2024: A Year Of Paranormal & UFO Phenomena

As 2024 comes to a close, it's clear this has been a landmark year for all things mysterious and unexplained. From eerie ghost stories shared on national television to groundbreaking UFO revelations in the US Congress, the year has been a whirlwind of paranormal intrigue and extraterrestrial speculation.

The UK skies lit up with rare celestial phenomena, while haunted artefacts and exorcisms added a spooky edge to our everyday lives. Meanwhile, UFO sightings and government hearings kept the world buzzing with questions about what might be lurking in our airspace - or even beyond.

This year has reminded us of the enduring appeal of the unknown, bringing the paranormal into the mainstream and UFOs into serious public discourse. Join us as we look back on the most compelling stories that made 2024 a year like no other for believers and sceptics alike.

January kicked off the year with a captivating start as the new series of 'Celebrity Help! My House Is Haunted' premiered on Discovery+. The first episode saw the investigative team visit the Cheshire home of Paul Burrell, the former butler to Princess Diana, to uncover the source of paranormal activity troubling his household. Paul and his husband had experienced eerie encounters, including mysterious smells of cigarette smoke, ghostly figures at the foot of their bed, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual presence.

During the emotional episode, the show's psychic medium Ian Lawman became convinced that Princess Diana herself was present in Paul's home. Ian, who had previously worked with Diana, was visibly moved as he described her spirit attempting to communicate. Using a spirit box and other ghost hunting gadgets, the team captured a series of compelling moments, including a voice that seemed to respond directly to Paul. Among the most poignant interactions was a voice saying "France," which Paul interpreted as a reference to Diana's tragic death and his own journey to bring her back to the UK.

The episode was just the beginning of the new season's exploration of celebrity homes, with investigations set to uncover ghostly tales in the residences of Paul Chuckle, Chloe Ferry, and Russell Watson, among others. The series provided an exciting and emotionally charged start to 2024, setting the tone for another year of paranormal intrigue.

In February, Yvette Fielding, best known for her work on 'Most Haunted', appeared on ITV's 'This Morning'. Speaking with Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond, Yvette discussed her new book, 'Most Haunted Theatres', which explores ghostly tales from some of the UK's most historic performance venues. She shared eerie stories from her investigations, including a sighting of ghostly legs at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.

Yvette also expressed her interest in investigating ITV's Television Centre, confident that the building's history could yield fascinating evidence of paranormal activity. She reflected on her career in ghost hunting, explaining how it transformed her views on life after death. Yvette also teased her upcoming memoir, 'Scream Queen', which promises to share personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights from her career.

Meanwhile, ITV's 'This Morning' featured an unconventional love story involving Rebekah Carmichael, Katherine Elaine, and Rupert, a ghostly presence from Wales. Speaking from their North Carolina home, Rebekah and Katherine shared their life with Rupert, who they claim fills a unique role in their relationship. Rebekah, who describes herself as clairvoyant, said she first encountered Rupert near a haunted location. Katherine, a paranormal investigator, supports the bond, using ghost-hunting gadgets to detect Rupert's presence. The couple described spending time together with Rupert and enjoying shared activities like walks and visits to historic places. While their story raised eyebrows, they explained it as a different kind of enduring connection, drawing parallels to love for deceased family members. Their cheerful outlook and openness to questions from hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary left viewers intrigued and entertained.

In May, the skies over the UK dazzled with the rare appearance of the Northern Lights, captivating onlookers and sparking curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts. The aurora borealis, a phenomenon caused by solar flares interacting with the Earth's magnetosphere, painted the night with vibrant colours and raised questions about its potential influence on ghostly activity. Some paranormal investigators speculated that the energy from solar storms might fuel hauntings, while others suggested that the awe-inspiring display could simply prime people to notice the unexplained. While the scientific connection remains tenuous, the lights offered a striking backdrop for pondering the mysteries of both the natural and supernatural worlds. 

