Columbus, OH: Blue Book Report #14 released
Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14, analyzed by Battelle Memorial Institute, was released on October 25, 1955. It examined 3,201 UFO cases, finding 22% unidentified after rigorous scientific review.
Background
Background
The Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio carried out a comprehensive statistical analysis of UFO reports supplied by the US Air Force. The data were tabulated on IBM punch cards for computer-assisted evaluation. The original report ran to around 300 pages but was cut to 100.
Analysis and Categorization
Four scientific analysts divided cases into known, unknown, and insufficient information. Known and unknown cases were further graded in quality from excellent to poor. Identification required agreement between two analysts; unidentified cases required all four to agree. Unidentified sightings were defined as those whose descriptions did not match known objects or phenomena.
Findings
Of 3,201 cases, 69% were counted as identified, 22% as unidentified, and 9% as having insufficient information. Among those identified, 42% were considered securely resolved and 27% doubtful. The astronomical and aircraft IFO categories each showed 12% secure and 9% doubtful attributions.
Publication and Reaction
Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles stated in a press release that no flying saucers had overflown the USA, but mentioned new aircraft that might be taken for them. Only 100 copies were printed at first; Leon Davidson circulated copies with commentary from 1956 onward. The report showed statistically significant differences between the known and the unknown cases.