The Pentagon has released a newly declassified video that has sparked widespread fascination, showing an unidentified flying object resembling an "eight-pointed star" moving across the sky. The infrared footage, published on Friday as part of a batch of government files ordered by US President Donald Trump, was recorded in 2013 by US Central Command personnel using an infrared sensor aboard a US military platform.
Details of the Footage
The video, which runs for nearly two minutes, depicts a glowing object with a shape that officials describe as an "eight-pointed star with arms of alternating length." The object drifts and streaks through the air, but US authorities have not identified what it was. A description accompanying the footage notes: "This video depicts an area of contrast resembling an eight-pointed star with arms of alternating length." However, the Pentagon included a disclaimer, stating that the description is meant only to provide context and should not be interpreted as proof of anything unexplained. "Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination," the note added.
Part of a Larger Disclosure
The footage is part of a collection of 162 files released through the Pentagon's newly launched website dedicated to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The disclosures include videos, images, and witness accounts related to UAPs. Among the material are photographs from the Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 moon missions in 1969 and 1972, which appear to show unexplained objects above the lunar surface. However, officials caution that these are not clear proof of extraterrestrial life.
Future Releases Promised
An administration official told The New York Post that "even cooler information" would be released in future rounds of disclosures. The publication of the files follows a February order from Trump directing agencies to increase transparency around "alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs)."
Pentagon and Trump Statements
The Pentagon stated: "While past administrations sought to discredit or dissuade the American people, President Trump is focused on providing maximum transparency to the public, who can ultimately make up their own minds about the information contained in these files." Trump himself commented on the release, saying: "In an effort for Complete and Maximum Transparency, it was my Honor to direct my Administration to identify and provide Government files related to Alien and Extraterrestrial Life, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, and Unidentified Flying Objects." He added: "Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, 'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?' Have Fun and Enjoy!"
