The State of UFO Research

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MUFON Georgia State Director’s Note: In a follow-up to a recent MUFON UFO Journal article, Georgia Field Investigator Larry Cates comments further about the current state of affairs within UFO research.

The prevailing, mainstream scientific view of ufology may be summarized as: “At best it’s a total waste of time, and at worst it’s the domain of utter lunacy.” Should we find this view surprising?

Condon ReportThe majority of thousands of UFO reports across the United States (and presumably the globe) are heavily-laden with anecdotal misidentifications and contaminated by a few hoaxes and miscellaneous whackos. What scientist, with an active career and commensurate workload, would want to fiddle with all this?

Some scientists have grounded their UFO knowledge in the 1969 Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects, also known as the Condon Report. (more…)

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No, America Did Not Build a Secret Moon Base

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This post continues to provide context to the episode of Hangar 1 entitled “Far Side of the Moon.” Previously, I discussed evidence contradicting the theory that Apollo 11 astronauts saw and reported alien spacecraft.

The idea of a secret manmade base on the Moon is inherently unrealistic to those with even a rudimentary understanding of spaceflight. Even so, some of those who appeared on “Far Side of the Moon” made such a claim. Thus, it is important to explain why such a notion is outside the bounds of realism.

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Putting “Far Side of the Moon” In Context

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Having just watched “Far Side of the Moon,” the episode of Hangar 1 dealing with an alleged alien presence on the moon, I felt it important to add counterpoints to various assertions put forth by some who appeared on the show. I recognize that Hangar 1 is intended more as a source of entertainment rather than a documentary program, but such context remains valuable. Also, it is important to remember that MUFON is a very large and diverse organization. There is room and tolerance for many voices.

I won’t address everything, but I will look into the allegations that the crew of Apollo 11 observed alien spacecraft and reported back to NASA in a broadcast censored by the government. I will also discuss the associated claim that the Apollo 11 spacecraft was shadowed by a UFO.

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On Confirmation Bias and the Dangers of Certainty

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I was reading a great article by Kevin D. Randle over at his website, A Different Perspective. In the closing paragraph, the author writes something that every UFO researcher (and aficionado) should bear in mind. Here’s the quote:

In the world of Ufology the side you take up is usually the one that falls under your own belief structure. Sometimes it has less to do with evidence and more to do with what you wish to believe.

So true, and so often ignored. But why?

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