MUFON

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is a US-based non-profit organization that is dedicated to the scientific study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Composed of civilian volunteers, MUFON investigates and researches reported UFO sightings not just in the United States, but from around the globe, making it an international organization.

Founded in 1969, MUFON is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind, boasting more than 4,000 members worldwide. The organization’s primary aim is to resolve the enigma of UFOs through the collection and analysis of UFO data in the pursuit of discovering the true nature of the phenomenon.

MUFON’s methodology involves a rigorous investigation and research process, with a network of trained field investigators who examine each case reported to the organization. The organization also hosts an annual symposium where researchers, enthusiasts, and the public can engage in discussions about the latest findings and theories in Ufology.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the subject of UFOs, MUFON maintains a commitment to providing a serious scientific examination of the phenomenon. It is a significant player in the field of Ufology, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the existence and nature of UFOs. MUFON’s work has helped to bring the discussion of UFOs into the mainstream, encouraging open and informed discussion about this intriguing and enduring mystery.

History

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) was established on May 31, 1969, originally as the Midwest UFO Network. The organization was founded in Quincy, Illinois, by Allen R. Utke, Walter H. Andrus, Jr., John F. Schuessler, and others. Many of MUFON’s early members were associated with the SKYLOOK newsletter of Stover, Missouri, and the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

In 1973, due to its expansion to other states and countries, the organization was renamed the Mutual UFO Network. MUFON has since grown to become one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind, with more than 4,000 members worldwide, chapters in every U.S. state, and representatives in more than 43 countries.

MUFON has faced its share of controversies. In July 2020, then Executive Director Jan Harzan was arrested on charges of soliciting sex from a law enforcement detective posing as a 13-year-old girl. Following the incident, Harzan was permanently removed from his role in the organization.

Despite the challenges, MUFON continues its mission to investigate UFO sightings. It holds an annual international symposium, publishes the monthly MUFON UFO Journal, and has established Mutual UFO Network University, an unaccredited online institution that trains members to investigate UFO sightings. The organization claims to have over 500 field investigators and specialized teams to investigate possible physical evidence of extraterrestrial craft.

Structure and Organization

MUFON’s structure is primarily based on its network of volunteers. These volunteers include field investigators and specialized teams who investigate possible physical evidence of extraterrestrial craft. To become a field investigator, volunteers must pass an exam based on a 265-page manual and undergo a background check.

The organization is led by an Executive Director, and it also has a Board of Directors. The Board includes the founder and other key members. The organization also has a Journal Editor who oversees the publication of the monthly MUFON UFO Journal.

MUFON also hosts an annual international symposium, which serves as a platform for members, researchers, and the public to discuss and share their findings and theories about UFOs.

In 2015, MUFON established the Mutual UFO Network University, an unaccredited online institution that trains members to investigate UFO sightings.

Functions and Operations

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is primarily involved in the investigation and research of reported UFO sightings. Here are the key functions and operations of MUFON:

1. Investigation of UFO Sightings: MUFON’s primary function is to investigate reports of UFO sightings. It has a network of trained field investigators who examine each case reported to the organization. These investigators interview witnesses, perform research, and draw conclusions from the evidence.
2. Training of Field Investigators: MUFON provides training to its members to become field investigators. This training is provided through the Mutual UFO Network University, an unaccredited online institution established by MUFON. To become a field investigator, members must pass an exam based on a 265-page manual and undergo a background check.
3. Publication of MUFON UFO Journal: MUFON publishes a monthly journal, the MUFON UFO Journal, which features articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and related research. The journal serves as a platform for sharing findings and theories about UFOs.
4. Hosting of Annual Symposium: MUFON hosts an annual international symposium where researchers, enthusiasts, and the public can engage in discussions about the latest findings and theories in Ufology.
5. Collection and Analysis of UFO Data: MUFON collects and analyzes data related to UFO sightings. This data is used to further the understanding of the UFO phenomenon and to identify patterns or trends in sightings.
6. Public Engagement and Education: MUFON engages with the public and provides education on the subject of UFOs. It aims to promote informed and open discussion about UFOs and related phenomena.

