J. Allen Hynek

Astronomer, Blue Book consultant, CUFOS founder

Blue Book consultant 1948-1969. Transformation: skeptic (« swamp gas » 1966) → advocate for serious scientific inquiry. Close Encounters classification, founded CUFOS.

Northwestern astronomer, USAF consultant for Blue Book for 21 years. Initially skeptic and debunker (e.g. « swamp gas » for Hillsdale 1966). His transformation was gradual; Hynek wrote: « My transformation was gradual but by the late 1960s it was complete. » He developed the Close Encounters classification (1st, 2nd, 3rd kind), founded the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in 1973, advised Spielberg for Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Kubrick praised his « belated but exemplary conversion ». Occult interests since adolescence (Rosicrucian, hermeticism) — The Secret Life of J. Allen Hynek.

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