The Remote Viewing of UFO Phenomena
Insights Into Unexplained Aerial Events
Remote viewing is a controversial practice where individuals claim to gather information about distant or unseen targets using extrasensory perception. This technique has been applied to many mysteries, but among its most debated uses is exploring reports of unidentified flying objects or UFOs. The remote viewing of UFO phenomena involves trained practitioners attempting to observe or describe purported extraterrestrial craft or encounters, seeking details that conventional investigation may not provide.
Some remote viewing projects focus specifically on the origins, intentions, and technology behind UFO reports, drawing the interest of both researchers and enthusiasts. With decades of investigation, including military and private efforts, remote viewing has become a fascinating yet divisive approach in the search for answers about unidentified aerial phenomena.
Understanding Remote Viewing
Remote viewing is a process that involves attempting to perceive information about distant or unseen targets using extrasensory perception (ESP). Its structured protocols, historical context, central personalities, and training approaches highlight the intersection of psi research, military interests, and ongoing debate about the boundaries of human consciousness.
Definition and Core Principles
Remote viewing is defined as a controlled mental process in which an individual attempts to gather data about a remote or hidden object, location, or event without the use of traditional sensory input. This process relies on psi, or psychic phenomena, and is distinguished from other forms of ESP by its carefully structured methodology.
Key principles include tasking (assigning a specific target), maintaining blind conditions to prevent standard sensory clues, and documenting impressions in a systematic way. Practitioners typically use a quiet environment and a set sequence of steps to help minimize bias and distraction.
Remote viewing has been described as neither purely intuitive nor meditative. It sits within formal procedures intended to produce replicable results. While often associated with claims about psychic ability, it emphasizes transparency, repeatability, and record-keeping.
History and Origins
The origins of remote viewing trace back to the early 1970s at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in California. Funded in part by the U.S. government, researchers explored the potential of psychic phenomena for military and scientific use. Interest in psychic espionage was especially high during the Cold War, as intelligence agencies sought any possible advantages.
Previous parapsychology experiments, including those exploring ESP and telepathy, influenced the development of remote viewing. What set remote viewing apart was its rigorous structure and the collaboration between scientists and self-identified psychics.
The initial experiments produced enough intriguing results to attract ongoing attention from both military and civilian institutions. Over time, interest in remote viewing extended beyond intelligence work and into broader explorations of consciousness and open mind research.
Key Figures in Remote Viewing
Several individuals played central roles in developing and popularizing remote viewing. Ingo Swann, an artist and researcher, was instrumental in designing many of the protocols still in use today. He worked closely with physicist Hal Puthoff at SRI and contributed to foundational experiments on psi abilities.
Russell Targ, another physicist, co-led early research and has written extensively on the subject for both scientific and general audiences. Paul H. Smith, an Army intelligence officer, became known for both his role in the U.S. military’s psychic espionage program and his numerous lectures, biographies, and instructional materials on remote viewing.
Each of these figures brought a different perspective, ranging from practical intelligence work to scientific theory and public education. Their efforts collectively shaped the techniques and credibility of remote viewing in both scholarly and popular arenas.
Remote Viewing Training and Protocols
Remote viewing training involves a combination of theory, mental exercises, and strict adherence to established protocols. Most training programs aim to teach individuals how to quiet their mind, access subtle impressions, and record their findings without contamination from imagination or expectation.
Typical steps in a basic remote viewing session include:
Receiving a target designation (often a random code or coordinate)
Maintaining a blind regarding the target’s identity
Focusing attention and noting initial impressions
Expanding on sensory, emotional, and conceptual data as the session progresses
Recording all impressions, sketches, or descriptions with minimal interpretation
Sessions often follow a multi-phase structure designed to elicit increasingly specific information. Training is reinforced through repeated practice and feedback, allowing individuals to identify patterns in their success and improve accuracy over time.
By adhering to these structures, remote viewing attempts to maximize objectivity and minimize the influence of chance or suggestion. Protocols remain central whether the context is scientific research, psi exploration, or investigations into phenomena like UFOs.
UFO Phenomena: A Brief Overview
Unidentified flying objects (UFOs), now often called unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), have a long history in both public curiosity and formal investigation. Their study involves eyewitness accounts, military reports, and scientific attempts to verify or debunk the nature of these encounters.
Historical Sightings and Reports
Unexplained aerial sightings date back centuries, with some accounts appearing in art and historical documents. One notable early record is the 1561 Nuremberg event, where witnesses reported aerial objects engaged in what was described as a "celestial battle."
In the modern era, UFO sightings surged after the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting in Washington, leading to the term "flying saucer." The Roswell incident that same year further cemented public fascination.
