Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1987 04

Magazine Overview

This April 1987 issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, features a cover headline on the "JAL UFO INCIDENT" and an "Editor's Corner" discussing "Deja vu" and "synchronicity," along with an article debunking "Crystal Power."

CSICOP Press Release: JAL UFO Incident

The lead article, presented as a CSICOP Press Release, addresses the well-publicized UFO encounter of a JAL flight. The incident, which gained attention on the "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw," involved a "dramatization" of the event. The pilot described seeing two small UFOs and a larger one. Robert Sheaffer, UFO expert and Chair of BAS, was asked to check the celestial arrangement at the time and date of the incident.

On November 16, 1986, at 4:48 P.M., at 35,000 feet above Ft. Yukon, Alaska, the sun had set, making stars visible. Jupiter was a very bright object (magnitude -2.6) in the southeastern sky, about twelve degrees above the horizon. Mars was also visible, about twenty degrees west of Jupiter, though fainter (magnitude -0.1) and only seven degrees above the horizon.

The article explains that bright planets like Venus or Jupiter are often perceived as UFOs when near the horizon. Their low angular elevation and atmospheric scintillation effects can make them appear to flash and change colors, leading to misidentification. Examples cited include the Jimmy Carter UFO, the Exeter incident, and the Betty and Barney Hill UFO.

Similarly, an investigation into a UFO incident involving a Japan Airlines 747 near Anchorage, Alaska, on November 18, 1986, concluded that the object was likely the planet Jupiter, and possibly Mars. This investigation was conducted by Philip J. Klass, a skeptical UFOlogist and chairman of CSICOP's UFO Subcommittee.

Klass's investigation revealed that at the time of the JAL incident, Jupiter was visible on the plane's left-hand side, about ten degrees above the horizon, appearing to the pilot as if it were at his own altitude. Mars was also visible, slightly lower and to the right of Jupiter. Despite the presence of these bright celestial bodies, the pilot never reported seeing them, only a "white and yellow" light.

Media accounts, based on the pilot's recollections six weeks later, were contradicted by transcripts of radio messages. For instance, the claim that the UFO followed the plane during a 360-degree turn was not supported by the pilot's contemporaneous reports to air traffic control. The article suggests the pilot "remembered" details that did not occur and forgot others.

Further corroboration came from other aircraft. United Airlines Flight 69, heading to Fairbanks, deviated to investigate. Its pilot reported seeing JAL but then stated, "I don't see anybody around him." Shortly after, the JAL pilot reported the UFO was "just ahead of United," which aligns with Jupiter's position. A USAF C-130 transport also volunteered to check but found no object near the JAL 747.

Klass stated that experienced pilots have mistaken celestial bodies for UFOs before, citing an incident where a pilot chased a UFO that turned out to be the star Capella. He also noted that radar operators sometimes briefly see unknown blips, which can be spurious echoes, especially in mountainous terrain where radar signals can bounce off the landscape.

During World War II, B-29s reported being paced by a "ball of fire" which was later identified as the planet Venus. The article notes that over 25 percent of UFO reports to the Center for UFO Studies were identified as stars or bright planets. Some eyewitnesses described these celestial UFOs as darting or wiggling.

Captain Terauchi's media account of seeing two small UFOs and a larger one was contradicted by the transcript, which indicated he briefly reported two lights and then referred to only one. News reports about USAF radar detecting an unidentified object were also questioned, as radar in mountainous areas can produce false echoes.

When the pilot first reported the UFO, FAA controllers asked an Air Force Regional Operations Command Center to examine their displays. A radar operator spotted something but was unsure if it was a spurious echo. The echo appeared briefly and was behind the 747, contrary to the pilot's report of the UFO being in front or to the left. Later, as the JAL 747 approached Fairbanks, no unknown blips were detected.

On January 11, 1987, Captain Terauchi reported another UFO sighting, which an FAA spokesperson suggested might be village lights reflecting off clouds, a possibility the pilot acknowledged.

Klass emphasized that UFOs remaining visible for extended periods, like the JAL incident's thirty minutes, usually prove to be celestial objects. He also pointed out that when the plane descended, the UFO appeared to maintain its altitude, which would not happen if it were a planet at a great distance.

