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| Boilerpipe Text | "GIMBAL"
Pentagon UFO video
, January 2015
An
unidentified flying object
(
UFO
) is an object or phenomenon seen in the sky but not yet identified or explained. The term was coined when
United States Air Force
(USAF) investigations into
flying saucers
found too broad a range of shapes reported to consider them all saucers or discs.
[
1
]
UFOs are also known as
unidentified aerial phenomena
or
unidentified anomalous phenomena
(
UAPs
).
[
2
]
[
3
]
[
4
]
Upon investigation, most UFOs are
identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena
, while a small number remain unexplained.
While
unusual sightings in the sky have been reported
since at least the 3rd century BC, UFOs became culturally prominent after World War II, escalating during the
Space Age
. Studies and investigations into UFO reports conducted by governments (such as
Project Blue Book
in the United States and
Project Condign
in the
United Kingdom
), as well as by organisations and individuals have occurred over the years without confirmation of the fantastical claims of small but vocal groups of
ufologists
who favour unconventional or
pseudoscientific
hypotheses, often claiming that UFOs are evidence of
extraterrestrial intelligence
,
technologically advanced cryptids
,
interdimensional contact
or
future time travelers
.
After decades of promotion of such ideas by believers and in popular media,
the kind of evidence required to solidly support such claims
has not been forthcoming. Scientists and skeptic organizations such as the
Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
have provided prosaic explanations for UFOs, namely that they are caused by natural phenomena, human technology, delusions, and hoaxes. Although certain beliefs surrounding UFOs have inspired parts of
new religions
, social scientists have identified the ongoing interest and storytelling surrounding UFOs as a modern example of folklore and mythology understandable with
psychosocial explanations
.
The problems of temporarily or permanently non-knowable anomalous phenomenon or perceived objects in flight is part of the philosophical subject
epistemology
.
[
5
]
[
6
]
The U.S. government has two entities dedicated to UFO data collection and analysis:
NASA's UAP independent study team
and the
Department of Defense
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office
.
Terminology
During the late 1940s and through the 1950s, UFOs were often called "
flying saucers
" or "flying discs" based on reporting of the
Kenneth Arnold incident
.
[
7
]
"Unidentified flying object" (UFO) has been in-use since 1947.
[
8
]
The acronym "UFO" was coined by Captain
Edward J. Ruppelt
for the USAF. He wrote, "Obviously the term 'flying saucer' is misleading when applied to objects of every conceivable shape and performance. For this reason the military prefers the more general, if less colorful, name: unidentified flying objects. UFO".
[
9
]
The term UFO became widespread during the 1950s, at first in technical literature, but later in popular use.
[
10
]
[
11
]
"Unidentified aerial phenomenon" (UAP) first appeared in the late 1960s. UAP has seen increasing usage in the 21st century due to negative cultural associations with "UFO".
[
8
]
UAP is sometimes expanded as "unidentified anomalous phenomenon".
[
12
]
[
13
]
While technically a
UFO
refers to any unidentified flying object, in modern popular culture the term UFO has generally become synonymous with
alien spacecraft
.
[
14
]
The term "extra-terrestrial vehicle" (ETV) is sometimes used to separate this explanation of UFOs from totally earthbound explanations.
[
15
]
Identification
A
Fata Morgana
, a type of mirage in which objects located
below
the astronomical
horizon
appear to be hovering in the sky just above the horizon, may be responsible for some UFO sightings.
[
16
]
Studies show that after careful investigation, the majority of UFOs can be identified as ordinary objects or phenomena. The
1952–1955 study
for the USAF used the following categories: "Balloon; Astronomical; Aircraft; Light phenomenon; Birds, Clouds, dust, etc.; Insufficient information; Psychological manifestations; Unknown; and Other".
[
17
]
Identified sources of UFO reports are:
Aircraft (including
military
,
civilian
, and
experimental
aircraft as well as such peculiarities as
aerial advertising
,
missile
and other
rocket launches
,
artificial satellites
, the
International Space Station
, re-entering
spacecraft
including
space debris
,
kites
, and various
unmanned aerial vehicles
often popularly termed "drones")
[
18
]
[
19
]
[
20
]
Astronomical objects (
bright stars
,
bolides
,
bright planets
, and the
Moon
)
[
18
]
[
20
]
[
21
]
Balloons (
surveillance balloons
,
toy balloons
,
weather balloons
, large
research balloons
, and
sky lanterns
)
[
18
]
[
19
]
[
20
]
[
22
]
Hoaxes
[
23
]
[
20
]
[
24
]
Light phenomena (
mirages
,
Fata Morgana
,
sundogs
,
ball lightning
,
moon dogs
,
satellite flares
,
lens flare
,
searchlights
and other ground lights, etc.)
[
18
]
[
25
]
[
21
]
Other atmospheric objects and phenomena (birds,
unusual clouds
,
flares
,
plasma
)
[
18
]
[
20
]
Psychological effects (
pareidolia
,
suggestibility
and
false memories
,
mass psychogenic disorders
,
optical illusions
, and
hallucinations
)
[
26
]
Twilight phenomenon
from a
Falcon 9
rocket launch
An individual 1979 study by CUFOS researcher
Allan Hendry
found, as did other investigations, that fewer than one percent of cases he investigated were hoaxes and most sightings were actually honest misidentifications of prosaic phenomena. Hendry attributed most of these to inexperience or misperception.
[
27
]
Astronomer
Andrew Fraknoi
rejected the hypothesis that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and responded to the "onslaught of credulous coverage" in books, films and entertainment by teaching his students to apply critical thinking to such claims, advising them that "being a good scientist is not unlike being a good detective". According to Fraknoi, UFO reports "might at first seem mysterious", but "the more you investigate, the more likely you are to find that there is LESS to these stories than meets the eye".
[
28
]
History
Early history before the 20th century
People have always observed the sky and have sometimes seen what, to some, appeared to be unusual sights including phenomena as varied as
comets
, bright
meteors
, one or more of the
five planets that can be readily seen with the naked eye
,
planetary conjunctions
, and atmospheric
optical phenomena
such as
parhelia
and
lenticular clouds
.
[
citation needed
]
One particularly famous example is
Halley's Comet
: first recorded by Chinese astronomers in 240 BC and possibly as early as 467 BC as a strange and unknown "guest light" in the sky.
[
29
]
As a bright comet that visits the inner solar system every 76 years, it was often identified as a unique isolated event in ancient historical documents whose authors were unaware that it was a repeating phenomenon.
[
citation needed
]
Such accounts in history often were treated as
supernatural
portents,
angels
, or other religious
omens
.
[
citation needed
]
While UFO enthusiasts have sometimes commented on the narrative similarities between certain religious symbols in medieval paintings and UFO reports,
[
30
]
the canonical and symbolic character of such images is documented by art historians placing more conventional religious interpretations on such images.
[
31
]
Some examples of pre-contemporary reports about unusual aerial phenomena include:
Julius Obsequens
was a
Roman
writer who is believed to have lived in the middle of the fourth century AD. The only work associated with his name is the
Liber de prodigiis
(Book of Prodigies), completely extracted from an epitome, or abridgment, written by
Livy
;
De prodigiis
was constructed as an account of the wonders and portents that occurred in
Rome
between 249 and 12 BCE. An aspect of Obsequens' work that has inspired excitement in some UFO enthusiasts is that he makes reference to things moving through the sky. The descriptions provided bear resemblance to observations of
meteor showers
. Obsequens was also writing some 400 years after the events he described, thus the text is not an eyewitness account. No corroboration with those amazing sights of old with contemporary observations was mentioned in that work.
[
32
]
[
33
]
Shen Kuo
(1031–1095), a
Song Chinese
government
scholar-official
and prolific polymath inventor, wrote a vivid passage in his
Dream Pool Essays
(1088) about an unidentified flying object. He recorded the testimony of eyewitnesses in 11th-century
Anhui
and
Jiangsu
(especially in the city of
Yangzhou
), who stated that a flying object with opening doors would shine a blinding light from its interior (from an object shaped like a pearl) that would cast shadows from trees for ten
miles
in radius, and was able to take off at tremendous speeds.
[
34
]
The celestial phenomenon over Basel in 1566.
A woodcut by Hans Glaser that appeared in a broadsheet in 1561 has been featured in popular culture as the
"celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg"
and connected to various
ancient astronaut
claims.
[
35
]
Skeptic and debunker
Jason Colavito
argues that the woodcut is "a secondhand depiction of a particularly gaudy sundog", a known
atmospheric optical phenomenon
.
[
36
]
A similar report comes from
1566 over Basel
and, indeed, in the 15th and 16th centuries, many leaflets wrote of "miracles" and "sky spectacles" which bear resemblance to natural phenomena which were only more fully characterized after the scientific revolution.
[
37
]
On January 25, 1878, the
Denison
Daily News
printed an article in which John Martin, a local farmer, had reported seeing a large, dark, circular object resembling a balloon flying "at wonderful speed". Martin, according to the newspaper account, said it appeared to be about the size of a saucer from his perspective, one of the first uses of the word "saucer" in association with a UFO. At the time,
ballooning
was becoming an increasingly popular and sophisticated endeavor, and the first controlled-flights of such devices were occurring around that time.
[
38
]
From November 1896 to April 1897, United States newspapers carried numerous reports of "
mystery airships
" that are reminiscent of modern UFO waves.
[
39
]
Scores of people even reported talking to the pilots. Some people feared that
Thomas Edison
had created an artificial star that could fly around the country. On April 16, 1897, a letter was found that purported to be an enciphered communication between an airship operator and Edison.
[
40
]
When asked his opinion of such reports, Edison said, "You can take it from me that it is a pure fake."
[
41
]
The coverage of Edison's denial marked the end of major newspaper coverage of the airships in this period.
[
42
]
20th century
In the Pacific and European theatres during
World War II
, round, glowing fireballs known as "
foo fighters
" were reported by Allied and Axis pilots. Some explanations for these sightings included
St. Elmo's fire
, the planet
Venus
,
hallucinations from oxygen deprivation
, and German secret weapons (specifically
rockets
).
[
43
]
In 1946, more than 2,000 reports were collected, primarily by the Swedish military, of unidentified aerial objects over the Scandinavian nations, along with isolated reports from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. The objects were referred to as "Russian hail" (and later as "
ghost rockets
") because it was thought the mysterious objects were possibly Russian tests of captured German
V1
or
V2
rockets
, but most were identified as natural phenomena as meteors.
[
44
]
Cover of French pulp magazine
Le Chevalier Illusion
from December 29, 1912 portraying a flying machine spreading a toxic gas among the passengers and crew of a ship below
Illustration by
Frank R. Paul
from February 1922 in
Science and Invention
showing
Nikola Tesla
's vision of warfare in the future with sea and air craft "controlled and directed" by radio waves
Cover of
Amazing Stories
winter 1930 issue depicting a disc-shaped spacecraft
Back cover of
Amazing Stories
illustrated by
Frank R. Paul
in August 1946 featuring many disc-shaped spacecraft (published about a year before the flying disc wave of 1947)
Many scholars, especially those arguing for the
psychosocial UFO hypothesis
, have noted that UFO characteristics reported after the first widely publicized modern sighting by
Kenneth Arnold
in 1947 resembled a host of science fiction tropes from earlier in the century.
[
45
]
[
46
]
[
47
]
[
48
]
[
49
]
[
50
]
[
51
]
By most accounts, the
popular UFO craze
in the US began with a media frenzy surrounding the reports on June 24, 1947, of a civilian pilot named
Kenneth Arnold
who described seeing "a group of bat-like aircraft flying in formation at high speeds" near
Mount Rainier
that he said were "moving like a saucer would if skipped across water" which led to headlines about "flying saucers" and "flying discs".
[
52
]
[
53
]
[
54
]
[
55
]
Only weeks after Arnold's story was reported in 1947,
Gallup
published a poll asking people in the United States what the "flying saucers" might be. Already, 90% had heard of the new term. However, as reported by historian Greg Eghanian, "a majority either had no idea what they could be or thought that witnesses were mistaken" while "visitors from space were not initially among the options that anyone had in mind, and Gallup didn't even mention if anyone surveyed brought up aliens.
[
53
]
[
56
]
[
57
]
Within weeks, reports of flying saucer sightings became a daily occurrence
[
58
]
with one particularly famous example being the
Roswell incident
in 1947 where remnants of a downed
observation balloon
were recovered by a farmer and confiscated by military personnel.
[
59
]
UFO enthusiasts in the early 1950s started to organize local "saucer clubs" modeled after
science fiction
fan clubs
of the 1930s and 1940s, with some growing to national and international prominence within a decade.
[
53
]
In 1950, three influential books were published—
Donald Keyhoe
's
The Flying Saucers Are Real
,
Frank Scully
's
Behind the Flying Saucers
, and
Gerald Heard
's
The Riddle of the Flying Saucers
. Each guilelessly proposed that the
extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis
was the correct explanation and that the visits were in response to detonations of
atomic weapons
. These books also introduced Americans to, as Eghanian puts it, "the crusading
whistleblower
dedicated to breaking the silence over the alien origins of unidentified flying objects".
[
53
]
Jung in 1955
Media accounts and speculation ran rampant in the U.S., especially in connection to the
1952 UFO scare in Washington, D.C.
so that, by 1953, the intelligence officials (
Robertson Panel
) worried that "genuine incursions" by enemy aircraft "over U.S. territory could be lost in a maelstrom of kooky hallucination" of UFO reports.
[
60
]
A Trendex survey in August 1957, ten years after the Arnold incident, reported that over 25% of the U.S. public "believed unidentified flying objects could be from outer space".
[
53
]
The cultural phenomenon showed up within some intellectual works such as the 1959 publication of
Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky
by
Carl Jung
, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded
analytical psychology
.
[
61
]
Starting in 1947, the U.S. Air Force began to record and investigated UFO reports with
Project Sign
looking into "more than 250 cases" from 1947 to 1949. It was replaced by
Project Grudge
up through 1951.
[
62
]
In the third U.S. Air Force program, from March 1952 to its termination in December 1969,
[
63
]
"the U.S. Air Force cataloged 12,618 sightings of UFOs as part of what is now known as
Project Blue Book
".
[
64
]
In the late 1950s, public pressure mounted for a full declassification of all UFO records, but the CIA played a role in refusing to allow this.
[
65
]
This sense was not universal in the CIA, however, as fellow
NICAP
official
Donald E. Keyhoe
wrote that Vice Admiral
Roscoe Hillenkoetter
, the first director of the CIA, "wanted public disclosure of UFO evidence".
[
66
]
Official U.S. Air Force interest in UFO reports went on hiatus in 1969 after a study by the University of Colorado led by Edward U. Condon and known as the
Condon Report
concluded "that nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge" and that further time investigating UFO reports "cannot be justified".
[
64
]
Cover of the 1953 book
The Flying Saucers Are Real
by
Donald Keyhoe
Cover of the pulp science fiction magazine
Amazing Stories
from October 1957
From the 1960s to 1990s, UFOs were part of American popular culture's obsession with the
supernatural
and
paranormal
. In 1961, the first
alien abduction
account was sensationalized when
Barney and Betty Hill
underwent
hypnosis
after seeing a UFO and reported
recovered memories
of their experience that became ever more elaborate as the years went by.
[
67
]
In 1966, 5% of Americans reported to Gallup that "they had at some time seen something they thought was a 'flying saucer'", 96% said "they had heard or read about flying saucers", and 46% of these "thought they were 'something real' rather than just people's imagination".
[
68
]
Responding to UFO enthusiasm, there have always been consistent yet less popular efforts made at
debunking
many of the claims,
[
53
]
and at times the media was enlisted including a 1966 TV special, "UFO: Friend, Foe or Fantasy?", in which
Walter Cronkite
"patiently" explained to viewers that UFOs were fantasy.
[
60
]
Cronkite enlisted
Carl Sagan
and
J. Allen Hynek
, who told Cronkite, "To this time, there is no valid scientific proof that we have been visited by spaceships".
[
69
]
Such attempts to disenchant the zeitgeist were not very successful at tamping down the mania.
Keith Kloor
notes that the "allure of flying saucers" remained popular with the public into the 1970s, spurring production of such sci-fi films, as
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
and
Alien
, which "continued to stoke public fascination". Meanwhile,
Leonard Nimoy
narrated a popular occult and mystery TV series
In Search of...
while daytime talk shows of
Mike Douglas
,
Merv Griffin
, and
Phil Donahue
featured interviews with alien abductees and people who credulously reported stories about UFOs .
[
53
]
In the 1980s and 1990s, UFO stories featured in such pulp "true crime" serials as
Unsolved Mysteries
[
70
]
while the 33 Volume
Time-Life
series
Mysteries of the Unknown
which featured UFO stories sold some 700,000 copies.
[
71
]
Kloor writes that by the late 1990s, "other big UFO subthemes had been prominently introduced into pop culture, such as the abduction phenomenon and
government conspiracy narrative
, via best-selling books and, of course,
The X-Files
".
[
69
]
Eghigian notes that, by this point, the UFO problem had become "far more interesting to ponder than to actually solve."
[
53
]
Interest was particularly fevered in the 1990s with the publicity surrounding the television broadcast of an
Alien autopsy
video marketed as "real footage" but later admitted to be a staged "re-enactment".
[
72
]
Eghigian writes that "there had always been outlier abduction reports dating back to the '50s and '60s" but that in the 1980s and 1990s "the floodgates opened, and with them a new generation of UFO advocates". Leaders among them were the artist
Budd Hopkins
, horror writer
Whitley Strieber
, historian
David Jacobs
, and
Harvard
psychiatrist
John Mack
. They all defended the "veracity of those claiming to have been kidnapped, examined, and experimented upon by beings from another world", writes Eghigian, as "new missionaries who simultaneously played the role of investigator, therapist, and advocate to their vulnerable charges".
[
53
]
Eghigian says that Mack "signaled both the culmination and end of the headiest days of alien abduction". When Mack began working with and publishing accounts of abductees—or "experiencers", as he called them—in the early 1990s, he brought a sense of legitimacy to "the study of extraterrestrial captivity". By the late 1990s, however, the Harvard Medical School initiated a review of his position which allowed him to retain tenure. However, after this review, as the review board chairman Arnold Relman later put it, Mack was "not taken seriously by his colleagues anymore". Claims of alien abduction have continued, but no other clinicians would continue to speak of them as real in any sense.
[
53
]
Nonetheless, these ideas persisted in popular opinion. According to a 1996 poll by
Newsweek
, 20% of Americans believed that UFOs were more likely to be proof of alien life than to have a natural scientific explanation.
[
73
]
21st century
In December 2017, a new round of media attention started when the
New York Times
broke the story of the secret
Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program
that was funded from 2007 to 2012 with $22 million spent on the program.
[
74
]
[
75
]
Following this story, along with a series of sensationalized
Pentagon UFO videos
leaked by members of the program who became convinced that UFOs were genuine mysteries worth investigating, there was an increase in mainstream attention to UFO stories. In July 2021, Harvard astronomer
Avi Loeb
announced the creation of his
Galileo Project
which intended to use high-tech astronomical equipment to seek evidence of extraterrestrial artifacts in space and possibly within Earth's atmosphere. This was followed closely by the publication of Loeb's book
Extraterrestrial
, in which he argued that the first interstellar comet ever observed,
ʻOumuamua
, might be an artificial light sail made by an alien civilization.
[
53
]
Two government sponsored programs,
NASA's UAP independent study team
and the
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office
were charged in part by Congressional fiat to investigate UFO claims more fully,
[
76
]
[
77
]
[
78
]
adopting the new moniker "unexplained aerial phenomenon" (UAP) to avoid associations with past
sensationalism
.
[
79
]
On 17 May 2022, members of the
United States House Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation
held
congressional hearings
with top military officials to discuss military reports of UAPs.
[
80
]
It was the first public congressional hearing into UFO sightings in the US in over 50 years. Another Congressional hearing took place on July 26, 2023, featuring the
whistleblower claims
of former U.S. Air Force (USAF) officer and intelligence official David Grusch.
[
81
]
[
82
]
[
83
]
A Harris Poll in 2009 found that 32% of Americans "believe in UFOs".
[
84
]
A
National Geographic
study in June 2012 found that 36% of Americans believe UFOs exist and that 10% thought that they had spotted one.
[
85
]
In June 2021 a
Pew
research poll found that 51% in the United States thought that UFOs reported by people in the military were likely to be evidence of intelligent life from beyond the Earth.
[
86
]
In August 2021,
Gallup
, with a question not specific to military reports, only found that 41% of adults believed some UFOs involve alien spacecraft from other planets. This Gallup poll showed 44% of men and 38% of women believed this. This average of 41% in 2021 was up from 33% in a 2019 Gallup poll with the same question. Gallup further found that college graduates went in 2019 from being the least likely educational group to believe this to being on par in 2021 with adults who have no college education.
[
87
]
An October 2022 poll by
YouGov
only found that 34% of Americans believe that UFOs are likely to involve alien life forms.
[
88
]
Historian Greg Eghigian wrote in August 2021 that "over the last fifty years, the mutual antagonism between paranormal believers and skeptics has largely framed discussion about unidentified flying objects" and that "it often gets personal" with those taking seriously the prospect that UFOs are extraterrestrial in origin dismissing those who consider UFOs to be worth studying as "narrow-minded, biased, obstinate, and cruel" while the skeptics brushed off "devotees" as "naïve, ignorant, gullible, and downright dangerous". Such "mudslinging over convictions is certainly familiar to historians of religion, a domain of human existence marked by deep divisions over interpretations of belief", and science too has found itself engaged increasing amounts of "boundary work" (which is "asserting and reasserting the borders between legitimate and illegitimate scientific research and ideas, between what may and what may not refer to itself as science") with regard to UFO questions. Eghigian points out our current "stark divide did not happen overnight, and its roots lie in the postwar decades, in a series of events that—with their news coverage, grainy images, celebrity crusaders, exasperated skeptics, unsatisfying military statements, and accusations of a government cover-up—foreshadow our present moment".
[
53
]
UFOs have been taken up by religious studies scholars in various scholarly books.
[
89
]
[
90
]
[
91
]
Jeffrey Kripal, chair of the Department of Religion at
Rice University
, has said that "both the material and the mental dimensions [of UFOs] are incredibly important to get a sense of the full picture".
[
92
]
As Adrian Horton writes "from
The X-Files
to
Men in Black
,
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
to
Star Wars
to
Marvel
,
Hollywood
has for decades provided an engrossing feedback loop for interest in the extraterrestrial: a reflection of our fears and capaciousness, whose ubiquitous popularity has in turn fueled more interest in UFOs as perennially compelling entertainment tropes not to be taken seriously". Horton observes that these "alien movies have generally reflected shifting cultural anxieties, from the existential terror of nuclear war to foreign enslavement to loss of bodily control". American entertainment has explored both "hostile aliens" as well as the "benevolent, world-expanding encounters" seen in films such as
Steven Spielberg
's
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
and
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
.
[
93
]
In her research on the relationship of media to UFO beliefs,
Diana Walsh Pasulka
, a professor of philosophy and religion at the University of North Carolina, says that what is seen on a screen, "if it conforms to certain criteria, is interpreted as real, even if it is not real and even if one knows it is not real" and that "screen images embed themselves in one's brain and memories" in ways that "can determine how one views one's past and even determine one's future behaviors".
[
94
]
Investigations of reports
UFOs have been subject to investigations over the years that varied widely in scope and scientific rigor. Governments or independent academics in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Peru, France, Belgium, Sweden, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain, and the
Soviet Union
are known to have investigated UFO reports at various times. No official government investigation has ever publicly concluded that UFOs are indisputably real, physical objects, extraterrestrial in origin, or of concern to national defense.
Among the best known government studies are the ghost rockets investigation by the Swedish military (1946–1947), Project Blue Book, previously
Project Sign
and
Project Grudge
, conducted by the USAF from 1947 until 1969, the secret U.S. Army/Air Force
Project Twinkle
investigation into
green fireballs
(1948–1951), the secret USAF Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14
[
95
]
by the
Battelle Memorial Institute
, and the
Brazilian Air Force
's 1977
Operação Prato
(Operation Saucer). France has had an ongoing investigation (GEPAN/SEPRA/
GEIPAN
) within its space agency
Centre national d'études spatiales
(CNES) since 1977; the
government of Uruguay
has had a similar investigation since 1989.
Americas
Brazil (1952–2016)
A document about a sighting of a UFO that occurred on December 16, 1977, in the state of
Bahia
,
Brazil
On October 31, 2008, the
National Archives of Brazil
began receiving from the Aeronautical Documentation and History Center part of the documentation of the
Brazilian Air Force
regarding the investigation of the appearance of UFOs in
Brazil
. Currently, this collection gathers cases between 1952 and 2016.
[
96
]
Chile (c. 1968)
In
Chile
in 1968, the
SEFAA
(previously CEFAA) began receiving case reports of the general public, civil aviators and the
Chilean Air Force
regarding the sightings or the appearance of UFOs (
Spanish
:
ovnis
). The initial work was an initiative of Sergio Bravo Flores who led the Chilean Committee for the Study of Unidentified Space Phenomena, supported even by the Chilean Scientific Society. Currently, the organization changed its denomination to SEFAA and its a department of the
DGAC
(Chile) which in turn depends on the
Chilean Air Force
.
[
97
]
Canada (c. 1950)
In Canada, the
Department of National Defence
has dealt with reports, sightings and investigations of UFOs across Canada. In addition to conducting investigations into
crop circles
in
Duhamel, Alberta
, it still considers "unsolved" the
Falcon Lake incident
in Manitoba and the
Shag Harbour UFO incident
in Nova Scotia.
[
98
]
Early Canadian studies included
Project Magnet
(1950–1954) and
Project Second Storey
(1952–1954), supported by the
Defence Research Board
.
United States
U.S. investigations into UFOs include:
Project Sign
, by the
Air Materiel Command
(AMC) USAF at
Wright Field
, precursor to Project Grudge, 1948.
[
99
]
: 49–50
Ghost rockets
investigations by the Finnish, Swedish and British militaries, later the US and Greece and Scandanavian wave, 1946–1947.
[
99
]
: 45
Project Grudge
, the successor to Project Sign, USAF from February 1949, succeeded by Project Blue Book, from March 1952.
[
99
]
: 48, 53
Project Twinkle investigation into
green fireballs
, by the U.S. Army/Air Force, briefly, from December 1949.
The CIA's
Directorate of Science & Technology
(DS&T) review of UFO reports that led to the Robertson Panel, 1952-1953.
[
99
]
: 54
The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects
, by Edward Ruppelt, USAF Cpt (rtd.), later director of Project Blue Book, 1956.
[
99
]
: 50
The
Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14
statistical study by the
Battelle Memorial Institute
for USAF, 1951–1954
[
99
]
: 53, 56
The
Aerial Phenomena Research Organization
(APRO), a private research group, 1952–1988.
[
99
]
: 81
The
Robertson Panel
was a CIA-convened scientific committee chaired by
Howard P. Robertson
, which met in January 1953 to review the Project Blue Book report.
[
99
]
: 54
The
Brookings Report
,
Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs
, in conjunction with NASA's Committee on Long-Range Studies, reported to Congress 1960
The
Condon Committee
, a
University of Colorado
UFO project headed by
Edward U. Condon
for the USAF, begun in 1966 and completed in 1968.
[
99
]
: 63, 66
The
RAND Corporation
study, a private and internal study, 1968.
[
100
]
The
Mutual UFO Network
(MUFON), a U.S.-based non-profit volunteer private UFO organization to study sightings, formed on May 31, 1969, later volunteered field investigators to support CUFOS.
[
99
]
: 84
The
National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena
(NICAP) is a UFO research group most active in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980 and remains as an informational depository on UFO phenomena.
[
99
]
: 82
The
Center for UFO Studies
(CUFOS), a privately funded UFO research group, 1973 and continuing.
[
99
]
: 83
The
Sturrock panel
, private investigation arising from the
Society for Scientific Exploration
, 1982.
The
Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program
which was funded from 2007 to 2012.
[
74
]
[
75
]
The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF), a program within the United States
Office of Naval Intelligence
which was acknowledged in 2017 and continued until 2021.
The Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group (AOIMSG), an office within the
Office of the Secretary of Defense
to investigate unidentified objects from 2021-2022.
[
101
]
The
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office
(AARO), a current office within the
Office of the Secretary of Defense
created by Congress to investigate UFOs since 2022.
In addition to these, thousands of documents released under
FOIA
also indicate that many U.S. intelligence agencies collected (and still collect) information on UFOs. These agencies include the
Defense Intelligence Agency
(DIA),
FBI
,
[
102
]
CIA,
National Security Agency
(NSA), as well as military intelligence agencies of the Army and
U.S. Navy
, in addition to the Air Force.
[
note 1
]
USAAF and FBI response to the 1947 sightings
Following the large U.S. surge in sightings in June and early July 1947, on July 9, 1947,
United States Army Air Forces
(USAAF) intelligence, in cooperation with the FBI,
[
102
]
began a formal investigation into selected sightings with characteristics that could not be immediately rationalized, such as Kenneth Arnold's. The USAAF used "all of its top scientists" to determine whether "such a phenomenon could, in fact, occur". The research was "being conducted with the thought that the flying objects might be a celestial phenomenon," or that "they might be a foreign body mechanically devised and controlled."
[
103
]
Three weeks later in a preliminary defense estimate, the air force investigation decided that, "This 'flying saucer' situation is not all imaginary or seeing too much in some natural phenomenon. Something is really flying around."
[
104
]
A further review by the intelligence and technical divisions of the
Air Materiel Command
at
Wright Field
reached the same conclusion. It reported that "the phenomenon is something real and not visionary or fictitious," and there were disc-shaped objects, metallic in appearance, as big as man-made aircraft. They were characterized by "extreme rates of climb [and] maneuverability", general lack of noise, absence of a trail, occasional formation flying, and "evasive" behavior "when sighted or contacted by friendly aircraft and radar", suggesting a controlled craft. It was therefore recommended in late September 1947 that an official Air Force investigation be set up. It was also recommended that other government agencies should assist in the investigation.
[
note 2
]
Projects Sign (1947–1949), Grudge (1948–1951), and Blue Book (1951–1970)
Project Sign's final report, published in early 1949, stated that while some UFOs appeared to represent actual aircraft, there was not enough data to determine their origin.
[
105
]
The Air Force's Project Sign was created at the end of 1947, and was one of the earliest government studies to come to a secret extraterrestrial conclusion. In August 1948, Sign investigators wrote a top-secret intelligence estimate to that effect, but the
Air Force Chief of Staff
Hoyt Vandenberg
ordered it destroyed. The existence of this suppressed report was revealed by several insiders who had read it, such as astronomer and USAF consultant J. Allen Hynek and Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, the first head of the USAF's Project Blue Book.
[
106
]
Another highly classified U.S. study was conducted by the CIA's Office of Scientific Investigation (OS/I) in the latter half of 1952 in response to orders from the
National Security Council
(NSC). This study concluded UFOs were real physical objects of potential threat to national security. One OS/I memo to the CIA Director (DCI) in December read that "the reports of incidents convince us that there is something going on that must have immediate attention ... Sightings of unexplained objects at great altitudes and traveling at high speeds in the vicinity of major U.S. defense installations are of such a nature that they are not attributable to natural phenomena or any known types of aerial vehicles."
[
107
]
The matter was considered so urgent that OS/I drafted a memorandum from the DCI to the NSC proposing that the NSC establish an investigation of UFOs as a priority project throughout the intelligence and the defense research and development community. It also urged the DCI to establish an external research project of top-level scientists, now known as the Robertson Panel to analyze the problem of UFOs. The OS/I investigation was called off after the Robertson Panel's negative conclusions in January 1953.
[
107
]
Project Sign was dismantled and became Project Grudge at the end of 1948. Angered by the low quality of investigations by Grudge, the Air Force Director of Intelligence reorganized it as Project Blue Book in late 1951, placing Ruppelt in charge.
J. Allen Hynek
, a trained astronomer who served as a scientific advisor for Project Blue Book, was initially skeptical of UFO reports, but eventually came to the conclusion that many of them could not be satisfactorily explained and was highly critical of what he described as "the cavalier disregard by Project Blue Book of the principles of scientific investigation".
[
108
]
Leaving government work, he founded the privately funded the
Center for UFO Studies
(CUFOS), to whose work he devoted the rest of his life.
[
99
]
: 83
Other private groups studying the phenomenon include the
MUFON
,
[
99
]
: 84
a grassroots organization whose investigator's handbooks go into great detail on the documentation of alleged UFO sightings. MUFON later volunteered field investigators to support work of Hynek and CUFOS.
[
99
]
: 83–84
USAF Regulation 200-2 (1953–1954)
Air Force Regulation 200-2
,
[
109
]
issued in 1953 and 1954, defined an Unidentified Flying Object ("UFOB") as "any airborne object which by performance, aerodynamic characteristics, or unusual features, does not conform to any presently known aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be positively identified as a familiar object." The regulation also said UFOBs were to be investigated as a "possible threat to the security of the United States" and "to determine technical aspects involved." The regulation went on to say that "it is permissible to inform news media representatives on UFOB's when the object is positively identified as a familiar object" but added: "For those objects which are not explainable, only the fact that ATIC [Air Technical Intelligence Center] will analyze the data is worthy of release, due to many unknowns involved."
[
109
]
Blue Book and the Condon Committee (1968–1970)
A public research effort conducted by the Condon Committee for the USAF and published as the Condon Report arrived at a negative conclusion in 1968.
[
110
]
Blue Book closed down in 1970, using the Condon Committee's negative conclusion as a rationale, thus ending official Air Force UFO investigations. However, a 1969 USAF document, known as the Bolender memo, along with later government documents, revealed that non-public
U.S. government
UFO investigations continued after 1970. The Bolender memo first stated that "reports of unidentified flying objects that could affect national security ... are not part of the Blue Book system", indicating that more serious UFO incidents already were handled outside the public Blue Book investigation. The memo then added, "reports of UFOs which could affect national security would continue to be handled through the standard Air Force procedures designed for this purpose."
[
note 3
]
In the late 1960s, a chapter on UFOs in the Space Sciences course at the
U.S. Air Force Academy
gave serious consideration to possible extraterrestrial origins. When word of the curriculum became public, in 1970, the Air Force issued a statement to the effect that the book was outdated and cadets instead were being informed of the
Condon Report
's negative conclusion.
[
111
]
Controversy surrounded the report, both before and after its release. It has been observed that the report was "harshly criticized by numerous scientists, particularly at the powerful AIAA ... [which] recommended moderate, but continuous scientific work on UFOs."
[
110
]
In an address to the
AAAS
,
James E. McDonald
said he believed science had failed to mount adequate studies of the problem and criticized the Condon Report and earlier studies by the USAF as scientifically deficient. He also questioned the basis for Condon's conclusions
[
112
]
and argued that the reports of UFOs have been "laughed out of scientific court".
[
113
]
J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer who worked as a USAF consultant from 1948, sharply criticized the Condon Committee Report and later wrote two nontechnical books that set forth the case for continuing to investigate UFO reports. Ruppelt recounted his experiences with Project Blue Book, a USAF investigation that preceded Condon's.
[
114
]
FOIA release of documents in 1978
According to a 1979
New York Times
report, "records from the C.I.A., the F.B.I. and other Federal agencies" ("about 900 documents—nearly 900 pages of memos, reports and correspondence") obtained in 1978 through the Freedom of Information Act request, indicate that "despite official pronouncements for decades that U.F.O.'s were nothing more than misidentified aerial objects and as such were no cause for alarm ... the phenomenon has aroused much serious behind‐the‐scenes concern" in the US government. In particular, officials were concerned over the "approximately 10%" of UFO sightings which remained unexplained, and whether they might be Soviet aircraft and a threat to national security.
[
115
]
Officials were concerned about the "risk of false alerts", of "falsely identifying the real as phantom", and of mass hysteria caused by sightings. In 1947, Brigadier General George F. Schulgen of Army Air Corps Intelligence, warned "the first reported sightings might have been by individuals of Communist sympathies with the view to causing hysteria and fear of a secret Russian weapon."
[
115
]
White House statement of November 2011
In November 2011, the
White House
released an official response to two petitions asking the U.S. government to acknowledge formally that aliens have visited this planet and to disclose any intentional withholding of government interactions with extraterrestrial beings. According to the response:
The U.S. government has no evidence that any life exists outside our planet, or that an extraterrestrial presence has contacted or engaged any member of the human race...no credible information to suggest that any evidence is being hidden from the public's eye....
— Statement by the White House
[
116
]
[
117
]
The response further noted that efforts, like
SETI
and NASA's
Kepler
space telescope and
Mars Science Laboratory
, continue looking for
signs of life
. The response noted "odds are pretty high" that there may be life on other planets but "the odds of us making contact with any of them—especially any
intelligent ones
—are extremely small, given the distances involved."
[
116
]
[
117
]
ODNI report 2021
On June 25, 2021, the
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
released a report on UAPs.
[
118
]
The report found that the UAPTF was unable to identify 143 objects spotted between 2004 and 2021. The report said that 18 of these featured unusual movement patterns or flight characteristics, adding that more analysis was needed to determine if those sightings represented "breakthrough" technology. The report said that "some of these steps are resource-intensive and would require additional investment."
[
119
]
The report did not link the sightings to extraterrestrial life.
[
120
]
[
121
]
Ongoing investigations
Amid ongoing drone and UFO incursions over US military installations, Congress directed continued reporting in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
, including retroactive and ongoing disclosure of UFO intercepts by
NORAD
and
NORTHCOM
.
[
122
]
[
123
]
Uruguay (c. 1989)
The
Uruguayan Air Force
has conducted UFO investigations since 1989 and reportedly analyzed 2,100 cases of which they regard approximately 2% as lacking explanation.
[
124
]
Europe
Finland (1967–1971)
Many people reported
UFO sightings
in and around the
Pudasjärvi
area in the
North Ostrobothnia
region in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
[
125
]
[
126
]
[
127
]
UFO researchers and the press only became interested in UFOs in the area after a sighting in September 1969, after which UFO researchers from other parts of Finland and Sweden visited the area.
[
125
]
An
earthquake light
has been proposed as an explanation for the Pudasjärvi phenomena.
[
128
]
France (1977–2008)
In March 2007, the French space agency
CNES
published an archive of UFO sightings and other phenomena online.
[
129
]
French studies include GEPAN/SEPRA/
GEIPAN
within CNES (French space agency), the longest ongoing government-sponsored investigation. About 22% of the 6,000 cases studied remain unexplained.
[
130
]
The official opinion of GEPAN/SEPRA/GEIPAN has been neutral, stating on their
FAQ
page that their mission is fact-finding for the scientific community, not rendering an opinion. They add they can neither prove nor disprove the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), but their Steering Committee's clear position is that they cannot discard the possibility that some fraction of the very strange 22% of unexplained cases might be due to distant and advanced civilizations.
[
131
]
Possibly their bias may be indicated by their use of the terms "PAN" (French) or "UAP" (English equivalent) for "Unidentified
Aerospace
Phenomenon" (whereas "UAP" is normally used by English organizations stands for "Unidentified
Aerial
Phenomenon", a more neutral term). In addition, the three heads of the studies have gone on record in stating that UFOs were real physical flying machines beyond our knowledge or that the best explanation for the most inexplicable cases was an extraterrestrial one.
[
132
]
[
133
]
[
134
]
In 2007, the CNES's own report stated that, at that time, 28% of sightings remained unidentified.
[
135
]
In 2008, Michel Scheller, president of the
Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France
(3AF), created the Sigma Commission. Its purpose was to investigate UFO phenomena worldwide.
[
136
]
A progress report published in May 2010 stated that the central hypothesis proposed by the
COMETA report
is perfectly credible.
[
137
]
In December 2012, the final report of the Sigma Commission was submitted to Scheller. Following the submission of the final report, the Sigma2 Commission is to be formed with a mandate to continue the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena.
[
138
]
[
139
]
Italy (1933–2005)
Alleged UFO sightings gradually increased since the war, peaking in 1978 and 2005. The total number of sightings since 1947 are 18,500, of which 90% are identifiable.
[
140
]
United Kingdom (1951–2009)
This section needs to be
updated
.
Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.
(
December 2020
)
The UK's
Flying Saucer Working Party
published its final report in June 1951, which remained secret for over fifty years. The Working Party concluded that all UFO sightings could be explained as misidentifications of ordinary objects or phenomena, optical illusions, psychological misperceptions/aberrations, or hoaxes. The report stated: "We accordingly recommend very strongly that no further investigation of reported mysterious aerial phenomena be undertaken, unless and until some material evidence becomes available."
[
141
]
Eight file collections on UFO sightings, dating from 1978 to 1987, were first released on May 14, 2008, to
The National Archives
by the
Ministry of Defence
(MoD).
[
142
]
Although kept secret from the public for many years, most of the files have low levels of classification and none are classified Top Secret. 200 files are set to be made public by 2012. The files are correspondence from the public sent to the British government and officials, such as the MoD and
Margaret Thatcher
. The MoD released the files under the
Freedom of Information Act
due to requests from researchers.
[
143
]
These files include, but are not limited to, UFOs over
Liverpool
and
Waterloo Bridge
in London.
[
144
]
On October 20, 2008, more UFO files were released. One case released detailed that in 1991 an Alitalia passenger aircraft was approaching
London Heathrow Airport
when the pilots saw what they described as a "
cruise missile
" fly extremely close to the cockpit. The pilots believed a collision was imminent. UFO expert David Clarke says this is one of the most convincing cases for a UFO he has come across.
[
145
]
A secret study of UFOs was undertaken for the Ministry of Defence between 1996 and 2000 and was code-named Project Condign. The resulting report, titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the UK Defence Region", was publicly released in 2006, but the identity and credentials of whoever constituted Project Condign remains classified. The report confirmed earlier findings that the main causes of UFO sightings are misidentification of man-made and natural objects. The report noted: "No artefacts of unknown or unexplained origin have been reported or handed to the UK authorities, despite thousands of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena reports. There are no
SIGINT
,
ELINT
or radiation measurements and little useful video or still
IMINT
."
[
146
]
It concluded: "There is no evidence that any UAP, seen in the UKADR [UK Air Defence Region], are incursions by air-objects of any intelligent (extraterrestrial or foreign) origin, or that they represent any hostile intent." A little-discussed conclusion of the report was that novel meteorological plasma phenomenon akin to
ball lightning
are responsible for "the majority, if not all" of otherwise inexplicable sightings, especially reports of
black triangle UFOs
.
[
146
]
On December 1, 2009, the Ministry of Defence quietly closed down its UFO investigations unit. The unit's hotline and email address were suspended by the MoD on that date. The MoD said there was no value in continuing to receive and investigate sightings in a release, stating that "in over fifty years, no UFO report has revealed any evidence of a potential threat to the United Kingdom. The MoD has no specific capability for identifying the nature of such sightings. There is no Defence benefit in such investigation and it would be an inappropriate use of defence resources. Furthermore, responding to reported UFO sightings diverts MoD resources from tasks that are relevant to Defence."
The Guardian
reported that the MoD claimed the closure would save the Ministry around £50,000 a year. The MoD said it would continue to release UFO files to the public through The National Archives.
[
147
]
UFO reports, Parliamentary questions, and letters from members of the public were released on August 5, 2010, to the UK National Archives. "In one letter included in the files, a man alleges Churchill ordered a coverup of a WWII-era UFO encounter involving the Royal Air Force".
[
148
]
[
142
]
Reports of UFO sightings continue. According to
The Independent
,
there were 957 reported UFO sightings across the UK between January 2021 and May 2023, with
Manchester
,
London
,
Liverpool
, and
Glasgow
being hotspots.
[
149
]
Studies
J. Allen Hynek
(left) and
Jacques Vallée
UFOs have become a prevalent theme in modern culture,
[
150
]
and the social phenomena have been the subject of academic research in sociology and psychology.
[
151
]
Critics argue that all UFO evidence is anecdotal,
[
152
]
and can be explained as prosaic natural phenomena. Defenders of UFO research counter that knowledge of observational data, other than what is reported in the popular media, is limited in the scientific community and further study is needed.
[
150
]
[
153
]
Studies have established that the majority of UFO observations are misidentified conventional objects or natural phenomena—most commonly aircraft, balloons including
sky lanterns
, satellites, and astronomical objects such as
meteors
, bright stars and planets. A small percentage are
hoaxes
.
[
note 4
]
Fewer than 10% of reported sightings remain unexplained after proper investigation and therefore can be classified as unidentified in the strictest sense. According to
Steven Novella
, proponents of the
extraterrestrial hypothesis
(ETH) suggest these unexplained reports are of alien spacecraft, however the
null hypothesis
cannot be excluded; that these reports are simply other more prosaic phenomena that cannot be identified due to lack of complete information or due to the necessary subjectivity of the reports. Novella says that instead of accepting the null hypothesis, UFO enthusiasts tend to engage in
special pleading
by offering outlandish, untested explanations for the validity of the ETH, which violate
Occam's razor
.
[
154
]
Scientific
Historically, ufology has not been considered credible in mainstream science.
[
151
]
The
scientific community
has generally deemed that UFO sightings are not worthy of serious investigation except as a cultural artifact.
[
155
]
[
113
]
[
110
]
[
156
]
[
157
]
[
158
]
[
159
]
Studies of UFOs rarely appear in mainstream scientific literature. When asked, some scientists and scientific organizations have pointed to the end of official governmental studies in the U.S. in December 1969, following the statement by the government scientist
Edward Condon
that further study of UFOs could not be justified on grounds of scientific advancement.
[
110
]
[
160
]
On 14 September 2023, NASA reported the appointment, for the first time, of a
NASA Director of UAP Research
(known earlier as U.F.O.), identified as
Mark McInerney
, to scientifically, and transparently, study such occurrences.
[
161
]
Status as a pseudoscience
Jacques Vallée
Despite investigations sponsored by governments and private entities, ufology is not embraced by academia as a scientific field of study, and is instead generally considered a
pseudoscience
by
skeptics
and
science educators
,
[
162
]
being often included on
lists of topics characterized as pseudoscience
as either a partial
[
163
]
or total
[
164
]
[
165
]
pseudoscience.
[
166
]
[
167
]
[
168
]
[
169
]
[
170
]
Pseudoscience
is a term that classifies arguments that are claimed to exemplify the methods and principles of science, but do not adhere to an appropriate
scientific method
, lack supporting evidence, plausibility,
falsifiability
, or otherwise lack scientific status.
[
171
]
Some writers have identified social factors that contribute to the status of ufology as a pseudoscience,
[
172
]
[
173
]
[
174
]
with one study suggesting that "any science doubt surrounding unidentified flying objects and aliens was not primarily due to the ignorance of ufologists about science, but rather a product of the respective research practices of and relations between ufology, the sciences, and government investigative bodies".
[
173
]
One study suggests that "the rudimentary standard of
science communication
attending to the extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) hypothesis for UFOs inhibits public understanding of science, dissuades academic inquiry within the physical and social sciences, and undermines progressive space policy initiatives".
[
175
]
Jacques Vallée
, a scientist and ufologist, claimed there were deficiencies in most UFO research, including government studies. He criticized the mythology and cultism often associated with UFO sightings, but despite the challenges, Vallée contended that several hundred professional scientists—a group both he and Hynek termed "the invisible college"—continued to study UFOs quietly on their own time.
[
150
]
Studies
In 2021, astronomer
Avi Loeb
launched
The Galileo Project
,
[
176
]
which intends to collect and report scientific evidence of extraterrestrials or extraterrestrial technology on or near Earth via telescopic observations.
[
177
]
[
178
]
[
179
]
[
180
]
In Germany, the
University of Würzburg
is developing intelligent sensors that can help detect and analyze aerial objects in hopes of applying such technology to UAP.
[
181
]
[
182
]
[
183
]
[
184
]
A 2021
Gallup
poll found that belief among Americans in some UFOs being extraterrestrial spacecraft grew between 2019 and 2021 from 33% to 41%. Gallup cited increased coverage in mainstream news and scrutiny from government authorities as a factor in changing attitudes towards UFOs.
[
185
]
In 2022, NASA announced a nine-month study starting in the fall to help establish a road map for investigating UAP—or for reconnaissance of the publicly available data it might use for such research.
[
186
]
[
187
]
[
188
]
In 2023, the RAND Corporation published a study reviewing 101,151 public reports of UAP sightings in the United States from 1998 to 2022.
[
189
]
The models used to conduct the analysis showed that reports of UAP sightings were less likely within 30 km of weather stations, 60 km of civilian airports, and in more–densely populated areas, while rural areas tended to have a higher rate of UAP reports. The most consistent and statistically significant finding was that reports of UAP sightings were more likely to occur within 30 km of military operations areas, where routine military training occurs.
Sturrock panel categorization
Besides anecdotal visual sightings, reports sometimes include claims of other kinds of evidence, including cases studied by the military and various government agencies of different countries (such as Project Blue Book, the Condon Committee, the French
GEPAN/SEPRA
, and Uruguay's current Air Force study). A comprehensive scientific review of cases where physical evidence was available was carried out by the 1998 Sturrock panel, with specific examples of many of the categories listed below.
Radar contact and tracking, sometimes from multiple sites. These have included military personnel and control tower operators, simultaneous visual sightings, and aircraft intercepts. One such example was the
mass sightings
of large, silent, low-flying black triangles in 1989 and 1990 over Belgium, tracked by
NATO
radar and jet interceptors, and investigated by Belgium's military (included photographic evidence). Another famous case from 1986 was the
Japan Air Lines flight 1628 incident
over
Alaska
investigated by the
Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA).
Photographic evidence, including still photos, movie film, and video.
Claims of physical trace of landing UFOs, including ground impressions, burned or desiccated soil, burned and broken foliage, magnetic anomalies,
[
specify
]
increased radiation levels, and metallic traces (e. g. Height 611 UFO incident or the 1964
Lonnie Zamora
's
Socorro, New Mexico
encounter of the USAF Project Blue Book cases). A well-known example from December 1980 was the USAF Rendlesham Forest incident in England. Another occurred in January 1981 in Trans-en-Provence and was investigated by GEPAN, then France's official government UFO-investigation agency. Project Blue Book head Edward J. Ruppelt described a classic 1952 CE2 case involving a patch of charred grass roots.
Physiological effects on people and animals including temporary paralysis, skin burns and rashes,
corneal
burns, and symptoms superficially resembling
radiation poisoning
, such as the
Cash-Landrum incident
in 1980.
Animal/
cattle mutilation
cases, which some feel are also part of the UFO phenomenon.
Biological effects on plants such as increased or decreased growth, germination effects on seeds, and blown-out stem nodes (usually associated with physical trace cases or
crop circles
)
Electromagnetic interference
(EM) effects. A famous
1976 military case
over
Tehran
, recorded in CIA and DIA classified documents, was associated with communication losses in multiple aircraft and weapons system failure in an
F-4 Phantom II
jet interceptor as it was about to fire a missile on one of the UFOs.
[
190
]
Apparent remote radiation detection, some noted in FBI and CIA documents occurring over government nuclear installations at
Los Alamos National Laboratory
and
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
in 1950, also reported by Project Blue Book director Edward J. Ruppelt in his book.
Claimed artifacts of UFOs themselves, such as 1957,
Ubatuba
, Brazil,
magnesium
fragments analyzed by the
Brazilian government
and in the Condon Report and by others. The 1964 Lonnie Zamora incident also left metal traces, analyzed by NASA.
[
191
]
[
192
]
A more recent example involves a teardrop-shaped object recovered by Bob White and was featured in a television episode of
UFO Hunters
[
193
]
but was later found to be accumulated waste metal residue from a grinding machine.
[
194
]
Angel hair and angel grass
, possibly explained in some cases as nests from
ballooning spiders
or
chaff
.
[
195
]
Scientific skepticism
A
scientifically skeptical
group that has for many years offered critical analyses of UFO claims is the
Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
(CSI). One example is the response to local beliefs that "extraterrestrial beings" in UFOs were responsible for crop circles appearing in Indonesia, which the government and the
National Institute of Aeronautics and Space
(LAPAN) described as "man-made". Thomas Djamaluddin, research professor of astronomy and astrophysics at LAPAN stated: "We have come to agree that this 'thing' cannot be scientifically proven. Scientists have put UFOs in the category of
pseudoscience
."
[
196
]
Governmental
UFO drawing, authenticity unknown, attribution and date unspecified. One of hundreds of files resulting from US President
Bill Clinton
's 1995 order to the
CIA
to declassify all documents with "historical value" that were at least 25 years old.
UFOs have been the subject of investigations by various governments that have provided extensive records related to the subject. Many of the most involved government-sponsored investigations ended after agencies concluded that there was no benefit to continued investigation.
[
197
]
[
198
]
These same negative conclusions also have been found in studies that were highly classified for many years, such as the UK's
Flying Saucer Working Party
,
Project Condign
, the U.S. CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel, the U.S. military investigation into the green fireballs from 1948 to 1951, and the Battelle Memorial Institute study for the USAF from 1952 to 1955 (Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14). Some public government reports have acknowledged the possibility of the physical reality of UFOs, but have stopped short of proposing extraterrestrial origins, though not dismissing the possibility entirely. Examples are the Belgian military investigation into
large triangles over their airspace
in 1989–1991 and the 2009
Uruguayan Air Force
study conclusion.
Claims by military, government, and aviation personnel
In the 21st century, UFO claims by military, government, and aviation figures have included both firsthand accounts and official statements about unidentified aerial phenomena. Later reporting and assessments by the Navy, the Pentagon, and U.S. intelligence agencies gave the issue greater public and institutional visibility.
2000-2019
In a 2007 CNN commentary, former
Arizona
governor
Fife Symington
wrote that during the 1997
Phoenix Lights
incident, he had seen "a massive, delta-shaped craft silently navigate over
Piestewa Peak
(formerly called Squaw Peak), a mountain range in
Phoenix, Arizona
".
[
199
]
In
The Way of the Explorer
(2008),
Apollo 14
astronaut
Edgar Mitchell
wrote that he had met "credible professionals within two governments" who had testified to firsthand "close encounters", and that this left him with no doubt that aliens had visited Earth.
[
200
]
: 212
In April 2019, a Navy spokesperson said the service had received "a number of reports" of unauthorized and/or unidentified aircraft entering military-controlled ranges in recent years and that it was "updating and formalizing" its reporting process.
