Opinion Archives

The Pentagon Just Released Its Third Batch of UAP Files—What Have We Learned from the PURSUE Releases So Far?

Micah Hanks·June 14, 2026

What do the Pentagon's latest releases of UAP records reveal? The Debrief takes a look at what's in the new files, what's missing, and how it relates to public attitudes toward the UAP issue.

satellite mirrors twilight Rubin Observatory

Forever Twilight? Satellite Mirrors Could Create Artificial Daylight From Orbit, Impeding Astronomical Observations

Avi Loeb·March 7, 2026

A new proposed satellite constellation could turn the night sky into permanent twilight, Harvard professor Avi Loeb warns.

Building Safe AI Is Harder and More Urgent Than Our Leaders Realize—a Philosopher Explains Why

Michael Glawson, Ph.D.·August 31, 2025

Michael Glawson, Ph.D., argues that now is the time to eliminate the "blind spots" in the quickening development of artificial intelligence, before it's too late.

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Registration Act

A Well Regulated UAP Industry: Why ‘The UAP Registration Act’ is a Better Path to Disclosure

Sean Munger·April 27, 2025

In this op-ed, Sean Munger, an attorney and former Marine Corps intelligence analyst, introduces the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Registration Act (UAPRA).

Will the Declassification Task Force or President Trump Compel the DoD to Release its Trove of Unclassified UAP Videos?

Christopher Mellon·April 5, 2025

Christopher Mellon offers perspectives on the need for reducing unnecessary secrecy regarding the management of unclassified U.S. government videos of unidentifed aerial phenomena (UAP).

Where The Second UAP Disclosure Act Failure May Now Steer The Ark of Human History

J.P. Hague·December 19, 2024

J.P. Hague, Barrister-at-Law, returns to address the ongoing legislative path and outcome of the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act.

Galileo Project Releases Commissioning Data on Half a Million Aerial Objects: Are Any of Them UAP?

Avi Loeb·November 12, 2024

The Galileo Project has released the commissioning data from its first Observatory at Harvard University in a new scientific paper.

Opinion: IMMACULATE CONSTELLATION? Could The Government Really Hide a Secret UFO Program?

Tim McMillan·October 10, 2024

A new whistleblower says the U.S. has a secret UFO program, which begs the question, could the government really keep that kind of secret?

Return of the Monoliths: I Visited One of the Recent Monolith Sites. It Wasn’t What I Expected

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry·July 4, 2024

Mysterious monoliths are appearing around the world again. We sent The Debrief's Kenna Castleberry into the field to investigate.

Opinion: Non-Human Intelligence at the Threshold

Jacques Vallée·January 15, 2024

Computer scientist Jacques Vallée examines the question of non-human intelligence, and the potential impacts of human decisionmaking at the intersection of AI and UAP.

The National Security Implications of Space Militarization: A New Frontier for Conflict Prevention

Amanda Winstead·December 28, 2023

The escalation of space militarization in recent years calls for a closer examination of global security measures.

A Dramatic Dilution of the Disclosure Process: A Temporary Shore Break Against The Waves of Change?

J.P. Hague·December 22, 2023

J.P. Hague, Barrister-at-Law, offers an international perspective on the legislative path and outcome of the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Act of 2023, also known as the “Schumer Amendment.”

It’s Time to Think Beyond the Science and National Security Framework When It Comes to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

Michael Glawson, Ph.D.·December 3, 2023

Now is the time for us to begin taking a serious, multi-spectrum view of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).

Disclosure and National Security: Should the U.S. Government Reveal What It Knows About UAP?

Christopher Mellon·November 22, 2023

Should our elected officials seek out and initiate disclosure of information the U.S. government possesses about unidentified anomalous phenomena?

Regulation vs. Eminent Domain: An Alternate Approach to ‘The Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act of 2023’

Sean Munger·November 2, 2023

An attorney explores the ethical, legal, and practical challenges that may be associated with the current language that appears in the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Disclosure Act of 2023.

Why Is the United Kingdom So Far Behind on UAP Policy?

John Priestland·November 2, 2023

Despite official denials, there's evidence suggesting the UK government is still engaged in monitoring UAPs. Now is the time for a more transparent approach to foster understanding and support affected individuals.

Opinion: How Private Aviation Offers Practical Solutions For Technology and Business

Jordan Brown·October 2, 2023

From time efficiency to better overall health and safety, the benefits of private jet travel for technology business purposes go beyond luxury.

