1 00:00:01,302 --> 00:00:03,035 [josh] on this episode of expedition x, 2 00:00:03,037 --> 00:00:05,204 Okay, let's do this! 3 00:00:05,206 --> 00:00:08,607 My team travels into the notorious ring of fire, 4 00:00:08,609 --> 00:00:10,809 A hotbed of seismic activity 5 00:00:10,811 --> 00:00:13,846 To one of the world's most volatile volcanoes... 6 00:00:13,914 --> 00:00:16,048 Look at the smoke coming out of there! 7 00:00:16,050 --> 00:00:18,417 [josh] ...Where they dig into eyewitness accounts... 8 00:00:18,419 --> 00:00:21,053 Wait, the plane hit the object? 9 00:00:21,055 --> 00:00:22,855 -In the sky? -Yeah. 10 00:00:22,956 --> 00:00:24,356 [josh] ...And dramatic videos... 11 00:00:24,859 --> 00:00:26,525 [man speaking] 12 00:00:26,527 --> 00:00:27,793 [josh] ...Of ufos. 13 00:00:27,795 --> 00:00:28,861 [phil] oh! 14 00:00:28,962 --> 00:00:30,329 -[jessica] what? -Just saw a red flash. 15 00:00:30,331 --> 00:00:32,064 Did you really? 16 00:00:32,132 --> 00:00:34,600 [josh] to find out why mysterious flying object 17 00:00:34,602 --> 00:00:37,603 Seem drawn to this smoke spewing crater, 18 00:00:37,605 --> 00:00:39,204 Phil takes to the skies... 19 00:00:40,041 --> 00:00:41,206 [phil] wait, what is that flying? 20 00:00:41,208 --> 00:00:42,641 You see that? 21 00:00:42,643 --> 00:00:44,610 [josh] ...While jess breaks out high-tech cameras 22 00:00:44,612 --> 00:00:46,111 And tracking devices... 23 00:00:46,113 --> 00:00:47,346 -[phil] all set? -We're all good. 24 00:00:47,415 --> 00:00:49,181 Let's do this. 25 00:00:49,183 --> 00:00:52,418 [josh] ...On a mission to investigate one of mankind's oldest question 26 00:00:52,887 --> 00:00:54,620 [josh reading] 27 00:00:54,622 --> 00:00:56,688 Holy [bleep]! Danny, look, look, look. 28 00:00:56,690 --> 00:00:57,623 Do you see that? 29 00:00:57,625 --> 00:00:59,258 All right, that's a problem. 30 00:00:59,359 --> 00:01:02,127 [josh] it's a dangerous journey to uncover... 31 00:01:02,129 --> 00:01:04,029 -[jess] [bleeping] [grunts] -[phil] jess! 32 00:01:05,433 --> 00:01:07,699 ...Ring of fire ufos. 33 00:01:09,637 --> 00:01:12,137 My name is josh gates. 34 00:01:12,206 --> 00:01:15,107 In my travels, I've experienced strange things 35 00:01:15,109 --> 00:01:16,508 That defy logic. 36 00:01:16,510 --> 00:01:18,544 And made me question everything. 37 00:01:18,946 --> 00:01:20,512 Oh, my god! 38 00:01:20,514 --> 00:01:23,148 Now, I've put together a team to investigate 39 00:01:23,250 --> 00:01:25,517 The stranger side of the unknown. 40 00:01:25,920 --> 00:01:26,919 Let's go! 41 00:01:27,855 --> 00:01:29,488 [josh] phil torres is a scientist 42 00:01:29,490 --> 00:01:31,723 Who hunts for rational explanations. 43 00:01:35,830 --> 00:01:37,930 [josh] jessica chobot's paranormal research 44 00:01:37,932 --> 00:01:40,232 Has made her a true believer. 45 00:01:40,334 --> 00:01:42,301 If you're here with us, knock again. 46 00:01:42,303 --> 00:01:44,736 [josh] together, we're searching for answers... 47 00:01:44,805 --> 00:01:46,305 [phil] what is happening here, jess? 48 00:01:46,307 --> 00:01:49,308 [josh] ...To the world's most extraordinary mysteries 49 00:01:49,910 --> 00:01:52,511 This is expedition x. 50 00:01:57,017 --> 00:02:00,719 All right, jess, phil, how many flights would you say you've been on at this point? 51 00:02:00,721 --> 00:02:01,520 -Oh! -Ooh! 52 00:02:01,522 --> 00:02:02,488 I mean, too many to count. 53 00:02:02,490 --> 00:02:03,555 -Hundreds, probably. -[josh] yeah. 54 00:02:03,557 --> 00:02:05,057 Wait, are we looking for ghosts on a plane? 55 00:02:05,059 --> 00:02:06,391 Are we looking for snakes on a plane? 56 00:02:06,393 --> 00:02:07,626 'cause I'd get on that plane. 57 00:02:07,628 --> 00:02:09,828 No, it's not ghosts or snakes on a plane. 58 00:02:09,830 --> 00:02:12,331 But, it is about something mysterious 59 00:02:12,333 --> 00:02:14,566 Flying over the skies of mexico. 60 00:02:14,568 --> 00:02:16,502 Both commercial and military pilots 61 00:02:16,504 --> 00:02:19,505 Have recently come forward with reports 62 00:02:19,507 --> 00:02:22,741 Of strange objects, and mysterious lights 63 00:02:22,810 --> 00:02:24,810 That they've seen over mexico city. 64 00:02:24,812 --> 00:02:26,645 So strange objects, 65 00:02:26,714 --> 00:02:28,413 Mysterious lights, 66 00:02:28,949 --> 00:02:30,549 So we're talking ufos. 67 00:02:30,651 --> 00:02:31,950 -Yeah, I mean-- -[jessica] listen! 68 00:02:32,019 --> 00:02:35,554 You can still be a skeptic and use the term ufos. 69 00:02:35,623 --> 00:02:37,956 Yes! These are unidentified flying objects. 70 00:02:37,958 --> 00:02:39,124 -Can I try? -Go for it. 71 00:02:39,727 --> 00:02:40,725 Ufo. 72 00:02:40,728 --> 00:02:42,628 -Oh, yay! -Feels good, doesn't it, phil? 73 00:02:42,630 --> 00:02:44,363 -Felt kind of good. -Yeah, yeah. 74 00:02:44,431 --> 00:02:46,565 Oh, and ufos have become 75 00:02:46,633 --> 00:02:47,933 Quite the hot topic these days, 76 00:02:47,935 --> 00:02:51,303 Especially since the pentagon released that report in 2021, 77 00:02:51,305 --> 00:02:53,739 Basically admitting these things are flying around 78 00:02:53,807 --> 00:02:55,407 And they don't know what they are. 79 00:02:55,409 --> 00:02:58,710 So now the whole world is starting to focus on this phenomenon. 80 00:02:58,712 --> 00:03:00,212 And in this particular case, 81 00:03:00,214 --> 00:03:02,548 It's not just these pilots. 82 00:03:02,616 --> 00:03:05,317 There are air traffic controllers that have come forward with reports. 83 00:03:05,319 --> 00:03:07,920 And hundreds of eyewitnesses on the ground. 84 00:03:07,922 --> 00:03:12,624 And all this activity seems to be centered around one geological feature. 85 00:03:12,626 --> 00:03:13,959 An active volcano. 86 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:21,800 December, 1994. 87 00:03:21,802 --> 00:03:24,703 43 miles southeast of mexico city, 88 00:03:24,705 --> 00:03:27,940 The popocatepetl volcano re-awakens. 89 00:03:27,942 --> 00:03:30,409 At nearly three and a half miles high, 90 00:03:30,411 --> 00:03:34,813 El popo becomes one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, 91 00:03:34,815 --> 00:03:37,082 Spewing plumes of ash and smoke. 92 00:03:38,219 --> 00:03:40,085 And it hasn't stopped. 93 00:03:40,087 --> 00:03:43,622 Over 20 million people live in el popo's shadow, 94 00:03:43,624 --> 00:03:46,625 And the threat of a major eruption is so great 95 00:03:46,627 --> 00:03:51,630 Authorities have set-up 24/7 live video feeds of the volcano. 96 00:03:51,632 --> 00:03:55,500 But it seems these cameras are catching more than just volcanic activity. 97 00:03:56,503 --> 00:03:59,504 Some say they're documenting ufos. 98 00:04:00,941 --> 00:04:03,008 In the years since the re-awakening, 99 00:04:03,010 --> 00:04:05,344 Mysterious objects are often spotted 100 00:04:05,445 --> 00:04:08,313 In the sky around the crater 101 00:04:08,315 --> 00:04:11,216 But unlike rock fragments expelled from eruptions, 102 00:04:11,218 --> 00:04:14,152 These objects seem to have a life of their own, 103 00:04:14,254 --> 00:04:16,221 With unpredictable trajectories. 104 00:04:17,291 --> 00:04:18,990 And, there are witnesses 105 00:04:18,992 --> 00:04:22,561 Who have reported close encounters with these airborne anomalies. 106 00:04:25,399 --> 00:04:27,799 January 10, 2007. 107 00:04:29,036 --> 00:04:31,536 A commercial aircraft from the state of tabasco 108 00:04:31,605 --> 00:04:34,106 Prepares to land in mexico city. 109 00:04:34,108 --> 00:04:36,508 As the plane cruises past el popo, 110 00:04:36,510 --> 00:04:39,945 The crew spots an intensely bright light in the sky 111 00:04:39,947 --> 00:04:42,147 Traveling alongside the aircraft. 112 00:04:43,050 --> 00:04:45,117 Suddenly, the object accelerates, 113 00:04:45,119 --> 00:04:48,153 Vanishing into the thick clouds around the volcano. 