HRi hFllJG 7 JU:L-67 to G.SN GARLAND USAF Histor ical Archives ASI(ASHAF-A ) oxwell AFB, Ala 36112 for use in determing long ranee requirements should be determined. If results should indicate that public concern has been over- estimated, then consideration should be given to dropping all offic~al (vove er~) ~nterest in UFOs. The history of Pro~ect Blue Book alone has shown that the UFO phenomena is mainly that of a public r~lations problem. The fringe of believe!s in extraterrestrial visitation continues to grow. UFO hobby clubs are a constant critic of Air Force policies --the majority of these clubs profess to be studying the phenomena scientificall~. However, it should be recognized that the public coul d be expected to accuse the Air Force of withholding informs. tion on UFOs since their investigation has been assigned to Air Force Technical Intelligence. for use in de terming long :range requirements should be determined. If results should indicate that public concern has been ovcr- es timated, then consideration should be gl ven to d1'0pping all official (government) interest in UFOs. The history of Project Blue Book alone has shown that t11c UFO phenomena is mainly that of a public relations probl0rr1. The fringe of believers in cxtraterres trial visitation continues to grow. UFO hobby clubs are a constant critic of Air Force policies --the majoritJ of these clubs profess to be studying the phenomena scientifictilly. it should be l'ecognizcd that the public could be expected to ace .tse the Air Force of withholding informa t.i.on on UFOs since their investigadon has been assigned to Air Force Technical Intelligence. U. S . SCIENTIFIC OPINIONS Many leading astronomers have expressed their ideas on the possibilities of extra t errestrial life. There i s evidence that the bulk of the stars in the sky have planetary systems . Recent research concerning the origin of life on e3rth suggests that the physical and chemical processes leading to the origin of life occur rapidly in the early history of the majority of planets. The selective value of intelligence and technical civilization is obvious, and it seems likely that a lar ge number of planets within our Milky Way galaxy, perhaps a s many as a million, are inhabited by technical civilizations in advance of our own. Interstella r space flight is far beyond our present technical capabilities, but there seems to be no fundamental physical objections to it, a nd it would be very rash indeed for a nyone t c preclude, from our present vantage point, the possibility of its development by other civilizations. Dr. Carl Sagan, o f Harva r d University, for one, has often expressed his views tha t the earth is not the only i nhabited planet . His work has producmthe logic that if a million advanced technical civili- zations in our galaxy launched an interstellar spacecrqft per year, and even if all stars in the galaxy can be explored with equal facility, then our solar system should, on the average, be visited only once every hundred thousand years. If even a small fraction of the UFOs are interstellar space- craft, this would imply an overriding significance to our small planet. I f our views on the fre~uency of intelligence in the galaxy are correct, there is no reason for the earth to be singled out for interstellar visits. Dr. Char les Smiley, of Brown University, has recently undertaken a n interesting attempt to answer the question as to the possibility of UFOs being f rom Mars or Venus. A logical approach to this problem would be to consider favorable launch windows. It is well known the importance of selecting a favorable launch time so that a vehicle will t ravel along a minimum energy orbit, arriving at the path of Mars (or Venus) just as that planet comes to the same point, and for each of these launching times there would be a corresponding arrival time at intervals of about 584 days for Venus and about 780 days for Mars. Smiley found that there was no evidence to indicate that Martians a nd Venusians have been arriving in large numbers, if at all. When one examines the direction from which the UFOs arrived, we find not a single case of the UFO coming from the proper direction to indicate that it had originated on Mars or Venus. Dr. Menzel, of Harvard College Observatory, and author of several book s , has stated that of the many astronomical observa- tories in the United States a nd abroad, none have ever photographed an object that remotely resembled a spaceship. Since 1957, hundreds of members of Moon Watch teams throughout the world have watched the skies, but no Moon Watch team has yet reported the presence of a spaceship. An important point i s that the Space Detection a nd acking System would certainly detect a n interloper from beyond our planet that would join the parade of some thousand objects now in or bit. To date, SPADATS has never given any indication that they believe a n extraterrestrial vehicle has ever orbited earth. Project Ozma, an early U. S . a ttempt to establish contact with extra- terrestrial life, was unsuccessful. No "intelligent" radio signals wer e noted, during its one year operational program. Dr. Menzel stands behind his belief that human beings now are on the threshhold of space. Visits to a nd from other worlds may occur in the future, bringing new facts a nd ne"' interpretations of reality that we cannot now imagine. No evidence yet found indicates that such visits have begun. No fact so far determined suggests that a single UFO has originated outside our own planet. leading Soviet astronomers have voiced similar opinions regarding extraterr estrial life . It is believe that approximately one thousand light years is the maximum distance at which interstellar communications have any meaning at all, and from both U. S . and USSR work in the area, the existence of only one similar civiliz~tion at most can be expected. One major factor agreed by both is the high improbability of our planet being visited by extraterrestrial life from another solar system. Even the nearest stars that resemble our own sun in age a nd type are about ten to eleven years distant. Such ~ round trip from a distant neighboring solar system would encompass over twenty years, traveling at speeds approaching the speed