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U. S. NAVAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
U. S. NAVAL RECEIVING STATION
Washington 25, D. C.
Code 01/HWW/1bh
J12
Serial:
MAY 4
1953
DECLASSIFIED
NND 67905
BKI
โ NARA, Date 66/25/26
Enclosure's Rec'd
SECURITY INFORMATION
From: Officer in Charge
To:
Director of Naval Intelligence (OP -322H4D)
Subj:
Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects;
progress report on
Ref:
(a) Conf Itr DNI OP322Y5/rtm, ata 27 Oct 1952 with
enclosures thereto
(b)
Conf memo, Chief, Topical Division, USAF, APOIN
2A2, dta 24 Nov 1952 with enclosures thereto
PIC Conf ltr 01/HWW/gel, ser 0263 at 5 Dec 1952
Rest memo, Chief, Topical Division, USAF, AFOIN
2A2, ata 16 Feb 1953
Encl: (1) Charts 2-13
1. Reference (a) is a request from U. S. Air Force for the
interpretation of movies of unidentified objects taken in Utah,
2 July 1952.
Included among the enclosures are approximately 30 feet
of processed, 16mm color motion picture film and a list of questions
for guidance in determining the type of analysis desired. Reference
(b) requested interpretation of additional moves taken in Montana,
This report supercedes reference (c) and presents the test
procedures and methods designed to answer the questions contained in
enclosure 7 of reference (a). The results and analysis were performed
by the Photogrammetry Division, Evaluation Department of this Center
and do not necessarily represent the official attitude of the Depart-
ment of the Navy or this Center.
2. Tests and Procedure.
a. Plots.
The film exposed in Utah is in very poor condition; dry,
brittle, and with a tendency to break. After initial viewing,
duplication of the film was performed in order to preserve the film.
In the duplication process some color correction was made to permit
better viewing of the objects.
To prepare plots of the objects, a
stop frame projector was rigidly mounted at a fixed distance from a
finely-ground glass screen.
The magnification was 22 times giving
a format size of 14.2" wide. This proved very satisfactory and
provided a shadow free image upon which overlay plots could be made.
SONFIDENTTAL
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Code 01/HWW/1bh
J12
Serial:
MAY 4
1953
0105
CONFIDEN
SECURITY INFORMATION
Subj: Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects; progress
report on
A preliminary detailed stud of the Utah film was made and it was
decided that:
a. Brightly colored spots of red and green lasting only one or
two frames were not to be considered.
b. Water spots could be detected easily and eliminated from the
study.
c. The color of the objects was fairly constant as blue-white.
d. Size and luminosity of an object varied through-out the film.
For convenience in interpretation, the film was divided into three
parts, each part being considered an entity. Part I consisted of the
footage taken at f8; Part II, the footage taken at f16 with a panning
motion; and Part III, the footage taken at fl6 during which the camera
was held steady. Three definite groups of lights were observed through-
out the film and plots were recorded as follows:
TABLE I
PLOTS OF POSITIONS
Utah
Parts
Control
Chart
I II III
Holding to lower group
Not enclosed
I II
Holding to one object
and azimuth of another
2 and 3
I
ITI
Arbitrary 1/2 inch
correction per frame
for panning
Holding to frame outline
4
5a and 5b
I
One image held to base
line. Every tenth frame
to show changes within.
apparent formations
6
Montana
ALl
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Terrestial Objects
2
7a and To
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โข Code 01/Hww/ 1bh
J12
Serial:
0105
MAY 4
1953
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION
Subj: Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects;
progress report on
b. Densitometric tests:
Densitonetric data were obtained with a Densichron, Model 2150
manufactured by the Welch Scientific Company.
The Densichron has a scale
range of 0-3.
The procedure was to project each frame at approximately
22 times magnification onto a finely-grained-glass screen.
The back-
ground (sky) was then measured at several places and the density set to
3.0 (variations in background densities were in the order of 0.02 and
were regarded as uniform). A set of three readings were made of each
of seven objects in Part I, and of the single object in Part III of
the Utah Film. Readings were made of the entire Montana film.
Enclosure (8a and 8b) are graphs of the density readings
obtained of the two lower groups of objects in frames 1-129 of the
Utah film. Enclosure (9) is a density graph of the single object (94
frames) in Part III. Enclosure (10) is a graph where six successive
Densichron readings were averaged and advanced one reading each deter-
minant.
Of the Montana film, densities were plotted as above and are
enclosures (11) and (12).
The results of the density readings may be questioned in that
these objects varied in size so that at the minimum sizes the densichron
probe was measuring the entire object, and at the maximum size the probe
was measuring only a portion of the objects. Because of this situation
6 anhy a portion at the
only the largest readings obtained b scanning the objects were used.
It is understood that normal procedure would be to read the entire object.
This was impossible with the eguipment on hand.
