unknown
Aliens Visiting Earth?
The question of alien visitations to Earth is considered a valid question and worthy of further scientific study, according to one physicist. This query of alien visitation stems from a broader question that asks whether we humans are alone in the universe.
Last Updated on September 21, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The question of “Aliens Visitations to Earth,” is now considered valid and is worthy of further scientific study, according to Kevin Knuth, Associate Professor of Physics, University at Albany, State University of New York. He recently published a June 28,2018 article on The Conversation about this very topic.
This query of alien visitation stems from a broader question that asks whether we humans are alone in the universe.
An answer in the affirmative presents a sad and rather depressing thought, not to mention the utter loneliness of being the only life in this vast universe.
If the answer is that we are definitely not alone, and that we are just a small part of a vast intergalactic neighborhood teaming with life, then our reaction would range from absolute glee to extreme horror.
Let’s talk about alien visitations…
Is it impossible for extraterrestrials to visit us here on Earth? We are relatively new to the game of space travel, so we tend to equate our current lack of ability to other possible alien civilizations… ” if we can’t do it, then it’s impossible for them too.”
Possible alien response to that statement would probably be with eye rolls, “Primitive amateurs!”
Since the dawn of civilization, people reported to have seen something odd in the sky at one time or another. From the Romans seeing a burning shield, to Ezekiel’s observation of a craft that had the characteristics of a wheel, in the middle of a wheel, or the sighting of mysterious airships floating over 19th Century San Francisco. All of those early accounts of unknowns in the skies could be easily explained away as a misunderstanding of normal meteorological or celestial occurrence. But, there’s possibly no logical explanation as well.
In the post-World War 2 years, there was a sudden technological boom in aerospace and computers due to a competition with our new enemy, the Soviets. Sightings of unknown objects in the sky were on the rise, and a new term was coined by a businessman and pilot, Kenneth Arnold, “Flying Saucers,” because he reported spotting a group of unknown craft zooming over Mt. Rainer in Washington state which resembled saucers skipping across water.
In 1953, the United States Air Force (USAF) decided to coin the term UFO as a catch-all for any report of unknown aerial objects performing any maneuver, including, standing stock-still in the sky.
When someone mentions the term, UFO, most people automatically think of alien space pilots on sight-seeing tours, hovering over our cities, and abducting earthlings to study.
UFO means Unidentified Flying Object, which is a far cry from alien spacecraft.
During those early years, the USAF officially began investigating UFOs through various studies starting with Project Sign in 1948, and ending with Project Blue Book which ceased operations in December 1969, stating that UFOs were not a Treat to National Security and there was no correlation to an extraterrestrial intelligence.
Although there are governments in other nations who are officially investigating UFOs, like France, Germany and the UK. Project Blue Book was the last official US government study investigating UFOs. Since then, investigation of the UFO phenomenon was handled through civilian organizations like NICAP, APRO, and MUFON.
Was 1969 the last time our United States Government officially investigated UFOs? Well, no.
In late 2017, it was reported in the New York Times that back in 2007, the Department of Defense had revealed that $22 million out of their $600 million budget was spent on the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program was formed to study UFOs. It was run by a Pentagon official, Luis Elizondo, who eventually quit his leader role in the program due to lack of funding and to also protest the extreme secrecy that was placed on the investigations.
Also, in late 2017, three videos were released by the Pentagon of UFO encounters captured with forward-looking infrared cameras mounted on F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets.
Such disclosures energizes those of us who believe that there should more scrutiny to such claims, especially when it involves professionals in aviation. But is it enough to prove the existence of extraterrestrials?
The late Carl Sagan once said this about the possibility of extraterrestrials visiting Earth, “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
What that statement means to me is that you as an eyewitness can claim to see a UFO, that ultimately turns out to be an actual alien spacecraft. You could actually meet an extraterrestrial, and have an exchange of ideas and you filled them in on Game of Thrones. Then you end the meeting with a few selfies with your new Alien BFFLs, would not be enough to ultimately prove the ETs are visiting Earth.
If we can’t rely on the government for the answers or the proof, then it’s time for a change. Who will tackle this issue? Who will find the answers to a subject that has been perplexing us for generations?
After his resignation from the AATI, Luis Elizondo joined the To the Stars Academy of Arts & Science, a study of UFOs and space travel with was founded by former Blink-182 band member Tom DeLonge, a group of scientists, aerospace engineers and others who will explore the outer edge of science” and technology.
Hopefully, there will be some serious scientific study, soon.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Former President Barack Obama recently sparked headlines, social media debates, and a fresh wave of UFO chatter after a brief remark during a podcast interview. The comment quickly ricocheted across news outlets, with many asking: Did Obama just confirm aliens exist? And just as quickly, Donald Trump weighed in.
Let’s unpack what was actually said — and what it means.
🎙️ The Comment That Ignited the Conversation
During a rapid-fire question segment on a podcast hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama was asked directly:
“Are aliens real?”
