Chan Thomas

Self-acclaimed psychic and geologist who believes life on other planets is definitely possible

Name	Chan Thomas
Age	78
Born	February 15, 1920
Died	February 14, 1998
Famous for	His conspiracy theory about the end of the world

Everybody knows the tale of Adam and Eve, but few know how these names have been associated with a CIA-classified book.

Many scientists have proposed and debated theories about how the world was created, but Chan Thomas established his name by doing the opposite. Even before a concrete thesis about its history was accepted, the geologist had already predicted the Earth’s demise.

Chan Thomas wasn’t as notable a UFO researcher as he was a scientist or a conspiracy theorist. However, his insights in the field of cataclysmic geology intersect with what ufologists have long sought to prove, and as a result, his name is well cited within the community.

Who Was Chan Thomas?

Chauncey “Chan” Powers Thomas’s early background is a surprise, given what he’s best known for now. The geologist grew up studying mathematics and natural sciences and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University in 1943.

Not much is known about how he developed his interest in cataclysm, but he began a career studying it in 1949 through extensive research. In the years that followed, he became known as the world’s leading cataclysmic geologist, specializing in earthquake forecasting.

Chan Thomas’s credibility within the field only grew when he accurately predicted the months and locations of the following:

• The Chilean and African earthquakes of 1960
• The Iranian earthquake of 1962
• The Yugoslavian earthquake of 1963

As cynical as his field of research was, his cataclysmic theories were more acceptable and believable compared to their predecessors. This was because he made sure to support his findings with key insights in:

• Stratigraphy
• Vertebrate paleontology
• Oceanography
• Glaciology
• Seismology
• Earth magnetism

His efforts to integrate these Earth sciences have made him a distinguished figure today and have set in motion his entry into ufology.

How Did He Break Into Ufology and Fringe Science?

In the 1960s, the Air Force was sponsoring aerospace contractors to study the future of technology in ten years. This move prompted the Mutual UFO Network to reveal its research findings on UFOs and to conduct its own study on how these technological developments could help further our understanding of the nature of these unidentified crafts.

You’re probably not going to believe what I’m about to tell you, but the facts are that the UFOs are indeed alien craft, and they have figured out some sort of gravity control device.

— Dr. Bob Wood, MUFON Board of Directors

As its research efforts grew, MUFON needed someone to help it make sense of theories outside the normal sciences. Chan Thomas’s background, naturally, being a leading authority in related topics, became his gate pass to enter the organization.

As a Member of MUFON

Chan Thomas joined MUFON around 1967 for a project titled Advanced Concepts, also known internally as Boys in the Back Room. The project was opened to develop this so-called gravity control device, or to understand its principles through:

• Theoretical investigations
• Laboratory examinations
• Field observations
• UFO witness interviews

Thomas’s specific participation and contributions weren’t as well documented as those of the other researchers. What was known was that his role centered on scientific theorizing and engineering to demonstrate that UFOs and extraterrestrials could exist.

It was also established that he was hired for being “exceptionally innovative” and, in the words of Bob Wood, “a psychic who claimed to be in contact with ETs sometimes.”

His Personal UFO Experience

While MUFON publicized him as a member known for his eccentric behavior, little is known about his UFO experiences. There are only two stories published about him reflecting this characteristic: one concerns his supposed psychic abilities, and the other is a UFO encounter.

• The first story involved him claiming that he trained youngsters to guess 42 out of 47 cards in an ESP test.
• The second story was his claim that he set an appointment with a UFO captain from Andromeda, who, unfortunately, bailed on him.

Aside from these, the scientist hadn’t gone forward during any of his interviews to explain further his involvement with UFO experiences.

What Were His UFO Beliefs and Theories?

I don’t care whether they exist or not. I think the problem is building one. Let’s get on with the business of building these vehicles, and if the UFOs are there, we’ll join them, and if they’re not there, look how far ahead we’ll be.

While claims that he contacted UFOs existed, Chan Thomas had also expressed indifference to whether they actually existed. The scientist was firm in his stance that his work revolved around studying the engineering of extraterrestrial crafts, should they exist, and, in the process, he has proposed some interesting theories.

His Adam and Eve Story

One of Chan Thomas’s most significant theories was written in his book, The Adam and Eve Story. This was so controversial that the CIA classified it upon publication and later quietly declassified it as a “sanitized” version.

The theory illustrates the author’s belief that every 6,500 years, a major disaster strikes Earth, changing it entirely. He presents evidence that the Earth’s poles are constantly shifting. This movement would later cause a cataclysm so great that it would wipe out humanity, and the planet would start over as it had before.

This theory would later be widely known as the Earth’s alleged demise, which others believed was the primary reason why the CIA had to classify the book. However, others believed the decision to conceal Thomas’s work stemmed from his other controversial theories.

Space Vehicles Have Existed

According to the scientist, there’s evidence that ancient men built spaceships.

Records of places such as Ancient Peru and India have supported the idea that these vehicles existed 15 to 20,000 years ago. This suggests the possibility of unidentified flying objects existing today.

Life on Other Planets Is Possible

With his belief that the Earth’s poles shift constantly, Chan Thomas explained the possibility of life on other planets.

The inner energy structure of every rotating planet is the same, no matter the size. Gravity on the surface of those planets, no matter what the size, is the same. This means that life, as we know it, is much more plausible than we were led to believe up to now on any planet as long as it’s rotating.

By describing Earth’s energy structure and arguing that it also applies to other planets, Thomas claimed that life can exist on them as well. However, this belief is widely contested to this day, given the known planetary conditions.

What Is Chan Thomas’s Legacy in Modern Ufology?

While many of the scientists’ claims are still debated, Chan Thomas’s significance to ufology or fringe science in general can’t be questioned. Although he hasn’t produced theories, his inquiry into UFOs has been beneficial, expanding the scope of such discussions.

He may not be a central figure in the community, but his participation in MUFON’s research and his out-of-the-box thinking will keep his name alive in UFO discussions.

Thomas’s legacy is more symbolic than it is foundational. Yes, he didn’t publish any UFO-related work or develop any new theories. However, his nature of openly questioning what the normal sciences have established should be embraced and practiced more.

If you’re interested in learning more about UFO researchers, scientists, and individuals like Chan Thomas, UFO Connect has an excellent selection of profiles for you to read.

FAQ

Was Chan Thomas a member of MUFON?

Chan Thomas was, at some point in his career, part of a research group at MUFON under Project Advanced Concepts, also known as the Boys in the Back Room, which examined the principles of a gravity-control device.

Did Chan Thomas claim contact with extraterrestrials?

Yes, Chan Thomas once stated that he had an appointment with a UFO captain from Andromeda, which contributed to his reputation in the community.

Is Chan Thomas considered a credible ufologist?

Chan Thomas isn’t considered a scientific ufologist, as his ideas are more speculative. However, his background in engineering made him a recurring figure in UFO discussions.

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