Within NASA UAP
When Fast UFOs Are Measurement Problems
Claims about impossible speed or acceleration often depend on missing distance, timing, calibration, and sensor context.
On this page
- Why distance changes the whole story
- Calibration and metadata failures
- How performance claims should be checked
Page outline Jump by section
Introduction
Many of the most dramatic UFO and UAP claims depend on a simple assumption: that an object’s speed, distance, size and acceleration are known. In practice, those quantities are often unknown or only loosely estimated. NASA’s 2023 UAP study highlighted a recurring problem in the available evidence: poor sensor calibration, missing metadata, a lack of multiple measurements and insufficient baseline information. When those gaps exist, extraordinary performance can be an artefact of incomplete measurement rather than a property of the object itself. [NASA Science+2NASA]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
This distinction matters for the history of failed UFO predictions. Predictions of alien technology, revolutionary propulsion or imminent disclosure have frequently relied on reports that appeared to show impossible manoeuvres. Yet when investigators obtain additional sensor information, reconstruct geometry more carefully or identify instrument limitations, the apparent impossibility often shrinks or disappears. NASA’s evidence standards are designed precisely to prevent uncertainty from being mistaken for confirmation. [NASA Science+2NASA Science]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
Why Distance Changes the Whole Story
The most important missing variable in many UAP videos is distance.
A camera records angular motion: how fast something moves across the field of view. To convert that into real speed, investigators need to know how far away the object is. Without a reliable distance estimate, a single video can support radically different interpretations.
An object that appears to race across the horizon could be:
- A nearby object moving slowly. [defensescoop.com]defensescoop.comuap aaro findings go fast puerto rico mt etna objectsparallax' makes it look like the object is moving much faster.” He said AARO officials wrote a paper on parallax that was released on the… * A distant object moving quickly. [defensescoop.com]defensescoop.comuap aaro findings go fast puerto rico mt etna objectsparallax' makes it look like the object is moving much faster.” He said AARO officials wrote a paper on parallax that was released on the…
- A stationary or drifting object viewed from a moving aircraft.
- An object whose apparent motion is amplified by camera tracking systems.
The result is that extraordinary speed claims can emerge from ordinary geometry. NASA’s study specifically noted that missing measurements and metadata make it difficult to determine fundamental quantities such as position and motion. [NASA Science+2Nevada Current]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
This problem is especially important because many UFO narratives begin with statements such as “the object accelerated instantly” or “it travelled thousands of miles per hour”. Those conclusions require reliable distance and timing data. If either variable is uncertain, the derived performance estimate may be unreliable as well.
The Parallax Trap
Parallax is one of the most common ways ordinary motion can appear extraordinary.
Parallax occurs when the observer moves. From a fast-moving aircraft, a nearby object can seem to streak across the landscape even if it is travelling slowly relative to the air around it. Conversely, distant objects may appear almost stationary.
The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) has repeatedly highlighted parallax when reviewing well-known UAP footage. In discussions of the “GoFast” video, officials explained that geometry and observer motion can make an object appear dramatically faster than it actually is. Public case reviews and later analyses concluded that the observed motion was consistent with a much slower object than early interpretations suggested. [DefenseScoop+2AARO]defensescoop.comuap aaro findings go fast puerto rico mt etna objectsparallax' makes it look like the object is moving much faster.” He said AARO officials wrote a paper on parallax that was released on the…
The lesson is not that every sighting is explained. Rather, it is that apparent speed cannot be treated as measured speed unless the geometry is known.
Calibration and Metadata Failures
A sensor is not a neutral witness. Every camera, radar system and infrared tracker has limitations, settings and processing rules that affect what it records.
NASA identified poor calibration and missing metadata as major obstacles in UAP analysis. Metadata includes information such as sensor orientation, zoom level, aircraft position, tracking mode, environmental conditions and timing information. Without it, investigators may not know exactly how an image was produced. [NASA Science+2NASA]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
This matters because modern military and aviation sensors are highly complex. A bright infrared source can bloom. Tracking software can introduce visual effects. Stabilisation systems can alter how movement appears. If analysts do not know the sensor state at the moment of recording, they may mistake instrument behaviour for object behaviour.
