| Operation Saucer | |
|---|---|
| Location | 0°56′13″S48°16′55″W / 0.93694°S 48.28194°W /-0.93694; -48.28194 |
| Commanded by | |
| Objective | Investigation of UFOs sightings in some municipalities of Pará |
| Date | First phase: 20 October – 11 November 1977 (1977-10-20 –1977-11-11) Second phase: 25 November – 5 December 1977 (1977-11-25 –1977-12-05) |
| Executed by | |
| Outcome | Operation found no unusual phenomena |
Operation Saucer (Portuguese:Operação Prato; literally,Operation Saucer) was an investigation carried out between 1977 and 1978 by theBrazilian Air Force following allegedUFO sightings on the islandColares. The investigation was closed after finding no unusual phenomena.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
In 1977, numerous UFOs were reported on theBrazilian islandColares, Pará. Local residents claimed that scars on their bodies were caused by the lights in the sky, and named the lights "Chupa Chupa"[3] (literallySucker-Sucker, local name for a "Lollipop").[7] Believing it would keep the lights away, residents of Colares organized night vigils,[2] lit fires, and ignitedfireworks.[4] Mayor José Ildone Favacho Soeiro requested help from the Air Force.[8]
The operation was commanded by Captain Uyrangê Bolivar Soares Nogueira de Hollanda Lima.[3] During late 1977, several pictures of lights were recorded but the military remained skeptical.[2][3] After approximately four months, the operation was closed after finding no unusual phenomena.[1] The official documents can be obtained from theBrazilian National Archives (Arquivo Nacional).[9]
In 1997, two decades after the operation, Captain Uyrangê gave an interview toUfologistsAdemar José Gevaerd and Marco Antônio Petit where he recounted his experiences living alongside his men. Three months after the interview, he was found dead in his home "after he seemingly hung himself using the belt of his bathrobe", attracting the interest of conspiracy theorists.[10][11]
According to ufologistJacques Vallée, a number of individuals were reportedly killed as a result of the "lights" fired upon them by the UFOs, and injuries were consistent with radiation effects from microwaves.[12] Other ufologists claimed that the lights from UFOs sucked blood from 400 people.[3][4][6][11]
Three months after giving the interview, Captain Hollanda was found dead in his home after he seemingly hung himself using the belt of his bathrobe.
