Ufology is the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) by people who believe that they may be of extraordinary origins. While there are instances of government, private, and fringe science investigations of UFOs, ufology is generally regarded by skeptics and science educators as an example of pseudoscience.
Supposed photo of a Black Triangle UFO taken by Patrick Maréchal during the Belgian UFO wave which the author later admitted to be a fabrication.
A Swedish Air Force officer searches for a "ghost rocket" in Lake Kölmjärv, Norrland, Sweden, in July 1946.
Josef Allen Hynek (left) and Jacques Vallée
Unidentified flying object
An unidentified flying object (UFO), or unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP), is any perceived airborne, submerged or transmedium phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained. Upon investigation, most UAPs are identified as known objects or atmospheric phenomena, while a small number remain unexplained.
The celestial phenomenon over Basel in 1566.
1561 celestial phenomenon over Nuremberg as printed in an illustrated news notice.
November 22, 1896 illustration of a "mystery airship" published in The San Francisco Call
November 29, 1896 illustration of another "mystery airship" published in The San Francisco Call
