HomeScience GlossaryUnidentified Aerial Phenomena

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) are aerial events that remain unexplained after thorough investigation, encompassing a wide range of potential natural or technological causes while avoiding presuppositions about their nature or origin.

Share
Science Glossary · Explore this series
May 19, 2025

Definition

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) refers to objects or occurrences in the sky that cannot be readily identified by the observer. These phenomena are often associated with the more colloquially known term "UFO" (Unidentified Flying Object).

Etymology

The term "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena" emerged in the late 20th century as a broader, more scientific term replacing "UFO." It emphasizes the unexplained nature of these sightings, without assuming they are objects or of extraterrestrial origin.

Example Usage

'The military has released new footage of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena that has sparked public interest.'

Interesting Fact

The U.S. Department of Defense formed a task force dedicated to investigating UAPs in 2020, highlighting the phenomena's significance in national security discussions.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense

Explanation and Detail

Scientific Approach

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena are studied by scientists and military personnel to understand their nature and origin. The focus is on gathering data through observation, radar tracking, and video recording.

Public and Scientific Interest

The study of UAPs has gained traction due to a combination of public curiosity and the potential implications for airspace safety. Investigations aim to determine whether these phenomena are natural, technological, or otherwise.

Related Video

Youtube video
Share
Related Articles
Related Fish Species Make Similar Choices, But How They Choose Differs

Two cichlid species share identical preferences but use different decision rules when choices get hard, a PNAS study of over 5,000 trials finds.

Why We Can Never Prove That Someone Else is Conscious

'Rival' scientists use category theory to show that while 'shapes' of experiences might be matched across minds, we can never observe the feeling itself.

AI Consciousness Is Unlikely, Says Neuroscientist Anil Seth

Neuroscientist Anil Seth argues AI consciousness is unlikely without biology. His TED talk lands amid a widening debate over conscious AI, not intuition.

AI In Science Connects the Dots, But Only In Fields That Are Fragmented

An analysis of 80 million papers shows AI boosts originality where knowledge is scattered and connections are weak, but contributes little novelty in structured science.