José Bonilla UFO Observations

On August 12, 1883, Mexican astronomer José A. Y. Bonilla made observations that may represent the earliest photographic evidence of UFOs. While studying sunspots at the Zacatecas Observatory, he witnessed and photographed over 400 dark objects crossing the solar disc - objects that have never been satisfactorily explained.

The Observation

José Bonilla was the director of the Zacatecas Observatory in Mexico. On August 12, 1883, while conducting solar observations:

The Discovery: While photographing sunspots, Bonilla noticed dark objects passing across the face of the sun.

The Numbers: He counted over 400 objects over approximately two hours.

The Duration: The phenomenon continued the following day, August 13.

Photography: Bonilla managed to photograph some of the objects on wet-plate collodion.

The Objects Described

Bonilla’s scientific observations documented:

Shape: The objects appeared dark against the sun, with varied shapes - some circular, others elongated.

Formation: Some objects appeared individually; others traveled in groups.

Luminosity: Several objects showed luminous areas or were surrounded by halos.

Duration: Individual objects were visible for varying times as they crossed the solar disc.

Parallax: Other observatories didn’t report seeing the objects, suggesting they were relatively close to Earth.

Scientific Publication

Bonilla published his observations:

Journal: His account appeared in L’Astronomie, a French astronomy journal, in 1886.

Scientific Context: He presented the observations as a scientific curiosity.

Photographs: His photographs accompanied the publication.

Reception: The scientific community was uncertain how to interpret his observations.

Historical Significance

The Bonilla observations are significant for several reasons:

Early Date: If genuine UFO observations, they predate the modern UFO era by over 60 years.

Scientific Credentials: The observer was a professional astronomer at an established observatory.

Documentation: The event was photographed and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Multiple Objects: The large number of objects observed makes this case unique.

Attempted Explanations

Various explanations have been proposed:

Meteors: A fragmented comet or meteor shower. However, meteors crossing the sun wouldn’t appear as Bonilla described.

Insects/Birds: Creatures passing close to the telescope. The calculated size and distance argue against this.

Balloon Debris: Man-made objects. Balloon technology of 1883 couldn’t account for 400+ objects.

Comet Fragments: A recent analysis suggested Bonilla observed fragments of a passing comet at close range.

The Comet Fragment Theory

A 2011 study proposed an explanation:

The Theory: Bonilla observed fragments of a comet passing very close to Earth.

Distance Estimate: Researchers calculated the fragments may have been only 500-8,000 km from Earth.

Size: Individual fragments estimated at 50-800 meters across.

Mass: The total mass would have represented an extinction-level impact threat.

Near Miss: If accurate, Earth narrowly avoided a catastrophic impact.

This theory remains debated.

UFO Interpretation

Some researchers interpret the observations differently:

Structured Objects: The varied shapes and apparent luminosity suggest manufactured craft.

Formation Flight: Objects traveling in groups suggests coordination.

Parallax: The fact that only Zacatecas observed them suggests objects at a specific distance.

Pre-Aviation Era: No human technology of 1883 could account for the observations.

The Photographs

The photographs Bonilla captured are historically important:

Original Plates: The original wet-plate photographs are among the earliest UFO images claimed.

Publication: They were published in a scientific context.

Analysis: Modern analysis has attempted to determine what the photographs show.

Preservation: The images survive and have been studied.

Scientific Context

Bonilla was making legitimate astronomical observations:

Sunspot Study: His primary work was studying solar phenomena.

Equipment: He used standard astronomical equipment of the era.

Methodology: His observation methods were scientific.

Reporting: He reported what he observed without sensationalism.

Questions Remain

Despite various theories, questions persist:

What Were They?: The exact nature of the objects remains debated.

Why Only Zacatecas?: The lack of observations elsewhere is puzzling.

The Photographs: What exactly do Bonilla’s photographs show?

Physical Reality: Were these solid objects or atmospheric/optical phenomena?

Legacy

The Bonilla observations matter because:

• They represent some of the earliest documented UFO-type observations
• They were made by a credentialed scientist
• They were photographed and published scientifically
• They predate any known human aircraft
• They remain unexplained 140 years later

Whatever José Bonilla saw crossing the sun on those August days in 1883 - comet fragments, flying craft, or something else entirely - he captured images that continue to intrigue researchers over a century later.

Sources

• L’Astronomie journal (1886)
• Zacatecas Observatory records
• Modern analysis papers
• [1883 Zacatecas incident - various astronomical references]