1979 08 15 Applied Optics - Vol 18 No 16 - Philip S Callahan

Magazine Overview

Title: APPLIED OPTICS
Issue: Vol. 18, No. 16
Date: 15 August 1979
Publisher: Optical Society of America
Country: USA
Price: $2.50

This issue of Applied Optics features a discussion on the potential for insect swarms to be mistaken for unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The primary focus is on two replies to a comment by Kyaw Tha Paw U, with contributions from Philip S. Callahan and R. W. Mankin, both affiliated with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The articles delve into atmospheric electricity, insect behavior, and the interpretation of radar data in the context of UFO phenomena.

Insects as Unidentified Flying Objects: Author's Reply to Comment (Philip S. Callahan)

Philip S. Callahan addresses the hypothesis that UFOs might be explained by coronal insects, a theory he attributes to Callahan and Mankin's work. He critiques the widespread acceptance of this theory, noting that it is often cited in popular media like Time and the BBC World Service. Callahan argues that his own analysis, which considers factors like thunderstorm activity, shows that only a small percentage of sightings involve conditions consistent with coronal insects. He emphasizes that most sightings occur on clear days or nights or involve silver objects, which are not typical of coronal discharges.

Callahan states he does not support any particular UFO hypothesis but wishes to point out the inadequacy of the insect-based explanation for most cases. He asserts that spruce budworm or other insects are not creating significant optical phenomena that would be mistaken for UFOs. He cites research on atmospheric electricity, including St. Elmo's glow and ball lightning, suggesting that these phenomena, which can occur naturally, might be relevant.

He discusses his laboratory experiments where insects were stimulated to emit St. Elmo's glow. He explains that physiological gases can be kept in a metastable emittance state through electrical feedback. He also highlights that insect scales, which are pointed and abrasive, can be more dangerous to the lungs than sand and can generate light through triboelectric effects, similar to blowing sand. He notes that entomologists refer to aerial plankton, with swarms of insects being common in the upper atmosphere, sometimes numbering millions per square mile.

Radar researchers are studying insect swarms, and position plot images (PPI scopes) show insects clustering and layering according to atmospheric conditions. Callahan recounts an experiment where he placed insect traps on a TV tower near Pelham, Georgia, and found more insects at higher altitudes during migration season. He connects this to a UFO display photographed in Pelham years later, suggesting the blobs of light resembled lit-up insects. He concludes that many UFO sightings are likely migrating or dispersing insects, and entomologists and agricultural engineers should use UFO data to aid in migration studies.

He also touches upon the unlikelihood of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, referencing Wesson's arguments about the rarity of planets suitable for life and the unique circumstances required for a scientific outburst. Based on this reasoning and his own work, Callahan reluctantly concludes that most unidentified flying object sightings are not from outer space but are natural phenomena, primarily migrating or dispersing insects.

Insects as Unidentified Flying Objects: Author's Reply to Comments; 2 (R. W. Mankin)

R. W. Mankin responds to Kyaw Tha Paw U's criticism regarding the possibility of a corona discharge from an insect swarm being visible under natural conditions. Mankin agrees that such conditions are unusual but points out that St. Elmo's fire has been reported from other objects. He acknowledges Paw U's observation that a de corona discharge attenuates rapidly, causing a blinking effect that makes radiant insects appear to be moving from point A to B at very high speeds, potentially up to 30,000 mph or the speed of light.

Mankin also addresses the idea of insects being the source of St. Elmo's glow, citing the work of B. F. J. Schonland, who observed lighted grass due to intense ionization activity. He argues that if grass and air can glow, insects can too. He mentions that while Nikola Tesla is credited with producing ball lightning in a laboratory, his own lab has produced lighted insects under both ac and dc conditions. He explains that once an insect is stimulated to emit St. Elmo's glow, the glow can persist even when the voltage is reduced, due to physiological gases being kept in a metastable state.

He reiterates the point about blowing scales from moths being abrasive and potentially dangerous, and that these scales can be stimulated to glow triboelectrically. He also notes the commonality of insect swarms in the upper atmosphere, forming aerial plankton zones. He references radar studies by NASA and USDA that show insects clustering in layers. He shares his experience of trapping insects on a TV tower and observing them at high altitudes, linking it to a UFO display photographed in Pelham, Georgia, where the light blobs appeared consistent with lit-up insects.

Mankin concludes that many species of insects ride convective storm fronts, forming long swarms that, when illuminated by voltage surges, could create the impression of lights moving at extremely high speeds. He believes that even daylight sightings could be explained by insect swarms. He aligns with Wesson's view that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations are unlikely and concludes that UFO sightings are most likely natural phenomena, such as migrating or dispersing insects.

References

The articles cite numerous references related to atmospheric electricity, insect migration, physical meteorology, and UFO reports. Key references include works by P. S. Callahan, R. W. Mankin, P. E. Viemeister, C. G. Johnson, and R. A. Wesson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in these articles is the re-evaluation of UFO phenomena through a scientific lens, specifically exploring natural explanations. Both Callahan and Mankin, while responding to a critic, present evidence and arguments suggesting that many UFO sightings may be misinterpretations of natural phenomena, particularly insect swarms exhibiting electrical effects. The editorial stance of Applied Optics, by publishing these scientific discussions, appears to be one that encourages rigorous investigation and the exploration of alternative, non-extraterrestrial explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena. The journal provides a platform for detailed scientific discourse, encouraging the use of data from fields like entomology and atmospheric physics to address complex questions.