114 00:04:49,123 --> 00:04:51,256 The pilots can't believe their eyes, 115 00:04:51,358 --> 00:04:53,959 And immediately report it to air traffic control. 116 00:04:55,062 --> 00:04:59,064 But no one can explain what the flight crew saw. 117 00:04:59,133 --> 00:05:02,401 Since then, the sightings of strange, luminous object 118 00:05:02,403 --> 00:05:05,037 Flying all around the smoking volcano 119 00:05:05,039 --> 00:05:07,039 Have dramatically increased 120 00:05:07,041 --> 00:05:08,106 [man speaking] 121 00:05:09,109 --> 00:05:11,310 They're seen by pilots in the air 122 00:05:11,312 --> 00:05:12,811 And people on the ground. 123 00:05:13,414 --> 00:05:14,946 A few recent witnesses 124 00:05:14,948 --> 00:05:16,715 Have even managed to capture 125 00:05:16,717 --> 00:05:19,551 Their own video evidence of the phenomena. 126 00:05:25,359 --> 00:05:27,392 So what is it about this hotspot 127 00:05:27,394 --> 00:05:30,696 That seems to attract unexplained activity? 128 00:05:30,698 --> 00:05:34,499 Are these lights coming from somewhere beyond this world? 129 00:05:34,501 --> 00:05:36,735 And what is their connectio to the volcano? 130 00:05:43,444 --> 00:05:44,609 So, what do you make of this? 131 00:05:44,611 --> 00:05:46,912 Well, there's a popular theory among investigators 132 00:05:46,914 --> 00:05:49,948 That ufos are coming here looking for elements that they need. 133 00:05:50,050 --> 00:05:51,917 Something like uranium 134 00:05:51,919 --> 00:05:53,618 Which would be found in a volcano. 135 00:05:53,620 --> 00:05:57,956 Okay, before we start thinking about the motivation for these ufos, 136 00:05:57,958 --> 00:06:01,126 We need to figure out what people are actually seeing there. 137 00:06:01,128 --> 00:06:03,362 Could be satellites. Could be meteorites. 138 00:06:03,430 --> 00:06:05,330 Could be some other natural phenomenon. 139 00:06:05,332 --> 00:06:06,765 There's a thing called earthquake lights 140 00:06:06,833 --> 00:06:09,201 That happens in areas of high seismic activity, 141 00:06:09,203 --> 00:06:10,835 Like, mexico city. 142 00:06:10,837 --> 00:06:14,339 Yeah, but here's the thing. Those videos didn't look like anything natural. 143 00:06:14,408 --> 00:06:15,706 So this is the mission. 144 00:06:15,708 --> 00:06:17,943 The videos and the eyewitness reports, they're undeniable. 145 00:06:18,011 --> 00:06:19,511 People are seeing something. 146 00:06:19,513 --> 00:06:21,947 So get down to mexico city and find out what. 147 00:06:22,015 --> 00:06:23,448 Is there an actual explanation? 148 00:06:23,550 --> 00:06:25,217 Meteorites. Satellites. Weather phenomenon. 149 00:06:25,219 --> 00:06:27,619 Or, is it something other-worldly? 150 00:06:27,621 --> 00:06:29,721 Either way, you gotta bring back some proof. 151 00:06:29,723 --> 00:06:31,323 -All right, we're on it. -Okay. 152 00:06:31,325 --> 00:06:34,059 And hey, if you guys have never been this close to an active volcano before, 153 00:06:34,061 --> 00:06:35,660 Trust me, you're gonna 'lava' it. 154 00:06:36,930 --> 00:06:38,730 -[sighs in exasperation] wow. -Jeez. 155 00:06:38,732 --> 00:06:39,731 You guys can go now. 156 00:06:40,033 --> 00:06:42,000 Gladly. 157 00:06:42,002 --> 00:06:45,337 [josh] phil and jess travel 2100 miles from new york 158 00:06:45,405 --> 00:06:48,840 To the benito juarez international airport in mexico city, 159 00:06:51,311 --> 00:06:53,712 Latin america's busiest airport. 160 00:06:53,714 --> 00:06:55,247 [folk music playing] 161 00:06:58,452 --> 00:07:01,453 Back in mexico city, your favorite place. 162 00:07:01,522 --> 00:07:03,622 This city has so much culture here. 163 00:07:03,624 --> 00:07:06,925 Okay, jess, aztec quiz. Let me hear it. 164 00:07:06,927 --> 00:07:09,795 How do you pronounce the volcano? 165 00:07:09,797 --> 00:07:10,962 Uh... 166 00:07:10,964 --> 00:07:12,564 -Come on. -Um... 167 00:07:13,834 --> 00:07:15,934 Uh... Popo... 168 00:07:15,936 --> 00:07:17,202 Let me see if I can mimic you. 169 00:07:17,204 --> 00:07:18,637 -Popo... -Popo... 170 00:07:18,705 --> 00:07:19,805 -Ca... -Ca... 171 00:07:19,807 --> 00:07:21,006 -Te... -Te... 172 00:07:21,008 --> 00:07:22,073 -...Petl. -...Petl. 173 00:07:22,075 --> 00:07:24,242 -Popocatepetl. -Yeah! 174 00:07:24,311 --> 00:07:26,111 Popocatepetl in nahuatl 175 00:07:26,113 --> 00:07:28,814 Actually means "the smoking mountain." 176 00:07:28,816 --> 00:07:30,549 People here call it el popo. 177 00:07:30,551 --> 00:07:32,117 I'll go with el popo. 178 00:07:33,821 --> 00:07:36,354 [jessica] josh has arranged for us to meet enrique kolbeck, 179 00:07:36,456 --> 00:07:39,324 One of the longest serving air traffic controllers in the country 180 00:07:39,326 --> 00:07:40,225 And a former pilot. 181 00:07:41,161 --> 00:07:42,060 Enrique. 182 00:07:42,128 --> 00:07:43,662 -Hola. -Hola! 183 00:07:43,763 --> 00:07:45,564 -Buenos dias. -Buenos dias. 184 00:07:45,665 --> 00:07:47,933 [jessica] enrique's career spans 40-plus years, 185 00:07:48,034 --> 00:07:50,435 So he knows what should and shouldn't 186 00:07:50,504 --> 00:07:52,504 Be flying in the skies. 187 00:07:52,506 --> 00:07:54,906 Not only has he heard numerous stories from pilot 188 00:07:54,908 --> 00:07:56,942 About ufos near the volcano 189 00:07:56,944 --> 00:07:59,511 He has personally seen them on radar. 190 00:07:59,513 --> 00:08:01,746 When did you start seeing these strange objects? 191 00:08:22,202 --> 00:08:24,703 [alarm beeping] 192 00:08:24,705 --> 00:08:28,106 -Wait, the plane hit the object? -Yes. Yeah. 193 00:08:28,108 --> 00:08:29,841 -In the sky? -Yeah. 194 00:08:29,943 --> 00:08:32,310 And we closed the airport. 195 00:08:32,312 --> 00:08:33,477 Gosh. 196 00:08:33,479 --> 00:08:37,349 I've never heard of a plane actually getting hit 197 00:08:37,450 --> 00:08:41,319 -By an unidentified flying object before. -Oh, yes. Of course. 198 00:08:41,321 --> 00:08:43,188 [jessica] enrique says an inspection of the plane 199 00:08:43,190 --> 00:08:45,624 Revealed damage to the front wheel hydraulic 200 00:08:45,626 --> 00:08:48,760 But no one could determine exactly what caused it. 201 00:08:48,829 --> 00:08:50,829 So then what's the government's take on this? 202 00:08:50,831 --> 00:08:52,297 I mean, that's really dangerous. 203 00:08:52,299 --> 00:08:54,399 Of course, in our case, 204 00:08:54,401 --> 00:08:57,035 We made the reports our supervisors, 205 00:08:57,037 --> 00:08:59,404 Or mexican authorities, 206 00:08:59,406 --> 00:09:01,640 But nobody knows nothing about it. 207 00:09:01,741 --> 00:09:04,276 The mexican aeronautical authorities, 208 00:09:04,278 --> 00:09:06,311 Another part of the government also. 209 00:09:06,313 --> 00:09:07,512 Nobody pay attention. 210 00:09:07,514 --> 00:09:10,415 In my country, nobody cares about it. 211 00:09:12,419 --> 00:09:14,319 [phil] it seems like there's a hotspot 212 00:09:14,321 --> 00:09:16,655 Of sightings around this whole popocatepetl. 213 00:09:16,690 --> 00:09:19,024 Are you even allowed to fly over the volcano? 214 00:09:25,132 --> 00:09:26,865 [phil] and that's because it's an active volcano? 215 00:09:26,933 --> 00:09:28,300 It doesn't follow a schedule. 216 00:09:28,302 --> 00:09:30,735 Yeah, that it could blow at any moment. 217 00:09:30,837 --> 00:09:32,370 [phil] okay. 218 00:09:32,372 --> 00:09:35,941 Have you noticed any volcanic activity when these sightings occur? 219 00:09:35,943 --> 00:09:36,975 Yes, of course. 220 00:09:36,977 --> 00:09:40,712 We have the reports about the many objects 221 00:09:40,714 --> 00:09:42,948 Going up to the volcano area, 222 00:09:43,016 --> 00:09:45,216 Especially inside of the cone 223 00:09:45,218 --> 00:09:47,218 And leaving the volcano in a fast way. 224 00:09:48,422 --> 00:09:51,222 How often would these sightings occur? 