UFO Day

What Is UFO Day (Flying Saucer Day)?

June 24 is "UFO Day," also called "Flying Saucer Day," in Japan. On June 24, 1947, American businessman Kenneth Arnold, while flying his private plane near Mount Rainier in Washington State, reported seeing nine mysterious objects flying at high speed. This is regarded as the first UFO sighting report, and UFO researchers are said to have named the day in its honor.

What the Kenneth Arnold Incident Led To

Arnold's sighting was reported across the United States, and similar reports soon followed one after another.

• The term "flying saucer": Arnold described the objects as moving "like a saucer skipping over water." Newspapers turned this into "flying saucer," and the term spread.
• U.S. Air Force investigations: As reports increased, the U.S. Air Force carried out investigations such as Project Sign and Project Blue Book. The term "UFO" (unidentified flying object) also came into use in the Air Force around this time. Project Blue Book ended in 1969.

From "UFO" to "UAP"

In recent years, the U.S. government and NASA have used the term "UAP" (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) instead of UFO. The term covers phenomena not only in the air but also underwater and elsewhere, and is meant to support investigation without preconceptions. Since 2021, the U.S. government has released several reports on UAP. Many cases are said to be explainable as balloons, birds, drones, and the like, while some remain unidentified.

Interesting Facts About UFOs

• "Yūfō" vs. "U-F-O": In Japan, UFO is usually pronounced "yūfō," while in English it is usually spelled out letter by letter.
• Most sightings are misidentifications: Many UFO reports are thought to be bright planets such as Venus, weather balloons, meteors, or satellites. Recently, Starlink satellites flying in a line have also been mistaken for UFOs.
• The Fermi paradox: The question "If there are many intelligent civilizations in the universe, why haven't we met any?" is said to come from remarks by physicist Enrico Fermi.
• The Drake equation: Devised by astronomer Frank Drake in 1961, it is a formula for estimating the number of civilizations in our galaxy capable of communication.
• UFO Catcher Day: June 24 is also "UFO Catcher Day," established by Sega, the maker of the "UFO Catcher" crane game, in connection with UFO Day.

Ideas for UFO Day

• On a clear night, look up at the sky and watch for bright stars or moving satellites.
• Use a satellite-tracking website or app to find out when Starlink and other satellites will be visible.
• Enjoy a movie or book about UFOs.
• Ask coworkers, "Have you ever seen a UFO?" as a conversation starter.

A Day That Invites You to Look Up at the Sky

June 24 is the day a single 1947 sighting gave birth to the term "flying saucer." Whether the lights you see can be explained or not, why not spend a few minutes tonight gazing at the night sky?