A Third of Americans Believe in UFOs, According to National Geographic Survey

If you think everyone is convinced UFOs are the stuff of fiction, this recent report from the National Geographic might surprise you. The poll, commissioned for the upcoming real-life investigative series Chasing UFOs by the National Geographic, showed that as many as 80 million Americans, or roughly 36 percent, are convinced extraterrestrial life exists.

The rest of the survey revealed that a higher percentage remain undecided on the subject, with 48% percent of the respondents saying they aren’t sure whether UFOs exist. A slight fraction at 17% believes UFOs do not exist.

The National Geographic poll was conducted to show how many Americans actually believe in the existence of UFOs. The poll also served as an attempt to uncover information as to how Americans view the possible existence of UFOS – or their absolute nonexistence. Brad Dancer, SVP of Research and Digital Media for National Geographic, disclosed their objectives in making the survey. He said they aimed to get a wider view on the shared opinions about UFOs, as well as the roles that pop culture plays in the shaping of these opinions.

The term UFO is not limited to the definition of alien spacecraft, however. Dancer clarifies that UFO could refer to any instance or event that remains unexplained and that this mysterious quality is what makes them interesting to people.

On a more fascinating note, the survey showed 79% of the respondents believe their government has something to do with missing information regarding UFO sightings and evidence. Furthermore, more than half of poll participants, or 55%, believe people who spot UFOs are kept silenced by agents, Men-In-Black style.

In Chasing UFOs, a trio of professional investigators explores the truth behind UFOs and UFO sightings. The team is composed of a believer, a skeptic, and an undecided, and together they venture to find answers on the most pressing questions about UFOs. Chasing UFOs will premier via the National Geographic Channel this Friday at 9PM E.T.

You can send a tweet to space on TheWowReply.com.