In Ufology the VALLEE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM is used to categorize the various types of UFO and paranormal experiences.
Invented by Dr Jacques Vallee, it is now used more often instead of the Hynek Classification System, since it gives a more detailed summary of a case. The categories are as follows:
* AN RATING - Classifies any anomalous behavior.
o AN1 Anomalies which have no lasting physical effects. i.e. amorphous lights, unexplained explosions.
o AN2 Anomalies which _do_ have lasting physical effects. i.e. poltergeists, materialized objects, areas of flattened grass, corn circles.
o AN3 Anomalies with associated entities. i.e. ghosts, yetis, spirits, elves and other mythical/legendary entities.
o AN4 Witness interaction with the AN3 entities. i.e. near-death experiences, religious miracles and visions, OBEs (out-of-body experiences).
o AN5 Anomalous reports of injuries and deaths. i.e. SHC (spontaneous human combustion), unexplained wounds as well as permanent healing that results from a paranormal experience.
* MA RATING - Describes behavior of a UFO. It is analogous to the Nocturnal Light, Daylight Disk and Radar Visual Hynek classifications.
o MA1 A UFO has been observed which travels in a discontinuous trajectory. i.e. vertical drops, maneuvers or loops.
o MA2 MA1 plus any physical effects caused by the UFO.
o MA3 MA1 plus any entities observed on board. i.e. the airship cases of the late nineteenth century.
o MA4 Maneuvers accompanied by a sense of reality transformation for the observer.
o MA5 A maneuver that results in a permanent injury or death of the witness.
* FB RATING Fly-by rating.
o FB1 A simple sighting of a UFO traveling in a straight line across the sky.
o FB2 FB1 accompanied by physical evidence.
o FB3 A fly-by where entities are observed on board (rare).
o FB4 A fly-by where the witness experienced a transformation of reality into the object or its occupants.
o FB5 A fly-by which the witness would suffer permanent injuries or even death. i.e. Cash/Landrum Case.
* CE RATING - Close Encounter rating. Similar to the Hynek Close Encounter ratings.
o CE1 UFO comes within 500 feet of the witness, but no after effects are suffered by the witness or the surrounding area.
o CE2 A CE1 that leaves landing traces or injuries to the witness.
o CE3 Entities have been observed on the UFO.
o CE4 The witness has been abducted.
o CE5 CE4 which results in permanent psychological injuries or death.
