By Eric Lagatta | Source

Public discussion of UFOs – the strange airborne craft that many people associate with extraterrestrials – is resuming once again to Capitol Hill.

But whether the objects are piloted by little green aliens isn’t necessarily at the forefront of the minds of the slate of experts who are set to appear Thursday, May 1 for a day-long event. Instead, the experts in science, defense and technology will focus on how understanding the unexplained phenomena that has long captivated the public could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.

The event comes less than six months after four witnesses testified in Congress about their knowledge of UFOs, which the government now calls unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP.

This time, though, speakers won’t be testifying under oath at a full-blown Congressional hearing. Instead, the event hosted by the UAP Disclosure Fund will feature public briefings with members of Congress on the topic of UFOs.

The briefings “will give Congress a science-first look at unidentified anomalous phenomena and why they matter for national security and U.S. innovation,” Yuan Fung, executive director of the UAP Disclosure Fund, said in a statement to the USA TODAY Network. “Our goal is to replace speculation with evidence-based discussion so lawmakers can legislate from facts.”

Here’s what to know about the May 1 briefing and how to watch it:

What does UFO mean?

UFOs are short for unidentified flying objects, and are also commonly referred to by officials as unidentified anomalous phenomena or UAP. The new term is not only less stigmatized than UFOs, but is general enough to reflect that many of the objects in question are seen not just in the air, but the water.

What is the UFO briefing?

The briefing “will examine the implications of UAP for science, national security, and innovation,” according to an event description.

“In an era marked by rapid advancements in aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence, thesignificance of UAP has transitioned from fringe curiosity to a matter of central importance,” the DIsclosure Fund said in promoting the event to the public.

Three of those scheduled to appear during the briefing testified in November 2024 before subcommittees of the House Oversight Committee.

That includes Luis Elizondo, a  a former military intelligence official who will moderate all three planned discussions.

Also appearing is Michael Gold, a former NASA associate administrator; and Timothy Gallaudet, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.