The hot topic of this weekend--besides the Super Bowl, of course: unidentified flying objects. Since February 10, the United States government has intercepted (shot down) several unknown flying objects from the skies. First in Alaska; on February 11, in the Yukon Territory; on February 12, in Michigan. 

 

On February 13, a White House spokesperson, John F. Kirby, clarified that the source of the objects and their purpose are to be determined. He also claimed that, though the objects posed a “very real” threat to civilian air traffic, they were not transmitting communication signals, nor were they a potential danger to Americans on the ground. 

 

Nonetheless, these occurrences have spurred theorists across North America to come forward with their predictions of what exactly is behind it. Three prominent theories have surfaced, as people seek answers to their questions and concerns: for one, some believe that the flying objects are a method of Chinese surveillance of the U.S., especially following the recently discovered Chinese spy balloon above North Carolina. Alternatively, others argue that the objects are airborne clutter, merely trash that has evaded land. Lastly, there is, predictably, a theory that this occurrence signifies a looming alien invasion, or is, perhaps, an attempt at that. 

 

Political representatives, however, have not fed into any of these theories. On NBC News, again, on February 12, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the head Democrat of the House Intelligence Committee, was quoted, saying, “All of a sudden, massive speculation about alien invasions and additional Chinese action or Russian action," he said. "In the absence of information, people's anxiety leads them into potentially destructive areas. So I do hope very soon the administration has a lot more information.”

 

As it stands, the government has not provided information beyond vague details. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, released a statement regarding the government’s opinion on aliens: “There is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns,” she said. 

 

At this point, the public has been offered little-to-no information from government officials. 

 

It is to be expected that, on February 14, administration officials will provide U.S. senators with a classified briefing, and, the following day, the senators will also receive a briefing related to all concerns regarding China. It remains to be seen when the public will receive more information. 

 

In its present state, this story continues to unfold.