In addition the film, with which this investigation was conducted,
is a duplicate of a copy.
This raises the question as to whether the
central portion of the objects were burnt out during the duplication
processing. Density readings were made to compare the clear areas and
the objects. It was found that the minimum difference is 0.4. This
indicates that relative luminosity may still be obtained with the pro-
cedure used. Concurrent with the density readings, relative sizes of
the objects were noted in order to correlate distance and luminosity.
Enclosure (13) is a plot of the same object wherein the relationship of
distance and luminosity can be detected in Utah film.
3. Answers to Questions.
Answers keyed to the questions contained in enclosure (7) of
reference (a) are hereby presented. They supercede those contained in
reference (c) and present the final analysis. as requested.
CONT LODILEAS
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*Code 01/HwW/1bh
J12
Serial:
-
0105
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION
MAY 4
1953
Subj:
Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects;
progress report on
1.
Analysis of the graph correlating luminosity and size
indicate that as the luminosity of the objects increase, the size
is larger also. This could be the effect of viewing directly, a
reflecting surface.
This is considered not probable because of
the length of time they were viewed continuously on the film, approxi-
mately 90 seconds, and because of the angle through which they were
photographed, approximately 60 degrees.
It is felt that if these images are reflective surfaces,
blinking would occur during a period of 90 seconds while passing
through an angle of 60 degrees when photographed at the rate of
16 frames per second. This premise would permit highly reflective
balloons or spheroids to be a possibility. However, the velocity and
acceleration computations (sub paragraph 8) rule this possibility out.
It appears, therefore, that if these objects are a reflecting surface,
they are of a design,
speed, and power not commonly known.
The velocity
and acceleration attributed
to the objects may be caused by light
reflected off a highly reflective surface onto an atmospheric screen
where a slight angular turn of the reflective surface would appear as
high acceleration.
This possibility is considered not probable because
of the sun angle and atmospheric condition reported at the time of
photography and because of the variations in luminosity which, under
the above conditions would remain constant.
It is the majority opinion of the group conducting this analysis
that these images are light sources.
and variations in luminosity - but not the velocity or acceleration
factors.
In either case, light source or reflective surface, it
appears as if the objects are of a nature which we are not able to
identify in terms of natural phenomena or commonly known men-made objects.
2. There is no indication of what kind of objects could have
caused the images except that they must be of a construction, design,
and material not commonly known.
This is indicated by the computed
acceleration rate and elocity (answer 3). For the same reasons, birds,
aircraft and balloons are ruled
out.
3. An analysis of the charts relative to movement indicate that
there were group and individual movement. Within a group it appears
as if the individual objects were moving counter-clock-wise along an
elliptical or similar track. Thus when two objects crossed the camera
line of sight they will appear to fuse into one.
along their paths it will appear as if one object became two.
occured at reglar intervals at approximately every 25th frame as
plotted in charts 5a and 5b.
CONT IDE
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โข Code 01/Hww/1bh
J12
Serial:
MAY 4
1953
0105
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION
Subj: Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects;
progress report on
4. All objects appear to have the same characteristics in
regards to shape, color, size and relative motion.
5. The shape of the objects appears to be oblate or disk
shaped, color; blue-white, and maximum and minimum size; 98 and 16
feet.
The size is based on the assumption that the objects are five
miles from the observer.
6. Fade in and fade out of the objects were analyzed as in
3 above. In this case the group movement was such that the distance
out. Fade-in as attributed to a shortening of the distance from the
7. Plots of the groups indicate that the objects move counter-
clock-wise relative to the axis of flight path. However, nothing has
been detected which indicates motion of the individual objects about
their own axis although this motion appears to be likely.
8. In determining the velocity of the objects three assumptions
were made:
a. The camera was held steady during Part III of the film.
b. The objects were moving perpendicular to the optical
axis, and
c. The objects were five miles from the camera.
It is obvious that (b) is a fallacy; however, this assumption
will give the minimum velocity and the actual velocity is greater than
computed. The assumption that the objects are five miles from the
camera is an arbitrary one.
However, based on the emulsion speed and
focal length, an object 50 feet in dianeter and five miles from the
camera will be recorded on the film with sufficient resolution to
identify major details of the object.
It is felt that if these objects
were closer than five miles at the time of recording, details would
appear on the film.
Velocity is computed to be 3780 mph for a shift of 1 mm per frame
if the object is five miles from the observer. From 55 measurements
taken from Part III of the Utah film, the maximum and minimum velocities
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Code 01/HWW/1bh
J12
Serial:,
MAY A
1053
0105
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION
Subj: Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects;
progress report on
were 2457 and 378 mph respectively. These figures differ from those
given in reference (c) and were computed from measurements obtained
under more controlled conditions. Acceleration was determined from the
formula :
a = VI - VO
where:
T
a = Acceleration
Vf = final velocity
VO = initial velocity
T = time = 1/16 second
Since "g" is equal to 32.17 ft/sec? it was computed that:
Maximum acceleration = 21,168 mph/sec = 965 g
Minimum acceleration = 1,104 mph/sec = 50 g
Maximum deceleration = 32,448 mph/sec = 1479 g
Minimum deceleration =
2/2 mph/sec = 12
Velocit and acceleration determinations were also made from
the Montana film. In this case, terrestial objects appeared in the
film and were held to as control. Subsequently, the velocity and
acceleration determinations are considered to be more reliable.
