Harvard Astronomer Avi Loeb Appointed by Trump to Lead US UFO Investigation Panel

Professor Avi Loeb, an Israeli-born astronomer at Harvard University, has been appointed by US President Donald Trump to head a committee investigating unidentified flying objects (UFOs). This decision follows Trump's recent public interest in extraterrestrial phenomena, a topic that has captivated and divided public opinion. Loeb's committee has been granted access to highly classified White House files related to unidentified aerial phenomena.

Loeb has long expressed openness to the possibility that extraterrestrial life exists and may even be present on Earth, though he maintains a scientific skepticism and does not claim direct evidence of aliens. In an interview with the Associated Press, Loeb suggested that most of the classified incidents will likely be explained by natural or human-made phenomena. He views his appointment as an opportunity to provide logical, science-based explanations for phenomena often portrayed as supernatural.

Previously, a NASA committee found that only 2% to 5% of unidentified aerial events remain unexplained. However, a recent CBS poll revealed that 80% of Americans believe the government knows more about aliens than it reveals, 63% believe in extraterrestrial life, and 20% think aliens have already visited Earth. Some critics worry that Loeb or members of his committee, such as former US Navy officer Timothy Glodt who has publicly asserted alien visits, may bias the investigation toward extraterrestrial explanations.

Loeb is a respected physicist who has led Harvard's astronomy department and gained media prominence through numerous interviews, a popular book titled "Extraterrestrial," and a widely followed blog. He founded the Galileo Project, funded by private donors, to systematically search for evidence of technological artifacts from beyond Earth. The project emphasizes transparency, adherence to physics, and publication in scientific journals.

Loeb emphasizes the importance of extraordinary evidence for extraordinary claims and notes the challenges in securing funding for such research. He also highlights the scientific significance of discovering extraterrestrial life, suggesting it could reshape understanding of the universe and our origins. Currently, the Vera Rubin Telescope in Chile, which Loeb helped develop, is scanning the skies for fast-moving objects potentially linked to unidentified phenomena. Despite skepticism from some academic peers, Loeb remains committed to pursuing answers to profound questions about life beyond Earth.