Guidelines for witnesses observing a UFO/UAP sighting

UFO = unidentified flying object
UAP = unusual aerial phenomenon

During the Sighting or Event:

Remain calm

  • Ensure your own safety and that of others present.
  • Stop what you are doing and observe.

Get other witness observations

  • If others are present or nearby, have them confirm what you are observing.
  • If nobody else is present, and if a phone or cell-phone is directly handy, call someone nearby or in the area to confirm /witness what you are observing.
  • Do not discuss the event with them until after everyone has recorded their own observations in some way.

Determine important details

  • If possible, note the exact start time of the sighting or event.
  • Keep watching the UFO/UAP. 
  • Try not to move from the spot you are observing from unless you have to in order to keep the UFO/UAP in sight.  It will help you to more accurately determine the extent of the object’s movements if you are still.
  • Note any terrestrial objects in the field of view, or any activity that can help determine compass directions, direction of movement, distance and size of the UFO/UAP eg. landmarks, houses, groups of trees, hills.  Was it in the next field or further away?  Was it at tree-top height, or several hundred feet in the air? 
  • A rough size of the object/light can be estimated by holding a thumb out at arms length to use as a measure.  How big was the light/object in relation to an object such as a coin, tennis ball etc. 
  • Turn your hand horizontally at arms length and count the number of fingers required as a measure of elevation of the object from the horizon.  This indication is useful to the UFOCUS NZ investigator to ascertain approximate height and elevation.
  • Avoid looking directly at artificial lights that may distort your vision (street lights, car lights, moon)
  • Note the end time of the event and date.  

Use a video camera or camera to record the event

  • DO NOT use ‘zoom’, as this will distort the footage, and will likely exclude important landmarks or geographical features relevant to the movements/event.
  • DO NOT delete any photos from a digital camera memory card, in case it is needed for analysis.  Photo negatives are required for analysis.
  • Stabilize the camera for better quality footage.
  • Try to include terrestrial objects in the frame/video (eg. telegraph poles, corner of a roof, landmarks, trees etc as this helps us to ascertain height, position etc).
  • If you do not have a visual recording device, then draw pictures/diagrams of what you saw as soon as possible after the event.

Voice record your sighting

  • If you cannot record visually, perhaps you have a tape recorder or dictaphone.  Describe the event as it happens including reference points and details outlined above.
  • If you cannot voice record, write down your observations immediately afterwards.

Record any close encounter

  • If you encounter any kind of occupant associated with the sighting, attempt to remain at a safe distance.  If possible, videotape or photograph the occupant or object.
  • Draw and write down a description of the occupant as soon as possible afterwards when it is safe to do so.
  • Take photos or video of any kind of direct physical effects you may have experienced from close proximity.
  • Contact a doctor if you are in pain or concerned for your well-being, or that of others.

Leave the area untouched

  • If the UFO leaves some trace of its presence, do not disturb this area and restrict access to the site if possible.
  • Photograph or video the area of the site from outside the trace area and make notes of the position of any features.
  • Take videos or photos of other kinds of evidence/objects, but do not touch it.

Following the Sighting or Event

  • Write down as many details of what you observed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after the event, while it is still fresh and accurate in your mind.
  • This includes making any appropriate sketches, maps, drawings of objects, figures, occupants etc.  You don’t need to be a great artist – it is all helpful.
  • Note any distinct sounds, smells, or other phenomena that may be directly associated with the event (eg. car stalling, power failure, unusual animal behaviour).
  • Record the names and contact details of any other witnesses if possible, and encourage them to submit a Sighting Report Form to us also.
  • Be objective.  Check out our ‘Reality check’ page.  We do not jump to the conclusion that a UFO/UAP is necessarily of unknown or extraterrestrial origin.  UFOCUS NZ carries out a process of elimination of possible logical or conventional causes of a sighting in our investigation procedures. 

Report your experience

  • Immediately report the event to UFOCUS NZ.  Some of our investigation procedures are dependent on prompt reporting.
  • Complete UFOCUS NZ’s Sighting Report Form, and
  • Email it to us with drawings, photos etc, on attachment to: ufocusnz@xtra.co.nz  
  • Or post completed form and accompanying drawings, footage or photos to:

      UFOCUS NZ
      PO Box 624,
      Tauranga.

ET phones home ....... a paddock near Nelson.

 

Back to Top