This week, the potential discovery of signs of biosignatures in the atmosphere of a distant planet has aliens on the minds of many scholars. Meanwhile, a recently published study, “Exploring expert figures in alien-related UFO conspiracy theories” investigates how “expert figures”—including scientists, self-proclaimed researchers, and UFO witnesses—are used to legitimize alien-related conspiracy theories online. But what do these findings really indicate about conspiracy theories about UFOs, as well as academic views toward the UAP subject?

This week on The Micah Hanks Program, we look at how key findings in the new study point to concerning trends that have recently emerged in the UAP research community, as well as potential biases in academic ideas toward the subject. We also look at the myth of the “UFO expert,” NASA’s lack of progress in UAP, and much more.