t e m p o r a l
d o o r w a y
Measurements, Calculations And Experiments Related To UFOs
Introduction
A surprising number of measurements and scientific experiments have been done in relation to UFOs. The function of this document is to categorize this work and make it available to a broader audience.
- Acceleration Measurements And Calculations
- Speed Measurements And Calculations
- Weight / Volume / Density Measurements And Calculations
- Radiation Output Measurements And Calculations
- Force Field Measurements And Calculations
- Light Beam Calculations and Measurements
- Complex Analyses
Acceleration Measurements And Calculations
Given an object of known size that travels a known distance in a known time from a standing start, it is possible to calculate the linear acceleration. Given an object of known size that travels an arc of known radius in a known time, it is possible to calculate the turning acceleration. Both of these calculations have been performed several times for UFOs.
Here are the equations:
Turning Acceleration[footnote 1]
v = (2 pi r) / t
a = (v^2) / (rg)
where
- a = the turning acceleration in multiples of 1 gravity (32.2 ft / sec / sec or 9.8 m / sec / sec)
- v = the velocity of the object along the arc
- g = earth's gravitational acceleration
- r = radius of the curvature of a circular path
- t = time for 1 cycle
| Case | Witness | Measurements | English Result |
Metric Result |
Calculation By |
| July 16, 1952, Hampton, VA 8PM[footnote
2] Two objects flew toward coast from the sea, flew in a circle around a common center; they were joined by two others and flew away non rotating |
Paul Hill (aeronautical engineer)`, friend, other independent witnesses at other locations | Triangulation from Hill and other witnesses provided distance / altitude; combined with angular size of circle and rate of circling provides circumference of circle and velocity | t = 1 sec r = 100' v = 628 ft / sec (428 mph) a = 122 G |
t = 1 sec r = 30.48 m v = 192 m/sec (689 kph) a = 122 G |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
Linear Acceleration
a = (2d) / ((g)(t^2))
- a = the linear acceleration in multiples of 1 gravity
- g = earth's gravitational acceleration
- t = time from start of measurement
- d = distance traveled in time t
v = (2d) / t
- v = speed
- d = distance
- t = time
| Case | Witness | Measurements | English Result |
Metric Result |
Calculation By |
| 1962, 4PM[footnote 3] Large cigar shaped object traveled between two known reference points in a known period of time |
Paul Hill (aeronautical engineer) and companion | Distance between reference points, time | t = 4 secs d = 5 mi a = 102 G v = 13,200 ft / sec (9,000 mph) |
t = 4 secs d = 0.8 km a = 102 G v = 4,023 m/sec (14,484 kph) |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
| Marignane Airport, Oct 26-27th 1952[footnote
4] Customs officer observes spindle shaped object approach, land, and depart. Reference points include building at 0.5 mi and position directly in front of witness |
M. Gaichinard, customs officer | Distance between reference points, time between approach / passing building and departure / passing building | Incoming (assumes smooth deceleration - though witness indicates object
stopped instantaneously from about 150 mph) t = 7 to 10 secs, use 8.5 (assuming passed over bldg halfway through approach) d = 0.5 mi a = -2.269 G v = 621 ft / sec (423 mph) (witness estimated 150 mph) or t = 20 secs (assuming first seen over building, took entire approach to slow down) d = 0.5 mi a = -0.4 G v = 264 feet / sec or 180 mph (very close to estimate by witness) --- Incoming stop in 0.01 sec (based on witness assertion of dead stop from 150 mph) t = 0.01 sec d = 0.0001894 feet (needed to reach 140mph) a = 621 G --- Outgoing (smooth acceleration) t = 2-3 secs, use 3 d = 0.5 mi a = 18 G v = 1760 ft / sec or 1200 mph (even though the witness claimed immediate acceleration, since the object would be going over 300 mph after the first sec, it could easily have been this acceleration value) |
Incoming (assumes smooth deceleration - though witness indicates object
