UFOLOGY Glossary Series - D
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.
Disclosure (UFO Disclosure)
The process of revealing or confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life or UFOs by government, military, or official sources. Disclosure is often associated with revelations regarding UFO encounters, crash retrievals, and contactee experiences.
Doomsday Prophecies (UFO Context)
Predictions associated with extraterrestrial beings, which often involve apocalyptic scenarios or the end of human civilization, frequently connected to UFO sightings or alien contact.
Disc (UFO Shape)
A common shape of UFO sightings, referring to a saucer-like craft with a round, flat body and a domed top, often associated with classic flying saucer descriptions.
Drone UFOs
Small, autonomous or semi-autonomous UFOs, often described as having a smooth, disk-like shape. They are believed to be reconnaissance vehicles or unmanned craft used by extraterrestrials.
Dimensional Shift
A theory that UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters may be explained by interdimensional travel, where beings or craft come from alternate dimensions rather than distant planets.
Doppelganger (UFO Connection)
The appearance of a double or copy of a person, often linked to alien encounters where the duplicate may act as a decoy or a replacement.
Direct Contact
Physical or telepathic communication with extraterrestrials, involving either face-to-face encounters or messages transmitted mentally.
Declassified UFO Documents
Official documents released to the public that provide information or evidence regarding UFO encounters, alien sightings, or government investigations into these phenomena.
Dynamic UFOs
UFOs that display unusual or erratic flight patterns, often defying conventional principles of aerodynamics, gravity, and propulsion.
Dumbbell UFO Shape
A type of UFO reported as having a shape resembling a dumbbell or elongated cylindrical form, sometimes described as two rounded ends connected by a narrow middle section.
Dull UFOs
A term used to describe UFOs that have a matte or non-reflective surface, unlike the shiny or metallic appearances typically reported.
Dr. J. Allen Hynek
An American astronomer and ufologist who initially served as a scientific advisor to the U.S. Air Force’s UFO investigation project, Project Blue Book. Hynek is known for developing the Close Encounter classification system.
Disembodied Voices (UFO Encounter)
Voices heard during UFO encounters, often reported by abductees or witnesses of UFO sightings. These voices may communicate telepathically or seem to emanate from the craft itself.
Dogfight (UFO and Aircraft)
A term used to describe a high-speed, aerial confrontation between a UFO and a military aircraft, often reported by pilots and radar operators.
Dimensional Beings
Entities or creatures theorized to exist in alternate dimensions, sometimes linked to UFOs or extraterrestrial encounters, suggesting that these beings may not originate from other planets but other planes of reality.