In a recent announcement from NASA, the space agency has emphasized the need for a more scientific approach and a shift in public perception when it comes to understanding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The statement, released on Thursday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, follows a year-long study conducted by NASA into UFOs.
NASA highlights that the study of UFOs will necessitate the adoption of new scientific techniques, including advanced satellite technology. They stress the importance of altering how unidentified flying objects are viewed in order to advance our understanding of these phenomena.
The 33-page report, authored by an independent team commissioned by NASA, cautions that the negative stigma attached to UFOs has hindered the collection of valuable data. Nevertheless, NASA officials believe that the agency’s active involvement in this area will contribute to reducing the stigma, opting to refer to these objects as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs).
Officials underscored that the panel’s findings did not provide any evidence of extraterrestrial origins for UAPs. However, they acknowledged the vastness of the universe, suggesting the possibility of other Earth-like planets harboring life.
During a news conference, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, “If you ask me, do I believe there’s life in a universe that is so vast that it’s hard for me to comprehend how big it is, my personal answer is yes.” Nelson also mentioned that NASA’s own scientists estimate the likelihood of life on another Earth-like planet to be “at least a trillion.”
When questioned by reporters about whether the U.S. or other governments are concealing information about aliens or otherworldly spacecraft, Nelson responded with a challenge: “Show me the evidence.”
While NASA clarified that it doesn’t actively search for unexplained sightings, it does operate a fleet of Earth-circling spacecraft capable of investigating unusual events, such as determining whether weather conditions may explain peculiar occurrences.
The 16-member panel highlighted the crucial role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in identifying rare phenomena, including UFOs. NASA recently appointed a director of UAP research, Mark McInerney, who had previously served as a liaison between NASA and the Defense Department on this subject. He also has experience working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Hurricane Center.
The panel’s study was conducted solely using unclassified data, and no top-secret files were accessed. The group aimed to gain a better understanding of unexplained sightings in the sky.
Officials noted that there are very few high-quality observations available, making it impossible to draw scientific conclusions. Most observed events, according to panel chairman David Spergel, can be attributed to known causes, such as aircraft, drones, balloons, or weather conditions. Spergel is also the president of the Simons Foundation, a scientific research group.
It’s worth noting that the government now refers to unexplained sightings as UAPs instead of UFOs, with NASA defining them as observations in the sky or elsewhere that defy easy identification or scientific explanation. The study, which commenced a year ago, incurred costs of under $100,000.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
