By Marcia Dunn
NASA held its first public meeting on UFOs Wednesday a year after launching a study into unexplained sightings.
The space agency televised the hourslong hearing featuring an independent panel of experts. The team includes 16 scientists and other experts selected by NASA including retired astronaut Scott Kelly, the first American to spend nearly a year in space.
Several committee members have been subjected to “online abuse” for serving on the team, which detracts from the scientific process, said NASA's Dan Evans, adding that NASA security is dealing with it.
“It’s precisely this rigorous, evidence-based approach that allows one to separate the fact from fiction," Evans said.
The study is a first step in trying to explain mysterious sightings in the sky that NASA calls UAPs, or unidentified aerial phenomena.
The group is looking at what unclassified information is available on the subject and how much more is needed to understand what's going on in the sky, according to astrophysicist David Spergel, the committee's chair who runs the Simons Foundation.
No secret military data are included, such as anything surrounding the suspected spy balloons from China spotted flying over the U.S. earlier this year.
The meeting was held at at NASA headquarters in Washington with the public taking part remotely.
A final report is expected by the end of July.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Will Goodman, managing editor at Rockets are Cool, discusses the upcoming launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, considered by many to be the world's most powerful rocket.
Apple's revenue grew considerably during the most recent quarter but iPhone sales were down. There was good news and bad news in the earnings report for Alphabet, the parent company of Google. And Amazon soared past Wall Street expectations thanks to strong holiday sales. We dive into these earnings reports with Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Loup Ventures. Plus, Cheddar's CEO Jon Steinberg talks to veteran newsman Dan Rather about his new partnership with The Young Turks.
Facebook reveals users are spending less time on the platform. Americans are spending big on their pets this Valentine's Day. Dr. Travis Stork from "The Doctors" stops by to explain how you can eat healthier without breaking the bank. Plus, Family Circle gives advice on how to use tech to promote heart health.
Eating healthy is something most people strive for, but it can be difficult and expensive. Dr. Travis Stork, M.D. of "The Doctors" shares his tips for making healthy eating an easy part of your daily routine.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, but it's also the most preventable. Family Circle's Lynya Floyd joins Cheddar to mark healthy heart month with some helpful tech hacks.
Hanneke Weitering, staff writer for Space.com, explains what makes the super moon so special. Wednesday's super moon was also an eclipse moon, a blood moon, and a blue moon, the first of its kind in North America since 1866.
Cheddar's CannaBiz explores the business of marijuana. Cheddar Anchors Tim Stenovec and Hope King explore the state of regulation, market opportunity, and businesses capitalizing on this trend.
Amazon is joining forces with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase to bring their employees better and cheaper healthcare. EasyJet's CEO is giving himself a pay cut to match the salary of his female predecessor. Actor Jeff Hiller joins us to discuss stepping into a critically-acclaimed off-Broadway solo show already in progress. Plus, we talk to Chat Sports about the Cleveland Indians' decision to do away with their controversial logo.
When you wake up Wednesday morning you may catch a rare surprise. The super blue blood moon will be crossing over North America in the early morning hours.
Amazon is joining forces with Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase to bring their employees better and cheaper healthcare. Facebook is changing its News Feed yet again to focus on local news sources. Music legend Linda Perry joins us to discuss her new campaign highlighting independent artists. Plus, we hear from the founder and CEO of Pymetrics, a company that uses artificial intelligence to match people with the right job.
