Consultants for the UFO Advisory Panel

Summary

In January 1953, the CIA sought to bring on board two prominent scientists as ad hoc consultants for its panel on unidentified flying objects. Dr. Luis W. Alvarez, an expert in radar, and Dr. Thornton Page, an astronomer and astrophysicist, were considered ideal to assess the available evidence. The CIA wanted to leverage their expertise in complex issues and ensure that available consultants did not have availability conflicts or inadequate qualifications. Page's prior reflections on the phenomenon of UFOs were particularly valued.

The proposal included a daily payment of $50 per consultant and required approval from the Office of Security. They were hired on a temporary basis for the panel rather than as regular consultants to expedite the process. The CIA considered these scientists the most suitable to address such a delicate and unknown topic, and their participation was key to an objective and technical evaluation of reports on unidentified flying objects.