Phobos 2 Mars Mission Photographs 'Mystery Object' Before Mission Failure
The Soviet Phobos 2 mission to Mars photographs an anomalous cylindrical object near Mars' moon Phobos shortly before contact is lost on March 27, 1989. The unexplained object — described as a thin, elongated shadow — appeared in infrared images taken just before the spacecraft's failure. Soviet scientists were unable to explain the anomaly. The mission's loss, combined with the earlier failure of Phobos 1 in September 1988, fueled speculation. While technical failure was the official cause, the proximity of the anomalous image to the mission's end raised questions among researchers.
Background
The Soviet Phobos 2 mission experienced a critical failure near Mars in March 1989. Prior to the loss of contact, the spacecraft photographed what has been described as an anomalous cylindrical object in the vicinity of Mars' moon Phobos. This event has fueled speculation about the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement.
The Incident
The Phobos 2 mission was a Soviet endeavor to study Mars and its moon Phobos. On March 27, 1989, shortly before the spacecraft ceased communication, it captured infrared images showing an unusual object. This object was described as a thin, elongated shadow or a cylindrical shape. Contact with Phobos 2 was lost shortly after these images were taken.
Investigation
Dolan's account does not provide information about an official investigation. Dolan's account mentions the object was unexplained.
Significance
The Phobos 2 incident is considered significant within the UFO context because of the anomalous object photographed prior to the mission's failure. The unexplained nature of the object and the timing of the contact loss have led some to speculate about potential connections to unidentified aerial phenomena. The event occurred during a period of significant political change in the Soviet Union, but Dolan's account does not suggest any direct link between these events and the Phobos 2 incident.