Trindade Island: Saturn-shaped UFO photos
On January 16, 1958, crew of Brazilian Navy ship Almirante Saldanha observed a Saturn-like object over Trindade Island; photographer Almiro Baraúna captured four images amid power failures and instrument disruptions.
Background
Sighting and Photographs
Around midday on January 16, 1958, researchers of the International Geophysical Year were anchored in the ship Almirante Saldanha south of Ilha da Trindade, 730 miles off the Brazilian coast. About 48 crew members, among them commander Paulo Moreira da Silva and photographer Almiro Baraúna, saw a Saturn-shaped object approach from the east, pass over Pico Desejado, turn sharply, and disappear rapidly to the northwest. Baraúna used a Rolleiflex 2.8 E to take four photographs during the manoeuvre.
Witnesses and Descriptions
Silva described a greenish glow around the object and distinguished it clearly from a red weather balloon. The ship's commanding officer, José Santos de Saldanha da Gama, was not a direct witness. Baraúna later reported an undulating motion and abrupt changes of speed, like those of a bat. Others such as Viegas and Ribeiro raised the alarm.
Technical Anomalies
As it appeared, the power failed, which halted the recovery of a boat; the radio and magnetic instruments failed until the object had gone. Radar had detected a supersonic target the previous day. The ship's log does not mention the incident.
Significance
The photographs attracted worldwide attention, though analyses point to fakery. The military witnesses and the circumstances make it a key event.