BioScience

Magazine Overview

Title: BioScience
Issue: Vol. 17, No. 1
Date: January, 1967
Publisher: University of California Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences
Author of Featured Article: Frank B. Salisbury

This issue of BioScience features a detailed article titled "The Scientist and the UFO" by Frank B. Salisbury, an affiliate of Utah State University. The article delves into the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) from a scientific and philosophical perspective, exploring various hypotheses and presenting case studies.

The Scientist and the UFO by Frank B. Salisbury

Salisbury begins by acknowledging the widespread nature of UFO sightings, noting that many people have reported observing objects with maneuvers surpassing current human technology. He highlights the sociological importance of the phenomenon, given that a significant fraction of the world's population has reported sightings, potentially influencing international relations and space exploration.

Salisbury's personal interest in UFOs stems from his field of exobiology. He posits that if UFOs are indeed extraterrestrial spaceships, they are of immense interest to exobiologists, and current speculations about life on Mars would be naive. He emphasizes that even if they are not extraterrestrial, the possibility warrants preliminary investigation.

Philosophical and Methodological Challenges

The author discusses the difficulties in studying UFO phenomena from a scientific standpoint. UFO sightings are typically unrepeatable events, and the data are often collected through the subjective experiences of witnesses. This presents challenges in differentiating observation from interpretation and dealing with potential psychological responses or embellishments.

Hypotheses for UFO Phenomena

Salisbury outlines five hypotheses to explain UFO sightings:

1. Extraterrestrial Spaceships or Other Machines: This hypothesis is explored by examining arguments against it, such as the apparent violation of physical laws (like inertia and right-angle turns at high speeds) and the lack of formal contact with occupants. However, Salisbury notes that the laws of nature are not fully understood, and extraterrestrial beings might have reasons for not making contact. He also touches upon the possibility of intelligent life on Mars, citing observations like the 'canals' and Martian satellites.
2. Conventional Phenomena Misinterpreted: This is a common explanation, where everyday objects or atmospheric events are mistaken for UFOs. Examples include balloons, kites, birds, aircraft, satellites, planets, meteors, clouds, ball lightning, and optical effects like reflections and mirages. Salisbury acknowledges that many sightings can be explained this way but cautions against dismissing all cases as misinterpretations.
3. Psychological Phenomena: This hypothesis suggests that UFOs might be figments of the mind, such as hallucinations or dreams. While acknowledging the role of psychological factors, Salisbury finds this explanation insufficient for cases with multiple, consistent witnesses or where instruments like radar detect the phenomena.
4. Hoaxes or Lies: The possibility of deliberate deception is considered. While the Air Force has attributed a small percentage of cases to hoaxes, Salisbury notes that it's difficult to explain sightings involving hundreds or thousands of witnesses as collective lies. He also discusses the 'contactee cult' phenomenon, which he largely dismisses as a hoax due to its pseudoscientific nature and improbable claims.
5. Secret Weapons: The idea that UFOs might be advanced, secret aircraft being tested by earthly governments is also considered. However, Salisbury finds this explanation unreasonable given the long history of UFO sightings predating modern military capabilities and the difficulty any government would have in suppressing such technology for decades.

Representative Sightings

Salisbury presents several detailed case studies to illustrate the complexities of UFO investigations:

• The Arnold Sighting (Mt. Rainier, Washington, June 24, 1947): This case is significant for coining the term "flying saucer" and involved a formation of discs moving at high speed. Explanations range from mirages to lens-shaped clouds, but Salisbury notes the pattern of such sightings.
• The Chesapeake Bay Case (July 14, 1952): This well-documented sighting involved six coin-shaped objects exhibiting extreme speeds and sharp directional changes. Despite attempts to explain it as a searchlight effect, the pilots rejected this, and the maneuvers were considered physically impossible.
• Trindade Island (January 16, 1958): A photograph of a UFO was taken by a professional photographer aboard a Brazilian Navy ship, witnessed by approximately 100 sailors. The case is considered excellent due to the number of witnesses and the quality of the photographs, though some suggest it could be a hoax.
• St. George, Minnesota (October 21, 1965): The Strauch family witnessed a hovering object and took a photograph. The sighting was characterized by a high-pitched whining sound and high speed.
• Socorro, New Mexico (April 24, 1964): Patrolman Lonnie Zamora reported a hemispherical object with legs, a roaring sound, and a blue flame, leaving distinct impressions in the ground. This case is noted for its detail and primary evidence, though it had only one primary witness.
• Boiani, New Guinea (June 26-27, 1959): Multiple witnesses observed a sparkling object with man-shaped forms and a beam of light, making it an exceptionally good sighting.
• Exeter, New Hampshire (September 3, 1965): This case involved multiple witnesses over several days, including police officers, observing a large, dark object with brilliant flashing lights.
• Historical Sightings: Salisbury references historical accounts, including those from the Book of Ezekiel, and sightings in Nuremberg (1561) and Basale (1566) involving spheres and discs. He also mentions the Miracle of Fatima (1917) as a significant event.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Salisbury concludes that while many UFO sightings can be attributed to conventional phenomena or hoaxes, a residue of cases remains that defy easy explanation. He stresses the importance of approaching the subject with an open mind, adhering to the scientific method, and acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. He suggests that a more systematic and coordinated scientific investigation might be possible if the scientific community were to dedicate resources to studying the phenomenon, particularly during waves of sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena, specifically UFOs. The article advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach, urging scientists to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence without succumbing to sensationalism or premature dismissal. The editorial stance, as presented through Salisbury's article, is one of open-minded skepticism, emphasizing the need for careful data collection, hypothesis testing, and a willingness to challenge existing paradigms when confronted with compelling evidence. The article highlights the interdisciplinary nature of UFO research, touching upon psychology, sociology, physics, and philosophy.

