NASA made an announcement on Thursday, stating that the study of UFOs will necessitate the use of new scientific methods and technologies, such as advanced satellites, as well as a change in the way unidentified flying objects are perceived.
After conducting a yearlong study on UFOs, NASA released a comprehensive 33-page report. The report, which was prepared by an independent team commissioned by NASA, highlighted the challenges posed by the negative perception surrounding UFOs. This perception hinders the collection of valuable data. However, NASA officials expressed optimism that their involvement in the study will help alleviate the stigma associated with what they refer to as UAPs, or unidentified anomalous phenomena.
We want to shift the conversation about UAPs from sensationalism to science," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said. He promised an open and transparent approach.
Officials emphasised that the panel's findings did not provide any evidence supporting the extraterrestrial origin of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). However, Senator Nelson acknowledged the vastness of the universe, with billions of stars in billions of galaxies, and the possibility of another Earth-like planet existing.
During a news conference, Nelson expressed his personal belief in the existence of life in such an immense universe, stating that it is difficult for him to comprehend its magnitude. He mentioned that his own scientists estimate the likelihood of life on another Earth-like planet to be at least a trillion.
Reporters pressed Nelson on the topic of whether the US or other governments are concealing information about aliens or extraterrestrial spacecraft. In response, Nelson requested concrete evidence to support such claims, indicating a need for substantiation.
NASA clarified that it does not actively search for unexplained sightings. However, the space agency does operate a fleet of Earth-circling spacecraft that can assist in investigating unusual events and determining if weather conditions are responsible for such phenomena.
A panel consisting of 16 members highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in identifying rare occurrences, including unidentified flying objects (UFOs). These advanced technologies can help analyze data and identify patterns that may contribute to a better understanding of such phenomena.
NASA has appointed a director specifically dedicated to UFO research. However, the identity of this individual is being kept confidential to protect them from potential threats and harassment similar to what the panel members experienced during their study.
One of the reasons behind the decision to keep the director's identity undisclosed is to ensure the integrity of scientific research. NASA believes that science should be free and subject to a genuine, rigorous, and rational process. Preserving freedom of thought is crucial to conducting unbiased investigations and analysis.
No top-secret files were accessed by the scientists, aviation and artificial intelligence experts, and retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, the first American to spend nearly a year in space. Instead, the group relied on unclassified data in an attempt to better understand unexplained sightings in the sky.
Officials said there are so few high-quality observations that no scientific conclusions can be drawn. Most events can be attributed to planes, drones, balloons or weather conditions, said panel chairman David Spergel, president of the Simons Foundation, a scientific research group.
The government refers to unexplained sightings as UAPs versus UFOs. NASA defines them as observations in the sky or elsewhere that cannot be readily identified or scientifically explained.
(With inputs from AP)
