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

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Journal of the Optical Society of America, Volume 43, Number 4, published in April 1953, features an article titled "Phantasmagoria or Unusual Observations in the Atmosphere" by Urner Liddell of Bendix Aviation Corporation. The issue also includes a brief contribution by J. A. Hynek discussing an observation of unidentified objects.

Article: Phantasmagoria or Unusual Observations in the Atmosphere by Urner Liddell

Introduction and Historical Context

Urner Liddell begins by noting the unfortunate lack of proper historical records for early human awareness of atmospheric phenomena. He references the universal fear of eclipses and the ancient belief in atmospheric gods. He also touches upon the historical significance of unusual birds in myths and the relatively recent acceptance of lightning as a natural phenomenon, citing Benjamin Franklin's exasperation with property damage and loss of life even after widespread publication of his findings.

Liddell points out that the concept of 'flying saucers' gained prevalence around 1947, but unusual atmospheric observations predated this, citing the Star of Bethlehem as an example. He quotes explorer David Thompson's 1792 account of a globular object observed on Landing Lake, which he initially identified as a meteor but found no physical evidence for. 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 vast environments like the ocean.

Critiques of 'Flying Saucer' Explanations and Observer Reliability

Liddell expresses concern about the influence of "hucksters of science" and pseudo-science, which have benefited from increased public interest. He criticizes those who profit from such claims and the media's role in sensationalizing reports. He categorizes observers into "outstanding scientists" and "competent observers," noting that aviators, despite extensive experience, can encounter difficulties like misjudging distances, ground lights appearing in unusual configurations, and even self-hypnosis.

He revisits several widely publicized cases:

• The Mantell Case: Liddell suggests the Air Force officer might have been chasing Venus or a cosmic-ray balloon at high altitude, explaining the perceived speed as a result of the inability to close the range.
• The Chiles-Whitted Incident: He proposes that the "wingless aircraft" observed by Eastern Airlines pilots was likely a reflection of moonlight from the plane and adjacent clouds, with the bright orange object being a reflection of hot exhaust pipes. He notes the clear, moonlit conditions and the effect of haze particles acting as reflecting layers.
• The Fargo, North Dakota Report: Liddell suggests this case, where a pilot chased a mysterious lighted object, is compatible with chasing a standard meteorological balloon.

Physical and Optical Explanations

Liddell asserts that the singular answer to flying saucer reports is that they are the result of physical optical phenomena, applicable through multiple principles. He categorizes reports into range and identification errors, citing an example of spider web debris mistaken for a saucer. He also critiques the precision of visual measurements of distant objects, suggesting they are often inaccurate.

He emphasizes that bright objects appear larger than dark ones and that many reports at dusk or night could be of small objects. He addresses the argument that meteors disappear rapidly, explaining that the afterglow of ionized air can make meteor trails visible for extended periods.

Mirages are presented as another often-neglected phenomenon. Liddell explains that thermal gradients in the atmosphere create reflecting surfaces, allowing for the visibility of ground lights or other objects that are not directly in the line of sight. He notes that these boundary layers are fluid and can exhibit wave motion, explaining apparent rapid movements.

He also discusses Rayleigh's law of scattering and how particles similar in size to the wavelength of light can cause considerable reflection and transmission, similar to a half-silvered mirror. This can lead observers to perceive intervening objects. He likens chasing these phenomena to chasing the mythical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Liddell points out the slow dissemination of information, citing instances where radar operators reported targets that pilots could not find, and how radar blips are often misinterpreted as solid objects. He questions whether observers who believe radar blips are proof of solid objects would similarly interpret rainbows and sunbeams.

The Role of Psychology and Hysteria

Liddell connects the concentration of flying saucer reports to areas involving Atomic Energy Commission activities and suggests this implies intelligence controlling the phenomena. He links this to mass hysteria, exacerbated by public fear of atomic weapons and secrecy. He draws a parallel to ghosts being seen in haunted houses, suggesting flying saucers are seen at points of greatest fear psychosis.

He recounts receiving a letter from southern France with a drawing of objects identified as balloons with drop lines and baskets, similar to those seen in French illustrations, suggesting misinterpretation of common objects.

Liddell expresses no delusions that his explanations will end the flood of saucer stories, viewing them as facets of contemporary mythology. He states that people believe what they want to believe, and that the public has struggled to keep pace with scientific advancements, making them susceptible to extraordinary stories.

Conclusion

Liddell categorically states that he knows of no evidence that contradicts the physical laws of motion and inertia or supports interplanetary travel. He asserts that all reliably reported incidents can be fully explained with sufficient scientific data. He lists the primary explanations as: (1) reflection (visible or radar), (2) refraction, (3) meteors and meteor trails, and (4) diffraction. He concludes that the extensive effort in compiling data may lead to a better understanding of the atmosphere, potentially benefiting defense efforts.

Contribution by J. A. Hynek

J. A. Hynek provides a brief account of observing at least five unidentified objects that appeared to be very high and moved at an extremely high rate of speed. He states he was skeptical and tried to explain them as small particles, but their appearance suggested otherwise. He refrains from estimating their height due to uncertainty about their size.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue, particularly Liddell's article, adopts a strongly skeptical and scientific stance towards UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is that most reported sightings are the result of misinterpretations of natural optical and physical phenomena, psychological factors, and a public susceptibility to sensationalism and hysteria. The journal promotes rational, evidence-based explanations grounded in established scientific principles, particularly optics and meteorology, and dismisses claims of extraterrestrial visitation or violations of known physical laws. The focus is on educating the public and debunking unsubstantiated claims by providing scientific analyses of specific cases.