 2026. According to the synopsis, the story follows a targeted whistleblower racing against time to expose a massive government conspiracy and trigger the extraordinary event that changes human history forever: the day of ultimate alien disclosure. 

In the first video, DAHBOO77 analyzes the strange video clip. The second clip is the original cryptic video posted on X by the White House.

     

{ https://ufosightingshotspot.blogspot.com/ }

Het Mysterie van de Dogon en Sirius: Een Diepgaande Analyse

Het verhaal van de Dogon-stam en hun vermeende astronomische kennis over Sirius heeft al decennia lang velen gefascineerd. Sinds de publicatie van Robert Temple’s boek The Sirius Mystery in 1976 wordt deze theorie vaak aangehaald binnen de gemeenschap van oude astronauten en alternatieve geschiedschrijving. Volgens deze theorie zou de Dogon-stam, afkomstig uit West-Afrika, kennis bezitten over sterrenstelsels die zelfs de moderne wetenschap nog niet volledig had bevestigd, en zouden hun mythen en legendes verwijzen naar buitenaardse bezoekers uit het Sirius-stelsel. Maar hoe geloofwaardig zijn deze beweringen? En welke feiten, tegenstrijdigheden en interpretaties liggen er onder de oppervlakte? In dit artikel nemen we een diepgaande, gestructureerde kijk op het Sirius-mysterie, de rol van de Dogon-stam, de historische context, wetenschappelijke bevindingen, en de verschillende meningen die hierover bestaan.

Had de Dogon-stam buitenaardse oorsprong?

1. Introductie tot het Sirius-mysterie

Het mysterie rondom Sirius begon met de publicatie van The Sirius Mystery door Robert Temple. Hierin wordt beweerd dat de Dogon-stam uit Mali in West-Afrika opmerkelijke kennis bezat over het Sirius-stelsel, inclusief details die pas met de komst van telescopen konden worden bevestigd. Temples theorie suggereert dat deze kennis mogelijk afkomstig is van buitenaardse wezens die de aarde duizenden jaren geleden bezochten, en dat deze getuigenissen de basis vormen voor hun mythen over 'buitenaardse' entiteiten.

Kort samengevat: de Dogon zouden weten dat Sirius niet slechts een heldere ster is, maar dat het een driesterrenstelsel is, inclusief Sirius B, een compacte witte dwergster die niet met het blote oog zichtbaar is. Daarnaast zou de stam ook kennis hebben over Saturnus en haar ringen, evenals over vier grote manen van Jupiter en de spiralvorm van de Melkweg. Deze kennis zou onmogelijk zijn zonder geavanceerde telescopische instrumenten, die in de oudheid niet beschikbaar waren.

Een close-up van leden van de Dogon-stam

2. De rol van Marcel Griaule en de kennis van de Dogon

Een belangrijke spil in het Sirius-mysterie is de Franse antropoloog Marcel Griaule. In de jaren 1940 en 1950 reisde hij af naar Mali om de Dogon-stam te bestuderen. Griaule en zijn collega Germaine Dieterlen documenteerden uitgebreide mondelinge overleveringen en mythes van de Dogon. Volgens hun bevindingen bevatte hun cultuur beschrijvingen van het Sirius-stelsel, inclusief details over Sirius B, die pas in 1862 door astronomen werd ontdekt.

Griaule beschreef dat de Dogon het bestaan van Sirius B kenden, terwijl het met het blote oog niet zichtbaar is. Hij interpreteerde hun verhalen als bewijs dat de stam kennis had die niet mogelijk kon zijn zonder buitenaardse inmenging. Daarnaast zou de stam ook informatie hebben over de ringen van Saturnus en de vier grote manen van Jupiter. Deze bevindingen werden gepubliceerd in diverse werken, waaronder Le Renard Pale (1956).

Het feit dat de Dogon al dergelijke details kende, vooral vóór de ontdekkingen van de moderne astronomie, leidde tot speculaties dat zij mogelijk contact hadden gehad met buitenaardse wezens of dat hun mythologie symbolisch verwijst naar geavanceerde kennis.

3. Wat weten we eigenlijk over Sirius en de sterren

Voordat we verder ingaan op de theorieën, is het belangrijk om de astronomische context te schetsen. Sirius is de helderste ster aan de nachtelijke hemel, bekend sinds de oudheid. Zijn hoofdbestanddeel, Sirius A, is ongeveer twee keer zo groot als onze zon en straalt 25 keer zo fel.

In 1862 ontdekte de Amerikaanse astronoom Alvan Clark dat Sirius een compagnon had: Sirius B, een witte dwergster. Deze werd pas met telescopen zichtbaar en was dus voor oude beschavingen onzichtbaar. Hoe konden de Dogon dan al weten van Sirius B?

Andere details uit de mythologie van de Dogon verwijzen ook naar de ringen van Saturnus en de vier grote manen van Jupiter. Deze objecten waren toen nog niet met het blote oog zichtbaar en werden pas later door telescopen ontdekt. Dit roept vragen op over de aard van de kennis die de Dogon zouden bezitten en hoe deze kennis zou zijn overgedragen.

4. Het werk van Robert Temple en de interpretaties

Robert Temple baseerde zijn theorie op de gegevens van Griaule en Dieterlen, maar breidde deze uit met vergelijkingen uit andere oude culturen. Hij stelde dat de mythes van de Dogon overeenkomen met astronomische gegevens die pas in de 20e eeuw bevestigd werden. Volgens Temple zouden de verhalen niet slechts symbolisch zijn, maar feitelijke herinneringen aan buitenaardse contacten.

Hij trok parallellen met mythologieën uit onder andere het oude Sumerië, waarin figuren zoals Oannes worden beschreven. Oannes was een wezen dat half mens, half vis was en als schepper van beschaving wordt beschouwd. Temple en anderen suggereren dat deze verhalen mogelijk verwijzen naar een gemeenschappelijke bron van kennis, mogelijk buitenaards, dat zich wereldwijd verspreidde.

Daarnaast wordt er gespeculeerd over een mogelijke derde ster in het Sirius-stelsel (Sirius C), waarvan sommige astronomen in de jaren 1990 dachten dat ze anomalieën in het systeem hadden ontdekt. Tot op heden is deze ster niet bevestigd, maar de mogelijkheid blijft een fascinerend onderdeel van het mysterie.

5. Kritiek en tegenargumenten

Niet iedereen gelooft in de buitenaardse herkomst van de kennis van de Dogon. Kritieken wijzen op verschillende punten:

• Culturele contaminatie: Sommige wetenschappers stellen dat de kennis mogelijk via Europese ontdekkers en missionarissen tot de Dogon is gekomen. In de jaren 1920 en 1930 was er veel interactie tussen Europeanen en de regio, en het is mogelijk dat de verhalen werden beïnvloed door de toenmalige astronomische kennis die in Europa gangbaar was.

Hoe wist de Dogon-stam zoveel over Sirius?