Since then, official UFO reports by civilians, pilots, and military personnel have accumulated worldwide. Incidents span diverse locations and often involve multiple independent observers or radar confirmation.
Ufology Terminology and Classification
The field of ufology uses specific terms to describe and classify sightings. Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) is the classic term; more recently, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) has been used, particularly by government and scientific bodies.
Sightings are commonly categorized by:
Close Encounters: Divided into three types, ranging from simple visual sightings to physical interaction (as per J. Allen Hynek’s classification).
Lights in the Sky: Observations of moving or stationary lights with no visible structure.
Flying saucer generally refers to disc-shaped objects, a common form described in reports. Some terminology also covers claims of reverse-engineering alleged alien technology, though these remain controversial.
Influential UFO Cases
Certain UFO sightings and reports have had a major influence on the public and the study of the phenomenon. The Roswell incident (1947) involved claims of a crashed object and later government statements describing it as a weather balloon.
The Rendlesham Forest incident (1980, UK) featured military personnel reporting a landed craft and unexplained lights. Project Blue Book, run by the U.S. Air Force (1952-1969), officially investigated over 12,000 UFO reports, with a minority remaining unexplained.
Multiple cases, such as the Phoenix Lights (1997) and the Stephenville, Texas sightings (2008), featured mass observations, radar data, and video or photo evidence. These cases are central to discussions about mass hysteria versus verifiable phenomena.
Scientific Approach to UFO Phenomena
The scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon emphasizes data collection, unbiased analysis, and rigorous methodology. Official projects like Project Blue Book aimed to categorize sightings and seek natural explanations.
In recent years, the term UAP has come into use in governmental and scientific contexts to reduce stigma and encourage objective study. Government and private organizations use tools such as radar, satellite imagery, and eyewitness corroboration to analyze reports.
Some scientists argue that the lack of physical evidence limits the study of UFOs, while others emphasize the value of systematic investigation. Theories range from misidentified aircraft to potential exotic technology, but clear proof of extraterrestrial involvement remains undemonstrated.
Intersecting Worlds: Remote Viewing and UFOs
Remote viewing has often crossed paths with the exploration of UFO phenomena, attracting both researchers and skeptics from parapsychology and ufology. This section examines documented sessions focused on UFO-related targets, the intended goals of these remote viewing experiments, and how the collected data aligns with traditional UFO investigative methods.
Notable Remote Viewing Sessions on UFOs
Some of the earliest publicized connections between remote viewing and UFOs stem from the work at SRI (Stanford Research Institute), which was later involved in the U.S. government’s Star Gate program. Practitioners like Paul H. Smith and Courtney Brown have targeted UFO sightings, alleged alien bases on the moon and Mars, and even legendary artifacts like the Ark of the Covenant.
For example, remote viewers have described structured craft, unfamiliar technologies, and non-human entities during sessions focused on famous incidents such as the Roswell crash and modern UFO encounters. A few sessions have explored claims about hidden or crashed objects in the American Southwest.
Reports also exist of attempts to view phenomena traditionally associated with folklore, such as ghosts or fairy sightings, though these are less common. Critics note, however, that scientific consensus remains skeptical due to the lack of consistent, verifiable evidence from these remote viewing sessions.
Objectives and Targets in UFO Remote Viewing
Remote viewing projects targeting UFOs often aim to answer very specific questions: the origin of unknown craft, description of occupants (if any), and the purpose of apparent visitations. Targets are sometimes selected to follow up on reported sightings, abduction claims, or mysterious objects observed in orbit around the moon or Mars.
Detailed tasking sheets may specify exact dates, locations, or incidents, such as the Phoenix Lights or the Rendlesham Forest incident. Other projects attempt to explore broader mysteries, including the presence of ancient advanced artifacts like the Ark of the Covenant or unexplained structures reported on Mars.
These objectives typically seek to fill gaps in conventional investigation, hoping to corroborate or challenge physical evidence and witness testimony. In some cases, targets are chosen to explore overlapping topics in psychic phenomena, such as the perception of non-physical entities.
Comparing Remote Viewing Data to UFO Investigations
Comparisons between remote viewing data and traditional UFO investigations reveal both overlaps and stark differences. Traditional UFO investigators collect physical evidence, radar data, and eyewitness accounts. Remote viewers, meanwhile, produce sketches, written descriptions, or sensory impressions created under blind conditions.
Some data from remote viewing has corresponded with independent sighting reports, such as matching descriptions of craft shape or flight patterns. In rare cases, details from remote viewing sessions are reviewed for possible leads in ongoing investigations, though this is typically supplementary rather than primary evidence.
Limitations remain significant. The subjective nature of psychic impressions makes them difficult to validate against physical findings. For established investigators, including those affiliated with major UFO research groups, remote viewing results are often seen as intriguing yet unproven, serving as additional context but rarely definitive proof.
