DaveC426913
Valued Senior Member
Excerpted from Abstract:
Fast astronomical transients were observed by the VASCO Project (Villarroel et al., 2020) in photographic sky surveys conducted in the 1950s ... By analyzing pairs of plates taken in rapid sequence (about 30 minutes apart) of the same sky regions, we find evidence of transients similar to those previously reported by the VASCO Project for POSS plates. While the analysis is ongoing, one notable result is that our findings independently confirm that these transients exhibit systematically narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) compared to stellar point spread functions. This provides further support for their interpretation as sub-second optical flashes, consistent with reflections from flat, rotating objects in orbit around Earth.
Excerpted from conclusion:
This paper describes the basics of an ongoing experiment designed to independently verify and support the findings of the VASCO project. In particular, it addresses the existence and properties of fast celestial transients recorded in archival photographic plates taken decades ago. While such transients are difficult to reconcile within a conventional astronomical framework, they are consistent with sub-second optical glints produced by sunlight reflecting from flat surfaces on rotating objects transiting above Earth’s atmosphere. Given the potential implications for SETI-related research, establishing a robust observational basis for the reality and behavior of these events is of clear importance.
Fast astronomical transients were observed by the VASCO Project (Villarroel et al., 2020) in photographic sky surveys conducted in the 1950s ... By analyzing pairs of plates taken in rapid sequence (about 30 minutes apart) of the same sky regions, we find evidence of transients similar to those previously reported by the VASCO Project for POSS plates. While the analysis is ongoing, one notable result is that our findings independently confirm that these transients exhibit systematically narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) compared to stellar point spread functions. This provides further support for their interpretation as sub-second optical flashes, consistent with reflections from flat, rotating objects in orbit around Earth.
Excerpted from conclusion:
This paper describes the basics of an ongoing experiment designed to independently verify and support the findings of the VASCO project. In particular, it addresses the existence and properties of fast celestial transients recorded in archival photographic plates taken decades ago. While such transients are difficult to reconcile within a conventional astronomical framework, they are consistent with sub-second optical glints produced by sunlight reflecting from flat surfaces on rotating objects transiting above Earth’s atmosphere. Given the potential implications for SETI-related research, establishing a robust observational basis for the reality and behavior of these events is of clear importance.