Obama’s response:
“They’re real, but I haven’t seen them.”
That short answer fueled immediate speculation. Clips spread online, often stripped of context, with some interpreting the statement as a bombshell confirmation of extraterrestrial life.
🧠 What Obama Meant
Soon after the comment gained traction, Obama clarified his meaning.
His explanation aligned with a position he’s expressed before:
✔ He was referring to the statistical likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe
✔ He was not claiming evidence of alien visitation
✔ He emphasized that during his presidency he saw no proof of extraterrestrial contact
In other words:
Obama was speaking philosophically and scientifically — not revealing classified information.
This interpretation matches mainstream scientific thinking: given the size of the universe, life beyond Earth is plausible, but confirmed evidence remains elusive.
🛸 Why the Comment Resonated
The remark landed in a cultural moment where:
• Interest in UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) is high
• Government transparency around UFO reports has increased
• Space exploration discoveries (exoplanets, water worlds) dominate science news
Even a casual statement from a former president can ignite intense discussion.
🇺🇸 Trump’s Reaction
Former (and current political figure) Donald Trump responded critically.
Trump characterized Obama’s comment as:
• A “mistake”
• Potentially involving “classified information”
He also reiterated his own stance:
He does not know whether aliens are real.
Trump pivoted the conversation toward disclosure, suggesting he would support or consider declassifying UFO/UAP-related files — a theme that has periodically surfaced in political rhetoric.
⚖️ Politics vs Interpretation
Trump’s reaction highlights how statements about extraterrestrial life often become political flashpoints, even when the original comment is speculative or philosophical.
Key distinction:Obama’s Clarification Public Interpretation Life elsewhere is likely “Obama confirmed aliens” No evidence of contact “Government disclosure”
🔬 The Scientific Reality
Organizations like NASA and the broader research community maintain:
✅ Life beyond Earth → statistically plausible
❓ Intelligent civilizations → unknown
❌ Confirmed alien contact → no verified evidence
Investigations into UAPs consistently conclude:
• Most sightings have conventional explanations
• Some remain unresolved due to limited data
• None confirmed as extraterrestrial craft
🌌 Why These Stories Keep Captivating Us
Conversations about aliens sit at the intersection of:
✨ Science
🧠 Curiosity
🛸 Mystery
🎭 Pop culture
🏛️ Politics
When a former president comments, the intrigue multiplies.
📌 Bottom Line
Did Obama say aliens are real?
Yes — but in the sense that life elsewhere in the universe is likely, not that aliens are visiting Earth.
Did he claim evidence?
No.
Trump’s response?
Critical, skeptical, and framed around classification and disclosure.
If you’re fascinated by this topic, you might also enjoy exploring:
• How scientists search for alien life
• What counts as real “evidence”
• Why UFO sightings are so often misinterpreted
Want me to craft a follow-up article like “How Close Are We to Discovering Alien Life?” 🚀👽
Related Links & Further Reading
- NASA – Search for Life
- NASA – Exoplanet Exploration
- SETI Institute – Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
- U.S. Department of Defense – UAP Reports
- How Close Are We to Discovering Alien Life?
- What Are UAPs? Explained
- A Brief History of UFO Investigations
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Authors
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
unknown
Fact Check: Did Mike Rogers Admit the Travis Walton UFO Case Was a Hoax?
A fact check of viral claims that Mike Rogers admitted the Travis Walton UFO case was a hoax. We examine the evidence, the spotlight theory, and what the record actually shows.
Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
In recent years, viral YouTube videos and podcast commentary have revived claims that the 1975 Travis Walton UFO abduction case was an admitted hoax. One of the most widely repeated allegations asserts that Mike Rogers, the logging crew’s foreman, supposedly confessed that he and Walton staged the entire event using a spotlight from a ranger tower to fool their coworkers.
So, is there any truth to this claim?
After reviewing decades of interviews, skeptical investigations, and public records, the answer is clear:
There is no verified evidence that Mike Rogers ever admitted the Travis Walton incident was a hoax.
Where the Viral Claim Comes From
The “confession” story has circulated for years in online forums and was recently amplified by commentary-style YouTube and podcast content, including popular personality-driven shows. These versions often claim:
Rogers and Walton planned the incident in advance
A spotlight from a ranger or observation tower simulated the UFO
The rest of the crew was unaware of the hoax
Rogers later “admitted” this publicly
However, none of these claims are supported by primary documentation.
What the Documented Record Shows
No Recorded Confession Exists
There is no audio, video, affidavit, court record, or signed statement in which Mike Rogers admits staging the incident.
Rogers has repeatedly denied hoax allegations in interviews spanning decades.
Even prominent skeptical organizations do not cite any confession by Rogers.
If such an admission existed, it would be widely referenced in skeptical literature and would have effectively closed the case. It has not.
The “Ranger Tower Spotlight” Theory Lacks Evidence
No confirmed ranger tower or spotlight installation matching the claim has been documented at the location.
