The "Chemtrail" Hoax
A hoax that has been around since 1996 accuses the Air Force of being involved in spraying the
US population with mysterious substances and show various Air Force aircraft "releasing
sprays" or generating unusual contrail patterns. Several authors cite an Air University research
paper titled "Weather as a Force Multiplier: Owning the Weather in 2025"
(
http://www.au.af.mil/au/databa...earch/ay1996/acsc/96-025ag.htm) that suggests the Air
Force is conducting weather modification experiments. The purpose of that paper was part of a
thesis to outline a strategy for the use of a future weather modification system to achieve
military objectives and it does not reflect current military policy, practice, or capability.
The Air Force's policy is to observe and forecast the weather. The Air Force is focused on
observing and forecasting the weather so the information can be used to support military
operations. The Air Force is not conducting any weather modification experiments or programs
and has no plans to do so in the future.
The "Chemtrail" hoax has been investigated and refuted by many established and accredited
universities, scientific organizations, and major media publications.
Claims and Facts
Claim: Long-lasting contrails are something new and they have abnormal characteristics.
Fact: Contrails can remain visible for very long periods of time with the lifetime a function of the
temperature, humidity, winds, and aircraft exhaust characteristics. Contrails can form many
shapes as they are dispersed by horizontal and vertical wind shear. Sunlight refracted or
reflected from contrails can produce vibrant and eye-catching colors and patterns. Observation
and scientific analysis of contrails and their duration date back to at least 1953.
Claim: Grid patterns of contrails in the sky are evidence of a systematic spraying operation.
Fact: The National Airspace System of the United States is orientated in an east-west and
north-south grid with aircraft flying at designated 2000 foot increments of elevation. Contrails
formed by aircraft may appear to form a grid as the winds disperse the contrails. More contrails
are seen in recent years due to the growth in the civil aviation market. The FAA is responsible
for the NAS and Air Force aircraft operate under the same rules and procedures as civilian
aircraft when using the NAS.
Claim: There are reported outbreaks of illness after the appearance of "Chemtrails"
Fact: There is no such thing as a "Chemtrail". Contrails are safe and are a natural
phenomenon. They pose no health hazard of any kind. If there are massive outbreaks of
illnesses, your local health department should be able to tell you if it is an abnormal event. Local
health departments generally network together when they start seeing problems. If there is a
problem, the CDC will get involved.
Claim: Samples taken have shown the presence of the "DOD patented" bacteria pseudomonas
fluorescens.
Fact: The bacteria claimed to be DOD developed and patented is actually a common, naturally
occurring bacteria. The U.S. Patent Office (
www.uspto.gov) lists 181 patents involving
pseudomonas fluorescens, none of which are held by DOD.