• Misinterpretaties: Onderzoekers zoals Walter Van Beek betwijfelen of de verhalen werkelijk verwijzen naar Sirius B of dat ze symbolisch of zelfs verkeerd geïnterpreteerd zijn. Van Beek stelt dat Griaule mogelijk informatie heeft vergaard via een beperkt aantal bronnen en dat de verhalen niet zo uniek zijn als wordt beweerd.

• Wetenschappelijke onwaarschijnlijkheid: Sommige wetenschappers wijzen erop dat de Dogon geen kennis hadden over Uranus, Neptunus of Pluto, laat staan dat ze details wisten over sterren die pas met moderne telescopen werden ontdekt. Dit ondermijnt het idee dat hun mythologie een exacte astronomische kennis bevat.

• Veronderstellingen over buitenaardse invloed: Het blijft speculatief of mythologische verhalen daadwerkelijk verwijzen naar buitenaardse wezens, of dat ze symbolisch of allegorisch zijn.

6. De rol van de mythen en symboliek

Mythologie en symboliek vormen de kern van veel culturen over de hele wereld en bieden een diep inzicht in hoe oude beschavingen hun wereldbeeld construeerden. Veel onderzoekers benadrukken dat mythologische verhalen niet altijd letterlijk moeten worden genomen, maar eerder dienen als een rijke, complexe taal vol symbolen en allegorieën die universele principes, spirituele waarheden en culturele waarden uitdrukken. In het bijzonder bij de Dogon-cultuur in West-Afrika zien we dit duidelijk terug. Hun mythologie over de Nommo, de waterwezens die uit de sterren zouden zijn gekomen, en de verhalen over Sirius, de heldere ster aan de hemel, bevatten lagen van betekenis die verder gaan dan oppervlakkige astronomische gegevens. Deze verhalen kunnen worden geïnterpreteerd als symbolische representaties van universele kosmische principes, zoals de verbondenheid tussen hemel en aarde, het ontstaan van het universum en de menselijke zoektocht naar spirituele kennis.

De verhalen over Nommo en Sirius worden vaak geïnterpreteerd als allegorieën die de menselijke relatie met het universum en de spirituele wereld uitdrukken. Ze dienen niet alleen als historische overleveringen, maar ook als rituele gidsen en educatieve instrumenten binnen de gemeenschap. De symboliek in deze mythes speelt een belangrijke rol in het overdragen van culturele en spirituele waarden van generatie op generatie. Door middel van verhalen over half-visachtige wezens, sterren en kosmische gebeurtenissen, wordt een universeel taalgebruik ontwikkeld dat begrijpelijk en memorabel is. Deze verhalen functioneren als een soort kosmisch geheugen, dat niet alleen de kennis van astronomische verschijnselen vastlegt, maar ook de diepere betekenis ervan in het menselijk bestaan.

Bovendien vervult mythologie een rituele en pedagogische functie binnen de gemeenschap. Ze helpen bij het versterken van de sociale cohesie, het overbrengen van morele lessen en het onderwijzen over de natuurlijke en bovennatuurlijke wereld. De symboliek in deze verhalen biedt een manier om complexe ideeën op een eenvoudige, visueel aansprekende wijze over te brengen. Door het gebruik van symbolen zoals sterren, water, dieren en mythologische wezens, worden abstracte concepten tastbaar en gemakkelijk te herinneren. Dit maakt mythologie een krachtig middel om universele kennis op een culturele en spirituele wijze door te geven, waardoor het een integraal onderdeel wordt van de identiteit en wereldbeschouwing van de gemeenschap.

7. De mogelijke invloed van Europese ontdekkingsreizen

Een belangrijke vraag binnen de studie van de mythologie van de Dogon en andere oude culturen is in hoeverre externe invloeden hebben bijgedragen aan de kennis en verhalen die deze groepen bezitten. Een veelgehoorde verklaring voor de nauwkeurigheid van de Dogon-vertellingen over Sirius en andere astronomische details is dat deze kennis mogelijk is aangeleerd of beïnvloed door contact met Europeanen, vooral tijdens de 19e en vroege 20e eeuw. Tijdens deze periode ondernamen Europese ontdekkingsreizigers, missionarissen en handelaren uitgebreide reizen naar West-Afrika. Ze brachten niet alleen goederen en religieuze ideeën mee, maar ook nieuwe kennis over astronomie, sterrenkaarten en wetenschappelijke inzichten.

Deze interacties zouden hebben geleid tot de integratie van Europese astronomische kennis in de mythologische verhalen van de Dogon. Het is mogelijk dat de verhalen over Sirius en de sterrenhemel in hun cultuur werden aangepast of gemodificeerd onder invloed van deze externe kennis. Daardoor kunnen de verhalen overeenkomsten vertonen met latere wetenschappelijke ontdekkingen, terwijl ze oorspronkelijk mogelijk geen toegang hadden tot dergelijke gegevens. Bijvoorbeeld, de nauwkeurige beschrijvingen van de positie en beweging van Sirius kunnen het resultaat zijn van observaties die later door Europeanen werden gedeeld, en vervolgens in de mythologie werden verwerkt.

Sommige onderzoekers stellen dat deze culturele uitwisselingen en contacten met buitenstaanders een grote rol hebben gespeeld in de evolutie van mythologische verhalen. In sommige gevallen kan het lijken alsof oude culturen beschikten over geavanceerde astronomische kennis die niet overeenkomt met de technologische ontwikkeling van die tijd. Het is daarom belangrijk om kritisch te kijken naar de interpretaties van mythologieën en te onderzoeken of deze verhalen wellicht een samensmelting zijn van oorspronkelijke culturele tradities en externe invloeden.

Het belang van deze hypothese ligt in de mogelijkheid dat mythologische verhalen niet altijd puur authentiek zijn, maar beïnvloed kunnen zijn door de contacten met andere beschavingen. Dit betekent niet dat de verhalen minder waardevol zijn, integendeel, het benadrukt juist de dynamiek en de complexe geschiedenis van culturele uitwisselingen. Door deze lens kunnen we beter begrijpen hoe mythes kunnen evolueren en zich aanpassen aan nieuwe kennis en contexten. Tegelijkertijd onderstrepen deze overwegingen de noodzaak om mythologieën niet slechts te zien als vaststaande historische feiten, maar als levende, ademende tradities die zich aanpassen en integreren met nieuwe inzichten.

8. Andere oude beschavingen en de universele aard van de legendes

De verhalen over sterren, hemellichamen en buitenaardse wezens zijn niet uniek voor de Dogon-cultuur. In feite past het Sirius-mysterie binnen een breder patroon van vergelijkbare mythologische verhalen die wereldwijd voorkomen en die wijzen op een mogelijk gedeeld oerbeeld of universeel menselijk verlangen om de mysteries van het heelal te begrijpen. Veel oude beschavingen ontwikkelden hun eigen verhalen en symboliek rondom de hemel, waarbij ze vaak verhalen vertellen over goden, helden of wezens uit de sterren die invloed uitoefenden op de aardse beschavingen.

