I am discounting reports of UFOs. Why would they appear only to cranks and weirdos?

I am discounting reports of UFOs. Why would they appear only to cranks and weirdos?

Stephen Hawking, one of the most renowned physicists of our time, was known for his skepticism when it came to the existence of extraterrestrial life and UFOs. He famously stated that he was discounting reports of UFOs, questioning why they would only appear to cranks and weirdos. This statement reflects Hawking's logical and scientific approach to the topic of UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Hawking's skepticism towards UFO reports can be attributed to his belief in the scientific method and the need for empirical evidence to support extraordinary claims. As a physicist, he understood the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in evaluating claims of UFO sightings. He was not willing to accept anecdotal evidence or eyewitness accounts as proof of extraterrestrial visitations.

Furthermore, Hawking's question about why UFOs would only appear to cranks and weirdos highlights his understanding of human psychology and the tendency for people to believe in conspiracy theories and supernatural phenomena. He recognized that UFO sightings are often reported by individuals who may not be credible or reliable witnesses, leading to doubts about the veracity of their claims.

Hawking's skepticism towards UFO reports does not mean that he ruled out the possibility of extraterrestrial life altogether. In fact, he believed that the vastness of the universe and the sheer number of galaxies and planets made it likely that there is intelligent life beyond Earth. However, he argued that the distances between stars and the limitations of current technology make it unlikely that extraterrestrial civilizations would be able to visit Earth.