Chemtrails

The condensation trails that appear in the sky after the passage of aircraft are commonly referred to as ‘contrails’ in English. However, there is a widespread belief among some people that these streaks are not merely condensation but rather the result of undisclosed chemical sprays. These individuals refer to them as "chemtrails". 

The research group led by Applied Physics Professor David Keith at Harvard University says that according to this conspiracy theory, "governments or other parties are engaged in a secret program to add toxic chemicals to the atmosphere from aircraft in a way that forms visible plumes in the sky, somewhat similar to contrails. Various different motivations for this alleged spraying are speculated, including sterilization, reduction of life expectancy, mind control or weather control."

"We have not seen any credible evidence that chemtrails exist," the research group says. "If we did see any evidence that governments were endangering their own citizens in the manner alleged in the chemtrails conspiracy, we would be eager to expose and stop any such activities."

The believers of this conspiracy theory which was reactivated and burgeoned during the Covid-19 pandemic,  think that these contrails contain additional substances that can cause respiratory illnesses and other health-related problems. According to adherents the contrails have been used to spread the virus or force vaccination. 

On 22 December 2020, a publication by a Bulgarian Internet user that was widely shared on social media revived this conspiracy theory based on misleading claims and images taken out of context.

"If you think that aircraft contrails “look different” or are “behaving strangely” consider that regular aircraft condensation trails (contrails) are sometimes long-lasting and the way they look can change suddenly along a flight path as aircraft fly through regions with different temperature and humidity," explains the David Keith research group.

(Last updated on 07/11/2024)