Rumours swirl that Donald Trump will reveal evidence of extraterrestrial life in a July 8 speech, reigniting UFO speculation and backlash.

“They’re real,” Obama replied, before adding, “But I haven’t seen them and they’re not being kept in Area 51. There is no underground facility. Unless there is this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States.”

For decades, scientists have been actively searching for signs of extraterrestrial life. Fromradio waves to laser flashes and infrared heat signatures, the hunt for alien technosignatures has captivated both researchers and the public.