NASA-UAP-D029, Apollo 17 Crew Medical Debriefing (Continued), 1972
This file contains segment 2 of 2 of the Apollo 17 post-mission medical debriefing at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center), Houston, Texas. In this continued segment, crew members and debriefers further discuss the “light flash phenomena,” a then novel, now well-documented biological effect where high-energy cosmic rays pass through the eye and strike the retina, causing the perception of light streaks or flashes. Two of the three crew members reported observing these flashes at various points during the mission, including in lunar orbit and while on the lunar surface.
NASA-UAP-D028, Apollo 17 Crew Medical Debriefing, 1972
This file contains segment 1 of 2 of the Apollo 17 post-mission medical debriefing at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center), Houston, Texas. In the recording, crew members discuss the “light flash phenomena,” a then novel, now well-documented biological effect where high-energy cosmic rays pass through the eye and strike the retina, causing the perception of light streaks or flashes. Two of the three crew members reported observing these flashes at various points during the mission, including in lunar orbit and while on the lunar surface. The debriefing continues in the next file (NASA-UAP-D029).
NASA-UAP-D027, Apollo 14 Debriefing (Continued), 1971
This file contains segment 2 of 2 of the Apollo 14 post-mission crew debriefing at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center), Houston, Texas. In this continued segment, crew members and debriefers further discuss the “light flash phenomena,” a then novel, now well-documented biological effect where high-energy cosmic rays pass through the eye and strike the retina, causing the perception of light streaks or flashes.
NASA-UAP-D026, Apollo 14 Debriefing, 1971
This file contains segment 1 of 2 of the Apollo 14 post-mission crew debriefing at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center), Houston, Texas. In the recording, crew members and debriefers discuss the “light flash phenomena,” a then novel, now well-documented biological effect where high-energy cosmic rays pass through the eye and strike the retina, causing the perception of light streaks or flashes. The questioners attempt to distinguish the characteristics of the observed phenomena. The debriefing continues in the next file (NASA-UAP-D027), which contains some overlapping audio content.
FBI-UAP-D014, Correspondence Relating to UFO Sightings, 1967, 1974
This file contains two pieces of correspondence. The first, dated 9/22/1967, relays a description of an incident provided by an eleven-year-old child in which they heard a “weird” noise and saw a “flash of light.” The second, dated 9/30/1974 and 10/10/1974, is an exchange of letters between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Mr. Larry Bryant regarding an “alleged April 8, 1954 sighting of an occupied unidentified flying object (UFO).” The FBI’s response to Mr. Bryant’s inquiry indicated that it maintained no record of such an event, and that, circa 1974, the Bureau does not collect information regarding UFO sightings.
DOW-UAP-PR116, Unresolved UAP Report, Atlantic Ocean, 2020
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 32 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. An accompanying Range Fouler Debrief, DOW-UAP-D091, describes the phenomenon as “darker, maroonish color, approximately 12-15 feet in height.” The report describes the phenomenon “travel[ing] with the wind” and noted that it did not “maneuver or change direction.” It also describes the phenomenon as appearing similar to a “large, somewhat deformed balloon.” Video Description: 00:01-00:32: The sensor zooms and pans to keep an area of contrast generally within the center of the frame. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR114, Unresolved UAP Report, Atlantic Ocean, 2016
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 39 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2016. Video Description: 00:01-00:11: The sensor zooms in and out to track on an area of contrast, panning to keep it generally within the center of the frame. 00:12-00:29: The sensor switches modes. A white reticle surrounds the area of contrast. 00:30-00:36: The sensor stops tracking the object, causing it to exit the right side of the frame. 00:37-00:38: An area of contrast enters the sensor field-of-view from the right side of the frame. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR112, Unresolved UAP Report, Eastern United States, 2019
The United States Navy submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 20 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a civilian aircraft in 2019. An accompanying Range Fouler Debrief, DOW-UAP-D090, describes the phenomenon as exhibiting “flight characteristics unlike anything [the observer] had seen in 28 years [of service] for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The report characterizes the phenomenon as “small” and “travelling in a straight line [in the] opposite direction at high speed.” Video Description: 00:01-00:011: An area of contrast is visible near the center of the screen. 00:12-00:014: The sensor changes its level of zoom and display mode, flashing white before returning to normal function. The area of contrast exits the sensor field-of-view to the left side of the frame. 00:15-00:20: The sensor changes settings, causing the screen to flash white. No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR111, Unresolved UAP Report, Eastern United States, 2020
