About the Journal

1. INTRODUCTION, MISSION, AND EPISTEMOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES

The Journal of Anomalous Phenomena (JAP) is an international, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal dedicated to the rigorous, methodologically sound investigation of unidentified, unexplained, and physically/atmospherically anomalous observations, measurements, and phenomena.

JAP does not adopt any prior hypothesis regarding the nature, origin, or ultimate ontology of the phenomena it examines. The journal's core mission is not to serve as a bridge between dogmatic rejection and non-scientific speculation, but rather to build an independent academic ground governed entirely by empirical method, falsifiability, and transparent data analysis.

Historically, science has always advanced by studying phenomena "at the boundary" — from thunderstones (meteorites) to atmospheric electrical events, from transient signals in radio astronomy to quantum anomalies. JAP continues this tradition by examining Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) and other related frontier phenomena using the shared tools of the natural sciences, engineering, data sciences, and human sciences.

1.1. The Core Mission of the Journal

JAP's mission is built on three mutually reinforcing pillars:

First Pillar: Empirical Rigor

JAP demands the highest empirical standards in all work it publishes. This means rigorous evaluation not only of data collection and analysis processes, but also of theoretical frameworks, hypothesis generation, and inference methods. The journal embraces the principle that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" — yet recognizes this principle not as a barrier impeding scientific progress, but as the foundation of reliable knowledge production. JAP classifies evidence hierarchically: multi-sensor independent data, reproducible measurements, and independent verification at the highest level; single-witness testimony or unverified imagery at the lowest.

Second Pillar: Interdisciplinary Openness

UAP and related phenomena are inherently interdisciplinary. A single UAP observation may involve physics, atmospheric science, optics, radar technology, psychology, sociology, and even law. JAP embraces this interdisciplinary nature and encourages researchers from different fields to meet on a common platform. The journal accepts single-discipline studies; however, it particularly encourages interdisciplinary work and ensures that peer review of such work includes at least one expert from each relevant discipline.

Third Pillar: Openness, Transparency, and Accountability

As an open-access journal, JAP is committed to the principle that scientific knowledge should be publicly available. It is also committed to transparency in publication processes, independence in peer review, and explicit declaration of conflicts of interest. The journal places the highest importance on preserving ethical standards in the production and sharing of scientific knowledge. All editorial decisions are made independently of funders, governments, military institutions, and advocacy groups.

1.2. The Vision of the Journal

JAP's vision is to become the international reference journal for the scientific investigation of UAP and related anomalous phenomena. This vision is supported by the following strategic objectives:

Academic Legitimacy: To contribute to UAP research becoming a research field taken seriously by the mainstream scientific community. This objective requires the journal to appeal not only to UAP researchers but also to mainstream scientists.

Methodological Standards: To lead the standardization of methodologies used in anomaly research. JAP aims to develop and disseminate a common methodological framework in this field.

Data Sharing: To develop platforms and protocols for sharing UAP data within the scientific community. Data sharing both enhances reproducibility and opens the way for new research.

International Collaboration: To create a global research network by bringing together researchers from different countries. UAP phenomena know no national borders; therefore, research must also be international.

Public Communication: To prevent speculation and disinformation by sharing scientific findings transparently with the public. JAP regards science communication as an inseparable part of scientific activity.

1.3. Philosophical and Epistemological Foundations

JAP is built on the following philosophical and epistemological principles:

Scientific Realism: UAP and related phenomena are physical phenomena that exist independently of the observer. Their investigation constitutes an objective field of research to which the scientific method can be applied. JAP does not presuppose the existence of these phenomena; however, it accepts that they are investigable.

Methodological Naturalism: Supernatural or paranormal explanations fall outside the scope of scientific investigation. JAP evaluates only hypotheses that can be explained through natural processes. This is a fundamental requirement of the journal's scientific identity.

