The Standard · Part 2 of 6 — Detection
Twelve defined signatures — six technology, six biologics — that say precisely what was anomalous about a case and how strong the evidence for each one is.
Each observable is a falsifiable signal with a stated scientific basis, the signs that indicate it in the field, and the instruments that can measure it — read straight from the standard itself. Expand an observable for its full definition.
Object appears to overcome gravitational force without conventional propulsion — no wings, rotors, exhaust, or visible means of lift.
Object accelerates at rates far beyond known aerospace capabilities — estimated hundreds or thousands of g-forces with no apparent inertial effects.
Object achieves hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+) without producing sonic boom, heat signature, or plasma sheath — violating known atmospheric physics.
Object evades or confounds multiple sensor modalities simultaneously — radar, infrared, visual, or electromagnetic detection systems fail to maintain consistent track.
Object transitions between air, water, and/or space without apparent structural reconfiguration, speed loss, or medium-transition effects.
Proximity to the object causes measurable radiological, energetic, or physiological effects on biological organisms — burns, nausea, cellular damage, or other medical sequelae.
Material exhibits molecular assembly complexity requiring a guided process (life or technology) to produce — molecules with high assembly indices found in abundances impossible through abiotic chemistry.
Material isotope ratios inconsistent with terrestrial, solar system, or known astrophysical formation processes — indicating extraterrestrial or exotic origin.
Biology uses fundamentally different building blocks than terrestrial life — alternative nucleic acids, non-standard amino acids as backbone, non-carbon scaffolding, or alternative solvent systems.
Genetic material falls outside Earth's tree of life — sequences with no homology to any known organism, novel genetic codes, or information storage systems incompatible with LUCA-derived biology.
Biological structures exhibit body plans, organ systems, or cellular architectures outside all known phylogenetic trees — morphological features that cannot be derived from any known evolutionary lineage.
Agent-level biological interaction that goes beyond simple energetic exposure — demonstrating directed, purposeful, or communicative engagement with biological organisms that implies intelligence or agency.
Each observable on a record is assessed on five evidentiary tiers, weakest to strongest — from nothing indicating it to independent verification confirming it.
not_indicatedNothing in the record indicates this observable was present.
reportedWitness testimony or claims describe the signal, with no supporting documentation.
documentedWritten records, photographs, or contemporaneous documentation of the signal exist.
measuredQuantitative instrument data captured the signal — radar, FLIR, or other sensors.
confirmedPeer-reviewed analysis with independent verification establishes the signal.