US: Alien cadaver photos released by Wilhelm & Pilichis
In August 1980, Charles Wilhelm and Dennis Pilichis shared photos purportedly depicting part of an extraterrestrial body, obtained via UFO researcher Willard McIntyre from an unnamed US Navy contact. Analysis by William Spaulding indicated it was likely a monkey from rocket experiments.
Background
Event Details
In August 1980, Charles Wilhelm and Dennis Pilichis made public photographs said to show parts of an alien body. The images had come via UFO investigator Willard McIntyre from an anonymous source in the US Navy. This attracted considerable attention in UFO circles.
Analysis and Investigation
William Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch examined the pictures and concluded that they showed a monkey used in early rocket tests. Reports by Leonard H. Stringfield in the MUFON UFO Journal discussed the case in detail and set out the doubts.
Significance
The case illustrates the difficulty of authenticating supposed alien evidence. It was taken up in several publications, among them by Juan-Vicente Ballester-Olmos, and remains an example of contested photographs in ufology.