stopped instantaneously from about 150 mph) t = 7 to 10 secs, use 8.5 (assuming passed over bldg halfway through approach) d = 0.8 km a = -2.269 G v = 189 m/sec (682 kph) (witness estimated 250 kph) or t = 20 secs (assuming first seen over building, took entire approach to slow down) d = 0.8 km a = -0.4 G v = 80 m/sec (290 kph) (very close to estimate by witness) --- Incoming stop in 0.01 sec (based on witness assertion of dead stop from 150 mph) t = 0.01 sec d = 0.0001894 feet (needed to reach 140mph) a = 621 G --- Outgoing (smooth acceleration) t = 2-3 secs, use 3 d = 0.5 mi a = 18 G v = 1760 ft / sec or 1200 mph (even though the witness claimed immediate acceleration, since the object would be going over 300 mph after the first sec, it could easily have been this acceleration value) |
Mark Cashman 3/98 |
| Aircraft near Goshen, IN, Apr 12, 1950[footnote
5] Pilot observed large luminous disk pacing aircraft which currently had an airspeed of 175 mph. UFO was seen to double speed to estimated 400 mph in three seconds The reference claims this is an acceleration which would require the object to be unmanned, or to have some provision for negating G-forces. This is not supported by the calculations. |
Captain Robert Adickes and co-pilot Robert Manning | Estimated speed relative to known aircraft speed | t = 3 secs d = .05 mi (distance travelled in 3 secs) (293 feet) a = (2*293)/((32.2)(3^2)) = .09G |
t = 3 secs d = .09 km (90.083m) a = (2*90.083)/((32.2)(3^2)) = .09G |
Mark Cashman 7/98 |
| April 24, 1964, Socorro, NM 5:45 PM[footnote
6] Elliptical object landed in a ravine after a roaring approach with blue flame-like luminosity from the underside. Landing pad and footprint traces and charred brush were left behind. Two occupants were observed. The object departed with a blue flame from beneath, on which it hovered. The flame went out, the object became silent, and sailed away over the roof of a nearby shack containing dynamite. |
Ptl. Lonnie Zamora | Approximate time from hovering over landing site to crossing over dynamite shack | Assuming 3 seconds (not confirmed) from start to crossing over shack t = 3 secs d = 0.11 mi a = 4.14 G v = 400 fps (273 mph) |
Assuming 3 seconds (not confirmed) from start to crossing over shack t = 3 secs d = 0.18 km a = 4.14 G v = 122 m /sec (439 kph) |
Speed Measurements And Calculations
| Case | Witness | Measurements | English Result |
Metric Result |
Calculation By |
| December 6, 1952, 18,000 feet above
the Gulf of Mexico, 100 mi S of Louisiana coast, 5:25 AM[footnote
7] Main radar detected fast moving target approaching; 4 other blips then detected on main scope, captain's scope and navigator's scope; a second group of blips detected, then a third (which was observed visually from the waist blister); and fifth group paced the aircraft for ten seconds, then departed to rendezvous with large stationary blip that then departed. |
Crew of a B-29 bomber including radar operator | Speed of incoming objects and rendezvous object clocked on radar | First object clocked at 5,240 mph (13 nm between sweeps); all subsequent groups at about 5,000 mph; large blip departed at 9,000 mph | First object clocked at 8,433 kph, all subsequent groups at about 8,000 kph; large blip departed at 14,484 kph | Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
Weight / Volume / Density Measurements And Calculations
Volume of long axis symmetrical ellipsoid
V = 1.33 pi (L / 2) ((d / 2)^2)
where
- V = volume
- L = length
- d = cross diameter
Volume of cylinder or flat walled disk
V = ah
where
- V = volume
- a = 2 pi r^2 (area of base)
- h = height
- r = radius of base
Volume of lenticular disk
V = ah/2
where
- V = volume
- a = 2 pi r^2 (area of center)
- h = height
- r = radius of center
Density of object
D = m/V
where
- D = density
- m = mass
- V = volume
| Case | Witness | Measurements | English Result |
Metric Result |
Calculation By |
| April 24, 1964, Socorro, NM 5:45 PM[footnote
8] Elliptical object landed in a ravine after a roaring approach with blue flame-like luminosity from the underside. Landing pad and footprint traces and charred brush were left behind. Two occupants were observed. The object departed with a blue flame from beneath, on which it hovered. The flame went out, the object became silent, and sailed away over the roof of a nearby shack containing dynamite. |
