UFO spotters were convinced this image proved the existence of alien life.
The still image of a 'White Tic Tac UFO' caused a stir when it was shown in front of US Government officials and military leaders.
The Tic Tac UFO made news headlines after being shown to US military bosses as 'proof of alien life'
They had been brought together by Blink 182 singer Tom DeLonge for his new To The Stars alien research group - and stared in wonder as the oblong white image flashed up on a giant screen in October last year.
Captured on camera by the US Navy, the 'Nimitz UFO' seemed to "defy the laws of physics" in the way it moved.
To The Stars Academy member Chris Mellon presented it with the words: "Clearly this is not a US experimental aircraft, but whose is it?
"This story may sound like a sci-fi movie, but it is a true story."
The picture was even shown on US news channels.
The picture was shown to Government officials by Blink 182 singer Tom DeLonge for his new To The Stars alien research group
But a Manchester based UFO sleuth, Steve Mara, claims the unusual shape was little more than a helium party balloon in the shape of a number one
But the truth IS out there...in Eccles, Manchester.
A report by amateur UFO hunter called Steve Mara claims the picture is not of an alien craft, which has travelled light years across the universe to make contact with humans on Earth - but a helium party balloon in the shape of the number one.
He posted his bubble bursting theory on his own UFO blog Rense.com.
Mr Mara told the Express: "Truth of the matter is... it was taken in Eccles, Manchester and I investigated the case.
"Likelihood... it was a novelty balloon, a number 'one'.
"Someone manipulated the photo a little by increasing its brightness."
The image had made its way onto a UFO forum referenced in the To The Stars presentation
Mick West, admin for theory busting website Metabunk, said: "I think the use of that image was a mistake.
"They are just not very good at investigating."
