Puerto Rico Case Resolution

UNCLASSIFIED
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makes identification difficult. AARO considered this interpretation unlikely, as the STK
reconstruction demonstrates that the objects moved in a straight line at wind speed over land.
Further, birds viewed through an IR sensor at the distances involved in this encounter would
retain identifiable features, such as wings, or pulsate at the frequency of wing beats.
Mylar Balloons: An AARO partner assessed that the objects were a pair of mylar or “party”
balloons. The objects’ behavior is consistent with a pair of balloons drifting together and apart
while tied together. The partner also suggested that the objects’ fluctuating IR sensor return may
be attributable to the balloons’ surface reflecting light from the full moon through intermittent
cloud cover. AARO does not concur with this assessment, because it is unlikely that an IR sensor
could detect reflected moonlight.
1 Office of the Director of National Intelligence – Intelligence Community Directive 203: Analytic Standards
2 www.timeanddate.com
3 Journal article, Optics Express; Felton, M. et al.; 22 APR 2010; Measured comparison of the crossover period for mid- and
long-wave IR (MWIR and LWIR) polarimetric and conventional thermal imagery; Vol. 18, No.15.
4 Ibid.
5 www.sunrisesunset.com
6 Journal article, Optics Express; Felton, M. et al.; 22 APR 2010; Measured comparison of the crossover period for mid- and
long-wave IR (MWIR and LWIR) polarimetric and conventional thermal imagery; Vol. 18, No.15.
(U) AARO is not a member of the intelligence community. This AARO information report should
not be considered finished intelligence. It may contain references to finished intelligence reports
and/or information provided by AARO’s coordinating interagency partners to provide context, show
relevance, or substantiate AARO analytic perspectives.