De Sumerische mythologie, bijvoorbeeld, spreekt over de Anunnaki, een groep goddelijke bemanningsleden die uit de sterren zouden zijn gekomen. Sommige onderzoekers verbinden deze verhalen met buitenaardse bezoekers die mogelijk een rol speelden in de schepping van de mensheid en de ontwikkeling van de beschavingen. Ook in de Egyptische mythologie zijn er verhalen over goden en koningen die uit de sterrenhemel kwamen, zoals Osiris en Horus, die vaak worden afgebeeld met kosmische symboliek en verbondenheid met de sterren. In de Maya- en Azteekse culturen vinden we verhalen over kosmische wezens en helden die de mensheid beïnvloedden en die vaak geassocieerd worden met planeten, sterren en andere hemellichamen.

Deze parallelle verhalen kunnen wijzen op een universeel menselijke behoefte om de kosmos te verklaren en te verbinden met ons eigen bestaan. Ze illustreren hoe verschillende culturen, onafhankelijk van elkaar, vergelijkbare symboliek en concepten ontwikkelden om de relatie tussen aarde, hemel en het onbekende te begrijpen. Het feit dat zulke verhalen in geografisch en cultureel uiteenlopende gebieden voorkomen, suggereert dat er mogelijk een oerbron van kennis of een gedeeld archetype is dat diep in de menselijke psyche ligt. Deze universele mythes bieden niet alleen inzicht in de oude wereldbeelden, maar ook in onze hedendaagse zoektocht naar de oorsprong en de plaats van de mens in het heelal.

Veel details van de Dogon-mythen zijn ook te vinden in verslagen van UFO-ontmoetingen

9. Moderne interpretaties en UFO-verbindingen

In de afgelopen decennia heeft de interesse in het verband tussen mythologie, buitenaardse bezoekers en UFO’s een nieuwe impuls gekregen. De zogenoemde Ancient Astronaut Theory stelt dat buitenaardse wezens in het verleden contact hebben gehad met de mensheid en dat zij de basis hebben gelegd voor onze beschavingen. Volgens deze hypothese zouden oude monumenten, kunst en mythes bewijs zijn van fysieke ontmoetingen met buitenaardse wezens.

Veel onderzoekers en UFO-enthousiastelingen leggen verbanden tussen mythologische verhalen over waterwezens zoals Nommo, Oannes en andere watergeesten, en mogelijke herinneringen aan buitenaardse bezoekers die zich onder water verborgen of zich in de oceanen zouden bevinden. Water en oceaangebieden vormen een terugkerend thema in mythes over buitenaardse wezens, wat de hypothese versterkt dat dergelijke entiteiten mogelijk onderwater leefden of nog steeds bezoeken. Sommige theorieën suggereren dat deze wezens niet alleen spiritueel of symbolisch waren, maar ook fysieke wezens die in de geschiedenis van de mensheid een rol speelden.

De interpretatie van oude teksten en symbolen speelt hierbij een centrale rol. Bijvoorbeeld, de verhalen over de Drie Wijzen die de geboorte van Jezus bezochten, worden soms geïnterpreteerd als symbolische verwijzingen naar sterrenbeelden zoals Orion en Sirius. De drie sterren van Orion’s Belt worden vaak in verband gebracht met de reis en zoektocht van de wijzen, en kunnen symbool staan voor een kosmisch pad dat leidt naar Sirius, de heldere ster die in veel mythes een centrale rol speelt. Dergelijke symboliek kan worden gezien als een soort kosmische codering, die door oude beschavingen werd gebruikt om astronomische verschijnselen te markeren en te communiceren.

Hoewel deze interpretaties controversieel blijven en vaak op speculatie zijn gebaseerd, bieden ze een fascinerend venster op hoe oude verhalen mogelijk een geheime codering bevatten voor astronomische kennis of zelfs fysieke ontmoetingen met buitenaardse wezens. Ze onderstrepen ook de voortdurende menselijke fascinatie met het onbekende en de vraag of wij in het verleden contact hebben gehad met andere intelligente levensvormen. Het bestuderen van deze theorieën stimuleert niet alleen de nieuwsgierigheid, maar ook de zoektocht naar een breder begrip van onze geschiedenis en de plaats van de mensheid in het kosmische geheel.

Zijn de wortels van de Dogon in het Sirius-stelsel

10. De interpretatie van oude teksten en symboliek

Een ander belangrijk aspect binnen de studie van mythologie en oude teksten is de interpretatie van symboliek en codering. Oude teksten zoals de Bijbel, de Vedische geschriften, de Egyptische inscripties en andere heilige geschriften bevatten vaak lagen van symboliek die mogelijk verwijzen naar astronomische verschijnselen, kosmische gebeurtenissen of buitenaardse invloeden.

Neem bijvoorbeeld de verhalen over de Drie Wijzen die de geboorte van Jezus bezochten. Deze drie wijzen worden door sommigen geïnterpreteerd als symbolische verwijzingen naar de sterrenbeelden Orion en Sirius, die in de winter zichtbaar zijn en een belangrijke rol spelen in de oude astronomie. Orion’s Belt, een opvallende sterrengroep, wordt vaak in verband gebracht met de reis en zoektocht van de wijzen, die mogelijk een symbolische representatie zijn van een sterrenpad dat naar Sirius leidt.

Daarnaast worden in oude Egyptische teksten en kunstwerken vaak sterren en hemellichamen afgebeeld met een diepe symbolische betekenis. De sterrenbeelden worden vaak gekoppeld aan goden, koningen en kosmische principes. Het gebruik van symbolen zoals de Crook en de Fluit, de piramides en de sterrenteksten in de grafkamers van farao’s, suggereren dat oude volkeren een uitgebreide kennis hadden van astronomische verschijnselen en deze verwerkten in hun religieuze en rituele praktijken.

Het is belangrijk te beseffen dat deze teksten vaak meerdere lagen van betekenis bevatten en dat interpretaties subjectief blijven. Sommige onderzoekers zien in oude mythes en teksten geheime codes die verwijzen naar kosmische gebeurtenissen, buitenaardse bezoeken of verborgen kennis. Het onderzoek naar deze interpretaties vereist een combinatie van archeologie, astronomie, symboliek en geschiedenis. Het biedt de mogelijkheid om oude beschavingen niet alleen te zien als religieuze of culturele entiteiten, maar ook als voorlopers van moderne wetenschappelijke kennis.

Door oude teksten te bestuderen en te proberen de symboliek te ontcijferen, krijgen we een fascinerend inzicht in hoe onze voorouders de hemel observeerden, hun kosmische wereld interpreteerden en deze kennis verwerkten in verhalen die generaties lang werden doorgegeven. Deze verhalen vormen een brug tussen mythologie, wetenschap en spiritualiteit, en herinneren ons eraan dat de menselijke nieuwsgierigheid naar de kosmos altijd een fundamenteel onderdeel van onze cultuur is geweest.

