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The '''National UFO Reporting Center''' (NUFORC) is an organization in the [[United States]] that investigates [[UFO]] sightings and/or alien contacts. NUFORC has been in continuous operation since 1974. It was founded in 1974 by Robert J. Gribble.<ref name=Founding>{{cite web|title=The National UFO Reporting Center, Information/General (No page title at top)|url=http://www.nuforc.org/General.html|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref> It has catalogued almost 90,000 reported UFO sightings over its history, most of which were in the United States.<ref name="drunk">{{cite web | url=https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21605918-everything-you-need-know-about-ufos-0 | title=Everything you need to know about UFOs | work=The Economist | date=28 June 2014 | accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> In addition to record keeping, the center has provided statistics and graphs to assist others looking for information. Slate published an interactive graph published by Davenport, which showed the density of sightings relative to an area.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tchou |first=Angela |title=I Saw Four Green Objects in a Formation |publisher=Slate Magazine |date=January 11, 2011 |url=http://labs.slate.com/articles/ufo-sightings-map/ |format=Graph |accessdate=November 9, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915062616/http://labs.slate.com/articles/ufo-sightings-map/ |archivedate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=unfit }}</ref>
The '''National UFO Reporting Center''' (NUFORC) is an organization in the [[United States]] that investigates [[UFO]] sightings and/or alien contacts. NUFORC has been in continuous operation since 1974. It was founded in 1974 by Robert J. Gribble.<ref name=Founding>{{cite web|title=The National UFO Reporting Center, Information/General (No page title at top)|url=http://www.nuforc.org/General.html|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref> It has catalogued almost 90,000 reported UFO sightings over its history, most of which were in the United States.<ref name="drunk">{{cite web | url=https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21605918-everything-you-need-know-about-ufos-0 | title=Everything you need to know about UFOs | work=The Economist | date=28 June 2014 | accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> In addition to record keeping, the center has provided statistics and graphs to assist others looking for information. Slate published an interactive graph published by Davenport, which showed the density of sightings relative to an area.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tchou |first=Angela |title=I Saw Four Green Objects in a Formation |publisher=[[Slate Magazine]] |date=January 11, 2011 |url=http://labs.slate.com/articles/ufo-sightings-map/ |format=Graph |accessdate=November 9, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915062616/http://labs.slate.com/articles/ufo-sightings-map/ |archivedate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=unfit }}</ref>


The current director, Peter Davenport, has not claimed that any two phenomena are identical, but has catalogued flying saucers, coloured lights, and triangles, throughout the years.<ref name="AP1">{{cite web | title = Researcher Feels Certain UFOs Exist | publisher = Associated Press Online | date = August 21, 2005 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref> Davenport describes himself as a UFO believer, but skeptic, and has been praised by [[James Oberg]] as providing a valuable service in the field.<ref name="AP2">{{cite web | last = Geranios | first = Nicholas K. | title = UFO Reporting Center moves from Seattle to old missile site | publisher = The Associated Press State & Local Wire | date = October 28, 2007 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref> The work has been described as 'secretarial' rather than 'fun', as the years have progressed.<ref name="AP2"/>
The current director, Peter Davenport, has not claimed that any two phenomena are identical, but has catalogued flying saucers, coloured lights, and triangles, throughout the years.<ref name="AP1">{{cite web | title = Researcher Feels Certain UFOs Exist | publisher = Associated Press Online | date = August 21, 2005 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref> Davenport describes himself as a UFO believer, but skeptic, and has been praised by [[James Oberg]] as providing a valuable service in the field.<ref name="AP2">{{cite web | last = Geranios | first = Nicholas K. | title = UFO Reporting Center moves from Seattle to old missile site | publisher = The Associated Press State & Local Wire | date = October 28, 2007 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref> The work has been described as 'secretarial' rather than 'fun', as the years have progressed.<ref name="AP2"/>
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Peter Davenport, a businessman holding degrees from [[Stanford University]] and the [[University of Washington]] at Seattle, who became involved soon after hearing about the [[Kelly–Hopkinsville encounter]],<ref name="AP1"/> has served as director of the organization since 1994.<ref name=latimes>{{cite web | url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ufoguy28mar28-story.html#page=1 | title=Seeking UFOs, deep underground | work=Los Angeles Times | date=28 March 2008 | accessdate=9 November 2014 | author=Tizon, Tomas Alex}}</ref>
Peter Davenport, a businessman holding degrees from [[Stanford University]] and the [[University of Washington]] at Seattle, who became involved soon after hearing about the [[Kelly–Hopkinsville encounter]],<ref name="AP1"/> has served as director of the organization since 1994.<ref name=latimes>{{cite web | url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ufoguy28mar28-story.html#page=1 | title=Seeking UFOs, deep underground | work=Los Angeles Times | date=28 March 2008 | accessdate=9 November 2014 | author=Tizon, Tomas Alex}}</ref>


