Arizona has a high rate of UFO sightings

Maricopa County had about 56 UFO sightings per 100,000 residents between 2000 and 2023, according to the National UFO Reporting Center data.

Why it matters: That's above the national average of 34.3 sightings per 100,000 residents.

Zoom out: Other parts of the state — notably La Paz and Gila counties — reported mysterious airborne objects at an even higher rate.

Reality check: Despite rising public acceptance of UFO chatter, there's still no proof that we're being visited by extraterrestrials.

• Many of these sightings are likely military activity, satellites and scientific phenomena.
• But the truth, as they say, is out there.