Epistemic Humility: Acknowledging the existence of phenomena that science cannot yet explain means acknowledging the limits of science. This reflects the provisional and falsifiable nature of scientific knowledge. JAP accepts that saying "we cannot know" is also a scientific stance.

Open Society Science: Scientific knowledge should be publicly available. UAP research has historically lacked transparency due to secrecy and classification. JAP aims to change this and embraces the principles of open data, open source, and open peer review.

Ethical Responsibility: UAP research involves sensitive issues such as witness privacy, national security, and public interest. JAP is aware of its ethical responsibility in these matters and applies clear procedures against ethical violations.

Falsifiability: All hypotheses published in JAP must be testable and potentially refutable. Unfalsifiable claims are not accepted as scientific claims.

1.4. Historical Context and Position of the Journal

The scientific investigation of UAP and anomalous phenomena is not a new field. Since the 1940s, various governments and research institutions have examined this subject. However, these investigations have generally faced problems of secrecy, stigma, and methodological inconsistency. Taking this historical legacy into account, JAP aims to address the shortcomings of previous efforts and re-establish UAP research with modern scientific standards.

Project Sign (1947–1949): The first official UAP research program of the US Air Force. It initially seriously considered the "extraterrestrial hypothesis," but this hypothesis was later abandoned.

Project Grudge (1949–1952): The successor to Project Sign. It adopted a more skeptical approach to explaining UAP phenomena, attributing most cases to misidentification or natural events.

Project Blue Book (1952–1969): The longest-running UAP research program of the US Air Force. It examined 12,618 cases, classifying 701 of them as "unidentified." It was closed in 1969 following the Condon Report.

Condon Report (1968): Conducted at the University of Colorado under Edward Condon, this study reached a skeptical conclusion regarding the scientific value of UAP research. The report argued that scientific investigation of UAPs would not yield results.

COMETA Report (1999): Prepared by the French government, this report argued that UAP phenomena should be scientifically investigated. While the report contained speculation about the possible nature of UAPs, it emphasized the importance of a scientific approach.

GEIPAN (1977–present): Operating under the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), GEIPAN systematically collects and investigates UAP cases. It is one of the world's longest-running civilian UAP research programs.

AARO (2022–present): The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, established within the US Department of Defense, coordinates comprehensive investigation of UAP phenomena. AARO examines both military and civilian UAP cases and promotes international cooperation.

NASA UAP Study Group (2022–2023): NASA established an independent study group for the scientific investigation of UAP phenomena. The group developed recommendations for the collection, analysis, and sharing of UAP data.

Academic Initiatives: In recent years, academic initiatives for UAP research have begun at universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. Additionally, organizations such as the Society for UAP Studies contribute to the development of UAP research as an academic discipline.

Within this historical and contemporary context, JAP aims to contribute to the institutionalization of UAP research as a scientific discipline. The journal seeks to create a more rigorous, more transparent, and more inclusive research culture by learning from past mistakes.

2. UNIDENTIFIED ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA (UAP)

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena constitute JAP's most fundamental and highest-priority research domain. UAP refers to phenomena observed in the air, in space, or at sea that cannot be immediately explained by current scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. This domain covers the following subtopics:

2.1. Atmospheric UAP

Military/civilian radar cross-section (RCS) records: Radar tracks recorded by military aircraft, ships, and ground stations. RCS (Radar Cross Section) analysis provides information about an object's size, shape, and material properties.

Electro-optical (EO) and infrared (FLIR/IR) sensor data: Imagery recorded by cameras, IR sensors, and thermal imaging systems. These data provide information about objects' thermal signatures, motion patterns, and physical properties.

Commercial and military pilot observations: Cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and witness testimony. Pilot observations are generally high-quality and reliable data sources.

Multiple witness reports: Observation of the same event by multiple independent witnesses. Multiple witness reports are more reliable than single witness reports.

Physical traces: Radar tracks, optical signatures, electromagnetic interference. These traces provide direct evidence of objects' physical properties.