Controversy

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) has faced several controversies over the years, which have raised questions about its credibility and the conduct of its members. Here are some of the key controversies:

1. Pseudoscience Criticism: MUFON has been criticized for its focus on pseudoscience. Critics argue that the organization’s investigators fail to use the scientific method in their investigations. Some have also pointed out that MUFON’s idea of scientific researchers appears to be people who are not scientists or propose fantastic, anti-science tales.
2. Racist and Anti-Semitic Views: In 2018, Newsweek reported evidence of “anti-immigrant, anti-trans, and anti-Muslim sentiments” among MUFON officials. High-tier Inner Circle donors to MUFON, J. Z. Knight and former MUFON State Director for Pennsylvania John Ventre, both of whom have publicly expressed racist and/or anti-Semitic views, were mentioned in the report. This led to a wave of anger and resignations across MUFON.
3. Sexual Harassment Allegations: MUFON has also been criticized for its handling of sexual harassment allegations. Erica Lukes, former MUFON State Director for Utah, described MUFON as “an organization unwilling to adequately address sexual harassment”.
4. Arrest of Executive Director: In July 2020, then MUFON Executive Director Jan Harzan was arrested on charges of soliciting sex from a law enforcement detective posing as a 13-year-old girl. Following the arrest, Harzan was permanently removed from his role in the organization.

These controversies have led to criticism of MUFON’s leadership and organizational culture, and have raised questions about its commitment to scientific investigation and ethical conduct. Despite these challenges, MUFON continues to operate and remains one of the largest organizations dedicated to the study of UFOs.

Work in Ufology

Here is a detailed overview of the work MUFON does in the field of Ufology:

1. Investigation of UFO Sightings: MUFON’s primary function is to investigate reports of UFO sightings. It has a network of trained field investigators who examine each case reported to the organization. These investigators interview witnesses, perform research, and draw conclusions from the evidence.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: MUFON collects and analyzes data related to UFO sightings. This data is used to further the understanding of the UFO phenomenon and to identify patterns or trends in sightings. The organization maintains a comprehensive database of UFO sightings reported to it, which is a valuable resource for researchers in the field.
3. Training of Field Investigators: MUFON provides training to its members to become field investigators. This training is provided through the Mutual UFO Network University, an unaccredited online institution established by MUFON. The training covers various aspects of UFO investigation, including interviewing techniques, research methods, and analysis of evidence.
4. Publication of MUFON UFO Journal: MUFON publishes a monthly journal, the MUFON UFO Journal, which features articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and related research. The journal serves as a platform for sharing findings and theories about UFOs.
5. Hosting of Annual Symposium: MUFON hosts an annual international symposium where researchers, enthusiasts, and the public can engage in discussions about the latest findings and theories in Ufology. The symposium features presentations by experts in the field and provides an opportunity for networking and collaboration.
6. Public Engagement and Education: MUFON engages with the public and provides education on the subject of UFOs. It aims to promote informed and open discussion about UFOs and related phenomena. The organization also works to raise awareness about the scientific study of UFOs and to dispel myths and misconceptions about the phenomenon.

Conclusion

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is a significant player in the field of Ufology, dedicated to the scientific study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). With its network of trained field investigators, MUFON has been investigating and researching UFO sightings globally since its establishment in 1969.

MUFON’s commitment to data collection, analysis, and public education has contributed to the ongoing dialogue about the existence and nature of UFOs. Its monthly journal and annual symposium provide platforms for sharing findings and theories, fostering open and informed discussions about this intriguing and enduring mystery.

However, MUFON’s credibility has been challenged due to various controversies, including accusations of pseudoscience, handling of sexual harassment allegations, and the conduct of some of its members. These controversies have raised questions about its organizational culture and commitment to ethical conduct.

In conclusion, while MUFON has made significant contributions to the field of Ufology, it also faces challenges in terms of its scientific rigor and organizational ethics. Despite these challenges, MUFON continues to be a prominent organization in the study of UFOs, contributing to our understanding of these unexplained phenomena.