Veel oude teksten spreken over vreemde bezoekers uit de hemel

11. De vraag of de kennis van de Dogon echt is of een mythe

De vraag of de kennis van de Dogon over Sirius en andere hemellichamen echt oud is en mogelijk buitenaards van oorsprong, of dat het simpelweg een culturele mythe betreft, blijft een belangrijk en intrigerend onderwerp binnen de antropologie en astronomie. De Dogon, een inheemse stam uit Mali, staan bekend om hun complexe mythologie en kennis van sterrenbeelden, vooral Sirius. Volgens sommige onderzoekers zouden de Dogon al eeuwenoude kennis hebben die ver reikt in de geschiedenis en mogelijk gebaseerd is op contacten met buitenaardse wezens of oude ontdekkingen die niet met hun technologische niveau kunnen worden verklaard.

Echter, wetenschappers zoals Walter Van Beek en anderen betwijfelen de authenticiteit van deze beweringen. Ze wijzen op verschillende inconsistenties in de verhalen en op het ontbreken van concreet bewijs dat de Dogon daadwerkelijk wisten van sterren die pas in de 20e eeuw werden ontdekt door moderne astronomen. Zo zou de kennis over Sirius B, de witte dwergster die in de jaren 1930 werd geïdentificeerd, niet expliciet voorkomen in de traditionele verhalen van de Dogon. Bovendien werd vastgesteld dat sommige details mogelijk door buitenstaanders of door middel van interpretatie zijn toegevoegd of beïnvloed.

Aan de andere kant is het opvallend dat de verhalen van de Dogon vaak overeenkomen met latere astronomische ontdekkingen. Dit fenomeen roept vragen op over de mogelijkheid dat deze kennis inderdaad eeuwenoud is en op een of andere manier is doorgegeven, of dat er sprake is van een vorm van culturele overdracht en interpretatie die overeenkomsten creëert met moderne wetenschap. Het feit dat de verhalen zo nauwkeurig lijken te verwijzen naar astronomische feiten die pas in recentere tijden werden ontdekt, maakt het een complex en fascinerend vraagstuk dat verdere studie en onderzoek rechtvaardigt.

Kortom, er bestaat nog geen definitief bewijs dat de kennis van de Dogon buitenaards of oud astronomisch van aard is, maar het blijft een boeiend onderwerp dat de grenzen tussen mythologie, cultuur en wetenschap op de proef stelt.

Is er meer onderzoek te doen naar de Dogon-stam?

12. Conclusie en reflectie

Het Sirius-mysterie is een complex en fascinerend onderwerp dat vragen oproept over de aard van menselijke kennis, mythologie, en mogelijk buitenaards contact. De verhalen van de Dogon-stam, zoals vastgelegd door Griaule en Dieterlen, suggereren dat er een soort verloren kennis zou kunnen zijn die verder gaat dan wat men zou verwachten voor een primitieve samenleving.

Toch moeten we kritisch blijven en rekening houden met de mogelijkheid dat deze informatie is beïnvloed door culturele, historische en wetenschappelijke factoren. Of de kennis echt afkomstig is van buitenaardse wezens, of dat het een product is van menselijke creativiteit en interculturele uitwisseling, blijft onderwerp van debat.

Wat wel vaststaat, is dat het Sirius-mysterie een belangrijke plek inneemt in de zoektocht naar onze geschiedenis en onze plaats in het universum. Het daagt ons uit om verder te denken, te onderzoeken en onze verbeelding de vrije loop te laten, in de geest van grote denkers zoals Albert Einstein die stelde dat “verbeelding belangrijker is dan kennis”.

Hebben buitenaardse wezens in de oudheid wijsheid aan mensen doorgegeven?

Samenvatting:
Het Sirius-mysterie, gebaseerd op de vermeende kennis van de Dogon-stam over het Sirius-stelsel, blijft een intrigerend fenomeen dat vragen oproept over de oorsprong van menselijke kennis, mythologie, en mogelijk buitenaards contact. Hoewel er sterke parallellen zijn met moderne astronomie, blijven veel bewijzen onzeker en open voor interpretatie. Het verhaal benadrukt het belang van kritisch denken, het onderzoeken van bronnen, en het openstaan voor nieuwe ideeën die onze kijk op geschiedenis en het universum kunnen veranderen.

{ PETER2011 }

Credit: Spaceflight Now

Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket explodes into giant fireball during test

Jeff Bezos has lost one of his rockets after the Blue Origin spacecraft exploded into flames during a takeoff test in the US.

The test flight ended in a flop before it started after the dramatic explosion rocked the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the surrounding areas in Florida.

While no one was hurt in the incident, the rocket was totalled after the blast which led to a huge fireball engulfing the launch pad and the spacecraft.

Homes were shaken nearby at around 9pm on Thursday as the explosion lit up the area.

The rocket involved in the blast was the New Glenn model, developed by Blue Origin space technology company, founded by Amazon billionaire Bezos in 2000.

Bezos said on X after the accident: ‘It’s too early to know the root cause, but we’re already working to find it.

‘Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.’

New Glenn, named after the NASA astronaut John Glenn, was meant to take off next week carrying internet satellites.

Elon Musk, another billionaire involved in space development and the world’s richest man, offered his condolences to Bezos.

He wrote on X: ‘Sorry to see this, I hope you recover quickly.’

Musk’s SpaceX Starship spacecraft exploded in a fireball in June last year during the rocket’s test phase.

Blue Origin made headlines in April last year when singer Katy Perry joined an all-female crew along with Bezos’s partner Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn for a suborbital flight lasting 11 minutes.  

While the mission, flown on the New Shepard rocket, was billed as a spaceflight promoting equality, it received widespread backlash on social media, with critics calling it ‘pointless.’  

Bezos’s Blue Origin has come under fire for promoting space tourism.

The New Shepard rocket offered a short, 10 to 12-minute stint into the boundary of space, giving deep-pocketed tourists a few minutes without gravity.

The space tourism flights are on pause at the moment so that the company can focus resources on the moon project and the NASA Artemis missions.

{ https://metro.co.uk/news/  }

A missing Air Force general met members of the Pentagon's shadowy space unit just hours before he disappeared, footage shows. 

Police spoke to an unidentified female witness who claimed she and members of the US Space Force had dinner with William Neil McCasland the night before he vanished without a trace on February 27.

McCasland is a retired Air Force Major General who has been linked to both US nuclear research and classified UFO-related programs during his career.

He met with the group at a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, around 6pm local time, according to a phone call between police and the witness, obtained by the Law&Crime Network from bodycam footage.

Officially, the Space Force equips the military for operations in space, protecting satellites and other assets from threats, but the newest branch of the Armed Forces also tracks unexplained space objects, such as UFOs, as part of national security.

The unnamed caller claimed she worked with McCasland, who was still a member of the Kirtland Partnership, a nonprofit working to protect and expand Kirtland Air Force Base, a major military research facility and nuclear weapons lab.

Previously, McCasland's wife, Susan Wilkerson, had posted online that the retired general only had 'very commonly held clearances' since retiring from the Air Force 13 years ago, but the new witness revealed that the 68-year-old was still a key figure in secretive government circles.

