Spurious correlation #1,789 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is The distance between Uranus and Saturn and the second variable is UFO sightings in Washington. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is The distance between Uranus and Saturn and the second variable is UFO sightings in Washington. The chart goes from 1975 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The farther Uranus and Saturn were from each other, the more space they created for UFOs to fly around in, especially around Washington. It was like a celestial game of hide and seek, where the UFOs took full advantage of the extra planetary room. It really made the UFOs feel welcome in the state, like they were saying, "Washington, we have a problem... and it's that we can't stay away!"

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [Symbolism] Create an image of a clear night sky over Washington, depicting Uranus and Saturn as bright, distant points of light. A mysterious UFO sighting is shown by a glowing, unidentified object hovering between the two planets, leaving a trail of shimmering light as it moves across the sky. The scene should evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Pop art Photorealism Symbolism Photorealism Cutsy art illustration
ChatGPT: Symbolism

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a clear night sky in Washington, the distance between Uranus and Saturn is illustrated by the two planets appearing as bright, distant points of light. In the same scene, a mysterious UFO sighting is depicted by a glowing, unidentified object hovering between the two planets, leaving a trail of shimmering light as it moves across the sky.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ Symbolism ] and depicting this scene: In a clear night sky in Washington, the distance between Uranus and Saturn is illustrated by the two planets appearing as bright, distant points of light. In the same scene, a mysterious UFO sighting is depicted by a glowing, unidentified object hovering between the two planets, leaving a trail of shimmering light as it moves across the sky. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [Symbolism] Create an image of a clear night sky over Washington, depicting Uranus and Saturn as bright, distant points of light. A mysterious UFO sighting is shown by a glowing, unidentified object hovering between the two planets, leaving a trail of shimmering light as it moves across the sky. The scene should evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how increases in The distance between Uranus and Saturn positively influenced UFO sightings in Washington. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Encounters and Planetary Proximity Studies

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a couple popular internet memes that are related to one of the topics.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The research team utilized data from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, establishing a time frame from 1975 to 2021. Surprisingly, a correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 with a p-value of less than 0.01 was observed. This paper not only sheds light on a celestial puzzle but also humorously raises the question - are aliens perhaps just intergalactic tourists making a pit stop in our solar system's outer reaches?

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life has captured the imagination of humanity for centuries, fueling countless science fiction novels, blockbuster movies, and conspiracy theories. Within the realm of ufology, the study of UFO sightings has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. The state of Washington in the USA stands out as a hotspot for UFO sightings, with a rich history of reported encounters that have perplexed and intrigued both believers and skeptics alike.
While many theories have been proposed to explain these otherworldly sightings, one celestial aspect that has been relatively overlooked is the position of Uranus and Saturn in our solar system. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the enigmatic world of UFO sightings and the distant dance of Uranus and Saturn, uncovering any potential link between the two phenomena.
The gravitational pull of these giant gas planets might not seem relevant to UFO sightings on the surface, but as we delve into the data, we may find that there could be more to these celestial bodies than meets the eye. The time frame of our study spans from 1975 to 2021, a period during which technological advancements have allowed for more accurate tracking of both UFO sightings and planetary positions. This provides a fertile ground for exploration into the potential connection between the seemingly unrelated realms of celestial mechanics and ufology.
As we navigate through the nuances of this investigation, we will take a lighthearted approach, recognizing that the intersection of UFO sightings and planetary positions may appear to be firmly lodged in the realm of science fiction. However, as we unravel the celestial connection, we aim to bring a dash of humor and curiosity to the discussion, prompting readers to ponder the possibility of aliens being not just distant beings, but tourists navigating the cosmic highways of our solar system.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The relationship between celestial bodies and earthly phenomena has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. In "Celestial Dynamics and Their Influence on Earthly Events" by Smith, the author delves into the gravitational effects of distant planets on terrestrial occurrences, laying the groundwork for our investigation into the potential link between UFO sightings and the positions of Uranus and Saturn. Building upon this foundation, Doe explores the historical patterns of celestial alignments and their purported impacts on human behavior in "Astrology and Society: A Historical Perspective." Jones investigates the psychological implications of celestial events on human belief systems in "The Cosmic Influence: From Superstition to Science."

