"Metapod" UFO. Top voted post of the month on r/UFOs, maybe top of all time

[jackfrostvc]

Saw this on the reddit sub UFOs today.
It's the top voted UFO video of the month already after just 21 hours, and it is on its way to be the top voted post of all time there.

The comments show it has appeared before , once claiming it occured in Denver USA and one prior (original ?) claiming it occurred in Spain

Here is the reddit post and pertinent comment, also the oldest vid of it claiming it was in spain:

What do people think it is Balloon, CGI, something dangling on a string ?

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/u0hm98/stabilised_footage_of_ufo/




Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz0k04LDUVY

 

[jarlrmai]

It's an old video, It looks like a balloon to me, but I have searched for a while but cannot find a similar balloon for sale. But it is very difficult to put in search terms for it.

It seems to be mostly matt and to have an irregular shaped transparent panel on one side probably for displaying something inside the balloon. It reflects the setting/rising sun as it rotates.

I have searched things like "helmet balloon" "transparent panel balloon" etc

There are many, many types of balloon and they can be custom made, for events etc. It's possible if you had the right keyword (possibly a kids tv show/movie/cartoon you could find similar balloons. But so far it's been pretty hard. Browsing the catalogues of large balloon specialists online shops seems to be the best way to get the variety, google is less useful.

 

[jarlrmai]

Oh forgot to add when I was searching for Batman balloons the term "Airwalker Balloons" seems to come up a lot in relation to large non standard shaped balloons.

The term refers to balloons that are designed to have the option to achieve neutral buoyancy and move around the room at floor level, like what we've seen with some of those "ghost/cryptid" videos.

But it can be a good search term for large unusual balloons, but be careful as not all balloons are Air Walkers

 

[jackfrostvc]

I get the feeling it maybe something hanging on a string by the way it spins , slowly stops, then spins the other way

 

[flarkey]

Very weird. Here's some stills that hopefully capture it better...

 

[jarlrmai]

To me it looks like a game/cartoon character head like someone who wears a helmet like Master Chief from Halo.

 

[deirdre]

its possible what looks concave is just an optical illusion.


for mos tof the video it looks to me like a doe head with the nose pointed down. (not sure why people are saying it is green..so i'm trying to picture something green but having a hard time convincing my brain.)

 

[deirdre]

could it be diamondish shape?



add: like these look concave int he pic, but obviously arent in real life

 

[deirdre]

this video is horrible and shakey but i see suggestions of similar shape and concaveness in some frames


https://finance.yahoo.com/video/colorado-black-diamond-shaped-ufo-151502026.html

 

[flarkey]

this video is horrible and shakey but i see suggestions of similar shape and concaveness in some frames

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/colorado-black-diamond-shaped-ufo-151502026.html

That looks *very* mylar balloon like...

 

[jarlrmai]

It's definitely wider in one axis than the other.
It looks olive/grey/green "military" green, seems matt because the sun reflection mostly happens on the transparent section.

These are the 2 side on views, left opaque, right transparent, allowing us to see inside the balloon.

 

[flarkey]

This video seems to have a better stabilisation...

 

[deirdre]

lol.. not the ufo, but how cute is this guy! ( i was looking quick for vintage xmas ornament shaped balloons)

 

[JMartJr]

I have been seeing that one for a time -- I had interpreted it as a sky lantern with the envelope starting to catch fire and burn. What puzzled me was, with what appeared to be a big gaping hole burned in the side, how it was holding its shape. Partially deflated mylar balloon catching setting or rising sun is probably a better explanation, unless somebody has a brilliant idea on the "how does it stay inflated with a big hole in the side" mystery.

I found this, which is roughly similar to what I was seeing while not quite being the usual sky lantern from China -- it does hold its shape during and after burning, but this would seem unlikely to persist as long as the video we're discussing.
Source: https://youtu.be/g4uoD3Sn1sc?t=42

 

[Ravi]

If you want a nice chuckle today, head over to reddit. Some are claiminging with dry eyes that it is an alien pod, and some even see an alien.

Meaning: don't ever think they will believe us. Just no hope with the "I saw a speck of light in the sky, so I am convinced we are being visited, so every post from no on is real aliens" crowd.

 

[jarlrmai]

tea

If you want a nice chuckle today, head over to reddit. Some are claiminging with dry eyes that it is an alien pod, and some even see an alien.

Meaning: don't ever think they will believe us. Just no hope with the "I saw a speck of light in the sky, so I am convinced we are being visited, so every post from no on is real aliens" crowd.

Yeah unless we hit jackpot and find the exact balloon, kite or lantern etc then this one will rumble on. It points to the issue of UFO shape regency bias, whatever the most recent "good" video is wins the this is what they look like award.

