Spurious correlation #4,213 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is UFO sightings in Washington and the second variable is Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. The chart goes from 1980 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 UFO sightings in Washington and the second variable is Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. The chart goes from 1980 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

The UFOs were actually secret government drones powered by fossil fuels, and their frequent visits to Washington caused a spike in demand for these fuels in the U.S. Pacific Islands as the government scrambled to refuel and maintain the UFO fleet for their covert operations. Clearly, the extraterrestrial activity was just a smokescreen for some down-to-earth government shenanigans!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of a TIME magazine cover featuring the scene: a line of UFOs hovering over the skyline of Washington, D.C. The sleek metallic frames of the UFOs are powered by the same fossil fuels used in the bustling military bases scattered across the U.S. Pacific Islands. Amidst the otherworldly glow of the UFOs, a row of fuel tankers stands ready, hastily refueling to keep up with the increasing demand caused by the secret government's covert activities. This odd nexus of extraterrestrial sightings and earthly fuel usage becomes a smokescreen for the government's mysterious operations. The cover should capture the enigmatic nature of the scene, using dynamic lighting and bold contrasts to evoke a sense of mystery 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: UFO sightings in Washington and Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. 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: a Polaroid photo Psychedelic Photorealism A TIME magazine cover image Magic realism
ChatGPT: A TIME magazine cover image

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 UFO sightings in Washington and Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, in the following situation: The UFOs were actually secret government drones powered by fossil fuels, and their frequent visits to Washington caused a spike in demand for these fuels in the U.S. Pacific Islands as the government scrambled to refuel and maintain the UFO fleet for their covert operations. Clearly, the extraterrestrial activity was just a smokescreen for some down-to-earth government shenanigans!. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: A line of UFOs hover over the skyline of Washington, D.C., their sleek metallic frames fueled by the same fossil fuels powering the bustling military bases scattered across the U.S. Pacific Islands. Amidst the otherworldly glow of the UFOs, a row of fuel tankers stand ready, hastily refueling to keep up with the increasing demand caused by the secret government's covert activities. This odd nexus of extraterrestrial sightings and earthly fuel usage becomes a smokescreen for the government's mysterious operations.

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: [ A TIME magazine cover image ] and depicting this scene: A line of UFOs hover over the skyline of Washington, D.C., their sleek metallic frames fueled by the same fossil fuels powering the bustling military bases scattered across the U.S. Pacific Islands. Amidst the otherworldly glow of the UFOs, a row of fuel tankers stand ready, hastily refueling to keep up with the increasing demand caused by the secret government's covert activities. This odd nexus of extraterrestrial sightings and earthly fuel usage becomes a smokescreen for the government's mysterious operations. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of a TIME magazine cover featuring the scene: a line of UFOs hovering over the skyline of Washington, D.C. The sleek metallic frames of the UFOs are powered by the same fossil fuels used in the bustling military bases scattered across the U.S. Pacific Islands. Amidst the otherworldly glow of the UFOs, a row of fuel tankers stands ready, hastily refueling to keep up with the increasing demand caused by the secret government's covert activities. This odd nexus of extraterrestrial sightings and earthly fuel usage becomes a smokescreen for the government's mysterious operations. The cover should capture the enigmatic nature of the scene, using dynamic lighting and bold contrasts to evoke a sense of mystery 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 an increase in UFO sightings in Washington caused Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands to increase. Make it feel plausible.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands

Journal of Extraterrestrial Energy 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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 UFO sightings in Washington and Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. 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]]
UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we unveil the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, shedding light on the extraterrestrial influence on earthly energy trends. Leveraging data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we embark on a scientific odyssey to investigate this peculiar nexus. Our analysis unveils a startling correlation coefficient of 0.9006538, essentially confirming that as UFO sightings soar in Washington, so does fossil fuel consumption in U.S. Pacific Islands. With a p-value of less than 0.01, this otherworldly relationship cannot be dismissed as mere chance. Through this unconventional approach, our findings urge a broader perspective on the forces shaping our energy landscape, suggesting that perhaps, out there in the cosmos, some otherworldly beings might be fueling our earthly habits. We invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic quest to uncover the strange and unexpected connections that govern our world.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
The night sky has long been a source of wonder and curiosity, inspiring poets, scientists, and conspiracy theorists alike. Unexplained lights and mysterious sightings have fueled the imagination of humanity for centuries, often leading to whimsical explanations and outlandish tales. However, as we delve into the realm of UFO phenomena, it becomes apparent that there may be more to these peculiar occurrences than meets the eye - or telescope.
On the terrestrial front, energy consumption has become a pressing concern in modern society, with the debate on fossil fuel use reaching fever pitch. As the world grapples with the implications of climate change and seeks alternatives to traditional energy sources, the forces driving energy consumption have come under intense scrutiny. Yet, amidst this earthly turmoil, we turn our gaze skyward to explore an unexpected connection that seems to defy the bounds of Earthly reasoning.
Our investigation explores the enigmatic link between UFO sightings in the state of Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. While some may dismiss this endeavor as a flight of fancy, our research takes a grounded approach, leveraging rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the cosmic threads that may interlace with our earthly affairs. By examining data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we aim to uncover a correlation that transcends the confines of traditional causality and instead ventures into the realm of the unknown.
This unconventional pursuit, while raising eyebrows, offers a chance to ponder the possibility of forces beyond our comprehension shaping the patterns of our existence. Our findings, albeit unconventional, promise to inject a dose of cosmic intrigue into the mundane world of energy research. So, fasten your seat belts and secure your aluminum foil hats, as we embark on an odyssey through the cosmos to unravel the riddles that lie at the intersection of UFOs and unfathomable fuel.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

In their seminal work, Smith and Doe (2008) delve into the wild world of UFO sightings, probing the intricate dance between extraterrestrial sightings and human perception. Their research, while firmly grounded in the realm of empirical evidence, hints at the peculiar nature of these otherworldly encounters and the impact they may have on human behavior. Furthermore, Jones et al. (2014) expound upon the complex web of factors that influence fossil fuel consumption, shedding light on the diverse interplay of societal, economic, and environmental forces at play. Together, these foundational studies lay the groundwork for our investigation to bridge the cosmic chasm between UFO phenomena and earthly energy usage.

Building upon this foundation, the work of Lorem and Ipsum (2020) provides a deep dive into the statistical intricacies of UFO sighting data, offering compelling insights into the geographic clustering of otherworldly encounters. Meanwhile, the research of Tesla (1914) offers a thought-provoking perspective on the potential interstellar origins of energy sources, albeit within the context of wireless transmission of power. These interdisciplinary forays into the cosmic and terrestrial domains set the stage for our unorthodox exploration into the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands.

Turning to the world of non-fiction literature, "The UFO Phenomenon: Fact or Fiction" by X. Files (2010) offers a comprehensive overview of UFO sightings worldwide, providing a treasure trove of anecdotes and speculative interpretations. On the energy front, "Oil and Pacific: A Love Story" by Fossil Fuel (2015) delves into the intricacies of energy production and consumption in the Pacific region, offering a nuanced portrayal of the complexities at play. These diverse sources, while disparate in subject matter, offer intriguing parallels to our own interdisciplinary inquiry and serve as sources of inspiration for our unconventional approach.

Venturing into the realm of fiction, the works of "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Contact" by Carl Sagan present imaginative narratives of extraterrestrial encounters, underscoring the enduring allure of otherworldly exploration in popular culture. While these works may seem light-years away from the empirical rigor of academic research, their ability to captivate and inspire speaks to the deep-seated curiosity that permeates discussions of UFO phenomena and interstellar communications.

Finally, in the ever-expanding universe of internet memes, the "Area 51 Raid" meme serves as a lighthearted reminder of the enduring fascination with UFOs and the pursuit of the unknown. The whimsical nature of these online phenomena underscores the pervasive grip of UFO lore on popular imagination, hinting at the broader cultural resonance of our unconventional investigation.

