In this article, we’ll break down the process of analysing UFO/UAP footage using a real-life case submitted by Karl, a registered nurse from Indio, California. Karl captured compelling footage of a strange orb in the sky that appeared to generate smaller orbs, or ‘spit out’ orbs as he describes it. This incident defies conventional explanations, and we’ll walk you through the methods we used to assess the footage and rule out common alternatives. By the end, you'll have actionable steps and resources for analysing sightings yourself.
The Witness Account
Karl provided both video footage and an audio recording detailing his experience. Here’s an excerpt from his statement:
"I was sitting in my car and noticed an orange/reddish orb-like light moving towards me, perhaps 100 to 200 feet in the air. I initially thought it was a helicopter, but as it moved closer, I didn’t see any lights or hear any noise. I immediately hit record, and roughly 3 seconds later, the orb expelled flare-like lights. No smoke noted, and the remaining light sped off to the south."
Karl also submitted metadata, maps, and screenshots showing his location and the object’s position, allowing us to reconstruct the event accurately.
Tools and Methods Used in the Analysis
1. Video Metadata Check
Verified the timestamp and, in many cases GPS location embedded in the footage.
Confirmed no edits or tampering.
2. Flight Tracker Analysis
Used ADSB Exchange to check for any aircraft in the area at the time.
Verified that the footage time, 9:14 PM PST (5:14 AM GMT), matched the metadata.
Cross-checked all flights within a 30-mile radius and 5 minutes of the event.
Found only one commercial airline plane (Skywest Airlines Reg: N283SY) at 6,775 feet, unrelated to the sighting.
3. Proximity to Airports
Calculated distances to local airports:
Bermuda Dunes Airport: ~6 miles.
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport: ~9 miles.
Palm Springs International Airport: ~20 miles.
Ruled out military flare exercises due to proximity to civilian air traffic and strict FAA regulations.
Key Rules and Guidelines:
1. Prohibited in Controlled Airspace Near
Airports:Deploying flares near airports, especially in controlled airspace, is heavily restricted unless explicitly coordinated with the FAA.
Controlled Airspace: Includes areas around major airports where air traffic control (ATC) manages flights.
2. Military Exemptions:
Military aircraft conducting exercises or training may deploy flares but must do so in restricted or special-use airspace designated for such activities.
Deployment near civilian airports requires prior FAA approval and coordination with ATC to avoid civilian flight paths.
4. Sound and Light Analysis
Evaluated the lack of audio (no jet engines or rotor noise, audio, although not 100% accurate in all cases, can be matched to the witness by speaking to them. In this case the witness is heard to say “what in the World?” during the recording).
Checked visual characteristics for smoke trails or burnouts indicative of flares.
Observed consistent, steady illumination without flickering or burn-out effects.
5. Comparison with Similar Sightings
Karl referenced a similar sighting in Salem, Oregon, captured just one day later.
Used AboveUs.io to cross-check reports in near-realtime, as well as local media reports by understanding Google search terms and tricks (location + date + “UFO/UAP”, for example) and found matching descriptions, adding credibility to the case.
Key Observations
No Conventional Aircraft: The flight tracker data eliminated planes, helicopters, and drones as possible sources.
No Military Flares: The object’s duration and behaviour didn’t match magnesium- or phosphorus-based flares. Most conventional flares durning-out well under a minute.
Orb-Like Movement: The main light expelled smaller lights before speeding off—behaviour inconsistent with man-made objects. At least one object moving up, not down.
Multiple Witness Reports: Corroboration from a separate sighting in Oregon supports the anomaly. Local news coverage adding extra credence.
Final Assessment
Based on the available data, this case remains unresolved and qualifies as a true UAP. The lack of conventional explanations combined with corroborating accounts and data makes this a compelling incident worth further investigation.
What You Can Do to Analyse UFO Footage
If you come across strange lights or objects in the sky, follow these steps:
Record the Event:
Use your phone’s camera and enable metadata (timestamp, GPS).
If you can, use a solid surface to rest your camera (like a car roof) preventing movement that could later be attributed to the objet, rather than the human holding the camera.
Zoom out and try and capture landscape to provide assistance with direction, trajectory and speed.
Document Witness Accounts:
Record your own observations at the time and gather testimonies from others nearby.
Analyse Metadata:
Use tools like Photo Exif Editor to confirm timestamps and locations. If you’re provided footage or photos, ask for the metadata.
Check Flight Trackers:
Search ADSB Exchange or FlightRadar24 for aircraft data.
Compare Similar Sightings:
Search UFO databases or apps like AboveUs.io for related reports.
Rule Out Conventional Explanations:
Consider flares, drones, or satellites, or planets (astronomy star map apps help with this Stellarium, for example). Note behaviour and patterns.
Share Responsibly:
Post findings with clear data, avoid speculative claims, and invite expert reviews.
Karl’s case demonstrates how methodical analysis can elevate a sighting from anecdote to credible investigation in a subject full of noise (and intentional misdirection and muddying). By combining witness testimony, video metadata, and flight tracker data, we established this event as a genuine UAP. Whether you’re a casual observer or an aspiring investigator, these tools can help you separate compelling footage from the ordinary.
Watch the full UAP Files podcast analysis and raw footage, along with he witness account here:
Man Jimmy, that’s just great work. I often wonder how you are putting all these things together..are you even human? 😀