Astrophysicist Lesch on ZDF: SpaceX Activity Catalyzes Rise in German UFO Reports

The German television channel ZDF recently premiered a documentary titled “Harald Lesch … and the Truth About UFOs,” scheduled for broadcast on November 4, 2025. This film features the renowned astrophysicist Harald Lesch conducting an in-depth investigation into the growing phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings across Germany. Lesch noted a particularly sharp increase in reports starting around 2020. His central hypothesis posits that this surge directly reflects the rapid expansion and activity of the private sector space industry.

Lesch meticulously pointed out that a substantial portion of these observed phenomena have entirely terrestrial, albeit highly technological, origins. The operations of Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, were highlighted as a primary driver. For instance, the distinctive spiral trails frequently observed in the sky are often the result of fuel being jettisoned during rocket launches. Furthermore, the massive Starlink mega-project has placed approximately 7000 satellites into near-Earth orbit. These numerous, brightly illuminated objects, often traveling in visible chains, easily mislead observers who mistake them for something inexplicable or otherworldly. Statistical data underscores this point: since 2020, Germany has recorded an average of three UFO reports every single day, signaling a genuine “UFO frenzy.” Lesch stressed that this situation demands a more careful examination of our immediate cosmic surroundings, rather than automatically assuming the involvement of extraterrestrial civilizations.

While Lesch focused on identifying earthly causes for the recent spike in sightings, the wider scientific community continues its fundamental quest to answer whether life exists beyond our planet. Professor Hakan Kayal, who specializes in studying Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) at observation stations, remains committed to delving into this subject matter, driven by a personal desire to comprehend these occurrences. The search employs cutting-edge instruments. For example, data collected by the James Webb Telescope has recently indicated the presence of gases on the exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away, that could potentially be byproducts of biological activity. This discovery opens a profound new chapter in understanding humanity's place in the universe, even if the life form involved is merely microbial.

To enhance observational accuracy and minimize interference originating from Earth, scientists are exploring the possibility of utilizing Mars as a future hub for astronomical research. Concurrently, as private entities like SpaceX dramatically reshape the landscape of near-Earth space, scientific institutions are launching ambitious initiatives. One such project is the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction in the Atacama Desert, designed to search for signs of life in distant worlds with unprecedented detail. Ultimately, the current wave of UFO reports in Germany, brought to light by the ZDF documentary, serves as a potent reminder. Every seemingly inexplicable event should be viewed not as a mystery, but as an invitation for clearer vision and a deeper comprehension of both our technological progress and the boundless potential of the cosmos.