In this SITS classic from 2017, we speak with Mark O'Connell. With UFOs once again dominating headlines through government hearings, whistleblower claims, and renewed public interest, we’re revisiting this conversation with O'Connell about his book,The Close Encounters Man: How One Man Made the World Believe in UFOs, chronicling the life of legendary astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek. Originally hired by the Air Force to debunk UFO sightings, Hynek’s years investigating unexplained cases led him to a startling conclusion: UFOs deserved serious scientific attention.

Through unprecedented access to Hynek’s personal and professional files, including his time working with Steven Spielberg, O’Connell paints a compelling portrait of the man who transformed from skeptic to pioneer in UFO research. At a time when many of the same questions Hynek raised decades ago are resurfacing today, this episode remains more relevant than ever.

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