Flying Saucer Phenomenon Overview

The term 'Flying Saucer' became popular in June 1947 after pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing unusual flying objects over Mount Rainier. His description was misquoted by newspapers, leading to the first major UFO sighting in the modern era. This sparked the 1947 flying disc craze, with over 1,000 sightings reported across the U.S. by mid-July. The phenomenon continued globally through the 1950s, influencing science fiction and becoming a lasting cultural icon.

What event led to the term 'Flying Saucer' entering the mainstream?

• A radio broadcast

• A government announcement

• A science fiction novel

• A misquote in newspapers

Who was Kenneth Arnold?

• A famous scientist

• A government official

• An amateur pilot

• A newspaper editor

What was the public's reaction following Arnold's sighting?

• They ignored it

• They demanded an investigation

• They reported similar sightings

• They protested against it

How many sightings were reported by mid-July 1947?

• Over 500

• Over 10,000

• Over 1,000

• Over 100

In which decade did flying saucers become a common depiction in science fiction?

• 1940s

• 1950s

• 1970s

• 1960s

What was the initial cause of the flying saucer phenomenon?

• A typographical error

• A natural disaster

• A scientific discovery

• A government conspiracy