UAP Radar Detection & Tracking

Gene Greneker discusses the history of UAP radar tracking, explains why filters make UAP invisible to airports, and describes DIY passive radar as the “next step” in UAP radar detection.

Grenecker is a veteran of radar research at Georgia Tech, and highlights the limitations of photographic and video evidence and emphasizes radar’s crucial role in verifying sightings and eliminating fakery. The conversation explores historical examples like the 1952 Washington UFO flap, explaining how “radar angels” (atmospheric effects) were initially mistaken for UAPs. Grenecker details the capabilities and limitations of various radar systems, including modern MTIs and polarization filters, and how these can both detect and filter out UAPs depending on their flight characteristics. He also discusses the challenges of distinguishing UAP signals from background noise, particularly in crowded airspace.

Gene also delves into the potential of passive radar systems, including citizen scientist-accessible options costing $500-$700. He also mentions the use of Homodyne radar and other technologies like LIDAR and marine radar for UAP detection, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The interview concludes with an invitation to join the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) for potential future involvement in radar-based UAP research.

The Limitations of Visual Evidence and the Rise of Radar

Grenecker’s presentation at the 2025 SCU Conference (visit explorescu.org for more information) highlighted the critical limitations of photographic and video evidence in UAP investigations. These methods are susceptible to fakery and often lack the precision needed for robust scientific analysis. Radar, on the other hand, offers a more objective and verifiable means of detection, capable of confirming the physical presence of objects in the sky, regardless of their visual characteristics.

Debunking the Myths: Radar Angels and the 1952 Washington UFO Flap

The discussion delved into the infamous 1952 Washington UFO flap, a series of UAP sightings accompanied by numerous radar contacts. While initially attributed to unidentified aircraft, subsequent Air Force studies pointed towards “radar angels” – atmospheric effects reflecting radar signals – as a plausible explanation. Grenecker differentiated between these compact radar angels and larger-scale temperature inversions, clarifying that the Air Force concluded the Washington Flap contacts were most likely the former.

The Evolution of Radar Technology and its Implications for UAP Detection

A key point emphasized was the significant advancements in radar technology since the 1950s. Philip Klass’s observation that 1952 radar lacked the sophistication to filter out birds, balloons, and atmospheric anomalies is crucial. The introduction of digital filters in the 1970s significantly reduced the number of UFO sightings reported on radar, raising the question: were UAPs inadvertently filtered out for over four decades?

Grenecker explained that modern radars utilize Moving Target Indicators (MTIs) to filter out objects below a certain speed threshold, and polarization filters to eliminate weather clutter. This filtering, while crucial for air traffic control and military operations, might also be inadvertently masking UAPs exhibiting unusual flight characteristics – hovering, supersonic speeds, or erratic movements. The limitations of older radar systems, with their slower sweep rates and less sophisticated filtering, ironically made them potentially better suited for detecting UAPs with unpredictable flight patterns.

The Challenges of Modern Radar Systems

Despite advancements, modern radar systems present their own challenges. The inherent limitations of radar sweep rates can cause fast-moving UAPs to be missed. Similarly, stationary UAPs might be obscured by ground clutter, and those accelerating supersonically could exceed the tracking capabilities of current systems. Furthermore, commercial and military radars are not calibrated for UAP detection; their algorithms prioritize specific targets, effectively filtering out anything that doesn’t fit the expected profile. The Chinese balloon incident serves as a prime example: its slow velocity prevented its display on MTI radar, despite its detection.

Citizen Science and the Future of UAP Detection

Grenecker highlighted the potential of citizen scientists in UAP detection. He discussed his experiments with passive radar, a technique that utilizes existing radio signals (FM, HDTV) to detect objects. This approach is particularly appealing because it doesn’t require access to restricted military or air traffic control data. He detailed the development of affordable, home-based passive radar systems, costing between $500 and $700, capable of detecting targets up to 60 miles away under ideal conditions. While his own six months of testing in Atlanta yielded no UAP detections due to high air traffic interference, the potential remains significant.

The interview also touched upon other detection methods, including Homodyne radar (similar to a police speed gun), capable of detecting not only the speed but potentially also the electromagnetic emissions of UAPs. Grenecker’s plans to provide this technology to field researchers in known UAP hotspots are particularly exciting. The discussion also explored the use of radio astronomy techniques, focusing on the 1.420 GHz hydrogen line, to detect potential microwave emissions from UAPs.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Approach to UAP Detection

The interview with Gene Grenecker underscores the critical role that radar technology plays in the ongoing investigation of UAPs. While challenges remain, the advancements in radar technology, coupled with the increasing involvement of citizen scientists, offer a promising path towards a more objective and comprehensive understanding of these enigmatic phenomena. The future of UAP detection likely lies in a multifaceted approach, combining various radar techniques with other detection methods to create a more complete picture. Join the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) at explorescu.org to learn more and potentially participate in future research initiatives.