The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) was an American nonprofit organization that focused on the investigation and research of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from 1956 to 1980. A key figure in the organization's establishment was Major Donald Keyhoe, a former Marine Corps officer and prominent writer on the UFO subject.
NICAP was dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and disseminating credible and scientific information regarding UFO sightings and encounters. The organization collaborated with individuals from various scientific fields, including astronomers, engineers, and military personnel, to examine evidence and gather data related to UFO phenomena. NICAP's main objectives included investigating and documenting sightings, promoting public awareness and understanding, and advocating for governmental transparency regarding UFO-related information.
The organization's contributions were extensive, including maintaining a comprehensive database of UFO cases, publishing a monthly newsletter, and conducting investigations into reports from credible witnesses. NICAP also worked closely with the media to enhance public knowledge and generate public pressure for government accountability. Its efforts in promoting the serious study of UFO phenomena have fostered a greater understanding of these unexplained aerial events.
Despite its dissolution in 1980 due to financial difficulties, NICAP's legacy endures as a pioneering organization in the field of UFO research and investigation. Its work has helped shape the ongoing conversation and scientific inquiry surrounding UFOs, contributing to the development of subsequent organizations and efforts in the study of unidentified aerial phenomena.
