This week, the potential discovery of signs of biosignatures in the atmosphere of a distant planet has aliens on the minds of many scholars. Meanwhile, a recently published study, “Exploring expert figures in alien-related UFO conspiracy theories” investigates how “expert figures”—including scientists, self-proclaimed researchers, and UFO witnesses—are used to legitimize alien-related conspiracy theories online. But what do these findings really indicate about conspiracy theories about UFOs, as well as academic views toward the UAP subject?

This week on The Micah Hanks Program, we look at how key findings in the new study point to concerning trends that have recently emerged in the UAP research community, as well as potential biases in academic ideas toward the subject. We also look at the myth of the "UFO expert," NASA's lack of progress in UAP, and much more. 

Have you had a UFO/UAP sighting? Please consider reporting your sighting to the UAP Sightings Reporting System, a public resource for information about sightings of aerial phenomena.

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Show Notes

Below are links to stories and other content featured in this episode:

• NEWS: Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88 
• Joe Nickell, Paranormal Investigator and ‘Real-Life Scully,’ Dies at 80
• Hegseth shared detailed military plans in second Signal chat that included his wife and brother
• The White House has begun process of looking for new secretary of defense 
• ALIENS? Strongest hints yet of biological activity outside the solar system 
• UFO CONSPIRACY: Exploring expert figures in alien-related UFO conspiracy theories
• New Film The Age of Disclosure Alleges Government Cover-Up of UFOs, but BU Expert Is Skeptical

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