UFOLOGY Glossary Series - A
A series to help people new to the topic understand the terms, concepts, and language used in the study of UFOs and alien phenomena.
The world of ufology is vast, mysterious, and often overwhelming for newcomers and seasoned researchers alike. With decades of reports, theories, terminology, and classifications, understanding the language of UFO research is essential for making sense of the phenomena.
This Ufology Glossary is designed to be a living, evolving reference guide for anyone interested in the study of unidentified flying objects, alien encounters, and the deeper mysteries of our universe. Whether you're exploring government disclosures, diving into abduction accounts, or just trying to decipher terms like “CE-5” or “anti-gravity propulsion,” this glossary is your companion through the strange and fascinating world of UFO phenomena.
Each entry is organized alphabetically and includes clear, concise definitions to help demystify the language used by researchers, experiencers, and theorists across the field.
We begin with the letter A, and from there, the glossary will continue to grow—entry by entry, mystery by mystery.
Abduction
The act of being forcibly taken by non-human entities, typically extraterrestrials, often involving medical examinations or psychological manipulation.
Abductee
An individual who reports being taken against their will by alien beings, often recalling the event through hypnosis or fragmented memories.
Alien
A non-human intelligent being, typically associated with extraterrestrial origins, but may also refer to interdimensional or ultraterrestrial entities.
Alien Autopsy
A purported medical examination of an extraterrestrial body, often referenced in leaked videos or alleged government footage, such as the infamous (and widely debunked) 1995 "alien autopsy" film.
Alien Hybrid
A being believed to be a genetic mix of human and alien DNA, often said to result from abduction-related experimentation or hybridization programs.
Alien Implant
A small object allegedly inserted into a human body during an abduction, believed to monitor, track, or influence the abductee.
Alien Species
Different types of extraterrestrial beings reported in Ufology, such as Greys, Reptilians, Nordics, and Arcturians, often classified by appearance, behavior, or origin.
Alien Technology
Advanced devices or materials believed to originate from extraterrestrial civilizations, sometimes claimed to have been recovered from crashed UFOs or shared through contact.
Anomaly
Any observation or event that defies conventional scientific explanation, often considered evidence of extraterrestrial or paranormal activity.
Anti-gravity Propulsion
A theoretical method of propulsion that counteracts gravity, often attributed to UFOs which appear to defy known laws of physics.
Astronaut UFO Sightings
Reports from astronauts who have claimed to observe unidentified flying objects or unexplained phenomena while in space.
Angel Hair
A fibrous, silken material said to fall from the sky during UFO sightings, which quickly evaporates or disintegrates upon contact.
Ancient Astronaut Theory
The hypothesis that advanced extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and influenced human history, religion, and technology.
Atmospheric Phenomenon
Natural occurrences in the sky (e.g., ball lightning, meteorological events) that are sometimes mistaken for UFOs.
Animal Mutilation
Mysterious deaths and dissections of livestock or wildlife, often attributed to extraterrestrials due to the surgical precision and absence of blood.
Astral Travel (related to alien encounters)
Out-of-body experiences reported during alien abductions or contact events, sometimes interpreted as non-physical forms of interaction.
Astronomical Explanation
A mundane explanation for a UFO sighting based on celestial objects like stars, planets, or satellites.
Alien Disclosure
The act of governments or credible institutions revealing information about the existence of extraterrestrial life and contact with alien beings.
Alien Agenda
A term referring to the supposed motives or long-term goals of alien beings, which may be benevolent, neutral, or hostile, depending on the account.
Alien Contactee
A person who claims to have been contacted by extraterrestrial beings, often conveying messages or warnings for humanity.
Alien Encounter
Any interaction or sighting involving an extraterrestrial being, ranging from visual observation to physical or telepathic contact.
Alien Intervention
The belief that extraterrestrials have directly influenced human affairs, including wars, technology, or evolution.
Alien Artifact
An object believed to originate from an extraterrestrial civilization, often found at crash sites or given to contactees.
Alien Visitation
The presence of extraterrestrial beings on Earth, either through spacecraft sightings, landings, or direct contact.
Alien Craft
Any vehicle or spacecraft believed to be piloted by alien beings, typically exhibiting flight capabilities beyond human technology.
Alien Abduction Syndrome
A set of physical and psychological symptoms reported by abductees, including missing time, flashbacks, sleep paralysis, and emotional trauma.
Alien Psychology
Theoretical study of the behavior, motives, and mental processes of alien beings based on abduction reports and alleged contact.
Alien Communication
Methods through which aliens allegedly communicate with humans, including telepathy, symbols, spoken language, or dream transmission.
Alien Physiology
Descriptions and theories about the biological makeup of alien species, often derived from witness reports or alleged autopsies.
Alien Base
A hidden or secret installation believed to house alien beings or craft, often claimed to exist underground, underwater, or on other celestial bodies.
Alien Hypothesis
The proposal that some unidentified flying objects are best explained as being of extraterrestrial origin.
Alien Conspiracy
The belief that governments and institutions are concealing the truth about alien life and UFOs from the public.
Alien Signal
A transmission or anomaly (such as the Wow! signal) believed to be a possible communication from an extraterrestrial intelligence.
Alienation (psychological effect of encounters)
A feeling of isolation or disconnection experienced by individuals following an alien encounter, often due to disbelief or ridicule from others.
Alien Taxonomy
The classification system used to categorize alien beings based on physical characteristics, behavior, and origin.
Alien Abduction Phenomenon
The overall body of reports, theories, and studies surrounding the experience of being taken by extraterrestrials.
Amnesia (Abduction-related)
The loss of memory surrounding the time of an abduction, often attributed to psychological trauma or intentional suppression by the abductors. Also known as lost time.
Alien Biological Entity (ABE)
A term used in military or governmental contexts to refer to a non-human lifeform believed to be of extraterrestrial origin.
Alien Encounter Syndrome
A collection of psychological and physiological effects reported by individuals after encountering an alien being.
Alien Genetic Experimentation
Claims that aliens conduct genetic manipulation or reproductive experiments on humans, often cited in hybridization theories.
Alien Observer Theory
The idea that extraterrestrials monitor humanity passively, avoiding direct contact but studying human development.
Alien Symbolism
Symbols or scripts reportedly seen aboard alien craft or transmitted telepathically, often with unknown meanings.
Alien Technology Retrieval
The alleged recovery of extraterrestrial devices or materials, typically by government or military forces.
Alien Energy Fields
Invisible or unknown energies allegedly emitted by alien beings or craft, sometimes linked to equipment failure or physical effects.
Alien Language
An unknown language used by extraterrestrials in communication, sometimes heard audibly or perceived telepathically.
Anthropomorphic Alien
An alien being with human-like features or characteristics.
Artificial Intelligence (extraterrestrial context)
Theorized non-biological lifeforms or consciousnesses created by alien civilizations, possibly piloting craft or acting as emissaries.
Artifact (Extraterrestrial origin)
An object found on Earth or in space believed to be created by alien intelligence.
Ascended Beings
Spiritual or metaphysical entities believed by some to be advanced extraterrestrials existing on higher planes of consciousness.