of light. Astronomers of both countries postulate that a high probability for extraterrestrial life exists. To date, though, there has been no confirmation of the theory. DETERMINATION OF EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE ly positive proof that extraterrestrial life exists is the establishment of contact with another civilization. earliest U. S . attempt t o establish such contact was initiated with Project Ozma. The project was established in 1959 a nd consisted of a n 85 foot steerable antenna , which wa s located at the National Radio Astronomy Observator y at Green Bank, West Virginia . As the first step in a systematic search, the astronomers began to listen for possible radio signals from the neighborhood of certain stars. Tau Ceti a nd Epsilon Eridani were chosen as the first targets because they lie within the range of our radio telescopes, ten to eleven light years distant, and because they resemble our own sun in age and type and therefore might have planetar y systems like our own. It was calculated that signals from planets nea r the selected star s should be observable with the 85 foot disk if they were generated by a million watt trans mitter operating through q 600 foot antenna. Tb be detected under these circumstances, the signals would have to be concentrated within a very narrow band of frequencies. Signdls to the target stars wer e sent in the hydrogen line from the observatory in May -July 1960. But if these signals are received, a nalyzed, and re-transmitted the results, if any, will not be known until 1982. No information about any operational programs can be found iu the Soviet literaturej however, the Soviets do possess several radio telescopes whic h could be utilized by the Soviets to search for radio emissions from intelligent civilizations. eteorites are the only bodies of extraterrestrial origin that are available for a stu dy in our laboratories. In connecti on with the problem of extraterrestrial life, a large number of mineralogists, physicists, biologists, etc., every~here are studying meteorites. proof of the existence of organic substances in meteorites not of earth origin would s upport the existence of life outside the earth , no matter what the ultimate origin of meteorites might be. But in this problem as in all other problems concerning extraterrestrial life, there is not a single answer a nd no existing proof of the existence of life. The problem has recently been reviewed at the Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sci e nces, USSR, where many investigations of such nature are being carried out. U. S . a nd USSR efforts to establish contact with extraterrestrial life have been about equal in terms of theoretical discussions. Soviets have quoted the Ozma project in their literature and the project appear s to be one of their fundamental information sources. It is not known whether the Soviets have ever attempted a similar program. No integrated program in either country is currently underway us far as known from available sources; however, both countries have the necessary equipment for such a progra m. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS The USAF/UFO program has represented a modest but continuous effort since 1947. The program has been well organized although the resources assigned to it have been quite limited. The program has undergone personnel, attitude , and procedural changes a nd because of problems ~nd pressures has been periodically reviewed by external consultants, scientists, and more recently a congressional committee. At p resent, the firm conclusions of Project Blue Book are: (1) No unidentified flying object reported, investigated, and evaluated by the Air Force has ever given 'lny indication of threat to our national security; ( 2 ) There has been no evidence submitted to or discovered by the Air Force that sightings categorized a s unidentified represent technological developments or principles beyond the range of present day scientific knowledge; (3) There has been no evidence indicating that sightings categorized as unidentified are extraterrestrial vehicles. Scientific panels and committees previously reviewing the UFO situation, have repeatedly reached the s~me conclusions even though their recommenda - tions have concentrated on the symptoms , not the cause of the UFO Presented by 1st Lt. William F . M~rley} Jr. Initial classification of the UFO project and continuous association with the intelligence community has contributed to constant public criticism. The major criticism, that of withholding information, could be expected because of Blue Book's long intelligence association. continued government involvement , the Air Force must announce and maintain a standard policy of releasing information to the public. lic must be continually informed of all matters regarding the UFO phenomena. ecent nationwide Gallup survey of the American people on the UFO subject, revealed that more than five million Americans clai m to have seen something they believed to be a "flying saucer . " early half of the U. S . adult populus believe that these frequently reported flying objects, while not necessarily "saucers, " are real --29 per cen t of the populus believe them to be a product of the imagination. This represents quite a change in public attitudes toward the creditability of "flying saucers" since a Gallup survey conducted almost twenty years ago revealed that forty per cent of the populus called the saucers either a hoax or the product of the imagination. can be the reasons for this public belief? We can attribute this to several things: (1) There is, of course, the individuals vill a nd vant to believe that this planet is being watched (2) Religiou s beliefs that others (extraterrestrial) exist are apparent due to the existence of numerous religious cults throughout the country. (3) Present U. S . space efforts enable many to believe (4) People are definitely uneducated in the physical environ- (5) The extraordinary publicity since the late forties. unfortunate combination of the social climate at the time of the inception of the UFO era and official government recognition were leading factors that contribute to public concern. These factors coupled with national