UAP Observers Course Guide

UAP Observation Guide Practical Field Manual for Ground and Aerial Observers Face Value Approach (FVA) Citizen Intelligence Network AlienAlerts.com Version 2.4 | May 2026

1. Purpose

This guide equips ground observers, pilots, and researchers with standardized techniques to accurately document UAP sightings and high-strangeness events. It integrates the full suite of tools available on AlienAlerts.com, including real-time sky monitoring, snapshot-based Observer Reports, and composite image generation.

High-quality observations feed directly into the public pattern map and help build a clearer picture of anomalous activity.

2. Core Principles

• Stay calm and objective.
• Use fixed reference points and real-time tools to anchor your observation.
• Check for visual illusions and perceptual challenges.
• Document your own physical/mental state.
• Submit reports promptly through the X-Filed system while details are fresh.

3. Sky Monitoring Tools – Real-Time Verification Suite

These four integrated tools are available directly on AlienAlerts.com and can be used standalone or as part of the automated Observer Report system.

3.1 Air Traffic Tracker

• Real-time ADS-B data for all commercial, private, and military aircraft.
• Use: Zoom to your location and check altitude, direction, and speed of nearby aircraft.
• Value: Quickly rules out conventional planes and helicopters.

3.2 Satellite Tracker

• Shows current positions and paths of active satellites (Starlink, ISS, military, weather, etc.).
• Use: Set your location and time to see passes and trains.
• Value: Identifies common sources of “strings of lights” or moving points at night.

3.3 Star Viewer / Star Chart

• Interactive sky map showing exact positions of stars, planets, and constellations.
• Use: Compare the object’s position and brightness to known celestial bodies.
• Value: Rules out bright planets and stars that may appear to hover.

3.4 Space Weather Dashboard

• Monitors solar activity, geomagnetic storms (Kp index), aurora probability, and meteor activity.
• Use: Check for solar events that could cause unusual lights or electromagnetic effects.
• Value: Provides important context for glowing orbs or strange sky glow.

Recommended Workflow: Open the Sky Monitoring Tools on your phone during a sighting. Check them in this order: Air Traffic → Satellite → Star Viewer → Space Weather. Results can be automatically included when you create an Observer Report.

4. Creating an Observer Report (Smartphone-First Feature)

AlienAlerts.com offers two main ways to document a sighting:

Option A: Quick Observer Report (Recommended for most sightings)

• Takes a snapshot of the area (using your phone’s camera or GPS location).
• Automatically pulls data from the Sky Monitoring Tools (air traffic, satellites, stars, space weather).
• Opens the Composite Image Generator so you can build an accurate visual representation of what you saw.
• You fill in basic details (time, description, your condition).
• The system generates a complete, standardized report.

Option B: Full X-Filed Report

• Includes everything from the Observer Report plus additional detailed fields.
• Best for complex events, abductions, or when you want maximum documentation.

You can create multiple Observer Reports in one session. All reports are automatically saved in your My Account → My Observations tab for later review, editing, or submission.

5. Visual Illusions and Perceptual Challenges

Autokinesis Stationary light appears to move after prolonged staring. Counter: Shift gaze to a fixed reference every few seconds.

False Horizon Slanted clouds or lights mistaken for the real horizon. Counter: Confirm with multiple landmarks.

Size-Distance Illusion Bright objects appear closer than dim ones. Counter: Compare to known reference objects.

Featureless Terrain/Water Illusion Severe distance underestimation. Counter: Seek any available horizon or ground references.

Fata Morgana / Superior Mirage Distant objects appear elevated, inverted, or floating. Counter: Note calm sea or temperature inversion conditions.

Novelty Effect Brain struggles to process completely unfamiliar shapes, motion, or behavior. Counter: Verbalize out loud in real time and break the observation into components.

Reference:

• FAA Spatial Disorientation and Visual Illusions Brochure: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/spatiald_visillus.pdf
• Rand et al. (2011). The importance of a visual horizon for distance judgments under severely degraded vision. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51199410_The_importance_of_a_visual_horizon_for_distance_judgments_under_severely_degraded_vision

6. Ground-Based Observation Protocol

1. Time stamp the sighting.
2. Establish visual horizon and pick 2–3 fixed landmarks.
3. Estimate elevation angle relative to horizon.
4. Describe appearance, motion, and behavior using references.
5. Check for illusions and novelty effect.
6. Record sound, sensations, and your own condition.
7. Open Sky Monitoring Tools and take a snapshot.
8. Use Composite Image Generator to build the visual.
9. Create Observer Report or Full X-Filed Report on-site.

7. Aerial (Aviator) Observation Protocol

1. Prioritize flight safety.
2. Time stamp in UTC.
3. Note exact position, altitude, heading, and airspeed.
4. Use aircraft instruments + external references.
5. Record relative motion and any instrument effects.
6. Use Sky Monitoring Tools when safe.
7. Create Observer Report or Full X-Filed Report after landing.

8. Post-Sighting Workflow

• All Observer Reports are saved in My Account → My Observations.
• You can review, edit, or submit them later.
• Attach any photos, videos, or composite images.
• The system automatically includes data from the Sky Monitoring Tools.