Chemtrail conspiracy theory: Difference between revisions

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The '''chemtrail conspiracy theory''' posits that some trails left by aircraft are [[chemical weapon|chemical]] or [[biological agent]]s deliberately sprayed in the sky for purposes undisclosed to the general public and directed by various government officials.<ref name="usatoday"/> This theory has been refuted by the scientific community: such trails are simply normal [[contrail]]s.<ref name="air force"/>
The '''chemtrail conspiracy theory''' posits that some trails left by aircraft are [[chemical weapon|chemical]] or [[biological agent]]s deliberately sprayed in the sky for purposes undisclosed to the general public and directed by various government officials.<ref name="usatoday"/> This theory has been refuted by the scientific community: such trails are simply normal [[contrail]]s.<ref name="air force"/>


Because of the popularity of the [[conspiracy theory]], official agencies have received many enquiries from people demanding an explanation.<ref name="usatoday" /><ref name="citizen" /> Scientists and government officials around the world have repeatedly needed to respond, repeating that supposed chemtrails are in fact nothing but normal contrails.<ref name=beacon/>
The popularity of the [[conspiracy theory]] on the internet and in media has soared while government agencies have received many inquiries from people demanding an explanation.<ref name="usatoday" /><ref name="citizen" /> Scientists and government officials around the world have repeatedly needed to respond, repeating that supposed chemtrails are in fact nothing but normal contrails.<ref name=beacon/>


The term ''chemtrail'' is a [[portmanteau]] of the words "chemical" and "trail", just as ''contrail'' is a contraction of "condensation trail".<ref name=oed/> The term does not refer to other forms of aerial spraying such as [[aerial application|agricultural spraying]] ('crop dusting'), [[cloud seeding]], [[skywriting]], or [[aerial firefighting]]<ref name="Steiger">{{cite book|author1=Brad Steiger|author2=Sherry Steiger|title=Conspiracies and Secret Societies: The Complete Dossier|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=pPC_yNQew98C&pg=PT332|year=2012|publisher=Visible Ink Press|isbn=978-1-57859-383-5|page=332}}</ref>&mdash;the term specifically refers to aerial trails allegedly caused by the systematic high-altitude release of chemical substances not found in ordinary contrails, resulting in the appearance of characteristic sky tracks. Supporters of this conspiracy theory speculate that the purpose of the chemical release may be for [[solar radiation management]], [[psychochemical weaponry|psychological manipulation]], [[human population control]],<ref name="usatoday" /> [[weather modification]],<ref name="citizen" /> or [[biological warfare|biological]] or [[chemical warfare|chemical]] warfare, and that these trails are causing respiratory illnesses and other health problems.<ref name="weatherwise" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Plane Truth on the Conspiracy Tale|url=http://www.forteantimes.com/artic/124/fbi.html|first=Mark|last= Pilkington|accessdate=2010-05-07|publisher=Fortean Bureau of Investigation|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20000303235311/http://www.forteantimes.com/artic/124/fbi.html|archivedate=2000-03-03}}</ref>
The term ''chemtrail'' is a [[portmanteau]] of the words "chemical" and "trail", just as ''contrail'' is a contraction of "condensation trail".<ref name=oed/> The term does not refer to other forms of aerial spraying such as [[aerial application|agricultural spraying]] ('crop dusting'), [[cloud seeding]], [[skywriting]], or [[aerial firefighting]]<ref name="Steiger">{{cite book|author1=Brad Steiger|author2=Sherry Steiger|title=Conspiracies and Secret Societies: The Complete Dossier|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=pPC_yNQew98C&pg=PT332|year=2012|publisher=Visible Ink Press|isbn=978-1-57859-383-5|page=332}}</ref>&mdash;the term specifically refers to aerial trails allegedly caused by the systematic high-altitude release of chemical substances not found in ordinary contrails, resulting in the appearance of characteristic sky tracks. Supporters of this conspiracy theory speculate that the purpose of the chemical release may be for [[solar radiation management]], [[psychochemical weaponry|psychological manipulation]], [[human population control]],<ref name="usatoday" /> [[weather modification]],<ref name="citizen" /> or [[biological warfare|biological]] or [[chemical warfare|chemical]] warfare, and that these trails are causing respiratory illnesses and other health problems.<ref name="weatherwise" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Plane Truth on the Conspiracy Tale|url=http://www.forteantimes.com/artic/124/fbi.html|first=Mark|last= Pilkington|accessdate=2010-05-07|publisher=Fortean Bureau of Investigation|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20000303235311/http://www.forteantimes.com/artic/124/fbi.html|archivedate=2000-03-03}}</ref>

Revision as of 15:30, 26 January 2014

"Chemtrails" redirects here. For the Beck song, see Chemtrails (song).

