Ufology, a word not recognised by the dictionary, yet a word well recognised around the world. The study of the UFO phenomena and it's related subjects. But is Ufology changing and are we starting to see new faces with their own way of investigation?
Since the early 20th century there have been many famous and well known UFO investigators, such as Robert Charroux, Jacques Vallée, Jenny Randles, Stanton Friedman, Jaime Maussan, Robert Dean, Steven Greer, Budd Hopkins and John Mack to name but a few as there are too many to list in this article.
Read more here: 20th Century Ufologists
Picture: John Mack & Bud Hopkins. Copyright Darren Perks.
But as modern times move forward and our lifestyles change with it, so does Ufology, and we are now seeing a new generation of UFO investigators. These investigators are fresh and have their own way of doing things, without following the 'sheep' of Ufology doing things the way that the older generation like things doing. In other words, 'enough of the text books' and boring stuff, lets get 'hands on'.
It's quite easy for anyone starting out investigating the phenomena to get sucked in and led by the ways of old, relying on second hand information and research. But now we see fresh ways of doing things with investigators who physically get involved and get outside with their own equipment, getting their own results and information. I'm not saying that the older generation of UFO investigators didn't do this, but it's clear that in some respect, many of them simply did not bother to get their hands dirty.
Read about new generation investigators: UFO Shropshire
More and more people have access to good quality cameras and video devices, and with added extras such as digital night vision and thermal imaging, its now easier than ever to kit yourself out and go investigate. Take a look at some of the equipment used today in UFO investigation: Digital Night Vision and Thermal Imagers
This has led to the new generation of investigators going out day and night in all weathers to different locations, getting results and speaking to witnesses. Also using their own minds to evaluate and report back to the public.
Image Copyright Darren Perks
How many of the well known Ufologists around today of the older generation, actually go out and stand on the side of mountains watching the skies? How many go and speak to farmers or witnesses first hand to get their accounts? How many have actually witnessed a UFO incident in real life? How many produce their own images and video footage?
The list could go on and while I respect many of the older generation of investigators for their hard work and research, I simply wish to point out that things are changing. If investigation into this phenomena is to continue and the information be given to the masses, then it's this new generation who will provide it moving forward.
Recently we have seen the notions appear that UFO investigation is 'dead' and that it's just the old UFO incidents that everyone talks about. But this is not true and every day, week and month, real life UFO investigators on the front line in their everyday walks of life are reporting new incidents. Some are good and some are bad, but the investigation goes on. Quite frankly I personally think that those recent notions and comments were rubbish and may be just another attempt to ridicule the UFO community.
There will be those that go on about not having good quality images or footage and those points are listened to. But thousands of people are getting results of things that conventionally cannot be explained, basically the 5% of sightings that 'raise eyebrows'.
Think what you like about Ufology, but the fact remains that it's here to stay, and stay for a very long time. Investigation into this phenomena is taking a new direction and with it maybe that big question will finally be answered and confirmed....
Are we alone in the universe?