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14/05/2008
MoD Release 'X Files'
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has released classified information on unexplained aerial sightings for the first time.
The files dating back to the 1970s have been released on the National Archives' website today.
They include descriptions of alleged Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon - or Unidentified Flying Objects of 'UFOs' - and subsequent evaluations of reports.
Up to now, independent experts have concluded that there are logical explanations behind alleged UFO reports, such as aircraft or natural phenomena.
The MoD examines UFO reports to determine whether they could be aircraft illegally in UK airspace.
According to a Question & Answer brief on the report released by the National Archives, the MoD "does not doubt the genuineness of many people's interest in UFOs. However, it states that the MoD's own interest is limited to the "defence aspect".
The MoD believes that their investigations are necessary as "the maintenance of the integrity of UK air space requires that the Ministry of Defence should be satisfied that any UFO is not an intruding aircraft".
The Government does not consider that there is any justification for the expenditure of public money on a study of UFOs.
In the report, sightings are recorded at many RAF stations such as RAF Binbrook, RAF Staxton Wold and RAF Manston.
It is recorded that UFO's have been sighted with the naked eye "hovering over houses in Eastern Avenue North, Northampton" and one such object had "red flashing lights on the top".
It is also recorded that another object was "round in shape" and "colours varied between electric blue, green, red, orange and deep purple.
In a draft of a closing address in a UFO Debate in The Lords, it states: "Intelligent life could exist elsewhere in the universe. With 100,000 millions stars in our own galaxy alone, it is probable that there are many planets capable of supporting life."
But, the draft also added "even at the speed of light, it would take four years to reach the nearest star, and 100,000 years to cross our galaxy".
It concluded however "ufology may be a pleasant fantasy but has nothing to do with the truth".
Nick Pope, former UFO investigator at the Ministry of Defence and now independent expert on the unexplained has said that it is "interesting" that people have seen UFOs in built-up areas, not just desolate areas.
However he said that the most common explanations for UFOs were "aircraft lights, bright stars and planets".
Doctor David Clarke, an expert in UFO history said that conspiracy theories about aliens were "hard to disprove".
Director of Investigations at The British UFO Research Association, (BUFORA) Gloria Dixon, said: "It is crucial that we explore the way in which perceptions and beliefs influence how people observe things and to understand the inaccuracy of most observations of lights and objects that people perceive to be UFOs."
BUFORA has reported that an alleged secret meeting took place at the United Nations (UN) to discuss imminent alien disclosure in February.
For now though, there is no solid evidence to prove alien life exists, but maybe the truth is out there.
(DS)
The files dating back to the 1970s have been released on the National Archives' website today.
They include descriptions of alleged Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon - or Unidentified Flying Objects of 'UFOs' - and subsequent evaluations of reports.
Up to now, independent experts have concluded that there are logical explanations behind alleged UFO reports, such as aircraft or natural phenomena.
The MoD examines UFO reports to determine whether they could be aircraft illegally in UK airspace.
According to a Question & Answer brief on the report released by the National Archives, the MoD "does not doubt the genuineness of many people's interest in UFOs. However, it states that the MoD's own interest is limited to the "defence aspect".
The MoD believes that their investigations are necessary as "the maintenance of the integrity of UK air space requires that the Ministry of Defence should be satisfied that any UFO is not an intruding aircraft".
The Government does not consider that there is any justification for the expenditure of public money on a study of UFOs.
In the report, sightings are recorded at many RAF stations such as RAF Binbrook, RAF Staxton Wold and RAF Manston.
It is recorded that UFO's have been sighted with the naked eye "hovering over houses in Eastern Avenue North, Northampton" and one such object had "red flashing lights on the top".
It is also recorded that another object was "round in shape" and "colours varied between electric blue, green, red, orange and deep purple.
In a draft of a closing address in a UFO Debate in The Lords, it states: "Intelligent life could exist elsewhere in the universe. With 100,000 millions stars in our own galaxy alone, it is probable that there are many planets capable of supporting life."
But, the draft also added "even at the speed of light, it would take four years to reach the nearest star, and 100,000 years to cross our galaxy".
It concluded however "ufology may be a pleasant fantasy but has nothing to do with the truth".
Nick Pope, former UFO investigator at the Ministry of Defence and now independent expert on the unexplained has said that it is "interesting" that people have seen UFOs in built-up areas, not just desolate areas.
However he said that the most common explanations for UFOs were "aircraft lights, bright stars and planets".
Doctor David Clarke, an expert in UFO history said that conspiracy theories about aliens were "hard to disprove".
Director of Investigations at The British UFO Research Association, (BUFORA) Gloria Dixon, said: "It is crucial that we explore the way in which perceptions and beliefs influence how people observe things and to understand the inaccuracy of most observations of lights and objects that people perceive to be UFOs."
BUFORA has reported that an alleged secret meeting took place at the United Nations (UN) to discuss imminent alien disclosure in February.
For now though, there is no solid evidence to prove alien life exists, but maybe the truth is out there.
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Storm Bert will move east through the Northern Isles today. Though weakening it will still bring strong to gale winds to many in Northern Ireland and showers to all, these frequent, occasionally heavy across northern districts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Strong west to northwest winds easing overnight. Showers, most frequent during the evening and in north but dwindling overnight to leave most dry and bright come dawn. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
