How to Report a UFO or UAP Sighting

Quick answer

A useful UFO or UAP report records time, location, viewing direction, duration, weather, camera details, and the original file whenever possible. The strongest reports also check aircraft, satellites, planets, balloons, drones, and local events before claiming that the object is unexplained.

What to write down immediately

Write the report while the memory is fresh. Record the exact local time, date, location, viewing direction, elevation above the horizon, duration, movement pattern, apparent brightness, color, sound, weather, and whether other people saw the same thing. A rough sketch can help if it shows the horizon, buildings, stars, or aircraft paths used as reference points.

How to preserve media

If you recorded video or photos, keep the original files exactly as created by the device. Do not send only a social-media repost. Copy the original to a safe folder, note the device model, and preserve any separate audio or witness messages that establish time and context.

For analysis, the boring details matter: frame rate, exposure, focal length, stabilization, zoom level, file creation time, GPS metadata, and whether the camera was behind glass. These details often decide whether a light is extraordinary or simply misread.

Where to report

If the event involves immediate danger, suspected illegal drone operation, interference with aircraft, fire, injury, or a security threat, contact local emergency services or law enforcement first. In the United States, the FAA directs dangerous or criminal drone activity to local law enforcement first responders before aviation follow-up.

For archival reporting, submit structured information rather than conclusions. A good report says, 'I saw a silent amber light moving northwest for 90 seconds from this location at this time,' not only, 'I saw a UFO.'

Build a field record that can be checked

Write down the start and end time with time zone, precise observing location, compass direction, approximate elevation, weather, sound and how the object moved relative to buildings, stars or terrain. Describe each light separately before naming a shape. If safe, capture a wide unzoomed view, then a closer view, and keep the original file unchanged. Note the device, lens, zoom, exposure mode and any editing or platform compression. Ask other witnesses to record their accounts independently so later discussion does not standardize their memories.

Choose the correct reporting channel

Aviation hazards should be reported through the relevant air traffic or safety channel, not delayed for social media. U.S. military personnel follow their command reporting procedures, while AARO provides a secure mechanism for eligible current or former government personnel with direct knowledge of relevant programs. Civilian archive organizations can preserve non-emergency reports, but their forms and verification standards differ. Before submitting, read the privacy terms, decide whether your name may be published, and keep a copy of exactly what you sent. A report should distinguish direct observation from later inference and identify any media that is secondhand.