In the interstellar tapestry of knowledge, these diverse sources weave a rich tapestry of inspiration and speculation, beckoning us to unlock the cosmic enigma that lies at the intersection of UFO sightings and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 UFO sightings in Washington and Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. 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 National UFO Reporting Center and Energy Information Administration . You used data from 1980 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]]
UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we unveil the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, shedding light on the extraterrestrial influence on earthly energy trends. Leveraging data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we embark on a scientific odyssey to investigate this peculiar nexus. Our analysis unveils a startling correlation coefficient of 0.9006538, essentially confirming that as UFO sightings soar in Washington, so does fossil fuel consumption in U.S. Pacific Islands. With a p-value of less than 0.01, this otherworldly relationship cannot be dismissed as mere chance. Through this unconventional approach, our findings urge a broader perspective on the forces shaping our energy landscape, suggesting that perhaps, out there in the cosmos, some otherworldly beings might be fueling our earthly habits. We invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic quest to uncover the strange and unexpected connections that govern our world.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
The night sky has long been a source of wonder and curiosity, inspiring poets, scientists, and conspiracy theorists alike. Unexplained lights and mysterious sightings have fueled the imagination of humanity for centuries, often leading to whimsical explanations and outlandish tales. However, as we delve into the realm of UFO phenomena, it becomes apparent that there may be more to these peculiar occurrences than meets the eye - or telescope.
On the terrestrial front, energy consumption has become a pressing concern in modern society, with the debate on fossil fuel use reaching fever pitch. As the world grapples with the implications of climate change and seeks alternatives to traditional energy sources, the forces driving energy consumption have come under intense scrutiny. Yet, amidst this earthly turmoil, we turn our gaze skyward to explore an unexpected connection that seems to defy the bounds of Earthly reasoning.
Our investigation explores the enigmatic link between UFO sightings in the state of Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. While some may dismiss this endeavor as a flight of fancy, our research takes a grounded approach, leveraging rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the cosmic threads that may interlace with our earthly affairs. By examining data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we aim to uncover a correlation that transcends the confines of traditional causality and instead ventures into the realm of the unknown.
This unconventional pursuit, while raising eyebrows, offers a chance to ponder the possibility of forces beyond our comprehension shaping the patterns of our existence. Our findings, albeit unconventional, promise to inject a dose of cosmic intrigue into the mundane world of energy research. So, fasten your seat belts and secure your aluminum foil hats, as we embark on an odyssey through the cosmos to unravel the riddles that lie at the intersection of UFOs and unfathomable fuel.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

Ah, the nitty-gritty details of how we took our cosmic quest to unravel the UFO-ffling truth about fossil fuel use! Brace yourselves, fellow researchers, as we unveil the peculiar methods that fueled our investigation. Our approach may be unorthodox, but as they say, where there's a will, there's a UFO sighting waiting to be statistically correlated with fuel consumption.

Data Collection:
First, we scoured the depths of the internet, venturing into the digital cosmos to collect UFO sighting reports from the National UFO Reporting Center. We sifted through countless tales of glowing orbs, saucers, and unidentified flying objects of all shapes and sizes - a task that often left us wondering whether we were on a mission to gather data or auditioning for a role in "The X-Files." Nonetheless, armed with spreadsheets and a healthy dose of skepticism, we diligently compiled reports of UFO sightings in the state of Washington from 1980 to 2021.

As for fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, we turned to the Energy Information Administration's treasure trove of energy data. With a few clicks and countless cups of coffee, we wrangled statistics on fossil fuel consumption in these idyllic Pacific paradises, revealing the intriguing energy habits of these islands amid the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Data Analysis:
With our trusty statistical tools in hand, we ventured into the wilds of correlation analysis. Like cosmic detectives deciphering celestial clues, we set out to unveil the mysterious connections between UFO sightings and fossil fuel use. Employing sophisticated statistical techniques, including Pearson's correlation coefficient and p-values, we sought to quantify the unearthly relationship between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Our statistical sleuthing was coupled with robust time-series analysis, allowing us to peer through the veil of time and discern any temporal patterns in the unearthly and earthly data.

Cross-Referencing Cosmic Anomalies:
In a departure from conventional research methodologies, we couldn't resist the temptation to don our metaphorical tin-foil hats and indulge in a bit of speculative cosmic pondering. While not a formal part of the analysis, we delved into the annals of ufology and unearthly lore to cross-reference reported UFO sightings with any noteworthy cosmic occurrences. This phase of the research, conducted with tongue slightly in cheek, provided an entertaining backdrop to the more sober statistical analysis, adding an element of cosmic whimsy to our otherwise data-driven inquiry.

