Systematic collection and analysis by the government of data on mysterious observations in the sky could help Canada prepare for incidents better, such as the sudden appearance of several high altitude balloons above America two years ago, according to a report by the chief scientific advisor of Canada.
One of the balloons, which flew over western Canada at the beginning of 2023 before being killed off the American coast, apparently came from China and transported sophisticated equipment.
The balloons have aroused intense public speculation before disappearing from the cuffs.
The final report of the Ciel Canada project, of the scientific advisor, indicates that these incidents underline the importance of a government survey on what appears in the sky, and on the difficulty of distinguishing the natural phenomena of current technological devices and potential security problems.
The report, published this week, recommends that Ottawa designates a ministry or a federal organization to manage public data on celestial observations and set up a service responsible for collecting testimonies, investigating cases and publishing analyzes.
The report explores public fascination for unidentified flying objects and their association with extraterrestrial life for decades, and highlights a recent evolution towards a more nuanced concept of unidentified air phenomena (Pani).
Decrease disinformation
The document emphasizes that the evolution of terminology could alleviate skepticism and ridiculous that have sometimes surrounded UFO observations.
“Stigmatization can have important consequences, such as discourage witnesses from manifesting and hindering scientific research,” said the report.
“The adoption of the new, more global“ pani ”expression contributes to promoting transparency, an increased credibility and acceptance with regard to research within professional and scientific backgrounds and the general public. »»
The report reveals that if many observations can be attributed to optical illusions, to atmospheric phenomena or to human activity, a minority remains unexplained for a multitude of reasons, in particular the lack of reliable data which prevents a rigorous scientific analysis.
Unexplained observations arouse interest and can be a source of disinformation, which undermines public confidence, adds the document.
“When people are on several occasions to false stories, they can become skeptical about credible sources, including scientists, journalists and government institutions. »»
Since the start of the Cold War, unusual observations have drawn the attention of various federal organizations. The Defense Research Council also created in 1952 a committee called “Second Storey project” to examine the observations of “flying saucers” above Canada.
The report underlines that Transports Canada currently manages the daily report of civil aviation events (SCRQEAC), for incidents affecting air security, including pani observations, while Canadian royal aviation and the Ministry of National Defense can also receive reports through their operational networks.
In addition, police forces sometimes hear witnesses, and civil society organizations, such as Ufology Research of Manitoba and Mufon Canada, compile and analyze citizens’ data, according to the report.
However, there is no “coherent and standardized system of reporting and monitoring in Canada.
The report quotes the United States, France and Chile as interesting examples of coordinated, transparent and scientific approaches in terms of PAI reporting.
He indicates that the federal government should choose a reliable and recognized scientific organization, such as the Canadian space agency, to manage public data on observations.
The report also recommends that the responsible organization plays an important role in the disinformation fight by responding to requests from the public and the media concerning the observations, as well as by documenting and communicating the incorrecting interpretations of observations.
In addition, the data should be made available to the public for the sake of transparency and to support research.
The space agency did not answer a question concerning the time report for the publication of these lines, and the Ministry of Innovation, Sciences and Economic Development said that the Pani does not fall under its mandate.
“The adoption of more transparent communications and robust scientific methods will be an important step towards public education and the fight against disinformation,” says the report.