225 00:09:51,224 --> 00:09:54,726 Sometimes we receive a report about 226 00:09:55,162 --> 00:09:56,227 Three times a day, 227 00:09:56,229 --> 00:09:58,830 Three times a week or three times a month. 228 00:09:58,832 --> 00:10:00,365 And perhaps 229 00:10:00,433 --> 00:10:02,033 -Three months we never have nothing. -[phil] yeah. 230 00:10:02,102 --> 00:10:04,736 So if the volcano has this 10 mile radius around it, 231 00:10:04,838 --> 00:10:06,404 There should be nothing flying in there. 232 00:10:06,406 --> 00:10:09,074 -Yes. -Yet, on your radar, you're seeing 233 00:10:09,076 --> 00:10:10,709 Objects flying around. 234 00:10:10,711 --> 00:10:14,012 Sometimes appears very close and inside of the prohibit area. 235 00:10:14,014 --> 00:10:15,714 What patterns are you seeing them do? 236 00:10:15,716 --> 00:10:18,016 Is it just a blip? Is it something moving around? 237 00:10:18,018 --> 00:10:21,953 These objects moves in different way 238 00:10:22,055 --> 00:10:24,456 Than the aircrafts normally way... 239 00:10:41,608 --> 00:10:42,573 Wow. 240 00:10:46,713 --> 00:10:47,979 [jessica] according to enrique, 241 00:10:47,981 --> 00:10:50,515 There are frequent sighting of mysterious objects 242 00:10:50,517 --> 00:10:52,717 Flying where no aircraft should be. 243 00:10:52,719 --> 00:10:55,220 Around the crater of el popo 244 00:10:55,222 --> 00:10:57,822 We're going to try to captur evidence of that phenomenon 245 00:10:57,824 --> 00:10:58,790 For ourselves. 246 00:11:02,929 --> 00:11:06,398 -Here's a bumpy road, jess. -That's nice. 247 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:09,234 [jessica] el popo is locate about 40 miles from the city 248 00:11:09,335 --> 00:11:12,437 And if the webcam ufo video are any indication, 249 00:11:12,539 --> 00:11:15,573 We should be able to get a clear view of the volcano 250 00:11:15,575 --> 00:11:18,410 And the airspace around it from the northwest. 251 00:11:18,412 --> 00:11:21,312 We just have to find the best vantage points through the clouds. 252 00:11:21,314 --> 00:11:22,847 -Oh, yeah! -Is that it? 253 00:11:22,949 --> 00:11:24,516 -Check that out! -Wow! 254 00:11:28,055 --> 00:11:29,721 Oh, my goodness, jess! 255 00:11:29,723 --> 00:11:31,623 That is awesome! 256 00:11:31,625 --> 00:11:33,224 [phil] I think we found el popo. 257 00:11:34,828 --> 00:11:36,360 Look at that! 258 00:11:36,362 --> 00:11:39,931 Oh, you can still see-- yeah, looks like it's smoking on the top. 259 00:11:39,933 --> 00:11:42,333 [phil] to make sure no one gets caught in an eruption, 260 00:11:42,435 --> 00:11:45,236 Hiking to the crater is prohibited by the government. 261 00:11:47,107 --> 00:11:48,707 But I've got an even better idea. 262 00:11:56,717 --> 00:11:58,817 Our plan is to get a closer look 263 00:11:58,819 --> 00:12:01,519 Without causing an international incident. 264 00:12:02,322 --> 00:12:04,055 Hello, capitan! 265 00:12:04,057 --> 00:12:05,724 -[speaking spanish] -[pilot] okay. 266 00:12:07,728 --> 00:12:09,227 Whoo! Okay, let's do this! 267 00:12:12,799 --> 00:12:14,065 Next stop, el popo. 268 00:12:21,508 --> 00:12:23,108 Whoo! Okay, let's do this! 269 00:12:27,414 --> 00:12:30,415 So the plan here is that jess will be on the ground 270 00:12:30,417 --> 00:12:32,250 With a giant lens 271 00:12:32,352 --> 00:12:35,220 Basically focused at the to of this volcano. 272 00:12:35,222 --> 00:12:39,124 Just to see if we can docume any activity from the ground 273 00:12:39,126 --> 00:12:40,358 We're gonna be in the air. 274 00:12:40,460 --> 00:12:44,429 This is where we've got a great bird's eye view 275 00:12:44,431 --> 00:12:48,500 And I'm really hoping that el popo doesn't decide to pop off today. 276 00:12:48,502 --> 00:12:49,901 I mean, maybe just a little. 277 00:12:51,705 --> 00:12:54,172 Our permitted flight plan to get us to el popo 278 00:12:54,174 --> 00:12:55,807 Starts over the city. 279 00:12:57,711 --> 00:12:59,010 Right below us right now, 280 00:12:59,613 --> 00:13:02,113 That is mexico city, 281 00:13:02,115 --> 00:13:04,415 Actually what technically makes el popo 282 00:13:04,417 --> 00:13:06,618 One of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. 283 00:13:06,620 --> 00:13:10,955 Because if it blows, everybody out here could be at risk. 284 00:13:11,057 --> 00:13:14,192 Mexico city's basically built in a field of volcanoes. 285 00:13:14,194 --> 00:13:16,761 All of these hills that we're seeing around here, 286 00:13:16,830 --> 00:13:18,963 Those are all dormant volcanoes. 287 00:13:18,965 --> 00:13:22,033 But where we're heading, that's an active volcano. 288 00:13:22,035 --> 00:13:25,303 This whole area is seismic activity central 289 00:13:25,305 --> 00:13:29,507 Thanks to mexico's location within the world's so calle ring of fire, 290 00:13:29,509 --> 00:13:31,609 A 25,000 mile stretch 291 00:13:31,611 --> 00:13:35,046 That contains 75% of the world's volcanoes 292 00:13:35,115 --> 00:13:37,749 And 90% of all earthquakes. 293 00:13:37,851 --> 00:13:40,218 During earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, 294 00:13:40,220 --> 00:13:42,520 Rock friction near the earth's crust 295 00:13:42,522 --> 00:13:44,856 Releases energy into the atmosphere, 296 00:13:44,958 --> 00:13:46,758 That some scientists believe can result 297 00:13:46,826 --> 00:13:49,627 In startling flashes of ligh seen for miles. 298 00:13:50,630 --> 00:13:52,730 They're known as earthquake lights. 299 00:13:52,732 --> 00:13:54,299 And I'm wondering if that light 300 00:13:54,301 --> 00:13:56,801 Is what people are mistaking for ufos. 301 00:14:00,106 --> 00:14:02,140 [walkie talkie beeps] right, jess, we're scanning in the skies. 302 00:14:02,209 --> 00:14:03,775 All right... 303 00:14:03,777 --> 00:14:05,610 So we've got the seismometer set up. 304 00:14:05,612 --> 00:14:07,111 It's actually really sensitive 305 00:14:07,113 --> 00:14:09,914 So if we do get a little mini earthquake around here, 306 00:14:09,916 --> 00:14:11,516 It'll give us an indication of that. 307 00:14:11,518 --> 00:14:13,117 And then we also have the camera 308 00:14:13,119 --> 00:14:14,719 Pointed right at the top of the volcano 309 00:14:14,721 --> 00:14:17,222 Where people say they see a lot of these 310 00:14:17,224 --> 00:14:18,923 Unidentified balls of light 311 00:14:18,925 --> 00:14:21,726 And unidentified objects coming in and out of. 312 00:14:21,728 --> 00:14:24,295 My camera is equipped with a telephoto lens 313 00:14:24,297 --> 00:14:26,564 With 40 times magnifying power. 314 00:14:26,633 --> 00:14:29,500 And a polarizing filter to reduce glare and reflections 315 00:14:29,502 --> 00:14:31,936 From filming the daytime sky 316 00:14:32,038 --> 00:14:35,940 I'll also be monitoring reports of seismic activity in the area. 317 00:14:36,009 --> 00:14:37,675 Phil, you copy? 318 00:14:37,677 --> 00:14:40,645 To see if there might be a correlation between volcanic rumbling 319 00:14:40,713 --> 00:14:42,213 Earthquake activity 320 00:14:42,215 --> 00:14:43,815 And ufos. 321 00:14:43,817 --> 00:14:46,718 So I've got the camera set up and I've got my seismometer and everything. 322 00:14:46,720 --> 00:14:50,855 Also, just as a heads up, my earthquake app here says that we just had 323 00:14:50,924 --> 00:14:53,524 A 4.0 about 36 kilometers away 324 00:14:53,526 --> 00:14:55,226 This morning. 325 00:14:55,228 --> 00:14:58,062 Wow, okay. That's fantastic. 326 00:14:58,131 --> 00:15:01,399 Just let us know if there's any seismic activity on the ground while we're up here 327 00:15:01,401 --> 00:15:03,835 Because I wanna look in the air and see if anything matches. 328 00:15:06,106 --> 00:15:09,007 [phil] it's already a seismically active day. 329 00:15:09,009 --> 00:15:10,909 A series of smaller earthquakes, 330 00:15:10,911 --> 00:15:12,644 Known as an earthquake swarm 331 00:15:12,712 --> 00:15:15,413 Can last days or even weeks. 