Title: BioScience
Issue: January 1967
Volume: 17
Publisher: BioScience
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of BioScience, dated January 1967, contains a substantial list of references related to the study of flying saucers and the possibilities of life on other planets, particularly Mars. The references span a range of publications from books to scientific journals and periodicals, covering authors such as George Adamski, John G. Fuller, J. Allen Hynek, Donald Keyhoe, Phillip J. Klass, Willy Ley, Wernher Von Braun, Carol E. Lorenzen, Donald H. Menzel, Aimé Michel, C. Sagan, F. B. Salisbury, and Jacques Vallée. The topics covered include UFO evidence, the 'Menzel-Michel controversy,' and biological possibilities on Mars.

Sigma Delta Epsilon Grant-in-Aid

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to announcing the Sigma Delta Epsilon Grant-in-Aid for the 1967-1968 academic year. This award is offered annually by the Graduate Women's Scientific Fraternity, Sigma Delta Epsilon, to women pursuing scientific research.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, a woman must hold a degree from a recognized institution of higher learning and have demonstrated outstanding ability and promise in research within the mathematical, physical, or biological sciences. The grant is intended to support research projects or coursework directly relevant to the research program and can cover a period of up to one calendar year. A stipend of $500 is provided.

Application Process

Appointments to the grant are made irrespective of race, nationality, creed, or marital status. While preference is given to applicants aged 35 or older, this is not an absolute requirement. Application forms can be obtained from Dr. Lois M. Hutchings, a Fellow at Western Reserve University School of Medicine, located at 3384 Scranton Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44109. Applications must be submitted before February 1, 1967, with the award announcement scheduled for April 1, 1967. In previous years, three such grants have been awarded.

References Section

The extensive reference list provides a bibliography for research into UFO phenomena and related scientific inquiries. Key authors and their works cited include:

• Adamski, George and Leslie Desmond: *Flying Saucers Have Landed* (1953)
• Fuller, John G.: *Incident at Exeter* (1966)
• Hall, Richard H. (ed.): *The UFO Evidence* (1964)
• Hynek, J. Allen: Article on UFOs meriting scientific study in *Science* (1966)
• Jackson, F., and P. Moore: Discussion on *Possibilities of life on Mars* (1965)
• Jung, C. G.: *Flying Saucers* (1959)
• Keyhoe, Donald E.: *Flying Saucers Top Secret* (1960)
• Klass, Phillip J.: Article on UFO identification as plasmas in *Aviation Week Space Technol.* (1966)
• Ley, Willy, and Wernher Von Braun: *The Exploration of Mars* (1960)
• Lorenzen, Carol E.: Works including *The Great Flying Saucer Hoax* (1962) and *Flying Saucers* (1966)
• Maney, Charles A.: Article on Donald Menzel and the Newport News UFO in *Fate Magazine* (1965)
• Menzel, Donald H.: Articles on 'global orthoteny' and 'The World of Flying Saucers' (with Lyle G. Boyd) (1963)
• Michel, Aimé: *Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery* (1958)
• Sagan, C.: Entry on 'Unidentified flying objects' in *The Encyclopedia Americana*
• Salisbury, F. B.: Articles on Martian biology and 'Das Mars-Paradoxon,' as well as 'Possibilities of Life on Mars' presented at a conference (1962, 1964, 1966)
• Vallée, Jacques: Works including *The Menzel-Michel controversy* (1964), *Anatomy of a Phenomenon* (1965), and co-authored pieces on Mars and flying saucers with Janine Vallée (1962, 1966)
• Walsh, Wm. Thomas: *Our Lady of Fatima* (1947)
• Worsley, Peter M.: Article on Cargo Cults in *Scientific American* (1959)

Additionally, *UFO International*, a periodical published by the Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America, Inc., is listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in the UFO phenomenon, presenting a wide array of literature that engages with both skeptical and more open-minded perspectives on the subject. The inclusion of scientific papers and discussions on exobiology, particularly concerning Mars, suggests an editorial stance that encourages the application of scientific rigor to unconventional topics. The prominent announcement of the Sigma Delta Epsilon Grant-in-Aid highlights the magazine's commitment to supporting women in scientific research and advancement, aligning with broader scientific and educational goals.