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Introduction

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Introduction

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Introduction

The increasing frequency of reported aerial phenomena and recent legislative developments have brought unprecedented attention to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). As discussions of these events become more prevalent in public discourse, technical policy, and aviation safety contexts, it is crucial to understand the precise terminology used to describe and classify these occurrences.

The increasing frequency of reported aerial phenomena and recent legislative developments have brought unprecedented attention to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). As discussions of these events become more prevalent in public discourse, technical policy, and aviation safety contexts, it is crucial to understand the precise terminology used to describe and classify these occurrences.

The increasing frequency of reported aerial phenomena and recent legislative developments have brought unprecedented attention to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). As discussions of these events become more prevalent in public discourse, technical policy, and aviation safety contexts, it is crucial to understand the precise terminology used to describe and classify these occurrences.

Purpose of this Guide

Purpose of this Guide

This resource serves as an authoritative reference for understanding the terminology surrounding UAP and related phenomena. Whether you're an aviation professional, policymaker, researcher, or interested citizen, this guide will help you navigate the complex landscape of terms used to describe unusual aerial activities.

The Evolution of Terminology

The shift from "UFO" to "UAP" represents more than a simple change in nomenclature. This transition reflects a broader scientific and policy-focused approach to investigating and understanding unusual aerial phenomena. The term "UAP" encompasses a wider range of observations and provides a framework for systematic study and classification.

Note:

The term "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena" has the meaning given such term in section 1683(n) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373(n)), as amended by section 6802(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

Note:

The term "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena" has the meaning given such term in section 1683(n) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373(n)), as amended by section 6802(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

Note:

The term "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena" has the meaning given such term in section 1683(n) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373(n)), as amended by section 6802(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

Why Terminology Matters

Why Terminology Matters

Recent events, including numerous reports of unidentified objects in U.S. airspace, have highlighted the importance of precise terminology. The distinction between UAP, drones, and other aerial phenomena has significant implications for:

  • National security response protocols

  • Aviation safety reporting

  • Scientific investigation

  • Policy development

  • Public understanding

Recent events, including numerous reports of unidentified objects in U.S. airspace, have highlighted the importance of precise terminology. The distinction between UAP, drones, and other aerial phenomena has significant implications for:

  • National security response protocols

  • Aviation safety reporting

  • Scientific investigation

  • Policy development

  • Public understanding

Current Context

Current Context

With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the U.S. government has established formal definitions and reporting requirements for UAP. These developments make it more important than ever to understand the specific meanings and applications of UAP-related terminology.

With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the U.S. government has established formal definitions and reporting requirements for UAP. These developments make it more important than ever to understand the specific meanings and applications of UAP-related terminology.