The Moment of Proof in Oregon

On May 11, 1950, Paul and Evelyn Trent witnessed a 100-foot flying saucer glide silently over their farm, capturing two iconic images within thirty seconds. The public learned about their discovery a month and a half later.

On June 26, 1950, Life magazine showcased the Trents' images, widely regarded as some of the best UFO photographs ever taken. Unlike typical blurry lights or indistinct objects, these photos presented a clear, metallic structure. The only question that lingered was whether they were authentic.

A Closer Examination

Could these images be misinterpreted as a truck's side mirror or a discarded trash can lid, as some skeptics have suggested? To analyze such extraordinary claims, it's crucial to view the full-size scans of the photos.

Over the years, the photographs have been analyzed by various organizations, including the Air Force and the CIA, yet the Trents never profited from their images.

The Trents were not seeking a UFO encounter; they were simply farming near Sheridan, Oregon, after WWII. Their community, located near McMinnville, has since hosted an annual UFO festival, keeping the story alive.

The Discovery

That overcast evening, Evelyn Trent stepped outside around 7:30 p.m. to tend to their livestock when she spotted a disc-shaped craft. Recognizing it as something unusual, she rushed to fetch Paul.

“It was bronze on top and silver below, about the size of a large parachute,” she recalled. Paul quickly grabbed his Universal Roamer camera, which used 60mm film. By the time he emerged, the object was moving away, prompting him to take two quick shots.

The Aftermath

Interestingly, the Trents did not immediately rush to the media. They delayed developing the film, which was a reflection of their modest lifestyle. When Life magazine finally featured their story, it highlighted their frugality, noting how they used the last of their film on a family picnic.

Three factors contributed to their hesitation: the cost of film, a lack of desire for publicity, and concerns about witnessing a potential government experiment. Eventually, they shared the photos with friends and a local church member, leading to their first publication on June 8, 1950.

The images could not be dismissed as mere lights or weather balloons; their clarity was undeniable. Subsequently, news outlets from Portland to Los Angeles picked up the story, escalating its reach.

The Trents were thrust into the spotlight, even appearing on national television, but they preferred a quiet life. Investigators from the FBI and Air Force visited their farm, further complicating their unexpected fame.

The Disappearing Negatives

The fate of the negatives remains uncertain. Initially, they were given to a local drugstore for development, but after appearing on television, the Trents claimed they were never returned.

The negatives reportedly went missing for 17 years, with conflicting stories about their whereabouts. Some accounts indicate that they were taken by government officials, while others suggest they were lost within media channels.

In the late 1960s, the negatives resurfaced as part of a government investigation into UFOs, which ultimately concluded that the photos were genuine.

The Condon Committee's Report

In 1968, the Condon Report acknowledged the Trent photographs as one of the few credible UFO cases. William K. Hartmann, the astronomer in charge of photographic evidence, found the images consistent with the witnesses' accounts.

Despite skepticism surrounding UFOs, the report reaffirmed the validity of the Trent photos, sparking new debates and investigations.

The Trents' legacy continues as they remain a focal point in UFO discussions. Many believe the photos to be authentic, reinforcing the notion that extraordinary events can leave an indelible mark on history.

The ongoing examination of these images demonstrates that the Trents indeed captured something remarkable that night in 1950, and their story continues to intrigue researchers and enthusiasts alike.