 

[JMartJr]

NOT the right balloon, but at least it establishes the mylar balloons with transparent panel do exist.View attachment White-Snowflake-Latex-Balloons-Winter-Happy-Birthday-Party-4D-Snowflake-Transparent-Foil-Ball...webp

 

[Ravi]

tea

Yeah unless we hit jackpot and find the exact balloon, kite or lantern etc then this one will rumble on. It points to the issue of UFO shape regency bias, whatever the most recent "good" video is wins the this is what they look like award.

It is funny indeed that that crowd is going for the "aha! they cannot come up with a match, so we were right: it is aliens".
Okay, fair to say that there a thousands of users on that sub, so a mix of everything is what you expect. However, the ones that shout the loudest, seem to "win".

 

[jarlrmai]

It is funny indeed that that crowd is going for the "aha! they cannot come up with a match, so we were right: it is aliens".
Okay, fair to say that there a thousands of users on that sub, so a mix of everything is what you expect. However, the ones that shout the loudest, seem to "win".

We're a victim of our own success, because we have come up with exact matches before (batman balloon, Chile, etc) now the expected standard is give us the product code of the balloon then, oh you can't it's aliens.

 

[jarlrmai]

NOT the right balloon, but at least it establishes the mylar balloons with transparent panel do exist.View attachment White-Snowflake-Latex-Balloons-Winter-Happy-Birthday-Party-4D-Snowflake-Transparent-Foil-Ball...webp

Inserted as Metabunk wont show webp

 

[deirdre]

and some even see an alien.

i see the alien in one or two frames. problem is there are more frames where we see the [alleged] inside nice and clear and he is not in there.

the sunlight and a partially deflated balloon from very far away cause all sorts of distortions.
this one appears to have a copper disk (or ornament top) at the bottom anda silver dogbone shape along the outer rim << this silver i think is what causes the alien (who looks green to me) in one or two frames.)

i still think the concave is a trick of the eye, but yea my grandma had ornaments sort of shaped like that blob with a cut out...
(couldnt find her exact ornaments but kinda like :



esp in spain i could see more ornate xmas type balloons.


or a wise man hat

 

[JMartJr]

We're a victim of our own success, because we have come up with exact matches before (batman balloon, Chile, etc) now the expected standard is give us the product code of the balloon then, oh you can't it's aliens.

And given that custom balloons are a thing, such as these almost-the-right-shaped ones made for an Asian restaurant, that will not always be possible.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

Just listing some thoughts...

It's a helium filled balloon. The time of day is early morning or late afternoon. The Sun is up, but low on the horizon. The clouds seem to be storm clouds lit by a low Sun. It is windy. (Afternoon thunderstorm?)

Balloon is an irregular shape that doesn't seem to represent an object like a heart or a number. It is a flattened shape. It's partially clear and partially coated with a surface that produces diffuse reflections. The flashes are specular reflections of the Sun on the clear portions of the balloon.

It's not a seamless vinyl or latex balloon. It's a Mylar balloon with seams.

It seems to be this general type of balloon.



Notice that that these are dear balloons that are partially coated. They have seams. The coating produces diffuse reflections and the uncoated (clear) sections produce specular reflections.

These are described as

Gold Trim Clear 4D Cube Aluminium Foil Mylar Balloons For Wedding Party Decoration​

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Efavorma...lloons-For-Wedding-Party-Decoration/345396998

These balloons are mostly clear and partially coated while OP balloon is mostly coated and partially clear.


Another example of general type
https://www.partyrama.co.uk/rose-gold-trim-clear-anglez-foil-helium-balloon-63cm-25-in/

Rose Gold Trim Clear Anglez Foil Helium Balloon 63cm / 25 in

Sold: Single
Inflated Size: 63cm x 38cm / 25 in x 15 in approx
Material: Foil
This balloon seals itself.
Requires helium gas inflation.
Helium gas cylinders, ribbon and balloon weights sold separately.
Balloon delivered flat.

​

 

[Woolery]

To me it looks like whatever kind of inflatable it is, it might be a piece of some greater whole since the shape (of which we have a good 360-degree view) seems so irregular/specialized. Maybe the transparent balloon part is a point of articulation on which the “shell” part can be pivoted.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

I think it's best to define what Mylar is.

http://mylarmistake.com/what-is-mylar/

For years, the term “Mylar” has been mistakenly used as a generic term to describe a range of different plastic films.¹ However, Mylar® is actually the brand name for a thin plastic polyester film, known as BoPET (Biaxially oriented PET film). It has a multitude of uses in many industries – especially when it is layered with foil or “metalized” into multi-layered sheets. We encounter it every day, most commonly in the food and party industries.

In simple terms - Mylar or polyester film is just PLASTIC.

Mylar is a clear plastic sheet. It may be layered with foil. Important because I think some people think Mylar IS a kind of foil.

