Hynek Scale of UFO Encounters PDF Print E-mail
Written by davID`   
Sunday, 02 July 2006

Close Encounters

With the goal of making the collection of UFO data more systematic in nature, Hynek established a classification framework for sighting reports which was to prove very influential: the Close Encounters system:

 

  • Close Encounters of the First Kind were defined as those in which an anomalous object is seen in the sky within 200 yards of the eye-witness

     

  • Close Encounters of the Second Kind are those in which, additionally, the UFO has some tangible effect on the environment, for example by leaving an imprint in the ground where it lands or by interfering with the normal functioning of a car engine

     

  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind are those in which, additionally, the occupants of vehicle are seen

     

Although Hynek contented himself with these three kinds of Close Encounter only, after his death others added two further levels of classification:

 

  • Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind are those in which a human is abducted by aliens

     

  • Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind are those in which the human and alien commune with one another in some form

     

Stephen Spielberg read Hynek’s books, and borrowed the title of his famous film from the Hynek system. Hynek acted as technical adviser to the film and even appears in a brief cameo role towards the end. When the flying saucer has landed, Hynek is the bearded man shown puffing contentedly on a pipe as the aliens emerge to greet the waiting humans.

Throughout the remainder of his life, Hynek continued to read, research and write about the UFO phenomenon. He even appeared before the United Nations in 1978, urging them to take the subject seriously and established a committee to investigate it. Although he was received with courtesy, his suggestion was not taken up

 

Last Updated ( Friday, 04 July 2008 )