Landmark cases
The cases on the record
A small, curated set of the most-documented UAP events — the ones that reached hearings, official investigations or the front page. Each is logged as an event that took place, with its primary or most reputable source. What it was is left open; the record is what we show.
2004Pacific Ocean off Southern California, USAUSS Nimitz “Tic Tac” EncounterNavy pilots and radar operators from the USS Nimitz carrier group reported an unidentified fast-moving object, captured in an infrared video the Department of Defense later released.Videos officially released by the U.S. DoD; object characterized as “unidentified”1997Phoenix, Arizona, USAThe Phoenix LightsOn one evening, large numbers of people across Arizona reported unusual lights in the sky, in what witnesses and researchers describe as two separate events.Later lights attributed to Air National Guard flares; earlier formation unresolved1989–1990Eupen region, BelgiumBelgian UFO WaveA period of numerous public reports of large, slow-moving triangular objects over Belgium, during which the Belgian Air Force scrambled two F-16 jets after radar contacts.Investigated and publicly reported on by the Belgian Air Force1986Eastern interior Alaska, USA (near Fort Yukon)Japan Air Lines Flight 1628The crew of a Japan Air Lines cargo 747 over Alaska reported unidentified lights and objects accompanying their aircraft, prompting an FAA review.Reviewed by the U.S. FAA (records later released)1980Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, United KingdomRendlesham Forest IncidentU.S. Air Force personnel stationed at RAF Woodbridge reported unexplained lights in nearby Rendlesham Forest over two nights.Documented in UK Ministry of Defence files (the “Halt memo”)1976Tehran, IranTehran F-4 Phantom EncounterThe Imperial Iranian Air Force scrambled two F-4 Phantom jets toward an unidentified bright object over Tehran, with crews reporting instrument and communications disruptions.Recorded in a declassified U.S. DIA intelligence report1957Levelland, Texas, USALevelland, Texas SightingsMultiple motorists near Levelland independently reported a glowing object and vehicles whose engines and lights briefly failed.Documented in Project Blue Book1952Washington, D.C., USAWashington D.C. Radar SightingsOver two consecutive weekends, radar operators and pilots reported unidentified returns and lights over the Washington, D.C. area.Documented in Project Blue Book
Curation favours events with a primary or official record (government and congressional documents, military releases, agency investigations) or, where those are absent, well-corroborated contemporaneous reporting. Inclusion is not endorsement of any explanation — only that the event is documented.