1969 03 00 Physics Today - Vol 22 No 3 - Condon Study Rebuts UFOs

Magazine Overview

Title: Physics Today
Issue: Volume 22, Issue 3
Date: March 1969
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $1.00

This issue of Physics Today prominently features the controversial Condon study on unidentified flying objects (UFOs), alongside articles on scientific salaries, new computing technology, and advanced electronic components.

Condon Study Rebuts UFOs; Critics Offer Own Version

The lead article, "Condon Study Rebuts UFOs; Critics Offer Own Version," discusses the findings of the two-year study led by Edward U. Condon at the University of Colorado, which was released in January 1969. The study, commissioned by the Air Force, concluded that UFO sightings, when investigated, could largely be explained by known phenomena (80-90%), with the remaining requiring further investigation. Condon stated that "nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge" and recommended against further high-priority UFO investigation.

The study itself faced significant opposition from UFO enthusiasts and some researchers even before its conclusions were published. Condon noted that the study was conducted with the aim of applying scientific methods objectively to the UFO problem. He described the challenges of data acquisition, particularly the short duration of sightings and the reliance on untrained observers, stating, "We just can't get there in time with a camera, a spectrograph or a Geiger counter."

To lend credibility, the Air Force had the National Academy of Sciences review the Condon report. This panel, chaired by Gerald M. Clemence, found that the Condon team had made a "very creditable effort to apply objectively the relevant techniques of science to the solution of the UFO problem." The panel concurred with Condon's recommendation that no high priority for further UFO investigation is warranted, adding that "On the basis of present knowledge the least likely explanation of UFOs is the hypothesis of extraterrestrial visitations by intelligent beings."

Condon expressed dismay at the prevalence of one-sided UFO literature, particularly aimed at youngsters, which he felt distorted the problem and presented science fiction as science. He was also concerned about the Air Force's "Kiddy Kit," used to answer children's letters about UFOs, which he believed was being used as a basis for school papers without critical examination.

Despite the controversy, Condon looked forward to returning to teaching, writing, and research, including rewriting "The Theory of Atomic Spectra." He also requested that no more UFO material be sent to the University of Colorado.

Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects

This section provides further details on the Condon study's conclusions and recommendations. It reiterates that the study found no new scientific knowledge added by UFO investigations over the past 21 years and advised against further costly studies based on the expectation of scientific advancement. The report was published by Bantam Books in a paperbound edition.

State and Society

This section details the backlash against the Condon study. It mentions criticisms from David R. Saunders, a psychologist dismissed from the Condon staff, and R. Roger Harkins, a Colorado newsman, who co-authored a paperback titled "UFOs? Yes! Where the Condon Committee Went Wrong." The Library of Congress also released a UFO bibliography listing over 1600 references, suggesting continued interest in the topic.

It also references a prior scientific panel convened by the Central Intelligence Agency in 1953, headed by H. P. Robertson, which also found no threat to US security or evidence of foreign origin. The report was not declassified until 1966.

Condon himself acknowledged anticipating opposition, writing in the report, "Had I known of the extent of the emotional commitment of the UFO believers and the extremes of conduct to which their faith can lead them, I certainly would have never undertaken the study."

In Brief

This section contains several short news items:

• US Scientists Earned Median Salary of $13 200 in 1968: Median salaries for US scientists rose by about 10% from 1966 to 1968, reaching $13,200. Self-employed scientists earned the highest median ($18,000), followed by those in industry ($16,200 for physicists) and government ($13,500).
• National Bureau of Standards Reorganization: The NBS combined its information-gathering units under an associate director for information programs, with Edward L. Brady appointed to the new post.
• The Physics Bulletin: A new monthly magazine from The Institute of Physics and The Physical Society, with a North American subscription rate of $8.40.
• "The Transuranium Elements" Film: A two-hour lecture film is available for loan or purchase from the Atomic Energy Commission.
• New Physics Journals: Plenum Publishing Corp. launched two new bimonthly journals: "The Journal of Low Temperature Physics" (edited by John Daunt) and "The Journal of Statistical Physics" (edited by Howard Reiss).

Advertisements and Technology Spotlights

Hewlett-Packard 9100A Computing Expressway

A full-page advertisement promotes the Hewlett-Packard 9100A Computing Calculator, highlighting its speed and capability for scientific and engineering calculations. It offers direct access to computational tasks, eliminating delays associated with larger computers. The calculator features a growing program library, the ability to store programs on magnetic cards, and single-key operations for logarithmic, trigonometric, and complex arithmetic functions. The price is listed as $4900.

RCA QUANTACON Photomultiplier

An advertisement introduces the RCA QUANTACON Photomultiplier, featuring a Gallium Phosphide dynode for improved electron resolution in low-light-level applications like photon and scintillation counting. The RCA-C31000D model is described as a 12-stage, bialkali photomultiplier with a significantly improved gain and lower rise and transit times. Technical data can be obtained from RCA Electronic Components.

Great Gate Valve

An advertisement for High Voltage Engineering Equipment Division showcases a 6-inch, all-metal gate valve designed for ultra-high vacuum applications. It features an air-pressure closing mechanism, is bakeable to 450°C, non-magnetic, and requires no lubrication. The valve is presented as a reliable component for accelerators and related equipment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and skepticism towards phenomena not supported by empirical evidence, as exemplified by the coverage of the Condon UFO study. The editorial stance appears to favor objective scientific inquiry and the application of established scientific methods. There is a clear distinction drawn between scientific investigation and what is perceived as pseudoscience or sensationalism, particularly concerning UFOs. The inclusion of technological advancements from Hewlett-Packard and RCA suggests an interest in promoting and informing readers about cutting-edge scientific and engineering developments. The brief news items also indicate a focus on the professional lives and economic standing of scientists.