Art’s Parts: Neutron Activation Analysis
Dr. Matthew Szydagis details the preliminary findings of a Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) investigation of the the Art’s Parts purported UFO crash sample under investigation by Falcon Space. Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) uses a radioactive source to stimulate samples and determine chemical composition & isotopic ratios for constituent elements using breakdown byproduct analysis.
Dr. Szydagis, utilizing a novel NAA technique focusing on decay times rather than energy peaks, found several unexpected elements (including argon, silicon, rhodium, ruthenium, and neodymium), leading to several competing hypotheses regarding the material’s origin. Initially considered extraterrestrial, the speaker now leans towards a terrestrial origin, possibly a component from a 1940s-era atomic bomb camera, though this remains inconclusive.
Dr. Szydagis, highlights the limitations of current analysis techniques and the need for further research, including isotopic ratio analysis, and advocates for increased funding to accelerate the process. Due to time constraints (partially stemming from concurrent Department of Energy dark matter research), the analysis is incomplete, with final results expected by December 2025. A peer-reviewed paper is planned, employing a strategic publication approach to circumvent potential biases against UAP research.
A Novel Approach to UAP Material Analysis
The presentation, delivered under significant time constraints due to ongoing research funded by the US Department of Energy (the grant status of which remains uncertain), introduced Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) as the primary method for analyzing a mysterious metallic sample. This 50-year-old technique, surprisingly unfamiliar to many in the scientific community, proved to be a powerful tool in this investigation. The speaker, a researcher with extensive experience in NAA since their graduate studies at UC Davis, highlighted the technique’s ability to analyze isotopes, not just elements, offering a level of detail unavailable through other methods. This is crucial for distinguishing terrestrial from extraterrestrial materials, as advanced civilizations might utilize isotopic enrichment.
The NAA Process: A Deep Dive
NAA works by bombarding a sample with neutrons, causing stable isotopes to become temporarily radioactive and emit beta and gamma radiation. The speaker humorously recounted creating a radioactive cracker and salami to demonstrate the principles of radioactive decay. The emitted radiation, specifically mono-energetic gamma and X-ray peaks, provides a unique fingerprint of the sample’s isotopic composition. While the process is described as low-risk, the speaker emphasized the need for proper handling due to the high radiation levels involved, particularly when using a Californium-252 source (described as more dangerous than plutonium). The speaker also highlighted the importance of using solid samples, as dissolved or pre-destroyed samples are unsuitable for analysis.
Unexpected Results and Unanswered Questions
The analysis of the UAP sample yielded some surprising results. Initial tests using a Californium-252 source showed unexpectedly low radioactivity, even after prolonged exposure. Further tests with a new sample and a plutonium-beryllium source yielded similar results, raising questions about the sample’s composition and its interaction with neutrons. The speaker noted that the sample’s low radioactivity was inconsistent with previous tests on smaller samples, suggesting a unique property of the material.
The NAA analysis, complemented by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis performed by a student, revealed the presence of several elements, including argon, silicon, rhodium, ruthenium, and neodymium. The presence of argon, in particular, is highly suspicious, as it is often associated with terrestrial manufacturing processes. The speaker also noted the presence of significant amounts of neodymium and other rare earth elements, which were statistically significant and not near detection thresholds.
Competing Hypotheses and the Path Forward
Several hypotheses emerged to explain the sample’s unusual properties. One hypothesis suggests the sample is a neutron-shielding material, potentially relevant to advanced technologies or even nuclear fusion. Another, more controversial hypothesis, proposes that the sample is a casing from an atomic bomb camera, based on the presence of uranium and magnesium, and its neutron-shielding properties. However, the speaker cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions, emphasizing the need for further analysis and peer review.
The speaker also criticized the lack of interdisciplinary collaboration and the slow pace of research in the UAP field, highlighting the need for increased funding and resources. They announced plans to publish a peer-reviewed scientific paper, strategically omitting terms like “UFO” and “UAP” initially to circumvent the stigma associated with the subject. The ultimate goal is to present the data objectively, allowing the scientific community to draw its own conclusions.
Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery Continues
The analysis of this UAP sample is far from over. The preliminary results, while intriguing, raise more questions than answers. The ongoing research, utilizing advanced techniques like NAA and XRF, promises to shed more light on the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic material. The journey of discovery is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the importance of open collaboration in unraveling the secrets of our universe. The final results are expected by the end of the year, and a presentation on crash retrievals will be held at the June SCU conference in Huntsville, Alabama.