Flight operations at Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Manipur were disrupted for several hours on Sunday (November 20) due to the sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) hovering above the airport. Officials stated that two flights were diverted and three departing flights were delayed before operations could resume, according to a statement from airport director Chipemmi Keishing.
Objects in the distant sky have long fascinated humans, sparking speculation about their nature and origins. Not all UFO sightings necessarily imply the existence of extraterrestrial life, as specific cultural beliefs may also contribute to the popularity of such ideas.
What are UFOs?
The US Air Force Declassification Office defines UFOs as “the popular term for any apparent aerial phenomenon whose cause cannot be easily or immediately identified by the observer.” The term was coined in 1952 by the Air Force and initially referred to unidentified flying objects under investigation, but it is now used more casually.
The US has shown a significant interest in UFOs, with former President Barack Obama acknowledging unexplained aerial phenomena in 2021. The US government also had involvement in activities such as Project Blue Book to investigate UFO sightings.
A recent government report remains inconclusive about UFO sightings, but noted patterns in the sightings and suggested that these objects could have various explanations besides extraterrestrial origins.
The heightened interest in UFOs emerged after World War 2, aligned with the Cold War tensions between the US and the USSR. The advancement of technology, such as rocketry and image capture, also contributed to this interest.
What about UFO sightings in India?
UFO sightings are not as significant in Indian culture, but the proliferation of technology has led to an increase in claims. Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray also contributed to the representation of aliens in Indian culture through his scripts and films.
Another term, UAP or Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, is now being used to refer to UFOs. NASA has commissioned a study team to examine UAPs from a scientific perspective, acknowledging the need for better data gathering and scientific scrutiny.
A recent official statement from the National Security Council also emphasized the impact of unexplained aerial phenomena on national security, calling for further investigation.
This is an edited version of an earlier explainer first published in July 2023.