In recent years, the topic of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) has garnered increasing attention from both the public and various government agencies. While military and intelligence communities have shown a growing openness to considering extraordinary explanations for these phenomena, the scientific community has largely remained skeptical, often dismissing such ideas as belonging to the realm of the “paranormal”[1]. However, recent developments in our understanding of the cosmos and technological capabilities suggest that it may be time for scientists to reconsider their stance on the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as a potential explanation for UAP.
The discussions on UAP seem like a relatively recent event, though the initiative for the disclosure of intelligent life beyond that of our species dates way back, as we have addressed in our ISF’s series about the UAP phenomena (I, II, III). In (I) we first address the main physical behaviors that fall under the category of UAP, followed by (II), where the most prominent testimonies from government agents, military authorities and civilians are presented. Our third article (III) addresses both the first scrutiny from the NASA commission appointed to analyze their public domain database, and the second public Congressional hearing happening before a House Oversight and Accountability subcommittee, a couple of months later, where testimonies, mainly that from David Grush, showed a very different picture of the UAP phenomena from that provided by the NASA commission.
After decades of denial, dismissal, and ridicule, the official political discourse regarding UAP has undergone a striking shift in recent years, with many senior figures talking openly about an ETH. Nonetheless, the silence that prevails in the scientific authorities all over the globe is particularly concerning. Fortunately, this seems to be changing, as just some days ago, scientists from Harvard University Tim Lomas and Brendan Case, and Michael Master from Montana Technological University, went forward by submitting their preprint entitled The Cryptoterrestrial hypothesis: A case for scientific openness to a concealed earthly explanation for Unidentified Aerial phenomena, to the journal Philosophy and Cosmology [2], in what can be considered a very bold action. Their article examines the case for scientific openness to an interstellar explanation for UAP, drawing on recent research in astronomy, astrophysics, and aerospace engineering. Authors explore the likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence existing elsewhere in the universe and the potential feasibility of interstellar travel, two key factors that lend credence to the ETH.
![](https://spacefed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/01000000-0a00-0242-c909-08db8e156eae_cx0_cy5_cw0_w1080_h608.avif)
Ryan Graves, Americans for Safe Aerospace Executive Director, from left, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Maj. David Grusch, and U.S. Navy (Ret.) Cmdr. David Fravor, testify before a House Oversight and Accountability subcommittee hearing on UFOs, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. AP Photo/Nathan Howard.
As we explained in (I), the hypotheses for UAP phenomena tend to fall into two categories: human-made technology (a conventional terrestrial explanation), or advanced civilizations from elsewhere in the cosmos (an extraterrestrial explanation). Both cases, human and nonhuman tech, are not so clearly separated as apparently our very advanced technology would have resulted from the retrieval and back-engineering of nonhuman technologies. And even further, the testimonies held in congress suggest very emphatically that there has been direct contact and collaborations backstage between different factors of the government and some extraterrestrial species. This would imply that the existence of non-terrestrial species and the advancement of our technology has been kept secret for long.
A third minor category, The Cryptoterrestrial Hypothesis (CTH) put forward by the scientists at Harvard and Montana universities, posits that some Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) may be attributed to advanced, hidden civilizations that have evolved on Earth, rather than extraterrestrial origins. This hypothesis suggests that these cryptoterrestrial beings have developed advanced technologies and have remained undetected by human societies, possibly residing in subterranean or remote locations, even passing as humans and walking among us, as some of the testimonies from military addressed in (III) claim. Although this idea is likely to be regarded skeptically by most scientists, the authors of this proposal argue that this possibility should not be dismissed and instead deserves genuine consideration. Their proposal seems plausible given that the proximity of these earthlike beings would make it easier for them to pass incognito, explaining why it has been simple for them, and for the programs that could potentially involve their participation, to remain unacknowledged.
Their lengthy report [2] which is very well documented (see references therein), expands upon four main aspects:
1) Historical Context: giving a detailed historical background to the UAP phenomena since WW2, and focusing as well on the deliberations concerning UAP sightings since 2019.