ignorance of the appearance and behaviour of astronomical and atmospheri c phenomena provided the populus the opportunity for the release of latent feelings concerning UFOs. These factors reinforced by mass communication media exploitation, has created a situation wherein public interest may be the most important consideration in the entire UFO controversy. Our American public believes in the existence of UFOs. It is incumbent upon the Air Force to respond , in kind, to this anchored public attitude. We feel we can be responsive through the adoption of the following recommendations: (1) The Air Force should capitalize on the belief of 50 million American s in the existence of UFOs. (2) Announce and maintain a scientific investigation policy to satisfy public interest. (3) Initiate positive programs oriented at est~blishing contact with extraterrestrial life . We must establish a new image for Project Blue Book a nd we believe this can be done by acceptance of these recommendations. Brig Gen William C . Garland Dep uty Direct or of Information Department of the Air Force Washingt on, D. C . 20330 Dear General Garla nd Our 7 July 19 67 briefing t o you and member s of your staff o n the subject of Unidentified Flying Objects the fact that fifty million Americans now believe in the existence of the phenomenon. It was concluded that the Air Force respond t o this anchored public attitude by: announcing and maintaining a scientific investigation program for UFO' s; keeping the public well i nf ormed at all times; and initiating positive programs i n such scien- tifi c are a s as extra t errestrial communications. scussion initiated by the briefing was responsive and your offe r t o support action required t o energize R&D community i nt e rest was much appreciated. closed for your use i..:) a written ver s ion of the briefing. permit maximum utilization of the briefing summary, a ew paragraphs were re - written t o keep the entire document UN ClASSIFIED. Recommendation s which you and your staff have for redirecting the focus of the UFO problem towards g reat e r involvement by the scientific community would be a ppreciated. We are pleased to s erve your office and will continue t o provide that support solicited of us. RAYMOND S . SLEEPER, Colonel , USAF Uncl UFO briefing FORE IGN T OLOGY DIVISION DEP'i":fMENT OF THE AIR FORCE August 2, 1967 I appreciate the copy of Lt. Marley s briefing, and we sincerely appreciate your interest and response to our public affairs problem '\lith UFO. I think \:e ore a long way from getting a handle on this problem. have thought about tl1c problem many ti~es since your briefing here. I am more convinced than ever ti1'l t positive progra"l in extrnterrcstrial life or cor..:nu...,i- cations studies should not be tied to the UFO problerr.~ I know you don't agree rith this and I am not sure Bill Doolittle docs eit~er; hm'cver, I am convinced that F e really open the flood gates on UFO prob le:ns if the public thought that the Condon group Has about to involve in e:~tensive research on extraterrestrial activities. I realize that Condon must address this subject, but ti is is different froiTl conduc ti "18 active research. I thin:~ rcse~rch in this nrea should be accomplished by an entirely Uilrclated activity. Please pass on any ideas you have and keep us alerted in any way that we might help. Colonel Raymond S . Sleeper Sincerely, l.JILLIAH C. GARLAl\1) Brigadier General, USAF Director of Information Foreign Technology Division (AFLC) Hright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio L~5433 INTRODUCTION An examination of Project Blue Book's history and obtainable benefits both from a public and scientific standpoint nas been made. This briefing will cover the findincs and recomr:1end a lt;- J.L h:ntat1.on of the project. Public op1n1on Sl.J'veys indicate that over fifty million Americans believe in the existence of UFOs tocl...:.,y. For the past twenty yea1s over 11,000 UFO sightings have been reported and examined by FTD. YC;L, no positive evidence has b~en round that UFOs pose any threat to the security of this col.llltry. In addition) the evidence examined denies the existence of flying saucers from outer specc, or un.t similar phenomenon popularly associated with UFC~. Since FTD is an intelligence orgenization, the fifty rr.illion people who believe in UFOs also believe FTD and the Air Force are withholding information from them. This has simply resulted in a greate1 demand for information (vrhich does not) in fact exist) and this in turn has further discredited. FTD and ~he Air Force. If f'ift;y million Americans believe in UFOs, it is to the intel'est of the Air Force to capitalize on this belief. Unidentified flyin5 objects do not constir.ute a new phenomena. UFOs have been reported by historians since 593 B. 8 . At this time Ezekiul recorded a whirlwind to the north rhich appeared as a firey sptere. In 125!~ at Saint Abans Aoby the moon was eight days old there appeared in the sky a ship elegantly shaped vrell equipped, and of marvelous color. In 1520 there appcured in France a round shaped object with rotal.int.; lights and two firey suns. In 1871~ over Texe:u::; fa1me1 reported seeing a dark flying object.. .:.n the shape of a disc crt..ising in the sky at a vronderi'ul spe-"'d. ttlany many more obsmvations have oeen recorded by historians throughout ancient und modern h.i.stor.,.. The modern era of UFOs had its beginning on 24 June 19h'(. I say the modern era national neviS cc retage on UFOs up to this period was virtually non-existent. ltr. Kenneth Arnold's observation and suosequent news reporting of his UFO sightit')L swayed the public ir.to .)elieving tnat o r planet had been visited by unknom vehicles from outer space. The Arnold s.:.ghting and subsequent p.tblicity on flying saucers started un avalanche of reports. The Air Force began receivinG reports from people of all walks of life. During the period, June tt1ough December 1~4(, there was no specific organlza~ion responsible for investl evaluating UFO report-s. At this time everyone !.ad an expert opinior. Even within the military Gtructure, trer~J '.;ere those who exp1essed their O\ffi feelint5s and bE:liefs as to "mat UFOs act11ally represented. wide news coverage of public