Top image: The Oppenheimer-Einstein report claims that alien UFOs on our planet is a fact known to the military.

An unidentified flying object, or UFO, in its most general definition, is any apparent anomaly in the sky that is not identifiable as a known object or phenomenon. Although its definition encompasses any unexplained aerial phenomena, in popular culture the term has generally become synonymous with an extraterrestrial spacecraft.

UFO imagery within a prehistoric cave painting.

UFO Sightings Throughout History

UFO sightings have been reported throughout recorded history and in various parts of the world, raising questions about life on other planets and whether extraterrestrials have visited Earth. They have become a major subject of interest, and the inspiration behind numerous films and books. However, sadly they are also the focus of intense ridicule. 

For decades there has been a move, deliberate or not, to diminish the importance of UFOs and create a public belief that UFOs are part of some form of elaborate hoax. Nevertheless, unexplained aerial observations of UFOs have been reported throughout history, from prehistoric times up until the present day.

Some ancient depictions of flying objects in the sky were undoubtedly astronomical in nature, most probably comets, bright meteors and planets that can be seen with the naked eye, or atmospheric optical phenomena such as lenticular clouds. An example is Halley's Comet, which was recorded first by Chinese astronomers in 240 BC and possibly as early as 467 BC. Such sightings throughout history often were treated as supernatural portents, angels, or other religious omens.

However, we cannot just assume that what our ancient ancestors saw and recorded on cave walls or in ancient texts were astronomical or environmental phenomena. Like today’s sightings, there appears to be a small percentage of sightings that are simply inexplicable. Many of the records existing from our ancient past certainly arouse curiosity, such as the prehistoric cave painting above.

The cave painting bears a striking similarity to images painted hundreds of years later in the 16th century Summer’s Triumph Tapestry . UFO imagery on this tapestry also ties in closely with modern-day UFO accounts. There are also the  Aboriginal cave paintings of the Wandjina sky beings , which appear to represent alien visitors.

Aboriginal Wandjina rock art on the Barnett River, Mount Elizabeth Station.

Mythology of Sky Gods as Early UFO Sightings

Proponents of the ancient astronaut perspective point to numerous myths and legends telling of so-called “ sky gods ” descending from the heavens, while historic texts dating back 4,000 years appear to describe flying spaceships. In the Vedic literature of India, such as the Rig Veda , the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana, there are many descriptions of flying machines called vimanas which were used in warfare in ancient times. The vimanas were said to be able to fly in the earth's atmosphere as well as into outer space, distant planets and be submerged underwater.

In the pyramids of Egypt, archaeologists have found hieroglyphs that resemble the UFOs that are described in sightings up to the present day. Centuries later, we have the pre-Columbian Quimbaya gold artifacts found in Central America, which appear to be perfect models of flying crafts. Later, in the medieval period, there was an abundance of art produced which appear to depict UFOs in the sky.

As debunkers correctly point out, none of these ancient depictions alone can be taken as conclusive evidence of the existence of extraterrestrial life . But they do, at the very least, raise the possibility that extraterrestrials have indeed visited Earth, and that just as people today regularly report sightings of unidentified objects in the sky, so to might our ancient ancestors have encountered objects that they could neither identify nor explain.

Detail of a 14th century painting entitled The Crucifixion, located above the altar at the Visoki Decani Monastery in Kosovo. It appears to depict a man in some kind of craft looking back over his shoulder.

UFO Scholarly Debate, Investigation and the Oppenheimer-Einstein Report

Considering the above, it therefore seems sensible that UFOs should be the subject of scholarly debate and scientific investigation. Instead, what we see today is an internet full of fake images, hoax videos, sensational Hollywood movies and misinformation that makes it virtually impossible for a legitimate researcher to separate fact from the very large haystack of fiction.

It also appears that our governments are not exactly forthcoming when it comes to offering information about their own research on the matter. We only need to look at the CIA announcement in August 2013 that Area 51 does exist, despite decades of denying its existence while brandishing anyone who dared to suggest it as a mere conspiracy theorist. Fortunately, there do exist some scientifically-driven organizations, such as SETI and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), which take an objective approach to the study of UFOs.

Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer in 1947.

This brings us to an unclassified top secret document written by Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical physicist, and Albert Einstein , a German theoretical physicist. Together they wrote a joint report entitled “Relationships with Inhabitants of Celestial Bodies”. The six-page document is the first archival evidence to use the phrase “Extraterrestrial Biological Entities” or EBEs. Dated June 1947, the Oppenheimer-Einstein report states that the presence of unidentified spacecraft is accepted as de facto by the military.

The Oppenheimer-Einstein report deals with issues related to UFOs and extraterrestrials: Where extra-terrestrials may come from, what the law say about it, what we should do in the event of colonization and/or integration of peoples, and why they are here. The document suggests that in the event that EBE's desire to settle here on earth there will be "profound change in traditional concepts" of law and the possible need for a new "Law Among Planetary Peoples."

Section of the 1947 Oppenheimer and Einstein report.

The Importance of the Oppenheimer-Einstein Report for UFO Scholarship

This document is important for two reasons. The first reason is that it addresses the possibility of life on other planets in a very logical and coherent way, before exploring what such a realization would mean. It also raises questions about why, if respected scientists such as Oppenheimer and Einstein are able to approach the subject in an academic way, are we unable to engage in such sensible discussion today?

The analysis presented by Oppenheimer and Einstein indicates that “disclosure” of extraterrestrial existence could cause irreversible damage to society. This raises the possibility that our governments today may already know of extraterrestrial existence but have considered the same issues raised by Oppenheimer and Einstein and ruled against public disclosure.

If humanity were told that that intelligent extraterrestrial beings not only exist but have been visiting our planets for thousands of years, what would happen. Could it be that confronted with such evidence would cause social upheaval in the domains of religion, society, law, and finance? If not addressed properly, could this cause chaos on planet Earth?

There are many questions that still need answers. The document suggests that EBEs could be more intelligent and technologically advanced than us, and asks why, if this were the case, they come to Earth in the first place? Would it be to conquer and inhabit Earth, to peacefully cooperate with humans, or to study us in the same way that we study any new species that we encounter? The document considers, if their civilization is more advanced than ours, how could a co-occupation of Earth be feasible?

Portion of the Oppenheimer and Einstein report, penned in 1947.

Can Humanity Handle Access to Advanced Extraterrestrial Technology?

Imagine the situation in which advanced technology is given to our civilization – powerful defense systems, unlimited energy, cloaking devices, space travel to other solar systems, instant transportation devices, and so on. Now considering the current state of our civilization and the people that govern it, what would such a release of technology mean? One word: Chaos.

Another reason that the Oppenheimer-Einstein report is important is because it addresses the presence of alien UFOs on our planet as a fact known to the military. It goes on to relate this knowledge to our invention of nuclear bombs – the single weapon that could eliminate life on Earth for many thousands of years.

It is not hard to understand that if UFOs are kept hidden from the public, it is for multiple reasons, which are logically addressed in this document. It is for these reasons, that we may never see a disclosure of extraterrestrial existence in our lifetime.

In the meantime, it seems that the most sensible approach is to keep an open mind. It is usually the case that a debate rages between two opposite extremes. One side wants to believe wholeheartedly that the cave art and mythological accounts are all descriptions of alien encounters and UFO sightings.

Meanwhile, the other side is so prepared to disbelieve that anything exists beyond the scope of their reason that they will ignore even the most blatant rendition. If scientists can overcome the ridicule and disparaging remarks that come with exploring the subject matter, perhaps one day we will find irrefutable evidence that UFOs and extraterrestrials do exist.