Stealth Extraterrestrial AI Probes: Reconsidering the UAP Mystery

Courtney Bower and Elizabeth Redmond·September 19, 2023

Could some UAP sightings represent stealth extraterrestrial AI probes? A pair of Cornell regional science students explore this hypothetical solution to the UAP Mystery.

AI-Powered Coding Revolution: ChatGPT, a Game Changer for Software Developers

Corey Gaspard·April 17, 2023

“Is ChatGPT coming for my job”? Some longtime developers are wondering... it's time to address the AI elephant in the room.

Opinion: The Power of Cooperation Can Help Us Solve the Mystery of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

Alex Dietrich·February 17, 2023

Retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot Alex Dietrich shares her thoughts on the power of cooperation in solving unidentified aerial phenomena.

Breakout Tech: Here Are Some of the Key Developments and Technologies to Watch in 2023

Clayton Morris·February 3, 2023

As we look at the technological advancements that lay ahead in the coming year, we’re faced with a time-honored question: at what cost?

Opinion: Let’s Bring the UAP Challenge Into the Light of Day

Jacques Vallée·January 14, 2023

Computer scientist Jacques Vallée shares his views on bringing the unique challenge UAP represents "out of the shadows and into the light of day."

As a Former Fighter Pilot Who Encountered UAP, We Need Science—Not Stigmas and Conspiracies—to Solve This Mystery

Ryan Graves·December 31, 2022

A major barrier to our understanding of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) is not just government secrecy: it’s stigma.

Can Elon Musk Really Be Our Hero?

Starlink can be a weapon against dictators, but is Elon Musk strong enough to wield it?

MJ Banias·October 18, 2022

A nation's fight rides on the whims Elon Musk. Is he our hero or will he inevitably be pulled by corporate interests?

Here Comes the October Surprise

The calendar says it’s not too late for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena to still be an issue in the U.S. midterm elections.

Bryce Zabel·September 23, 2022

The calendar says it’s not too late for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena to become an "October Surprise," and become an issue in the U.S. midterm elections.

Opinion: What Amnesty International Got Wrong in its Ukraine Endangering Civilians Claim

Tim McMillan·August 5, 2022

In accusing the Ukrainian military of unnecessarily placing civilians in harm, Amnesty International showed off remarkable unfamiliarity with military operations.

What Do They Know About Us?

As the U.S. military and scientific groups continue trying to learn about UAP, maybe we should consider what the phenomena could know about us.

Bryce Zabel·May 19, 2022

As the U.S. military and scientific groups continue trying to learn about UAP, maybe we should consider what the phenomena could know about us.

Opinion: When it Comes to the USAF and UAP, the Tide May Finally Be Turning

Robert Powell·February 7, 2022

Is the USAF beginning to show serious concern regarding the UAP issue? It could be that the tide is finally turning.

ANALYSIS: Were Sweden’s “Mystery Drones” Russian PSYOPS?

Tim McMillan·January 24, 2022

Authorities in Sweden have said that swarms of mystery drones repeatedly violated restricted airspace over several sensitive areas and government facilities for nearly a week. The incidents began on January 13, when an unidentified drone was spotted flying near Kiruna airport...

Canadians Hate Thanksgiving

And Four Other Bizarre Things I’ve Learned While Working at The Debrief

Christopher Plain·November 24, 2021

Christopher Plain celebrates Thanksgiving, Canadians, and four other bizarre things he has learned over the last year while working here at The Debrief.

The 5 Best Sci-Fi Bars in the World

The Debrief dives into the finest drinking establishments this side of Luna to meet your geeky party needs.

Matt Staples·October 27, 2021

The Debrief has you covered with our list of the top five science fiction-themed bars in the world, and yes- you can bring your phaser.

Forget Extraterrestrials: What if UFOs Were Piloted by Dolphins?

Crazy? Perhaps... but hear me out.

Jazz Shaw·July 29, 2021

While many scientists downplay the idea of extraterrestrials visiting Earth, looking at a seemingly crazy alternative hypothesis makes for an interesting thought experiment.

Pentagon Report Is Helping Prime Australia for Possible Future UAP Studies

A little more skittish to cover the topic, Australia may be getting comfortable with UFOs.

Violeta Matijević Bagia·July 28, 2021

A recent government report on UAP resulted in increased media attention, and individuals of high standing taking more interest in the topic.

