4.5
Recommended Scientific Community Actions
As observations of the UFO phenomena reported by many thousands of witnesses worldwide (see sections 3.8 and 7.0 for some documented examples) are validated, a new set of scientific paradigms will need to be researched to explain what is being observed. Twentieth century scientific theories have barely touched the surface in explaining what numerous scientific, military and civilian witnesses have observed and reported. However, in some cases, covert military research programs appear to have advanced much further in understanding the observed phenomena and technologies (based on witness testimonies, section 3.8) than have our academic and public scientists. Recent findings, such as the demonstration of possible faster than speed of light phenomenon35, suggest that indeed there will be a whole new class of scientific phenomena that 21st century scientists will investigate to explain what has been declared as “impossible” by scientists of the last century. There is still a major acceptance problem about UFO/ET issues with most scientists. Dr. Peter Sturrock, a highly respected solar physicist and now an emeritus professor at Stanford University, summarized the problem as follows: “The definite resolution of the UFO enigma will not come about unless and until the problem is subjected to open and extensive scientific study by the normal procedures of established science. This requires a change in attitude primarily on the part of scientists and administrators in universities.”36 A further view by Dr. Sturrock on the role of scientists and scientific journals is quoted in section 3.2.1. Surprising though it may seem to the layperson, scientists often have trouble changing their understanding of processes and natural phenomena when faced with evidence that their theories may not be correct. The history of science is replete with examples of scientists proclaiming such and such is impossible, only to be shown later that their assumptions were incorrect. This normal human tendency is certainly not limited to scientists. (For example, for a number of years after the Wright brother’s planes had been observed flying by thousands of people, there were still popular articles proclaiming that flying is impossible.) Furthermore, most scientific research in the United States, especially in colleges and universities, is colleague-driven through the peer review process for promotion and tenure as well as for grants and journal publications. Stepping outside the bounds of peer accepted research often spells difficulty for the scientist, even if they are well established in more conventionally accepted scientific areas. Consequently, the vast majority of academics are not willing to take such a risk, since it is safer to remain with the accepted views of the day.
35
Wang, L. J., A. Kuzmich, and A. Dogariu. 2000. Fain-assisted superluminal light propagation. Nature. 406:277-279
36
Sturrock, P.A., Report on a Survey of American Astronomical Society concerning the UFO Phenomenon, Stanford University Report SUIPR 68IR, 1977
354
