Aerial Phenomena Hot Wire - 1965 09

Magazine Overview

This is the inaugural issue of Aerial Phenomena Hot Wire, published in September 1965 by The New Jersey Association on Aerial Phenomena (NJAAP). The publication aims to serve as a platform for UFO research and public education, incorporating the NJAAP Bulletin. The editorial stance emphasizes unity and cooperation within the UFO movement to combat public ignorance and opposition from governmental agencies.

Editorial and Mission

The editorial section, titled 'An Editorial,' acknowledges the general redundancy of editorials in UFO publications but feels compelled to offer a few words for the first issue. It stresses that the primary job of the UFO movement is mass public education to overcome ignorance. The editorial argues that the movement's current ineffectiveness stems from disunity, which allows opposition to fragment its goals. It calls for an end to internal criticism and a focus on cooperation, suggesting that 'in numbers there is strength, and victory.' The movement is urged to 'ACT on the really important issues' to command better respect and gain greater public influence.

Dissemination and Problems

Under the heading '- More Dissemination Needed -', the publication highlights the significant task of educating the public about UFOs. It posits that the public's ignorance is the primary obstacle, and that the movement's disunity exacerbates this problem. The editorial calls for a collective effort, recognizing that different groups and individuals contribute valuable aspects to the overall understanding of the UFO enigma. The section '- Problems -' further elaborates on the movement's current state, suggesting it is far from its potential due to disunity and internal criticism.

Resolutions and Teamwork

The 'Resolutions' section advocates for agreeing to disagree on certain points while cooperating on common ground. It encourages tolerance and the elimination of destructive criticism among those with differing viewpoints or experiences. The core message is to unite against the 'common enemy of mass public ignorance' and work together to 'enlighten and to raise up our fellowman.' The '- Teamwork Counts' section reiterates this, stating that criticism and quibbling have rendered the movement ineffective and that a united stand could attract significant support.

New Support and Calls to Action

The publication notes a recent increase in media coverage of UFO events, which has stimulated public interest. It urges readers to take concrete actions: write to their Senators, contact television stations like WABC TV to encourage UFO programming, and stimulate local news media interest. A documentary booklet, 'The Reality of the UFOs,' is offered for those needing information to write to their representatives. The message is clear: 'When our words are matched by deeds... then we shall start to materialize that which was promised.'

Scientific Developments

A news item from Sunnyvale, California, reports on research at NASA's Ames Research Center concerning the atmosphere of Mars. Scientists have isolated components of the Martian atmosphere and observed the development of compounds, which one scientist described as 'manna from heaven.' This suggests that life on Mars might not require photosynthesis, as food could be created directly from atmospheric components, potentially existing below the surface where ultraviolet light is less damaging.

International UFO Reports

The issue compiles numerous UFO sightings from around the world:

• Siberia, 1908: A Soviet scientist, K.P. Florensky, proposed that the famous Siberian explosion was caused by a comet, not anti-matter, exploding miles above the surface. The event was observed hundreds of miles away and caused widespread effects.
• Greenhills, Ohio (July 4): A witness observed a white light join a holiday fireworks display, described as small, distant, and misty.
• Lisbon, Portugal (July 12): A luminous, orange-to-red object, described as a flattened balloon or an overturned plate, hovered and then moved at high velocity. Similar interference was reported with electromagnetic clocks.
• Wiltshire County, England (July 7): A 'fiery object' was seen, described as resembling two red-hot pokers.
• Azores, Portugal (July 11): Electromagnetic clocks at Santa Maria airport stopped for 10 minutes when a UFO passed overhead.
• Garfield, N.J. (July 11): A witness reported seeing a 'huge glowing ball' that lit up the ground before shooting out of sight.
• Canon City, Colorado (July 4): A prison guard and others reported seeing a bright, silver, oval object that was stationary before rising and fading.
• La Junta, Colorado (July 4): A housewife and her daughter reported seeing a funny-looking object in the sky, described as silver and saucer-shaped.
• Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming: Four individuals reported seeing about 30 large, cylinder-shaped objects.
• Antarctica (July 7): Argentinian and other scientists confirmed reports of an unusual celestial body, described as a double-convex lens, colored red and green, which made geomagnetic instruments wild.
• Columbus, Ohio (July 13): Thousands witnessed a UFO hovering, described as a weather balloon by some, but its origin was unknown.
• Canberra, Australia (July 15): A glowing object hovered near the airport, observed by air traffic control, and coincided with difficulties in tracking the Mariner probe.
• East Lansing, Michigan (August 2): A reporter observed a cigar-shaped, silent UFO.
• Gary, Indiana (August 3): Jet fighter planes performed low-altitude formations, with authorities unable to provide an explanation, leading to speculation about UFO pursuit.
• Houghton, Michigan (August 7): USAF radar stations reportedly detected multiple UFOs traveling at extremely high speeds over Lake Superior.
• Lima, Peru (July 24): Reports of flying objects, including one account of a bright object landing, leaving physical traces like signed plants and overturned rocks.
• Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas (August 1): Numerous reports of UFOs, including diamond-shaped formations and objects changing color, tracked by radar at various altitudes.

