On World UFO Day, two experts offer tips on how to spot an unidentified flying object near you
On July 2, 1947, a rancher in Roswell, New Mexico, stumbled on what appeared to be debris from a “flying saucer” made up of “rubber strips, tinfoil, and rather tough paper.” Baffled, he turned the materials over to the sheriff, who began an investigation. The event, later known as the Roswell UFO Incident, would eventually be recognized as the first sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in the U.S.
Seventy-two years later, the rancher’s discovery is one that is still commemorated, a day that is now officially known as: “World UFO Day.”
Aimed at both awareness and fun, the day celebrates the original sighting, while also recognizing how many have been recorded since. Although the vast majority of these have been shared by civilians, the U.S. government has confirmed its own encounters with what it calls “unexplained aerial phenomena” (UAPs).
Last month in a New York Times expose, two Navy pilots revealed that they had spotted UAPs flying over the East Coast almost daily for more than six months between 2014 and 2015. To be sure, although their reports are credible, they do not link these objects to extra-terrestrial beings. And in fact, there is no evidence that does so. Experts have many theories as to where these objects do come from, ranging from glitches in radar technology to spacecraft belonging to other nations.
Origins and cause aside, how do people interested in UFOs actually spot one? In honor of World UFO day, Yahoo Lifestyle tracked down two experts to find out.
Find an open view of the sky
While it’s important to note that places with higher populations tend to have more sightings, longtime ufologist (UFO expert) and acclaimed astronomer Chris Rutkowski says that “a good view of the sky,” is crucial. “Especially a horizon,” he tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “So downtown Manhattan might not be better than Mesa, Arizona, overall.”
Know the states where it’s most common
According to Jan C. Harzan, executive director of the nonprofit MUFON (a UFO investigation & research organization), knowing the places where they’re spotted the most is key. “On a per capita basis Maine and Arizona are the two best states to see a UFO,” Harzan tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “But UFO sightings happen all over the world.”
Rutkowski adds that where they’re appearing most frequently can shift. “Pockets or ‘hot spots’ come and go from year to year,” he says. “So in some years, the state with the most reports by population could be Vermont, while it might shift to Missouri another year.” There are multiple searchable maps of sightings across the U.S. that may be fun to explore, but it’s important to note that none of them have been verified by the government, or another official agency.
Aim for after 11 p.m.
Rutkowski advises narrowing down your search to a specific time of day, specifically late at night, when the sky is most visible. “Most UFO sightings came between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.,” he tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “So a nice, dark sky in an open area is probably best...I'd personally recommend simply finding a dark location at night, away from city lights, and watching the skies.”
Try downloading an app to help you
If you are really serious about tracking down a UFO, Rutkowski suggests leaning into technology for help. “There are many planetarium and satellite tracking apps you can get that can help you pick out objects in the sky, and see which ones aren't stars and planets!” he says. The app store lists a number of helpful ones with high ratings, including Orbitrack and ISS Detector.
Keep an open mind
While Rutkowski and Harzan have different views on the origins of UFOs — Rutkowski does not consider there to be sufficient evidence connecting them to aliens; Harzan does — both men seem to agree that the chances of a civilian spotting one in the U.S. are good.
“Polls have shown that 10 percent of all North Americans believe they have seen UFOs — in the USA alone, that's about 33 million people,” says Rutkowski. “Witnesses come from all walks of life, from farmers, homemakers, plumbers, doctors, lawyers, Yahoo editors, and yes, even pilots!”
Adds Harzan: “Keep your eyes to the sky. You have a good chance of seeing something unusual in your lifetime.”
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