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 1 minute of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. Video Description: 00:01-00:21: Several small areas of contrast enter and leave the sensor field-of-view as the sensor pans across the background scene. 00:22-00:41: An auto-tracking reticle surrounds an area of contrast, and the sensor pans to keep it generally within the center of the frame. Several other areas of contrast periodically enter and exit the frame. 00:42-00:49: The sensor zooms out. 00:50-01:00: The area of contrast is no longer visible within the frame. The sensor display flickers between a black screen and normal function as it cycles contrast modes. No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR110, Unresolved UAP Report, Eastern United States, 2020
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 27 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. Video Description: 00:01-00:02: No content. 00:03-00:10: An area of contrast become visible to the right of the center of the frame. The sensor pans to track the area of contrast, causing it to appear to move about the field-of-view. 00:11-00:19: An auto-tracking reticle surrounds the area of contrast. The area of contrast gradually increases in angular size. 00:20-00:22: The area of contrast exits the sensor field-of-view to the right side of the frame. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR109, Unresolved UAP Report, Eastern United States, 2015
The United States Navy Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) transferred this media to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in 2022. The video contains 21 seconds of footage likely captured by an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2015. Video Description: No formal data handling practices for UAP-related records existed at the time this media was reported to the UAPTF. This media was digitally altered before being reported to the UAPTF, and is presented as it was received by AARO. 00:01-00:08: No content. 00:09-00:11: An area of contrast becomes visible near the center of the screen, The area of contrast transits the sensor field-of-view, moving from right to left before exiting from upper left corner of the frame. 00:12-00:21: The footage repeats at a slower playback speed. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR108, Unresolved UAP Report, Western United States, 2020
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 2 minutes and 16 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. Video Description: 00:01-00:15: No content. 00:16-00:19: The footage flashes between normal operation and a black screen several times as the sensor changes display modes. 00:20-00:27: No content. 00:28-00:33: The sensor zooms in and pans to track an area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 00:34-00:57: An auto-tracking reticle surrounds the area of contrast as the sensor continues to track it against the background. 00:58-01:10: The sensor adjusts its zoom level and contrast settings several times. 01:11-01:34: The area of contrast leaves the sensor field-of-view to the left of the frame. The sensor adjusts its zoom level and contrast settings several times. No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
Editor's note: A 2020 Western U.S. unresolved sensor case with an elongated thermal profile. Interesting because of its visual resemblance to familiar UAP imagery, but still unresolved and context-limited.
DOW-UAP-PR107, Unresolved UAP Report, Eastern United States, 2020
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 28 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. Video Description: 00:01-00:02: No content. 00:03-00:11: An area on contrast enters the sensor field-of-view from the top right of the frame. The sensor pans to track the area of contrast, which repeatedly leaves and re-enters the sensor field-of-view. 00:12-00:16: The sensor zooms out and in. 00:17-00:23: The sensor pans to track the area of contrast, which repeatedly leaves and re-enters the sensor field-of-view. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR106, Unresolved UAP Report, Eastern United States, 2020
The United States Northern Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 11 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. An accompanying Range Fouler Debrief, DOW-UAP-D089, describes the phenomenon as “quite small” and as “continu[ing] in a constant direction.” The report characterizes the shape of the phenomenon as “indistinguishable,” with a metallic appearance and reflective underside. Video Description: This media was digitally altered before being reported to AARO, and is presented as received. 00:01-00:01: An area of contrast is visible above the center of the frame. 00:02-00:04: The sensor switches modes, causing the area of contrast to rapidly move about within the field-of-view. The area of contrast leaves the sensor field-of-view from the top of the frame. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR103, Unresolved UAP Report, East China Sea, 2024
The United States Indo-Pacific Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 1 minute and 16 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2024. Video Description: 00:01-01:16: The sensor pans to track an area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 00:12-01:16: An auto-tracking reticle surrounds the area of contrast. The sensor tracks the area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR102, Unresolved UAP Report, East China Sea, 2024
