The UFO taboo operates in society as an ‘epistemology of ignorance’ that relegates the subject to the realm of science fiction, tabloid journalism, fringe theories and collective cultural fantasy. This reaction is indicative of a ‘UFO taboo’ – a concerted effort to marginalize and suppress recognition of the UFO. It forces us to view the big picture, amid the grand flow of UFO cases, military security decisions, a vast swathe of personalities, and world history.ĭespite a growing body of scholarly and scientific literature, the topic of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) – and the related question of alien encounters – still elicits profound scepticism, dismissal, and ridicule within the academic community and the sciences. A timeline like this allows us to view events from a different perspective, letting us make connections we might not otherwise see. Links to online sources are given, and links to biographical information are provided when available.

Military cases, those involving commercial aircraft, close encounters involving physical traces and other evidence, reports involving occupants or entities, and events surrounding military and sensitive nuclear sites are emphasized, but this timeline covers the full spectrum of UFO history, from contactee experiences to misidentifications of mundane phenomena and notorious hoaxes. Some will find it useful for current or planned research projects. Readers will discover or rediscover many events, people, and UFO cases they may not be familiar with.

It is now 679 pages and more than 555,000 words (including a substantial “Sources and Further Reading” appendix). “UFOs and Intelligence” is an up-to-date retrospective of UFO history (from Agobard of Lyons to the newly appointed US investigation agency UAPTF), intertwined with events in US and world history concerning military and civilian intelligence agencies and the cult of secrecy. After an effort of many years, I have prepared a comprehensive timeline of UFO history that will be useful to UFO researchers and historians.

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