Michael wrote, "I took this photo the other evening - trying to capture a nice sunset after the storms finally rolled out of the area. I didn't notice the 'birds' until later since I was too busy trying to catch the best colors. Anyway, the 'birds'looked kind of funny to me and when I zoomed in on them. They look like they have delta wings - which could totally be normal due to blurring from the camera speed. What the heck do I know? Just thought I'd share with you to see what you thought."

The photo was taken in Shiloh, Illinois (approx. 15 miles East of St. Louis) on Friday, March 23, 2005 at 18:19:29 CST. Just for reference, there were no audible jet sounds or any other sound. It was just a quiet evening for the most part, except for normal neighbourhood sounds.

We have very detailed data concerning the digital camera, lighting conditions and we know the veracity of the photographer. See table at right.

Michael took this, like so many similar photos, without realizing or seeing the objects in the camera's frame.

Click here for closeup.

A casual inspection of the photos two blurred objects, which to the untrained eye, would easily be identified as birds. But, upon careful examination, we see that the objects appear to be moving at an incredible speed. If the objects in the photo were really birds they would have photographed frozen in flight and very clear.

The propulsion systems of these aircraft are classified, but it is estimated that they can achieve speeds of up to Mach 7. When they engage their afterburners, if they have afterburners, they literally disappear from sight.

The only fact we are left with is this photograph! This revolutionary design could cause one to wonder if it was back engineered or inspired by a crashed extraterrestrial craft.

Michael Allen can be contacted by email at brncos3@gmail.com.