The United States Indo-Pacific Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 36 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2024. Video Description: 00:01-00:20: The sensor tracks an area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 00:21-00:29: The area of contrast exits the sensor field-of-view at the top of the frame. 00:30-00:36: The sensor zooms out and in several times. No content This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR101, Unresolved UAP Report, South China Sea, 2024
The United States Indo-Pacific Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 1 minute and 46 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2024. Video Description: 00:01-00:12: The sensor tracks an area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 00:13-00:28: The sensor zooms in and tracks an elongated area of contrast, keeping it generally to the left of the center of the frame. 00:29-00:33: The sensor zooms in again. The area of contrast appears as a “line” of several areas of contrast moving across the sensor field-of-view from the bottom right to the top left. 00:34-01:44: The sensor pans to track the areas of contrast for approximately 1 minute. They become less distinct over time as their distance from the sensor increases. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR100, Unresolved UAP Report, Yellow Sea, 2023
The United States Indo-Pacific Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 4 minutes and 57 seconds of video footage from an electro-optical and infrared sensor system aboard a U.S. military platform in 2023. Video Description: The overall quality of this video footage progressively degrades over its runtime. 00:01-00:08: In infrared mode, the sensor tracks an area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 00:09-01:03: The sensor zooms in and tracks the area of contrast, holding it generally within the center of the frame. 01:04-01:10: The sensor display switches modes to an electro-optical day time television camera feed (a collection mode that displays visible and near infrared signatures). The video features a dark object superimposed against a blue background. 01:11-01:13: The sensor display changes modes to infrared. The area of contrast is no longer visible within the frame. 01:14-02:16: The sensor zooms in and changes contrast settings. An area of contrast is visible near the center of the frame. 02:17-02:22: The area of contrast repeatedly leaves and enters the sensor field-of-view. 02:23-02:46: The sensor reacquires and tracks the area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 02:47-03:27: The sensor zooms in, tracking the area of contrast. 03:28-03:32: The footage appears to “skip,” or lose coherence. 03:33-03:46: The footage returns to its previous state, and the sensor continues to track the area of contrast generally within the center of the frame. 03:47-04:32: The sensor zooms out. 04:33-04:40: The area of contrast repeatedly leaves and enters the sensor field-of-view. 04:41-04:45: No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
Editor's note: A longer unresolved Yellow Sea sensor clip from 2023. Notable for duration and dual-mode viewing, but still limited by missing range, telemetry, and platform context. UAP Globe summarizes PR100 as a nearly five-minute sensor track over the Yellow Sea, with infrared and day-TV mode changes, while stressing the object never resolves into a clear structure and lacks range/speed data.
DOW-UAP-PR030, Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2023
The United States Central Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 10 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2023. Video Description: 00:01-00:05: No content. 00:06-00:07: Two areas of contrast transit the sensor field-of-view. The first enters the field-of-view from the bottom right and exits from the top edge of the frame. The second, relatively smaller area of contrast enters from the top and exits the bottom of the frame. 00:08-00:10: No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR024, Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2023
The United States Central Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 18 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2023. Video Description: 00:01: The sensor focuses on a dark area of contrast, narrowing the field of view to zoom in. 00:02: Two bright areas of contrast transit the frame from left to right. 00:03: The sensor zooms out, keeping the bright areas of contrast within the frame. 00:05: The bright areas of contrast exit the right side of the frame. 00:07: The sensor refocuses on the dark area of contrast, keeping it generally within the center of the frame. 00:10: A reticle surrounds the dark area of contrast, which continues to remain generally within the center of the frame. 00:17: The sensor changes contrast and zoom settings, causing the frame to flash white. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-D096, Correspondence Relating to Project Blue Book, 1955
This file contains correspondence relating to Project Blue Book, a 1952-1969 U.S. Air Force program to investigate the nature and origin of unidentified flying objects (UFO). The correspondence includes letters and memoranda sent between various departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, the Legislative Branch, and private citizens concerning UFO sightings and the research and findings of Project Blue Book.