Ethical Considerations:
In our pursuit of unearthly correlations, we made it a point to uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our research adhered to the principles of academic integrity and scientific rigor. We remained steadfast in our commitment to balance skepticism with curiosity, acknowledging that the allure of UFO phenomena could easily lead us astray into the realm of conspiracy and conjecture. By grounding our findings in palpable data and robust statistical analysis, we aimed to honor the scientific spirit while indulging in a dash of intergalactic intrigue.

So, there you have it, the unconventional yet rigorous methodologies that underpinned our cosmic escapade. Now, let's boldly venture into the results, where the unearthly and earthly embrace in a statistical tango that might just leave you seeing stars (or UFOs).

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 UFO sightings in Washington and Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. 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]]
UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we unveil the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, shedding light on the extraterrestrial influence on earthly energy trends. Leveraging data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we embark on a scientific odyssey to investigate this peculiar nexus. Our analysis unveils a startling correlation coefficient of 0.9006538, essentially confirming that as UFO sightings soar in Washington, so does fossil fuel consumption in U.S. Pacific Islands. With a p-value of less than 0.01, this otherworldly relationship cannot be dismissed as mere chance. Through this unconventional approach, our findings urge a broader perspective on the forces shaping our energy landscape, suggesting that perhaps, out there in the cosmos, some otherworldly beings might be fueling our earthly habits. We invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic quest to uncover the strange and unexpected connections that govern our world.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
In their seminal work, Smith and Doe (2008) delve into the wild world of UFO sightings, probing the intricate dance between extraterrestrial sightings and human perception. Their research, while firmly grounded in the realm of empirical evidence, hints at the peculiar nature of these otherworldly encounters and the impact they may have on human behavior. Furthermore, Jones et al. (2014) expound upon the complex web of factors that influence fossil fuel consumption, shedding light on the diverse interplay of societal, economic, and environmental forces at play. Together, these foundational studies lay the groundwork for our investigation to bridge the cosmic chasm between UFO phenomena and earthly energy usage.
Building upon this foundation, the work of Lorem and Ipsum (2020) provides a deep dive into the statistical intricacies of UFO sighting data, offering compelling insights into the geographic clustering of otherworldly encounters. Meanwhile, the research of Tesla (1914) offers a thought-provoking perspective on the potential interstellar origins of energy sources, albeit within the context of wireless transmission of power. These interdisciplinary forays into the cosmic and terrestrial domains set the stage for our unorthodox exploration into the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands.
Turning to the world of non-fiction literature, "The UFO Phenomenon: Fact or Fiction" by X. Files (2010) offers a comprehensive overview of UFO sightings worldwide, providing a treasure trove of anecdotes and speculative interpretations. On the energy front, "Oil and Pacific: A Love Story" by Fossil Fuel (2015) delves into the intricacies of energy production and consumption in the Pacific region, offering a nuanced portrayal of the complexities at play. These diverse sources, while disparate in subject matter, offer intriguing parallels to our own interdisciplinary inquiry and serve as sources of inspiration for our unconventional approach.
Venturing into the realm of fiction, the works of "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Contact" by Carl Sagan present imaginative narratives of extraterrestrial encounters, underscoring the enduring allure of otherworldly exploration in popular culture. While these works may seem light-years away from the empirical rigor of academic research, their ability to captivate and inspire speaks to the deep-seated curiosity that permeates discussions of UFO phenomena and interstellar communications.
Finally, in the ever-expanding universe of internet memes, the "Area 51 Raid" meme serves as a lighthearted reminder of the enduring fascination with UFOs and the pursuit of the unknown. The whimsical nature of these online phenomena underscores the pervasive grip of UFO lore on popular imagination, hinting at the broader cultural resonance of our unconventional investigation.
In the interstellar tapestry of knowledge, these diverse sources weave a rich tapestry of inspiration and speculation, beckoning us to unlock the cosmic enigma that lies at the intersection of UFO sightings and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands.

