Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1988 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, published in October 1988, features a cover story titled "THE FACE ON MARS: ASTROFANTASY '88?" by John Hewitt. The issue delves into skeptical analysis of popular claims regarding anomalies on Mars and the effectiveness of psychics.

The Face on Mars: Astrofantasy '88?

The main article by John Hewitt critically examines the claims surrounding the "Face on Mars," a feature popularized by Richard Hoagland. Hoagland suggests the feature is a "MESSAGE intended for us" and part of a conscious design, possibly linked to "pyramids" and "catalogs" found nearby. He cites Dr. Mark Carlotto's "Applied Optics" article, which asserts the face exhibits 3-D symmetry and anthropomorphic detail, and speculates about "mystifying cosmic alignments."

The article questions whether these claims constitute "astrofantasy, wishful seeing, gifted insight, New Age religion, honest objective inquiry, or plain old pseudoscientific nonsense." It contrasts these views with those of mainstream scientists, such as NASA geologist Michael Malin, who state there is "absolutely no evidence" and call the controversy "public relations" rather than science.

The geomorphology of the Cydonia Mensae region is described, noting its eroded tableland features, polygonal patterns, and intersecting fractures. The Viking Orbiter images are analyzed, with the "Face" being identified as a weathered knob approximately 40.9 degrees N, 9.45 degrees W, with a peak elevation under 1200 feet and dimensions of about 1 by 1.5 miles. Planetologists view it as a natural formation, comparable to an "inselberg" on Earth.

Dr. Mark Carlotto's image-enhancement techniques are discussed, particularly his use of shape-from-shading to suggest 3-D structure and "subtle features." However, critics like Dr. Bernard Leikind, a physicist at General Atomic, argue that Carlotto's input data is insufficient and his conclusions are not justified. Leikind points out that the methods used, including pixel-to-pixel interpolation and smoothing algorithms, can introduce biases and add information not present in the original imagery.

The article highlights that other Viking frames, such as 673B56 and 753A33, show the area in different lighting conditions (morning light) where the "face" lacks any facial impression, appearing as an asymmetrical erosional polygon. It is noted that Hoagland and his associates fail to mention additional frames (673B54 and 753A34) that do not support their claims. These frames, obtainable from the Nat'l Space Science Data Center, show a broad, bright slope and two peaks, bearing no resemblance to a face.

The article criticizes the "Face on Mars" promoters for selective use of data, drawing unsupported conclusions, and demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of probability and statistics. Hoagland's system of "alignments" among features like "the City" and "the City Square" is dismissed as arbitrary and an example of post-hoc selection. The concept of "cryptoplanetologists" is introduced for those who promote planetary pseudoscience.

The article traces the history of the "Face on Mars" publicity, noting its appearance in July 1976 and subsequent exploitation by ancient astronaut promoters. It contrasts the pseudoscience of "Face on Mars" promoters with more scientifically respectful science fiction works.

Finders Weepers

This section by Don Henvick details an encounter with Dorothy Allison, a self-proclaimed police psychic from Nutley, New Jersey, who claims to have solved over 4,000 murders and missing person cases. The author attends a personal appearance by Allison, where her abilities are presented via a videotape featuring her on a syndicated series.

The article recounts several cases where Allison provided clues. In one instance, a boy was lost and feared drowned; Allison described his clothing, but the police did not follow up. The body was later found near a school, P.S. #8, which Allison had mentioned. Another case involved a number 222 and a rock with letters M-A-R, leading a relative to search a marsh where a body was eventually found nearby. Allison's supporters credit her with solving these cases.

However, the author is critical, noting that in cases where Allison consults on ongoing investigations, she provides numerous vague clues (up to fifty), from which she later selects the most fitting ones after the facts are known. The article mentions James Randi's skepticism, noting Allison gave 42 names in a child murder case in Atlanta. The author questions whether police actually used her clues to solve cases or if her reputation was built on post-hoc interpretations.

Allison's inability to name a single case where her information was directly used by police to solve a crime, despite her claim of 4,000 successes, is highlighted. The article also touches on the unsolved Baby Jane Doe case, where Allison consulted with Marin authorities.

Personal Profiles

This section introduces John Lattanzio as the Bay Area Skeptics' newest board member. Lattanzio is an astrophysicist who completed his post-doctoral fellowship in Canada after earning his Ph.D. in Australia. His research interests include stellar evolution, numerical fluid dynamics, and cosmological gas dynamics. He is described as having a passion for the cosmos and an active role in skeptical organizations in Australia and Canada.

