Witness Quick Record

Capture the first account

An accessible online worksheet for recording an unusual sighting, preserving original evidence, and separating observation from interpretation.

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Before You Call It Alien | Reader companion

Witness Quick Record

Capture the first account

Safety first

If the event is still happening, do not drive distracted, trespass, approach an aircraft, or put yourself in danger. Record only when it is safe.

Event snapshot

Fill this out before discussing interpretations.

DateLocal timeLocationDirection facedDurationWeather and visibilitySoundOther witnessesRecording deviceFile names saved

What I directly observed

Use sensory descriptions, not labels.

First accountDescribe what reached your eyes and ears. Note apparent shape, light, motion, color, changes, and disappearance. Use ‘appeared’ when distance or size was not measured.Scene sketch or spatial notesPlace the sighting in relation to the horizon and fixed objects. Include landmarks, direction of travel, and your position. Not to scale.

Preserve before you process

Protect and separate the record.

Record-preservation steps

Save the first written or recorded account.Keep original photos and videos untouched.Copy originals before cropping or enhancing.Record file names, device, and transfer history.Ask witnesses to write separately before comparing.Label later memories and outside information.

Keep the layers separate

Both columns matter, but they are not the same.

ObservationWhat did you directly see, hear, or measure?InterpretationWhat identity, cause, distance, speed, or intention did you infer?

Provisional conclusion

It is acceptable to leave this open.

Strongest supportable statement todayState what the record supports, what remains uncertain, and what new information could change the conclusion.

Confidence in this statementMost important evidence gapDate to review again

Witness Quick Record

Safety first

Event snapshot

What I directly observed

Preserve before you process

Keep the layers separate

Reasonable first checks

Provisional conclusion