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[Skip to main content](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/do-aliens-exist-most-compelling-evidence-of-alien-existence#main-wrapper) [](https://www.history.co.uk/ "Home")   ## Main navigation - [Articles](https://www.history.co.uk/articles) - [Shows](https://www.history.co.uk/shows) - [Videos](https://www.history.co.uk/videos) - [Play](https://www.history.co.uk/play "HISTORY Play - Stream the best of HISTORY") - [Britain's Murder Map](https://www.history.co.uk/shows/britains-murder-map)   # Do aliens exist? Most compelling evidence of alien existence Image: Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo Above: Ryan Graves, David Grusch and David Fravor are sworn in during a hearing on “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency,” on the 26th July 2023 [Mysteries](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/mysteries) Some say it's obvious we're not alone, others scorn the very idea of extraterrestrial life. However, with the improvement of recording technology and basic mathematical probability suggesting the likelihood of alien life, scepticism is harder won these days. Following on from the amazing claims made by three former members of the US military during a hearing on ['Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena' in front of US Congres](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/shocking-revelations-from-the-us-congressional-hearing-on-ufos)s in July 2023, here is some of the most compelling evidence that alien life really does exist. [ Read more about Mysteries 'Oumuamua: Did an alien probe visit our solar system in 2017?](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/oumuamua-did-an-alien-probe-visit-our-solar-system-in-2017) ## Ancient evidence It’s easy enough to write off much recent phenomena, quoting anything from wayward weather balloons to the perpetuation of the legend and UFO sightings in pop culture providing a cohesive image of extra terrestrials for eye witnesses to draw on should someone cry alien. But what’s slightly harder to dismiss is the [ancient evidence](https://www.history.co.uk/shows/ancient-aliens/articles/ancient-aliens-archaeological-evidence) (i.e. pre the National Enquirer). Enter the ‘The Madonna with Saint Giovannino’, otherwise known as the UFO painting. Created in the 15th century, it depicts the Virgin Mary and in the backdrop of the painting, a man and his dog staring up at a hovering disk-like object that is suspiciously familiar. And this painting isn’t alone either, with everything from ancient cave paintings to Sanskrit Scrolls all depicting alien life. A sighting even crops up in the Bible in The Book of Ezekiel. Either this is compelling evidence, or humanity has a rich tradition of conspiracy theorists. [ Read more about Mysteries 75 years on: The most popular Roswell UFO theories](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/75-years-on-the-most-popular-roswell-ufo-theories) ## Statistical data Back in 1961, astronomer Frank Drake devised an equation by which he could estimate the likelihood of the existence of alien life, taking into account a number of factors including the average number of planets able to support life and the fraction that could go on to support intelligent life. This was then implemented in 2001. The result: statistically, hundreds of thousands of such planets should technically exist. [ Read more about Mysteries Why is a small village in Scotland the UK's UFO hotspot?](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/why-is-a-small-village-in-scotland-the-uk-s-ufo-hotspot) ## Unsolved sightings There are more registered sightings of UFOs than there is the word count here to deal with them and the majority of the time, there’s a thorough debunking accompanying them. But throughout history there have been a number that have been harder to explain away, from the to 1853 sighting by a number of students and professors at the Tennessee College campus, to the oft quoted Stephenville Lights case from 2008, with over 200 witnesses spotting the UFO including three policemen who remained anonymous. Consider these compelling cases unsolved. [ Read more about Mysteries The Fermi Paradox: Where are all the aliens?](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/the-fermi-paradox) ## Astronauts’ claims If you’re going to believe any reports of UFOs, you might as well trust those coming from the men who have actually been to space (who usually also come with all their teeth and a P.H.D.). The list of those who have made claims of sightings includes Edgar Mitchell, Cady Coleman and Dr. Brian O’Leary, many also referencing government knowledge of alien existence and cover-ups. Buzz Aldrin has also spoken of his own experience on board the Apollo 11 when they saw something flying alongside them. At first they thought it was the final stage of the detached rocket, until mission control confirmed it was 6000 miles away from them… [ Read more about Mysteries Jesse Marcel: Roswell's 'First Witness'](https://www.history.co.uk/shows/roswell-the-first-witness/articles/jesse-marcel-roswell-s-first-witness) ## Government files While some US presidents have released classified files on the subject of UFOs, with Jimmy Carter famously describing his own encounter, others still have been denied access to classified information on the subject altogether, [Bill Clinton](https://www.history.co.uk/biographies/bill-clinton) claiming to be among them. This has led many believers to suggest there’s a cover up afoot. Clinton has been consistently vocal on the existence of aliens and it’s worth noting his opinions on an ‘Independence Day’ situation too. You know, just in case.. [ Read more about Mysteries Shocking revelations from the US congressional hearing on UFOs](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/shocking-revelations-from-the-us-congressional-hearing-on-ufos) ## **The UFO hearings** In July 2023, multiple shocking claims were made during a landmark congressional hearing that involved former military officials. Three witnesses swore, under oath, that the US government knew a lot more about UFOs than it was letting on. One of the key lines of enquiry was the footage of the infamous 'Tic-Tac' UFO that appeared in 2004 but wasn't publicly disclosed until 2017. Former Navy commander David Fravor, who first spotted the object along with three other pilots, expressed concerns about the apparently *'supersonic'* technology it appeared to possess. He claimed that the shape vanished before their eyes, but reappeared 60 miles away just seconds later. David Grusch, who used to work as an Air Force intelligence order, alleged that the government worked hard to cover up information and would punish whistleblowers. He said that while he had never seen a UFO, several of his colleagues and friends had been injured by them. However, the strangest claim that Grusch made was that non-human *'biologics'* have been previously recovered from craft crash sites. There is still plenty to come from this groundbreaking hearing, but many people are convinced, more than ever, that