Information presented is not verified and may contain errors. For research purposes only.
PUBLIC CASE ID: MCMINNVILLE-1950-PHOTOS

McMinnville UFO Photographs 1950

Two photographs of a disc-shaped object taken by Oregon farmers, becoming the most analyzed UFO photographs in history with no evidence of hoax found after 70+ years.

FILE METADATA PUBLIC
CASE ID: MCMINNVILLE-1950-PHOTOS
DATE: 1950-05-11
LOCATION: McMinnville, Oregon
COORDINATES: 45.2101, -123.1987
SOURCE: Paul and Evelyn Trent
TYPE: case-file
TAGS:
photographs civilians most-analyzed unidentified

McMinnville UFO Photographs - May 11, 1950

Executive Summary

On May 11, 1950, Oregon farmers Paul and Evelyn Trent photographed a disc-shaped object over their farm near McMinnville. These two photographs have become the most extensively analyzed UFO images in history, subjected to over 70 years of photographic examination by experts, government agencies, and independent researchers. Despite intensive scrutiny, no evidence of hoax or manipulation has been conclusively demonstrated.

Witnesses

Paul and Evelyn Trent

  • Occupation: Farmers
  • Location: Rural property near McMinnville, Oregon
  • Background: No known interest in UFOs prior to incident
  • Character: Local reputation for honesty and reliability
  • Post-Incident: Maintained story consistently until deaths

Family Members

  • Children: Present during initial sighting
  • Extended Family: Corroborated character of witnesses
  • Community Standing: Well-regarded local residents

Event Details

Primary Sighting

  • Date: May 11, 1950
  • Time: Approximately 7:30 PM PST
  • Weather: Clear evening, good visibility
  • Duration: Several minutes of observation
  • Activity: Evening farm chores

Sequence of Events

  1. Initial Observation: Evelyn Trent first noticed object while feeding rabbits
  2. Alert: Called to husband Paul Trent
  3. Retrieval: Paul ran inside to get camera
  4. First Photograph: Taken showing object in distance
  5. Second Photograph: Taken as object moved position
  6. Departure: Object allegedly flew away rapidly

Photographic Evidence

Camera and Equipment

  • Camera: Universal Roamer I (inexpensive box camera)
  • Film: 620 rollfilm, black and white
  • Lens: Simple meniscus lens, fixed focus
  • Settings: Automatic exposure, no manual controls

Photograph Descriptions

First Photograph:

  • Shows disc-shaped object in upper right portion
  • Power lines visible in foreground
  • Barn and trees provide reference points
  • Object appears distant

Second Photograph:

  • Object appears larger, suggesting closer position
  • Slight tilt or rotation visible
  • Same background reference points
  • Consistent lighting conditions

Technical Analysis

Government Investigation

Project Blue Book (1950s):

  • Case #1947: Classified as “unidentified”
  • No evidence of hoax found
  • Photographic analysis inconclusive but supportive

Condon Committee (1960s):

  • University of Colorado study
  • Computer-enhanced analysis
  • Concluded “not definitively explainable”

Independent Analysis

Ground Saucer Watch (1970s):

  • Computer photogrammetric analysis
  • Edge enhancement techniques
  • Shadow and lighting analysis
  • Concluded photographs authentic

Dr. Bruce Maccabee (1980s-2000s):

  • Optical physicist analysis
  • Multiple analytical techniques
  • Distance and size calculations
  • Supports authenticity

Modern Digital Analysis

Computer Enhancement:

  • Digital restoration of original negatives
  • Pixel-level examination
  • No evidence of double exposure or manipulation
  • Consistent grain structure throughout

Photogrammetric Studies:

  • Distance calculations: 1-2 miles from camera
  • Size estimates: 30-100 feet diameter
  • Speed analysis: 50-100 mph
  • Trajectory analysis: Smooth, level flight

Analytical Findings

Supporting Authenticity

  1. Consistent Lighting: Shadows and illumination match throughout both images
  2. Atmospheric Perspective: Object shows appropriate atmospheric haze for distance
  3. Motion Blur: Slight blur consistent with moving object
  4. Film Grain: Uniform throughout image with no splice evidence
  5. Edge Characteristics: Clean edges without artificial appearance

Technical Challenges to Hoax Theory

  1. 1950 Technology: Limited photo manipulation capabilities
  2. Amateur Equipment: Simple camera incapable of sophisticated effects
  3. Witness Background: No technical photography knowledge
  4. Consistency: Details remain consistent under extreme magnification
  5. Time Factor: 70+ years without proof of hoax

