APRO Bulletin - 1983 08 00 - Vol 31 No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: The Apro Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 31, No. 8
Date: August, 1983
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Apro Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc., focuses heavily on controversies within the UFO research community, particularly concerning photo analysis and the credibility of certain researchers. It also includes reports on various UFO sightings and a psychological perspective on cattle mutilations.

Photoanalysis Disputed

The Lorenzens, founders of APRO, introduce the issue with a focus on the dispute surrounding photo analysis, quoting Samuel Johnson and Josh Billings on truth and bravery. They highlight the adoption of 'Ad Veritatem Petendam' (Towards Truth) as their slogan.

Conflict in Brazil

APRO's Brazilian Representative, Irene Granchi, reported on a conflict arising from the second International UFO Congress in Brazilia. The dispute centered on the authenticity of certain photos analyzed by GSW's (Ground Saucer Watch) 'Sophisticated computer enhancement analysis.' The article details Bill Spaulding's involvement, noting his past association with MUFON and CUFOS, and his role in the Travis Walton case. Spaulding's investigation of the Walton case was criticized for bringing in a 'diploma mill doctor' and for later publicly attacking Travis Walton, accusing him of drug abuse.

Spaulding's approach to photo analysis, which he claimed removed subjectivity through a computerized method, is questioned. The article suggests his program was not designed for photo analysis and that his claims about 'pixel characteristics' and 'density slice' were misleading. The article also points out that Spaulding's claims were bolstered by the 'Emperor's New Clothes' syndrome, where people were afraid to question his methods due to the prevalent computer illiteracy at the time, and the support he received from Walt Andrus and Dr. Hynek.

New Approach

The article further discusses Spaulding's 'Federal Hypothesis,' which posits that UFO belief systems are fostered by government intelligence agencies, based on documents obtained through a freedom of information suit. The authors dismiss this hypothesis, citing Spaulding's explanation of the Lonnie Zamora sighting as an example of his flawed reasoning.

Documentation

APRO has obtained copies of letters indicating that individuals within MUFON and CUFOS were aware of Spaulding's questionable 'computer enhancement' methods as early as 1976. The bulletin examines three specific photographs that concern APRO:

1. The Barra da Tijuca photos (May 7, 1952, Brazil): Originally researched by Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, these photos were questioned by Donald Menzel and later by Spaulding, who allegedly used third-generation prints, making competent analysis impossible.
2. The Rex Heflin photos (August 3, 1965, California): Exhaustively researched by Mrs. Idabel Epperson of NICAP, these photos were also deemed 'wanting' by Spaulding.
3. The Sedona, Arizona photo (September 23, 1967): This photo, showing light images, was labeled a 'lens reflection' by Spaulding in a 1976 MUFON Journal article. However, Jan E. Herr, a programmer, rebutted this, stating that the camera used (Kodak Holiday 127) lacked the complex lens system required for such reflections.

The article reveals that Spaulding's 'computer enhancement' involved submitting photos with money to Spacial Data Systems in Goleta, California, and then providing his own interpretation. Furthermore, Spaulding is accused of misrepresenting his educational qualifications, with his biographical sketch in the 1976 MUFON Proceedings claiming specialized technical education that is not substantiated by university records.

Friedman Speaks Out

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, wrote a letter to Bill Spaulding on September 10, 1979, expressing concerns about Spaulding's scientific background and public commentary. Friedman's investigation revealed that Spaulding's job title was 'high level technician,' with only a one-year certificate in electronics from Griswold Technical Institute. Friedman stated that Spaulding had not received any degrees from Bowling Green University and had not completed any courses there. Friedman urged Spaulding to cease misrepresenting his background.

Despite Friedman's letter, Spaulding appeared on the NOVA show as an 'engineer.' Both CUFOS and MUFON reportedly remained silent on the issue. Friedman has given APRO permission to publish his letter.

Explanations Overdue!

The article criticizes Walt Andrus of MUFON for including William H. Spaulding in the photo-analysis section of the new MUFON Field Investigator's Manual, and notes Dr. Hynek's appointment of Mr. Gevaerd as CUFOS Representative for Brazil, who is also a proponent of Spaulding's methods. APRO has remained quiet on these issues, hoping for self-policing within the UFOlogy field, and attributes their distance from the North American UFO Federation to such 'messy' situations.

