The Origins of the Flying Saucer: From Billy Meier to Lenticular Clouds
Why Everyone Affiliates UFOs with Flying Saucers
The fascination with flying saucers has a long and fascinating history, rooted in both scientific fiction and real-life sightings. This article delves into the origins of the flying saucer myth, focusing on Billy Meier's photographs and the role of lenticular clouds. Additionally, we explore the historical sightings and the theories of advanced human ETs, as well as the work of Bob Lazar and the nature of saucer-shaped craft.
From Billy Meier’s Photographs
One of the most intriguing sources of the flying saucer myth is Billy Meier’s photographs. Meier, a Swiss painter and author, claims to have met with advanced human extraterrestrial (ET) beings. His photographs have played a significant role in the UFO phenomenon, with many mysterious and unusual objects captured in his images. These encounters continue, with Meier still holding meetings with these ETs. For a deeper dive into the Plejaren contact reports, you can explore the relevant sources.
The Ubiquity of the Flying Saucer Shape
The standard “flying saucer” shape has been a common feature in both science fiction shows and movies, particularly from the 1960s to the 1970s. This iconic shape also appears in numerous reported sightings from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Notably, the UFO that crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, has been described as saucer-shaped. This shape continued to be a prevalent feature in the work of Robert “Bob” Robert Lazar, who speaks extensively about his time at S4, south of Area 51 Groom Lake. While working there, Lazar described a craft called the “sport model.” In his 1990s documentary, he suggested that any shape would suffice for a craft that travels using the propulsion he described, as it does not rely on airfoil lift to stay afloat.
Term Origin – Flying Saucers and Lenticular Clouds
The term “flying saucer” was popularized by a newspaper editor after a private pilot, Kenneth Arnold, reported a sighting in 1947 near Mount Rainier, Washington. Arnold described seeing a squadron of crescent-shaped aircraft flying in formation at supersonic speed, which reminded him of a saucer skimming over water. This vivid description caught the attention of a newspaper editor who coined the term "flying saucer" to describe the object seen. The description spread quickly, and soon flying saucers became a staple in both UFO reports and popular culture.
The Role of Lenticular Clouds
Interestingly, many of the initial sightings of flying saucers have been attributed to the phenomenon of lenticular clouds. These are stationary, lens-shaped clouds that form on the leeward side of mountains. Lenticular clouds can create optical illusions, making the objects appear to move in unusual patterns. The shape and serene appearance of these clouds can make them look like hovering discs, leading to mistaken identification as flying saucers. This natural phenomenon is a likely source for many early UFO reports.
Understanding the origins and various factors behind the flying saucer myth helps to contextualize the numerous sightings and reports over the decades. Whether from Billy Meier’s photographs, historical reports, or natural phenomena like lenticular clouds, the flying saucer remains a compelling and enduring subject in the world of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters. While the flying saucer remains a cultural icon, the deeper exploration into the nature of UFOs and their origins continues to fascinate and intrigue researchers and enthusiasts alike.