1978 12 00 73 Magazine - Project Starlight

Magazine Overview

This issue of "73 Magazine for Radio Amateurs," dated December 1978, features a prominent cover story titled "Close Encounters - the eyes of Texans are upon them," which delves into the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The magazine, priced at $2.00, targets radio amateurs with a blend of technical articles and broader interest topics.

Close Encounters - The Eyes of Texans Are Upon Them

The lead article describes a sophisticated UFO research facility in Texas, Project Starlight International (PSI), and its operation, ARGUS. The narrative begins with a dramatic account of a UFO sighting over Texas, involving a pilotless, orange-then-reddish light that made abrupt turns and high-speed maneuvers. The event is observed by a flight controller and a civilian driver whose car engine and headlights mysteriously shut off during the encounter.

The article then shifts to the scientific efforts at PSI, a 400-acre site near Austin, Texas, operated by the Association for the Understanding of Man. This facility is dedicated to scientifically documenting UFO existence. Dr. Ray Stanford, founder and managing director, is highlighted as an expert in UFO research. The laboratory is equipped with advanced technology, including radar (Operation ARGUS), phototheodolites, magnetometers, gravimeters, microbarometers, electrometers, and sky cameras, all designed to record physical effects associated with UFOs. The ARGUS system uses a computer to triangulate object positions, determine distance, and create a 3D video model of the UFO's magnetic field.

PSI's research is directed by Dr. Daniel H. Harris, a professional astronomer. The facility aims to gather hard data and disseminate it to the scientific community. The article notes that while many people talk about UFOs, few have done anything concrete about it, unlike the military which was historically focused on shooting them down. PSI's approach is to establish a permanent laboratory with sophisticated equipment, but a mobile unit is also available for rapid deployment to potential sighting locations.

The article contrasts current scientific efforts with past anecdotal reports, mentioning the vast UFOCAT database containing over 60,000 close encounters. It also touches upon the historical context, including the "Condon Report" which questioned UFO existence, and theories suggesting UFOs might be extraterrestrial spacecraft. The role of amateur radio operators is emphasized, with PSI's Operation ARGUS offering a concept of "UFO event-sharing" that could benefit hams. The magazine lists major UFO research organizations and their directors, including MUFON, CUFOS, GSW, IUFOR, and APRO.

Other Articles and Features

The issue contains a wide array of articles catering to radio amateurs:

• A DXer's Dream Vacation: Exploring a DXing opportunity in Montserrat.
• Close Encounters: The main feature on UFOs.
• The Schizophrenic Triangle: Discussing a split-personality radiator.
• From CW to Computers: A primer on digital modulation.
• A 28€ Touchtone™ Mod: A low-cost modification for ham radio.
• Space Age Surplus: Ideas for using surplus equipment.
• An X-Band Transceiver: A project for 10-GHz operation.
• SSTV Recorder Controller: A device for Slow Scan Television.
• Receiver Diseases: How to cure common radio receiver problems.
• Autophasing for WEFAX: Improving WEFAX reception.
• The Lunch Counter: A humorous piece.
• Confessions of a Stripper: A ham's experiences.
• Tuned Feeders and Other Good Stuff: Various technical tips.
• Build a Realistic S-Meter: A project for measuring signal strength.
• Wow! A Good Portable Receiver! A review of a Panasonic receiver.
• The XITEX Video Terminal: An alternative to a Model 15 terminal.
• Light Up Your Life: A project involving digital displays.
• High Seas Adventure - Ham Style: Part III of a series.
• Whither Microcomputers?: A look ahead at microcomputers.
• SSTV Meets SWTPC: Part 2: Micro-enhanced SSTV pictures.
• A Multi-Memory Morse Machine: Using a Motorola micro.
• "This is Your Computer Speaking": Tips on using microcomputers.
• RTTY with the KIM: An extension for the KIM computer.
• DX Delight: A program for DXing.
• Big Max Attacks: A discussion involving W2DU and K4KI.
• The Packet Radio Revolution: An article for pioneers.
• This Voltage Standard Is Precise!: A calibration topic.
• The 225 Goes Digital: Adding 7-segment displays.
• WARC '79 Preview: An outlook on the World Administrative Radio Conference.
• The "Flim-Flam" Factor: A critical article.
• Build the Flexi-Filter: A device for radio frequency filtering.
• The Klassic Kilowatt: A high-power transmitter project.
• Ham Radio Goes to School: Teaching ham radio to children.
• What's Your uF?: A six-digit answer.
• Fail-Safe: Protecting repeater batteries.
• Code-Practice Oscillators: A report on these devices.
• PCs Are Easy: Details on personal computers.
• The Games People Play: A look at games for hams.
• An Improved HV Tube Socket: A modification for high-voltage tube sockets.

The issue also includes regular columns like "Never Say Die," "Letters," "RTTY Loop," "Ham Help," "Looking West," "DX," "New Products," "Contests," "Faces, Places," "Social Events," "Dealer Directory," "Corrections," "AMSAT," "OSCAR Orbits," and "CARF." An index for 1978 is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme in this issue is the intersection of amateur radio and scientific investigation, particularly concerning UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious, scientific inquiry into phenomena that have often been dismissed or sensationalized. The magazine promotes the idea that amateur radio operators, with their technical skills and communication networks, can play a vital role in gathering data and contributing to the understanding of complex subjects like UFOs. There's a clear emphasis on using technology and systematic methods to uncover facts, moving beyond anecdotal evidence. The magazine also continues its tradition of providing practical technical projects and information for radio amateurs, covering a wide range of interests from digital electronics to DXing and equipment reviews.