1967 09 15 Science - Vol 157 No 3794 - Markowitz

Magazine Overview

This document is an article titled "The Physics and Metaphysics of Unidentified Flying Objects" by William Markowitz, published in SCIENCE, Vol. 157, on September 15, 1967. The article critically examines the possibility of extraterrestrial control of UFOs by comparing reported phenomena with the established laws of physics.

The Physics and Metaphysics of Unidentified Flying Objects

The author, William Markowitz, a professor of physics, addresses the question of whether reported UFOs can be under extraterrestrial control, assuming the validity of known physical laws. He begins by acknowledging the possibility of intelligent life on other planets but focuses on the implications if such beings were to visit Earth in spacecraft.

Markowitz cites J. Allen Hynek, a consultant to the U.S. Air Force, who urged scientific investigation of UFO reports and noted misconceptions about them. Hynek pointed out that scientifically trained people do report UFOs and that not all reports are vague or at a distance. However, Markowitz contrasts this with Hynek's earlier statement in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, which suggested that trained observers had not reported UFOs and that the idea of extraterrestrial sources was an emotional attachment rather than a scientific conclusion.

Laws of Physics

The article outlines fundamental laws of physics that are the basis of modern technology, including Newton's laws of motion, conservation of energy and momentum, and Einstein's theory of relativity. These laws are presented as constraints on what is physically possible.

Possible and Impossible

Markowitz argues that while some may claim nothing is impossible, the laws of mathematics and physics do provide limitations. He provides examples of impossibility, such as proving that the square root of 2 is irrational, constructing a regular polygon of seven sides with a straight edge and compass, or achieving impossible feats of engineering like a highly efficient automobile or a perpetual motion machine.

Flight Principles: Speed, Energy, Thrust

This section delves into the physics of rocket flight, referencing Newton's principles of celestial mechanics and Einstein's modifications for high speeds. It presents Table 1, which outlines approximate speeds, kinetic energies, and flight times for various hypothetical missions, ranging from Earth orbit to interstellar travel to the Andromeda Galaxy. The author discusses the challenges of achieving high speeds, the mass ratios required, and the energy demands. He notes that chemical rockets are limited, and while nuclear engines offer potential, practical problems remain, such as the dispersal of reaction products.

He also considers the theoretical possibility of using matter-antimatter annihilation for propulsion, which would produce gamma-ray photons traveling at the speed of light. However, aligning this radiation and achieving 100% efficiency are significant hurdles. The energy required for such propulsion is immense, far exceeding current global electrical generating capacity.

Comparison between Theory and Reports

Markowitz argues that published UFO reports are generally useless for comparison with the laws of physics because they often lack precise data on mass, linear dimensions, or linear speeds. He acknowledges that unidentified objects exist but questions whether they are under extraterrestrial control. A critical test proposed is the ability of a spacecraft to land and lift off without destructive effects. He notes that reports of landings and lift-offs do not show evidence of the massive infrastructure required for space launches, nor the expected thermal or radioactive signatures if nuclear energy were used. Therefore, he concludes that such reports are not of spacecraft controlled by extraterrestrial beings, assuming the laws of physics are valid.

Unpublished Reports

The author contacted J. Allen Hynek for reports of landings and lift-offs. Hynek stated he had no reliable reports of such events and that obtaining the necessary information from his files would be a lengthy process. Major Hector Quintanilla, head of Project Blue Book, also informed Markowitz that there were no confirmed cases of landings and lift-offs in the U.S. Air Force files. Quintanilla specifically addressed the Socorro, New Mexico case involving Lonnie Zamora, stating that the object's flight characteristics were within the state-of-the-art and could not be attributed to an interplanetary vehicle.

Metaphysics

Markowitz then considers the possibility that the laws of physics might not be valid. He dismisses