Alternative Explanations

Conventional Objects

Model Suspended from Wires:

  • Most common skeptical theory
  • No wires visible in any analysis
  • Lighting inconsistent with close model
  • Motion blur difficult to fake with stationary model

Distant Aircraft:

  • No known aircraft match object shape
  • Size and distance calculations inconsistent
  • No sound reported by witnesses
  • Disc shape atypical for 1950 aircraft

Weather Balloon/Debris:

  • Shape inconsistent with balloon
  • No meteorological balloon launches in area
  • Disc shape maintained between photographs
  • Controlled movement pattern

Atmospheric Phenomena

Cloud Formation:

  • Sharp edges inconsistent with clouds
  • Solid appearance rules out vapor
  • No other atmospheric disturbances visible
  • Stable shape between exposures

Optical Effects:

  • No atmospheric conditions to create disc mirage
  • Clear weather eliminates inversion layers
  • Object shows consistent solid characteristics

Credibility Assessment

Witness Reliability: HIGH

Supporting Factors:

  • No prior UFO interest or claims
  • Local reputation for honesty
  • Consistent story over decades
  • No financial exploitation of photographs

Question Factors:

  • Delayed reporting (photographs not revealed until later)
  • Simple explanation could be preferred
  • Rural isolation limits corroborating witnesses

Photographic Authenticity: HIGH

Technical Evidence:

  • No manipulation detected in 70+ years
  • Multiple independent expert analyses
  • Sophisticated hoax beyond 1950 capabilities
  • Consistent physical evidence throughout

Cultural Impact

UFO Research Influence

  • Standard Benchmark: Photos used as authenticity comparison
  • Analysis Techniques: Drove development of photo analysis methods
  • Expert Training: Case used in training photographic analysts
  • Investigation Protocols: Established standards for photographic evidence

Media and Public Interest

  • LIFE Magazine: Featured in major publication (1952)
  • Documentary Subject: Featured in numerous UFO documentaries
  • Academic Study: Subject of university research projects
  • Popular Culture: Referenced in films and television

Ongoing Investigation

Recent Developments

  • Digital Archives: High-resolution scanning of original negatives
  • AI Analysis: Machine learning pattern recognition
  • Enhanced Techniques: New analytical methods continue application
  • International Study: Global expert collaboration

Current Status

  • Official Classification: Remains unidentified by U.S. government
  • Scientific Community: No consensus on conventional explanation
  • Expert Opinion: Generally supportive of authenticity
  • Public Interest: Continues to generate investigation

Contemporary Photographs

  • Coast Guard Photos: 1952 Salem, Massachusetts
  • Tremonton Footage: 1952 Utah film evidence
  • Various Hoax Photos: Comparison standards for analysis

Pattern Recognition

  • Disc-Shaped Objects: Consistent with other contemporary reports
  • Civilian Witnesses: Pattern of farmer/rural witnesses
  • Photographic Evidence: Part of early photographic UFO wave

Documentation Preservation

Original Materials

  • Negatives: Preserved in climate-controlled conditions
  • Prints: Original prints maintained
  • Chain of Custody: Well-documented ownership history
  • Access: Available for continued scientific analysis

Archives

  • McMinnville Museum: Local historical preservation
  • University Collections: Academic research archives
  • Government Files: Blue Book and other official records
  • Private Research: Multiple researcher collections

Conclusions

The McMinnville UFO photographs represent one of the most compelling pieces of visual evidence in UFO research. After more than 70 years of intensive analysis using increasingly sophisticated techniques, no definitive evidence of hoax or conventional explanation has been established.

The photographs’ significance lies not only in their potential authenticity but in their role in establishing standards for photographic analysis in anomalous phenomena research. The case demonstrates both the possibilities and limitations of photographic evidence in scientific investigation.

While definitive proof of extraterrestrial origin cannot be established, the photographs remain among the most credible visual evidence for unidentified aerial phenomena, supported by technical analysis, witness credibility, and the absence of conventional explanations.

References

  1. Hartmann, William K. “Analysis of UFO Photographs.” Condon Committee Report, University of Colorado, 1969.
  2. Maccabee, Bruce. “The McMinnville UFO Photos.” Fund for UFO Research, 1981.
  3. Klass, Philip J. “UFOs: The Public Deceived.” Prometheus Books, 1983.
  4. Project Blue Book. “Case File 1947: McMinnville, Oregon.” U.S. Air Force, 1950.
  5. Sheaffer, Robert. “The UFO Verdict.” Prometheus Books, 1981.