RANK #26 NATIONALLY — 2,341 REPORTED SIGHTINGS
Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C. and its concentration of intelligence and defense agencies creates an unusual dynamic for UAP research. Andrews Air Force Base (Joint Base Andrews) is among the most restricted airspace in the nation.
Fort Meade — home to NSA and Cyber Command — and the Aberdeen Proving Ground add to the state's significant classified air activity. Patuxent River Naval Air Station in St. Mary's County is the Navy's premier aircraft test center and is responsible for evaluating new systems whose capabilities may appear anomalous to civilian observers.
The Chesapeake Bay produces consistent marine sightings, and the bay's unique geography — surrounded by the heavily populated and defense-connected population of the DMV region — makes it among the most observed bodies of water in the United States.
Consistent with national patterns, Maryland witnesses most frequently report orb and light phenomena, followed by triangular and disc-shaped objects.
Sighting counts: Virginia: 3,876 | Pennsylvania: 5,124
Report your sighting to an established civilian organization. Your report contributes to the public record.