Repeating Phenomenon Investigation

An inquiry about a UFO reported to Davis Monthan Air Force Base led to an investigation of repeating phenomena in Southern Arizona. Witnesses requested anonymity. A 17-year-old boy reported a sighting made by a friend. The friend witnessed UFOs while visiting his uncle's ranch. The objects have been seen in the summer between 8 and 10 p.m. The most recent sighting involved the man, his wife, and nephew. The objects are described as blue-white, appearing at an elevation of 40° plus, and disappearing above the horizon. Sightings last about five minutes. A notable aspect is that animals, particularly dogs, act strange and appear afraid during these sightings. The objects appear in formations like wedges, diamonds, and straight lines, tending to split and reform. The possibility of them being connected to the Fort Huachuca testing facility was considered but dismissed. Local geomagnetic activity was also considered but deemed unlikely due to the objects' altitude, duration, and formations.

Computer Project Update

APRO is purchasing a computer to manage its extensive files of reports, including those from the Condon Committee and the National Enquirer's 'One Million Dollar UFO Proof Contest.' The project is ambitious and requires years of work. Contributions are being sought to meet the goal.

Russia Admits UFOs May Exist

A Soviet newspaper, Sovietskaya Kultura, reported that UFOs could exist and that Soviet scientists do not deny a connection with extraterrestrial civilization. The report mentioned a 1981 incident where a fighter plane encountered a 'fiery ball' that damaged the aircraft. The Soviet Union is also reportedly planning a long-distance unmanned space mission to search for extraterrestrial life.

Astronomical Data

This section, by Lee Emery, provides guidance for observing stars and planets in the night sky for September and October 1983. It details the positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Vega, Antares, Arcturus, Capella, and Aldebaran at various times.

Fireball Streaks Across South

On January 28, 1983, a large, bright white fireball with a long tail of fire was seen in East Tennessee, accompanied by loud explosions. Witnesses described it as being about 400 feet above the ground, making an 'ungodly sound,' and leaving a red glow as it disappeared. Pilots reported the object, and local authorities received numerous calls. Searchers found broken trees and reported an 'acid-like odor.'

Cattle Mutilations and the Imagined "Culprits" - A Psychological Perspective

Peter A. Jordan discusses the phenomenon of cattle mutilations, examining claims made by ranchers and researchers. He notes unusual radiation readings, hair samples, chaff-like material, alleged 'laser surgery,' wiretapping, forecasts of human mutilations, drugs in carcasses, radio interference by UFOs, and 'pod marks.' Jordan suggests that these claims may be influenced by psychological principles, specifically Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes simplicity and grouping in perception. He argues that the perceived patterns in mutilation data, such as the consistency of missing organs, can lead to cognitive biases and self-deception, rather than necessarily pointing to extraterrestrial involvement. He emphasizes that these patterns of mental processing are common to humankind and should not be confused with conscious deception.

Cognitive Illusions

Jordan explains that human perception operates under distinct laws of organization, such as simplicity and grouping. He posits that 'cognitive overload' leads to 'selective attention,' where individuals focus on salient details and form stereotypes to categorize events. These stereotypes, though often inaccurate, are used to simplify and organize complex information. He cites a study by Bransford and Johnson demonstrating how a title can influence the recall of information, suggesting that the interpretation of anomalous events is synonymous with integrating them into a pre-existing 'schema.'

Press Reports

This section compiles several brief reports of alleged UFO encounters:

• Connecticut, October 21, 1982: A man reported a bizarre experience involving a vibrating buzz, intense flashes of white light, and a dog's reaction, possibly related to a UFO sighting.
• California, November, 1982: A couple camping reported being awakened by their bodies responding to static electricity, with a large, manta ray-shaped object hovering above them.
• Louisiana, December 30, 1982: Residents reported strange objects, including a circle of lights and a fiery ball, with fresh broken trees and an 'acid-like odor' found in the area.
• England, January 17, 1983: Bruce Cowling and Andrew Jarvis saw a large, blue-tipped light object, described as rocket-shaped, moving at an angle and leaving a vapor trail.
• Alabama, February 9, 1983: Vivian White and her family reported seeing a cloud-like object with a bright light and blue lights hovering over a school, making a humming sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Apro Bulletin include the critical examination of UFO research methodologies, particularly photo analysis, and the questioning of the credibility of researchers who may be misrepresenting their expertise or findings. The publication strongly advocates for a rigorous, truth-seeking approach ('Ad Veritatem Petendam') and expresses skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and potentially fraudulent practices within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to uncover the truth behind UFO phenomena while exposing what it perceives as misleading information and self-serving agendas among some researchers and organizations. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in psychological explanations for phenomena like cattle mutilations, suggesting that cognitive biases can play a significant role in interpreting evidence.