Fresh In: Plasma Physics Of UAP?

A plasmadynamic approach to UAP – orbs in particular, the seemingly glowing kind of perhaps plasmonic nature – is no new subject. In a recent publication, italian astrophysicist and author Massimo Teodorani goes into great lengths about the possible application of magnetoplasmadynamics (MPD) in UAP research. Related to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), MPD is a mathematical-physical framework for describing the behaviour of plasma. Teodorani attempts a practical approach. Going beyond theory to address the hard questions of observation and measurements.

The Problem Of UAP Dynamics

UAP remain to be elusive. We have yet to sufficiently answer how certain UAP appear to exhibit seemingly impossible manoeuvrability. Magnetohydrodynamics drives are a mostly theoretical physical thrust technology that is per se capable of inducing multidirectional motion. Unlike chemical propulsion (commonly known from rockets or jet engines), a MHD/MPD drive accelerates plasma using directed magnetic fields along or away from a surface to generate thrust. This principle has been shown in multiple experiments. However, it has been limited to the use in more traditional thruster designs or as a suplmenetal technology in conventional air-breathing engines.¹

Whether UAP are governed by plasma dynamics remains to be answered by further research. Teodorani argues that MPD modelling explains certain observed characteristics. Noting the potential of stealth against radar based systems. An electromagnetically induced layer of ionized air creates a "shell" around an object, thus being able to scatter and absorp environmental electromagnetic radiation. Teodorani notes that characteristics of this effect could be observed in the field using multispectral imaging. Contemporarily UAP observation platforms rely on infrared and visible light capabilities. Other optical bands, such as UV offer additional data points. Toedorani also postulates that plasmadynamic considerations can be coupled with bio-environmental effects. Effectively proposing a multi modal research approach.

Zeeman Spectroscopy And Multi-Modal Instrumentation

In the presented methodological framework, the Zeeman effect is used for deriving characteristics of a magnetic field surrounding a UAP. The Zeeman effect is the observed splitting of spectral lines in a spectrogram, caused by the interaction of the analysed medium with a magnetic field. Influence of strong magnetic fields is called Paschen-Back effect. An electron's magnetic moment interacts with the external magnetic field, resulting in a shift in quantised energy state. This may yield additional spectral lines in a spectrogram.²

Teodorani compares pure plasma objects and plasma-surrounded solid bodies. For the later can be assumed to be following the law of blackbody radiation. A pure plasmoid may create (visually perceivable) luminous effects from typically spontaneous atomic energy state transitions. In the case of a solid object surrounded by plasma, spectral emissions are more complex due to the interaction between object surface and plasma envelope. This aspect has to be considered in physical modelling, the researcher argues. Other parameters such as the specific geometry, temperature and density of the plasma envelope also play a role.

In conclusion, a distinction between solid objects surrounded by plasma and a pure plasmoid, as to the liken of ball lightning, is the presence of continuous spectra. A result of the thermal characteristics of a solid surface behind a plasma envelope. Conversely, line spectra may indicate no presence of solid constituents.

The Zeeman effect can be used for attaining information about a magnetic confinement field which may be used to control plasma layers. The geometry of a magnetic field may indicate whether an observed luminous phenomenon is of natural origin (chaotic field lines) or artificial (ordered). It has to be noted that thermal aspects may interfere with an analysis. A sufficiently hot external plasma might cover any blackbody radiation emitted from an inner surface.

For detection and analysis of the magnetic fields which may be present within the context of anomalous luminous phenomena, such as orb-like UAP, Teodorani proposes the use of high-resolution VIS/NIR-spectroscopy, radar reflectography and velocimetry, thermal imaging, polarimetry and interferometry. Zeeman spectroscopy is an effective tool in extreme environments, which may be encountered in the vicinity of a UAP. Observed spectral line splitting (the introduction of new spectral lines) generally scales linearly with magnetic field strength (normal Zeeman effect).³ This mathematical relationship allows for indirect measurement of magnetic fields at a distance via optical magnetometry.

Assumptions And Challenges

Teodorani assumes the presence of magnetic field strengths between 0.1 - 10 kT. Considering that the field strength of the earth's magnetic field is between mere 22 - 67 μT, the described fields are more comparable to those encountered in sun spots.⁴
Additionally, various environmental and unexpected effects may interfere with observations. Contributing noise to the data. The researcher points out that volatile effects such as disturbance of radar systems may be attributed to plasma-related phenomena. The same effects can interfere with direct or automated observations. While the presence of such adverse effects on equipment is an interesting data point in itself, it also proves to be a challenge that needs to be addressed, if future observatories shall be more robust. The author also assumes the presence of a no-further-detailed power source and highly advanced superconducting materials for the creation, sustainment and confainement of plasma structures. Whether these elements can be reliably determined in real-world observations – lest to be explained in full – remains to be seen. The author aknowledges the speculative aspects of his paper.

Conclusion

The article published in the latest issue of Limina presents considerable advances in contemporary UAP studies. Detailing both theoretical and experimental results which have been attained from field studies by the author. Showing that the methodologies presented are capable of gathering data of useful quality (that is of high signal-to-noise-ratio). While the application of optical magnetometry via Zeeman spectroscopy is an interesting advancement, field work by Teodorani and colleagues shows that much is to be improved. The quality of data gathered highly depends on the constellation of instruments and observation parameters. If UAP are in part plasma phenomena or related to such, methods like Zeeman spectroscopy and radar reflectometry may aid in furthering our understanding of them.

Sources

Massimo Teodorani, 2026, “Magnetoplasmadynamic Unidentified Aerial Phenomena: Basic Physics, Diagnostics and Research Methodology”, in: Limina - The Journal of UAP Studies 3 (1): 41–68. https://doi.org/10.59661/001c.164487.

1. See MPDT test, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2026, https://www.nasa.gov/missions/tech-demonstration/nasa-fires-up-powerful-lithium-fed-thruster-for-trips-to-mars/, last access: 2026-07-13 15:46 CET.

2. Eva Andrei, “THE ZEEMAN EFFECT” in: EXPERIMENTS IN MODERN AND APPLIED PHYSICS, Rutgers Universityhttps://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~eandrei/389/Zeeman.pdf, last access: 2026-07-13 17:27 CET.

3. Max-Planck-Institute for Nuclear Physics, “Zeeman effect”, Heidelberg University, see anomalous Zeeman/Paschen-Back effect,https://physi.uni-heidelberg.de/Einrichtungen/FP/anleitungen/F44.pdf, last access: 2026-07-13 21:10 CET.

4. ESA, “The Magnetic Sun – CESAR’s Booklet”,https://cesar.esa.int/upload/201809/booklet_the_magnetic_sun.pdf, last access: 2026-07-13 21:19 CET.

OG and hero image are curtosy of Project Hessdalen, 2026.