The History of UFOs
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The history of UFOs covers reports of objects and phenomena in the sky that were unidentified at the time, as well as how institutions, researchers, and the public documented and investigated them. An unexplained report does not, by itself, point to an extraterrestrial origin; later investigations sometimes suggest possible explanations.
This page features stories about past sightings, military documents and records, and films and articles about events such as the Kenneth Arnold incident and the Tremonton film. Some publications present claims or theories; we distinguish those from what the records document.
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Common questions about The History of UFOs
When did modern UFO reports begin?
The 1947 Kenneth Arnold incident helped popularize the phrase “flying saucers” in the United States and sparked a wave of reports. Reports of unidentified phenomena predate the incident.
What was the Tremonton film?
The film was shot near Tremonton, Utah, in 1952, and investigated by the US Air Force. According to one article on this site, the Air Force thought it showed seabirds. The film remains part of the discussion about historical UFO records.
Does a historical UFO report prove that aliens visited Earth?
No. A report generally documents a sighting or testimony, but an identification that remains unresolved is not proof of an extraterrestrial origin.
What kinds of historical UFO records appear on this site?
You’ll find sighting reports, military documents and records, analyzed films, and television programs about events from the past. Some materials offer possible explanations; others describe questions that remain open.
What happened in the Kenneth Arnold incident?
In 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing objects in the sky. The incident became associated with the spread of “flying saucer” reports in the United States and is considered a milestone in modern UFO coverage.
