Antarctica: Chilean Navy films UFOs turning rapidly
In spring 1950, a Chilean Navy commander captured around 1,200 feet of color footage showing UFOs stacked vertically and rotating at high speeds over Antarctica. In 1956, the Chilean Embassy confirmed the film was classified and unavailable when inquired about by NICAP.
Background
Event
In the spring of 1950, Commander Augusto Vars Ortega of the Chilean navy shot around 1,200 feet of colour film of unidentified objects in Antarctica. These appeared arranged one above the other and rotated at exceptionally high speed. The footage is regarded as rare evidence of a military encounter with unknown phenomena in an extreme environment.
Witnesses and Evidence
The primary witness was Augusto Vars Ortega, a senior naval officer. The colour film, roughly 400 metres in length, constitutes physical evidence. NICAP contacted the Chilean embassy in 1956 but was told that the material was classified and could not be released. This points to early patterns of secrecy around UFO observations.
Significance
The event highlights the involvement of Chilean forces in UFO sightings in Antarctica, a region with repeated unresolved reports. The classification suggests strategic sensitivity and contributes to the documentation of military UFO contacts worldwide. Cited in Dan Lloyd's article in Flying Saucer Review (1965).