WASHINGTON. The Pentagon’s latest report on unidentified flying objects (UFOs), officially termed unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), sheds light on 757 cases reported globally to U.S. authorities between May 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024. The total also includes 272 earlier incidents that were only recently brought to attention. Despite the extensive review, the report found no evidence to support claims of alien life.
Most of these occurrences were observed in the skies, but 49 incidents were recorded at altitudes above 100 kilometers (62 miles), classified as space. None of the cases occurred underwater. Witnesses included commercial and military pilots, as well as ground-based observers.
Investigators were able to identify the cause of nearly 300 cases, attributing many to mundane objects such as balloons, birds, aircraft, drones, or satellites. Notably, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system was frequently misidentified as UFOs due to the distinctive chains of satellites visible from Earth.
However, hundreds of incidents remain unresolved, primarily due to insufficient data. “The lack of adequate information in many cases makes it impossible to draw definitive conclusions,” the report noted.
Among the unresolved cases, one stands out: a commercial flight crew reported a near collision with a “cylindrical object” over the Atlantic Ocean near New York. This incident remains under investigation.
In three other instances, military air crews reported being followed or shadowed by unidentified aircraft. Despite thorough investigations, no evidence emerged to link these activities to foreign powers or other sources.
Witnesses frequently described the phenomena as lights or spherical, orb-like objects. More unusual reports included a “jellyfish with flashing lights,” as described by one observer.
During a congressional hearing on UAPs, lawmakers heard testimony from experts, including two former military officers, who emphasized the need for transparency and research. The session also touched on speculative topics, such as alien intelligence and potential military use of alien technology, as well as the possibility of foreign surveillance using advanced, secret aircraft.
“There is something out there,” remarked Republican Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee. “The question is: Is it ours, is it someone else’s, or is it otherworldly?”
Lawmakers agreed on the importance of continued government investigation and public disclosure of findings. While the Pentagon’s report stops short of answering all questions, it underscores the need for scientific rigor in addressing the phenomenon.
Conclusion
As the debate over UAPs continues, the Pentagon’s report highlights both the challenges and urgency of investigating the unknown. While no concrete evidence of extraterrestrial activity has emerged, the data gathered reinforces the need for vigilance in understanding these enigmatic occurrences.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