DOW-UAP-D095, Joint U.S.-Canadian Aviation Projects and UFO Sighting Reports, 1954-1955
This file contains reports, memoranda, and correspondence concerning various then-developmental vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The file includes assessments of the experimental potential of the “Avro Project Y2,” a joint U.S.-Canadian near-circular VTOL aircraft that is similar in appearance to contemporary popular descriptions of unidentified flying objects (UFO). A 1954 memorandum opines that VTOL aircraft with a circular planform may be mistaken for UFOs to observers unfamiliar with such technologies. It also recommends that UFO reports in the vicinity of Soviet military operations or assets be re-examined to assess whether they may be attributable to previously unknown advanced VTOL aircraft of foreign design. The file also contains correspondence relating to a UFO incident involving a U.S. Air Force (USAF) KC-97 flying near Newfoundland, Canada in July 1955. A USAF committee found that the characteristics described in the report were inconsistent with those of known Soviet, American, or Canadian military systems. The committee was also “unable to explain the simultaneous ground radar returns and aircrew visual sightings.” It also contains correspondence relating to the potential value of data from incidental radar collection of meteors entering the atmosphere. USAF Air Research and Development Command recommended using that data to improve the performance of the AN/FPS-17 radar system. Finally, the file contains correspondence indicating support for the Communications Instructions for Reporting Vital Intelligence Sightings (CIRVIS) program, a joint U.S.-Canadian civil-military program to standardize reporting methods for unusual or unidentified airborne and maritime hazards and threats.
DOW-UAP-D093, Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States, 1948
This file contains a U.S. Air Force (USAF) Air Intelligence Division study, “Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States,” Study No. 203, dated 12/10/1948. The analysis includes an assessment of various reported unidentified flying object (UFO) incidents and theories to account for their nature and origin. Overall, the study assesses that “it appears that some object has been seen; however, the identification of that object cannot be readily accomplished.” The study offers that two “reasonable” origins might account for the phenomena: technologies of a domestic or foreign origin. It also suggests that, if foreign, it is prudent for the United States to assume that UFO observations are attributable to scientific, military, or intelligence activities of the Soviet Union, and, in that case, to take seriously the threat such objects may pose. The file also contains contemporary UFO reports and examples of experimental “flying wing” type aircraft planforms that might account for certain commonly reported UFO characteristics. AARO Comment: This file appears to be an earlier draft version of the file contained in DOW-UAP-D094, whose content is substantively similar.
DOW-UAP-D092, Department of the Air Force Committee to Review Project Bluebook, 1966-1967
This file documents the 1966-1967 deliberations and recommendations of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Scientific Advisory Board’s Ad Hoc Committee to Review Project Blue Book. Project Blue Book was a 1952-1969 USAF program to investigate the nature and origin of unidentified flying objects (UFO). The Committee recommended that the USAF contract a scientific team composed of university-affiliated representatives to investigate selected UFO sightings. The USAF subsequently adopted the Committee’s recommendation.
DOW-UAP-D091, Range Fouler Debrief, Atlantic Ocean, 2020
This document is a Range Fouler Debrief, a standardized reporting form the U.S. Navy uses to record the circumstances surrounding an unauthorized intrusion into controlled airspace during active military operations or training. These reports contain a narrative description of the observer’s experiences. This report accompanies the video titled “DOW-UAP-PR116.” A U.S. military operator reported observing an object, describing the phenomenon as “darker, maroonish color, approximately 12-15 feet in height.” The report describes the phenomenon “travel[ing] with the wind” and noted that it did not “maneuver or change direction.” It also describes the phenomenon as appearing as a “large, somewhat deformed balloon.” All descriptive and estimative language contained in this report reflects the reporter’s subjective interpretation at the time of the event. Such characterizations should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics.
DOW-UAP-D090, Range Fouler Debrief, Eastern United States, 2019
This document is a Range Fouler Debrief, a standardized reporting form the U.S. Navy uses to record the circumstances surrounding an unauthorized intrusion into controlled airspace during active military operations or training. These reports contain a narrative description of the observer’s experiences. This report accompanies the video titled “DOW-UAP-PR112.” Five U.S. military-affiliated personnel reported observing an object “with flight characteristics unlike anything [the observer] had seen in 28 years [of service] for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The report characterizes the phenomenon as “small” and “travelling in a straight line opposite [the platform’s] direction at high speed.” The reporter added that, “others with equal or more experience were also unsure as to what the object might be.” All descriptive and estimative language contained in this report reflects the reporter’s subjective interpretation at the time of the event. Such characterizations should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics.