Defoliant spray run, part of Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War by UC-123B Provider aircraft.
A high-flying jet leaving a condensation trail (contrail)

The chemtrail conspiracy theory posits that some trails left by aircraft are chemical or biological agents deliberately sprayed in the sky for purposes undisclosed to the general public and directed by various government officials.[1] This theory has been refuted by the scientific community: such trails are simply normal contrails.[2]

The popularity of the conspiracy theory on the internet and in media has soared while government agencies have received many inquiries from people demanding an explanation.[1][3] Scientists and government officials around the world have repeatedly needed to respond, repeating that supposed chemtrails are in fact nothing but normal contrails.[4]

The term chemtrail is a portmanteau of the words "chemical" and "trail", just as contrail is a contraction of "condensation trail".[5] The term does not refer to other forms of aerial spraying such as agricultural spraying ('crop dusting'), cloud seeding, skywriting, or aerial firefighting[6]—the term specifically refers to aerial trails allegedly caused by the systematic high-altitude release of chemical substances not found in ordinary contrails, resulting in the appearance of characteristic sky tracks. Supporters of this conspiracy theory speculate that the purpose of the chemical release may be for solar radiation management, psychological manipulation, human population control,[1] weather modification,[3] or biological or chemical warfare, and that these trails are causing respiratory illnesses and other health problems.[7][8]

Overview

Multiple persistent contrails

According to Brad Steiger, reports of suspicious chemical trails or aerosol spraying appeared in the late 1970s. By the late 1990s chemtrail spraying appeared to increase, and sightings of unmarked white planes diffusing chemicals into strange cloud formations soared worldwide.[6] In 1996, a chemtrail conspiracy theory began to circulate when the United States Air Force (USAF) was accused of "spraying the U.S. population with mysterious substances" from aircraft "generating unusual contrail patterns."[2] The Air Force says these accusations were a hoax fueled in part by citations to a strategy paper drafted within the Air Force's Air University entitled Weather as a Force Multiplier: Owning the Weather in 2025.[9][10] The paper was presented in response to a military directive to outline a future strategic weather modification system for the purpose of maintaining the United States' military dominance in the year 2025, and identified as "fictional representations of future situations/scenarios."[10] The Air Force further clarified that the paper "does not reflect current military policy, practice, or capability," and that it is "not conducting any weather modification experiments or programs and has no plans to do so in the future."[2][11] Additionally, the Air Force states that the "'Chemtrail' hoax has been investigated and refuted by many established and accredited universities, scientific organizations, and major media publications."[2]

In 1996, a chemtrail conspiracy theory began to circulate when the United States Air Force (USAF) was accused of "spraying the U.S. population with mysterious substances" from aircraft "generating unusual contrail patterns."[2] The Air Force says these accusations were a hoax fueled in part by citations to a strategy paper drafted within the Air Force's Air University entitled Weather as a Force Multiplier: Owning the Weather in 2025.[12][10] The paper was presented in response to a military directive to outline a future strategic weather modification system for the purpose of maintaining the United States' military dominance in the year 2025, and identified as "fictional representations of future situations/scenarios."[10] The Air Force further clarified that the paper "does not reflect current military policy, practice, or capability," and that it is "not conducting any weather modification experiments or programs and has no plans to do so in the future."[2][11] Additionally, the Air Force states that the "'Chemtrail' hoax has been investigated and refuted by many established and accredited universities, scientific organizations, and major media publications."[2]

An article in the Skeptical Inquirer said that the conspiracy theory was first started by "investigative journalists" like William Thomas, and then promoted in the late-night radio shows of Art Bell. The proponents claim that after 1995 contrails had a different chemical composition and lasted a lot longer on the sky; they never acknowledge the evidence of long-lasting contrails dating as far back as World War II.[13]

