Plain English with Derek Thompson UFOs and Aliens and Drones and Balloons: Understanding the U.S. Sky Wars
Feb 17, 2023
Join James Fallows, a former Atlantic correspondent, and Mick West, a science writer and UFO investigator, as they delve into the recent sky dramas over North America. They discuss the mysterious Chinese spy balloon and the subsequent unidentified objects shot down by the U.S. military. The conversation also touches on how radar technology and evolving aerial threats complicate our understanding of these encounters. Plus, they unpack the historical context of the Roswell incident and the challenges of military secrecy surrounding UFO narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Chinese Spy Balloon Incident
- The U.S. perceived the Chinese spy balloon as a provocation.
- James Fallows suggests it was likely a screw-up, possibly due to miscalculation or wind currents.
The Role of Wind Currents
- Wind currents, especially a polar vortex, likely blew the Chinese spy balloon off course.
- It might have been intended for Guam but ended up over Montana and then South Carolina.
Increased Radar Sensitivity
- After the Chinese balloon incident, the U.S. recalibrated its radar, leading to more detections.
- This increased sensitivity is similar to how we become more aware of sounds after watching a scary movie.