BioScience

Magazine Overview

This issue of BioScience, Volume 25, Number 8, published in August 1975 by the University of California Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences, features an article titled "Recent Developments in the Scientific Study of UFO's" by Frank B. Salisbury. The article serves as an update to a 1967 piece by the same author, discussing the persistent nature of the UFO phenomenon and the increasing interest from the scientific community.

Scientific Interest and Organizations

Salisbury notes that in 1967, only a few scientists considered UFO investigation a hobby. By 1975, the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) had over 40 scientifically trained consultants, and the Center for UFO Studies was recently organized with 22 scientifically trained individuals. While some scientists are convinced of the Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI) hypothesis, others, including Salisbury, emphasize that the evidence is strong but not definitively proven. A minority of scientists continue to reject the ETI hypothesis. The article highlights that the "noise level" (cases explained by conventional hypotheses) remains high, but the absolute number of truly interesting cases is also substantial, prompting scientists to consider them as a potential meaningful signal.

Political and Methodological Developments

The article reviews political developments, including the 1967 contract between the U.S. Air Force and the University of Colorado for a scientific evaluation of UFOs, which resulted in the Condon Report in 1969. Despite Condon's negative introduction, the report contained fascinating unsolved cases. A memo by project coordinator Robert J. Low revealed a prejudiced approach from the outset. Public opinion has shifted, with a 1973 Gallup poll showing 11% of Americans claiming to have seen a UFO and over 50% accepting the ETI hypothesis. The Air Force subsequently dropped its Project Blue Book. Government statements in France and Brazil have acknowledged the possibility of ETI, and the U.S. government and media have shown a softer line.

Methodological developments include the use of computer catalogues to analyze UFO sightings, such as David Saunders' UFOCAT, which contains data on over 40,000 cases. These catalogues reveal patterns in sighting frequencies and correlations with demographic factors. High-level symposia, such as one sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1969, have also contributed to scientific discussions on the topic.

Organizational Developments

Civilian groups like APRO and the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) have been active since the 1950s. The International Fortrean Organization (INFO) has also focused on UFO studies. In 1972, the National Enquirer offered a $50,000 award for proof of extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, later shifting to a $5,000 annual prize for valuable data. J. Allen Hynek established the Center for UFO Studies to gather verifiable objective data.

Notable Cases

The article details several provocative UFO sightings that strongly support the ETI hypothesis:

• Delphos, Kansas (November 2, 1971): A glowing object hovered over a farmyard, leaving a glowing ring of soil that was hydrophobic and contained fungal hyphae. This case received the first $5,000 award from the National Enquirer.
• Captain Coyn's Levitating Helicopter (October 18, 1974): Captain Larry Coyn and his helicopter crew encountered a UFO that approached at high speed, hovered, and then inexplicably lifted the helicopter over 2,000 feet without changing controls, despite the pilot's actions to stop a dive. This case also received a $5,000 award.
• Betty Hill and Marjorie Fish Star Map: The article revisits the Betty and Barny Hill abduction case, focusing on Betty's recalled star map. Marjorie Fish, a teacher, independently created a three-dimensional star map that closely resembled Betty Hill's map after corrections and filtering for stars likely to host planets. The resemblance is considered impressive, though its statistical significance is unassessed.
• The Flap of 1973: Numerous UFOs were reported globally. A notable event was the Pascagoula, Mississippi, encounter on October 10, 1973, where two fishermen reported being levitated into a UFO by strange beings.
• Uintah Basin UFO Display: Salisbury recounts his own encounters through interviews with witnesses in northeastern Utah. Several cases are presented, including:
• Dean Powell: Saw a silvery object hovering near a bluff.
• Kent Denver: Witnessed a red ball of fire dancing on the horizon.
• Thyrena Daniels: Was preceded by a huge, red, glowing spherical object with bluish-red flames.
• Richard Hackford: Observed a brilliant red, glowing UFO hovering above his truck.
• Clyde McDonald children: Predicted a UFO appearance above Roosevelt Hospital, which then materialized.
• Curtis, Kevin, and Bevin Ercanbrack: Saw a large silver object hovering in a field in broad daylight.
• Morlin Buchanan and Richard Faucett: Observed a large, glowing sphere with a spinning column of dust hanging from below.
• Leland Mecham and Jody: Saw a huge, glowing red object with beams of light and billowing red "dust."

These cases are presented as having a high strangeness index, making conventional explanations difficult.

Logic and Challenges

Salisbury reiterates that science is adept at disproving hypotheses, but this approach is challenging with UFOs because it's impossible to definitively prove that every case is not of ETI origin. The accumulation of unsolved cases that are difficult to disprove is impressive. He notes that the lack of contact, despite the apparent presence of ETI, is also a puzzle. The article suggests that if verifiable, objective data were available, the ETI hypothesis could be proven. The author also touches upon the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and potential hoaxes or psychological manifestations, especially in cases involving "contactees."

Philosophical Considerations and Conclusion

The author discusses the public's susceptibility to superstition and the challenge for scientists to remain objective when investigating UFOs. He emphasizes that science seeks truth through logic and objective data, not belief. Despite the difficulties, Salisbury concludes that a scientific approach to UFOs is possible with care and objectivity, even when interacting with witnesses who may not share a scientific background or viewpoint.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing scientific investigation of UFOs, the challenges in establishing definitive proof for the ETI hypothesis, the importance of rigorous data collection and analysis, and the increasing acceptance of UFOs as a legitimate area of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance, as presented by Salisbury, is one of cautious optimism and a commitment to applying scientific methodology to understand the phenomenon, acknowledging the compelling nature of certain cases while maintaining scientific rigor.