'He was the head of Air Force Research Lab to the point the man's names are in the UFO documents that are fixed to be released,' the witness claimed. 'He's in that depth, so he has a very high security clearance.'

William Neil McCasland, 68, was last seen around 11am on Friday, February 27 near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said

The sheriff's office has issued a Silver Alert, a public notification system used in the US to locate missing seniors or individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia or other mental disabilities

However, the woman who met with McCasland said something seemed wrong during the meeting with Space Force and the retired general was not acting like himself that night.

'I was shocked this morning when I saw the alert because what I noticed Thursday evening [February 26] is that he wasn't his usual self. He was kind of spacey and quiet and you know that that happens with people.'

The bodycam footage also revealed the conversation between officers from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and Wilkerson, revealing that McCasland's disappearance caught her completely off guard.

However, she noted that the retired general was just prescribed a new medication hours before he vanished, which was supposed to help battle several symptoms he was having that may have been signaling cognitive decline.

'Today he had taken a drug that the doctor prescribed last night that was supposed to help him sleep,' she said in the recording obtained by Law&Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber.

'With weight gain, he's lost about 20 pounds for no reason, and with anxiety, today he woke up and said, "Well, I have got better sleep, but it's like the after effects of a bad hangover. I'm just foggy. I can't get any motivation to do anything."' 

McCasland was reportedly seeing doctors for his physical and mental difficulties. Before police arrived at the home, Wilkerson had told 911 dispatchers the military veteran feared his brain was 'deteriorating.'

He was last seen leaving his home without his phone, wearable devices or any identification and his wife told authorities she believed McCasland 'had planned not to be found.'

McCasland reportedly had ties to US government projects involving nuclear research and UFO-related technology. A witness claimed he met with the US Space Force on February 26

McCasland had changed his clothes and only took a pair of boots and his .38-caliber revolver before vanishing around 11am that morning. There has been no sign of the general since that time.

He was previously in charge of both Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson in Ohio.

UFO enthusiasts have linked both facilities to secret studies of advanced aerospace technology and unexplained phenomena for decades, although officials maintain they focus on national security and experimental defense projects.

Since the unit's creation in 2019, the military has publicly acknowledged that the Space Force has a major presence at both locations.

The branch uses Kirtland for its Space Systems Command and Space Rapid Capabilities Office. Meanwhile, Space Force runs the National Space Intelligence Center out of Wright-Patterson.

The Ohio military complex has a long history of UFO-related rumors, with former government scientists Hal Puthoff and Eric Davis claiming the debris from the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 was taken to Wright-Patterson for examination.

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett told WABC radio in March that McCasland was the key figure in America's secret research into UFO and extraterrestrial technology.

Burchett said: 'He's the guy [who] had a lot of nuclear secrets. I've been told by several sources that he was the gatekeeper for the UFO stuff.'

Just days before the Pentagon began releasing declassified UFO files to the public in early May, Air Force veteran David Grusch specifically named McCasland as one of the officers who had been in charge of non-human craft recovery and reverse-engineering UFOs.

Grusch, who is now a UFO whistleblower and adviser to Congressman Eric Burlison of Missouri, claimed that the general had not been cooperative with lawmakers seeking to interview individuals tied to America's alleged contact with aliens.

Grusch told Chris Farrell on Judicial Watch: 'They already have the list of some of these hostile folks that ran those programs. Unfortunately, one of those individuals, Major General retired Neil McCasland, is currently missing, which is very concerning to me as well.'

The footage also revealed that officers spoke with McCasland's neighbors after his disappearance, including a former subordinate of the general's who lived in the area.

'He used to be my boss. My boss's boss's boss,' the man told the Bernalillo County Sheriff's officers.

'I briefed him back in 2000 when he visited Boston. And I briefed for him projects I had. He was this scary colonel. He's a PhD. I'm a PhD, but like he's a PhD in some other science, engineering and then he ran the scientific lab and he's smart as hell.'

Although he admitted to not seeing McCasland for a long time, the scientist described him as 'really straight laced' and believed something would have been wrong for the general to walk off without warning.

Another New Mexico resident was seen telling police that she knew of possible trails and even an old horse tunnel under a nearby road that homeless people might now be using, but nothing pointed to foul play.

McCasland was last seen near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque just after leaving his own home while his wife was out of the house at a doctor's appointment.

Since March, McCasland's disappearance has been linked to several other missing person cases, all involving former or current government workers and scientists who worked at facilities the general oversaw.

Those cases include NASA scientist Monica Reza, government contractor Steven Garcia and Los Alamos National Lab workers Melissa Casias and Anthony Chavez.

Each went missing in 2025 and three of them vanished in nearly the exact same manner as McCasland, with Garcia, Casias and Chavez all leaving their homes on foot and leaving behind their phones and identification.

{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

Alien Base 450 Miles Long On North Pole Region Of Moon, Old NASA Photo, UFO UAP Sighting News.

Date of discovery: May 27, 2026

Location of discovery: Moons North Pole region

Source NASA Photo:

•  https://astrogeology.usgs.gov/search/map/moon-kaguya-tc-global-mosaic

I was digging through some old NASA files and found this very intriguing structure...one I can honestly say may be a 450 miles long, or 720km. Go ahead and say it, how's it even possible to hide an alien base that big on the moon without anyone noticing it? Well, it's close to the far side of the moon, the side thats hidden from Earth all the time...and on purpose I might add. Also the fact it's near the northern pole region also hides it. It's clear that aliens inhabited Earths moon, but that leaves so many unanswered questions...who are they? Is it a moon or is it a huge spaceship? Why are they here? How long have they been here? How do aliens control the moon to keep one side forever hidden from Earth? 

 

So you see, finding answers like in this photo below, only makes an endless number of questions without answers...and that, and that alone is the real reason people are scared to learn the truth. Now you know that aliens were here long before humans existed...and will continue to be here long after humans are gone. 

 

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily 

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

Cigar UFO Stuns Eyewitness, Says possible abduction took place, Ambler, Pennsylvania, USA May 17, 2026, UAP Sighting News.

Date of sighting: May 17, 2026

Location of sighting: Ambler, Pennsylvania, USA

Source: NUFORC 

 

This report just in. An eyewitness saw a long cigar shaped UFO passing over Pennsylvania last week and the close up screenshot I made, has a tornado-like twisting cloud coming from above and touching the top of the UFO. Thats 100% alien there. No known tech can cause such an anomaly on any known aircraft. 

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily 

 

Eyewitness states: 

 

The second photo he submitted is below, I made two closer screenshots and I focused them by hand, no ai. 

RELATED

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

3 UFOs turn into 2 Over Bowers Gifford, England May 20, 2026, Aliens 👽 UFO UAP Sighting News

Original photo uploaded with video by eyewitness. See the haze?