Ptl. Lonnie Zamora | Weight estimate from depth of impression | 4 footpad imprints 1 ton each - total est weight 8,000 lbs If long axis symmetrical ellipsoid (was actually taller than wide) (size based on landing pad and footprint distribution) L = ~15 feet d = ~9 feet V = 634 cu ft D = 12.60 lbs / cu ft (20% as dense as water) Ted Phillips (e-mail correspondence) indicates Powers' later conclusion was a weight of 10 tons (20,000 lbs) L = ~15 feet d = ~9 feet V = 634 cu ft D = 32 lbs / cu ft (51% as dense as water) |
4 footpad imprints 909kg each - total est weight 3,636 kg If long axis symmetrical ellipsoid (was actually taller than wide) (size based on landing pad and footprint distribution) L =4.6 m d = 3 m V = 18 cu m D = 202.36 kg / cu m (20% as dense as water) Ted Phillips (e-mail correspondence) indicates Powers' later conclusion was a weight of 10 tons (20,000 lbs) L =4.6 m d = 3 m V = 18 cu m D = 506 kg / cu m (51% as dense as water) |
Mark Cashman 3/98 |
| Sept 10, 1954, Quarouble, France[footnote
9] Elliptical object was observed landed on railroad tracks. Two occupants observed who paralyzed witness with a ray and then departed. |
Marius Dewilde | Weight estimate from impression in railroad ties | Weight estimated 30 tons; L = ~20 feet d = ~10 feet V = 996 cu ft D = 60 lbs / cu ft (96% of water) |
Weight estimated 27,200 kg L = 6 m d = 3 m V = 28.20 cu m D = 967 kg / cu m (96% of water) |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
| near Camrose, Alberta, Canada Pressure rings and ellipses found in fields during UFO activity |
Various farmers; traces examined by APRO Investigator W.K Allen | Weight estimate from test heel imprint | Assuming a lenticular disk made these impressions, and that it was 12
feet thick (typical 15 foot diameter disk is usually 6 feet thick) Weight estimated at 175,000 lbs (87.5 tons) r = 16.5 feet a = 1,711 square feet h = 12 feet V = 10,263.5 cu ft D = 17 lbs / cu ft (12% of water) |
Assuming a lenticular disk made these impressions, and that it was 3.7
m thick (typical 4.6m diameter disk is usually 1.83 m thick) Weight estimated at 79,545 kg (87.5 tons) r = 5 m a = 362 square m h = 3.7 m V = 662 cu m D = 120 kg / cu m (12% of water) |
Weight and dimensions from Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific
approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 Volume and density by Mark Cashman 3/98 |
Radiation Output Measurements And Calculations
| Case | Witness | Measurements | Result |
Calculation By |
| January 30, 1972, Lexington, AL 6:30 PM[footnote 10] | Bill Rogers, APRO Field Investigator, two other witnesses | When object was behind hill, Geiger counter normal; when it rose above the hill, emissions were detected; these manuvers and measurements were repeated several times | Distance about 0.62mi (1km), 400 volts, 250 milliroentgens. Minimum energy to activate counter 25 eV. Measurement was 500 times the legal safe limit even at the distance of 1km. Using inverse square law, exposure dose at 6m would have been 7,000 roentgen / hr, 100% lethal after 10 mins. |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
| July 4, 1969, Bogota, Columbia, evening[footnote 11] | Arcesio Bermudez, family, friends | Bermudez died of radiation sickness after exposure to UFO for an unknown but relatively short period; this was identified as a possible cause by Columbia Institute of Nuclear Affairs | Closest approach to UFO was 20 feet. 100% lethal dose is 800 roentgens; 10 minutes exposure at stated distance with rate same as that cited for Lexington, AL case would have caused such a death. |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
| August 19, 1952, Florida[footnote 12] | Desvergers (scoutmaster) several scouts | Grass from the site was found to have charred roots, though grass blades were unaffected unless they touched the ground | The effect was duplicated by placing live grass clumps in a pan of sand and dirt and heating it to 300 degrees F over a gas burner. It was suggested this might have been generated by induction heating eddy currents induced in the soil by an alternating magnetic field. | The Report On Unidentified Flying Objects, 1956, LC # 56-5444 |
Force Field Measurements And Calculations
UFOs are frequently reported to generate force on objects at a distance. Measurements and calculations concerning the effects of a hypothetical force field capable of such effects are an important part of the quantitatve exploration of the UFO phenomenon.
