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
Experienced pilot Kenneth Arnold reports nine crescent-shaped objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier at speeds exceeding 1,200 mph. Objects demonstrated impossible flight characteristics including sudden directional changes and silent operation. Arnold's detailed account to authorities launched the modern UFO era. His description of objects moving "like a saucer skipping across water" coined the term "flying saucer" used worldwide.
ROSWELL INCIDENT
Rancher Mac Brazel discovers unusual debris on his property near Corona, New Mexico. Roswell Army Air Field initially announces recovery of a "flying disc," then quickly retracts statement claiming it was a classified weather balloon from Project Mogul. Major Jesse Marcel handles debris described as having extraordinary properties. Incident remains classified for decades, becoming the most famous UFO case in history when witnesses come forward in the 1970s-80s.
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
USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group encounters multiple unidentified objects off San Diego coast during training exercises. Commander David Fravor and Lt. Commander Alex Dietrich witness 40-foot "Tic Tac" shaped craft demonstrating impossible flight characteristics: instantaneous acceleration, no visible propulsion, hovering capability, and speeds exceeding any known aircraft. Objects tracked on multiple radar systems including ship-based SPY-1 radar and E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. FLIR video captured by Chad Underwood shows object performing physics-defying maneuvers.
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.
NASA UAP INDEPENDENT STUDY
NASA releases independent study report on UAP, recommending increased scientific rigor in data collection and analysis. Report calls for systematic approach to studying unexplained aerial phenomena.
AARO HISTORICAL REVIEW
AARO releases comprehensive historical review of US government UAP investigations from 1945-2023. Report finds no evidence of extraterrestrial technology but acknowledges cases requiring further investigation.
ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS
Multiple government agencies continue UAP investigations with increased transparency. Congressional oversight continues, with regular briefings and reports to maintain public disclosure momentum.
BELGIAN TRIANGLE WAVE
Massive triangular UFOs witnessed by thousands across Belgium over 18-month period. Belgian Air Force scrambles F-16 fighters to intercept objects tracked on multiple radar systems. Objects demonstrate extraordinary capabilities including hovering, silent flight, and rapid acceleration to 1,000+ mph. Belgian military cooperates fully with civilian UFO investigators, releasing radar data and pilot testimonies. Case remains unexplained despite extensive investigation.
SOCORRO UFO LANDING
Police Sergeant Lonnie Zamora witnesses egg-shaped craft land in New Mexico desert near Socorro. Observes two small humanoid figures near object before they enter craft and it departs with blue flame. Landing site shows physical evidence including burned vegetation, ground impressions, and metallic fragments. FBI and Air Force investigate extensively. Case remains classified as "unidentified" in Project Blue Book files due to witness credibility and physical evidence.
JAL FLIGHT 1628 ENCOUNTER
Japan Airlines cargo flight encounters massive UFO over Alaska. Captain Kenju Terauchi reports spacecraft "two times bigger than an aircraft carrier" following his Boeing 747 for 400 miles. Object tracked on FAA and military radar systems. Incident investigated by FAA, which concludes radar contacts were unexplained. Case demonstrates international nature of UFO phenomena and involvement of civilian aviation authorities in investigations.
UAP TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED
Pentagon establishes Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) to investigate UAP encounters threatening national security. Task Force given access to classified military data and resources. Represents first official government UAP investigation program since Project Blue Book ended in 1969. Task Force later evolves into AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office) with expanded mandate and resources.