[
201
]
In May 2019,
The New York Times
reported that Navy pilots flying training missions off the eastern seaboard had repeatedly encountered unidentified objects between the summer of 2014 and March 2015.
[
202
]
The
Pentagon officially released these videos
on April 27, 2020.
[
203
]
A 2021 assessment by the
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
later said that no standardized reporting mechanism had existed until the Navy established one in March 2019, and that 80 of the 144 reports reviewed involved observation with multiple sensors.
[
204
]
: 3–4
The
Times
published a cockpit instrument video that appeared to show an object moving at high speed near the ocean surface as it appeared to rotate, and objects that appeared capable of high acceleration, deceleration and maneuverability. In two separate incidents, a pilot reported his cockpit instruments locked onto and tracked objects but he was unable to see them through his helmet camera. In another encounter, flight instruments recorded an image described as a sphere encasing a cube between two jets as they flew about 100 feet apart.
[
202
]
The
United States Navy
has said there have been "a number of reports of unauthorized and/or unidentified aircraft entering various military-controlled ranges and designated air space in recent years".
[
205
]
According to former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ryan Graves, UAPs spotted by US Navy crew aboard the USS
Nimitz
, the USS
Princeton
, and other carriers in 2014 prompted flight safety concerns by some Navy pilots.
[
206
]
[
207
]
Graves, described as "one of the most vocal advocates for
UAP transparency
", said the appearance of UFOs was frequent near aircraft carriers.
[
206
]
In 2019, a US Navy spokesperson, Joseph Gradisher stated, "For safety and security concerns, the Navy and the [US Air Force] takes these reports very seriously and investigates each and every report", and because of the sightings, the "Navy is updating and formalising the process" of reporting,
[
208
]
[
209
]
with the reporting process updated by 2020
[
210
]
2020-present
In May 2021, military pilots recalled their related encounters, along with camera and radar support, including one pilot's account noting that such incidents occurred "every day for at least a couple of years", according to an interview broadcast on the news program,
60 Minutes
(May 16, 2021).
[
211
]
[
212
]
Science writer and skeptic
Mick West
suggested the image was the result of an optical effect called a
bokeh
which can make out of focus light sources appear triangular or pyramidal due to the shape of the aperture of some lenses.
[
213
]
[
214
]
In August, 2022, an article by West provided his detailed analysis of the video.
[
215
]
The 2021
Pentagon UFO Report
On June 25, 2021, U.S. Defense and
intelligence
officials released the nine pages
Pentagon UFO Report
(Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) on what they know about a series of unidentified flying objects that have been seen by American military pilots in the skies between 2004 and 2021.
[
216
]
[
217
]
It observed that "UAP probably lack a single explanation", but identified airborne clutter and foreign adversary systems as among possible objects that "clearly pose a safety of flight issue and may pose a challenge to U.S. national security".
[
218
]
[
219
]
[
220
]
[
221
]
The report also mentioned dangers associated with "an increasingly cluttered air domain".
[
219
]
The issue of safety with commercial airlines has also been raised.
[
222
]
[
223
]
The report does not mentions extraterrestrials, but concludes that the objects found by the US military appear to be real in the majority of the 144 occurrences documented.
[
217
]
"Most of the UAP reported probably do represent physical objects given that a majority of UAP were registered across multiple sensors, to include radar, infrared, electro-optical, weapon seekers, and visual observation", according to the report.
[
217
]
The report also stated that "UAP probably lack a single explanation", and proposed five possible categories of explanation: airborne clutter, natural atmospheric phenomena, US government or industry development technology, foreign craft, and an "Other" category.
[
224
]
Commenting on the document,
NASA
Administrator
Bill Nelson
said that he did not think we are alone, but the UFO sightings by pilots "may not be extraterrestrial."
[
225
]
In December 2021, further official governmental investigations into UAPs and related, along with annual unclassified reports presented to Congress, have been authorized and funded.
[
226
]
Some have raised concerns about the new investigations.
[
227
]
U.S. President
Joe Biden
in 2023 signed the
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act
into law as part of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
on December 14, 2023.
[
228
]
The 64-page amendment defined and codified 22 technical definitions related to UFOs and non-human intelligence under the law.
[
229
]
Conspiracy theories
UFOs are a recurring subject of conspiracy theories in which governments are alleged to conceal evidence of alien visitors
[
230
]
[
231
]
and, in some variants, to collaborate with them.
[
232
]
: 6, 15–17
These narratives have taken multiple forms and often overlap with other conspiracy traditions.
[
232
]
: 7, 15
Such views have been expressed by prominent officials, legislators, scholars, journalists, and military personnel.
[
233
]
: 2
In June and July 2023, former intelligence official
David Grusch
claimed that the U.S. government had been running a "multi-decade" UAP crash-retrieval and reverse-engineering program and possessed craft of "non-human" origin.
[
234
]
[
235
]
In media interviews, Grusch also claimed that the U.S. possessed a "bell-like craft" recovered by
Benito Mussolini
's government in northern
Italy
in 1933 at
Magenta, Lombardy
.
[
236
]
At a November 13, 2024, joint
House Oversight Committee
hearing on UAPs, Rep.
Nancy Mace
entered into the
Congressional Record
a 12-page document describing an alleged unacknowledged
Special Access Program
(USAP) named "
Immaculate Constellation
", where the U.S. government is claimed to operate extralegal programs to conceal information from Congress, including related to the existence of extraterrestrial life and technology.
[
237
]
[
238
]
[
239
]
In April and May 2025,
Jeremy Corbell
and
George Knapp
released a multi-part
WEAPONIZED
interview series presenting Matthew Brown as the report's previously anonymous author, a characterization later noted by
Jezebel
.
[
240
]
[
241
]
[
242
]
Disclosure advocates
In May 2001, the
Disclosure Project
held a press conference at the
National Press Club
in
Washington, D.C.
, featuring more than twenty witnesses, most of them former military personnel, as part of a campaign urging Congress to hold hearings on UFOs and extraterrestrials.
[
243
]
ABC News
reported the witnesses stated they had seen evidence of aliens or UFOs and called for congressional hearings, while Disclosure Project founder
Steven M. Greer
said some 400 witnesses were willing to testify before Congress.
[
244
]
In 2002, the
Oregon
Daily Emerald
reported that Greer had compiled more than 120 hours of testimony from government officials, later reduced to 18 hours, including accounts from Brigadier General Stephen Lovekin and astronaut
Gordon Cooper
.
[
245
]
By March 2007,
Disclose.tv
existed as a forum devoted to UFOs, paranormal topics, and conspiracy theories, and its name invoked the UFO-community idea of "disclosure".
[
246
]
On September 27, 2010, former U.S. Air Force personnel held a press conference at the
National Press Club
in Washington, D.C., where they alleged that UFOs had interfered with nuclear missiles at U.S. bases.
[
247
]
From April 29 to May 3, 2013, the Paradigm Research Group held the
Citizen Hearing on Disclosure
at the National Press Club, paying six former members of Congress about $20,000 each, plus expenses, to hear roughly 30 hours of testimony from researchers and military, agency, and political witnesses.
[
248
]
[
249
]
[
250
]
Religious
Scholars of religion have identified a number of
UFO religions
, including the
Aetherius Society
,
Heaven's Gate
,
Unarius
, and the
Raëlian Movement
.
[
251
]
: 119
Many forms of UFO religiosity have been traced by scholars to occult, spiritualist, and
Theosophical
currents.
[
252
]
: 121
[
253
]
Within
American evangelical
and conservative evangelical ufology, UFOs have often been interpreted as
demonic entities
or spiritual deceptions masquerading as extraterrestrials.
[
254
]
[
255
]
Scholars have linked these
demonological
readings to
apocalyptic
and
Jeremiad
traditions within
Evangelicalism
culture and the reuse of older
Christian mythology
and
symbols
in modern UFO belief.
[
255
]
[
253
]
Ufology
A photograph of an unusual atmospheric occurrence observed over Sri Lanka, forwarded to the UK
Ministry of Defence
by RAF Fylingdales, 2004
Ufology
is a
neologism
describing the study of UFO reports and associated evidence.
[
256
]
: 54
In a 2011 interview, aviation researcher Richard Haines said that he and his colleagues at the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP) preferred the term "unidentified aerial phenomena" (UAP) for "a wide range of atmospheric phenomena and effects" that might have differing explanations.
[
257
]
Limited institutional or scientific study has given rise to independent researchers and
UFO organizations
such as APRO, NICAP, CUFOS, and MUFON from the mid-20th century onward.
[
99
]
: 80–84
In popular culture
A UFO monument in
Tenjo
,
Colombia
.
UFOs have constituted a widespread international
cultural phenomenon
since the 1950s.
[
258
]
[
259
]
: 333–334
Gallup Polls
rank UFOs near the top of lists for subjects of widespread recognition. In 1973, a survey found that 95 percent of the public reported having heard of UFOs, whereas only 92 percent had heard of
U.S. President
Gerald Ford
in a 1977 poll taken just nine months after he left the White House.
[
260
]
A 1996 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of Americans believed the U.S. government knew more about UFOs than it was telling the public.
[
261
]
A 2002
Roper Poll
for the
Sci-Fi Channel
found similar results, as 48 percent thought aliens had visited the Earth; 56 percent thought UFOs were real craft; and 70 percent felt the government was not sharing everything it knew about UFOs or extraterrestrial life.
[
262
]
: 4, 5
Flying-saucer imagery also entered science fiction and other popular culture.
[
263
]
[
264
]
Examples include the
C57D
in
Forbidden Planet
(1956), the saucer-shaped the
Jupiter
2
in
Lost in Space
, and the saucer section of the
USS
Enterprise
in
Star Trek
.
[
265
]
[
266
]
[
267
]
UFOs and
extraterrestrials
have been featured
in many movies
.
[
268
]
: 1
[
269
]
: 32
The intense secrecy surrounding the Nevada base known as
Area 51
has made it a frequent subject of conspiracy theories and a longstanding part of UFO popular culture.
[
270
]
[
271
]
In July 2019, more than a million people marked themselves as going and nearly a million more as interested in a satirical Facebook event proposing to storm Area 51.
[
272
]
Two music festivals in rural Nevada, "AlienStock" and "Storm Area 51 Basecamp", were subsequently organized to capitalize on the popularity of the original Facebook event.
[
273
]
150 people showed up to the Area 51 entrance and attendance at the festivals was 1,500.
[
274
]
See also
Unidentified submerged object
Notes
^
Many of these documents are now online at the FOIA websites of these agencies such as the
"FBI FOIA site"
. Archived from
the original
on May 24, 2008.
, as well as private websites such as
The Black Vault
Archived
September 2, 2011, at the
Wayback Machine
, which has an archive of several thousand U.S. government UFO-related documents from the USAF, Army, CIA, DIA, DOD, and NSA.
^
The so-called
Twining memo of September 23, 1947
Archived
February 26, 2009, at the
Wayback Machine
, by future USAF Chief of Staff, General
Nathan Twining
, specifically recommended intelligence cooperation with the Army, Navy,
Atomic Energy Commission
, the Defense Department's Joint Research and Development Board, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board,
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
(NACA), Project
RAND
, and the
Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft
(NEPA) project.
^
For example, current USAF general reporting procedures are in
Air Force Instruction (AFI)10-206
Archived
June 18, 2008, at the
Wayback Machine
. Section 5.7.3 (p. 64) lists sightings of "unidentified flying objects" and "aircraft of unconventional design" as separate categories from potentially hostile but conventional, unidentified aircraft, missiles, surface vessels, or submarines. Additionally, "unidentified objects" detected by missile warning systems, creating a potential risk of nuclear war, are covered by Rule 5E (p.35).
^
For example, the USAF's
Project Blue Book
concluded that less than 2% of reported UFOs were "psychological" or hoaxes;
Allan Hendry
's study for CUFOS had less than 1%.
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.
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^
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^
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^
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^
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on February 18, 2025
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^
Meehan, Paul (1998).
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ISBN
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Beginning with Kenneth Arnold's classic sighting of 'flying saucers' in the summer of 1947, the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects has become part of our popular culture, especially in American films from the 1950s to the present.
^
Rieber, Robert W.; Kelly, Robert J. (November 17, 2013). "The Aliens in Us and the Aliens Out There: Science Fiction in the Movies".
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. Retrieved
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2026
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And while the majority of movies about aliens fall into a category we could loosely term 'science fiction' they tend to be hybrids—a mixture of genres.
^
Nichols, Christopher McKnight
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Griffin, Andrew (July 16, 2019).
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Richwine, Lisa (September 20, 2019).
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[
unreliable source?
]
Sturrock panel report on physical evidence.
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History
Clarke, David (2009).
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.
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Reports from the UK government files.
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Dolan, Richard M.
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Dolan is a professional historian.
Downes, Jonathan; Wright, Nigel (2005).
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Update of
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with new cases and documents
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.
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Psychology
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Skepticism
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Ridpath, Ian
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(Appendix A)
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External links
"Government Reports on UFOs"
from the Government Information Library at the
University of Colorado Boulder
"CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947–90"
Archived
October 1, 2019, at the
Wayback Machine
by Gerald K. Haines,
Central Intelligence Agency
"UFOs: Fact or Fiction?"
Declassified CIA documents from the 1940s through the early 1990s.
"UFO Reports in the UK"
from 1997 to 2009 by the
Ministry of Defence
"Newly released UFO files from the UK government"
at
The National Archives
"Canada's UFOs: The Search for the Unknown"
, a virtual museum exhibition by the
Library and Archives Canada
Declassified files on UFOs from many countries
Declassified video – Chilean UAP event of November 11, 2014
(
official
;
video (9:59)
)
An astrophysicist's view of UFOs
(
Adam Frank
;
NYT
; May 30, 2021)
A list of skeptical resources
(astronomer
Andrew Fraknoi
)
UFO Explanations
(videos; scientist
Mick West
)
Some UAPs may be laser-generated holograms?
(
WSJ
; July 29, 2021).
UAPs need a high-resolution image
(
Avi Loeb
;
Scientific American
; August 2, 2021).
Video (92:50): U.S. Congressional Hearing on UFO/UAP (May 17, 2022)
on
YouTube
. |
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## Contents
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- [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object)
- [1 Terminology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Terminology)
- [2 Identification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Identification)
- [3 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#History)
Toggle History subsection
- [3\.1 Early history before the 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Early_history_before_the_20th_century)
- [3\.2 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#20th_century)
- [3\.3 21st century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#21st_century)
- [4 Investigations of reports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Investigations_of_reports)
Toggle Investigations of reports subsection
- [4\.1 Americas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Americas)
- [4\.1.1 Brazil (1952–2016)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Brazil_\(1952%E2%80%932016\))
- [4\.1.2 Chile (c. 1968)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Chile_\(c._1968\))
- [4\.1.3 Canada (c. 1950)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Canada_\(c._1950\))
- [4\.1.4 United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#United_States)
- [4\.1.4.1 USAAF and FBI response to the 1947 sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#USAAF_and_FBI_response_to_the_1947_sightings)
- [4\.1.4.2 Projects Sign (1947–1949), Grudge (1948–1951), and Blue Book (1951–1970)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Projects_Sign_\(1947%E2%80%931949\),_Grudge_\(1948%E2%80%931951\),_and_Blue_Book_\(1951%E2%80%931970\))
- [4\.1.4.3 USAF Regulation 200-2 (1953–1954)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#USAF_Regulation_200-2_\(1953%E2%80%931954\))
- [4\.1.4.4 Blue Book and the Condon Committee (1968–1970)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Blue_Book_and_the_Condon_Committee_\(1968%E2%80%931970\))
- [4\.1.4.5 FOIA release of documents in 1978](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#FOIA_release_of_documents_in_1978)
- [4\.1.4.6 White House statement of November 2011](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#White_House_statement_of_November_2011)
- [4\.1.4.7 ODNI report 2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#ODNI_report_2021)
- [4\.1.4.8 Ongoing investigations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Ongoing_investigations)
- [4\.1.5 Uruguay (c. 1989)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Uruguay_\(c._1989\))
- [4\.2 Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Europe)
- [4\.2.1 Finland (1967–1971)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Finland_\(1967%E2%80%931971\))
- [4\.2.2 France (1977–2008)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#France_\(1977%E2%80%932008\))
- [4\.2.3 Italy (1933–2005)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Italy_\(1933%E2%80%932005\))
- [4\.2.4 United Kingdom (1951–2009)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#United_Kingdom_\(1951%E2%80%932009\))
- [5 Studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Studies)
Toggle Studies subsection
- [5\.1 Scientific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Scientific)
- [5\.1.1 Status as a pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Status_as_a_pseudoscience)
- [5\.1.2 Studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Studies_2)
- [5\.1.3 Sturrock panel categorization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Sturrock_panel_categorization)
- [5\.1.4 Scientific skepticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Scientific_skepticism)
- [5\.2 Governmental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Governmental)
- [5\.2.1 Claims by military, government, and aviation personnel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Claims_by_military,_government,_and_aviation_personnel)
- [5\.2.1.1 2000-2019](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#2000-2019)
- [5\.2.1.2 2020-present](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#2020-present)
- [5\.2.2 Conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Conspiracy_theories)
- [5\.2.3 Disclosure advocates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Disclosure_advocates)
- [5\.3 Religious](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Religious)
- [5\.4 Ufology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Ufology)
- [6 In popular culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#In_popular_culture)
- [7 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#See_also)
- [8 Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Notes)
- [9 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#References)
- [10 Bibliography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Bibliography)
Toggle Bibliography subsection
- [10\.1 General](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#General)
- [10\.2 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#History_2)
- [10\.3 Psychology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Psychology)
- [10\.4 Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Technology)
- [10\.5 Skepticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Skepticism)
- [11 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#External_links)
Toggle the table of contents
# Unidentified flying object
94 languages
- [Afrikaans](https://af.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vreemde_vlie%C3%ABnde_voorwerp "Vreemde vlieënde voorwerp – Afrikaans")
- [Alemannisch](https://als.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Alemannic")
- [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AC%D8%B3%D9%85_%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1_%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%87%D9%88%D9%84 "جسم طائر مجهول – Arabic")
- [অসমীয়া](https://as.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4_%E0%A6%89%E0%A7%B0%E0%A6%A3%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%BE_%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81 "অচিনাক্ত উৰণীয়া বস্তু – Assamese")
- [Asturianu](https://ast.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxetu_esnalador_non_identific%C3%A1u "Oxetu esnalador non identificáu – Asturian")
- [Azərbaycanca](https://az.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C3%A7an_nam%C9%99lum_obyekt "Uçan naməlum obyekt – Azerbaijani")
- [تۆرکجه](https://azb.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%81%D9%88 "یوفو – South Azerbaijani")
- [Žemaitėška](https://bat-smg.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSO "NSO – Samogitian")
- [Bikol Central](https://bcl.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Central Bikol")
- [Беларуская](https://be.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8B_%D0%BB%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%8E%D1%87%D1%8B_%D0%B0%D0%B1%E2%80%99%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82 "Неапазнаны лятаючы аб’ект – Belarusian")
- [Български](https://bg.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%9B%D0%9E "НЛО – Bulgarian")
- [বাংলা](https://bn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4_%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4_%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81 "অশনাক্ত উড়ন্ত বস্তু – Bangla")
- [Brezhoneg](https://br.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nijell_dianavez "Nijell dianavez – Breton")
- [Bosanski](https://bs.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLO "NLO – Bosnian")
- [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objecte_volador_no_identificat "Objecte volador no identificat – Catalan")
- [کوردی](https://ckb.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AA%DB%95%D9%86%DB%8C_%D9%81%DA%95%DB%8C%D9%88%DB%8C_%D9%86%DB%95%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%88 "تەنی فڕیوی نەناسراو – Central Kurdish")
- [Čeština](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Czech")
- [Kaszëbsczi](https://csb.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maniewid "Maniewid – Kashubian")
- [Dansk](https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufo "Ufo – Danish")
- [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – German")
- [Ελληνικά](https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%91%CE%A4%CE%99%CE%91 "ΑΤΙΑ – Greek")
- [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nifo "Nifo – Esperanto")
- [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovni "Ovni – Spanish")
- [Eesti](https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufo "Ufo – Estonian")
- [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objektu_Hegalari_Ezezagun "Objektu Hegalari Ezezagun – Basque")
- [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B4%DB%8C%D8%A1_%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3_%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87 "شیء ناشناس پرنده – Persian")
- [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufo "Ufo – Finnish")
- [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objet_volant_non_identifi%C3%A9 "Objet volant non identifié – French")
- [Frysk](https://fy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unbekend_fleanend_objekt "Unbekend fleanend objekt – Western Frisian")
- [Gaeilge](https://ga.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Af%C3%B3 "Úfó – Irish")
- [Galego](https://gl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovni "Ovni – Galician")
- [עברית](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%A2%D7%A6%D7%9D_%D7%91%D7%9C%D7%AA%D7%99_%D7%9E%D7%96%D7%95%D7%94%D7%94 "עצם בלתי מזוהה – Hebrew")
- [हिन्दी](https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BC%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80_\(%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7\) "उड़न तश्तरी (अन्तरिक्ष) – Hindi")
- [Hrvatski](https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLO "NLO – Croatian")
- [Magyar](https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Hungarian")
- [Հայերեն](https://hy.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D5%89%D5%A2%D5%A1%D6%81%D5%A1%D5%B0%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%BF%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AE_%D5%A9%D5%BC%D5%B9%D5%B8%D5%B2_%D6%85%D5%A2%D5%B5%D5%A5%D5%AF%D5%BF "Չբացահայտված թռչող օբյեկտ – Armenian")
- [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Indonesian")
- [Iñupiatun](https://ik.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allayua%C4%A1niq "Allayuaġniq – Inupiaq")
- [Ido](https://io.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIFO "NIFO – Ido")
- [Íslenska](https://is.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flj%C3%BAgandi_fur%C3%B0uhlutur "Fljúgandi furðuhlutur – Icelandic")
- [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Italian")
- [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9C%AA%E7%A2%BA%E8%AA%8D%E9%A3%9B%E8%A1%8C%E7%89%A9%E4%BD%93 "未確認飛行物体 – Japanese")
- [ქართული](https://ka.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A3%E1%83%AA%E1%83%9C%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98_%E1%83%9B%E1%83%A4%E1%83%A0%E1%83%98%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%95%E1%83%98_%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%94%E1%83%A5%E1%83%A2%E1%83%98 "ამოუცნობი მფრინავი ობიექტი – Georgian")
- [Қазақша](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BC%D3%99%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%BC_%D2%B1%D1%88%D2%9B%D1%8B%D1%88_%D0%BD%D1%8B%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD "Беймәлім ұшқыш нысан – Kazakh")
- [ភាសាខ្មែរ](https://km.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%9E%99%E1%9E%BC%E1%9E%A2%E1%9F%81%E1%9E%A0%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%9C%E1%9E%A2%E1%9E%BC "យូអេហ្វអូ – Khmer")
- [ಕನ್ನಡ](https://kn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B2%85%E0%B2%AA%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%BF%E0%B2%9A%E0%B2%BF%E0%B2%A4_%E0%B2%B9%E0%B2%BE%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%BE%E0%B2%A1%E0%B3%81%E0%B2%B5_%E0%B2%B5%E0%B2%B8%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%A4%E0%B3%81 "ಅಪರಿಚಿತ ಹಾರಾಡುವ ವಸ್ತು – Kannada")
- [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%AF%B8%ED%99%95%EC%9D%B8%EB%B9%84%ED%96%89%EC%B2%B4 "미확인비행체 – Korean")
- [Kernowek](https://kw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taklen-neyja_anaswonys "Taklen-neyja anaswonys – Cornish")
- [Latina](https://la.wikipedia.org/wiki/Res_inexplicata_volans "Res inexplicata volans – Latin")
- [Lombard](https://lmo.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Lombard")
- [Lietuvių](https://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neatpa%C5%BEintas_skraidantis_objektas "Neatpažintas skraidantis objektas – Lithuanian")
- [Latviešu](https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neidentific%C4%93ts_lidojo%C5%A1s_objekts "Neidentificēts lidojošs objekts – Latvian")
- [Malagasy](https://mg.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zavatra_manidina_tsy_fantatra "Zavatra manidina tsy fantatra – Malagasy")
- [Minangkabau](https://min.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objek_tabang_tak_taridentifikasi "Objek tabang tak taridentifikasi – Minangkabau")
- [Македонски](https://mk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%9B%D0%9E "НЛО – Macedonian")
- [മലയാളം](https://ml.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B4%85%E0%B4%AA%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%9A%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B4%AE%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%AF_%E0%B4%AA%E0%B4%B1%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%82_%E0%B4%B5%E0%B4%B8%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%BE "അപരിചിതമായ പറക്കും വസ്തുക്കൾ – Malayalam")
- [Монгол](https://mn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D2%AE%D0%BB_%D0%BC%D1%8D%D0%B4%D1%8D%D0%B3%D0%B4%D1%8D%D1%85_%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B4%D1%8D%D0%B3_%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%B5%D1%82 "Үл мэдэгдэх нисдэг биет – Mongolian")
- [ဘာသာမန်](https://mnw.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%80%9E%E1%80%80%E1%80%B9%E1%80%90%E1%80%AE%E1%80%80%E1%80%AD%E1%80%9B%E1%80%AD%E1%80%9A%E1%80%AC%E1%80%80%E1%80%BB%E1%80%AC "သက္တီကိရိယာကျာ – Mon")
- [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benda_terbang_aneh "Benda terbang aneh – Malay")
- [မြန်မာဘာသာ](https://my.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E1%80%A1%E1%80%99%E1%80%BB%E1%80%AD%E1%80%AF%E1%80%B8%E1%80%A1%E1%80%99%E1%80%8A%E1%80%BA%E1%80%99%E1%80%9E%E1%80%AD_%E1%80%9A%E1%80%AC%E1%80%89%E1%80%BA%E1%80%95%E1%80%BB%E1%80%B6 "အမျိုးအမည်မသိ ယာဉ်ပျံ – Burmese")
- [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object "Unidentified flying object – Dutch")
- [Norsk nynorsk](https://nn.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Norwegian Nynorsk")
- [Norsk bokmål](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uidentifisert_flygende_objekt "Uidentifisert flygende objekt – Norwegian Bokmål")
- [ଓଡ଼ିଆ](https://or.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AD%9F%E0%AD%82_%E0%AC%8F%E0%AC%AB_%E0%AC%93 "ୟୂ ଏଫ ଓ – Odia")
- [ਪੰਜਾਬੀ](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%89%E0%A9%B1%E0%A8%A1%E0%A8%A3_%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%BC%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%B0%E0%A9%80 "ਉੱਡਣ ਤਸ਼ਤਰੀ – Punjabi")
- [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Polish")
- [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objeto_voador_n%C3%A3o_identificado "Objeto voador não identificado – Portuguese")
- [Română](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obiect_zbur%C4%83tor_neidentificat "Obiect zburător neidentificat – Romanian")
- [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%8E%D1%89%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82 "Неопознанный летающий объект – Russian")
- [संस्कृतम्](https://sa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81 "अज्ञातं विमानवस्तु – Sanskrit")
- [Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски](https://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neidentifikovani_lete%C4%87i_objekat "Neidentifikovani leteći objekat – Serbo-Croatian")
- [සිංහල](https://si.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B7%84%E0%B6%B3%E0%B7%94%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8F_%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%9C%E0%B6%9C%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%8A_%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%BA%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%B9%E0%B6%B1_%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%96%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8A "හඳුනා නොගත් පියාඹන වස්තූන් – Sinhala")
- [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object "Unidentified flying object – Simple English")
- [Slovenčina](https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Slovak")
- [Slovenščina](https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neznani_lete%C4%8Di_predmet "Neznani leteči predmet – Slovenian")
- [Shqip](https://sq.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objekti_fluturues_i_paidentifikuar "Objekti fluturues i paidentifikuar – Albanian")
- [Српски / srpski](https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%9B%D0%B8_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%98%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82 "Неидентификовани летећи објекат – Serbian")
- [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oidentifierat_flygande_f%C3%B6rem%C3%A5l "Oidentifierat flygande föremål – Swedish")
- [தமிழ்](https://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95_%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8A%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D "அடையாளம் கண்டுபிடிக்க முடியாத பறக்கும் பொருள் – Tamil")
- [తెలుగు](https://te.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B0%85%E0%B0%82%E0%B0%A4%E0%B1%81_%E0%B0%A4%E0%B1%86%E0%B0%B2%E0%B0%BF%E0%B0%AF%E0%B0%A8%E0%B0%BF_%E0%B0%8E%E0%B0%97%E0%B0%BF%E0%B0%B0%E0%B1%87_%E0%B0%B5%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%A4%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%B5%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%B2%E0%B1%81 "అంతు తెలియని ఎగిరే వస్తువులు – Telugu")
- [ไทย](https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9F%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%AD "ยูเอฟโอ – Thai")
- [Tagalog](https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Tagalog")
- [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Turkish")
- [Татарча / tatarça](https://tt.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B7_%D0%BE%D1%87%D1%83%D1%87%D1%8B_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80 "Билгесез очучы объектлар – Tatar")
- [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%BF%D1%96%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BB%D1%96%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%8E%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BE%D0%B1%27%D1%94%D0%BA%D1%82 "Непізнаний літаючий об'єкт – Ukrainian")
- [Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча](https://uz.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUJ "NUJ – Uzbek")
- [Tiếng Việt](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%E1%BA%ADt_th%E1%BB%83_bay_kh%C3%B4ng_x%C3%A1c_%C4%91%E1%BB%8Bnh "Vật thể bay không xác định – Vietnamese")
- [Winaray](https://war.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO "UFO – Waray")
- [吴语](https://wuu.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BC%97%E6%98%8E%E9%A3%9E%E8%A1%8C%E7%89%A9 "弗明飞行物 – Wu")
- [ייִדיש](https://yi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%90%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%99%D7%93%D7%A2%D7%A0%D7%98%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%98%D7%A2%D7%A8_%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%A0%D7%93%D7%A2%D7%A8_%D7%90%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%A7%D7%98 "אומאידענטיפיצירטער פליענדער אביעקט – Yiddish")
- [文言](https://zh-classical.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%98%9F%E6%A7%8E "星槎 – Literary Chinese")
- [閩南語 / Bân-lâm-gí](https://zh-min-nan.wikipedia.org/wiki/Put-b%C3%AAng_hui-h%C3%AAng_bu%CC%8Dt-th%C3%A9 "Put-bêng hui-hêng bu̍t-thé – Minnan")
- [粵語](https://zh-yue.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%8D%E6%98%8E%E9%A3%9B%E8%A1%8C%E7%89%A9%E9%AB%94 "不明飛行物體 – Cantonese")
- [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%8D%E6%98%8E%E9%A3%9E%E8%A1%8C%E7%89%A9 "不明飞行物 – Chinese")
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Airborne entity that has not been identified or explained
"UFO" redirects here. For other uses, see [Unidentified flying object (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object_\(disambiguation\) "Unidentified flying object (disambiguation)") and [UFO (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_\(disambiguation\) "UFO (disambiguation)").
Not to be confused with [Unidentified submerged object](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_submerged_object "Unidentified submerged object").
"GIMBAL" [Pentagon UFO video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos"), January 2015
| [UFOs]() and [ufology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufology "Ufology") |
|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flying_Saucer_-_NARA_NAID_303938034_cropped.png "Flying saucer from the National Archives and Records Administration") |
| [Notable sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings "List of reported UFO sightings") |
| [1947 wave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_flying_disc_craze "1947 flying disc craze") [1952 flap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_Washington,_D.C._UFO_incident "1952 Washington, D.C. UFO incident") [Barney and Betty Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_and_Betty_Hill_incident "Barney and Betty Hill incident") [Belgian wave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave "Belgian UFO wave") [Calvine photo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvine_UFO_photograph "Calvine UFO photograph") [Chiles-Whitted](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiles-Whitted_UFO_encounter "Chiles-Whitted UFO encounter") [Flatwoods monster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatwoods_monster "Flatwoods monster") [Gorman dogfight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorman_dogfight "Gorman dogfight") [Kenneth Arnold sighting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold_UFO_sighting "Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting") [Mantell crash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantell_UFO_incident "Mantell UFO incident") [Mariana film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariana_UFO_film "Mariana UFO film") [McMinnville photos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMinnville_UFO_photographs "McMinnville UFO photographs") [Rendlesham Forest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendlesham_Forest_incident "Rendlesham Forest incident") [Roswell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident "Roswell incident") [Sightings in outer space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_outer_space "UFO sightings in outer space") ['Swamp gas'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_%22swamp_gas%22_UFO_reports "Michigan \"swamp gas\" UFO reports") [Pentagon UFO videos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos") [Phoenix Lights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Lights "Phoenix Lights") |
| [Hoaxes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO-related_hoaxes "List of UFO-related hoaxes") |
| [Alien autopsy film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Autopsy_\(1995_film\) "Alien Autopsy (1995 film)") [Twin Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Falls_saucer_hoax "Twin Falls saucer hoax") [Aztec](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec_crashed_saucer_hoax "Aztec crashed saucer hoax") [Glenn Dennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Dennis "Glenn Dennis") [John Lear](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lear "John Lear") [Maury Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maury_Island_incident "Maury Island incident") [Billy Meier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Meier "Billy Meier") [Mirage Men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage_Men "Mirage Men") [Philadelphia Experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Experiment "Philadelphia Experiment") [UFO Cover Up? Live](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_Cover_Up%3F_Live "UFO Cover Up? Live") [Travis Walton incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_Walton_incident "Travis Walton incident") [Yankee Blue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Blue "Yankee Blue") |
| [Government investigations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_investigations_of_UFOs_by_governments "List of investigations of UFOs by governments") |
| [Operação Prato - Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Prato "Operação Prato") [Project Magnet - Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Magnet_\(Canada\) "Project Magnet (Canada)") [Project Second Storey - Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Second_Storey "Project Second Storey") [GEIPAN - France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN") [Institute 22 - Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_22 "Institute 22") [Flying Saucer Working Party - UK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Saucer_Working_Party "Flying Saucer Working Party") [Project Condign - UK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Condign "Project Condign") [History of government investigations - US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation_of_UFO_reports_by_the_United_States_government "Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government") [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office - US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office") [NASA's UAP independent study team - US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Unidentified_Anomalous_Phenomena_Independent_Study_Team "NASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team") [Condon Committee - US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee") [Project Blue Book - US](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book") |
| [Conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_conspiracy_theories "UFO conspiracy theories") |
| [Area 51](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51 "Area 51") [Bob Lazar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Lazar "Bob Lazar") [Majestic 12](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majestic_12 "Majestic 12") [Men in black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_in_black "Men in black") [Serpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_objects_proposed_in_religion,_astrology,_ufology_and_pseudoscience#Serpo "Planetary objects proposed in religion, astrology, ufology and pseudoscience") |
| Lists of organizations, sightings, studies, etc. |
| [UFO organizations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO_organizations "List of UFO organizations") [Reported UFO sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings "List of reported UFO sightings") [Sightings by country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings#By_location "List of reported UFO sightings") [Investigations of UFOs by governments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_investigations_of_UFOs_by_governments "List of investigations of UFOs by governments") [Identification studies of UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs") [Ufologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ufologists "List of ufologists") [Alleged extraterrestrial beings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alleged_extraterrestrial_beings "List of alleged extraterrestrial beings") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:UFO_sidebar "Template:UFO sidebar") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:UFO_sidebar "Template talk:UFO sidebar") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:UFO_sidebar "Special:EditPage/Template:UFO sidebar") |
An **unidentified flying object** (**UFO**) is an object or phenomenon seen in the sky but not yet identified or explained. The term was coined when [United States Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force") (USAF) investigations into [flying saucers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer") found too broad a range of shapes reported to consider them all saucers or discs.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-1) UFOs are also known as **unidentified aerial phenomena** or **unidentified anomalous phenomena** (**UAPs**).[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ODNI-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-3)[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-4) Upon investigation, most UFOs are [identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs"), while a small number remain unexplained.
While [unusual sightings in the sky have been reported](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings "List of reported UFO sightings") since at least the 3rd century BC, UFOs became culturally prominent after World War II, escalating during the [Space Age](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Age "Space Age"). Studies and investigations into UFO reports conducted by governments (such as [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book") in the United States and [Project Condign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Condign "Project Condign") in the [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_of_Great_Britain_and_Ireland "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland")), as well as by organisations and individuals have occurred over the years without confirmation of the fantastical claims of small but vocal groups of [ufologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufologists "Ufologists") who favour unconventional or [pseudoscientific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience") hypotheses, often claiming that UFOs are evidence of [extraterrestrial intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial hypothesis"), [technologically advanced cryptids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptoterrestrial_hypothesis "Cryptoterrestrial hypothesis"), [interdimensional contact](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdimensional_UFO_hypothesis "Interdimensional UFO hypothesis") or [future time travelers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-traveller_UFO_hypothesis "Time-traveller UFO hypothesis").
After decades of promotion of such ideas by believers and in popular media, [the kind of evidence required to solidly support such claims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagan_standard "Sagan standard") has not been forthcoming. Scientists and skeptic organizations such as the [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry") have provided prosaic explanations for UFOs, namely that they are caused by natural phenomena, human technology, delusions, and hoaxes. Although certain beliefs surrounding UFOs have inspired parts of [new religions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion"), social scientists have identified the ongoing interest and storytelling surrounding UFOs as a modern example of folklore and mythology understandable with [psychosocial explanations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosocial_UFO_hypothesis "Psychosocial UFO hypothesis").
The problems of temporarily or permanently non-knowable anomalous phenomenon or perceived objects in flight is part of the philosophical subject [epistemology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology "Epistemology").[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-5)[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-6) The U.S. government has two entities dedicated to UFO data collection and analysis: [NASA's UAP independent study team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA%27s_UAP_independent_study_team "NASA's UAP independent study team") and the [Department of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Secretary_of_Defense "Office of the Secretary of Defense") [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office").
## Terminology
During the late 1940s and through the 1950s, UFOs were often called "[flying saucers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer")" or "flying discs" based on reporting of the [Kenneth Arnold incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold_UFO_sighting "Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting").[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-7) "Unidentified flying object" (UFO) has been in-use since 1947.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-MW-2023-8) The acronym "UFO" was coined by Captain [Edward J. Ruppelt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Ruppelt "Edward J. Ruppelt") for the USAF. He wrote, "Obviously the term 'flying saucer' is misleading when applied to objects of every conceivable shape and performance. For this reason the military prefers the more general, if less colorful, name: unidentified flying objects. UFO".[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-9)
The term UFO became widespread during the 1950s, at first in technical literature, but later in popular use.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20170424-10)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AMZ-20170324-11) "Unidentified aerial phenomenon" (UAP) first appeared in the late 1960s. UAP has seen increasing usage in the 21st century due to negative cultural associations with "UFO".[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-MW-2023-8) UAP is sometimes expanded as "unidentified anomalous phenomenon".[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Hanks2022-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Furfaro2022-13) While technically a *UFO* refers to any unidentified flying object, in modern popular culture the term UFO has generally become synonymous with [alien spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_UFO_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis").[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-14) The term "extra-terrestrial vehicle" (ETV) is sometimes used to separate this explanation of UFOs from totally earthbound explanations.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-15)
## Identification
Main article: [Identification studies of UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fata_Morgana_Example.jpg)
A [Fata Morgana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_\(mirage\) "Fata Morgana (mirage)"), a type of mirage in which objects located *below* the astronomical [horizon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon "Horizon") appear to be hovering in the sky just above the horizon, may be responsible for some UFO sightings.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Official_UFO_Investigations_in_France:_the_GEPAN/SEPRA_Project-16)
Studies show that after careful investigation, the majority of UFOs can be identified as ordinary objects or phenomena. The [1952–1955 study](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book_Special_Report_No._14 "Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14") for the USAF used the following categories: "Balloon; Astronomical; Aircraft; Light phenomenon; Birds, Clouds, dust, etc.; Insufficient information; Psychological manifestations; Unknown; and Other".[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-17) Identified sources of UFO reports are:
- Aircraft (including [military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_aircraft "Military aircraft"), [civilian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_aviation "Civil aviation"), and [experimental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimental_aircraft "Experimental aircraft") aircraft as well as such peculiarities as [aerial advertising](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_advertising "Aerial advertising"), [missile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile "Missile") and other [rocket launches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_launch "Rocket launch"), [artificial satellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite "Satellite"), the [International Space Station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station "International Space Station"), re-entering [spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft "Spacecraft") including [space debris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_debris "Space debris"), [kites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite "Kite"), and various [unmanned aerial vehicles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle "Unmanned aerial vehicle") often popularly termed "drones")[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Starwalk-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)
- Astronomical objects ([bright stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_brightest_stars "List of brightest stars"), [bolides](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolide "Bolide"), [bright planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_planet "Classical planet"), and the [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon "Moon"))[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Blackrock-2024-21)
- Balloons ([surveillance balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Mogul "Project Mogul"), [toy balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon#Decoration_or_entertainment "Balloon"), [weather balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_balloon "Weather balloon"), large [research balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_balloon "Research balloon"), and [sky lanterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lantern "Sky lantern"))[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Starwalk-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-22)
- Hoaxes[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-23)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-24)
- Light phenomena ([mirages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage "Mirage"), [Fata Morgana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_\(mirage\) "Fata Morgana (mirage)"), [sundogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundog "Sundog"), [ball lightning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_lightning "Ball lightning"), [moon dogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_dog "Moon dog"), [satellite flares](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_flare "Satellite flare"), [lens flare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_flare "Lens flare"), [searchlights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Searchlight "Searchlight") and other ground lights, etc.)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-25)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Blackrock-2024-21)
- Other atmospheric objects and phenomena (birds, [unusual clouds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud "Lenticular cloud"), [flares](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flare "Flare"), [plasma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_\(physics\)#Complex_plasma_phenomena "Plasma (physics)"))[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)
- Psychological effects ([pareidolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia "Pareidolia"), [suggestibility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suggestibility "Suggestibility") and [false memories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_memory "False memory"), [mass psychogenic disorders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_psychogenic_illness "Mass psychogenic illness"), [optical illusions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_illusion "Optical illusion"), and [hallucinations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination "Hallucination"))[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-26)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SpaceX_Falcon_9_Launch_from_Vandenberg,_CA_-_October_7_2018_-_45131925812.jpg)
[Twilight phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_phenomenon "Twilight phenomenon") from a [Falcon 9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_9 "Falcon 9") rocket launch
An individual 1979 study by CUFOS researcher [Allan Hendry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hendry "Allan Hendry") found, as did other investigations, that fewer than one percent of cases he investigated were hoaxes and most sightings were actually honest misidentifications of prosaic phenomena. Hendry attributed most of these to inexperience or misperception.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-27) Astronomer [Andrew Fraknoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fraknoi "Andrew Fraknoi") rejected the hypothesis that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and responded to the "onslaught of credulous coverage" in books, films and entertainment by teaching his students to apply critical thinking to such claims, advising them that "being a good scientist is not unlike being a good detective". According to Fraknoi, UFO reports "might at first seem mysterious", but "the more you investigate, the more likely you are to find that there is LESS to these stories than meets the eye".[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Fraknoi-28)
## History
### Early history before the 20th century
| | |
|---|---|
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People have always observed the sky and have sometimes seen what, to some, appeared to be unusual sights including phenomena as varied as [comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet "Comet"), bright [meteors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteors "Meteors"), one or more of the [five planets that can be readily seen with the naked eye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_planet "Classical planet"), [planetary conjunctions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjunction_\(astronomy\) "Conjunction (astronomy)"), and atmospheric [optical phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_phenomenon "Optical phenomenon") such as [parhelia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog "Sun dog") and [lenticular clouds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud "Lenticular cloud").\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] One particularly famous example is [Halley's Comet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halley%27s_Comet "Halley's Comet"): first recorded by Chinese astronomers in 240 BC and possibly as early as 467 BC as a strange and unknown "guest light" in the sky.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-29)
As a bright comet that visits the inner solar system every 76 years, it was often identified as a unique isolated event in ancient historical documents whose authors were unaware that it was a repeating phenomenon.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Such accounts in history often were treated as [supernatural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural "Supernatural") portents, [angels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel "Angel"), or other religious [omens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omen "Omen").\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] While UFO enthusiasts have sometimes commented on the narrative similarities between certain religious symbols in medieval paintings and UFO reports,[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-30) the canonical and symbolic character of such images is documented by art historians placing more conventional religious interpretations on such images.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-31) Some examples of pre-contemporary reports about unusual aerial phenomena include:
- [Julius Obsequens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Obsequens "Julius Obsequens") was a [Roman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome "Ancient Rome") writer who is believed to have lived in the middle of the fourth century AD. The only work associated with his name is the *Liber de prodigiis* (Book of Prodigies), completely extracted from an epitome, or abridgment, written by [Livy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livy "Livy"); *De prodigiis* was constructed as an account of the wonders and portents that occurred in [Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome "Rome") between 249 and 12 BCE. An aspect of Obsequens' work that has inspired excitement in some UFO enthusiasts is that he makes reference to things moving through the sky. The descriptions provided bear resemblance to observations of [meteor showers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_showers "Meteor showers"). Obsequens was also writing some 400 years after the events he described, thus the text is not an eyewitness account. No corroboration with those amazing sights of old with contemporary observations was mentioned in that work.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-32)[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-33)
- [Shen Kuo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shen_Kuo "Shen Kuo") (1031–1095), a [Song Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Dynasty "Song Dynasty") government [scholar-official](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholar-bureaucrat "Scholar-bureaucrat") and prolific polymath inventor, wrote a vivid passage in his *[Dream Pool Essays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Pool_Essays "Dream Pool Essays")* (1088) about an unidentified flying object. He recorded the testimony of eyewitnesses in 11th-century [Anhui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhui "Anhui") and [Jiangsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiangsu "Jiangsu") (especially in the city of [Yangzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangzhou "Yangzhou")), who stated that a flying object with opening doors would shine a blinding light from its interior (from an object shaped like a pearl) that would cast shadows from trees for ten [miles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_\(unit\) "Li (unit)") in radius, and was able to take off at tremendous speeds.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-34)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Basilea1566.jpg)
The celestial phenomenon over Basel in 1566.