2.2. Orbital and Space Anomalies

Satellite-based optical/RF remote sensing data: Imagery and radio signals recorded by satellites. These data provide wide-area coverage and repeatable observations.

Unauthorized/unexplained objects in orbit: Objects detected in satellite orbits that do not match any known satellite or space debris.

Transient anomaly scans in astronomical databases: Short-duration, unexplained events detected in astronomical observations.

Deep space signals: Unexplained radio signals and other electromagnetic emissions. These signals may originate from natural sources (pulsars, quasars) or artificial sources.

Space station observations: Observations made from the ISS and other space stations. These observations provide unique vantage points from outside the atmosphere.

2.3. Transmedium Phenomena

Kinetic analysis of phenomena claimed to transition between air, sea, and space boundaries: These phenomena may change media without creating a distinct aerodynamic disturbance or shock wave. Kinetic analysis examines how such transitions could be physically possible.

Physical modeling of transmedium transitions: Physical modeling of air-water, water-air, and space-atmosphere transitions.

Multi-domain observations: Simultaneous observation of the same phenomenon in different media.

Physical traces: Traces left on water surfaces, air flow disturbances, thermal traces.

2.4. Data Standardization and Machine Learning

Ontological classification of heterogeneous UAP datasets: Classification of data from different sources under a common ontology.

Data fusion: Integration of data from different sensors and sources into a common format.

Automated scanning with machine learning algorithms: Use of machine learning algorithms for anomaly detection in large datasets.

Data quality and reliability: Assessment of the quality and reliability of data from different sources.

Data sharing protocols: Development of standard protocols for data sharing among researchers.

2.5. Underwater Anomalies and USO (Unidentified Submerged Objects)

Underwater Anomalies and Unidentified Submerged Objects (USO) are the underwater counterparts of UAP and constitute an important research domain for JAP. USOs encompass unexplained phenomena observed in oceans, seas, lakes, and other bodies of water.

2.5.1. Oceanographic and Sonar Anomalies

High-speed or unusual acoustic underwater objects detected in passive/active sonar records: Objects detected by sonar systems with abnormal speed or acoustic properties.

Hydrophone recordings: Unexplained sounds recorded by underwater microphones.

Magnetic anomalies: Deviations in magnetic field measurements on the seafloor.

Gravimetric anomalies: Deviations in gravity measurements on the seafloor.

Thermal anomalies: Unexplained changes in underwater temperature measurements.

2.5.2. Fluid Dynamics and Cavitation

Simulation of thermal, acoustic, and hydrodynamic traces created by high-speed underwater structures: Modeling of physical traces created by high-speed underwater objects.

Cavitation analysis: Examination of cavitation (void) events around high-speed underwater objects.

Hydrodynamic drag: Calculation of hydrodynamic drag experienced by underwater objects.

Propulsion systems: Modeling of possible propulsion mechanisms of underwater objects.

Energy signatures: Energy traces left by underwater objects (thermal, acoustic, electromagnetic).

2.5.3. Bathymetric and Seafloor Data

Unexplained seabed formations: Structures on the seafloor that cannot be explained by natural processes.

Oceanographic sensor drifts: Unexplained deviations in data from oceanographic sensors.

Seafloor mapping: Detection of seafloor anomalies through high-resolution bathymetric mapping.

Underwater archaeological anomalies: Unexplained finds in underwater archaeological sites.

Geological anomalies: Deviations in geological formations on the seafloor.

2.6. Atmospheric, Ionospheric, and Sensor Anomalies

Atmospheric, Ionospheric, and Sensor Anomalies encompass unexplained phenomena observed in Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere, as well as anomalies originating from sensor systems. This domain examines atmospheric and ionospheric phenomena that may be related to UAP observations.

2.6.1. Transient Luminous Events (TLEs)

Sprites: Short-duration luminous events occurring in the upper atmosphere (mesosphere and ionosphere). They generally occur during large storms.

