As rumours continue to swirl around the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, many enthusiasts are asking which regions in the UK have recorded the highest number of UFO sightings. While sceptics remain cautious, a significant portion of the population believes that humanity may not be alone in the universe. Speculations range from encounters with Greys and insectoid beings to humanoid creatures resembling cats, often described as possessing intelligence and wisdom beyond ordinary imagination.Public interest in UFO phenomena has surged in recent years, particularly following the release of declassified documents by the US Government. Discussions intensified with the discovery of 3I/ATLAS, only the third interstellar object ever detected passing through our solar system. Initially identified as a comet, some researchers have suggested that its unusual trajectory and physical characteristics might point to something more extraordinary. Avi Loeb, a prominent astrophysicist, has even speculated that it could be an alien probe on a reconnaissance mission. Despite these theories, the majority of the scientific community classifies it as a comet, yet its enigmatic behaviour continues to fuel debates surrounding extraterrestrial life.
How UFO sightings data was collected
AS reported by Peterborough Telegraph, to identify the top UFO hotspots in the UK, Casino.org compiled user-submitted reports from three independent sources: the National UFO Reporting Centre (NUFORC), the Enigma app, and the UFO Identified Group. Each report was counted per region, then adjusted for population density using the latest UK census data. This per capita approach highlights areas where residents are proportionally most likely to report UFO sightings, rather than simply presenting raw numbers.It is important to note that rankings are based on subjective accounts and may be influenced by local population sizes and reporting cultures. While these figures provide a useful insight into UFO activity, they do not constitute definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation.
Top UFO hotspots in the UK
Southampton – 51.3 sightings per 100,000 residentsSouthampton’s UFO sightings are largely concentrated around Southampton Water and the Solent. Observers have reported unusual aerial phenomena above shipping lanes, the city centre, and the New Forest.Leeds – 54.7 sightings per 100,000 residentsLeeds has a notable concentration of sightings in its green spaces, including Roundhay Park and Harewood House. Reports also frequently emerge along the River Aire, often describing bright, moving lights.Leominster – 58.5 sightings per 100,000 residentsIn Leominster, most UFO reports originate from rural areas outside the town, particularly near Queenswood Country Park and over the River Lugg. Witnesses often describe objects hovering silently or moving at high speeds.Preston – 60.2 sightings per 100,000 residentsPreston’s sightings are primarily near Moor Park and the University of Central Lancashire campus. Unusual lights are occasionally seen over the River Ribble, prompting speculation among local UFO enthusiasts.Exeter – 62.7 sightings per 100,000 residentsIn Exeter, UFO activity has been recorded over the Exeter Ship Canal, Exeter Quay, and the outskirts leading toward Dartmoor National Park. Observers report strange formations and sudden appearances in the sky.Waterlooville – 71.9 sightings per 100,000 residentsThe majority of Waterlooville’s reports come from areas surrounding the South Downs National Park and rural regions near Cowplain. Witnesses describe fast-moving lights and hovering objects that defy conventional explanation.Stafford – 76.7 sightings per 100,000 residentsCannock Chase and the skies above the River Sow are notable hotspots for UFO activity in Stafford. Sightings often involve glowing lights that seem to change direction abruptly.Manchester – 88.2 sightings per 100,000 residentsManchester’s UFO reports are frequently centred around Piccadilly Gardens, the Northern Quarter, and the River Irwell. Observers describe unusual aerial movements that are difficult to attribute to conventional aircraft.Norwich – 89.3 sightings per 100,000 residentsNorwich has emerged as a prominent location for unexplained aerial phenomena, with frequent sightings over the Norfolk Broads, Norwich Cathedral, and Norwich Castle. Witnesses report rapid lights and objects appearing at varying altitudes.Llandudno – 116.7 sightings per 100,000 residentsLlandudno ranks as the UK’s most active region for UFO reports. Sightings are concentrated around the Great Orme and Llandudno Pier, with multiple accounts of strange lights moving swiftly over the Irish Sea.
3I/Atlas and rising UFO sightings: Could an interstellar visitor be watching Earth
The recent attention on UFO sightings in the UK coincides with the discovery of 3I/ATLAS. This third interstellar object ever detected has captured public imagination due to its unusual trajectory and characteristics. While mainstream science considers it a comet, some theorists, including Avi Loeb, have suggested it could be an alien probe sent to observe Earth. Regardless of its origin, the object has intensified curiosity about extraterrestrial life and increased UFO reporting across the country.