close encounter

close encounter (plural close encounters)

1. (ufology) A supposed observation, or observation of evidence, of extraterrestrial beings or their craft.

UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek defined three kinds of close encounter:

• "close encounter of the first kind": visual sighting of an unidentified flying object seemingly less than 500 feet away that shows an appreciable angular extension and considerable detail.
• "close encounter of the second kind": a physical effect, such as electronic interference or animals reacting, or a physiological effect like paralysis or heat, or a physical or chemical trace such as scorched vegetation.
• "close encounter of the third kind": the presence of an animated creature, such as a humanoid, robot, or apparent UFO pilot.

• alien abduction
• flying saucer
• unidentified flying object / UFO