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Could aliens be hiding among us? Harvard researchers explore a bold hidden civilization theory

Astronomy Jul 21, 2026
BY DISITA SIKDAR
A stock illustration of a green alien with large black glass eyes standing with a flying saucer in the background. (Image Credits: MARHARYTA MARKO/Getty Images)
A stock illustration of a green alien with large black glass eyes standing with a flying saucer in the background. (Image Credits: MARHARYTA MARKO/Getty Images)
Harvard scientists explore the possibility that advanced aliens could already be living on Earth
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Harvard explores what may really explain UFOs
IMAGE SOURCE: DENIS-ART/GETTY IMAGES

Harvard explores what may really explain UFOs

The threat of a possible extraterrestrial invasion has long been a concern for scientists. However, till now, no traces of such alien life have been found. As UFO sightings continue to be reported, researchers at Harvard decided to delve deeper. In a paper titled ‘The cryptoterrestrial hypothesis: A case for scientific openness to a concealed earthly explanation for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena,’ the scientists proposed a hypothesis: what if aliens exist among us on Earth?

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They might not be visitors at all
IMAGE SOURCE: JACOB WACKERHAUSEN/GETTY IMAGES

They might not be visitors at all

The Harvard researchers suggest that an alien civilization might already be hiding on Earth. According to the scientists, these cryptoterrestrials might have descended from an ancient civilization of humans. These humans were much more capable and advanced. Another possibility is that a different intelligent species evolved on Earth long before modern humans. The researchers also explore the idea that such beings could be descendants of 'intelligent' dinosaurs.

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Could advanced aliens have mysterious powers?
IMAGE SOURCE: KSENIIA LUKIANСHIKOVA/GETTY IMAGES

Could advanced aliens have mysterious powers?

The researchers also explore another possibility: What if these hidden beings actually came from another planet? They suggest these hypothetical cryptoterrestrials may have originated elsewhere in the universe or even from a different point in time. If that's the case, they would represent an entirely different branch of humanity. What's more, the paper speculates that if these beings were far more advanced than humans, their technology or abilities could seem almost magical to us.

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Could UFO sightings be connected?
IMAGE SOURCE: JACOB WACKERHAUSEN/GETTY IMAGES

Could UFO sightings be connected?

Now, the big question is: if such a civilization indeed exists, why haven’t we seen them yet? Well, the Harvard researchers proposed some possible answers. According to the hypothesis, these aliens might be living under the Earth or hidden somewhere. The theory also connects the dots on why UAPs are often spotted around volcanoes and caves. It might be possible entry/exit gates for these beings.

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A hidden civilization in plain sight
IMAGE SOURCE: PETMAL/GETTY IMAGES

A hidden civilization in plain sight

In a scary possibility, aliens might be hidden in plain sight. Among us, disguised as humans. Likewise, the hypothesis also suggests that alien beings might also live in the form of reptiles or some other commonly known species. This would help them go unnoticed from human scrutiny.  Now, despite all the above theories, scientists know fully well that these are quite far-fetched ideas. However, they also stressed how we must continue extensive research on UAP/UFO happenings.

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