Speculation about the existence of extraterrestrial life is increasing after the release of never-before-seen documents on UFOs. The Pentagon declassified and released 161 files containing reports of sightings. These include reports from astronauts, the military, and civilians. One notable description was from Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. In 1969, he reported seeing a mysterious light. He said he "tentatively ascribed it to a possible laser". In 1965, astronaut Frank Boman reported seeing "trillions of little particles" from the Gemini 7 spacecraft.

President Donald Trump requested the release of the files. He wrote: "It was my honour to direct my administration to identify and provide government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs)." Many organizations welcomed the release. The Sol Foundation, a research group focused on UAPs, called for a full review of classified records. It said people should know "the full truth about longstanding government knowledge and programs concerning technologies and vehicles not of human origin".