332 00:15:15,415 --> 00:15:17,248 Swarms are especially prevalent 333 00:15:17,317 --> 00:15:21,419 In close proximity to, you guessed it, volcanoes. 334 00:15:21,421 --> 00:15:23,421 I hope we can catch the next rumble 335 00:15:23,423 --> 00:15:26,925 And any strange lights it might generate. 336 00:15:26,927 --> 00:15:28,893 We've asked the pilot to manoeuvre the chopper 337 00:15:28,895 --> 00:15:31,062 For the best vantage point of the volcano, 338 00:15:31,164 --> 00:15:33,464 So we can get as close as possible. 339 00:15:33,533 --> 00:15:35,934 But we also don't want to set off any alarm bells 340 00:15:35,936 --> 00:15:38,937 By entering government-restricted airspace. 341 00:15:39,038 --> 00:15:40,605 Captain, what's our elevation right now? 342 00:15:42,309 --> 00:15:43,841 9500 feet. 343 00:15:46,012 --> 00:15:47,612 Look at that! 344 00:15:47,614 --> 00:15:50,014 That's popocatepetl, right in those clouds. 345 00:15:51,151 --> 00:15:52,951 Wow. 346 00:15:52,953 --> 00:15:56,821 The upper slopes of el popo are covered nearly year roun with snow and ice, 347 00:15:56,823 --> 00:15:59,223 Both of which make great reflectors. 348 00:16:01,728 --> 00:16:05,229 Any sunlight that bounces off and hits some ash and ro in the air 349 00:16:05,231 --> 00:16:06,497 At the right angle, 350 00:16:06,499 --> 00:16:08,499 Well, that combination could add up 351 00:16:08,501 --> 00:16:10,201 To a reported ufo sighting. 352 00:16:10,870 --> 00:16:13,137 Look at that volcano! 353 00:16:13,239 --> 00:16:16,507 Oh, my god! Look at that smoke coming out of there! 354 00:16:16,509 --> 00:16:19,043 [jessica over radio] phil! I can see you approaching the volcano! 355 00:16:20,213 --> 00:16:21,846 [phil over radio] oh, I see you! I see you! 356 00:16:23,083 --> 00:16:25,516 Did you see that plume of smoke that came out of the volcano? 357 00:16:26,353 --> 00:16:28,519 Yes, I did! 358 00:16:28,521 --> 00:16:29,954 [phil over radio] this thin is active! 359 00:16:29,956 --> 00:16:31,556 Look how big that plume is. 360 00:16:31,657 --> 00:16:33,057 That is an active volcano. 361 00:16:33,126 --> 00:16:34,759 Right now, that thing is smoking, 362 00:16:34,861 --> 00:16:35,927 There's lava inside of it. 363 00:16:35,929 --> 00:16:37,161 If they are ufos, 364 00:16:37,263 --> 00:16:39,664 Maybe they're coming here because they need resources. 365 00:16:39,766 --> 00:16:42,734 An area that has a high concentration of heavy metals. 366 00:16:42,835 --> 00:16:44,502 Everybody thinks they're here to, like, 367 00:16:44,504 --> 00:16:46,604 Always just keep an eye on, 368 00:16:46,606 --> 00:16:48,706 Like the military or this or the other thing, 369 00:16:48,708 --> 00:16:51,676 But maybe they're actually using us for mining. 370 00:16:51,678 --> 00:16:54,379 Who knows? Who knows what kind of resources they would need? 371 00:16:54,381 --> 00:16:57,815 And who knows what's potentially in there that's usable for them. 372 00:17:00,453 --> 00:17:03,755 Since the development of nuclear weaponry in the 1940s, 373 00:17:03,823 --> 00:17:06,591 Military personnel have reported sightings of ufos 374 00:17:06,593 --> 00:17:09,961 Near nuclear storage facilities, and weapons training bases. 375 00:17:11,598 --> 00:17:14,932 According to employees at america's first nuclear testing site, 376 00:17:15,034 --> 00:17:16,634 In white sands, new mexico, 377 00:17:16,736 --> 00:17:18,736 Ufo sightings were so prevalent 378 00:17:18,805 --> 00:17:21,339 That a secret team was assigned to monitor the activity. 379 00:17:22,542 --> 00:17:24,509 Nuclear weapons use uranium, 380 00:17:24,644 --> 00:17:28,446 So I'm still wondering if elevated uranium levels around el popo 381 00:17:28,514 --> 00:17:33,317 Could explain why ufos are attracted to this volcan in particular. 382 00:17:33,319 --> 00:17:35,820 Do you wonder why they call this thing an active volcano? 383 00:17:35,822 --> 00:17:39,057 Look no further than all that smoke billowing out of this thing. 384 00:17:41,061 --> 00:17:43,061 In addition to the crater and the plume, 385 00:17:43,162 --> 00:17:47,298 I'm also keeping an eye out for major cracks in the eart going up the volcano. 386 00:17:47,300 --> 00:17:50,401 Anything that could give ris to possible earthquake light 387 00:17:54,007 --> 00:17:55,940 Holy [bleep]! Danny, look, look, look! 388 00:17:55,942 --> 00:17:57,508 Is that them? Or is that something else? 389 00:17:57,510 --> 00:17:58,675 Do you see that? 390 00:18:00,246 --> 00:18:01,646 [jessica over radio] phil! I see something! 391 00:18:02,248 --> 00:18:03,114 What are you seeing? 392 00:18:03,917 --> 00:18:05,316 Oh, my god! What is that? 393 00:18:11,424 --> 00:18:13,825 Scratch that. That's a plane. 394 00:18:14,227 --> 00:18:15,893 False alarm. 395 00:18:17,063 --> 00:18:21,699 Okay, well, that's still great intel so we can review some of the other videos 396 00:18:21,701 --> 00:18:23,601 Of what people claim are ufos 397 00:18:23,603 --> 00:18:26,204 And maybe mark some of them off as aircraft. 398 00:18:26,206 --> 00:18:28,239 So I mean, that's exactly what enrique was talking about. 399 00:18:28,308 --> 00:18:30,007 How these flights, these commercial flights 400 00:18:30,009 --> 00:18:32,143 Have to actually fly around the volcano 401 00:18:32,212 --> 00:18:34,312 And not over the top of it because it's still active. 402 00:18:34,314 --> 00:18:36,214 So that's probably a designated flight path 403 00:18:36,983 --> 00:18:39,317 For the mexico city airport. 404 00:18:43,823 --> 00:18:46,624 The more time we spend around this volcano, the more I think 405 00:18:47,427 --> 00:18:48,626 Two things are happening here. 406 00:18:48,628 --> 00:18:50,828 Jess just said herself that she's seeing 407 00:18:50,830 --> 00:18:53,798 Airplanes in the path of the volcano, 408 00:18:53,800 --> 00:18:58,336 So it could be kind of an optical illusion to someone standing over there. 409 00:18:58,437 --> 00:19:02,406 The other thing is this is an incredibly seismically active place. 410 00:19:02,408 --> 00:19:07,011 Full of clouds. Full of potential for those earthquake lights 411 00:19:07,013 --> 00:19:09,280 That could be what people are actually seeing 412 00:19:09,282 --> 00:19:11,281 And calling ufos. 413 00:19:13,419 --> 00:19:17,522 To test whether something like earthquake lights coul be obscured in those clouds 414 00:19:17,524 --> 00:19:19,023 I'm using a flir, 415 00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:20,858 Which detects heat variation 416 00:19:20,927 --> 00:19:22,727 And displays them as different colors. 417 00:19:24,564 --> 00:19:26,864 This here is a thermal camera 418 00:19:26,900 --> 00:19:31,569 And one of the interesting things about this earthquake light 419 00:19:31,637 --> 00:19:32,703 Is that they're plasma, 420 00:19:32,705 --> 00:19:36,107 And plasma is thousands of degrees hot, 421 00:19:36,109 --> 00:19:40,044 So my hope is that even if we can't see it 'cause it's bright, 422 00:19:40,046 --> 00:19:42,446 If I use this, we'll maybe be able to detect it 423 00:19:42,515 --> 00:19:45,049 Because this thing is filming heat signatures. 424 00:19:45,051 --> 00:19:46,751 So right now, we're above cloud level, 425 00:19:46,819 --> 00:19:49,120 So any anomalies that we get, 426 00:19:49,122 --> 00:19:50,421 Obviously, will be exciting. 427 00:19:56,563 --> 00:19:58,129 You guys seeing anything? 428 00:19:58,131 --> 00:20:00,064 -[pilot speaking] -okay. 429 00:20:06,806 --> 00:20:08,005 Wait, what is that flying? 430 00:20:08,441 --> 00:20:09,807 You see that? Oh! 431 00:20:17,317 --> 00:20:20,651 [suspenseful music playing] 432 00:20:24,958 --> 00:20:26,057 [phil] wait, what is that flying? 