Intelligence and Military Involvement
Remote viewing has received focused attention from U.S. intelligence agencies and military branches, particularly in relation to gathering information on UFO phenomena. Programs were established to explore potential applications for national security, and policies were shaped to manage sensitive information and personnel involved in these efforts.
CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency Programs
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) spearheaded official investigations into remote viewing from the early 1970s through the 1990s. These programs aimed to determine whether psychic perception could yield actionable intelligence not accessible by conventional means.
Both agencies initiated remote viewing projects as a response to reports of Soviet research into similar phenomena. CIA efforts focused initially on evaluating scientific credibility and conducting controlled experiments with civilian contractors.
The DIA later took over operational aspects, integrating remote viewing more directly into intelligence collection, including attempts to gain insight into foreign technology and unexplained aerial phenomena.
The Star Gate Program
The Star Gate Program, managed primarily by the DIA, was the most prominent U.S. government initiative dedicated to remote viewing. Launched in the mid-1970s and continuing until 1995, Star Gate combined military and civilian personnel to conduct hundreds of sessions involving a range of targets, including purported UFO sites and unknown aircraft.
Star Gate researchers claimed mixed results, with some remote viewers reporting details that were later found to be accurate, and others producing inconclusive or unverifiable information. The use of remote viewing for UFO investigations remained controversial within intelligence circles due to concerns about reliability and reproducibility.
Despite skepticism, the program contributed to the broader discussion about unconventional intelligence methods, and some reports allege that data from Star Gate influenced ongoing assessments of certain anomalous aerial encounters.
Military Interest in UFOs
The U.S. military—most notably the Air Force and Navy—has maintained a sustained interest in unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) that cannot be explained by conventional technology or adversarial aircraft. Military pilots and intelligence officers have reported numerous encounters, sometimes supported by radar and sensor data.
Military investigators sometimes consulted remote viewers when standard intelligence resources produced no satisfactory answers regarding specific UAP sightings or incidents. Such cases highlight the willingness of some military officials to explore unconventional methods when national security may be at risk.
Military interest is also reflected in internal memoranda and congressional briefings, where both the Air Force and Navy have highlighted gaps in understanding phenomena that could impact flight safety and defense capabilities.
Security Clearances and National Security
Personnel selected for remote viewing projects and UFO research were typically required to hold high-level security clearances. This was essential given the classified nature of the targets and intelligence gained.
Stringent security protocols were in place to prevent leaks and ensure control over sensitive information. Participants underwent background investigations and regular reviews, with protocols covering both physical and information security risks.
National security concerns drove these practices. Agencies feared that adversaries might exploit internal vulnerabilities or obtain strategic insights into U.S. intelligence interests if such programs were compromised. As a result, access to data or participation in remote viewing sessions remained tightly restricted.
Government Investigations and Declassification
Several government agencies have investigated unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), including the use of remote viewing and traditional intelligence methods. Key programs and legal processes shaped public access to these records following years of secrecy.
Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP)
AATIP was launched by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2007 to examine reports of UFOs and related anomalies. The program analyzed military encounters with unknown aerial technology, many involving eyewitness testimony from pilots and sensor data.
AATIP sometimes reviewed unconventional methods, including remote viewing, to collect information on UAP. Although official details were limited, its reports were later linked to broader efforts by the Pentagon to assess potential threats.
Key findings and documents about AATIP became public through leaks, media investigations, and official statements. This increased public awareness about the government's longstanding interest in UFO investigations.
Pentagon and Congressional Hearings
The Pentagon acknowledged multiple UAP encounters by military personnel, resulting in several high-profile hearings in Congress beginning in the late 2010s. Lawmakers requested detailed briefings and demanded that the Department of Defense increase transparency.
During these sessions, defense officials discussed limitations in sensors and intelligence gaps, expressing concern about national security risks. The hearings often included mentions of historical projects, such as remote viewing experiments as part of broader investigations into unexplained phenomena.
Congress pushed for the release of key reports and mandated periodic updates. This led to growing declassification and expanded the public’s access to records of military UAP investigations.
Legal and Policy Frameworks
Declassification of UFO- and UAP-related materials is governed by federal laws and security directives. Agencies must balance sharing information with the public and protecting sensitive defense capabilities.
Programs such as Stargate, which utilized remote viewing, were eventually terminated, with some findings and documents released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The legal process was often slow, but persistence by journalists and researchers opened access to significant archives.
Select committees in Congress played a role in shaping policy on what could be disclosed. Recent statutes continue to guide how investigations are conducted and what information about UFOs reaches the public domain.
