In a striking twist to UFO lore, images of a perfectly spherical UFO adorned with yellow “landing lights” have emerged, capturing the imagination of some researchers who believe this might be “the first selfie with a UFO in history.”
The photos, taken by Brazilian UFO researcher and author Edie Meireles in 2011, show the alleged craft hovering above a hiking trail near “La Cascada de la Purificación,” a serene waterfall nestled in Brazil’s high-altitude Chapada Diamantina National Park.
A Dangerous Quest
According to one of Meireles’ UFO-hunting colleagues, the aftermath of this sighting was fraught with danger.
The researcher claimed that the group faced years of “threats and intrigues,” including the alleged deaths of two members at the hands of the military and the abduction of three others.
Meireles himself recounted a dramatic episode involving a raid on his home by “soldiers in camouflage and black.”
Skepticism and Controversy
Despite the dramatic claims, skepticism abounds.
Critics on social media have suggested various explanations for the photos, ranging from “sky lanterns” to manipulated images.
In a March 2022 post, Meireles proudly declared his photos as “the only selfie with a flying saucer.”
Further Investigations and Unsettling Experiences
In his book, Fieldworkers: Pesquisadores de Campo (2016), Meireles detailed his continued visits to the national park, where he reported additional encounters with UFOs and their occupants.
These expeditions allegedly led to more confrontations with the military. Meireles described severe injuries, including rib fractures and lung perforation, resulting from these encounters, and spent 12 days hospitalized.
He also warned of a potential global environmental disaster in his recounting to the Museu da Pessoa.
The Enigmatic Setting
Chapada Diamantina National Park, established in September 1985 to protect rare and endangered species, provides a dramatic backdrop for these events.
Home to unique wildlife like the giant armadillo, giant anteater, and Chaco eagle, the park’s stunning landscapes only add to the mystique of Meireles’ story.
Conflicting Accounts
Different versions of the encounter have emerged. One account, attributed to Meireles, describes his car malfunctioning after he photographed the UFO, which allegedly hovered over his vehicle.
This version also includes a dramatic escape when Meireles reportedly fled as the UFO appeared to interfere with his car’s electrical systems.
However, another 2016 Facebook post by Meireles suggests the photos were taken on his way to the waterfall.
Reactions from the UFO Community
Supporters of Meireles’ research attribute the murky details surrounding his photographs to alleged military harassment.
Hélio Nunes de Camargo, founder of UFOs na Chapada, mentioned in a 2014 Facebook post that Meireles’ group disbanded due to these threats and violence.
Despite this, some UFO researchers are skeptical, arguing that Meireles’ continued posting of the photos and his lack of communication raise doubts about the veracity of his claims.
Skepticism and Alternative Views
UFO skeptic Mick West, a computer programmer from Sacramento, weighed in, suggesting that the photos might be photoshopped or the result of practical effects.
West, known for his critical approach to UFO cases, emphasized the need for solid evidence before accepting such claims.
As this captivating story unfolds, the debate over Meireles’ UFO encounter continues, leaving many to wonder what, if anything, lies behind these mysterious images.
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