Date of sighting: May 20, 2026

Location of sighting: Bowers Gifford, England

Source: NUFORC

 

The eyewitness states that he saw three objects and in the video we see it transform from three to two in the middle of the video. Also he states there was a haze around the object. That 100% confirms that this was a real UFO. Often UFOs have a haze around them caused by the propulsion systems on board, not done on purpose, but an accident and it causes most UFO photos and videos to be blurry. This is the real deal. 

Scott C. Waring - UFO Sightings Daily

 

Eyewitness states: 

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

Noah's Ark mystery deepens as ancient map points to resting place of biblical vessel

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

The largest known early world map may have pointed to the resting place of Noah's Ark for nearly 440 years.

Created in 1587 by Italian nobleman and cartographer Urbano Monte, the massive Planisphere stretches nearly 10 feet wide when fully assembled and is packed with elaborate illustrations of continents, mythical creatures and unexplored lands.

Hidden within the map is a small depiction of Noah's Ark resting on the mountains of Ararat in modern-day Turkey, the same region many believe still hides the legendary vessel.

The striking detail has sparked fascination because the Bible states in Genesis 8:4 that the Ark came to rest on the 'mountains of Ararat' after the Great Flood.

Some online viewers were stunned by how closely the illustration appears to align with the mysterious Durupınar site. 

Independent researcher Jimmy Corsetti wrote online: 'The same location as the Durupinar site, virtually the exact same length. Coincidence?' 

Researchers have investigated the site since the 1970s, hoping to determine whether the formation is a natural geological structure or the remains of the biblical Ark.

A team currently scanning the region recently claimed to have identified hidden chambers and tunnel-like spaces beneath the earth using ground-penetrating radar.

Hidden within the map is a small depiction of Noah's Ark resting on the mountains of Ararat in modern-day Turkey, the same region many believe still hides the legendary vessel

Just 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, Turkey's tallest peak, the Durupınar Formation emerged less than a century ago

Monte created the map during the height of the Age of Exploration, when European cartographers were rapidly redrawing the known world following voyages to the Americas and Asia.

Unlike most maps from the 16th century, the Planisphere was designed from a north polar perspective, placing the Arctic at the center of the world.

The enormous map consists of 60 separate hand-drawn sheets that can be assembled into a single circular image measuring nearly 10 feet across.

It is filled with elaborate illustrations of ships, sea monsters, mythical creatures and detailed notes describing distant lands and cultures.

Historians believe Monte was inspired to create the map after a Japanese delegation visited Milan in 1585, exposing Europeans to new global perspectives.

The original manuscript is now housed at Stanford University's David Rumsey Map Center, where it was digitally restored and made available online.

The depiction has drawn attention because it places Noah’s Ark on the mountains of Ararat centuries before modern researchers began searching the region for evidence of the biblical vessel.

The Bible recounts Noah's Ark resting on the 'mountains of Ararat' after a 150-day flood submerged the Earth, sparing only those aboard the wooden vessel.

Created in 1587 by Italian nobleman and cartographer Urbano Monte, the massive Planisphere stretches nearly 10 feet wide when fully assembled and is packed with elaborate illustrations of continents, mythical creatures and unexplored lands

A team of American researchers working at the Durupınar Formation near Mount Ararat uncovered evidence of hidden tunnels as described in the biblical account

Biblical measurements describe the ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high - that's approximately 515 feet long, 86 feet wide and 52 feet tall.

The measurements of the formation in Turkey appear to match those given in the Bible.

Located just 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak, the Durupınar Formation has only been known to the modern world for less than a century.

According to local reports, heavy rains and earthquakes in May 1948 washed away the surrounding mud, revealing the mysterious formation. It was then discovered by a Kurdish shepherd.

What is even more intriguing is that the formation sits near a mountain with a peak that some believe matches the ark's shape and dimensions.

According to biblical measurements, the ark was '300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high,' roughly 515 feet long, 86 feet wide and 52 feet tall.

Archaeologist and amateur researcher Ron Wyatt first visited the Durupınar site in eastern Turkey in 1977, claiming the boat-shaped geological formation was the remains of Noah's Ark.

In 2024, researchers identified angular structures as deep as 20 feet beneath the surface, features that could represent rooms below a deck-like platform

Decades later, in 2019, the Noah's Ark Scans team began exploring the mysterious mound with modern technology to peer deep below the surface.

The idea that the ark landed on Mount Ararat has long sparked debate. While many scientists argue that the formation is a naturally occurring geological feature, others are convinced it points to something far more extraordinary.

The team at Noah's Ark Scans firmly believes the latter.

The team recently announced the discovery of hidden tunnels as described in the biblical account.

Andrew Jones, an independent researcher with Noah's Ark Scans, used ground-penetrating radar to uncover a network of 'corridors' converging on a hollow central chamber he dubbed the atrium.

Jones linked the discovery to the Bible's description of the Ark, which states the boat contained three internal levels built to shelter Noah, his family and pairs of animals.

The researchers added further studies using infrared thermography (IRT), a heat-sensing technology that can uncover hidden structures underground, have also suggested the presence of a ship-shaped hull buried deep in the soil

'God told Noah to bring the animals in. And so these animals would have stayed there, plus Noah and his family,' Jones told GB News.

'What's interesting is that these voids are lining up below the ground - and they're not just random. These tunnels also follow a pattern. GPR is just a way to look below the soil using radar.'

He added further studies using infrared thermography (IRT), a heat-sensing technology that can uncover hidden structures underground, have also suggested the presence of a ship-shaped hull buried deep in the soil.

{ https://www.dailymail.com/sciencetech/index.html }

Nature's destructive power was on full display in the Philippines, as a dazzling meteor burned through the sky above an erupting volcano.

Like a scene from a heavy metal music video, the green fireball blazed overhead as lava ran down the slopes of Mount Mayon – one of the world's most active volcanoes.

This incredible moment was captured at 10:33pm (15:33 BST) local time on May 25 by a network of cameras livestreaming the eruption.

Onlookers were 'shocked' and 'stunned' by the astonishingly rare coincidence on Monday night, according to the Philippine Information Agency.

One terrified local from the nearby town of Los Baños even said he 'thought it was a missile because of how bright it was'.

They added: 'It burned bright green and white for less than a second before it disappeared into the clouds'.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially claimed their cameras had spotted the meteor 'striking the northern slopes of Mayon Volcano'.

However, after reviewing the data more thoroughly, the agency later confirmed that the space rock actually broke up harmlessly in the atmosphere.

A video has captured the incredible moment a bright green meteor blazed over an erupting volcano in the Philippines 

In a post on X, PHIVOLCS wrote: 'Our review of seismic, infrasound and additional camera footages around the volcano indicate that the meteor disintegrated while in the atmosphere and did not strike the slopes of Mayon, contrary to our initial post.'

If the fireball had collided with the volcano, it would have almost certainly left a fairly obvious impression.

According to the Philippine Information Agency, one local astronomer calculated the meteor's energy was equivalent to 6.8 million kilograms of gunpowder.

PHIVOLCS' seismic data captured 27 volcanic tremors and 341 rock falls in the 24 hours surrounding the meteor's arrival.

