Object Characteristics

Detailed description of observed objects including shape, size, color, sound, and surface features.

ObjectCharacteristics Interface

Field	Type	Required	Description
`objectCount`	`number`	Yes	Number of objects observed
`objectCountDescription`	`string`	No	Count as string (e.g., "4-6", "dozens")
`countChanged`	`boolean`	No	Whether count changed during observation
`primaryObject`	`ObservedObject`	Yes	Main object observed
`additionalObjects`	`ObservedObject[]`	No	Additional distinct objects
`generalDescription`	`string`	No	General description of all objects

ObservedObject Interface

Field	Type	Required	Description
`objectId`	`string`	No	Object identifier (for multi-object incidents)
`shape`	`ObjectShape`	Yes	Primary shape
`secondaryShapes`	`ObjectShape[]`	No	Secondary shapes if changed
`shapeDescription`	`string`	No	Free text shape description
`shapeChanged`	`boolean`	No	Whether shape changed during observation
`estimatedSizeMeters`	`number`	No	Estimated size in meters
`sizeMinMeters`	`number`	No	Minimum size estimate (meters)
`sizeMaxMeters`	`number`	No	Maximum size estimate (meters)
`angularSizeDegrees`	`number`	No	Angular size as observed
`sizeComparison`	`string`	No	Size comparison (e.g., "size of a 747")
`colors`	`ObjectColor[]`	Yes	Primary color(s) observed
`colorDescription`	`string`	No	Color description
`colorChanged`	`boolean`	No	Whether color changed
`luminosity`	`Luminosity`	No	Brightness level
`luminosityDescription`	`string`	No	Luminosity description
`soundType`	`SoundType`	No	Sound classification
`soundDescription`	`string`	No	Sound description
`surfaceFeatures`	`SurfaceFeatures`	No	Surface features observed
`emissions`	`ObjectEmissions`	No	Observable emissions
`appearedSolid`	`boolean`	No	Appeared solid/structured
`appearedToHaveMass`	`boolean`	No	Appeared to have mass
`appearedArtificial`	`boolean`	No	Appeared manufactured

TypeScript Definition

interface ObjectCharacteristics {
  objectCount: number;
  objectCountDescription?: string;
  countChanged?: boolean;
  primaryObject: ObservedObject;
  additionalObjects?: ObservedObject[];
  generalDescription?: string;
}

interface ObservedObject {
  objectId?: string;
  shape: ObjectShape;
  secondaryShapes?: ObjectShape[];
  shapeDescription?: string;
  shapeChanged?: boolean;
  estimatedSizeMeters?: number;
  sizeMinMeters?: number;
  sizeMaxMeters?: number;
  angularSizeDegrees?: number;
  sizeComparison?: string;
  colors: ObjectColor[];
  colorDescription?: string;
  colorChanged?: boolean;
  luminosity?: Luminosity;
  luminosityDescription?: string;
  soundType?: SoundType;
  soundDescription?: string;
  surfaceFeatures?: SurfaceFeatures;
  emissions?: ObjectEmissions;
  appearedSolid?: boolean;
  appearedToHaveMass?: boolean;
  appearedArtificial?: boolean;
}

interface SurfaceFeatures {
  hasLights?: boolean;
  lightConfiguration?: string;
  lightColors?: ObjectColor[];
  hasWindows?: boolean;
  windowDescription?: string;
  hasMarkings?: boolean;
  markingDescription?: string;
  hasAppendages?: boolean;
  appendageDescription?: string;
  surfaceTexture?: 'smooth' | 'rough' | 'ridged' | 'segmented' | 'seamless' | 'riveted' | 'unknown';
  surfaceAppearance?: 'metallic' | 'matte' | 'glossy' | 'translucent' | 'organic' | 'unknown';
  hasPropulsion?: boolean;
  propulsionDescription?: string;
}

interface ObjectEmissions {
  hasExhaust?: boolean;
  exhaustDescription?: string;
  hasHeatSignature?: boolean;
  hasRadiation?: boolean;
  radiationType?: string;
  hasEMEffects?: boolean;
  emEffectsDescription?: string;
  hasVaporTrail?: boolean;
  hasIonization?: boolean;
  hasSparks?: boolean;
  hasSmoke?: boolean;
  otherEmissions?: string;
}

ObjectShape Enum (50+ values)