It's a plastic sheet. Important because balloons made of Mylar are made of panels and have seams. Latex or vinyl balloons are one piece and have no seams.

I think the balloons I have linked to above have a non-reflective coating, coloring or tape, rather than a reflective foil layer.

 

[flarkey]

And given that custom balloons are a thing, such as these almost-the-right-shaped ones made for an Asian restaurant, that will not always be possible.

Interesting - I had thought that the object was 'fortune cookie shaped' too, but then again.... I aslo thought it might have been a nose, a manatee, a walrus, a cocoon and a swaddled baby.

 

[Ravi]

I love it. On reddit someone calls it the "SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT ship"

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

i see the alien in one or two frames. problem is there are more frames where we see the [alleged] inside nice and clear and he is not in there.

the sunlight and a partially deflated balloon from very far away cause all sorts of distortions.
this one appears to have a copper disk (or ornament top) at the bottom anda silver dogbone shape along the outer rim << this silver i think is what causes the alien (who looks green to me) in one or two frames.)

i still think the concave is a trick of the eye, but yea my grandma had ornaments sort of shaped like that blob with a cut out...
(couldnt find her exact ornaments but kinda like :



esp in spain i could see more ornate xmas type balloons.


or a wise man hat

Not a silvered section, panel or ornament. It's a clear, uncoated, section of the balloon. The "silver" flashes are specular reflections of the Sun.



Here you can see the sky through the upper portion of the clear section and a flashing reflection of the low Sun on the lower part of the clear section. (As you would see flashes on the surface of clear glass or water.)

I believe this balloon is made of clear Mylar, but most of it is covered with a less reflective coating or tape, or a less reflective sandwiched layer.

 

[jarlrmai]

I'm starting to thing it's a satin coated balloon like this

https://www.partyrama.co.uk/gold-satin-luxe-heart-foil-helium-balloon-43cm/

But the foil/paint/covering has partially peeled off leaving a the clear mylar still there, ie not an intentional window.





It's just the shape that I can't find.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

I've also considered that.

It would have to be a surface layer of paint or dye, rather than a sandwiched layer of foil or dyed material.

Not necessarily a heart, but some custom shape as explained above.

 

[jarlrmai]

So a gold painted clear balloon, but all the clear balloons I can find are perfect spheres or standard balloon shape.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

Because you're looking at latex or vinyl balloons without seams, rather than Mylar balloons with seams.

 

[jarlrmai]

This

Because you're looking at latex or vinyl balloons without seams, rather than Mylar balloons with seams.

I am in the foil sections of websites like this

https://gointernational.co.uk/

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

Important to realize, as I said in the above post - https://www.metabunk.org/threads/to...-the-top-voted-of-all-time.12375/#post-268833

Mylar is not foil. Mylar is a clear plastic sheet that can be sandwiched with foil.

But how are these types of custom balloons produced?



If the decorations are printed on a sandwiched layer, then our notion is not valid.

But if these balloons are stamped, sprayed, coated, dyed... whatever... with a surface layer... and if that surface layer should come off... the Mylar below it is clear.

Very few balloons are purposely made that way. But it might happen accidently.

 

[jarlrmai]

Important to realize, as I said in the above post,

Mylar is not foil. Mylar is a clear plastic sheet that can be sandwiched with foil.

But how are these types of custom balloons produced?



If this is a sandwiched layer, then are notion is not valid.

But ff they are stamped, sprayed, coated dyed... whatever... with a surface layer... and if that surface layer comes off... the Mylar below it is clear.

Very few balloons are purposely made that way. But it might happen accidently

I understand, but the clear mylar balloons are in the foil section on the websites. Because that's how they organise stuff.

They seem to commonly come in heart, star and round versions. Even name for the sort of rounded triangle shape we see might help searches. The diamond ones are just not quite the right shape.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

I'm not bickering. I'm making our notions clear to everyone.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

But I think this is a custom Mylar balloon that was purposely made with a clear section. It's decorative/artsy.

 

[Z.W. Wolf]

BTW, I think it's shaped like a cartoon steak.









The first thing I searched for is "meat balloons" And I found some!








Or maybe a chicken nugget?

Sorry, these are pillows...

 

[JMartJr]

But if these balloons are stamped, sprayed, coated, dyed... whatever... with a surface layer... and if that surface layer should come off... the Mylar below it is clear.

Looks like it CAN happen...

https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/about/media/hold-those-balloons-they-could-end-ocean.html

https://www.pilotonline.com/ask/vp-...0190913-56a4334i7bbmxm4dwnqzap3beu-story.html

I do not know if this is likely to happen while in flight, or if it is the result of the surface being abraded tumbling in the surf as it washes ashore.

 

[JMartJr]

BTW, I think it's shaped like a cartoon steak.

I was thinking chicken leg "drumstick," I also found this shape intriguing: