NASA’s preparations to investigate unexplained celestial objects are unable to account for several observations, according to US Pentagon sources.
NASA has revealed plans to gather a team of scientists to investigate “unidentified aerial phenomena,” also known as UFOs, despite reputational worries.
Thomas Zurbuchen, the head of NASA’s research mission, admitted that the established scientific community may have reservations about exploring UAPs.
However, he stated, “We will not avoid reputational risk.”
Our firm conviction is that the most difficult aspect of these events is the lack of available data.
He continued by saying, “We’re looking at the Earth in new ways, and we’re also looking at the sky in new ways.
“What we’re attempting to accomplish here is initiate an examination without preconceived conclusions.”
David Spergel, a former director of the astrophysics department at Princeton University, will lead the scientific team, while Daniel Evans, a senior researcher in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, will also oversee the investigation.
A team of independent scientists is scheduled to be assembled by the fall, at which point they will spend approximately nine months compiling a public report on their findings.
Mr. Evans stated that NASA will spend “a few tens of thousands of dollars” to no more than $100,000 on the endeavor.
Unidentified atmospheric phenomena are relevant to national security.
The announcement comes a year after the United States government released a report, which was compiled by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in conjunction with a Navy-led task force, detailing observations of “unidentified aerial phenomenon,” or UAPs, made primarily by Navy personnel.
US defense and intelligence experts lacked sufficient data to assess the nature of UAPs detected by military pilots, including whether they are advanced earthly technologies, atmospheric phenomena, or extraterrestrial in origin, according to the paper.
Officials from the Pentagon admitted last month that the government is unable to explain several observations.
NASA issued the following statement: “Unidentified atmospheric phenomena are of relevance for both national security and aviation safety.
Establishing whether incidents are natural is a crucial first step in identifying or minimizing such phenomena, which is consistent with one of NASA’s missions to maintain aircraft safety.