433 00:20:26,526 --> 00:20:27,725 You see that? 434 00:20:28,828 --> 00:20:32,964 Wow! Okay! Uh... 435 00:20:32,966 --> 00:20:35,333 There's something that looked like kind of a bright reflection. 436 00:20:35,935 --> 00:20:37,034 Hotspot of light. 437 00:20:38,104 --> 00:20:39,437 I'm trying to figure out what that was. 438 00:20:41,708 --> 00:20:43,641 That was crazy! 439 00:20:43,743 --> 00:20:45,910 [over radio] jess, I just caught a bright flash 440 00:20:45,912 --> 00:20:49,213 Like a ball of light. It flew right through the frame on the flir. 441 00:20:50,016 --> 00:20:51,315 Are you serious? 442 00:20:51,317 --> 00:20:53,951 Yeah. Could have been some, some trick of the clouds. 443 00:20:53,953 --> 00:20:56,721 But really, just looked like there was something out there. 444 00:20:56,723 --> 00:20:58,756 Really, really bright spot. 445 00:20:58,824 --> 00:21:01,058 It's unclear what I saw on the flir. 446 00:21:01,060 --> 00:21:04,128 But it was definitely faste than any bird or plane. 447 00:21:05,131 --> 00:21:06,664 I doubt it was a spacecraft 448 00:21:06,732 --> 00:21:09,600 But seeing as how I have yet to identify it, 449 00:21:09,602 --> 00:21:13,704 I suppose it fits the technical definition of a ufo. 450 00:21:13,706 --> 00:21:15,339 And I have to admit, 451 00:21:15,408 --> 00:21:18,709 It looked pretty similar to the many bizarre webcam videos 452 00:21:18,711 --> 00:21:20,544 Captured over el popo recently. 453 00:21:21,314 --> 00:21:22,613 So bizarre. 454 00:21:26,519 --> 00:21:28,018 [over radio] I don't know what I've seen up here, jess 455 00:21:28,020 --> 00:21:31,055 But I tell you what? There's strange things in the sky around el popo. 456 00:21:33,226 --> 00:21:35,259 [indistinct chatter on radio] 457 00:21:36,562 --> 00:21:38,663 [phil] the captain says we're running low on fuel 458 00:21:38,764 --> 00:21:40,064 So we start heading back. 459 00:21:41,934 --> 00:21:44,302 After getting closer than I probably should have 460 00:21:44,304 --> 00:21:46,304 To a highly active volcano, 461 00:21:46,306 --> 00:21:48,306 I still can't figure out what I saw. 462 00:21:51,511 --> 00:21:54,211 Out of the corner of my eye, I see this flash. 463 00:21:54,213 --> 00:21:56,113 -We were above the cloud layer. -Uh-huh. 464 00:21:56,115 --> 00:21:57,714 It was near the volcano. 465 00:21:57,716 --> 00:22:00,718 And there was just this bright-- it looked like just a giant sparkle. 466 00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:02,720 Just happened right in the middle of the clouds. 467 00:22:02,722 --> 00:22:04,155 Like lightning or what? 468 00:22:04,223 --> 00:22:06,324 No, almost like it was reflecting off something. 469 00:22:06,326 --> 00:22:08,592 But there was nothing else in there. 470 00:22:08,594 --> 00:22:10,127 Oh, whoa, that's cool. 471 00:22:10,129 --> 00:22:11,629 So, yeah, I mean, I saw a light. 472 00:22:11,631 --> 00:22:14,298 I saw something weird around the volcano 473 00:22:14,300 --> 00:22:16,100 Which is kind of what we're here for. 474 00:22:16,102 --> 00:22:17,802 So, I really want to try to figure out 475 00:22:17,804 --> 00:22:19,202 What that was. 476 00:22:19,204 --> 00:22:22,740 And I, I almost wouldn't believe me if I heard this story, 477 00:22:22,809 --> 00:22:26,243 But I saw something flash in the clouds around el popo. 478 00:22:26,312 --> 00:22:28,446 I mean, that tracks with all the eyewitness accounts. 479 00:22:29,215 --> 00:22:30,648 I guess it does. 480 00:22:30,717 --> 00:22:32,116 Well, that makes me a little bit more hopeful that 481 00:22:32,118 --> 00:22:34,552 We're actually gonna figure out what this is. 482 00:22:34,653 --> 00:22:37,221 -Yeah. I know. -'cause I think you got eyes on something strange? 483 00:22:38,658 --> 00:22:41,759 [phil] jess did detect an earlier earthquake nearby 484 00:22:41,827 --> 00:22:43,127 But what I saw from the air 485 00:22:43,129 --> 00:22:46,130 Didn't look to me quite like earthquake lights 486 00:22:46,132 --> 00:22:49,600 I'm a biologist, not an atmospheric expert. 487 00:22:49,602 --> 00:22:52,403 So I've arranged to meet with an atmospheric scientis 488 00:22:52,405 --> 00:22:56,307 Who I'm hoping could give u some perspective on what I might have seen. 489 00:22:56,309 --> 00:22:58,843 -[cell phone ringing] -oh! Hey, josh is calling. 490 00:22:58,944 --> 00:23:00,945 Gonna start. Look for a place to pull over. 491 00:23:00,947 --> 00:23:02,213 -Yeah. -All right. 492 00:23:03,116 --> 00:23:04,415 -Hi! -Hey, josh! 493 00:23:04,951 --> 00:23:06,317 How's it going? 494 00:23:06,319 --> 00:23:08,052 -Good! -It's going pretty good. 495 00:23:08,154 --> 00:23:11,622 All right! Seen any ufos around that volcano? 496 00:23:11,624 --> 00:23:13,657 Well, I took a helicopter pretty close to it 497 00:23:13,759 --> 00:23:16,827 And I did see a bizarre ligh fly near the crater. 498 00:23:16,829 --> 00:23:18,396 A bizarre light? Sounds promising. 499 00:23:18,398 --> 00:23:19,930 Any idea what it was? 500 00:23:19,932 --> 00:23:21,531 I've got a few theories. 501 00:23:21,533 --> 00:23:24,535 So I've arranged to meet with an atmospheric scientist on the volcano. 502 00:23:24,604 --> 00:23:26,804 Okay, great. Phil, you stay on that angle. 503 00:23:26,806 --> 00:23:28,539 But the reason I called is, jess, 504 00:23:28,608 --> 00:23:32,710 I got a hot tip on a guy that you have to go meet, like, now. 505 00:23:32,712 --> 00:23:34,011 Like, right now? 506 00:23:34,013 --> 00:23:35,312 Yes, right now. 507 00:23:35,314 --> 00:23:37,815 -Who is it? -He's a mountain guide 508 00:23:37,817 --> 00:23:40,217 Who practically lives on el popo. 509 00:23:40,219 --> 00:23:42,953 And apparently, he had a close encounter 510 00:23:43,022 --> 00:23:44,455 With these mysterious lights. 511 00:23:44,524 --> 00:23:47,458 Now, this is something he has never told anybody about 512 00:23:47,560 --> 00:23:49,727 But he has agreed to talk with us 513 00:23:49,729 --> 00:23:51,962 If you can meet him on the mountain today. 514 00:23:52,064 --> 00:23:55,232 So you've got to get out there and get to him before he changes his mind. 515 00:23:55,301 --> 00:23:56,700 I'm on it. 516 00:23:56,702 --> 00:23:59,303 Just send me that guy's information and I'll track him down. 517 00:23:59,305 --> 00:24:00,738 All right, I'm looking forwa to hearing what you find. 518 00:24:01,240 --> 00:24:02,406 Good luck. 519 00:24:02,408 --> 00:24:03,707 -Thanks so much. -Awesome! Bye, josh! 520 00:24:07,313 --> 00:24:08,546 [phil] with this new info, 521 00:24:08,647 --> 00:24:10,648 We'll need to divide and conquer. 522 00:24:10,749 --> 00:24:12,416 I'll meet with the atmospheric scientist 523 00:24:12,418 --> 00:24:15,019 While jess locates the witne at the coordinates 524 00:24:15,021 --> 00:24:16,153 Josh just sent over. 525 00:24:16,923 --> 00:24:18,389 -That's my trail. -Okay. 526 00:24:18,391 --> 00:24:20,057 -Meet up later? -Meet up later. 527 00:24:20,059 --> 00:24:22,927 [phil] I drop her off at a hiking trail near the base of el popo 528 00:24:22,929 --> 00:24:24,728 To meet josh's new witness. 529 00:24:24,730 --> 00:24:26,464 -Good luck. -Thank you, you too. 530 00:24:28,201 --> 00:24:31,702 And then I continue on to meet with my atmospheric scientist contact 531 00:24:31,704 --> 00:24:32,703 A few miles away. 532 00:24:38,744 --> 00:24:39,810 Manuel? 533 00:24:40,213 --> 00:24:41,312 Hola! 534 00:24:41,314 --> 00:24:43,814 -Hi. -Hi, jessica. Nice to meet you. 535 00:24:44,784 --> 00:24:46,450 Manuel lives nearby 536 00:24:46,552 --> 00:24:50,054 And leads volcano enthusiast on treks around el popo. 537 00:24:50,155 --> 00:24:52,723 Josh said he has a story I have to hear. 538 00:25:15,948 --> 00:25:16,847 Three triangles? 539 00:25:25,825 --> 00:25:27,124 Okay. 540 00:25:27,126 --> 00:25:28,692 -Were they glowing? -Yes. 541 00:25:28,694 --> 00:25:31,328 And how big were they? Could you tell from where you were standing? 