The Scientific Study

In early 1973, the small town of Piedmont, Missouri became a UFO hotspot. Physicist Dr. Harley Rutledge led an unprecedented scientific investigation, documenting over 150 sightings with instruments over several years—one of the few rigorous scientific UFO studies.

The Location

Piedmont, Missouri:

• Small rural town
• Ozark region
• Population ~2,000
• Remote area
• February 1973 start

The Flap Begins

February 1973:

• Multiple sightings
• Nightly occurrences
• Entire community
• Growing phenomenon
• Media attention

What Was Seen

Descriptions:

• Mysterious lights
• Various colors
• Maneuvering
• Hovering
• Multiple objects

Community Impact

Town affected:

• Nightly gatherings
• Watching skies
• Widespread belief
• Changed lives
• Ongoing interest

Dr. Harley Rutledge

Key figure:

• Physics professor
• Southeast Missouri State
• Initially skeptical
• Began investigation
• Changed views

Project Identification

Scientific study:

• Funded research
• Instrument equipped
• Team of observers
• Systematic approach
• Years of study

Equipment Used

Scientific tools:

• Theodolites
• Cameras
• Spectrum analyzers
• Timing devices
• Professional equipment

The Observations

What they documented:

• 150+ sightings
• Instrument recordings
• Triangulated positions
• Speed calculations
• Scientific data

Unexpected Findings

Rutledge discovered:

• Objects seemed aware
• Reacted to observers
• Interaction suggested
• Changed his thinking
• Published findings

The Book

“Project Identification”:

• 1981 publication
• Scientific documentation
• Rutledge’s conclusions
• Unique study
• Important work

Duration

Extended phenomenon:

• Started 1973
• Continued years
• Eventually decreased
• Not sudden end
• Gradual decline

Witness Credibility

Community testimony:

• Police officers
• Teachers
• Farmers
• Business owners
• Diverse witnesses

Media Coverage

Attention received:

• Local papers
• Regional TV
• National interest
• Documentary subjects
• Ongoing coverage

Unique Aspect

What makes it special:

• Scientific methodology
• Instrument confirmation
• Long-term study
• Professional researcher
• Rare in ufology

Significance

One of the few rigorous scientific UFO investigations with documented instrumented observations.

Legacy

Piedmont represents what UFO research could be—professional scientists using proper equipment over extended periods, documenting an ongoing phenomenon with scientific rigor.