In 1972, American astronomer and ufologist J. Allen Hynek first coined the term "close encounter." He also identified three types of close encounters with UFOs. Since then, several more types of encounters have been proposed. A close encounter of the fourth kind is an alien abduction. A closer encounter of the fifth kind is voluntary, bilateral contact with an alien species.
We are no longer just looking at strange flying objects in the skies; now we are beginning to interact with the actual pilots, crew, and passengers!
Do aliens exist? In 2013, one poll showed that nearly half of all Americans (48 percent) believe UFOs may be a sign of extraterrestrial visitation; another found that 10 percent of Americans claim to have actually witnessed an actual UFO; and yet another showed that 2.9 million Americans believe they had actually been abducted by aliens.
If aliens exist and are visiting us, we need to talk!
Who will speak to them on behalf of planet Earth? Who can translate their intentions—good or evil—toward the human race? How can we learn about their advanced technologies? Can aliens speak human languages?
These and even more fascinating questions are all addressed in
How to Talk to an Alien
.