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What is Mutual UFO Network (MUFON)?
The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is a U.S. nonprofit of volunteer civilian investigators who collect and investigate reports of UFO/UAP sightings. It was founded on May 31, 1969 as the Midwest UFO Network and renamed in 1973. Guinness World Records lists it as the largest civilian UFO investigative group, with more than 4,000 members in 2024. MUFON is a civilian group with no government role; it contributes to the disclosure debate mainly through its public sighting database, journal and symposiums.
Key dates
- 1969-05-31 — MUFON was founded as the Midwest UFO Network by college professor Allen Utke and engineer Walter Andrus. Guinness World Records
- 1973 — The group became the Mutual UFO Network as its membership spread beyond the Midwest. Guinness World Records
- 2014 — Guinness World Records first recognized MUFON as the largest civilian UFO investigative group, with 3,000 members. Guinness World Records
- 2024 — MUFON reported more than 4,000 members, about $637,000 in annual revenue and more than 140,000 witness statements and case reports in its database. Guinness World Records
Last reviewed 2026-10-18. Statements are attributed to the linked sources; inclusion on this page does not imply wrongdoing.
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No documented connections.
Frequently asked questions
What does MUFON do?+
MUFON says its goals include investigating UFO sightings, collecting data systematically in the MUFON Database, promoting research and educating the public. It trains volunteer field investigators, accepts sighting reports from the public through its website, and publishes the MUFON Journal. Mutual UFO Network
Is MUFON the largest UFO organization?+
Guinness World Records lists MUFON, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the largest civilian UFO investigative group. It first held the record in 2014 with 3,000 members and reported more than 4,000 in 2024. Guinness World Records
Is MUFON connected to the government?+
No. MUFON is a private nonprofit made up of civilian members and volunteers. Guinness reports that its founders were dissatisfied with how the U.S. government dismissed UFO research. Guinness World Records