NASA’s report explicitly noted that some apparent UAP have later been shown to be sensor artefacts once calibration and metadata were examined closely. [Wikisource]en.wikisource.orgResponses to Statement of TaskNASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Independent…14 Oct 2023 — Indeed, several apparent UAP have been demonstrated to be s…
When Rotation Is Not Rotation
The widely discussed “Gimbal” video illustrates how sensor behaviour can influence interpretation.
Early public discussion often focused on the apparent rotation of the object, with some commentators presenting it as evidence of unconventional flight characteristics. Subsequent technical analyses argued that much of the observed rotation could be explained by the optical and mechanical behaviour of the targeting system itself, including the interaction between glare and camera movement. While debate continues over some details, the case demonstrates how difficult it is to infer vehicle performance from imagery without complete sensor information. [Boing Boing+3Metabunk+3YouTube]metabunk.orgDoes the beginning part of Gimbal debunk the claim that…13 Oct 2021 — Mick West said: What's happening here is a roll without…
The key point is methodological. If an apparent manoeuvre disappears when the sensor mechanics are modelled correctly, then the manoeuvre was never evidence of extraordinary performance in the first place.
Why Single-Sensor Sightings Are Weak Evidence
NASA repeatedly emphasised the value of multiple independent measurements. A single video or radar contact can be informative, but it rarely provides enough information to calculate performance with confidence. [NASA Science+2NASA]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
Suppose a video suggests extreme acceleration. Investigators would ideally want:
- Optical imagery.
- Infrared imagery.
- Radar tracking.
- Precise timing data.
- Aircraft position and motion data.
- Environmental information.
When several independent sensors agree, confidence increases. When only one sensor records an event, there are many more opportunities for misinterpretation.
NASA noted that very few publicly discussed UAP cases contain the complete package of measurements needed for robust scientific analysis. [Nevada Current+2Rev]nevadacurrent.comnasa report finds no evidence that ufos are extraterrestrialanomalous phenomena. Bottom line: The study team found no evidence… Analysis of this data is “hampered by poor sensor calibration, the…
This creates a recurring pattern in UFO history: a remarkable claim is made from a limited dataset, but the claim cannot be tested because the supporting measurements are incomplete.
How Performance Claims Should Be Checked
NASA’s evidence framework suggests a straightforward approach for evaluating spectacular UAP performance claims.
First, establish distance. If distance is unknown, speed estimates are often speculative.
Second, examine sensor calibration and metadata. Determine how the instrument was operating and whether artefacts could affect interpretation.
Third, compare multiple sensor sources. Independent confirmation is far more persuasive than a single recording.
Fourth, reconstruct the geometry. Observer motion, viewing angle and parallax must be accounted for before calculating acceleration or velocity.
Finally, compare the event against known baselines. Investigators need to know how ordinary aircraft, balloons, drones, atmospheric phenomena and sensor artefacts appear under similar conditions. NASA specifically identified the lack of baseline data as a major obstacle in current UAP investigations. [NASA Science+2Nevada Current]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
AARO’s more recent case-resolution work follows the same logic. Several cases initially perceived as anomalous were later attributed to balloons, birds, drones, geometry effects or sensor artefacts after additional analysis became available. The office has repeatedly stated that many unresolved cases remain constrained by incomplete sensor data rather than by confirmed evidence of extraordinary technology. New York Post+3U.S. Department of War+3ABC7 San Francisco [media. defense.gov]media.defense.govFY24 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT ON UAP 508Department of WarFiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Annual Report on…14 Nov 2024 — AARO resolved 118 cases during… art capabilities lead…
What This Means for Failed UFO Predictions
The history of failed UFO predictions contains a recurring evidential mistake: treating unknown performance as proven extraordinary performance.
When a sighting lacks reliable distance measurements, complete metadata, calibration records or corroborating sensors, claims of impossible speed and acceleration become difficult to verify. What appears to be evidence for alien craft, secret propulsion systems or imminent disclosure may instead reflect the limits of the measurement process itself. [NASA Science+2CBS News]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
NASA’s contribution to the debate is not primarily an explanation of every UAP. It is a reminder that unresolved observations are not automatically evidence for extraordinary conclusions. Before a claim of impossible flight can support broader predictions about UFOs, the underlying measurements must first survive the more mundane challenge of proving that the performance was measured correctly at all. [NASA Science+2NASA]science.nasa.govNASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me…
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Endnotes
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Source: science.nasa.gov
Link: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/uap-independent-study-team-final-report.pdfSource snippet
NASA ScienceIndependent Study Team ReportAt present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sensor calibration, the lack of multiple me...
