The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction
On the evening of September 19, 1961, Barney and Betty Hill, along with their dog Delsey, were returning to their Portsmouth, New Hampshire, home after a short vacation to Niagara Falls. They were traveling on Highway 3, just south of Lancaster, when they saw a bright light in the sky. Betty, who was in the passenger seat, watched the light move lower into the sky. At first, Barney thought it was probably an airplane. Betty, who had heard of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), was sure she was looking at a flying saucer.
The Hills stopped to get a closer look at the object and let Delsey out for a short walk. Barney remained curious, but just a little frightened. He got out of the car and used his binoculars, but still could not figure out what he was looking at. He stopped the car a few more times on the way home. He described seeing lights of all different colors and rows of windows on the object. He described the object as “pancake shaped.” At one point, he approached the object and could see several occupants inside, which scared him so badly he ran quickly back to the car to join Betty where she was waiting for him.
The couple then heard buzzing sounds and felt tingling sensations throughout their bodies, but ultimately, they drove home, where they went straight to bed exhausted. They did not wake up until late the following afternoon. They then realized the four-hour trip home from Niagara Falls had taken them seven hours. Betty noticed the dress she was wearing was torn in several places and had a pinkish powder on it. The powder was later examined by five different laboratories. None of them could identify the substance.
The toes of Barney’s good dress shoes were scuffed to the point he could no longer wear them. The binoculars strap was broken and looked like it had been cut. Both Barney and Betty were wearing watches at the time of their unusual encounter. Both watches quit working and never worked again. Shiny, concentric circles appeared on the trunk of the car that seemed to have some sort of magnetic connection. They noted a strange reaction from a compass after it was placed near the circles.
At her sister’s urging, Betty called the nearby Pease Air Force base to report the incident. As Betty and Barney each recalled the incident, they became convinced they had been abducted by extraterrestrials.
The Betty and Barney Hill abduction story was the first of its kind, but certainly not the last. Although the incident happened more than 50 years ago, it is still being discussed and analyzed today. Were the Hills really abducted? If so, what happened to them during their time on the spaceship? What and who did they see? How did they communicate? Where were the extraterrestrials from? Let’s find out what exactly happened in the aftermath of this historical milestone event.
The Air Force Investigation
Barney would have preferred to just keep the experience quiet and between the two of them, fearing that he and Betty would be viewed as “eccentric.” Betty won their brief argument on the issue and on September 21, she called the Air Force to report their experience. Major Paul Henderson visited them in person and wrote a report of the interview dated September 26, 1961. It’s unclear whether or not Henderson viewed the Hills as credible; a National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) report concludes that there was “insufficient data in the Air Force files.”
The Hypnosis of Barney and Betty Hill
Dr. Simon held sessions with the two for a period of six months, beginning in early 1964. Initially, at the end of each session, he would induce amnesia so they would not talk to each other about what they remembered. Barney recalled that, at one point, he got out of his car with the .45 military issue weapon that he once used in the Army. He fired at the UFO, but soon became overwhelmed by the aliens. They took him and his wife onto the spacecraft, where he recalled a red-headed Irishman greeting him along with a number of people who did not appear human. He thought they were speaking German.
Barney described his experience, beginning with a description of the aliens’ uniforms. He said that they wore peaked caps and a uniform with silver piping — an appearance that reminded him of the SS Panzer Nazi uniforms worn during WWII. He also recalled there was a German shepherd that stayed near the red-headed Irishman.
Barney said that the Irishman spoke English, but also communicated silently in a way that Barney could understand the message. Betty gave this same report about communication. Both Barney and Betty reported that the extraterrestrials conducted medical experiments on them. They took samples of the Hills’ blood, other bodily fluids and hair. Betty added that they also scraped her skin for sampling.
Despite undergoing separate hypnosis sessions, Betty and Barney reported similar experiences. Most of Betty’s memories she recalled while under hypnosis matched what she had written about her dreams of the event. Betty also drew a map of the stars and the UFO she recalled seeing that night. Experts analyzed the sketch and determined to be a drawing of Zeta Reticuli, a pair of stars 220 trillion miles away from Earth and the home base of the aliens she and Barney encountered.
The NICAP investigator, who interviewed them shortly after the incident, said he was “impressed by their intelligence, apparent honesty, and obvious desire to get at the facts and to underplay the more sensational aspects of the sighting. Neither witness had read any books on the UFO subject before the sighting. Mr. Hill, especially, had been a complete UFO skeptic before the experience (he still detests the term ‘flying saucer’).”