2) Technological Capabilities: proponents of the CTH hypothesis argue that the extraordinary capabilities of some UAP, such as rapid acceleration and hovering, could be explained by the advanced technology of these hidden civilizations.
3) Scientific Skepticism: The UAP phenomena faces significant skepticism from the scientific community, which often dismisses it as speculative and lacking empirical evidence.
4) Call for Open Inquiry: Advocates for the CTH urge the scientific community to adopt a more open-minded approach, emphasizing the importance of investigating all plausible explanations for UAP with rigorous scientific methods.
The highlights of their preprint, which is currently under evaluation for publication, will be briefly summarized in this ISF article.
![](https://spacefed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image.png)
The U.S. Navy officially published previously released videos showing unexplained objects. Department of Defense, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
In 2017, the release of US Navy footage showing encounters with UAP brought the topic into mainstream discourse. Subsequently, the US government established the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (now known as the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office) to investigate such incidents. Their reports have revealed that a significant number of UAP sightings remain unexplained, with some exhibiting extraordinary capabilities that defy conventional understanding [3].
For instance, the latest report from October 2023 [3] noted that some UAP demonstrate “unusual flight characteristics or performance capabilities and require further analysis.” These include the ability to descend rapidly from high altitudes, hover, and accelerate to hypersonic speeds without visible means of propulsion. Such observations have led some high-ranking officials, including former intelligence directors and NASA administrators, to publicly acknowledge the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for these phenomena.
The Scientific Skepticism Towards UAP
Historically, the scientific community has been reluctant to engage seriously with the topic of UAP, particularly since the 1969 Condon Report [1,3]. This influential study concluded that “nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge,” effectively relegating the subject to the fringes of scientific inquiry. The report’s findings had a lasting impact, shaping public and scientific opinion for decades and discouraging serious research into the phenomenon.
This skepticism persists today, with many prominent scientists dismissing or ridiculing the idea of extraterrestrial visitation. For example, Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, wrote an article mocking a recent Congressional hearing on UAP, asking, “Where is the evidence?” and suggesting that claims of classified evidence are inherently suspect. This type of ridicule can create an environment where serious investigation is stifled, and researchers may be hesitant to explore the topic for fear of damaging their reputations.
However, this dismissive attitude may be at odds with the scientific method’s emphasis on open-minded inquiry. As Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, has argued, “It is presumptuous and arrogant for us to believe that there’s no other form of life anywhere in the entire universe”[4]. Loeb’s perspective encourages a more open approach, suggesting that we should be willing to investigate extraordinary claims with rigorous scientific scrutiny rather than outright dismissal.
In recent years, there has been a slight shift in this rigid stance, as more credible reports and data have emerged, prompting some scientists to call for a reevaluation of the subject. For instance, the Pentagon’s release of declassified videos showing unexplained aerial phenomena has reignited public interest and led to calls for more transparent and thorough investigations. The establishment of the U.S. government’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) is a step in this direction, aiming to standardize the collection and analysis of UAP data.
Despite these developments, the road to mainstream scientific acceptance of UAP research remains challenging. The stigma attached to the subject, coupled with the need for rigorous, peer-reviewed studies, means that progress will likely be slow and incremental. Nonetheless, the growing interest and calls for serious investigation represent a significant shift, suggesting that the scientific community may be on the cusp of a more open-minded and methodical approach to understanding UAP.
While skepticism towards UAP has deep roots in the scientific community, there are signs of change. As new evidence comes to light and more scientists advocate for open inquiry, the hope is that the study of UAP will eventually gain the legitimacy and attention it deserves. By adhering to the principles of the scientific method, we can ensure that this intriguing and potentially groundbreaking field of study is explored with the rigor and seriousness it warrants.
The Case for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
One of the key arguments for considering the ETH is the increasing scientific consensus that extraterrestrial life, and even intelligent life, is likely to exist elsewhere in the universe. This conclusion is based on several factors:
- The vast number of galaxies and stars: NASA estimates there are at least 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone, and at least 2 trillion galaxies in the observable universe [5]. When you consider the sheer scale of the cosmos, it seems improbable that Earth is the only planet where life has emerged.
