The term UFOs, or unidentified flying objects, encompasses a wide array of phenomena, from glowing orbs to the stereotypical flying saucer. A UFO can be small or large, lighted or not. Contrary to popular belief, the UFO phenomenon did not start in the 1940s — while the modern era of UFO sightings began then, the phenomenon dates back centuries.
UFO researchers have collected evidence beyond mere sightings, from strange residues left on clothing and objects to pieces of metal retrieved from the bodies of UFO abductees. The physical evidence left behind by a UFO is often called "trace evidence." Much as crime scene technicians search for traces of criminal activity, ufologists search for leftovers from UFO encounters. Scientists from various fields have become involved in UFO research, aiding in the interpretation of trace evidence.
Click on a topic below to explore the UFO phenomenon:
Lisa A. Shiel, the founder of BPI, has seen UFOs on several occasions and documented those sightings in her book Backyard Bigfoot. The BPI sightings collection includes eyewitness reports of UFOs too. In one case, two teenage boys saw a cigar-shaped object as big as a house.
Do you crave more information, beyond the basics? Check out articles on the BPI blog or read Backyard Bigfoot by Lisa A. Shiel for deeper discussions of the UFO phenomenon.
click here— or buy from these retailers —
click here to buy it from Amazon.comclick here to buy it from
Barnes & Noble
— the Kindle e-book edition —
click here to buy the Kindleclick here to buy the Kindle
wireless reading device
— praise for Backyard Bigfoot —
"As informative as it is entertaining."
-Midwest Book Review
"Absolutely one of the best types of investigative reporting I've seen."
-Beverly Pechin, Reader Views
"Some of [Shiel's] explanations are ingenious."
-Andrew Grgurich, Marquette Mining Journal
"A brave voice of wondrous encounters."
-R. Lee, The Orange Orb
"Skillfully written...[Shiel] is daring in her approach."
-Thom Powell, author of The Locals