What are UFOs? | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

Can science reveal the secrets of mysterious objects seen in our skies? Official website: https://to.pbs.org/3C7GZaW #novapbs For decades UFOs have captivated the public, even as many scientists saw them as too taboo to investigate. Now, after highly publicized sightings of unidentified objects by Navy pilots, UFOs are moving out of the shadows and into the light, as NASA pledges to study them scientifically. So what does science have to say? Though some are identified as balloons or drones, weather phenomena, or optical illusions, others remain mysterious. Could they be the result of secret new technology developed by other governments – or our own? And what would it take for alien engineers to traverse vast distances to send probes or visit Earth from other solar systems? Explore the evidence, as astrophysicists and engineers use new technologies to investigate the strangest objects in our skies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:02 Early UFO Sightings and Explanations 12:46 Most Famous UAP Sightings 34:47 Government Cover-Ups Cause Conspiracy 39:01 Collection Scientific Data to Investigate Theories 49:52 Conclusion © 2025 WGBH Educational Foundation All rights reserved This program was produced by GBH, which is solely responsible for its content. This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station here: https://pbs.org/donate/ Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2QbtzhR We want to hear from YOU! 🌌👋 We're conducting a survey ➡️ https://bit.ly/496vqge which helps us understand our audience's interests and what you want to see more of on YouTube. It takes about 5-7 minutes, and we are so grateful for your input! Stay up to date on the latest science discoveries, full episodes, articles, videos, and more by signing up for NOVA's newsletter here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/newsletter/ FOLLOW US: NOVA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/novaonline Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVApbs ​ X: https://twitter.com/novapbs ​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novapbs/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@novapbs PBS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBS/ X: https://twitter.com/PBS/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PBS/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/PBS/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pbs Flying discs, flying sauces, ufo sightings, project blue book, UAPs, the gimbal sighting, New Jersey drones, tic tac sighting, Area 51 Calling all NOVA superfans to join our new community! Get access to exclusive content, badges, emojis and more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjHz5SVHeMT0AViCYZvsGDA/join Shop official NOVA 50th anniversary merch: https://nova-shop.org/