While these serious works provide a scholarly backdrop for our inquiry, we cannot ignore the extensive body of popular literature and cultural references that have contributed to the public's fascination with UFO sightings and celestial phenomena. Works such as "UFOs: Myths, Conspiracies, and Realities" by Kean present a comprehensive overview of reported encounters and the social implications of UFO sightings. In a similar vein, "Chariots of the Gods" by Von Daniken explores ancient astronaut theories, linking extraterrestrial visitations to humanity's technological advancements.

As we delve further into the realm of fictional literature, we encounter narratives that blur the lines between science fiction and celestial intrigue. In Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey," the enigmatic Monolith serves as a conduit for extraterrestrial influence, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of cosmic intervention. Similarly, in Carl Sagan's "Contact," the search for intelligent life beyond Earth's boundaries captivates the imagination, echoing the perennial quest for answers to the enigma of UFO sightings.

In our digital age, internet memes such as the "Alien Guy" and "Ancient Aliens" have permeated popular culture, bridging the gap between serious inquiry and humorous speculation. While these memes may often be dismissed as frivolous, they reflect a broader societal interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors, serving as a testament to the enduring allure of ufology and celestial mysteries.

As we navigate through this interdisciplinary landscape, it becomes clear that the connection between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington transcends conventional boundaries, inviting us to embrace both scholarly rigor and lighthearted contemplation.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Caclculated using Astropy and National UFO Reporting Center . You used data from 1975 to 2021

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The research team utilized data from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, establishing a time frame from 1975 to 2021. Surprisingly, a correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 with a p-value of less than 0.01 was observed. This paper not only sheds light on a celestial puzzle but also humorously raises the question - are aliens perhaps just intergalactic tourists making a pit stop in our solar system's outer reaches?

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life has captured the imagination of humanity for centuries, fueling countless science fiction novels, blockbuster movies, and conspiracy theories. Within the realm of ufology, the study of UFO sightings has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. The state of Washington in the USA stands out as a hotspot for UFO sightings, with a rich history of reported encounters that have perplexed and intrigued both believers and skeptics alike.
While many theories have been proposed to explain these otherworldly sightings, one celestial aspect that has been relatively overlooked is the position of Uranus and Saturn in our solar system. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the enigmatic world of UFO sightings and the distant dance of Uranus and Saturn, uncovering any potential link between the two phenomena.
The gravitational pull of these giant gas planets might not seem relevant to UFO sightings on the surface, but as we delve into the data, we may find that there could be more to these celestial bodies than meets the eye. The time frame of our study spans from 1975 to 2021, a period during which technological advancements have allowed for more accurate tracking of both UFO sightings and planetary positions. This provides a fertile ground for exploration into the potential connection between the seemingly unrelated realms of celestial mechanics and ufology.
As we navigate through the nuances of this investigation, we will take a lighthearted approach, recognizing that the intersection of UFO sightings and planetary positions may appear to be firmly lodged in the realm of science fiction. However, as we unravel the celestial connection, we aim to bring a dash of humor and curiosity to the discussion, prompting readers to ponder the possibility of aliens being not just distant beings, but tourists navigating the cosmic highways of our solar system.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To explore the potential relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative interpretation of the data. The data regarding the distances between Uranus and Saturn were obtained from Astropy, a popular open-source astronomy library, while the UFO sighting reports were sourced from the National UFO Reporting Center, a repository of reported sightings dating back to 1975.

The first step involved calculating the distance between Uranus and Saturn for each year in the study period (1975-2021). This involved complex celestial mechanics equations and orbital calculations, ensuring that the planetary positions were accurately determined. Additionally, the reported UFO sightings in Washington during the same time frame were collated and categorized based on time and location.

Furthermore, the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and the frequency of UFO sightings in Washington was analyzed using statistical software. A correlation coefficient was computed to assess the strength and direction of the relationship, with a p-value being calculated to determine the statistical significance of any observed association.

In order to enhance the robustness of the findings, sensitivity analyses were conducted, considering variations in the methodology and data sources. Sensitivity analyses were particularly important given the speculative nature of the research question and the inherent uncertainties associated with studying phenomena as elusive as UFO sightings.

Given the unconventional nature of the study, a lighthearted approach was adopted in certain aspects of the methodology, acknowledging the whimsical nature of exploring the celestial and the extraterrestrial. While maintaining scientific rigor, a hint of levity and open-mindedness was interwoven into the data collection and analysis processes, recognizing the inherent intrigue and speculation surrounding UFO phenomena.

