Stanton Terry Friedman (1934-2019) was a respected nuclear physicist who became a prominent figure in the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Through his work, he sought to apply scientific methodology to UFO research, and his analysis of the Roswell incident in particular has had a profound impact on the field of Ufology.
Early Life and Career
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Friedman completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics at the University of Chicago. He then worked for several large corporations, including General Electric, Westinghouse, and McDonnell Douglas, as a nuclear physicist. During this time, he worked on advanced, classified projects in nuclear aircraft, fission and fusion rockets, and nuclear power plants for space applications.
Transition to UFOlogy
Friedman’s interest in UFOs began in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1970 that he left his mainstream scientific career to pursue the study of this phenomenon full time. He made this unconventional career move believing that there was a real physical phenomenon at work and that it deserved serious scientific attention.
As a researcher, Friedman was known for his meticulous approach, applying his scientific training to the investigation of UFO reports. He lectured extensively on the subject, arguing that the evidence suggested that Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial beings.
The Roswell Incident
Friedman was perhaps best known for his work on the Roswell incident – the reported crash of a UFO near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. He was the first civilian investigator to document the incident and conducted extensive research, including interviews with witnesses who claimed to have seen the crash or the debris.
His research led him to the conclusion that an extraterrestrial spacecraft crashed near Roswell and that the U.S. government covered up the incident. These findings played a significant role in placing the Roswell incident at the center of public discourse about UFOs and alleged government cover-ups.
Publications and Media Appearances
Friedman authored and co-authored several books on UFOs, including “Crash at Corona: The Definitive Study of the Roswell Incident” and “Flying Saucers and Science: A Scientist Investigates the Mysteries of UFOs”. He also appeared on numerous radio and television programs, contributing to documentaries and offering commentary on UFO-related news.
Legacy
Stanton T. Friedman passed away in 2019, leaving behind a substantial legacy in the field of Ufology. His scientific background and rigorous approach to the study of UFOs brought a measure of credibility to a field often dismissed by mainstream science. His work continues to inspire a new generation of researchers who, like him, believe in the value of applying scientific methodologies to the study of UFOs.
Stanton T. Friedman was a pioneering figure in the field of Ufology. A trained nuclear physicist, he dedicated his life to researching UFOs, lending his scientific expertise to a field often marginalized by mainstream academia. His investigation of the Roswell incident and his steadfast advocacy for the scientific study of UFOs have had a lasting impact on the field. His work serves as a testament to the power of rigorous, open-minded inquiry in expanding our understanding of the universe.