- A woodcut by Hans Glaser that appeared in a broadsheet in 1561 has been featured in popular culture as the ["celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1561_celestial_phenomenon_over_Nuremberg "1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg") and connected to various [ancient astronaut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_astronaut "Ancient astronaut") claims.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Vallee-35) Skeptic and debunker [Jason Colavito](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Colavito "Jason Colavito") argues that the woodcut is "a secondhand depiction of a particularly gaudy sundog", a known [atmospheric optical phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog "Sun dog").[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Colavito-121212-36) A similar report comes from [1566 over Basel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1566_celestial_phenomenon_over_Basel "1566 celestial phenomenon over Basel") and, indeed, in the 15th and 16th centuries, many leaflets wrote of "miracles" and "sky spectacles" which bear resemblance to natural phenomena which were only more fully characterized after the scientific revolution.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-37)
- On January 25, 1878, the *[Denison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denison,_Texas "Denison, Texas") Daily News* printed an article in which John Martin, a local farmer, had reported seeing a large, dark, circular object resembling a balloon flying "at wonderful speed". Martin, according to the newspaper account, said it appeared to be about the size of a saucer from his perspective, one of the first uses of the word "saucer" in association with a UFO. At the time, [ballooning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon_\(aeronautics\) "Balloon (aeronautics)") was becoming an increasingly popular and sophisticated endeavor, and the first controlled-flights of such devices were occurring around that time.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-38)
UFO-like alleged sightings before the 20th century
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Himmelserscheinung_%C3%BCber_N%C3%BCrnberg_vom_14._April_1561.jpg)
[1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1561_celestial_phenomenon_over_Nuremberg "1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg") as printed in an illustrated news notice.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mystery_airship_SFCall_Nov_22_1896.jpg)
November 22, 1896 illustration of a "[mystery airship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship "Mystery airship")" published in *[The San Francisco Call](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_San_Francisco_Call "The San Francisco Call")*
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mystery_airship_SFCall_Nov_29_1896.jpg)
November 29, 1896 illustration of another "[mystery airship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship "Mystery airship")" published in *[The San Francisco Call](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_San_Francisco_Call "The San Francisco Call")*
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mystery_airship_The_Saint_Paul_Globe_\(Minn\)_April_13_1897.jpg)
"[Mystery airship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship "Mystery airship")" illustrated in *[The St. Paul Globe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_St._Paul_Globe "The St. Paul Globe")*, April 13, 1897
- From November 1896 to April 1897, United States newspapers carried numerous reports of "[mystery airships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship "Mystery airship")" that are reminiscent of modern UFO waves.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTECohen19811-39) Scores of people even reported talking to the pilots. Some people feared that [Thomas Edison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison "Thomas Edison") had created an artificial star that could fly around the country. On April 16, 1897, a letter was found that purported to be an enciphered communication between an airship operator and Edison.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTECohen198186-40) When asked his opinion of such reports, Edison said, "You can take it from me that it is a pure fake."[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTEKeel199629%E2%80%9331-41) The coverage of Edison's denial marked the end of major newspaper coverage of the airships in this period.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTECohen198188-42)
### 20th century
See also: [Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation_of_UFO_reports_by_the_United_States_government "Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government") and [UFO conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_conspiracy_theories "UFO conspiracy theories")
In the Pacific and European theatres during [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II"), round, glowing fireballs known as "[foo fighters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foo_fighter "Foo fighter")" were reported by Allied and Axis pilots. Some explanations for these sightings included [St. Elmo's fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Elmo%27s_fire "St. Elmo's fire"), the planet [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus "Venus"), [hallucinations from oxygen deprivation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphyxia "Asphyxia"), and German secret weapons (specifically [rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-2_rocket "V-2 rocket")).[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-43) In 1946, more than 2,000 reports were collected, primarily by the Swedish military, of unidentified aerial objects over the Scandinavian nations, along with isolated reports from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. The objects were referred to as "Russian hail" (and later as "[ghost rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_rockets "Ghost rockets")") because it was thought the mysterious objects were possibly Russian tests of captured German [V1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-1_flying_bomb "V-1 flying bomb") or [V2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-2_rocket "V-2 rocket") [rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket "Rocket"), but most were identified as natural phenomena as meteors.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-44)
Science fiction depictions of spacecraft similar to [flying saucers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer") before the first widely-reported UFO sighting in 1947
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_War_of_the_Worlds_by_Henrique_Alvim_Corr%C3%AAa,_original_graphic_05.jpg)
Illustration from 1903 by [Henrique Alvim Corrêa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrique_Alvim_Corr%C3%AAa "Henrique Alvim Corrêa") showing the first Martian emerging from a cylinder that had fallen from the sky for an edition of *[The War of the Worlds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_of_the_Worlds "The War of the Worlds")* by H. G. Wells.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Le-chevalier-illusion-no-839-conrad.jpg)
Cover of French pulp magazine *Le Chevalier Illusion* from December 29, 1912 portraying a flying machine spreading a toxic gas among the passengers and crew of a ship below
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ModernElectrics1912-02.jpg)
A "space flyer" depicted on the February 1912 cover of *[Modern Electrics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Electrics "Modern Electrics")* as an illustration for the science fiction story *[Ralph 124C 41+](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_124C_41%2B "Ralph 124C 41+")* by [Hugo Gernsback](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Gernsback "Hugo Gernsback")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Science_and_Invention_Feb_1922_pg912_-_War_of_the_Future.jpg)
Illustration by [Frank R. Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_R._Paul "Frank R. Paul") from February 1922 in *Science and Invention* showing [Nikola Tesla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla "Nikola Tesla")'s vision of warfare in the future with sea and air craft "controlled and directed" by radio waves
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%BCnchhausen_Lands_On_Mars_by_Hugo_Gernsback_in_Amazing_Stories_April_1928_page_39.jpg)
Illustration for a story by [Hugo Gernsback](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Gernsback "Hugo Gernsback") in pulp [science fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction "Science fiction") magazine *Amazing Stories* from April 1928 (originally published on 1915 with similar illustrations in *[The Electrical Experimenter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Electrical_Experimenter "The Electrical Experimenter")*)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Science_Wonder_Stories_Nov_1929_-_flying_saucer.jpg)
Depiction of a [flying saucer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer") by illustrator [Frank R. Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_R._Paul "Frank R. Paul") on the October 1929 issue of [Hugo Gernsback](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Gernsback "Hugo Gernsback")'s pulp [science fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction "Science fiction") magazine *[Science Wonder Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_Wonder_Stories "Science Wonder Stories")*
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazing_stories_quarterly_1930win.jpg)
Cover of *[Amazing Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Stories "Amazing Stories")* winter 1930 issue depicting a disc-shaped spacecraft
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazing_Stories_August_1946_back_cover.png)
Back cover of *[Amazing Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Stories "Amazing Stories")* illustrated by [Frank R. Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_R._Paul "Frank R. Paul") in August 1946 featuring many disc-shaped spacecraft (published about a year before the flying disc wave of 1947)
Many scholars, especially those arguing for the [psychosocial UFO hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosocial_UFO_hypothesis#Science_fiction_aspects_of_the_UFO_mythos "Psychosocial UFO hypothesis"), have noted that UFO characteristics reported after the first widely publicized modern sighting by [Kenneth Arnold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold "Kenneth Arnold") in 1947 resembled a host of science fiction tropes from earlier in the century.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-45)[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-46)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-47)[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-48)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-49)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-50)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-51) By most accounts, the [popular UFO craze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_flying_disc_craze "1947 flying disc craze") in the US began with a media frenzy surrounding the reports on June 24, 1947, of a civilian pilot named [Kenneth Arnold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold "Kenneth Arnold") who described seeing "a group of bat-like aircraft flying in formation at high speeds" near [Mount Rainier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier "Mount Rainier") that he said were "moving like a saucer would if skipped across water" which led to headlines about "flying saucers" and "flying discs".[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-52)[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-54)[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-55) Only weeks after Arnold's story was reported in 1947, [Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup,_Inc. "Gallup, Inc.") published a poll asking people in the United States what the "flying saucers" might be. Already, 90% had heard of the new term. However, as reported by historian Greg Eghanian, "a majority either had no idea what they could be or thought that witnesses were mistaken" while "visitors from space were not initially among the options that anyone had in mind, and Gallup didn't even mention if anyone surveyed brought up aliens.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian2017-56)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian5August2021-57)
Within weeks, reports of flying saucer sightings became a daily occurrence[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-58) with one particularly famous example being the [Roswell incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident "Roswell incident") in 1947 where remnants of a downed [observation balloon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observation_balloon "Observation balloon") were recovered by a farmer and confiscated by military personnel.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-59) UFO enthusiasts in the early 1950s started to organize local "saucer clubs" modeled after [science fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction "Science fiction") [fan clubs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_club "Fan club") of the 1930s and 1940s, with some growing to national and international prominence within a decade.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) In 1950, three influential books were published—[Donald Keyhoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Keyhoe "Donald Keyhoe")'s *[The Flying Saucers Are Real](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real "The Flying Saucers Are Real")*, [Frank Scully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Scully "Frank Scully")'s *Behind the Flying Saucers*, and [Gerald Heard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Heard "Gerald Heard")'s *The Riddle of the Flying Saucers*. Each guilelessly proposed that the [extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_UFO_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis") was the correct explanation and that the visits were in response to detonations of [atomic weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon "Nuclear weapon"). These books also introduced Americans to, as Eghanian puts it, "the crusading [whistleblower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblower "Whistleblower") dedicated to breaking the silence over the alien origins of unidentified flying objects".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Interview_with_C._G._Jung_in_K%C3%BCsnacht_\(Carl_Gustav_Jung\),_Swiss_psychiatrist,_depth_psychologist_4_\(cropped\).tif)
Jung in 1955
Media accounts and speculation ran rampant in the U.S., especially in connection to the [1952 UFO scare in Washington, D.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_Washington,_D.C.,_UFO_incident "1952 Washington, D.C., UFO incident") so that, by 1953, the intelligence officials ([Robertson Panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Panel "Robertson Panel")) worried that "genuine incursions" by enemy aircraft "over U.S. territory could be lost in a maelstrom of kooky hallucination" of UFO reports.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Lewis-Kraus-30-4-21-60) A Trendex survey in August 1957, ten years after the Arnold incident, reported that over 25% of the U.S. public "believed unidentified flying objects could be from outer space".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) The cultural phenomenon showed up within some intellectual works such as the 1959 publication of *Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky* by [Carl Jung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung "Carl Jung"), a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded [analytical psychology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analytical_psychology "Analytical psychology").[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-61)
Starting in 1947, the U.S. Air Force began to record and investigated UFO reports with [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign") looking into "more than 250 cases" from 1947 to 1949. It was replaced by [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge") up through 1951.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian19December2017-62) In the third U.S. Air Force program, from March 1952 to its termination in December 1969,[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-63) "the U.S. Air Force cataloged 12,618 sightings of UFOs as part of what is now known as [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book")".[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mathis_6_July_2023-64) In the late 1950s, public pressure mounted for a full declassification of all UFO records, but the CIA played a role in refusing to allow this.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-65) This sense was not universal in the CIA, however, as fellow [NICAP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") official [Donald E. Keyhoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_E._Keyhoe "Donald E. Keyhoe") wrote that Vice Admiral [Roscoe Hillenkoetter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roscoe_Hillenkoetter "Roscoe Hillenkoetter"), the first director of the CIA, "wanted public disclosure of UFO evidence".[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-66) Official U.S. Air Force interest in UFO reports went on hiatus in 1969 after a study by the University of Colorado led by Edward U. Condon and known as the [Condon Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Report "Condon Report") concluded "that nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge" and that further time investigating UFO reports "cannot be justified".[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mathis_6_July_2023-64)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keyhoe_-_The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real,_cover.jpg)
Cover of the 1953 book *[The Flying Saucers Are Real](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real "The Flying Saucers Are Real")* by [Donald Keyhoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Keyhoe "Donald Keyhoe")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazing_Stories_October_1957.jpg)
Cover of the pulp science fiction magazine *[Amazing Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Stories "Amazing Stories")* from October 1957
From the 1960s to 1990s, UFOs were part of American popular culture's obsession with the [supernatural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural "Supernatural") and [paranormal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal "Paranormal"). In 1961, the first [alien abduction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_abduction "Alien abduction") account was sensationalized when [Barney and Betty Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_and_Betty_Hill "Barney and Betty Hill") underwent [hypnosis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosis "Hypnosis") after seeing a UFO and reported [recovered memories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recovered-memory_therapy "Recovered-memory therapy") of their experience that became ever more elaborate as the years went by.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-67) In 1966, 5% of Americans reported to Gallup that "they had at some time seen something they thought was a 'flying saucer'", 96% said "they had heard or read about flying saucers", and 46% of these "thought they were 'something real' rather than just people's imagination".[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-68) Responding to UFO enthusiasm, there have always been consistent yet less popular efforts made at [debunking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debunking "Debunking") many of the claims,[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) and at times the media was enlisted including a 1966 TV special, "UFO: Friend, Foe or Fantasy?", in which [Walter Cronkite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Cronkite "Walter Cronkite") "patiently" explained to viewers that UFOs were fantasy.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Lewis-Kraus-30-4-21-60) Cronkite enlisted [Carl Sagan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan "Carl Sagan") and [J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek"), who told Cronkite, "To this time, there is no valid scientific proof that we have been visited by spaceships".[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Kloor1-69)
Such attempts to disenchant the zeitgeist were not very successful at tamping down the mania. [Keith Kloor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Kloor "Keith Kloor") notes that the "allure of flying saucers" remained popular with the public into the 1970s, spurring production of such sci-fi films, as *[Close Encounters of the Third Kind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")* and *[Alien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_\(film\) "Alien (film)")*, which "continued to stoke public fascination". Meanwhile, [Leonard Nimoy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Nimoy "Leonard Nimoy") narrated a popular occult and mystery TV series [*In Search of...*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Search_of..._\(TV_series\) "In Search of... (TV series)") while daytime talk shows of [Mike Douglas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Douglas "Mike Douglas"), [Merv Griffin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merv_Griffin "Merv Griffin"), and [Phil Donahue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Donahue "Phil Donahue") featured interviews with alien abductees and people who credulously reported stories about UFOs .[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) In the 1980s and 1990s, UFO stories featured in such pulp "true crime" serials as *[Unsolved Mysteries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsolved_Mysteries "Unsolved Mysteries")*[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-70) while the 33 Volume [Time-Life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Life "Time Life") series *[Mysteries of the Unknown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysteries_of_the_Unknown "Mysteries of the Unknown")* which featured UFO stories sold some 700,000 copies.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-71) Kloor writes that by the late 1990s, "other big UFO subthemes had been prominently introduced into pop culture, such as the abduction phenomenon and [government conspiracy narrative](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory "Conspiracy theory"), via best-selling books and, of course, *[The X-Files](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_X-Files "The X-Files")*".[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Kloor1-69)
Eghigian notes that, by this point, the UFO problem had become "far more interesting to ponder than to actually solve."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Interest was particularly fevered in the 1990s with the publicity surrounding the television broadcast of an *[Alien autopsy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Autopsy_\(1995_film\) "Alien Autopsy (1995 film)")* video marketed as "real footage" but later admitted to be a staged "re-enactment".[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Time-72) Eghigian writes that "there had always been outlier abduction reports dating back to the '50s and '60s" but that in the 1980s and 1990s "the floodgates opened, and with them a new generation of UFO advocates". Leaders among them were the artist [Budd Hopkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budd_Hopkins "Budd Hopkins"), horror writer [Whitley Strieber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitley_Strieber "Whitley Strieber"), historian [David Jacobs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_M._Jacobs "David M. Jacobs"), and [Harvard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard "Harvard") psychiatrist [John Mack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_E._Mack "John E. Mack"). They all defended the "veracity of those claiming to have been kidnapped, examined, and experimented upon by beings from another world", writes Eghigian, as "new missionaries who simultaneously played the role of investigator, therapist, and advocate to their vulnerable charges".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Eghigian says that Mack "signaled both the culmination and end of the headiest days of alien abduction". When Mack began working with and publishing accounts of abductees—or "experiencers", as he called them—in the early 1990s, he brought a sense of legitimacy to "the study of extraterrestrial captivity". By the late 1990s, however, the Harvard Medical School initiated a review of his position which allowed him to retain tenure. However, after this review, as the review board chairman Arnold Relman later put it, Mack was "not taken seriously by his colleagues anymore". Claims of alien abduction have continued, but no other clinicians would continue to speak of them as real in any sense.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Nonetheless, these ideas persisted in popular opinion. According to a 1996 poll by *[Newsweek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsweek "Newsweek")*, 20% of Americans believed that UFOs were more likely to be proof of alien life than to have a natural scientific explanation.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-73)
### 21st century
In December 2017, a new round of media attention started when the *[New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times "New York Times")* broke the story of the secret [Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Aviation_Threat_Identification_Program "Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program") that was funded from 2007 to 2012 with \$22 million spent on the program.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20171216-74)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20200514-75) Following this story, along with a series of sensationalized [Pentagon UFO videos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos") leaked by members of the program who became convinced that UFOs were genuine mysteries worth investigating, there was an increase in mainstream attention to UFO stories. In July 2021, Harvard astronomer [Avi Loeb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Loeb "Avi Loeb") announced the creation of his [Galileo Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Galileo_Project "The Galileo Project") which intended to use high-tech astronomical equipment to seek evidence of extraterrestrial artifacts in space and possibly within Earth's atmosphere. This was followed closely by the publication of Loeb's book *Extraterrestrial*, in which he argued that the first interstellar comet ever observed, [ʻOumuamua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CA%BBOumuamua "ʻOumuamua"), might be an artificial light sail made by an alien civilization.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Two government sponsored programs, [NASA's UAP independent study team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA%27s_UAP_independent_study_team "NASA's UAP independent study team") and the [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office") were charged in part by Congressional fiat to investigate UFO claims more fully,[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-76)[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-77)[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-78) adopting the new moniker "unexplained aerial phenomenon" (UAP) to avoid associations with past [sensationalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensationalism "Sensationalism").[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-79) On 17 May 2022, members of the [United States House Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Intelligence_Subcommittee_on_Counterterrorism,_Counterintelligence_and_Counterproliferation "United States House Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation") held [congressional hearings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_United_States_Congress_hearings_on_UFOs "2022 United States Congress hearings on UFOs") with top military officials to discuss military reports of UAPs.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-80) It was the first public congressional hearing into UFO sightings in the US in over 50 years. Another Congressional hearing took place on July 26, 2023, featuring the [whistleblower claims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Grusch_UFO_whistleblower_claims "David Grusch UFO whistleblower claims") of former U.S. Air Force (USAF) officer and intelligence official David Grusch.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-81)[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-82)[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-83)
A Harris Poll in 2009 found that 32% of Americans "believe in UFOs".[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-84) A *[National Geographic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Geographic "National Geographic")* study in June 2012 found that 36% of Americans believe UFOs exist and that 10% thought that they had spotted one.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-85) In June 2021 a [Pew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew "Pew") research poll found that 51% in the United States thought that UFOs reported by people in the military were likely to be evidence of intelligent life from beyond the Earth.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-86) In August 2021, [Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup,_Inc. "Gallup, Inc."), with a question not specific to military reports, only found that 41% of adults believed some UFOs involve alien spacecraft from other planets. This Gallup poll showed 44% of men and 38% of women believed this. This average of 41% in 2021 was up from 33% in a 2019 Gallup poll with the same question. Gallup further found that college graduates went in 2019 from being the least likely educational group to believe this to being on par in 2021 with adults who have no college education.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-87) An October 2022 poll by *[YouGov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouGov "YouGov")* only found that 34% of Americans believe that UFOs are likely to involve alien life forms.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-88)
Historian Greg Eghigian wrote in August 2021 that "over the last fifty years, the mutual antagonism between paranormal believers and skeptics has largely framed discussion about unidentified flying objects" and that "it often gets personal" with those taking seriously the prospect that UFOs are extraterrestrial in origin dismissing those who consider UFOs to be worth studying as "narrow-minded, biased, obstinate, and cruel" while the skeptics brushed off "devotees" as "naïve, ignorant, gullible, and downright dangerous". Such "mudslinging over convictions is certainly familiar to historians of religion, a domain of human existence marked by deep divisions over interpretations of belief", and science too has found itself engaged increasing amounts of "boundary work" (which is "asserting and reasserting the borders between legitimate and illegitimate scientific research and ideas, between what may and what may not refer to itself as science") with regard to UFO questions. Eghigian points out our current "stark divide did not happen overnight, and its roots lie in the postwar decades, in a series of events that—with their news coverage, grainy images, celebrity crusaders, exasperated skeptics, unsatisfying military statements, and accusations of a government cover-up—foreshadow our present moment".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)
UFOs have been taken up by religious studies scholars in various scholarly books.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-89)[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-90)[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-91) Jeffrey Kripal, chair of the Department of Religion at [Rice University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_University "Rice University"), has said that "both the material and the mental dimensions \[of UFOs\] are incredibly important to get a sense of the full picture".[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-92) As Adrian Horton writes "from *[The X-Files](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_X-Files "The X-Files")* to *[Men in Black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_in_Black_\(franchise\) "Men in Black (franchise)")*, *[Close Encounters of the Third Kind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")* to *[Star Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars "Star Wars")* to [Marvel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe "Marvel Cinematic Universe"), [Hollywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_the_United_States "Cinema of the United States") has for decades provided an engrossing feedback loop for interest in the extraterrestrial: a reflection of our fears and capaciousness, whose ubiquitous popularity has in turn fueled more interest in UFOs as perennially compelling entertainment tropes not to be taken seriously". Horton observes that these "alien movies have generally reflected shifting cultural anxieties, from the existential terror of nuclear war to foreign enslavement to loss of bodily control". American entertainment has explored both "hostile aliens" as well as the "benevolent, world-expanding encounters" seen in films such as [Steven Spielberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Spielberg "Steven Spielberg")'s *[Close Encounters of the Third Kind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")* and *[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.T._the_Extra-Terrestrial "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial")*.[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-93) In her research on the relationship of media to UFO beliefs, [Diana Walsh Pasulka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Walsh_Pasulka "Diana Walsh Pasulka"), a professor of philosophy and religion at the University of North Carolina, says that what is seen on a screen, "if it conforms to certain criteria, is interpreted as real, even if it is not real and even if one knows it is not real" and that "screen images embed themselves in one's brain and memories" in ways that "can determine how one views one's past and even determine one's future behaviors".[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-94)
## Investigations of reports
UFOs have been subject to investigations over the years that varied widely in scope and scientific rigor. Governments or independent academics in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Peru, France, Belgium, Sweden, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain, and the [Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union "Soviet Union") are known to have investigated UFO reports at various times. No official government investigation has ever publicly concluded that UFOs are indisputably real, physical objects, extraterrestrial in origin, or of concern to national defense.
Among the best known government studies are the ghost rockets investigation by the Swedish military (1946–1947), Project Blue Book, previously [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign") and [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge"), conducted by the USAF from 1947 until 1969, the secret U.S. Army/Air Force [Project Twinkle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs#Project_Twinkle "Green fireballs") investigation into [green fireballs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs "Green fireballs") (1948–1951), the secret USAF Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-95) by the [Battelle Memorial Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battelle_Memorial_Institute "Battelle Memorial Institute"), and the [Brazilian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Air_Force "Brazilian Air Force")'s 1977 *[Operação Prato](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Prato "Operação Prato")* (Operation Saucer). France has had an ongoing investigation (GEPAN/SEPRA/[GEIPAN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN")) within its space agency [Centre national d'études spatiales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNES "CNES") (CNES) since 1977; the [government of Uruguay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Uruguay "Politics of Uruguay") has had a similar investigation since 1989.
### Americas
#### Brazil (1952–2016)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Registro_de_avistamento_de_Objeto_Voador_N%C3%A3o_Identificado_-_OVNI_ocorrido_em_dezembro_de_1977,_na_Bahia.jpg)
A document about a sighting of a UFO that occurred on December 16, 1977, in the state of [Bahia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia "Bahia"), [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil "Brazil")
On October 31, 2008, the [National Archives of Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_National_Archives "Brazilian National Archives") began receiving from the Aeronautical Documentation and History Center part of the documentation of the [Brazilian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Air_Force "Brazilian Air Force") regarding the investigation of the appearance of UFOs in [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil "Brazil"). Currently, this collection gathers cases between 1952 and 2016.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-96)
#### Chile (c. 1968)
In [Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile "Chile") in 1968, the [SEFAA](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SEFAA&action=edit&redlink=1 "SEFAA (page does not exist)") (previously CEFAA) began receiving case reports of the general public, civil aviators and the [Chilean Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilean_Air_Force "Chilean Air Force") regarding the sightings or the appearance of UFOs ([Spanish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language "Spanish language"): [ovnis](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ovni "wikt:ovni")). The initial work was an initiative of Sergio Bravo Flores who led the Chilean Committee for the Study of Unidentified Space Phenomena, supported even by the Chilean Scientific Society. Currently, the organization changed its denomination to SEFAA and its a department of the [DGAC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directorate_General_of_Civil_Aviation_\(Chile\) "Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Chile)")(Chile) which in turn depends on the [Chilean Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilean_Air_Force "Chilean Air Force").[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-97)
#### Canada (c. 1950)
In Canada, the [Department of National Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_National_Defence_\(Canada\) "Department of National Defence (Canada)") has dealt with reports, sightings and investigations of UFOs across Canada. In addition to conducting investigations into [crop circles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circle "Crop circle") in [Duhamel, Alberta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duhamel,_Alberta "Duhamel, Alberta"), it still considers "unsolved" the [Falcon Lake incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_Lake_Incident "Falcon Lake Incident") in Manitoba and the [Shag Harbour UFO incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shag_Harbour_UFO_incident "Shag Harbour UFO incident") in Nova Scotia.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-98) Early Canadian studies included [Project Magnet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Magnet_\(Canada\) "Project Magnet (Canada)") (1950–1954) and [Project Second Storey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Second_Storey "Project Second Storey") (1952–1954), supported by the [Defence Research Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_Research_and_Development_Canada "Defence Research and Development Canada").
#### United States
Main article: [Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation_of_UFO_reports_by_the_United_States_government "Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government")
U.S. investigations into UFOs include:
- [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign"), by the [Air Materiel Command](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Materiel_Command "Air Materiel Command") (AMC) USAF at [Wright Field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_Field "Wright Field"), precursor to Project Grudge, 1948.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 49–50
- [Ghost rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_rockets "Ghost rockets") investigations by the Finnish, Swedish and British militaries, later the US and Greece and Scandanavian wave, 1946–1947.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 45
- [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge"), the successor to Project Sign, USAF from February 1949, succeeded by Project Blue Book, from March 1952.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 48, 53
- Project Twinkle investigation into [green fireballs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs "Green fireballs"), by the U.S. Army/Air Force, briefly, from December 1949.
- The CIA's [Directorate of Science & Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Intelligence_Agency_Directorate_of_Science_%26_Technology "Central Intelligence Agency Directorate of Science & Technology") (DS\&T) review of UFO reports that led to the Robertson Panel, 1952-1953.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 54
- *[The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Report_on_Unidentified_Flying_Objects "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects")*, by Edward Ruppelt, USAF Cpt (rtd.), later director of Project Blue Book, 1956.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 50
- The [Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs#Project_Blue_Book_Special_Report_No._14 "Identification studies of UFOs") statistical study by the [Battelle Memorial Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battelle_Memorial_Institute "Battelle Memorial Institute") for USAF, 1951–1954[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 53, 56
- The [Aerial Phenomena Research Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_Phenomena_Research_Organization "Aerial Phenomena Research Organization") (APRO), a private research group, 1952–1988.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 81
- The [Robertson Panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Panel "Robertson Panel") was a CIA-convened scientific committee chaired by [Howard P. Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_P._Robertson "Howard P. Robertson"), which met in January 1953 to review the Project Blue Book report.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 54
- The [Brookings Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookings_Report "Brookings Report"), *Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs*, in conjunction with NASA's Committee on Long-Range Studies, reported to Congress 1960
- The [Condon Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee"), a [University of Colorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Colorado "University of Colorado") UFO project headed by [Edward U. Condon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_U._Condon "Edward U. Condon") for the USAF, begun in 1966 and completed in 1968.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 63, 66
- The [RAND Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAND_Corporation "RAND Corporation") study, a private and internal study, 1968.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-100)
- The [Mutual UFO Network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_UFO_Network "Mutual UFO Network") (MUFON), a U.S.-based non-profit volunteer private UFO organization to study sightings, formed on May 31, 1969, later volunteered field investigators to support CUFOS.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 84
- The [National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") (NICAP) is a UFO research group most active in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980 and remains as an informational depository on UFO phenomena.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 82
- The [Center for UFO Studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_UFO_Studies "Center for UFO Studies") (CUFOS), a privately funded UFO research group, 1973 and continuing.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 83
- The [Sturrock panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._Sturrock "Peter A. Sturrock"), private investigation arising from the [Society for Scientific Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_Scientific_Exploration "Society for Scientific Exploration"), 1982.
- The [Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Aerospace_Threat_Identification_Program "Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program") which was funded from 2007 to 2012.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20171216-74)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20200514-75)
- The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF), a program within the United States [Office of Naval Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_Naval_Intelligence "Office of Naval Intelligence") which was acknowledged in 2017 and continued until 2021.
- The Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group (AOIMSG), an office within the [Office of the Secretary of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Secretary_of_Defense "Office of the Secretary of Defense") to investigate unidentified objects from 2021-2022.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WP-20211124-101)
- The [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office") (AARO), a current office within the [Office of the Secretary of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Secretary_of_Defense "Office of the Secretary of Defense") created by Congress to investigate UFOs since 2022.
In addition to these, thousands of documents released under [FOIA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_Information_Act_\(United_States\) "Freedom of Information Act (United States)") also indicate that many U.S. intelligence agencies collected (and still collect) information on UFOs. These agencies include the [Defense Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agency "Defense Intelligence Agency") (DIA), [FBI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI "FBI"),[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AP-20130329-102) CIA, [National Security Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Security_Agency "National Security Agency") (NSA), as well as military intelligence agencies of the Army and [U.S. Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy"), in addition to the Air Force.[\[note 1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-103)
##### USAAF and FBI response to the 1947 sightings
| | |
|---|---|
|  | This section **may be [unbalanced](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:DUE "Wikipedia:DUE") towards certain viewpoints**. Please [improve the article](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Unidentified_flying_object&action=edit) or discuss the issue on the [talk page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Unidentified_flying_object "Talk:Unidentified flying object"). *(November 2021)* |
Following the large U.S. surge in sightings in June and early July 1947, on July 9, 1947, [United States Army Air Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Air_Forces "United States Army Air Forces") (USAAF) intelligence, in cooperation with the FBI,[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AP-20130329-102) began a formal investigation into selected sightings with characteristics that could not be immediately rationalized, such as Kenneth Arnold's. The USAAF used "all of its top scientists" to determine whether "such a phenomenon could, in fact, occur". The research was "being conducted with the thought that the flying objects might be a celestial phenomenon," or that "they might be a foreign body mechanically devised and controlled."[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-104) Three weeks later in a preliminary defense estimate, the air force investigation decided that, "This 'flying saucer' situation is not all imaginary or seeing too much in some natural phenomenon. Something is really flying around."[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-105)
A further review by the intelligence and technical divisions of the [Air Materiel Command](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Logistics_Command "Air Force Logistics Command") at [Wright Field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright-Patterson_Air_Force_Base "Wright-Patterson Air Force Base") reached the same conclusion. It reported that "the phenomenon is something real and not visionary or fictitious," and there were disc-shaped objects, metallic in appearance, as big as man-made aircraft. They were characterized by "extreme rates of climb \[and\] maneuverability", general lack of noise, absence of a trail, occasional formation flying, and "evasive" behavior "when sighted or contacted by friendly aircraft and radar", suggesting a controlled craft. It was therefore recommended in late September 1947 that an official Air Force investigation be set up. It was also recommended that other government agencies should assist in the investigation.[\[note 2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-106)
##### Projects Sign (1947–1949), Grudge (1948–1951), and Blue Book (1951–1970)
Main articles: [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign"), [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge"), and [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book")
Project Sign's final report, published in early 1949, stated that while some UFOs appeared to represent actual aircraft, there was not enough data to determine their origin.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Blum1990-107) The Air Force's Project Sign was created at the end of 1947, and was one of the earliest government studies to come to a secret extraterrestrial conclusion. In August 1948, Sign investigators wrote a top-secret intelligence estimate to that effect, but the [Air Force Chief of Staff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_of_Staff_of_the_United_States_Air_Force "Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force") [Hoyt Vandenberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoyt_Vandenberg "Hoyt Vandenberg") ordered it destroyed. The existence of this suppressed report was revealed by several insiders who had read it, such as astronomer and USAF consultant J. Allen Hynek and Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, the first head of the USAF's Project Blue Book.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-108)
Another highly classified U.S. study was conducted by the CIA's Office of Scientific Investigation (OS/I) in the latter half of 1952 in response to orders from the [National Security Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Security_Council "United States National Security Council") (NSC). This study concluded UFOs were real physical objects of potential threat to national security. One OS/I memo to the CIA Director (DCI) in December read that "the reports of incidents convince us that there is something going on that must have immediate attention ... Sightings of unexplained objects at great altitudes and traveling at high speeds in the vicinity of major U.S. defense installations are of such a nature that they are not attributable to natural phenomena or any known types of aerial vehicles."[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto-109)
The matter was considered so urgent that OS/I drafted a memorandum from the DCI to the NSC proposing that the NSC establish an investigation of UFOs as a priority project throughout the intelligence and the defense research and development community. It also urged the DCI to establish an external research project of top-level scientists, now known as the Robertson Panel to analyze the problem of UFOs. The OS/I investigation was called off after the Robertson Panel's negative conclusions in January 1953.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto-109)
Project Sign was dismantled and became Project Grudge at the end of 1948. Angered by the low quality of investigations by Grudge, the Air Force Director of Intelligence reorganized it as Project Blue Book in late 1951, placing Ruppelt in charge. [J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek"), a trained astronomer who served as a scientific advisor for Project Blue Book, was initially skeptical of UFO reports, but eventually came to the conclusion that many of them could not be satisfactorily explained and was highly critical of what he described as "the cavalier disregard by Project Blue Book of the principles of scientific investigation".[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-110) Leaving government work, he founded the privately funded the [Center for UFO Studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_UFO_Studies "Center for UFO Studies") (CUFOS), to whose work he devoted the rest of his life.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 83 Other private groups studying the phenomenon include the [MUFON](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_UFO_Network "Mutual UFO Network"),[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 84 a grassroots organization whose investigator's handbooks go into great detail on the documentation of alleged UFO sightings. MUFON later volunteered field investigators to support work of Hynek and CUFOS.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 83–84
##### USAF Regulation 200-2 (1953–1954)
[Air Force Regulation 200-2](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Air_Force_Regulation_200-2,_Unidentified_Flying_Objects_Reporting "s:Air Force Regulation 200-2, Unidentified Flying Objects Reporting"),[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AFD-070703-004-111) issued in 1953 and 1954, defined an Unidentified Flying Object ("UFOB") as "any airborne object which by performance, aerodynamic characteristics, or unusual features, does not conform to any presently known aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be positively identified as a familiar object." The regulation also said UFOBs were to be investigated as a "possible threat to the security of the United States" and "to determine technical aspects involved." The regulation went on to say that "it is permissible to inform news media representatives on UFOB's when the object is positively identified as a familiar object" but added: "For those objects which are not explainable, only the fact that ATIC \[Air Technical Intelligence Center\] will analyze the data is worthy of release, due to many unknowns involved."[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AFD-070703-004-111)
##### Blue Book and the Condon Committee (1968–1970)
Main article: [Condon Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee")
A public research effort conducted by the Condon Committee for the USAF and published as the Condon Report arrived at a negative conclusion in 1968.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112) Blue Book closed down in 1970, using the Condon Committee's negative conclusion as a rationale, thus ending official Air Force UFO investigations. However, a 1969 USAF document, known as the Bolender memo, along with later government documents, revealed that non-public [U.S. government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_government_of_the_United_States "Federal government of the United States") UFO investigations continued after 1970. The Bolender memo first stated that "reports of unidentified flying objects that could affect national security ... are not part of the Blue Book system", indicating that more serious UFO incidents already were handled outside the public Blue Book investigation. The memo then added, "reports of UFOs which could affect national security would continue to be handled through the standard Air Force procedures designed for this purpose."[\[note 3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-113)
In the late 1960s, a chapter on UFOs in the Space Sciences course at the [U.S. Air Force Academy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Academy "United States Air Force Academy") gave serious consideration to possible extraterrestrial origins. When word of the curriculum became public, in 1970, the Air Force issued a statement to the effect that the book was outdated and cadets instead were being informed of the [Condon Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee")'s negative conclusion.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-114) Controversy surrounded the report, both before and after its release. It has been observed that the report was "harshly criticized by numerous scientists, particularly at the powerful AIAA ... \[which\] recommended moderate, but continuous scientific work on UFOs."[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112) In an address to the [AAAS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Academy_of_Arts_and_Sciences "American Academy of Arts and Sciences"), [James E. McDonald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_E._McDonald "James E. McDonald") said he believed science had failed to mount adequate studies of the problem and criticized the Condon Report and earlier studies by the USAF as scientifically deficient. He also questioned the basis for Condon's conclusions[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-default-115) and argued that the reports of UFOs have been "laughed out of scientific court".[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-McDonald-116) J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer who worked as a USAF consultant from 1948, sharply criticized the Condon Committee Report and later wrote two nontechnical books that set forth the case for continuing to investigate UFO reports. Ruppelt recounted his experiences with Project Blue Book, a USAF investigation that preceded Condon's.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-117)
##### FOIA release of documents in 1978
According to a 1979 [New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times "New York Times") report, "records from the C.I.A., the F.B.I. and other Federal agencies" ("about 900 documents—nearly 900 pages of memos, reports and correspondence") obtained in 1978 through the Freedom of Information Act request, indicate that "despite official pronouncements for decades that U.F.O.'s were nothing more than misidentified aerial objects and as such were no cause for alarm ... the phenomenon has aroused much serious behind‐the‐scenes concern" in the US government. In particular, officials were concerned over the "approximately 10%" of UFO sightings which remained unexplained, and whether they might be Soviet aircraft and a threat to national security.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Huyghe-1979-NYT-118) Officials were concerned about the "risk of false alerts", of "falsely identifying the real as phantom", and of mass hysteria caused by sightings. In 1947, Brigadier General George F. Schulgen of Army Air Corps Intelligence, warned "the first reported sightings might have been by individuals of Communist sympathies with the view to causing hysteria and fear of a secret Russian weapon."[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Huyghe-1979-NYT-118)
##### White House statement of November 2011
In November 2011, the [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House") released an official response to two petitions asking the U.S. government to acknowledge formally that aliens have visited this planet and to disclose any intentional withholding of government interactions with extraterrestrial beings. According to the response:
> The U.S. government has no evidence that any life exists outside our planet, or that an extraterrestrial presence has contacted or engaged any member of the human race...no credible information to suggest that any evidence is being hidden from the public's eye....
— Statement by the White House[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WhiteHouse-119)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Atkinson-120)
The response further noted that efforts, like [SETI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_for_extraterrestrial_intelligence "Search for extraterrestrial intelligence") and NASA's *[Kepler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler_\(spacecraft\) "Kepler (spacecraft)")* space telescope and [Mars Science Laboratory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Science_Laboratory "Mars Science Laboratory"), continue looking for [signs of life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life "Life"). The response noted "odds are pretty high" that there may be life on other planets but "the odds of us making contact with any of them—especially any [intelligent ones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_intelligence "Extraterrestrial intelligence")—are extremely small, given the distances involved."[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WhiteHouse-119)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Atkinson-120)
##### ODNI report 2021
On June 25, 2021, the [Office of the Director of National Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Director_of_National_Intelligence "Office of the Director of National Intelligence") released a report on UAPs.[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-121) The report found that the UAPTF was unable to identify 143 objects spotted between 2004 and 2021. The report said that 18 of these featured unusual movement patterns or flight characteristics, adding that more analysis was needed to determine if those sightings represented "breakthrough" technology. The report said that "some of these steps are resource-intensive and would require additional investment."[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-dni_Preliminary_Assessment-122) The report did not link the sightings to extraterrestrial life.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-APmerchant-123)[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-124)
##### Ongoing investigations
Amid ongoing drone and UFO incursions over US military installations, Congress directed continued reporting in the [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_2026 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026"), including retroactive and ongoing disclosure of UFO intercepts by [NORAD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD "NORAD") and [NORTHCOM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Northern_Command "United States Northern Command").[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-125)[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-126)
#### Uruguay (c. 1989)
The [Uruguayan Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Air_Force "Uruguayan Air Force") has conducted UFO investigations since 1989 and reportedly analyzed 2,100 cases of which they regard approximately 2% as lacking explanation.[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-127)
### Europe
#### Finland (1967–1971)
Main article: [UFOs of Pudasjärvi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFOs_of_Pudasj%C3%A4rvi "UFOs of Pudasjärvi")
See also: [Finnish Air Force UFO sighting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Air_Force_UFO_sighting "Finnish Air Force UFO sighting")
Many people reported [UFO sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFOs_of_Pudasj%C3%A4rvi "UFOs of Pudasjärvi") in and around the [Pudasjärvi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudasj%C3%A4rvi "Pudasjärvi") area in the [North Ostrobothnia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Ostrobothnia "North Ostrobothnia") region in the late 1960s and early 1970s.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-lax-128)[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-129)[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-130) UFO researchers and the press only became interested in UFOs in the area after a sighting in September 1969, after which UFO researchers from other parts of Finland and Sweden visited the area.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-lax-128) An [earthquake light](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_light "Earthquake light") has been proposed as an explanation for the Pudasjärvi phenomena.[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-131)
#### France (1977–2008)
In March 2007, the French space agency [CNES](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNES "CNES") published an archive of UFO sightings and other phenomena online.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-geipan-132) French studies include GEPAN/SEPRA/[GEIPAN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN") within CNES (French space agency), the longest ongoing government-sponsored investigation. About 22% of the 6,000 cases studied remain unexplained.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-GEIPAN_statistics_summary-133) The official opinion of GEPAN/SEPRA/GEIPAN has been neutral, stating on their [FAQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAQ "FAQ") page that their mission is fact-finding for the scientific community, not rendering an opinion. They add they can neither prove nor disprove the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), but their Steering Committee's clear position is that they cannot discard the possibility that some fraction of the very strange 22% of unexplained cases might be due to distant and advanced civilizations.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-134)
Possibly their bias may be indicated by their use of the terms "PAN" (French) or "UAP" (English equivalent) for "Unidentified *Aerospace* Phenomenon" (whereas "UAP" is normally used by English organizations stands for "Unidentified *Aerial* Phenomenon", a more neutral term). In addition, the three heads of the studies have gone on record in stating that UFOs were real physical flying machines beyond our knowledge or that the best explanation for the most inexplicable cases was an extraterrestrial one.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-135)[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-136)[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-137) In 2007, the CNES's own report stated that, at that time, 28% of sightings remained unidentified.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-138)
In 2008, Michel Scheller, president of the [Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_A%C3%A9ronautique_et_Astronautique_de_France "Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France") (3AF), created the Sigma Commission. Its purpose was to investigate UFO phenomena worldwide.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-139) A progress report published in May 2010 stated that the central hypothesis proposed by the [COMETA report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMETA_report "COMETA report") is perfectly credible.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-140) In December 2012, the final report of the Sigma Commission was submitted to Scheller. Following the submission of the final report, the Sigma2 Commission is to be formed with a mandate to continue the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-141)[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-142)
#### Italy (1933–2005)
Alleged UFO sightings gradually increased since the war, peaking in 1978 and 2005. The total number of sightings since 1947 are 18,500, of which 90% are identifiable.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-143)
#### United Kingdom (1951–2009)
| | |
|---|---|
|  | This section needs to be **updated**. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. *(December 2020)* |
The UK's [Flying Saucer Working Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Saucer_Working_Party "Flying Saucer Working Party") published its final report in June 1951, which remained secret for over fifty years. The Working Party concluded that all UFO sightings could be explained as misidentifications of ordinary objects or phenomena, optical illusions, psychological misperceptions/aberrations, or hoaxes. The report stated: "We accordingly recommend very strongly that no further investigation of reported mysterious aerial phenomena be undertaken, unless and until some material evidence becomes available."[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FSWP-144)
Eight file collections on UFO sightings, dating from 1978 to 1987, were first released on May 14, 2008, to [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)") by the [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_\(United_Kingdom\) "Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)") (MoD).[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-nationalarchivesUFO-145) Although kept secret from the public for many years, most of the files have low levels of classification and none are classified Top Secret. 200 files are set to be made public by 2012. The files are correspondence from the public sent to the British government and officials, such as the MoD and [Margaret Thatcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Thatcher "Margaret Thatcher"). The MoD released the files under the [Freedom of Information Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_information_in_the_United_Kingdom "Freedom of information in the United Kingdom") due to requests from researchers.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-146) These files include, but are not limited to, UFOs over [Liverpool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool "Liverpool") and [Waterloo Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Bridge "Waterloo Bridge") in London.[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-147) On October 20, 2008, more UFO files were released. One case released detailed that in 1991 an Alitalia passenger aircraft was approaching [London Heathrow Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Heathrow_Airport "London Heathrow Airport") when the pilots saw what they described as a "[cruise missile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_missile "Cruise missile")" fly extremely close to the cockpit. The pilots believed a collision was imminent. UFO expert David Clarke says this is one of the most convincing cases for a UFO he has come across.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-148)
A secret study of UFOs was undertaken for the Ministry of Defence between 1996 and 2000 and was code-named Project Condign. The resulting report, titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the UK Defence Region", was publicly released in 2006, but the identity and credentials of whoever constituted Project Condign remains classified. The report confirmed earlier findings that the main causes of UFO sightings are misidentification of man-made and natural objects. The report noted: "No artefacts of unknown or unexplained origin have been reported or handed to the UK authorities, despite thousands of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena reports. There are no [SIGINT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signals_intelligence "Signals intelligence"), [ELINT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signals_intelligence "Signals intelligence") or radiation measurements and little useful video or still [IMINT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagery_intelligence "Imagery intelligence")."[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto1-149) It concluded: "There is no evidence that any UAP, seen in the UKADR \[UK Air Defence Region\], are incursions by air-objects of any intelligent (extraterrestrial or foreign) origin, or that they represent any hostile intent." A little-discussed conclusion of the report was that novel meteorological plasma phenomenon akin to [ball lightning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_lightning "Ball lightning") are responsible for "the majority, if not all" of otherwise inexplicable sightings, especially reports of [black triangle UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_triangle_\(UFO\) "Black triangle (UFO)").[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto1-149)
On December 1, 2009, the Ministry of Defence quietly closed down its UFO investigations unit. The unit's hotline and email address were suspended by the MoD on that date. The MoD said there was no value in continuing to receive and investigate sightings in a release, stating that "in over fifty years, no UFO report has revealed any evidence of a potential threat to the United Kingdom. The MoD has no specific capability for identifying the nature of such sightings. There is no Defence benefit in such investigation and it would be an inappropriate use of defence resources. Furthermore, responding to reported UFO sightings diverts MoD resources from tasks that are relevant to Defence." *[The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian")* reported that the MoD claimed the closure would save the Ministry around £50,000 a year. The MoD said it would continue to release UFO files to the public through The National Archives.[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-150) UFO reports, Parliamentary questions, and letters from members of the public were released on August 5, 2010, to the UK National Archives. "In one letter included in the files, a man alleges Churchill ordered a coverup of a WWII-era UFO encounter involving the Royal Air Force".[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-CBS1-151)[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-nationalarchivesUFO-145) Reports of UFO sightings continue. According to *[The Independent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent "The Independent"),* there were 957 reported UFO sightings across the UK between January 2021 and May 2023, with [Manchester](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester "Manchester"), [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London "London"), [Liverpool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool "Liverpool"), and [Glasgow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow "Glasgow") being hotspots.[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-152)
## Studies
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Allen_Hynek_Jacques_Vallee_1.jpg)
[J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek") (left) and [Jacques Vallée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée")
UFOs have become a prevalent theme in modern culture,[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Revelations-153) and the social phenomena have been the subject of academic research in sociology and psychology.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ufosociology-154) Critics argue that all UFO evidence is anecdotal,[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Demon_Haunted-155) and can be explained as prosaic natural phenomena. Defenders of UFO research counter that knowledge of observational data, other than what is reported in the popular media, is limited in the scientific community and further study is needed.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Revelations-153)[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FSS-156) Studies have established that the majority of UFO observations are misidentified conventional objects or natural phenomena—most commonly aircraft, balloons including [sky lanterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lantern "Sky lantern"), satellites, and astronomical objects such as [meteors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteors "Meteors"), bright stars and planets. A small percentage are [hoaxes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoax "Hoax").[\[note 4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-157)
Fewer than 10% of reported sightings remain unexplained after proper investigation and therefore can be classified as unidentified in the strictest sense. According to [Steven Novella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Novella "Steven Novella"), proponents of the [extraterrestrial hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial hypothesis") (ETH) suggest these unexplained reports are of alien spacecraft, however the [null hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_hypothesis "Null hypothesis") cannot be excluded; that these reports are simply other more prosaic phenomena that cannot be identified due to lack of complete information or due to the necessary subjectivity of the reports. Novella says that instead of accepting the null hypothesis, UFO enthusiasts tend to engage in [special pleading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_pleading "Special pleading") by offering outlandish, untested explanations for the validity of the ETH, which violate [Occam's razor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor "Occam's razor").[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-158)
### Scientific
Main article: [Ufology § Research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufology#Research "Ufology")
Historically, ufology has not been considered credible in mainstream science.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ufosociology-154) The [scientific community](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_community "Scientific community") has generally deemed that UFO sightings are not worthy of serious investigation except as a cultural artifact.[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-159)[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-McDonald-116)[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112)[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-McCarthy-160)[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sturrock/Stanford-161)[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Menzel-162)[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-163) Studies of UFOs rarely appear in mainstream scientific literature. When asked, some scientists and scientific organizations have pointed to the end of official governmental studies in the U.S. in December 1969, following the statement by the government scientist [Edward Condon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Condon "Edward Condon") that further study of UFOs could not be justified on grounds of scientific advancement.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112)[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-164) On 14 September 2023, NASA reported the appointment, for the first time, of a [NASA Director of UAP Research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Director_of_UAP_Research "NASA Director of UAP Research") (known earlier as U.F.O.), identified as [Mark McInerney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McInerney "Mark McInerney"), to scientifically, and transparently, study such occurrences.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20230914-165)
#### Status as a pseudoscience
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e_by_Christopher_Michel_12112024_4.jpg)
Jacques Vallée
This section is an excerpt from [Ufology § Status as a pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufology#Status_as_a_pseudoscience "Ufology").\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ufology&action=edit)\]
Despite investigations sponsored by governments and private entities, ufology is not embraced by academia as a scientific field of study, and is instead generally considered a [pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience") by [skeptics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptical_movement "Skeptical movement") and [science educators](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_education "Science education"),[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_ufos-166) being often included on [lists of topics characterized as pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_topics_characterized_as_pseudoscience "List of topics characterized as pseudoscience") as either a partial[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-167) or total[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-168)[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_:12-169) pseudoscience.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_Shermer2002-170)[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_saf-171)[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_astropacific-172)[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_iowa-173)[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_UFO_NSF-174) *[Pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience")* is a term that classifies arguments that are claimed to exemplify the methods and principles of science, but do not adhere to an appropriate [scientific method](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method "Scientific method"), lack supporting evidence, plausibility, [falsifiability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsifiability "Falsifiability"), or otherwise lack scientific status.[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-175)
Some writers have identified social factors that contribute to the status of ufology as a pseudoscience,[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-176)[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-10.1177/0963662515617706-177)[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-178) with one study suggesting that "any science doubt surrounding unidentified flying objects and aliens was not primarily due to the ignorance of ufologists about science, but rather a product of the respective research practices of and relations between ufology, the sciences, and government investigative bodies".[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-10.1177/0963662515617706-177) One study suggests that "the rudimentary standard of [science communication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_communication "Science communication") attending to the extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) hypothesis for UFOs inhibits public understanding of science, dissuades academic inquiry within the physical and social sciences, and undermines progressive space policy initiatives".[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-179)
[Jacques Vallée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée"), a scientist and ufologist, claimed there were deficiencies in most UFO research, including government studies. He criticized the mythology and cultism often associated with UFO sightings, but despite the challenges, Vallée contended that several hundred professional scientists—a group both he and Hynek termed "the invisible college"—continued to study UFOs quietly on their own time.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Revelations-153)
#### Studies
This section is an excerpt from [Ufology § Current interest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufology#Current_interest "Ufology").\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ufology&action=edit)\]
In 2021, astronomer [Avi Loeb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Loeb "Avi Loeb") launched [The Galileo Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Galileo_Project "The Galileo Project"),[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_SA-20210919-180) which intends to collect and report scientific evidence of extraterrestrials or extraterrestrial technology on or near Earth via telescopic observations.[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-181)[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-182)[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-183)[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-184) In Germany, the [University of Würzburg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_W%C3%BCrzburg "University of Würzburg") is developing intelligent sensors that can help detect and analyze aerial objects in hopes of applying such technology to UAP.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-185)[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-186)[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_AAPC22-187)[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_978-1-5275-7925-5-188) A 2021 [Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup_\(company\) "Gallup (company)") poll found that belief among Americans in some UFOs being extraterrestrial spacecraft grew between 2019 and 2021 from 33% to 41%. Gallup cited increased coverage in mainstream news and scrutiny from government authorities as a factor in changing attitudes towards UFOs.[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-189)
In 2022, NASA announced a nine-month study starting in the fall to help establish a road map for investigating UAP—or for reconnaissance of the publicly available data it might use for such research.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-190)[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-191)[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-192) In 2023, the RAND Corporation published a study reviewing 101,151 public reports of UAP sightings in the United States from 1998 to 2022.[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-193) The models used to conduct the analysis showed that reports of UAP sightings were less likely within 30 km of weather stations, 60 km of civilian airports, and in more–densely populated areas, while rural areas tended to have a higher rate of UAP reports. The most consistent and statistically significant finding was that reports of UAP sightings were more likely to occur within 30 km of military operations areas, where routine military training occurs.
#### Sturrock panel categorization
Besides anecdotal visual sightings, reports sometimes include claims of other kinds of evidence, including cases studied by the military and various government agencies of different countries (such as Project Blue Book, the Condon Committee, the French [GEPAN/SEPRA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN"), and Uruguay's current Air Force study). A comprehensive scientific review of cases where physical evidence was available was carried out by the 1998 Sturrock panel, with specific examples of many of the categories listed below.
- Radar contact and tracking, sometimes from multiple sites. These have included military personnel and control tower operators, simultaneous visual sightings, and aircraft intercepts. One such example was the [mass sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave "Belgian UFO wave") of large, silent, low-flying black triangles in 1989 and 1990 over Belgium, tracked by [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO "NATO") radar and jet interceptors, and investigated by Belgium's military (included photographic evidence). Another famous case from 1986 was the [Japan Air Lines flight 1628 incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Air_Lines_flight_1628_incident "Japan Air Lines flight 1628 incident") over [Alaska](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska "Alaska") investigated by the [Federal Aviation Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration "Federal Aviation Administration") (FAA).
- Photographic evidence, including still photos, movie film, and video.
- Claims of physical trace of landing UFOs, including ground impressions, burned or desiccated soil, burned and broken foliage, magnetic anomalies,\[*[specify](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources "Wikipedia:Citing sources")*\] increased radiation levels, and metallic traces (e. g. Height 611 UFO incident or the 1964 [Lonnie Zamora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonnie_Zamora_incident "Lonnie Zamora incident")'s [Socorro, New Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socorro,_New_Mexico "Socorro, New Mexico") encounter of the USAF Project Blue Book cases). A well-known example from December 1980 was the USAF Rendlesham Forest incident in England. Another occurred in January 1981 in Trans-en-Provence and was investigated by GEPAN, then France's official government UFO-investigation agency. Project Blue Book head Edward J. Ruppelt described a classic 1952 CE2 case involving a patch of charred grass roots.
- Physiological effects on people and animals including temporary paralysis, skin burns and rashes, [corneal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornea "Cornea") burns, and symptoms superficially resembling [radiation poisoning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_radiation_syndrome "Acute radiation syndrome"), such as the [Cash-Landrum incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cash-Landrum_incident "Cash-Landrum incident") in 1980.
- Animal/[cattle mutilation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_mutilation "Cattle mutilation") cases, which some feel are also part of the UFO phenomenon.
- Biological effects on plants such as increased or decreased growth, germination effects on seeds, and blown-out stem nodes (usually associated with physical trace cases or [crop circles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circle "Crop circle"))
- [Electromagnetic interference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_interference "Electromagnetic interference") (EM) effects. A famous [1976 military case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_Tehran_UFO_incident "1976 Tehran UFO incident") over [Tehran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehran "Tehran"), recorded in CIA and DIA classified documents, was associated with communication losses in multiple aircraft and weapons system failure in an [F-4 Phantom II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phantom_II "McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II") jet interceptor as it was about to fire a missile on one of the UFOs.[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-194)
- Apparent remote radiation detection, some noted in FBI and CIA documents occurring over government nuclear installations at [Los Alamos National Laboratory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Alamos_National_Laboratory "Los Alamos National Laboratory") and [Oak Ridge National Laboratory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak_Ridge_National_Laboratory "Oak Ridge National Laboratory") in 1950, also reported by Project Blue Book director Edward J. Ruppelt in his book.
- Claimed artifacts of UFOs themselves, such as 1957, [Ubatuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubatuba "Ubatuba"), Brazil, [magnesium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium "Magnesium") fragments analyzed by the [Brazilian government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_government_of_Brazil "Federal government of Brazil") and in the Condon Report and by others. The 1964 Lonnie Zamora incident also left metal traces, analyzed by NASA.[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-195)[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-196) A more recent example involves a teardrop-shaped object recovered by Bob White and was featured in a television episode of *[UFO Hunters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_Hunters "UFO Hunters")*[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-197) but was later found to be accumulated waste metal residue from a grinding machine.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-198)
- [Angel hair and angel grass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_hair_\(folklore\) "Angel hair (folklore)"), possibly explained in some cases as nests from [ballooning spiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballooning_\(spider\) "Ballooning (spider)") or [chaff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaff_\(radar_countermeasure\) "Chaff (radar countermeasure)").[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-199)
#### Scientific skepticism
A [scientifically skeptical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientifically_skeptical "Scientifically skeptical") group that has for many years offered critical analyses of UFO claims is the [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry") (CSI). One example is the response to local beliefs that "extraterrestrial beings" in UFOs were responsible for crop circles appearing in Indonesia, which the government and the [National Institute of Aeronautics and Space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Aeronautics_and_Space "National Institute of Aeronautics and Space") (LAPAN) described as "man-made". Thomas Djamaluddin, research professor of astronomy and astrophysics at LAPAN stated: "We have come to agree that this 'thing' cannot be scientifically proven. Scientists have put UFOs in the category of [pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience")."[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Krismantari-200)
### Governmental
See also: [Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation_of_UFO_reports_by_the_United_States_government "Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CIA_annotated_drawing_-_dark_grey_solid_looking_UFO.webp)
UFO drawing, authenticity unknown, attribution and date unspecified. One of hundreds of files resulting from US President [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton "Bill Clinton")'s 1995 order to the [CIA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIA "CIA") to declassify all documents with "historical value" that were at least 25 years old.
UFOs have been the subject of investigations by various governments that have provided extensive records related to the subject. Many of the most involved government-sponsored investigations ended after agencies concluded that there was no benefit to continued investigation.[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-201)[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-202) These same negative conclusions also have been found in studies that were highly classified for many years, such as the UK's [Flying Saucer Working Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Saucer_Working_Party "Flying Saucer Working Party"), [Project Condign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Condign "Project Condign"), the U.S. CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel, the U.S. military investigation into the green fireballs from 1948 to 1951, and the Battelle Memorial Institute study for the USAF from 1952 to 1955 (Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14). Some public government reports have acknowledged the possibility of the physical reality of UFOs, but have stopped short of proposing extraterrestrial origins, though not dismissing the possibility entirely. Examples are the Belgian military investigation into [large triangles over their airspace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave "Belgian UFO wave") in 1989–1991 and the 2009 [Uruguayan Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Air_Force "Uruguayan Air Force") study conclusion.
#### Claims by military, government, and aviation personnel
In the 21st century, UFO claims by military, government, and aviation figures have included both firsthand accounts and official statements about unidentified aerial phenomena. Later reporting and assessments by the Navy, the Pentagon, and U.S. intelligence agencies gave the issue greater public and institutional visibility.
