To call Tom DeLonge’s interest in extraterrestrial life a hobby would be to undermine just how serious the former Blink-182 guitarist’s commitment to space research really is. DeLonge, who holds legitimate awards for his research, is the author of an alien themed novel and lists of mysterious Facebook posts on the subject. WikiLeaks uncovered e-mails that DeLonge had sent to Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager, John Podesta, during Clinton’s 2016 run, e-mails that concerned a “sensitive topic.”

Musicians who break out into other fields are not always taken seriously. DeLonge has paid his dues; a recent New York Times article detailing a private government UFO program included a video uncovered by DeLonge’s foundation, To The Stars Academy.

Luis Elizondo, former head of the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, now works for To The Stars. The Times article reveals that Elizondo left the program “excessive secrecy and internal opposition” made it difficult to work. The black and white video released to the Times reveals a mysterious dark object flying in tow with two fighter jets. The pilots of each jet can be heard discussing the object in amazement as it rotates and speeds on.

To The Stars Academy’s mission statement argues that “mainstream ideology and bureaucratic constraint” made research into extraterrestrial life nearly impossible. Elizondo’s reasons for leaving the Pentagon’s program echo the Academy’s mission statement. The statement goes on to call for the “unrestricted support of breakthrough research, discovery and innovation.” DeLonge has always been vocal about the government’s mishandling of sensitive information regarding UFOs. The mention of his foundation in the New York Times will be significant for its ability to research going forward.