However, there was no data to suggest that the meteor had impacted the ground or exploded with enough force to be felt on the surface.

On social media, space fans were shocked by the incredible spectacle.

One commenter on X wrote: 'Imagine checking a volcano cam before bed and seeing the apocalypse start.'

'I bet dinosaurs saw this kind of stuff a lot,' added another.

The shooting star was captured burning up above Mount Mayon, located on the island of Luzon, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world 

Why are some meteors colourful?

Some meteors produce brightly coloured streaks as they pass through the atmosphere.

This is due to trace amounts of metals and other minerals that alter the colour of the flame.

This is similar to the 'flame test' many children will conduct in chemistry classes. However, the results aren't exactly the same due to the different processes involved. 

Orange–yellow: Sodium

Yellow: Iron

Blue–green: Magnesium

Violet: Calcium

Source: National Parks Service  

While one commenter joked: 'Damn, Philippines getting hit from all sides rn [right now].'

Although this might seem like an incredibly rare coincidence, the chances of a meteor arriving over Mount Mayon's eruption are actually relatively high.

Mount Mayon, located on the island of Luzon, is the most active volcano in the Philippines and one of the most violent anywhere in the world.

By the time the meteor appeared, the volcano was on its 140th consecutive day of effusive eruption – meaning lava is escaping onto the surface – which has been filmed continuously by multiple cameras.

Meanwhile, every day, around 25 million pieces of debris hit Earth and create shooting stars.

As tiny pieces of rock and dust collide with the planet, they smash into the upper layers of the atmosphere at speeds up to 45,000 miles per hour (72,400 km/h).

The enormous friction between the meteor and particles in the air heats their surface to around 1,600°C (2,912°F), vaporising them in a flash, which we see as a shooting star.

Typically, these meteors are white or yellow, but traces of metals in the rocky fragments can give them bright colours, including red, blue, and green.

By the time the meteor appeared, the volcano was on its 140th consecutive day of effusive eruption, meaning that lava has been escaping to the surface. However, there was no sign that the meteor hit the volcano or the surrounding area

Our atmosphere offers such effective protection against space rocks that only the largest pieces have a chance of making it to the ground.

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• World's first nuclear explosion forged an 'impossible' crystal that's like NOTHING else on Earth 

Yet even these usually fall to Earth as small chunks that don't have the force to cause any destruction. 

However, the Earth has had a number of close calls with asteroids large enough to cause serious damage.

Earlier this month, a space rock called 2026 JH2 passed the planet at a distance of just 56,000 miles (90,000km).

Scientists said that this was 'as close as you can without hitting', but that there was no chance of a collision in the next 100 years.

The asteroid is up to four times the size of a London bus and packed enough potential energy to destroy a city.

Explained: The difference between an asteroid, meteorite and other space rocks

An asteroid is a large chunk of rock left over from collisions or the early solar system. Most are located between Mars and Jupiter in the Main Belt.

A comet is a rock covered in ice, methane and other compounds. Their orbits take them much further out of the solar system.

A meteor is what astronomers call a flash of light in the atmosphere when debris burns up.

This debris itself is known as a meteoroid. Most are so small they are vapourised in the atmosphere.

If any of this meteoroid makes it to Earth, it is called a meteorite.

Meteors, meteoroids and meteorites normally originate from asteroids and comets.

For example, if Earth passes through the tail of a comet, much of the debris burns up in the atmosphere, forming a meteor shower.

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Here's what NASA said about its permanent moon base plans - PART I

Story by Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY

Fleets of landers, rovers and drones will head to the moon in the months and years ahead before humans even step foot on the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years.

So says NASA, which is already working toward sending vehicles and cargo to construct an unprecedented moon base less than two months since the trailblazing Artemis II mission that sent four astronauts on a historic lunar journey.

The space agency on May 26 outlined the first of three phases under what it's calling its Moon Base initiative, which aims to not just return astronauts to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era, but establish a longstanding human presence. The United States' renewed interest in the moon comes as NASA sets its sights on sending astronauts to Mars.

“The Moon Base will be America’s and humanity’s first outpost on another celestial world,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. “Every mission, crewed and uncrewed, will be a learning opportunity as we return to the lunar surface, build the infrastructure to stay, and master the skills required to live and operate in one of the most demanding and dangerous environments imaginable."

©Provided by NASA
NASA released thousands of new photos taken during the Artemis II mission around the moon. The astronauts selected for the mission thoroughly documented the 10-day voyage, which included an April 6 lunar flyby as they traveled more than a quarter-million miles from Earth.

Here's everything to know about NASA's moon base and its plans to send astronauts back to the moon under its Artemis campaign.

• Artemis program: NASA's Artemis III mission begins to take shape ahead of moon landing

What is NASA's moon base?

NASA leaders have previously announced plans to construct a $20 billion moon base toward the largely unexplored lunar south pole. The base would come together across three phases during both uncrewed and crewed missions to deliver vehicles, equipment and infrastructure to the moon.

Once completed, the base would be where astronauts could live and work longterm with the dual objectives of studying the moon while also helping NASA learn how best to send the first humans to Mars.

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Here's what NASA said about its permanent moon base plans - PART II

Story by Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY

Fleets of landers, rovers and drones will head to the moon in the months and years ahead before humans even step foot on the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years.

First 3 moon base missions begin with Blue Origin lander launch

NASA leaders on May 26 unveiled details about the first three uncrewed missions planned for 2026 that will set the stage for the construction of the moon base.

Those ventures are due to begin in fall with the planned launch of the Blue Moon lunar lander being developed by billionaire Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin spaceflight company.

The Mark 1 variant of the lander, which differs from the Mark 2 variant in that it's not designed for humans, will carry NASA equipment while targeting a landing on the Shackleton Connecting Ridge. The region in the lunar south pole can receive solar power from the sunlight and is in constant view of Earth, enabling uninterrupted communications, according to NASA.

Two other landers are also due to launch in 2026 to deliver supplies and technology to the moon, including Astrobotic’s Griffin lander – which will also carry a rover to begin testing travel on the lunar terrain – and Intuitive Machines’ third Nova-C lunar lander.

"These missions are the first of more than a dozen missions that will be announced this year, each designed to generate operational data and reduce risk ahead of crewed Artemis surface activities," NASA said in a statement.

NASA to send 2 lunar rovers ahead of humans

NASA further announced that it has awarded contracts to two companies to develop lunar rovers for astronauts to drive on the moon.

Colorado-based Lunar Outpost and Astrolab of Hawthorne, California, will each receive about $220 million to build vehicles capable of slowly navigating the moon's rough terrain.

The contract, made under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative (CLPS,) ensures a rover will be ready on the moon before astronauts return as early as 2028 under the Artemis IV mission.

Each rover – which NASA calls a lunar terrain vehicle, or LTV – will be designed for different objectives.

Astrolab's compact vehicle is designed to carry astronauts and cargo with a weight limit of up to 2,000 pounds and a top speed of 6 mph, NASA said. Lunar Outpost's rover, nicknamed Pegasus, is lighter and can travel about three mph faster.

