Stuff You Should Know How Project Blue Book Worked, Pt I
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Oct 15, 2019 Uncover the origins of America’s UFO craze, sparked by Kenneth Arnold's landmark sighting in 1947. Dive into the contrasting beliefs of skeptics and believers amid Cold War tensions. Discover the Air Force's amusingly skeptical take on investigations like Project Blue Book, where serious dissection meets cultural humor. Learn about the evolution of UFO investigations, from Project Grudge’s skepticism to the structured approach of Blue Book. Venture into statistics revealing that while many sightings are misidentified, some mysteries persist!
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The First Sighting
- Kenneth Arnold, a private pilot, saw nine saucer-like objects flying near Mount Rainier on June 24, 1947.
- This event is considered the beginning of America's fascination with UFOs.
Air Force Concerns
- The surge in UFO sightings after Arnold's report concerned the U.S. Air Force.
- They were responsible for airspace security and needed to determine if the sightings posed a threat.
Project Sign
- The Air Force established Project Sign, initially called Project Saucer, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
- Wright-Patterson's association with reverse-engineering fueled speculation among UFO enthusiasts.