The methodology also accounted for potential confounding variables, including but not limited to advancements in technology, changes in reporting practices, and the influence of popular culture on the frequency of UFO sightings. These considerations were integrated to ensure that any observed associations between planetary positions and UFO sightings were interpreted within the broader context of social, cultural, and technological influences.

Finally, a thorough review of existing literature in ufology, astronomy, and statistical methodology was undertaken to contextualize the methodology within the wider academic discourse, ensuring coherence and alignment with established research practices. The interdisciplinary nature of this investigation necessitated a comprehensive and multifaceted methodology, allowing for the rigorous examination of the celestial and the inexplicable.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the results section of an academic research paper. You speak in the past tense (you found...).
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from Caclculated using Astropy and National UFO Reporting Center .

For the time period 1975 to 2021, you found a correlation 0.8728795, r-squared of 0.7619186, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The research team utilized data from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, establishing a time frame from 1975 to 2021. Surprisingly, a correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 with a p-value of less than 0.01 was observed. This paper not only sheds light on a celestial puzzle but also humorously raises the question - are aliens perhaps just intergalactic tourists making a pit stop in our solar system's outer reaches?

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
The fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life has captured the imagination of humanity for centuries, fueling countless science fiction novels, blockbuster movies, and conspiracy theories. Within the realm of ufology, the study of UFO sightings has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. The state of Washington in the USA stands out as a hotspot for UFO sightings, with a rich history of reported encounters that have perplexed and intrigued both believers and skeptics alike.
While many theories have been proposed to explain these otherworldly sightings, one celestial aspect that has been relatively overlooked is the position of Uranus and Saturn in our solar system. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the enigmatic world of UFO sightings and the distant dance of Uranus and Saturn, uncovering any potential link between the two phenomena.
The gravitational pull of these giant gas planets might not seem relevant to UFO sightings on the surface, but as we delve into the data, we may find that there could be more to these celestial bodies than meets the eye. The time frame of our study spans from 1975 to 2021, a period during which technological advancements have allowed for more accurate tracking of both UFO sightings and planetary positions. This provides a fertile ground for exploration into the potential connection between the seemingly unrelated realms of celestial mechanics and ufology.
As we navigate through the nuances of this investigation, we will take a lighthearted approach, recognizing that the intersection of UFO sightings and planetary positions may appear to be firmly lodged in the realm of science fiction. However, as we unravel the celestial connection, we aim to bring a dash of humor and curiosity to the discussion, prompting readers to ponder the possibility of aliens being not just distant beings, but tourists navigating the cosmic highways of our solar system.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The data, collected from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, covered the time period from 1975 to 2021. The resulting correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 indicated a strong positive relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The r-squared value of 0.7619186 suggested that approximately 76% of the variation in UFO sightings can be explained by the distance between these two celestial bodies. Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 indicates that the observed relationship is statistically significant.

Figure 1 presents a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The scatterplot provides a visually compelling demonstration of the association, showcasing the increasing frequency of UFO sightings as the distance between Uranus and Saturn decreases.

The unexpected strength of the correlation prompts us to consider the potential implications and interpretations of these findings. Could the gravitational ballet of Uranus and Saturn be attracting intergalactic visitors to our cosmic neighborhood? While the idea of UFOs being drawn to our solar system's outer reaches may sound like a plot straight out of a science fiction novel, the data certainly encourages a lighthearted contemplation of the celestial and extraterrestrial dance.

The positive correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington invites further exploration and speculation, inviting us to ponder the cosmic coincidences that may shape our earthly encounters with the unknown. So, perhaps, the next time you look up at the night sky, remember that even the most distant celestial bodies could have a role to play in our terrestrial tales of unidentified flying objects.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
"Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The research team utilized data from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, establishing a time frame from 1975 to 2021. Surprisingly, a correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 with a p-value of less than 0.01 was observed. This paper not only sheds light on a celestial puzzle but also humorously raises the question - are aliens perhaps just intergalactic tourists making a pit stop in our solar system's outer reaches?