##### 2000-2019
In a 2007 CNN commentary, former [Arizona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona "Arizona") governor [Fife Symington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fife_Symington "Fife Symington") wrote that during the 1997 [Phoenix Lights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Lights "Phoenix Lights") incident, he had seen "a massive, delta-shaped craft silently navigate over [Piestewa Peak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piestewa_Peak "Piestewa Peak") (formerly called Squaw Peak), a mountain range in [Phoenix, Arizona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix,_Arizona "Phoenix, Arizona")".[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-CNN_Symington_2007-203) In *The Way of the Explorer* (2008), [Apollo 14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_14 "Apollo 14") astronaut [Edgar Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Mitchell "Edgar Mitchell") wrote that he had met "credible professionals within two governments" who had testified to firsthand "close encounters", and that this left him with no doubt that aliens had visited Earth.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mitchell_Way_of_the_Explorer_1996-204): 212
In April 2019, a Navy spokesperson said the service had received "a number of reports" of unauthorized and/or unidentified aircraft entering military-controlled ranges in recent years and that it was "updating and formalizing" its reporting process.[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ABC_Navy_reporting_2019-205) In May 2019, *The New York Times* reported that Navy pilots flying training missions off the eastern seaboard had repeatedly encountered unidentified objects between the summer of 2014 and March 2015.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20190526-206) The [Pentagon officially released these videos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos") on April 27, 2020.[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-DoD_historical_Navy_videos_2020-207) A 2021 assessment by the [Office of the Director of National Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Director_of_National_Intelligence "Office of the Director of National Intelligence") later said that no standardized reporting mechanism had existed until the Navy established one in March 2019, and that 80 of the 144 reports reviewed involved observation with multiple sensors.[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ODNI_PA_UAP_2021-208): 3–4
The *Times* published a cockpit instrument video that appeared to show an object moving at high speed near the ocean surface as it appeared to rotate, and objects that appeared capable of high acceleration, deceleration and maneuverability. In two separate incidents, a pilot reported his cockpit instruments locked onto and tracked objects but he was unable to see them through his helmet camera. In another encounter, flight instruments recorded an image described as a sphere encasing a cube between two jets as they flew about 100 feet apart.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20190526-206) The [United States Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy") has said there have been "a number of reports of unauthorized and/or unidentified aircraft entering various military-controlled ranges and designated air space in recent years".[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-CNN-209)
According to former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ryan Graves, UAPs spotted by US Navy crew aboard the USS *Nimitz*, the USS *Princeton*, and other carriers in 2014 prompted flight safety concerns by some Navy pilots.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-PopMech2-210)[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-211) Graves, described as "one of the most vocal advocates for [UAP transparency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_disclosure "UFO disclosure")", said the appearance of UFOs was frequent near aircraft carriers.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-PopMech2-210) In 2019, a US Navy spokesperson, Joseph Gradisher stated, "For safety and security concerns, the Navy and the \[US Air Force\] takes these reports very seriously and investigates each and every report", and because of the sightings, the "Navy is updating and formalising the process" of reporting,[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-212)[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-213) with the reporting process updated by 2020 [\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-214)
##### 2020-present
In May 2021, military pilots recalled their related encounters, along with camera and radar support, including one pilot's account noting that such incidents occurred "every day for at least a couple of years", according to an interview broadcast on the news program, *[60 Minutes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60_Minutes "60 Minutes")* (May 16, 2021).[\[211\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WP-20210517-215)[\[212\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-216) Science writer and skeptic [Mick West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_West "Mick West") suggested the image was the result of an optical effect called a [bokeh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh "Bokeh") which can make out of focus light sources appear triangular or pyramidal due to the shape of the aperture of some lenses.[\[213\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-217)[\[214\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-newyorker-218) In August, 2022, an article by West provided his detailed analysis of the video.[\[215\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-219)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625\(1\).pdf)
The 2021 [Pentagon UFO Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_Report "Pentagon UFO Report")
On June 25, 2021, U.S. Defense and [intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Intelligence_Community "United States Intelligence Community") officials released the nine pages [Pentagon UFO Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_Report "Pentagon UFO Report") (Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) on what they know about a series of unidentified flying objects that have been seen by American military pilots in the skies between 2004 and 2021.[\[216\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-220)[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:1-221) It observed that "UAP probably lack a single explanation", but identified airborne clutter and foreign adversary systems as among possible objects that "clearly pose a safety of flight issue and may pose a challenge to U.S. national security".[\[218\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:2-222)[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:3-223)[\[220\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-224)[\[221\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-225) The report also mentioned dangers associated with "an increasingly cluttered air domain".[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:3-223) The issue of safety with commercial airlines has also been raised.[\[222\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-226)[\[223\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-227) The report does not mentions extraterrestrials, but concludes that the objects found by the US military appear to be real in the majority of the 144 occurrences documented.[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:1-221)
"Most of the UAP reported probably do represent physical objects given that a majority of UAP were registered across multiple sensors, to include radar, infrared, electro-optical, weapon seekers, and visual observation", according to the report.[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:1-221) The report also stated that "UAP probably lack a single explanation", and proposed five possible categories of explanation: airborne clutter, natural atmospheric phenomena, US government or industry development technology, foreign craft, and an "Other" category.[\[224\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-dni-228) Commenting on the document, [NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA "NASA") Administrator [Bill Nelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Nelson "Bill Nelson") said that he did not think we are alone, but the UFO sightings by pilots "may not be extraterrestrial."[\[225\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-229)
In December 2021, further official governmental investigations into UAPs and related, along with annual unclassified reports presented to Congress, have been authorized and funded.[\[226\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-LAT-20211216-230) Some have raised concerns about the new investigations.[\[227\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NBC-20220108-231) U.S. President [Joe Biden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Biden "Joe Biden") in 2023 signed the [Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_Anomalous_Phenomena_Disclosure_Act "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act") into law as part of the [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_2024 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024") on December 14, 2023.[\[228\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mizokami_Popular_Mechanics_UAPDA_2023-12-14-232) The 64-page amendment defined and codified 22 technical definitions related to UFOs and non-human intelligence under the law.[\[229\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Vincent_UAPDA_Defense_Scoop_2023-07-25-233)
#### Conspiracy theories
See also: [Brookings Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookings_Report "Brookings Report"), [Men in black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_in_black "Men in black"), and [UFO conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_conspiracy_theories "UFO conspiracy theories")
UFOs are a recurring subject of conspiracy theories in which governments are alleged to conceal evidence of alien visitors[\[230\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Lipinska_et_al_2025_UFO_CT-234)[\[231\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-EBSCO_UFO_Evidence_and_Censorship-235) and, in some variants, to collaborate with them.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Robertson_2016_UFOs_CTNA-236): 6, 15–17 These narratives have taken multiple forms and often overlap with other conspiracy traditions.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Robertson_2016_UFOs_CTNA-236): 7, 15 Such views have been expressed by prominent officials, legislators, scholars, journalists, and military personnel.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Yingling_et_al_2024_UAP_academia-237): 2 In June and July 2023, former intelligence official [David Grusch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Grusch_UFO_whistleblower_claims "David Grusch UFO whistleblower claims") claimed that the U.S. government had been running a "multi-decade" UAP crash-retrieval and reverse-engineering program and possessed craft of "non-human" origin.[\[234\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Gabbat_UFOs_2023-06-06-238)[\[235\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Merchant_UFOs_2023-239) In media interviews, Grusch also claimed that the U.S. possessed a "bell-like craft" recovered by [Benito Mussolini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benito_Mussolini "Benito Mussolini")'s government in northern [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Italy "UFO sightings in Italy") in 1933 at [Magenta, Lombardy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magenta,_Lombardy "Magenta, Lombardy").[\[236\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Gabbatt_UFOs_2023-07-23-240)
At a November 13, 2024, joint [House Oversight Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Oversight_Committee "House Oversight Committee") hearing on UAPs, Rep. [Nancy Mace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Mace "Nancy Mace") entered into the [Congressional Record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Record "Congressional Record") a 12-page document describing an alleged unacknowledged [Special Access Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Access_Program "Special Access Program") (USAP) named "[Immaculate Constellation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schriever_wargame#Immaculate_Constellation "Schriever wargame")", where the U.S. government is claimed to operate extralegal programs to conceal information from Congress, including related to the existence of extraterrestrial life and technology.[\[237\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Oversight_IC_transcript-241)[\[238\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_IC_doc-242)[\[239\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-2024_HOSC_UAP_hearing_notice-243) In April and May 2025, [Jeremy Corbell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Corbell "Jeremy Corbell") and [George Knapp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Knapp_\(television_journalist\) "George Knapp (television journalist)") released a multi-part *WEAPONIZED* interview series presenting Matthew Brown as the report's previously anonymous author, a characterization later noted by *[Jezebel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezebel_\(website\) "Jezebel (website)")*.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weaponized_74-244)[\[241\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weaponized_76-245)[\[242\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weindling_Jezebel_2025-246)
#### Disclosure advocates
Main article: [Disclosure movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclosure_movement "Disclosure movement")
In May 2001, the [Disclosure Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclosure_Project "Disclosure Project") held a press conference at the [National Press Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Press_Club_\(United_States\) "National Press Club (United States)") in [Washington, D.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C. "Washington, D.C."), featuring more than twenty witnesses, most of them former military personnel, as part of a campaign urging Congress to hold hearings on UFOs and extraterrestrials.[\[243\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-247) [ABC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC_News_\(United_States\) "ABC News (United States)") reported the witnesses stated they had seen evidence of aliens or UFOs and called for congressional hearings, while Disclosure Project founder [Steven M. Greer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_M._Greer "Steven M. Greer") said some 400 witnesses were willing to testify before Congress.[\[244\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-248) In 2002, the [Oregon *Daily Emerald*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Emerald "Daily Emerald") reported that Greer had compiled more than 120 hours of testimony from government officials, later reduced to 18 hours, including accounts from Brigadier General Stephen Lovekin and astronaut [Gordon Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Cooper "Gordon Cooper").[\[245\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-249)
By March 2007, [Disclose.tv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclose.tv "Disclose.tv") existed as a forum devoted to UFOs, paranormal topics, and conspiracy theories, and its name invoked the UFO-community idea of "disclosure".[\[246\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Thomas_Disclose.tv-250)
On September 27, 2010, former U.S. Air Force personnel held a press conference at the [National Press Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Press_Club "National Press Club") in Washington, D.C., where they alleged that UFOs had interfered with nuclear missiles at U.S. bases.[\[247\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-251) From April 29 to May 3, 2013, the Paradigm Research Group held the *Citizen Hearing on Disclosure* at the National Press Club, paying six former members of Congress about \$20,000 each, plus expenses, to hear roughly 30 hours of testimony from researchers and military, agency, and political witnesses.[\[248\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-252)[\[249\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-253)[\[250\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-254)
### Religious
Main article: [UFO religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion")
Scholars of religion have identified a number of [UFO religions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion"), including the [Aetherius Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aetherius_Society "Aetherius Society"), [Heaven's Gate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_\(religious_group\) "Heaven's Gate (religious group)"), [Unarius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unarius_Academy_of_Science "Unarius Academy of Science"), and the [Raëlian Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%ABlian_movement "Raëlian movement").[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sinani_UFO_Religions_2010-255): 119 Many forms of UFO religiosity have been traced by scholars to occult, spiritualist, and [Theosophical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy "Theosophy") currents.[\[252\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sinani_Religious_Character_2010-256): 121 [\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Partridge_Alien_Demonology_2004-257) Within [American evangelical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism_in_the_United_States "Evangelicalism in the United States") and conservative evangelical ufology, UFOs have often been interpreted as [demonic entities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classification_of_demons "Classification of demons") or spiritual deceptions masquerading as extraterrestrials.[\[254\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Laycock_Alien_Deception_2021-258)[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Crace_Televangelists_2022-259) Scholars have linked these [demonological](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonological "Demonological") readings to [apocalyptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypticism "Apocalypticism") and [Jeremiad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiad "Jeremiad") traditions within [Evangelicalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism "Evangelicalism") culture and the reuse of older [Christian mythology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_mythology "Christian mythology") and [symbols](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_symbolism "Christian symbolism") in modern UFO belief.[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Crace_Televangelists_2022-259)[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Partridge_Alien_Demonology_2004-257)
### Ufology
Main article: [Ufology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufology "Ufology")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Close_up_of_light_in_sky,_Sri_Lanka.jpg)
A photograph of an unusual atmospheric occurrence observed over Sri Lanka, forwarded to the UK [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_\(United_Kingdom\) "Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)") by RAF Fylingdales, 2004
*Ufology* is a [neologism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neologism "Neologism") describing the study of UFO reports and associated evidence.[\[256\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Raimer_UFO_1999-260): 54 In a 2011 interview, aviation researcher Richard Haines said that he and his colleagues at the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP) preferred the term "unidentified aerial phenomena" (UAP) for "a wide range of atmospheric phenomena and effects" that might have differing explanations.[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Spiegel_UFO_2011-08-26-261) Limited institutional or scientific study has given rise to independent researchers and [UFO organizations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO_organizations "List of UFO organizations") such as APRO, NICAP, CUFOS, and MUFON from the mid-20th century onward.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 80–84
## In popular culture
Main article: [UFOs in fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFOs_in_fiction "UFOs in fiction")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tenjo_Estatua_UFO.JPG)
A UFO monument in [Tenjo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenjo "Tenjo"), [Colombia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia "Colombia").
UFOs have constituted a widespread international [cultural phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_phenomenon "Cultural phenomenon") since the 1950s.[\[258\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Oliver_Eghigian_2025-262)[\[259\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Impey_UFO_Belief_2024-263): 333–334 [Gallup Polls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup_\(company\) "Gallup (company)") rank UFOs near the top of lists for subjects of widespread recognition. In 1973, a survey found that 95 percent of the public reported having heard of UFOs, whereas only 92 percent had heard of [U.S. President](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States "President of the United States") [Gerald Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Ford "Gerald Ford") in a 1977 poll taken just nine months after he left the White House.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-264) A 1996 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of Americans believed the U.S. government knew more about UFOs than it was telling the public.[\[261\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Gallup_UFO_2019-265) A 2002 [Roper Poll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmo_Roper "Elmo Roper") for the [Sci-Fi Channel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syfy "Syfy") found similar results, as 48 percent thought aliens had visited the Earth; 56 percent thought UFOs were real craft; and 70 percent felt the government was not sharing everything it knew about UFOs or extraterrestrial life.[\[262\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Roper_UFO_2002-266): 4, 5
Flying-saucer imagery also entered science fiction and other popular culture.[\[263\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Britannica_UFO-267)[\[264\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Smithsonian_Saucer_Icon-268) Examples include the *[C57D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-57D "C-57D")* in *[Forbidden Planet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_Planet "Forbidden Planet")* (1956), the saucer-shaped the *[Jupiter 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_2 "Jupiter 2")* in *[Lost in Space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Space "Lost in Space")*, and the saucer section of the [USS *Enterprise*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Enterprise "Starship Enterprise") in *[Star Trek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek "Star Trek")*.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weitekamp_2019-269)[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-TV_Guide_LIS-270)[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Smithsonian_Enterprise-271) UFOs and [extraterrestrials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrials "Extraterrestrials") have been featured [in many movies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_featuring_extraterrestrials "List of films featuring extraterrestrials").[\[268\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Meehan_UFO_Cinema_1998-272): 1 [\[269\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Rieber_Kelly_Alien_Movies_2013-273): 32 The intense secrecy surrounding the Nevada base known as [Area 51](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51 "Area 51") has made it a frequent subject of conspiracy theories and a longstanding part of UFO popular culture.[\[270\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Nichols_Area_51_2023-274)[\[271\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sheeter_Merlin_Area_51_2024-275) In July 2019, more than a million people marked themselves as going and nearly a million more as interested in a satirical Facebook event proposing to storm Area 51.[\[272\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Griffin_UFO_2019-07-16-276) Two music festivals in rural Nevada, "AlienStock" and "Storm Area 51 Basecamp", were subsequently organized to capitalize on the popularity of the original Facebook event.[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Richwine_UFO_2019-09-20-277) 150 people showed up to the Area 51 entrance and attendance at the festivals was 1,500.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Baynes_UFO_2019-09-21-278)
## See also
- [Unidentified submerged object](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_submerged_object "Unidentified submerged object")
## Notes
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-103)**
Many of these documents are now online at the FOIA websites of these agencies such as the
["FBI FOIA site"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080524114748/http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/ufo.htm). Archived from [the original](https://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/ufo.htm) on May 24, 2008.
, as well as private websites such as [The Black Vault](http://www.theblackvault.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110902090822/http://www.theblackvault.com/) September 2, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), which has an archive of several thousand U.S. government UFO-related documents from the USAF, Army, CIA, DIA, DOD, and NSA.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-106)** The so-called [Twining memo of September 23, 1947](http://www.majesticdocuments.com/pdf/twiningopinionamc_23sept47.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090226081323/http://www.majesticdocuments.com/pdf/twiningopinionamc_23sept47.pdf) February 26, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), by future USAF Chief of Staff, General [Nathan Twining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Farragut_Twining "Nathan Farragut Twining"), specifically recommended intelligence cooperation with the Army, Navy, [Atomic Energy Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Atomic_Energy_Commission "United States Atomic Energy Commission"), the Defense Department's Joint Research and Development Board, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, [National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Advisory_Committee_for_Aeronautics "National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics") (NACA), Project [RAND](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAND "RAND"), and the [Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_aircraft "Nuclear aircraft") (NEPA) project.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-113)** For example, current USAF general reporting procedures are in [Air Force Instruction (AFI)10-206](http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufos/AFI10-206.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080618065117/http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufos/AFI10-206.pdf) June 18, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Section 5.7.3 (p. 64) lists sightings of "unidentified flying objects" and "aircraft of unconventional design" as separate categories from potentially hostile but conventional, unidentified aircraft, missiles, surface vessels, or submarines. Additionally, "unidentified objects" detected by missile warning systems, creating a potential risk of nuclear war, are covered by Rule 5E (p.35).
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-157)** For example, the USAF's [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs") concluded that less than 2% of reported UFOs were "psychological" or hoaxes; [Allan Hendry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hendry "Allan Hendry")'s study for CUFOS had less than 1%.
## References
 This article incorporates [public domain material](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_status_of_works_by_the_federal_government_of_the_United_States "Copyright status of works by the federal government of the United States") from websites or documents of the [United States government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_government "United States government").
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-1)**
[*What is the origin of the term 'UFO'?*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6YhHVZRhNg). *Oxford Languages*. Oxford University Press. July 2, 2015 – via YouTube.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-ODNI_2-0)**
["Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. Preliminary Intelligence Assessment"](https://www.intelligence.gov/publics-daily-brief/public-s-daily-brief-articles/1077-unidentified-aerial-phenomena-preliminary-intelligence-assessment). *www.intelligence.gov*. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-3)**
["UAP FAQs – NASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Study Frequently Asked Questions"](https://science.nasa.gov/uap/faqs/). *[NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA "NASA")*. October 21, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-4)**
["50 U.S. Code § 3373 – Establishment of All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/3373). *[law.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Law_School "Cornell Law School")[cornell.edu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell.edu "Cornell.edu")*. LII / [Legal Information Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_Information_Institute "Legal Information Institute"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240520125549/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/3373) from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-5)**
Kuenzle, Dominique (2017). ["Towards a New Epistemology 1.2 Second development: Naturalising Epistemology Stroud's objection"](https://books.google.com/books?id=w34oDwAAQBAJ&dq=ufo+epistemology&pg=PA22). Written at [University of Zurich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Zurich "University of Zurich"). [*Refurbishing Epistemology A Meta-Epistemological Framework*](https://books.google.com/books?id=w34oDwAAQBAJ).
Epistemic Studies Philosophy of Science, Cognition and Mind
. Berlin, Boston: [De Gruyter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Gruyter "De Gruyter") (published June 26, 2017). p. 22. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-3-11-052545-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-11-052545-8 "Special:BookSources/978-3-11-052545-8")
. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [2512-5168](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2512-5168). Retrieved March 18, 2025 – via [Google Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Books "Google Books").
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-6)**
Robertson, David G. (2016). ["Introduction: Aquarian conspiracies"](https://books.google.com/books?id=450yEAAAQBAJ). Written at [Open University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_University "Open University"). [*UFOs, Conspiracy Theories and the New Age Millennial Conspiracism*](https://books.google.com/books?id=450yEAAAQBAJ).
BLOOMSBURY ADVANCES IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
(1 ed.).
LONDON OXFORD NEW YORK NEW DELHI SYDNEY
: [Bloomsbury Academic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomsbury_Academic "Bloomsbury Academic"). p. 9. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-350-04498-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04498-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04498-2")
. Retrieved March 18, 2025 – via [Google Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Books "Google Books").
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-7)**
["Home \> Visit \> Museum Exhibits \> Fact Sheets \> Display Avro Canada VZ-9AV Avrocar"](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195801/avro-canada-vz-9av-avrocar/). *www.nationalmuseum.af.mil [United States Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force")*. October 9, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210518072042/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/article/195801/avro-canada-vz-9av-avrocar/) from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-MW-2023_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-MW-2023_8-1)
["Words We're Watching: What does 'UAP' mean?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230417203105/https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-were-watching-uap). *Merriam-Webster*. Archived from [the original](https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-were-watching-uap) on April 17, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-9)** [Ruppelt 1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Ruppelt), Chapter 1: ["Project Blue Book and the UFO Story"](http://www.nicap.org/rufo/rufo-01.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130927014715/http://www.nicap.org/rufo/rufo-01.htm) September 27, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-NYT-20170424_10-0)**
Blumenthal, Ralph (April 24, 2017). ["People Are Seeing U.F.O.s Everywhere, and This Book Proves It"](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/science/ufo-sightings-book.html). *[New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times "New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201125031952/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/science/ufo-sightings-book.html) from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AMZ-20170324_11-0)**
Costa, Cheryl; Costa, Linda Miller (2017). *UFO Sightings Desk Reference: United States of America 2001–2015*. Dragon Lady Media, LLC. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-5442-1923-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-5442-1923-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-5442-1923-3")
.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Hanks2022_12-0)**
Micah Hanks (July 21, 2022). ["The Pentagon Just Revealed the New Name of Its UAP Investigative Office"](https://thedebrief.org/the-pentagon-just-revealed-the-new-name-of-its-uap-investigative-office/). The Debrief. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220724094335/https://thedebrief.org/the-pentagon-just-revealed-the-new-name-of-its-uap-investigative-office/) from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Furfaro2022_13-0)**
Emily Furfaro (October 21, 2022). ["NASA Announces Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Study Team Members"](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-study-team-members). NASA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221223015354/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-study-team-members/) from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022. "Editor's Note: This article was updated on December 22, 2022 to reflect an expanded terminology for 'UAP,' going from unidentified aerial phenomena to unidentified anomalous phenomena."
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-14)** Armando Simón "The Zeitgeist of the UFO Phenomenon". [Haines ed. 1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Haines_1979)
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-15)**
Giere, Ronald N.; Bickle, John; Mauldin, Robert F. (2006), *Understanding Scientific Reasoning* (5th ed.), [Wadsworth Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cengage_Learning "Cengage Learning"), p. 99, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-15-506326-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-15-506326-X "Special:BookSources/0-15-506326-X")
, [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2005922853](https://lccn.loc.gov/2005922853), [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [61369793](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/61369793)
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Official_UFO_Investigations_in_France:_the_GEPAN/SEPRA_Project_16-0)** [Sturrock, et al. 1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Sturrock,_et_al._1998), Appendix 4: "Electromagnetic-Wave Ducting" by V. R. Eshleman
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-17)**
[Project Blue Book Special Report 14: Analysis of Reports of Unidentified Aerial Objects](https://www.academia.edu/49680297) (Report). United States Air Force. May 5, 1955. p. 10.
[Archive.](https://www.si.edu/object/siris_sil_97883)
18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-4)
Ezzy, Pearson (June 3, 2024). ["16 things commonly mistaken for UFOs"](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/things-mistaken-for-ufos). *Sky at Night Magazine*. BBC. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
19. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Starwalk_19-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Starwalk_19-1)
["Relax, It's Not Aliens: Man-Made Objects Mistaken for UFOs"](https://starwalk.space/en/infographics/ufo-sightings-real-objects). *Star Walk*. February 12, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
20. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-4)
Carey, Bjorn; Melina, Remy (November 10, 2010). ["7 Things Most Often Mistaken for UFOs"](https://www.livescience.com/32849-7-ways-to-generate-a-great-space-hoax.html). *Live Science*. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
21. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Blackrock-2024_21-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Blackrock-2024_21-1)
["How To Identify A UFO"](https://www.bco.ie/how-to-identify-a-ufo/). *MTU Blackrock Castle*. August 15, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-22)**
Services, United States Congress House Committee on Armed (1966). [*Unidentified Flying Objects: Hearing, Eighty-ninth Congress, Second Session, April 5, 1966*](https://www.google.be/books/edition/Unidentified_Flying_Objects/5tiKlTbhXvMC?hl=nl&gbpv=1&dq=Balloon-carried+light+effect+-wikipedia&pg=PA5998&printsec=frontcover). U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 5998.
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-23)**
Wright, Aaron (October 31, 2018). ["'The truth is out there': UFO group debunks hoaxes in hopes of finding the real thing"](https://www.kens5.com/article/features/the-truth-is-out-there-ufo-group-debunks-hoaxes-in-hopes-of-finding-the-real-thing/273-610080916). *kens5.com*. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-24)**
["The Great Morris County UFO Hoax"](https://weirdnj.com/stories/unexplained-phenomena/nj-ufo-hoax/). Retrieved September 14, 2024.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-25)**
Hahn, Jason (December 21, 2022). ["Christmas Lights Are Likely Source of Multiple UFO Reports in Wisconsin (But Not Everyone's Convinced)"](https://people.com/human-interest/ufo-sighting-wisconsin-apparently-solved-christmas-lights/). *People*. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-26)**
United States Air Force (1968). [Aid to Identification of Flying Objects](https://www.cnes-geipan.fr/sites/default/files/Aids_to_identification_of_flying_objects_0.pdf) (PDF) (Report). U.S. Government Printing Office.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-27)** [Hendry 1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Hendry)
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Fraknoi_28-0)** [Andrew Fraknoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fraknoi "Andrew Fraknoi"), [*Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to the Future*](http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2010ASPC..431..514F) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210526194646/http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2010ASPC..431..514F%7C%E2%80%98%E2%80%99Science) May 26, 2021, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Proceedings of a conference held September 12–16, 2009 in Millbrae, California. Edited by Jonathan Barnes, Denise A. Smith, Michael G. Gibbs, and James G. Manning., p. 514, August 2010
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-29)**
["March 30, 240 B.C.: Comet Cometh to Cathay"](https://www.wired.com/2011/03/0330ancient-chinese-see-halleys-comet/). Wired. March 30, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210213020656/https://www.wired.com/2011/03/0330ancient-chinese-see-halleys-comet/) from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-30)**
Giordano, Daniela (November 13, 2006). ["Do UFOs Exist in the History of Arts?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120819213933/http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/16589). *American Chronicle*. Ultio, LLC. Archived from [the original](http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/16589) on August 19, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-31)**
Cuoghi, Diego (2004). ["The Art of Imagining UFOs"](http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/archives/vol11n01.html). *[Skeptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptic_\(U.S._magazine\) "Skeptic (U.S. magazine)")*. **11** (1). [The Skeptics Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Skeptics_Society "The Skeptics Society"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121003170149/http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/archives/vol11n01.html) from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-32)** Julio Obsecuente, *Libro de los Prodigios (restituido a su integridad, en beneficio de la Historia, por Conrado Licóstenes)*, ed. Ana Moure Casas (Madrid: Ediciones Clásicas, 1990)
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-33)** Giulio Ossequente, *Il Libro dei prodigi*, ed. Solas Boncompagni (Rome: Edizioni Mediterranee, 1992)
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-34)**
Dong, Paul. (2000). *China's Major Mysteries: Paranormal Phenomena and the Unexplained in the People's Republic*. San Francisco: China Books and Periodicals, Inc.
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Colavito-121212_36-0)**
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39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECohen19811_39-0)** [Cohen 1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFCohen1981), p. 1.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECohen198186_40-0)** [Cohen 1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFCohen1981), p. 86.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKeel199629%E2%80%9331_41-0)** [Keel 1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFKeel1996), pp. 29–31, stating date of April 22, 1897
42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECohen198188_42-0)** [Cohen 1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFCohen1981), p. 88.
43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-43)**
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80. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-80)** 2022 *[Congressional Record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Record "Congressional Record"),* Vol. 168, Page [D545](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/crec/168/D/545) (May 17, 2022)
81. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-81)**
Merchant, Nomaan (July 26, 2023). ["Whistleblower tells Congress the US is concealing 'multi-decade' program that captures UFOs"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/26/ufos-uaps-congress-whistleblower-spy-aliens/01081d9a-2bce-11ee-a948-a5b8a9b62d84_story.html). *[The Washington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Washington_Post "The Washington Post")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230726223917/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/26/ufos-uaps-congress-whistleblower-spy-aliens/01081d9a-2bce-11ee-a948-a5b8a9b62d84_story.html) from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
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83. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-83)**
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84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-84)**
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[978-0-19-069288-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-069288-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-069288-9")
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85. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-85)**
Harish, Alon (June 27, 2012). ["UFOs Exist, Say 36 Percent in National Geographic Survey"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230609235400/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/ufos-exist-americans-national-geographic-survey/story?id=16661311). ABC News. Archived from [the original](https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/ufos-exist-americans-national-geographic-survey/story?id=16661311) on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
86. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-86)**
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87. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-87)**
Saad, Lydia (August 20, 2021). ["Larger Minority in U.S. Says Some UFOs Are Alien Spacecraft"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230523014539/https://news.gallup.com/poll/353420/larger-minority-says-ufos-alien-spacecraft.aspx). Gallup. Archived from [the original](https://news.gallup.com/poll/353420/larger-minority-says-ufos-alien-spacecraft.aspx) on May 23, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
88. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-88)**
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89. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-89)**
Kripal, Jeffrey J. (2010). *Authors of the Impossible*. University of Chicago Press. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.7208/chicago/9780226453897.001.0001](https://doi.org/10.7208%2Fchicago%2F9780226453897.001.0001). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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90. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-90)**
Davison, Andrew (October 2, 2019). "Astrotheology: Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Life". *Theology and Science*. **17** (4): 551–554\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1080/14746700.2019.1670968](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F14746700.2019.1670968). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [1474-6700](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1474-6700). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [211965883](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:211965883).
91. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-91)**
Cusack, Carole M. (2019). "D. W. Pasulka, American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology". *Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review*. **10** (2): 258–259\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.5840/asrr201910263](https://doi.org/10.5840%2Fasrr201910263). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [1946-0538](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1946-0538). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [213855394](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:213855394).
92. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-92)**
Shilcutt, Katharine (June 30, 2021). ["Jeffrey Kripal on how to think about the UFO phenomenon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230213224448/https://news.rice.edu/news/2021/jeffrey-kripal-how-think-about-ufo-phenomenon). Rice University News and Media Relations Team. Archived from [the original](https://news.rice.edu/news/2021/jeffrey-kripal-how-think-about-ufo-phenomenon) on February 13, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
93. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-93)**
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94. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-94)**
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[978-0-19-069288-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-069288-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-069288-9")
. "the standard assumption that the UFO mythos was born in the year 1947"
95. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-95)**
["Project Blue Book Special Report \#14"](https://archive.org/details/ProjectBlueBookSpecialReport14). *[Internet Archive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Archive "Internet Archive")*. [United States Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force"). Retrieved September 7, 2013.
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97. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-97)**
["Origen de la SEFAA"](https://sefaa.dgac.gob.cl/historia-del-cefaa/). *SEFAA*. [Santiago de Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_de_Chile "Santiago de Chile"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220704020202/https://sefaa.dgac.gob.cl/historia-del-cefaa/) from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
(in spanish)
98. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-98)**
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99. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-7) [***i***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-8) [***j***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-9) [***k***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-10) [***l***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-11) [***m***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-12) [***n***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-13) [***o***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-14) [***p***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-15)
Smith, Marcia S. (March 9, 1976). [The UFO Enigma](https://web.archive.org/web/20251228040439/https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc993849/m2/1/high_res_d/76-52SP_1976march9.pdf) (PDF) (Report). 76-52 SP. [Congressional Research Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Research_Service "Congressional Research Service"), [Library of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress "Library of Congress"). pp. 80–84\. Archived from [the original](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc993849/m2/1/high_res_d/76-52SP_1976march9.pdf) (PDF) on December 28, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2026 – via [University of North Texas Libraries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_North_Texas_Libraries "University of North Texas Libraries"). "Although official responsibility for UFO investigations was charged to the U. S. Air Force, many felt the issue was not receiving enough serious attention, so formed their own organizations. These have played an important role in the study of UFOs since 1952 when the first was formed in this country... here we will consider only five: two major U. S. groups that have been in existence since the 1950's, APRO ... and NICAP ...; the recently established Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS); the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) ..."
100. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-100)** [Kocher 1968](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Kocher)
101. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-WP-20211124_101-0)**
Demirjian, Karoun (November 24, 2021). ["Pentagon will track unexplained airborne objects through new intelligence group"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2021/11/24/ufos-pentagon/). *[The Washington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Washington_Post "The Washington Post")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211125085817/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2021/11/24/ufos-pentagon/) from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
102. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AP-20130329_102-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AP-20130329_102-1)
Contreras, Russell (March 29, 2013). ["FBI 'flying saucers' NM memo bureau's most viewed"](http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130329/DA5AVRAG0.html). [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130927222146/http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130329/DA5AVRAG0.html) from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
103. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-104)**
["Federal Bureau of Investigation FOIA Documents – Unidentified Flying Objects"](http://www.gutenberg.org/files/25706/25706.txt). *[Project Gutenberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Gutenberg "Project Gutenberg")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110121822/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/25706/25706.txt) from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
Internal FBI memo from E. G. Fitch to [D. M. Ladd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._M._Ladd "D. M. Ladd") concerning a request by General George F. Schulgen, Chief of the Requirements Intelligence Branch of Army Air Corps Intelligence, for the FBI to help with their investigation of UFO reports.
104. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-105)** [Hall & Connors 1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Hall_&_Connors), p. 83
105. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Blum1990_107-0)** Blum, Howard, Out There: The Government's Secret Quest for Extraterrestrials. Simon and Schuster, 1990
106. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-108)** [Ruppelt 1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Ruppelt), Chapter 3: ["The Classics"](http://www.nicap.org/rufo/rufo-03.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070906190034/http://www.nicap.org/rufo/rufo-03.htm) September 6, 2007, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
107. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-auto_109-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-auto_109-1)
Haines, Gerald K. (1997). ["CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947–90"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191001174318/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/97unclass/ufo.html). [Central Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Intelligence_Agency "Central Intelligence Agency"). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [713270503](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/713270503). Archived from [the original](https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/97unclass/ufo.html) on October 1, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-110)** [Hynek 1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Hynek_1972), p. 76
109. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AFD-070703-004_111-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AFD-070703-004_111-1)
["AFD-070703-004.pdf"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120910051437/http://www.foia.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070703-004.pdf) (PDF). *Air Force Freedom of Information Act*. United States Air Force. Archived from [the original](http://www.foia.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070703-004.pdf) (PDF) on September 10, 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
110. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-COMETA_112-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-COMETA_112-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-COMETA_112-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-COMETA_112-3)
["COMETA Report"](http://www.ufoevidence.org/topics/Cometa.htm). Seattle, WA: ufoevidence.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191115111528/http://www.ufoevidence.org/topics/Cometa.htm) from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
111. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-114)**
["Introductory Space Science"](http://www.cufon.org/cufon/afu.htm). *CUFON.org*. West Jacksonville, FL: Computer UFO Network (CUFON). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130530172640/http://www.cufon.org/cufon/afu.htm) from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
Air Force Academy UFO material.
112. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-default_115-0)**
McDonald, James E. (1974) \[Originally published 1972\]. ["Science in Default: Twenty-Two Years of Inadequate UFO Investigations"](https://archive.org/details/ufosascientificd0000unse_n5n6). In [Sagan, Carl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan "Carl Sagan"); Page, Thornton (eds.). *UFO's: A Scientific Debate*. [American Association for the Advancement of Science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Association_for_the_Advancement_of_Science "American Association for the Advancement of Science"), 134th Meeting (Reprint ed.). New York: [W. W. Norton & Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._W._Norton_%26_Company "W. W. Norton & Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-393-00739-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-393-00739-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-393-00739-8")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [72004572](https://lccn.loc.gov/72004572). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [934695](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/934695). Retrieved March 30, 2011.
113. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-McDonald_116-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-McDonald_116-1)
[McDonald, James E.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_E._McDonald "James E. McDonald") (July 29, 1968). ["Statement on Unidentified Flying Objects: Submitted to the House Committee on Science and Astronautics at July 29, 1968, Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects, Rayburn Bldg., Washington, D.C., by James E. McDonald"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190105080523/http://puhep1.princeton.edu/~mcdonald/JEMcDonald/mcdonald_hcsa_68.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://puhep1.princeton.edu/~mcdonald/JEMcDonald/mcdonald_hcsa_68.pdf) (PDF) on January 5, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-117)** [Ruppelt 1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Ruppelt)
115. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Huyghe-1979-NYT_118-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Huyghe-1979-NYT_118-1)
Huyghe, Patrick (October 14, 1979). ["U.F.O. Files: The Untold Story"](https://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/14/archives/ufo-files-the-untold-story.html). *The New York Times*. New York Times. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211109023957/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/10/14/archives/ufo-files-the-untold-story.html) from the original on November 9, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
116. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-WhiteHouse_119-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-WhiteHouse_119-1)
Larson, Phil (November 5, 2011). ["Searching for ET, But No Evidence Yet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111124052154/https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/Petitions#!/response/searching-et-no-evidence-yet). [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House"). Archived from [the original](https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/response/searching-et-no-evidence-yet) on November 24, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
117. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Atkinson_120-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Atkinson_120-1)
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136. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-139)**
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141. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FSWP_144-0)**
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142. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-nationalarchivesUFO_145-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-nationalarchivesUFO_145-1)
["UFO files"](http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos/). Kew: [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110224203714/http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos/) from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
143. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-146)**
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146. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-auto1_149-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-auto1_149-1)
[Defence Intelligence Staff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_Intelligence "Defence Intelligence") (December 2000). ["Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the UK Air Defence Region"](http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/BA0DA42F-2C56-431E-98F6-19CD45EE7D43/0/uap_vol3_executive_summary_pg2_paras4_and_7.pdf) (PDF). Kew: The National Archives. p. 2. 55/2/00. Archived from [the original](http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/BA0DA42F-2C56-431E-98F6-19CD45EE7D43/0/uap_vol3_executive_summary_pg2_paras4_and_7.pdf) (PDF) on October 26, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
See also The National Archives site: ["Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) in the UK Air Defence Region"](http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FreedomOfInformation/PublicationScheme/SearchPublicationScheme/UapInTheUkAirDefenceRegionVolume3.htm) for archived documents.
147. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-150)**
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148. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-CBS1_151-0)**
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150. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Revelations_153-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Revelations_153-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Revelations_153-2) [Vallée 2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Vall%C3%A9e_2008)
151. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-ufosociology_154-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-ufosociology_154-1)
Cross, Anne (March 2004). "The Flexibility of Scientific Rhetoric: A Case Study of UFO Researchers". *[Qualitative Sociology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualitative_Sociology "Qualitative Sociology")*. **27** (1). [Springer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springer_Science%2BBusiness_Media "Springer Science+Business Media"): 3–34\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1023/B:QUAS.0000015542.28438.41](https://doi.org/10.1023%2FB%3AQUAS.0000015542.28438.41). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0162-0436](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0162-0436). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [144197172](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:144197172).
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153. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FSS_156-0)** [Friedman 2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Friedman_2008)
154. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-158)** Novella, Steven, et al. *The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe: How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake*. Grand Central Publishing, 2018. p. 160.
155. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-159)** [Sagan & Page 1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Sagan_&_Page)
156. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-McCarthy_160-0)** [McCarthy 1975](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#McCarthy_1975)
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Tuomela, Raimo (1985). *Science, action, and reality*. Springer. p. 234. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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164. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-168)**
[Feist, Gregory J.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_J._Feist "Gregory J. Feist") (2006). [*The psychology of science and the origins of the scientific mind*](https://archive.org/details/psychologyscienc00feis). Yale University Press. p. [219](https://archive.org/details/psychologyscienc00feis/page/n239). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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252. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Sinani_Religious_Character_2010_256-0)**
Sinani, Danijel (2010). ["Tehnologija. Teozofija. Teologija: religijski karakter NLO pokreta"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240727112540/https://eap-iea.org/index.php/eap/article/download/793/766/797) \[Technology, Theosophy, Theology: The Religious Character of UFO Movements\]. *Etnoantropološki problemi / Issues in Ethnology and Anthropology* (in Serbian). **5** (3): 117–131\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.21301/eap.v5i3.6](https://doi.org/10.21301%2Feap.v5i3.6). Archived from [the original](https://eap-iea.org/index.php/eap/article/view/793) on July 27, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2026. "Kao što se može videti, uticaji Teozofije, njenih ogranaka i Spiritualizma od izuzetnog su značaja za razvoj NLO religioznosti." \[As can be seen, the influences of Theosophy, its offshoots, and Spiritualism are of exceptional importance for the development of UFO religiosity.\]
253. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Partridge_Alien_Demonology_2004_257-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Partridge_Alien_Demonology_2004_257-1)
Partridge, Christopher (2004). ["Alien demonology: the Christian roots of the malevolent extraterrestrial in UFO religions and abduction spiritualities"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220109131245/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048721X04000570). *Religion*. **34** (3): 163–189\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1016/j.religion.2004.04.014](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.religion.2004.04.014). Archived from [the original](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048721X04000570) on January 9, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2026. "...because UFO religions have their roots in the Theosophical tradition..."
254. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Laycock_Alien_Deception_2021_258-0)**
Laycock, Joseph P. (2021). "Unmasking the Alien Deception: Why Evangelicals Are Studying Ufology". In [Zeller, Benjamin E.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_E._Zeller "Benjamin E. Zeller") (ed.). *Handbook of UFO Religions*. [Brill Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brill_Publishing "Brill Publishing"). pp. 103–115\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1163/9789004435537\_006](https://doi.org/10.1163%2F9789004435537_006).
255. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Crace_Televangelists_2022_259-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Crace_Televangelists_2022_259-1)
Crace, Benjamin Daniel (2022). "Televangelists, Flying Saucers, and Soul Eaters: A Contemporary Account of Occult Christianity's Ufology". *Pacific Coast Philology*. **57** (1): 62–77\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.5325/pacicoasphil.57.1.0062](https://doi.org/10.5325%2Fpacicoasphil.57.1.0062).
256. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Raimer_UFO_1999_260-0)**
Raimer, Mark A. (1999). ["THE WAR OF THE WORDS: Revamping Operational Terminology for UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230623174654/https://www.jstor.org/stable/42579861). *[ETC: A Review of General Semantics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_General_Semantics "Institute of General Semantics")*. **56** (1): 53–59\. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0014-164X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0014-164X). Archived from [the original](https://www.jstor.org/stable/42579861) on June 23, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2026. "We can consider the primary purpose of ufology - a neologism denoting UFO investigation - as an attempt to accurately reclassify UFOs to IFOs."
257. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Spiegel_UFO_2011-08-26_261-0)**
Speigel, Lee (August 26, 2011). ["UFO Sightings Increase 67 Percent In 3 Years, History Channel Investigates Unexplained Aerial Phenomena"](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/26/ufos-pilots-history-channel_n_935847.html). *[The Huffington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Huffington_Post "The Huffington Post")*. [AOL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AOL "AOL"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130909064325/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/26/ufos-pilots-history-channel_n_935847.html) from the original on September 9, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
258. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Oliver_Eghigian_2025_262-0)**
Oliver, Kendrick (2025). ["After the Flying Saucers Came: A Global History of the UFO Phenomenon, by Greg Eghigian"](https://academic.oup.com/ehr/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ehr/ceaf230/8343518). *[The English Historical Review](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_English_Historical_Review "The English Historical Review")*. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1093/ehr/ceaf230](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fehr%2Fceaf230). Retrieved March 24, 2026. "...encounters with flying saucers and alien space travellers have had profound social impacts on the world, impacts that can be studied without always seeking to adjudicate the material realities of such experiences."
259. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Impey_UFO_Belief_2024_263-0)**
Impey, Chris (2024). ["Extraterrestrial Intelligent Life: What The Public Believes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260324182324/https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/B17FB958D1A2BA4E895E6DB45206600E/S1743921324001959a.pdf/extraterrestrial_intelligent_life_what_the_public_believes.pdf) (PDF). *Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union*. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1017/S1743921324001959](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS1743921324001959). Archived from [the original](https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/B17FB958D1A2BA4E895E6DB45206600E/S1743921324001959a.pdf/extraterrestrial_intelligent_life_what_the_public_believes.pdf) (PDF) on March 24, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026. "References in books to UFO started to appear in the early 1950s, a few years after the Roswell incident (Saler et al. 2010). Use rose steadily until 2000 and flattened after that."
260. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-264)** [Jacobs 2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Jacobs), Chapter: "UFOs: Lost in the Myths" by Thomas E. Bullard, p. 141. [Archived Google Books snippet.](https://web.archive.org/web/20260325000126/https://books.google.com/books?id=UD5-AAAAMAAJ&q=1977)
261. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Gallup_UFO_2019_265-0)**
Saad, Lydia (September 6, 2019). ["Americans Skeptical of UFOs, but Say Government Knows More"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190906130425/https://news.gallup.com/poll/266441/americans-skeptical-ufos-say-government-knows.aspx). *Gallup*. Archived from [the original](https://news.gallup.com/poll/266441/americans-skeptical-ufos-say-government-knows.aspx) on September 6, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
262. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Roper_UFO_2002_266-0)**
["The Roper Poll: UFOs & Extraterrestrial Life, Americans' Beliefs and Personal Experiences"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060713204836/http://www.scifi.com/ufo/roper/04.html). *Ufology Resource Center*. [SciFi.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syfy "Syfy"). September 2002. pp. 4, 5. Archived from [the original](http://www.scifi.com/ufo/roper/04.html) on July 13, 2006. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
263. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Britannica_UFO_267-0)**
["Unidentified flying object"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260321192442/https://www.britannica.com/topic/unidentified-flying-object). *Encyclopaedia Britannica*. Archived from [the original](https://www.britannica.com/topic/unidentified-flying-object) on March 21, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
264. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Saucer_Icon_268-0)**
Fessenden, Maris (June 4, 2015). ["NASA Will Launch a Flying Saucer Soon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250328210900/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nasa-will-hopefully-launch-flying-saucer-soon-180955498/). *Smithsonian Magazine*. Archived from [the original](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nasa-will-hopefully-launch-flying-saucer-soon-180955498/) on March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
265. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Weitekamp_2019_269-0)**
Weitekamp, Margaret A. (2019). [""Ahead, Warp Factor Three, Mr. Sulu": Imagining Interstellar Faster-Than-Light Travel in Space Science Fiction"](https://web.archive.org/web/20251014021707/https://repository.si.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/07c4343a-3dff-4590-8401-7ecd0250752f/content). *[The Journal of Popular Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Journal_of_Popular_Culture "The Journal of Popular Culture")*. **52** (5): 1036–1057\. Archived from [the original](https://repository.si.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/07c4343a-3dff-4590-8401-7ecd0250752f/content) on October 14, 2025. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
266. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-TV_Guide_LIS_270-0)**
["Lost in Space Season 1 Episodes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260325004757/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/lost-in-space/episodes-season-1/1030232010/). *[TV Guide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TV_Guide "TV Guide")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/lost-in-space/episodes-season-1/1030232010/) on March 25, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
267. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Smithsonian_Enterprise_271-0)**
The National Air and Space Museum (September 29, 2019). ["How The Smithsonian Restored the Classic Enterprise Model"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250218192141/https://www.startrek.com/news/guest-blog-smithsonian-update-on-enterprise-studio-model-restoration). *StarTrek.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.startrek.com/news/guest-blog-smithsonian-update-on-enterprise-studio-model-restoration) on February 18, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
268. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Meehan_UFO_Cinema_1998_272-0)**
Meehan, Paul (1998). [*Saucer Movies: A UFOlogical History of the Cinema*](https://archive.org/details/saucermoviesufol0000meeh). Lanham, Maryland: [Scarecrow Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Globe_Pequot_Publishing_Group#Imprints "The Globe Pequot Publishing Group"). p. 1. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0810835738](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0810835738 "Special:BookSources/0810835738")
. Retrieved March 24, 2026. "Beginning with Kenneth Arnold's classic sighting of 'flying saucers' in the summer of 1947, the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects has become part of our popular culture, especially in American films from the 1950s to the present."
269. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Rieber_Kelly_Alien_Movies_2013_273-0)**
Rieber, Robert W.; Kelly, Robert J. (November 17, 2013). "The Aliens in Us and the Aliens Out There: Science Fiction in the Movies". [*Film, Television and the Psychology of the Social Dream*](https://web.archive.org/web/20241205142418/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7122918/pdf/978-1-4614-7175-2_Chapter_2.pdf) (PDF). [Springer Science+Business Media](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springer_Science%2BBusiness_Media "Springer Science+Business Media"). pp. 31–44\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1007/978-1-4614-7175-2\_2](https://doi.org/10.1007%2F978-1-4614-7175-2_2). Archived from [the original](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7122918/) on December 5, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2026. "And while the majority of movies about aliens fall into a category we could loosely term 'science fiction' they tend to be hybrids—a mixture of genres."
270. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Nichols_Area_51_2023_274-0)**
[Nichols, Christopher McKnight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McKnight_Nichols "Christopher McKnight Nichols") (August 15, 2023). ["What is most likely going on in Area 51? Chris Nichols Explains"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240229093256/https://history.osu.edu/news/what-most-likely-going-area-51-chris-nichols-explains). *Department of History, [Ohio State University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_State_University "Ohio State University")*. Archived from [the original](https://history.osu.edu/news/what-most-likely-going-area-51-chris-nichols-explains) on February 29, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
271. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Sheeter_Merlin_Area_51_2024_275-0)**
Sheeter, Kim (Spring 2024). ["Aviation Historian Demystifies Area 51"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240702200207/https://lift.erau.edu/aviation-historian-demystifies-area-51/). *Lift Magazine, [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embry-Riddle_Aeronautical_University "Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University")*. Archived from [the original](https://lift.erau.edu/aviation-historian-demystifies-area-51/) on July 2, 2024. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
272. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Griffin_UFO_2019-07-16_276-0)**
Griffin, Andrew (July 16, 2019). ["Storm Area 51: Are Alien-hunters Really Planning to 'Raid' the Secret U.S. Military Base?"](https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/storm-area-51-when-where-aliens-military-base-raid-facebook-event-a9005546.html). *[The Independent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent "The Independent")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190716140827/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/storm-area-51-when-where-aliens-military-base-raid-facebook-event-a9005546.html) from the original on July 16, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
273. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Richwine_UFO_2019-09-20_277-0)**
Richwine, Lisa (September 20, 2019). ["Area 51 raid lures festive UFO hunters to Nevada desert; five arrested"](https://www.reuters.com/article/world/area-51-raid-lures-festive-ufo-hunters-to-nevada-desert-five-arrested-idUSKBN1W51PN/). *[Reuters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters "Reuters")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201123210209/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-area51/in-nevada-desert-area-51-raid-lures-festive-ufo-hunters-three-arrested-idUSKBN1W51H6) from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
274. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Baynes_UFO_2019-09-21_278-0)**
Baynes, Chris (September 21, 2019). ["Storm Area 51: Hundreds of people gather at US military base to 'see them aliens'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190921000837/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/storm-area-51-military-aliens-nevada-rachel-a9114211.html). *[The Independent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent "The Independent")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/storm-area-51-military-aliens-nevada-rachel-a9114211.html) on September 21, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
## Bibliography
### General
- Bullard, Thomas; (2012). *The Myth and Mystery of UFOs*. Lawrence: University of Kansas.
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7006-1729-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7006-1729-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7006-1729-6")
.
- [Clark, Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Clark "Jerome Clark") (1998). [*The UFO Book: Encyclopedia of the Extraterrestrial*](https://archive.org/details/ufobookencyclope0000clar). Detroit, MI: [Visible Ink Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visible_Ink_Press "Visible Ink Press"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-57859-029-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57859-029-9 "Special:BookSources/1-57859-029-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [97035767](https://lccn.loc.gov/97035767). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [37370629](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/37370629).
Many classic cases and UFO history provided in great detail; highly documented.
- Curran, Douglas (2001) \[1st edition originally published 1985; New York: [Abbeville Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbeville_Publishing_Group "Abbeville Publishing Group")\]. *In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space*. Foreword by [Tom Wolfe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Wolfe "Tom Wolfe") (Revised ed.). New York: Abbeville Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7892-0708-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7892-0708-7 "Special:BookSources/0-7892-0708-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00052589](https://lccn.loc.gov/00052589). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [45270419](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/45270419).
Non-sensational but fair treatment of contemporary UFO legend and lore in N. America, including the so-called "contactee cults". The author traveled the United States with his camera and tape recorder and directly interviewed many individuals.
- Deardorff, J.; [Haisch, B.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Haisch "Bernard Haisch"); [Maccabee, B.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Maccabee "Bruce Maccabee"); [Puthoff, H. E.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_E._Puthoff "Harold E. Puthoff") (2005). ["Inflation-Theory Implications for Extraterrestrial Visitation"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238693432). *[Journal of the British Interplanetary Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_of_the_British_Interplanetary_Society "Journal of the British Interplanetary Society")*. **58**. London: [British Interplanetary Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Interplanetary_Society "British Interplanetary Society"): 43–50\. [Bibcode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibcode_\(identifier\) "Bibcode (identifier)"):[2005JBIS...58...43D](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005JBIS...58...43D). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0007-084X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0007-084X). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240708214153/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238693432_Inflation-Theory_Implications_for_Extraterrestrial_Visitation) from the original on July 8, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
- [Friedman, Stanton T.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanton_T._Friedman "Stanton T. Friedman") (2008). *Flying Saucers and Science: A Scientist Investigates the Mysteries of UFOs*. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-60163-011-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-60163-011-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-60163-011-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2008006291](https://lccn.loc.gov/2008006291). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [179812690](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/179812690).
- Greer, Steven M.; (2001). *Disclosure*. Crozer: Crossing Point.
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-9673238-1-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9673238-1-9 "Special:BookSources/0-9673238-1-9")
.
- [Hall, Richard H.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_H._Hall "Richard H. Hall"), ed. (1997) \[Originally published 1964; Washington, D.C.: [National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") (NICAP)\]. *The UFO Evidence* (Reissue ed.). New York: [Barnes & Noble Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble_Books#Publishing "Barnes & Noble Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7607-0627-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7607-0627-1 "Special:BookSources/0-7607-0627-1")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [64006912](https://lccn.loc.gov/64006912). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [39544334](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/39544334).
Well-organized, exhaustive summary and analysis of 746 unexplained NICAP cases out of 5000 total cases—a classic.
- Hall, Richard H., ed. (2001). *UFO Evidence: Volume II, A 30-year Report*. Lanham, MD: [Scarecrow Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowman_%26_Littlefield "Rowman & Littlefield"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-8108-3881-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8108-3881-8 "Special:BookSources/0-8108-3881-8")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00055624](https://lccn.loc.gov/00055624). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [44391782](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/44391782).
Another exhaustive case study, more recent UFO reports.
