Speculation about extraterrestrial life is increasing after the release of never-before-seen documents. The Pentagon released 161 files containing reports of sightings. These include reports from astronauts, the military, and civilians. One description was from Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. In 1969, he reported seeing a mysterious light that he said was a possible laser. In 1965, astronaut Frank Boman reported seeing "trillions of little particles".

President Donald Trump asked for the files to be released. He wanted his administration "to provide government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs)". Many organizations welcomed the release. One research group called for a full review of classified records. It said people should know the full truth about government knowledge "concerning technologies and vehicles not of human origin".