This encyclopedia fulfils a need that has become increasingly apparent over the last few decades. During this time, some of the brightest minds of our time – scientists, physicians, philosophers, psychiatrists, psychologists, writers, researchers, high level military personnel, and influential government officials, stepped forward and expressed the view that the UFO phenomenon and the extraterrestrial question merited research and an open-minded approach.

                This is not an organized group, of course. Each made his or her decision to view the phenomena without fear or prejudice, while maintaining their careers and affiliations. They do not work together, except of course in situations like NASA or SETI, and very often do not even know how many others share their views. In many cases, these people truly went out on a limb, sometimes endangering their positions and professional reputation by associating themselves with a field which is still ambiguous. Their honesty sometimes cost them even more than their careers. And yet, every day, more and more distinguished individuals join the ranks of those who want to inquire, investigate, and research a phenomenon which may some day change human history.

                At the same time, the average, intelligent layman and woman are frustrated in their efforts to understand UFOs and the extraterrestrial issues. First, the phenomena generated talk about government conspiracies, causing the layman to suspect secrecy and concealment of facts. Second, the phenomena attracted many people who are, at best, too credulous and naïve, and at worst, charlatans. Third, it is extremely difficult to sort out reliable information from the nonsensical one. The credible information is hidden, like a needle in a haystack, among the mountain of misinformation, and it is almost impossible to sort it all out. Therefore, the average citizen often sighs and says, “I do wish the real experts would do something. Why don’t they get together? Why don’t they pull their knowledge and learn from each other?”

Well, now they have, in a way. In this encyclopedia you will find the most reliable, intelligent people who had opened their minds to the possibilities. Here they are, with their incredible credentials, education, authorship, and expertise – all willing to extend these advantages to the growing body of evidence and information about UFOs and the extraterrestrial question. These are the best of the best – and none of them are crackpots or conspirators. Look at their names and accomplishments and you will realize that these are the ones you can trust.

                In addition, this book may allow these great minds to find one another. They can contact each other, have discussions (and most likely some violent arguments on many obscure points), create a forum that will add the missing link in the field – direct and open communication.

                Where such a magnificent, multi-disciplinary forum can lead us can only be speculated upon, but there is no doubt that it will bring increased knowledge and the sharing of information. Let us hope that this encyclopedia serve as a tool that will help these experts lead us on the road to the unknown.

Carol Lexter, Senior Editor