Jets: Blue-colored jets observed in the atmosphere. They are subdivided into Blue Jets and Gigantic Jets.

Elves: Ring-shaped luminous events observed in the ionosphere. They generally occur during large storms.

Ball lightning: Sphere-shaped luminous events observed in the atmosphere. They are rarely seen and their nature remains not fully understood.

Other TLEs: Other transient luminous events and their properties.

2.6.2. Ionospheric Perturbations

Electromagnetic field changes: Changes in the electromagnetic field in the ionosphere.

Ionospheric plasma clustering: Local increases in plasma density in the ionosphere.

High-altitude radar refraction anomalies: Anomalies in the refraction of radar signals at high altitudes.

Ionospheric waves: Waves propagating in the ionosphere and their properties.

Ionospheric holes: Density depletions in the ionosphere.

2.6.3. Sensor Artifacts and False Positives

Lens flares: Flares originating from camera lenses.

Internal reflections: False images caused by internal reflections in optical systems.

Sensor pixel saturation: Saturation caused by overexposure of sensor pixels.

Software artifacts: Artifacts originating from data processing software.

Calibration drifts: Erroneous measurements caused by drifts in sensor calibration.

Forensic matrix: Systematic examination and classification of sensor artifacts.

2.7. Methodological and Technical Domains

Methodological and Technical Domains encompass the tools, methods, and techniques required for the investigation of UAP and related phenomena. These domains provide the infrastructure necessary for conducting research in the core domains in a scientifically sound manner.

2.7.1. Multi-Sensor Systems and Tracking Technologies

Multi-Sensor Systems and Tracking Technologies encompass the technologies used for the detection, recording, and tracking of UAP and related phenomena. This domain includes both the improvement of existing systems and the development of new ones.

Hardware and Spectroscopy:

High-speed cameras: Cameras capable of capturing thousands of frames per second. Critical for tracking fast-moving objects.
Multispectral/hyperspectral imaging: Systems capable of imaging at different wavelengths. Used to analyze objects' spectral signatures.
RF spectrum analyzers: Devices that analyze the radio frequency spectrum. Used for detecting unexplained radio signals.
Portable anomaly detection stations: Portable sensor platforms developed for field work.
Acoustic sensors: Sensors that detect underwater and atmospheric acoustic events.
Magnetic sensors: Sensors that detect changes in magnetic fields.
Thermal cameras: Cameras that perform infrared thermal imaging.

Signal Processing and Data Fusion:

N-dimensional correlation of time-stamped simultaneous observations (radar + optical + acoustic): Alignment and correlation of data from different sensors in time and space.
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement methods: Methods to improve signal quality by reducing noise.
Frequency analysis: Analysis of the frequency components of signals.
Time-frequency analysis: Analysis of signals in the time and frequency domains.
Waveform analysis: Analysis of signal waveforms.
Spectral analysis: Analysis of the spectral content of signals.

2.7.2. Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Vision

Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Vision encompass the computational methods used in the analysis of UAP and related phenomena. This domain is critical for processing large datasets, anomaly detection, and image analysis.

Anomaly Detection Algorithms:

Unsupervised detection of anomalous patterns in time series and image streams using CNN, RNN, and Transformer architectures: Automatic detection of anomalous patterns using deep learning models.
Supervised learning: Models trained on labeled data.
Semi-supervised learning: Models trained on partially labeled data.
Transfer learning: Adaptation of models trained in one domain to another.
Ensemble learning: Combining multiple models to create a stronger model.
Explainable AI (XAI): Transparency and interpretability of AI decisions.

Photogrammetry and 3D Reconstruction:

Estimation of object size, distance, acceleration values, and trajectory geometry from optical and thermal imagery: Extraction of physical properties of objects from imagery.
Stereo imaging: Creating 3D models from images taken from two different angles.
Structure from Motion: Extracting 3D structure from moving imagery.
LIDAR integration: 3D modeling with LIDAR data.
Thermal photogrammetry: Creating 3D models from thermal imagery.

Forensic Media Analysis:

Data integrity verification: Verification of the authenticity of image and video data.
EXIF/frame matrix examination: Examination of image metadata.
Digital manipulation/CGI detection: Detection of manipulation or CGI (computer-generated imagery) in images.
Compression artifacts: Analysis of artifacts caused by image compression.
Metadata analysis: Analysis of metadata such as timestamps, location information, and device information.
Image fingerprinting: Extraction of the source device fingerprint of images.

2.7.3. Physics-Based Modeling and Hypothesis Testing

Physics-Based Modeling and Hypothesis Testing encompass the physical modeling of UAP and related phenomena and the testing of hypotheses. This domain evaluates whether observations are consistent with known physical laws.

Kinematics and Thermodynamics:

Comparison of observations such as extreme acceleration (>100g), right-angle turns, and absence of sonic booms with known aero-physical patterns: Evaluation of the consistency of UAP observations with known physical laws.
Velocity and acceleration analysis: Calculation of UAP velocity and acceleration values.
Maneuverability: Assessment of UAP maneuverability.
Energy requirements: Calculation of the energy required for UAP maneuvers.
Thermal analysis: Analysis of UAP thermal signatures.

Electromagnetic Signatures and Plasma:

Plasma sheaths forming around phenomena: Modeling of plasma sheaths forming around UAPs.
EM interference effects: Analysis of electromagnetic interference effects of UAPs.
Numerical simulations of local gravitational/magnetic deviation hypotheses: Simulation of hypotheses that UAPs may cause local gravitational or magnetic deviations.
Plasma physics: Examination of the physical properties of plasma around UAPs.
Electromagnetic spectrum: Analysis of UAP signatures in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Statistical and Bayesian Frameworks:

Determination of Bayesian prior distributions in anomaly observations: Selection of prior distributions in Bayesian analysis.
False alarm rates (FAR): Calculation of false alarm rates.
Causal inference: Inference of causal relationships from observational data.
Uncertainty quantification: Confidence intervals, error bars, probability distributions.
Hypothesis testing: Statistical hypothesis tests and significance levels.
Multivariate analysis: Factor analysis, clustering, principal component analysis.

2.8. Interdisciplinary and Contextual Domains

Interdisciplinary and Contextual Domains examine the historical, philosophical, psychological, sociological, and political contexts of UAP and related phenomena. These domains contribute to making sense of research in the core and methodological domains within a broader framework.

2.8.1. Historical and Archival Analysis

Historical and Archival Analysis examines historical records, archival documents, and past cases of UAP and related phenomena. This domain enables the re-evaluation of past observations with modern analytical tools.

Declassified Government Documents:

AARO documents: Documents released by the US Department of Defense All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office.
Project Blue Book documents: Documents from the US Air Force's UAP research program.
GEIPAN documents: Documents from GEIPAN under the French National Centre for Space Studies.
Other government archives: Documents from other countries' UAP research programs (e.g., UK, Canada, Brazil).
Intelligence reports: UAP reports prepared by intelligence agencies.

Military Archives:

Military observation reports: Reports of UAP observations made by military personnel.
Radar records: UAP tracks recorded by military radar systems.
Pilot reports: Reports of UAP observations made by military pilots.
Navy reports: Reports of USO observations made by Navy personnel.
Air Force reports: Reports of UAP observations made by Air Force personnel.

Re-examination of Historical UAP Cases with Modern Analytical Tools:

Case re-analysis: Re-examination of historical UAP cases with modern analytical tools.
Archival research: Historical research based on primary sources.
Oral history: Systematic collection and analysis of witness testimony.
Comparative history: Comparison of UAP policies of different countries.
History of science: The place of anomaly research in the history of science.
History of technology: Technological developments related to UAP observations.

