Within Infrared
Did Go Fast really show a fast object?
The GoFast video shows why a fast-moving dot on an infrared display can be a slow object seen from a moving aircraft.
On this page
- What the infrared clip appears to show
- How aircraft motion changes apparent speed
- What AARO could and could not resolve
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Introduction
The GoFast video is one of the most famous modern infrared UFO clips released by the U.S. military. To many viewers, it appears to show a small object racing just above the ocean at extraordinary speed. However, detailed analysis has increasingly pointed to a different explanation: the object only appears fast because the observing aircraft is moving rapidly, creating a powerful parallax illusion. Rather than demonstrating extreme performance, GoFast has become a case study in how infrared footage can mislead observers when distance and viewing geometry are uncertain. For the broader question of identified flying objects (IFOs) and UFO reports, the lesson is important: apparent speed on a sensor display is not the same thing as actual speed. [AARO]aaro.milGo Fast Case Resolution Card Methodology FinalAAROAARO GoFast Case ResolutionFeb 6, 2025 — The object's apparent high speed is attributable to motion parallax. Motion parallax is an o…
Did GoFast really show a fast object?
What the infrared clip appears to show
The video, recorded by a U.S. Navy F/A-18 using an ATFLIR infrared targeting pod in 2015, shows a small target moving across the display while pilots react with surprise. Because the object seems to skim over the ocean surface and traverse the scene quickly, many viewers concluded that it must be travelling at extremely high speed. The clip’s name, “GoFast”, reinforced that impression. [WIRED]wired.comDoes It Matter That the DOD Released Those UFO Videos?These videos, previously surfaced through The New York Times in 2017, were not initially authorized by the Pentagon, though they were ack…
The apparent visual story is straightforward: a small object near the water appears to streak along below a fast-moving jet. If the object were genuinely only a short distance above the waves and covering that apparent distance in the observed time, it would indeed be moving very rapidly. The problem is that the video itself does not directly reveal the object’s range. Without a reliable distance measurement, speed estimates become highly uncertain. [PBS]pbs.org3 ways scientists use math to help debunk ufo videosPBS3 ways scientists use math to help debunk UFO videos24 Apr 2025 — Semeter helped analyze one particular video called "GO FAST," where…
This uncertainty became the central issue in later analyses. Once investigators examined the geometry rather than relying on visual impressions, the case looked very different. [AARO]
How aircraft motion changes apparent speed
Parallax is the apparent movement of an object caused by the motion of the observer rather than by the object’s own motion. Nearby objects seem to shift more rapidly across a field of view than distant objects when the observer is moving. It is the same reason roadside signs appear to rush past a car while distant mountains seem almost stationary. [Wikipedia]WikipediaApril 9, 2026 — Parallax is a displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object viewed along two different lines of sightR…
In the GoFast case, the observing platform was not a stationary camera but a fighter aircraft travelling at hundreds of kilometres per hour. The infrared targeting system continuously tracked the object while the aircraft itself moved through the air. That combination can make a slow-moving target appear to race across the sensor display. [AARO]aaro.milall-domain anomalyresolution officeNov 19, 2024 — The perception of high speed was attributed to motion parallax. ▫ Reconstruction confirmed the objects tr…
Analysts reconstructed the encounter using the information displayed on the video, aircraft motion data, trigonometric modelling and three-dimensional geometry. Their conclusion was that the dramatic motion was largely created by parallax. The target’s apparent speed on the screen did not represent its actual speed through the atmosphere. AARO DefenseScoop A useful way to think about the illusion is to imagine looking out of an aircraft window. A balloon many kilometres away can seem to slide ra [defensescoop.com]defensescoop.comDefenseScoopPentagon's UAP office reviews findings on Go Fast, Puerto…Nov 19, 2024 — He said AARO officials wrote a paper on parallax… pidly across the landscape as the aircraft overtakes it, even though the balloon itself is drifting slowly with the wind. When viewed through a narrow-field infrared sensor lacking obvious distance cues, that effect becomes even harder to recognise. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPentagon UFO videosPentagon UFO videosThe Pentagon UFO videos are selected visual recordings of Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting cameras from Un…
AARO’s reconstruction concluded that the object was not skimming the sea surface as many viewers assumed. Instead, it was likely much higher in the atmosphere, making the visual impression of extreme speed largely a consequence of viewing geometry. AARO [News.com.au]news.com.auBlack object': Pentagon's wild UFO revelation DrJon T. Kosloski, head of the Pentagon's UFO investigation office, detailed several anomalous UFO sightings that remain unexplained during…
What AARO could and could not resolve
In 2024 and 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) publicly presented its analysis of GoFast. According to AARO, geospatial reconstruction showed that the object was roughly 13,000 feet above sea level rather than close to the ocean surface. The office assessed with high confidence that the object’s apparent rapid motion resulted from motion parallax generated by the fighter aircraft’s own speed. [AARO]aaro.milGo Fast Case Resolution Card Methodology FinalAAROAARO GoFast Case ResolutionFeb 6, 2025 — The object's apparent high speed is attributable to motion parallax. Motion parallax is an o… [AARO]aaro.milall-domain anomalyresolution officeNov 19, 2024 — The perception of high speed was attributed to motion parallax. ▫ Reconstruction confirmed the objects tr…
AARO further concluded that the object did not display anomalous acceleration, extraordinary manoeuvrability or speeds beyond those expected for ordinary airborne objects. Their modelling suggested movement broadly consistent with prevailing winds rather than with advanced propulsion. [AARO]aaro.milall-domain anomalyresolution officeNov 19, 2024 — The perception of high speed was attributed to motion parallax. ▫ Reconstruction confirmed the objects tr… [AARO]aaro.milall-domain anomalyresolution officeNov 19, 2024 — The perception of high speed was attributed to motion parallax. ▫ Reconstruction confirmed the objects tr…
However, resolving the speed question did not automatically identify the object itself. AARO’s analysis addressed how fast it was moving and where it likely was, but it could not definitively determine whether the target was a balloon, bird, small drone or some other ordinary object. The publicly available footage lacks sufficient detail for a firm identification. AARO [space]space.compentagon ufo chief tells senate very anomalous objects need careful study videoPentagon UFO chief tells Senate 'very anomalous objects'…Nov 19, 2024 — However, AARO's ability to resolve cases "remains constrained… That distinction matters. The GoFast case is often presented as a choice between”alien craft” and “nothing unusual”. In reality, the strongest conclusion is narrower: the video does not provide evidence that the object was travelling at extraordinary speed. The apparent high velocity that made the clip famous can be explained by known geometric effects acting on a slow-moving or wind-driven object viewed from a fast-moving aircraft. AARO [2theblackvault.com]theblackvault.compentagon releases aaro report on go fast video analysisPentagon Releases AARO Report on 'Go Fast' Video…Feb 10, 2025 — “The object's apparent high speed is attributable to motion parallax…
Why GoFast matters for understanding UFO reports
GoFast remains an important example within discussions of UFO evidence because it demonstrates how easily sensor footage can create false impressions of performance. The object was real enough to be tracked by the infrared system, yet the most dramatic feature of the video—its seemingly astonishing speed—appears to have resulted from perspective rather than propulsion. [AARO]aaro.milall-domain anomalyresolution officeNov 19, 2024 — The perception of high speed was attributed to motion parallax. ▫ Reconstruction confirmed the objects tr…
For investigators of UFO reports, the case highlights a recurring problem: before asking what an object is, it is often necessary to determine where it is. Without a reliable estimate of distance, even sophisticated military sensors can produce images that exaggerate speed and make ordinary airborne objects look extraordinary. GoFast is therefore less a demonstration of impossible flight than a demonstration of how parallax can turn an ambiguous infrared target into a compelling UFO story. AARO [2theblackvault.com]theblackvault.compentagon releases aaro report on go fast video analysisPentagon Releases AARO Report on 'Go Fast' Video…Feb 10, 2025 — “The object's apparent high speed is attributable to motion parallax…
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Endnotes
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Source: aaro.mil
Title: Go Fast Case Resolution Card Methodology Final
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/Portals/136/PDFs/case_resolution_reports/AARO_GoFast_Case_Resolution_Card_Methodology_Final.pdfSource snippet
AAROAARO GoFast Case ResolutionFeb 6, 2025 — The object's apparent high speed is attributable to motion parallax. Motion parallax is an o...
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Source: theblackvault.com
Title: pentagon releases aaro report on go fast video analysis
Link: https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/pentagon-releases-aaro-report-on-go-fast-video-analysis/Source snippet
Pentagon Releases AARO Report on 'Go Fast' Video...Feb 10, 2025 — “The object's apparent high speed is attributable to motion parallax...
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Source: wired.com
Title: Does It Matter That the DOD Released Those UFO Videos?
Link: https://www.wired.com/story/does-it-matter-that-the-dod-released-those-ufo-videosSource snippet
These videos, previously surfaced through The New York Times in 2017, were not initially authorized by the Pentagon, though they were ack...
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Source: pbs.org
Title: 3 ways scientists use math to help debunk ufo videos
Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/3-ways-scientists-use-math-to-help-debunk-ufo-videosSource snippet
PBS3 ways scientists use math to help debunk UFO videos24 Apr 2025 — Semeter helped analyze one particular video called "GO FAST," where...
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Source: defensescoop.com
Link: https://defensescoop.com/2024/11/19/uap-aaro-findings-go-fast-puerto-rico-mt-etna-objects/Source snippet
DefenseScoopPentagon's UAP office reviews findings on Go Fast, Puerto...Nov 19, 2024 — He said AARO officials wrote a paper on parallax...
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Source: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ParallaxSource snippet
April 9, 2026 — Parallax is a displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object viewed along two different lines of sightR...
Published: April 9, 2026
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Source: news.com.au
Title: ‘Black object’: Pentagon’s wild UFO revelation Dr
Link: https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/space/very-anomalous-objects-pentagon-reveals-bizarre-ufo-sightings-under-investigation/news-story/a41d822643c8faf3a4ebce168b1d1f92Source snippet
Jon T. Kosloski, head of the Pentagon's UFO investigation office, detailed several anomalous UFO sightings that remain unexplained during...
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Source: aaro.mil
Title: all-domain anomaly
Link: https://www.aaro.mil/Portals/136/PDFs/SASC_AARO_Open_Hearing_Case_Slides_19Nov2024.pdfSource snippet
resolution officeNov 19, 2024 — The perception of high speed was attributed to motion parallax. ▫ Reconstruction confirmed the objects tr...
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Source: space.com
Title: pentagon ufo chief tells senate very anomalous objects need careful study video
Link: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/search-for-life/pentagon-ufo-chief-tells-senate-very-anomalous-objects-need-careful-study-videoSource snippet
Pentagon UFO chief tells Senate 'very anomalous objects'...Nov 19, 2024 — However, AARO's ability to resolve cases "remains constrained...
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Source: Wikipedia
Title: Pentagon UFO videos
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videosSource snippet
Pentagon UFO videosThe Pentagon UFO videos are selected visual recordings of Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting cameras from Un...
Additional References
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1bfmuzz/for_those_who_dont_know_the_gimbal_and_gofast/Source snippet
For those who don't know, the Gimbal and GoFast videos...Gimbal is allegedly just a distant jet and GoFast is just a balloon seen with p...
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Source: nypost.com
Link: [https://nypost.com/2024/11/20/us-news/pentagon-claims-to-debunk-famous-gofast-ufo-radarSource snippet
During a Congressional hearing, Dr. Jon Kosloski from the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office reported that the object seen moving rapid...
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403025531_Tic_Tac_and_Beyond_UAP_Sightings_Reverse-Engineered_Alien_Tech_and_the_Corporate-Government_ConspiracySource snippet
The “GoFast” video, also from January 2015, depicts a small, spherical object moving at. incredible speed just above the surface...Read...
Published: January 2015
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/166dk0u/according_to_aaros_new_website_the_flir_gimbal/Source snippet
According to AARO's new website, the FLIR, Gimbal and...... Gimbal and GoFast UAP videos are "unresolved”: r/UFOs... r/ufo - Pentagon...
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Source: youtube.com
Link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n058kvtUMXcSource snippet
How math helped debunk this UFO videoNASA and the US government have turned to math and science publicly to help show how seemingly impos...
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Source: youtube.com
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diPXow8zgc8Source snippet
How scientists use math to help explain UFO videosNASA and the US government have turned to math and science publicly to help show how se...
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Source: petapixel.com
Title: famous navy ufo video was actually camera glare evidence suggests
Link: https://petapixel.com/2022/03/14/famous-navy-ufo-video-was-actually-camera-glare-evidence-suggests/Source snippet
Famous Navy UFO Video Was Actually Camera Glare...14 Mar 2022 — analysis, extraterrestrial, footage, gimbal, glare, navy, ufo, ufofootag...
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Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Title: File:Go Fast Official USG Footage of UAP for Public Release.webm
Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AGo_Fast_Official_USG_Footage_of_UAP_for_Public_Release.webmSource snippet
wikimedia.orgFile:Go Fast Official USG Footage of UAP for Public Release...File usage on other wikis · Ufo · Pentagoni ufo...
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Source: wbznewsradio.iheart.com
Title: 2024 11 20 pentagon solves one its highest profile ufo cases
Link: https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2024-11-20-pentagon-solves-one-its-highest-profile-ufo-cases/Source snippet
WBZ NewsRadio 1030Pentagon Solves One Its Highest-Profile UFO CasesNov 20, 2024 — The Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AA...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1gv8xak/aaro_has_resolved_the_go_fast_uap/Source snippet
Wind speed at that altitude was 60 knots. Object moved in a relatively straight...Read more...
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