Speculation regarding the existence of extraterrestrial life is increasing following the release of never-before-seen documents on UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects). The Pentagon has declassified and released 161 files containing reports of sightings. These include observations from astronauts during Moon missions, and from the military and civilians on Earth. One notable description was from Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. In 1969, he reported seeing a mysterious light. He said: "I observed what appeared to be a fairly bright light source which we tentatively ascribed to a possible laser." In 1965, Frank Boman reported seeing "trillions of little particles" from the Gemini 7 spacecraft.

The documents were released at the request of President Donald Trump. In a post on social media, President Trump wrote: "In an effort for complete and maximum transparency, 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 of the documents. The Sol Foundation, a research group focused on UAPs, called for a comprehensive review of classified UAP records. It said people should know "the full truth about longstanding government knowledge and programs concerning technologies and vehicles not of human origin".