NASA Chief Highlights the Need for Scientific Approach and Excludes Sensationalism When Investigating UFOs, Reports NPR

NASA has been advised to take a leading role in the government’s study of unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, and make use of its scientific expertise and observational instruments to gather data on “unidentified anomalous phenomena” known as UAPs. The aim is to shift the conversation from sensationalism to science and uncover the unknown. While NASA has primarily focused on searching for signs of life beyond our planet, this report provides a roadmap for NASA’s involvement in studying UFOs, prompting the agency to create a new position dedicated to UAP research. However, the individual appointed to this role will remain anonymous due to concerns of harassment and threats.

While most unidentified sightings in the sky can be explained as mundane objects, some demonstrate velocities and accelerations that are scientifically intriguing. A special office within the Department of Defense is now dedicated to investigating these mysterious sightings, and Congress has also shown recent interest in the topic. NASA, in line with its previous statements, emphasizes that it has not found any credible evidence of extraterrestrial life and cannot confirm the extraterrestrial nature of UFO sightings.

The report highlights the potential for NASA’s existing Earth-observing satellites to establish patterns between environmental conditions and strange sightings. Telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory can also conduct large-sky surveys to identify unusual objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The lack of a standardized system for reporting unusual sightings by civilian pilots is identified as a data gap, suggesting that NASA could provide guidance on data collection protocols. Smartphone-based apps and public engagement are also proposed as methods to crowdsource observations for further study.

NASA’s established record of openness and public trust can contribute to destigmatizing the reporting of UFO sightings and encouraging more robust investigation. The agency’s commitment to transparency and data sharing ensures the availability of information regarding its activities. The study team emphasizes the importance of understanding normal sky events and objects to differentiate genuinely unusual occurrences, underscoring the need for a strong data foundation.

“Most events are going to turn out to be conventional things,” says David Spergel, chair of NASA’s UAP independent study team. However, the search for the truly extraordinary is likened to finding a needle in a haystack without knowing what the needle looks like. In order to identify something truly unusual, scientists must have a thorough understanding of normalcy.