1953 04 00 Journal of the Optical Society of America - Vol 43 No 4 - Hynek

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Journal of the Optical Society of America, Volume 43, Number 4, dated April 1953, features "Unusual Aerial Phenomena" as its cover headline. The journal is published by the Optical Society of America, likely in the USA, and is in English. The price is listed as $1.00.

Article 1: Unusual Aerial Phenomena by J. A. Hynek

J. A. Hynek, from Ohio State University, addresses the persistent public interest in "flying saucers." He posits that given the assumption that most reports come from reputable individuals, it is a scientific obligation to examine these phenomena seriously, despite their potentially fanciful nature. Hynek notes that several hundred serious reports of "unidentified aerial objects" have been studied, revealing patterns that do not admit of easy explanation. He highlights a specific pattern: hovering nocturnal lights that are difficult to explain astronomically, by mirages, balloons, or conventional aircraft.

Hynek defines a "flying saucer" as any aerial phenomenon or sighting that remains unexplained to the viewer long enough for them to report it. He categorizes these phenomena by their "probable lifetime," with some, like those attributed to the planet Venus, having short lifetimes due to quick astronomical identification. Others, like balloon-sponsored sightings, may last longer but are eventually explained.

His primary concern is with "flying saucers of long lifetime" – those that have not been readily explained. He limits his study to cases observed by two or more people, including at least one practiced observer (pilot, control tower operator, weather observer, scientist), and sightings lasting a minute or more.

Hynek recounts his involvement with the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he was asked in 1948 to identify reports with astronomical bases. He found this task relatively simple, dismissing about 200 reports. He wonders how non-astronomical cases were handled, mentioning an incident where a pilot, co-pilot, and stewardess followed rapidly moving dark objects, and another case where observers watched a hollow object travel slowly across the sky.

After Project Grudge was dissolved, Wright Field continued to handle reports. Hynek, curious, requested access to accumulated reports. He notes that many reports are fanciful, inaccurate, or misobservations of natural objects. He draws a parallel to the historical difficulty in accepting meteorites, where poor reporting and imagery hindered scientific progress. He emphasizes the moral: "Beware the ready explanation!"

Hynek argues that stories of flying saucers are as reprehensible to scientists today as stories of stones falling from heaven were to scientists in the past, suggesting that these are often due to poor reporting or misinterpretation of natural phenomena. He asserts that "space ships that disregard physical laws" do not exist, but questions whether natural phenomena are involved.

The steady flow of reports, often corroborated, raises questions of scientific obligation. Hynek believes that instead of ridicule, science should seriously address these phenomena, either by explaining them or by demonstrating that they are indeed natural. The Air Forces are attempting a fair hearing by reducing data to punch cards for comparison.

Hynek then presents specific examples of unusual aerial phenomena, focusing on "Nocturnal Meandering Lights." These are described as bright, star-like lights that hover, reverse direction without turning, and speed up abruptly. They are often yellow, amber, or orange, changing to blue or red, and vary in brightness. Some disappear as if a button were pushed.

He provides examples from Florida, where airmen observed a light that halted, reversed direction, and maneuvered rapidly. Another sighting in New Mexico involved an "unconventional aircraft" with electronic and visual contact, hovering and then moving rapidly. A pilot in Northern Michigan chased a brilliant multi-colored object that was later identified as the star Capella, explaining its spectacular twinkling and apparent movement near the horizon.

However, Hynek stresses that not all such lights can be explained by stars. He suggests that ordinary aircraft under special test conditions might be responsible. He criticizes the public relations aspect of the flying saucer situation, stating that ridicule is not part of the scientific method and that the public is not being properly informed.

He also includes a report of "flying disks" distinct from wandering lights. Pilots in Montana observed objects resembling flat disks reflecting sunlight, with some hovering and others circling like satellites before disappearing at high speeds.

Hynek concludes by submitting that an Air Force lieutenant's report of such objects, though brief, was commendable and entitled to a hearing without prejudice or ridicule.

Article 2: Phantasmagoria or Unusual Observations in the Atmosphere* by Urner Liddel

Urner Liddel, from Bendix Aviation Corporation, Detroit, Michigan, discusses the historical context of unusual atmospheric phenomena. He notes that for centuries, the sky has been associated with gods, constellations, and mythical birds. The modern concept of flying saucers is largely a product of aviation, balloonry, and civil defense spotters, with reports often having more psychological than physical significance.

Liddel acknowledges that certain optical phenomena are gaining wider interest. He states that while complete interpretation of all reports is impossible due to lack of experimental data, there is "NO evidence exists for any phenomena not explicable by standard physical concepts."

He touches upon historical phenomena like solar and lunar eclipses, and the widespread fear of lightning, noting that even after Benjamin Franklin's experiments, people were slow to accept scientific explanations. He mentions a papal edict that church bells should be tolled during thunderstorms to ward off thunder, which was rescinded about 150 years ago.

Liddel traces the origin of the "flying saucer" concept to a 1947 newspaper report. He points out that unusual atmospheric phenomena were noted long before, citing the Star of Bethlehem as an example. He recounts a narrative from David Thompson in 1792 about a globular object observed on Landing Lake, which he assumed was a meteor. He also references Lieutenant Bassett's 1885 book, "Legends and Superstitions of the Sea and of Sailors," which noted the human tendency to exaggerate wonders, especially in the context of the ocean, and how atmospheric causes can magnify small objects.

Liddel quotes Bassett describing reflections of mountains, cities, or ships in mirages or fog-banks, and the "land-look" of such banks, as contributing to misinterpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout both articles is the serious scientific investigation of unusual aerial phenomena, moving beyond public hysteria and ridicule. Both Hynek and Liddel advocate for a rational, evidence-based approach. Hynek emphasizes the scientific obligation to study these reports, while Liddel stresses that current evidence points to phenomena explicable by standard physical concepts. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging rigorous analysis and discouraging sensationalism, while acknowledging the public's significant interest in the topic.