Toward a Reliability Scale for Assessing Reports of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP)
Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Tony Reichhardt
Universe
Summary
Astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuch (TU Berlin) and science journalist Tony Reichhardt propose a systematic reliability scale for evaluating UAP sighting reports, enabling researchers and the public to distinguish credible signals from noise. The framework categorizes reports by evidence quality factors: observer count, corroborating evidence quantity, whether witnesses attempted conventional explanations first, and whether the evidence has undergone expert analysis. Published in Universe (MDPI) in 2025 - a very recent methodology contribution pairing naturally with Ammon 2024 on UAP research standards.
Abstract
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena observations have been documented throughout history, yet their underlying nature remains unclear. The authors propose a rating scale to differentiate between credible signals and unreliable noise when evaluating UAP sighting reports. This tool aims to assist both professionals and the general public in identifying cases deserving further study versus easily explainable occurrences. The framework categorizes reports based on evidence quality factors including observer count, supporting evidence quantity, and whether witnesses attempted conventional explanations for their observations before reporting them. The categorization emphasizes cases where evidence has undergone expert analysis. The scale is intended as a practical instrument for triage in UAP research, enabling systematic comparison across reports and supporting more rigorous scientific engagement with the phenomenon.
Citation
Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Tony Reichhardt. (2025). Universe. DOI: 10.3390/universe11100326
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