UFO report comes back empty, but if you see any UAP floating around, give NASA a call

There’s no evidence that UAPs – unidentified anomalous phenomena, previously known as UFOs – are of extraterrestrial origin, a special NASA investigative team says.

Some UAP can't yet be explained, the team says. In response, NASA is taking a greater role in scientific investigation of the sightings and has named a new director of UAP research.

Though most sightings can be identified as planes, balloons, drones and weather events, the independent group says more sophisticated scientific research is needed, along with efforts to remove the stigma of reporting UFOs (sorry, UAP).

That’s the takeaway from the 36-page report of NASA’s Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team, which was released Thursday morning. NASA followed up with a news conference.

A look at some commonly reported UAP:

What is a UAP?

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"The independent study team did not find any evidence that UAP have an extraterrestrial origin," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "But we don't know what these UAP are."

The most common type of UAP reported is an orb or sphere. The unidentified objects have been reported in varying sizes through the years, from 3 feet to 13 feet, with speeds reported as stationary and hovering to flying at Mach 2, according to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, part of the office of the secretary of defense.

Altitude of UAP sightings

Hot spots for UAP sightings around the world

Thousands of unidentified anomalous phenomena have been reported around the world. Here are the hot spots for sightings, according to the anomaly resolution office.

NASA's entry into UAP may present a two-part problem: how to adapt its scientific prowess to study UAP and how to address social media harassment from people accusing the agency of concealing evidence of extraterrestrials.

NASA is withholding the director's identity after some of its UAP panel were harassed by people on social media. "Some of the threats and the harassment have been beyond the pale," said Dr. David Spergel, chairman of the team.

NASA assembled the 16-member independent team in October 2022 to come up with methods of studying UAP. The group focused on unclassified sightings.

SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; NASA; Associated Press