Inside NICAP: The Early Days of UFO Investigations

Overview of NICAP's Formation and Purpose

The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) was established with a clear mission to investigate and analyze reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The organization aims to bring a systematic approach to the study of aerial phenomena, leveraging a network of investigators spread across the United States. NICAP’s foundational goals include not only the collection of data on UFO sightings but also the evaluation of these reports through rigorous analysis and scientific inquiry.

This approach is underscored by the involvement of experts from various disciplines, such as physics, anthropology, and psychology, who contribute to the organization’s advisory board. NICAP operates with a budget of $140,000 and boasts a membership of approximately 3,500 dues-paying members, indicating a robust interest in UFO phenomena among the public. The organization is also developing a computer project, known as Project AQ88S, which aims to analyze a substantial database of UFO reports, estimated to be…

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