Meanwhile, Danny Robins launched a new series of his acclaimed podcast, 'Uncanny', with a focus on chilling tales from across America. The first episode, 'The Flood', delved into Marcus's terrifying encounter in Georgia. The story began with Marcus discovering his late Aunt Jean's voodoo-inscribed Ouija board, which he used in an attempt to contact her. What followed was a night of inexplicable power outages, loud banging, and the sighting of a towering shadowy figure outside the house. The episode explored the eerie parallels between the events and his aunt's tragic death during Hurricane Katrina, leaving Marcus and listeners questioning whether the encounter was supernatural or a manifestation of deeper fears.

In June, a provocative paper from researchers at Harvard and Montana Technological University proposed that sightings of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, might indicate the presence of intelligent beings concealed on Earth. These entities, referred to as "cryptoterrestrials," could be living underground, residing on the Moon, or even disguising themselves as humans among us. 

The researchers acknowledged that this hypothesis is highly speculative and likely to be met with scepticism. However, they argued that such theories deserve consideration with an open and humble approach to knowledge. They explored several possibilities, including the existence of remnants of ancient advanced human civilisations, intelligent species evolving independently of humans, extraterrestrial visitors, or entities akin to "earthbound angels." 

The paper noted that certain UFO sightings, such as craft appearing to enter or exit potential underground access points like volcanoes, could suggest that these cryptoterrestrials inhabit subterranean or underwater bases. This perspective adds a new dimension to the ongoing discussions about UAPs and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, encouraging the scientific community to consider unconventional explanations for unexplained phenomena. 

July saw the release of a revealing survey exploring beliefs about UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Among 370 respondents, 70% believe in the existence of UFOs, with most attributing these sightings to extraterrestrial origins. Interestingly, 27% of participants reported witnessing a UFO themselves, while another 32% have seen unidentified objects but remain unsure of their origin. 

A striking finding from the survey was the widespread belief in government secrecy surrounding UFOs. Among believers, 68% think the government is withholding substantial information about UFOs and extraterrestrial life. This sentiment reflects a growing public distrust in official transparency on the subject, especially following the 2023 US congressional hearings on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). 

The survey also highlighted strong engagement with UFO-related content, with most participants following updates and research with moderate to high interest. While views on how society should react to definitive proof of extraterrestrial life vary, nearly half advocate for caution and extensive scientific research. These findings underscore the enduring fascination with UFOs and the broader questions of what lies beyond our world.

August brought the release of Luis Elizondo's book, 'Imminent: Inside The Pentagon's Hunt For UFOs,' offering readers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). As the former head of the Pentagon's Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), Luis shares his unique perspective on cases that highlight the mystery surrounding UAPs and their implications. 

The book delves into key modern UFO incidents, such as the widely discussed "Tic Tac" sightings, as well as other intriguing topics like alleged alien implants, psychic phenomena, and historical cases like Roswell and Rendlesham Forest. Luis also raises thought-provoking questions about the intent of these unidentified "visitors," speculating whether they are benevolent explorers or present a more serious security concern. 

Through his writing, Luis seeks to shed light on the potential technological capabilities of these unidentified craft, which appear to surpass anything known to humankind. The book also explores the challenges of government transparency in UAP investigations, drawing attention to the obstacles faced in bringing these mysteries to light. 

For those new to the field, 'Imminent' provides a broad overview of significant cases and themes in UFO research, framed by Luis' personal experiences and insider insights from his time leading AATIP. It serves as a thought-provoking entry point into the complex and fascinating world of UFOs and the ongoing search for answers.

September brought a lighthearted yet spooky tale to the airwaves, as Leigh Francis, known for his character Keith Lemon, recounted a childhood haunting on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X. Sharing his story on Friday the 13th, Leigh told listeners about the "little man" he used to see at the end of his bed as a child. Leigh explained that he would wake up laughing at the figure, a phenomenon his mum later connected to a spiritualist's insight into their home. 

