Observable terms

An object appears to remain within a limited region above a surface for a stated interval, while the available observations do not identify its means of support. This term records the support question; it does not identify a propulsion mechanism.

An apparent or measured rapid change in motion, including a change in direction, speed or angular position. Any claim about physical acceleration must identify the quantity estimated and the observations used.

A proposed atmospheric trajectory at approximately Mach 5 or higher relative to the surrounding air, for which one or more specified signatures are reported or measured below an expected level. Retain the declared speed threshold and uncertainty; evaluate the speed estimate and each signature comparison separately.

A difference or interruption in detections of a candidate object across times, sensors or observing modes that calls for comparison of the observations and their limits.

An apparent or measured passage of a candidate object between media or across a declared environmental regime boundary, such as an air-water interface or a specified atmospheric-to-space boundary. Identify the conditions on each side, the boundary used and the continuity of the candidate.

Reported symptoms or measured biological changes in a person, animal, plant or other organism in the context of an investigated event. Timing and any proposed exposure are recorded separately from a claim that the event caused the change.

A measured or estimated molecular complexity and abundance pattern evaluated against a stated chemical comparison. The metric, estimation method and comparison conditions form part of the result.

An isotope ratio or pattern that differs from an explicitly identified reference material, population or model under a stated measurement and comparison method.

A molecular structure, composition or chemical behavior that differs from a specified biochemical reference. The observation can concern a material whose biological status is unresolved.

A retained nucleic-acid or protein sequence for which a specified search or phylogenetic analysis does not establish a relationship within its declared reference set and acceptance criteria.

Observed form or internal structure that has not been assigned within a stated anatomical, cellular or other morphological comparison. Record the features and comparison separately from any identification of the specimen.

An attributed account or documented observation of apparent contact, communication or directed action involving a person, animal or other organism during an investigated event. Retain the reported action separately from findings about an agent, intent or cause.