Center for UFO Studies

Current theories on what causes the circles include unusual whirlwinds, electromagnetic fields, microwave energy, earth energies connected with Stonehenge, and hoaxes. Some believe that the complex shapes of many circles indicate a hoax, but the facts in each case are not so clear-cut. Crop circles are a fascinating mystery. Continued scientific study will undoubtedly shed light on this enigma.

Are UFOs responsible for cattle mutilations?

Controversy continues regarding the alleged connection between UFOs and the apparent mutilation of cattle. Some researchers argue that unusual circumstances surrounding the death of some cattle indicate UFO involvement. They cite reports that tell of strange lights or aircraft near fields where mutilated cattle are later found. Physical evidence found on the dead cattle, such as puncture wounds, missing body parts, and the lack of blood, suggests to them that someone has deliberately and skillfully killed these animals for some unknown purpose; although genetic experimentation is a popular theory. Other researchers, including ufologists, are skeptical about the UFO/cattle mutilation theory, citing evidence that indicates natural causes, such as disease and animal predators, can explain these seemingly mysterious cattle deaths. Here again, a more systematic study and more credible evidence is necessary before a connection between UFOs and cattle mutilations can be made.

Who are the Men in Black? What are the mysterious black helicopters?

The Men in Black are said to be humanlike creatures who threaten and intimidate UFO witnesses or researchers. Their physical features and behavior are described as odd. Their mannerisms and speech tend to be stiff and formal--somewhat robotic and comical but nevertheless menacing. Theories about who the Men in Black are include government agents or alien androids. One popular theory is that they are hallucinations experienced by people who may have had a traumatic UFO experience. Others say they are outright hoaxes.

The mysterious black helicopters, like the Men in Black, are said to intimidate UFO witnesses. They are seen flying low over witnesses' homes or cars, but never as landing. Some think they are military surveillance helicopters, while others believe they are UFOs disguised as helicopters. It might be that a witness traumatized by a UFO experience confuses normal helicopter traffic with his or her own UFO sighting--a connection based more on paranoia than on concrete evidence.

Do UFOs cause the mysterious disappearance of people, airplanes, and ships in the Bermuda Triangle?

Recent research into the Bermuda Triangle shows there have been no more disappearances there (taking into account the large amount of air and sea traffic in the area) than in any other part of the world's oceans. In general, most disappearances have conventional explanations unrelated to UFOs or other paranormal phenomena. Although there are some disappearances of aircraft that some researchers believe may be connected to UFOs, such as the disappearance in 1945 of five Avenger bombers off the east coast of Florida while on a routine training mission, no UFO connection has ever been proven. The Bermuda Triangle theory is based more on imagination than on concrete evidence.

There is one case, however, involving the disappearance of a pilot and his airplane, that does involve a UFO. In 1978, off the coast of Australia half a world away from the Bermuda Triangle, a young pilot, Fred Valentich, reported that a UFO was following his small plane. Suddenly, radio contact with Valentich ceased, and the young pilot was never heard from again. Neither Valentich nor his plane were ever found, despite an intensive air and sea search. Although there is no positive evidence to prove that a UFO caused Valentich's disappearance, the theory persists.

Did ancient astronauts have anything to do with the beginnings of human civilization? Did they build ancient monuments like the pyramids and Stonehenge?

Most ancient cultures have myths and legends that tell about godlike beings who came down to earth and helped mankind develop a sophisticated, technological civilization. Most scholars consider these only stories and explain that human beings had the intelligence and skills necessary to develop the mathematics, science, and architectural knowledge needed to create monuments like the pyramids and Stonehenge.

Are movies about UFOs and aliens like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. true?

Movies about UFOs and aliens, like most other movies are fictional--the product of the fertile imaginations of writers, directors, and special effects artists and technicians. However, some situations and elements found in these films have some basis in genuine UFO experiences. (The Center for UFO Studies served as a consultant to Steven Spielberg on Close Encounters of the Third Kind, so many of the UFO events in that movie are based on real cases.) Although these movies show what an actual UFO experience may be like, never forget that many parts of these films are pure imagination and do not represent actual events.

Besides Close Encounters and E.T., our favorite UFO and alien movies include The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Thing (both versions), Invaders from Mars (the original version), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (both versions), Alien, and Aliens. The X-Files is our favorite TV series.

UFOs have anything to do with crop circles?

Are UFOs responsible for cattle mutilations?

Who are the Men in Black? What are the mysterious black helicopters?

Do UFOs cause the mysterious disappearance of people, airplanes, and ships in the Bermuda Triangle?

Are movies about UFOs and aliens like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. true?