A photograph of a glowing saucer-shaped cloud formation taken over Canmore, Alberta, has sparked online debate after a researcher claimed it concealed a UFO.
The image, reportedly captured on August 2, shows a glowing structure suspended above a landscape of mountains, trees, homes, and a road. Chary Woods shared the picture on Facebook in a group dedicated to clouds, where it quickly drew attention from meteorology enthusiasts and UFO believers alike.
At the center of the formation is a dark oval. UFO researcher Scott C Waring claimed on his UFO Sightings Daily website that the feature is a classic disk-shaped alien craft hidden inside a cloud created by the object itself.
Waring said he increased the contrast on the photograph to make the central object easier to see. He alleged that extraterrestrials have used cloud camouflage for millions of years to fly closer to the ground and secretly scan human thoughts.
"This is a UFO cloaked within a cloud that it created," Waring wrote. "When you add contrast to the photo, the alien classic disk craft becomes visible at its center." He added that UFOs use clouds to scan thoughts below, stating, "I think UFO researchers worldwide will agree with me on this."
Social media reactions and cloud features
The cloud features smooth edges, an oval shape, and an illuminated rim that stands out against a blue-gray sky, giving it the appearance of a traditional flying saucer. Near the dark center, a bright point of light that appears to be the sun shines through thinner cloud cover.
Many Facebook commenters praised Woods for capturing a remarkable sky formation. One user called it a "fabulous capture," while another wrote, "Amazing photo! Thanks for sharing." Others offered more unusual interpretations, with one asking, "Sauron?" in reference to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.
Some viewers expressed belief in extraterrestrial origins. One commenter wrote, "The picture looks real by the contrast of the gate in the foreground. The star family is returning home again from the stars." Another declared, "Yes, I do believe in UFOs!!!"
Other commenters compared the shape to a heart seen from the side or a halo. However, some expressed skepticism due to modern image manipulation, with one person noting, "With AI tricks we now are stuck wondering if this beauty is real. It's fascinating!"
Technical analysis and natural explanations
No evidence has emerged proving the shape is a physical craft or that aliens were involved. The PNG file lacks original camera metadata to confirm the date, location, or device used to take the picture, and it appears to have been exported or processed.
A visual examination showed no obvious AI hallmarks, such as malformed vehicles, duplicated trees, or warped buildings. The lighting, shadows, haze, and surrounding landscape remain internally consistent throughout the photograph.
The formation resembles a naturally occurring lenticular cloud, which forms smooth lens-like structures over mountainous areas and is frequently mistaken for a flying saucer. The dark central disk could be another cloud layer, a shadow, or an opening emphasized by sunlight behind it.
While adjusting photo contrast makes differences between light and dark areas more visible, it does not prove a solid object exists inside. For now, the formation remains an unexplained shape within a spectacular cloud rather than confirmed evidence of an alien spacecraft.
