This is an enlargement of the original photo showing the object in the sky. Adobe Photoshop (on a Macintosh G4 CPU) was used to make the enlargement. Nothing else was done to alter the image in any fashion.

Next is a rendition of what it is _I_ perceive to be in the sky in the Whittlesea photo. I created it in Bryce 5 which is software that allows me to create three dimensional objects, combine them, and then apply any surface texture that I wish to. In this case I chose to use 'brushed aluminum' for the surface of the object I created.

I created a 3D rendition because I wanted to see if it bore any resemblance to the object in the Whittlesea photo. As anyone can plainly see, the 3D model is an excellent match for the object that appears in the photo.

What I see in the Whittlesea photo is a 'domed disc' that appears to have a surface of dull 'brushed' aluminum. Other details I tried to match up between the 3D model and the actual photo was the creation of a 'virtual sky' that approximated the color and brightness of the original as closely as I could match it. The last thing done was to position the light source (Sun.) The end result is a pretty impressive visual match of the object in the original photo.

What I do not see is, _anything_ that resembles a bird or an insect in flight. To anyone who actually sees a 'bird' or a 'fly' in the sky of the Whittlesea photo I say; you really need to get your eyes checked. :)

John Velez, speaking strictly for myself. January 2004

The following comp was created in response to an 'anonymous' opinion that the lighting source of the 'crossing' sign in the photo is inconsistent with that of the object in the sky.

Twaddle! As anyone can see, the lighting source/direction is consistent between the two and throughout the photo. Note the direction of the cast shadow of the crossing sign, then compare it to the positions of the light source hitting the object and where the shadows are.

Down and to the left (light source coming from the right, above and slightly behind the photographer) in both cases. Shadows are consistent everywhere in the photo.