In a recent announcement, NASA has invited the public to help identify unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) recommended that NASA collect unclassified crowd-sourced data, including photos and videos taken by individuals who spot unusual phenomena. Sean M. Kirkpatrick, the director of AARO, suggested that NASA could lead the evaluation of the data and create a format for submitting data to detect UFOs or UAPs.
While NASA and AARO suggested the crowd-sourcing method, they also noted that "imagery from smartphones is of limited value" to pin down UFOs due to the resolution of the cameras. Additionally, NASA's independent task force studying UAPs has been active since September 2022, and Wednesday was the first time the agency presented any results from its UFO research to the public.
NASA and AARO emphasized the need for better, more reliable data to help categorize and identify what's behind strange sightings when they're reported in the sky. During the meeting, Kirkpatrick also mentioned that AARO is researching how AI could help in studying, reporting, and identifying UFOs.
This announcement marks a significant step towards collecting more data on UFOs and UAPs. It also reflects the growing public interest in UFO sightings and the need for more research in this field. By inviting the public to participate in the collection of data, NASA hopes to increase the accuracy and reliability of the information. While the resolution of smartphone cameras may limit the quality of the images and videos, the data collected could still provide valuable insight into the phenomenon.
Overall, NASA's decision to crowd-source data on UFOs and UAPs is a positive development for scientific research and public interest. It is a step towards greater transparency and collaboration between researchers and the public. By using AI and other advanced technologies, NASA can analyze the data more effectively and potentially uncover new insights into this enigmatic phenomenon.