Probably explained

The Tremonton Film

Catalog FG-020When July 2, 1952Where Near Tremonton, Utah

A Navy photographer's 16mm film of shining dots, reviewed by the CIA. It reappeared in 2026.

Navy Chief Photographer Delbert Newhouse filmed a group of bright objects milling in the sky from beside a highway. Navy photo analysts said they could not identify the objects. The film was shown to the CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel in January 1953. A copy was included in the sixth PURSUE release in September 2026.

Weigh the evidence

The ledger

What the record shows, what people say, and the best explanation available so far.

What's documented

  • The film exists and was studied by both the Navy and the Robertson Panel.
  • It appears in PURSUE Release 06 (September 18, 2026).

What's claimed

  • Unknown craft filmed by a trained military photographer.

Best explanation so far

The Robertson Panel concluded the objects were most likely birds such as gulls reflecting sunlight. Not everyone has accepted that.

Where to look

Check the sources

Go to the originals. Every link opens the archive or record in a new tab.

Related entries

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FG-022 · January 14–17, 1953On the record

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FG-100 · February – September 2026On the record

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A presidential directive sends hundreds of UFO files into public view in six releases.

Department of War, war.gov/UFO
FG-019 · July 19–27, 1952Probably explained

The Washington, D.C. Flap

Radar blips over the Capitol, jets scrambled and the biggest Pentagon press briefing since WWII.

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← Earlier · FG-019The Washington, D.C. Flap