Geometric Shapes

Value	Description
`sphere`	Spherical
`orb`	Orb/sphere
`disk`	Flat disk
`saucer`	Saucer shape
`oval`	Oval/elliptical
`egg`	Egg-shaped
`cylinder`	Cylindrical
`cigar`	Cigar/elongated cylinder
`tube`	Tube shape
`cube`	Cubic
`rectangle`	Rectangular
`square`	Square
`triangle`	Triangular
`delta`	Delta/triangular
`boomerang`	Boomerang/V-shape
`chevron`	Chevron pattern
`diamond`	Diamond-shaped
`pyramid`	Pyramid-shaped
`cone`	Conical
`teardrop`	Teardrop shape
`cross`	Cross shape
`star`	Star shape

Descriptive Shapes

Value	Description
`tic_tac`	Tic-tac/capsule shape
`acorn`	Acorn-shaped
`bell`	Bell-shaped
`dumbbell`	Dumbbell shape
`dome`	Domed
`hat`	Hat-shaped
`saturn`	Saturn-shaped (with ring)
`jellyfish`	Jellyfish-like

Light-Based

Value	Description
`light_point`	Single point of light
`light_cluster`	Multiple lights in formation
`fireball`	Fireball appearance

Other

Value	Description
`amorphous`	No defined shape
`changing`	Shape-shifting
`structured`	Structured appearance
`metallic`	Metallic appearance
`not_visible`	Not visible
`unknown`	Unable to determine
`other`	Other (describe in notes)

ObjectColor Enum

Value	Description
`white`	White
`silver`	Silver/Metallic
`gray`	Gray
`black`	Black
`red`	Red
`orange`	Orange
`yellow`	Yellow
`green`	Green
`blue`	Blue
`purple`	Purple
`pink`	Pink
`gold`	Gold
`bronze`	Bronze
`copper`	Copper
`multicolored`	Multicolored
`color_changing`	Color-Changing
`translucent`	Translucent
`transparent`	Transparent
`glowing`	Glowing
`self_luminous`	Self-Luminous
`reflective`	Reflective
`matte`	Matte
`dark`	Dark
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

Luminosity Enum

Value	Description
`not_luminous`	No light emission
`dim`	Barely visible glow
`faint`	Like a dim star
`moderate`	Like a bright star
`bright`	Brighter than Venus
`very_bright`	Like aircraft lights
`intense`	Painful to look at
`blinding`	Caused temporary blindness
`variable`	Changed intensity
`pulsating`	Rhythmic changes
`flickering`	Irregular changes
`strobing`	Regular flashing
`unknown`	Unknown

SoundType Enum

Value	Description
`silent`	Silent
`humming`	Humming
`buzzing`	Buzzing
`whirring`	Whirring
`whooshing`	Whooshing
`roaring`	Roaring
`rumbling`	Rumbling
`crackling`	Crackling
`popping`	Popping
`whistling`	Whistling
`high_pitched`	High pitched
`low_frequency`	Low frequency
`pulsating`	Pulsating
`mechanical`	Mechanical
`electrical`	Electrical
`musical`	Musical
`voice_like`	Voice-like
`sonic_boom`	Sonic boom
`infrasound`	Infrasound
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

Example

{
  "objectCharacteristics": {
    "objectCount": 1,
    "primaryObject": {
      "shape": "tic_tac",
      "shapeDescription": "Elongated capsule, like a large Tic Tac candy",
      "estimatedSizeMeters": 12,
      "sizeMinMeters": 10,
      "sizeMaxMeters": 15,
      "sizeComparison": "size of a school bus",
      "colors": ["white"],
      "colorDescription": "Bright white, uniform coloring",
      "luminosity": "moderate",
      "soundType": "silent",
      "soundDescription": "No sound detected despite close proximity",
      "surfaceFeatures": {
        "surfaceTexture": "smooth",
        "surfaceAppearance": "matte",
        "hasLights": false,
        "hasWindows": false,
        "hasMarkings": false
      },
      "appearedSolid": true,
      "appearedArtificial": true
    },
    "generalDescription": "Single white object, no visible propulsion or control surfaces"
  }
}

Best Practices

Be specific about shape - Use the most accurate descriptor from the enum
Note all colors - Include primary and secondary colors using ObjectColor values
Use comparisons - sizeComparison field for relatable descriptions
Document changes - Use shapeChanged, colorChanged flags
Include sound data - Silent observations are significant data points

Object Characteristics

Detailed description of observed objects including shape, size, color, sound, and surface features.