The investigator concluded that the Hills were speaking the truth. Except for a few minor details, such as the size of the object and the number and description of the occupants, he believed that the encounter occurred exactly as they described it. After the hypnosis sessions, Dr. Simon allowed the investigator to listen to all seven hours of the recorded sessions. The investigator said this did not change his mind; in fact, listening to the recorded sessions helped fill in some of the gaps in their memories.
The reports of the encounter and the hypnosis sessions remained secret until somehow, confidentiality was broken. On October 25, 1964, The Boston Globe published a report of the Hills’ alien encounter and abduction, including notes from their hypnosis sessions. The story was published in a five-day series and picked up by United Press International (UPI).
The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction Aftermath
The Hills spoke to their church members about their experience, but they did not seek out nor did they desire publicity. They received an enormous amount of publicity after the 1964 story in The Boston Globe.
The Hills, along with their psychotherapist, eventually cooperated with author John G. Fuller who published a book in 1966 about the abduction, titled “The Interrupted Journey.” A second book, titled “Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience,” was written by Betty’s niece, Kathleen Marden, who studied all of the historical records as well as the hypnosis session notes. Both books can still be purchased today.
The story of the abduction of Barney and Betty Hill has stood the test of time and still intrigues UFO enthusiasts today. For more insight into this incredible historical event, watch the Dark Alliance episode of Deep Space.
About the Author
Nordic Aliens: What We Know About These Extraterrestrials
Ancient civilizations around the world have spoken of angelic beings that descended from the sky, sent by God to assist humanity by sharing their spiritual and emotional wisdom with Earthlings. These mythological entities appear to continue their mission to this day, and many believe they are emissaries from outer space, an extraterrestrial species known as the Nordic or Pleiadian race.
What are Nordic Aliens?
The Nordics are an ancient alien species that have been reported in contact with various civilizations throughout history. Claims suggest they may have been interacting with early human societies, perhaps influencing ancient cultures under the guise of gods or advanced beings. Initially, they identified themselves as being from Venus and later from the Pleiades star cluster. However, their true origin remains a subject of debate, and they may prefer to keep their true home a secret for security reasons.
Mythology and History
Nordic aliens, also known as Tall Whites and Space Brothers, are thought to be angelic beings represented in many religions and ancient civilizations, such as the following:
- Some researchers suggest these extraterrestrial beings may have visited ancient Mesopotamia, influencing Sumerian culture with their advanced knowledge.
- Ancient Egypt’s advanced astronomical and engineering skills, along with depictions of tall, fair-skinned beings, hint at possible Nordic alien influence.
- Ancient Greek mythology’s descriptions of gods and demigods resemble the physical traits attributed to these beings, further suggesting early encounters.
- Viking folklore and Norse mythology describe gods with characteristics akin to those of Nordic aliens, suggesting visits to ancient Scandinavia.
- Indigenous cultures in the Americas, such as the Hopi tribe, have prophecies of “True White Brothers,” while Mesoamerican legends speak of white-skinned gods.
- Ancient Indian texts describe fair-skinned deities and advanced flying machines, potentially linked to Nordic aliens.
Common Nordic Aliens
Nordic aliens are often described in various ways based on their appearances and the traits attributed to them. Here are some commonly mentioned types:
Hopi
The Hopi people, an indigenous group in North America, have legends about various star beings or ancestors. Some interpretations suggest that these beings were tall and fair-skinned, similar to the Nordic archetype. These peaceful entities are believed to be the True White Brothers, foretold in Hopi prophecy, signaling the end of the fourth age.
Vril Society
The Vril Society is a controversial and often debated topic in ufology and occult circles. This secret society, reportedly active in the early 20th century in Germany, was said to be interested in advanced technology and hidden knowledge. While generally seen as a benevolent species, there’s a chance the Nordics influenced the Vril Society. Some factions might have deviated from the path of light, aligning with malevolent entities opposing the human race.
Agarthans
Agartha is a mythical realm said to exist within the Earth’s hollow interior. In this context, Agarthan Nordics are described as residing in this hidden world and possessing advanced technology and knowledge. They are often portrayed as having tall stature and fair features.
Pleiadians
Pleiadian Nordics are among the most well-known in contemporary UFO and New Age literature. They are said to come from the Pleiades star cluster, which is a group of stars located about 400 light-years from Earth. Descriptions of Pleiadian Nordics typically include tall, attractive individuals with blonde hair and blue eyes who are benevolent and advanced. They are often described as being involved in guiding humanity, offering spiritual guidance, or even intervening in global issues to help prevent disasters or promote peace.
