An Unidentified Flying Object, or UFO, is generally defined as any unusual phenomenon in the sky that cannot be identified as a known object or event. However, in popular culture, the term is often equated with extraterrestrial spacecraft.
Strange “Writings” of the Ancients
Many people believe they have seen UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), a phenomenon that has been documented throughout history and in various parts of the world. This raises questions about life on other planets and whether extraterrestrials have visited Earth. This topic garners significant interest and has inspired numerous films and books, while also being the subject of much ridicule.
For decades, there have been efforts—whether intentional or not—to downplay the importance of UFOs and steer public opinion towards viewing them as part of some clever hoax. Nonetheless, records signaling the presence of objects resembling what we now describe as UFOs have been documented from prehistoric times to the present day, and of course, no sufficiently satisfactory explanation has yet been provided.
Lenticular cloud phenomenon appearing at Mount Fuji, Japan. (Photo: Aerotime Hub)
Descriptions of flying objects from ancient times mainly relate to astronomical events, many of which could be comets, meteors, and planets visible to the naked eye, or they might simply refer to atmospheric phenomena such as clouds shaped like lenses.
One example is Halley’s Comet, which was recorded by Chinese astronomers in 240 BCE, with some accounts dating back to 467 BCE thought to describe the same comet. Such events throughout history were often regarded by the ancients as supernatural phenomena or omens steeped in superstition.
However, it cannot be assumed that everything our ancient ancestors observed and recorded on cave walls or in ancient texts were merely astronomical or environmental phenomena. Some records from ancient times genuinely pique our curiosity, as exemplified by the drawing below.
Image purported to depict a UFO in a prehistoric cave painting. (Photo: Ancient Origins)
These prehistoric cave paintings bear a striking resemblance to images painted centuries later on the Summer’s Triumph tapestry from the 16th century. The depiction of a UFO on this tapestry has many characteristics similar to those of modern-day UFO sightings. Additionally, there are cave paintings by Indigenous Australians depicting sky beings known as Wandjina, believed to be extraterrestrials.
The Summer’s Triumph tapestry.
Many Records but No Confirmation
Supporters of the ancient astronaut theory have pointed to numerous myths and legends that speak of so-called “gods from the sky,” while some historical texts dating back 4,000 years describe what could be interpreted as spacecraft. In the Indian Vedas, there are multiple descriptions of flying machines called vimanas used in ancient warfare. These vimanas were said to be capable of flying within Earth’s atmosphere as well as traveling into space, and even submerging underwater.
Image on Wandjina rock of Aboriginal people on the Barnett River, Elizabeth Station (Australia). (Photo: Graeme Churchard/CC BY 2.0).
Within the pyramids of Egypt, archaeologists have discovered hieroglyphs describing something akin to UFOs. Centuries later, artifacts from the Quimbaya civilization in pre-Columbian Central America (before significant European influence) were found, seemingly perfect models depicting the shape of aircraft. Then, in the medieval period, numerous artworks were created to illustrate UFO-like objects in the sky.
Researchers have pointed out that among these ancient descriptions, none can be considered convincing evidence of extraterrestrial life. However, at the very least, the collected records raise suspicions that extraterrestrials may have indeed visited Earth.
The Manuscript of Oppenheimer and Einstein
Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer in 1947. (Photo: James Vaughan/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Considering the above, it seems reasonable to argue that UFOs should be the subject of academic debate and scientific investigation. Instead, what we see today on the internet is often fabricated imagery, misleading videos, sensational Hollywood films, and unverified information about UFOs, making it nearly impossible for researchers to differentiate between real documentation and fictional products.
Countries also appear to be quite discreet regarding this issue. For instance, a statement from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in August 2013 confirmed that the military base Area 51 in Nevada (a location long speculated to harbor extraterrestrial secrets) indeed exists, despite decades of prior denial regarding its existence. However, there are scientific organizations, such as SETI and MUFON, that approach the study of UFOs objectively.
UFO – a scientific enigma across the ages. (Photo: Ancient Origins)
This brings us closer to a manuscript marked “Top Secret” written by two physicists, Robert Oppenheimer (USA) and Albert Einstein (Germany). They collaborated on a paper titled “Relationships with Inhabitants of Celestial Bodies.” This six-page document is the first archival evidence using the term “Extraterrestrial Biological Entities” (EBE). In June 1947, the Oppenheimer-Einstein manuscript stated that the presence of UFOs had indeed been acknowledged by the military.
The manuscript addresses potential issues related to UFOs and extraterrestrials when they make contact with Earth: Where might these aliens come from? What relationships might we have with them? What do laws stipulate regarding these entities? What should we do in the event they decide to coexist with humans or even intend to invade, and why are they appearing here?
The document also suggests that if “Extraterrestrial Biological Entities” wish to settle on Earth, there would need to be a “profound change in traditional concepts” of law, and there might even need to be a “Law Among the Peoples of the Planet.”
Many questions remain unanswered. The document posits that “Extraterrestrial Biological Entities” could be highly intelligent and possess advanced technology beyond our own, and if that is the case, why would they choose Earth as their destination? Would they conquer and inhabit Earth, coexist peacefully with humans, or study humanity in the same way we study any new life forms we encounter? If their civilization is more advanced than ours, is cohabitation on Earth feasible?