ObjectCharacteristics Interface

Field	Type	Required	Description
`objectCount`	`number`	Yes	Number of objects observed
`objectCountDescription`	`string`	No	Count as string (e.g., "4-6", "dozens")
`countChanged`	`boolean`	No	Whether count changed during observation
`primaryObject`	`ObservedObject`	Yes	Main object observed
`additionalObjects`	`ObservedObject[]`	No	Additional distinct objects
`generalDescription`	`string`	No	General description of all objects

ObservedObject Interface

Field	Type	Required	Description
`objectId`	`string`	No	Object identifier (for multi-object incidents)
`shape`	`ObjectShape`	Yes	Primary shape
`secondaryShapes`	`ObjectShape[]`	No	Secondary shapes if changed
`shapeDescription`	`string`	No	Free text shape description
`shapeChanged`	`boolean`	No	Whether shape changed during observation
`estimatedSizeMeters`	`number`	No	Estimated size in meters
`sizeMinMeters`	`number`	No	Minimum size estimate (meters)
`sizeMaxMeters`	`number`	No	Maximum size estimate (meters)
`angularSizeDegrees`	`number`	No	Angular size as observed
`sizeComparison`	`string`	No	Size comparison (e.g., "size of a 747")
`colors`	`ObjectColor[]`	Yes	Primary color(s) observed
`colorDescription`	`string`	No	Color description
`colorChanged`	`boolean`	No	Whether color changed
`luminosity`	`Luminosity`	No	Brightness level
`luminosityDescription`	`string`	No	Luminosity description
`soundType`	`SoundType`	No	Sound classification
`soundDescription`	`string`	No	Sound description
`surfaceFeatures`	`SurfaceFeatures`	No	Surface features observed
`emissions`	`ObjectEmissions`	No	Observable emissions
`appearedSolid`	`boolean`	No	Appeared solid/structured
`appearedToHaveMass`	`boolean`	No	Appeared to have mass
`appearedArtificial`	`boolean`	No	Appeared manufactured

TypeScript Definition

interface ObjectCharacteristics {
  objectCount: number;
  objectCountDescription?: string;
  countChanged?: boolean;
  primaryObject: ObservedObject;
  additionalObjects?: ObservedObject[];
  generalDescription?: string;
}

interface ObservedObject {
  objectId?: string;
  shape: ObjectShape;
  secondaryShapes?: ObjectShape[];
  shapeDescription?: string;
  shapeChanged?: boolean;
  estimatedSizeMeters?: number;
  sizeMinMeters?: number;
  sizeMaxMeters?: number;
  angularSizeDegrees?: number;
  sizeComparison?: string;
  colors: ObjectColor[];
  colorDescription?: string;
  colorChanged?: boolean;
  luminosity?: Luminosity;
  luminosityDescription?: string;
  soundType?: SoundType;
  soundDescription?: string;
  surfaceFeatures?: SurfaceFeatures;
  emissions?: ObjectEmissions;
  appearedSolid?: boolean;
  appearedToHaveMass?: boolean;
  appearedArtificial?: boolean;
}

interface SurfaceFeatures {
  hasLights?: boolean;
  lightConfiguration?: string;
  lightColors?: ObjectColor[];
  hasWindows?: boolean;
  windowDescription?: string;
  hasMarkings?: boolean;
  markingDescription?: string;
  hasAppendages?: boolean;
  appendageDescription?: string;
  surfaceTexture?: 'smooth' | 'rough' | 'ridged' | 'segmented' | 'seamless' | 'riveted' | 'unknown';
  surfaceAppearance?: 'metallic' | 'matte' | 'glossy' | 'translucent' | 'organic' | 'unknown';
  hasPropulsion?: boolean;
  propulsionDescription?: string;
}

interface ObjectEmissions {
  hasExhaust?: boolean;
  exhaustDescription?: string;
  hasHeatSignature?: boolean;
  hasRadiation?: boolean;
  radiationType?: string;
  hasEMEffects?: boolean;
  emEffectsDescription?: string;
  hasVaporTrail?: boolean;
  hasIonization?: boolean;
  hasSparks?: boolean;
  hasSmoke?: boolean;
  otherEmissions?: string;
}

ObjectShape Enum (50+ values)

Geometric Shapes

Value	Description
`sphere`	Spherical
`orb`	Orb/sphere
`disk`	Flat disk
`saucer`	Saucer shape
`oval`	Oval/elliptical
`egg`	Egg-shaped
`cylinder`	Cylindrical
`cigar`	Cigar/elongated cylinder
`tube`	Tube shape
`cube`	Cubic
`rectangle`	Rectangular
`square`	Square
`triangle`	Triangular
`delta`	Delta/triangular
`boomerang`	Boomerang/V-shape
`chevron`	Chevron pattern
`diamond`	Diamond-shaped
`pyramid`	Pyramid-shaped
`cone`	Conical
`teardrop`	Teardrop shape
`cross`	Cross shape
`star`	Star shape

