The Rex Heflin Photos

On August 3, 1965, Orange County highway inspector Rex Heflin photographed a hat-shaped UFO near Santa Ana, California. His four Polaroid images, confiscated by mysterious visitors and later returned, remain among the most studied UFO photographs.

The Witness

Rex Heflin:

• Highway inspector
• Orange County
• Professional worker
• No UFO interest
• Carried Polaroid camera

The Sighting

August 3, 1965:

• Around 12:30 PM
• Near Santa Ana
• On Myford Road
• In work truck
• Saw object

The Object

Heflin described:

• Hat-shaped craft
• Flat bottom
• Domed top
• Metallic appearance
• Hovering nearby

The Photographs

He took four shots:

• Polaroid camera
• Model 101
• Within seconds
• Object in frame
• Historic images

Photo Details

The images show:

• Structured craft
• In daylight
• Clear silhouette
• Consistent object
• Sequential shots

Fourth Photo

Final image:

• Smoke ring
• Left behind
• After departure
• Physical trace
• Unusual evidence

Radio Interference

During sighting:

• Truck radio failed
• Static interference
• Common UFO effect
• Electromagnetic
• Documented

Media Coverage

Photos published:

• Santa Ana Register
• Then national
• Major coverage
• Public interest
• Famous images

The Confiscation

Soon after:

• Men visited Heflin
• Claimed NORAD
• Took original photos
• Three of four
• Never verified

Mystery Men

The visitors:

• Showed credentials
• Identified as NORAD
• No record exists
• Never confirmed
• Men in Black?

NORAD Denial

North American Aerospace:

• Denied involvement
• No agents sent
• No investigation
• Photos never taken
• By them

Photos Returned

1993:

• Photos appeared
• In Heflin’s mailbox
• Anonymously returned
• 28 years later
• Mystery deepened

Analysis

Computer analysis:

• Found consistent
• Not obvious hoax
• String theory raised
• Debated extensively
• Inconclusive

Skeptical View

Critics suggested:

• Model on string
• Staged photos
• Too convenient
• Heflin defended
• Controversy continues

Heflin’s Position

The witness:

• Maintained authenticity
• Passed polygraph
• Never profited
• Consistent story
• Died 2005

Significance

Heflin photos significant for:

• Daylight images
• Sequential shots
• Smoke ring evidence
• Confiscation mystery
• Extensive analysis

Legacy

The Rex Heflin photographs remain among the most analyzed UFO images. The mysterious confiscation and return, combined with ongoing debate about authenticity, ensure this case continues to fascinate researchers.