Unidentified aerial phenomena II. Evaluation of UAP properties

Abstract: NASA commissioned a research team to study Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), observations of events that cannot scientifically be identified as known natural phenomena. The Main Astronomical Observatory of NAS of Ukraine conducts an independent study of UAP also. For UAP observations, we used two meteor stations installed in Kyiv and in the Vinarivka village in the south of the Kyiv region. Two-side monitoring of the daytime sky led to the detection of two luminous objects at an altitude of 620 and 1130 km, moving at a speed of 256 and 78 km/s. Colorimetric analysis showed that the objects are dark: B - V = 1.35, V - R = 0.23. The size of objects is estimated to be more than 100 meters. The detection of these objects is an experimental fact. Estimates of their characteristics follow from observational data. The authors do not interpret these objects. Daytime sky monitoring in Kyiv with multi-color DSLR camera at a rate of 30 frames per second in August and September 2018 and in Vinarivka with a multi-color CMOS camera in October 2022 revealed several cases of dark objects (phantoms). The time of their existence is, as a rule, a fraction of a second. These are oval-shaped objects ranging in size from 20 to 100 meters with speeds from 2 to 30 km/s.

• The paper presents empirical evidence from synchronized stations, distinguishing luminous 'Cosmics' from dark 'Phantoms'.
• It employs parallax measurements and dynamic frame rates to analyze high-speed movements, revealing velocities up to 256 km/s.
• The analysis integrates colorimetric and size estimations, proposing that low albedo supports radar evasion and transient visibility.

Evaluation of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Properties: Insights and Methodologies

The research presented by Zhilyaev, Petukhov, and Reshetnyk at the Main Astronomical Observatory of NAS of Ukraine offers a systematic exploration of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). This investigation, independently conducted in Ukraine, provides empirical evidence for UAP using meteor stations equipped with advanced imaging technology in Kyiv and Vinarivka. Through meticulous observations, the study categorizes UAP into two distinct types: Cosmics and Phantoms. Cosmics appear as luminous objects surpassing the sky's background brightness, whereas Phantoms are marked by their dark appearance, showing varying contrast levels in the sky. Importantly, both types exhibit extraordinary movement speeds, which present notable challenges for detection.

Observational and Experimental Approach

The researchers utilized two meteor stations within a 120 km baseline to conduct synchronized observations using high-frame-rate cameras. This setup enabled the detection of UAPs, providing data points sufficient to analyze their attributes such as speed, altitude, and size. The analyses were enriched by employing techniques such as parallax measurements and dynamic frame rate adjustments to overcome challenges posed by high-speed transient events.

Key findings included the detection of bright objects at altitudes of 620 and 1130 km moving at 256 and 78 km/s, respectively, revealing an astonishing velocity far exceeding that of any known atmospheric or astronomical phenomena. Furthermore, Phantoms were observed in the troposphere, with recorded dimensions ranging from 20 to 100 meters and velocities up to 30 km/s. These observations were carried out at a frame rate of 30 fps using DSLR and CMOS cameras, highlighting the limitations of conventional recording methods in capturing such fleeting events.

Analytical Techniques and Findings

Colorimetric analysis and size estimation were central to the evaluation of UAP. The paper reports that objects exhibited a dark color profile with B - V and V - R indices of 1.35 and 0.23, respectively, indicating low albedo levels that could contribute to the difficulties of visibility and detection. The theoretical framework posits that Phantoms may partially shield atmospheric radiation, becoming visible only under certain conditions such as Rayleigh scattering—where contrast against the sky is utilized as an approximation for distance measurement.

The data suggests that these entities possess lower albedos, potentially classifying them as near-black bodies, and possibly rendering them invisible to conventional radar systems. This characteristic underlines the importance of integrating astronomical techniques with new observational protocols for enhanced detection and study of UAP.

Implications and Speculations

The findings have several implications: if UAPs are indeed characterized by the properties and behaviors observed, they challenge current understanding of atmospheric objects and phenomena. This warrants further study, not just in the technical methodologies for observation, but also in theoretical models to explain the origins, nature, and potential governance within atmospheric dynamics.

There is an emergent need to develop more robust detection technologies and observational frameworks, potentially involving broader wavelength ranges or enhanced sensor networks, to better understand and categorize these phenomena.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive observational basis for the characterization of UAP, presenting its findings with significant empirical rigor. Nevertheless, much remains to be explored. The nuanced insights necessitate continued focus on both the technical and conceptual levels to untangle the mysteries of UAPs and their interactions with the Earth's atmosphere. Such efforts will rely on cross-disciplinary research and potentially redefine paradigms in atmospheric and space sciences.