- [Hendry, Allan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hendry "Allan Hendry") (1979). *The UFO Handbook: A Guide to Investigating, Evaluating, and Reporting UFO Sightings*. Foreword by [J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek"). Garden City, NY: [Doubleday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubleday_\(publisher\) "Doubleday (publisher)"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-385-14348-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-385-14348-6 "Special:BookSources/0-385-14348-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [78008211](https://lccn.loc.gov/78008211). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [4642190](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/4642190).
Skeptical but balanced analysis of 1300 CUFOS UFO cases.
- [Hynek, J. Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek") (1972). [*The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry*](https://archive.org/details/ufoexperience00jall). Chicago: [Henry Regnery Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regnery_Publishing#Henry_Regnery_Company "Regnery Publishing"). [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [76183827](https://lccn.loc.gov/76183827). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [341112](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/341112).
- Hynek, J. Allen (1997) \[Originally published 1977; New York: [Dell Publishing Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Publishing "Dell Publishing")\]. *The Hynek UFO Report*. New foreword by [Jacques Vallée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée"). New York: Barnes & Noble Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7607-0429-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7607-0429-5 "Special:BookSources/0-7607-0429-5")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [3601609](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/3601609).
Analysis of 640 high-quality cases through 1969 by UFO legend Hynek.
- [Jacobs, David M.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_M._Jacobs "David M. Jacobs"), ed. (2000). [*UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge*](https://archive.org/details/ufosabductions00davi). Lawrence: [University Press of Kansas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Press_of_Kansas "University Press of Kansas"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7006-1032-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7006-1032-4 "Special:BookSources/0-7006-1032-4")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00028970](https://lccn.loc.gov/00028970). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [43615835](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/43615835). Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- [Kean, Leslie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Kean "Leslie Kean") (2010). *UFOs: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Go on the Record*. Harmony Books.
- Kérizo, Alain (1997). [*Les OVNI identifiés: les extraterrestres dans le mystère d'iniquité*](https://books.google.com/books?id=cOuXGQAACAAJ) (in French). Villegenon: Éd. Sainte Jeanne d'Arc. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-2-9504914-8-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-2-9504914-8-0 "Special:BookSources/978-2-9504914-8-0")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [465784973](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/465784973). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240708214149/https://books.google.com/books?id=cOuXGQAACAAJ) from the original on July 8, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
([associated article](http://www.angelusonline.org/index.php?section=articles&subsection=show_article&article_id=2102) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150412034718/http://www.angelusonline.org/index.php?section=articles&subsection=show_article&article_id=2102) April 12, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"))
- [Keyhoe, Donald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Keyhoe "Donald Keyhoe") (1950). [*The Flying Saucers are Real*](http://www.nicap.org/fsar/fsar-chapters.htm). New York: [Fawcett Publications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawcett_Publications "Fawcett Publications"). [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [50004886](https://lccn.loc.gov/50004886). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1674240](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1674240). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130906214600/http://www.nicap.org/fsar/fsar-chapters.htm) from the original on September 6, 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- Keyhoe, Donald E. (1953). [*Flying Saucers from Outer Space*](http://www.nicap.org/books/fsos/fsos.htm). New York: [Henry Holt and Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Holt_and_Company "Henry Holt and Company"). [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [53009588](https://lccn.loc.gov/53009588). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [181368](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/181368). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130514145116/http://www.nicap.org/books/fsos/fsos.htm) from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
- Latagliata, Rosamaria (2006). *UFO: verità o menzogna?*. Gli atlanti di Voyager (in Italian). Florence: Giunti Editore. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-88-09-04698-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-09-04698-6 "Special:BookSources/978-88-09-04698-6")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [635701671](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/635701671).
- McCarthy, Paul E. (1975). [*Politicking and Paradigm Shifting: James E. McDonald and the UFO Case Study*](http://www.project1947.com/shg/mccarthy/shgintro.html) (Thesis/dissertation) (Internet ed.). Canterbury, CT: Sign Historical Group. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [663722044](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/663722044). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120910051428/http://www.project1947.com/shg/mccarthy/shgintro.html) from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
- [Menzel, Donald H.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Howard_Menzel "Donald Howard Menzel"); Taves, Ernest H. (1977). [*The UFO Enigma: The Definitive Explanation of the UFO Phenomenon*](https://archive.org/details/ufoenigmadefinit0000menz). Introduction by [Fred L. Whipple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Lawrence_Whipple "Fred Lawrence Whipple"). Garden City, NY: Doubleday. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-385-03596-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-385-03596-9 "Special:BookSources/0-385-03596-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [76016255](https://lccn.loc.gov/76016255). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [2597609](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/2597609).
- Mitchell, Edgar; (2008). *The Way of the Explorer*. Franklin Lakes: Career Press.
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-56414-977-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-56414-977-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-56414-977-0")
.
- [Office of the Director of National Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Director_of_National_Intelligence "Office of the Director of National Intelligence") (USA); (2021). *[Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena](https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf)* [Archive](https://web.archive.org/web/20260131191532/https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf).
- "Reasons to Believe (a collection of short articles by nine different authors)". *[New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_\(magazine\) "New York (magazine)")*. April 1, 2018. pp. 25–33\.
- Rose, Bill; Buttler, Tony (2004). *Flying Saucer Aircraft*. Secret Projects. Hinckley, England: [Midland Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Allan_Publishing "Ian Allan Publishing"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-85780-233-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85780-233-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85780-233-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [99774524](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/99774524).
- [Sagan, Carl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan "Carl Sagan"); Page, Thornton, eds. (1996) \[1972\]. *UFO's: A Scientific Debate* (Reprint ed.). New York: [Barnes & Noble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble_Classics_Collection "Barnes & Noble Classics Collection"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7607-0196-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7607-0196-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7607-0196-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [72004572](https://lccn.loc.gov/72004572). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [35840064](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/35840064).
- [Scully, Frank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Scully "Frank Scully") (1950). [*Behind the Flying Saucers*](https://archive.org/details/behindflyingsauc00scul). New York: Henry Holt and Company. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1467735](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1467735).
- [Sheaffer, Robert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Sheaffer "Robert Sheaffer") (1981). *The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence*. Buffalo, NY: [Prometheus Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_Books "Prometheus Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-87975-146-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-87975-146-0 "Special:BookSources/0-87975-146-0")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [80084406](https://lccn.loc.gov/80084406). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [7364885](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/7364885).
- Sheaffer, Robert (1998). *UFO Sightings: The Evidence*. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-57392-213-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57392-213-7 "Special:BookSources/1-57392-213-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [98006410](https://lccn.loc.gov/98006410). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [38738821](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/38738821).
Revised edition of *The UFO Verdict*.
- Stanford, Ray (1976). *Socorro 'Saucer' in a Pentagon Pantry*. Austin, TX: Blueapple Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-917092-00-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-917092-00-7 "Special:BookSources/0-917092-00-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [76013768](https://lccn.loc.gov/76013768). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [2524239](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/2524239).
- [Sturrock, Peter A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._Sturrock "Peter A. Sturrock"); Holzer, T. E.; Jahn, R.; et al. (1998). ["Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports: The Proceedings of a Workshop Held at the Pocantico Conference Center, Tarrytown, New York, September 29 – October 4, 1997"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100107163656/http://www.scientificexploration.org/journal/jse_12_2_sturrock.pdf) (PDF). *[Journal of Scientific Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_of_Scientific_Exploration "Journal of Scientific Exploration")*. **12** (2). Stanford, CA: [Society for Scientific Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_Scientific_Exploration "Society for Scientific Exploration"): 179–229\. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0892-3310](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0892-3310). Archived from [the original](http://www.scientificexploration.org/journal/jse_12_2_sturrock.pdf) (PDF) on January 7, 2010. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
\[*[unreliable source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources "Wikipedia:Reliable sources")*\] Sturrock panel report on physical evidence.
- [Sturrock, Peter A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._Sturrock "Peter A. Sturrock") (1999). [*The UFO Enigma: A New Review of the Physical Evidence*](https://archive.org/details/ufoenigma00pete). New York: Warner Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-446-52565-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-446-52565-0 "Special:BookSources/0-446-52565-0")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [99066643](https://lccn.loc.gov/99066643). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [42645835](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/42645835).
- [Vallée, Jacques](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée") (2008) \[Originally published 1991; New York: [Ballantine Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballantine_Books "Ballantine Books")\]. [*Revelations: Alien Contact and Human Deception*](https://archive.org/details/revelationsalien0000vall). San Antonio, TX: [Anomalist Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Anomalist&action=edit&redlink=1 "The Anomalist (page does not exist)"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-933665-30-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-30-6 "Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-30-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [91091858](https://lccn.loc.gov/91091858). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [225866107](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/225866107).
- Viberti, Pier Giorgio (2010) \[Originally published 1997\]. *Incontri ravvicinati: Avvistamenti e contatti da mondi lontani*. Atlanti del sapere (in Italian). Florence: Giunti Editore. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-88-09-75032-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-09-75032-6 "Special:BookSources/978-88-09-75032-6")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [800130536](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/800130536).
### History
- Clarke, David (2009). [*The UFO Files: The Inside Story of Real-Life Sightings*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_UFO_Files:_The_Inside_Story_of_Real-Life_Sightings "The UFO Files: The Inside Story of Real-Life Sightings"). Kew: [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-905615-50-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-905615-50-6 "Special:BookSources/978-1-905615-50-6")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [316039535](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/316039535).
Reports from the UK government files.
- Cohen, Daniel (1981). *The Great Airship Mystery: A UFO of the 1890s*. Dodd, Mead & Co. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-396-07990-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-396-07990-3 "Special:BookSources/0-396-07990-3")
.
- [Dolan, Richard M.](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_M._Dolan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Richard M. Dolan (page does not exist)") (2000). *UFOs and the National Security State: An Unclassified History, Volume One: 1941–1973*. Rochester, NY: Keyhole Publishing Company. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-9677995-0-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9677995-0-3 "Special:BookSources/0-9677995-0-3")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00691087](https://lccn.loc.gov/00691087). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [45546629](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/45546629).
Dolan is a professional historian.
- Downes, Jonathan; Wright, Nigel (2005). *The Rising of the Moon* (Revised ed.). Bangor, Northern Ireland: Xiphos Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-9544936-5-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9544936-5-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-9544936-5-3")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [70335856](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/70335856).
- Fawcett, Lawrence; Greenwood, Barry J. (1992) \[Originally published 1984 as *Clear Intent*; Englewood Cliffs, NJ: [Prentice Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prentice_Hall "Prentice Hall")\]. *The UFO Cover-up: What the Government Won't Say*. Foreword by J. Allen Hynek (1st Fireside ed.). New York: [Simon & Schuster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_%26_Schuster "Simon & Schuster"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-671-76555-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-671-76555-8 "Special:BookSources/0-671-76555-8")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [84009818](https://lccn.loc.gov/84009818). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [28384401](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/28384401).
Many UFO documents.
- Good, Timothy (1988). [*Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up*](https://archive.org/details/abovetopsecretwo00good). Foreword by [Lord Hill-Norton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hill-Norton,_Baron_Hill-Norton "Peter Hill-Norton, Baron Hill-Norton") (1st Quill ed.). New York: [William Morrow and Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morrow_and_Company "William Morrow and Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-688-09202-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-688-09202-0 "Special:BookSources/0-688-09202-0")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [88208434](https://lccn.loc.gov/88208434). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [707516815](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/707516815).
Many UFO documents.
- Good, Timothy (1997) \[1996\]. *Beyond Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Security Threat*. Foreword by Lord Hill-Norton (Fully revised and updated ed.). London: [Pan Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Books "Pan Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-330-34928-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-330-34928-7 "Special:BookSources/0-330-34928-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [38490850](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/38490850).
- Good, Timothy (2007). [*Need to Know: UFOs, the Military, and Intelligence*](https://archive.org/details/needtoknow00good). New York: [Pegasus Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._W._Norton_%26_Company "W. W. Norton & Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-933648-38-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-933648-38-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-933648-38-5")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [180767460](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/180767460).
Update of *Above Top Secret* with new cases and documents
- Graff, Garrett M. (2023). *UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here―and Out There*. Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-9821-9677-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-9821-9677-6 "Special:BookSources/978-1-9821-9677-6")
.
- Hall, Michael D.; Connors, Wendy A. (1998). [*Alfred Loedding & the Great Flying Saucer Wave of 1947*](http://www.nicap.org/loedding/LoeddingBook.pdf) (PDF). Albuquerque, NM: White Rose Press. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [41104299](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/41104299). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180325055530/http://www.nicap.org/loedding/LoeddingBook.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- [Keel, John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Keel "John Keel") (1996) \[Originally published 1970 as *UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse*; New York: [G. P. Putnam's Sons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._P._Putnam%27s_Sons "G. P. Putnam's Sons")\]. [*Operation Trojan Horse*](https://web.archive.org/web/20130420102608/http://galaksija.com/literatura/jk_oth.pdf) (PDF). Lilburn, GA: IllumiNet Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-9626534-6-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9626534-6-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-9626534-6-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [96014564](https://lccn.loc.gov/96014564). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [34474485](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/34474485). Archived from [the original](http://galaksija.com/literatura/jk_oth.pdf) (PDF) on April 20, 2013.
- Kocher, George (November 1968). [*UFOs: What to Do*](http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufoswhattodo.pdf) (PDF). [RAND Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAND_Corporation "RAND Corporation"). DRU-1571. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130319134955/http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufoswhattodo.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 19, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
UFO historical review, case studies, review of hypotheses, recommendations.
- [Maccabee, Bruce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Maccabee "Bruce Maccabee") (2000). [*UFO FBI Connection: The Secret History of the Government's Cover-Up*](https://archive.org/details/ufofbiconnection00phdb). St. Paul, MN: [Llewellyn Publications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llewellyn_Worldwide "Llewellyn Worldwide"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-56718-493-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-56718-493-6 "Special:BookSources/1-56718-493-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00028277](https://lccn.loc.gov/00028277). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [43634902](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/43634902).
- [Randle, Kevin D.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_D._Randle "Kevin D. Randle") (1997). [*Project Blue Book Exposed*](https://archive.org/details/projectbluebooke00rand). New York: [Marlowe & Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Capo_Press "Da Capo Press"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-56924-746-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-56924-746-3 "Special:BookSources/1-56924-746-3")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [97072378](https://lccn.loc.gov/97072378). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [37047544](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/37047544).
- [Ruppelt, Edward J.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Ruppelt "Edward J. Ruppelt") (1956). [*The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects*](http://www.nicap.org/rufo/contents.htm). Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [56005444](https://lccn.loc.gov/56005444). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1941793](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1941793). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110516214046/http://www.nicap.org/rufo/contents.htm) from the original on May 16, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2004.
A UFO classic by insider Ruppelt, the first head of the USAF Project Blue Book.
- [Swords, Michael](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_D._Swords&action=edit&redlink=1 "Michael D. Swords (page does not exist)"); Powell, Robert; et al. (2012). [*UFOs and Government: A Historical Inquiry*](https://archive.org/details/UFOsAndGovernment). San Antonio, TX: Anomalist Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-933665-58-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-58-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-58-0")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [809977863](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/809977863).
- Weinstein, Dominique F. (February 2001). [*Unidentified Aerial Phenomena: Eighty Years of Pilot Sightings*](http://www.narcap.org/files/narcap_revised_tr-4.pdf) (PDF). Boulder Creek, CA: National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP). NARCAP TR-04. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130612214228/http://www.narcap.org/files/narcap_revised_tr-4.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
### Psychology
- Haines, Richard F., ed. (1979). *UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist*. Metuchen, NJ: [Scarecrow Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowman_%26_Littlefield#Imprints "Rowman & Littlefield"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-8108-1228-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8108-1228-2 "Special:BookSources/0-8108-1228-2")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [79014878](https://lccn.loc.gov/79014878). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [5008381](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/5008381).
- [Jung, C G](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung "Carl Jung") (1978) \[Originally published 1958 as *Ein moderner Mythus: von Dingen, die am Himmel gesehen werden*\]. [*Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies*](https://archive.org/details/flyingsaucersmod00jung). Translation by R.F.C. Hull. Princeton, NJ: [Princeton University Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princeton_University_Press "Princeton University Press"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-691-01822-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-691-01822-7 "Special:BookSources/0-691-01822-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [78004325](https://lccn.loc.gov/78004325). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [4762238](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/4762238).
- Simón, Armando (February 1976). "UFOs: Testing for the existence of Air Force censorship". *Psychology: A Journal of Human Behavior*. **13** (1): 3–5\. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0033-3077](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0033-3077).
- Simón, Armando (1981). "A Nonreactive, Quantitative Study of Mass Behavior with Emphasis on the Cinema as Behavior Catalyst". *[Psychological Reports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_Reports "Psychological Reports")*. **48** (3). Ammons Scientific: 775–785\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.2466/pr0.1981.48.3.775](https://doi.org/10.2466%2Fpr0.1981.48.3.775). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0033-2941](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0033-2941). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [143670471](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:143670471).
- Simón, Armando (1984). "Psychology and UFOs". *[Skeptical Inquirer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptical_Inquirer "Skeptical Inquirer")*. **8**. Amherst, NY: [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry"): 355–367\.
### Technology
- [Ford, L. H.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Ford "Lawrence Ford"); Roman, Thomas A. (1996). "Quantum field theory constrains traversable wormhole geometries". *[Physical Review D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Review "Physical Review")*. **53** (10): 5496–5507\. [arXiv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArXiv_\(identifier\) "ArXiv (identifier)"):[gr-qc/9510071](https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9510071). [Bibcode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibcode_\(identifier\) "Bibcode (identifier)"):[1996PhRvD..53.5496F](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1996PhRvD..53.5496F). [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1103/PhysRevD.53.5496](https://doi.org/10.1103%2FPhysRevD.53.5496). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0556-2821](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0556-2821). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [10019835](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10019835). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [18106362](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:18106362).
- [Hill, Paul R.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_R._Hill "Paul R. Hill") (1995). *Unconventional Flying Objects: A Scientific Analysis*. Charlottesville, VA: [Hampton Roads Publishing Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Roads_Publishing_Company "Hampton Roads Publishing Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-57174-027-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57174-027-9 "Special:BookSources/1-57174-027-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [97109204](https://lccn.loc.gov/97109204). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [34075199](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/34075199).
Analysis of UFO technology by pioneering NACA/NASA aerospace engineer.
- [Krasnikov, S.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serguei_Krasnikov "Serguei Krasnikov") (2003). "The quantum inequalities do not forbid spacetime shortcuts". *Physical Review D*. **67** (10) 104013. [arXiv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArXiv_\(identifier\) "ArXiv (identifier)"):[gr-qc/0207057](https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0207057). [Bibcode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibcode_\(identifier\) "Bibcode (identifier)"):[2003PhRvD..67j4013K](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2003PhRvD..67j4013K). [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1103/PhysRevD.67.104013](https://doi.org/10.1103%2FPhysRevD.67.104013). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [17498199](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:17498199).
- Rullán, Antonio F. (July 2, 2000). ["Odors from UFOs: Deducing Odorant Chemistry and Causation from Available Data"](http://www.jumpjet.info/Emergency-Preparedness/Disaster-Mitigation/NBC/Chem/Odors_from_UFOs.pdf) (PDF) (Preliminary paper). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140202033812/http://www.jumpjet.info/Emergency-Preparedness/Disaster-Mitigation/NBC/Chem/Odors_from_UFOs.pdf) (PDF) from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
- [Sarfatti, Jack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sarfatti "Jack Sarfatti") (2006). *Super Cosmos: Through Struggles to the Stars*. Indianapolis, IN: [AuthorHouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AuthorHouse "AuthorHouse"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-4184-7662-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4184-7662-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4184-7662-5")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2004095148](https://lccn.loc.gov/2004095148). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [70962499](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/70962499).
### Skepticism
- [Plait, Philip C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Plait "Phil Plait") (2002). "Misidentified Flying Objects: UFOs and Illusions of the Mind and Eye". [*Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax"*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Astronomy "Bad Astronomy"). Illustrations by Tina Cash Walsh. New York: [John Wiley & Sons, Inc.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wiley_%26_Sons "John Wiley & Sons") [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-471-40976-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-471-40976-6 "Special:BookSources/0-471-40976-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2002277382](https://lccn.loc.gov/2002277382). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [48885221](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/48885221).
- [Ridpath, Ian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Ridpath "Ian Ridpath"). ["Astronomical Causes of UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260303055557/http://www.ianridpath.com/ufo/astroufo1.html). Ian Ridpath. Archived from [the original](http://www.ianridpath.com/ufo/astroufo1.html) on March 3, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
- Seeds, Michael (1995) \[1981\]. *Horizons: Exploring the Universe* (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: [Wadsworth Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cengage_Learning "Cengage Learning"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-534-24889-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-534-24889-6 "Special:BookSources/0-534-24889-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [94013521](https://lccn.loc.gov/94013521). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [30156735](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/30156735).
(Appendix A)
- Sheaffer, Robert (2012) \[2011\]. [*Psychic Vibrations: Skeptical Giggles from the Skeptical Inquirer*](https://web.archive.org/web/20130116020703/https://www.createspace.com/3630764) (2nd ed.). Charleston, SC: [CreateSpace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon.com#Acquisitions "Amazon.com"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-4636-0157-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4636-0157-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4636-0157-7")
. Archived from [the original](https://www.createspace.com/3630764) on January 16, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
## External links
**UFO** at Wikipedia's [sister projects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikimedia_sister_projects "Wikipedia:Wikimedia sister projects")
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiktionary-logo-en-v2.svg)[Definitions](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/UFO "wikt:Special:Search/UFO") from Wiktionary
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg)[Media](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:UFOs "c:Category:UFOs") from Commons
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikinews-logo.svg)[News](https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Special:Search/UFO "n:Special:Search/UFO") from Wikinews
- [Quotations](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object "q:Unidentified flying object") from Wikiquote
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikisource-logo.svg)[Texts](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Special:Search/UFO "s:Special:Search/UFO") from Wikisource
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikibooks-logo.svg)[Textbooks](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:Search/UFO "b:Special:Search/UFO") from Wikibooks
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikiversity_logo_2017.svg)[Resources](https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Special:Search/UFO "v:Special:Search/UFO") from Wikiversity
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikivoyage-Logo-v3-icon.svg)[Travel information](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/UFOs "voy:UFOs") from Wikivoyage
- ["Government Reports on UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090204125620/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/us/ufos.htm) from the Government Information Library at the [University of Colorado Boulder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Colorado_Boulder "University of Colorado Boulder")
- ["CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947–90"](https://www.cia.gov/static/105bd8290b90de13ee136fecc9fe863f/cia-role-study-UFOs.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191001174318/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/97unclass/ufo.html) October 1, 2019, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") by Gerald K. Haines, [Central Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Intelligence_Agency "Central Intelligence Agency")
- ["UFOs: Fact or Fiction?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160729151447/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/collection/ufos-fact-or-fiction) Declassified CIA documents from the 1940s through the early 1990s.
- ["UFO Reports in the UK"](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ufo-reports-in-the-uk) from 1997 to 2009 by the [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_\(United_Kingdom\) "Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)")
- ["Newly released UFO files from the UK government"](http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos/) at [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)")
- ["Canada's UFOs: The Search for the Unknown"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160116131034/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ufo/), a virtual museum exhibition by the [Library and Archives Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_and_Archives_Canada "Library and Archives Canada")
- [Declassified files on UFOs from many countries](https://that1archive.neocities.org/subfolder1/ufo-files.html)
- [Declassified video – Chilean UAP event of November 11, 2014](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/groundbreaking-ufo-video-just-released-from-chilean_us_586d37bce4b014e7c72ee56b) ([official](http://www.cefaa.gob.cl/home/en-la-prensa/noticias/casoarmada); [video (9:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkUTGpegZN0))
- [An astrophysicist's view of UFOs](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/30/opinion/ufo-sightings-report.html) ([Adam Frank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Frank "Adam Frank"); [NYT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NYT "NYT"); May 30, 2021)
- [A list of skeptical resources](http://www.fraknoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Responding-to-Claims-about-Alien-UFOs-2.pdf) (astronomer [Andrew Fraknoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fraknoi "Andrew Fraknoi"))
- [UFO Explanations](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3UCTZiVg9wrIEzO7Om6jw) (videos; scientist [Mick West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_West "Mick West"))
- [Some UAPs may be laser-generated holograms?](https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/ufos-uaptf-unidentified-aerial-phenomena-lipf-national-security-11627582598) ([WSJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSJ "WSJ"); July 29, 2021).
- [UAPs need a high-resolution image](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/to-understand-uap-we-need-megapixel-imagery/) ([Avi Loeb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Loeb "Avi Loeb"); [Scientific American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_American "Scientific American"); August 2, 2021).
- [Video (92:50): U.S. Congressional Hearing on UFO/UAP (May 17, 2022)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSDweUbGBow) on [YouTube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube_video_\(identifier\) "YouTube video (identifier)").
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:UFOs "Template:UFOs") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:UFOs "Template talk:UFOs") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:UFOs "Special:EditPage/Template:UFOs")[UFOs]() | |
|---|---|
| [Ufology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufology "Ufology") | |
| [Claimed sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings "List of reported UFO sightings") | |
| | |
| General | [List of reported UFO sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings "List of reported UFO sightings") [Sightings in outer space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_outer_space "UFO sightings in outer space") [Sightings near atomic sites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_reports_and_atomic_sites "UFO reports and atomic sites") [UFO reports and disinformation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_reports_and_disinformation "UFO reports and disinformation") |
| Pre-20th century | [Ezekiel's Wheel (circa 622–570 BC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkabah_mysticism "Merkabah mysticism") [Airship of Clonmacnoise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airship_of_Clonmacnoise "Airship of Clonmacnoise") (740s) [1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1561_celestial_phenomenon_over_Nuremberg "1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg") [1566 celestial phenomenon over Basel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1566_celestial_phenomenon_over_Basel "1566 celestial phenomenon over Basel") [1665 celestial phenomenon over Stralsund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1665_celestial_phenomenon_over_Stralsund "1665 celestial phenomenon over Stralsund") [José Bonilla observation (1883)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonilla_observation "Bonilla observation") [Airship wave (1896–97)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship#The_airship_wave_of_1896-1897 "Mystery airship") [Aurora (1897)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora,_Texas,_UFO_incident "Aurora, Texas, UFO incident") |
| 20th century | [Battle of Los Angeles (1942)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Los_Angeles "Battle of Los Angeles") [Ängelholm UFO memorial (1946)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%84ngelholm_UFO_memorial "Ängelholm UFO memorial") [Kenneth Arnold (1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold_UFO_sighting "Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting") [1947 craze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_flying_disc_craze "1947 flying disc craze") [Flight 105 (1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_105_UFO_sighting "Flight 105 UFO sighting") [Roswell (1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident "Roswell incident") [Rhodes (1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes_UFO_photographs "Rhodes UFO photographs") [Mantell (1948)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantell_UFO_incident "Mantell UFO incident") [Chiles-Whitted (1948)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiles-Whitted_UFO_encounter "Chiles-Whitted UFO encounter") [Gorman Dogfight (1948)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorman_dogfight "Gorman dogfight") [Mariana (1950)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariana_UFO_incident "Mariana UFO incident") [McMinnville photographs (1950)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMinnville_UFO_photographs "McMinnville UFO photographs") [Lubbock Lights (1951)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubbock_Lights "Lubbock Lights") [Nash-Fortenberry (1952)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nash-Fortenberry_UFO_sighting "Nash-Fortenberry UFO sighting") [Washington, D.C. (1952)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_Washington,_D.C._UFO_incident "1952 Washington, D.C. UFO incident") [Flatwoods monster (1952)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatwoods_monster "Flatwoods monster") [Kelly–Hopkinsville (1955)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly%E2%80%93Hopkinsville_encounter "Kelly–Hopkinsville encounter") [Lakenheath-Bentwaters (1956)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakenheath-Bentwaters_incident "Lakenheath-Bentwaters incident") [Antônio Villas Boas (1957)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B4nio_Villas_Boas "Antônio Villas Boas") [Levelland (1957)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levelland_UFO_case "Levelland UFO case") [Barney and Betty Hill abduction (1961)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_and_Betty_Hill "Barney and Betty Hill") [Lonnie Zamora incident (1964)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonnie_Zamora_incident "Lonnie Zamora incident") [Solway Firth Spaceman (1964)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solway_Firth_Spaceman "Solway Firth Spaceman") [Exeter (1965)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exeter_incident "Exeter incident") [Kecksburg (1965)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kecksburg_UFO_incident "Kecksburg UFO incident") [Westall (1966)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westall_UFO "Westall UFO") [Falcon Lake (1967)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_Lake_Incident "Falcon Lake Incident") [Shag Harbour (1967)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shag_Harbour_UFO_incident "Shag Harbour UFO incident") [Pudasjärvi sightings (1967–1971)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFOs_of_Pudasj%C3%A4rvi "UFOs of Pudasjärvi") [Jimmy Carter (1969)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter_UFO_incident "Jimmy Carter UFO incident") [Finnish Air Force (1969)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Air_Force_UFO_sighting "Finnish Air Force UFO sighting") [Pascagoula Abduction (1973)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascagoula_Abduction "Pascagoula Abduction") [John Lennon UFO incident (1974)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lennon_UFO_incident "John Lennon UFO incident") [Travis Walton incident (1975)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_Walton_UFO_incident "Travis Walton UFO incident") [Tehran (1976)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_Tehran_UFO_incident "1976 Tehran UFO incident") [Petrozavodsk phenomenon (1977)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrozavodsk_phenomenon "Petrozavodsk phenomenon") [Operação Prato (1977)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Prato "Operação Prato") [Zanfretta incident (1978)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanfretta_UFO_Incident "Zanfretta UFO Incident") [Valentich disappearance (1978)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Frederick_Valentich "Disappearance of Frederick Valentich") [Kaikoura Lights (1978)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaikoura_lights "Kaikoura lights") [Robert Taylor incident (1979)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Taylor_incident "Robert Taylor incident") [Val Johnson incident (1979)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Val_Johnson_incident "Val Johnson incident") [Manises (1979)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manises_UFO_incident "Manises UFO incident") [Cash–Landrum incident (1980)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cash%E2%80%93Landrum_incident "Cash–Landrum incident") [Rendlesham Forest (1980)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendlesham_Forest_incident "Rendlesham Forest incident") [Trans-en-Provence (1981)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-en-Provence_case "Trans-en-Provence case") [Brazilian Night of the UFOs (1986)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_Brazilian_UFO_incident "1986 Brazilian UFO incident") [Japan Air Lines (1986)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Air_Lines_Cargo_Flight_1628_incident "Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1628 incident") [Ilkley Moor (1987)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilkley_Moor_UFO_incident "Ilkley Moor UFO incident") [Voronezh incident (1989)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voronezh_UFO_incident "Voronezh UFO incident") [Belgian UFO wave (1989–90)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave "Belgian UFO wave") [Calvine UFO (1990)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvine_UFO "Calvine UFO") [Ariel School (1994)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_School_UFO_incident "Ariel School UFO incident") [Varginha (1996)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varginha_UFO_incident "Varginha UFO incident") [Phoenix Lights (1997)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Lights "Phoenix Lights") |
| 21st century | [USS *Nimitz* UFO incident (2004)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Nimitz_UFO_incident "USS Nimitz UFO incident") [Campeche, Mexico (2004)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Mexico#2004 "UFO sightings in Mexico") [O'Hare Airport (2006)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_O%27Hare_International_Airport_UFO_sighting "2006 O'Hare International Airport UFO sighting") [Alderney (2007)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Alderney_UFO_sighting "2007 Alderney UFO sighting") [Norway (2009)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Norwegian_spiral_anomaly "2009 Norwegian spiral anomaly") [USS *Theodore Roosevelt* UFO incidents (2014)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Theodore_Roosevelt_UFO_incidents "USS Theodore Roosevelt UFO incidents") [Jetpack man (2020–21)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jetpack_man "Jetpack man") [High-altitude object events (2023)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_high-altitude_object_events_in_2023 "List of high-altitude object events in 2023") [David Grusch claims (2023)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Grusch_UFO_whistleblower_claims "David Grusch UFO whistleblower claims") |
| [Confirmed hoaxes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO-related_hoaxes "List of UFO-related hoaxes") | [Maury Island hoax (1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maury_Island_incident "Maury Island incident") [Twin Falls, Idaho hoax (1947)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Falls_saucer_hoax "Twin Falls saucer hoax") [Aztec, New Mexico hoax (1949)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec,_New_Mexico_UFO_hoax "Aztec, New Mexico UFO hoax") [Southern England (1967)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_British_flying_saucer_hoax "1967 British flying saucer hoax") [Majestic 12 (1985)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majestic_12 "Majestic 12") [Gulf Breeze (1987–88)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Breeze_UFO_incident "Gulf Breeze UFO incident") [*Alien Autopsy* (1995 film)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Autopsy_\(1995_film\) "Alien Autopsy (1995 film)") [Morristown (2009)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morristown_UFO_hoax "Morristown UFO hoax") |
| Sightings by country | [Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Africa "UFO sightings in Africa") ([South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_South_Africa "UFO sightings in South Africa")) [Albania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Albania "UFO sightings in Albania") [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Argentina "UFO sightings in Argentina") [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Australia "UFO sightings in Australia") [Belarus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Belarus "UFO sightings in Belarus") [Belgium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Belgium "UFO sightings in Belgium") [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Brazil "UFO sightings in Brazil") [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Canada "UFO sightings in Canada") [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_China "UFO sightings in China") [Czech Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_the_Czech_Republic "UFO sightings in the Czech Republic") [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_France "UFO sightings in France") [Greece](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Greece "UFO sightings in Greece") [India](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_India "UFO sightings in India") [Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Indonesia "UFO sightings in Indonesia") [Iran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Iran "UFO sightings in Iran") [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Italy "UFO sightings in Italy") [Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Mexico "UFO sightings in Mexico") [Nepal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Nepal "UFO sightings in Nepal") [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_New_Zealand "UFO sightings in New Zealand") [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Norway "UFO sightings in Norway") [Poland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Poland "UFO sightings in Poland") [Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Russia "UFO sightings in Russia") [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Spain "UFO sightings in Spain") ([Canary Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_the_Canary_Islands "UFO sightings in the Canary Islands")) [Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Sweden "UFO sightings in Sweden") [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_the_United_Kingdom "UFO sightings in the United Kingdom") [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_the_United_States "UFO sightings in the United States") |
| Types of UFOs | [Black triangle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_triangle_\(UFO\) "Black triangle (UFO)") [Flying saucer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer") [Foo fighter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foo_fighter "Foo fighter") [Ghost rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_rockets "Ghost rockets") [Green fireballs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs "Green fireballs") [Mystery airship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship "Mystery airship") [Space jellyfish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_jellyfish "Space jellyfish") |
| [Types of alleged extraterrestrial beings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alleged_extraterrestrial_beings "List of alleged extraterrestrial beings") | [Energy beings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_being "Energy being") [Grey aliens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_alien "Grey alien") [Insectoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insectoids_in_science_fiction "Insectoids in science fiction") [Little green men](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_green_men "Little green men") [Nordic aliens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_aliens "Nordic aliens") [Reptilian humanoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptilian_humanoid "Reptilian humanoid") |
| Studies and timeline | [Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation_of_UFO_reports_by_the_United_States_government "Investigation of UFO reports by the United States government") [*The Flying Saucers Are Real* (1947–1950)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real "The Flying Saucers Are Real") [Project Sign (1948)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign") [Project Grudge (1949)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge") [Flying Saucer Working Party (1950)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Saucer_Working_Party "Flying Saucer Working Party") [Project Magnet (1950–1962)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Magnet_\(Canada\) "Project Magnet (Canada)") [Project Second Storey (1952–1954)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Second_Storey "Project Second Storey") [Project Blue Book (1952–1970)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book") [Robertson Panel (1953)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Panel "Robertson Panel") [Ruppelt report (1956)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Report_on_Unidentified_Flying_Objects "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects") [National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena (1956–1980)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") [Condon Report (1966–1968)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee") [Institute 22 (1978–?)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_22 "Institute 22") [Project Condign (1997–2000)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Condign "Project Condign") [Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (2007–2012)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Aerospace_Threat_Identification_Program "Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program") [Identification studies of UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs") [Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (current)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_Aerial_Phenomena_Task_Force "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force") [NASA's UAP independent study team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA%27s_UAP_independent_study_team "NASA's UAP independent study team") [Archives of the Impossible](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archives_of_the_Impossible "Archives of the Impossible") |
| Hypotheses | [Ancient astronauts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_astronauts "Ancient astronauts") [Cryptoterrestrial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptoterrestrial_hypothesis "Cryptoterrestrial hypothesis") [Extraterrestrial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_UFO_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis") [Interdimensional](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdimensional_UFO_hypothesis "Interdimensional UFO hypothesis") [Psychological perspectives on UFO belief](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_perspectives_on_UFO_belief "Psychological perspectives on UFO belief") [Psychosocial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosocial_UFO_hypothesis "Psychosocial UFO hypothesis") [Nazi UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_UFOs "Nazi UFOs") [Time-traveller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-traveller_UFO_hypothesis "Time-traveller UFO hypothesis") [Posadist Trotskyism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_International%E2%80%93Posadist "Fourth International–Posadist") |
| [Conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_conspiracy_theories "UFO conspiracy theories") | [Area 51](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51 "Area 51") [Storm Area 51](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_Area_51 "Storm Area 51") [Ashtar Sheran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtar_Sheran "Ashtar Sheran") [Bob Lazar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Lazar "Bob Lazar") [Dulce Base](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulce_Base "Dulce Base") [Men in black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_in_black "Men in black") [Project Serpo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_objects_proposed_in_religion,_astrology,_ufology_and_pseudoscience "Planetary objects proposed in religion, astrology, ufology and pseudoscience") |
| Involvement | |
| | |
| [Abduction claims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_abduction "Alien abduction") | [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_alien_abduction_claims "History of alien abduction claims") [Narrative](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_of_the_abduction_phenomenon "Narrative of the abduction phenomenon") [Perspectives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspectives_on_the_abduction_phenomenon "Perspectives on the abduction phenomenon") [Insurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niche_insurance "Niche insurance") |
| Other | [Implants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_implants "Alien implants") [Cattle mutilation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_mutilation "Cattle mutilation") [Close encounter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_encounter "Close encounter") [Contactee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contactee "Contactee") [Crop circles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circle "Crop circle") [Government responses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_investigations_of_UFOs_by_governments "List of investigations of UFOs by governments") [GEIPAN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN") [Organizations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO_organizations "List of UFO organizations") [Ufologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ufologists "List of ufologists") [Disclosure movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclosure_movement "Disclosure movement") |
| Culture | *[The Age of Disclosure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Disclosure "The Age of Disclosure")* [Fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFOs_in_fiction "UFOs in fiction") [Religions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion") [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO_religions "List of UFO religions") |
| Skepticism | [List of scientific skeptics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scientific_skeptics "List of scientific skeptics") [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry") |
| Government and law | [United States Congress hearings on UFOs (2022)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_United_States_Congress_hearings_on_UFOs "2022 United States Congress hearings on UFOs") [Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act (UADPA), USA law (2023)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_Anomalous_Phenomena_Disclosure_Act "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act") |
|  [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Unidentified_flying_objects "Category:Unidentified flying objects") | |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Extraterrestrial_life "Template:Extraterrestrial life") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Extraterrestrial_life "Template talk:Extraterrestrial life") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Extraterrestrial_life "Special:EditPage/Template:Extraterrestrial life")[Extraterrestrial life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_life "Extraterrestrial life") | |
|---|---|
| Events, objects | [Shergotty meteorite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shergotty_meteorite "Shergotty meteorite") (1865) [Nakhla meteorite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhla_meteorite "Nakhla meteorite") (1911) [Murchison meteorite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murchison_meteorite "Murchison meteorite") (1969) [Viking lander biological experiments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_lander_biological_experiments "Viking lander biological experiments") (1976) [Allan Hills 77005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hills_77005 "Allan Hills 77005") (1977) [Allan Hills 84001](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hills_84001 "Allan Hills 84001") (1984) [Yamato 000593](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_000593 "Yamato 000593") (2000) [CI1 fossils](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CI1_fossils "CI1 fossils") (2011) |
| Signals of interest | |
| | |
| Misidentified | [CP 1919](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSR_B1919%2B21 "PSR B1919+21") (pulsar) [CTA-102](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CTA-102 "CTA-102") (quasar) |
| Stars | [KIC 8462852](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabby%27s_Star "Tabby's Star") (unusual light fluctuations) [EPIC 204278916](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EPIC_204278916 "EPIC 204278916") (unusual light fluctuations) [VVV-WIT-07](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VVV-WIT-07 "VVV-WIT-07") (unusual light fluctuations) [HD 164595 signal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_164595 "HD 164595") (unknown origin) |
| Other | [SHGb02+14a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHGb02%2B14a "SHGb02+14a") (radio source) [Wow! signal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wow!_signal "Wow! signal") (inconclusive) [Fast radio burst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_radio_burst "Fast radio burst") (unknown origin) [BLC1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BLC1 "BLC1") (radio signal) |
| Life in the universe | [Earliest known life forms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earliest_known_life_forms "Earliest known life forms") [Life on Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Venus "Life on Venus") [Life on Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Mars "Life on Mars") [Life on Titan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Titan "Life on Titan") |
| [Planetary habitability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_habitability "Planetary habitability") ([list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_potentially_habitable_exoplanets "List of potentially habitable exoplanets")) | |
| | |
| [In Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_habitability_in_the_Solar_System "Planetary habitability in the Solar System") [Earth analog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_analog "Earth analog") [Extraterrestrial liquid water](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_liquid_water "Extraterrestrial liquid water") [Of natural satellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_natural_satellites "Habitability of natural satellites") [Superhabitable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superhabitable_planet "Superhabitable planet") [Tholins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tholin "Tholin") | |
| Proximity | [To red dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_red_dwarf_systems "Habitability of red dwarf systems") [To orange dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_K-type_main-sequence_star_systems "Habitability of K-type main-sequence star systems") [To yellow dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_G-type_main-sequence_star_systems "Habitability of G-type main-sequence star systems") [To F-type stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_F-type_main-sequence_star_systems "Habitability of F-type main-sequence star systems") [To binary stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_binary_star_systems "Habitability of binary star systems") [To neutron stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitability_of_neutron_star_systems "Habitability of neutron star systems") |
| Zones | [Galactic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galactic_habitable_zone "Galactic habitable zone") [Circumstellar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumstellar_habitable_zone "Circumstellar habitable zone") [Complex life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitable_zone_for_complex_life "Habitable zone for complex life") |
| [Space missions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology#Missions "Astrobiology") | [Beagle 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle_2 "Beagle 2") [Biological Oxidant and Life Detection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_Oxidant_and_Life_Detection "Biological Oxidant and Life Detection") [BioSentinel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioSentinel "BioSentinel") [*Curiosity* rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curiosity_\(rover\) "Curiosity (rover)") *[Darwin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin_\(spacecraft\) "Darwin (spacecraft)")* *[Dragonfly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonfly_\(Titan_space_probe\) "Dragonfly (Titan space probe)")* [Enceladus Explorer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enceladus_Explorer "Enceladus Explorer") [Enceladus Life Finder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enceladus_Life_Finder "Enceladus Life Finder") *[Europa Clipper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_Clipper "Europa Clipper")* [ExoMars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExoMars "ExoMars") [*Rosalind Franklin* rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosalind_Franklin_\(rover\) "Rosalind Franklin (rover)") [ExoLance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExoLance "ExoLance") [EXPOSE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EXPOSE "EXPOSE") [Foton-M3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foton-M "Foton-M") [Icebreaker Life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icebreaker_Life "Icebreaker Life") [Journey to Enceladus and Titan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_Enceladus_and_Titan "Journey to Enceladus and Titan") [Laplace-P](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laplace-P "Laplace-P") [Life Investigation For Enceladus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Investigation_For_Enceladus "Life Investigation For Enceladus") [Living Interplanetary Flight Experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Interplanetary_Flight_Experiment "Living Interplanetary Flight Experiment") [Mars Geyser Hopper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Geyser_Hopper "Mars Geyser Hopper") [Mars sample-return mission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_sample-return_mission "Mars sample-return mission") [Mars 2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_2020 "Mars 2020") [Northern Light](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Light_\(spacecraft\) "Northern Light (spacecraft)") [*Opportunity* rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opportunity_\(rover\) "Opportunity (rover)") [*Perseverance* rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseverance_\(rover\) "Perseverance (rover)") [SpaceX Red Dragon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Red_Dragon "SpaceX Red Dragon") [*Spirit* rover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_\(rover\) "Spirit (rover)") [Tanpopo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanpopo_mission "Tanpopo mission") [Titan Mare Explorer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_Mare_Explorer "Titan Mare Explorer") [Venus In Situ Explorer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_In_Situ_Explorer "Venus In Situ Explorer") *[Viking 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_1 "Viking 1")* *[Viking 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_2 "Viking 2")* |
| [Interstellar communication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_communication "Interstellar communication") | [Active SETI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_SETI "Active SETI") [Allen Telescope Array](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Telescope_Array "Allen Telescope Array") [Arecibo message](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecibo_message "Arecibo message") [Arecibo Observatory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecibo_Observatory "Arecibo Observatory") [Berkeley SETI Research Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_SETI_Research_Center "Berkeley SETI Research Center") [Bracewell probe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracewell_probe "Bracewell probe") [Breakthrough Initiatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_Initiatives "Breakthrough Initiatives") [Breakthrough Listen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_Listen "Breakthrough Listen") [Breakthrough Message](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_Message "Breakthrough Message") [Communication with extraterrestrial intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_with_extraterrestrial_intelligence "Communication with extraterrestrial intelligence") [Gauss's Pythagorean right triangle proposal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauss%27s_Pythagorean_right_triangle_proposal "Gauss's Pythagorean right triangle proposal") [Astrolinguistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrolinguistics "Astrolinguistics") [Lincos language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincos_language "Lincos language") [NIROSETI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIROSETI "NIROSETI") [Pioneer plaque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_plaque "Pioneer plaque") [Project Cyclops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Cyclops "Project Cyclops") [Project Ozma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Ozma "Project Ozma") [Project Phoenix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Phoenix_\(SETI\) "Project Phoenix (SETI)") [SERENDIP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SERENDIP "SERENDIP") [Search for extraterrestrial intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_for_extraterrestrial_intelligence "Search for extraterrestrial intelligence") [SETI@home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SETI@home "SETI@home") [setiQuest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SetiQuest "SetiQuest") [Voyager Golden Record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_Golden_Record "Voyager Golden Record") [Water hole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_hole_\(radio\) "Water hole (radio)") [Xenolinguistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_language "Alien language") |
| Hypotheses | [Cosmic pluralism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_pluralism "Cosmic pluralism") [Directed panspermia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directed_panspermia "Directed panspermia") [Drake equation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_equation "Drake equation") [Extraterrestrial hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial hypothesis") [Extraterrestrial intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_intelligence "Extraterrestrial intelligence") [Fermi paradox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox "Fermi paradox") [Hypothetical types of biochemistry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothetical_types_of_biochemistry "Hypothetical types of biochemistry") [Interplanetary contamination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interplanetary_contamination "Interplanetary contamination") [Kardashev scale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale "Kardashev scale") [Mediocrity principle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediocrity_principle "Mediocrity principle") [Non-planetary abiogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-planetary_abiogenesis "Non-planetary abiogenesis") [Panspermia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panspermia "Panspermia") |
| [Fermi paradox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_paradox "Fermi paradox") solutions | [Aestivation hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aestivation_hypothesis "Aestivation hypothesis") [Berserker hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berserker_hypothesis "Berserker hypothesis") [Dark forest hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_forest_hypothesis "Dark forest hypothesis") [Firstborn hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firstborn_hypothesis "Firstborn hypothesis") [Great Filter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Filter "Great Filter") [Hart–Tipler conjecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hart%E2%80%93Tipler_conjecture "Hart–Tipler conjecture") [Neocatastrophism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neocatastrophism "Neocatastrophism") [Planetarium hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetarium_hypothesis "Planetarium hypothesis") [Rare Earth hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare_Earth_hypothesis "Rare Earth hypothesis") [Zoo hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoo_hypothesis "Zoo hypothesis") ([Uniformity of motive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformity_of_motive "Uniformity of motive")) |
| [Related topics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_extraterrestrial_life "Outline of extraterrestrial life") | [Ancient astronauts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_astronauts "Ancient astronauts") [Astrobiology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology "Astrobiology") [Astroecology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroecology "Astroecology") [Biosignature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosignature "Biosignature") [Brookings Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookings_Report "Brookings Report") [Definition of life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition_of_life "Definition of life") [Exotheology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exotheology "Exotheology") [Extraterrestrials in fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrials_in_fiction "Extraterrestrials in fiction") [Extremophile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extremophile "Extremophile") [Hemolithin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemolithin "Hemolithin") [History of the extraterrestrial life debate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_extraterrestrial_life_debate "History of the extraterrestrial life debate") [List of alleged extraterrestrial beings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alleged_extraterrestrial_beings "List of alleged extraterrestrial beings") [Nexus for Exoplanet System Science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexus_for_Exoplanet_System_Science "Nexus for Exoplanet System Science") [Noogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noosphere "Noosphere") [Planetary protection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_protection "Planetary protection") [Potential cultural impact of extraterrestrial contact](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_cultural_impact_of_extraterrestrial_contact "Potential cultural impact of extraterrestrial contact") [Post-detection policy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-detection_policy "Post-detection policy") [San Marino Scale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Marino_Scale "San Marino Scale") [Technosignature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technosignature "Technosignature") [UFO religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion") [Xenoarchaeology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoarchaeology "Xenoarchaeology") |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Conspiracy_theories "Template:Conspiracy theories") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Conspiracy_theories "Template talk:Conspiracy theories") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Conspiracy_theories "Special:EditPage/Template:Conspiracy theories")[Conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory "Conspiracy theory") | |
|---|---|
| [List of conspiracy theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_conspiracy_theories "List of conspiracy theories") | |
| Overview | |
| | |
| Core topics | [Antiscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiscience "Antiscience") [Cabals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabal "Cabal") [deep state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_state "Deep state") *[éminence grise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89minence_grise "Éminence grise")* [power behind the throne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_behind_the_throne "Power behind the throne") [Conspiracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy "Conspiracy") [Civil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_conspiracy "Civil conspiracy") [Criminal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_conspiracy "Criminal conspiracy") [Political](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_conspiracies "List of political conspiracies") [Crisis actors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_actor "Crisis actor") [Deception](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deception "Deception") [Dystopia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystopia "Dystopia") [Espionage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espionage "Espionage") [Global catastrophe scenarios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_catastrophe_scenarios "Global catastrophe scenarios") [Hidden message](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_message "Hidden message") [Pseudohistory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudohistory "Pseudohistory") [Pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience") [Secrecy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secrecy "Secrecy") [Secret societies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_society "Secret society") [Urban legends and myths](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_legends_and_myths "Urban legends and myths") |
| Psychology | [Attitude polarization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_polarization#Attitude_polarization "Group polarization") [Cognitive dissonance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance "Cognitive dissonance") [Communal reinforcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communal_reinforcement "Communal reinforcement") [Confirmation bias](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias "Confirmation bias") [Denialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denialism "Denialism") [Locus of control](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locus_of_control "Locus of control") [Manipulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipulation_\(psychology\) "Manipulation (psychology)") [Mass psychogenic illness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_psychogenic_illness "Mass psychogenic illness") [moral panics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_panic "Moral panic") [Paranoia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia "Paranoia") [Psychological projection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection "Psychological projection") |
| Astronomy and outer space | |
| | |
| [UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_conspiracy_theories "UFO conspiracy theories") ([Alleged aliens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alleged_extraterrestrial_beings "List of alleged extraterrestrial beings")) | |
| | |
| [Hoaxes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO-related_hoaxes "List of UFO-related hoaxes") | [Dundy County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundy_County_UFO_hoax "Dundy County UFO hoax") (1884) [Maury Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maury_Island_incident "Maury Island incident") (1947) [Roswell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident#Roswell_in_UFO_conspiracy_theories_\(1978%E2%80%93present\) "Roswell incident") (1947) [Twin Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Falls_saucer_hoax "Twin Falls saucer hoax") (1947) [Aztec, New Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec,_New_Mexico_crashed_saucer_hoax "Aztec, New Mexico crashed saucer hoax") (1949) [Southern England](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_British_flying_saucer_hoax "1967 British flying saucer hoax") (1967) [Ilkley Moor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO-related_hoaxes#Photograph_of_"an_alien"_taken_at_Ilkley_Moor_\(1987\) "List of UFO-related hoaxes") (1987) [Gulf Breeze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Breeze_UFO_incident "Gulf Breeze UFO incident") (1987–88) [Alien autopsy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Autopsy_\(1995_film\) "Alien Autopsy (1995 film)") (1995) [Morristown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morristown_UFO_hoax "Morristown UFO hoax") (2009) |
| Deaths and disappearances | |
| | |
