The iconic film Close Encounters of the Third Kind is named after a specific classification within a scale developed by ufologist J. Allen Hynek to categorize sightings and interactions with unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The title directly refers to the third level of this widely recognized system.
Understanding Hynek's Close Encounter Scale
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an American astronomer and professor, was a scientific advisor to U.S. Air Force UFO studies, including Project Blue Book. He devised a comprehensive system to classify observations of UFOs, ranging from distant sightings to direct physical contact. This scale gained significant public recognition due to its prominent feature in the 1977 science fiction film.
Hynek's scale breaks down close encounters into distinct categories based on the proximity and nature of the observation.
The Three Primary Levels
Hynek's original classification system includes three main types of close encounters:
- Close Encounter of the First Kind: This involves the visual sighting of an unidentified flying object, like a strange light or object, at a distance of less than 500 feet (about 150 meters). There is no physical interaction, only observation.
- Close Encounter of the Second Kind: This type of encounter includes a visual sighting along with physical evidence of the UFO's presence. This evidence might include:
- Electromagnetic interference with vehicles or electronic devices.
- Scorched or marked ground/vegetation.
- Physiological effects on people or animals, such as temporary paralysis or burns.
- Heat or radiation effects.
- Close Encounter of the Third Kind: This is the most direct form of encounter in Hynek's initial scale. It involves a visual sighting where occupants or animated beings are observed in or near the craft. These beings could be seen inside the UFO, exiting it, or standing nearby. The film specifically focuses on this category, exploring the possibility of direct communication with non-human intelligences.
For a clearer understanding of these classifications, refer to the table below:
| Encounter Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Close Encounter of the First Kind | Visual observation of a UFO within 500 feet. |
| Close Encounter of the Second Kind | Visual observation of a UFO within 500 feet, accompanied by physical evidence (e.g., ground traces, electromagnetic interference). |
| Close Encounter of the Third Kind | Visual observation of a UFO within 500 feet, including the sighting of occupants or animated beings in or near the craft. |
The Film's Connection to the Scale
The classic sci-fi film Close Encounters of the Third Kind directly integrates Hynek's classification system into its narrative and title. The film's name itself highlights its focus on the most profound level of interaction – one where human beings encounter the occupants of a UFO.
- Naming Convention: The movie's title explicitly states its subject matter, immediately signaling its deep dive into the concept of human interaction with extraterrestrial beings.
- Promotional Material: Promotional posters for the film often featured the three distinct levels of Hynek's scale, helping to popularize the terminology and the underlying concept to a broad audience.
- Hynek's Cameo: Further cementing the connection, J. Allen Hynek himself makes a brief cameo appearance near the end of the film, underscoring the scientific basis and research that inspired the movie's premise.
By adopting the "Close Encounter of the Third Kind" terminology, the film not only captured the public's imagination but also firmly embedded Hynek's classification system into popular culture, making these terms widely understood when discussing UFO phenomena.