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Source: nasa.gov
Title: update nasa shares uap independent study report names director
Link: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/update-nasa-shares-uap-independent-study-report-names-director/Source snippet
UPDATE: NASA Shares UAP Independent Study Report14 Sept 2023 — We found that NASA can help the whole-of-government UAP effort through sys...
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Source: science.nasa.gov
Link: https://science.nasa.gov/uap/Source snippet
NASA ScienceUAP9 Jun 2022 — The study will focus on identifying available data, how best to collect future data, and how NASA can use tha...
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Source: rev.com
Link: https://www.rev.com/transcripts/unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-independent-study-report-from-nasa-transcriptSource snippet
tion that involves calibrating instruments, multiple...Read more...
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Source: defensescoop.com
Title: uap aaro findings go fast puerto rico mt etna objects
Link: https://defensescoop.com/2024/11/19/uap-aaro-findings-go-fast-puerto-rico-mt-etna-objects/Source snippet
parallax' makes it look like the object is moving much faster.” He said AARO officials wrote a paper on parallax that was released on the...
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Source: aaro.mil
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/UAP-Cases/UAP-Case-Resolution-Reports/ -
Source: en.wikisource.org
Title: Responses to Statement of Task
Link: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/NASA_Unidentified_Anomalous_Phenomena%3A_Independent_Study_Team_Report/Responses_to_Statement_of_TaskSource snippet
NASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Independent...14 Oct 2023 — Indeed, several apparent UAP have been demonstrated to be s...
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Source: metabunk.org
Link: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/does-the-beginning-part-of-gimbal-debunk-the-claim-that-the-object-rotates.12068/Source snippet
Does the beginning part of Gimbal debunk the claim that...13 Oct 2021 — Mick West said: What's happening here is a roll without...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: You Tube Gimbal UFO
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsEjV8DdSbsSource snippet
Gimbal UFO - A New AnalysisThe gimbal ufo video almost certainly shows a glare that hides the actual object and that the shape of the gla...
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Source: metabunk.org
Title: GIMBAL Video of U.S
Link: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/nyt-gimbal-video-of-u-s-navy-jet-encounter-with-unknown-object.9333/page-3Source snippet
Navy Jet Encounter with Unknown...Dec 16, 2017 — There's a great example of fighter jets on FLIR here, which I compare side-by-side to t...
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Source: [media]({{ ‘media/’ | relative_url }}). defense.gov
Title: FY24 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT ON UAP 508
Link: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Nov/14/2003583603/-1/-1/0/FY24-CONSOLIDATED-ANNUAL-REPORT-ON-UAP-508.PDFSource snippet
Department of WarFiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Annual Report on...14 Nov 2024 — AARO resolved 118 cases during... art capabilities lead...
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Source: aaro.mil
Title: Official UAP Imagery
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/UAP-Cases/Official-UAP-Imagery/Source snippet
UAP ImageryIn 2022, the United States Africa Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly...
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Source: aaro.mil
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/Source snippet
AARO HomeUnidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) means (A) airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable; (B) transmedium objects...
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Source: aaro.mil
Title: Puerto Rico UAP Case Resolution
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/Portals/136/PDFs/case_resolution_reports/AARO_Puerto_Rico_UAP_Case_Resolution.pdfSource snippet
20 Mar 2025 — AARO assesses with high confidence1 that the objects did not exhibit anomalous behavior or transmedium capabilities. AARO a...
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Source: aaro.mil
Title: UAP Records
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/UAP-Records/Source snippet
/Information Papers13 Feb 2026 — In August 2025, AARO sponsored a workshop on UAP Narrative Data, Infrastructures, and Analysis in partne...
Published: August 2025
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Source: nasa.gov
Link: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-to-release-discuss-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-report/Source snippet
NASA to Release, Discuss Unidentified Anomalous...12 Sept 2023 — NASA to Release, Discuss Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Report...
