Photo Analysis of UFO Photography

This memorandum, dated February 17, 1967, details the photographic analysis conducted by the National Photographic Interpretation Center in response to Project Number 66120-7. The analysis concerned a series of photographs of an alleged UFO, which were supplied by the Aerial Phenomena Office of FTD (TDET/UFO) at Wright-Patterson AFB. The photographic package included prints of the UFO and photographs of the surrounding area at Lake St. Clair, Michigan, taken by Major R.W. Nyls of the USAF. The analysis was significantly limited by the poor quality of the provided prints, which were second-generation copies, and the absence of the original Polaroid Swinger prints. The analysts were forced to rely on several assumptions provided by Major Nyls, including the distance of the object from the camera station (0.25 miles) and the orientation of the object. The report highlights that the dimensions derived from these assumptions are highly sensitive to error. In conclusion, the analysts found the evidence inconclusive. They noted that while there is no definitive evidence of a hoax, the quality of the imagery and the specific characteristics of the UFO's appearance—such as the edge gradient and the comparison to the helicopter imagery—raised suspicions. Ultimately, the report states that the analysis could not provide meaningful answers regarding the authenticity of the object.