No ranger, third party, or equipment operator has ever come forward.
No physical evidence or corroborating testimony supports this explanation.
Even professional skeptics typically label this idea as speculative, not factual.
Why Skepticism Still Exists (Legitimately)
While the viral claim lacks evidence, skepticism about the Walton case is not unfounded. Common, well-documented critiques include:
Financial pressure tied to a logging contract
The limitations and inconsistency of polygraph testing
Walton’s later use of hypnosis, which is controversial in memory recall
Possible cultural influence from 1970s UFO media
Importantly, none of these critiques rely on a confession by Mike Rogers, because none exists.
Updates & Current Status of the Case
As of today:
No new witnesses have come forward to confirm a hoax
No participant has recanted their core testimony
No physical evidence has conclusively proven or disproven the event
Walton and Rogers have both continued to deny hoax allegations
The case remains unresolved, not debunked.
Why Viral Misinformation Persists
Online commentary formats often compress nuance into dramatic statements. Over time:
Speculation becomes repeated as “fact”
Hypothetical explanations are presented as admissions
Entertainment content is mistaken for investigative reporting
This is especially common with long-standing mysteries like the Walton case, where ambiguity invites exaggeration.
Viral Claims vs. Verified Facts
Viral Claim:
Mike Rogers admitted he and Travis Walton staged the UFO incident.
Verified Fact:
No documented confession exists. Rogers has consistently denied hoax claims.
Viral Claim:
A ranger tower spotlight was used to fake the UFO.
Verified Fact:
No evidence confirms a tower, spotlight, or third-party involvement.
Viral Claim:
The case was “officially debunked.”
Verified Fact:
No authoritative body has conclusively debunked or confirmed the incident.
Viral Claim:
All skeptics agree it was a hoax.
Verified Fact:
Even skeptical researchers acknowledge the absence of definitive proof.
Viral Claim:
Hollywood exposed the truth in Fire in the Sky.
Verified Fact:
The film significantly fictionalized Walton’s testimony for dramatic effect.
Bottom Line
❌ There is no verified admission by Mike Rogers
❌ There is no evidence of a ranger tower spotlight hoax
✅ There are legitimate unanswered questions about the case
✅ The incident remains debated, not solved
The Travis Walton story persists not because it has been proven — but because it has never been conclusively explained.
Related External Reading
- Travis Walton UFO Incident – Wikipedia
- Travis Walton Interviews – Coast to Coast AM
- Fire in the Sky (1993) – IMDb
- MUFON – Mutual UFO Network Case Files
- NICAP – National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena
- Skeptical Inquirer – Scientific Analysis of Paranormal Claims
- U.S. National Archives – UFO & Government Records
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Daily News
Metro Board to Consider Locally Preferred Alternative for Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
Metro Board will consider Modified Alternative 5 as the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project on January 22, 2026, a major step toward improving transit between the San Fernando Valley and LA’s Westside.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the Metro Board will consider selecting a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. This milestone could significantly improve mobility options between the San Fernando Valley and the of Los Angeles.
Proposed Alternative
After a technical evaluation and reviewing more than 8,000 public comments from the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) period, Metro staff has proposed Modified Alternative 5 as the LPA. This underground heavy rail line would run between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and the E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station with a key connection to the G Line at Van Nuys Boulevard.
Modified Alternative 5 combines the benefits of Alternative 5—high ridership, frequent service, and shorter station construction sites—while avoiding geographic challenges in the Santa Monica Mountains. It also incorporates connectivity advantages from Alternative 6 along Van Nuys Boulevard, reducing the overall project length and anticipated costs, and increasing direct connections to Metro’s growing transit network.
Next Steps
If approved, Metro would advance project development for the LPA, including:
- Evaluating phasing and the Public/Private Partnership (P3) delivery model
- Identifying value engineering opportunities
- Refining designs to allow G Line connection at Van Nuys Boulevard
- Continuing environmental review and community outreach
Public Participation
Residents, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to provide feedback:
- Attend in person: Sign up on the tablets in the Metro Headquarters lobby before 9:45 AM.
- Email comments: BoardClerk@metro.net (comments received before 5 PM on January 21, 2026, will be sent to the full Board)
- Watch live: boardagendas.metro.net
Why This Matters
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project will connect the San Fernando Valley to the Westside, addressing the natural barrier of the Santa Monica Mountains and relieving congestion on the I-405. It will provide a fast, safe, and reliable alternative to the freeway and strengthen LA’s regional transit network.
Disclaimer: Station locations and construction timelines are subject to change. Project availability may vary. Public input is encouraged before final decisions are made.
Continuing Coverage: STM Daily News will continue to follow developments surrounding the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, including Metro Board decisions, environmental review updates, community input opportunities, and the project’s long-term impact on transportation across Los Angeles.
For the latest updates, in-depth reporting, and transportation-focused coverage, visit STM Daily News.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
