Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong cover image

Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong

Myth of the Month 23: UFOs

Nov 19, 2023
Exploring the controversial topic of UFOs from a historical perspective, separate from debunking. Examining UFOs as a modern myth and the difficulties in understanding them. World War II encounters with UFOs and the Foo Fighters. Historical UFO sightings in Germany and the context of the gunpowder revolution. Analyzing Diana Walsh Passalca's book on UFOs and the contradictory nature of beliefs. Investigative projects and government cover-ups in UFO sightings. Limitations of UFO evidence and the importance of documents and eyewitness testimony. Government use of UFOs as a distraction and the power struggle involved. The influence of social factors on perceived truth. Parallels between microbes and unresolved UFO mystery.
02:45:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • UFO sightings have occurred throughout history, displaying consistent characteristics across different eras and cultures.
  • The rise of UFO sightings in the mid-20th century may be linked to advancements in nuclear technology and changing worldviews.

Deep dives

Historical UFO Sightings: The Foo Fighters

During World War II, sightings of strange luminous objects in the sky, referred to as Foo Fighters, were reported by pilots. These objects, often described as shiny or luminous spheres or balls, exhibited high speeds, tracked alongside planes, and made sharp turns. Multiple witnesses independently reported these encounters. The phenomenon was distinct from mainstream astronomy and was not explained by natural occurrences like ball lightning or meteorological events. Despite their widespread occurrence during the war, the sightings received little attention at the time and have remained relatively obscure in popular consciousness.

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