THE United States Congress is holding a public discussion about UFOs today for the first time in half a century.

The UFO hearing will cover evidence of what the US military calls unidentified aerial phenomena, or “UAPs.”

The inquiry comes after a recent military report citing 11 “near misses” between UAPs and US fighter jets, which does not mention aliens.

Tuesday’s hearing is expected to cover the possible origins of the unidentified objects, which move unlike anything known to science and that some people have suggested are top-secret aircraft built by foreign adversaries.

Others believe their origins are extraterrestrial.

The hearing is set for 9am EST. The US House Intelligence Committee’s Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation Subcommittee will take the floor and the hearing is chaired by Congressman André Carson.

Read our UFO hearing live blog for the latest news and updates…

UAP Task Force

The United States Office of Naval Intelligence has an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) program.

It collects reported sightings of mysterious flying objects.

UAP doesn’t necessarily have to refer to a suspected “alien craft” sighting.
What does UAP mean, continued

Many experts in the field found UFO was being ridiculed and reports about them were not being taken seriously.

It’s thought that UAP is a more professional term and it’s becoming increasingly more common as the US begins to seriously discuss UFO/UAP sightings.
What does UAP mean?

UAP is actually a new term for UFO that is supposed to have less of a stigma attached.

UAP stands for “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.”

By comparison, UFO stands for “Unidentified Flying Object.”

Covering evidence of UAPs

The hearing will cover evidence of what the United States military calls unidentified aerial phenomena, or “UAPs.”

It follows a recent military report citing 11 “near misses” between UAPs and US fighter jets.
Intelligence Committee to speak

The US House Intelligence Committee’s Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and Counterproliferation Subcommittee will take the floor and unpack what they know about unexplained sightings for the American public in the hearing today.
Who is leading the hearing?

Congressman André Carson will lead the May 17 public hearing.
When is the hearing?

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9am EST on Tuesday.
What is the hearing about?

The hearing will look into the national security risks posed by the potential presence of UFOs.