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UFO is an acronym for Unidentified Flying Object. As such, in a literal sense it would include any object in the air of which the nature is not known, but usually when the term 'UFO' is used it refers to some of the unidentified objects which are believed by some to be the spaceships of extraterrestrial aliens.

The field of UFOs should not be confused or intermingled with "the paranormal". The UFO phenomenon need not have a paranormal explanation, though those who believe in UFOs may also have a fascination with the paranormal.

UFOs have been subject to many studies over the years, with a wide range of scope and scientific rigor. One well-known study was Project Bluebook, conducted by the United States Air Force. Project Bluebook found 585 incedents where no explanation for the reported sighting could be found, out of approximately 12,000 investigated reports.

The idea that UFOs are in fact alien spacecraft is largely discounted by most scientists, since (it is claimed by them) that many such sightings have been explained in terms of known natural phenomena or human activity, and there is a lack of evidence corroborating eyewitness accounts which purport otherwise. Applying standard scientific principles of evidence however, if even one sighting is found to be an incedent attributable to aliens then the case for extraterrestrial spacecraft is proven.

The arguments over this subject often take on a ferocity normally seen in religious conflicts.

A group that is currently involved in debunking the alien spacecraft hypothesis of UFOs is the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. This activity is of the type practiced by atheists and consists mostly of sophistry. Its main exponents are Philip Klass and James Randi.

The study of UFOs and UFO claims over the years has led to interesting discoveries about atmospheric phenomena and psychology.

There are groups of retired government scientists who claim to have worked on captured extraterrestrial materials and technologies. These scientists are pressing for the release of the acquired technologies for the public benefit.

External Links

• The Disclosure Project
• CSICOP homepage
• A serious research page for scientists and astronomers, authored by a professional Astronomer.

See also: Flying saucer