In 2011, Brazilian UFO researcher Edie Meireles captured an eerie image of a glowing, spherical UFO above a hiking trail in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil. The photo, which some believe to be the first selfie with a UFO, has sparked debate and speculation.
Meireles, who is also an author, claimed that the sighting led to a series of unsettling events. According to him and other UFO enthusiasts, two members of their group were allegedly killed by the military, and three others were reportedly abducted. Meireles himself stated that his home was raided by soldiers, an incident that he says resulted in injuries requiring hospitalization.
Despite these dramatic claims, skeptics on social media have cast doubt on the authenticity of the photos, suggesting they could be sky lanterns or manipulated images. Meireles has not responded to requests for further comment, but he has previously boasted about the selfie on social media.
The Brazilian nonprofit Museu da Pessoa (Museum of the Person) has documented Meireles’ experiences, including his book “Fieldworkers: Pesquisadores de Campo,” which details his encounters with UFOs and their occupants. These accounts have been met with both belief and skepticism.
The Chapada Diamantina National Park, where the sighting occurred, is a protected area home to many rare and endangered species, adding an element of mystery to the story. Meireles’ account of the incident includes a car malfunction and an up-close encounter with the UFO, which he claims left him stranded.
While some supporters of Meireles’ research have cited his alleged military encounters as evidence of the UFO’s existence, others have questioned the credibility of his story. Noted UFO skeptic Mick West has expressed doubts about the photos, suggesting they could be the result of photoshopping or other special effects.
The debate over Meireles’ UFO selfie continues, with some claiming to have had similar sightings, while others remain skeptical. As with many UFO cases, the lack of concrete evidence leaves the story open to interpretation.