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90 Proof of life is found beyond Earth. This could be microbes or their fossils discovered on Mars, or intelligent signals received by SETI. Scientific, religious, and philosophical debate follow about the implication that we are not alone in the universe. The debate evolves from what it means that we are not alone in terrestrial beings. The UFO phenomenon becomes more plausi- ble and receives greater public interest. Credentialed opinion leaders in UFOlogy and exopolitics step into the spotlight, shar- ing their information or disinformation with the world. UFO sightings increase in boldness and frequency, answering the burgeoning question of whether aliens are visiting us. The question starts shifting toward “Why are they here?” This leads to growing interest in what abductees and contac- tees have to say since they have personally interacted with aliens and have been told of their intentions. Attention will also broaden into the purported messages from aliens themselves, seemingly sent by way of crop circles, channeling, and anonymously circu- lated statements. Here is where the bulk of disinformation is un- leashed to shape public perception of alien motivations. Networks and institutions geared toward preparing humanity for alien disclosure and galactic diplomacy proliferate and be- come highly organized and influential. Governments are pres- sured more than ever before to disclose the truth about aliens. Economic, political, and environmental problems that took root during the first two phases now come to a head. Severe weather problems are blamed on manmade global warming. Dis- ruptions to food and energy production and distribution lead to greater civil unrest. Antiestablishment sentiments escalate into rioting and acts of terrorism, which lead to checkpoints, the pro- DISCERNING ALIEN DISINFORMATION Phase 1: Confirmation and Fascination the universe to whether we are being visited by intelligent extra- Phase 2: Anticipation and Organization Phase 3: Desperation and Confrontation