Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Futurism.

A Tough Day For Skeptics
In the small fishing village of Shag Harbor, Nova Scotia, things were pretty simple and quiet for this modest Canadian province. But on October 4th of 1967, the village would host one of the most well documented UFO incidents of all time.
By Ryan Sprague9 years ago in Futurism
Extraterrestrials and the Roman Catholic Church
Over the last two months or so, I’ve seen several articles and social media posts concerning a dubious Wikileak from this October concerning extraterrestrial conspiracy theories and the Roman Catholic Church. Due to a few comments made by Pope Francis and the former Director of the Vatican Observatory, Father Jose Funes, several years ago, there seems to have been a recent resurgence of the idea that the Vatican’s inner circle is aware of an extraterrestrial presence on Earth.
By MJ Banias9 years ago in Futurism
The Hot War: Bombs Away
Harry Turtledove doesn’t identify as an alternate history writer, but rather as “a historian who writes science fiction.” Bombs Away isn’t quite what most readers would think of as science fiction, but this alternate history novel does deal a lot with the science of nuclear weapons, fallout, and contamination. Turtledove delivers another masterfully crafted novel that provides a frighteningly plausible picture of World War III, or when the Cold War turned Hot.
By Zach Foster9 years ago in Futurism
Confessions of a Conspiracy Geek
On May 19th, 2002, a finely strung bow was tightly wrapped around nine (although it is now ten) seasons of what is arguably one of the greatest science fiction shows to ever hit the television airwaves. With a cult-following spinoff, two major motion pictures, and a handful of Emmys, The X-Files became a favorite amongst believers and non-believers alike. Special Agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully were introduced to many characters throughout the series, but none as memorable as the basement dwelling trio known as the Lone Gunmen. A short and stout hacker with the hots for Scully, a suit-wearing conservative with a heart of gold, and a poster child for metal bands everywhere, the Lone Gunmen quickly made a one- time appearance into something the fans just couldn’t get enough of. And for one of the gunmen, a character’s keen interest in conspiracies and the UFO phenomenon began to spill over into real life.
By Ryan Sprague9 years ago in Futurism
Best Carrie Fisher Tribute Art
Since Carrie Fisher’s unexpected passing, fans have been taking to social media to pay tribute to a beloved actress, woman, and intergalactic savior. Old photos, videos and quotes have resurfaced of the galaxy’s favorite princess (and General!), taking on a new poignancy as fans reflect on Fisher’s legacy and marvel on the wisdom she imbued with every syllable she uttered. Every image is a statement. Every video is a teachable moment. Every sentence is a sound bite.
By A. Walter Cox9 years ago in Futurism
The Future of the Future
When it comes to futurism, 2016 was no slouch. Lots of technology first-evers were introduced in 2016, including reusable rocket ships that pinpoint landed on barges floating in the middle of the ocean, the possible detection of gravity waves, autonomous cars reaching new thresholds in acceptance, and major steps in quantum computing.
By Matt Swayne9 years ago in Futurism
From Kuji to Solo
In a field wrought with speculation and educated (and sometimes not so educated) opinions, there is a small section that stands on its own two legs with both technological and legal credibility. This section is unofficially known as UFO hacking. The name, although seeming rather self-evident, is the detailed, and sometimes arduous task of hacking into government funded, and/or military-centered computer systems in order to uncover information pertaining to the official research or activity of the UFO phenomenon.
By Ryan Sprague9 years ago in Futurism
UFO Belief Systems
The UFO discourse, like any other field of study, has philosophical underpinnings that function like a spectrum. The opposite ends of the spectrum provide an overly simplistic idea of the ‘reality’ of the UFO question. If, for the sake of argument, we assume UFOs are intelligently controlled, we generate a cornucopia of theories and hypotheses that attempt to establish the source. On one side, we have a “nuts and bolts” hypothesis. On the other side of the spectrum, a theological/theosophical mysticism. I will expand upon both of these to provide a clear understanding of the two philosophical extremes of modern Ufology. That being said, these two poles are not necessarily an ‘either or’, but simply lay out the general boundaries of Ufological belief systems. I must first make one note...
By MJ Banias9 years ago in Futurism
Excerpt from 'Somewhere in the Skies: A Human Approach to an Alien Phenomenon' by Ryan Sprague
Ordinary people are seeing extraordinary things in our skies. And while reports of UFOs and their possible occupants are littered with dates, times, and descriptions, they rarely focus on those who've actually experienced them. How have these dramatic and often traumatic events affected those involved? Could both the positive and negative implications, whether subtle or revelatory, further our knowledge of what exactly these phenomena represent?
By Ryan Sprague9 years ago in Futurism
The Career of Carrie Fisher, Sci-Fi Princess (Part 2: 1985-2016)
Continued from Part 1: 1969-1984 Star Wars catapulted the young Carrie Fisher into stardom overnight, which led to wild partying and drug use. Since her recovery from those days, she always took responsibility for her actions and put forward the message that she had a real problem that required real help, and she was strong enough to eventually get it. As someone who really struggled with a nasty drinking habit, I fully appreciate Fisher’s advocacy for addiction therapy and mental health treatment. Sometimes a person with a dependency issue is just too damn scared to admit an uncontrollable problem and get help. Who better to get that last nudge and encouragement to clean up your act and walk tall again than from the Princess of Alderaan?
By Zach Foster9 years ago in Futurism
The Career of Carrie Fisher, Sci-fi Princess (Part 1: 1969-1984)
Carrie Fisher passed away this morning, and her passing leaves tens of millions of sci-fi and Star Wars fanatics stunned. Already, the obituaries and Facebook tribute artwork are flowing freely as people communicate their sadness at this passing. I’m one of them, though this moment is admittedly more bittersweet than it is sad. In her sixty years, the famous sci-fi princess lived a full and robust life as an actress, a talented writer, and a mother.
By Zach Foster9 years ago in Futurism
Empty Coffee Cup
A Play in One Act by TCC Edwards CAST YOUNG ARTIST: A man in his early 20s. Dressed casually, but neat and well-kempt. He has a distinctive goatee and wireframe glasses. He’s a bit of a loner, and comes across as anxious and a little awkward.
By TCC Edwards9 years ago in Futurism