- The abundance of exoplanets: Over 5,000 exoplanets have been confirmed in our galaxy, with estimates suggesting that every star could potentially host at least one planet [5]. This discovery has fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe, revealing that planetary systems are common rather than rare.
- The prevalence of potentially habitable worlds: Conservative estimates suggest there may be hundreds of millions to billions of planets in the habitable zone of their stars just in our galaxy [6]. These zones, often referred to as the “Goldilocks zone,” are regions where conditions might be just right for liquid water to exist—a crucial ingredient for life as we know it.
- The tenacity of life: Studies of extremophiles on Earth have shown that life can thrive in a wider range of conditions than previously thought, expanding our understanding of potential habitable environments. From the scalding hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor to the frozen tundras of Antarctica, life has proven to be incredibly adaptable and resilient.
Given these factors, many scientists now conclude that the existence of extraterrestrial life is highly probable. As Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, stated in 2021, “Who am I to say that planet Earth is the only location of a life form that is civilized and organized like ours?” This sentiment reflects a growing openness within the scientific community to the possibility that we are not alone in the universe.
![](https://spacefed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/YcvDAudfEdA2Z7JPsQBChK-1920-80.jpg.webp)
An artist’s illustration depicts a future starship under construction in Earth orbit using a ring-type construction facility. (Image credit: Adrian Mann).
The Feasibility of Interstellar Travel
While the existence of extraterrestrial life may be increasingly accepted, the possibility of such life visiting Earth has often been dismissed due to the vast distances involved in interstellar travel. However, recent advances in science and technology are challenging this assumption, even if we are still far from its applicability:
- Nuclear fusion propulsion: Aerospace companies are developing nuclear fusion rocket engines that could potentially achieve speeds over 500,000 MPH [7]. This technology, if perfected, could significantly reduce the time needed to travel between stars, making interstellar missions more feasible than ever before.
- Laser sail technology: NASA has proposed that a large laser sail could accelerate a spacecraft to half the speed of light in less than a decade [7].
- Theoretical physics breakthroughs: Concepts like the Alcubierre warp drive, which could theoretically allow faster-than-light travel by manipulating spacetime, are being seriously studied by some scientists [8-11]. Although still in the realm of theoretical physics, these ideas are pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible and sparking new interest in the potential for interstellar travel.
- Artificial Intelligence: Even if interstellar voyages take thousands of years, they could be feasible for AI-piloted craft or synthetic biological entities. Advances in AI and robotics could enable long-duration missions that are beyond the capability of human crews, allowing us to explore distant star systems without the need for human presence.
Moreover, we must consider that any extraterrestrial civilization capable of visiting Earth would likely be far more technologically advanced than us. As Avi Loeb points out, “Imagine what a civilization could achieve after several thousand years of scientific progress, let alone longer.”[4].
Therefore, considering the age of the universe and the new estimates of Goldilocks zones that increase considerable the potential habitability in space, it would be extremely narrow to assert that humankind is the only intelligent specie around.
Evidence for Interstellar Artifacts?
While definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation remains elusive, some scientists are actively searching for potential evidence. Avi Loeb’s Galileo Project, for instance, is systematically searching for “extraterrestrial technological artifacts.” Loeb has studied two potential interstellar objects that passed through our solar system: Oumuamua in 2017 and an unusual meteor that fell into the Pacific Ocean in 2014 [9].
The Galileo Project aims to use advanced telescopes and other observational tools to scan the skies for similar interstellar objects. By developing a systematic approach to detect and analyze these objects, the project hopes to gather more data that could potentially answer the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe. As technology advances and our observational capabilities improve, the search for interstellar artifacts will likely yield more intriguing discoveries, keeping the scientific community and the public alike on the edge of their seats.
