https://www.explorescu.org/post/scu-announcement-on-the-aaro-investigation-of-the-aguadilla-videoA number of Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) supporters have inquired about the current status of our review of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office's (AARO) hypothesis that sky lanterns are the most likely explanation for the object observed in the 2013 Aguadilla (Puerto Rico) video. We want to provide a transparent update on where things stand. SCU has submitted a series of technical questions to AARO regarding their sky lantern hypothesis and specific claims made in their report. AARO has acknowledged our inquiry and responded that they are not currently prepared to provide answers to those questions but may address them in a future follow-up report.We remain committed to a thorough and evidence-based analysis. Once SCU receives the requested data and clarifications, we will be able to complete our review of AARO's sky lantern hypothesis.
In the spirit of transparency, we are publicly sharing the specific questions SCU submitted to AARO:
- Can AARO provide the reconstructed 3D flight path (x, y, and altitude) of the object identified as a sky lantern?
- What is the source of the data supporting the statement: "The aircraft entered a layer of scattered clouds as it passed 3,000 feet in altitude"? Can AARO provide that information for follow-up analysis?
- Could AARO provide the latitude, longitude, and altitude coordinates of the object based on the STK model's line of sight relative to the video frames? Please also include error margins where applicable.
- Was AARO able to obtain control tower logs or military radar data corresponding to the time of the incident?
- AARO's report states: "During specific frames, the objects seem to pass behind a utility pole, indicating that they were at a much lower altitude and traveling much faster than would be typical for objects of this size. AARO employed pixel analysis to investigate this alternative and found that the objects did not pass behind the pole, ruling out anomalous performance characteristics." Could AARO please share the results and methodology of this pixel analysis?
We hope this information helps clarify our current process. We will share any updates as they become available.
References
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), (2025). Case: "The Puerto Rico Object", U.S. Dept of Defense,
https://www.aaro.mil/Portals/136/PD...orts/AARO_Puerto_Rico_UAP_Case_Resolution.pdf
Buettner, D.J., Griffiths, R.E., Snell, N., Stilley, J. (2024). Enhancing Space Situational Awareness to Mitigate Risk: A Single-Case Study in the Misidentification of a Recently-Launched Starlink Satellite Train as a UAP in Commercial Aviation, 4th IAA Conference on Space Situational Awareness (ICSSA), May 8-10 2024, Daytona Beach, FL, USA. DOI:
10.48550/arXiv.2403.08155
Powell, R., Beall, M., Cates, L., Paulson, C., Hoffman, R., Chaviano, D. (2015). Aguadilla Puerto Rico: The Detailed Analysis of an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon Captured by the Department of Homeland Security, Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies.
https://www.explorescu.org/post/2013-aguadilla-puerto-rico-uap-incident-report-a-detailed-analysis