Philip J. Klass, a former senior editor for "Aviation Week and Space Technology," has investigated UFO cases for over twenty years and authored the book "UFOs: The Public Deceived."

Editor's Corner

The "Editor's Corner" discusses phenomena like déjà vu and synchronicity, exploring the human tendency to seek causal connections for seemingly random events. The editor posits that our consciousness is selective, processing only a fraction of available information, which can lead to noticing patterns or coincidences that might otherwise be overlooked.

The concept of synchronicity, coined by psychologist Carl Jung, is explored through the anecdote of M. Deschamps and M. de Fortgibu, who both ordered plum pudding at different times and ended up sharing the same dessert. The article suggests that while some events may seem linked by a "hidden force," many coincidences are simply a matter of probability and the laws of averages.

It touches upon Wolfgang Pauli's work with quantum mechanics and the idea of "causeless events." The EPR Paradox is mentioned as an attempt to explain quantum strangeness. The editor concludes that while psychological explanations exist for perceived unusual events, truly anomalous cases remain.

Ramparts

The "Ramparts" section invites readers to submit instances of irrationality from their local scene. It notes a lack of submissions from O. Roberts and mentions a news report about Roberts being under orders to collect $8 million by December 31, 1986.

Other Items

Diane Moser, former co-editor, shares information about a spring class offering from the San Mateo County Office of Education titled "Healing Is An Inner Process," which focuses on sensing and manipulating "ENERGY FIELDS" and "healing touch." The class had already concluded.

Two items are presented as "beyond the pale": one from the Committee on Doublespeak, awarding the Department of Defense third place for euphemistic language like calling temporary coffins "aluminum transfer cases." The second item is a news report about concern over a higher occurrence of ovarian cancer in women who had not had their ovaries removed.

Willy Werby of San Francisco shares information about a "psychic" healer, Elissa Heyman, who conducts healing sessions over the phone, using a bowl of water to collect "energy transmitted from clients."

Crystal Power

Lawrence E. Jerome writes an article titled "CRYSTAL POWER," responding to reader interest in the subject. He notes that crystals have long been associated with psychic arts and that their prices have quadrupled recently.

Jerome explains that understanding "crystal power" requires understanding the terminology of its proponents, not the physical properties of crystals. The energies involved are claimed to be from an "astral plane" and accessible only to those "in tune" with it. He states that claims made by proponents are often too broad and untestable for skeptics.

The article draws parallels to "pyramid power," citing the claim that crystals can charge objects with "energy," which he likens to the unsubstantiated claims about pyramids keeping razor blades sharper.

Historically, quartz crystals have been prized by ancient civilizations for their perceived healing and visionary properties. The Greeks used the word for ice to refer to quartz, and the word "crystal" derives from the Greek term for clear ice. The Greeks used quartz to refract light for ritual fires and cauterize wounds. Ancient Egyptians may have capped pyramids with quartz, and American Indians used crystals to enhance dream clarity. The crystal ball also has a long history across various cultures.

"Crystal power" is closely allied with crystal gazing, where practitioners claim to see visions within crystal balls. The article suggests that staring fixedly at a point, combined with autosuggestion, can lead to seeing patterns.

Proponents of "crystal power" claim it can enhance psychic abilities, aid in meditation, and create positive changes. However, Jerome criticizes these claims as overly ambitious and unrealistic, questioning how wearing a crystal could create world peace or eliminate poverty.

Serious "crystal work" involves "centering" oneself (a Yoga-like exercise) and "grounding" oneself (connecting with earth and sky energy). Crystals are then "cleared" by burial, submersion, or mental intent, and finally "programmed" with intentions. Jerome likens programming a crystal to programming a computer, suggesting it's overly simplistic.

He concludes that while some associated exercises might promote relaxation, "crystal power" leads to self-delusion and alienation from reality. He questions the psychological effects of such self-delusion, particularly for those already unstable.

The article also critiques the portrayal of Houdini using "crystal power" in a Walt Disney movie, stating that the real Houdini relied on hard work and skill, not magic.

