Witness

J. Allen Hynek

Astronomer, U.S. Air Force consultant

Northwestern University astronomer who served as the scientific consultant to the U.S. Air Force's Project Sign, Project Grudge, and Project Blue Book from 1948 to 1969. Initially skeptical, he came to argue that a small percentage of cases warranted serious scientific study and proposed the 'close encounter' classification system later popularized in film.

Connected events

Sighting
July 19–26, 1952
Radar tracks unidentified objects over Washington, D.C.
Across two consecutive weekends, multiple radar installations and visual observers track unidentified objects above the restricted airspace surrounding the U.S. Capitol and White House. The Air Force convenes its largest press conference since World War II to address the events.

Radar tracks unidentified objects over Washington, D.C.