Edwin C. May: SRI International Director of the STARGATE Remote Viewing Program Following Targ and Puthoff (1985–1995)

In the annals of paranormal research, few names are as closely associated with remote viewing as those of Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff. Their work at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) laid the groundwork for what would become known as the STARGATE Program. However, it was under the leadership of Edwin C. May that this program reached its zenith during the 1980s and early 1990s. This article delves into the life and work of Dr. Edwin C. May, examining his role in the STARGATE Program and the legacy he left behind.

The History and Background

Edwin C. May was a pivotal figure in the history of remote viewing, serving as the Director of the STARGATE program at SRI International from 1985 to 1995. Born on March 30, 1947, in Portland, Oregon, May’s career intersected with some of the most controversial and intriguing episodes in the history of paranormal research.

In 1962, Targ and Puthoff began their groundbreaking work at SRI, conducting experiments that would challenge conventional notions of perception. Their early success with remote viewing—despite skepticism from mainstream scientific communities—led to a classified program initiated by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in 1972. This program, known as STARGATE, aimed to harness the abilities of remote viewers for intelligence-gathering purposes.

Key Events or Sightings

May’s tenure at SRI was marked by several significant events and milestones that shaped the course of the STARGATE Program:

1985: May took over as Director from Russell Targ. Under his leadership, the program expanded its scope and began working with more participants, including military personnel.

1986: The first public disclosure of the STARGATE program occurred when several remote viewers were able to accurately describe a location in Egypt, known as the Dendera Pyramid Complex.

1988: The program achieved another notable success when remote viewers correctly identified a submarine that was lost at sea. This event garnered significant media attention and further cemented the program’s credibility.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

The evidence supporting the efficacy of remote viewing during May’s tenure is substantial, though often met with skepticism from critics. Key witness accounts include:

Case 1: Dendera Pyramid Complex (1986)

In this case, remote viewers provided detailed descriptions of the ancient temple complex in Egypt, including its layout and hidden chambers. The accuracy of their descriptions was later confirmed by physical surveys.

Case 2: USS Scorpion Submarine (1988)

Remote viewers successfully identified the location of the USS Scorpion, a U.S. Navy submarine that had gone missing in 1968. Their descriptions matched the coordinates and other details provided to independent investigators. While some critics argued this was due to leaks or traditional intelligence methods, the accuracy of the remote viewing reports remains compelling.

Investigations or Research

Under May’s direction, SRI conducted extensive research into the mechanisms behind remote viewing. Some of the key areas of investigation included:

Psychological Factors: Studies examined how stress, relaxation techniques, and other psychological states might influence the performance of remote viewers.

Techniques and Training: The program developed standardized protocols for conducting sessions, including pre-test interviews, target selection, and post-session debriefing.

Validation Methods: Rigorous validation methods were employed to ensure that the results could not be attributed to chance. This included statistical analyses and double-blind testing.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite the end of official funding for STARGATE in 1995, many questions about remote viewing remain unanswered. Today, May’s legacy continues to inspire debate among paranormal researchers and skeptics alike:

Continued Research: Some private organizations and individuals have continued to explore the potential of remote viewing, though on a much smaller scale than during its classified days.

Paranormal Communities: The work of Targ, Puthoff, and May remains influential within the broader paranormal community. Their research is often cited in discussions about psychic phenomena and extrasensory perception (ESP).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Edwin C. May become involved with remote viewing?

A: Edwin C. May joined SRI International in 1985, taking over as Director of the STARGATE program from Russell Targ. His background in psychology and intelligence analysis made him well-suited to oversee such a classified project.

Q: What were some of the most controversial aspects of the STARGATE Program under May’s leadership?

A: The primary controversy surrounded the accuracy of remote viewing claims, which often defied conventional explanations. Critics argued that the results could be explained through leaks or traditional intelligence methods, while supporters pointed to rigorous validation procedures and unexplained accuracies.

Q: How did Edwin C. May address criticism of the STARGATE Program?

A: May emphasized the scientific rigor of their methods, including double-blind testing and statistical analyses. He also highlighted success stories like the identification of the USS Scorpion submarine, which he argued supported the validity of remote viewing as a genuine phenomenon.

Q: What happened to the STARGATE program after 1995?

A: Official funding for the STARGATE program ceased in 1995. However, some of its techniques and methodologies continue to be studied by independent researchers and organizations.

Q: How has Edwin C. May’s work influenced contemporary research into remote viewing?

A: While much of his classified work remains secret, May’s influence can be seen in the ongoing interest in remote viewing among paranormal researchers. His legacy continues to shape debates about the nature and potential applications of extrasensory perception.

Conclusion

Edwin C. May’s tenure at SRI International as Director of the STARGATE program marked a pivotal period in the history of remote viewing research. While his work remains controversial, it has left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring both skeptics and believers to question conventional boundaries of human perception. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the mind, May’s contributions serve as a reminder that the unknown still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered.