Zacatecas Observatory: First Photograph of Unidentified Aerial Objects

On August 12, 1883, astronomer José Bonilla at the Zacatecas Observatory in Mexico observed and photographed over 400 dark objects crossing the Sun's disc during routine solar observations, marking the first known photographs of unidentified aerial phenomena.

The Incident José Bonilla was conducting routine solar observations at the Zacatecas Observatory. He noticed numerous dark objects crossing the disc of the Sun. Over the course of two days, he photographed more than 400 objects passing in front of the solar surface.

Observations - Some objects appeared in groups, others individually. - The objects were captured crossing the solar surface. - Total photographs taken: more than 400.

Publication Bonilla published his observations in the French astronomical journal L'Astronomie in 1886. The original publication expressed puzzlement about the nature of the objects.

Significance The images represent the first known photographs of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP/UFO).

Modern Analysis Some modern researchers have proposed the objects were fragments of a disintegrating comet. The case remains debated despite these explanations.