The study, published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications by researchers from Hebrew University and Bar Ilan University, found surprising links between reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and macroeconomic trends:

Counter-cyclical pattern: Within a given region over time, UAP sightings tend to increase during economic recessions and decrease during economic booms. Wealth correlation: Across different regions, sightings are more common in wealthier areas. Attention proxy: The researchers argue that these patterns align with traditional metrics of public attention and that during times of crisis or uncertainty, people may have more free time or be more inclined to notice and report unusual events, or perhaps focus on extraordinary phenomena to ease anxiety. Policy implications: The study suggests that this UAP metric could help policymakers understand how variations in public attention might influence regional responses to monetary policy decisions, such as interest rate changes.