In Britain, when the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was asked "what research her Department has undertaken into the polluting effects of chemtrails for aircraft", the response was that "the Department is not researching into chemtrails from aircraft as they are not scientifically recognised phenomena," and that work was being conducted to understand "how contrails are formed and what effects they have on the atmosphere."[14]

Persistent contrails over the Mediterranean Sea

In a response to a petition by concerned Canadian citizens regarding "chemicals used in aerial sprayings are adversely affecting the health of Canadians," the Government House Leader responded by stating, "There is no substantiated evidence, scientific or otherwise, to support the allegation that there is high altitude spraying conducted in Canadian airspace. The term 'chemtrails' is a popularised expression, and there is no scientific evidence to support their existence."[15][16][17][18] The house leader goes on to say that "it is our belief that the petitioners are seeing regular airplane condensation trails, or contrails."[15]

Various versions of the chemtrail conspiracy theory have circulated through Internet websites and radio programs.[1] In some of the accounts, the chemicals are described as barium and aluminum salts, polymer fibers, thorium, or silicon carbide.[4] In other accounts it is alleged the skies are being seeded with electrically conductive materials as part of a massive electromagnetic superweapons program based around the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP).[19] Those who believe in the conspiracy say the chemtrails are toxic,[20] but the reasons given by those who believe in the conspiracy vary widely, spanning from military weapons testing, chemical population control, to global warming mitigation measures.[3] Scientists and federal agencies have consistently denied that chemtrails exist, insisting the sky tracks are simply persistent contrails.[4] As the chemtrail conspiracy theory spread, federal officials were flooded with angry calls and letters.[4] A multi-agency response to dispel the rumors was published in a 2000 fact sheet by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a step many chemtrail believers have interpreted as further evidence of the existence of a government cover-up.[4]

Proponents of the chemtrail conspiracy theory say that chemtrails can be distinguished from contrails by their long duration, asserting that the chemtrails are those trails left by aircraft that persist for as much as a half day or transform into cirrus-like clouds.[3]

In 2001, US Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced H.R. 2977 (107th) Space Preservation Act of 2001 that would have permanently prohibited the basing of weapons in space, listing chemtrails as one of a number of "exotic weapons" that would be banned."[21][22][23] Proponents have interpreted this explicit reference to chemtrails as official government acknowledgment of their existence.[24][25] Skeptics note that the bill in question also mentions "extraterrestrial weapons" and "environmental, climate, or tectonic weapons."[26] The bill received an unfavorable evaluation from the United States Department of Defense and died in committee,[27] with no mention of chemtrails appearing in the text of any of the three subsequent failed attempts by Kucinich to enact a Space Preservation Act.

Contrails vs chemtrails

Contrails from propeller-driven aircraft engine exhaust, early 1940s

Contrails, or condensation trails, are "streaks of condensed water vapor created in the air by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes."[2] The term chemtrail is a portmanteau of the words "chemical" and "trail," just as contrail is a contraction of "condensation trail."[5] These condensation trails are the result of normal emissions of water vapor from piston engines and jet engines at high altitudes in which the water vapor condenses into a visible cloud. Contrails are formed when hot humid air from the engines mixes with the colder surrounding air. The rate at which contrails dissipate is entirely dependent on weather conditions and altitude. If the atmosphere is near saturation, the contrail may exist for some time. Conversely, if the atmosphere is dry, the contrail will dissipate quickly.[2]

Exhaust gases and emissions

It is well established by atmospheric scientists that contrails can not only persist for hours, but it is a perfectly normal characteristic for them to spread out into cirrus sheets. The different sized ice crystals in contrails descend at different rates, which spreads the contrail vertically. Then the differential in wind speeds between altitudes (wind shear) results in the spreading of the contrail across many miles in the sky. This mechanism is similar to the formation of cirrus uncinus clouds. Contrails between 25,000 and 40,000 feet can often merge into an "almost solid" interlaced sheet.[28] Contrails can have a lateral spread of several kilometers, and given sufficient air traffic it is possible for contrails to create an entirely overcast sky which increases the ice budget of individual contrails and persists for hours.[29]

Contrail testing being carried out on an Airbus A340 and much older Boeing 707[2]
Wingtip condensation trails