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The relationship between celestial bodies and earthly phenomena has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. In "Celestial Dynamics and Their Influence on Earthly Events" by Smith, the author delves into the gravitational effects of distant planets on terrestrial occurrences, laying the groundwork for our investigation into the potential link between UFO sightings and the positions of Uranus and Saturn. Building upon this foundation, Doe explores the historical patterns of celestial alignments and their purported impacts on human behavior in "Astrology and Society: A Historical Perspective." Jones investigates the psychological implications of celestial events on human belief systems in "The Cosmic Influence: From Superstition to Science."
While these serious works provide a scholarly backdrop for our inquiry, we cannot ignore the extensive body of popular literature and cultural references that have contributed to the public's fascination with UFO sightings and celestial phenomena. Works such as "UFOs: Myths, Conspiracies, and Realities" by Kean present a comprehensive overview of reported encounters and the social implications of UFO sightings. In a similar vein, "Chariots of the Gods" by Von Daniken explores ancient astronaut theories, linking extraterrestrial visitations to humanity's technological advancements.
As we delve further into the realm of fictional literature, we encounter narratives that blur the lines between science fiction and celestial intrigue. In Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey," the enigmatic Monolith serves as a conduit for extraterrestrial influence, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of cosmic intervention. Similarly, in Carl Sagan's "Contact," the search for intelligent life beyond Earth's boundaries captivates the imagination, echoing the perennial quest for answers to the enigma of UFO sightings.
In our digital age, internet memes such as the "Alien Guy" and "Ancient Aliens" have permeated popular culture, bridging the gap between serious inquiry and humorous speculation. While these memes may often be dismissed as frivolous, they reflect a broader societal interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors, serving as a testament to the enduring allure of ufology and celestial mysteries.
As we navigate through this interdisciplinary landscape, it becomes clear that the connection between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington transcends conventional boundaries, inviting us to embrace both scholarly rigor and lighthearted contemplation.

[[RESULTS]]
A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The data, collected from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, covered the time period from 1975 to 2021. The resulting correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 indicated a strong positive relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The r-squared value of 0.7619186 suggested that approximately 76% of the variation in UFO sightings can be explained by the distance between these two celestial bodies. Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 indicates that the observed relationship is statistically significant.
Figure 1 presents a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The scatterplot provides a visually compelling demonstration of the association, showcasing the increasing frequency of UFO sightings as the distance between Uranus and Saturn decreases.
The unexpected strength of the correlation prompts us to consider the potential implications and interpretations of these findings. Could the gravitational ballet of Uranus and Saturn be attracting intergalactic visitors to our cosmic neighborhood? While the idea of UFOs being drawn to our solar system's outer reaches may sound like a plot straight out of a science fiction novel, the data certainly encourages a lighthearted contemplation of the celestial and extraterrestrial dance.
The positive correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington invites further exploration and speculation, inviting us to ponder the cosmic coincidences that may shape our earthly encounters with the unknown. So, perhaps, the next time you look up at the night sky, remember that even the most distant celestial bodies could have a role to play in our terrestrial tales of unidentified flying objects.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The robust correlation observed between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington provides intriguing insights into the potential interplay between celestial dynamics and earthly phenomena. These findings not only align with the established literature on celestial influences but also add a whimsical dimension to our understanding of extraterrestrial encounters.

Harkening back to the literature review, Smith's exploration of the gravitational effects of distant planets on terrestrial occurrences resonates deeply with the present study's findings. The gravitational tug-of-war between Uranus and Saturn may indeed serve as an enticing force for otherworldly visitors, drawing them closer to our cosmic neighborhood. Furthermore, the historical perspectives offered by Doe and the psychological implications elucidated by Jones support the notion that celestial events hold sway over human experiences, even extending to the realm of UFO sightings.

In a lighthearted departure from the usual scientific discourse, the unexpected strength of the correlation between distant celestial bodies and UFO sightings whimsically hints at a cosmic choreography that could be attracting intergalactic tourists. While this notion may seem fanciful, the statistical significance of the observed relationship encourages a playful contemplation of the celestial and extraterrestrial dance.

The present study's findings, in tandem with the body of literature encompassing serious inquiry and lighthearted speculation, underscore the enduring allure of ufology and celestial mysteries. From scholarly rigor to internet memes, the eclectic landscape of celestial fascination invites us to embrace both the serious and the humorous in our quest for cosmic understanding.

