The Top 10 UFO Encounters of 2020
The year 2020 was a watershed moment in the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), with a series of events that captivated public interest and reignited debates about the existence of extraterrestrial life. Here are some of the most notable UFO encounters and related developments from that year:
1. Pentagon's Official Release of UFO Videos (April 2020): In a groundbreaking move, the Pentagon officially declassified and released three videos captured by Navy pilots, showing unidentified aerial phenomena exhibiting speeds and maneuvers beyond known aviation capabilities. These videos, previously leaked, were now acknowledged by the Department of Defense, stating they were released to clear up any misconceptions about their authenticity.
2. The Magé Incident in Brazil (May 2020): Residents of Magé, a city near Rio de Janeiro, reported witnessing mysterious lights in the sky, with videos showing blue, red, and yellow orbs moving erratically. The phenomenon sparked widespread speculation, with some suggesting a UFO crash. However, authorities did not provide a conclusive explanation, and the event remains shrouded in mystery.
3. Increase in UFO Sightings During the Pandemic: With global lockdowns in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reported surge in UFO sightings. Organizations like the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) noted a significant increase in reports, possibly attributed to more people spending time outdoors and observing the skies.
4. The "Jetpack Man" Sightings in Los Angeles (August 2020): Pilots approaching Los Angeles International Airport reported seeing an individual flying at high altitudes using a jetpack. The sightings prompted investigations by the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration. Despite thorough searches, the identity and motives of the so-called "Jetpack Man" remain unknown.
5. Formation of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (August 2020): The U.S. Department of Defense announced the establishment of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) to investigate and understand the nature of unexplained aerial sightings, particularly those observed near military installations. This move signaled a more structured approach to addressing potential security concerns related to UFOs.
6. Japanese Government's UFO Protocols (September 2020): Japan's Ministry of Defense issued new protocols for its military personnel on how to record and report encounters with unidentified aerial objects. This decision came shortly after the U.S. Department of Defense's increased transparency on UFO matters, indicating a global shift towards acknowledging and systematically studying such phenomena.
7. The New York Times Report on Off-World Vehicles (July 2020): A report by The New York Times included statements from government officials suggesting that the U.S. had recovered materials from "off-world vehicles not made on this earth." This revelation intensified public interest and speculation about the existence of extraterrestrial technology.
8. The West Seattle UFO Sighting (July 2020): Residents of West Seattle reported observing a cluster of mysterious lights hovering and moving in the night sky. Multiple videos captured the event, showing lights forming patterns before disappearing. Despite various theories, including drones or satellites, no definitive explanation was provided.
9. The Ongoing Mystery of the "Taieri Pet" in New Zealand: For over a century, a peculiar cloud formation resembling a UFO has appeared consistently over the Taieri Plain in Otago, New Zealand. Known locally as the "Taieri Pet," this altocumulus standing lenticular cloud is a recurring atmospheric phenomenon caused by specific air movements over nearby mountains. In September 2020, a NASA satellite captured a striking image of this cloud, measuring approximately seven miles in length.
10. Congressional Interest and Public Hearings: Throughout 2020, there was a notable increase in governmental and public interest in UFOs, leading to discussions about the need for transparency and potential public hearings. Lawmakers expressed concerns over national security implications, emphasizing the importance of understanding the origins and intentions of these unexplained phenomena.
The events of 2020 marked a significant shift in the perception and study of UFOs, transitioning from fringe curiosity to a subject of serious governmental and scientific inquiry. As we continue to explore these mysteries, the quest for understanding what lies beyond our known world remains as compelling as ever.