Frequently Asked Questions
As the UK UFO Database grows, we know people will have questions about what the project is, where the data comes from, why some areas are members-only, and how the database is funded and maintained.
This post answers some of the most common questions about the project.
What is the UK UFO Database and how is it different?
The UK UFO Database is an independent archive of reported UFO and UAP sightings from across the United Kingdom.
The aim is to preserve reports, organise them in a consistent way, and make them easier to explore through searchable case files, filters and an interactive map.
The database is designed as a research resource for anyone interested in UFO sightings in the UK, whether they are researchers, journalists, experiencers, enthusiasts or simply curious.
We are different to other databases out there as we are 100% UK focused. Out database isn’t as comprehensive or well known as other ones, what we are aiming for is to be the number one source for research and information solely on what is happening in the United Kingdom, which on the whole is an under-reported area of the very USA-dominated UFO field.
Every single report on the database is manually inputted and checked by a member of the team and are represented as the witness reported it. Some sightings may only have one line of information, but if that’s all the witness reported then that it what will be included. We could easily run some script and have the database updated automatically with submissions and data from other sites but we want our database to feel personal and real.
Who runs the database?
The database is developed and maintained by UFO Identified, an independent UK-based UFO research project.
It is a grassroots project and is not operated by a government department, military organisation or large commercial research body.
Where does the sighting information come from?
Reports are compiled from a range of sources. At the bottom of this page is a list of these sources.
These can include witness submissions, historical case records, archived reports, media sources and other publicly available UFO reporting material.
Wherever possible, the original source of a sighting is retained within the case file so that users can understand where the information originated.
Does a case appearing in the database mean it is unexplained?
No.
A sighting being included in the database means that it was reported. It does not automatically mean that the object was extraterrestrial, paranormal or genuinely unexplained.
Some reports may eventually have conventional explanations, while others remain unresolved because there is not enough information available to reach a firm conclusion.
The purpose of the database is to document and preserve the reports rather than force a particular interpretation onto them.
Why are some map locations approximate?
Many sighting reports only provide a town, city or general area rather than an exact location.
In these cases, the marker on the map represents the reported area and should not be interpreted as the exact position of the witness or object.
Where several reports share the same location, some markers may also be slightly offset from one another so that individual cases can still be seen and selected on the map.
Why is some of the database members-only?
The interactive map, full searchable case archive and detailed sighting reports (as well as upcoming features) are available to members of the UK UFO Database.
Running a project like this has ongoing costs, including website hosting, development, database maintenance, research and the time involved in finding, checking, organising and preserving reports. We are not a big organisations, nor do we have a board of investors that will eventually want a return on their money, we are a small group of dedicated individuals who fund the work of UFO Identified out of our own pockets
Membership helps keep the project sustainable while allowing us to continue expanding the database.
What does membership include?
Members get access to the main research tools within the UK UFO Database, including:
- The interactive UK UFO sightings map
- The complete searchable case archive
- Individual detailed sighting reports
- Filters by location, date, year and object shape
- Nearby sighting information
- Future statistics and research tools as they are developed
- First access and discounted tickets to UFO Identified events and conferences
You can find out more about membership here:
How often is the database updated?
The database is an ongoing project, with new sightings added at least bi-weekly.
New reports, historical sightings, corrections and additional information will continue to be added as research progresses.
The goal is for the database to keep growing rather than remain a static archive.
Can I report a UFO sighting?
Yes.
If you have seen something unusual in the sky, you can submit a report to UFO Identified.
The more information you can provide, the better. Useful details include the date, time, location, duration, appearance of the object, direction of travel and whether any photographs or video were taken.
You can submit a report through UFO Identified:
Report a Sighting:
https://ufoidentified.co.uk/report-a-sighting
Can researchers or journalists use the database?
Yes. We welcome responsible research, media enquiries and collaboration.
If you are a journalist, researcher, documentary maker, podcaster or content creator and would like to discuss the database or a particular case, please get in touch.
Can I suggest a correction to a case?
Absolutely.
With a database containing thousands of reports, corrections and additional information are extremely valuable.
If you notice an incorrect date, location, source, spelling or other detail, please contact us and include the case number wherever possible.
How can I support the UK UFO Database?
The UK UFO Database is a grassroots, independent research project.
There is no large organisation or corporate research budget behind it. The website, hosting, database development, research and ongoing maintenance are supported by the people who use and value the project.
There are several ways you can help:
- Become a member
- Share the database with others
- Submit your own sighting
- Report corrections or additional information
- Follow and support UFO Identified
- Tell other researchers, podcasts or media outlets about the project
Every membership and every person who shares the project helps us continue building and preserving what we hope will become one of the most comprehensive records of UFO sightings in the United Kingdom.
Support the UK UFO Database by becoming a member
Will more features be added?
Yes.
The database is still actively being developed.
Future plans include expanded statistics, new ways of exploring the data, additional historical reports, improved research tools and further features for members.
The database will continue to evolve as the archive grows. This includes future sightings as well as sighting recorded prior to 2021 – however this isn’t a priority as we aim to focus on current-day sightings and information.
Sources
The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON)
National UFO Reporting Centre (NUFORC)
Northern Ireland UFOs (NIUFOS)
Swansea UFO Network (SUFON)
Birmingham UFO Group (BUFOG)
Bristol & Wales UFO (BWUFO)
UK UFO Sightings & Investigations (UFO S&I)