According to Leigh, the spiritualist claimed that a "little person" stood on the family's landing, watching over them, and that his late father's spirit lingered near his guitar. This revelation left Leigh and his family astonished, as it aligned with his childhood experiences. The story took a humorous turn as Leigh admitted to moving the guitar after imagining his father's spirit observing him during private moments.

October brought two eerie yet entertaining segments to ITV's 'This Morning,' showcasing the diverse ways people connect with the paranormal. Early in the month, Cheshire's real-life Addams Family - JP Kenny, Kymmi Jeffrey, and their daughters Snow and Pebble - arrived in their black funeral hearse to discuss their passion for the paranormal. The family, who curate a haunted artefact museum in their garage, shared spine-chilling stories about items like Annie, a doll believed to be the UK's most haunted, and a prom dress with a cursed past. Despite the ominous origins of their collection, the family insisted that these artefacts are "part of the family," and their daughters confidently declared they are never scared. 

On Halloween, Reverend Jason Bray, a real-life Anglican exorcist, joined Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond for a special interview. Jason shared insights from his 27 years of experience in exorcism, recounting personal encounters, including a chilling incident from his early days as a vicar involving a cold, unwelcoming house and the hostile presence of a figure with grey eyes. Despite skepticism from some clergy members, Jason explained that his work often brings reassurance to those experiencing unexplained phenomena. He shared details of the rituals and tools he uses, including holy water and a special stole, and emphasised the comforting role his visits play, even when the causes of disturbances might not be paranormal.

November was a landmark month for UFO discourse as the US Congress held a pivotal hearing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs). Led by Representative Nancy Mace, the House Oversight Committee examined the US government's historical and ongoing involvement with UAPs, pushing for greater transparency. Witnesses included high-profile figures such as retired Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, former intelligence officer Luis Elizondo, journalist Michael Shellenberger, and NASA official Mike Gold, each contributing unique insights into the mystery of UAPs. 

The hearing touched on reports of UAPs exhibiting advanced flight capabilities, accounts of drone swarms over military bases, and concerns over potential safety risks to aviation. Gallaudet highlighted the secrecy surrounding satellite imagery of UAPs, while Elizondo warned of a covert arms race potentially tied to advanced technologies. Shellenberger presented claims about an alleged Pentagon programme, "Immaculate Constellation," which reportedly centralises data on UAP sightings. Meanwhile, Gold emphasised the need for tailored scientific instruments to properly study these phenomena. 

Despite limited new information due to security restrictions, the hearing succeeded in keeping UAPs at the forefront of public discourse. It underscored the importance of removing stigma, improving inter-agency coordination, and fostering public trust. Representative Mace closed the session by reaffirming the need for transparency and accountability, asking the critical question: "If it doesn't exist, why are we spending the money? And if it does exist, why are we hiding it?"

December closed out the year with a new aerial mystery as residents across New Jersey and neighbouring states reported sightings of mysterious drones in the night sky. The sightings, which began in November, described coordinated swarms of drones with blinking lights, hovering over sensitive areas such as Naval Weapons Station Earle. Reports soon spread to states like Pennsylvania and Maryland, and even as far as the UK and Germany, prompting investigations by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Pentagon. 

While theories ranged from military exercises to elaborate pranks, federal authorities maintained that there was no evidence of a national security threat. The phenomenon drew comparisons to past aerial mysteries, such as the 2018 Gatwick Airport drone incident and the 1970s wave of phantom helicopter sightings in northern England. Both cases demonstrated how public anxiety and misidentifications can fuel mass sightings, often without concrete evidence. 

As authorities continue to investigate the origins of the drones, the sightings remain unresolved. Whether this turns out to be a significant discovery or a case of mistaken identity, the story highlights our collective fascination with the unexplained and its ability to captivate public attention, making December a fittingly enigmatic end to a UFO-filled year.