Getting Around Conflicts with FTL Travel in Science Fiction

A Guest Post by author R. S. Penney and his ideas surrounding Warp and Interstellar Communication

R. S. Penney·July 6, 2021

FTL: if you want to write a space-opera, it’s pretty much a necessity. That’s why it’s such a bummer that warp is basically impossible.

Detailed Analysis of the Government’s Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

Tim McMillan·June 27, 2021

The Debrief has analyzed the Government's recent report on unidentified aerial phenomena with significant takeaways and predictions about what comes next.

What Really Happened to Japan Airlines Flight 1628 in 1986?

Jazz Shaw·June 7, 2021

On November 17th, 1986, Japan Airlines flight 1628 became involved in one of the most controversial UFO incidents of the 20th century.

Auditory Pareidolia: The Voices in Your Head Have a Rational Explanation

Jazz Shaw·May 25, 2021

Have you ever thought you heard voices or music in the midst of random noise? Then you have likely experienced the common form of sensory illusion known as audio pareidolia.

This Battlefield Has No WiFi: How Starlink Internet Can Alter Autonomous AI Military Systems

MJ Banias·May 11, 2021

As AI is used on the battlefield, poor internet access in remote areas can cause it to fail. Can Starlink internet solve this issue?

10 Military Encounters with Monsters That Make you Wonder “What the Hell?”

Zelia Edgar·May 10, 2021

Here is a top 10 list of the oddest military encounters with cryptids, ranging from the simply weird to the genuinely "what-the-hell?"

The Ethics of a Human-Monkey “Chimera” Embryo

Growing human organs is the future of organ transplant surgery. There is an ethical cost and are we willing to pay it?

Jazz Shaw·May 7, 2021

Researchers were able to produce more than a hundred "chimera" embryos for the purpose of potentially growing human organs for transplant.

Uncensored Satellite Internet Will Weaken Dictatorships

Low-orbit satellite internet can be weaponized against authoritarian states, and those regimes are getting jittery.

MJ Banias·April 20, 2021

Low-orbit internet satellites pose a problem for dictators because regulators can't control them, and they can provide an uncensored internet.

Were Those UAP Just “Drones and Balloons?”

Jazz Shaw provides his opinion on the recent release and coverage of the leaked UAP images.

Jazz Shaw·April 19, 2021

Are those latest images of UAP just "drones and balloons?" Journalist Jazz Shaw weighs in with his thoughts.

The Foo Fighters: Today’s Pilots Encounters with UAP Are Nothing New

World War II Pilots were among the first to have unusual aerial Encounters

Graeme Rendall·April 15, 2021

What were the "Foo-Fighters" that American night-fighter crews encountered over Europe and the Pacific during World War II?

Did You See What I Saw?: Discussing UFOs Can Be Difficult For Persons Of Color

Chris Blake·April 15, 2021

People of all races encounter the UFO phenomenon, but does race influence whether a witness is believed? The everyday experiences of minorities suggest this is likely the case and ufology suffers for it.

If Aliens Landed Tomorrow, Could We Communicate With Them?

An interview with Dr. Arik Kershenbaum, author of "The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy: What Animals on Earth Reveal About Aliens—and Ourselves."

Jazz Shaw·April 2, 2021

Are we alone in the universe? If not, would we even be able to communicate with aliens should the ever arrive? An interview with Arik Kershenbaum.

Scientific Advances are Ruining Science Fiction

Douglas Richards·March 17, 2021

Best-selling science fiction author Douglas Richards explains why our exponential technological development is ruining a literary genre.

Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” Frightened America and ‘Mars Mania’ Was Born

Mike Damante·February 18, 2021

Nothing burned "Mars mania" into our pop culture like Orson Welles and his live radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds."

Did We Find Life on Mars in 1976?

NASA Wasn't Convinced Back Then, But All Subsequent Missions Prove Mars Was Habitable Once

Christopher Plain·February 16, 2021

Since 1976, scientists have continuously found hints that Mars is habitable and even harboring forms of life deep under the planet's surface.

No, China Did Not Build A Time Machine

Jazz Shaw·February 15, 2021

Recently, a document surfaced stating that the Chinese were building a time machine. Alas, it was a hoax, but time travel happens all the time.

Can Humanity Build a Space Station on Ceres?

Jazz Shaw·January 22, 2021

Astrophysicist Pekka Janhunen has published a paper claiming that humans could be living on a space station orbiting Ceres.