Facts About Unidentified Flying Objects

This document, prepared by the Legislative Reference Service of the Library of Congress on May 5, 1966, provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Air Force's involvement in investigating Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It traces the history of the Air Force's monitoring efforts, beginning with the post-1947 'modern era' of sightings, and details the evolution of projects such as Project Sign, Project Grudge, and Project Blue Book. The report outlines the investigatory procedures established by the Air Force, including the use of FTD Form 164 for reporting, and the role of various scientific consultants and organizations in evaluating sighting data. It highlights the findings of several key studies, including the 1953 Robertson Panel and the 1955 Special Report No. 14, which concluded that UFOs did not pose a threat to national security and that most sightings could be explained as conventional objects or natural phenomena. The document also discusses the public reaction to UFOs, noting the existence of various civilian organizations and the persistent belief among some that a conspiracy exists to conceal extraterrestrial evidence. It concludes by summarizing the findings of a 1966 ad hoc committee of the USAF Scientific Advisory Board, which reaffirmed that no evidence existed to suggest UFOs were a threat or represented advanced technology beyond current scientific knowledge. The document includes appendices containing Air Force regulations and a selected bibliography.