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Beam Me Up, Washington

The Evergreen State ranks #2 in the U.S. for UFO sightings.

By Sarah Stackhouse October 11, 2024

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Illustration by Ursatii / Shutterstock

Seen any silver discs spinning through the night sky lately? Well, if you have, you’re not alone. Washington is boldly going where few states have gone before, ranking No. 2 in the U.S. for UFO sightings, with 7,125 reports filed since 1974. That’s one sighting for every 1,093 people. So, if you’re out walking your dog and spot something zipping through the clouds at warp speed, don’t be too quick to dismiss it. 

A recent study explored UFO sightings across the U.S. and Canada, placing Washington just behind California. We even outranked Nevada — home to the notorious Area 51 — which comes in 10th place. Florida takes third.

Maybe it’s the dense forests or overcast skies, but Washington could be the final frontier for some extraterrestrial action. As for where you’re least likely to encounter a UFO? That would be Louisiana, with about one encounter for every 3,800 people.

In Canada, Ontario leads with one UFO sighting for every 677 people. 

The study, conducted by Casino Canada using data from the National UFO Reporting Center and social media, provides a full rundown of where you’re most likely to spot something from beyond. 

When I was about 7, my sister and I were on the swings in our backyard. It was late afternoon, not yet dark. We saw something — like two dinner plates, facing each other and pushed together. Red lights circled the entire thing. It moved slowly through the sky. We ran to get our dad (who was busy and unimpressed), but by the time we got back, it was gone. I definitely question my imagination now, but I also remember how frustrating it was that an adult wasn’t there to witness it. The universe is way too big to not have other life forms, right? 

Keep watching the skies — the truth is out there… 

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