[[RESULTS]]
Our foray into the cosmos and the world of earthly energy consumption has yielded results that are truly out of this world. After sifting through mountains of data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration (and trying not to get distracted by the latest UFO sighting reports), we found a correlation coefficient of 0.9006538 between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. This cosmic correlation suggests a remarkably strong relationship between these two seemingly disparate phenomena, like finding ET's phone number in a barrel of oil.
The r-squared value of 0.8111772 further underscores the robustness of this otherworldly connection, as if the universe itself is endorsing this unconventional scientific endeavor. With a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings firmly reject the notion that this correlation is a mere chance alignment of celestial bodies – it's more like a carefully orchestrated cosmic dance party.
To visually capture the magnitude of this unearthly relationship, we present our scatterplot in Fig. 1, where the data points align with the precision of a well-calibrated alien spacecraft. This striking visualization substantiates the strong correlation we observed, with each point twinkling like a star in the night sky – or perhaps a UFO hovering in the Pacific Island air.
In light of these revelatory findings, it's almost as if we've stumbled upon a covert extraterrestrial message encoded within the earthly patterns of fuel consumption. It seems that while we humans debate the merits of fossil fuels, there are some celestial beings who are quite literally taking the reins of our earthly energy destiny. So, while we continue to grapple with earthly energy policies, perhaps we should look to the stars for some off-planet inspiration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our research has taken a quantum leap into uncharted territory, uncovering a cosmic dance between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. The correlation coefficient of 0.9006538 that we unveiled seems more out of a sci-fi novel than a research paper but here we are, boldly going where no academic study has gone before.

Our findings echo and expand upon the pioneering work of Smith and Doe (2008), who hinted at the transcendental influence of extraterrestrial encounters on human behavior. It appears that these celestial visitations may not only leave earthly inhabitants awestruck but also spark an unparalleled surge in fossil fuel consumption on the U.S. Pacific Islands. It's as if the UFOs are not just passing through our airspace, but also leaving a trail of strangely energizing influence in their wake.

Moreover, the robust r-squared value of 0.8111772 further cements the interstellar tether between UFO sightings and fossil fuel use, akin to a celestial handshake that stretches across the cosmic expanse. While the works of Lorem and Ipsum (2020) delved into the geographic clustering of UFO sightings, our research takes a giant leap for extraterrestrial buffs everywhere, establishing a tantalizing connection between celestial visitations and earthly energy trends.

Now, while Tesla (1914) may have pondered the interstellar origins of energy sources within the context of wireless transmission, our findings suggest that the energy driving our earthly endeavors might very well be influenced by entities beyond our terrestrial realm. It's almost as if we've stumbled upon a cosmic code hidden within the labyrinthine patterns of fossil fuel consumption, a message from the stars that we are just beginning to decipher.

In the grand cosmic tapestry of knowledge, these revelations lend weight to the speculative narratives of "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells and "Contact" by Carl Sagan, as if these authors were not just spinning tales of extraterrestrial intrigue but tapping into a cosmic truth that defies the bounds of fiction. After all, who's to say that the fuel powering our homes and industries isn't somehow influenced by forces beyond our atmosphere?

As we ponder these extraordinary findings, it is clear that our research has pierced the veil between the cosmic and terrestrial realms, revealing a connection that transcends conventional understanding. While the debate over earthly energy policies rages on, perhaps it's time for us to look skyward for some extraterrestrial inspiration. After all, who knows what otherworldly wonders may fuel our earthly fate?

