Changes

The word 'UFO' stands for 'Unidentified Flying Object', but has come in general usage to mean a spaceship from outer space, piloted by [[aliens]], or non-human [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrials]]. UFOs are often believed to be in the shape of flying saucers, but many other shapes have been reported, such as cigar shapes and triangles. The first modern sighting was made in 1947 by US pilot Kevin Arnold. Arnold's description of "flying saucers" entered the public imagination. That summer a flying saucer was alleged to have crashed at a town called [[Roswell]], complete with miniature humanoid occupants.  “Lights in the sky” however have been observed for centuries.

The word 'UFO' stands for 'Unidentified Flying Object', but has come in general usage to mean a spaceship from outer space, piloted by [[aliens]], or non-human [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrials]]. UFOs are often believed to be in the shape of flying saucers, but many other shapes have been reported, such as cigar shapes and triangles. The first modern sighting was made in 1947 by US pilot Kevin Arnold. Arnold's description of "flying saucers" entered the public imagination. That summer a flying saucer was alleged to have crashed at a town called [[Roswell]], complete with miniature humanoid occupants.  “Lights in the sky” however have been observed for centuries.

Many alleged sightings have been made, with about 150 sightings reported every day.  90 to 95 percent of these can be explained as natural or man-made phenomena.  The remaining 5 to 10 percent (8 to 15 reported sightings every day) cannot. Many people report abduction experiences as well.

Many alleged sightings have been made, with about 150 sightings reported every day.  90 to 95 percent of these can be explained as natural or man-made phenomena.  The remaining 5 to 10 percent (8 to 15 reported sightings every day) cannot. Many people report abduction experiences as well. However, these individuals are often influenced by the media's portrayal of aliens in such shows as [[Star Trek]], and may base their reconstructed memories on these mental images.

Many alternative explanations for the abduction phenomena have been put forward by a number of people. Among the most prominent of these is "sleep paralysis," a sleep-related disorder which can induce sensations very similar to those reported in abductions, posited by [[Carl Sagan]], well-known for his thoughts on [[extraterrestrial life]]. Many conservative Christians believe that UFOs can be explained by 'false messiahs and false prophecies' as predicted to come by Christ.

Many alternative explanations for the abduction phenomena have been put forward by a number of people. Among the most prominent of these is "sleep paralysis," a sleep-related disorder which can induce sensations very similar to those reported in abductions, posited by [[Carl Sagan]], well-known for his thoughts on [[extraterrestrial life]]. Many conservative Christians believe that UFOs can be explained by 'false messiahs and false prophecies' as predicted to come by Christ.