| Case | Witness | Measurements | English Result |
Metric Result |
Calculation By |
| September 29, 1958, 5:30 AM, Nike base 17 mi from Washington DC[footnote
13] A bullet shaped object passed an estimated 300 feet overhead and at an estimated 30 mph; shape was a "boat-tailed bullet", approx 45 feet long; luminosity issued from the rear and the skin was a luminous green; as it moved over trees, branches were breaking under it; object landed 1.5 mi distant, and landing area was led into by a 0.5 mi strip of scorched earth and vegetation. |
Private Jerome Scanlon and Riney Farris | Bending / breaking force and frequency | If the force field has the same horizontal extent as the UFO, maximum branch bending occurs at a linear speed where the object moves one diameter in the time for one swing of the branch (natural period). In this case, the 30 mph speed estimate is likely to be correct, since the object was 45 feet long, which is 45 fps. Such a speed causes an engineering "sudden load" whose deflection is twice the steady load value generated by hovering or barely moving. At higher speeds, the branch does not have time to attain maximum bending before the object passes. | 30 mph = 48 kph 45 feet = 13.72 m 45 fps = 14 mps |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
| February 14, 1967, 7AM, Miller County, Missouri[footnote
14] Farmer approached landed disk, 15 feet in diameter and 6 feet thick flattened on bottom, hovering about 2.5 feet above the ground. Farmer threw a rock directly at the object and the rock fell to the ground 15 feet distant from the object. A second rock , thrown at the top of the object bounced into the air. The farmer felt an invisible wall at a distance of 15 feet from the object, which then departed. |
Farmer | Type of field indicated by response to rock impact | Field must have been 15 feet thick. Because the second rock bounced, it demonstrated that the field was "static" - returns mechanical energy to the impactor like a mechanical spring. | 15 feet = 4.6 m 6 feet = 1.83 m 2.5 feet = 0.76 m |
Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9 |
A Summary Of Possible Force Field Types And Their Explanatory Value[footnote 15]
| Action (case) | Electric field | Magnetic Field | "Repulsive" Force (unknown generator type) |
| Man knocked down | No | Maybe | Yes |
| Windshield collapsed | No | No | Yes |
| Tree branches broken | No | No | Yes |
| Tree branches parted | No | No | Yes |
| Truck tipped over | No | Yes | Yes |
| Truck bumped | No | Yes | Yes |
| Car rocked | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tile disloged | No | No | Yes |
Light Beam Calculations and Measurements
| Case | Witness | Measurements | English Result |
Metric Result |
Calculation By |
| Trancas, Argentina ; October 21, 1963;
evening / early morning[footnote 16] Family deterred from emerging from their house by five objects which directed beams at the house which raised the interior temperature. One witness burned. |
Moreno, family, and employee | Beam of "slow light" observed; speed of propagation calculated "The object at the gate next projected a beam of light which seemed to be "solid" and extended itself slowly like a tube until it reached the house, which it then began to "probe". The other objects extruded pairs of these light beams toward other outbuildings. It seemed to take some minutes for the beams to reach these buildings. The beams were approximately 10 feet in diameter." "The object at the gate turned a beam in the direction of the town of Trancas, two miles away, and the beam reportedly took ten minutes to reach the outskirts of the town, at which point it bent back toward the object in a U-shape. " |
2 mi = 10,560 feet 10 mins = 600 secs 10,560 / 600 = 17.6 fps Beam toward house max distance = 600 feet 600 / 17.6 suggests 34 secs from tracks to house |
3.22km = 3220 m 10 mins = 600 secs 3220 / 600 = 5.4 mps Beam toward house max distance = 182 m 182 / 5.4 suggests 34 secs from tracks to house |
Mark Cashman 8/97 |
Complex Analyses
These are analyses where many physical parameters of the UFO are estimated and complete rationales for those calculation are provided.
Footnotes
1. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
2. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
3. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
4. The Truth About Flying Saucers, Aime Michel, Pyramid Books, ISBN 0-515-03435-5, P 160
5. Spencer, UFO Encyclopedia, ISBN 0-380-76887-9, p 4
6. The Humanoids, Bowen, Ed. ISBN 0-8092-8231-3 article by Powers
7. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
8. The Humanoids, Bowen, Ed. ISBN 0-8092-8231-3 article by Powers
9. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
10. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
11. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
12. The Report On Unidentified Flying Objects, 1956, LC # 56-5444
13. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
14. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
15. Unconventional Flying Objects: a scientific approach, Hill, ISBN-57174-027-9
16. UFOs: The Whole Story, Lorenzen, 1969 Signet Books p 190, UFO: The Complete Sightings, Brookesmith, ISBN 1-56619-795-3, p 77