542 00:25:35,835 --> 00:25:38,102 -So all three of them were about the size of a truck? -Yeah, yeah. 543 00:25:40,806 --> 00:25:42,006 Huh-uh? Interesting. 544 00:25:49,615 --> 00:25:51,715 Were they... Not at all? 545 00:25:52,952 --> 00:25:54,351 -Just hovering? -Yes, yes. 546 00:25:57,924 --> 00:25:59,256 Did they leave like a light trail? 547 00:25:59,325 --> 00:26:00,624 Did you see them move away? 548 00:26:00,626 --> 00:26:01,926 Or did they just disappear? 549 00:26:14,040 --> 00:26:15,406 It crashed? 550 00:26:26,118 --> 00:26:27,318 [jessica] it crashed? 551 00:26:28,220 --> 00:26:29,853 Were you able to see any smoke or anything? 552 00:26:32,058 --> 00:26:35,526 You saw a little smoke, but you didn't actually see it crash? 553 00:26:35,528 --> 00:26:36,627 Or you did see it crash into the side-- 554 00:26:37,597 --> 00:26:39,430 Okay. 555 00:26:39,432 --> 00:26:41,298 You have, like, a map or anything that you can show me 556 00:26:41,300 --> 00:26:42,833 As to where it was located? 557 00:26:42,935 --> 00:26:44,101 Yes, yes, of course. 558 00:26:44,103 --> 00:26:45,035 -Okay. -I show you. 559 00:26:45,104 --> 00:26:46,036 Huh-uh. 560 00:26:50,476 --> 00:26:52,142 Mm-hmm. 561 00:26:56,048 --> 00:26:59,516 Manuel points out the best route for trekking to the crash site. 562 00:26:59,518 --> 00:27:02,953 So my plan is to reconnect with phil and head out there 563 00:27:02,955 --> 00:27:05,055 Do you mind sending me that map? 564 00:27:05,057 --> 00:27:06,357 -Really fast? -Yeah, yeah, of course. 565 00:27:11,731 --> 00:27:13,964 [phil] while jess questions the new witness... 566 00:27:14,033 --> 00:27:15,232 How you doing? I'm phil. 567 00:27:15,334 --> 00:27:17,334 I'm meeting joel bermudez. 568 00:27:17,403 --> 00:27:18,902 With a phd in physics 569 00:27:18,904 --> 00:27:21,238 And a research background in astronomy 570 00:27:21,340 --> 00:27:23,173 And atmospheric sciences, 571 00:27:23,175 --> 00:27:25,909 He might be able to help me make sense of what I saw from the helicopter. 572 00:27:25,911 --> 00:27:27,044 Look at el popo! 573 00:27:28,714 --> 00:27:30,914 -[joel speaking] -yeah. 574 00:27:32,518 --> 00:27:33,550 Wow. Okay. 575 00:27:33,652 --> 00:27:35,819 We're here investigating 576 00:27:35,821 --> 00:27:37,521 What people see around el popo. 577 00:27:37,523 --> 00:27:39,023 People say they see lights, 578 00:27:39,025 --> 00:27:41,458 They say they see things go into el popo, 579 00:27:41,527 --> 00:27:42,726 Come out of el popo. 580 00:27:42,728 --> 00:27:45,129 Definitely there are things coming out of the... 581 00:27:45,131 --> 00:27:47,765 -[chuckling] -oh, yes! Oh, yes. And so, I'm just really curious. 582 00:27:48,334 --> 00:27:49,466 What's your take on it? 583 00:27:49,468 --> 00:27:52,503 What do you say people might be seeing around here 584 00:27:52,505 --> 00:27:54,738 That's not ufos, not an alien, 585 00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:56,140 But it's something that is, I guess, 586 00:27:56,575 --> 00:27:57,841 Based on science 587 00:27:57,943 --> 00:27:59,510 And what we understand about volcanoes. 588 00:27:59,512 --> 00:28:03,614 There are several phenomena that occur around volcanoes that can be 589 00:28:03,616 --> 00:28:05,149 Uh, relatively easy explained. 590 00:28:05,250 --> 00:28:08,318 There are some others that we still do not understand quite well. 591 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:12,589 That's because it's difficult indeed to investigate all the physical phenomena 592 00:28:12,591 --> 00:28:15,225 That occur on the top of the volcanoes, like this one. 593 00:28:16,796 --> 00:28:19,129 So you're saying there's a lot that we don't know about volcanoes. 594 00:28:19,131 --> 00:28:20,297 Exactly. 595 00:28:20,299 --> 00:28:21,565 -Because they are so big. -Yeah, for sure, for sure. 596 00:28:21,633 --> 00:28:23,934 What can you tell us about what kind of interactions 597 00:28:23,936 --> 00:28:25,703 Will that smoke and that ash 598 00:28:25,705 --> 00:28:28,405 And that vapor have in the atmosphere? 599 00:28:28,407 --> 00:28:30,708 When you have a volcano like this one, 600 00:28:30,710 --> 00:28:33,377 It is not rare that it expels some ashes. 601 00:28:33,379 --> 00:28:35,713 And depending on how the ashes are expelled, 602 00:28:35,715 --> 00:28:37,514 You can form linings 603 00:28:37,516 --> 00:28:39,516 Round the top of the volcano. 604 00:28:39,518 --> 00:28:41,719 When the ashes rubs against each other, 605 00:28:41,721 --> 00:28:44,254 They basically gain or lose some electrons. 606 00:28:44,356 --> 00:28:46,657 -So it's like... Static electricity? -It's like static electricity. 607 00:28:48,928 --> 00:28:52,730 -Ooh. Making like a giant battery in the sky. -Exactly. 608 00:29:03,309 --> 00:29:06,009 This is how lightnings are created on top of the volcanoes. 609 00:29:06,011 --> 00:29:08,912 And from time to time, you can see those lights. 610 00:29:08,914 --> 00:29:11,548 When we flew over el popo, 611 00:29:13,119 --> 00:29:15,319 -We were above the cloud layer. -Okay. 612 00:29:15,321 --> 00:29:18,422 We were in a helicopter, and we'd seen a lot of smoke come out. 613 00:29:18,424 --> 00:29:20,958 And then, within the cloud layer around there, 614 00:29:21,059 --> 00:29:22,726 I saw a bright flash. 615 00:29:25,731 --> 00:29:27,765 Joel explains that volcanic eruptions 616 00:29:27,833 --> 00:29:30,100 Are sometimes accompanied by lightning 617 00:29:30,102 --> 00:29:33,103 And any ash that's spews ou from the erupting volcano 618 00:29:33,105 --> 00:29:35,139 Can become electrically charged. 619 00:29:36,308 --> 00:29:38,175 That charge does dissipate quickly 620 00:29:38,177 --> 00:29:40,244 As the ash moves away from the volcano. 621 00:29:40,312 --> 00:29:43,413 But it could conceivably show up on a thermal canner 622 00:29:43,415 --> 00:29:46,316 Okay. So you think there's a chance that what I saw 623 00:29:46,318 --> 00:29:48,018 -Could have been this ash lightning? -Yeah, sure. 624 00:29:48,020 --> 00:29:49,520 Okay. And you could see 625 00:29:49,522 --> 00:29:52,556 Kind of how a legend could form from something like that. 626 00:29:52,625 --> 00:29:54,324 -Exactly. -What is your take? 627 00:29:54,326 --> 00:29:55,659 Are there ufos out there? 628 00:29:55,761 --> 00:29:58,128 I think most of the things that we see in the sky 629 00:29:58,130 --> 00:30:01,832 Can be explained by physical phenomena or weather phenomena, right? 630 00:30:01,934 --> 00:30:03,400 All right! Well, thank you, joel. 631 00:30:03,402 --> 00:30:06,703 Well, now we can add another possible natural explanation 632 00:30:06,705 --> 00:30:09,506 Behind some of the ufo sightings around el popo. 633 00:30:09,508 --> 00:30:10,908 Electrified ash. 634 00:30:12,211 --> 00:30:13,944 Before I meet back up with phil, 635 00:30:13,946 --> 00:30:17,614 I wanna collect some sample of what look like lava rocks 636 00:30:17,616 --> 00:30:21,018 Oh, finding some volcanic rocks. 637 00:30:21,020 --> 00:30:23,420 While you would expect to find traces of uranium 638 00:30:23,422 --> 00:30:25,956 And other metals in most volcanic rocks, 639 00:30:25,958 --> 00:30:27,591 I'm curious if the ones around here 640 00:30:27,593 --> 00:30:31,061 Might show particularly high concentrations. 641 00:30:31,163 --> 00:30:33,130 I'll have these samples analyzed 642 00:30:33,132 --> 00:30:35,065 Hoping the results will help us figure out 643 00:30:35,133 --> 00:30:37,000 What the ufos might be after 644 00:30:42,908 --> 00:30:45,809 [phil] though the flying lights have been seen during the day, 645 00:30:45,811 --> 00:30:48,912 We'll get our best chance o spotting any electrified as 646 00:30:48,914 --> 00:30:50,948 Or earthquake lights after dark. 647 00:30:50,950 --> 00:30:53,016 -[jessica] all right, here's a good spot. -Okay. 648 00:30:53,018 --> 00:30:54,918 Whoo. All right, set it up. 649 00:30:54,920 --> 00:30:56,119 [phil straining] 650 00:30:56,121 --> 00:30:57,821 [jessica] tonight, we're going to set our sight 651 00:30:57,823 --> 00:31:00,657 On both the sky and the ground. 