Person

J. Allen Hynek

Astronomer, scientific consultant to the USAF for Sign, Grudge and Blue Book

1947–1986 · Historical figures (1933–2007) · Scientist

An astronomer (1910–1986), he was scientific consultant to the USAF projects Sign (1947–49), Grudge (1949–51) and Blue Book (1952–69), documented programs, and presented his assessments to the 1953 Robertson panel without being a member. He devised the “close encounters” scale, published The UFO Experience (Henry Regnery Company, 1972) and in November 1978 presented, with Jacques Vallée and Claude Poher, a statement to the United Nations Special Political Committee. He was Vallée's academic adviser.

Key claims

• Called Ruppelt's 1956 book essential reading on the subject (1972).

Today

The first volume of AARO's historical report (March 2024) cites him on the USAF's expectations regarding the UFO projects.

Documented authority

It measures how documented and verifiable what the person claims is, not their honesty. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2.

Credentials 2/2

Astronomer and scientific consultant to Sign, Grudge and Blue Book: documented roles.

Direct access 2/2

He examined the cases directly as a consultant to the USAF from 1947 to 1969.

Evidence provided 1/2

He published analyses and a classification of the cases, not physical evidence.

Claims track record not applicable

Insufficient data in the sources collected.

Conflicts of interest 1/2

USAF consultant and author of a book on the subject (1972).

Sources

1. J. Allen Hynek, English Wikipedia (other)
2. Robertson Panel, English Wikipedia (other)
3. Jacques Vallée, English Wikipedia (other)
4. J. Snead, analysis of the AARO historical report, volume 1 (Substack) (analysis)

On this site

Documents 2

• The report of the Robertson Panel convened by the CIA (January 1953) Original available
• The 1971 note by Australian defense intelligence on U.S. handling of UFOs Original available

Cases 10

• Captain Mantell dies chasing an object over Fort Knox Explained
• Chiles and Whitted: an object with windows next to the Eastern DC-3 Disputed explanation
• The “Lubbock Lights” and the photographs of Carl Hart Jr. Disputed explanation
• Levelland: engines that die and lights along the roads Disputed explanation
• Boianai 1959: the lights and figures seen by Father Gill and the mission Disputed explanation
• Socorro: Officer Lonnie Zamora and the object resting in the desert Unexplained
• Dexter and Hillsdale 1966: lights over the swamps and the “swamp gas” explanation Disputed explanation
• Portage County 1966: two deputy sheriffs chase a light into Pennsylvania Disputed explanation
• Pascagoula: Hickson and Parker recount an abduction on the river Disputed explanation
• Hudson Valley: the wave of the “boomerang” of lights Disputed explanation

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