PHOENIX — The truth is out there. It's a phrase adopted by enthusiasts looking to unravel the mystery behind unidentified flying objects.
For decades, people have tried to learn more about UFOs and provide insight into this phenomenon, but not much is known. While very much a mystery, UFOs are a large part of pop culture and they are very much celebrated by many.
Especially on days like today. July 2 is World UFO Day.
To celebrate, let's take a look back at some of the more famous UFO incidents in Arizona.
The Phoenix Lights
It was a day 27 years ago that thousands of people in Arizona will remember for the rest of their lives.
On March 13, 1997, many Valley residents reported witnessing mysterious lights and objects moving across Arizona's skies. Hundreds of people called the National UFO Reporting Center to describe the lights as they passed overhead.
The 'Fire in the Sky'
Turned into a feature film in 1993, the infamous incident was about an Arizona logger that mysteriously disappeared for five days in an alleged encounter with a flying saucer in 1975.
UFO-like clouds?
These clouds may not be alien in nature, but their saucer-like shape very much triggers UFO-type feels. Have you seen clouds that look like something from another world?
No, it's not aliens or UFOs, there is a scientific explanation for these cloud formations that look like flying saucers. 12News meteorologist Ginger Jeffries explains how these unique clouds are formed.
Arizona is a UFO hotbed
Nearly 5,000 sightings have been reported in Arizona since the 1970s. Only a handful have been highlighted by the center as "most credible" or "very interesting."
State 48 is a hotbed for unexplained aerial phenomena. Out of all 50 states, Arizona is No. 7 for the highest reports of UFO sightings in the nation, according to data from the National UFO Reporting Center.
Since 1974, the center has gathered information from across the world on unknown lights and objects in the sky. More than 170,000 reports have been processed by the center-- with almost 5,000 of those reports coming from right here in Arizona.
FULL STORY: 'Very interesting video': National UFO Reporting Center highlights 'most credible' Arizona sightings
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
