CIA seeks experts to study unidentified flying objects

Summary

In January 1953, the CIA planned to form an advisory panel to investigate unidentified flying objects (UFOs). To do this, they considered hiring two prominent scientists: physicist Luis W. Alvarez and astronomer Thornton Page. Alvarez was known for his expertise in radar, while Page had experience in astronomy and had given considerable thought to the subject of UFOs. The idea was to use their knowledge to analyze available evidence and provide a scientific evaluation.

The CIA already had registered consultants, but none had the right qualifications or were available. It was decided to hire Alvarez and Page on an ad hoc basis, without including them as regular consultants. A daily rate of $500 was expected, and the necessary authorization for classified work was obtained. This memorandum shows how, even in the 1950s, the CIA sought a scientific approach to a phenomenon that generated both interest and controversy.