Not the X-Files: Mapping Public Reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Across America

There is growing interest among U.S. government, defense, and intelligence organizations about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) flying in U.S. airspace. Public reporting of UAPs may help government officials identify potential threats. In this report, RAND researchers examine where UAPs are being reported to increase awareness of the types of activities that might be mistaken for unexplained phenomena or that point to potential threats.