Sceptics have long questioned why UFOs, if they are alien craft, would visit Earth so often. However, two Harvard scientists propose that these beings may have been here all along. In a groundbreaking new research paper, they estimate there is a one in 10 chance that the true solution to the UFO mystery could be ‘cryptoterrestrial’—indicating that these entities belong to an advanced species hiding on Earth.
Cryptoterrestrials
“While this notion may sound unlikely on first hearing, many observers are persuaded that it is at least conceivable,” the researchers wrote in their new study, set to appear in the journal Philosophy and Cosmology this June. They argue that with 80 per cent of our oceans unmapped, along with unexplored caves and the dark side of the moon, there is plenty of space for a ‘stealth’ civilization to exist unnoticed.
“If another intelligent species had inhabited Earth (or Mars) long before Homo sapiens, it is possible that we could have no idea,” they note. This collaboration between scientists aims to ensure that all viable theories are considered for the UFO mystery, especially amid recent efforts for government declassification.
UFOs and unexplored regions
The researchers identify multiple regions on Earth and near-Earth as worthwhile candidates for investigating the chances of a ‘cryptoterrestrial’ species’ secret base. One notable area is the ‘Alaskan Triangle,’ a remote and sparsely populated region between Anchorage, Juneau, and Utqiagvik. Described as a prominent hotspot for UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena), this triangle has been ground zero for over 20,000 unexplained disappearances since the 1970s.
Intriguing archeological finds
The study points to intriguing archaeological finds that suggest the existence of ancient civilizations predating known advanced species. A significant example is the massive submerged stone structure discovered off the coast of Yonaguni Jima in Japan. Some marine geologists argue that these might be the remnants of a 5000-year-old pyramid from a Japanese Atlantis.
Underground and underwater habitats
Habitable regions underground also remain unexplored, some with conditions suitable for life. “The internal structure of Earth is still mostly a mystery,” the team wrote. For instance, the mantle transition zone acts as a large reservoir of water, suggesting the possibility that hundreds of miles below humanity, another hominid species, or even a branch of Homo sapiens, could have adapted to live underground.
Popocatépetl volcano and lunar theories
Stunning photos taken by Luis Guerra in Atlixco, Mexico, have fueled speculation of a hidden UFO base underneath the Popocatépetl volcano, a noted UFO hotspot. Other major candidates for hidden bases include deep underwater ocean trenches and the dark side of the moon. Despite debunked theories about a 3.5-mile ‘alien tower,’ much of the moon’s far side remains unexplored.
Humility in scientific inquiry
The researchers emphasize the importance of humility in scientific inquiry, acknowledging that the limits of our knowledge do not provide an argument against the crypto terrestrial hypothesis. “Crucially, it means we must have humility and realize neither can we dismiss it just because it contradicts the standard narrative of history,” they note.
A call for scientific dialogue
This research follows prior exploratory work by the authors. Dr. Michael Masters, a professor of biological anthropology at Montana Technological University, previously argued that beings piloting UFOs might be ‘extratempestrials’ or time travellers. He posits that the so-called ‘grey’ aliens from UFO lore could be future humans evolved in a more high-tech society.
His coauthor, psychologist Tim Lomas from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, recently made the case for the traditional ‘extraterrestrial hypothesis’. Brendan Case, the associate director for research at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science, also joined in calling for scientists to pursue the crypto terrestrial hypothesis.
“The hope is that we can begin a new dialogue and get past some of this stigma,” Dr. Masters said. “And not have to defend this as science, because it is very scientific.”
As the debate continues, the research underscores the need for an open-minded approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon. Whether these mysterious objects are evidence of ancient hidden civilizations, time travellers, or extraterrestrial visitors, the quest for answers remains one of the most compelling scientific inquiries of our time.
