The Journey of the Unidentified Phenomena Website

On February 7, 2023, a significant update to Unidentified Phenomena added profiles of key figures and works in the field. The article on John A. Keel illuminates his groundbreaking work in linking paranormal activities with UFOs, his notable book “The Mothman Prophecies,” and his impact on how we think about extra-dimensional beings. Following closely, the profile on John Greenewald Jr. sheds light on his impressive repository of government documents related to UFOs, his meticulous efforts in data mining through FOIA requests, and the extent to which his work has provided the public with concrete information to evaluate the UFO phenomenon.

The update also broadens the horizon by featuring intriguing works and authors. Mark Pilkington’s profile introduces his engagement with the cultural elements surrounding UFO beliefs, as well as his book that critically examines the disinformation around the subject. More generally, an article on Phenomena Books provides a curated list of must-reads for anyone interested in UFOs, from scientific analyses to firsthand accounts, solidifying the literary backbone of the community. One such book, Mirage Men: An Adventure into Paranoia, Espionage, Psychological Warfare, and UFOs, is examined for its unique focus on how governments use UFO lore for psychological warfare, disinformation campaigns, and the manipulation of public perception.

The media’s role is also brought into focus with a feature on George Noory, renowned for his work as a radio host exploring the supernatural and unexplained, his influence on popularizing these themes, and his platform’s encouragement of open dialogues about the unexplained. This is complemented by Chris Rutkowski’s profile, outlining his scientific approach to UFO sightings in Canada, his advocacy for public awareness, and his meticulous data collection that elevates the discourse. Alongside this, The Big Book of UFOs and The Aztec Incident (1948) offer comprehensive compilations of sightings and events, underlining the historical context and eye-witness credibility respectively. Finally, the update concludes with Ronald D. Story and his seminal work The Encyclopedia of UFOs, which collectively provide an academic lens to the UFO phenomenon, categorizing types of sightings and giving a systematic overview of cases till date.