Earlier this week, Congress held its first hearing on UFOs in 50 years. While the nation is abuzz, the hearing concluded that these objects are a threat but are not extraterrestrial. This has already spurred murmurs of “cover up,” so people want to document their own findings. This can be done with two fairly common tools: a telescope and a smartphone.
It’s been nearly a year since the U.S. intelligence community released its preliminary assessment on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). On June 25, 2021, the 9-page document outlined the tracking of 144 reports that originated from U.S. government sources. While the bulk of these sightings were labeled such benign names as “airborne clutter” or “natural atmospheric phenomena,” there were a few instances when the object “appeared to display unusual flight characteristics or signature management.”
In its report from 2021, the office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded that most of the reports of UAPs were regarding “objects that interrupted preplanned training or other military activity.” Where these objects came from was irrelevant. The concern was if they were a threat to both safety and national security.
Due to the long-standing stigma surrounding UFOs, critical data wasn’t being reported. Pilots were hesitant about coming forward with sightings. The 2021 report and the hearing were a way to remove much of the negativity associated with experiencing a UAP.
These efforts were successful. The number of reported UAP encounters has risen from the 144 documented in last year’s report to roughly 400 sightings. However, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Scott Bray, one of the individuals who are responsible for overseeing the Pentagon’s new task force, expects this number to drop again. This is because many of these new sightings were historical or anecdotal.
Along with Bray, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ronald Moultrie leads this project. Two other goals that emerged during the hearing were the need for the government to be more transparent with declassifying information and more aggressive about combating disinformation. While conspiracy theorists may see this as a means to control the narrative, Bray and Moultrie insist declassifying sensitive information could be a risk to national security. Additionally, false images or false encounters that are being promoted by organizations, civilians or other countries will only divert the task force from its primary mission. This presents a need for a greater effort to combat this misinformation.
Whatever your stance on the UFO hearing is, the good news is it has served its purpose. People who were once hesitant to come out about their experience with the unidentifiable have already started to share personal accounts on social media. While many of these accounts may never be able to be verified, it opens the door to more individual investigations.
One of the most frustrating aspects of unexplained phenomena is the lack of clarity of the evidence. There’s never a clear photo of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster or a spacecraft. Images are always blurry and hard to decipher, making the documentation speculation rather than evidence.
Now, however, the average consumer can afford the high-tech equipment needed to capture visual proof. Many people might already own all the gear they need. While you might think you require access to an observatory and must buy a camera for five or six figures, all you need is the right telescope and a smartphone. In some instances, you might even get by with the wrong telescope, as long as you have the right smartphone adapter.
Capturing a UAP isn’t going to be easy. It will require a great deal of patience and a whole lot of luck. But the good news is, while you are waiting for your chance to snap that shot that finally proves intelligent alien life exists, you can hone your photography skills. Here are a few tips that can help you do just that.
This popular model comes with a free smartphone adapter and a wireless camera remote to facilitate taking pictures. The adjustable tripod secures the telescope in a wide variety of viewing positions, while the coated lens helps create more stunning images.
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This beginner’s telescope comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a finderscope and more. The included phone adapter makes it easy to capture images of objects in the sky.
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If you are new to the hobby, this entry-level model has features that help you achieve better results faster. The upgraded tripod provides greater stability and the wired phone controller is more reliable than Bluetooth.
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Goskey is a respected name in optics. This spotting scope can be used for astronomical observation and photography. The high-quality prism increases light transmission, while the nitrogen-filled design can withstand harsh environments without leaking or fogging.
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Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope
If you are ready to step up to a more expensive option, this computerized telescope comes with a database of over 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope can locate and track objects, but it does not come with a phone adapter. To mount your phone, you will also need to purchase the Celestron 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter.
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
