[Dion]

Scientific panel concludes some UFO evidence worthy of study

In the current study, the scientific panel focused on incidents involving some form of physical evidence, including photographic evidence, radar evidence, vehicle interference, interference with aircraft equipment, apparent gravitational or inertial effects, ground traces, injuries to vegetation, physiological effects on witnesses, and debris. Of particular concern are reports that UFO encounters may be hazardous to people's health. Some witnesses have reportedly suffered radiation-type injuries. These reports led the panel to draw the attention of the medical community to the possible health risks involved.

The scientists found that some of the reported incidents may have been caused by rare natural phenomena, such as electrical activity high above thunderstorms or radar ducting (the trapping and conducting of radar waves by atmospheric channels). However, the panel found that some of the phenomena related to UFOs are not easy to explain in this fashion.

Further analysis of the evidence presented to the panel is unlikely to shed added light on the causes underlying the reports, the scientists said. Most current UFO investigations lack the level of rigor required by the scientific community, despite the initiative and dedication of the investigators involved. But new data, scientifically acquired and analyzed, could yield useful information and advance our understanding of the UFO problem, the panel said.

The reviewers also made the following observations:

• The UFO problem is not a simple one, and it is unlikely that there is any simple, universal answer.

• Whenever there are unexplained observations, there is the possibility that scientists will learn something new by studying them.

• Studies should concentrate on cases that include as much independent physical evidence as possible.

• Continuing contact between the UFO community and physical scientists could be productive.

• Institutional support for research in this area is desirable.

https://news.stanford.edu/pr/98/980629ufostudy.html