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 UFO sightings in Washington and Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. 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]]
UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this paper, we unveil the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, shedding light on the extraterrestrial influence on earthly energy trends. Leveraging data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we embark on a scientific odyssey to investigate this peculiar nexus. Our analysis unveils a startling correlation coefficient of 0.9006538, essentially confirming that as UFO sightings soar in Washington, so does fossil fuel consumption in U.S. Pacific Islands. With a p-value of less than 0.01, this otherworldly relationship cannot be dismissed as mere chance. Through this unconventional approach, our findings urge a broader perspective on the forces shaping our energy landscape, suggesting that perhaps, out there in the cosmos, some otherworldly beings might be fueling our earthly habits. We invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic quest to uncover the strange and unexpected connections that govern our world.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
The night sky has long been a source of wonder and curiosity, inspiring poets, scientists, and conspiracy theorists alike. Unexplained lights and mysterious sightings have fueled the imagination of humanity for centuries, often leading to whimsical explanations and outlandish tales. However, as we delve into the realm of UFO phenomena, it becomes apparent that there may be more to these peculiar occurrences than meets the eye - or telescope.
On the terrestrial front, energy consumption has become a pressing concern in modern society, with the debate on fossil fuel use reaching fever pitch. As the world grapples with the implications of climate change and seeks alternatives to traditional energy sources, the forces driving energy consumption have come under intense scrutiny. Yet, amidst this earthly turmoil, we turn our gaze skyward to explore an unexpected connection that seems to defy the bounds of Earthly reasoning.
Our investigation explores the enigmatic link between UFO sightings in the state of Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. While some may dismiss this endeavor as a flight of fancy, our research takes a grounded approach, leveraging rigorous statistical analysis to unravel the cosmic threads that may interlace with our earthly affairs. By examining data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we aim to uncover a correlation that transcends the confines of traditional causality and instead ventures into the realm of the unknown.
This unconventional pursuit, while raising eyebrows, offers a chance to ponder the possibility of forces beyond our comprehension shaping the patterns of our existence. Our findings, albeit unconventional, promise to inject a dose of cosmic intrigue into the mundane world of energy research. So, fasten your seat belts and secure your aluminum foil hats, as we embark on an odyssey through the cosmos to unravel the riddles that lie at the intersection of UFOs and unfathomable fuel.

[[RESULTS]]
Our foray into the cosmos and the world of earthly energy consumption has yielded results that are truly out of this world. After sifting through mountains of data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration (and trying not to get distracted by the latest UFO sighting reports), we found a correlation coefficient of 0.9006538 between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands. This cosmic correlation suggests a remarkably strong relationship between these two seemingly disparate phenomena, like finding ET's phone number in a barrel of oil.
The r-squared value of 0.8111772 further underscores the robustness of this otherworldly connection, as if the universe itself is endorsing this unconventional scientific endeavor. With a p-value of less than 0.01, our findings firmly reject the notion that this correlation is a mere chance alignment of celestial bodies – it's more like a carefully orchestrated cosmic dance party.
To visually capture the magnitude of this unearthly relationship, we present our scatterplot in Fig. 1, where the data points align with the precision of a well-calibrated alien spacecraft. This striking visualization substantiates the strong correlation we observed, with each point twinkling like a star in the night sky – or perhaps a UFO hovering in the Pacific Island air.
In light of these revelatory findings, it's almost as if we've stumbled upon a covert extraterrestrial message encoded within the earthly patterns of fuel consumption. It seems that while we humans debate the merits of fossil fuels, there are some celestial beings who are quite literally taking the reins of our earthly energy destiny. So, while we continue to grapple with earthly energy policies, perhaps we should look to the stars for some off-planet inspiration.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study has unearthed an uncanny correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, effectively launching the world of energy research into outer space – or at least, into uncharted territories of cosmic conjecture. Our results suggest that as UFO sightings increase in Washington, fossil fuel consumption in U.S. Pacific Islands follows suit, like an otherworldly choreography of cosmic carbon emissions.

These findings call for a paradigm shift in our understanding of energy patterns and hint at the possibility of extraterrestrial influences shaping our earthly energy landscape. It's as if aliens are whispering in our ears, "More fuel, please!" Or perhaps they're just taking joyrides in their spacecraft and stopping by to admire our consumption habits as one might observe an ant farm.

As we reflect on the implications of our research, it seems that while earthly debates about energy policies rage on, there may be intergalactic spectators with a vested interest in our fossil fuel follies. Should we then consider these UFO sightings as cosmic feedback on our energy choices? Are we inadvertently contributing to an otherworldly energy crisis? It's as though we've stumbled upon a cosmic conundrum wrapped in a riddle and tied with a bow made of space-time.

In the spirit of academic inquiry, we propose that our findings open the door to a broader conversation about the interplay of earthly phenomena and celestial curiosities. It's time for us to boldly go where no energy researcher has gone before, setting our sights on the cosmic tapestry that may sway the currents of our energy consumption.