July Meeting: Parapsychology: Inside Psychics and Charlatans

This report by Ivan Linderman summarizes a presentation by Dr. Lloyd Auerbach, an instructor in parapsychology. Auerbach aimed to explain how "phonies" convince people they are psychics and how to differentiate between them and sincere psychics. He identified three types: phony psychics who know they are phony, sincere psychics who believe they are psychic and want to help, and sincere psychics who believe they are psychic and want to profit.

Auerbach demonstrated magic tricks, emphasizing the role of perception and the mind in interpreting reality. He discussed how magicians exploit learned perception, faulty memory, and visual illusions. The article includes a biologist's perspective on the human eye and brain's processing of visual information.

Examples were given of how cultural factors influence perception, such as differences in color perception or the ability to judge distance. Auerbach noted that children are often harder to fool because they haven't fully learned adult ways of seeing.

Cases discussed included a woman police officer who experienced episodes of fighting an "invisible foe," which Auerbach attributed to psychological trauma from childhood rape, with her son triggering the memories. Another example involved a family claiming a haunted house, where Auerbach suggested misinterpretation of natural events or psychological factors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, particularly in the realms of ufology and parapsychology. The Bay Area Skeptics, through its publication BASIS, actively promotes critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the need for evidence and rigorous analysis, and exposing what it views as misinformation and media sensationalism.

Title: BASIS
Issue Date: October 1988
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Type: Monthly publication

Content Summary

This issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics, delves into various aspects of parapsychology, psychic phenomena, and skepticism. The articles explore the ethical considerations and practical implications of paranormal claims and the individuals who engage with them.

Parapsychology and 'Ghostbusters'

The lead article discusses the actions of a parapsychologist named Auerbach and his group, who literally acted as 'ghostbusters' for a family convinced of paranormal activity. While the group found no evidence of verifiable phenomena, they successfully removed the family's anxiety by staging ghostly sounds. This intervention raises questions about the ethics of such practices, with some audience members feeling that while it may have helped the family, it also encouraged irrational beliefs. The author expresses ambivalence, drawing a parallel to medical practices where a placebo effect or 'magic words' can influence healing, suggesting that sometimes an irrational approach might be necessary to deal with irrational beliefs.

Auerbach acknowledges the lack of quantitative evidence for psychic abilities but defends parapsychology and 'good' psychics for providing a function to people who seek external validation or responsibility. He warns against 'bad psychics' who prey on such individuals. The author suggests that 'good' psychics could offer analogies to help people overcome problems, citing Colin Wilson's idea that paranormal activities can serve to focus attention. The concept of 'archaic authorization,' a human need to delegate personal responsibility, as proposed by Julian Jaynes, is also mentioned.

The author shares a personal anecdote about overcoming an abnormal fear of insects with the help of a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist revealed that the therapy involved localizing the fear onto a specific event, even if the explanation was fabricated, to make it manageable. This experience leads the author to believe this might be the point Auerbach was trying to make regarding the utility of 'good' psychics.

Psychic Practices and Selection

Dr. Auerbach also described general principles used by psychics in 'cold readings,' such as the similarity among people and how transitions like deaths or marriages generate common concerns. He offered suggestions on selecting psychics for personal help, emphasizing helpfulness over accuracy. Bob Steiner, a founder of the Bay Area Skeptics, objected to this point, arguing that psychics bypass authority. The article concludes with Auerbach's observation that people use 'anomalous ways of gathering information,' a statement echoed with Stephen Hawking's famous quote, 'Whatever that means!'

Events and Publications

The issue also announces an event featuring Gerard Straub at the Montclair Woman's Club in Oakland on Sunday, October 16th. The event is sponsored by the Secular Humanists of the East Bay, with a suggested donation and a deadline for reservations.

Editorial Information

The editorial staff for BASIS is listed: Kent Harker (Editor), Sharon Crawford (Assoc. Editor), Yves Barbero (Distribution), and Rick Moen (Circulation). The publication clarifies that the opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of BAS, its board, or its advisors.

Contact and Reprints

Selected articles are from the October 1988 issue. Readers can obtain a free sample copy by contacting BAY AREA SKEPTICS at 4030 Moraga, San Francisco, CA 94122-3928, or by leaving a message on 'The Skeptic's Board' BBS or the 415-LA-TRUTH hotline. Reprints must credit "BASIS."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the psychology of belief, and the promotion of skeptical inquiry. The editorial stance, as represented by the Bay Area Skeptics and their publication BASIS, is to question unsubstantiated claims, analyze the psychological and social functions of belief systems, and encourage rational discourse on topics often shrouded in pseudoscience. The publication aims to provide a platform for skeptical analysis and to inform its readership about events and resources related to skepticism.