Unified Science in Perspective
Physicist Nassim Haramein, director of the International Space Federation (ISF) – an organization based on the Unification of Physics through the study of quantum vacuum fluctuations leading to the development of novel sources of energy and microgravity control- has long advocated for a more open-minded approach to understanding the nature of our universe, including the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. Haramein’s work expands on the holographic nature of space-time and the organizational role of black holes across cosmic scales, providing a theoretical framework that could potentially explain some of the observed characteristics of UAP [12-16].
For instance, Haramein’s generalized holographic model suggests that the universe itself may fulfill the conditions of a black hole, an idea that aligns with some interpretations of recent James Webb Space Telescope observations. This perspective opens up new possibilities for understanding phenomena that seem to defy our current laws of physics.
As we continue to gather data on UAP and expand our exploration of the cosmos, it is crucial that the scientific community remains open to all possibilities, no matter how extraordinary they may seem at first glance. The history of science is replete with paradigm shifts that once seemed impossible. Perhaps the ETH represents another such shift in our understanding of our place in the universe.
In conclusion, while healthy skepticism remains essential in scientific inquiry, outright dismissal of the ETH in light of mounting UAP evidence and our evolving understanding of the cosmos may be premature. As we stand on the brink of potentially revolutionary discoveries about the nature of our universe and our place within it, the scientific community would do well to heed the words of Carl Sagan: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, but extraordinary evidence requires extraordinary investigation.”[17]
References
[1] Condon, E. U. (1969). Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects. University of Colorado at Boulder.
[2] Lomas Tim., Case B. Masters M., (2024). The cryptoterrestrial hypothesis: A case for scientific openness to a subterranean earthly explanation for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. Philosophy and Cosmology. Volume 33. https://doi.org/
[3] Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (2023, October 18). Fiscal year 2023 consolidated annual report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: October 2023. The Department of Defense.
[4] Loeb, A. A., & Kirkpatrick, S. M. (2023). Physical constraints on unidentified aerial phenomena. Under Review.
[5] NASA. (2023, September 11). Webb discovers methane, carbon dioxide in atmosphere of K2-18 b. NASA.
[6] Madau, P. (2023). Beyond the Drake equation: A time-dependent inventory of habitable planets and life-bearing worlds in the solar neighborhood. ArXiv:2309.11927 [Astro-ph.EP].
[7] Sampson, B. (2023, July 11). Pulsar fusion to build nuclear fusion-fueled rocket engine. Aerospace Testing International.
[8] Williams, M. (2017, January 20). What is the Alcubierre “warp” drive? Universe Today.
[9] Loeb, A. (2023, August 29). The IM1 spherules from the Pacific Ocean have extrasolar composition. Medium.
[10] Frolov, V. P., Krtous, P., & Zelnikov, A. (2023). Ring wormholes and time machines. Physical Review, 108(024034), 1–25.
[11] Nolan, G., Vallee, J. F., Jiang, S., & Lemke, L. G. (2022). Improved instrumental techniques, including isotopic analysis, applicable to the characterization of unusual materials with potential relevance to aerospace forensics. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 128, 100788.
[12] Haramein, N. & Val Baker, A. K. F. (2019). Resolving the Vacuum Catastrophe: A Generalized Holographic Approach, Journal of High Energy Physics, Gravitation and Cosmology, Vol.05 No.02(2019), Article ID:91083, 13 pages
[13] Haramein, N. (2012). Quantum Gravity and the Holographic Mass, Physical Review & Research International, ISSN: 2231-1815, Page 270-292
[14] Val baker, A.K.F, Haramein, N. and Alirol, O. (2019). The Electron and the Holographic Mass Solution, Physics Essays, Vol 32, Pages 255-262.
[15] Haramein, N., Rauscher, E.A., and Hyson, M. (2008). Scale unification: a universal scaling law. Proceedings of the Unified Theories Conference. ISBN 9780967868776
[16] Nassim Haramein, Cyprien Guermonprez, & Olivier Alirol. (2023). The Origin of Mass and the Nature of Gravity. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.8381114.
[17] Sagan, C. (1980). Cosmos. Random House.