Descriptive Shapes

Value	Description
`tic_tac`	Tic-tac/capsule shape
`acorn`	Acorn-shaped
`bell`	Bell-shaped
`dumbbell`	Dumbbell shape
`dome`	Domed
`hat`	Hat-shaped
`saturn`	Saturn-shaped (with ring)
`jellyfish`	Jellyfish-like

Light-Based

Value	Description
`light_point`	Single point of light
`light_cluster`	Multiple lights in formation
`fireball`	Fireball appearance

Other

Value	Description
`amorphous`	No defined shape
`changing`	Shape-shifting
`structured`	Structured appearance
`metallic`	Metallic appearance
`not_visible`	Not visible
`unknown`	Unable to determine
`other`	Other (describe in notes)

ObjectColor Enum

Value	Description
`white`	White
`silver`	Silver/Metallic
`gray`	Gray
`black`	Black
`red`	Red
`orange`	Orange
`yellow`	Yellow
`green`	Green
`blue`	Blue
`purple`	Purple
`pink`	Pink
`gold`	Gold
`bronze`	Bronze
`copper`	Copper
`multicolored`	Multicolored
`color_changing`	Color-Changing
`translucent`	Translucent
`transparent`	Transparent
`glowing`	Glowing
`self_luminous`	Self-Luminous
`reflective`	Reflective
`matte`	Matte
`dark`	Dark
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

Luminosity Enum

Value	Description
`not_luminous`	No light emission
`dim`	Barely visible glow
`faint`	Like a dim star
`moderate`	Like a bright star
`bright`	Brighter than Venus
`very_bright`	Like aircraft lights
`intense`	Painful to look at
`blinding`	Caused temporary blindness
`variable`	Changed intensity
`pulsating`	Rhythmic changes
`flickering`	Irregular changes
`strobing`	Regular flashing
`unknown`	Unknown

SoundType Enum

Value	Description
`silent`	Silent
`humming`	Humming
`buzzing`	Buzzing
`whirring`	Whirring
`whooshing`	Whooshing
`roaring`	Roaring
`rumbling`	Rumbling
`crackling`	Crackling
`popping`	Popping
`whistling`	Whistling
`high_pitched`	High pitched
`low_frequency`	Low frequency
`pulsating`	Pulsating
`mechanical`	Mechanical
`electrical`	Electrical
`musical`	Musical
`voice_like`	Voice-like
`sonic_boom`	Sonic boom
`infrasound`	Infrasound
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

Example

{
  "objectCharacteristics": {
    "objectCount": 1,
    "primaryObject": {
      "shape": "tic_tac",
      "shapeDescription": "Elongated capsule, like a large Tic Tac candy",
      "estimatedSizeMeters": 12,
      "sizeMinMeters": 10,
      "sizeMaxMeters": 15,
      "sizeComparison": "size of a school bus",
      "colors": ["white"],
      "colorDescription": "Bright white, uniform coloring",
      "luminosity": "moderate",
      "soundType": "silent",
      "soundDescription": "No sound detected despite close proximity",
      "surfaceFeatures": {
        "surfaceTexture": "smooth",
        "surfaceAppearance": "matte",
        "hasLights": false,
        "hasWindows": false,
        "hasMarkings": false
      },
      "appearedSolid": true,
      "appearedArtificial": true
    },
    "generalDescription": "Single white object, no visible propulsion or control surfaces"
  }
}

Best Practices

Be specific about shape - Use the most accurate descriptor from the enum
Note all colors - Include primary and secondary colors using ObjectColor values
Use comparisons - sizeComparison field for relatable descriptions
Document changes - Use shapeChanged, colorChanged flags
Include sound data - Silent observations are significant data points

Object Characteristics

ObjectCharacteristics Interface

ObservedObject Interface

TypeScript Definition

ObjectShape Enum (50+ values)

Geometric Shapes

Descriptive Shapes

Light-Based

Other

ObjectColor Enum

Luminosity Enum

SoundType Enum

Example

Best Practices

On this page

Object Characteristics

ObjectCharacteristics Interface

ObservedObject Interface

TypeScript Definition

ObjectShape Enum (50+ values)

Geometric Shapes

Descriptive Shapes

Light-Based

Other

ObjectColor Enum

Luminosity Enum

SoundType Enum

Example

Best Practices

On this page