The White House appoints a Harvard astronomer to lead a new panel of outside scientists tasked with studying unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential national security implications, according to multiple reports citing the AP. The selected professor is described by outlets as polarizing, known for making high-profile claims about possible alien visits. The council’s stated mission is to assess risks to national security connected to UFOs, bringing in external scientific expertise to examine concerns beyond routine identification efforts. While coverage focuses on the astronomer’s reputation and previous public-facing theories, all accounts characterize the appointment as part of the government’s broader effort to evaluate what UFOs could mean for defense and intelligence. PBS NewsHour, The Independent, and Stuff.co.nz frame the role as leading the scientific team, with attention on the policy goal of understanding whether unidentified sightings present security concerns. The reports do not provide additional technical findings from the council, focusing instead on the appointment and the panel’s purpose.