NASA conducted its first public meeting on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) on Wednesday, marking a significant step in its ongoing study into unexplained sightings. The space agency televised an hours-long hearing that featured a panel of 16 independent experts, including renowned retired astronaut Scott Kelly, who was the first American to spend nearly a year in space.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage with the public and share insights regarding the study on UFOs. However, some committee members have unfortunately faced online abuse for their participation, detracting from the scientific process. Dan Evans, a representative from NASA, acknowledged the issue and stated that NASA security is addressing the matter.
Evans emphasized the importance of employing a rigorous, evidence-based approach to differentiate between fact and fiction. By adhering to this approach, NASA aims to shed light on the mysterious sightings in the sky, which the agency refers to as Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).
The expert panel, led by astrophysicist David Spergel, chair of the committee and director of the Simons Foundation, is currently examining the available unclassified information on the subject. The team is also assessing the need for additional data to gain a better understanding of the phenomena observed in the sky.
Notably, the study does not include any classified military information, including details related to suspected spy balloons from China that were spotted flying over the United States earlier this year.
The public meeting was held at NASA headquarters in Washington, with remote participation available to enable broader engagement. Members of the public had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and insights regarding the UFO sightings.
NASA plans to release the final report on UFOs by the end of July. This report is expected to provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings and conclusions reached by the expert panel after scrutinizing the available data.
The agency's commitment to transparency and public engagement underscores its dedication to scientific exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. As the investigation into UFOs continues, NASA remains at the forefront of unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos, seeking to provide evidence-based explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena.
