Annually observed on July 2nd, World UFO Day is a global event dedicated to cultivating interest in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and disseminating knowledge about these aerial mysteries. Initially, the day was marked on two distinct dates – June 24 and July 2. However, to prevent any confusion, the World UFO Day Organization (WUFODO) officially established July 2 as the official World UFO Day 1 2. Despite this, many individuals continue to recognize June 24 as an informal celebration of the event.
The inaugural World UFO Day took place in 2001, pioneered by UFO researcher Haktan Akdogan. The day also goes by the name of Flying Saucer Day, a tribute to the existence of UFOs.
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The Reason Behind Two Dates
June 24 is considered by some as World UFO Day, owing to the first globally acknowledged modern UFO sighting that took place on this day in 1947. American aviator Kenneth Arnold reported observing a sequence of nine gleaming UFOs flying past Mount Rainier at an estimated speed exceeding 1,932 kilometers per hour, marking the advent of modern-era UFO sightings.
On the other hand, July 2 is officially recognized as World UFO Day in memory of the Roswell incident – a sighting of a UFO in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. This event, when an alleged alien spacecraft crashed in the New Mexico desert, has sparked a plethora of conspiracy theories suggesting a U.S. government cover-up.
The Objective of World UFO Day
The principal motivation behind the observance of World UFO Day is to promote the “undeniable existence of UFOs” and the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life. The day also advocates for governments to disclose their knowledge on historical UFO sightings. It is believed that several governments, including the U.S., have acquired classified information on UFOs via their military divisions.
The defined aim of the July 2 celebration is to elevate awareness about the “undeniable existence of UFOs” and to push for governments to reveal their records on UFO sightings (source).
How to Celebrate World UFO Day
Believers in UFOs are encouraged to host their own gatherings on World UFO Day. Many individuals band together to watch the skies and participate in UFO-themed activities. Watching movies themed around UFOs and extraterrestrial life is another popular way to mark the day. Above all, people are urged to mentally extend an invitation to UFOs, signaling that they are welcome on Earth.
There are also creative ways to commemorate this enigmatic day. For example, hosting a “Welcome to Earth” party complete with alien and UFO costumes, space-themed refreshments, conducting personal research into UFOs and space exploration, or having a UFO movie binge.
UFO Sightings and Interactions
Following the Arnold and Roswell incidents, reported UFO sightings saw a substantial uptick, and the research into these reports gained momentum. American astronomer Josef Allen Hynek emerged as the U.S.’s leading UFO expert, developing a classification system for UFO encounters, which categorizes UFO interactions into three classes of “close encounters”.
A Close Encounter of the First Kind is an event where a UFO is simply observed, leaving no tangible evidence behind. A Close Encounter of the Second Kind refers to incidents where a UFO leaves physical evidence of its presence, such as ground burns or broken branches. A Close Encounter of the Third Kind denotes instances where an individual comes into contact with a UFO or another life form.
The Global Fascination with UFOs
The intrigue surrounding UFOs escalated during the 20th century. English author H.G. Wells contributed to this fascination with his 1898 science fiction novel, The War of the Worlds, which explores a fictitious conflict between humans and an alien race. In 1938, this book was adapted into a 60-minute radio episode by CBS Radio, narrated by Orson Welles. Part of The Mercury Theatre on the Air anthology series, the broadcast caused a stir among the radio audience, leading many to believe a Martian invasion was underway.
Wrap-Up
World UFO Day serves as a unique platform that unites people from all backgrounds to contemplate the enigmas of the cosmos. Whether you’re a skeptic or a firm believer, this day offers a chance to expand your perspectives, acquire new knowledge, and perhaps even spot a UFO. So, come July 2, keep your gaze skyward. You never know what may be revealed.
Reviewed by HolidayToday Staff
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