MUFON: Eyes on the Skies
Friday March 7, 2008 8:34 AM
Do you know what to do if you see a UFO or alien beings? You might be tempted to run — but first, put in a call to MUFON.
MUFON, which stands for Mutual UFO Network, is the largest international organization collecting data on the mysterious lights, crafts and beings reported by eyewitnesses around the world. Founded by 1969 by Walt Andrus and Dr.Alan Utke, MUFON has seen a lot of UFO waves, or intensities of activities — come and go.
Currently, a worldwide increase in UFO reports is underway — sightings have risen about 40 percent in the last year alone. In the U.S., the Stephensville, Texas sightings are the latest to grab headlines. Mexico leads as one of the world's UFO hot spots.
Andrus's interest began in 1948, the start of the "modern age" of ufology. He, his wife and children witnessed four mysterious objects flying in formation one day in the skies over Phoenix. Andrus served as international director of MUFON from 1970 until 2000 (Utke directed in the first year). John Schuessler took over from 2000-2006. The present international director is James Carrion. MUFON headquarters are in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
MUFON is "dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs for the benefit of humanity," according to its mission statement. A scientific approach is at its core. In recent years, the organization has expanded its interests to include such topics as abductions and the political and sociological aspects of contact.
All MUFON members get a chance to train as a field investigator if they wish. MUFON has chapters in every state and dozens of countries, and has established solid procedures for collecting data and interviewing eyewitnesses.
After four decades of research, what does MUFON conclude? That UFOs are real; that intelligent life is visiting Earth on a regular basis; and that UFOs deserve scientific study, especially for technology that could benefit humankind.
Meanwhile, ufologists anticipate the day when contact will be undeniable. Chances are, the first person in line to shake an alien's hand will be a representative of MUFON.
