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Harvard professor with polarizing alien theories is picked to lead new White House UFO council
By Collin Binkley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 5 min read
A polarizing Harvard astronomer known for splashy theories about alien visits has been tapped by the White House to lead a team of outside scientists to study the national security risks posed by UFOs.Avi Loeb, a cosmologist who studied black holes and served as head of Harvard’s astronomy depart...
Key takeaway It's part of President Donald Trump's push to declassify more information about the issue.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The appointment of Avi Loeb to lead the new White House UFO council may have implications for the Houston area, given the city's strong presence of aerospace and defense industries. As Loeb's team delves into the national security risks posed by UFOs, they may potentially collaborate with local institutions or experts in the field. The fact that Loeb's approach will start with the assumption that UAP are of human origin, analyzing them from a national security perspective, could lead to a more nuanced understanding of the issue. This, in turn, might attract the attention of Houston's thriving tech and scientific community, potentially sparking local discussions and debates about the existence of extraterrestrial life and its potential impact on national security. The involvement of a billionaire and UFO activists in Loeb's team also raises questions about the potential for local investment or initiatives in this area.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A polarizing Harvard astronomer known for splashy theories about alien visits has been tapped by the White House to lead a team of outside scientists to study the national security risks posed by UFOs.Avi Loeb, a cosmologist who studied black holes and served as head of Harvard’s astronomy depart...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Collin Binkley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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