In 2025, CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Celestial Phenomena) recorded a new high: the 1,348 reports received brought the total number of reported UFO sightings to 13,000 since the center was established. UFO sightings have increased since CENAP was established, but these record numbers are continuing a trend that began in 2019 and is largely due to increased space activity over Europe.
The following figure shows the number of sighting reports received since 2018.
The map below shows the distribution of reported sightings across Germany. There has been an equal increase in sighting reports in all regions.
Starlink and space debris dominate the statistics.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are the main cause of the rising number of reports, with the distinctive Starlink train at the launch of a satellite batch continuing to cause confusion. However, other space-related phenomena also cause confusion. Re-entries of space debris, rocket stage ignitions in orbit, and burning debris are often reported as unexplained objects. A spectacular example occurred on March 24, 2025, when a rocket stage ignited over Germany and frozen fuel crystals glowed in the sunlight. This prompted numerous photos and videos to be taken. The following image shows one such phenomenon.
The Role of Smartphone Documentation
Technological development has been remarkable. In 2025, we received 1,506 photos and 673 videos of reported sightings. While smartphones have become the most important documentation tool, they also have their limitations. Blurred zoom when photographing stars and planets, flying insects, birds, airplanes, helicopters, and especially drones characterize the image material.
Drones as a Growing Source of Misidentification
For the past five years, there has been a continuous increase in drone sightings, too. Private, industrial, agricultural, and police and rescue service drones are increasingly being mistaken for UFOs. This development reflects the rapid spread of unmanned aerial systems, as shown in the figure below.
High Clearance Rate
Of the 1,348 reports in 2025, only ten cases remained unsolved due to insufficient data. Two reports turned out to be deliberate hoaxes. As in previous years, no cases pointing to an exotic or extraterrestrial nature were recorded. In fact, supposed characteristics of anomalous objects can be found in identified sightings due to the perception and interpretation by witnesses. A notable example occurred in August 2025 when a Cessna 172 pilot passed a supposed “Mossul object” at a distance of only 15 meters over Bavaria (see figure below). This incident is commonly referred to as a “near miss.” The explanation was a silver-colored lens foil balloon at an altitude of 3,000 feet. Even experienced observers cannot classify everyday objects immediately.
Conclusion: The Scientific Method Proves Its Efficacy
The 2025 review confirms that systematic research, technical analysis, and critical evaluation clarify almost all UFO reports. Supposedly inexplicable phenomena consistently turn out to be terrestrial objects or known atmospheric or space-related phenomena.
The complete annual statistics report, in German and English, can be downloaded from the CENAP website.
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Hansjürgen Köhler founded CENAP (Central Research Network of Extraordinary Sky Phenomena) in Mannheim (Germany) in 1973, has long been a co-editor of its journal “CENAP-Report” and is coordinating the German UFO Hotline, collecting more than 10,000 witness reports up to now.
