Report A UFO/UAP/Abduction
Before You Submit A Report:
Identified Flying Objects (IFOs) Explained
While UFOs often capture the imagination, it’s crucial to understand that many sightings reported as unidentified are eventually identified as known objects or phenomena. These are classified as Identified Flying Objects (IFOs). Through careful investigation, MUFON’s experts regularly reclassify UFO reports into one of several known categories.
Common IFO Categories:
1. **Aerial Craft:** Many sightings are later identified as commercial or military aircraft, drones, satellites, or even space debris.
2. **Celestial Bodies:** Stars, planets, and meteorological events like meteor showers or the planet Venus are frequently mistaken for UFOs due to their brightness or movement patterns.
3. **Atmospheric Phenomena:** Weather balloons, clouds, and lightning are natural occurrences that can create visual illusions, leading to misinterpretation.
4. **Man-Made Objects:** Drones, kites, flares, or even balloons released during celebrations often cause confusion, especially when seen from a distance or in poor lighting conditions. This includes Starlink Launches. An example video of what they look like is posted below.
Why Identifying IFOs Matters:
Accurate identification ensures that only genuinely unexplained cases remain classified as UFOs. MUFON’s mission is grounded in scientific research, which demands precision. Identifying and excluding known objects strengthens the integrity of our data, allowing researchers to focus on the truly unexplained.
By understanding and categorizing IFOs, we enhance the credibility of the research and ensure that any future sightings are scrutinized through a rigorous and professional lens.
Examples of IFO Objects
Starlink Sattelites
SpaceX continues to launch satellites. Hundreds of satellites are visible at any one time and appear mostly in a straight line. As time goes on, they will be moved to different locations. Many observers believe they see shapes in their reflections such as triangles, squares, etc.
A typical launch recently took place at Vandenberg AFB in California (see video left). The launch vehicle itself has also resulted in reports where witnesses have mistaken it as unidentified aerial phenomena.
The project is designed to enable high-bandwidth, low-latency internet services for many countries worldwide. SpaceX intends to place nearly 1600 satellites in orbits at heights of 341-miles above the Earth. Motivation for this project includes vying for an estimated $16 billion dollars from the FCC for improvements to rural internet services which are intended to start this year with expansion globally through 2021.
Falcon 9 Rocket Reentry
When SpaceX launches its Falcon 9 rockets that send various satellites into space, they are two stage rockets. The lower portion is resuable and returns to Earth in a controlled landing.
The upper stage deploys it’s satellites and begins a descent back towards Earth eventually burning up in the atmosphere.
Persons on the ground may see what looks like a spiral portal opening in the sky. It is actually the upper stage tumbling back to Earth ejecting it’s unsued fuel.
DISCLAIMER FOR SUBMISSION OF ATTACHMENTS:
All witnesses who attach files to this report must acknowledge that by clicking the SUBMIT A REPORT button below, that those attachments such as videos, photographs, drawings and documents should not contain any compromising personal information or MUFON cannot guarantee your anonymity.
Examples would be as follows:
a. Naming a photo, video, drawing or document like “John_Peterson_UFO_Photo.jpeg.”
b. Naming a photo, video, drawing or document with your address like “123_magnolia_ave_sparta_nj.jpeg
c. Providing us with a photo of your house.
d. Providing us with your military record.
e. Providing us with a photo of your face.
f. Providing us with a photo of other witnesses’ faces with names.
g. Providing us with your “exact” geographical latitude and longitude in a photo or video or text document.
Personal information in the text of the report you submit is confidential. Attachments can be seen by other members. Keep all personal information limited to your report narrative and contact details. Upon the submission of this report, the reporter acknowledges and agrees that they forfeit and release MUFON International from any liability, claims, damages, or actions arising out of or related to the content of the report including its submitted media, its accuracy, or any consequences resulting from its use or dissemination. This forfeiture of liability includes, but is not limited to, any legal, financial, or reputational consequences that may arise.