From the Chair

Robert Sheaffer's "From the Chair" column congratulates editor Kent Harker for successfully transitioning the newsletter to IBM PC-based desktop publishing, which has streamlined the production process. BASIS will now be "desktop published," a trend he sees as the wave of the future for small organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BASIS strongly adopts a skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, particularly UFO sightings and pseudoscientific practices like "crystal power." The editorial focus is on providing rational explanations, often grounded in astronomy, psychology, and critical analysis, for phenomena that are frequently misinterpreted or sensationalized. The publication aims to debunk unsubstantiated claims and promote critical thinking, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of the JAL UFO incident and the dismissal of "crystal power" as wishful thinking and self-delusion. The recurring theme is the application of scientific reasoning and skepticism to phenomena that often fall outside conventional understanding.

Title: Bay Area Skeptic Information Sheet
Issue Date: April, 1987
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Document Type: Newsletter

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptics' newsletter, "BASIS," focuses on the group's recent media activities and skeptical investigations into paranormal claims. The newsletter begins by discussing the cost-effectiveness of their production methods and highlights the impact the group has had.

Bay Area Skeptics in the News

The newsletter details the group's involvement in media interviews around New Year's Eve. The author was interviewed on Channel 5's 6:00 news, focusing on "psychic predictions" and reviewing the accuracy of predictions made twelve months prior. Barbara Mousalam's predictions were a particular focus, with an interview conducted at her home. Lee Rogers on KGO Radio also interviewed the author, who notes Rogers' enjoyment of the topic. Yves Barbero appeared on Channel 7 news, and Bob Steiner and Larry Loebig also participated in radio interviews.

Skeptical Reviews of Psychic Claims

The newsletter revisits a "long (and funny) article" from the February 1986 "Berkeley Monthly" by B. Alvarez, titled "You're at a cocktail party. Everyone's talking about computer auras, spiritual weight-loss and custody settlement through witchcraft. You begin to sense that right here, right now, you're present at the decline of Western Civilization. Who You Gonna Call? FAITHBUSTERS!" The article featured a drawing of Bob Steiner attempting to swat astrological symbols.

Another section discusses the February issue of "Popular Communications" magazine, which reprinted portions of Mr. Amazing Randi's article about Peter Popoff from "Free Inquiry" magazine. The article, titled "Heavenly Contacts on 39.17 MHz?", highlighted the creative uses Popoff made of his miniature scanner. The Bay Area Skeptics, along with contributors Don Henvick, Bob Steiner, and Alex Jason, were mentioned in relation to this piece.

Investigation of Reverend Michelina Russo

The newsletter provides an update on Reverend Michelina Russo, an aging Spiritualist who has convinced many, including "Examiner" columnist Bill Mandel, that she receives messages from the Beyond. The author recounts observing Russo in 1982, noting her method of "deftly opening one edge of the envelope, and stealing a peek at the paper inside." This observation is referenced from "Best of BASIS," 1982-83, pages 19-21, with the author possessing sliced-up envelopes as proof.

Russo, who had moved from Santa Clara to Santa Rosa and then elsewhere, has resurfaced in the South Bay. She has established the "Christian Spiritualist Church" at 1035 Emory St., San Jose, located in the Oddfellows Temple. She is advertising in the Los Gatos paper, which the author suggests is an attempt to target a community perceived as wealthy and willing to spend on "Spiritual Enlightenment."

Sylvia Brown's New Ventures

Speaking of "noted ecclesiastics," the newsletter mentions Sylvia Brown, Channel 5's "favorite 'psychic.'" Her 1986 predictions, which included "Dynasty" being cancelled and the Pope getting pneumonia, are recalled. Brown has apparently left "Nirvanah" (the Foundation) in Saratoga and has now established the "Church of Novus Spiritus," described as a "Scottish Rite Temple," at 2455 Masonic Drive, San Jose. She has also advertised in the Los Gatos paper.

Editorial Stance and Contact Information

The newsletter concludes with a disclaimer stating that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bay Area Skeptics, its board, or its advisors. It then provides information on how to obtain a free sample copy of "BASIS" by mail, or by leaving a message on "The Skeptic's Board" BBS or the 415-LA-TRUTH voice hotline. The copyright is noted as 1987 by BAY AREA SKEPTICS, with reprints requiring credit to "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are media engagement by skeptical organizations, the debunking of psychic claims and spiritualist practices, and the critical examination of individuals who promote paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to expose perceived fraud and delusion, and to provide a rational counterpoint to unsubstantiated claims, often with a touch of humor.