Sky Canada Project report (PDF)

REPORT OF THE SKY CANADA PROJECT# 15
C. Background:
UAPs and Science
The mystery of unidentified phenomena in the sky
has long fascinated humanity, capturing the public
imagination and arousing both skepticism and curi-
osity. The terminology which describes unidentified
events taking place in the sky has evolved over time,
reflecting a shift in both scientific approach and
societal perception. The transition from the once-
ubiquitous term “UFO” (Unidentified Flying Object)
to the more recent and nuanced “UAP” (Unidentified
Aerial or Anomalous Phenomenon) signals a broad-
ening of scope and a move toward greater credibility
and openness.
Historically, UFOs have been linked with extraterrestrial spec-
ulation and often met with ridicule. This section explores the
evolution of terminology, the implications of this shift for re-
search and public perception, and the role of science and tech-
nology in analyzing these enigmatic occurrences. This section
also delves into the broader search for extraterrestrial life, the
potential of new discoveries in astrobiology, and the challenges
faced by researchers working in this often-stigmatized field.
From UFOs to UAPs:
Evolving Terminology and
Broadened Scope
Until recently, the term “UFO” was used to describe aerial
phenomena that could not be conclusively identified. UFOs are
by their very definition unidentified but this does not imply that
they are of extraterrestrial origin, that they defy natural or sci-
entific explanation, or that they would not be identifiable with
access to additional or better data and tools.
The abbreviation “UAP” (Unidentified Aerial or Anomalous
Phenomenon) is a newer and increasingly more prevalent
term. UAP includes a broader set of movements (such as being
stationary in the air, falling, or floating and submerging in water)
as well as phenomena that are not material objects (such as
gases and lights).
This shift in terminology has the potential to reduce the histori-
cal stigma associated with UFO sightings. Reporting witnesses
were often met with skepticism and ridicule, leading to negative
perceptions and arbitrary judgments being cast upon them.
Stigmatization can have significant consequences, such as
discouraging witnesses from coming forward and hindering sci-
entific inquiry. The new, more encompassing UAP terminology
can help promote greater transparency, credibility and accep-
tance of research in professional and scientific circles and in
the wider public.
While the term UFO continues to be used, governments and oth-
er organizations are gradually adopting the more comprehensive
term UAP. This report will use the abbreviation UAP when de-
scribing more recent activities, and UFO when dealing with more
historical ones, although they will be largely interchangeable.
Science and the Search for
Extraterrestrial Life: Promising
Scientific Approaches
No extraterrestrial life has been detected to date, but most
scientists involved in that quest consider it only a matter of
time until its discovery. They reason that with billions of sun-like
stars just in our own Milky Way galaxy, there is a high probability
that some may have Earth-like planets orbiting them. Based on
this argument, it is plausible that extraterrestrial life existed in
the past, or today, or may eventually appear on other planets
outside our solar system; maybe even intelligent life capable
of technological progress. Most Canadians share this view, as
shown by an Ipsos poll of over 1,001 Canadians conducted
in May 2021, which indicates that a solid majority of (65%) of
those surveyed believe in the existence of intelligent life else-
where in the universe.3
Science is based on rigorous and systematic investigations,
and substantial evidence must be gathered and verified before
conclusions are drawn. This is especially true when scientists
deal with extraordinary claims, such as the presence of extra-
terrestrial vehicles in the sky. This is what renowned astron-
omer and author Carl Sagan meant when he famously said,
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”b
b Sagan, Carl. Broca’s Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science. New York: Ballantine Books, 1980.
How the Scientific Method Might
Apply to UAPs
The scientific method is a systematic and iterative process
used to investigate the universe around us, acquire new
knowledge and refine or correct existing understandings
of the world. Applying it to UAPs could involve several key
steps, including:
Observation: Gather reports and data on UAP sightings,
including, but not limited to, eyewitness accounts, photo-
graphs and videos, radar data and physical evidence, ensur-
ing that the information collected is objective and unbiased.
This may include developing new instruments specifically
designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the data.
Hypothesis: For each case under investigation, explore
possible explanations for the sighting. This could range from
natural phenomena to advanced human-made technology
and may include fraud and instrument malfunction.
Experimentation: Test the hypothesis. While traditional
experiments might be challenging due to the elusive nature
of UAPs (the sighting cannot be repeated like an experi-
ment in controlled laboratory conditions), researchers
may conduct simulations, analyze existing or past data,
or use observational tools (like radar or satellites) to gather
additional information.
Analysis: Review and analyze the data to look for patterns,
anomalies or correlations. This might include comparing
UAP reports with known atmospheric phenomena or the
behaviour and flight path of aircraft.
Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on the analysis.
This could involve categorizing a given UAP into known
phenomena, unexplained sightings due to lack of data,
or areas needing further investigation.
Communication: Share findings with the scientific commu-
nity, government agencies and the public, through research
papers, or reports and through a publicly accessible online
portal.
Applying the scientific method to UAPs makes it possible to
ensure a rigorous and objective approach to understand-
ing these phenomena while promoting critical thinking and
advancing scientific knowledge.
Citizens observe the night sky from their campsites.
The skies in remote locations reveal more stars and natural
atmospheric phenomena.
3D rendering of the International Space Station orbiting
the Earth (credit NASA). It often appears as a bright,
steadily moving point in the sky at dawn or dusk,
illuminated by sunlight reflecting off the station,
though observers may not always recognize it.