| [Assassination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination "Assassination") / [suicide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide "Suicide") theories | [Zachary Taylor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Taylor#Assassination_theories "Zachary Taylor") (1850) [Ludwig II of Bavaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_II_of_Bavaria#Death "Ludwig II of Bavaria") (1886) [Louis Le Prince](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Le_Prince#Disappearance "Louis Le Prince") (1890) [Lord Kitchener](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Kitchener,_1st_Earl_Kitchener#Death "Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener") (1916) [Tom Thomson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_legacy_of_Tom_Thomson#Alternative_theories "Death and legacy of Tom Thomson") (1917) [Władysław Sikorski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W%C5%82adys%C5%82aw_Sikorski%27s_death_controversy "Władysław Sikorski's death controversy") (1943) [Benito Mussolini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Benito_Mussolini#Post-war_controversy "Death of Benito Mussolini") (1945) [Adolf Hitler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_about_Adolf_Hitler%27s_death "Conspiracy theories about Adolf Hitler's death") (1945) [Subhas Chandra Bose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Subhas_Chandra_Bose "Death of Subhas Chandra Bose") (1945) [Johnny Stompanato](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Johnny_Stompanato#Legacy_and_conspiracy_theories "Killing of Johnny Stompanato") (1958) [Marilyn Monroe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Marilyn_Monroe#Conspiracy_theories "Death of Marilyn Monroe") (1962) [John F. Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy_assassination_conspiracy_theories "John F. Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories") (1963) [Lee Harvey Oswald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Harvey_Oswald#Foreign_involvement_in_his_murder "Lee Harvey Oswald") (1963) [Lal Bahadur Shastri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lal_Bahadur_Shastri#Death "Lal Bahadur Shastri") (1966) [Harold Holt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Harold_Holt#Conspiracy_theories "Disappearance of Harold Holt") (1967) [Martin Luther King Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._assassination_conspiracy_theories "Martin Luther King Jr. assassination conspiracy theories") (1968) [Robert F. Kennedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_F._Kennedy_assassination_conspiracy_theories "Robert F. Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories") (1968) [Salvador Allende](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Salvador_Allende "Death of Salvador Allende") (1973) [Aldo Moro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_about_the_kidnapping_and_murder_of_Aldo_Moro "Conspiracy theories about the kidnapping and murder of Aldo Moro") (1978) [Renny Ottolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renny_Ottolina#Death_and_legacy "Renny Ottolina") (1978) [Pope John Paul I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_I_conspiracy_theories "Pope John Paul I conspiracy theories") (1978) [Airey Neave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airey_Neave#Conspiracy_theories "Airey Neave") (1979) [Olof Palme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Olof_Palme#Murder_theories "Assassination of Olof Palme") (1986) [Zia-ul-Haq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_state_funeral_of_Muhammad_Zia-ul-Haq#Theories "Death and state funeral of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq") (1988) [GEC-Marconi scientists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEC-Marconi_scientist_deaths_conspiracy_theory "GEC-Marconi scientist deaths conspiracy theory") (1980s–90s) [Turgut Özal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turgut_%C3%96zal#Death_and_exhumation "Turgut Özal") (1993) [Vince Foster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_of_Vince_Foster "Suicide of Vince Foster") (1993) [Kurt Cobain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_of_Kurt_Cobain "Suicide of Kurt Cobain") (1994) [Yitzhak Rabin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yitzhak_Rabin_assassination_conspiracy_theories "Yitzhak Rabin assassination conspiracy theories") (1995) [Diana, Princess of Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_about_the_death_of_Diana,_Princess_of_Wales "Conspiracy theories about the death of Diana, Princess of Wales") (1997) [Vatican murders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_murders "Vatican murders") (1998) [Nepalese royal family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalese_royal_massacre#Conspiracy_theories "Nepalese royal massacre") (2001) [Yasser Arafat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cause_of_Yasser_Arafat%27s_death#Theories_about_the_cause_of_death "Cause of Yasser Arafat's death") (2004) [Benazir Bhutto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Benazir_Bhutto#United_Nations_inquiry "Assassination of Benazir Bhutto") (2007) [Osama bin Laden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osama_bin_Laden_death_conspiracy_theories "Osama bin Laden death conspiracy theories") (2011) [Hugo Chávez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Hugo_Ch%C3%A1vez "Death of Hugo Chávez") (2013) [Seth Rich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Seth_Rich "Murder of Seth Rich") (2016) [Alejandro Castro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Castro_\(activist\) "Alejandro Castro (activist)") (2018) [Jeffrey Epstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Jeffrey_Epstein#Homicide_suspicions_and_conspiracy_theories "Death of Jeffrey Epstein") (2019) [Chan Yin-lam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Chan_Yin-lam "Death of Chan Yin-lam") (2019) [Sushant Singh Rajput](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Sushant_Singh_Rajput#Public_reactions "Death of Sushant Singh Rajput") (2020) [John McAfee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McAfee#Death "John McAfee") (2021) |
| Accidents / disasters | [*Mary Celeste*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Celeste#Myths_and_false_histories "Mary Celeste") (1872) [RMS *Titanic*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_conspiracy_theories "Titanic conspiracy theories") (1912) [Great Kantō earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1923_Great_Kant%C5%8D_earthquake#Ensuing_violence "1923 Great Kantō earthquake") (1923) [Lynmouth Flood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynmouth_Flood#Conspiracy_theory "Lynmouth Flood") (1952) [Dyatlov Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyatlov_Pass_incident "Dyatlov Pass incident") (1959) [Lost Cosmonauts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Cosmonauts "Lost Cosmonauts") (1950s–60s) [JAT Flight 367](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JAT_Flight_367#Shootdown_conspiracy_theory "JAT Flight 367") (1972) [United Air Lines Flight 553](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Air_Lines_Flight_553#Conspiracy_theories "United Air Lines Flight 553") (1972) [Itavia Flight 870](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itavia_Flight_870#Hypotheses_on_the_causes "Itavia Flight 870") (1980) [South African Airways Flight 295](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Airways_Flight_295#Theories_regarding_the_cause_of_the_fire "South African Airways Flight 295") (1987) [Khamar-Daban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khamar-Daban_incident "Khamar-Daban incident") (1993) [MS *Estonia*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_the_MS_Estonia "Sinking of the MS Estonia") (1994) [TWA Flight 800](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWA_Flight_800_conspiracy_theories "TWA Flight 800 conspiracy theories") (1996) [EgyptAir Flight 990](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EgyptAir_Flight_990#Media_coverage "EgyptAir Flight 990") (1999) [Malaysia Airlines Flight 370](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Airlines_Flight_370_disappearance_theories "Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance theories") (2014) |
| Other cases | [Joan of Arc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_historical_interpretations_of_Joan_of_Arc "Alternative historical interpretations of Joan of Arc") (1431) [Roanoke Colony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roanoke_Colony#Hypotheses_about_the_colony's_disappearance "Roanoke Colony") (1585) [Yemenite children](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemenite_Children_Affair "Yemenite Children Affair") (1948–54) [Elvis Presley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_sightings "Elvis sightings") (1977) [Jonestown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown#Conspiracy_theories "Jonestown") (1978) |
| Body double hoax | [Paul McCartney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_is_dead "Paul is dead") [Avril Lavigne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avril_Lavigne_replacement_conspiracy_theory "Avril Lavigne replacement conspiracy theory") [Vladimir Putin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory_about_Vladimir_Putin%27s_body_doubles "Conspiracy theory about Vladimir Putin's body doubles") [Melania Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melania_Trump_replacement_conspiracy_theory "Melania Trump replacement conspiracy theory") |
| Energy, environment | |
| | |
| United States | [California drought manipulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_drought_manipulation_conspiracy_theory "California drought manipulation conspiracy theory") [HAARP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Frequency_Active_Auroral_Research_Program#Conspiracy_theories "High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program") [2024 Atlantic hurricanes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misinformation_about_the_2024_Atlantic_hurricane_season "Misinformation about the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season") [Camp Fire disinformation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Taylor_Greene#Camp_Fire_conspiracy_theory "Marjorie Taylor Greene") |
| [False flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_flag "False flag") allegations | |
| [USS *Maine*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Maine_\(1889\)#False_flag_operation_conspiracy_theories "USS Maine (1889)") (1898) [RMS *Lusitania*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_the_RMS_Lusitania#Controversies "Sinking of the RMS Lusitania") (1915) [Reichstag fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_fire#Dispute_about_Van_der_Lubbe's_role "Reichstag fire") (1933) [Pearl Harbor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Harbor_advance-knowledge_conspiracy_theory "Pearl Harbor advance-knowledge conspiracy theory") (1941) [USS *Liberty*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident#Ongoing_controversy_and_unresolved_questions "USS Liberty incident") (1967) [Lufthansa Flight 615](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lufthansa_Flight_615#Allegations_of_West_German_government_involvement "Lufthansa Flight 615") (1972) [Widerøe Flight 933](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wider%C3%B8e_Flight_933 "Widerøe Flight 933") (1982) [KAL Flight 007](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Air_Lines_Flight_007_alternative_theories "Korean Air Lines Flight 007 alternative theories") (1983) [Mozambican presidential jet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_Mozambican_Tupolev_Tu-134_crash "1986 Mozambican Tupolev Tu-134 crash") (1986) [Pan Am Flight 103](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Am_Flight_103_conspiracy_theories "Pan Am Flight 103 conspiracy theories") (1988) [Oklahoma City bombing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_City_bombing_conspiracy_theories "Oklahoma City bombing conspiracy theories") (1995) [9/11 attacks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9/11_conspiracy_theories "9/11 conspiracy theories") (2001) [advance knowledge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks_advance-knowledge_conspiracy_theories "September 11 attacks advance-knowledge conspiracy theories") [WTC collapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_controlled_demolition_conspiracy_theories "World Trade Center controlled demolition conspiracy theories") [Madrid train bombing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversies_about_the_2004_Madrid_train_bombings "Controversies about the 2004 Madrid train bombings") (2004) [London bombings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_July_2005_London_bombings#Conspiracy_theories "7 July 2005 London bombings") (2005) [Smolensk air disaster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smolensk_air_disaster "Smolensk air disaster") (2010) [Malaysia Airlines Flight 17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Airlines_Flight_17#Russian_media_coverage "Malaysia Airlines Flight 17") (2014) [Denial of the 7 October attacks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denial_of_the_7_October_attacks "Denial of the 7 October attacks") (2023) | |
| Gender and sexuality | |
| [Alpha/beta males](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_and_beta_male "Alpha and beta male") [Anti-LGBTQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-LGBTQ_rhetoric "Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric") [Anti-gender movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-gender_movement "Anti-gender movement") [Chemicals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_chemicals_conspiracy_theory "LGBTQ chemicals conspiracy theory") [Drag panic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_panic "Drag panic") [Gay agenda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_agenda "Gay agenda") [Gay bomb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_bomb "Gay bomb") [Gay Nazis myth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_Nazis_myth "Gay Nazis myth") [HIV/AIDS stigma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_HIV/AIDS#1981%E2%80%931982:_From_GRID_to_AIDS "History of HIV/AIDS") [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS_in_the_United_States#Public_perception "HIV/AIDS in the United States") [Homintern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-LGBTQ_rhetoric#Homintern "Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric") [Lavender Scare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender_Scare "Lavender Scare") [Recruitment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-LGBTQ_rhetoric#Recruitment "Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric") [Grooming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_grooming_conspiracy_theory "LGBTQ grooming conspiracy theory") [Litter box hoax](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litter_boxes_in_schools_hoax "Litter boxes in schools hoax") [Transvestigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transvestigation "Transvestigation") [Finger pinching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_pinching_conspiracy_theory "Finger pinching conspiracy theory") [Gamergate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamergate_\(harassment_campaign\) "Gamergate (harassment campaign)") [Ideology in incel communities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incel#Ideology "Incel") [Larries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larries "Larries") / [Gaylors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaylor_conspiracy_theory "Gaylor conspiracy theory") [Satanic panic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_panic#As_a_moral_panic "Satanic panic") [Soy and masculinity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soy_boy "Soy boy") | |
| Health | |
| [5G misinformation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G_misinformation "5G misinformation") [Anti-vaccination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-vaccine_activism "Anti-vaccine activism") [Autism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccines_and_autism "Vaccines and autism") [MMR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMR_vaccine_and_autism "MMR vaccine and autism") [Thiomersal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal_and_vaccines "Thiomersal and vaccines") [In chiropractic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-vaccinationism_in_chiropractic "Anti-vaccinationism in chiropractic") [Misinformation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine_misinformation "Vaccine misinformation") [Aspartame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame_controversy "Aspartame controversy") [Big Pharma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Pharma_conspiracy_theories "Big Pharma conspiracy theories") [Chemtrails](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemtrail_conspiracy_theory "Chemtrail conspiracy theory") [COVID-19](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_misinformation "COVID-19 misinformation") [Ivermectin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivermectin_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic "Ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic") [Lab leak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_lab_leak_theory "COVID-19 lab leak theory") [Vaccines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_vaccine_misinformation_and_hesitancy "COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and hesitancy") [Turbo cancer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo_cancer "Turbo cancer") In [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_misinformation_in_Canada "COVID-19 misinformation in Canada") / [Philippines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_misinformation_in_the_Philippines "COVID-19 misinformation in the Philippines") / [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_misinformation_by_the_United_States "COVID-19 misinformation by the United States") [Ebola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_misinformation "Ebola misinformation") [Electronic harassment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_harassment "Electronic harassment") [Germ theory denialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germ_theory_denialism "Germ theory denialism") [GMOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GMO_conspiracy_theories "GMO conspiracy theories") [HIV/AIDS denialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS_denialism "HIV/AIDS denialism") [Origins theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discredited_HIV/AIDS_origins_theories "Discredited HIV/AIDS origins theories") [Oral polio AIDS hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_polio_vaccine_AIDS_hypothesis "Oral polio vaccine AIDS hypothesis") [Lepers' plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1321_lepers%27_plot "1321 lepers' plot") [Medbeds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medbed "Medbed") [SARS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SARS_conspiracy_theory "SARS conspiracy theory") (2003) [Water fluoridation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_fluoridation_controversy "Water fluoridation controversy") [Pont-Saint-Esprit mass poisoning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951_Pont-Saint-Esprit_mass_poisoning "1951 Pont-Saint-Esprit mass poisoning") | |
| Race, religion, ethnicity | |
| | |
| [Antisemitic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisemitic_trope "Antisemitic trope") | [Andinia Plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andinia_Plan "Andinia Plan") [Blood libel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_libel "Blood libel") [Cohen Plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohen_Plan "Cohen Plan") [Doctors' plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctors%27_plot "Doctors' plot") [During the Black Death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Jews_during_the_Black_Death "Persecution of Jews during the Black Death") [Epsilon Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epsilon_Team "Epsilon Team") [George Soros](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Soros_conspiracy_theories "George Soros conspiracy theories") [Holocaust denial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_denial "Holocaust denial") [Trivialization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_trivialization "Holocaust trivialization") [International Jewish conspiracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Jewish_conspiracy "International Jewish conspiracy") [Committee of 300](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_of_300 "Committee of 300") [Cultural Bolshevism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_Bolshevism "Cultural Bolshevism") / [Jewish Bolshevism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Bolshevism "Jewish Bolshevism") *[Żydokomuna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%BBydokomuna "Żydokomuna")* [Judeo-Masonic plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judeo-Masonic_conspiracy_theory "Judeo-Masonic conspiracy theory") *[The Protocols of the Elders of Zion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Protocols_of_the_Elders_of_Zion "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion")* [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_war_conspiracy_theory "Jewish war conspiracy theory") [Z.O.G.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionist_Occupation_Government_conspiracy_theory "Zionist Occupation Government conspiracy theory") [Judeopolonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judeopolonia "Judeopolonia") [Killing of Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_deicide "Jewish deicide") [Kalergi Plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalergi_Plan "Kalergi Plan") [New World Order](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_Order_\(conspiracy_theory\) "New World Order (conspiracy theory)") [Rothschilds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rothschild_family#Conspiracy_theories "Rothschild family") [Stab-in-the-back myth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stab-in-the-back_myth "Stab-in-the-back myth") |
| Christian | |
| | |
| [Anti-Christian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Christian_sentiment "Anti-Christian sentiment") | [Anti-Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_conspiracy_theories#Anti-Catholic_conspiracy_theories "List of conspiracy theories") [Vatican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_conspiracy_theories "Vatican conspiracy theories") [John Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_Paul_I_conspiracy_theories "Pope John Paul I conspiracy theories") [Giuseppe Siri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_election_of_Giuseppe_Siri_theory "Papal election of Giuseppe Siri theory") [Popish Plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popish_Plot "Popish Plot") [Jesuits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit_conspiracy_theories "Jesuit conspiracy theories") |
| [Islamophobic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamophobia "Islamophobia") | [Counter-jihad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-jihad "Counter-jihad") [Bihar human sacrifice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpIndia#Bihar_human_sacrifice_claims "OpIndia") [Eurabia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurabia_conspiracy_theory "Eurabia conspiracy theory") [Great Replacement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Replacement "Great Replacement") [Love jihad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_jihad_conspiracy_theory "Love jihad conspiracy theory") [Proposed "Islamo-leftism" inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamo-leftism#2021_proposed_Vidal_inquiry "Islamo-leftism") [Trojan Horse scandal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_Horse_scandal "Trojan Horse scandal") |
| [Genocide denial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocide_denial "Genocide denial") / [Denial of mass killings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Denial_of_mass_killings "Template:Denial of mass killings") | [Armenian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_genocide_denial "Armenian genocide denial") [Assyrian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayfo#Denial_and_justification "Sayfo") [Bangladesh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_genocide#Views_in_Pakistan "Bangladesh genocide") [Bosnian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian_genocide_denial "Bosnian genocide denial") [Cambodian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian_genocide_denial "Cambodian genocide denial") [Gaza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_genocide_denial "Gaza genocide denial") [Pallywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallywood "Pallywood") [The Holocaust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_denial "Holocaust denial") [Holodomor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor_denial "Holodomor denial") [Nanjing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanjing_Massacre_denial "Nanjing Massacre denial") [Rwandan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwandan_genocide_denial "Rwandan genocide denial") [Serbs during WWII](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denial_of_the_genocide_of_Serbs_in_the_Independent_State_of_Croatia "Denial of the genocide of Serbs in the Independent State of Croatia") |
| Regional | |
| | |
| Asia | India [Cow vigilante violence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow_vigilante_violence_in_India "Cow vigilante violence in India") Pakistan [Jinnahpur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jinnahpur "Jinnahpur") Philippines [Tallano gold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallano_gold "Tallano gold") South Korea [Finger-pinching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger-pinching_conspiracy_theory "Finger-pinching conspiracy theory") Thailand [Finland Plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finland_Plot "Finland Plot") |
| Americas (outside the United States) | Argentina [Andinia Plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andinia_Plan "Andinia Plan") Canada [Avro Arrow cancellation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Canada_CF-105_Arrow#Cancellation "Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow") [Trudeau-Castro conspiracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Trudeau%E2%80%93Fidel_Castro_conspiracy_theory "Justin Trudeau–Fidel Castro conspiracy theory") [Leuchter report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leuchter_report "Leuchter report") Peru [Casa Matusita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Matusita "Casa Matusita") Venezuela [Daktari Ranch affair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daktari_Ranch_affair "Daktari Ranch affair") [Golpe Azul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golpe_Azul "Golpe Azul") |
| Middle East / North Africa | [In the Arab world](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_in_the_Arab_world "Conspiracy theories in the Arab world") [10 agorot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_agorot_controversy "10 agorot controversy") [Cairo fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_fire#Conspiracy_theories "Cairo fire") [Kissinger Plan in Lebanon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissinger_Plan_in_Lebanon "Kissinger Plan in Lebanon") [Israel-related animal theories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel-related_animal_conspiracy_theories "Israel-related animal conspiracy theories") Iran [Western-backed Iranian Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_about_the_overthrow_of_Mohammad_Reza_Pahlavi "Conspiracy theories about the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi") Israel [Pallywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallywood "Pallywood") |
| Russia | [Alaska payment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_payment_conspiracy "Alaska payment conspiracy") [Dulles' Plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulles%27_Plan "Dulles' Plan") [Golden billion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_billion "Golden billion") [Petrograd Military Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagantsev_conspiracy "Tagantsev conspiracy") [Rasputin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigori_Rasputin "Grigori Rasputin") [Ukraine bioweapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine_bioweapons_conspiracy_theory "Ukraine bioweapons conspiracy theory") |
| [Turkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_in_Turkey "Conspiracy theories in Turkey") | [2016 coup attempt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Turkish_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat_attempt#Staged_coup_reports "2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt") [Ergenekon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergenekon_\(organization\) "Ergenekon (organization)") [Operation Sledgehammer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sledgehammer_\(alleged_coup_plan\) "Sledgehammer (alleged coup plan)") [Gezi Park protests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gezi_Park_protests#Conspiracy_claims "Gezi Park protests") [Sèvres syndrome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A8vres_syndrome "Sèvres syndrome") *[Üst akıl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_conspiracy_theories#%C3%9Cst_ak%C4%B1l "List of conspiracy theories")* |
| Other European | [Euromyth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euromyth "Euromyth") Georgia [Global War Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_War_Party "Global War Party") Germany [Vril Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vril_Society "Vril Society") Ireland [German Plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Plot_\(Ireland\) "German Plot (Ireland)") Lithuania [Statesmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statesmen_\(conspiracy_theory\) "Statesmen (conspiracy theory)") Roman Republic [First Catilinarian conspiracy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Catilinarian_conspiracy "First Catilinarian conspiracy") Spain [Mano Negra affair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mano_Negra_affair "Mano Negra affair") Sweden [Lilla Saltsjöbadsavtalet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilla_Saltsj%C3%B6badsavtalet "Lilla Saltsjöbadsavtalet") UK [Clockwork Orange plot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clockwork_Orange_\(plot\) "Clockwork Orange (plot)") [Elm Guest House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elm_Guest_House_hoax "Elm Guest House hoax") [Harold Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Wilson_plot_allegations "Harold Wilson plot allegations") [Voting pencil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_pencil_conspiracy_theory "Voting pencil conspiracy theory") |
| [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theories_in_United_States_politics "Conspiracy theories in United States politics") | |
| | |
| [2020 election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attempts_to_overturn_the_2020_United_States_presidential_election#Conspiracy_allegations "Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election") | [Italygate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italygate "Italygate") ["Pence Card"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attempts_to_overturn_the_2020_United_States_presidential_election#Pence_Card "Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election") [Maricopa County ballot audit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Maricopa_County_presidential_ballot_audit "2021 Maricopa County presidential ballot audit") [Stop the Steal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attempts_to_overturn_the_2020_United_States_presidential_election#Stop_the_Steal "Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election") |
| Other | |
| | |
| [Pseudolaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudolaw "Pseudolaw") | [Admiralty law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_law#Conspiracy_theory "Maritime law") [Freeman on the land movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeman_on_the_land_movement "Freeman on the land movement") [Redemption movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption_movement "Redemption movement") [Sovereign citizens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_citizen_movement "Sovereign citizen movement") [Strawman theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawman_theory "Strawman theory") [Tax protesters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_protester_conspiracy_arguments "Tax protester conspiracy arguments") |
| Satirical | [Acre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acre_conspiracy "Acre conspiracy") [Bielefeld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bielefeld_conspiracy "Bielefeld conspiracy") [Birds Aren't Real](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birds_Aren%27t_Real "Birds Aren't Real") [Li's field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li%27s_field "Li's field") [Ted Cruz–Zodiac Killer meme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Cruz%E2%80%93Zodiac_Killer_meme "Ted Cruz–Zodiac Killer meme") [Epstein didn't kill himself](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epstein_didn%27t_kill_himself "Epstein didn't kill himself") |
| See also | |
| [Argument from ignorance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_ignorance "Argument from ignorance") *[Conspiracy Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_Encyclopedia "Conspiracy Encyclopedia")* [Conspiracy fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_fiction "Conspiracy fiction") [Conspirituality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspirituality "Conspirituality") [Dogma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogma "Dogma") [pseudoskepticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoskepticism "Pseudoskepticism") [Falsifiability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsifiability "Falsifiability") [Fringe science](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fringe_science "Fringe science") [Historical negationism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_negationism "Historical negationism") [Online youth radicalization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_youth_radicalization "Online youth radicalization") [Paranormal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal "Paranormal") [Prejudice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prejudice "Prejudice") [Hate speech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech "Hate speech") [Radicalization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radicalization "Radicalization") [Science by press conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_by_press_conference "Science by press conference") [Superstition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superstition "Superstition") | |
| [Authority control databases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Authority_control "Help:Authority control") [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q421#identifiers "Edit this at Wikidata") | |
|---|---|
| International | [GND](https://d-nb.info/gnd/4078498-8) |
| National | [United States](https://id.loc.gov/authorities/sh85139676) [France](https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb11933297z) [BnF data](https://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb11933297z) [Japan](https://id.ndl.go.jp/auth/ndlna/00571425) [Czech Republic](https://aleph.nkp.cz/F/?func=find-c&local_base=aut&ccl_term=ica=ph117151&CON_LNG=ENG) [Spain](https://datos.bne.es/resource/XX526015) [Israel](https://www.nli.org.il/en/authorities/987007560927905171) |
| Other | [NARA](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10643350) [Yale LUX](https://lux.collections.yale.edu/view/concept/89e67f74-7798-4efb-98be-8464dc31ff4d) |
[Portals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents/Portals "Wikipedia:Contents/Portals"):
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stylised_atom_with_three_Bohr_model_orbits_and_stylised_nucleus.svg) [Physics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Physics "Portal:Physics")
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dragon-149393.svg) [Speculative fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Speculative_fiction "Portal:Speculative fiction")
-  [Aviation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Aviation "Portal:Aviation")
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cumulus_clouds_in_fair_weather.jpeg) [Weather](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Weather "Portal:Weather")
Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Unidentified_flying_object&oldid=1346557548>"
[Categories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Category "Help:Category"):
- [Unidentified flying objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Unidentified_flying_objects "Category:Unidentified flying objects")
- [Alleged extraterrestrial visitation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Alleged_extraterrestrial_visitation "Category:Alleged extraterrestrial visitation")
- [Atmospheric optical phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Atmospheric_optical_phenomena "Category:Atmospheric optical phenomena")
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Unidentified flying object
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| Readable Markdown | "GIMBAL" [Pentagon UFO video](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos"), January 2015
An **unidentified flying object** (**UFO**) is an object or phenomenon seen in the sky but not yet identified or explained. The term was coined when [United States Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force") (USAF) investigations into [flying saucers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer") found too broad a range of shapes reported to consider them all saucers or discs.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-1) UFOs are also known as **unidentified aerial phenomena** or **unidentified anomalous phenomena** (**UAPs**).[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ODNI-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-3)[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-4) Upon investigation, most UFOs are [identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs"), while a small number remain unexplained.
While [unusual sightings in the sky have been reported](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightings "List of reported UFO sightings") since at least the 3rd century BC, UFOs became culturally prominent after World War II, escalating during the [Space Age](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Age "Space Age"). Studies and investigations into UFO reports conducted by governments (such as [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book") in the United States and [Project Condign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Condign "Project Condign") in the [United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_of_Great_Britain_and_Ireland "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland")), as well as by organisations and individuals have occurred over the years without confirmation of the fantastical claims of small but vocal groups of [ufologists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ufologists "Ufologists") who favour unconventional or [pseudoscientific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience") hypotheses, often claiming that UFOs are evidence of [extraterrestrial intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial hypothesis"), [technologically advanced cryptids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptoterrestrial_hypothesis "Cryptoterrestrial hypothesis"), [interdimensional contact](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdimensional_UFO_hypothesis "Interdimensional UFO hypothesis") or [future time travelers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-traveller_UFO_hypothesis "Time-traveller UFO hypothesis").
After decades of promotion of such ideas by believers and in popular media, [the kind of evidence required to solidly support such claims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagan_standard "Sagan standard") has not been forthcoming. Scientists and skeptic organizations such as the [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry") have provided prosaic explanations for UFOs, namely that they are caused by natural phenomena, human technology, delusions, and hoaxes. Although certain beliefs surrounding UFOs have inspired parts of [new religions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion"), social scientists have identified the ongoing interest and storytelling surrounding UFOs as a modern example of folklore and mythology understandable with [psychosocial explanations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosocial_UFO_hypothesis "Psychosocial UFO hypothesis").
The problems of temporarily or permanently non-knowable anomalous phenomenon or perceived objects in flight is part of the philosophical subject [epistemology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology "Epistemology").[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-5)[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-6) The U.S. government has two entities dedicated to UFO data collection and analysis: [NASA's UAP independent study team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA%27s_UAP_independent_study_team "NASA's UAP independent study team") and the [Department of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Secretary_of_Defense "Office of the Secretary of Defense") [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office").
Terminology
During the late 1940s and through the 1950s, UFOs were often called "[flying saucers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_saucer "Flying saucer")" or "flying discs" based on reporting of the [Kenneth Arnold incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold_UFO_sighting "Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting").[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-7) "Unidentified flying object" (UFO) has been in-use since 1947.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-MW-2023-8) The acronym "UFO" was coined by Captain [Edward J. Ruppelt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Ruppelt "Edward J. Ruppelt") for the USAF. He wrote, "Obviously the term 'flying saucer' is misleading when applied to objects of every conceivable shape and performance. For this reason the military prefers the more general, if less colorful, name: unidentified flying objects. UFO".[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-9)
The term UFO became widespread during the 1950s, at first in technical literature, but later in popular use.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20170424-10)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AMZ-20170324-11) "Unidentified aerial phenomenon" (UAP) first appeared in the late 1960s. UAP has seen increasing usage in the 21st century due to negative cultural associations with "UFO".[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-MW-2023-8) UAP is sometimes expanded as "unidentified anomalous phenomenon".[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Hanks2022-12)[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Furfaro2022-13) While technically a *UFO* refers to any unidentified flying object, in modern popular culture the term UFO has generally become synonymous with [alien spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_UFO_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis").[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-14) The term "extra-terrestrial vehicle" (ETV) is sometimes used to separate this explanation of UFOs from totally earthbound explanations.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-15)
Identification
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fata_Morgana_Example.jpg)
A [Fata Morgana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_\(mirage\) "Fata Morgana (mirage)"), a type of mirage in which objects located *below* the astronomical [horizon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon "Horizon") appear to be hovering in the sky just above the horizon, may be responsible for some UFO sightings.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Official_UFO_Investigations_in_France:_the_GEPAN/SEPRA_Project-16)
Studies show that after careful investigation, the majority of UFOs can be identified as ordinary objects or phenomena. The [1952–1955 study](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book_Special_Report_No._14 "Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14") for the USAF used the following categories: "Balloon; Astronomical; Aircraft; Light phenomenon; Birds, Clouds, dust, etc.; Insufficient information; Psychological manifestations; Unknown; and Other".[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-17) Identified sources of UFO reports are:
- Aircraft (including [military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_aircraft "Military aircraft"), [civilian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_aviation "Civil aviation"), and [experimental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimental_aircraft "Experimental aircraft") aircraft as well as such peculiarities as [aerial advertising](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_advertising "Aerial advertising"), [missile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missile "Missile") and other [rocket launches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_launch "Rocket launch"), [artificial satellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite "Satellite"), the [International Space Station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station "International Space Station"), re-entering [spacecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spacecraft "Spacecraft") including [space debris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_debris "Space debris"), [kites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite "Kite"), and various [unmanned aerial vehicles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle "Unmanned aerial vehicle") often popularly termed "drones")[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Starwalk-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)
- Astronomical objects ([bright stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_brightest_stars "List of brightest stars"), [bolides](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolide "Bolide"), [bright planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_planet "Classical planet"), and the [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon "Moon"))[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Blackrock-2024-21)
- Balloons ([surveillance balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Mogul "Project Mogul"), [toy balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon#Decoration_or_entertainment "Balloon"), [weather balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_balloon "Weather balloon"), large [research balloons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_balloon "Research balloon"), and [sky lanterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lantern "Sky lantern"))[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Starwalk-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-22)
- Hoaxes[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-23)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-24)
- Light phenomena ([mirages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirage "Mirage"), [Fata Morgana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_\(mirage\) "Fata Morgana (mirage)"), [sundogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundog "Sundog"), [ball lightning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_lightning "Ball lightning"), [moon dogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_dog "Moon dog"), [satellite flares](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_flare "Satellite flare"), [lens flare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_flare "Lens flare"), [searchlights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Searchlight "Searchlight") and other ground lights, etc.)[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-25)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Blackrock-2024-21)
- Other atmospheric objects and phenomena (birds, [unusual clouds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud "Lenticular cloud"), [flares](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flare "Flare"), [plasma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_\(physics\)#Complex_plasma_phenomena "Plasma (physics)"))[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ezzy-2024-18)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Carey-2010-20)
- Psychological effects ([pareidolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia "Pareidolia"), [suggestibility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suggestibility "Suggestibility") and [false memories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_memory "False memory"), [mass psychogenic disorders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_psychogenic_illness "Mass psychogenic illness"), [optical illusions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_illusion "Optical illusion"), and [hallucinations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucination "Hallucination"))[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-26)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SpaceX_Falcon_9_Launch_from_Vandenberg,_CA_-_October_7_2018_-_45131925812.jpg)
[Twilight phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_phenomenon "Twilight phenomenon") from a [Falcon 9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_9 "Falcon 9") rocket launch
An individual 1979 study by CUFOS researcher [Allan Hendry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hendry "Allan Hendry") found, as did other investigations, that fewer than one percent of cases he investigated were hoaxes and most sightings were actually honest misidentifications of prosaic phenomena. Hendry attributed most of these to inexperience or misperception.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-27) Astronomer [Andrew Fraknoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fraknoi "Andrew Fraknoi") rejected the hypothesis that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and responded to the "onslaught of credulous coverage" in books, films and entertainment by teaching his students to apply critical thinking to such claims, advising them that "being a good scientist is not unlike being a good detective". According to Fraknoi, UFO reports "might at first seem mysterious", but "the more you investigate, the more likely you are to find that there is LESS to these stories than meets the eye".[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Fraknoi-28)
History
Early history before the 20th century
People have always observed the sky and have sometimes seen what, to some, appeared to be unusual sights including phenomena as varied as [comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet "Comet"), bright [meteors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteors "Meteors"), one or more of the [five planets that can be readily seen with the naked eye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_planet "Classical planet"), [planetary conjunctions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjunction_\(astronomy\) "Conjunction (astronomy)"), and atmospheric [optical phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_phenomenon "Optical phenomenon") such as [parhelia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog "Sun dog") and [lenticular clouds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud "Lenticular cloud").\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] One particularly famous example is [Halley's Comet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halley%27s_Comet "Halley's Comet"): first recorded by Chinese astronomers in 240 BC and possibly as early as 467 BC as a strange and unknown "guest light" in the sky.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-29)
As a bright comet that visits the inner solar system every 76 years, it was often identified as a unique isolated event in ancient historical documents whose authors were unaware that it was a repeating phenomenon.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Such accounts in history often were treated as [supernatural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural "Supernatural") portents, [angels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel "Angel"), or other religious [omens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omen "Omen").\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] While UFO enthusiasts have sometimes commented on the narrative similarities between certain religious symbols in medieval paintings and UFO reports,[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-30) the canonical and symbolic character of such images is documented by art historians placing more conventional religious interpretations on such images.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-31) Some examples of pre-contemporary reports about unusual aerial phenomena include:
- [Julius Obsequens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Obsequens "Julius Obsequens") was a [Roman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome "Ancient Rome") writer who is believed to have lived in the middle of the fourth century AD. The only work associated with his name is the *Liber de prodigiis* (Book of Prodigies), completely extracted from an epitome, or abridgment, written by [Livy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livy "Livy"); *De prodigiis* was constructed as an account of the wonders and portents that occurred in [Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome "Rome") between 249 and 12 BCE. An aspect of Obsequens' work that has inspired excitement in some UFO enthusiasts is that he makes reference to things moving through the sky. The descriptions provided bear resemblance to observations of [meteor showers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_showers "Meteor showers"). Obsequens was also writing some 400 years after the events he described, thus the text is not an eyewitness account. No corroboration with those amazing sights of old with contemporary observations was mentioned in that work.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-32)[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-33)
- [Shen Kuo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shen_Kuo "Shen Kuo") (1031–1095), a [Song Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_Dynasty "Song Dynasty") government [scholar-official](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholar-bureaucrat "Scholar-bureaucrat") and prolific polymath inventor, wrote a vivid passage in his *[Dream Pool Essays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Pool_Essays "Dream Pool Essays")* (1088) about an unidentified flying object. He recorded the testimony of eyewitnesses in 11th-century [Anhui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhui "Anhui") and [Jiangsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiangsu "Jiangsu") (especially in the city of [Yangzhou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangzhou "Yangzhou")), who stated that a flying object with opening doors would shine a blinding light from its interior (from an object shaped like a pearl) that would cast shadows from trees for ten [miles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_\(unit\) "Li (unit)") in radius, and was able to take off at tremendous speeds.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-34)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Basilea1566.jpg)
The celestial phenomenon over Basel in 1566.
- A woodcut by Hans Glaser that appeared in a broadsheet in 1561 has been featured in popular culture as the ["celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1561_celestial_phenomenon_over_Nuremberg "1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg") and connected to various [ancient astronaut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_astronaut "Ancient astronaut") claims.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Vallee-35) Skeptic and debunker [Jason Colavito](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Colavito "Jason Colavito") argues that the woodcut is "a secondhand depiction of a particularly gaudy sundog", a known [atmospheric optical phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog "Sun dog").[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Colavito-121212-36) A similar report comes from [1566 over Basel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1566_celestial_phenomenon_over_Basel "1566 celestial phenomenon over Basel") and, indeed, in the 15th and 16th centuries, many leaflets wrote of "miracles" and "sky spectacles" which bear resemblance to natural phenomena which were only more fully characterized after the scientific revolution.[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-37)
- On January 25, 1878, the *[Denison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denison,_Texas "Denison, Texas") Daily News* printed an article in which John Martin, a local farmer, had reported seeing a large, dark, circular object resembling a balloon flying "at wonderful speed". Martin, according to the newspaper account, said it appeared to be about the size of a saucer from his perspective, one of the first uses of the word "saucer" in association with a UFO. At the time, [ballooning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon_\(aeronautics\) "Balloon (aeronautics)") was becoming an increasingly popular and sophisticated endeavor, and the first controlled-flights of such devices were occurring around that time.[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-38)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Himmelserscheinung_%C3%BCber_N%C3%BCrnberg_vom_14._April_1561.jpg)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mystery_airship_SFCall_Nov_22_1896.jpg)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mystery_airship_SFCall_Nov_29_1896.jpg)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mystery_airship_The_Saint_Paul_Globe_\(Minn\)_April_13_1897.jpg)
- From November 1896 to April 1897, United States newspapers carried numerous reports of "[mystery airships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_airship "Mystery airship")" that are reminiscent of modern UFO waves.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTECohen19811-39) Scores of people even reported talking to the pilots. Some people feared that [Thomas Edison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison "Thomas Edison") had created an artificial star that could fly around the country. On April 16, 1897, a letter was found that purported to be an enciphered communication between an airship operator and Edison.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTECohen198186-40) When asked his opinion of such reports, Edison said, "You can take it from me that it is a pure fake."[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTEKeel199629%E2%80%9331-41) The coverage of Edison's denial marked the end of major newspaper coverage of the airships in this period.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FOOTNOTECohen198188-42)
20th century
In the Pacific and European theatres during [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II"), round, glowing fireballs known as "[foo fighters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foo_fighter "Foo fighter")" were reported by Allied and Axis pilots. Some explanations for these sightings included [St. Elmo's fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Elmo%27s_fire "St. Elmo's fire"), the planet [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus "Venus"), [hallucinations from oxygen deprivation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphyxia "Asphyxia"), and German secret weapons (specifically [rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-2_rocket "V-2 rocket")).[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-43) In 1946, more than 2,000 reports were collected, primarily by the Swedish military, of unidentified aerial objects over the Scandinavian nations, along with isolated reports from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. The objects were referred to as "Russian hail" (and later as "[ghost rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_rockets "Ghost rockets")") because it was thought the mysterious objects were possibly Russian tests of captured German [V1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-1_flying_bomb "V-1 flying bomb") or [V2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-2_rocket "V-2 rocket") [rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket "Rocket"), but most were identified as natural phenomena as meteors.[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-44)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Le-chevalier-illusion-no-839-conrad.jpg)
Cover of French pulp magazine *Le Chevalier Illusion* from December 29, 1912 portraying a flying machine spreading a toxic gas among the passengers and crew of a ship below
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ModernElectrics1912-02.jpg)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Science_and_Invention_Feb_1922_pg912_-_War_of_the_Future.jpg)
Illustration by [Frank R. Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_R._Paul "Frank R. Paul") from February 1922 in *Science and Invention* showing [Nikola Tesla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla "Nikola Tesla")'s vision of warfare in the future with sea and air craft "controlled and directed" by radio waves
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%BCnchhausen_Lands_On_Mars_by_Hugo_Gernsback_in_Amazing_Stories_April_1928_page_39.jpg)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Science_Wonder_Stories_Nov_1929_-_flying_saucer.jpg)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazing_stories_quarterly_1930win.jpg)
Cover of *[Amazing Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Stories "Amazing Stories")* winter 1930 issue depicting a disc-shaped spacecraft
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazing_Stories_August_1946_back_cover.png)
Back cover of *[Amazing Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Stories "Amazing Stories")* illustrated by [Frank R. Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_R._Paul "Frank R. Paul") in August 1946 featuring many disc-shaped spacecraft (published about a year before the flying disc wave of 1947)
Many scholars, especially those arguing for the [psychosocial UFO hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosocial_UFO_hypothesis#Science_fiction_aspects_of_the_UFO_mythos "Psychosocial UFO hypothesis"), have noted that UFO characteristics reported after the first widely publicized modern sighting by [Kenneth Arnold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold "Kenneth Arnold") in 1947 resembled a host of science fiction tropes from earlier in the century.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-45)[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-46)[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-47)[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-48)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-49)[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-50)[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-51) By most accounts, the [popular UFO craze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1947_flying_disc_craze "1947 flying disc craze") in the US began with a media frenzy surrounding the reports on June 24, 1947, of a civilian pilot named [Kenneth Arnold](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Arnold "Kenneth Arnold") who described seeing "a group of bat-like aircraft flying in formation at high speeds" near [Mount Rainier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier "Mount Rainier") that he said were "moving like a saucer would if skipped across water" which led to headlines about "flying saucers" and "flying discs".[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-52)[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-54)[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-55) Only weeks after Arnold's story was reported in 1947, [Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup,_Inc. "Gallup, Inc.") published a poll asking people in the United States what the "flying saucers" might be. Already, 90% had heard of the new term. However, as reported by historian Greg Eghanian, "a majority either had no idea what they could be or thought that witnesses were mistaken" while "visitors from space were not initially among the options that anyone had in mind, and Gallup didn't even mention if anyone surveyed brought up aliens.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian2017-56)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian5August2021-57)
Within weeks, reports of flying saucer sightings became a daily occurrence[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-58) with one particularly famous example being the [Roswell incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_incident "Roswell incident") in 1947 where remnants of a downed [observation balloon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observation_balloon "Observation balloon") were recovered by a farmer and confiscated by military personnel.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-59) UFO enthusiasts in the early 1950s started to organize local "saucer clubs" modeled after [science fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction "Science fiction") [fan clubs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_club "Fan club") of the 1930s and 1940s, with some growing to national and international prominence within a decade.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) In 1950, three influential books were published—[Donald Keyhoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Keyhoe "Donald Keyhoe")'s *[The Flying Saucers Are Real](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real "The Flying Saucers Are Real")*, [Frank Scully](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Scully "Frank Scully")'s *Behind the Flying Saucers*, and [Gerald Heard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Heard "Gerald Heard")'s *The Riddle of the Flying Saucers*. Each guilelessly proposed that the [extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_UFO_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis") was the correct explanation and that the visits were in response to detonations of [atomic weapons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapon "Nuclear weapon"). These books also introduced Americans to, as Eghanian puts it, "the crusading [whistleblower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblower "Whistleblower") dedicated to breaking the silence over the alien origins of unidentified flying objects".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Interview_with_C._G._Jung_in_K%C3%BCsnacht_\(Carl_Gustav_Jung\),_Swiss_psychiatrist,_depth_psychologist_4_\(cropped\).tif)
Jung in 1955
Media accounts and speculation ran rampant in the U.S., especially in connection to the [1952 UFO scare in Washington, D.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1952_Washington,_D.C.,_UFO_incident "1952 Washington, D.C., UFO incident") so that, by 1953, the intelligence officials ([Robertson Panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Panel "Robertson Panel")) worried that "genuine incursions" by enemy aircraft "over U.S. territory could be lost in a maelstrom of kooky hallucination" of UFO reports.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Lewis-Kraus-30-4-21-60) A Trendex survey in August 1957, ten years after the Arnold incident, reported that over 25% of the U.S. public "believed unidentified flying objects could be from outer space".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) The cultural phenomenon showed up within some intellectual works such as the 1959 publication of *Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky* by [Carl Jung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung "Carl Jung"), a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded [analytical psychology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analytical_psychology "Analytical psychology").[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-61)
Starting in 1947, the U.S. Air Force began to record and investigated UFO reports with [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign") looking into "more than 250 cases" from 1947 to 1949. It was replaced by [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge") up through 1951.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian19December2017-62) In the third U.S. Air Force program, from March 1952 to its termination in December 1969,[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-63) "the U.S. Air Force cataloged 12,618 sightings of UFOs as part of what is now known as [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Blue_Book "Project Blue Book")".[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mathis_6_July_2023-64) In the late 1950s, public pressure mounted for a full declassification of all UFO records, but the CIA played a role in refusing to allow this.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-65) This sense was not universal in the CIA, however, as fellow [NICAP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") official [Donald E. Keyhoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_E._Keyhoe "Donald E. Keyhoe") wrote that Vice Admiral [Roscoe Hillenkoetter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roscoe_Hillenkoetter "Roscoe Hillenkoetter"), the first director of the CIA, "wanted public disclosure of UFO evidence".[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-66) Official U.S. Air Force interest in UFO reports went on hiatus in 1969 after a study by the University of Colorado led by Edward U. Condon and known as the [Condon Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Report "Condon Report") concluded "that nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge" and that further time investigating UFO reports "cannot be justified".[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mathis_6_July_2023-64)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keyhoe_-_The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real,_cover.jpg)
Cover of the 1953 book *[The Flying Saucers Are Real](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flying_Saucers_Are_Real "The Flying Saucers Are Real")* by [Donald Keyhoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Keyhoe "Donald Keyhoe")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amazing_Stories_October_1957.jpg)
Cover of the pulp science fiction magazine *[Amazing Stories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Stories "Amazing Stories")* from October 1957
From the 1960s to 1990s, UFOs were part of American popular culture's obsession with the [supernatural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural "Supernatural") and [paranormal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal "Paranormal"). In 1961, the first [alien abduction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_abduction "Alien abduction") account was sensationalized when [Barney and Betty Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_and_Betty_Hill "Barney and Betty Hill") underwent [hypnosis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosis "Hypnosis") after seeing a UFO and reported [recovered memories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recovered-memory_therapy "Recovered-memory therapy") of their experience that became ever more elaborate as the years went by.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-67) In 1966, 5% of Americans reported to Gallup that "they had at some time seen something they thought was a 'flying saucer'", 96% said "they had heard or read about flying saucers", and 46% of these "thought they were 'something real' rather than just people's imagination".[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-68) Responding to UFO enthusiasm, there have always been consistent yet less popular efforts made at [debunking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debunking "Debunking") many of the claims,[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) and at times the media was enlisted including a 1966 TV special, "UFO: Friend, Foe or Fantasy?", in which [Walter Cronkite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Cronkite "Walter Cronkite") "patiently" explained to viewers that UFOs were fantasy.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Lewis-Kraus-30-4-21-60) Cronkite enlisted [Carl Sagan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan "Carl Sagan") and [J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek"), who told Cronkite, "To this time, there is no valid scientific proof that we have been visited by spaceships".[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Kloor1-69)
Such attempts to disenchant the zeitgeist were not very successful at tamping down the mania. [Keith Kloor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Kloor "Keith Kloor") notes that the "allure of flying saucers" remained popular with the public into the 1970s, spurring production of such sci-fi films, as *[Close Encounters of the Third Kind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")* and *[Alien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_\(film\) "Alien (film)")*, which "continued to stoke public fascination". Meanwhile, [Leonard Nimoy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Nimoy "Leonard Nimoy") narrated a popular occult and mystery TV series [*In Search of...*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Search_of..._\(TV_series\) "In Search of... (TV series)") while daytime talk shows of [Mike Douglas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Douglas "Mike Douglas"), [Merv Griffin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merv_Griffin "Merv Griffin"), and [Phil Donahue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Donahue "Phil Donahue") featured interviews with alien abductees and people who credulously reported stories about UFOs .[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) In the 1980s and 1990s, UFO stories featured in such pulp "true crime" serials as *[Unsolved Mysteries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsolved_Mysteries "Unsolved Mysteries")*[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-70) while the 33 Volume [Time-Life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Life "Time Life") series *[Mysteries of the Unknown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysteries_of_the_Unknown "Mysteries of the Unknown")* which featured UFO stories sold some 700,000 copies.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-71) Kloor writes that by the late 1990s, "other big UFO subthemes had been prominently introduced into pop culture, such as the abduction phenomenon and [government conspiracy narrative](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory "Conspiracy theory"), via best-selling books and, of course, *[The X-Files](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_X-Files "The X-Files")*".[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Kloor1-69)
Eghigian notes that, by this point, the UFO problem had become "far more interesting to ponder than to actually solve."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Interest was particularly fevered in the 1990s with the publicity surrounding the television broadcast of an *[Alien autopsy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Autopsy_\(1995_film\) "Alien Autopsy (1995 film)")* video marketed as "real footage" but later admitted to be a staged "re-enactment".[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Time-72) Eghigian writes that "there had always been outlier abduction reports dating back to the '50s and '60s" but that in the 1980s and 1990s "the floodgates opened, and with them a new generation of UFO advocates". Leaders among them were the artist [Budd Hopkins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budd_Hopkins "Budd Hopkins"), horror writer [Whitley Strieber](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitley_Strieber "Whitley Strieber"), historian [David Jacobs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_M._Jacobs "David M. Jacobs"), and [Harvard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard "Harvard") psychiatrist [John Mack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_E._Mack "John E. Mack"). They all defended the "veracity of those claiming to have been kidnapped, examined, and experimented upon by beings from another world", writes Eghigian, as "new missionaries who simultaneously played the role of investigator, therapist, and advocate to their vulnerable charges".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Eghigian says that Mack "signaled both the culmination and end of the headiest days of alien abduction". When Mack began working with and publishing accounts of abductees—or "experiencers", as he called them—in the early 1990s, he brought a sense of legitimacy to "the study of extraterrestrial captivity". By the late 1990s, however, the Harvard Medical School initiated a review of his position which allowed him to retain tenure. However, after this review, as the review board chairman Arnold Relman later put it, Mack was "not taken seriously by his colleagues anymore". Claims of alien abduction have continued, but no other clinicians would continue to speak of them as real in any sense.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Nonetheless, these ideas persisted in popular opinion. According to a 1996 poll by *[Newsweek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newsweek "Newsweek")*, 20% of Americans believed that UFOs were more likely to be proof of alien life than to have a natural scientific explanation.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-73)
21st century
In December 2017, a new round of media attention started when the *[New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times "New York Times")* broke the story of the secret [Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Aviation_Threat_Identification_Program "Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program") that was funded from 2007 to 2012 with \$22 million spent on the program.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20171216-74)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20200514-75) Following this story, along with a series of sensationalized [Pentagon UFO videos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos") leaked by members of the program who became convinced that UFOs were genuine mysteries worth investigating, there was an increase in mainstream attention to UFO stories. In July 2021, Harvard astronomer [Avi Loeb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Loeb "Avi Loeb") announced the creation of his [Galileo Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Galileo_Project "The Galileo Project") which intended to use high-tech astronomical equipment to seek evidence of extraterrestrial artifacts in space and possibly within Earth's atmosphere. This was followed closely by the publication of Loeb's book *Extraterrestrial*, in which he argued that the first interstellar comet ever observed, [ʻOumuamua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CA%BBOumuamua "ʻOumuamua"), might be an artificial light sail made by an alien civilization.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53) Two government sponsored programs, [NASA's UAP independent study team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA%27s_UAP_independent_study_team "NASA's UAP independent study team") and the [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office") were charged in part by Congressional fiat to investigate UFO claims more fully,[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-76)[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-77)[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-78) adopting the new moniker "unexplained aerial phenomenon" (UAP) to avoid associations with past [sensationalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensationalism "Sensationalism").[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-79) On 17 May 2022, members of the [United States House Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Intelligence_Subcommittee_on_Counterterrorism,_Counterintelligence_and_Counterproliferation "United States House Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation") held [congressional hearings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_United_States_Congress_hearings_on_UFOs "2022 United States Congress hearings on UFOs") with top military officials to discuss military reports of UAPs.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-80) It was the first public congressional hearing into UFO sightings in the US in over 50 years. Another Congressional hearing took place on July 26, 2023, featuring the [whistleblower claims](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Grusch_UFO_whistleblower_claims "David Grusch UFO whistleblower claims") of former U.S. Air Force (USAF) officer and intelligence official David Grusch.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-81)[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-82)[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-83)
A Harris Poll in 2009 found that 32% of Americans "believe in UFOs".[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-84) A *[National Geographic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Geographic "National Geographic")* study in June 2012 found that 36% of Americans believe UFOs exist and that 10% thought that they had spotted one.[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-85) In June 2021 a [Pew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew "Pew") research poll found that 51% in the United States thought that UFOs reported by people in the military were likely to be evidence of intelligent life from beyond the Earth.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-86) In August 2021, [Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup,_Inc. "Gallup, Inc."), with a question not specific to military reports, only found that 41% of adults believed some UFOs involve alien spacecraft from other planets. This Gallup poll showed 44% of men and 38% of women believed this. This average of 41% in 2021 was up from 33% in a 2019 Gallup poll with the same question. Gallup further found that college graduates went in 2019 from being the least likely educational group to believe this to being on par in 2021 with adults who have no college education.[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-87) An October 2022 poll by *[YouGov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouGov "YouGov")* only found that 34% of Americans believe that UFOs are likely to involve alien life forms.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-88)
Historian Greg Eghigian wrote in August 2021 that "over the last fifty years, the mutual antagonism between paranormal believers and skeptics has largely framed discussion about unidentified flying objects" and that "it often gets personal" with those taking seriously the prospect that UFOs are extraterrestrial in origin dismissing those who consider UFOs to be worth studying as "narrow-minded, biased, obstinate, and cruel" while the skeptics brushed off "devotees" as "naïve, ignorant, gullible, and downright dangerous". Such "mudslinging over convictions is certainly familiar to historians of religion, a domain of human existence marked by deep divisions over interpretations of belief", and science too has found itself engaged increasing amounts of "boundary work" (which is "asserting and reasserting the borders between legitimate and illegitimate scientific research and ideas, between what may and what may not refer to itself as science") with regard to UFO questions. Eghigian points out our current "stark divide did not happen overnight, and its roots lie in the postwar decades, in a series of events that—with their news coverage, grainy images, celebrity crusaders, exasperated skeptics, unsatisfying military statements, and accusations of a government cover-up—foreshadow our present moment".[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Eghigian4August2021-53)
UFOs have been taken up by religious studies scholars in various scholarly books.[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-89)[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-90)[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-91) Jeffrey Kripal, chair of the Department of Religion at [Rice University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_University "Rice University"), has said that "both the material and the mental dimensions \[of UFOs\] are incredibly important to get a sense of the full picture".[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-92) As Adrian Horton writes "from *[The X-Files](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_X-Files "The X-Files")* to *[Men in Black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_in_Black_\(franchise\) "Men in Black (franchise)")*, *[Close Encounters of the Third Kind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")* to *[Star Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars "Star Wars")* to [Marvel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe "Marvel Cinematic Universe"), [Hollywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_the_United_States "Cinema of the United States") has for decades provided an engrossing feedback loop for interest in the extraterrestrial: a reflection of our fears and capaciousness, whose ubiquitous popularity has in turn fueled more interest in UFOs as perennially compelling entertainment tropes not to be taken seriously". Horton observes that these "alien movies have generally reflected shifting cultural anxieties, from the existential terror of nuclear war to foreign enslavement to loss of bodily control". American entertainment has explored both "hostile aliens" as well as the "benevolent, world-expanding encounters" seen in films such as [Steven Spielberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Spielberg "Steven Spielberg")'s *[Close Encounters of the Third Kind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind "Close Encounters of the Third Kind")* and *[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.T._the_Extra-Terrestrial "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial")*.[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-93) In her research on the relationship of media to UFO beliefs, [Diana Walsh Pasulka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Walsh_Pasulka "Diana Walsh Pasulka"), a professor of philosophy and religion at the University of North Carolina, says that what is seen on a screen, "if it conforms to certain criteria, is interpreted as real, even if it is not real and even if one knows it is not real" and that "screen images embed themselves in one's brain and memories" in ways that "can determine how one views one's past and even determine one's future behaviors".[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-94)
Investigations of reports
UFOs have been subject to investigations over the years that varied widely in scope and scientific rigor. Governments or independent academics in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Peru, France, Belgium, Sweden, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain, and the [Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union "Soviet Union") are known to have investigated UFO reports at various times. No official government investigation has ever publicly concluded that UFOs are indisputably real, physical objects, extraterrestrial in origin, or of concern to national defense.
