J. Allen Hynek Biography

Dr. Josef Allen Hynek was an American astronomer and ufologist most famous for his research on UFOs (unidentified flying objects). He had served as scientific adviser to the UFO studies which were undertaken by the U.S. Air Force after which he became involved in his own independent study of the UFOs. Eventually he developed a system of describing UFO sightings into six categories based on factors like distance of sighting, appearances, and special features. This system, known as the Close Encounter classification system, established him as one of the foremost authorities on this subject. Hynek had developed an early interest in astronomy after his mother read to him a book on the subject when he was a little boy. He was also intrigued by the mysteries of the world and developed an interest in occult. In fact as a teenager he spent a massive amount of money in buying a book on occult while his friends preferred to buy motorcycles! The curious young man ventured into astronomy in an attempt to reveal the weaknesses of science. Initially a skeptic, he eventually acknowledged the fact that astronomers do sight UFOs and immersed himself in research to unlock the mystery of the UFOs.