2.8.2. Epistemology and Philosophy of Science

Epistemology and Philosophy of Science encompass the examination of UAP and related phenomena in terms of scientific knowledge production. This domain examines the epistemological and methodological foundations of anomaly research.

Evidence Standards in Anomaly Research:

Evidence levels: Definition of evidence levels for UAP claims.
Evidence hierarchy: Hierarchical classification of different types of evidence.
Evidence evaluation: Assessment of the reliability and validity of evidence.
Evidence standards: Determination of acceptable evidence standards in UAP research.
Evidence management: Protocols for the collection, storage, and sharing of evidence.

Paradigm Shifts:

Scientific paradigms: The impact of anomaly research on scientific paradigms.
Paradigm shift: Whether anomaly research can lead to changes in scientific paradigms.
Scientific revolutions: The contribution of anomaly research to scientific revolutions.
Normal science: The place of anomaly research within normal science.
Frontier science: Examination of phenomena at the boundaries of science.

Integration of Marginal Data into the Scientific Method:

Marginal data: Data overlooked by mainstream science.
Data integration: Integration of marginal data into the scientific method.
Data evaluation: Assessment of the reliability of marginal data.
Data sharing: Protocols for sharing marginal data.
Data ethics: Ethical handling of marginal data.

2.8.3. Human Perception and Neuropsychology

Human Perception and Neuropsychology encompass the examination of UAP and related phenomena in terms of human perception, cognition, and neuropsychological foundations. This domain examines the reliability of witness testimony and the role of perceptual factors.

Cognitive Illusions in Pilot and Witness Testimony:

Perceptual illusions: Visual and auditory perceptual illusions.
Autokinetic effects: A stationary light appearing to move in the dark.
Depth perception illusions: Illusions in depth perception.
Size perception illusions: Illusions in size perception.
Motion perception illusions: Illusions in motion perception.
Time perception illusions: Illusions in time perception.

Systematic Reporting Biases:

Selection bias: Bias in the selection of witnesses.
Confirmation bias: Witnesses' tendency to favor information confirming their beliefs.
Survivorship bias: Examination of only reported cases.
Hindsight bias: Interpretation of past events with current knowledge.
Social desirability bias: Witnesses' tendency to give socially acceptable responses.
Memory biases: Memory errors and distortions.

Neuropsychological Factors:

Neurologically based perceptual disorders: Perceptual disorders caused by neurological diseases.
Psychiatrically based perceptual disorders: Perceptual disorders caused by psychiatric diseases.
Drug effects: Effects of drugs on perception.
Fatigue and stress: Effects of fatigue and stress on perception.
Attention processes: Effects of attention on perception.
Memory processes: Effects of memory on perception and reporting.

2.8.4. Legal and Ethical Frameworks

Legal and Ethical Frameworks examine the legal, ethical, and political dimensions of UAP and related phenomena. This domain defines the ethical and legal framework of UAP research.

Data Transparency:

Data sharing: Balancing the sharing and confidentiality of UAP data.
Data access: Rights of access to UAP data.
Data privacy: Protection of sensitive data.
Data security: Secure storage and transmission of data.
Data ethics: Ethical handling of data.

National Security Restrictions:

Classified information: Use of classified information in scientific research.
Classification levels: The impact of different classification levels on research.
Security clearances: Security clearances for researchers.
Export control: Export control related to UAP technologies.
National security: The balance between national security and scientific openness.

Witness Confidentiality:

Protection of witness identities: Protection of the confidentiality of witness identities.
Processing of personal data: Processing of personal data belonging to witnesses.
Consent: Obtaining consent from witnesses for data sharing.
Anonymization: Anonymization of witness data.
Safety: Ensuring the safety of witnesses.

Balancing Open Science Principles with Sensitive Data:

Open science: Principles of open data, open source, and open peer review.
Sensitive data: Balancing sensitive data with open science principles.
Balance: The balance between openness and confidentiality.
Policy: Development of open science policies.
Implementation: Practical implementation of open science principles.