Condon Committee

Overview

The Condon Committee, formally known as the University of Colorado UFO Project, was a scientific study of UFOs funded by the US Air Force and led by physicist Edward Condon from 1966 to 1968.

• Conducted under the direction of Edward Condon at the University of Colorado.
• Focused on analyzing UFO reports scientifically.

Background and Establishment

The committee was established in response to criticisms of Project Blue Book and recommendations for a thorough review.

• Established following criticism of Project Blue Book in the 1960s.
• Formed after the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board recommended a comprehensive review in 1966.
• Examined hundreds of UFO files from Project Blue Book and civilian UFO groups.
• Included principal investigators such as Stuart W. Cook, Franklin E. Roach, David R. Saunders, and William A. Scott.

Key Findings

Over two years, the committee reviewed and reinvestigated Project Blue Book cases, reaching significant conclusions.

• Reviewed and reinvestigated findings from Project Blue Book over two years.
• Found that many cases had no assigned explanation despite internal disagreements.
• Concluded that further study of UFOs was unlikely to yield major scientific discoveries.
• Determined that no UFO sightings had shown evidence of extraterrestrial origin or posed a threat to national security.

Impact and Legacy

The Condon Report had lasting effects on UFO research and government programs.

• The Condon Report recommended discontinuation of Project Blue Book.
• Led to the closure of Project Blue Book in December 1969.
• Marked the beginning of a period of decline in UFO research.
• Faced controversy with charges that conclusions were predetermined, causing some UFO groups to withdraw support.