On the
assumption of (b) and (c) above the maximum and minimum velocities of
the left object are 13/4 and 361 mph respectfully. For the right object
they are 1117 and 189 mph. Accelerations were computed as:
Left Object
Right Object
Maximun acceleration mph/sec
14,016 - 639
Minimum acceleration mph/sec
601
g
8
12640 = 516g
0g
Maximum deceleration mph/ sec
13,184
14288
651g
Minimum deceleration mph/sec
0 =
0g
The above determinations were made from a total of 322 measure-
ments. It was noted that the acceleration and determinations were in
multiples of 12.5 approximately. This may be of significance although
no study has been conducted to determine this.
above .
gation.
9. Velocity and acceleration were treated in sub-paragraph 8
Paragraph 2a indicates the controls used during this investi-
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- Coแบฃe 01/ tw/26h
J12
Serial:
0105
GONE IDENTIAL
SECURITY INFORMATION
Subj: Interpretation of Movies of Unidentified Objects;
progress report on
10. a. There is no recurring pattern in the relative position
of the objects in formation. It appears however, as if the shift
in relative positions were regular and that the original formation
would be recovered if the continuing action has been recorded.
b. No. However, the same formation is maintained with
objects changing positions.
c. No detection of relative positions being maintained
coincidental with movement about their axis.
d. No detection of undulating motion of objects in phase
either in formation or tumbling motion.
e. There is evidence of abrupt changes in direction of
flight path through fairly large angles.
f. Certain objects do appear to remain motionless while
other move about.
g. Certain objects disappear while still well within the
field of view. This is discussed in sub-paragraph 6 above.
4. Discussion.
During the study and investigation of the unidentified objects,
the preliminary data uncovered were revealed to experts (with proper
security clearance) in the fields of astronony and physics. Although
they presented certain natural phenomena theories to explain the
cause of the objects under certain conditions they were not able to
do so under the conditions during which the photography was taken,
nor were they able to recognize these objects as man-made.
As to the results of the investigations being reported, no
attempt was made tocorroborate the opinions presented. Because of
the lack of proper equipment, money and personnel, the investigation
was limited. There are obvious tests which can be conducted to prove
or disprove some of the findings presented. It is suggested that these
be undertaken.
5. Reference (a) requests spectrophotometric analysis of the Utah
film be made. Preliminary plan of test is underway.
L. W. KEITH
Copy to:
CNO (OP553)
BuAer (PH)
CONFIDET
iL
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PLOTS OF DENSITY AND MAGNITUDE (SIZE) OF AN OBJECT SHOWING POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP
HAlt
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Density
40
80
Frames
Density Plot
Magnitude
80
100
Frames
Magnitude (Size-Major Axis) Plot
Magnitude
Enclosure 13
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100
Frames
Magnitude (Size-Minor Axis) Plat
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CONFIDEN
FAt
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NO IMAG
CONFIDENT
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DENSITY READINGS
NOTE
Montana film
Lowest reading indicates brightest image
Legen โ Image
+ MN
Enclosure
CONFIDE
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120
130
Frames
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38
36
3.4
DENSITY READINGS
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10
20
Frames
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NOTE - Phase III Utah Film
Enclosure
9
30
40
50
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30
DENSITY
READINGS
CONFIDE
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FORMATION
UNT
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ATION
NOTE - Smallest recording indicates brightest
image.
Part II
_ EGENED - Image i
-closure 8 A
20
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50
Frames
60
70
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HAL
SECURITY
AVERAGE OF DENSITY READINGS
Legend Image
Enclosure
10
Note
Utah Fillm
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90
100
110.
Frames
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Enclosure a 2
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closure
3
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Legend -
I mage /
Group I
Group. II
Group IXI
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Enclosure 5 B
Legend - Image /
4
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CONFIDENIAL
SECURTLY INDORMATIO
RELATIVE IMAGE POSITION, WITHIN A GROUP
Note - Plots made
of every
Legend - Image
Ten.!
Frames i Inage I plotted
on a base line fo
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Enclosure
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Note - Montana Film
Enclosure
Legend
Image.
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3.2
CONFO
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DENSITY
READINGS
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30
28
2.6
MATION
Enclosure &B
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Note.
Smallest reading indreating
brightest image
Part I
Legendd
Image
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50
Frames
70