the government is hiding something. Share ## Most Recent [ The impacts of the Chernobyl disaster on the UK](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/the-impacts-of-the-chernobyl-disaster-on-the-uk) [ 4 facts about the Viking emperor Knut](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/viking-emperor-knut-facts) [ The Mesoamerican ballgame: Did this ancient sport give birth to modern football?](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/the-mesoamerican-ballgame-ancient-sport) [ How China helped overthrow fascism in WWII](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/chinas-understated-role-in-wwii) ## More from HISTORY [ Hunting for Nazi Gold: A historian details his personal hunt for stolen treasure](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/guy-walters-last-hunt-nazi-gold-guest-article) [ ‘What people can discover at home is unbelievable’: Danny Trejo on Mysteries Unearthed](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/danny-trejo-mysteries-unearthed-interview) [ A historian asks did the Holy Grail come to Britain - and if so, where is it hidden?](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/did-the-holy-grail-come-to-britain-tony-mcmahon) [ Berwyn Mountain UFO: The Welsh Roswell](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/berwyn-mountain-ufo-the-welsh-roswell) ## Keep Reading [ Lost Relics Hamilton White on why so little Templar artefacts remain](https://www.history.co.uk/shows/lost-relic-hunters/lost-relics-hamilton-white-on-why-so-little-templar-artefacts-remain) [ The biggest 9/11 conspiracy theories debunked](https://www.history.co.uk/article/the-biggest-911-conspiracy-theories-debunked) [ One of the most incredible treasure hauls of all time? 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Image: Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo Above: Ryan Graves, David Grusch and David Fravor are sworn in during a hearing on “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency,” on the 26th July 2023 Some say it's obvious we're not alone, others scorn the very idea of extraterrestrial life. However, with the improvement of recording technology and basic mathematical probability suggesting the likelihood of alien life, scepticism is harder won these days. Following on from the amazing claims made by three former members of the US military during a hearing on ['Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena' in front of US Congres](https://www.history.co.uk/articles/shocking-revelations-from-the-us-congressional-hearing-on-ufos)s in July 2023, here is some of the most compelling evidence that alien life really does exist. Ancient evidence It’s easy enough to write off much recent phenomena, quoting anything from wayward weather balloons to the perpetuation of the legend and UFO sightings in pop culture providing a cohesive image of extra terrestrials for eye witnesses to draw on should someone cry alien. But what’s slightly harder to dismiss is the [ancient evidence](https://www.history.co.uk/shows/ancient-aliens/articles/ancient-aliens-archaeological-evidence) (i.e. pre the National Enquirer). Enter the ‘The Madonna with Saint Giovannino’, otherwise known as the UFO painting. Created in the 15th century, it depicts the Virgin Mary and in the backdrop of the painting, a man and his dog staring up at a hovering disk-like object that is suspiciously familiar. And this painting isn’t alone either, with everything from ancient cave paintings to Sanskrit Scrolls all depicting alien life. A sighting even crops up in the Bible in The Book of Ezekiel. Either this is compelling evidence, or humanity has a rich tradition of conspiracy theorists. Statistical data Back in 1961, astronomer Frank Drake devised an equation by which he could estimate the likelihood of the existence of alien life, taking into account a number of factors including the average number of planets able to support life and the fraction that could go on to support intelligent life. This was then implemented in 2001. The result: statistically, hundreds of thousands of such planets should technically exist. Unsolved sightings There are more registered sightings of UFOs than there is the word count here to deal with them and the majority of the time, there’s a thorough debunking accompanying them. But throughout history there have been a number that have been harder to explain away, from the to 1853 sighting by a number of students and professors at the Tennessee College campus, to the oft quoted Stephenville Lights case from 2008, with over 200 witnesses spotting the UFO including three policemen who remained anonymous. Consider these compelling cases unsolved. Astronauts’ claims If you’re going to believe any reports of UFOs, you might as well trust those coming from the men who have actually been to space (who usually also come with all their teeth and a P.H.D.). The list of those who have made claims of sightings includes Edgar Mitchell, Cady Coleman and Dr. Brian O’Leary, many also referencing government knowledge of alien existence and cover-ups. Buzz Aldrin has also spoken of his own experience on board the Apollo 11 when they saw something flying alongside them. At first they thought it was the final stage of the detached rocket, until mission control confirmed it was 6000 miles away from them… Government files While some US presidents have released classified files on the subject of UFOs, with Jimmy Carter famously describing his own encounter, others still have been denied access to classified information on the subject altogether, [Bill Clinton](https://www.history.co.uk/biographies/bill-clinton) claiming to be among them. This has led many believers to suggest there’s a cover up afoot. Clinton has been consistently vocal on the existence of aliens and it’s worth noting his opinions on an ‘Independence Day’ situation too. You know, just in case.. ## **The UFO hearings** In July 2023, multiple shocking claims were made during a landmark congressional hearing that involved former military officials. Three witnesses swore, under oath, that the US government knew a lot more about UFOs than it was letting on. One of the key lines of enquiry was the footage of the infamous 'Tic-Tac' UFO that appeared in 2004 but wasn't publicly disclosed until 2017. Former Navy commander David Fravor, who first spotted the object along with three other pilots, expressed concerns about the apparently *'supersonic'* technology it appeared to possess. He claimed that the shape vanished before their eyes, but reappeared 60 miles away just seconds later. David Grusch, who used to work as an Air Force intelligence order, alleged that the government worked hard to cover up information and would punish whistleblowers. He said that while he had never seen a UFO, several of his colleagues and friends had been injured by them. However, the strangest claim that Grusch made was that non-human *'biologics'* have been previously recovered from craft crash sites. There is still plenty to come from this groundbreaking hearing, but many people are convinced, more than ever, that the government is hiding something.