THIS year could set a record for UFO sightings across Australia as the new X-Files movie sparks renewed interest in extra terrestrial lifeforms.

That's according to Diane Harrison, national director of the Australian UFO Research Network, which has recorded more than 50 apparent UFO visits across the country in the past fortnight.

"We usually only get between 10 and 20 reports a week," she told couriermail.com.au.

The release of the X-Files film I Want to Believe is being credited with encouraging the recent surge in UFO reports - which is all the more remarkable as sightings usually dip in the winter months as people spend less time out of doors.

The most likely place you'll see strange lights in the sky is in northern Queensland.

"There are a lot of sightings around the Atherton Tablelands, Ravensbourne, Tully and Dalby," she said.

"I'd say that is because the sky is clearer and lights in the sky are easier to see. The Sunshine Coast also has a little bit of activity.

Closer to Brisbane, Ipswich is considered the southeast's alien hotspot.