Why Is Everybody So Interested in UFOs Now?

And how scientists are taking them more seriously.

Classic black and white photo of a flying saucer over the ocean. Source: Rudy Matchinga, via Storyblocks.

The prospect of alien life has always intrigued humankind. Though once considered outside the realms of mainstream science, studying the prospects of alien life has matured into a formal scientific endeavor. Astrobiology classes are offered in universities throughout the world, including Harvard and MIT.

Despite all the progress, one aspect of the search for alien life continues to remain contentious: unidentified flying objects, or UFOs. However, there have been recent events that renewed public interest in UFOs. These events have even galvanized some scientists to begin rigorous scientific studies on the UFO phenomenon. Please keep in mind that all the topics covered in this article were proposed by practicing scientists.

Artist impression of Oumuamua, the first object ever detected from outside our Solar System. Source: ESO.

Oumuamua

The first event is the discovery of Oumuamua in 2017, the first object ever detected from outside our Solar System. Most astronomers believe that Oumuamua is a reddish cigar-shaped or pancake-shaped asteroid made of rock and ice.