Controversies, Conspiracy Theories, and Public Perception
Remote viewing claims related to UFOs have regularly sparked debate. Various controversies, conspiracy ideas, and media reactions have shaped how the public views both remote viewing and UFO phenomena.
Mainstream Skepticism and Open-Mindedness
The scientific community remains highly skeptical about remote viewing and its application to UFO sightings. Numerous studies have failed to produce consistent or convincing evidence, reinforcing a consensus that remote viewing lacks empirical support.
Despite this, there is a faction within the public and some academic circles that maintain an open mind. These individuals point to government interest—such as the CIA’s experiments in remote viewing and references to the Cold War era—to justify exploration of unconventional research. Programs like Stargate and disclosures about CIA involvement have fueled speculation but have not changed scientific consensus.
Table: Contrasts in Attitudes
Group View on Remote Viewing & UFOs Mainstream Scientists Skeptical, require strong proof Government Agencies Cautiously interested, inconclusive Enthusiasts Open, sometimes convinced
Popular Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories have been a major force in shaping narratives about UFOs and remote viewing. The Roswell incident in 1947 is often cited as a turning point, sparking claims of government cover-ups of alien encounters and advanced technology.
Chemtrails and secret testing are sometimes mentioned in relation to remote viewing, as some conspiracy theorists believe that psychic experimentation is part of a broader agenda. Media personalities such as Art Bell, through shows like “Coast to Coast AM,” have amplified stories involving classified military projects and psychic espionage.
List of Recurrent Themes:
Government suppression of remote viewing results
Links between remote viewing and famous UFO cases like Roswell
Hidden evidence and whistleblowers
Media Coverage and Mass Hysteria
Media outlets have played a significant role in shaping public perception of remote viewing and UFO reports. Sensational news segments, documentaries, and radio programs often emphasize intrigue and secrecy, drawing in curious audiences.
Social sharing of UFO sightings and remote viewing claims can contribute to mass hysteria, leading to waves of reported experiences that may not withstand scrutiny. Notably, live broadcasts or newspaper articles have, at times, led to panics or rapid surges in report numbers.
Coverage by mainstream press differs from that of niche outlets or talk radio. The latter often foster open discussion, while major news networks tend to focus on skepticism, official statements, or debunking. The balance between fostering an open mind and preventing misinformation remains a frequent challenge.
Key Individuals and Influencers in Remote Viewing and UFO Research
Several researchers, authors, and former government officials have significantly shaped public and academic understanding of remote viewing as it relates to UFOs. Their distinct approaches, professional backgrounds, and contributions underscore the complexity and multi-faceted nature of this controversial field.
Courtney Brown and Remote Viewing of UFOs
Courtney Brown is a political scientist known for his work with the Farsight Institute, which uses remote viewing for exploring anomalous events, including UFO phenomena. He has led various projects in which trained remote viewers target UFO-related incidents, extraterrestrial activity, and alleged government cover-ups.
Brown’s remote viewing protocols emphasize blind targets to minimize bias. His findings have been presented in books, public reports, and videos—often claiming strong links between alien visitation and world events. Critics, however, question his methodologies, emphasizing a lack of reproducibility and scientific validation for his results.
Despite skepticism, Brown remains influential, popularizing remote viewing as a tool for researching extraterrestrial topics. His work continues to attract attention in both alternative science circles and among those interested in the intersection of consciousness and the UFO mystery.
Paul H. Smith's Contributions
Paul H. Smith is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and a core member of the Stargate Project, a military program exploring remote viewing for intelligence purposes. Smith has documented his experiences in books and lectures, detailing both the operational protocols and the complex ethical questions around remote viewing.
He trains students in remote viewing techniques and addresses claims around viewing UFOs or alien encounters with a careful, evidence-based approach. Smith is known for advocating the importance of critical thinking, emphasizing that remote viewing does not always produce reliable data about UFOs.
His measured stance and military background add credibility to his insights. Smith continues to act as a bridge between traditional scientific skepticism and the more speculative claims found in remote viewing circles, especially regarding anomalous aerial phenomena.
Lue Elizondo and UAP Advocacy
Lue Elizondo is a former Department of Defense intelligence official who led the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP). He is well-known for promoting transparency around Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), often called UFOs.
Elizondo has frequently discussed the possible non-human origin of UAP and the need for serious scientific investigation. His media appearances and participation in documentaries have brought national attention to UFO studies. He has not been directly linked to remote viewing programs but has acknowledged the importance of exploring all unconventional intelligence methods.
Elizondo’s advocacy includes pushing for government disclosure, increased scientific research, and removing stigma from discussing and investigating UAP sightings or encounters. His efforts have contributed to a renewed interest in both official and civilian study of anomalous aerospace phenomena.
