Startalk Radio – Are They Here? with NASA UAP Chair, David Spergel

Intro

In this episode of Startalk Radio, host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews David Spergel, the chair of the NASA independent study team on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs). They discuss NASA’s role in understanding UAPs, the challenges in studying them, and the need for better data and scientific investigation. Join them as they delve into the fascinating world of UAPs and the quest for understanding these mysterious phenomena.

Main Takeaways

NASA’s Mission and Role in Understanding UAPs

• NASA has tasked the team to understand and contribute to the study of UAPs.
• The team’s mission is narrower than other committees, focused on identifying NASA’s role in understanding UAPs.
• The team’s job is not to resolve every UAP sighting, but to determine how NASA can contribute to understanding them.
• NASA’s job is to understand UAP sightings and determine how they can contribute to understanding them.

The Importance of Skepticism and Replication

• Scientists are trained to ask questions and not agree with each other, promoting healthy skepticism.
• Claims that are extraordinary require verification and replication in labs throughout the world.

Data Quality and Artifact Misinterpretation

• Lack of data quality is a major issue in reports on UAPs.
• Artifacts in images can be mistaken for real objects.
• F-16 camera produced a triangle-shaped optical effect due to the sun’s light bouncing around.
• Properly characterizing instruments is crucial to understanding the data obtained.

The Stigma and Reporting of UAP Sightings

• Fear of stigma and ridicule prevents people from reporting UAP sightings.
• Stigma makes it difficult for researchers to gather data on UAP and understand what they are.
• Stigma makes it difficult for pilots to report anomalies, particularly for commercial and military pilots.
• Military has made an effort to change that culture, resulting in higher UAP reports in the last two years.

The Role of Citizen Science and High-Quality Data

• Collecting data in a systematic way is important.
• Developing apps for people’s cell phones can help collect data on unusual sightings.
• High-quality images with multiple angles are needed to study UAPs scientifically.

Understanding Anomalies and the Need for Better Data

• Anomalies are events that cannot be easily explained or identified.
• Once an anomaly is explained, it is no longer considered anomalous.
• To understand anomalies, you need to identify what’s there and find anomalies and understand them.
• Anomalies merit investigation and we need better data on lots of wavelengths and observations.

Summary

NASA’s Role in Understanding UAPs

NASA has established an independent study team to understand and contribute to the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs). Unlike other committees, the team’s mission is focused on identifying NASA’s role in understanding UAPs rather than resolving every sighting. NASA’s job is to understand UAP sightings and determine how they can contribute to understanding them.

The Importance of Skepticism and Data Quality

Scientists are trained to ask questions and promote healthy skepticism. Claims that are extraordinary require verification and replication in labs throughout the world. Lack of data quality is a major issue in reports on UAPs, and artifacts in images can be mistaken for real objects. Properly characterizing instruments is crucial to understanding the data obtained.

The Stigma and Reporting Challenges

Fear of stigma and ridicule prevents people, including pilots, from reporting UAP sightings. This stigma makes it difficult for researchers to gather data and understand what UAPs are. However, efforts have been made to change the culture, resulting in higher UAP reports in recent years.

The Role of Citizen Science and High-Quality Data

Collecting data in a systematic way is crucial for studying UAPs. Developing user-friendly apps for cell phones can help gather data on unusual sightings. High-quality images with multiple angles are needed to study UAPs scientifically.

Understanding Anomalies and the Need for Better Data

Anomalies are events that cannot be easily explained or identified. Once an anomaly is explained, it is no longer considered anomalous. To understand anomalies, it is important to identify what’s there and find anomalies to investigate. Better data collection on various wavelengths and observations is necessary.

Conclusion

As the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs) continues, NASA’s independent study team plays a crucial role in understanding these mysterious phenomena. By addressing challenges such as data quality, stigma, and the need for better data, scientists aim to unravel the secrets behind UAP sightings. Through skepticism, replication, and the wisdom of crowds, we can hope to gain valuable insights into the nature of UAPs and their implications for our understanding of the universe.