FOREWORD
This report presents the results of image analysis of an unidentified object seen by millions of viewers during an Apollo 12 television transmission. Visual phenomena associated with space flights have been observed previously. Positive identification of these objects is normally accomplished through analysis of their images recorded on film when available. Often positive identification is not possible and "tentative" interpretation must be made. "Moon Pigeon" is a term coined by MSC structural engineers to describe unexpected objects seen in operational photography that defy positive identification. Subsequent mission flight plans usually include photographic sequences designed to provide sufficient information to identify the phenomena should it occur again.
With respect to this study, preliminary interpretations have tentatively "identified" this visual event as spacecraft debris associated with an earlier pyrotechnical operation, or ice, or window reflections. Cases for each of these theories have been presented and exhibits of similar occurences are included. Positive identification was not possible.
This report was prepared by Lockheed Electronics Company, Houston Aerospace Systems Division, under Contract NAS 9-5191 in response to Job Order 63-2616-2124 (Action Document 21-3), issued by the Mapping Sciences Laboratory in support of a request initiated by the Chief of Mission Planning and Analysis Division (MPAD).
The report was prepared by F. D. Beatty and J. G. Baron with technical assistance from B. Buckley, W. Daley, T. Johnson, D. Kinsler, L. Pearl, R. Pinter, M. Schoenberg and S. Topiwalla of the mapping Sciences Department and R. Kassay of Raytheon/Autometric Operation. Editing was performed by J. R. Donaldson.
The authors wish to express their appreciation to the following people: D. Camp, M. Conover, J. Davis E. Dickinson, D. Gardner, P. Glynn, D. Goldenbaum, O. Graham, B. Hill, W. Hoyer, D. Incerto, W. Kunkel, W. Langdoc, J. Mayer, E. Morrison, J. Stamps, J. Teague, M. Wents, C. Wheelright, M. Williamson and R. Young for their cooperation, support and interest, without which this report would not have been possible.
Special acknowledgement is given to Messrs. A. W. Patteson, L. C. Wade and G. Gutschewski of the Mapping Sciences laboratory for reading the manuscript and offering their suggestions and comments, many of which have been incorporated into this report.