WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has released a new batch of documents describing a range of unidentified aerial phenomena, including spinning disc-like objects, glowing orbs, and one sighting compared to a “potato-shaped” object, according to files made public Friday and reported by The Associated Press.
The release of 72 files marks the third disclosure under a transparency initiative directed during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, aimed at making public government records related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and potential extraterrestrial activity. Officials emphasized that, despite public speculation, no evidence of alien life or government cover-ups has been found.
Among the newly released cases is an incident involving an object described as resembling a potato. According to a heavily redacted intelligence report attributed to a government partner, observers reported a strange aerial object that investigators later assessed with “low confidence” may have been caused by sunlight reflecting off snow and low clouds. However, witnesses insisted the sky was clear at the time and no known aircraft or balloons were present in the area. The case remains unresolved.
Another report from October 2023 details sightings by six US federal law enforcement agents who observed a bright orange orb appearing above a ridgeline. The object reportedly produced smaller red orbs that appeared and disappeared intermittently, with one instance in which an orb hovered motionless for several hours. No photographic or video evidence was obtained. The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) assessed several possible explanations, including military exercises and experimental US technology, but found no conclusive determination.
AARO, established by Congress in 2022, is responsible for investigating UAP reports across US defense and intelligence agencies. The office has repeatedly stated it has not confirmed any evidence of extraterrestrial origin in the cases it has reviewed.
An FBI report from February included in the release describes another sighting in the northeastern United States, where a witness reported a “brilliant and beautiful” red sphere hovering near trees in a backyard. The file describes a second sphere appearing before both objects silently moved away. Cellphone footage reportedly shows two glowing orbs crossing the sky, and the White House shared the video on social media without additional commentary.
The latest disclosures also include a previously unreleased 2008 CIA report from Zimbabwe describing a disc-shaped object with rotating lights and beams of light observed near an airport. Witnesses reportedly debated whether the object could be a foreign aircraft or something of unknown origin, including speculative suggestions of extraterrestrial activity.
Since the start of the transparency initiative, approximately 300 historical and recent files have been released, some newly declassified and others adding detail to previously known incidents. While the documents continue to generate public interest, US defense officials maintain that most sightings can be attributed to conventional explanations or remain unresolved due to limited evidence.
The Pentagon has not indicated when further releases will follow.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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