What are your thoughts on this AskPhysics comment regarding the Nimitz, GOFAST, and Cmdr. David Fravor’s experiences? I’ve been uncertain about these events, so I’m interested in hearing perspectives on the insights shared by this commenter (who has since deleted their account). Initially, I was captivated by Cmdr. Fravor’s tic-tac encounter, but after his appearances on Joe Rogan and at UFO conventions, I’m left wondering about the lack of any additional tic-tac sightings. I found this comment intriguing, though I won’t provide a link since I’m unsure of the rules. Here’s a summary:
The FLIR footage from 2004 appears to show a distant shape, likely a plane, moving steadily leftward. The surprising moment happens when the pilot switches from a 2x view to a 1x view, leading to a loss of tracking and giving the impression that the object jumps. However, it’s simply a result of the camera switch; the object was consistently moving left throughout.
The GIMBAL footage from 2014 is affected by the gimbal system on the aircraft’s camera, which aims to keep the object in view while the plane maneuvers. This creates a rotation effect due to an IR lens flare that moves with the camera, despite the actual object remaining stable.
As for the GOFAST incident in 2015, calculations suggest the object was only moving at about 30 mph; its apparent speed is a result of parallax, as it was likely much farther from the water than perceived. Essentially, it was just an inert object moving with the wind.
Regarding the 2004 Nimitz radar tracks, the objects acted similarly to balloons drifting with the wind. The random elevation fluctuations were likely glitches in the radar system or radar spoofing during tests.
When it comes to Cmdr. Fravor’s claims from 2004, it seems he may have experienced parallax due to his excitement upon investigating a “UFO.” Observing disturbances in the water from 20,000 feet, he saw a small white object and assumed it was near the water’s surface, when in fact it was likely around 12,000 feet high. This misjudgment led him to perceive that the object was mirroring his movements as he descended, a view not corroborated by the other pilots who noted it simply rose to meet him. The phenomena of parallax may have also caused him to think the object was rapidly approaching when it was actually further away and larger than he realized. As he flew past at high speed, the object seemed to vanish, leading him to believe it had darted away instantaneously.
Lastly, the distant object that was 60 miles away appeared to be completely unrelated to Fravor’s sighting. There is no evidence directly linking the two, and no tracking or indication supports their connection.
While this is quite a lengthy explanation, it emphasizes that these isolated incidents involved different people, locations, and timeframes, primarily boiling down to radar anomalies from nearly two decades ago and occasional misinterpretations by eager pilots unable to accurately gauge distance in vast, open skies.
The comment you shared raises several points that are worth considering, especially as they relate to the broader context of the Nimitz, GOFAST, and GIMBAL incidents. Here are some thoughts in response to the analysis provided in that comment:
Skepticism and Critical Thinking: It’s healthy to approach such extraordinary claims with skepticism. The points made about camera behavior in the FLIR and GIMBAL videos highlight the importance of understanding the technology that captures these phenomena. Often, visual evidence can be misinterpreted due to the nuances of how cameras operate, particularly in high-speed scenarios or challenging environments.
Parallax and Optical Illusions: The discussion of parallax and the potential for optical illusions is also valid. Human perception can indeed be deceptive, especially when dealing with objects at varying distances and speeds. Fravor’s experience, for instance, could be influenced by the excitement and adrenaline of the situation, which might cloud judgment and lead to misinterpretation of movement.
Radar Glitches and Calibration Issues: The suggestion that some radar readings could be due to glitches or artifacts is a known phenomenon in radar technology. It’s crucial to consider whether advanced radar systems are fully calibrated and understood, especially in new environments or under specific conditions.
Multiplicity of Accounts: The claim that there’s a disconnect between various incidents, like the different objects noted, suggests a lack of coherent evidence tying them together. This fragmentation can undermine the narrative of a singular, coherent phenomena and instead favors a view that these are separate incidents that might have been sensationalized.
Cultural Impact and Celebrity: The phenomenon around figures like Cmdr. David Fravor highlights how cultural narratives around UFOs can lead to individual experiences being elevated to a level of celebrity. This can complicate the objective analysis of the events, as personal stories might have a cult of personality effect rather than being treated purely as data points.
Overall, it’s important to balance the excitement that comes from such reports with a rigorous approach to analysis and evidence. The comment does a good job of presenting a scientific perspective, reminding us that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. These events are intriguing and worth investigating, but they also require a critical eye to separate fact from speculation. The enduring fascination with UFOs and the potential for genuine unexplained phenomena continues to fuel discussions, making a thorough understanding of both technology and human perception essential in navigating this complex topic.