Ufology: Study of the UFO phenomenon
Now our main objective is, of course, to find the solution to the enigma of the UFO phenomenon. But you know, we have to face great difficulties, which we still can’t overcome. The scientific method works when you have control of what it studies. But if we are dealing with a phenomenon that plays with us as UFOs, then perhaps the game is more appropriate than science to study it. But I have faith in science and I have faith in the human spirit. We must not abandon the scientific approach.
This was how in 1977, Professor Josef Allen Hynek closed the International Congress dedicated to the future of UFO study. Hynek is an outstanding figure of American and world ufology. He was present since the beginning of the history of the flying saucers: as an astronomer, he was hired by the United States Air Force at the end of the 1940s to ‘discredit’ testimonies about UFO. Skeptic of the flying saucers at the beginning, it will gradually be convinced of the reality of the UFO phenomenon. As a scientist, he is also convinced that science can allow a serious study of unidentified flying objects.
But ufology, despite its logos, will never be a science, and probably will never be . In fact, the UFO phenomenon is unpredictable and not reproducible. This is why the vast majority of scientists have always shown any interest in it. Science is done with laboratory experiments not with testimonies . No, ufology will never be a science. You could say that it is a discipline, a hobby for those interested in unidentified flying objects. And from the first UFO appearances in the United States, or the media, nor the academic circles take these stories seriously, it is civilians and citizens who will try to understand what is happening .
The first ufologists entered the media scene at the end of the 1950s. One of the pioneers was Donald Keyhoe, a former soldier who was finally interested in the phenomenon. He wrote an article for the magazine ‘True’: “The flying saucers are real”, which he will take a book later, for colossal success. Supporter of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, he will defend his ideas until the end of his life. He will be the first of a great series of ufologists. Let’s quote, among others, Professor Hynek, whom we talk about previously. It is he, once turned into the great defender of the UFO cause, who created the classification of 1st, 2nd and 3 -type meetings. The Europeans will not stay out: in the 1950s, two outstanding figures of the ufology played an important role: Jimmy Guieu, who developed the theories of conspiracy on flying saucers very quickly, is in a way the ancestor of the file X. And Aimé Michel, who will try to demonstrate that UFOs appear according to a coordinated plan (that is, an interesting theory but without a scientific basis).
All these ufologists have acquired great notoriety in the ufological community. But we must not forget the many other ufologists, who for years have tried individually or in small groups and associations ‘study’ UFOs with the few media at their fingertips.
How they did it? Mainly collecting testimonies. Testimony is the main entrance door to the study of unidentified flying objects. Therefore, ufologists go tirelessly to the field, to those who claim to have observed something strange. Then we must try to ask questions without directing the witness, trying to obtain information about distances, form, light. See if the witness varies in his descriptions, try to find other OVNI observers to try to verify the facts.
When you are a ufologist you have to try to put aside your convictions when you are interested in a case. But it is very difficult, even almost impossible, because ufologists necessarily have convictions. Maintain neutrality in this type of field is an unattainable feat.
Finally, ufologists can well collect thousands of credible testimonies, this will never constitute a proof of the existence of the UFO phenomenon. Human testimony is fragile, so, seen from the outside, some may have the impression that ufology has been circling for more than 70 years .
Therefore, it is not easy for our UFO enthusiasts to achieve an appearance of credibility. One wonders if they will ever come there, due to another constant in the whole history of ufology: deception, false photos of UFOs, clashes of false dishes, alien abductions sometimes invented from scratch, deceptions, narrators and false witnesses .
A folklore saucer that does not invite at all to take the UFO phenomenon seriously. And yet, despite all these obstacles, ufologists remain moved by a passion and unwavering curiosity. In fact, the more the unidentified flying objects study, the more the enigma is reinforced and the phenomenon escapes. It is as if there should never be a final solution. However, no ufologist regrets its commitment.
Although nobody can give a definitive answer to the question: Are UFOs really? It doesn’t matter, for ufologists what matters is reasoning, not the answer. Therefore, it is a safe bet that ufology still has a brilliant future ahead: because they exist or not, UFOs and flying saucers continue to intrigue us and especially stimulating our imagination.
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