Among the best known government studies are the ghost rockets investigation by the Swedish military (1946–1947), Project Blue Book, previously [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign") and [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge"), conducted by the USAF from 1947 until 1969, the secret U.S. Army/Air Force [Project Twinkle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs#Project_Twinkle "Green fireballs") investigation into [green fireballs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs "Green fireballs") (1948–1951), the secret USAF Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-95) by the [Battelle Memorial Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battelle_Memorial_Institute "Battelle Memorial Institute"), and the [Brazilian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Air_Force "Brazilian Air Force")'s 1977 *[Operação Prato](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Prato "Operação Prato")* (Operation Saucer). France has had an ongoing investigation (GEPAN/SEPRA/[GEIPAN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN")) within its space agency [Centre national d'études spatiales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNES "CNES") (CNES) since 1977; the [government of Uruguay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Uruguay "Politics of Uruguay") has had a similar investigation since 1989.
Americas
Brazil (1952–2016)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Registro_de_avistamento_de_Objeto_Voador_N%C3%A3o_Identificado_-_OVNI_ocorrido_em_dezembro_de_1977,_na_Bahia.jpg)
A document about a sighting of a UFO that occurred on December 16, 1977, in the state of [Bahia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia "Bahia"), [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil "Brazil")
On October 31, 2008, the [National Archives of Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_National_Archives "Brazilian National Archives") began receiving from the Aeronautical Documentation and History Center part of the documentation of the [Brazilian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Air_Force "Brazilian Air Force") regarding the investigation of the appearance of UFOs in [Brazil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil "Brazil"). Currently, this collection gathers cases between 1952 and 2016.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-96)
Chile (c. 1968)
In [Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile "Chile") in 1968, the [SEFAA](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SEFAA&action=edit&redlink=1 "SEFAA (page does not exist)") (previously CEFAA) began receiving case reports of the general public, civil aviators and the [Chilean Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilean_Air_Force "Chilean Air Force") regarding the sightings or the appearance of UFOs ([Spanish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language "Spanish language"): [ovnis](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ovni "wikt:ovni")). The initial work was an initiative of Sergio Bravo Flores who led the Chilean Committee for the Study of Unidentified Space Phenomena, supported even by the Chilean Scientific Society. Currently, the organization changed its denomination to SEFAA and its a department of the [DGAC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directorate_General_of_Civil_Aviation_\(Chile\) "Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Chile)")(Chile) which in turn depends on the [Chilean Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilean_Air_Force "Chilean Air Force").[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-97)
Canada (c. 1950)
In Canada, the [Department of National Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_National_Defence_\(Canada\) "Department of National Defence (Canada)") has dealt with reports, sightings and investigations of UFOs across Canada. In addition to conducting investigations into [crop circles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circle "Crop circle") in [Duhamel, Alberta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duhamel,_Alberta "Duhamel, Alberta"), it still considers "unsolved" the [Falcon Lake incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon_Lake_Incident "Falcon Lake Incident") in Manitoba and the [Shag Harbour UFO incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shag_Harbour_UFO_incident "Shag Harbour UFO incident") in Nova Scotia.[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-98) Early Canadian studies included [Project Magnet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Magnet_\(Canada\) "Project Magnet (Canada)") (1950–1954) and [Project Second Storey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Second_Storey "Project Second Storey") (1952–1954), supported by the [Defence Research Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_Research_and_Development_Canada "Defence Research and Development Canada").
United States
U.S. investigations into UFOs include:
- [Project Sign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Sign "Project Sign"), by the [Air Materiel Command](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Materiel_Command "Air Materiel Command") (AMC) USAF at [Wright Field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_Field "Wright Field"), precursor to Project Grudge, 1948.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 49–50
- [Ghost rockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_rockets "Ghost rockets") investigations by the Finnish, Swedish and British militaries, later the US and Greece and Scandanavian wave, 1946–1947.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 45
- [Project Grudge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Grudge "Project Grudge"), the successor to Project Sign, USAF from February 1949, succeeded by Project Blue Book, from March 1952.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 48, 53
- Project Twinkle investigation into [green fireballs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_fireballs "Green fireballs"), by the U.S. Army/Air Force, briefly, from December 1949.
- The CIA's [Directorate of Science & Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Intelligence_Agency_Directorate_of_Science_%26_Technology "Central Intelligence Agency Directorate of Science & Technology") (DS\&T) review of UFO reports that led to the Robertson Panel, 1952-1953.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 54
- *[The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Report_on_Unidentified_Flying_Objects "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects")*, by Edward Ruppelt, USAF Cpt (rtd.), later director of Project Blue Book, 1956.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 50
- The [Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs#Project_Blue_Book_Special_Report_No._14 "Identification studies of UFOs") statistical study by the [Battelle Memorial Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battelle_Memorial_Institute "Battelle Memorial Institute") for USAF, 1951–1954[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 53, 56
- The [Aerial Phenomena Research Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_Phenomena_Research_Organization "Aerial Phenomena Research Organization") (APRO), a private research group, 1952–1988.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 81
- The [Robertson Panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Panel "Robertson Panel") was a CIA-convened scientific committee chaired by [Howard P. Robertson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_P._Robertson "Howard P. Robertson"), which met in January 1953 to review the Project Blue Book report.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 54
- The [Brookings Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookings_Report "Brookings Report"), *Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs*, in conjunction with NASA's Committee on Long-Range Studies, reported to Congress 1960
- The [Condon Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee"), a [University of Colorado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Colorado "University of Colorado") UFO project headed by [Edward U. Condon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_U._Condon "Edward U. Condon") for the USAF, begun in 1966 and completed in 1968.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 63, 66
- The [RAND Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAND_Corporation "RAND Corporation") study, a private and internal study, 1968.[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-100)
- The [Mutual UFO Network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_UFO_Network "Mutual UFO Network") (MUFON), a U.S.-based non-profit volunteer private UFO organization to study sightings, formed on May 31, 1969, later volunteered field investigators to support CUFOS.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 84
- The [National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") (NICAP) is a UFO research group most active in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980 and remains as an informational depository on UFO phenomena.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 82
- The [Center for UFO Studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_UFO_Studies "Center for UFO Studies") (CUFOS), a privately funded UFO research group, 1973 and continuing.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 83
- The [Sturrock panel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._Sturrock "Peter A. Sturrock"), private investigation arising from the [Society for Scientific Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_Scientific_Exploration "Society for Scientific Exploration"), 1982.
- The [Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Aerospace_Threat_Identification_Program "Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program") which was funded from 2007 to 2012.[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20171216-74)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20200514-75)
- The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF), a program within the United States [Office of Naval Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_Naval_Intelligence "Office of Naval Intelligence") which was acknowledged in 2017 and continued until 2021.
- The Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group (AOIMSG), an office within the [Office of the Secretary of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Secretary_of_Defense "Office of the Secretary of Defense") to investigate unidentified objects from 2021-2022.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WP-20211124-101)
- The [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-domain_Anomaly_Resolution_Office "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office") (AARO), a current office within the [Office of the Secretary of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Secretary_of_Defense "Office of the Secretary of Defense") created by Congress to investigate UFOs since 2022.
In addition to these, thousands of documents released under [FOIA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_Information_Act_\(United_States\) "Freedom of Information Act (United States)") also indicate that many U.S. intelligence agencies collected (and still collect) information on UFOs. These agencies include the [Defense Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Intelligence_Agency "Defense Intelligence Agency") (DIA), [FBI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI "FBI"),[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AP-20130329-102) CIA, [National Security Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Security_Agency "National Security Agency") (NSA), as well as military intelligence agencies of the Army and [U.S. Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy"), in addition to the Air Force.[\[note 1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-103)
USAAF and FBI response to the 1947 sightings
Following the large U.S. surge in sightings in June and early July 1947, on July 9, 1947, [United States Army Air Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Air_Forces "United States Army Air Forces") (USAAF) intelligence, in cooperation with the FBI,[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AP-20130329-102) began a formal investigation into selected sightings with characteristics that could not be immediately rationalized, such as Kenneth Arnold's. The USAAF used "all of its top scientists" to determine whether "such a phenomenon could, in fact, occur". The research was "being conducted with the thought that the flying objects might be a celestial phenomenon," or that "they might be a foreign body mechanically devised and controlled."[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-104) Three weeks later in a preliminary defense estimate, the air force investigation decided that, "This 'flying saucer' situation is not all imaginary or seeing too much in some natural phenomenon. Something is really flying around."[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-105)
A further review by the intelligence and technical divisions of the [Air Materiel Command](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Logistics_Command "Air Force Logistics Command") at [Wright Field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright-Patterson_Air_Force_Base "Wright-Patterson Air Force Base") reached the same conclusion. It reported that "the phenomenon is something real and not visionary or fictitious," and there were disc-shaped objects, metallic in appearance, as big as man-made aircraft. They were characterized by "extreme rates of climb \[and\] maneuverability", general lack of noise, absence of a trail, occasional formation flying, and "evasive" behavior "when sighted or contacted by friendly aircraft and radar", suggesting a controlled craft. It was therefore recommended in late September 1947 that an official Air Force investigation be set up. It was also recommended that other government agencies should assist in the investigation.[\[note 2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-106)
Projects Sign (1947–1949), Grudge (1948–1951), and Blue Book (1951–1970)
Project Sign's final report, published in early 1949, stated that while some UFOs appeared to represent actual aircraft, there was not enough data to determine their origin.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Blum1990-107) The Air Force's Project Sign was created at the end of 1947, and was one of the earliest government studies to come to a secret extraterrestrial conclusion. In August 1948, Sign investigators wrote a top-secret intelligence estimate to that effect, but the [Air Force Chief of Staff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_of_Staff_of_the_United_States_Air_Force "Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force") [Hoyt Vandenberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoyt_Vandenberg "Hoyt Vandenberg") ordered it destroyed. The existence of this suppressed report was revealed by several insiders who had read it, such as astronomer and USAF consultant J. Allen Hynek and Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, the first head of the USAF's Project Blue Book.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-108)
Another highly classified U.S. study was conducted by the CIA's Office of Scientific Investigation (OS/I) in the latter half of 1952 in response to orders from the [National Security Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Security_Council "United States National Security Council") (NSC). This study concluded UFOs were real physical objects of potential threat to national security. One OS/I memo to the CIA Director (DCI) in December read that "the reports of incidents convince us that there is something going on that must have immediate attention ... Sightings of unexplained objects at great altitudes and traveling at high speeds in the vicinity of major U.S. defense installations are of such a nature that they are not attributable to natural phenomena or any known types of aerial vehicles."[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto-109)
The matter was considered so urgent that OS/I drafted a memorandum from the DCI to the NSC proposing that the NSC establish an investigation of UFOs as a priority project throughout the intelligence and the defense research and development community. It also urged the DCI to establish an external research project of top-level scientists, now known as the Robertson Panel to analyze the problem of UFOs. The OS/I investigation was called off after the Robertson Panel's negative conclusions in January 1953.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto-109)
Project Sign was dismantled and became Project Grudge at the end of 1948. Angered by the low quality of investigations by Grudge, the Air Force Director of Intelligence reorganized it as Project Blue Book in late 1951, placing Ruppelt in charge. [J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek"), a trained astronomer who served as a scientific advisor for Project Blue Book, was initially skeptical of UFO reports, but eventually came to the conclusion that many of them could not be satisfactorily explained and was highly critical of what he described as "the cavalier disregard by Project Blue Book of the principles of scientific investigation".[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-110) Leaving government work, he founded the privately funded the [Center for UFO Studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_UFO_Studies "Center for UFO Studies") (CUFOS), to whose work he devoted the rest of his life.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 83 Other private groups studying the phenomenon include the [MUFON](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_UFO_Network "Mutual UFO Network"),[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 84 a grassroots organization whose investigator's handbooks go into great detail on the documentation of alleged UFO sightings. MUFON later volunteered field investigators to support work of Hynek and CUFOS.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 83–84
USAF Regulation 200-2 (1953–1954)
[Air Force Regulation 200-2](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Air_Force_Regulation_200-2,_Unidentified_Flying_Objects_Reporting "s:Air Force Regulation 200-2, Unidentified Flying Objects Reporting"),[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AFD-070703-004-111) issued in 1953 and 1954, defined an Unidentified Flying Object ("UFOB") as "any airborne object which by performance, aerodynamic characteristics, or unusual features, does not conform to any presently known aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be positively identified as a familiar object." The regulation also said UFOBs were to be investigated as a "possible threat to the security of the United States" and "to determine technical aspects involved." The regulation went on to say that "it is permissible to inform news media representatives on UFOB's when the object is positively identified as a familiar object" but added: "For those objects which are not explainable, only the fact that ATIC \[Air Technical Intelligence Center\] will analyze the data is worthy of release, due to many unknowns involved."[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-AFD-070703-004-111)
Blue Book and the Condon Committee (1968–1970)
A public research effort conducted by the Condon Committee for the USAF and published as the Condon Report arrived at a negative conclusion in 1968.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112) Blue Book closed down in 1970, using the Condon Committee's negative conclusion as a rationale, thus ending official Air Force UFO investigations. However, a 1969 USAF document, known as the Bolender memo, along with later government documents, revealed that non-public [U.S. government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_government_of_the_United_States "Federal government of the United States") UFO investigations continued after 1970. The Bolender memo first stated that "reports of unidentified flying objects that could affect national security ... are not part of the Blue Book system", indicating that more serious UFO incidents already were handled outside the public Blue Book investigation. The memo then added, "reports of UFOs which could affect national security would continue to be handled through the standard Air Force procedures designed for this purpose."[\[note 3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-113)
In the late 1960s, a chapter on UFOs in the Space Sciences course at the [U.S. Air Force Academy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Academy "United States Air Force Academy") gave serious consideration to possible extraterrestrial origins. When word of the curriculum became public, in 1970, the Air Force issued a statement to the effect that the book was outdated and cadets instead were being informed of the [Condon Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condon_Committee "Condon Committee")'s negative conclusion.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-114) Controversy surrounded the report, both before and after its release. It has been observed that the report was "harshly criticized by numerous scientists, particularly at the powerful AIAA ... \[which\] recommended moderate, but continuous scientific work on UFOs."[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112) In an address to the [AAAS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Academy_of_Arts_and_Sciences "American Academy of Arts and Sciences"), [James E. McDonald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_E._McDonald "James E. McDonald") said he believed science had failed to mount adequate studies of the problem and criticized the Condon Report and earlier studies by the USAF as scientifically deficient. He also questioned the basis for Condon's conclusions[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-default-115) and argued that the reports of UFOs have been "laughed out of scientific court".[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-McDonald-116) J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer who worked as a USAF consultant from 1948, sharply criticized the Condon Committee Report and later wrote two nontechnical books that set forth the case for continuing to investigate UFO reports. Ruppelt recounted his experiences with Project Blue Book, a USAF investigation that preceded Condon's.[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-117)
FOIA release of documents in 1978
According to a 1979 [New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times "New York Times") report, "records from the C.I.A., the F.B.I. and other Federal agencies" ("about 900 documents—nearly 900 pages of memos, reports and correspondence") obtained in 1978 through the Freedom of Information Act request, indicate that "despite official pronouncements for decades that U.F.O.'s were nothing more than misidentified aerial objects and as such were no cause for alarm ... the phenomenon has aroused much serious behind‐the‐scenes concern" in the US government. In particular, officials were concerned over the "approximately 10%" of UFO sightings which remained unexplained, and whether they might be Soviet aircraft and a threat to national security.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Huyghe-1979-NYT-118) Officials were concerned about the "risk of false alerts", of "falsely identifying the real as phantom", and of mass hysteria caused by sightings. In 1947, Brigadier General George F. Schulgen of Army Air Corps Intelligence, warned "the first reported sightings might have been by individuals of Communist sympathies with the view to causing hysteria and fear of a secret Russian weapon."[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Huyghe-1979-NYT-118)
White House statement of November 2011
In November 2011, the [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House") released an official response to two petitions asking the U.S. government to acknowledge formally that aliens have visited this planet and to disclose any intentional withholding of government interactions with extraterrestrial beings. According to the response:
> The U.S. government has no evidence that any life exists outside our planet, or that an extraterrestrial presence has contacted or engaged any member of the human race...no credible information to suggest that any evidence is being hidden from the public's eye....
— Statement by the White House[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WhiteHouse-119)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Atkinson-120)
The response further noted that efforts, like [SETI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_for_extraterrestrial_intelligence "Search for extraterrestrial intelligence") and NASA's *[Kepler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler_\(spacecraft\) "Kepler (spacecraft)")* space telescope and [Mars Science Laboratory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Science_Laboratory "Mars Science Laboratory"), continue looking for [signs of life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life "Life"). The response noted "odds are pretty high" that there may be life on other planets but "the odds of us making contact with any of them—especially any [intelligent ones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_intelligence "Extraterrestrial intelligence")—are extremely small, given the distances involved."[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WhiteHouse-119)[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Atkinson-120)
ODNI report 2021
On June 25, 2021, the [Office of the Director of National Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Director_of_National_Intelligence "Office of the Director of National Intelligence") released a report on UAPs.[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-121) The report found that the UAPTF was unable to identify 143 objects spotted between 2004 and 2021. The report said that 18 of these featured unusual movement patterns or flight characteristics, adding that more analysis was needed to determine if those sightings represented "breakthrough" technology. The report said that "some of these steps are resource-intensive and would require additional investment."[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-dni_Preliminary_Assessment-122) The report did not link the sightings to extraterrestrial life.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-APmerchant-123)[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-124)
Ongoing investigations
Amid ongoing drone and UFO incursions over US military installations, Congress directed continued reporting in the [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_2026 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026"), including retroactive and ongoing disclosure of UFO intercepts by [NORAD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD "NORAD") and [NORTHCOM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Northern_Command "United States Northern Command").[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-125)[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-126)
Uruguay (c. 1989)
The [Uruguayan Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Air_Force "Uruguayan Air Force") has conducted UFO investigations since 1989 and reportedly analyzed 2,100 cases of which they regard approximately 2% as lacking explanation.[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-127)
Europe
Finland (1967–1971)
Many people reported [UFO sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFOs_of_Pudasj%C3%A4rvi "UFOs of Pudasjärvi") in and around the [Pudasjärvi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudasj%C3%A4rvi "Pudasjärvi") area in the [North Ostrobothnia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Ostrobothnia "North Ostrobothnia") region in the late 1960s and early 1970s.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-lax-128)[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-129)[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-130) UFO researchers and the press only became interested in UFOs in the area after a sighting in September 1969, after which UFO researchers from other parts of Finland and Sweden visited the area.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-lax-128) An [earthquake light](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_light "Earthquake light") has been proposed as an explanation for the Pudasjärvi phenomena.[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-131)
France (1977–2008)
In March 2007, the French space agency [CNES](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNES "CNES") published an archive of UFO sightings and other phenomena online.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-geipan-132) French studies include GEPAN/SEPRA/[GEIPAN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN") within CNES (French space agency), the longest ongoing government-sponsored investigation. About 22% of the 6,000 cases studied remain unexplained.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-GEIPAN_statistics_summary-133) The official opinion of GEPAN/SEPRA/GEIPAN has been neutral, stating on their [FAQ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAQ "FAQ") page that their mission is fact-finding for the scientific community, not rendering an opinion. They add they can neither prove nor disprove the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), but their Steering Committee's clear position is that they cannot discard the possibility that some fraction of the very strange 22% of unexplained cases might be due to distant and advanced civilizations.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-134)
Possibly their bias may be indicated by their use of the terms "PAN" (French) or "UAP" (English equivalent) for "Unidentified *Aerospace* Phenomenon" (whereas "UAP" is normally used by English organizations stands for "Unidentified *Aerial* Phenomenon", a more neutral term). In addition, the three heads of the studies have gone on record in stating that UFOs were real physical flying machines beyond our knowledge or that the best explanation for the most inexplicable cases was an extraterrestrial one.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-135)[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-136)[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-137) In 2007, the CNES's own report stated that, at that time, 28% of sightings remained unidentified.[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-138)
In 2008, Michel Scheller, president of the [Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_A%C3%A9ronautique_et_Astronautique_de_France "Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France") (3AF), created the Sigma Commission. Its purpose was to investigate UFO phenomena worldwide.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-139) A progress report published in May 2010 stated that the central hypothesis proposed by the [COMETA report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMETA_report "COMETA report") is perfectly credible.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-140) In December 2012, the final report of the Sigma Commission was submitted to Scheller. Following the submission of the final report, the Sigma2 Commission is to be formed with a mandate to continue the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-141)[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-142)
Italy (1933–2005)
Alleged UFO sightings gradually increased since the war, peaking in 1978 and 2005. The total number of sightings since 1947 are 18,500, of which 90% are identifiable.[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-143)
United Kingdom (1951–2009)
| | |
|---|---|
|  | This section needs to be **updated**. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. *(December 2020)* |
The UK's [Flying Saucer Working Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Saucer_Working_Party "Flying Saucer Working Party") published its final report in June 1951, which remained secret for over fifty years. The Working Party concluded that all UFO sightings could be explained as misidentifications of ordinary objects or phenomena, optical illusions, psychological misperceptions/aberrations, or hoaxes. The report stated: "We accordingly recommend very strongly that no further investigation of reported mysterious aerial phenomena be undertaken, unless and until some material evidence becomes available."[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FSWP-144)
Eight file collections on UFO sightings, dating from 1978 to 1987, were first released on May 14, 2008, to [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)") by the [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_\(United_Kingdom\) "Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)") (MoD).[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-nationalarchivesUFO-145) Although kept secret from the public for many years, most of the files have low levels of classification and none are classified Top Secret. 200 files are set to be made public by 2012. The files are correspondence from the public sent to the British government and officials, such as the MoD and [Margaret Thatcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Thatcher "Margaret Thatcher"). The MoD released the files under the [Freedom of Information Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_information_in_the_United_Kingdom "Freedom of information in the United Kingdom") due to requests from researchers.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-146) These files include, but are not limited to, UFOs over [Liverpool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool "Liverpool") and [Waterloo Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Bridge "Waterloo Bridge") in London.[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-147) On October 20, 2008, more UFO files were released. One case released detailed that in 1991 an Alitalia passenger aircraft was approaching [London Heathrow Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Heathrow_Airport "London Heathrow Airport") when the pilots saw what they described as a "[cruise missile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_missile "Cruise missile")" fly extremely close to the cockpit. The pilots believed a collision was imminent. UFO expert David Clarke says this is one of the most convincing cases for a UFO he has come across.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-148)
A secret study of UFOs was undertaken for the Ministry of Defence between 1996 and 2000 and was code-named Project Condign. The resulting report, titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the UK Defence Region", was publicly released in 2006, but the identity and credentials of whoever constituted Project Condign remains classified. The report confirmed earlier findings that the main causes of UFO sightings are misidentification of man-made and natural objects. The report noted: "No artefacts of unknown or unexplained origin have been reported or handed to the UK authorities, despite thousands of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena reports. There are no [SIGINT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signals_intelligence "Signals intelligence"), [ELINT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signals_intelligence "Signals intelligence") or radiation measurements and little useful video or still [IMINT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagery_intelligence "Imagery intelligence")."[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto1-149) It concluded: "There is no evidence that any UAP, seen in the UKADR \[UK Air Defence Region\], are incursions by air-objects of any intelligent (extraterrestrial or foreign) origin, or that they represent any hostile intent." A little-discussed conclusion of the report was that novel meteorological plasma phenomenon akin to [ball lightning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_lightning "Ball lightning") are responsible for "the majority, if not all" of otherwise inexplicable sightings, especially reports of [black triangle UFOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_triangle_\(UFO\) "Black triangle (UFO)").[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-auto1-149)
On December 1, 2009, the Ministry of Defence quietly closed down its UFO investigations unit. The unit's hotline and email address were suspended by the MoD on that date. The MoD said there was no value in continuing to receive and investigate sightings in a release, stating that "in over fifty years, no UFO report has revealed any evidence of a potential threat to the United Kingdom. The MoD has no specific capability for identifying the nature of such sightings. There is no Defence benefit in such investigation and it would be an inappropriate use of defence resources. Furthermore, responding to reported UFO sightings diverts MoD resources from tasks that are relevant to Defence." *[The Guardian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian "The Guardian")* reported that the MoD claimed the closure would save the Ministry around £50,000 a year. The MoD said it would continue to release UFO files to the public through The National Archives.[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-150) UFO reports, Parliamentary questions, and letters from members of the public were released on August 5, 2010, to the UK National Archives. "In one letter included in the files, a man alleges Churchill ordered a coverup of a WWII-era UFO encounter involving the Royal Air Force".[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-CBS1-151)[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-nationalarchivesUFO-145) Reports of UFO sightings continue. According to *[The Independent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent "The Independent"),* there were 957 reported UFO sightings across the UK between January 2021 and May 2023, with [Manchester](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester "Manchester"), [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London "London"), [Liverpool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool "Liverpool"), and [Glasgow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow "Glasgow") being hotspots.[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-152)
Studies
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Allen_Hynek_Jacques_Vallee_1.jpg)
[J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek") (left) and [Jacques Vallée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée")
UFOs have become a prevalent theme in modern culture,[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Revelations-153) and the social phenomena have been the subject of academic research in sociology and psychology.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ufosociology-154) Critics argue that all UFO evidence is anecdotal,[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Demon_Haunted-155) and can be explained as prosaic natural phenomena. Defenders of UFO research counter that knowledge of observational data, other than what is reported in the popular media, is limited in the scientific community and further study is needed.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Revelations-153)[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-FSS-156) Studies have established that the majority of UFO observations are misidentified conventional objects or natural phenomena—most commonly aircraft, balloons including [sky lanterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lantern "Sky lantern"), satellites, and astronomical objects such as [meteors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteors "Meteors"), bright stars and planets. A small percentage are [hoaxes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoax "Hoax").[\[note 4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-157)
Fewer than 10% of reported sightings remain unexplained after proper investigation and therefore can be classified as unidentified in the strictest sense. According to [Steven Novella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Novella "Steven Novella"), proponents of the [extraterrestrial hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_hypothesis "Extraterrestrial hypothesis") (ETH) suggest these unexplained reports are of alien spacecraft, however the [null hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_hypothesis "Null hypothesis") cannot be excluded; that these reports are simply other more prosaic phenomena that cannot be identified due to lack of complete information or due to the necessary subjectivity of the reports. Novella says that instead of accepting the null hypothesis, UFO enthusiasts tend to engage in [special pleading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_pleading "Special pleading") by offering outlandish, untested explanations for the validity of the ETH, which violate [Occam's razor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor "Occam's razor").[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-158)
Scientific
Historically, ufology has not been considered credible in mainstream science.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ufosociology-154) The [scientific community](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_community "Scientific community") has generally deemed that UFO sightings are not worthy of serious investigation except as a cultural artifact.[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-159)[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-McDonald-116)[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112)[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-McCarthy-160)[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sturrock/Stanford-161)[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Menzel-162)[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-163) Studies of UFOs rarely appear in mainstream scientific literature. When asked, some scientists and scientific organizations have pointed to the end of official governmental studies in the U.S. in December 1969, following the statement by the government scientist [Edward Condon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Condon "Edward Condon") that further study of UFOs could not be justified on grounds of scientific advancement.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-COMETA-112)[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-164) On 14 September 2023, NASA reported the appointment, for the first time, of a [NASA Director of UAP Research](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Director_of_UAP_Research "NASA Director of UAP Research") (known earlier as U.F.O.), identified as [Mark McInerney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McInerney "Mark McInerney"), to scientifically, and transparently, study such occurrences.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20230914-165)
Status as a pseudoscience
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e_by_Christopher_Michel_12112024_4.jpg)
Jacques Vallée
Despite investigations sponsored by governments and private entities, ufology is not embraced by academia as a scientific field of study, and is instead generally considered a [pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience") by [skeptics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptical_movement "Skeptical movement") and [science educators](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_education "Science education"),[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_ufos-166) being often included on [lists of topics characterized as pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_topics_characterized_as_pseudoscience "List of topics characterized as pseudoscience") as either a partial[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-167) or total[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-168)[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_:12-169) pseudoscience.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_Shermer2002-170)[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_saf-171)[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_astropacific-172)[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_iowa-173)[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_UFO_NSF-174) *[Pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience")* is a term that classifies arguments that are claimed to exemplify the methods and principles of science, but do not adhere to an appropriate [scientific method](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method "Scientific method"), lack supporting evidence, plausibility, [falsifiability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsifiability "Falsifiability"), or otherwise lack scientific status.[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-175)
Some writers have identified social factors that contribute to the status of ufology as a pseudoscience,[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-176)[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-10.1177/0963662515617706-177)[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-178) with one study suggesting that "any science doubt surrounding unidentified flying objects and aliens was not primarily due to the ignorance of ufologists about science, but rather a product of the respective research practices of and relations between ufology, the sciences, and government investigative bodies".[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-10.1177/0963662515617706-177) One study suggests that "the rudimentary standard of [science communication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_communication "Science communication") attending to the extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) hypothesis for UFOs inhibits public understanding of science, dissuades academic inquiry within the physical and social sciences, and undermines progressive space policy initiatives".[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-179)
[Jacques Vallée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée"), a scientist and ufologist, claimed there were deficiencies in most UFO research, including government studies. He criticized the mythology and cultism often associated with UFO sightings, but despite the challenges, Vallée contended that several hundred professional scientists—a group both he and Hynek termed "the invisible college"—continued to study UFOs quietly on their own time.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Revelations-153)
Studies
In 2021, astronomer [Avi Loeb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Loeb "Avi Loeb") launched [The Galileo Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Galileo_Project "The Galileo Project"),[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_SA-20210919-180) which intends to collect and report scientific evidence of extraterrestrials or extraterrestrial technology on or near Earth via telescopic observations.[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-181)[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-182)[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-183)[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-184) In Germany, the [University of Würzburg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_W%C3%BCrzburg "University of Würzburg") is developing intelligent sensors that can help detect and analyze aerial objects in hopes of applying such technology to UAP.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-185)[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-186)[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_AAPC22-187)[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Ufology_978-1-5275-7925-5-188) A 2021 [Gallup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup_\(company\) "Gallup (company)") poll found that belief among Americans in some UFOs being extraterrestrial spacecraft grew between 2019 and 2021 from 33% to 41%. Gallup cited increased coverage in mainstream news and scrutiny from government authorities as a factor in changing attitudes towards UFOs.[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-189)
In 2022, NASA announced a nine-month study starting in the fall to help establish a road map for investigating UAP—or for reconnaissance of the publicly available data it might use for such research.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-190)[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-191)[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-192) In 2023, the RAND Corporation published a study reviewing 101,151 public reports of UAP sightings in the United States from 1998 to 2022.[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-193) The models used to conduct the analysis showed that reports of UAP sightings were less likely within 30 km of weather stations, 60 km of civilian airports, and in more–densely populated areas, while rural areas tended to have a higher rate of UAP reports. The most consistent and statistically significant finding was that reports of UAP sightings were more likely to occur within 30 km of military operations areas, where routine military training occurs.
Sturrock panel categorization
Besides anecdotal visual sightings, reports sometimes include claims of other kinds of evidence, including cases studied by the military and various government agencies of different countries (such as Project Blue Book, the Condon Committee, the French [GEPAN/SEPRA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEIPAN "GEIPAN"), and Uruguay's current Air Force study). A comprehensive scientific review of cases where physical evidence was available was carried out by the 1998 Sturrock panel, with specific examples of many of the categories listed below.
- Radar contact and tracking, sometimes from multiple sites. These have included military personnel and control tower operators, simultaneous visual sightings, and aircraft intercepts. One such example was the [mass sightings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave "Belgian UFO wave") of large, silent, low-flying black triangles in 1989 and 1990 over Belgium, tracked by [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO "NATO") radar and jet interceptors, and investigated by Belgium's military (included photographic evidence). Another famous case from 1986 was the [Japan Air Lines flight 1628 incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Air_Lines_flight_1628_incident "Japan Air Lines flight 1628 incident") over [Alaska](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska "Alaska") investigated by the [Federal Aviation Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aviation_Administration "Federal Aviation Administration") (FAA).
- Photographic evidence, including still photos, movie film, and video.
- Claims of physical trace of landing UFOs, including ground impressions, burned or desiccated soil, burned and broken foliage, magnetic anomalies,\[*[specify](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources "Wikipedia:Citing sources")*\] increased radiation levels, and metallic traces (e. g. Height 611 UFO incident or the 1964 [Lonnie Zamora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonnie_Zamora_incident "Lonnie Zamora incident")'s [Socorro, New Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socorro,_New_Mexico "Socorro, New Mexico") encounter of the USAF Project Blue Book cases). A well-known example from December 1980 was the USAF Rendlesham Forest incident in England. Another occurred in January 1981 in Trans-en-Provence and was investigated by GEPAN, then France's official government UFO-investigation agency. Project Blue Book head Edward J. Ruppelt described a classic 1952 CE2 case involving a patch of charred grass roots.
- Physiological effects on people and animals including temporary paralysis, skin burns and rashes, [corneal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornea "Cornea") burns, and symptoms superficially resembling [radiation poisoning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_radiation_syndrome "Acute radiation syndrome"), such as the [Cash-Landrum incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cash-Landrum_incident "Cash-Landrum incident") in 1980.
- Animal/[cattle mutilation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_mutilation "Cattle mutilation") cases, which some feel are also part of the UFO phenomenon.
- Biological effects on plants such as increased or decreased growth, germination effects on seeds, and blown-out stem nodes (usually associated with physical trace cases or [crop circles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_circle "Crop circle"))
- [Electromagnetic interference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_interference "Electromagnetic interference") (EM) effects. A famous [1976 military case](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_Tehran_UFO_incident "1976 Tehran UFO incident") over [Tehran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehran "Tehran"), recorded in CIA and DIA classified documents, was associated with communication losses in multiple aircraft and weapons system failure in an [F-4 Phantom II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phantom_II "McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II") jet interceptor as it was about to fire a missile on one of the UFOs.[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-194)
- Apparent remote radiation detection, some noted in FBI and CIA documents occurring over government nuclear installations at [Los Alamos National Laboratory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Alamos_National_Laboratory "Los Alamos National Laboratory") and [Oak Ridge National Laboratory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak_Ridge_National_Laboratory "Oak Ridge National Laboratory") in 1950, also reported by Project Blue Book director Edward J. Ruppelt in his book.
- Claimed artifacts of UFOs themselves, such as 1957, [Ubatuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubatuba "Ubatuba"), Brazil, [magnesium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium "Magnesium") fragments analyzed by the [Brazilian government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_government_of_Brazil "Federal government of Brazil") and in the Condon Report and by others. The 1964 Lonnie Zamora incident also left metal traces, analyzed by NASA.[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-195)[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-196) A more recent example involves a teardrop-shaped object recovered by Bob White and was featured in a television episode of *[UFO Hunters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_Hunters "UFO Hunters")*[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-197) but was later found to be accumulated waste metal residue from a grinding machine.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-198)
- [Angel hair and angel grass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_hair_\(folklore\) "Angel hair (folklore)"), possibly explained in some cases as nests from [ballooning spiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballooning_\(spider\) "Ballooning (spider)") or [chaff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaff_\(radar_countermeasure\) "Chaff (radar countermeasure)").[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-199)
Scientific skepticism
A [scientifically skeptical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientifically_skeptical "Scientifically skeptical") group that has for many years offered critical analyses of UFO claims is the [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry") (CSI). One example is the response to local beliefs that "extraterrestrial beings" in UFOs were responsible for crop circles appearing in Indonesia, which the government and the [National Institute of Aeronautics and Space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Aeronautics_and_Space "National Institute of Aeronautics and Space") (LAPAN) described as "man-made". Thomas Djamaluddin, research professor of astronomy and astrophysics at LAPAN stated: "We have come to agree that this 'thing' cannot be scientifically proven. Scientists have put UFOs in the category of [pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience "Pseudoscience")."[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Krismantari-200)
Governmental
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CIA_annotated_drawing_-_dark_grey_solid_looking_UFO.webp)
UFO drawing, authenticity unknown, attribution and date unspecified. One of hundreds of files resulting from US President [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton "Bill Clinton")'s 1995 order to the [CIA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIA "CIA") to declassify all documents with "historical value" that were at least 25 years old.
UFOs have been the subject of investigations by various governments that have provided extensive records related to the subject. Many of the most involved government-sponsored investigations ended after agencies concluded that there was no benefit to continued investigation.[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-201)[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-202) These same negative conclusions also have been found in studies that were highly classified for many years, such as the UK's [Flying Saucer Working Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Saucer_Working_Party "Flying Saucer Working Party"), [Project Condign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Condign "Project Condign"), the U.S. CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel, the U.S. military investigation into the green fireballs from 1948 to 1951, and the Battelle Memorial Institute study for the USAF from 1952 to 1955 (Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14). Some public government reports have acknowledged the possibility of the physical reality of UFOs, but have stopped short of proposing extraterrestrial origins, though not dismissing the possibility entirely. Examples are the Belgian military investigation into [large triangles over their airspace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_UFO_wave "Belgian UFO wave") in 1989–1991 and the 2009 [Uruguayan Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Air_Force "Uruguayan Air Force") study conclusion.
Claims by military, government, and aviation personnel
In the 21st century, UFO claims by military, government, and aviation figures have included both firsthand accounts and official statements about unidentified aerial phenomena. Later reporting and assessments by the Navy, the Pentagon, and U.S. intelligence agencies gave the issue greater public and institutional visibility.
2000-2019
In a 2007 CNN commentary, former [Arizona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona "Arizona") governor [Fife Symington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fife_Symington "Fife Symington") wrote that during the 1997 [Phoenix Lights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Lights "Phoenix Lights") incident, he had seen "a massive, delta-shaped craft silently navigate over [Piestewa Peak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piestewa_Peak "Piestewa Peak") (formerly called Squaw Peak), a mountain range in [Phoenix, Arizona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix,_Arizona "Phoenix, Arizona")".[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-CNN_Symington_2007-203) In *The Way of the Explorer* (2008), [Apollo 14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_14 "Apollo 14") astronaut [Edgar Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Mitchell "Edgar Mitchell") wrote that he had met "credible professionals within two governments" who had testified to firsthand "close encounters", and that this left him with no doubt that aliens had visited Earth.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mitchell_Way_of_the_Explorer_1996-204): 212
In April 2019, a Navy spokesperson said the service had received "a number of reports" of unauthorized and/or unidentified aircraft entering military-controlled ranges in recent years and that it was "updating and formalizing" its reporting process.[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ABC_Navy_reporting_2019-205) In May 2019, *The New York Times* reported that Navy pilots flying training missions off the eastern seaboard had repeatedly encountered unidentified objects between the summer of 2014 and March 2015.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20190526-206) The [Pentagon officially released these videos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_videos "Pentagon UFO videos") on April 27, 2020.[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-DoD_historical_Navy_videos_2020-207) A 2021 assessment by the [Office of the Director of National Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Director_of_National_Intelligence "Office of the Director of National Intelligence") later said that no standardized reporting mechanism had existed until the Navy established one in March 2019, and that 80 of the 144 reports reviewed involved observation with multiple sensors.[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-ODNI_PA_UAP_2021-208): 3–4
The *Times* published a cockpit instrument video that appeared to show an object moving at high speed near the ocean surface as it appeared to rotate, and objects that appeared capable of high acceleration, deceleration and maneuverability. In two separate incidents, a pilot reported his cockpit instruments locked onto and tracked objects but he was unable to see them through his helmet camera. In another encounter, flight instruments recorded an image described as a sphere encasing a cube between two jets as they flew about 100 feet apart.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NYT-20190526-206) The [United States Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy") has said there have been "a number of reports of unauthorized and/or unidentified aircraft entering various military-controlled ranges and designated air space in recent years".[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-CNN-209)
According to former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ryan Graves, UAPs spotted by US Navy crew aboard the USS *Nimitz*, the USS *Princeton*, and other carriers in 2014 prompted flight safety concerns by some Navy pilots.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-PopMech2-210)[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-211) Graves, described as "one of the most vocal advocates for [UAP transparency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_disclosure "UFO disclosure")", said the appearance of UFOs was frequent near aircraft carriers.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-PopMech2-210) In 2019, a US Navy spokesperson, Joseph Gradisher stated, "For safety and security concerns, the Navy and the \[US Air Force\] takes these reports very seriously and investigates each and every report", and because of the sightings, the "Navy is updating and formalising the process" of reporting,[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-212)[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-213) with the reporting process updated by 2020 [\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-214)
2020-present
In May 2021, military pilots recalled their related encounters, along with camera and radar support, including one pilot's account noting that such incidents occurred "every day for at least a couple of years", according to an interview broadcast on the news program, *[60 Minutes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60_Minutes "60 Minutes")* (May 16, 2021).[\[211\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-WP-20210517-215)[\[212\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-216) Science writer and skeptic [Mick West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_West "Mick West") suggested the image was the result of an optical effect called a [bokeh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh "Bokeh") which can make out of focus light sources appear triangular or pyramidal due to the shape of the aperture of some lenses.[\[213\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-217)[\[214\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-newyorker-218) In August, 2022, an article by West provided his detailed analysis of the video.[\[215\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-219)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625\(1\).pdf)
The 2021 [Pentagon UFO Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_Report "Pentagon UFO Report")
On June 25, 2021, U.S. Defense and [intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Intelligence_Community "United States Intelligence Community") officials released the nine pages [Pentagon UFO Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_UFO_Report "Pentagon UFO Report") (Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) on what they know about a series of unidentified flying objects that have been seen by American military pilots in the skies between 2004 and 2021.[\[216\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-220)[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:1-221) It observed that "UAP probably lack a single explanation", but identified airborne clutter and foreign adversary systems as among possible objects that "clearly pose a safety of flight issue and may pose a challenge to U.S. national security".[\[218\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:2-222)[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:3-223)[\[220\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-224)[\[221\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-225) The report also mentioned dangers associated with "an increasingly cluttered air domain".[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:3-223) The issue of safety with commercial airlines has also been raised.[\[222\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-226)[\[223\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-227) The report does not mentions extraterrestrials, but concludes that the objects found by the US military appear to be real in the majority of the 144 occurrences documented.[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:1-221)
"Most of the UAP reported probably do represent physical objects given that a majority of UAP were registered across multiple sensors, to include radar, infrared, electro-optical, weapon seekers, and visual observation", according to the report.[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-:1-221) The report also stated that "UAP probably lack a single explanation", and proposed five possible categories of explanation: airborne clutter, natural atmospheric phenomena, US government or industry development technology, foreign craft, and an "Other" category.[\[224\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-dni-228) Commenting on the document, [NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA "NASA") Administrator [Bill Nelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Nelson "Bill Nelson") said that he did not think we are alone, but the UFO sightings by pilots "may not be extraterrestrial."[\[225\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-229)
In December 2021, further official governmental investigations into UAPs and related, along with annual unclassified reports presented to Congress, have been authorized and funded.[\[226\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-LAT-20211216-230) Some have raised concerns about the new investigations.[\[227\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-NBC-20220108-231) U.S. President [Joe Biden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Biden "Joe Biden") in 2023 signed the [Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_Anomalous_Phenomena_Disclosure_Act "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act") into law as part of the [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_2024 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024") on December 14, 2023.[\[228\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Mizokami_Popular_Mechanics_UAPDA_2023-12-14-232) The 64-page amendment defined and codified 22 technical definitions related to UFOs and non-human intelligence under the law.[\[229\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Vincent_UAPDA_Defense_Scoop_2023-07-25-233)
Conspiracy theories
UFOs are a recurring subject of conspiracy theories in which governments are alleged to conceal evidence of alien visitors[\[230\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Lipinska_et_al_2025_UFO_CT-234)[\[231\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-EBSCO_UFO_Evidence_and_Censorship-235) and, in some variants, to collaborate with them.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Robertson_2016_UFOs_CTNA-236): 6, 15–17 These narratives have taken multiple forms and often overlap with other conspiracy traditions.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Robertson_2016_UFOs_CTNA-236): 7, 15 Such views have been expressed by prominent officials, legislators, scholars, journalists, and military personnel.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Yingling_et_al_2024_UAP_academia-237): 2 In June and July 2023, former intelligence official [David Grusch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Grusch_UFO_whistleblower_claims "David Grusch UFO whistleblower claims") claimed that the U.S. government had been running a "multi-decade" UAP crash-retrieval and reverse-engineering program and possessed craft of "non-human" origin.[\[234\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Gabbat_UFOs_2023-06-06-238)[\[235\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Merchant_UFOs_2023-239) In media interviews, Grusch also claimed that the U.S. possessed a "bell-like craft" recovered by [Benito Mussolini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benito_Mussolini "Benito Mussolini")'s government in northern [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_sightings_in_Italy "UFO sightings in Italy") in 1933 at [Magenta, Lombardy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magenta,_Lombardy "Magenta, Lombardy").[\[236\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Gabbatt_UFOs_2023-07-23-240)
At a November 13, 2024, joint [House Oversight Committee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Oversight_Committee "House Oversight Committee") hearing on UAPs, Rep. [Nancy Mace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Mace "Nancy Mace") entered into the [Congressional Record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Record "Congressional Record") a 12-page document describing an alleged unacknowledged [Special Access Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Access_Program "Special Access Program") (USAP) named "[Immaculate Constellation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schriever_wargame#Immaculate_Constellation "Schriever wargame")", where the U.S. government is claimed to operate extralegal programs to conceal information from Congress, including related to the existence of extraterrestrial life and technology.[\[237\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Oversight_IC_transcript-241)[\[238\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_IC_doc-242)[\[239\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-2024_HOSC_UAP_hearing_notice-243) In April and May 2025, [Jeremy Corbell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Corbell "Jeremy Corbell") and [George Knapp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Knapp_\(television_journalist\) "George Knapp (television journalist)") released a multi-part *WEAPONIZED* interview series presenting Matthew Brown as the report's previously anonymous author, a characterization later noted by *[Jezebel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezebel_\(website\) "Jezebel (website)")*.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weaponized_74-244)[\[241\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weaponized_76-245)[\[242\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weindling_Jezebel_2025-246)
Disclosure advocates
In May 2001, the [Disclosure Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclosure_Project "Disclosure Project") held a press conference at the [National Press Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Press_Club_\(United_States\) "National Press Club (United States)") in [Washington, D.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C. "Washington, D.C."), featuring more than twenty witnesses, most of them former military personnel, as part of a campaign urging Congress to hold hearings on UFOs and extraterrestrials.[\[243\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-247) [ABC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC_News_\(United_States\) "ABC News (United States)") reported the witnesses stated they had seen evidence of aliens or UFOs and called for congressional hearings, while Disclosure Project founder [Steven M. Greer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_M._Greer "Steven M. Greer") said some 400 witnesses were willing to testify before Congress.[\[244\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-248) In 2002, the [Oregon *Daily Emerald*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Emerald "Daily Emerald") reported that Greer had compiled more than 120 hours of testimony from government officials, later reduced to 18 hours, including accounts from Brigadier General Stephen Lovekin and astronaut [Gordon Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Cooper "Gordon Cooper").[\[245\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-249)
By March 2007, [Disclose.tv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclose.tv "Disclose.tv") existed as a forum devoted to UFOs, paranormal topics, and conspiracy theories, and its name invoked the UFO-community idea of "disclosure".[\[246\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Thomas_Disclose.tv-250)
On September 27, 2010, former U.S. Air Force personnel held a press conference at the [National Press Club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Press_Club "National Press Club") in Washington, D.C., where they alleged that UFOs had interfered with nuclear missiles at U.S. bases.[\[247\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-251) From April 29 to May 3, 2013, the Paradigm Research Group held the *Citizen Hearing on Disclosure* at the National Press Club, paying six former members of Congress about \$20,000 each, plus expenses, to hear roughly 30 hours of testimony from researchers and military, agency, and political witnesses.[\[248\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-252)[\[249\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-253)[\[250\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-254)
Religious
Scholars of religion have identified a number of [UFO religions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFO_religion "UFO religion"), including the [Aetherius Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aetherius_Society "Aetherius Society"), [Heaven's Gate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_\(religious_group\) "Heaven's Gate (religious group)"), [Unarius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unarius_Academy_of_Science "Unarius Academy of Science"), and the [Raëlian Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%ABlian_movement "Raëlian movement").[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sinani_UFO_Religions_2010-255): 119 Many forms of UFO religiosity have been traced by scholars to occult, spiritualist, and [Theosophical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy "Theosophy") currents.[\[252\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sinani_Religious_Character_2010-256): 121 [\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Partridge_Alien_Demonology_2004-257) Within [American evangelical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism_in_the_United_States "Evangelicalism in the United States") and conservative evangelical ufology, UFOs have often been interpreted as [demonic entities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classification_of_demons "Classification of demons") or spiritual deceptions masquerading as extraterrestrials.[\[254\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Laycock_Alien_Deception_2021-258)[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Crace_Televangelists_2022-259) Scholars have linked these [demonological](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonological "Demonological") readings to [apocalyptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypticism "Apocalypticism") and [Jeremiad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiad "Jeremiad") traditions within [Evangelicalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelicalism "Evangelicalism") culture and the reuse of older [Christian mythology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_mythology "Christian mythology") and [symbols](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_symbolism "Christian symbolism") in modern UFO belief.[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Crace_Televangelists_2022-259)[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Partridge_Alien_Demonology_2004-257)
Ufology
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Close_up_of_light_in_sky,_Sri_Lanka.jpg)
A photograph of an unusual atmospheric occurrence observed over Sri Lanka, forwarded to the UK [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_\(United_Kingdom\) "Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)") by RAF Fylingdales, 2004
*Ufology* is a [neologism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neologism "Neologism") describing the study of UFO reports and associated evidence.[\[256\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Raimer_UFO_1999-260): 54 In a 2011 interview, aviation researcher Richard Haines said that he and his colleagues at the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP) preferred the term "unidentified aerial phenomena" (UAP) for "a wide range of atmospheric phenomena and effects" that might have differing explanations.[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Spiegel_UFO_2011-08-26-261) Limited institutional or scientific study has given rise to independent researchers and [UFO organizations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UFO_organizations "List of UFO organizations") such as APRO, NICAP, CUFOS, and MUFON from the mid-20th century onward.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976-99): 80–84
In popular culture
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tenjo_Estatua_UFO.JPG)
A UFO monument in [Tenjo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenjo "Tenjo"), [Colombia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia "Colombia").
