Yes but the IR locked onto a higher temperature source, not cooler. My understanding is that a shadow would be cooler. Other remaining factors include that: -

Yes but the IR locked onto a higher temperature source, not cooler. My understanding is that a shadow would be cooler. Other remaining factors include that: - Primary radars on both fighters in the initial pass were being jammed - Passive radars on the Nimitz were what directed the planes to this spot initially - It was approximately 9:30-10 PST, so any shadow from <40k feet would be coming from restricted airspace - Multiple visual contacts from multiple angles, including from slightly below/ to the side This one is pretty difficult to explain in conventional terms, unless you think it's all a hoax. Pretty fascinating stuff, huh?