The organisation has been used by the [[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]] police department in prior years, though events have always had a perfectly reasonable explanation.<ref>{{cite news | last = Landis | first = David | title = CELESTIAL ARCHES | newspaper = USA TODAY | pages = LIFE, 1D | date = April 30, 1992 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref>
The organisation has been used by the [[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]] police department in prior years, though events have always had a perfectly reasonable explanation.<ref>{{cite news | last = Landis | first = David | title = CELESTIAL ARCHES | newspaper = [[USA TODAY]] | pages = LIFE, 1D | date = April 30, 1992 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref>


Police officers from [[Lebanon, Missouri]], as well as various [[Arizona]] law enforcement officials, frequently refer UFO sightings to the organisation, with no explanations forthcoming for some instances.<ref>{{cite news | last = Geller | first = Uri | title = Lawmen encounter the space patrol | newspaper = The Times | location = London, UK | date = January 24, 2000 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Stevens |first=Officer Craig A. |title=Police Report |publisher=Millstadt Police Department |date=January 5, 2000 |url=http://millstadtpolice.homepage.com/aircraft.html |format=Police report |accessdate=November 9, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010204065600/http://millstadtpolice.homepage.com/aircraft.html |archivedate=February 4, 2001 |deadurl=unfit }}</ref> Arizona relied on the organisation specifically, in response to the [[Phoenix Lights]] incident, which was one of the few sightings Davenport has been on record as proclaiming to be genuine.<ref>{{cite news | last = Price | first = Richard | title = Arizonans say the truth about UFO is out there | newspaper = USA TODAY | pages = 4A | date = June 18, 1997 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref>
Police officers from [[Lebanon, Missouri]], as well as various [[Arizona]] law enforcement officials, frequently refer UFO sightings to the organisation, with no explanations forthcoming for some instances.<ref>{{cite news | last = Geller | first = Uri | title = Lawmen encounter the space patrol | newspaper = [[The Times]] | location = London, UK | date = January 24, 2000 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Stevens |first=Officer Craig A. |title=Police Report |publisher=Millstadt Police Department |date=January 5, 2000 |url=http://millstadtpolice.homepage.com/aircraft.html |format=Police report |accessdate=November 9, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010204065600/http://millstadtpolice.homepage.com/aircraft.html |archivedate=February 4, 2001 |deadurl=unfit }}</ref> Arizona relied on the organisation specifically, in response to the [[Phoenix Lights]] incident, which was one of the few sightings Davenport has been on record as proclaiming to be genuine.<ref>{{cite news | last = Price | first = Richard | title = Arizonans say the truth about UFO is out there | newspaper = USA TODAY | pages = 4A | date = June 18, 1997 | accessdate = November 9, 2014}}</ref>


==Operation==
==Operation==
Since its establishment in 1974, the Center has provided a 24-hour [[hotline]] phone number for people to report UFO activity that has occurred within the last week.<ref name=latimes/> It also now has an online Web form to submit written reports.
Since its establishment in 1974, the Center has provided a 24-hour [[hotline]] phone number for people to report UFO activity that has occurred within the last week.<ref name=latimes/> It also now has an online Web form to submit written reports.


As of 2005, the operation had been expanded using one fax machine, one telephone, and a single web master.<ref name="AP1"/>
As of 2005, the operation had been expanded using one fax machine, one telephone, and a single web master.<ref name="AP1"/>


Except for donations, the organisation has been almost entirely funded by Davenport himself, which was estimated to cost $500-$5,000 a month.<ref name="AP1"/><ref name="AP2"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2011-02-09/news/peter-davenport-believes-in-ufos/ | title=Peter Davenport Believes in UFOs | work=Seattle Weekly | date=8 February 2011 | accessdate=9 November 2014 | author=Conklin, Ellis E.}}</ref>
Except for donations, the organisation has been almost entirely funded by Davenport himself, which was estimated to cost $500-$5,000 a month.<ref name="AP1"/><ref name="AP2"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2011-02-09/news/peter-davenport-believes-in-ufos/ | title=Peter Davenport Believes in UFOs | work=Seattle Weekly | date=8 February 2011 | accessdate=9 November 2014 | author=Conklin, Ellis E.}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:57, 21 November 2017