652 00:31:00,726 --> 00:31:04,795 While phil's here looking for natural causes behind the ufo reports, 653 00:31:04,797 --> 00:31:09,299 I'll be searching for any evidence of the crashed ufo manuel reported. 654 00:31:09,301 --> 00:31:13,604 We established a position on the southwestern edge of the volcano. 655 00:31:13,606 --> 00:31:17,941 The same side where manuel believes he heard a ufo cras 656 00:31:18,010 --> 00:31:21,278 My plan is to first angle our surveillance gear over that area 657 00:31:21,280 --> 00:31:25,082 To capture any ufos attracted to the same location. 658 00:31:25,084 --> 00:31:29,319 And then, hike farther up the mountain to look for evidence of the alleged cras 659 00:31:31,657 --> 00:31:33,523 Okay. Dap cam's all set. 660 00:31:33,525 --> 00:31:36,727 I'm gonna point this towards the top of the volcano. 661 00:31:38,030 --> 00:31:41,398 Dap stands for data acquisition project. 662 00:31:41,400 --> 00:31:43,600 This high-tech camera scans the sky 663 00:31:43,602 --> 00:31:45,502 Looking for moving objects. 664 00:31:45,504 --> 00:31:47,638 Once the device locks on to a target, 665 00:31:47,739 --> 00:31:52,142 It uses specialized softwar that analyzes the object's appearance and trajectory 666 00:31:52,211 --> 00:31:53,844 To determine if it's a bird 667 00:31:53,912 --> 00:31:57,648 A plane or maybe something unknown. 668 00:31:57,716 --> 00:32:00,050 -Hopefully, some of these clouds go away. -[phil] yeah. 669 00:32:00,052 --> 00:32:02,920 -Looks like it's clearing up a little bit. I'm hopeful. -Yeah, little bit. 670 00:32:02,922 --> 00:32:04,321 -What? -I just got super excited 671 00:32:04,323 --> 00:32:05,622 'cause I thought I saw something in the sky. 672 00:32:05,624 --> 00:32:06,857 But it was the moon. 673 00:32:09,828 --> 00:32:13,430 Jess! This is the first time we've seen the moon tonight. 674 00:32:13,432 --> 00:32:15,699 But it looks like a glowing-- 675 00:32:15,701 --> 00:32:17,200 It totally does. 676 00:32:17,202 --> 00:32:18,635 In addition to the dap cam, 677 00:32:18,737 --> 00:32:21,204 I'm also setting up an infrared camera. 678 00:32:21,206 --> 00:32:23,540 We need all the eyes we can get on this volcano 679 00:32:23,642 --> 00:32:25,943 And the ir setting might be able to better capture 680 00:32:25,945 --> 00:32:27,911 The electrified ash phenomenon. 681 00:32:27,913 --> 00:32:29,112 -[phil] all set? -We're all good. 682 00:32:29,114 --> 00:32:30,981 -Let's do this. -All right, grab the stuff. 683 00:32:30,983 --> 00:32:32,516 [jessica] with our cameras in place, 684 00:32:32,518 --> 00:32:34,117 We set off on our hike to the area 685 00:32:34,119 --> 00:32:36,620 Where manuel claims he heard a ufo crash. 686 00:32:37,823 --> 00:32:40,424 If some kind of craft did collide with the volcano 687 00:32:40,426 --> 00:32:43,427 Odds are it would have left behind debris. 688 00:32:43,429 --> 00:32:46,063 So I'm packing my highly sensitive metal detector 689 00:32:46,131 --> 00:32:48,298 To help me root out any metal in the dark. 690 00:32:48,300 --> 00:32:50,734 -[phil] oh! Just saw a red flash. -What? 691 00:32:50,803 --> 00:32:51,701 -Did you really? -Yeah. 692 00:32:52,638 --> 00:32:54,438 -Did you see that? -I did see that. 693 00:32:54,506 --> 00:32:56,807 Oh, my gosh. Maybe the dap camera picked it up then. 694 00:33:03,315 --> 00:33:04,314 Oh, boy. 695 00:33:04,316 --> 00:33:05,816 All right, that's a problem. 696 00:33:07,486 --> 00:33:09,720 -Is there a way to cross it? -That's a good question. 697 00:33:12,624 --> 00:33:14,324 -[phil] right here, right here. -Oh yeah? 698 00:33:14,326 --> 00:33:15,459 -[jessica] let me see. -Got a spot. 699 00:33:16,528 --> 00:33:18,128 [phil] okay. [bleep] 700 00:33:18,130 --> 00:33:20,097 All right. How's this gonna work? 701 00:33:20,099 --> 00:33:21,565 Jess, here's what I'm thinking. 702 00:33:23,602 --> 00:33:25,702 [jessica] shimmy across? 703 00:33:25,704 --> 00:33:29,039 Why don't I take the line now. I could tie it and toss it. 704 00:33:29,108 --> 00:33:30,307 Okay. That'll work. 705 00:33:35,414 --> 00:33:36,946 Ooh. 706 00:33:39,618 --> 00:33:43,720 [jessica] careful! It's slippery! Don't... Don't [bleep] standing up! 707 00:33:43,722 --> 00:33:45,055 Don't stand up! 708 00:33:45,624 --> 00:33:46,857 All right. 709 00:33:47,626 --> 00:33:49,860 And jess, slide my backpack across. 710 00:33:49,928 --> 00:33:51,328 All right, here it comes! 711 00:33:52,231 --> 00:33:53,330 Whoo. 712 00:33:53,332 --> 00:33:55,365 -All right! Got it! -Got it? 713 00:33:55,434 --> 00:33:57,601 [phil] the trick now will be getting the crew 714 00:33:57,603 --> 00:33:59,503 And all the expensive gear across, 715 00:33:59,505 --> 00:34:01,204 Without falling into the drain. 716 00:34:03,409 --> 00:34:04,441 Yeah. 717 00:34:04,543 --> 00:34:05,909 All right, you want me to grab your gear, man? 718 00:34:05,911 --> 00:34:08,812 -[man speaking indistinctly] -cameras clear? 719 00:34:10,549 --> 00:34:11,648 Got it. 720 00:34:12,317 --> 00:34:13,417 Going good. 721 00:34:19,825 --> 00:34:21,691 [phil] ooh! 722 00:34:23,629 --> 00:34:26,363 [bleep] oh! [bleep] 723 00:34:27,833 --> 00:34:29,599 -Oh! [bleep] me. [bleep] -jess! 724 00:34:29,601 --> 00:34:31,134 -Whoa! -[bleep] 725 00:34:35,207 --> 00:34:37,641 If you believe extra-terrestrial enthusiasts, 726 00:34:37,709 --> 00:34:39,409 Mexico isn't the only place 727 00:34:39,411 --> 00:34:41,111 Where ufos like it hot. 728 00:34:42,047 --> 00:34:44,081 Japan's most iconic mount fu 729 00:34:44,083 --> 00:34:46,316 Is an active volcano that 730 00:34:46,318 --> 00:34:49,619 According to some, is also home to an alien base 731 00:34:49,621 --> 00:34:50,954 Miles below the surface. 732 00:34:52,124 --> 00:34:54,324 For years, images have been circulatin 733 00:34:54,326 --> 00:34:57,227 That appeared to show massive, mist covered 734 00:34:57,229 --> 00:35:01,198 Disc shaped crafts next to the picturesque peak 735 00:35:01,200 --> 00:35:04,935 But no so fast, says the scientific communit 736 00:35:04,937 --> 00:35:08,105 They confirm the images actually show a weather even 737 00:35:08,107 --> 00:35:10,941 Known as a lenticular cloud 738 00:35:10,943 --> 00:35:14,911 Formed when stable, moist ai passes over a mountain. 739 00:35:14,913 --> 00:35:17,080 And the resulting oscillating waves 740 00:35:17,082 --> 00:35:19,149 Can cause the formation of clouds 741 00:35:19,218 --> 00:35:23,553 That when lit up by the sun look admittedly other worldl 742 00:35:23,622 --> 00:35:26,123 So if you have yourself a close encounter, 743 00:35:26,125 --> 00:35:28,258 Be sure to check the five-day forecast. 744 00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:31,228 It might just be cloudy with no chance of aliens. 745 00:35:37,936 --> 00:35:40,303 [phil] ooh! 746 00:35:40,305 --> 00:35:42,105 -[bleeping] -jess! 747 00:35:44,309 --> 00:35:45,609 God! 748 00:35:47,146 --> 00:35:48,311 Whoo! 749 00:35:49,414 --> 00:35:50,614 Whoo. I'm good. 750 00:35:51,617 --> 00:35:52,949 [phil] okay! 751 00:35:53,051 --> 00:35:55,352 -[jessica] okay. Which way? Over here? -Adventure continues. 752 00:35:56,522 --> 00:35:58,321 [jessica] grade school gymnastics. 753 00:35:58,323 --> 00:36:01,324 Still paying dividends after all these years. 