American History Hit
UFOs in the US
Dec 2, 2024
Greg Eghgian, a Professor of History and Bioethics at Penn State University and author of 'After the Flying Saucers Came', dives deep into the fascinating world of UFOs. He discusses the origins of 'flying saucers' and how cultural perceptions have shifted towards 'unidentified aerial phenomena'. Eghgian explores the interplay between technological advancement and the increase in UFO sightings, examining historical contexts from the Cold War to modern-day. He also connects quantum physics theories to the mystery of extraterrestrial life, blending science with the unknown.
31:15
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Quick takeaways
- The evolution of terminology from 'flying saucer' to 'unidentified aerial phenomena' illustrates shifting societal perceptions regarding UFOs over time.
- Recent governmental openness to UFO reports marks a significant departure from historical stigma, promoting serious investigation of these encounters.
Deep dives
The Evolution of UFO Terminology
The evolution of terminology surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena reflects changing perceptions and attitudes over time. Initially, the term 'flying saucer' was popularized in the late 1940s, following media coverage of specific sightings. As the phenomenon expanded and investigations continued, the terminology shifted to 'unidentified flying object' (UFO) in the early 1950s, which was seen as a more general term. Most recently, 'unidentified aerial phenomena' (UAP) has been adopted to provide a broader understanding that avoids implications of physical objects or extraterrestrial beings.
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