Unidentified Flying Objects
An unidentified flying object (UFO) is any airborne or spaceborne object which an observer cannot immediately recognize. They have been known to appear on most planets and, to spacefaring cultures, even in the depths of the cosmos. Humans do not recognize the latter yet, but Stenza consider unidentified craft drifting in interstellar space to be a potential military threat, and act accordingly.
Every culture which recognizes UFOs has a category of "credible observers". Humans recognize the word of pilots or military personnel or police officers. Stenza add to the list ship's technicians and pups. Pups cannot speak, but have access to the entirety of the Collective Knowledge and an enduring call toward the strange and unusual; if something unusual happens anywhere, a large number of pups are likely to aggregate to watch, which invariably attracts adult attention.
Manifestation
UFOs have a varied list of descriptions, from fuzzy and nondescript orbs to elaborate structures with portholes, sometimes showing the craft's occupants. They come in all shapes from circular to shaped like plates and other dishes to long, tubular constructions. Larger ones are sometimes called "mother ships", especially if seen spawning smaller "scout" or "probe" craft. Some can be detected by instruments using radio or sound waves, and others cannot. Some are captured on video or other recording devices, and others are not. Each instance must be treated almost completely independent of the rest of the category while under investigation.
Localization
Most commonly, UFOs are seen flying, either through the air or in space (insofar as spacefaring cultures like the Stenza recognize UFOs in space, where one might expect them; Stenza officers and technical personnel refer to these as "potential hostiles", or a term that roughly translates to "bogie"). However, on other planets it is not unheard of to hear of UFOs plunging into or out of the sea (a notable case on Earth tells of a seemingly distressed craft plunging into the ocean, leaving behind a mysterious foam, and possibly emerging a week later). These are frequently termed "unidentified submerged/submersible objects" by local researchers into the phenomenon.
Type
Natural
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