Mt. Etna Object Case Resolution

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Figure 3: The object at a higher magnification (0749Z) and enhanced using post-processing
tools (0753Z). The object is spherical with an approximate diameter of one foot.
Data Quality and Methodology: AARO assesses that the sensor data associated with the event
provides sufficiently detailed information to resolve this case with moderate confidence.
However, sensor limitations and atmospheric turbulence constrain the modes of rigorous analysis
that can be applied to identify the object conclusively.
Sensor Effects and Limitations: SWIR sensors identify targets by detecting differences in
infrared energy relative to the surrounding environment. Cool objects predominantly reflect
shortwave infrared energy, while hot targets predominantly emit shortwave infrared energy.
These sensors do not employ active range finding, and obtaining the accurate range to a target is
highly dependent on environmental factors. The thermally turbulent atmospheric conditions near
an actively erupting volcano likely disrupted the sensor's ability to capture accurate data.
Volcanic ash, composed of fine particulates, scatters and absorbs infrared radiation in
unpredictable ways, creating a “noisy” thermal environment. These conditions further reduce the
sensor’s accuracy by distorting the object’s signature.
The UAS platform’s SWIR camera was optimized for air-to-ground observation rather than air-
to-air detection during the encounter. In this configuration, SWIR sensors cannot detect and
track airborne objects reliably and cannot provide an accurate range to the object. Airborne
objects recorded by sensors configured in this way often appear indistinct, blurry, or featureless,
even if they would have visually observable surface features under different collection
conditions.
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