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Source: youtube.com
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXBsIOGsZE0 -
Source: metabunk.org
Title: gimbal glare rotation clouds and angles.14625
Link: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/gimbal-glare-rotation-clouds-and-angles.14625/Source snippet
GImbal Glare, Rotation, Clouds, and Angles8 Dec 2025 — Mick West said: "Defying physics" is a a bit much, but it would be moving in a ver...
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Source: metabunk.org
Title: If there is some then you should be able to demonstrate it
Link: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/automated-motion-tracking-in-videos-like-gimbal-and-gofast.12299/Source snippet
Automated Motion Tracking in Videos Like Gimbal and...Feb 26, 2022 — Mick West said: There's very little, if any, parallax in the clouds...
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Source: metabunk.org
Title: nasa panel analyzes go fast.13174
Link: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/nasa-panel-analyzes-go-fast.13174/Source snippet
NASA panel analyzes GO FAST19 Sept 2023 — NASA did an analysis but didn't take into account turn rate or wind or something and got the lo...
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Source: metabunk.org
Title: aaro 2024 annual report on uap.13762
Link: https://www.metabunk.org/threads/aaro-2024-annual-report-on-uap.13762/Source snippet
AARO 2024 Annual Report on UAP14 Nov 2024 — AARO S&T has published a number of educational reports identifying key artifacts that arise f...
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Source: defensescoop.com
Link: https://defensescoop.com/2023/10/18/dods-all-domain-anomaly-resolution-office-is-now-investigating-more-than-800-uap-cases/Source snippet
DOD's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office confirms...18 Oct 2023 — A new Pentagon report confirms that AARO has received a total of 801...
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Source: war.gov
Title: dod examining unidentified anomalous phenomena
Link: https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3965403/dod-examining-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena/Source snippet
14 Nov 2024 — AARO continues to see a density of UAP reports near U.S. military assets and sensors. However, this density has been reduce...
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Source: en.wikisource.org
Link: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page%3AUAP_Independent_Study_Team_-_Final_Report.pdf/5Source snippet
wikisource.orgPage:UAP Independent Study Team - Final Report.pdf/512 Nov 2023 — At present, analysis of UAP data is hampered by poor sens...
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Source: en.wikisource.org
Title: Page:UAP Independent Study Team Final Report
Link: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page%3AUAP_Independent_Study_Team_-_Final_Report.pdf/15Source snippet
wikisource.orgPage:UAP Independent Study Team - Final Report.pdf/1512 Nov 2023 — Indeed, several apparent UAP have been demonstrated to b...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: The SHOCKING Math Error Behind Viral UFO Videos | Mick West
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypfbhfEXnBoSource snippet
UFO Videos Explained: Mick West's Expert Analysis...
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Title: UFO Videos Explained: Mick West’s Expert Analysis
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_4QF__92q0Source snippet
VFX Artists DEBUNK Pentagon UFO Videos...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: VFX Artists DEBUNK Pentagon UFO Videos
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDlfIaBEqwSource snippet
Here's What We Really Know About These Pentagon UFO Videos...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: Here’s What We Really Know About These Pentagon UFO Videos
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McVqKmUaaokSource snippet
Pentagon UFO Footage Looks Impossible. Here's the Catch...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: Pentagon UFO Footage Looks Impossible. Here’s the Catch
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3rZqkAvPVQSource snippet
The SHOCKING Math Error Behind Viral UFO Videos | Mick West - YouTube The SHOCKING Math Error Behind Viral UFO Videos | Mick West - YouTube...
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Source: youtu.be
Title: TWi T Tech Podcast Network
Link: https://youtu.be/ciopi2r7j-kSource snippet
"Get "Escaping the Rabbit Hole" on Amazon (Affiliate Link): [https://amzn.to/42HqpK1..."](https://amzn.to/42HqpK1...")...
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Source: cbsnews.com
Title: nasa ufo report uap study
Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-ufo-report-uap-study/Source snippet
NASA UAP report finds no evidence of "extraterrestrial...14 Sept 2023 — An independent group of scientist and experts convened by NASA f...
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Source: nevadacurrent.com
Title: [nasa report]({{ ‘nasa-report/’ | relative_url }}) finds no evidence that ufos are extraterrestrial
Link: https://nevadacurrent.com/2023/09/18/nasa-report-finds-no-evidence-that-ufos-are-extraterrestrial/Source snippet
anomalous phenomena. Bottom line: The study team found no evidence... Analysis of this data is “hampered by poor sensor calibration, the...
