AERIAL PHENOMENA PERSPECTIVES

Magazine Overview

AERIAL PHENOMENA PERSPECTIVES, Volume Two, Number Two, published Spring-Summer 1974 by Owlexandrian Multimedia, with Allen H. Greenfield as Editor and Publisher. The issue focuses on the concept of 'alternate realities' (AR) and their potential connection to UFO phenomena, alongside discussions on parapsychology and time travel.

Editorial Stance: The 'Paraphysical Theory' and Alternate Realities

In his editorial, Allen H. Greenfield addresses the question of 'alternate realities' (AR), a topic the publication has explored for years. He notes the growing influence of nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman's arguments for the extraterrestrial craft theory but also acknowledges the impressiveness of current papers by researchers like Kor and Vallee, which suggest the 'AR' factor deserves attention. Greenfield expresses a pragmatic approach, stating that to understand UFOs, one must follow all evidence, even if it seems awkward or metaphysical. He is not keen on integrating ufology into the 'scientific establishment,' viewing it as a flawed system, and prefers to keep ufology 'wild and free' as a counterpoint to orthodoxy. He suggests that linking ufology with parapsychology, which is gaining public acceptance, could enhance ufology's position. Greenfield reiterates his stance of not endorsing any particular viewpoint as established fact but firmly believes the accumulated evidence is highly interesting, mysterious, and beyond easy dismissal, potentially indicating something 'alien; perhaps far more alien than we have in the past suspected.'

"The Paraphysical Theory" Stages a Comeback

Greenfield traces the history of the 'paraphysical theory' in ufology, recalling a 'new' ufology in the period following the 1966 flap, which discussed extra-dimensional factors and alternate realities. He notes that while this concept wasn't new, it threatened scientific ufology. After a more conservative period in American ufology, marked by organizations like NICAP and MUFON adopting established patterns, the 'paraphysical component' advocates are now gaining traction. Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, 'The UFO Experience,' is seen as a significant step in this direction, even if Hynek doesn't explicitly advocate the theory. Peter Kor's article, 'The Radicalization of Dr. Hynek,' in Ray Palmer's 'Flying Saucers,' is highlighted, with Kor suggesting Hynek implies that identifying UFOs requires a more profound conception of the world. Ray Palmer himself, in the same issue, writes an editorial on his version of the 'psychic component' theory. Greenfield finds some of Palmer's arguments less than well-reasoned but appreciates his overall approach, noting Palmer's tendency to present theories that initially seem absurd but hold up under scrutiny.

USSR Radio Signals and Grote Reber's Findings

The issue details a Tass news agency report from October 1973 about unusual, unidentified radio signals received by Soviet scientists from high in Earth's atmosphere, ruling out artificial satellites. Palmer connects these signals to advanced civilizations sending intelligent messages and a massive UFO flap. Greenfield corroborates this with a UPI report from October 17, 1973, regarding a signal pinpointed in Earth's atmosphere. Palmer theorizes about advanced civilizations in the upper atmosphere sending signals, possibly separated by an extra-dimensional barrier, capable of penetrating our reality. The issue also mentions Grote Reber's recording of intelligent Morse-type signals from a fixed location in the atmosphere, not outer space, which he believed were within 100 to 10,000 miles of Earth. The difficulty in publicly explaining these signals as intelligent transmissions from such proximity is noted.

Jacques Vallee and the Psychic Component

Greenfield discusses Dr. Jacques Vallee's article, 'UFOs: The Psychic Component,' published in the February 1974 issue of 'Psychic.' This article is presented as the first treatment of the UFO subject in 'Psychic,' which has a notable advisory board including Edgar D. Mitchell and Jean Shinoda Bolen. Vallee's article is described as an open exposition for a 'paraphysical factor' in the UFO problem. Greenfield points out Hynek's association with Vallee and Vallee's own book, 'Passport to Magonia,' which further explores the 'paraphysical theory.'

Photographic Evidence and Apparent Motion

Vallee's article in 'Psychic' is accompanied by two photographs. One, taken at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, shows an object resembling a standard UFO. The other, taken in Oregon in 1966 by a Ph.D. biochemist, shows a UFO that appeared to be in motion to the naked eye but, in the photograph, seems to appear, disappear, and reappear, suggesting apparent motion created by projections, similar to animated cartoons. Greenfield relates this to penny-arcade machines with moving images and suggests this photographic evidence supports the idea that 'raw' sightings might only be the tip of the iceberg. He concludes that while the 'paraphysical theory' isn't necessarily accurate and doesn't preclude extraterrestrial UFOs, it deserves serious attention.

Review of Poul Anderson's "There Will Be Time"

Greenfield reviews Poul Anderson's novel 'There Will Be Time,' noting Anderson's humanistic quality. The novel explores time travel, a recurrent theme for Anderson, and presents its introduction as potentially non-fictional, based on material from the author's late relative, Dr. Robert Anderson. Greenfield discusses the 'time factor' in UFO research, citing examples like a case from the French wave of 1954 and the Hill case, where humanoid occupants seemed to have a different understanding of time. He also mentions Richard Feynman's concept of positronic time retrogression. Greenfield cautions that claiming scientific unconventionality as truth in science fiction writing is problematic, referencing his own 'unwritten rules.' He acknowledges that while Anderson doesn't claim the story is true, the suggestion that it might be opens the door to serious consideration. The review also touches on the 'never depart from a faith in the basic goodness of science and technology' rule, noting Anderson's Hugo award for 'Goat Song' as significant.

The "Forbidden" Area of UFO Research

In a separate section, Greenfield categorizes UFO research into three 'meaty' areas: landing-and-occupant reports, low-level sightings of unconventional origin, and statistical evaluations. He then introduces a neglected fourth category: the 'forbidden' area of 'crazy stuff'—incongruities like the Maury Island Case, Men in Black, and psychic contactees. Greenfield admits to having personal experiences in this area and believes that while natural, conventional answers may exist for many, more mysterious explanations are credible. He argues that ufologists must not be 'scientific purists' and must investigate this material, even if it seems ridiculous, as it suggests something is fundamentally wrong with our understanding of reality. He notes recent literature, including Gordon Creighton's article on Uri Geller and the UFO subject, and an interview with psychic Ray Stanford, further linking psychic phenomena and UFOs.

Conventions for 1974

The issue lists several upcoming UFO and Fortean conventions: Fortfest 74 in Washington, D.C. (August 9-11), the Mutual UFO Symposium in Affron, Ohio (June 22nd), and the National UFO Conference in the Philadelphia area (July 13th weekend). Contact information for INFO and Skylook is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of 'alternate realities' and the 'paraphysical component' of UFO phenomena, challenging conventional scientific explanations. The editorial stance, as articulated by Allen H. Greenfield, is one of open-minded investigation, urging ufologists to consider all evidence, including seemingly fringe or 'crazy' material, and to resist being confined by strict scientific purism. There is a clear skepticism towards the established scientific community and a preference for maintaining ufology's independent, 'wild and free' status. The issue also highlights the intersection of UFOs with parapsychology and the potential implications of time travel theories.