This passage from Passport to Magonia is incredibly relevant today, just as it was when first published

The date was September 24, 1235, seven centuries before our time, and General Yontsume was camping with his army. Suddenly, a curious phenomenon was observed: mysterious sources of light were seen to swing and circle in the southwest, moving in loops until the early morning. General Yoritsume ordered what we would now term a “full-scale scientific investigation,” and his consultants set to work. Fairly soon they made their report. “The whole thing is completely natural. General,” they said in substance. “It is only the wind making the stars sway.” My source of information for this report, Yusuke J. Matsumura, of Yokohama, adds sadly: “Scholars on government pay have always made ambiguous statements like this!