CIA seeks UFO experts in 1953

Summary

In January 1953, the CIA tried to contact physicist John A. Wheeler to collaborate on the study of "flying saucers." Wheeler, busy with AEC projects, declined but suggested other international experts. He mentioned Dr. Chapman, an authority on auroras and magnetic phenomena, and Dr. Hannes Alfvén, a Swedish researcher in cosmology. Both were seen as key figures in aerospace-related topics. The CIA valued their expertise to address the mystery scientifically.

Wheeler also noted that, if the issue persisted, it might be useful to involve these experts. The internal CIA note reflects an interest in a serious and technical approach, even with limited resources. Although collaboration with Wheeler didn't materialize, his recommendation opened the door to other researchers. This document shows how U.S. authorities in the 1950s sought scientific answers to the unexplained.