UAP Capture Project

Random aerial UAPs are captured utilizing various video camera techniques and technology. In most cases, UAPs are not corroborated by visual sightings. Camera techniques used attempt to ensure elimination of objects near the camera lenses such as insects or birds. An assumption of this project is that UAPs are ubiquitous (Brown, C. 2024). Our reasoning is as follows:

UAP technology is far superior to ours (the5observables.com 2023).
If so, UAP crashes should be almost non-existent. We experience very few aircraft crashes with thousands of flights worldwide everyday. UAP crashes are rare, but not nonexistent. Therefore, UAPs must be literally swarming our skies.
If so, UAPs should be relatively easy to capture at random, given the proper video technology (this project's hypothesis).

Synopsis

most recent update

Materials

Figure 1

Two project cameras are currently the Amcrest IP8M-2899EW-AI, 4K with 25x optical zoom.

This camera uses the Sony Starvis sensor, offering superb low light and NIR at a crop factor of approximately 7. This means the focal length is about 875mm (35mm equiv.) at 25x zoom or about 35mm increase for each zoom step. The cameras capture NIR video at 4K and 30 fps. For Method 2 (see next section) we include a Sony FX30 cinema camera where we can record 4K at 120fps or 1080p at 240fps. An Amcrest NVR model NV4108E-A2 connects the cameras via the NVR's POE connection. The FX30 is run simultaneously with the Amcrest cameras at random daylight hours for a hour or two. The hope is to capture footage on the FX30 that can be examined more closely at the higher frame rate and video quality.

Amcrest IP8M-2899EW-AI and Sony FX30

We record NIR (Near Infrared) using the native capability on the Amcrest cameras and filters on the Sony camera, either a 720nm, 820mm or 950nm one. The Sony has been modified to be a "full spectrum" camera recording into the infrared and UV spectrum as well as visible. Filters are used to admit mostly IR light, depending on the nm (nanometer) rating.

Methods

Using the arrangement is Figure 2 objects captured less than infinity distance will either not show on both camera recordings or not synchronized in position as they move across the field of view (FOV). The cameras are run at various focal lengths. They're aligned to point at the same point at infinity before initiating captures. This is usually done on a clear night by pointing one camera at a bright star, marking the star on the monitor, then pointing the other camera to align with the mark on the monitor,The NVR runs 24/7 and is set at high sensitivity to capture motion events. Motion-captures are reviewed to identify possible UAPs.

Method 1 uses the 2 Amcrest IR (Infrared) security cameras aimed at the same field of view (FOV) and focal length. Both are focused on infinity to ensure distant objects are as clear as possible. Method 2 includes Method 1 with the addition of a 3rd camera of greater video quality and increased frame rate.

Figure 2

To determine a size estimate and speed of an aerial object, the field of view (FOV) is estimated by measuring a known object size (such as a commercial jet), then calculate the FOV based on this and monitor size. In the following example the object, a commercial aircraft, is estimated to be 50 meters in length. Using a scale to measure it on the monitor we obtain a scale length of 10mm. Similarly, W = 1400mm and H = 800mm.

UAPs can exhibit low observability and visible only with NIR cameras. This includes the range of 600nm-1000nm. UAPs often show hypersonic velocities (The 5 Observables 2023).

For this project we use NIR cameras and slowed video scrubbing techniques to sort out any possible UAPs.

To estimate the confidence rating UCR that a phenomenon is a UAP we calculate a rating:

Metrics

Field of View

It's a simple matter now to calculate a FOV estimate,

10mm/50000mm = 1400mm/X or X = 7000000mm = 7000m

similarly the vertical plane's distance Y is,

800/1400 X 7000m = 4000m

So the FOV plane (invisible plane the intersects the aircraft) is 4000x7000 meters. Of course, for the other aircraft the distance will be different. Now, we don't know what kind of aircraft it is, so we might assume a size. The same problem confronts us for UAP size. We either must assume a size (maybe aircraft size?) or find a point of reference to make an educated guess.

Once we know the FOV plane dimensions, we can estimate a speed by using a stop watch to time the aircraft's traversal from start to finish. In this example, the aircraft traversed the screen in 24secs. So, the velocity estimate is,

7000m / 24secs = 292 m/sec = 653 mph

This is in line with commercial jet velocities, although maybe a bit high.

It should be easy to see now why determining metrics for a UAP is so difficult.

Object distances are difficult to estimate for unknown objects such as UAPs. FOV (Field of View) dimensions for known objects must be determined. Once determined, known object altitudes and velocities can be estimated with relative confidence. Since UAPs are rarely filmed with known objects such that UAP size can be estimated, some assumptions have to be made. Once the size of the UAP is assumed, a velocity estimate can be calculated.

If a cloud cover is present and the UAP is captured below the clouds, a maximum distance can be made. Similarly, if the UAP passes behind a cloud cover, a minimum distance can be calculated. If the object is suspected to be a known object, such as a bird, the object size can be estimated at the min/max altitude. For example if the "bird" size calculation estimate turns out to be 20 meters, a "bird" can be ruled out.

UAP Distances, Sizes, Velocities

An event is a candidate for UAP status only if is

unidentifiable (not a plane, bird, etc)
anomalous (exhibits unexpected traits or behavior)

Only then can the UCR score be calculated. For this project at least two, synced cameras captures are required. "Synced" means the cams are pointing at the same location in the FOV and focused on infinity.

Why the synchronization is necessary is illustrated below:

This video is a composite of camera 1 overlaying camera 2. Note how the bird images (there's only one bird) are not aligned. The cameras are separated by about 30cm (10 inches) and are synchronized pointing at a star (infinity, aligned at night). If the bird were at "infinity" it would appear as two closely aligned (horizontally) images. If the bird were a UAP, trying to estimate its speed with one camera is impossible.

In this example the object (aircraft) shows the cameras are aligned in the X axis but a bit off in the Y axis. This acceptable as long as one is aware of the Y axis error.

Results

Videos best viewed full screen.

Hypersonic Velocity - Computed velocity ~ 6300 m/s (14,000 mph)

fl 350mm 30fps

UCR 9

fl 350mm 30fps

UCR 8

fl 350mm 30fps

UCR 8

fl 350mm 30fps

UCR 8

fl 350mm 30fps

UCR 8

1m object, 500mph (Est)

fl 35mm 30fps

UCR 9

Note object passes within clouds. Don’t know if “plumes” at bottom are exhaust or plasma-like discharge. Velocity is not hypersonic, hence UCR9 rating.

fl 35mm 30fps

UCR 9

Another strange one. Barely-visible in IR, apparently huge UAP. Appears to be moving very slowly.

Discussion

As this project just began in Jan 2024, there is not much to discuss at this time. Objectives are to capture possible UAPs while implementing controls to reduce false positives (birds, insects, indentifable aircraft, etc) and characteristics of UAPs including observability (visible spectrum? IR?), velocities and maneuverability. Results and discussion will reflect the project status so be sure and check back periodically.