Parallax Paper

Cleared For Open Publication Dec 06, 2023 Department of Defense OFFICE OF PREPUBLICATION AND SECURITY REVIEW All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) An AARO Information Paper Effect of Forced Perspective and Parallax View on UAP Observations May 2024 Introduction While no single explanation or method of analysis can account for all unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) cases received by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), the effects of forced perspective and parallax can frequently explain excessively large sizes or high speeds described in UAP reports. In many cases, the reporter may be positioned far from the object being observed while moving fast relative to it. Under these conditions, an observer can misinterpret the apparent size and speed of a UAP due to the two separate but related phenomena of forced perspective and parallax. This paper provides a basic overview of these phenomena and their impact on UAP observations. Forced Perspective and Range Estimation Figure 1: Example of forced perspective. The person in the foreground is much closer to the camera than the tower. Forced perspective is used in photography and filmmaking to give the illusion that an object is larger or smaller than its true size. Posing for a photograph while holding the Eiffel Tower by the tip or pushing against the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a classic example of this technique, as depicted in Figure 1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is approximately 190 feet tall, and an average [ILLEGIBLE] ONCE Page determined to be Unclassified Chief of Staff, AARO Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO Authority: FY24 NDAA, now codified at 44 U.S.C. 2107 IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 2/6/2025 Released in Full: X Case Number: 330UAP000016