Experts on atmospheric phenomena say chemtrails do not exist, and that the characteristics attributed to them are simply features of contrails responding differently in diverse conditions in terms of the sunlight, temperature, horizontal and vertical wind shear, and humidity levels present at the aircraft's altitude.[1][4][7][2][24] Experts explain that, in the United States, what appear as patterns such as grids formed by contrails result from increased air traffic traveling through the gridlike U.S. National Airspace System's north-south and east-west oriented flight lanes, and that it is difficult for observers to judge the differences in altitudes between these contrails from the ground.[2] The jointly published fact sheet produced by NASA, the EPA, the FAA, and NOAA in 2000 in response to alarms over chemtrails details the science of contrail formation, and outlines both the known and potential impacts contrails have on temperature and climate.[11] The USAF produced a fact sheet as well that described these contrail phenomena as observed and analyzed since at least 1953. It also rebutted chemtrail theories more directly by identifying the theories as a hoax and denying the existence of chemtrails.[4][2]

Patrick Minnis, an atmospheric scientist with NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, is quoted in USA Today as saying that logic does not dissuade most chemtrail proponents: "If you try to pin these people down and refute things, it's, 'Well, you're just part of the conspiracy'," he said.[1]

Analysis of the use of commercial aircraft tracks for climate engineering have shown them to be generally unsuitable.[30]

Proponents of the theory of the existence of chemtrails characterize these phenomena as streams that persist for hours and that, with their criss-cross, grid-like or parallel stripe patterns, eventually blend to form large clouds. Proponents view the presence of visible color spectra in the streams, unusual concentrations of sky tracks in a single area, or lingering tracks left by unmarked or military airplanes flying at atypical altitudes or locations as markers of chemtrails.[1][4][7][24][31][32]

False evidence of chemtrails

Ballast barrels in a prototype Boeing 747. Photographs of flight test barrels are commonly said to show chemtrail planes.

Photographs of barrels installed in the passenger space of an aircraft for flight test purposes have been claimed to show aerosol dispersion systems. The real purpose of the barrels is to simulate the weight of passengers or cargo. The barrels are filled with water, and the water can be pumped from barrel to barrel in order to test different centers of gravity while the aircraft is in flight.[33]

