Cryptoterrestrial hypothesis
The cryptoterrestrial hypothesis proposes that reports of flying saucers or UFOs are evidence of a hidden, Earth-based, technologically-advanced civilization.
Aaron John Gulyas, a scholar of conspiracy theories, characterized the so-called hypothesis as "really more of a thought experiment designed to raise questions", while others note that "even people open to the cryptoterrestrial hypothesis remain skeptical". In 2024, authors in a philosophy journal described the cryptoterrestrial hypothesis as a suggestion that "sounds absolutely crazy".