In conclusion, the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington beckons us to peel back the layers of celestial intrigue and contemplate the cosmic coincidences that may shape our encounters with the unknown. As we continue to peer into the depths of space, perhaps the next time a UFO sighting is reported, we can humorously ponder the potential role of distant celestial bodies in attracting these otherworldly visitors.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between The distance between Uranus and Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study delves into the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The research team utilized data from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, establishing a time frame from 1975 to 2021. Surprisingly, a correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 with a p-value of less than 0.01 was observed. This paper not only sheds light on a celestial puzzle but also humorously raises the question - are aliens perhaps just intergalactic tourists making a pit stop in our solar system's outer reaches?

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life has captured the imagination of humanity for centuries, fueling countless science fiction novels, blockbuster movies, and conspiracy theories. Within the realm of ufology, the study of UFO sightings has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. The state of Washington in the USA stands out as a hotspot for UFO sightings, with a rich history of reported encounters that have perplexed and intrigued both believers and skeptics alike.
While many theories have been proposed to explain these otherworldly sightings, one celestial aspect that has been relatively overlooked is the position of Uranus and Saturn in our solar system. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the enigmatic world of UFO sightings and the distant dance of Uranus and Saturn, uncovering any potential link between the two phenomena.
The gravitational pull of these giant gas planets might not seem relevant to UFO sightings on the surface, but as we delve into the data, we may find that there could be more to these celestial bodies than meets the eye. The time frame of our study spans from 1975 to 2021, a period during which technological advancements have allowed for more accurate tracking of both UFO sightings and planetary positions. This provides a fertile ground for exploration into the potential connection between the seemingly unrelated realms of celestial mechanics and ufology.
As we navigate through the nuances of this investigation, we will take a lighthearted approach, recognizing that the intersection of UFO sightings and planetary positions may appear to be firmly lodged in the realm of science fiction. However, as we unravel the celestial connection, we aim to bring a dash of humor and curiosity to the discussion, prompting readers to ponder the possibility of aliens being not just distant beings, but tourists navigating the cosmic highways of our solar system.

[[RESULTS]]
A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The data, collected from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, covered the time period from 1975 to 2021. The resulting correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 indicated a strong positive relationship between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The r-squared value of 0.7619186 suggested that approximately 76% of the variation in UFO sightings can be explained by the distance between these two celestial bodies. Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 indicates that the observed relationship is statistically significant.
Figure 1 presents a scatterplot illustrating the robust correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The scatterplot provides a visually compelling demonstration of the association, showcasing the increasing frequency of UFO sightings as the distance between Uranus and Saturn decreases.
The unexpected strength of the correlation prompts us to consider the potential implications and interpretations of these findings. Could the gravitational ballet of Uranus and Saturn be attracting intergalactic visitors to our cosmic neighborhood? While the idea of UFOs being drawn to our solar system's outer reaches may sound like a plot straight out of a science fiction novel, the data certainly encourages a lighthearted contemplation of the celestial and extraterrestrial dance.
The positive correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington invites further exploration and speculation, inviting us to ponder the cosmic coincidences that may shape our earthly encounters with the unknown. So, perhaps, the next time you look up at the night sky, remember that even the most distant celestial bodies could have a role to play in our terrestrial tales of unidentified flying objects.

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study has illuminated a surprisingly strong correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in Washington. The robust correlation coefficient and statistically significant p-value point to a compelling relationship that cannot be dismissed lightly. While some may dismiss this as mere celestial happenstance, the data beckons us to consider the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial involvement in our earthly affairs. Perhaps, just perhaps, the gravitational tango of Uranus and Saturn serves as a cosmic beacon for intergalactic tourists, guiding them to our corner of the universe.

The unexpected strength of this correlation sparks whimsical ponderings about alien vacation destinations and the curious choices of celestial navigation. After all, who wouldn't want to visit a planet with such charmingly named gas giants? Maybe it's just the interstellar equivalent of a cosmic road trip, complete with interplanetary pit stops and unforgettable encounters with earthly creatures.

Alas, while our findings tantalize the imagination and raise amusing conjectures, it is important to recognize the limitations of our study. Correlation does not imply causation, and we must approach these findings with the necessary skepticism. Nonetheless, the sheer curiosity evoked by our results is a testament to the insatiable human fascination with the cosmos and the tantalizing mysteries it holds.

It is our hope that this study inspires future researchers to continue exploring the intriguing intersections of celestial mechanics and ufology. However, as for us, we believe that no further research is needed in this particular area, and it's time to close this chapter on the extraterrestrial influence of Uranus and Saturn on UFO sightings in Washington. At least until the aliens themselves decide to shed light on the matter!

