Methodology
How we validate, why we score the way we do, and what we won't claim without evidence.
How the validation score is computed
The number on every sighting page isn't a probability of anything exotic. It's a measure of how well-evidenced the report is — here's exactly how we get there.
June 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Anatomy of a triangle cluster
Triangular formations are the second-most-reported category we see. What separates a strong report from a confused one — and why "silent" is doing a lot of work in those descriptions.
Reading the heatmap: hotspots aren't always sightings
The bright cells on the live map are showing you density, not intensity. Here is what each layer actually represents and which one you want.
Witness etiquette: filing a report that survives review
Most reports that get pulled or downvoted don't fail because the sighting was wrong. They fail because the report was sloppy. Here's the checklist we wish every first-time reporter had.
The Sighted method: why we don't accept anonymous submissions
A pseudonymous handle is fine. A black-box submission with no traceable chain of custody isn't — and the reasons aren't what most people guess.