Government17 Jan 1953Washington, D.C.

Robertson Panel

Name: Robertson Panel
Start: 1953-01-17
Location: Washington, D.C.

A CIA-convened panel of scientists chaired by physicist H. P. Robertson reviewed UFO reports and found no direct threat to national security. It recommended training and public education to strip the subject of its special status.

Evidence

Significance

Sources

OfficialReport of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects (Jan 17, 1953) (opens in a new tab)CIA FOIA Electronic Reading Room / 1953-01-17
OfficialReport of the Scientific Panel - Unidentified Flying Objects (CREST copy, CIA-RDP78-02646R000600150001-5) (opens in a new tab)CIA FOIA Electronic Reading Room / 1953-01-17
OfficialThe CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947-90 (Gerald K. Haines, Studies in Intelligence) (opens in a new tab)Central Intelligence Agency / 1997

How sources are chosen and tiered

19 Jul 1952Military

Washington, D.C. radar sightings

On two weekends in July 1952, radar at Washington National Airport and Andrews AFB tracked unexplained targets, some matched by pilot sightings, and jets were sent to intercept. The Air Force publicly suggested temperature inversions as a likely cause.

Evidence

Significance

5 Apr 1966Government

House Armed Services UFO hearing

The House Armed Services Committee held an open hearing on UFOs with Air Force Secretary Harold Brown, Blue Book consultant J. Allen Hynek and Maj. Hector Quintanilla. Brown said an advisory board found no threat and urged contracts with universities to study selected sightings.

Evidence

Significance

29 Jul 1968Government

House symposium on UFOs

The House Committee on Science and Astronautics held a one-day symposium on UFOs chaired by Rep. J. Edward Roush. Six scientists, including J. Allen Hynek, James McDonald and Carl Sagan, presented views, and further papers were added to the printed record.

Evidence

Significance

24 Jun 2009Government

Senator Reid asks for restricted special access status for AAWSAP

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wrote to Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn asking for a restricted special access program for parts of the DIA aerospace study he called AATIP, citing sensitive findings. A November 2009 DIA review found no justification for the protection.

Evidence

Significance