Avi Loeb: 'US government need to disclose what it knows' on UFOs

He told Christys that it is “possible” the government are aware of more they are letting on.

“The government monitors the sky for national security purposes”, he said.

“Whereas scientists, astronomers for example, look at small regions of the sky at very distant sources of light.

“If something flies overhead, astronomers ignore it. If there is something over there, it’s the government that would be the first to notice it.”

Loeb added that he is “waiting” for evidence, and the government must disclose what it knows for strides to be made in the field.

“As a scientist, I respond to evidence”, he said.

“That’s what we are waiting for. The government to disclose what it knows.

“It’s really important for me because I’m trying to find the evidence myself, but the government can save me a lot of time.

“Why should I spend decades of my life looking for something when the government already has it?”

It comes month after the Pentagon launched an online reporting tool for certain encounters with UFOs.

The government said it is aiming to be more transparent with its exploration of the unknown.

An option for the public to submit reports is coming soon, according to officials, in a move that appears to signal the government is moving closer to its promise of complete openness.

The new form, Aaro says on its website, “is intended as an initial point of contact … it is not intended for conveying potentially sensitive or classified information”.

Conspiracy theories about the level of government knowledge of UFO research have circulated for decades.

Many have speculated about a secret government facility holding alien spacecraft and lifeforms at Area 51 in the Mojave desert.