Venusians
Venusian Nordics are claimed to come from Venus, one of Earth’s neighboring planets. This type of Nordic is often depicted similarly to other Nordics but with some slight differences in their physical appearance or technology, reflecting their planetary origin. Reports of Venusian Nordics often focus on their advanced knowledge and technology, as well as their interest in interacting with or guiding humanity.
Each of these types reflects the varied ways in which different cultures and speculative traditions interpret the concept of Nordic aliens.
Characteristics
Nordic alien descriptions can differ, but the following points provide a consistent overview of their characteristics.
Physical Appearance
Nordics are perhaps the most human-like in appearance of all the different types of aliens and closely resemble people of Scandinavian descent. They tend to have reddish to blond hair and green or blue eyes and stand anywhere from 5 to 7 feet tall. Some claim that Nordics lack irises and wear contact lenses to blend in when visiting our planet. Many also claim that these beings lack a sense of smell. Nordics are also claimed to be fourth- and fifth-density beings.
These descriptions are commonly associated with UFO sightings and abduction phenomena within European nations such as Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
They can easily pass as Earthlings and those who have been in contact with this alien race state that their appearance allows them to freely explore our planet.
They can easily pass as Earthlings and those who have been in contact with this alien race state that their appearance allows them to freely explore our planet.
Modes of Transportation
Nordics are generally observers, sometimes viewing events and contactees from within their spacecraft, which range from spherical to cigar-shaped.
Communication Methods
As part of the Galactic Federation, Nordics generally maintain a distance from humanity, often communicating telepathically or through dreams. However, some Nordics have been known to actively intervene in human affairs, influencing events and guiding individuals in more direct ways.
Intentions on Earth
Many contactees have reported receiving channeled messages of peace and love from Nordics, with much of the available information about these beings coming through such communications. Nordics are deeply concerned with the spiritual evolution of humanity and often emphasize that while humans are at a less advanced stage of development, we are closely related to them. This concern has led some Nordics to more directly influence human affairs, guiding and assisting us as we progress.
Notable Abductees
This species is less frequently associated with alien abduction experiences, and when involved in such episodes, there is generally a message of peace and concern relating to the Earth’s wellbeing.
Travis Walton
One of the most notable and intriguing cases of Nordic abduction that occurred in North America was the Travis Walton case.
Walton was working as a logger in Arizona when he came across a hovering alien craft with his lumber crew and was knocked unconscious by a beam of light emanating from the object.
Walton was working as a logger in Arizona when he came across a hovering alien craft with his lumber crew and was knocked unconscious by a beam of light emanating from the object.
He was taken aboard, where he encountered several types of beings, including a Nordic-like race of tall, white humanoids. The craft released him after five days, and the subsequent story became a news sensation. Walton shared his experiences in his book The Walton Experience, which became the basis for the 1993 film Fire in the Sky.
Billy Meier
Other notable contactees include Billy Meier, a Swedish farmer who claims to have been in contact with the Plejarans, a Nordic extraterrestrial race. Throughout his life, he has photographed, filmed, and been in contact with these beings, delivering their messages of peace and love to humanity.
George Adamski
George Adamski was another early Nordic contactee of the 1950s and claimed to be in contact with a group of Nordic aliens from Venus. He wrote several books on the subject and said that his materials were cleared by the FBI and the United States government.
President Eisenhower
It is also rumored that President Eisenhower had a secret meeting with a group of Nordic extraterrestrials who were attempting to convince the United States to disarm its nuclear missile program in exchange for advanced technology. The event is said to have taken place in February 1954 at Edwards Air Force Base under the guise of Eisenhower undergoing emergency dental surgery. It is believed that this meeting did not end with any sort of agreement.
Instead, Eisenhower is thought to have entered into a treaty with the Grey aliens, a pact ensuring that the United States could keep its nuclear arsenal while still receiving advanced technologies from the ETs. In exchange for this technological intel, the Greys would be allowed to abduct and experiment upon the American people without question.
Harmony and Stewardship
The message that seems to follow each encounter with the Nordic species is the importance of spiritual awareness and the stewardship of our planet. According to the Nordics, humans are a closely related species, and the human ascension process involves learning how to overcome our differences to live as one in harmony. Do you think humanity is close to realizing our collective ascension, or do you feel that extraterrestrial intervention is a necessary step in our evolution? Or is this all an intriguing hoax? You decide.
Learn more about extraterrestrials by exploring Gaia’s collection of alien documentaries and docuseries.
