Wikipedia / List of reported UFO sightings
Wikipedia / List of reported UFO sightings
This is a list of notable reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), some of which include related claims of close encounters of the second or third kind or alien abduction. UFOs are generally considered to include any perceived aerial phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained. Upon investigation, most UFOs are identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena, while a small number remain unexplained. UFOs have been referred to using a range of terms including the more specific "flying saucer" and the more general term "unidentified anomalous phenomena" (UAP). "UAP" is sometimes used to avoid cultural associations with UFO conspiracy theories.
Although often viewed as abnormal, UFO sightings are reported frequently. During the United States' initial 1947 wave, over 800 sightings were reported in the news. The British Ministry of Defence receives hundreds of reports each year. In Brazil, pilots alone report dozens of annual sightings. A small portion of reported sightings have lasting cultural significance, interpreted through the cultural and technological expectations of the time.
Antiquity
8th–17th centuries
19th century
20th century
1900–1949
1950–1974
1975–1999
21st century
By location
The lists below contain UFO reports mentioned above, along with less notable UFO reports from the specific areas.
See also
Table of reports during the 1947 flying disc craze–A sortable table of the hundreds of 1947 flying disc sightings.
List of alleged extraterrestrial beings–A list of entities reported in conjunction with UFOs and believed by witnesses to be alien in origin, unrelated to astrobiology or xenobiology.
List of UFO organizations–Private organizations that investigate UFO sightings.
Extraterrestrial hypothesis–The proposal that UFO sightings are observations of physical craft piloted by biological aliens from another planet.
Interdimensional hypothesis–The proposal that UFO sightings are the result of experiences with another dimension.
Psychosocial hypothesis–The proposal that UFO sightings can be explained by social and psychological processes.
Time-traveler hypothesis–The proposal that UFO sightings can be interpreted as advanced humans traveling from the future.
United States UFO files–Collection of declassified United States government records concerning UFOs
References
Notes