One of the first alleged alien photographs to resurface inrecently released US government-related UFO fileshas turned out to be far older than many online viewers first believed. The image, shared across forums as part of what some users assumed were Department of Defense-linked disclosures, was quickly traced by internet commentators back to a known 1950 hoax that has circulated in UFO and paranormal circles for decades.
The picture shows asmall humanoid figureoften described in alien terms, but its origins appear to lie not in official government investigation but in mid-20th-century magazine culture.
The news came after users online began sharing screenshots of what they believed were newly declassified materials. Almost immediately, commenters pointed out that the photograph has been circulating in UFO books, magazines and collector markets for more than half a century. Some recalled seeing it in paranormal encyclopaedias during childhood, while others noted it has been repeatedly sold online as a vintage UFO image attributed to private collectors rather than any state agency.
The photo being discussed online is not new, and it does not come from any confirmed alien discovery. It has a long history spanning several decades, and most evidence suggests it is reused or republished material rather than genuine government evidence.
Some users trace it further back to a 1950 German magazine, Neue Illustrierte. In that version, the image was reportedly part of an April Fools-style joke. It was never intended to be taken seriously and was presented as a playful piece during a period when UFO stories were gaining popularity in newspapers and magazines.
Because it was shared so many times, the original context was lost. People began to view it as a mysterious or even official-looking alien photograph, despite its decades-long circulation.
That is why its recent appearance in declassified-style files has caused confusion. Rather than new evidence, it appears to be an old image that has simply been reused. Some online users have even said it has been sold on sites such as eBay for years, reinforcing the idea that it belongs to UFO pop culture rather than serving as proof of extraterrestrial life.
In case it was not already confusing enough, the image's recent reappearance has also raised questions about how material enters official-looking archives. Some users suggested it appears to have been scanned, photocopied or rephotographed multiple times, contributing to its grainy and degraded quality. That deterioration has fuelled scepticism.
Online reactions ranged from amusement to frustration, with some arguing that the inclusion of such a well-known historical image undermines claims of new disclosure. 'A very well known pic. We are being trolled.'
Commenters also suggested the disclosure tease is a 'distraction': 'Almost like they care more about a distraction or avoidance than actually caring about accuracy and honesty. Or it is just a "flood the zone" move.'
Source: International Business Times UK
