Jacques Vallee, Author, UFO Researcher

[Page updated 24 June 2024]

Jacques Vallee Short Bio

Born September 24, 1939 in France. Dr. Vallee currently lives in San Francisco, California. Jacques Vallee is a French researcher, scientist, and author who has been studying the UFO topic since he was a scientist in France decades ago.

Dr. Jacques Vallée is one of the most respected and influential figures in UFO research. Born on September 24, 1939, in Pontoise, France, Vallée’s career spans several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, computer science, and ufology. His unique perspective and rigorous approach have shaped much of the modern discourse on UFOs and related phenomena.

Early Life and Education

Vallée’s academic journey began in France, where he earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Paris. He later moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies, earning a Master’s degree in astrophysics from the University of Lille and a Ph.D. in computer science from Northwestern University. His technical and scientific background provided him with a solid foundation for his later work in UFO research.

Career in Science and Technology

Before becoming deeply involved in UFO research, Vallée had a notable career in astronomy and computer science. He worked at the Paris Observatory, where he was part of the team that compiled the first computerized map of Mars. In the United States, Vallée was part of the early development of the ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, during his time at Stanford University’s Augmentation Research Center under the guidance of internet pioneer Douglas Engelbart.

UFO Research and Contributions

Vallée’s interest in UFOs was sparked in the 1960s when he encountered evidence of UFO sightings that seemed to defy conventional scientific explanations. His approach to UFO research has always been multidisciplinary, combining elements of science, history, and folklore to explore the phenomenon.

Notable Works

“Anatomy of a Phenomenon” (1965) – In this groundbreaking book, Vallée argued for the scientific study of UFOs, presenting a wide array of global sightings and positing that the phenomenon deserved serious attention.
“Passport to Magonia” (1969) – This book is perhaps Vallée’s most influential work. He explored the parallels between UFO sightings and historical accounts of folklore and mythology, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon might be part of a larger, more complex narrative involving human consciousness and perception.
“Messengers of Deception” (1979) – Vallée examined the social and psychological impacts of UFO encounters, exploring how they could be manipulated to influence public perception and behavior. He delved into the potential for deception and disinformation within the UFO community.
“Dimensions” (1988), “Confrontations” (1990), and “Revelations” (1991) – This trilogy further expanded on his theories, exploring the multidimensional nature of the phenomenon and its potential implications for human understanding and evolution.

Theoretical Perspectives

Vallée is known for challenging the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), which posits that UFOs are simply spacecraft from other planets. Instead, he has proposed that the phenomenon might involve interdimensional or multiversal aspects, suggesting that UFOs could be manifestations of a reality that intersects with our own in ways we do not yet fully understand.

He has also considered the psychosocial dimensions of UFO encounters, examining how cultural and psychological factors shape our perceptions of the phenomenon.

Influence and Legacy

Vallée’s work has had a profound impact on the field of ufology. His insistence on a rigorous, scientific approach has helped to elevate the study of UFOs from fringe speculation to a topic worthy of serious academic inquiry.

His ideas have influenced not only UFO researchers but also thinkers in fields ranging from psychology to anthropology.

Beyond his contributions to UFO research, Vallée has maintained a successful career in venture capital, particularly in the field of high technology. He has continued to write and lecture on the subject of UFOs, always advocating for an open-minded yet scientifically grounded approach.

Dr. Jacques Vallée’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, rigorous analysis, and a willingness to explore the unknown. His work encourages us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of the UFO phenomenon, challenging our understanding of reality and our place within it.

Dr. Vallee completed his Bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Paris in 1959 and his Master’s of Science degree in astrophysics from the University of Lille Nord de France in 1961.

While he was an astronomer at the Paris Observatory in 1961 he witnessed supervisors erasing UFO photos that were taken while observing celestial bodies. He wondered how often this happened around the world.

Vallee realized the UFO phenomenon was real and dedicated the rest of his life to the pursuit of truth around the phenomenon.

In May 2019 I follow only 3 people in the UFO field. Follow, meaning, I don’t want to miss even one word they say.

Jaques Vallee is concerned with many facets of the UFO problem, but his main focus seems to be the message(s) they are giving us.

He thinks that absurdity is part of the phenomenon and an essential part. He told a writer with Wired that “It fatigues the rational mind because the rational mind cannot ken it.”

“Sometimes the phenomenon behaves like a dolphin: It plays with us. It’s a lot smarter than we are, and it uses humor at another level.”

Jacques Vallee’s Books (all here at Amazon)

Forbidden Science: Journals 1957-1969
Anatomy of a Phenomenon
Passport to Magonia
The Invisible College
An Alien Harvest: Further Evidence Linking Animal Mutilations and Human Abductions to Alien Life Forms (Linda Moulton-Howe and Jaques Vallee)
Wonders in the Sky: Unexplained Aerial Objects from Antiquity to Modern Times
Messengers of Deception: UFO Contacts and Cults
UFOs: Myths, Conspiracies, and Realities (John Alexander and Jacques Vallee)
DIMENSIONS: A Casebook of Alien Contact (Alien Contact Trilogy 1)
CONFRONTATIONS: A Scientist’s Search for Alien Contact (Alien Contact Trilogy Book 2)
Stratagem
Forbidden Science Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4
UFO Chronicles of the Soviet Union: A Cosmic Samizdat