In recent years, the chemtrail theory has generated a great deal of debate on social media and internet forums. Many people believe that governments and other entities use aircraft to spray chemicals into the atmosphere for various purposes, ranging from climate manipulation to health effects. In Spain, this theory has implicated the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), with accusations that several of its employees have confirmed the existence of these programs. However, you can read more about the official position in our article on Chemtrails and AEMET.
However, the reality is that there is no scientific evidence to support this theory, and both the AEMET and various scientific entities have denied these claims. In this article, we'll explore in detail what chemtrails are, what official Spanish meteorology actually says, and what studies have analyzed this phenomenon internationally.
What are chemtrails and why are they so controversial?
The term chemtrails It comes from English and means "chemtrails." It is used to describe an alleged intentional spraying from airplanes intended to alter the climate or affect the health of the population. This theory maintains that these trails are not simple condensations of water, but rather chemical compounds such as lead dioxide, silver iodide and diatomite.
The theory began gaining popularity in the late 1990s in the United States, when online communities began sharing images of aircraft trails with crisscrossing or elongated patterns in the sky. If you're interested in learning more about these phenomena, you can find additional information at .
Difference between chemtrails and contrails
It is important to distinguish between chemtrails and contrails (contrails). According to NASA and other scientific agencies, contrails are simply ice clouds that form from the condensation of water vapor in aircraft exhaust fumes. The persistence or dispersion of these clouds depends on air humidity and temperature.
Studies from the University of California have determined that There is no evidence that contrails are chemical spraying.In a 2016 study, 76 experts in atmospheric chemistry and geochemistry concluded that there is no large-scale secret atmospheric program. To better understand this phenomenon, check out our article on .
The official position of the AEMET on chemtrails
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has repeatedly denied the existence of chemtrails in Spain. In an official statement, its spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, stated that No meteorologist at the agency has claimed that chemicals are being sprayed from airplanes.Furthermore, the European Commission has investigated this matter and has found no evidence to support these allegations.
AEMET has explained that condensation trails They depend on the temperature, humidity and altitude of the aircraft, factors that determine how long they will be visible in the sky. You can find more details on the official AEMET position in the article.
The hoax about the four AEMET workers
One of the most popular rumors about chemtrails in Spain is that Four AEMET workers reportedly confessed to the existence of a fumigation planThis claim began circulating in 2015 and was even the subject of a question in the European Parliament by MEP Ramon Tremosa.
However, the official response from the European Commission was conclusive: There is no report from Spanish meteorologists confirming the existence of chemtrails.AEMET has also reiterated that this information is completely false. To learn more about this topic, visit our article on .
Why does this theory keep circulating?
Despite official denials, the chemtrail theory continues to gain popularity on social media and internet forums. A study published in the journal Nature in 2017 found that 60% of the discourse on geoengineering on social media is dominated by conspiracy theoriesThis makes rational conversations about science and the environment difficult.
Some factors that contribute to the persistence of the myth include:
- Distrust in institutions: Many people believe that governments hide information about the environment.
- Confirmation bias: Conspiracy believers tend to seek information that confirms their beliefs and reject evidence to the contrary.
- Visual impact of contrails: The presence of trails in the sky is causing concern among some people, which fuels the theory.
Condensation trails in the sky can remain visible for several hours, but this depends on atmospheric conditions, not the existence of a covert program. Claims about chemtrails in Spain have been denied by multiple scientific and meteorological agencies. There is no evidence that this phenomenon is real, and the AEMET (Meteorological Agency) has clarified that aircraft trails are simply condensation of water vapor.
However, misinformation continues to spread on social media, proving that conspiracy theories can be difficult to eradicate even when scientific evidence refutes them.