chastised

to criticize harshly; make fun of

sightings

the observation of something unusual

earnest

serious manner, honestly concerned or sincere

desperately

not caring about danger because of great need, hopeless; very serious.

convinced

confident in one's belief about something.

hoaxes

an act meant to trick, something false or fake presented as true or real

misperception

a wrong or incorrect thinking or understanding of something

elusive

hard to find or catch

theoretical

relating to a theory

encounters

to meet or come upon suddenly or by chance