Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena
(SA/2024)
In 2022 NASA assembled an independent study team [1] to analyse what are known as unidentified anomalous phenomena [2].
Headed by David Spergal, the UAPIST consists of sixteen experts who, presumably, like Fox Mulder, are motivated by the belief that the truth is out there (although is unlikely, in their view, to be extraterrestrial or paranormal in origin) [3].
According to Spergal, many - if not most - UAP events can be attributed to everyday causes, including weather balloons and atmospheric phenomena. However, he concedes that there remain events which cannot easily be explained and these warrant, in his view, further investigation, as anomalies sometimes reveal new and interesting facts about the universe.
Unfortunately, I believe the UAPIST was dissolved upon the completion and submission of its final report in September 2023 - which, if true, is a real shame, as I was hoping someone from the team might be able to tell me what the three bright and colourful lights dancing about like sprites outside my bathroom window the other night were ... (see photo above).
Notes
[1] Go to the NASA website for more information on the UAP Independent Study Team: click here.
[2] Apparently, the term UAP first appeared in the late
1960s, although I had never heard it used until very recently. Those who privilege the term see it as a more encompassing description than the older term UFO and also free of the cultural associations attached to the latter which can be problematic for those wishing to conduct rigorous, evidence-based research.
[3] The UAPIST began work in October 2022 and held its first
public meeting in May 2023. Their final report was released in
September 2023 and did not find any evidence to suggest that extraterrestrial
life was responsible for the mysterious and unusual things that all manner of people had observed.
