Observing UFOs: An Investigative Handbook

“Observing UFOs: An Investigative Handbook” is a book written by Robert Sheaffer, a prominent skeptic and investigator of UFO sightings. The book, first published in 1998, is a comprehensive guide to investigating and analyzing UFO sightings, and is aimed at both skeptics and believers in UFOs.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of UFO sightings, common characteristics of UFO reports, methods of investigating sightings, and explanations for various types of UFO sightings.

One of the key claims made in the book is that many UFO sightings can be explained by misidentification of natural phenomena, such as weather balloons, aircraft, and astronomical objects.

Another important point made in the book is the importance of critical thinking and scientific methodology in investigating UFO sightings. Sheaffer emphasizes the need to carefully analyze and evaluate the evidence, and to be open to alternative explanations for sightings.

Some of the notable people mentioned in the book include J. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFO researcher and author, and Philip Klass, a skeptic and investigator of UFO sightings. Sheaffer cites the work of these individuals and others in his analysis of various UFO sightings.

There have been several other books written about “Observing UFOs: An Investigative Handbook,” including “The UFO Phenomenon: Fact, Fantasy and Disinformation” by John Michael Greer, which includes a chapter discussing Sheaffer’s book and its arguments. “The UFO Book: Encyclopedia of the Extraterrestrial” by Jerome Clark also references Sheaffer’s book in its analysis of UFO sightings.