The Condon Committee
The Air Force-funded scientific study of UFOs, led by physicist Edward Condon, concluded that UFO research was not scientifically worthwhile - despite the fact that 30% of its own cases remained unexplained. The controversial report led directly to the closure of Project Blue Book.
The Condon Committee (1966-1969)
In 1966, following Congressional pressure after the Michigan “swamp gas” controversy, the U.S. Air Force funded a scientific study of UFOs at the University of Colorado, led by physicist Edward U. Condon. Released in 1969, the “Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects” concluded that UFO research offered nothing of scientific value. Critics noted that approximately 30% of the cases studied remained unexplained, and internal documents revealed that Condon had prejudged the outcome. Nevertheless, the report provided the justification for closing Project Blue Book.
The Study
Formation
The study’s formation was driven by 1966 Congressional pressure and the fallout from the Michigan swamp gas incident. The Air Force sought a way to address the public concern and provide a cover for its investigation into UFOs. This led to a proposal for a scientific study, ultimately selected for execution by the University of Colorado.
Dr. Edward Condon
Edward U. Condon served as the director of the study. He was a distinguished physicist, previously the director of the National Bureau of Standards, and a veteran of the Manhattan Project, possessing an impeccable scientific reputation. Notably, he had no prior background in UFO research.
The Contract
The study was funded by a $500,000 grant from the Air Force, spanning a two-year project. The terms stipulated a commitment to scientific methodology, with the expectation that the final report would be a definitive assessment. The University of Colorado was tasked with maintaining independence throughout the investigation.
The Process
Staff
The study’s staff comprised a mix of scientists, including some skeptics and those with open-mindedness. Internal conflicts arose within the team, culminating in the dismissal of Dr. David Saunders and Dr. Norman Levine.
Case Selection
The researchers reviewed historical cases of UFO sightings, investigated new cases, conducted field investigations, and applied scientific analysis to multiple categories of phenomena. The selection process was marked by the examination of a broad range of evidence.
Internal Tensions
Throughout the study, Condon displayed a degree of bias, particularly evident in the “Low Trick” memo scandal. This prompted the firing of several staff members and raised questions regarding the objectivity of the investigation.
The “Low Trick” Memo
The Document
In August 1966, Robert Low, the project coordinator, drafted a memo that would prove highly controversial. Written before the formal commencement of the study, the memo outlined a strategy for appearing objective while simultaneously reaching a predetermined negative conclusion, aiming to give the impression of thoroughness despite debunking the phenomena.
Key Passage
Low’s memo stated, “The trick would be… to appear objective, to reach a negative conclusion, and to give the impression of thoroughness while actually debunking.”
Fallout
The leaked memo sparked significant controversy, resulting in the firing of two scientists, Dr. Saunders and Dr. Levine, and damaging the credibility of the study. It revealed a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome.
The Findings
Case Analysis
The data analysis revealed that approximately 30% of the cases studied remained unexplained. Some cases demonstrated significant correlations, involving multiple witnesses, radar confirmations, and physical evidence.
The Conclusion
Condon concluded that UFO research offered no scientific value, stating that 21 years of investigation had yielded nothing of substance. He recommended that resources be directed elsewhere, effectively closing the chapter on the phenomenon.
The Contradiction
A key contradiction emerged: 30% unexplained represents a substantial percentage, yet the report dismissed significant cases and the conclusion contradicted the data presented. Scientists recognized this discrepancy.
Scientific Response
AIAA Review
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) reviewed the report, finding the methodology flawed and the conclusions unsupported. The AIAA noted the significance of the 30% unexplained cases and recommended continued study.
Dr. James McDonald
Atmospheric physicist James McDonald criticized the report as scientifically inadequate, pointing to the cherry-picking of cases and the disregard for substantial evidence. He argued that the conclusion was predetermined and the report lacked scientific honesty.
Dr. J. Allen Hynek
Blue Book consultant J. Allen Hynek expressed disappointment with the report, stating that it did not reflect the study promised and that the cases warranted further, more thorough analysis. He felt the opportunity to advance scientific understanding was squandered.
The Report’s Impact
On Project Blue Book
The report immediately provided the Air Force with a justification for closing Project Blue Book, which officially concluded in December 1969. The investigation was formally terminated, and case files were archived.
On UFO Research
More broadly, the report fueled a decline in mainstream scientific interest in UFOs, leading to a drying up of federal funding and creating a career risk for researchers. The phenomenon became stigmatized.
On Public Perception
The report’s release had mixed results; some accepted the conclusion, while many remained skeptical. The “Low Trick” memo controversy remained a memorable aspect of the story, and public trust in the scientific process was not firmly established.
Key Cases Studied
RB-47 Encounter
One of the most compelling cases analyzed was the 1957 RB-47 encounter, which remained unexplained despite thorough investigation. The case involved multiple sensors, credible witnesses, and was ultimately dismissed despite the evidence.
McMinnville Photos
The classic 1950 McMinnville photos were scrutinized by William Hartmann, who found no evidence of a hoax. The photos appeared genuine and the unexplained nature of the event was noted in the report.
Cases Ignored
Critics pointed out that many significant cases were deliberately skipped, suggesting a biased selection process. The strongest cases were avoided, further fueling questions regarding the methodology.
Legacy
The Condon Paradox
The “Condon Paradox” describes the inherent contradiction: the report stated that UFO research offered no scientific value, yet it contained unexplained cases. The summary contradicted the findings, suggesting a political rather than scientific motivation. The data itself told a different story.
Influence on Policy
The committee’s work effectively ended Air Force involvement in UFO research, closed Project Blue Book, and halted federal funding. It successfully achieved its primary objective: to remove official interest in the subject.
Scientific Community
The study had a long-term effect, transforming UFOs into a taboo topic within the scientific community. Career prospects for researchers were negatively impacted, and serious scientific study was discouraged. Private researchers continued their work, but faced significant challenges.
The Question
1966 to 1969. University of Colorado.
The Air Force needs a way out. Too much Congressional heat. Too much public attention. Too many questions about swamp gas and scrambled jets and unexplained radar tracks.
So they fund a study. A real scientific study. At a respected university. Led by a distinguished physicist.
Dr. Edward Condon. National reputation. Impeccable credentials. The perfect man to give UFOs the scientific treatment.
Except the game is fixed from the start.
Before the study even begins, Robert Low writes his memo. The trick, he explains, is to appear objective while reaching the conclusion everyone needs. Make it look scientific. Make the UFO problem go away.
And it works.
Two years later, Condon delivers his report. UFO research is worthless. Nothing to see here. Twenty-one years of sightings and scrambles and unexplained radar tracks, and it all means nothing.
Except for one problem.
Thirty percent of the cases they studied couldn’t be explained.
Three in ten. After scientific analysis. By Condon’s own team.
But the summary says there’s nothing there. The conclusion contradicts the data. The report recommends ending all research on a phenomenon it couldn’t explain a third of the time.
The AIAA protests. Dr. McDonald protests. Dr. Hynek protests.
It doesn’t matter.
Project Blue Book closes in December 1969. The files go to the archives. The Air Force is out of the UFO business.
Mission accomplished.
The Condon Committee.
Not a search for truth.
A way to stop looking.
And it worked.
For a while.