A brilliant illusionist of the day has combined several precisely etched, hand-painted glass plates to create the above image.

The picture circulates and speculation begins.

For months, noone comes forth to claim credit.

This allows the speculation to grow. Remember, it's 1908. Periods of time pass, and newspaper photos are all the public has to go on. Stories are everywhere.

Here's an idea of what most would have seen. 

Accompanying headlines would have run the gamut from  HOAX!!! to every kind of true believerism anyone can imagine...from  SALVATION  to  IMPENDING DOOM  and everything in between.

Just as fear driven battle lines are being drawn, Roger LeBlanc, of France, begins showing his remarkable etched and painted glass plate imagery in the Salons of Paris.

The disputed image is never shown, but it is unmistably produced via the same method LeBlanc has developed. 

What happens next is a lot like what would happen today.

Most Humans are greatly relieved. Those who cried HOAX all along feel vindicated, and slightly superior. 

LeBlanc has a remarkable period of success. 

And, the true believers run with their concepts, refusing to accept the truth, challenging LeBlanc to prove the hoax, and produce his original.

There are those who will never waver in their conviction that there is something out there waiting to transport us off this rock to greener pastures.

Just as many will continually remind us of an everpresent sense of doom from the unkown, which lurks in their frightened souls.

All of this continues to filter its way through our culture for 100 years..

Because, back then, in a much different way  than would happen today, bits and pieces of the yarns and stories would wend their way through the democratizing loom of public opinion, become apocryphal, and leave behind a sense of wonder in many.

Today, the subject would be thrashed, smashed, and trashed via the www, and other story-starved media outlets within 24 hours. 

LeBlanc would probably have to go into hiding. 

There would be an "Alien Invader" video game, based on the vehicle in the picture, within a few months.

The only aspect that would carry forward, to then be left behind, would be a permanent impression on the minds of those who play the game...an impression complete with flashing lights, bells, whistles, and lots of explosions.