National UFO Reporting Center
(NUFORC)
Founded1974
HeadquartersDavenport, Washington
Key people
Peter B. Davenport, Director
WebsiteNational UFO Reporting Center

The National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) is an organization in the United States that investigates UFO sightings and/or alien contacts. NUFORC has been in continuous operation since 1974. It was founded in 1974 by Robert J. Gribble.[1] It has catalogued almost 90,000 reported UFO sightings over its history, most of which were in the United States.[2] In addition to record keeping, the center has provided statistics and graphs to assist others looking for information. Slate published an interactive graph published by Davenport, which showed the density of sightings relative to an area.[3]

The current director, Peter Davenport, has not claimed that any two phenomena are identical, but has catalogued flying saucers, coloured lights, and triangles, throughout the years.[4] Davenport describes himself as a UFO believer, but skeptic, and has been praised by James Oberg as providing a valuable service in the field.[5] The work has been described as 'secretarial' rather than 'fun', as the years have progressed.[5]

History

Since its establishment in 1974, the Center has provided a 24-hour hotline phone number for people to report UFO activity that is currently going on in their area.[6]

Peter Davenport, a businessman holding degrees from Stanford University and the University of Washington at Seattle, who became involved soon after hearing about the Kelly–Hopkinsville encounter,[4] has served as director of the organization since 1994.[6]

The organisation has been used by the Stamford police department in prior years, though events have always had a perfectly reasonable explanation.[7]

Police officers from Lebanon, Missouri, as well as various Arizona law enforcement officials, frequently refer UFO sightings to the organisation, with no explanations forthcoming for some instances.[8][9] Arizona relied on the organisation specifically, in response to the Phoenix Lights incident, which was one of the few sightings Davenport has been on record as proclaiming to be genuine.[10]

Operation

Since its establishment in 1974, the Center has provided a 24-hour hotline phone number for people to report UFO activity that has occurred within the last week.[6] It also now has an online Web form to submit written reports.

As of 2005, the operation had been expanded using one fax machine, one telephone, and a single web master.[4]

Except for donations, the organisation has been almost entirely funded by Davenport himself, which was estimated to cost $500-$5,000 a month.[4][5][11]

Until 2006, the Center was based in Seattle, Washington, but that year it relocated to a bunker in a former nuclear missile site about 50 miles west of Spokane, Washington.[5][12]

Publicity

The National UFO Reporting Center has been discussed on the radio show Coast To Coast AM [13] and on Jeff Rense's radio show .

In 2014, The Economist used the statistics compiled by the organisation to analyse 'peak times' for UFO reports, drawing the conclusion that most reports came during the hours during which people were most likely to be intoxicated.[2] MUFON, the most prominent UFO data collectors in the US, have also worked with the National UFO Reporting Center, to publicise trends in public sightings reporting.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The National UFO Reporting Center, Information/General (No page title at top)". Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Everything you need to know about UFOs". The Economist. 28 June 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  3. ^ Tchou, Angela (January 11, 2011). "I Saw Four Green Objects in a Formation". Slate Magazine. Archived from the original (Graph) on September 15, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c d "Researcher Feels Certain UFOs Exist". Associated Press Online. August 21, 2005. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d Geranios, Nicholas K. (October 28, 2007). "UFO Reporting Center moves from Seattle to old missile site". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  6. ^ a b c Tizon, Tomas Alex (28 March 2008). "Seeking UFOs, deep underground". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  7. ^ Landis, David (April 30, 1992). "CELESTIAL ARCHES". USA TODAY. pp. LIFE, 1D. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  8. ^ Geller, Uri (January 24, 2000). "Lawmen encounter the space patrol". The Times. London, UK. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  9. ^ Stevens, Officer Craig A. (January 5, 2000). "Police Report". Millstadt Police Department. Archived from the original (Police report) on February 4, 2001. Retrieved November 9, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Price, Richard (June 18, 1997). "Arizonans say the truth about UFO is out there". USA TODAY. pp. 4A. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  11. ^ Conklin, Ellis E. (8 February 2011). "Peter Davenport Believes in UFOs". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  12. ^ Geranios, Nicholas K. (28 October 2007). "UFO Reporting Center operates out of former missile site". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  13. ^ Interview with Peter Davenport, Coast to Coast AM with George Noory.
  14. ^ "American UFO Reports Down 36 Percent After 2012 Spike". The Huffington Post. March 31, 2013. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
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