What constitutes an “alien sighting”? I’m not just asking for a dictionary definition. I’m interested in a more nuanced understanding. Does it simply mean any observation of something unexplained in the sky? Or does it require a specific level of strangeness, perhaps involving unusual shapes, movements, or light patterns? Also, how do different organizations and individuals interpret and categorize alien sightings, taking into account factors like witness credibility, photographic evidence (or lack thereof), and the potential for misidentification of conventional objects or phenomena? Are there different levels of “evidence” that are required before an observation is considered a credible “alien sighting”? Finally, what role does public perception and media coverage play in shaping the definition and understanding of “alien sightings”?

Answer

An alien sighting, more accurately termed an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sighting, encompasses a visual or sensor-based observation of an object or phenomenon in the sky or near the ground that cannot be immediately identified as a known aircraft, natural phenomenon, or other conventional object.

Key characteristics of an alien or UAP sighting:

• Unidentified Object/Phenomenon: The core of the definition rests on the inability to readily classify the observed object or phenomenon. This means the observer, even after employing reasonable analysis and investigation, cannot definitively label it as something known.
• Aerial or Near-Ground Observation: The sighting generally occurs in the sky, atmosphere, or close to the Earth’s surface. Underwater objects are sometimes included.
• Visual or Sensor-Based: Sightings can be based on direct visual observation (with the naked eye or through binoculars/telescopes) or recorded by sensors like radar, infrared cameras, spectral analysis equipment, or other scientific instruments.
• Anomaly: The observed object or phenomenon typically exhibits characteristics that deviate from the expected behavior of known objects in the sky. This might include unusual flight patterns (abrupt changes in direction, hovering, extremely high speeds), unusual light patterns or colors, unusual shapes, or lack of discernible propulsion systems.
• Subjectivity: While ideally based on objective data, the interpretation of a sighting often involves a degree of subjectivity. What one person finds unexplainable, another might readily identify. Therefore, the experience of the observer plays a role in deeming something a "sighting".

Factors that contribute to UAP sightings:

• Misidentification of Conventional Objects: Many reported UAP sightings turn out to be misidentified aircraft (commercial planes, military jets, drones), weather balloons, satellites, meteors, planets (like Venus), or other mundane objects and natural phenomena.
• Optical Illusions and Atmospheric Phenomena: Atmospheric conditions, unusual lighting, or psychological factors can create optical illusions that lead to misinterpretations of real objects.
• Secret Military Aircraft/Technology: Some sightings might be attributable to classified military aircraft or experimental technology being tested.
• Hoaxes and Misinformation: Some sightings are deliberately fabricated or based on false information.
• Truly Unexplained Phenomena: A small percentage of UAP sightings remain unexplained after thorough investigation. These cases are often the focus of scientific inquiry and public interest.

Official investigations and terminology:

• Project Blue Book: A U.S. Air Force project (1952-1969) that investigated thousands of UAP sightings.
• Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP): The term preferred by the U.S. government and scientific community, considered more neutral than "UFO" (Unidentified Flying Object). UAP is preferred because "flying" implies something is mechanically operated in the air, whereas "phenomena" covers a broader range of possibilities including light phenomena or natural occurrences.
• All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO): A U.S. Department of Defense office established to investigate UAPs across all domains (air, land, sea, and space).

Therefore, a modern definition of an alien sighting is more accurately described as a UAP sighting, representing an observation of an anomalous phenomenon in the sky, on the ground, or in space that remains unidentified after investigation using current technology and knowledge. The possibility of extraterrestrial origin, while often associated with the term, is not the defining characteristic; the key is the lack of a conventional explanation.