Jim Marrs has cited a 2007 Louisiana television station report as evidence for chemtrails. In the report the air underneath a crosshatch of supposed chemtrails was measured and apparently found to contain unsafe levels of barium: at 6.8 parts per million, three times the US nationally recommended limit. A subsequent analysis of the footage showed however that the equipment had been misused, and the reading exaggerated by a factor of 100—the true level of Barium measured was both usual and safe.[34]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Watson, Traci (7 March 2001). "Conspiracy theories find menace in contrails". USA Today. Retrieved 1 October 2011. The theory: The white lines of condensed water vapor that jets leave in the sky, called contrails, are a toxic substance the government deliberately sprays on an unsuspecting populace.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Contrails Facts" (PDF). AFD-051013-001. US Air Force. 13 October 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2013. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help) Cite error: The named reference "air force" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d Unkefer, Charlie. "Citizen concern lingers over aluminum in water". Mount Shasta Area Newspapers. Retrieved 7 March 2009.[dead link]
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Downing, Bob (16 March 2002). "Conspiracy theorists look up: Some argue jet contrails are U.S. chemical spray". Beacon Journal News. Retrieved 26 August 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |registration= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b "chemtrail". Oxford English Dictionary (Third ed.). Oxford University Press. 2011. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)(subscription required)
  6. ^ a b Brad Steiger; Sherry Steiger (2012). Conspiracies and Secret Societies: The Complete Dossier. Visible Ink Press. p. 332. ISBN 978-1-57859-383-5.
  7. ^ a b c Schlatter, Thomas (9 March 2001). "Weather Queries: Chemtrail Controversy". Weatherwise. Archived from the original on 9 March 2001.
  8. ^ Pilkington, Mark. "Plane Truth on the Conspiracy Tale". Fortean Bureau of Investigation. Archived from the original on 3 March 2000. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  9. ^ "The "Chemtrail" Hoax". Air Force. Archived from the original on 2 December 2002. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  10. ^ a b c d "Weather as a Force Multiplier: Owning the Weather in 2025". Fas.org. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  11. ^ a b c "Aircraft Contrails Factsheet" (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2000-09. Retrieved 2008-08-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |publication-date= (help)
  12. ^ "The "Chemtrail" Hoax". Air Force. Archived from the original on 2 December 2002. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  13. ^ Thomas, Dave (2008). "The "Chemtrail Conspiracy"". Skeptical Inquirer. 18 (3). {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  14. ^ "House of Commons Hansard - 8 November 2005: Column 314W-315W". United Kingdom Parliament. 8 November 2005. Retrieved 12 March 2009. Mr. Morley: The Department is not researching into chemtrails from aircraft as they are not scientifically recognised phenomena.
  15. ^ a b "A Petition to the Canadian House of Commons: The Government's Response". Response. Holmestead.ca. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  16. ^ "37th PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 110 CONTENTS". Publications:Debates:-Committees of the House:Petitions:The Environment 1030. Parliament of Canada. 3 June 2003. Retrieved 13 April 2009. Mr. John Herron (Fundy—Royal, PC): Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition on behalf of Mr. Brian Holmes of Ontario regarding aerial spraying. Mr. Holmes has collected signatures from across the country from concerned Canadians who believe that chemicals used in aerial sprayings are adversely affecting the health of Canadians.The petitioners call upon Parliament to stop this type of high altitude spraying. The petition has been duly certified by the clerk and I present it at this time.
  17. ^ "Points to Ponder: Access to Information Act". Chemtrails - spraying in our sky. Holmestead.ca/. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  18. ^ "A Petition to the Canadian House of Commons". Chemtrails - spraying in our sky. Holmestead.ca/. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  19. ^ Hodapp, Christopher; von Kannon, Alice (2008). "Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies for Dummies".
  20. ^ Perlingieri, Ilya (11 February 2009). "The Worldwide Environmental Crisis Gone Missing: The Precautionary Principle". Global Research. Retrieved 7 March 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Bill Text - 107th Congress (2001-2002) - THOMAS (Library of Congress)
  22. ^ Space Preservation Act of 2001 (2001; 107th Congress H.R. 2977) - GovTrack.us
  23. ^ "Many Kucinich backers are out there – way out". Cleveland.com. 13 March 2001. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  24. ^ a b c Thomas, William (Summer 2002). "Stolen Skies: The Chemtrail Mystery". Earth Island Journal. Retrieved 30 August 2008.
  25. ^ Bethel, Brian (2008-7-1). "Abilene man wants to warn you about the dangers of 'chemtrails'". Abilene Reporter-News. Retrieved 2008-10-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |publication-date= (help)
  26. ^ "H.R.2977, The Library of Congress". Thomas.loc.gov.
  27. ^ "H.R.2977, The Library of Congress". Thomas.loc.gov. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  28. ^ Kuhn, P. M. (1970). "Airborne Observations of Contrail Effects on the Thermal Radiation Budget". Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences. 27 (6): 937–942. doi:10.1175/1520-0469(1970)027<0937:AOOCEO>2.0.CO;2. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  29. ^ R.G. Knollenberg (1972). "Measurements of the Growth of the Ice Budget in a Persisting Contrail" (PDF). Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences. 29 (7): 1367–1374. Bibcode:1972JAtS...29.1367K. doi:10.1175/1520-0469(1972)029<1367:MOTGOT>2.0.CO;2Template:Inconsistent citations {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  30. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1088/1748-9326/7/3/034021, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1088/1748-9326/7/3/034021 instead.
  31. ^ Hamilton, Dan (7 April 2009). "Contrails vs. Chemtrails". Fox12 news at nine. Fox12 Idaho KTRV-TV. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
  32. ^ Ferrell, Jeff (21 December 2007). "CHEMTRAILS: Is U.S. Gov't. Secretly Testing Americans 'Again'?". SHREVEPORT, LA. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  33. ^ Haenggi, Michael (2003). Boeing Widebodies. Zenith Press. p. 15. ISBN 1610607074.
  34. ^ Radford, Benjamin (2009). "Curious contrails: death from the sky?". Skeptical Inquirer. 33 (2): 25. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Further reading

  • Talbot, Margaret (31 August 2002). "The H-Word". The Guardian.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chemtrail conspiracy theory.
  • Atmospheric & Warfare Testing collected links from the Agriculture Defense Coalition, "dedicated to informing everyone about the number and scope of atmospheric and upper atmospheric tests that are being conducted by the United States"
  • (OAP), Office of Atmospheric Programs
  • NASA Presentation explaining the formation of and problems presented by persistent contrails
  • Science Project: Contrail Studies, NASA
  • NASA Langley's Contrail Page
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