The Hynek Scale consists of seven categories, ranging from Daylight Discs (HD) to Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind (CE-5). Each category is defined by specific criteria, such as the distance between the witness and the object, the duration of the sighting, and the level of detail observed.
Here are the seven categories of the Hynek Scale:
1. Daylight Discs (HD): These are bright, disc-shaped objects that are seen during daylight hours. They are typically small and move quickly, and they may be accompanied by a humming sound.
2. Nocturnal Lights (NL): These are unexplained lights that are seen at night. They are often described as being bright and moving rapidly.
3. Radar/Visual Reports (RV): These are sightings that involve both visual observations and radar data. The visual observations may include lights, discs, or other objects, while the radar data may show anomalous tracks.
4. Close Encounters of the First Kind (CE-1): These are sightings in which a UFO is observed from a distance, but there is no interaction between the object and the witness.
5. Close Encounters of the Second Kind (CE-2): These are sightings in which a UFO physically interacts with the environment, such as leaving scorch marks on the ground or causing electromagnetic interference.
6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE-3): These are sightings in which a UFO is observed and its occupants are seen. The occupants may be human-like or non-human, and they may communicate with the witness.
7. Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind (CE-5): These are rare sightings in which a UFO physically transports a witness to another location or dimension. The witness may also experience a profound physical or mental change as a result of the encounter.
The Hynek Scale is a useful tool for classifying UFO sightings and determining their significance. It provides a framework for researchers to compare and analyze sightings, and it helps to differentiate between genuine UFOs and hoaxes or misidentifications.