The companies have about 18 months to ready their landers for launch, according to NASA. Blue Origin was also awarded a contract worth up to $468 million to transport the rovers to the moon.

Drones to survey Artemis landing sites

Before NASA puts boots back on the ground, the agency is planning in 2028 to send a fleet of four drones to survey the moon for safe landing sites for astronauts.

The mission, called Moonfall, would use the drones to literally hop from one place on the surface to the next to gather and transmit data back to Earth.

NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which is designing the drones, has awarded Texas-based company Firefly Aerospace a $75 million contract build the spacecraft that will transport them from Earth orbit to the moon.

After the launch, Firefly's Elytra spacecraft will transport the drones to the moon and deploy them about 30 miles above the surface, the company said in a press release.

Artemis III astronauts to be announced

NASA also has plans to soon announce the four astronauts selected for the Artemis III mission.

The announcement will be made live at 11 a.m. ET Tuesday, June 9, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, according to a press release.

In April, four astronauts traveled around the moon and back on the Artemis II mission without landing in a critical test of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion crew capsule central to the missions. Next, four more astronauts will travel to Earth orbit in 2027 on the Artemis III mission that will test one or both commercial human lunar landers being developed by spaceflight companies SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Just like the Artemis II crew, the astronauts selected for the Artemis III mission will hitch a ride to Earth orbit aboard the Orion crew capsule, which will launch atop NASA's towering Space Launch System rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

• Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
• This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's what NASA said about its permanent moon base plans

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UFO researcher who died in police custody after chilling final posts was linked to dead anti-gravity scientist

• MORE: Missing scientist's shattered car sparks chilling mystery in remote New Mexico mountains 

By CHRIS MELORE, US DEPUTY SCIENCE EDITOR

A UFO and aerospace researcher's death is raising questions as the circumstances surrounding his final days remain a mystery months later.

Authorities in New Mexico said Martin Aidan Shaffer, 49, died while in police custody at the Torrance County Detention Facility in March 2026.

Shaffer had worked in the 'fringe science' community, collaborating with groups exploring advanced propulsion technology, including anti-gravity engines, which have been linked to UFO speculation for decades.

According to court records, the self-described inventor was being held on multiple charges, including arson and burglary, but the cause of his death has not been disclosed.

While alleged colleagues have claimed that Shaffer was suffering from mental health issues, the Taos, New Mexico resident's social media accounts revealed a much more disturbing story.

Shaffer had claimed that he was experimented on and had implants placed in his body, suggesting that he was being controlled by extraterrestrials. He even claimed without evidence that other researchers had tried to harm him.

A month before his death, he wrote on X: 'I want all these implants removed, I want to be free from my body mind which I do not control.' 

Meanwhile, Shaffer's case has now been linked to another dead scientist in the recent string of deaths and disappearances across the US, Amy Eskridge, who was also working on anti-gravity research and had claimed her life was in danger.

UFO and aerospace researcher Martin Aidan Shaffer, 49, reportedly died while in police custody in New Mexico in March 2026

Shaffer had written several posts on social media appearing to be in mental health distress

Shaffer had written several posts on social media appearing to be in mental health distress

Prior to his death, Shaffer had been making a string of disturbing posts, claiming he had been repeatedly assaulted in his own home and showed images of small bruises where implants had allegedly been inserted.

In one post on December 30, 2025, Shaffer sent a message to Elon Musk's brain implant company, Neuralink, claiming that extraterrestrials, also known as Non-Human Intelligence (NHI), had implanted technology in him.

'There's something that I'm experiencing with having an NHI implant that pertains directly to the development of neural link,' Shaffer claimed.

'I wish I could remove the implants and undo what has been done to me,' he added in another post. 

Shaffer had been connected to the Alternative Propulsion Engineering Conference, an online group of scientists, engineers and independent builders who discuss breakthrough theoretical aerospace technologies.

He also claimed to be the co-founder of Falcon Space, a New Jersey research startup working on creating advanced propulsion without relying on fuel-based rockets.

The host of the Liminality podcast on YouTube, who claimed she knew Eskridge, noted that Falcon Space was also founded by Mark Sokol, the late scientist's ex-boyfriend.

Eskridge publicly claimed that she had been attacked, drugged and threatened repeatedly by unknown assailants while she was working on anti-gravity engines and advanced security systems for the US Department of Homeland Security. 

Shaffer claimed that he had received implants from NHI (Non-Human Inntelligence)

Amy Eskridge was a scientist researching anti-gravity technology before her death in 2022 at age 34

Read More

EXCLUSIVE

•  Chilling calls from UFO-linked scientist that expose kidnapping attempt cast new doubts on 'suicide' 

Eskridge, 34, reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in 2022. However, the young scientist, who also allegedly suffered from mental health issues had repeatedly told colleagues she was not suicidal.

Shaffer's troubling posts appeared to begin after his tenure at Falcon Space from 2021 to 2023.

Social media exchanges between him and Sokol also showed an apparent falling out, with Shaffer claiming in November 2025 that Sokol 'threw me into traffic.'

No police report for the alleged incident could be found. Falcon Space also does not list Shaffer as one of the company's co-founders. 

Meanwhile, an X account for Falcon Space posted on May 21 that Shaffer allegedly 'died of a heart attack in police custody, arrested for burning down his ex girlfriends house who broke up with him for being delinquent and not contributing.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to authorities in New Mexico regarding the circumstances of Shaffer's death and the charges he was facing. The medical examiner's office has not revealed an official cause of death.

The events surrounding Shaffer's case became even stranger after his death, as an obituary online misspelled the scientist's name and did not list his date of birth. It is unclear who posted the memorial page or their connection to Shaffer.

Court documents from New Mexico revealed that Martin Aidan Shaffer died  after being taken to the Torrance County Detention Facility

An online obituary for Shaffer did not list his date of birth or spell his name correctly

Shaffer's sudden death and ties to the same community of scientists Eskridge had associated with has thrust the growing number of cases involving missing and dead researchers working in America's nuclear, aerospace and defense sectors back into the spotlight.

Among the missing are retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland, government contractor Steven Garcia, and nuclear lab workers Melissa Casias and Anthony Chavez. All vanished without a trace under nearly identical circumstances over the last year.

Eskridge's suicide in 2022 was one of the earliest incidents now believed to be under scrutiny by members of Congress and the FBI.

Former British intelligence officer Franc Milburn has previously told the Daily Mail he believes Eskridge's death was murder and that advanced directed energy weapons were used against her to derail her work.

Since her death, multiple scientists tied to advanced propulsion research or NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab have been murdered or died under circumstances which have never been revealed to the public.

While there have been no definitive links made between all of the cases throughout the US, multiple members of Congress have told the Daily Mail that each of their ties to sensitive government secrets or research spark concerns that foul play and a foreign power may be involved.

The FBI has been tasked by the White House with investigating the matter, but the agency has not produced their report despite President Trump saying it would come in early May.

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NASA boss reveals unsettling reality behind newly released UFO files

By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR