UFOs: Are they Real?

UFOs: Are they Real?

Unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, have reportedly been seen flying above the Earth since ancient times. Often described as cigar- or disc-shaped, there are plenty of theories as to what these crafts are. Even though studies say the majority of UFO reports are cases of false identification, there are some cases that are simply unexplainable.

Early Evidence

Some scientists and ufologists (yes, that is a word) believe ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depict UFOs. Many other ancient cultures have both written and oral stories about strange lights and objects in the sky. Mostly put aside by mainstream science as misidentified celestial events, these accounts tell mystical tales of battles and events in the skies.

Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting what look to be UFOs 

Modern Evidence

The first highly publicized case of a UFO sighting in the United States was reported by Kenneth Arnold, who had been flying his private plane over Washington State in 1947. Arnold reported nine objects that were "shaped like saucers," giving rise to the popular term "flying saucer." This first case opened the floodgates for UFO sightings in America, as more and more people came forward with their own stories. Other widely noted incidents include the Roswell Incident in Roswell, New Mexico, the Kecksburg Incident in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, and the Tunguska Explosion in Russia.

A signed page of Kenneth Arnold's UFO sighting report

E.T. Component

A UFO in itself does not necessarily mean it is extraterrestrial, but in today's word the term has evolved to mean just that. In popular culture, the topic has taken on a life of its own. Many movies have been made that feature ETs, including "Alien" and "War of the Worlds."

Reputable UFO Witnesses

1. Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper - Reported multiple UFO sightings
2. Many United States military personnel - "Foo Fighter" reports during and after World War II
3. Arizona Governor Fife Symington III - Witness of Phoenix Lights incident
4. Neil Armstrong - Reported seeing alien crafts from Apollo 11
5. United States President Jimmy Carter - widely public report of having seen a self-luminous aircraft

A picture of the Phoenix Lights incident 

So, what do YOU think? Are UFOs real? Are they manned, alien crafts? Let us know what you think through comments, or on Twitter (@SJUnusual) and Facebook (http://www.Facebook.com/SJUnusual)