For many years, people all around the world have been enjoying the live feed from the International Space Station(ISS), which provides amazing views of Earth and space 24 hours per day. While the feed switches between cameras several times each day, claims have circulated that NASA may cut live feeds whenever an alien or unexplained object appears on camera. Are these interruptions a cover-up, or are they just routine occurrences?
Understanding NASA’s Live Feed Interruptions
The ISS and other space missions rely on continuous communication with tracking stations on Earth, which transmit the video we see. However, due to its orbit, the ISS sometimes moves out of range of these stations, causing temporary signal loss, which will cause our screens to go dark.
Additionally, like any technology, NASA’s equipment occasionally experiences hardware malfunctions. These interruptions are common in satellite communications due to the extreme environment of outer space and are usually unrelated to any mysterious on-screen objects.
Misinterpretations and natural explanations
While being one of the first to see a real UFO officially would be a monumental and historical achievement, it’s important to remember that besides the common technical issues we already mentioned that could make the screen go dark, there are several reasons why you might think you see a UFO.
Space debris
Earth orbit, where the ISS resides, is becoming increasingly littered with other satellites and trash as a result of previous missions. These objects often reflect sunlight, creating bright or fast-moving spots in the footage. While they may look unusual, they are not uncommon.
Lens flares
Light reflections within the camera lens can create lens flares, which sometimes appear as floating or fast-moving lights in live streams. This phenomenon is often mistaken for a distant, unidentified flying object.
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Atmospheric Particles
Small particles like ice crystals or other debris near the ISS can appear as tiny lights or flashes, leading viewers to believe they are witnessing something from another world.
NASA’s stance on extraterrestrial life
NASA actively searches for signs of extraterrestrial life across its various research missions and initiatives. NASA’s Astrobiology Program, for instance, is dedicated to understanding the potential for life in other parts of the universe, from Mars to distant exoplanets. NASA has been transparent about its search and often shares updates with the public regarding new findings.
While extraterrestrial life could exist, NASA has consistently denied any evidence of UFOs or encounters with aliens in its live feeds or on any missions. The agency maintains that any visual anomalies are likely explainable through science rather than mystery.
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