UFO Day

What Is UFO Day (Flying Saucer Memorial Day)?

Every year on June 24, people mark "UFO Day." It commemorates the historical event of June 24, 1947, when American businessman Kenneth Arnold spotted mysterious objects flying at high speed near Mount Rainier in Washington State. This sighting gave rise to the term "flying saucer" and triggered the global UFO phenomenon as a social topic. It's a day to deepen our scientific curiosity about unidentified flying objects and reflect on the vastness and possibilities of the universe.

The Historical Facts Behind the "Kenneth Arnold Incident"

The history of UFOs traces a path from this sighting report to modern scientific investigation.

• The birth of the term "flying saucer": As a matter of fact, Arnold described the objects' motion as "like a saucer skipping across water." The media reported this as "flying saucers," and as a matter of fact, the phrase became a fixed image worldwide.
• The start of military investigations: This incident prompted the US Air Force to launch official UFO investigations such as "Project Sign" and "Project Blue Book." As a matter of fact, from a national defense standpoint, the military began scientifically and systematically analyzing unidentified objects.

Modern Scientific Facts About UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena)

In recent years, "UFO" has been replaced with the term "UAP," and the topic has become a subject of scientific and academic research.

• From "UFO" to "UAP": As a matter of fact, NASA and the US Department of Defense now use the terms "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena" and, more broadly (including phenomena observed underwater), "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena." This is a logical renaming meant to remove preconceptions and enable fact-based scientific analysis.
• Release of official government reports: As a matter of fact, since 2021 the US government has released several investigative reports. Some include records of objects exhibiting physical behavior that is difficult to explain with current aviation technology, and efforts to scientifically resolve these as "national security issues" are accelerating.

[Scientific diagram of optical illusions in the sky and infrared footage analysis of UAPs]

Interesting Facts About UFOs

• The Fermi Paradox: "If advanced civilizations exist in the universe, why haven't we had contact?" As a matter of fact, when you scientifically calculate the age of the universe and the number of stars, the logical conclusion that life should be common is one of astronomy's great mysteries.
• The scientific reasons behind "misidentifications": Many UFO sightings are, as a matter of fact, natural phenomena such as the planet Venus, weather balloons, or meteors. In recent years, satellite constellations like Starlink have increasingly been mistaken for new types of "mysterious lights."
• Optical phenomena and perceptual bias: As a matter of fact, under certain weather conditions, refracted light can make it appear as though an intangible object is floating in the air—phenomena known as "pareidolia" or "mirages." Psychologically, the brain tends to fit ambiguous information into familiar shapes, such as a disc.
• The Drake Equation: As a matter of fact, there is a scientific formula for estimating the number of communicative intelligent civilizations in our galaxy. While the probability of each factor remains unknown, it's an important tool for logically reflecting on the question of our cosmic solitude.
• The International UFO Research Institute: As a matter of fact, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan is home to the "International UFO Research Institute," which scientifically collects and analyzes a large number of sighting reports—a unique example of blending regional revitalization with scientific inquiry.

Tips for Spending UFO Day

• To mark "June 24 (UFO Day)," take a good look at the night sky. Identifying the movement of certain stars or satellites as a matter of fact deepens your understanding of astronomy and offers an intellectually refreshing break from daily stress.
• Read the latest UAP investigation reports from NASA or government agencies. Checking primary sources for yourself, rather than relying on speculation, helps update your "scientific literacy" for distinguishing fact from fiction.
• Cultivate tolerance for the "unknown." Through the topic of UFOs, accept that countless truths in the world remain unexplained. Use this as a chance to break down the fixed ideas of the new fiscal year and embrace flexible, creative thinking.
• Check the latest space exploration news. Share the newest images captured by Mars rovers or the James Webb Space Telescope. Recognizing the vastness of the universe as a matter of fact puts your own worries into perspective and contributes to your mental well-being.

The "Unknown Possibilities" Spreading Beyond the Familiar Sky Push Back the Boundaries of Your Thinking and Grant You the "Intellectual Wings" to Freely Imagine an Unseen Future

June 24 is a day for our imagination to leave the small confines of Earth and journey into the boundless universe. Ever since Kenneth Arnold looked up at the sky in astonishment that day, humanity has continued to ask, "Are we alone?" As the new fiscal year keeps you busy with daily realities, have you forgotten to look up? Today, put down your phone and gaze at the wide sky. There you'll find both the brilliant truths science will one day reveal and the boundless space in which your dreams can grow. A bit of room in your heart to enjoy a mystery without an answer can make your life deeper and more vivid.