UFOS

UFO

Unidentified Flying Object

UAP

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

History 1940s - 1960s

• Came to mainstream public awareness during WW2, pilots reported sightings of “foo fighters”.

• 1947, Kenneth Arnold reports “flying saucer” over Mt. Rainer.

• 1950, Air Force’s Project Blue Book starts - intended to scientifically investigate reports of UFOs. The term UFO was coined by leaders on this project.

Conclusions of Project Blue Book

• No UFOs reported, investigated, and evaluated by the Air Force has ever given any indication of threat to our national security.

• There has been no evidence submitted to or discovered by the Air Force that sighting categorized as unidentified represent technological development or principles beyond the range of present-day scientific knowledge.

• There has been no evidence indicating that sightings categorized as unidentified are extraterrestrial vehicles.

Renewed Programs in 21st Century: Department of Defense

• 2007-2012: Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP).

• 2017-2022: UAP Task Force (UAPTF).

• 2022-Present: All Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO).

• 2022-2023: NASA’s Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team (UAPIST).

What are the limitations of scientifically investigating UAPs?

Almost all of the data are eyewitness testimony or hearsay.

Fermi Paradox

Two correct statements that appear to contradict each other…

• It is statistically likely that there is other intelligent life in the universe.

• We do not have any conclusive evidence of other intelligent life.