This is a list of notable reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related claims of close encounters or abductions. UFOs are generally considered to include any perceived aerial phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained. Upon investigation, most UFOs are identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena, while a small number remain unexplained.[2][3][4] UFOs have been referred to using a range terms including the more specific "flying saucer" and the more general "unidentified anomalous phenomena" (UAP). The term "UAP" is sometimes used to avoid cultural associations with UFO conspiracy theories.[5][6][7]
Although often viewed as abnormal, UFO sightings are reported frequently.[8][9] During the United States' initial 1947 wave, over 800 sightings were reported in the news.[10] The British Ministry of Defence receives 100s of reports each year.[11] In Brazil, pilots alone report dozens of annual sightings.[12][13] A small portion of reported sightings have lasting cultural significance,[14] interpreted through the cultural and technological expectations of the time.[15]
- ^
- NUFORC has collected over 100,000 UFO reports spanning decades. The most common description was of "lights" in the sky, and many UFOs were of an "unknown" or "unspecified" shape. Others included: cubes (16), cones (600), crosses (491), teardrops (1221), and stars (138).
- Arranz, Adolfo (24 December 2017). "Are we alone?". South China Morning Post. Infographics by Pablo Robles. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- "UFO Report Index by Shape of Craft". National UFO Reporting Center. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ Prothero, Donald; Callahan, Timothy (2017). UFOs, Chemtrails, and Aliens: What Science Says. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0253026927. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ Sheaffer, Robert (1998). UFO Sightings: The Evidence. Prometheus Books. ISBN 978-1573922135. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ Barnes, Julian E. (28 October 2022). "Many Military U.F.O. Reports Are Just Foreign Spying or Airborne Trash". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ Becket, Stefan (14 September 2023). "What are UAPs, and why do UFOs have a new name?". CBS News. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ "UFOs or UAPs: What's the difference and why are people talking about them?". BBC Newsround. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ Markham, Devan (12 January 2024). "UFO vs. UAP: What's the difference?". News Nation. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ Govett, Zaria (26 July 2023). "The UFO reports piquing Nasa's interest". BBC.
- ^ Seisdedos, Iker (26 July 2023). "The US Congress takes UFOs seriously: 'Sightings are not rare or isolated'". El País.
- ^ Kottmeyer, Martin S. (2017). "Why Have UFOs Changed Speed Over the Years?". In Grossman, Wendy M.; French, Christopher C. (eds.). Why Statues Weep: The Best of the "Skeptic". Oxfordshire, England: Routledge. p. 172. ISBN 978-1134962525.
- ^ Pearson, Ezzy (3 June 2024). "16 things commonly mistaken for UFOs". BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
- ^ Marshall, Euan (1 September 2024). "Pilots record 30 UFO sightings in Brazil over 2023". The Brazilian Report. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ Audi, Amanda (19 September 2023). "Brazil and UFOs: a hotbed for the unexplained". The Brazilian Report. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ Betz, Eric (2 October 2020). "Reports of rising UFO sightings are greatly exaggerated". Astronomy Magazine. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Aliens? You've Heard This Story Before, Regents Professor Lisa Yaszek Says". IAC News. Georgia Tech. 15 July 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2024.