NASA has released its inaugural study on hundreds of reported UFO sightings in recent decades and has concluded that there is currently no evidence to suggest that any of these phenomena are of extraterrestrial origin. Instead of employing the term UFO, the government employs the acronym UAP, signifying “unidentified aerial phenomena.”
According to NASA’s 33-page report, “At this point there is no reason to conclude that existing UAP reports have an extraterrestrial source.” The agency also noted that if extraterrestrial origin were to be considered, the objects in question would have had to traverse the solar system to reach Earth.
Furthermore, NASA contended that the study of UAPs will necessitate the development of new scientific methodologies, including advanced satellite technology. Additionally, the act of reporting such phenomena should be destigmatized, as this stigma currently impedes data collection.
The report acknowledged that most UAP sightings to date have been recorded using sensors and equipment not specifically designed for such purposes, or they have occurred under accidental or “serendipitous” circumstances. To address this, NASA suggested exploring the feasibility of developing a crowdsourcing system, potentially involving smartphone-based apps, to collect imaging and sensor data from citizens, thereby enhancing the reporting and analysis of UAPs.
In conclusion, the report recommended that NASA should play a substantial role in a government-wide endeavor to comprehend UAPs. It asserted that NASA, given its extensive expertise and dedication to scientific knowledge and exploration, is uniquely positioned to contribute to a systematic approach for the study of UAPs, aligning with its broader mission.