📅 Overview
In October 2024 over Syria, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) military platforms captured infrared (IR) footage of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) described as a "misshapen and uneven ball of white light". Three separate video clips — PR031 (5s), PR032 (6s), PR033 (5s) — captured the same incident from different angles. All three were released to the public via 2026 PURSUE Phase 1 disclosure.
🎥 Key Visual Features
The hallmark of these clips:
- Shape: "Misshapen and uneven" — not a typical orb, sphere, or circular form. Visually resembles a starfish or star shape to casual observers, with asymmetric light radiating outward
- Optics: Captured as very bright white light on IR sensors
- Behavior: Mission Report DoW-UAP-D32 notes erratic movements
- Not explainable: Does not match conventional aircraft or drone signatures
🛂 Reporting Chain
All three clips submitted to AARO through:
- CENTCOM — Command responsible for Middle East/Syria operations
- FMV (Full-Motion Video) IR camera on military platform
- Mission Report DoW-UAP-D32 — accompanying mission report
🔍 Incident Details
- PR031: 5 seconds, FMV IR
- PR032: 6 seconds, FMV IR
- PR033: 5 seconds, FMV IR
- Location: Syria (specific coordinates redacted)
- Date: 2024-10 (specific date redacted)
🤔 Analysis
| Hypothesis | Likelihood | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional aircraft | Low | "Misshapen" description doesn't match |
| Drone | Low | Erratic movements + IR signature mismatch |
| Atmospheric reflection | Medium | Light refraction possible |
| Sensor artifact | Medium | FMV IR characteristics |
| Unidentified | Official | AARO classified as unresolved |
📺 Significance
- The word "misshapen" is highly unusual — standard UAP reports use formal terms like 'orb', 'sphere', 'circular'. This incident's use of "misshapen/uneven" is atypical
- One of the visually striking clips in PURSUE Phase 1 disclosure
📷 Related Photographs
Source: Public Domain — DoD AARO
Source: Public Domain — DoD AARO
Source: Public Domain — DoD AARO
