The First UFO Photographs

On August 12, 1883, astronomer José Bonilla at Zacatecas Observatory photographed hundreds of unknown objects crossing the Sun’s face. These may be the first photographs of unidentified aerial phenomena, taken a century before the modern UFO era.

The Observer

José A.Y. Bonilla was a professional astronomer at Zacatecas Observatory in Mexico, studying sunspots during what began as a routine observation.

The Day

On August 12, 1883, under clear conditions, Bonilla was conducting solar observation through his telescope with camera ready when he made an unexpected discovery.

What He Saw

Bonilla observed dark objects crossing the solar disk—hundreds of them in different shapes over a two-day event.

The Count

On the first day, over 400 objects were observed in different sizes and various formations, some appearing alone while others traveled in groups.

Day Two

Continued observation showed more objects appeared with similar characteristics and the same crossing pattern, remaining unexplained as the event extended into a second day.

The Photographs

Bonilla captured wet-plate images showing objects silhouetted against the Sun in historic photos that still exist today.

Object Descriptions

He noted circular shapes, elongated forms, dark silhouettes, luminous halos, and that some objects had appendages.

The Report

Bonilla submitted a detailed account with photographs to L’Astronomie journal, a French publication, creating an important scientific record.

Publication

In 1886, L’Astronomie published the report with editor’s comments suggesting birds or insects close to the telescope as an attempted explanation.

Problems with Explanations

However, Bonilla noted that observations were made through a telescope focused at infinity, meaning these were not close objects but rather traversed the solar disk and were not local phenomena.

Modern Analysis

Later researchers re-examined the evidence and found that cometary fragments were possible, but questions remain about unusual characteristics and unexplained aspects.

The Photographs Today

The images still exist and are often reproduced, showing clear objects against the bright Sun as historic documents of the event.

Contemporary Context

From an 1883 perspective, this occurred before powered flight with no aircraft, no satellites, no explanation, and represented a complete mystery.

Later Theories

Various explanations have been proposed including migrating birds, insect swarms, comet fragments, and meteoric material, though none fully fits the observations.

Significance

The Zacatecas observation is significant for potentially being the first UFO photos, being made by a professional astronomer in an observatory setting, being documented scientifically, and having historical importance.

Legacy

The Zacatecas photographs stand as possibly the first photographic evidence of unknown aerial phenomena. Whatever José Bonilla captured in 1883, it remains unexplained over a century later.