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Extraterrestrial Encounters and Planetary Proximity Studies

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Association for Cosmic Anomalies Research and Exploration (ACARE)

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington with an abstract of This study delves into the correlation between the distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO sightings in the state of Washington, USA. The research team utilized data from Astropy and the National UFO Reporting Center, establishing a time frame from 1975 to 2021. Surprisingly, a correlation coefficient of 0.8728795 with a p-value of less than 0.01 was observed. This paper not only sheds light on a celestial puzzle but also humorously raises the question - are aliens perhaps just intergalactic tourists making a pit stop in our solar system's outer reaches?

ChatGPT:

UFO sightings, Uranus to Saturn distance, celestial connection, Washington UFO sightings, Astropy data, National UFO Reporting Center, celestial correlation, alien tourists, outer reaches of the solar system

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Data details

The distance between Uranus and Saturn
Detailed data title: The average distance between Uranus and Saturn as measured on the first day of each month
Source: Caclculated using Astropy
Additional Info: ^{See full details} I wrote a Python script using Astropy to calculate the distance between the named planets on the first day of each month for every year.

See what else correlates with The distance between Uranus and Saturn

UFO sightings in Washington
Detailed data title: UFO sightings reported in Washington
Source: National UFO Reporting Center
See what else correlates with UFO sightings in Washington

Correlation r = 0.8728795 (Pearson correlation coefficient)
Correlation is a measure of how much the variables move together. If it is 0.99, when one goes up the other goes up. If it is 0.02, the connection is very weak or non-existent. If it is -0.99, then when one goes up the other goes down. If it is 1.00, you probably messed up your correlation function.

r² = 0.7619186 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 76.2% of the change in the one variable (i.e., UFO sightings in Washington) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., The distance between Uranus and Saturn) over the 47 years from 1975 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.3E-15.^Show 0.0000000000000012748170724907
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.87 in 1.3E-13% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 784,426,269,132,268 random variables^Note You don't actually need 784 trillion variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 46 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 46 because we have two variables measured over a period of 47 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.78, 0.93 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!

All values for the years included above: ^Note If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
The distance between Uranus and Saturn (Planetary distance (AU))	21.8994	20.7485	19.5426	18.2985	17.0347	15.7689	14.5282	13.336	12.2208	11.2163	10.3697	9.72886	9.34309	9.25106	9.46773	9.97784	10.744	11.721	12.8579	14.1138	15.4539	16.8508	18.2714	19.6922	21.0895	22.4424	23.7228	24.9111	25.9888	26.942	27.7542	28.4186	28.9315	29.2926	29.503	29.5677	29.4929	29.2849	28.9515	28.4998	27.9362	27.2649	26.4942	25.6278	24.6697	23.6217	22.4927
UFO sightings in Washington (UFO sightings)	15	11	7	15	9	14	6	9	3	4	7	7	6	11	8	8	6	11	18	16	43	35	79	138	220	189	206	198	232	233	191	166	213	194	218	261	289	411	306	356	265	217	199	159	204	288	133

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,213 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 635,695,369 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. ^Note Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."

# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([21.8994,20.7485,19.5426,18.2985,17.0347,15.7689,14.5282,13.336,12.2208,11.2163,10.3697,9.72886,9.34309,9.25106,9.46773,9.97784,10.744,11.721,12.8579,14.1138,15.4539,16.8508,18.2714,19.6922,21.0895,22.4424,23.7228,24.9111,25.9888,26.942,27.7542,28.4186,28.9315,29.2926,29.503,29.5677,29.4929,29.2849,28.9515,28.4998,27.9362,27.2649,26.4942,25.6278,24.6697,23.6217,22.4927,])
array_2 = np.array([15,11,7,15,9,14,6,9,3,4,7,7,6,11,8,8,6,11,18,16,43,35,79,138,220,189,206,198,232,233,191,166,213,194,218,261,289,411,306,356,265,217,199,159,204,288,133,])
array_1_name = "The distance between Uranus and Saturn"
array_2_name = "UFO sightings in Washington"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only The distance between Uranus and Saturn
Line chart for only UFO sightings in Washington
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Unraveling the Celestial Connection: A Study on the Relationship Between the Distance from Uranus to Saturn and UFO Sightings in Washington

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Correlation ID: 1789 · Black Variable ID: 1966 · Red Variable ID: 1150


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