AlienCon is spotted in Pasadena, and it brings out the believers
Kid to tiered for Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People line up to get Aline Con stuff at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Thousand’s show up at Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the star-wars fashion at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Robot drones make an appearance at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The dog Lumi dresses up at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Fans line up for autographs at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Emmanuel Jaimel wears his bubble rap suit at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Alien fans talk with each other about their aliens, at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Fans line up for famous author of the book Chariots of the Gods Erich von Däniken (L) at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Metal art by Metalsouls at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 things scene at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the star-wars fashion at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the aliens stuff scene at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 things scene at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the look-a-like Ancient Astronaut Theorist at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 things scene at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the star-wars fashion at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the alien faces by Alien Laser Works things to be scene at the Alien Con 2023 at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
The famous Cone-heads were spotted at Alien Con 2023 this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
History channel ‘ Ancient Astronaut Theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos(C) speaks to his fans at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some people getting their tinfoils hats adjusted at the Alien Con 2023 at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
History channel ‘ Ancient Astronaut Theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos(C) speaks to his fans at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some people wore tinfoil hats for protection at the Alien Con 2023 show this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
History channel ‘ Ancient Astronaut Theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos(C) speaks to his fans at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Some of the Alien Con 2023 fashion this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
History channel ‘ Ancient Astronaut Theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos(C) speaks to his fans at the Pasadena Convention Center CA/USA, Saturday March 4, 2023. The unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction into it this year in the context of the recent sightings of UFOs in US air space, some of which were ultimately identified, but nevertheless touched off new interest in all things unidentified.
(Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
If you didn’t know better, you might have mistaken the Pasadena Convention Center on Saturday, March 4, for the Cantina scene from Star Wars.
There were the little green humanoids, the Imperial TIE Fighter pilots, the droids (R2 included), the guy in an alien mask and tights wearing American flag trunks. OK, maybe not exactly Star Wars, but definitely a galaxy far, far away.
As the great Obi-Won said: “We must be cautious.”
Ufologists, believers, the curious and fans of related TV shows converged at AlienCon in Pasadena, eager to explore that area between science fact and science fiction.
That’s right, this year’s Alien-Con comes after U.S. fighter jets shot down four high-altitude objects last month, all this after in early February an object that the U.S. said was a surveillance balloon deployed by China put UFOs very much back on the radar.
While government officials are keeping an open mind, the chances are, experts have said, that none of the shot down crafts were extraterrestrial. But try telling that to the 3,000 people who attended the conference’s first day at the Pasadena Convention Center. It runs through Sunday.
Participants lined up for autograph sessions with stars from shows on The History Channel such as “Ancient Aliens,” and “The Proof is Out There.” Some wore headbands with little foam ball antennas, and t-shirts emblazoned with messages such as “We want to know,” “I believe” and “Take me with you.”
Panels discussed UAPs, or unidentified aerial phenomena, the preferred term over UFOs, or unidentified flying objects.
Katherine Flores drove from Riverside and wore a black sweater dotted with bright green alien faces. A newbie to intergalactic mysteries, she said she’s having fun learning about new ideas.
Her boyfriend Matthew Biernet said he wants to get autographs from three network stars: Giorgio Tsoukalos, filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, and reporter George Knapp, all featured in shows such as “Skinwalker Ranch” and “Bob Lazar: Area 51 and Flying Saucers.”
“I’m a big fan and I want to tell them to keep fighting the good fight and keep believing,” Biernet said. “I look at history and have to think, do we know what we think we do? And you have to have some fun with it too. It’s a good vibe here.”
Eric Hanson is a dermatologist from Portland, Ore., but for AlienCon, he dressed up as one of the mysterious Men in Black with two of his friends. The trio posed for photos with conference attendees and admitted there’s fun to be had in searching for cosmic answers.
“For me, it started with X-Files, and then ‘Ancient Aliens’ jumpstarted all of this,” Hanson said. “There are so many incidents.”
In 2017, the Pentagon officially confirmed that it ran a $22 million government program to collect and analyze “anomalous aerospace threats.” What other alien-related secrets are there?
“Let’s just say we want to believe,” said Tom Chapman, a real estate agent also known as Agent T. This is the duo’s fourth AlienCon.
The two snagged front row seats to a panel presenting “History’s Most Compelling UFO Incidents,” which included Roswell in 1947 and even a reported incident in Long Beach in 2014.
Astronomer Mark D’Antonio runs remote observatories around the country, and is part of MUFON, or the Mutual UFO Network, a nonprofit that investigates UFO sightings. He said with the advent of Space X and Falcon 9 rockets, people will report more mysterious lights and other anomalies in the heavens.
“Things like that will become more commonplace, and it doesn’t mean people don’t know what they’re talking about,” he said, “It just means they’re curious. We’re looking for the truth. I’d say 98% of our cases, we can solve and explain, but the 2%? That’s what’s interesting. I’m a scientist, but I’m also an open-minded guy.”
Panelist Earl Gray Anderson said he believes there is ample evidence for three things: that alien beings have and continue to interact with humans, that government knows more about it that they acknowledge and that “there is zero chance the rest of the universe is devoid of life.”
“(We’ve come far) from the days when acknowledging belief was a sure ticket to ridicule,” Anderson said. “But I can tell you (from experience) that we are not alone.”
Members of Star Trek-The Fleet fandom were also at the event. They talked to attendees about their groups, called ships, that are organized by geography and different “Star Trek” shows. Ships include some in Artesia, San Gabriel and Long Beach.
The costuming club has 900 members in California, Nevada, Maryland and Washington, according to Pablo Torres of Banning.
“We’ve gotten to know each other in this expansive fandom,” said Steve Morgenthaler of Cerritos. “We’re having a good time together and helping charities. It’s the community and the friendships.”
The Bendot family of Ventura, eight members strong, descended on the convention floor wearing tinfoil hats. It is their first Alien Con and they took in talks and displays on orbs, abductions, sightings, and crystals. The AlienCon marketplace offered psychic readings, books, jewelry, and even a table on the Sasquatch Syndicate from Washington.
“We’re the oddballs,” said Joshua Bendot. “It’s my brother’s birthday and it was either this or Disneyland, and we’ve been to Disneyland. It’s been interesting, and it’s a lot to take in. Statistically, I believe it’s next to impossible we’re alone in the universe.”
His mother Roberta Bendot said she is loving her first time at AlienCon.
“All these open minds, that’s what I like,” she said.
