DMS Program: Speaker: Peter on UFOs!
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19 Nov 2024 |
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 Denver Metro South
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"UFOs: Fact and Fiction," by Peter Van Arsdale, Ph.D.
The talk will begin with the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book during the 1960s. It was based at C.U.-Boulder, tasked with nation-wide UFO research, and involved Van Arsdale as a student researcher. As a hobby, he has continued investigating these phenomena since.
Sociological, anthropological, and psychological themes will be featured. Some of the most well-known events, like Roswell, and some of the interesting — and often unusual — people he's met over the years will be highlighted. These include scientists, astronauts, believers, and skeptics — and purported UFO correlates, i.e., “earthly oddities” like cattle mutilations, alien abductions, Bigfoot encounters, and Foo Fighters.
His published work covers perceptions of UFOs, from believers to skeptics, and a remarkable case from Colorado covered in his 2022 book “Encounters,” under the title “The Charlatan.” (Spoiler Alert: He does not believe there are aliens among us.)
An intriguing array of photos also will be included.
Bio: Peter Van Arsdale is an applied cultural anthropologist, member of the Rotary Club of Denver SE, and a retired university professor. He currently assists Regis University on a pro bono basis. He is co-chair of the Rotary District 5450 WASH Action Group.