In the pursuit of capturing extraordinary UFO evidence on film, one of the most useful tool is a FLIR camera that uses thermal imaging. FLIR stands for Forward-Looking Infrared.
Unlike active IR, this passive IR technology allows the detection and visualization of infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is heat radiation emitted by objects, and FLIR technology is capable of capturing and converting this radiation into visible images. So, what is the difference between active IR (common night vision) and passive IR (thermal imaging)? Below is the definition from Teledyne FLIR's website:
Active IR systems use short wavelength infrared light to illuminate an area of interest. Some of the infrared energy is reflected back to a camera and interpreted to generate an image. Thermal imaging systems use mid- or long wavelength IR energy. Thermal imagers are passive, and only sense differences in heat.
What does that mean in layman's term? Active IR is your common night vision goggle that sends out IR light (usually green) and see the reflected image the IR light produces. Passive IR uses thermal heat objects give off and produce the image based on temperature difference.
Remember the famous TicTac video? The military shot that using an expensive (rumored $1 million) advanced infrared camera mounted on the fighter jet, similar to the one pictured on the right. The Pentagon's UAP video is called 'FLIR'.
Bear in mind, the TicTac video was shot by a system build no later than 2004. Technologies improved a lot in 20 years.
On the left, is the Corona 350 that contains a FLIR radiometric infrared camera (IR) mounted on a helicopter for airborne surveillances and inspections. We don't need that unless we are chasing UFOs.
Besides aerial application, maritime application for coastal surveillance are also available. These systems are out of hands for anybody else but the government, so let's jump into the more affordable options for research and everyday use.
Here is a FLIR for research applications that sit on a tripod producing long-range and high-definition images. It is about $180K. Okay, maybe this price range is not attainable for a citizen UFO application but please bear with us.
There are many choices for FLIR recreational use. For maritime use the thermal imaging not only lets you instantly see approaching vessels, but also the objects all around. Many systems offer digital and optical zoom to further enhance small or distant objects. The prices range of these systems are reflected on their capabilities. The high end ones are near military-grade and can be rather expensive (~$175K). The more affordable ones are in the range ($4K - $75K) recreational boat owners can afford.
Likewise, there are similar solutions and price points for recreational use. These systems can be installed on drones, airplanes, helicopter, and etc. Take for example the DJI Zenmuse XT2 FLIR thermal camera. At the cost of $8K - $13K you can install this on your flying object and hope to capture thermal images of unidentified flying object. The main problem is that the average air time for a quadcopter drone to stay in the air is 30 minutes. To extend the air time to 2-8 hours the solution will have to be fixed-wing VTOL UAV (vertical take off and landing, unmanned aerial vehicle). These will automatically up your cost to $30K - $100K, camera system may or may not be included.
What does this leave us with trying to find an affordable citizen solutions and getting that extraordinary evidence? There are handheld monocular that are within the budget of ordinary people. Take for example FLIR System have several models, priced between $500 - $2800. There are other manufactures also using FLIR technology with competing products and pricings.
When buying a handheld thermal monoscope such as a FLIR or other brand, there are numerous things to consider such as price, sensitivity, resolution, optical features, temperature tolerance, frame rate, build quality, brand, software, and etc. The two that are most important for UFOs are resolution and frame rate. Let's always remember how bad all those UFO pictures and videos are when it comes to resolution. Their quality is just incredibly bad due to cameras with low resolution. We need to avoid that. Secondly, UFOs usually move and sometime rather fast. Needless to say the frame rate, measured in Hertz (Hz) needs to be as high as possible. So, if the option is 30Hz vs 60Hz, the latter is better and usually cost more. Buy the highest you can afford.
As a conclusion, it would be nice to have a FLIR RS8500 on top of a mountain but that is cost prohibiting as a citizen project. The fixed-wing drone idea is a little pricey but can be a good option for currently known UFO sighting. The low end maritime FLIR system such as the FLIR M364C (~$22K) can possibility work for USO hunting on a boat. Maybe an innovative approach can be to mount that on a vehicle and drive around in the country side where UFOs are recently reported. As mentioned, there are other brands that may offer FLIR technology and specs for a better price. The most feasible option for individuals may be a high-end handheld thermal device and mount it on a tripod.