by Alan Fowler

Created on: August 06, 2008

In order to examine evidence and draw conclusions about a subject it's important to begin by asking the right questions. It's also worth bearing in mind that there exists natural phenomena of all kinds which are still beyond our understanding.

It would appear the question, 'do UFO's exist?' has already been answered by the enormous number of people who are convinced they have seen something odd or had some kind of unexplainable experience. Can ALL these people be mistaken, or lying? What are the chances of that? It would be a phenomenon in itself! The other question, often asked, 'do you believe in UFOs?' implies the whole thing is a question of belief, or faith, which it clearly isn't. An enquiring mind cannot ignore the truckloads of supporting evidence for the appearance of strange aerial craft; from photos, film, video and radar contact, regular TV news appearances in countries all over the world, plus government and military interest going back many years. The anecdotal evidence of eye-witnesses and experiencers goes back a lot further. How come the Ministry of Defence in the UK still funds and operates a UFO Desk? Something is happening but we don't know what it is.

Of course there are mis-identifications, of course there are hoaxes but there is no doubt that many people have been confronted by something that is very real, to them at least. But what is the true nature of it? A more pertinent question therefore should be, 'what is the UFO experience?'

Most sightings consist of the observation of strange lights in the sky but isn't it just denial or facetiousness to say, 'well, anything you see which you can't identify is by definition a UFO'? Everybody knows what you mean by 'UFO'. We're talking about something strange and anomalous, something that defies rational explanation; above all, something which doesn't conform to what we all recognize as conventional aircraft. These days everybody knows what airplanes, gliders, airships and balloons look like. We're talking about the unknown. Perhaps calling them UAPs (Unknown Aerial Phenomena) is more sensible. Merely acknowledging the existence of UAPs isn't going to solve the mystery though, nor will it break down any barriers to knowledge: but understanding the phenomenon and its source may possibly benefit us all.

There are two main factions in Ufology, upholding two opposing theories. One advocates aliens from outer space, the other advocates aliens from inner space. Neither theory accounts for all the evidence.

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