UFOs have constituted a widespread international [cultural phenomenon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_phenomenon "Cultural phenomenon") since the 1950s.[\[258\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Oliver_Eghigian_2025-262)[\[259\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Impey_UFO_Belief_2024-263): 333–334 [Gallup Polls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallup_\(company\) "Gallup (company)") rank UFOs near the top of lists for subjects of widespread recognition. In 1973, a survey found that 95 percent of the public reported having heard of UFOs, whereas only 92 percent had heard of [U.S. President](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States "President of the United States") [Gerald Ford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Ford "Gerald Ford") in a 1977 poll taken just nine months after he left the White House.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-264) A 1996 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of Americans believed the U.S. government knew more about UFOs than it was telling the public.[\[261\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Gallup_UFO_2019-265) A 2002 [Roper Poll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmo_Roper "Elmo Roper") for the [Sci-Fi Channel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syfy "Syfy") found similar results, as 48 percent thought aliens had visited the Earth; 56 percent thought UFOs were real craft; and 70 percent felt the government was not sharing everything it knew about UFOs or extraterrestrial life.[\[262\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Roper_UFO_2002-266): 4, 5
Flying-saucer imagery also entered science fiction and other popular culture.[\[263\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Britannica_UFO-267)[\[264\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Smithsonian_Saucer_Icon-268) Examples include the *[C57D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-57D "C-57D")* in *[Forbidden Planet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_Planet "Forbidden Planet")* (1956), the saucer-shaped the *[Jupiter 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_2 "Jupiter 2")* in *[Lost in Space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Space "Lost in Space")*, and the saucer section of the [USS *Enterprise*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Enterprise "Starship Enterprise") in *[Star Trek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek "Star Trek")*.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Weitekamp_2019-269)[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-TV_Guide_LIS-270)[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Smithsonian_Enterprise-271) UFOs and [extraterrestrials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrials "Extraterrestrials") have been featured [in many movies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_featuring_extraterrestrials "List of films featuring extraterrestrials").[\[268\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Meehan_UFO_Cinema_1998-272): 1 [\[269\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Rieber_Kelly_Alien_Movies_2013-273): 32 The intense secrecy surrounding the Nevada base known as [Area 51](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_51 "Area 51") has made it a frequent subject of conspiracy theories and a longstanding part of UFO popular culture.[\[270\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Nichols_Area_51_2023-274)[\[271\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Sheeter_Merlin_Area_51_2024-275) In July 2019, more than a million people marked themselves as going and nearly a million more as interested in a satirical Facebook event proposing to storm Area 51.[\[272\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Griffin_UFO_2019-07-16-276) Two music festivals in rural Nevada, "AlienStock" and "Storm Area 51 Basecamp", were subsequently organized to capitalize on the popularity of the original Facebook event.[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Richwine_UFO_2019-09-20-277) 150 people showed up to the Area 51 entrance and attendance at the festivals was 1,500.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_note-Baynes_UFO_2019-09-21-278)
See also
- [Unidentified submerged object](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_submerged_object "Unidentified submerged object")
Notes
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-103)**
Many of these documents are now online at the FOIA websites of these agencies such as the
["FBI FOIA site"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080524114748/http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/ufo.htm). Archived from [the original](https://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/ufo.htm) on May 24, 2008.
, as well as private websites such as [The Black Vault](http://www.theblackvault.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110902090822/http://www.theblackvault.com/) September 2, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), which has an archive of several thousand U.S. government UFO-related documents from the USAF, Army, CIA, DIA, DOD, and NSA.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-106)** The so-called [Twining memo of September 23, 1947](http://www.majesticdocuments.com/pdf/twiningopinionamc_23sept47.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090226081323/http://www.majesticdocuments.com/pdf/twiningopinionamc_23sept47.pdf) February 26, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), by future USAF Chief of Staff, General [Nathan Twining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Farragut_Twining "Nathan Farragut Twining"), specifically recommended intelligence cooperation with the Army, Navy, [Atomic Energy Commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Atomic_Energy_Commission "United States Atomic Energy Commission"), the Defense Department's Joint Research and Development Board, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, [National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Advisory_Committee_for_Aeronautics "National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics") (NACA), Project [RAND](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAND "RAND"), and the [Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_aircraft "Nuclear aircraft") (NEPA) project.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-113)** For example, current USAF general reporting procedures are in [Air Force Instruction (AFI)10-206](http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufos/AFI10-206.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080618065117/http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufos/AFI10-206.pdf) June 18, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Section 5.7.3 (p. 64) lists sightings of "unidentified flying objects" and "aircraft of unconventional design" as separate categories from potentially hostile but conventional, unidentified aircraft, missiles, surface vessels, or submarines. Additionally, "unidentified objects" detected by missile warning systems, creating a potential risk of nuclear war, are covered by Rule 5E (p.35).
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-157)** For example, the USAF's [Project Blue Book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identification_studies_of_UFOs "Identification studies of UFOs") concluded that less than 2% of reported UFOs were "psychological" or hoaxes; [Allan Hendry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hendry "Allan Hendry")'s study for CUFOS had less than 1%.
References
 This article incorporates [public domain material](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_status_of_works_by_the_federal_government_of_the_United_States "Copyright status of works by the federal government of the United States") from websites or documents of the [United States government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_government "United States government").
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-1)**
[*What is the origin of the term 'UFO'?*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6YhHVZRhNg). *Oxford Languages*. Oxford University Press. July 2, 2015 – via YouTube.
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-ODNI_2-0)**
["Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. Preliminary Intelligence Assessment"](https://www.intelligence.gov/publics-daily-brief/public-s-daily-brief-articles/1077-unidentified-aerial-phenomena-preliminary-intelligence-assessment). *www.intelligence.gov*. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-3)**
["UAP FAQs – NASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Study Frequently Asked Questions"](https://science.nasa.gov/uap/faqs/). *[NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA "NASA")*. October 21, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-4)**
["50 U.S. Code § 3373 – Establishment of All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/3373). *[law.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Law_School "Cornell Law School")[cornell.edu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell.edu "Cornell.edu")*. LII / [Legal Information Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_Information_Institute "Legal Information Institute"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240520125549/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/3373) from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-5)**
Kuenzle, Dominique (2017). ["Towards a New Epistemology 1.2 Second development: Naturalising Epistemology Stroud's objection"](https://books.google.com/books?id=w34oDwAAQBAJ&dq=ufo+epistemology&pg=PA22). Written at [University of Zurich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Zurich "University of Zurich"). [*Refurbishing Epistemology A Meta-Epistemological Framework*](https://books.google.com/books?id=w34oDwAAQBAJ).
Epistemic Studies Philosophy of Science, Cognition and Mind
. Berlin, Boston: [De Gruyter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Gruyter "De Gruyter") (published June 26, 2017). p. 22. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-3-11-052545-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-11-052545-8 "Special:BookSources/978-3-11-052545-8")
. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [2512-5168](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/2512-5168). Retrieved March 18, 2025 – via [Google Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Books "Google Books").
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-6)**
Robertson, David G. (2016). ["Introduction: Aquarian conspiracies"](https://books.google.com/books?id=450yEAAAQBAJ). Written at [Open University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_University "Open University"). [*UFOs, Conspiracy Theories and the New Age Millennial Conspiracism*](https://books.google.com/books?id=450yEAAAQBAJ).
BLOOMSBURY ADVANCES IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
(1 ed.).
LONDON OXFORD NEW YORK NEW DELHI SYDNEY
: [Bloomsbury Academic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomsbury_Academic "Bloomsbury Academic"). p. 9. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-350-04498-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04498-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-350-04498-2")
. Retrieved March 18, 2025 – via [Google Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Books "Google Books").
7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-7)**
["Home \> Visit \> Museum Exhibits \> Fact Sheets \> Display Avro Canada VZ-9AV Avrocar"](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195801/avro-canada-vz-9av-avrocar/). *www.nationalmuseum.af.mil [United States Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force")*. October 9, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210518072042/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/article/195801/avro-canada-vz-9av-avrocar/) from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-MW-2023_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-MW-2023_8-1)
["Words We're Watching: What does 'UAP' mean?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230417203105/https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-were-watching-uap). *Merriam-Webster*. Archived from [the original](https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-were-watching-uap) on April 17, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-9)** [Ruppelt 1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Ruppelt), Chapter 1: ["Project Blue Book and the UFO Story"](http://www.nicap.org/rufo/rufo-01.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130927014715/http://www.nicap.org/rufo/rufo-01.htm) September 27, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-NYT-20170424_10-0)**
Blumenthal, Ralph (April 24, 2017). ["People Are Seeing U.F.O.s Everywhere, and This Book Proves It"](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/science/ufo-sightings-book.html). *[New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Times "New York Times")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201125031952/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/24/science/ufo-sightings-book.html) from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AMZ-20170324_11-0)**
Costa, Cheryl; Costa, Linda Miller (2017). *UFO Sightings Desk Reference: United States of America 2001–2015*. Dragon Lady Media, LLC. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-5442-1923-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-5442-1923-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-5442-1923-3")
.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Hanks2022_12-0)**
Micah Hanks (July 21, 2022). ["The Pentagon Just Revealed the New Name of Its UAP Investigative Office"](https://thedebrief.org/the-pentagon-just-revealed-the-new-name-of-its-uap-investigative-office/). The Debrief. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220724094335/https://thedebrief.org/the-pentagon-just-revealed-the-new-name-of-its-uap-investigative-office/) from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Furfaro2022_13-0)**
Emily Furfaro (October 21, 2022). ["NASA Announces Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Study Team Members"](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-study-team-members). NASA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221223015354/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-announces-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena-study-team-members/) from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022. "Editor's Note: This article was updated on December 22, 2022 to reflect an expanded terminology for 'UAP,' going from unidentified aerial phenomena to unidentified anomalous phenomena."
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-14)** Armando Simón "The Zeitgeist of the UFO Phenomenon". [Haines ed. 1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Haines_1979)
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-15)**
Giere, Ronald N.; Bickle, John; Mauldin, Robert F. (2006), *Understanding Scientific Reasoning* (5th ed.), [Wadsworth Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cengage_Learning "Cengage Learning"), p. 99, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-15-506326-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-15-506326-X "Special:BookSources/0-15-506326-X")
, [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2005922853](https://lccn.loc.gov/2005922853), [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [61369793](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/61369793)
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Official_UFO_Investigations_in_France:_the_GEPAN/SEPRA_Project_16-0)** [Sturrock, et al. 1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Sturrock,_et_al._1998), Appendix 4: "Electromagnetic-Wave Ducting" by V. R. Eshleman
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-17)**
[Project Blue Book Special Report 14: Analysis of Reports of Unidentified Aerial Objects](https://www.academia.edu/49680297) (Report). United States Air Force. May 5, 1955. p. 10.
[Archive.](https://www.si.edu/object/siris_sil_97883)
18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Ezzy-2024_18-4)
Ezzy, Pearson (June 3, 2024). ["16 things commonly mistaken for UFOs"](https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/things-mistaken-for-ufos). *Sky at Night Magazine*. BBC. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
19. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Starwalk_19-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Starwalk_19-1)
["Relax, It's Not Aliens: Man-Made Objects Mistaken for UFOs"](https://starwalk.space/en/infographics/ufo-sightings-real-objects). *Star Walk*. February 12, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
20. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Carey-2010_20-4)
Carey, Bjorn; Melina, Remy (November 10, 2010). ["7 Things Most Often Mistaken for UFOs"](https://www.livescience.com/32849-7-ways-to-generate-a-great-space-hoax.html). *Live Science*. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
21. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Blackrock-2024_21-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Blackrock-2024_21-1)
["How To Identify A UFO"](https://www.bco.ie/how-to-identify-a-ufo/). *MTU Blackrock Castle*. August 15, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-22)**
Services, United States Congress House Committee on Armed (1966). [*Unidentified Flying Objects: Hearing, Eighty-ninth Congress, Second Session, April 5, 1966*](https://www.google.be/books/edition/Unidentified_Flying_Objects/5tiKlTbhXvMC?hl=nl&gbpv=1&dq=Balloon-carried+light+effect+-wikipedia&pg=PA5998&printsec=frontcover). U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 5998.
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-23)**
Wright, Aaron (October 31, 2018). ["'The truth is out there': UFO group debunks hoaxes in hopes of finding the real thing"](https://www.kens5.com/article/features/the-truth-is-out-there-ufo-group-debunks-hoaxes-in-hopes-of-finding-the-real-thing/273-610080916). *kens5.com*. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-24)**
["The Great Morris County UFO Hoax"](https://weirdnj.com/stories/unexplained-phenomena/nj-ufo-hoax/). Retrieved September 14, 2024.
25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-25)**
Hahn, Jason (December 21, 2022). ["Christmas Lights Are Likely Source of Multiple UFO Reports in Wisconsin (But Not Everyone's Convinced)"](https://people.com/human-interest/ufo-sighting-wisconsin-apparently-solved-christmas-lights/). *People*. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-26)**
United States Air Force (1968). [Aid to Identification of Flying Objects](https://www.cnes-geipan.fr/sites/default/files/Aids_to_identification_of_flying_objects_0.pdf) (PDF) (Report). U.S. Government Printing Office.
27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-27)** [Hendry 1979](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Hendry)
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Fraknoi_28-0)** [Andrew Fraknoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fraknoi "Andrew Fraknoi"), [*Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to the Future*](http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2010ASPC..431..514F) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210526194646/http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2010ASPC..431..514F%7C%E2%80%98%E2%80%99Science) May 26, 2021, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Proceedings of a conference held September 12–16, 2009 in Millbrae, California. Edited by Jonathan Barnes, Denise A. Smith, Michael G. Gibbs, and James G. Manning., p. 514, August 2010
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-29)**
["March 30, 240 B.C.: Comet Cometh to Cathay"](https://www.wired.com/2011/03/0330ancient-chinese-see-halleys-comet/). Wired. March 30, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210213020656/https://www.wired.com/2011/03/0330ancient-chinese-see-halleys-comet/) from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-30)**
Giordano, Daniela (November 13, 2006). ["Do UFOs Exist in the History of Arts?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120819213933/http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/16589). *American Chronicle*. Ultio, LLC. Archived from [the original](http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/16589) on August 19, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-31)**
Cuoghi, Diego (2004). ["The Art of Imagining UFOs"](http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/archives/vol11n01.html). *[Skeptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptic_\(U.S._magazine\) "Skeptic (U.S. magazine)")*. **11** (1). [The Skeptics Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Skeptics_Society "The Skeptics Society"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121003170149/http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/archives/vol11n01.html) from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
32. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-32)** Julio Obsecuente, *Libro de los Prodigios (restituido a su integridad, en beneficio de la Historia, por Conrado Licóstenes)*, ed. Ana Moure Casas (Madrid: Ediciones Clásicas, 1990)
33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-33)** Giulio Ossequente, *Il Libro dei prodigi*, ed. Solas Boncompagni (Rome: Edizioni Mediterranee, 1992)
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-34)**
Dong, Paul. (2000). *China's Major Mysteries: Paranormal Phenomena and the Unexplained in the People's Republic*. San Francisco: China Books and Periodicals, Inc. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Vallee_35-0)**
Vallee, Jacques; Aubeck, Chris (2010). [*Wonders in the Sky: Unexplained Aerial Objects from Antiquity to Modern Times*](https://books.google.com/books?id=XINLC2ubHqwC&pg=PT71). Tarcher. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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.
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Colavito-121212_36-0)**
[Colavito, Jason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Colavito "Jason Colavito") (December 12, 2012). ["The UFO Battle over Nuremburg"](http://www.jasoncolavito.com/1/post/2012/12/the-ufo-battle-over-nuremburg.html). *jasoncolavito.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121220012851/http://www.jasoncolavito.com/1/post/2012/12/the-ufo-battle-over-nuremburg.html) from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-37)**
Borchert (2013). [*The book of miracles: Facsimile of the Augsburg manuscript from the Collection of Mickey Cartin*](https://books.google.com/books?id=rPRTzgEACAAJ) (in German). Taschen. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-38)**
Booth, B J (December 8, 2008). ["Before the Wright Brothers ... There Were UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120819213938/http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/17732). *American Chronicle*. Ultio, LLC. Archived from [the original](http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/17732) on August 19, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECohen19811_39-0)** [Cohen 1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFCohen1981), p. 1.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECohen198186_40-0)** [Cohen 1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFCohen1981), p. 86.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKeel199629%E2%80%9331_41-0)** [Keel 1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFKeel1996), pp. 29–31, stating date of April 22, 1897
42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECohen198188_42-0)** [Cohen 1981](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#CITEREFCohen1981), p. 88.
43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-43)**
["Foo-Fighter"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080417042038/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,775433,00.html). *[Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_\(magazine\) "Time (magazine)")*. January 15, 1945. Archived from [the original](http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,775433,00.html) on April 17, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-44)** [Swords & Powell 2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Swords_&_Powell), p. 63
45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-45)** Jeffrey J. Kripal, *Authors of the Impossible: The Paranormal and the Sacred*, University of Chicago Press, 2010, pp. 206–208. \[*[ISBN missing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources "Wikipedia:Citing sources")*\]
46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-46)** Bertrand Meheust, *Science Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes* Mercure de France, 1978
47. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-47)** Michel Monnerie, Le Naufrage des Extra-terrestres, Nouvelles Editions Rationalistes, 1979.
48. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-48)** Michel Meurger, *Alien Abduction : L'enlèvement Extraterrestre de la Fiction à la croyance – Scientifictions: la Revue de l'Imaginaire Scientifique; numero 1, volume 1* Encrage, 1995 (in French) 253pp.
49. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-49)** Michel Meurger, "Surgeons from Outside" *Fortean Studies* \# 3 (1996) pp. 308–321.
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-50)** Jacques Vallee, *Dimensions: A Casebook of Alien Contact Contemporary Books*, 1988, p. 167.
51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-51)** Martin S. Kottmeyer, *Magonia* \#90; November 2005, pp. 3–15. "[Engine Stoppers](http://magonia.haaan.com/2010/enginestoppers/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131001033541/http://magonia.haaan.com/2010/enginestoppers/) 2013-10-01 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")"
52. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-52)**
Pasulka, D.W. (2019). *American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology*. Oxford University Press. p. 237. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-19-069288-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-069288-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-069288-9")
. "the standard assumption that the UFO mythos was born in the year 1947"
53. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-7) [***i***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-8) [***j***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-9) [***k***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-10) [***l***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian4August2021_53-11)
Eghigian, Greg (August 4, 2021). ["UFOs and the Boundaries of Science"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230410030607/https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/ufos-and-the-boundaries-of-science/). Boston Review. Archived from [the original](https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/ufos-and-the-boundaries-of-science/) on April 10, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-54)**
Garber, Megan. ["The Man Who Introduced the World to Flying Saucers"](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/06/the-man-who-introduced-the-world-to-flying-saucers/372732/). *The Atlantic*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201111183726/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/06/the-man-who-introduced-the-world-to-flying-saucers/372732/) from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
55. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-55)**
["Saturday Night Uforia Audioplex: Edward R. Murrow – The Case ForOf The Flying Saucer (April 7, 1950 broadcast)"](http://www.saturdaynightuforia.com/audioplex/audioplexhtml/murrowcaseofflyingsaucer.html). *www.saturdaynightuforia.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190718182303/https://www.saturdaynightuforia.com/audioplex/audioplexhtml/murrowcaseofflyingsaucer.html) from the original on July 18, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
56. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian2017_56-0)**
Eghigian, Greg (March 14, 2017). ["More Human Than Alien: Researvching the History of UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230621171135/https://www.historians.org/research-and-publications/perspectives-on-history/march-2017/more-human-than-alien-researching-the-history-of-ufos). Perspectives on History. Archived from [the original](https://www.historians.org/research-and-publications/perspectives-on-history/march-2017/more-human-than-alien-researching-the-history-of-ufos) on June 21, 2023. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
57. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian5August2021_57-0)**
Eghigian, Greg (August 5, 2021). ["UFOs, UAPs – Whatever We Call Them, Why Do We Assume Mysterious Flying Objects Are Extraterrestrial?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230611013718/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/ufos-uapswhatever-we-call-them-why-do-we-assume-mysterious-flying-objects-are-extraterrestrial-180978374/). Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from [the original](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/ufos-uapswhatever-we-call-them-why-do-we-assume-mysterious-flying-objects-are-extraterrestrial-180978374/) on June 11, 2023. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
58. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-58)**
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59. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-59)**
Olmsted, Kathryn S. (2009). *Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, World War I to 9/11*. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. p. 184. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-19-975395-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-975395-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-19-975395-6")
. "The material recovered near Roswell was consistent with a balloon device and most likely from one of the MOGUL balloons that had not been previously recovered."
60. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Lewis-Kraus-30-4-21_60-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Lewis-Kraus-30-4-21_60-1)
Lewis-Kraus, Gideon (April 30, 2021). ["How the Pentagon Started Taking U.F.O.s Seriously"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230623023008/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/05/10/how-the-pentagon-started-taking-ufos-seriously). *The New Yorker magazine*. Archived from [the original](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/05/10/how-the-pentagon-started-taking-ufos-seriously) on June 23, 2023.
61. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-61)**
Jung, Carl (1959). *Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies*. Translated by Hull, R. F. C. Broadway House, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
62. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Eghigian19December2017_62-0)**
Eghigian, Greg (December 19, 2017). ["That Secret Government Program to Track UFOs? It's Not the First"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230606110707/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/secret-government-program-track-ufos-its-not-first-180967597/). Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from [the original](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/secret-government-program-track-ufos-its-not-first-180967597/) on June 6, 2023. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
63. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-63)**
Michael D. Swords; "UFOs, the Military, and the Early Cold War Era", pp. 82–121 in "UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge" David M. Jacobs, editor; 2000, University Press of Kansas, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0700610324](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0700610324 "Special:BookSources/0700610324")
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64. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Mathis_6_July_2023_64-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Mathis_6_July_2023_64-1)
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95. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-95)**
["Project Blue Book Special Report \#14"](https://archive.org/details/ProjectBlueBookSpecialReport14). *[Internet Archive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Archive "Internet Archive")*. [United States Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force"). Retrieved September 7, 2013.
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(in spanish)
98. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-98)**
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99. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-7) [***i***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-8) [***j***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-9) [***k***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-10) [***l***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-11) [***m***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-12) [***n***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-13) [***o***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-14) [***p***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Congress_UFO_Enigma_1976_99-15)
Smith, Marcia S. (March 9, 1976). [The UFO Enigma](https://web.archive.org/web/20251228040439/https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc993849/m2/1/high_res_d/76-52SP_1976march9.pdf) (PDF) (Report). 76-52 SP. [Congressional Research Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Research_Service "Congressional Research Service"), [Library of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress "Library of Congress"). pp. 80–84\. Archived from [the original](https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc993849/m2/1/high_res_d/76-52SP_1976march9.pdf) (PDF) on December 28, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2026 – via [University of North Texas Libraries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_North_Texas_Libraries "University of North Texas Libraries"). "Although official responsibility for UFO investigations was charged to the U. S. Air Force, many felt the issue was not receiving enough serious attention, so formed their own organizations. These have played an important role in the study of UFOs since 1952 when the first was formed in this country... here we will consider only five: two major U. S. groups that have been in existence since the 1950's, APRO ... and NICAP ...; the recently established Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS); the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) ..."
100. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-100)** [Kocher 1968](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Kocher)
101. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-WP-20211124_101-0)**
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102. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AP-20130329_102-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-AP-20130329_102-1)
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104. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-105)** [Hall & Connors 1998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Hall_&_Connors), p. 83
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108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-110)** [Hynek 1972](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Hynek_1972), p. 76
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146. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-auto1_149-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-auto1_149-1)
[Defence Intelligence Staff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_Intelligence "Defence Intelligence") (December 2000). ["Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in the UK Air Defence Region"](http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/BA0DA42F-2C56-431E-98F6-19CD45EE7D43/0/uap_vol3_executive_summary_pg2_paras4_and_7.pdf) (PDF). Kew: The National Archives. p. 2. 55/2/00. Archived from [the original](http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/BA0DA42F-2C56-431E-98F6-19CD45EE7D43/0/uap_vol3_executive_summary_pg2_paras4_and_7.pdf) (PDF) on October 26, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
See also The National Archives site: ["Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) in the UK Air Defence Region"](http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121026065214/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FreedomOfInformation/PublicationScheme/SearchPublicationScheme/UapInTheUkAirDefenceRegionVolume3.htm) for archived documents.
147. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-150)**
Dearing, Stephanie (December 5, 2009). ["Cost-cutting causes British gov't to shut down UFO investigations"](http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/283265). *Digital Journal*. Toronto. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130515062510/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/283265) from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
148. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-CBS1_151-0)**
Binlot, Ann (August 5, 2010). ["Winston Churchill Ordered UFO Coverup?"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/winston-churchill-ordered-ufo-coverup/). *cbsnews.com*. [CBS news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CBS_news "CBS news"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211110142708/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/winston-churchill-ordered-ufo-coverup/) from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
149. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-152)**
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150. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Revelations_153-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Revelations_153-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Revelations_153-2) [Vallée 2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Vall%C3%A9e_2008)
151. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-ufosociology_154-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-ufosociology_154-1)
Cross, Anne (March 2004). "The Flexibility of Scientific Rhetoric: A Case Study of UFO Researchers". *[Qualitative Sociology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualitative_Sociology "Qualitative Sociology")*. **27** (1). [Springer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springer_Science%2BBusiness_Media "Springer Science+Business Media"): 3–34\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1023/B:QUAS.0000015542.28438.41](https://doi.org/10.1023%2FB%3AQUAS.0000015542.28438.41). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0162-0436](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0162-0436). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [144197172](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:144197172).
152. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Demon_Haunted_155-0)**
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153. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-FSS_156-0)** [Friedman 2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Friedman_2008)
154. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-158)** Novella, Steven, et al. *The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe: How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake*. Grand Central Publishing, 2018. p. 160.
155. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-159)** [Sagan & Page 1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Sagan_&_Page)
156. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-McCarthy_160-0)** [McCarthy 1975](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#McCarthy_1975)
157. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Sturrock/Stanford_161-0)**
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158. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Menzel_162-0)** [Menzel & Taves 1977](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Menzel_&_Taves)
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160. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-164)** [Swords & Powell 2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#Swords_&_Powell), pp. 306–332
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Griffin, Andrew (July 16, 2019). ["Storm Area 51: Are Alien-hunters Really Planning to 'Raid' the Secret U.S. Military Base?"](https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/storm-area-51-when-where-aliens-military-base-raid-facebook-event-a9005546.html). *[The Independent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent "The Independent")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190716140827/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/storm-area-51-when-where-aliens-military-base-raid-facebook-event-a9005546.html) from the original on July 16, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
273. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Richwine_UFO_2019-09-20_277-0)**
Richwine, Lisa (September 20, 2019). ["Area 51 raid lures festive UFO hunters to Nevada desert; five arrested"](https://www.reuters.com/article/world/area-51-raid-lures-festive-ufo-hunters-to-nevada-desert-five-arrested-idUSKBN1W51PN/). *[Reuters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters "Reuters")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201123210209/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-area51/in-nevada-desert-area-51-raid-lures-festive-ufo-hunters-three-arrested-idUSKBN1W51H6) from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
274. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object#cite_ref-Baynes_UFO_2019-09-21_278-0)**
Baynes, Chris (September 21, 2019). ["Storm Area 51: Hundreds of people gather at US military base to 'see them aliens'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190921000837/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/storm-area-51-military-aliens-nevada-rachel-a9114211.html). *[The Independent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Independent "The Independent")*. Archived from [the original](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/storm-area-51-military-aliens-nevada-rachel-a9114211.html) on September 21, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
Bibliography
General
- Bullard, Thomas; (2012). *The Myth and Mystery of UFOs*. Lawrence: University of Kansas. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7006-1729-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7006-1729-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7006-1729-6")
.
- [Clark, Jerome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Clark "Jerome Clark") (1998). [*The UFO Book: Encyclopedia of the Extraterrestrial*](https://archive.org/details/ufobookencyclope0000clar). Detroit, MI: [Visible Ink Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visible_Ink_Press "Visible Ink Press"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-57859-029-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57859-029-9 "Special:BookSources/1-57859-029-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [97035767](https://lccn.loc.gov/97035767). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [37370629](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/37370629).
Many classic cases and UFO history provided in great detail; highly documented.
- Curran, Douglas (2001) \[1st edition originally published 1985; New York: [Abbeville Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbeville_Publishing_Group "Abbeville Publishing Group")\]. *In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space*. Foreword by [Tom Wolfe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Wolfe "Tom Wolfe") (Revised ed.). New York: Abbeville Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7892-0708-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7892-0708-7 "Special:BookSources/0-7892-0708-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00052589](https://lccn.loc.gov/00052589). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [45270419](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/45270419).
Non-sensational but fair treatment of contemporary UFO legend and lore in N. America, including the so-called "contactee cults". The author traveled the United States with his camera and tape recorder and directly interviewed many individuals.
- Deardorff, J.; [Haisch, B.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Haisch "Bernard Haisch"); [Maccabee, B.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Maccabee "Bruce Maccabee"); [Puthoff, H. E.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_E._Puthoff "Harold E. Puthoff") (2005). ["Inflation-Theory Implications for Extraterrestrial Visitation"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238693432). *[Journal of the British Interplanetary Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_of_the_British_Interplanetary_Society "Journal of the British Interplanetary Society")*. **58**. London: [British Interplanetary Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Interplanetary_Society "British Interplanetary Society"): 43–50\. [Bibcode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibcode_\(identifier\) "Bibcode (identifier)"):[2005JBIS...58...43D](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005JBIS...58...43D). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0007-084X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0007-084X). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240708214153/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238693432_Inflation-Theory_Implications_for_Extraterrestrial_Visitation) from the original on July 8, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
- [Friedman, Stanton T.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanton_T._Friedman "Stanton T. Friedman") (2008). *Flying Saucers and Science: A Scientist Investigates the Mysteries of UFOs*. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-60163-011-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-60163-011-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-60163-011-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2008006291](https://lccn.loc.gov/2008006291). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [179812690](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/179812690).
- Greer, Steven M.; (2001). *Disclosure*. Crozer: Crossing Point. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-9673238-1-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9673238-1-9 "Special:BookSources/0-9673238-1-9")
.
- [Hall, Richard H.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_H._Hall "Richard H. Hall"), ed. (1997) \[Originally published 1964; Washington, D.C.: [National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Investigations_Committee_On_Aerial_Phenomena "National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena") (NICAP)\]. *The UFO Evidence* (Reissue ed.). New York: [Barnes & Noble Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble_Books#Publishing "Barnes & Noble Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7607-0627-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7607-0627-1 "Special:BookSources/0-7607-0627-1")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [64006912](https://lccn.loc.gov/64006912). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [39544334](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/39544334).
Well-organized, exhaustive summary and analysis of 746 unexplained NICAP cases out of 5000 total cases—a classic.
- Hall, Richard H., ed. (2001). *UFO Evidence: Volume II, A 30-year Report*. Lanham, MD: [Scarecrow Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowman_%26_Littlefield "Rowman & Littlefield"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-8108-3881-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8108-3881-8 "Special:BookSources/0-8108-3881-8")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00055624](https://lccn.loc.gov/00055624). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [44391782](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/44391782).
Another exhaustive case study, more recent UFO reports.
- [Hendry, Allan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Hendry "Allan Hendry") (1979). *The UFO Handbook: A Guide to Investigating, Evaluating, and Reporting UFO Sightings*. Foreword by [J. Allen Hynek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek"). Garden City, NY: [Doubleday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubleday_\(publisher\) "Doubleday (publisher)"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-385-14348-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-385-14348-6 "Special:BookSources/0-385-14348-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [78008211](https://lccn.loc.gov/78008211). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [4642190](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/4642190).
Skeptical but balanced analysis of 1300 CUFOS UFO cases.
- [Hynek, J. Allen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Allen_Hynek "J. Allen Hynek") (1972). [*The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry*](https://archive.org/details/ufoexperience00jall). Chicago: [Henry Regnery Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regnery_Publishing#Henry_Regnery_Company "Regnery Publishing"). [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [76183827](https://lccn.loc.gov/76183827). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [341112](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/341112).
- Hynek, J. Allen (1997) \[Originally published 1977; New York: [Dell Publishing Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Publishing "Dell Publishing")\]. *The Hynek UFO Report*. New foreword by [Jacques Vallée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée"). New York: Barnes & Noble Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7607-0429-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7607-0429-5 "Special:BookSources/0-7607-0429-5")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [3601609](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/3601609).
Analysis of 640 high-quality cases through 1969 by UFO legend Hynek.
- [Jacobs, David M.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_M._Jacobs "David M. Jacobs"), ed. (2000). [*UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge*](https://archive.org/details/ufosabductions00davi). Lawrence: [University Press of Kansas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Press_of_Kansas "University Press of Kansas"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-7006-1032-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7006-1032-4 "Special:BookSources/0-7006-1032-4")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00028970](https://lccn.loc.gov/00028970). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [43615835](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/43615835). Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- [Kean, Leslie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Kean "Leslie Kean") (2010). *UFOs: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Go on the Record*. Harmony Books.
- Kérizo, Alain (1997). [*Les OVNI identifiés: les extraterrestres dans le mystère d'iniquité*](https://books.google.com/books?id=cOuXGQAACAAJ) (in French). Villegenon: Éd. Sainte Jeanne d'Arc. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-2-9504914-8-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-2-9504914-8-0 "Special:BookSources/978-2-9504914-8-0")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [465784973](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/465784973). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240708214149/https://books.google.com/books?id=cOuXGQAACAAJ) from the original on July 8, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
([associated article](http://www.angelusonline.org/index.php?section=articles&subsection=show_article&article_id=2102) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150412034718/http://www.angelusonline.org/index.php?section=articles&subsection=show_article&article_id=2102) April 12, 2015, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"))
- [Keyhoe, Donald](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Keyhoe "Donald Keyhoe") (1950). [*The Flying Saucers are Real*](http://www.nicap.org/fsar/fsar-chapters.htm). New York: [Fawcett Publications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawcett_Publications "Fawcett Publications"). [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [50004886](https://lccn.loc.gov/50004886). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1674240](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1674240). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130906214600/http://www.nicap.org/fsar/fsar-chapters.htm) from the original on September 6, 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
- Keyhoe, Donald E. (1953). [*Flying Saucers from Outer Space*](http://www.nicap.org/books/fsos/fsos.htm). New York: [Henry Holt and Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Holt_and_Company "Henry Holt and Company"). [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [53009588](https://lccn.loc.gov/53009588). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [181368](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/181368). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130514145116/http://www.nicap.org/books/fsos/fsos.htm) from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
- Latagliata, Rosamaria (2006). *UFO: verità o menzogna?*. Gli atlanti di Voyager (in Italian). Florence: Giunti Editore. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-88-09-04698-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-09-04698-6 "Special:BookSources/978-88-09-04698-6")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [635701671](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/635701671).
- McCarthy, Paul E. (1975). [*Politicking and Paradigm Shifting: James E. McDonald and the UFO Case Study*](http://www.project1947.com/shg/mccarthy/shgintro.html) (Thesis/dissertation) (Internet ed.). Canterbury, CT: Sign Historical Group. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [663722044](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/663722044). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120910051428/http://www.project1947.com/shg/mccarthy/shgintro.html) from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
- [Menzel, Donald H.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Howard_Menzel "Donald Howard Menzel"); Taves, Ernest H. (1977). [*The UFO Enigma: The Definitive Explanation of the UFO Phenomenon*](https://archive.org/details/ufoenigmadefinit0000menz). Introduction by [Fred L. Whipple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Lawrence_Whipple "Fred Lawrence Whipple"). Garden City, NY: Doubleday. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-385-03596-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-385-03596-9 "Special:BookSources/0-385-03596-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [76016255](https://lccn.loc.gov/76016255). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [2597609](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/2597609).
- Mitchell, Edgar; (2008). *The Way of the Explorer*. Franklin Lakes: Career Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-56414-977-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-56414-977-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-56414-977-0")
.
- [Office of the Director of National Intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_the_Director_of_National_Intelligence "Office of the Director of National Intelligence") (USA); (2021). *[Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena](https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf)* [Archive](https://web.archive.org/web/20260131191532/https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf).
- "Reasons to Believe (a collection of short articles by nine different authors)". *[New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_\(magazine\) "New York (magazine)")*. April 1, 2018. pp. 25–33\.
- Rose, Bill; Buttler, Tony (2004). *Flying Saucer Aircraft*. Secret Projects. Hinckley, England: [Midland Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Allan_Publishing "Ian Allan Publishing"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-85780-233-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85780-233-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85780-233-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [99774524](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/99774524).
- [Sagan, Carl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan "Carl Sagan"); Page, Thornton, eds. (1996) \[1972\]. *UFO's: A Scientific Debate* (Reprint ed.). New York: [Barnes & Noble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble_Classics_Collection "Barnes & Noble Classics Collection"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7607-0196-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7607-0196-6 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7607-0196-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [72004572](https://lccn.loc.gov/72004572). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [35840064](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/35840064).
- [Scully, Frank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Scully "Frank Scully") (1950). [*Behind the Flying Saucers*](https://archive.org/details/behindflyingsauc00scul). New York: Henry Holt and Company. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1467735](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1467735).
- [Sheaffer, Robert](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Sheaffer "Robert Sheaffer") (1981). *The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence*. Buffalo, NY: [Prometheus Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_Books "Prometheus Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-87975-146-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-87975-146-0 "Special:BookSources/0-87975-146-0")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [80084406](https://lccn.loc.gov/80084406). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [7364885](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/7364885).
- Sheaffer, Robert (1998). *UFO Sightings: The Evidence*. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-57392-213-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57392-213-7 "Special:BookSources/1-57392-213-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [98006410](https://lccn.loc.gov/98006410). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [38738821](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/38738821).
Revised edition of *The UFO Verdict*.
- Stanford, Ray (1976). *Socorro 'Saucer' in a Pentagon Pantry*. Austin, TX: Blueapple Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-917092-00-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-917092-00-7 "Special:BookSources/0-917092-00-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [76013768](https://lccn.loc.gov/76013768). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [2524239](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/2524239).
- [Sturrock, Peter A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._Sturrock "Peter A. Sturrock"); Holzer, T. E.; Jahn, R.; et al. (1998). ["Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports: The Proceedings of a Workshop Held at the Pocantico Conference Center, Tarrytown, New York, September 29 – October 4, 1997"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100107163656/http://www.scientificexploration.org/journal/jse_12_2_sturrock.pdf) (PDF). *[Journal of Scientific Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_of_Scientific_Exploration "Journal of Scientific Exploration")*. **12** (2). Stanford, CA: [Society for Scientific Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_for_Scientific_Exploration "Society for Scientific Exploration"): 179–229\. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0892-3310](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0892-3310). Archived from [the original](http://www.scientificexploration.org/journal/jse_12_2_sturrock.pdf) (PDF) on January 7, 2010. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
\[*[unreliable source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources "Wikipedia:Reliable sources")*\] Sturrock panel report on physical evidence.
- [Sturrock, Peter A.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_A._Sturrock "Peter A. Sturrock") (1999). [*The UFO Enigma: A New Review of the Physical Evidence*](https://archive.org/details/ufoenigma00pete). New York: Warner Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-446-52565-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-446-52565-0 "Special:BookSources/0-446-52565-0")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [99066643](https://lccn.loc.gov/99066643). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [42645835](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/42645835).
- [Vallée, Jacques](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Vall%C3%A9e "Jacques Vallée") (2008) \[Originally published 1991; New York: [Ballantine Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballantine_Books "Ballantine Books")\]. [*Revelations: Alien Contact and Human Deception*](https://archive.org/details/revelationsalien0000vall). San Antonio, TX: [Anomalist Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Anomalist&action=edit&redlink=1 "The Anomalist (page does not exist)"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-933665-30-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-30-6 "Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-30-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [91091858](https://lccn.loc.gov/91091858). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [225866107](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/225866107).
- Viberti, Pier Giorgio (2010) \[Originally published 1997\]. *Incontri ravvicinati: Avvistamenti e contatti da mondi lontani*. Atlanti del sapere (in Italian). Florence: Giunti Editore. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-88-09-75032-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-88-09-75032-6 "Special:BookSources/978-88-09-75032-6")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [800130536](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/800130536).
History
- Clarke, David (2009). [*The UFO Files: The Inside Story of Real-Life Sightings*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_UFO_Files:_The_Inside_Story_of_Real-Life_Sightings "The UFO Files: The Inside Story of Real-Life Sightings"). Kew: [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-905615-50-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-905615-50-6 "Special:BookSources/978-1-905615-50-6")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [316039535](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/316039535).
Reports from the UK government files.
- Cohen, Daniel (1981). *The Great Airship Mystery: A UFO of the 1890s*. Dodd, Mead & Co. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-396-07990-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-396-07990-3 "Special:BookSources/0-396-07990-3")
.
- [Dolan, Richard M.](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Richard_M._Dolan&action=edit&redlink=1 "Richard M. Dolan (page does not exist)") (2000). *UFOs and the National Security State: An Unclassified History, Volume One: 1941–1973*. Rochester, NY: Keyhole Publishing Company. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-9677995-0-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9677995-0-3 "Special:BookSources/0-9677995-0-3")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00691087](https://lccn.loc.gov/00691087). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [45546629](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/45546629).
Dolan is a professional historian.
- Downes, Jonathan; Wright, Nigel (2005). *The Rising of the Moon* (Revised ed.). Bangor, Northern Ireland: Xiphos Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-9544936-5-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9544936-5-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-9544936-5-3")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [70335856](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/70335856).
- Fawcett, Lawrence; Greenwood, Barry J. (1992) \[Originally published 1984 as *Clear Intent*; Englewood Cliffs, NJ: [Prentice Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prentice_Hall "Prentice Hall")\]. *The UFO Cover-up: What the Government Won't Say*. Foreword by J. Allen Hynek (1st Fireside ed.). New York: [Simon & Schuster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_%26_Schuster "Simon & Schuster"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-671-76555-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-671-76555-8 "Special:BookSources/0-671-76555-8")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [84009818](https://lccn.loc.gov/84009818). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [28384401](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/28384401).
Many UFO documents.
- Good, Timothy (1988). [*Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up*](https://archive.org/details/abovetopsecretwo00good). Foreword by [Lord Hill-Norton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hill-Norton,_Baron_Hill-Norton "Peter Hill-Norton, Baron Hill-Norton") (1st Quill ed.). New York: [William Morrow and Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morrow_and_Company "William Morrow and Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-688-09202-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-688-09202-0 "Special:BookSources/0-688-09202-0")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [88208434](https://lccn.loc.gov/88208434). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [707516815](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/707516815).
Many UFO documents.
- Good, Timothy (1997) \[1996\]. *Beyond Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Security Threat*. Foreword by Lord Hill-Norton (Fully revised and updated ed.). London: [Pan Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Books "Pan Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-330-34928-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-330-34928-7 "Special:BookSources/0-330-34928-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [38490850](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/38490850).
- Good, Timothy (2007). [*Need to Know: UFOs, the Military, and Intelligence*](https://archive.org/details/needtoknow00good). New York: [Pegasus Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._W._Norton_%26_Company "W. W. Norton & Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-933648-38-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-933648-38-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-933648-38-5")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [180767460](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/180767460).
Update of *Above Top Secret* with new cases and documents
- Graff, Garrett M. (2023). *UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here―and Out There*. Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-9821-9677-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-9821-9677-6 "Special:BookSources/978-1-9821-9677-6")
.
- Hall, Michael D.; Connors, Wendy A. (1998). [*Alfred Loedding & the Great Flying Saucer Wave of 1947*](http://www.nicap.org/loedding/LoeddingBook.pdf) (PDF). Albuquerque, NM: White Rose Press. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [41104299](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/41104299). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180325055530/http://www.nicap.org/loedding/LoeddingBook.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
- [Keel, John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Keel "John Keel") (1996) \[Originally published 1970 as *UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse*; New York: [G. P. Putnam's Sons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._P._Putnam%27s_Sons "G. P. Putnam's Sons")\]. [*Operation Trojan Horse*](https://web.archive.org/web/20130420102608/http://galaksija.com/literatura/jk_oth.pdf) (PDF). Lilburn, GA: IllumiNet Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-9626534-6-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9626534-6-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-9626534-6-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [96014564](https://lccn.loc.gov/96014564). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [34474485](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/34474485). Archived from [the original](http://galaksija.com/literatura/jk_oth.pdf) (PDF) on April 20, 2013.
- Kocher, George (November 1968). [*UFOs: What to Do*](http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufoswhattodo.pdf) (PDF). [RAND Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAND_Corporation "RAND Corporation"). DRU-1571. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130319134955/http://www.theblackvault.com/documents/ufoswhattodo.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 19, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
UFO historical review, case studies, review of hypotheses, recommendations.
- [Maccabee, Bruce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Maccabee "Bruce Maccabee") (2000). [*UFO FBI Connection: The Secret History of the Government's Cover-Up*](https://archive.org/details/ufofbiconnection00phdb). St. Paul, MN: [Llewellyn Publications](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llewellyn_Worldwide "Llewellyn Worldwide"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-56718-493-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-56718-493-6 "Special:BookSources/1-56718-493-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [00028277](https://lccn.loc.gov/00028277). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [43634902](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/43634902).
- [Randle, Kevin D.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_D._Randle "Kevin D. Randle") (1997). [*Project Blue Book Exposed*](https://archive.org/details/projectbluebooke00rand). New York: [Marlowe & Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Capo_Press "Da Capo Press"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-56924-746-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-56924-746-3 "Special:BookSources/1-56924-746-3")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [97072378](https://lccn.loc.gov/97072378). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [37047544](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/37047544).
- [Ruppelt, Edward J.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Ruppelt "Edward J. Ruppelt") (1956). [*The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects*](http://www.nicap.org/rufo/contents.htm). Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [56005444](https://lccn.loc.gov/56005444). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1941793](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1941793). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110516214046/http://www.nicap.org/rufo/contents.htm) from the original on May 16, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2004.
A UFO classic by insider Ruppelt, the first head of the USAF Project Blue Book.
- [Swords, Michael](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_D._Swords&action=edit&redlink=1 "Michael D. Swords (page does not exist)"); Powell, Robert; et al. (2012). [*UFOs and Government: A Historical Inquiry*](https://archive.org/details/UFOsAndGovernment). San Antonio, TX: Anomalist Books. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-933665-58-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-58-0 "Special:BookSources/978-1-933665-58-0")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [809977863](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/809977863).
- Weinstein, Dominique F. (February 2001). [*Unidentified Aerial Phenomena: Eighty Years of Pilot Sightings*](http://www.narcap.org/files/narcap_revised_tr-4.pdf) (PDF). Boulder Creek, CA: National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP). NARCAP TR-04. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130612214228/http://www.narcap.org/files/narcap_revised_tr-4.pdf) (PDF) from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
Psychology
- Haines, Richard F., ed. (1979). *UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist*. Metuchen, NJ: [Scarecrow Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowman_%26_Littlefield#Imprints "Rowman & Littlefield"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-8108-1228-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8108-1228-2 "Special:BookSources/0-8108-1228-2")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [79014878](https://lccn.loc.gov/79014878). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [5008381](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/5008381).
- [Jung, C G](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung "Carl Jung") (1978) \[Originally published 1958 as *Ein moderner Mythus: von Dingen, die am Himmel gesehen werden*\]. [*Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies*](https://archive.org/details/flyingsaucersmod00jung). Translation by R.F.C. Hull. Princeton, NJ: [Princeton University Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princeton_University_Press "Princeton University Press"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-691-01822-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-691-01822-7 "Special:BookSources/0-691-01822-7")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [78004325](https://lccn.loc.gov/78004325). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [4762238](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/4762238).
- Simón, Armando (February 1976). "UFOs: Testing for the existence of Air Force censorship". *Psychology: A Journal of Human Behavior*. **13** (1): 3–5\. [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0033-3077](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0033-3077).
- Simón, Armando (1981). "A Nonreactive, Quantitative Study of Mass Behavior with Emphasis on the Cinema as Behavior Catalyst". *[Psychological Reports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_Reports "Psychological Reports")*. **48** (3). Ammons Scientific: 775–785\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.2466/pr0.1981.48.3.775](https://doi.org/10.2466%2Fpr0.1981.48.3.775). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0033-2941](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0033-2941). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [143670471](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:143670471).
- Simón, Armando (1984). "Psychology and UFOs". *[Skeptical Inquirer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptical_Inquirer "Skeptical Inquirer")*. **8**. Amherst, NY: [Committee for Skeptical Inquiry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_Skeptical_Inquiry "Committee for Skeptical Inquiry"): 355–367\.
Technology
- [Ford, L. H.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Ford "Lawrence Ford"); Roman, Thomas A. (1996). "Quantum field theory constrains traversable wormhole geometries". *[Physical Review D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Review "Physical Review")*. **53** (10): 5496–5507\. [arXiv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArXiv_\(identifier\) "ArXiv (identifier)"):[gr-qc/9510071](https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9510071). [Bibcode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibcode_\(identifier\) "Bibcode (identifier)"):[1996PhRvD..53.5496F](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1996PhRvD..53.5496F). [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1103/PhysRevD.53.5496](https://doi.org/10.1103%2FPhysRevD.53.5496). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0556-2821](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0556-2821). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [10019835](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10019835). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [18106362](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:18106362).
- [Hill, Paul R.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_R._Hill "Paul R. Hill") (1995). *Unconventional Flying Objects: A Scientific Analysis*. Charlottesville, VA: [Hampton Roads Publishing Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Roads_Publishing_Company "Hampton Roads Publishing Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-57174-027-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57174-027-9 "Special:BookSources/1-57174-027-9")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [97109204](https://lccn.loc.gov/97109204). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [34075199](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/34075199).
Analysis of UFO technology by pioneering NACA/NASA aerospace engineer.
- [Krasnikov, S.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serguei_Krasnikov "Serguei Krasnikov") (2003). "The quantum inequalities do not forbid spacetime shortcuts". *Physical Review D*. **67** (10) 104013. [arXiv](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArXiv_\(identifier\) "ArXiv (identifier)"):[gr-qc/0207057](https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0207057). [Bibcode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibcode_\(identifier\) "Bibcode (identifier)"):[2003PhRvD..67j4013K](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2003PhRvD..67j4013K). [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1103/PhysRevD.67.104013](https://doi.org/10.1103%2FPhysRevD.67.104013). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [17498199](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:17498199).
- Rullán, Antonio F. (July 2, 2000). ["Odors from UFOs: Deducing Odorant Chemistry and Causation from Available Data"](http://www.jumpjet.info/Emergency-Preparedness/Disaster-Mitigation/NBC/Chem/Odors_from_UFOs.pdf) (PDF) (Preliminary paper). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140202033812/http://www.jumpjet.info/Emergency-Preparedness/Disaster-Mitigation/NBC/Chem/Odors_from_UFOs.pdf) (PDF) from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
- [Sarfatti, Jack](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sarfatti "Jack Sarfatti") (2006). *Super Cosmos: Through Struggles to the Stars*. Indianapolis, IN: [AuthorHouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AuthorHouse "AuthorHouse"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-4184-7662-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4184-7662-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4184-7662-5")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2004095148](https://lccn.loc.gov/2004095148). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [70962499](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/70962499).
Skepticism
- [Plait, Philip C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Plait "Phil Plait") (2002). "Misidentified Flying Objects: UFOs and Illusions of the Mind and Eye". [*Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax"*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Astronomy "Bad Astronomy"). Illustrations by Tina Cash Walsh. New York: [John Wiley & Sons, Inc.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wiley_%26_Sons "John Wiley & Sons") [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-471-40976-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-471-40976-6 "Special:BookSources/0-471-40976-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [2002277382](https://lccn.loc.gov/2002277382). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [48885221](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/48885221).
- [Ridpath, Ian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Ridpath "Ian Ridpath"). ["Astronomical Causes of UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260303055557/http://www.ianridpath.com/ufo/astroufo1.html). Ian Ridpath. Archived from [the original](http://www.ianridpath.com/ufo/astroufo1.html) on March 3, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
- Seeds, Michael (1995) \[1981\]. *Horizons: Exploring the Universe* (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: [Wadsworth Publishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cengage_Learning "Cengage Learning"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-534-24889-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-534-24889-6 "Special:BookSources/0-534-24889-6")
. [LCCN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCCN_\(identifier\) "LCCN (identifier)") [94013521](https://lccn.loc.gov/94013521). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [30156735](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/30156735).
(Appendix A)
- Sheaffer, Robert (2012) \[2011\]. [*Psychic Vibrations: Skeptical Giggles from the Skeptical Inquirer*](https://web.archive.org/web/20130116020703/https://www.createspace.com/3630764) (2nd ed.). Charleston, SC: [CreateSpace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon.com#Acquisitions "Amazon.com"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-4636-0157-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4636-0157-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4636-0157-7")
. Archived from [the original](https://www.createspace.com/3630764) on January 16, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
External links
- ["Government Reports on UFOs"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090204125620/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/us/ufos.htm) from the Government Information Library at the [University of Colorado Boulder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Colorado_Boulder "University of Colorado Boulder")
- ["CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947–90"](https://www.cia.gov/static/105bd8290b90de13ee136fecc9fe863f/cia-role-study-UFOs.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191001174318/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/97unclass/ufo.html) October 1, 2019, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") by Gerald K. Haines, [Central Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Intelligence_Agency "Central Intelligence Agency")
- ["UFOs: Fact or Fiction?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160729151447/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/collection/ufos-fact-or-fiction) Declassified CIA documents from the 1940s through the early 1990s.
- ["UFO Reports in the UK"](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ufo-reports-in-the-uk) from 1997 to 2009 by the [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_\(United_Kingdom\) "Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)")
- ["Newly released UFO files from the UK government"](http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos/) at [The National Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_National_Archives_\(United_Kingdom\) "The National Archives (United Kingdom)")
- ["Canada's UFOs: The Search for the Unknown"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160116131034/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ufo/), a virtual museum exhibition by the [Library and Archives Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_and_Archives_Canada "Library and Archives Canada")
- [Declassified files on UFOs from many countries](https://that1archive.neocities.org/subfolder1/ufo-files.html)
- [Declassified video – Chilean UAP event of November 11, 2014](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/groundbreaking-ufo-video-just-released-from-chilean_us_586d37bce4b014e7c72ee56b) ([official](http://www.cefaa.gob.cl/home/en-la-prensa/noticias/casoarmada); [video (9:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkUTGpegZN0))
- [An astrophysicist's view of UFOs](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/30/opinion/ufo-sightings-report.html) ([Adam Frank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Frank "Adam Frank"); [NYT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NYT "NYT"); May 30, 2021)
- [A list of skeptical resources](http://www.fraknoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Responding-to-Claims-about-Alien-UFOs-2.pdf) (astronomer [Andrew Fraknoi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Fraknoi "Andrew Fraknoi"))
- [UFO Explanations](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3UCTZiVg9wrIEzO7Om6jw) (videos; scientist [Mick West](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_West "Mick West"))
- [Some UAPs may be laser-generated holograms?](https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/ufos-uaptf-unidentified-aerial-phenomena-lipf-national-security-11627582598) ([WSJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSJ "WSJ"); July 29, 2021).
- [UAPs need a high-resolution image](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/to-understand-uap-we-need-megapixel-imagery/) ([Avi Loeb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avi_Loeb "Avi Loeb"); [Scientific American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_American "Scientific American"); August 2, 2021).
- [Video (92:50): U.S. Congressional Hearing on UFO/UAP (May 17, 2022)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSDweUbGBow) on [YouTube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube_video_\(identifier\) "YouTube video (identifier)"). |
| Shard | 152 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 17790707453426894952 |
| Unparsed URL | org,wikipedia!en,/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object s443 |