754 00:36:02,461 --> 00:36:03,894 With near disaster behind us 755 00:36:03,896 --> 00:36:06,229 We regroup on the other side of the stream, 756 00:36:06,231 --> 00:36:10,800 And then press on with the hike to look for evidence of the ufo cras 757 00:36:10,802 --> 00:36:13,703 All right, so let's see. I think we go over here, yeah. 758 00:36:17,075 --> 00:36:18,742 [sighing] let me check the map. 759 00:36:19,811 --> 00:36:21,311 [both muttering] 760 00:36:22,514 --> 00:36:24,748 -Yeah, I think this is it. -What's the plan? 761 00:36:24,849 --> 00:36:27,317 I think we just start metal detecting all around this area. 762 00:36:29,054 --> 00:36:33,356 [phil] while the dap cam we set up records any strang lights over the volcano, 763 00:36:33,425 --> 00:36:35,358 And jess uses the metal detector 764 00:36:35,427 --> 00:36:38,728 To look for any traces of an alleged ufo crash 765 00:36:38,730 --> 00:36:40,130 I break out the magnetometer. 766 00:36:42,534 --> 00:36:44,601 This device should detect variations 767 00:36:44,603 --> 00:36:46,302 In electromagnetic fields 768 00:36:46,304 --> 00:36:49,940 Emanating from the earth, which could suggest seismic activity. 769 00:36:50,041 --> 00:36:51,308 And if there are earthquakes 770 00:36:51,310 --> 00:36:53,043 There might be earthquake lights. 771 00:36:54,947 --> 00:36:56,412 -[jessica] ooh, careful. -Slippery. 772 00:36:56,414 --> 00:36:57,847 [jessica] slippery. It's gonna get slippier now that it's raining 773 00:36:57,916 --> 00:36:59,449 -[phil] yeah. -Again. 774 00:37:00,852 --> 00:37:03,153 Okay. Time to put the jackets on. 775 00:37:03,255 --> 00:37:04,321 Jacket back on. 776 00:37:07,226 --> 00:37:09,059 Thank you. 777 00:37:09,160 --> 00:37:11,228 -What's that? Yeah. -All right, can go this way. 778 00:37:13,532 --> 00:37:14,864 You getting any hits on your end? 779 00:37:16,134 --> 00:37:18,702 [phil] nothing crazy right now. 780 00:37:18,704 --> 00:37:20,804 -[beeps] -oh! 781 00:37:20,806 --> 00:37:23,106 -[beeps] -all right, let's dig. 782 00:37:26,878 --> 00:37:28,645 [muttering indistinctly] 783 00:37:28,747 --> 00:37:31,948 Something in here is setting off the metal detector. 784 00:37:31,950 --> 00:37:33,817 But if we're not seeing anything in this, 785 00:37:33,819 --> 00:37:36,720 I don't know if that means it's really deep in 786 00:37:36,722 --> 00:37:40,223 Or if it's miniscule yet clearly, 787 00:37:40,225 --> 00:37:41,825 -We're gonna hit some. -Yeah. 788 00:37:42,427 --> 00:37:43,326 Let's move on. 789 00:37:47,032 --> 00:37:49,132 [phil breathing heavily] 790 00:37:53,839 --> 00:37:56,206 Jess, it just peaked for a second. 791 00:37:56,208 --> 00:37:58,108 -Where? -Right around here. 792 00:37:58,110 --> 00:38:00,010 -Right around here? -Oh! Just did it again. 793 00:38:00,012 --> 00:38:01,811 -What the heck? Oh! -[alarm beeps] 794 00:38:01,813 --> 00:38:03,079 [alarm beeps] 795 00:38:03,081 --> 00:38:04,413 -Right here. -Right there? 796 00:38:04,416 --> 00:38:06,549 -It's on there. -Oh, yeah. There's something in there. 797 00:38:09,021 --> 00:38:10,720 -Mm? I think so. -Did you hit something? 798 00:38:15,360 --> 00:38:17,360 -[jessica gasps] -holy [bleep], jess! 799 00:38:17,462 --> 00:38:19,462 What is that? Oh, my god! 800 00:38:19,531 --> 00:38:20,530 What is that? 801 00:38:27,606 --> 00:38:29,539 [both exclaiming] 802 00:38:29,641 --> 00:38:31,207 [jessica] what the [bleep]! 803 00:38:31,810 --> 00:38:33,343 What is this [bleep]? 804 00:38:34,946 --> 00:38:36,313 Let's see what we get. 805 00:38:37,416 --> 00:38:40,050 -That's a huge hit. -That's a huge hit! 806 00:38:41,620 --> 00:38:44,454 [jessica] this metal disk is surprisingly heavy. 807 00:38:44,556 --> 00:38:46,723 And the fact that it's a powerful magnet 808 00:38:46,725 --> 00:38:48,958 Makes this find even more bizarre. 809 00:38:50,228 --> 00:38:53,263 So I'm bagging this bad boy for further examination. 810 00:38:53,365 --> 00:38:55,598 -Got it. -Well jess, I gotta say, 811 00:38:55,600 --> 00:38:56,833 Your guy didn't lie. 812 00:38:56,902 --> 00:38:59,035 -No, he did not. -Something was here. 813 00:38:59,504 --> 00:39:01,004 [jessica grunts] 814 00:39:01,006 --> 00:39:04,307 We stay on the hunt for any other possible crash evidence 815 00:39:04,309 --> 00:39:06,810 Until mother nature chases us away. 816 00:39:06,812 --> 00:39:10,046 Jess, the river levels, with all this rain, be getting higher. 817 00:39:10,115 --> 00:39:11,815 -So we should really, probably get out of here. -Okay. Okay. 818 00:39:15,954 --> 00:39:17,721 [josh] my team went to new heights 819 00:39:17,723 --> 00:39:20,924 To investigate the unidentified luminous objects 820 00:39:20,926 --> 00:39:22,726 Flying around el popo. 821 00:39:22,728 --> 00:39:25,395 Jess started with the theor that ufos 822 00:39:25,397 --> 00:39:27,831 Maybe attracted to metallic elements 823 00:39:27,833 --> 00:39:30,600 Brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. 824 00:39:30,602 --> 00:39:33,236 We find us some volcanic rocks. 825 00:39:33,305 --> 00:39:35,605 [josh] we tested the lava rock she collected 826 00:39:35,607 --> 00:39:39,743 And they contained greater than average concentrations of radon. 827 00:39:39,844 --> 00:39:42,078 Uranium decays into radium, 828 00:39:42,080 --> 00:39:44,347 Which further decays into radon. 829 00:39:44,416 --> 00:39:45,882 Could the presence of uraniu 830 00:39:45,884 --> 00:39:48,718 Inside and spewing out of the volcano 831 00:39:48,720 --> 00:39:50,954 Make el popo a tempting target 832 00:39:51,055 --> 00:39:52,422 For extra-terrestrials? 833 00:39:52,424 --> 00:39:55,425 -Oh! Just saw a red flash! -What? 834 00:39:55,427 --> 00:39:57,394 [josh] we checked the dap cam footage 835 00:39:57,396 --> 00:40:01,765 To identify the source of the flashes phil and jess saw. 836 00:40:01,833 --> 00:40:04,934 The device did start to loc onto something in the sky, 837 00:40:05,036 --> 00:40:08,304 But likely due to the weather conditions, it couldn't track it. 838 00:40:09,508 --> 00:40:11,808 So there's no telling if it was a ufo, 839 00:40:11,810 --> 00:40:13,610 Lightning from the storm 840 00:40:13,612 --> 00:40:17,647 Or some other natural occurrence that phil suspected. 841 00:40:17,749 --> 00:40:19,749 But would any natural phenomena 842 00:40:19,851 --> 00:40:22,919 Explain what pilots and air traffic controllers 843 00:40:22,921 --> 00:40:25,855 Have seen in the skies around el popo? 844 00:40:25,924 --> 00:40:28,324 It's worth noting that natural occurrences 845 00:40:28,326 --> 00:40:31,661 Probably wouldn't show up as a moving dot on radar. 846 00:40:33,231 --> 00:40:37,600 We also review the images captured from the air and the ground. 847 00:40:37,602 --> 00:40:39,803 The light that zoomed acros phil's flir 848 00:40:39,805 --> 00:40:42,806 Appears to match some of the webcam videos. 849 00:40:42,808 --> 00:40:46,109 And couldn't potentially be electrified ash. 850 00:40:46,111 --> 00:40:48,111 Oh, my god! What is that? 851 00:40:48,113 --> 00:40:50,713 [josh] and finally, we had the strange metal dis 852 00:40:50,715 --> 00:40:53,216 From the alleged crash site analyzed. 853 00:40:54,519 --> 00:40:57,253 Turns out it's made from a steel alloy. 854 00:40:57,355 --> 00:40:59,355 But while it was forged from materials 855 00:40:59,424 --> 00:41:01,925 We can find here on our planet, 856 00:41:01,927 --> 00:41:05,628 The mechanical engineers we showed it to had no earthly idea 857 00:41:05,630 --> 00:41:07,464 What it's used for. 858 00:41:07,532 --> 00:41:11,034 Though we can't yet confirm whether the mystery lights at el popo 859 00:41:11,135 --> 00:41:12,702 Are terrestrial in origin 860 00:41:12,704 --> 00:41:14,337 Or something extra, 861 00:41:15,507 --> 00:41:18,408 Whatever's happening in the skies over mexico city, 862 00:41:21,947 --> 00:41:23,746 The world is watching. 863 00:41:24,950 --> 00:41:27,116 For more information on expedition x, 864 00:41:27,118 --> 00:41:30,320 Head to discovery.Com/expeditionx.