McMinnville UFO Photographs
On May 11, 1950, farmers Paul and Evelyn Trent photographed a disc-shaped UFO over their property near McMinnville, Oregon. The two photographs became the most analyzed UFO images in history. Extensive scientific analysis has found no evidence of hoax. The images remain among the most compelling photographic evidence of UFOs ever captured.
The McMinnville UFO photographs are arguably the most analyzed and scrutinized UFO images in history. A farming couple in rural Oregon captured two clear photographs of a disc-shaped object that, despite over 70 years of analysis, have never been proven to be fakes. The images have withstood examination by the Condon Committee, optical physicists, and modern digital analysis, remaining unexplained.
May 11, 1950
The photographs were taken on an ordinary day:
Date: Thursday, May 11, 1950.
Time: Early evening, approximately 7:30 PM.
Location: The Trent farm near McMinnville, Oregon.
Conditions: Overcast sky, good visibility.
The Witnesses
The photographers were simple farmers:
Paul Trent: A farmer, approximately 45 years old.
Evelyn Trent: His wife, who first spotted the object.
Background: A working-class rural couple with no apparent interest in UFOs.
Character: Known in the community as honest and not prone to tall tales.
The Sighting
Evelyn Trent noticed something unusual:
First Observer: Evelyn was outside feeding rabbits when she saw the object.
Alert: She called to Paul to come see.
The Object: A disc-shaped metallic object moving slowly through the sky.
Camera: Paul retrieved his camera from the house.
The Photographs
Paul Trent took two now-famous images:
First Photo: Captured the object at one position.
Second Photo: Taken seconds later as the object moved.
Camera: A Kodak Roamer with 620 film.
Negatives: The original negatives survived and were preserved.
Description of the Object
The Trents described what they saw:
Shape: Disc or saucer-shaped, slightly domed.
Color: Metallic, silvery, reflecting light.
Size: They estimated it was quite large.
Movement: Moving slowly, silently.
Departure: It eventually accelerated and disappeared to the west.
The Delay in Reporting
Curiously, the Trents waited to share the photos:
No Immediate Report: They didn’t immediately publicize the sighting.
Film Developed: The film sat for some time before being developed.
Word of Mouth: Friends eventually saw the prints and encouraged them to share.
Newspaper: The McMinnville Telephone Register published the photos in June.
Media Response
The images attracted significant attention:
Local Coverage: The newspaper story gained traction.
Life Magazine: The photos were published nationally.
Wire Services: The story spread across the country.
Debate: Almost immediately, debate began about their authenticity.
The Condon Committee
The University of Colorado study examined the case:
Selection: The McMinnville photos were among cases studied.
Analysis: William Hartmann conducted the analysis.
Conclusion: Hartmann concluded the photos showed a “physical object” and found no evidence of hoax.
Significance: This was a rare positive assessment from the generally skeptical Condon Report.
Optical Analysis
Scientists have studied the images:
Photogrammetric Analysis: Attempts to determine object distance and size.
Light and Shadow: Analysis of lighting conditions.
String Theory: Claims that the object hung from a string; analysis has been inconclusive.
Digital Enhancement: Modern techniques have been applied without definitive debunking.
William Hartmann’s Analysis
The Condon Committee analyst was thorough:
Approach: He used geometric and photometric analysis.
Findings: The object appeared to be at considerable distance.
Size Estimate: If distant, the object would have been substantial in size.
Conclusion: “This is one of the few UFO reports in which all factors investigated, geometric, psychological, and physical, appear to be consistent with the assertion that an extraordinary flying object flew within sight of two witnesses.”
Bruce Maccabee’s Analysis
The optical physicist conducted extensive study:
Multiple Analyses: Dr. Maccabee analyzed the photos several times over decades.
Methodology: He used sophisticated optical analysis techniques.
Conclusion: He concluded the photos show a large object at significant distance.
Authenticity: He believes the photos are genuine.
The Hoax Theory
Skeptics have proposed the photos are fake:
Model: A small model suspended from overhead wires.
Evidence Cited: An apparent line above the object in enhanced images.
Wire or String: This line could be a support wire.
Problems: Supporters argue the “line” is an artifact or unrelated.
Counter-Arguments
Those who believe the photos argue:
Trent Character: The Trents were not hoaxers; they never profited.
No Confession: Neither Trent ever admitted to a hoax.
Analysis Support: Multiple analyses support authenticity.
Complexity: A sophisticated hoax seems unlikely for simple farmers.
The Trents’ Credibility
The witnesses were generally believed:
Community Standing: They were known as honest people.
No Profit: They never made significant money from the photos.
Reluctance: They were initially reluctant to publicize the images.
Consistency: Their account never changed.
The Festival
McMinnville embraced its UFO connection:
UFO Fest: The town hosts an annual UFO festival.
Tourism: The photos put McMinnville on the UFO map.
Pride: The community takes pride in its UFO history.
Endurance: The festival has continued for decades.
The Negatives
The original film is significant:
Survival: The original negatives still exist.
Analysis: They have been examined multiple times.
Chain of Custody: Their provenance is documented.
Evidence: They remain available for study.
Modern Analysis
Recent studies continue:
Digital Technology: Modern imaging analysis has been applied.
No Consensus: Results haven’t settled the debate.
Ongoing Interest: Researchers continue to study the images.
Mystery Endures: No definitive conclusion has been reached.
Legacy
The McMinnville photographs matter because:
- They are among the clearest UFO photographs ever taken
- Extensive analysis has never proven them fake
- The Condon Committee found them consistent with a real object
- The witnesses were credible and never profited
- They remain the gold standard for UFO photography analysis
Whatever Paul Trent photographed over his Oregon farm that spring evening produced images that have defied explanation for over seven decades. The McMinnville photos remain among the most compelling visual evidence in UFO history.
Sources
- Original photographs and negatives
- Condon Committee analysis
- Dr. Bruce Maccabee research
- Witness testimonies
- McMinnville UFO photographs - Wikipedia