Mystery surrounds objects shot down by US military

[Model35mech]

10. The descriptions like the above fail for me.

I really can't get my head around them.

An octagon is in its essence 2 dimensional geometric form. So is a circle, a triangle, a square.

The easiest geometry to communicate would be length of sides, overall width and area.

To say something is an octagon is to trivialize its thickness a character which together with measurement in 2 other dimensions allows for consideration of VOLUME. The above description doesn't communicate the amount of VOLUME involved. When they say BALLOON, it implies lighter-than-air craft. Volume would be useful to have an idea about the lifting power of any lighter than air gas in the things. Our common experience with helium party balloons communicates that the gasbag lifting solar panels, inverters, batteries, communications equipment must be quite LARGE compared to the vehicles weight.

And evidence of volume would be useful in estimating the amount of space (and weight) available for whatever 'payload' is being carried inside.

A two dimensional octagon, of any common foil, or plastic isn't going to have much strength to resist folding in high winds, and it's unlikely to displace enough atmosphere to float as a lighter than air craft in the atmosphere.