Let us take a geeky approach to this mystery and see if we can come to a conclusion.
This is basically a mathematical problem with a binary solution set.
Solution 1: Aliens are here hanging about
Solution 2: Just a lot of natural phenomena and wishful thinking.
Lets first take a look at Solution 1.
1. Aliens are here yet we have no absolute proof they of their existence. That must mean they don't want to be detected or else they would simply show up in Washington, Paris etc...
2. From all those alledged encounters and sightings we can conclude that the aliens are compulsive gamblers. They definitely don't want to be discovered yet they seem to risk detention constantly. Have you ever met a compulsive gambler? Odds are (no pun intended) he doesn't have the resources for interstellar travel.
3. If aliens are true then our governments are covering it up. There is an actual equation that will give you the chances of a secret being kept. It is a function of time passed and the number of people who originally knew the secret. Assuming that the government has known about aliens since 1947 - then the odds of that secret not being exposed are astronomical.
4. Aliens are here and they crashed at Roswell. What we found from the Roswell debris was wood that wouldn't burn and foil that kept its shape memory. Wooooh. wood with glue on it may not burn right away and tin foil will occasionally unrap itself if you crumple it a certain way. Naturally if you wanted to fly to another star system you would build your craft from bulsa wood and foil. Yep, ET is here.
Solution 2
1. All sightings and encounters are natural phenomena and unexplained hallucinations. Project bluebook already concluded that 95% of the sightings could be explained. An extra 5% does not seem at all unreasonable. Scientists can recreate abduction like dreams by stimulating certain areas of the temporal lobe. Basically almost every event can be explained away except why so many members forget their passwords.
All things being equal I will stick with Solution 2. Yes it would be cool to think that aliens are here (although not very sporty of them to take out our shuttle), but it appears much more plausable that it is a lot of wishful thinking just like religion.
Now why does the Air Force have a section where you fill out Unidentified Flying Objects? For national security reasons - it is possible that object can be an ememy missile or plane.
Have to go check my stats. Its been a few minutes... Saturdays are always good
-TNVEric.