Analysis of Contactee Claims

Jerome Clark's article, 'A New Look at Contact Claims,' critically examines the phenomenon of UFO contactees. He discusses Waveney Girvan's argument that contact claims are central to the UFO mystery, but notes that Girvan tended to equate 'professional' and 'amateur' claimants. Clark distinguishes between individuals like George Adamski, who profited from his stories of conversations with Venusians, and those who report experiences more discreetly. He reviews Adamski's history, including a manuscript about Jesus piloting a spaceship, and notes that investigations by NICAP and others have cast doubt on his claims. Clark contrasts Adamski with witnesses like Gary Wilcox and Sid Fadrick, who have not capitalized on their experiences and whose accounts are described as more straightforward and less evangelical.

Clark also mentions William D. Pelley, a fascist leader who claimed to channel deceased figures, and George Hunt Williamson, who entered the contact business. He argues that UFOlogists often dismiss contact claims entirely, failing to recognize that while some claimants may be phonies, it doesn't disprove the possibility of genuine contact. He suggests that a re-examination of contact reports is underway in UFOlogical circles, and that UFOnauts might communicate in various ways.

Book Review

The issue includes a review of Jacques Vallee's book, "Anatomy of a Phenomenon," by NJAAP's Director. The reviewer describes the book as an unbiased scientific study of the UFO enigma, examining historical and modern data. Vallee discusses unsolved cases, the reactions of various groups to UFOs, and proposes a scientific classification system. The review highlights Vallee's exploration of speculative theories, including extraterrestrial visitations in ancient times, the Fatima miracle as a UFO phenomenon, and the possibility of UFOs being intelligently controlled spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the need for unity and effective public dissemination of information within the UFO movement, the reporting of numerous global UFO sightings, and a critical examination of contactee claims. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a more organized, cooperative, and scientifically-minded approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond internal disputes and towards a unified effort to educate the public and gain broader acceptance.

Title: Flying Saucer Review
Issue: Vol. 11, No. 1
Date: January-February 1965
Publisher: Flying Saucer Service
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0016-0197

This issue of *Flying Saucer Review* presents a multifaceted exploration of UFO phenomena, touching upon controversial contactee experiences, radar-confirmed sightings, and methodological approaches to witness testimony. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Content Summary

The Villas Boas Case and Contactee Analysis

The issue begins by recounting the alleged encounter of Antonio Villas Boas, a farmer who claimed to have been forced into sexual intercourse with a female occupant of a landed flying saucer. The narrative highlights his confusion and potential disgust regarding the experience. The text then moves to a broader discussion of how such reports are received, noting the indignation of Waveney Girvan at the selective acceptance of 'little men' while rejecting their 'taller, more intelligent brethren.' The article emphasizes that reactions of fear, amusement, annoyance, and disgust are common in observers of the unknown, suggesting these emotions accurately reflect the experience of encountering something real but unfamiliar.

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to advising on how to evaluate reported UFO contacts. It suggests that investigators should closely examine the claimant's personality and behavior. Key questions to consider include whether the individual is flamboyant and attention-seeking, or genuinely puzzled; whether they are conceited or humble; and whether they appear moved or irritated. The underlying principle is to determine if the claimant is lying or telling the truth.

References to Previous Articles

Two notes point to further reading on the Villas Boas case, referencing Gordon Creighton's "The Most Amazing Case of All: Part 1" and "Part 2," published in previous issues of *Flying Saucer Review* (January-February 1965 and March-April, respectively).

Methodological Considerations for Investigators

A third note, referencing Peter F. Sharp, B.Sc., discusses the general tone used by professionals when describing contact circumstances. Sharp suggests that investigators should not only ascertain whether a witness is giving objective or subjective judgments but also pay attention to the 'colored words' used, which are likely to carry emotional overtones. This highlights a more nuanced approach to witness interrogation, focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects of testimony.

Radar Spots, Loses U.F.O.

The issue features a report on a radar-confirmed UFO sighting that occurred early Saturday, July 31, 1965. A policeman named Lewis Sikes, stationed in Wynnewood, South Central Oklahoma, observed an object emitting red, blue, and white lights. He reported that the object hovered for approximately 45 minutes before he alerted the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City was notified and subsequently detected the object on radar at an altitude of about 8,000 feet. After consulting with other government installations, Tinker officials confirmed that no authorized air traffic was present in the area. Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas, also tracked the object on radar. Both bases followed the UFO to a point 15 miles southwest of Tinker, where it disappeared from radar scopes. It reappeared a few minutes later and was tracked again to a location 29 miles south of Tinker, after which it vanished once more and was not relocated.

Officials at Tinker Air Force Base stated they had no information regarding the nature or origin of the object. The report is attributed to the Birmingham, Alabama News, dated August 1.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Flying Saucer Review* demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation and analysis of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach, encouraging detailed examination of witness accounts and physical evidence. The inclusion of methodological advice for investigators suggests an effort to elevate the study of UFOs to a more scientific level. The magazine also highlights the importance of documented cases, such as the radar sighting, which provide a degree of corroboration beyond mere eyewitness testimony. The controversial nature of the Villas Boas case is presented, likely to provoke discussion and illustrate the complexities of interpreting human-alien encounters.