A YouTube video purporting to show a UFO near the Sun has re-ignited the decades-old debate over alien existence.

The video, posted by user “rob19791” on May 5, shows what the user claims to be a triangular object hovering just above the Sun’s surface. The image featured in the video was provided by NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.

The object seems to be over 100,000 kilometers in length -- as big as the planet Saturn-- with long mechanical arms.

A day after the video was uploaded on YouTube, NASA shutdown SOHO’s video feed, citing technical issues.

The uploader of the video argued that this proves NASA is trying to “cover up” an alien discovery.

However, scientists have dismissed the claims, saying that the object is merely a collection of streaks left by cosmic rays.

“The streaks in question are consistent with energetic particle (proton) impacts on the CCD, something which is apparent in just about every image,” Nathan Rich from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory said.

He added that the images are not consistent, which may suggest that the “UFO” is a product of abundant imagination combined with light.

After the video was released, a fierce online debate erupted over whether or not this was a proof of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence.

“It‘s cocky of us humans to think we are all and end off of knowledge in a universe that has been around for millions of years,” a Londoner who identified himself as Giles said.

But another person argued that “these NASA scientists know what they’re talking about” and “Every time there is something unusual appearing in a photograph, ‘you people’ jump up and down and declare it’s a conspiracy.”

Some have also pointed out that any object so close to the Sun –- which is estimated to have a surface temperature of 6,000 Celsius -- would have instantly burned up.

However, UFO adherents responded by saying the aliens would have advanced technology which prevents their spacecraft from turning to ashes.

“They maybe, and probably are far ahead of us, because if they are aliens, they have travelled (great distances) to here,” said an unnamed internet user.

Just two months ago, similar claims were made when a man said he found a planet-sized “Death Star” refueling at the Sun.

NASA scientists explained that it was simply solar filament that had been emitted from the star and have cooled to form a dark spot.



By Yoon min-sik

(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)