WORLD UFO DAY
World UFO Day commemorates two separate dates June 24 and July 2 on the National Day Calendar. The June 24 date recognizes the first widely reported UFO sighting in 1947 by aviator Kenneth Arnold. The July 2 date commemorates the incident that took place the same year in Roswell, New Mexico.
#WORLDUFODAY
All around the world, unusual lights in the sky or strange occurrences keep humans always curious about otherworldly beings. Movies and television series keep our imaginations alive, as well. It's no surprise conspiracy theories are also prominent when it comes to UFOs. World UFO Day recognizes our curiosity about life from another dimension.
Before 1947, written record of humans sighting unusual, but unexplained objects in the sky existed. However, after the Arnold and Roswell incidents, reports increased dramatically. As a result, the investigations of these unusual sightings drew ratings on a scale.
Astronomer Josef Allen Hynek began studying the sightings and eventually wrote several books about his UFO research. In fact, Hynek would create The Hyneck Scale, which would rank sightings by proximity, from Nocturnal Lights to Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
During the 20th century, the world's fascination with objects in the sky definitely increased. Before the 1947 sightings, H.G. Wells published a story that later became a radio play. Its broadcast across the airwaves had some frightening results! The War of the Worlds, published in 1898 and later broadcast by CBS radio in 1938 made many of the radio audience believe they were under attack by Martians. Narrated by Orson Welles, the drama stirred imaginations.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldUFODay
Look to the skies and see if you can spot an Unidentified Flying Object. Review videos and photos of unexplained objects in the sky and see if you can find a scientific reason for them. Watch a movie from out of this world. Maybe enjoy a meal from an alien-themed restaurant. Visit any number of UFO museums, particularly Rosewell, New Mexico. Use #WorldUFODay to share on social media.
WORLD UFO DAY HISTORY
World UFO Day is observed on June 24 and July 2. The creators of the July 2nd event launched it to raise awareness of UFO sightings and remove speculation from them.