Chemtrails
Chemtrails, a topic that has been discussed in conspiracy theory circles for decades, is a fascinating mix of science, suspicion and science fiction. This theory claims that the long, persistent contrails left in the sky by aeroplanes actually contain chemical or biological agents sprayed by governments or other powers with various secret agendas. This paper examines how supporters of this theory argue, whether their assumptions are plausible and how the theory relates to scientific explanations and social dynamics.
The argumentation of chemtrail believers
Supporters of the chemtrail theory claim that certain contrails that remain visible in the sky for longer and appear to spread into clouds are actually “chemtrails”. They argue that these substances could be sprayed for a variety of reasons, including weather manipulation, psychological manipulation, population control or biological warfare. The theory assumes that a broad coalition of governments, the military and large corporations are involved.
Scientific perspective and plausibility
From a scientific perspective, contrails left by aircraft are simply the result of condensation of water vapour in the aircraft’s exhaust in the cold, high atmosphere. These trails consist mainly of frozen water and are similar in chemical composition to natural clouds. Meteorologists and environmental scientists have carried out extensive tests which show that the chemical substances found in these streaks are typical trace concentrations of substances present in the atmosphere as a whole.
The challenge of secrecy
One of the biggest weaknesses of the chemtrail theory is the logistical and practical impossibility of keeping such a vast conspiracy secret. Theories that require thousands of people – pilots, scientists, government officials and health authorities worldwide – to remain permanently silent are historically almost impossible to maintain. What’s more, no credible evidence or documents have surfaced to support such a far-reaching conspiracy.
Origin of the theory
The modern chemtrail theory first emerged in the mid-1990s. Its spread was greatly accelerated by the internet and through various social media, where it found a niche and grew. The exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, as various groups and individuals independently made similar claims.
