The United States Central Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of 26 seconds of video footage. This footage is a secondary capture, recorded via a cellular device, of an infrared sensor display aboard a U.S. Special Operations Forces AC-130J Gunship. This footage does not represent native primary sensor data, and the secondary recording method introduces limitations in fidelity, resolution, and overall visual quality. Artifacts inherent to filming a screen, such as blurring or flickering, may be present. The footage contained within DOW-UAP-PR117 through DOW-UAP-PR122 was captured contemporaneously. An accompanying Intelligence Information Report, DOW-UAP-D101, describes the phenomena as “cold orbs” approximately four feet in diameter.
Video description:
00:00-00:05: An area of contrast remains generally within the center of the sensor field-of-view. Visual elements of the sensor display enter and exit the frame throughout the duration of the video.
00:06-00:07: A relatively larger area of contrast transits from the bottom of the frame to the top of the sensor’s field-of-view, then re-enters from the top left to the bottom left of the frame. The relatively smaller area of contrast exits the bottom of the frame, and re-enters from the upper-right quarter of the frame.
00:08-00:26: The sensor adjusts, and an area of contrast enters the sensor field-of-view from the top of the frame, and remains generally within the center of the frame.
AARO Comment: This video footage significantly overlaps in content with DOW-UAP-PR121.
This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
Congressional Context
Where this record connects to the congressional record and the people in it.
- Involves OrganizationAARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationJames M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationServicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationTo terminate the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Discussed in HearingSenate Armed Services Subcommittee UAP HearingConnected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)