Proven Mysteries
OUR STANDARDS

How we verify every story

The internet is full of "facts" that are made up. Proven Mysteries exists to tell gripping stories that are actually true, and to show you exactly how we know.

Our rules

  1. Primary sources first. We rely on peer-reviewed research, official records, space agencies, museums, UNESCO and government documents. Encyclopedias and news articles are used only to find those sources.
  2. Every claim is traceable. Each case file lists its sources so you can check them yourself.
  3. We separate fact from claim. "Someone said it under oath" and "it is proven" are not the same thing, and we say which is which.
  4. Honest verdicts. If something is unexplained, we say so. We never invent an answer to make a story better.
  5. We correct mistakes. If you find an error, email us with a source and we will fix it and note the correction.

What the verdicts mean

  • CONFIRMEDBacked by strong, verifiable evidence.
  • MOSTLY EXPLAINEDA well-supported explanation exists; some details remain open.
  • DISPUTEDCredible experts disagree on the evidence.
  • UNEXPLAINEDThe event is real and documented; its cause is unknown.
  • UNPROVENClaims were made, but no public evidence supports them.