Where are UFO sightings most common in New Hampshire?

Sighting concentrations in New Hampshire reflect population density, proximity to military installations, and local sky observation conditions. See the contributing factors section on this page for state-specific details.

What military bases in New Hampshire might relate to UAP sightings?

Military installations in or near New Hampshire are listed in the contributing factors section. Military air traffic is a significant factor in many UAP reports, though anomalous cases remain after conventional explanations are excluded.

New Hampshire UFO Sightings — 798 Reported Cases, Rank #45

798

Total reported sightings

#45

National ranking

1 in 1,700

Approx. per capita rate

2000s

Peak reporting decade

About New Hampshire UAP sightings

New Hampshire's 798 sightings are notable for a state of its size. Pease ANGB near Portsmouth contributes military air activity as a former Strategic Air Command base.

The 1961 Betty and Barney Hill abduction case — one of the earliest and most extensively investigated alleged close encounter cases — occurred on U.S. Route 3 near Lincoln, New Hampshire. The case involved hypnotic regression testimony, a star map drawn by Betty Hill, and physical evidence that was subsequently investigated by investigators including Hynek. It brought New Hampshire lasting attention in UAP literature.

New Hampshire's White Mountains, with some of the darkest skies in New England, produce consistent orb and light reports from hikers and wilderness observers.

Contributing factors

Pease ANGB near Portsmouth
1961 Betty and Barney Hill case — Route 3 Lincoln
White Mountain dark skies
Coastal Portsmouth corridor
Appalachian Trail observer community

Shape breakdown — New Hampshire

Consistent with national patterns, New Hampshire witnesses most frequently report orb and light phenomena, followed by triangular and disc-shaped objects.

Orb / Light

38%

Explore →

Triangle

16%

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Disc

14%

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Cigar

Other

24%

Recent UAP news — New Hampshire

Multiple witnesses in New Hampshire file reports with NUFORC — pattern under review

NUFORC — 2026

Trump declassification order expected to surface files related to New Hampshire military installations

Defense reporting — March 2026

AARO database includes cases from New Hampshire in latest review cycle

Pentagon AARO — 2025

Frequently asked questions — New Hampshire

How many UFO sightings have been reported in New Hampshire? ▼

New Hampshire has 798 reported UFO and UAP sightings on record, ranking #45 nationally. The data is sourced from peer-reviewed academic research geocoding historical NUFORC reports through 2023. This represents reported sightings, not verified encounters.

What is the most notable UAP case from New Hampshire? ▼

New Hampshire has produced notable sighting reports over the decades. The state's military installations and geographic characteristics have contributed to a consistent and varied reporting history. See the contributing factors section above for details specific to New Hampshire.

Where can I report a UFO sighting in New Hampshire? ▼

Sightings from New Hampshire can be reported to NUFORC at nuforc.org or MUFON at mufon.com. Both maintain state-level investigators. See our reporting guide for more information.

Neighboring states

Sighting counts: Maine: 1,234 | Vermont: 698 | Massachusetts: 3,987

Vermont Maine Massachusetts

Witnessed something unexplained in New Hampshire?

Report your sighting to an established civilian organization. Your report contributes to the public record.

Report to NUFORC → Report to MUFON →