0 1992 Society for Scientific Exploration Can the UFO Extraterrestrial Hypothesis and

Abstract-The phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) presently affords analysts only pieces of a hereto unknown whole reality. Because the whole is not seen or understood, the visible pieces often appear to be irrec-oncilable with one another and lead to hypotheses which are in conflict. The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and the hypotheses of Dr. Jacques Vallee (the "Vallee Hypotheses")(VH) represent two such divergent hypotheses. Through analogy to processes and realities that we do understand, it is possible to begin reconciling the evidence of those who support the ETH and those who support the VH. In doing so, we find that the evidence presented in support of the VH does not necessarily compel exclusion of the ETH; but it does demand an acceptance that the UFO phenomenon presents analysts with s~mething of far broader scope in its scientific, social, and historical dimensions than many supporters of the ETH have acknowledged. The Elephant Fable Many people are familiar with the fable of the blindfolded men who encounte