Debunking the Myth: Harvard Astronomer Explains Flying Sauce

Debunking the Myth: Harvard Astronomer Explains Flying Saucers

In a bold assertion, Dr. Donald H. Menzel argues that many UFO sightings can be attributed to natural phenomena and optical illusions, challenging the public's fascination with flying saucers.

Published

August 9, 2026

Declassified

Date not listed

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Internet Archive

debunkingthemythharvardastronomerexplainsflyingsaucers

Menzel's Personal Encounter with Flying Saucers

Dr. Donald H. Menzel, a prominent astrophysicist at Harvard University, recounts his personal experience with what he initially believed to be flying saucers.

During a visit to Holloman Air Base in New Mexico, amidst the heightened public interest in unidentified flying objects, Menzel observed several objects in the sky that he thought were saucers. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were actually weather balloons. This experience led him to assert that many reported sightings could similarly be attributed to misidentified natural phenomena, particularly in desert regions where atmospheric conditions can create optical illusions.

Later that evening, while traveling in a car, Menzel spotted two bright objects near the moon, which he initially assumed were stars. However, he soon recognized that these objects were not part of the constellation Gemini, as they should have been. After requesting the driver to stop, he and his companion witnessed the objects fade away.

Menzel…

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