Global interest in UFOs peaked to an unprecedented level as Internet searches for UFOs almost tripled* over night with the release of UFO files by The National Archives.

Reflecting this UFO mania The National Archives’ UFO webpage attracted 264,285 visits the first day, five times more than usual.  Over the next four days 1,348,054 files were downloaded.

David Thomas, chief information officer at The National Archives, “It just shows the fascination in encounters of a third kind is very real. This launch exceeded our expectations and showcased our ability to deliver large scale projects in the face of sustained web traffic.”

Released under the Freedom of Information Act, these 8 UFO files were the first tranche transferred to The National Archives by the Ministry of Defence. In anticipation of the demand, The National Archives web team worked with UK managed hosting provider NetBenefit and their Content Delivery Network (CDN) specialist Panther Express to ensure uninterrupted viewing of this previously unseen material.

Jonathan Robinson, chief operating officer NetBenefit comments, “With a project like this, capacity for the unknown has to be anticipated and planned for.  A resilient hosting solution with scaleable bandwidth was key to its success. ”

The files contained details of alleged alien abductions, sightings of flying saucers and crop circles. 

ENDS

For further information on The National Archives please contact Tim Matthews, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 020 8392 5277.

For further information on NetBenefit please contact, Jonathan Bawden or Emily Gallagher, Portfolio Communications – 0207 240 6959 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes to Editors

This is the first tranche of UFO files that MoD will transfer over the next few years.  These will be available at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos.

*According to Hitwise Internet searches for UFOs increased by 267% on the day the UFO files were released - http://weblogs.hitwise.com/to-go-uk/2008/05/searches_for_ufo_take_off_as_t.html