DOW-UAP-D089, Range Fouler Debrief, Eastern United States, 2020
This document is a Range Fouler Debrief, a standardized reporting form the U.S. Navy uses to record the circumstances surrounding an unauthorized intrusion into controlled airspace during active military operations or training. These reports contain a narrative description of the observer’s experiences. This report accompanies the video titled “DOW-UAP-PR106.” A U.S. military operator reported observing an object, describing it as “quite small” and as “continu[ing] in a constant direction.” The report characterizes the shape of the phenomenon as “indistinguishable,” with a metallic appearance and reflective underside. All descriptive and estimative language contained in this report reflects the reporter’s subjective interpretation at the time of the event. Such characterizations should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics.
DOE-UAP-D005, Pantex Unidentified Object Incident Report, 2015
This file contains imagery and a report documenting the circumstances surrounding a September 1, 2015, incident involving an unidentified object intruding the airspace above the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas. The Pantex Plant is a sensitive national security site that contains the primary facility for the assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and life-extension of nuclear weapons. Pages 5 and 6 of this report were originally released under the PURSUE initiative in a more redacted form on May 22, 2026. (See: DOE-UAP-D001, Enhanced Pantex Imagery)
CIA-UAP-D021, Analysis of Unconventional Aircraft Sightings, 1955
Sections 1 and 2 of this memorandum document a 1955 analysis of reports of “flying saucers” or “unconventional aircraft,” referencing the incident described in observer debriefings contained within CIA-UAP-D020. The memo summarizes the incident as consisting of two lights rising vertically, then passing above the observers. The memo contains caveating language that suggests the author concluded that the reports, as described, did not indicate the presence of an “unconventional aircraft.” Section 3 cites a previous finding by Dr. [Howard] Robertson (of the 1953 Robertson Panel) that “almost all the sightings […] represented no threat to the U.S.” Section 4 discusses the state of then-current research into “saucer-like aircraft” under Project “Y,” a contemporary joint U.S.-Canadian aerospace development program.
Editor's note: A companion CIA analysis file from 1955 that helps show how sightings moved from report to assessment inside the intelligence record.
CIA-UAP-D020, Memorandum on Unconventional Aircraft Sightings, 1955
This memorandum summarizes a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) debriefing of a group of four individuals who reported observing a “flying saucer” or “unconventional aircraft” in 1955. The group, which included U.S. Senator Richard Russell, a U.S. military service member, and two U.S. Government officials, reported observing a luminescent “greenish-yellow” phenomenon, as seen from aboard a train while traveling within the Soviet Union, in present-day Azerbaijan, between Baku and Tiflis (Tbilisi, Georgia). The document concludes by stating that the observation can “probably be explained as steep climbing aircraft or missiles,” and that “the evidence does not appear sufficiently firm to warrant the conclusion that the Soviets have developed […] a radically new type of aircraft.” The document “CIA-UAP-D021” contains a contemporary analysis of the incident.
Editor's note: A 1955 CIA memo on unconventional aircraft sightings — useful for understanding how intelligence channels treated unexplained aerial reports during the Cold War.
NASA-UAP-D032, STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 3, 1996
During STS-80, between November 19 and December 7, 1996, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured a series of three images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit. In the third photograph, the object is visible near the center of the frame, superimposed against the Earth. It appears to have continued along a trajectory passing between Columbia and the Earth.
NASA-UAP-D031, STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 2, 1996
During STS-80, between November 19 and December 7, 1996, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured a series of three images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit. In the second photograph, the object is visible near the center of the frame, to the right of the limb of the Earth. It appears to have rotated or tumbled about its major axis, which is consistent with the behavior of a free-floating object.
NASA-UAP-D030, STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 1, 1996
During STS-80, between November 19 and December 7, 1996, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured a series of three images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit. In the first photograph, the object is visible near the center of the frame, to the right of the limb of the Earth.
Editor's note: A NASA image from Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-80 mission showing an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit. Visually compelling, but best treated as a source image for review rather than a determination. War.gov's Release 04 page references the STS-80 image set in the carousel/record text.
DOW-UAP-PR115, Unresolved UAP Report, Gulf of America, 2019
The United States Air Force submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 8 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2019. 00:01-00:02: An area of contrast is visible near the center of the sensor field-of-view, partially obscured by visual elements of the heads-up display. 00:03-00:06: The sensor zooms and pans to track the area of contrast, which visually flickers in the display. 00:07-00:08: No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance. AARO Comment: Infrared sensor systems capture information within a specific range of electromagnetic wavelengths. When a tracked source’s temperature is similar to that of the surrounding environment, it can visually blend into the background or appear to flicker due to dynamic contrast adjustments applied by the system’s auto-gain control filters.
