UFO TIMELINE
Comprehensive chronological timeline of UFO/UAP incidents, investigations, and disclosure milestones from 1947 to present day.
MODERN UFO ERA
The birth of modern UFO phenomena with Kenneth Arnold's sighting and the establishment of government investigation programs.
KENNETH ARNOLD SIGHTING
Pilot Kenneth Arnold reports nine crescent-shaped objects flying near Mount Rainier at extraordinary speeds. His description of objects moving "like a saucer skipping across water" coins the term "flying saucer."
ROSWELL INCIDENT
Military announces recovery of "flying disc" near Roswell, New Mexico, then quickly retracts statement claiming it was a weather balloon. Incident becomes most famous UFO case in history.
PROJECT BLUE BOOK
US Air Force systematic study of UFO phenomena. Investigated 12,618 UFO reports, concluding no evidence of extraterrestrial visitation, though 701 cases remain "unidentified."
WASHINGTON DC UFO FLAP
Multiple UFO sightings over Washington D.C. appear on radar at National Airport and Andrews Air Force Base. Fighter jets scrambled, leading to largest UFO press conference in history.
INVESTIGATION ERA
Scientific studies, civilian investigations, and the rise of UFO research organizations seeking truth behind the phenomena.
CONDON COMMITTEE REPORT
University of Colorado scientific study concludes UFO investigation not justified on scientific grounds. Report criticized for bias, but influences official government position for decades.
RENDLESHAM FOREST INCIDENT
US Air Force personnel at RAF Bentwaters report close encounters with unidentified craft in Rendlesham Forest. Deputy Base Commander Charles Halt documents incident in official memo.
PHOENIX LIGHTS
Massive triangular formation witnessed by thousands across Arizona and Nevada. Two separate events: V-shaped formation and stationary lights. Arizona Governor initially dismisses, later admits seeing unexplained craft.
DISCLOSURE ERA
Government acknowledgment, military testimonies, and official recognition of unidentified aerial phenomena as a legitimate national security concern.
USS NIMITZ ENCOUNTER
Navy pilots encounter "Tic Tac" shaped objects demonstrating impossible flight characteristics off San Diego coast. Incident documented with radar data and FLIR video, later released publicly.
PENTAGON RELEASES UFO VIDEOS
Pentagon officially releases three Navy UFO videos: "FLIR1," "Gimbal," and "GoFast." First official acknowledgment by US military of encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena.
UAP ASSESSMENT REPORT
Pentagon releases "Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena" to Congress. Report acknowledges 144 UAP encounters, with most remaining unexplained. Marks historic shift in government transparency.
CONGRESSIONAL UAP HEARINGS
First public congressional hearing on UFOs in over 50 years. Pentagon officials testify about UAP encounters, investigation protocols, and national security implications before House Intelligence Committee.
AARO ESTABLISHED
Department of Defense establishes All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) as single focal point for UAP investigations across military branches. Represents most significant institutional commitment to UAP study.
GRUSCH WHISTLEBLOWER TESTIMONY
Former intelligence officer David Grusch testifies to Congress about alleged crash retrieval programs and non-human technology. Testimony sparks renewed congressional interest and investigation demands.