1984 06 00 Perceptual and Motor Skills - Vol 58 No 3 - Persinger

Magazine Overview

This document is a scientific article titled "GEOPHYSICAL VARIABLES AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR: XVIII. EXPECTED PERCEPTUAL CHARACTERISTICS AND LOCAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF CLOSE UFO REPORTS" by M. A. Persinger, published in Perceptual and Motor Skills in 1984. The article explores a hypothesis linking geophysical phenomena, specifically tectonic strain, to the occurrence and characteristics of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) reports.

Tectonogenic Hypothesis for UFOs

The author, M. A. Persinger, proposes a "tectonogenic condition" as a potential explanation for observable local phenomena associated with UFO reports (UFORs). This hypothesis suggests that tectonic strain within the Earth's crust generates electromagnetic (EM) characteristics that could be responsible for UFORs. Specific predictions are derived from delineating local fault systems and visualizing adjacent topography, geology, and man-made structures as distributions of EM equivalents (charge collectors, conductors, dielectrics).

Extrapolations from recent laboratory experiments indicate that major visual, kinetic, and EM features of close UFORs can be explained by this hypothesis. The author cautiously suggests that these extrapolations may be useful for field scientists in predicting when and where such phenomena might occur, especially since clusters of UFORs or "flap periods" are often accompanied by social concern.

Behavioral Perspective and Stimuli

From a behavioral standpoint, UFO reports are viewed as contemporary responses to persistent environmental stimuli. While many reports might involve routine objects (like the planet Venus) perceived under unusual motivational conditions, a substantial number of UFORs may reflect as-yet-unspecified stimuli. The tectonic strain hypothesis posits that over 50% of the variance in these stimuli is associated with tectonic strain in the Earth's crust. The actual characteristics of these stimuli might be masked or modified by the verbal labels used to describe and remember them.

If the hypothesis is correct, UFORs should predominantly occur near areas of strain and strain release, such as fault lines and sites of focused compressional deformations. Countries with extensive fault systems are noted for conspicuous UFORs. Localizations of UFORs near particular strain points, referred to as "windows" or similar metaphors, are also observed.

Case Studies and Geographic Distributions

The article references numerous examples supporting the link between UFORs and geological activity. The latest UFOR flap in Sweden is noted to have occurred around the country's largest fault system. A long history of UFORs is documented for the Gold Hill fault system in central North Carolina. While population density is a factor, UFORs are not considered simple artifacts of it.

To attenuate the "population problem," the study of UFORs over time within smaller, active seismic localities is suggested. The Toppenish Ridge in central Washington is highlighted as a prevalent area for nocturnal lights and related UFORs, some of which have been photographed and are systematically related to the distance and magnitude of monthly seismic activity. This region is part of the Yakima fold belt and has undergone significant deformation.

River systems, often associated with fault matrices, are also noted for UFOR concentrations. Examples include the New Madrid region of the Mississippi River, the Delaware River System, and the Ohio Valley. The article mentions extraordinary work indicating a recurrent luminous phenomenon moving along a railroad track adjacent to a creek and a fault line.

Perceptual Characteristics and Laboratory Findings

Predicting the perceptual characteristics of individual UFORs requires acknowledging the problem's multivariate nature. The tectonic strain hypothesis assumes that many UFORs are associated with verifiable events, primarily those described as close encounters of the first and second kind (Hynek) or Type IV to VI UFOs (Saunders). However, the hypothesis does not explicitly detail the physical mechanism by which strain manifests locally, requiring further experimental physics.

Laboratory experiments (Brady, Rowell, & Stroud, 1984) are described where strain-induced luminosities, occurring milliseconds before rock fracture, were generated. These emissions are not arc discharges but produce energetic particles that excite surrounding fluids or gases. Visually, they appear spherical, last about 1 second, and emit light between 400-550 nm, along with lower radio frequency and microwave generation. The total energy density of the rock is equivalent to the energy of these luminous objects (approx. 10^6 joules/cc), with substantial magnetic field strengths.

One interpretation suggests a potential difference between the poles and equator of these "balls," with small energy packages ("microplasmoids") expelled as directional beams. The rapid dissipation of rock constituents like silicon, magnesium, and aluminum is proposed to combine with oxygen, forming oxide residuals.

Large Scale Phenomena (LSP) and UFO Characteristics

If laboratory phenomena can be generalized to larger scales, several perceptual properties might be expected for Large Scale Phenomena (LSP) generated by tectonic strain. The total energy would be much larger, and the lifespan could be on the order of minutes. The pulse frequency or rotation speed would be slower than laboratory examples (1-10 Hz is not unexpected). Faster rotation could lead to elliptical shapes. The color would depend on generated wavelengths and context.

LSPs might exhibit homogeneous energy densities with local changes around the equator and poles, similar to microplasmoids. Geometric delineations of darker regions, like lines or matrices, are expected. Even without direct nervous system stimulation, great individual variability in LSP is anticipated due to their duration and size.

Characteristics related to tectonic strain sources and geochemical strata could include dull grey or metallic lusters from vaporized rock metals. A stable thickness of about 5 µm could be perceived as a metallic surface. Relatively few LSP with "metallic textures" are expected, limited to circular or elliptical conditions. If disrupted, metals could be extruded and combine with local gases.

Substantial magnetic field strengths are associated with LSP, potentially inducing electric currents in electronic systems and causing interference with radio and television signals. Direct stimulation of the human brain by current induction within sensitive regions like deep temporal lobes is expected to evoke profound experiential and psychological changes.

References

The article concludes with an extensive list of references, including several by M. A. Persinger himself, detailing his previous work on UFOs, tectonics, geomagnetic variables, and space-time transients. Other cited works cover topics such as "spook lights," seismic activity, and psychopathology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the article is the proposed link between geophysical phenomena, specifically tectonic strain and associated electromagnetic emissions, and the occurrence and characteristics of UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be that of scientific inquiry, presenting a hypothesis supported by laboratory experiments and observational data, while acknowledging the need for further research into the precise physical mechanisms involved. The article encourages a scientific approach to understanding UFORs, moving beyond purely anecdotal evidence to explore potential geophysical and electromagnetic underpinnings.