DOW-UAP-PR113, Unresolved UAP Report, Western United States, 1996
The United States Navy Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) transferred this media to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in 2022. The video contains 2 minutes and 57 seconds of footage likely captured by an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 1996. Video Description: No formal data handling practices for UAP-related records existed at the time this media was reported to the UAPTF. This media was digitally altered before being reported to the UAPTF, and is presented as it was received by AARO. 00:01-00:13: No content. 00:14-00:17: An area of contrast transits the sensor field-of-view, entering near the upper right corner and exiting near the lower left corner of the frame. 00:18-01:21: The footage repeats frame-by-frame. 01:22-02:13: The footage repeats at a slower playback speed. 02:14-02:56: The footage holds on a frame extracted from the first 17 seconds of the video. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR105, Unresolved UAP Report, East China Sea, 2025
The United States Indo-Pacific Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 5 minutes of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2025. Video Description: 00:01-00:14: The sensor pans to track an area of contrast, keeping it generally centered within the center of the frame. 00:15-00:19: The sensor adjusts, and the image is momentarily overlaid with black rectangular areas. 00:20-1:34: The sensor pans to track an area of contrast, keeping it generally centered within the center of the frame. Portions of the area of contrast intermittently lose distinctiveness against the background throughout this segment. 01:35-02:05: The sensor zooms in, panning from right to left to track the area of contrast. The area of contrast exits the scene from the right edge of the frame several times. 02:06-04:59: The sensor zooms out and in several times, and pans the field-of-view against the background. No content. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-PR104, Unresolved UAP Report, Yellow Sea, 2025
The United States Indo-Pacific Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 18 seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2025. Video Description: 00:01-00:15: The sensor pans to track an area of contrast resembling a six-pointed star, keeping it generally centered within the center of the screen. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
DOW-UAP-D097, Project Sign Progress Report, 1948
This file contains an initial report from the Air Materiel Command regarding Project Sign. Project Sign was a 1948-1949 U.S. Air Force program to investigate the nature and origin of unidentified flying objects (UFO). The report details 100 UFO sightings from 1947-1948. The file also contains an article excerpted from “The Aeroplane,” an aviation-focused periodical magazine published between 1911 and 1968, titled “The Biology of the Flying Saucer.”
DOW-UAP-D094, Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States, 1949
This file contains a U.S. Air Force (USAF) Air Intelligence Division study, “Analysis of Flying Object Incidents in the United States,” Study No. 203, dated 04/28/1949. The analysis includes an assessment of various reported unidentified flying object (UFO) incidents and theories to account for their nature and origin. Overall, the study assesses that “it appears that some object has been seen; however, the identification of that object cannot be readily accomplished.” The study offers that two “reasonable” origins might account for the phenomena: technologies of a domestic or foreign origin. It also suggests that, if foreign, it is prudent for the United States to assume that UFO observations are attributable to scientific, military, or intelligence activities of the Soviet Union, and, in that case, to take seriously the threat such objects may pose. The file also contains selected contemporary UFO reports and examples of experimental “flying wing” type aircraft planforms that might account for certain commonly reported UFO characteristics. AARO Comment: This file appears to be a later revision of the file contained in DOW-UAP-D093, whose content is substantively similar.
Editor's note: Early Air Force analysis of flying-object reports from 1949 — a valuable historical baseline for how the government first tried to categorize unexplained aerial incidents.
DOE-UAP-D004, Los Alamos Conference on Aerial Phenomena, 1949
This document is a transcript of a 1949 conference held at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (now Los Alamos National Laboratory), Los Alamos, New Mexico. Attendees included several eminent scientists and physicists, many of whom had contributed to the development of the first nuclear weapons during the Manhattan Project. The purpose of the conference was to discuss and gather hypotheses to account for the nature and origin of a phenomenon involving “green fireballs” that had been reported over a period of several months in the vicinity of the laboratory. The group did not come to a consensus on a likely attribution for the phenomenon, though a leading hypothesis was that the observations may have been related to meteors entering the atmosphere at a shallow angle and high altitude. Dr. Edward Teller suggested that if not a “material body,” an “electron phenomenon” might be the cause, while Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, an expert specializing in meteorics, expressed that “nothing like this, to [his] knowledge, has ever been observed in the case of meteorite drops.”
