# What.....In........The? Chemtrails? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 17, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374 "2002-12-17T18:44:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mister\_me](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cdc98d/32.png) [@mister\_me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mister_me)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/1 "2002-12-17T18:44:16Z")
So I just read this little article[here](http://www.rense.com/general32/ohios.htm) about chemtrails. Hmmmmmm… from what I understand, the government is putting deadly chemicals into jet fuel. IS THIS FOR-REAL? I mean, come on!!! I’m reading more and more about these things (maybe I should start doing a better job of where I go on the web for info) but one thing I have not heard - WHY??? I mean, say this IS going on (even though I think it’s a crock of BS), why is it?? Population control? Some attempt at chemically mutating human genetics? What??? Anyway, I was hoping someone knew the Dope regarding WHY these people (whoever they are), think they (government) is doing this. ---
**Author:** ![AndrewL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@AndrewL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AndrewL)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/2 "2002-12-17T18:47:08Z")
Pure BS. Jet exhaust contains water vapor. When hot water vapor hits cold dry air, it makes long-lived visible trails behind the airplane. That’s it. This “chemtrail” nonsense is pure kookery. ---
**Author:** ![mister\_me](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cdc98d/32.png) [@mister\_me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mister_me)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/3 "2002-12-17T18:51:19Z")
Yea, but,…do you know WHY people think the government is spreading chemicals via exhausted jet fuel? Do they think the governemt is trying to give everyone cancer? Do they think these chemtrails are some sort of mind-control? What are they thinking? ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/4 "2002-12-17T18:53:58Z")
Conspiracy wackos (e.g. Alex Jones) think the government is putting “mind control” chemicals in jet fuel. This supposedly explains the “chemtrails” you see behind commercial jets. Why do they believe this? Because they’re conspiracy wackos!! Suffice to say, the allegation is laughable. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/5 "2002-12-17T18:54:33Z")
That web site appears to be a magnet for all sorts of nonsense: UFOs, life after death, “alternative” medicine (i.e., cures that have never been shown to be effective), and various other crackpot notions. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/6 "2002-12-17T19:11:58Z")
You’ve got your tin foil hat. You’re drinking colloidal silver. But what are you going to do about those mind-altering **chemtrails**? Look no further, my friend. Now you can destroy those chemtrails and “heal the atmosphere” by buying a [cloud buster](http://cloud-busters.com/)! Only $299. Order yours today! ---
**Author:** ![DarrenS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/977dab/32.png) [@DarrenS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarrenS)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/7 "2002-12-17T19:16:27Z")
Discussed before. [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=110493](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=110493) [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=92853](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=92853) [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=52655](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=52655) and by Cecil: [http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000616.html](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000616.html) Please search before posting new threads. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/8 "2002-12-17T19:26:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DarrenS \* > Please search before posting new threads. Search? How about doing a little critical thinking too. [This](http://www.sff.net/people/MBourne/Weirdnessbaloney.htp) essay by Carl Sagan should be required reading before buying into any fringe theory. ---
**Author:** ![caveman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/caveman/32/7242_2.png) [@caveman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caveman)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/9 "2002-12-17T19:28:34Z")
Ahh, but what if “they” have a cloud buster buster? Then you’ll need a cloud buster buster buster… ---
**Author:** ![mister\_me](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cdc98d/32.png) [@mister\_me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mister_me)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/10 "2002-12-17T19:46:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DarrenS \* > \*\*Discussed before. > > Please search before posting new threads. \*\* Actually Darren, I did search. What I couldn’t find a clear answer on was what these chemtrail theorists thought the purpose of these chemicals was really for. Cecil DID touch a little on it, only mentioning that people thought these chemtrails were going to kill them. My question, WHY?? Population control, government expirement?, etc. Thanks though. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/11 "2002-12-17T20:05:10Z")
I think I may have something to add that hasn’t been covered in other threads. Disclaimer: I don’t believe in chemtrails, but they are **not** contrails. Most of these conspiracy nuts believe that chemtrails are, again, _ **not** _ contrails. As explained to me by the weird guy working at Kinko’s, contrails are just condensation from jets but chemtrails are a regular grid pattern in the sky and usually very faint. They have a completely different appearance in that they are “poofy” or cloudlike and occaisonally possess a greenish color. Some believe that it is laid out by highflying aircraft, some believe it is a natural phenomenon similar to ley lines (another BS phenomenon), and others believe the grid is being projected by sattelites and ground based devices. One thing is agreed on though, and that is it is a regular pattern. I’ve looked for it (just being thorough), but can’t seem to see it. The theories as to why the chemtrail network is being maintained by the US government vary as well, but fall in to two basic types: Sinister and defense. The sinister theory is that it is some type of experiment (mind control, genetic superbabies, eugenics, etc. - it varies) conducted by a black division of the government. Sometimes tied to the “black helicopters” and similar sinister operations. The defense theory is what I find more interesting from a sociological, modern mythology standpoint. Most conspiracy theories deal with an evil cabal, but this is different. In this offshoot, they believe that the chemtrails are classified defense technology and are a good. The purpose of the defense is either part of SDI, which is I suppose somewhat reasonable if you buy that chemtrails actually exist to begin with, or defense against the aliens. Yep, the aliens. The military has gotten pissed off about the Greys abducting all our upstanding rural hicks and has decided to fight back using reverse engineered field technology as both a repellant and a detection grid. Of course it’s all BS, but I like the idea that the military is starting to give the aliens a hard time. ---
**Author:** ![DarrenS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/977dab/32.png) [@DarrenS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarrenS)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/12 "2002-12-17T20:06:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mister\_me \* > \*\*Actually Darren, I did search. > \*\* In which case, it would have been good to say as much in the OP, and preferably post links to what you found, so other people will know not to bother searching. Just a friendly reminder - I’m not doubting that you did search, but there are many people that post on here without searching. Anyway, [here’s](http://www.chemtrailcentral.com/) a link for the conspiracy theorists’ side of the story. Of particular interest is this from their [FAQ](http://www.chemtrailcentral.com/chemfaq.shtml): > [@](#): > > What would be the purpose of releasing these chemicals or biological agents? > > This must be decided by the reader for themselves. > > There are currently three main hypothesis: > > Weather Modification > > Humans have had the ability to physically affect the weather since learning how to seed clouds in 1946, or possibly 1880. The popular conception of weather manipulation is limited to cloud seeding, but the possibility that the extents of our abilities may have progressed in the meantime is definitely plausible. The fact that the military is very interested in weather control is no secret and many propose that the Chemtrail Phenomena is a part of this. If true, what is the goal of the weather modification and what negative effects could it have on the environment? NASA is currently conducting several programs that are studying the effects of contrails on weather and the effects do not appear to be beneficial. > > Population Control > > The use of chemical and biological agents by a government against it’s own people is, unfortunately, a historical fact. Even unintentional accidents can occur. But, some people suggest that Chemtrails could actually be part of a program to reduce the population and many feel Chemtrails have caused them to become ill and perhaps they are right. If the Chemtrails contain biological agents then people already weakened by other factors may have even died as a result of the additional strain on their systems, but could such a diabolical purpose be the ultimate goal? History has taught that even the most unconscionable schemes can be made into reality by men filled with fear and hate, and with such weapons in the hands of government we must remain vigilant until answers are forthcoming. > > Inoculation Program > > Chemical and biological weapons have been used for centuries but have recently entered the world stage as a primary threat. Biological agents have the ability to spread and multiply in casualties. These bioweapons are easy to produce and difficult, but possible, to defend against. The recent actions of the military to require anthrax vaccines for all service personnel show that this matter is of high importance. Some propose that the government may be quietly releasing bioagents to vaccinate citizens via the air. This could account for reported illnesses since a vaccine sometimes makes a person sick. Municipal water supplies might not be universal enough and could be easily sampled and tested, but everyone breathes the air. And the federal government rules the air. ---
**Author:** ![bbeaty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c0e974/32.png) [@bbeaty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbeaty)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2002, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/13 "2002-12-18T02:23:30Z")
I too am curious about how the “chemtrail” controversy initially got started. Was there some article or book about it that lit the fire? Or did the whole thing just spontaneously arise very slowly over time? Slight hijack: There’s no question in my mind about why it continues. We can fall into the habit of saying one of these things to ourselves: 1. THAT MANY PEOPLE COULDN’T BE WRONG. WITH SO MANY PEOPLE DISCUSSING IT, THERE _MUST_ BE SOMETHING TO IT. 2. IF YOU CAN’T DISPROVE THE CHEMTRAIL CONSPIRACY, WHY THEN IT’S PROBABLY TRUE. Both 1 and 2 are false of course. Large groups of people believe all kinds of crazy “pop culture” stuff with no connection to reality, especially if there’s a ‘dark conspiracy’ angle involved. The number of believers has nothing to do whether the belief is true or not. Things can arise spontaneously: herds of sheep will suddenly dart in a particular direction, and only because each member of the heard is following the neighbors. There’s a great book about this from the mid 1800s. Here’s a copy of the whole thing online on [http://www.litrix.com](http://www.litrix.com) [Popular delusions and the Madness of Crowds](http://www.litrix.com/madraven/madne001.htm) I particularly like the chapter [POPULAR FOLLIES IN GREAT CITIES](http://www.litrix.com/madraven/madne011.htm) Flare up! Who are YOU. and, What a _SHOCKING_ bad hat! And #2 above is just rhetorical trickery. In truth, it’s always up to the claimant to prove the truth of the claim, not up to the listener to disprove it. If I said that I have an alien antigravity craft in my basement, does this mean that everyone must believe me, at least until someone proves me wrong? No. My crazy claim is an Unknown, neither true or false, until _I_ can prove that it’s real. Same with chemtrails: until someone supplies some really solid evience, they’re just an Unknown. The ‘believers’ are free to swallow the story hook line and sinker, while the ‘scoffers’ are free to sneer and disbelieve, but neither response is rational. “Unknowns” should be treated as unknowns and not as proved or disproved claims. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2002, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/14 "2002-12-18T04:01:30Z")
Why am I writing to you today, like such a Hideo Gump? Is it because I hook the line, swallow, and sinecure? I think not. Are the chemcontrails laid in the sky to make me beleive I am imagining things? Perhaps they are, but what about the ones when they thought I wasn’t looking? I don’t know what to think. Don’t you go telling me, either! I never even met you, sister. You didn’t show me any ID, pal ! Maybe it’s not even the real sky! I bet you didn’t believe I’d think of that. Ha. You think you’re so smart. Ha. (rather large,if confused, smilie) –Nott, who don’t need no stinkin’ tinfoil chapeau ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2002, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/15 "2002-12-18T12:59:36Z")
One of the points that always seems to be trumpeted about chem/contrails is that they often appear as a set of multiple parallel trails; the conspiracy nuts point to this as being evidence that this represents multiple passes in a deliberate attempt to ‘cover’ an area. There’s a perfectly natural explanation though: Plane 1 flies due south along a predefined corridoor under the direction of ATC Plane 1 leaves a contrail. There is a steady crosswind east\>west at the plane’s altitude. Contrail moves westward at a constant rate. After a specific interval, plane 2 (also under the direction of ATC) flies same route, leaving a contrail that is now parallel to the one that has shifted over lather, rinse, repeat. The regularity of parallel contrails is an indication of two things: Planes often travel along predefined flightpaths at intervals that are very regular. Air currents way up there can be steady, large and relatively free from turbulence. ---
**Author:** ![yelmalio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a5b964/32.png) [@yelmalio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yelmalio)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2002, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/16 "2002-12-18T13:17:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bbeaty \* > **I too am curious about how the “chemtrail” controversy initially got started. Was there some article or book about it that lit the fire? Or did the whole thing just spontaneously arise very slowly over time?** I could be very, very wrong but I believe the originator of the idea was [Jeff Carnicom](http://www.carnicom.com/chemtrail.htm). He has been peddling this idea for quite a few years. The meme has appeared to spread into society by osmosis. ---
**Author:** ![yelmalio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a5b964/32.png) [@yelmalio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yelmalio)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2002, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/17 "2002-12-18T13:19:55Z")
Ooops. URL should be [http://www.carnicom.com/contrail.htm](http://www.carnicom.com/contrail.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2002, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-chemtrails/143374/18 "2002-12-18T14:45:49Z")
[Here’s a thread on contrails in the JREF forums.](http://host.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8570)