Unidentified flying objects (UFO) refer to an apparent anomaly in the sky that is described as unknown phenomenon/phenomena. The observed phenomena are later described and explained removing the doubts surrounding it. However, some remain a mystery. There are scientific evidences that support the UFOs. Other Scientists tend to disagree with these evidences and dismiss the whole issue of UFOs as hoaxes and conspiracy theories. This paper describes the scientific support for and against the UFOs.
The evolution of the UFOs began with some mysterious observations and reporting. Some of the aerial observations could have been entirely astronomical in nature. Since 240 BC, observations have been sighted and described as supernatural, angels or omens. Currently, these religious symbols have been explained in the modern science as interpretation of mediaeval paintings is analyzed (Cuoghi, Diego, 2004). January, 25th, 1978, the Denison daily reported John Martin as having seen a balloon like object, dark in color flying at abnormal speed. Martin described the object as saucer in shape introducing the word ‘saucer’; the common shape that many UFOs are believed to take (Booth, Bj, 2008). In 1916, Jan 31st, a UK pilot reported to have seen lights that looked as lighted windows on the railway cage, he described that they rose and just disappeared. This observation was made near Rochford, UK. Later, in January 1926, a pilot saw six flying manhole covers between Colorado, Colorado springs, Wichita, and Kansas. On the same year, September a pilot flying over Neva reported been forced to land by a huge, wingless, cylindrical object. There are many other sightings of UFOs and the reporting have been consistent.
J. Allen Hynek (1972), a well-trained astronomer and one of the scientific advisors of the Project Blue Book, was originally skeptical on the existence of UFOs. After the disregard of the Project Blue Book, Hynek founded the CUFOS to study the UFOS. The main reason for forming a private body is that he had realized that many of the observations were not explained. The long history and lack thereof of explanations make many scientists to tend to belief that UFOs exist. Some opine that, due to the lack of proper scientific backing, there is no any other way out other than a continued research on the same. There are also several physical signs that are left behind that cannot be dismissed as mere human acts. In 1968, a University of Colorado report headed by James Condon had documented physical evidence of grass, vegetation, soil, etc. that had been broken, flattened, burned by UFOs, as reported by witnesses. Astrophysicist Peter Sturrock of the Stanford University reported unusual chemical changes that could only be caused by a strong microwave radiation in a UFO purported landing site. Such an explanation served as a strong evidence of an unusual object that was not man made. There was no any evidence of radio activity in the region.
The Same Astrophysicist Sturrock lead team also identified physiological effects on UFO witnesses. Theses ranged from burns, Nausea, temporary memory loss, and deafness. Vickie Landrum’s, Betty Cash, and Landrum’s young grandson who encountered a hovering diamond-shaped object on a Texas road in December 1980 were all ill afterward. Cash developed blisters on the face that closed her eyes due to swelling. She also suffered severe diarrhea, and Nausea. The problem became persistent afterwards leading to her been hospitalized severally. Such offers clearer evidence on the existence of UFOs.
The consistencies in the reporting and description of the reported cases of UFOs make many scientists believe that they do exist. Claude Poher headed a French government National Center for space Research found consistencies in more than 1,000 reports in France and other countries. Such consistencies offer a strong evidence of the existence of UFOs.
There are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the researches on UFOs. Ed Walters in 1987 had taken a series of photos of a sighted UFO only later to be realized that he used a model that had been hidden in his home. Warren William Smith, a renowned writer who was credited for investigation on UFO later confessed that it was a hoax. George Adamski had made several claims of encounters with aliens claimed that the photographs taken on the far side of the moon by Soviet lunar probe were fake. Such many theories and later confessions make the belief in the existence of UFOs unbelievable, at least until concrete evidence is found.
Some argue that the evidence of UFO is anecdotal (Sagan, Carl, 1995) and could be explained as prosaic natural phenomena. There are also numerous Government conspiracy theories especially in the USA. The USA governments hold such information on aliens and UFOs from the public intentionally. However, there is no reasons of such acts. In some instances, the testing of weapons has been cited as the UFOs and the governments do not wish to disclose such to the population. The evidence provides is also purely testimonial and hence does not from the basic scientific evidence required to belief UFO’s exists.
In conclusion, the evidence for the support of UFOs is purely testimonials and lacks a concrete scientific basis. There are very few physical signs that could easily be dismissed as caused by other agents in the environment. This is one of the great reasons that have seen many reports on UFOs been discarded and shelved. Scientists tend to require empirical evidence other than testimonials that can only in religious beliefs. It is not until there is concrete empirical evidence that the existence or non-existence of UFOs can be determined.
Work cited
Cuoghi, Diego "The Art of Imagining UFOs". Skeptic (The Skeptics Society) 11 (1). (2004). Retrieved 2014-04-.
Booth, B J. "Before the Wright Brothers There Were UFOs". American Chronicle. Ultio, LLC. Archived from the original on 2012-08-19. December 8, 2008. Retrieved 2014-04-21.
Sagan, Carl . The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (1st ed.). New York: Random House. 199).