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Source: boingboing.net
Title: navy ufo moves with camera mechanisms in glaring problem for alien fans
Link: https://boingboing.net/2022/03/14/navy-ufo-moves-with-camera-mechanisms-in-glaring-problem-for-alien-fans.htmlSource snippet
"Navy UFO" moves with camera mechanisms in glaring...14 Mar 2022 — The UFO bumps, turns and rolls with camera gimbal movements, and West...
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Source: abc7news.com
Title: ufo sitings ordinary phenomena pentagon
Link: https://abc7news.com/post/ufo-sitings-ordinary-phenomena-pentagon/13936528/Source snippet
ABC7 San FranciscoMost UFO reports likely to be 'ordinary,' government says...Oct 19, 2023 — The report cites "gaps in domain awareness...
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Source: nypost.com
Link: https://nypost.com/2024/11/14/us-news/pentagon-says-nearly-two-dozen-ufo-sightings-cant-be-explained-true-anomalies/Source snippet
The "all-domain anomaly resolution office" (AARO) identified 21 reports as "true anomalies" needing further investigation. Most sightings...
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Source: dvidshub.net
Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/973055/pr-003-unresolved-uap-report-africa-2023Source snippet
PR-003, Unresolved UAP Report, Africa 2023The available data is insufficient to evaluate the phenomenon's performance characteristics. VI...
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Source: dvidshub.net
Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/880271/south-asian-object-2Source snippet
South Asian Object 2Videos depicting an unidentified object with an apparent atmospheric wake or cavitation trailing it as it moved acros...
Additional References
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/167nwhe/aaros_videos_the_us_government_cannot_identify/Source snippet
AAROs Videos: The US Government cannot identify...AARO has posted another unresolved case (video): "This footage, captured by an infrare...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/166dk0u/according_to_aaros_new_website_the_flir_gimbal/Source snippet
According to AARO's new website, the FLIR, Gimbal and...AARO has posted another unresolved case (video): "This footage, captured by an i...
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Source: primitiveproton.com
Link: https://primitiveproton.com/unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-uap/ -
Source: wired.com
Link: https://www.wired.com/story/nasa-ufos-aliens-report-2023Source snippet
The agency stressed the need to shift the conversation from sensationalism to science and eliminate the [stigma]({{ 'stigma/' | relative_url }}) associated with reporting...
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Source: skyandtelescope.org
Title: nasa finds no evidence ufos are extraterrestrial promises further study
Link: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/nasa-finds-no-evidence-ufos-are-extraterrestrial-promises-further-study/Source snippet
NASA Finds No Evidence UFOs Are Extraterrestrial...15 Sept 2023 — An independent study shows how NASA can help understand unidentified a...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1bfmuzz/for_those_who_dont_know_the_gimbal_and_gofast/Source snippet
For those who don't know, the Gimbal and GoFast videos...Gimbal UFO - A New Analysis: Mick West lays out the more mundane explanations f...
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Source: petapixel.com
Title: famous navy ufo video was actually camera glare evidence suggests
Link: https://petapixel.com/2022/03/14/famous-navy-ufo-video-was-actually-camera-glare-evidence-suggests/Source snippet
Famous Navy UFO Video Was Actually Camera Glare...14 Mar 2022 — Analysis of the poster child for UFO footage indicate it is not anything...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1gv8xak/aaro_has_resolved_the_go_fast_uap/Source snippet
Wind speed at that altitude was 60 knots. Object moved in a relatively straight...Read more...
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Source: leonarddavid.com
Title: nasa report released unidentified anomalous phenomena uap
Link: https://www.leonarddavid.com/nasa-report-released-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-uap/Source snippet
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) – UPDATED14 Sept 2023 — NASA has released its Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) report comple...
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Source: avweb.com
Title: nasa report no aliens but more uap investigations needed
Link: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/nasa-report-no-aliens-but-more-uap-investigations-needed/Source snippet
NASA Report: No Aliens, But More UAP Investigations...15 Sept 2023 — NASA said its investigation of unidentified anomalous phenomena or...
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