In light of these revelatory findings, we assert that no further research in this area is necessary. We've illuminated the extraterrestrial underpinnings of earthly fuel use, leaving no stone unturned and no unidentified flying object unexamined. It's as if the universe itself is sending a signal: "Case closed! Look to the stars for answers, Earthlings."

As we close this chapter of cosmic inquiry, remember to keep an eye on the skies – for you never know when a UFO might inspire a spontaneous surge in fossil fuel use. And with that, we bid adieu to our far-out findings, confident that we've cracked open a celestial can of worms (or perhaps, a cosmic can of gas).

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 UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

Journal of Extraterrestrial Energy 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 UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Association for Extraterrestrial Energy Studies

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 UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands with an abstract of In this paper, we unveil the cosmic correlation between UFO sightings in Washington and fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands, shedding light on the extraterrestrial influence on earthly energy trends. Leveraging data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Energy Information Administration, we embark on a scientific odyssey to investigate this peculiar nexus. Our analysis unveils a startling correlation coefficient of 0.9006538, essentially confirming that as UFO sightings soar in Washington, so does fossil fuel consumption in U.S. Pacific Islands. With a p-value of less than 0.01, this otherworldly relationship cannot be dismissed as mere chance. Through this unconventional approach, our findings urge a broader perspective on the forces shaping our energy landscape, suggesting that perhaps, out there in the cosmos, some otherworldly beings might be fueling our earthly habits. We invite fellow researchers to join us in this cosmic quest to uncover the strange and unexpected connections that govern our world.

ChatGPT:

UFO sightings, fossil fuel use, Washington, U.S. Pacific Islands, interstellar influence, extraterrestrial correlation, National UFO Reporting Center, Energy Information Administration, correlation coefficient, p-value, energy trends, cosmic influence

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.

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Data details

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

Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands
Detailed data title: Total fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands in billion kWh
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands

Correlation r = 0.9006538 (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 = 0.8111772 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 81.1% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., UFO sightings in Washington) over the 42 years from 1980 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 4.6E-16.^Show 0.0000000000000004595675908591
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 0.9 in 4.6E-14% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 2,175,958,487,696,302 random variables^Note You don't actually need 2 quadrillion 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 41 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 41 because we have two variables measured over a period of 42 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.

[ 0.82, 0.95 ] 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.

	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
UFO sightings in Washington (UFO sightings)	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
Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands (Billion kWh)	0.131	0.136	0.136	0.139	0.14	0.139	0.129	0.128	0.138	0.158	0.161	0.163	0.155	0.16	0.164	0.167	0.169	0.168	0.171	0.324	0.341	0.348	0.355	0.354	0.36	0.365	0.386	0.394	0.394	0.397	0.529	0.531	0.528	0.534	0.542	0.55	0.515	0.509	0.519	0.52	0.493721	0.525319

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 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.
Outlandish outliers: There are "outliers" in this data.^Note In concept, "outlier" just means "way different than the rest of your dataset." When calculating a correlation like this, they are particularly impactful because a single outlier can substantially increase your correlation.

For the purposes of this project, I counted a point as an outlier if it the residual was two standard deviations from the mean.

(This bullet point only shows up in the details page on charts that do, in fact, have outliers.)
They stand out on the scatterplot above: notice the dots that are far away from any other dots. I intentionally mishandeled outliers, which makes the correlation look extra strong.

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([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_2 = np.array([0.131,0.136,0.136,0.139,0.14,0.139,0.129,0.128,0.138,0.158,0.161,0.163,0.155,0.16,0.164,0.167,0.169,0.168,0.171,0.324,0.341,0.348,0.355,0.354,0.36,0.365,0.386,0.394,0.394,0.397,0.529,0.531,0.528,0.534,0.542,0.55,0.515,0.509,0.519,0.52,0.493721,0.525319,])
array_1_name = "UFO sightings in Washington"
array_2_name = "Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands"

# 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 UFO sightings in Washington
Line chart for only Fossil fuel use in U.S. Pacific Islands
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: UFOs and Unfathomable Fuel: An Interstellar Connection to Fossil Fuel Use in U.S. Pacific Islands

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Correlation ID: 4213 · Black Variable ID: 1150 · Red Variable ID: 24052


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