JTAP - Vol 1 No 2 - Mar 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue: Vol.1, No.2
Date: March 1980
Publisher: The Research Department of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA LTD.)

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (TAP) marks a significant step towards a more scientific and standardized approach to UFO research. The journal aims to be a reliable source of information, distinguishing itself from sensationalist UFO literature by focusing on research-oriented material, detailed case studies, and peer-reviewed articles.

Key Articles and Content

Why Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena?

This introductory article explains the rationale behind the creation of TAP. The authors, Steve Gamble and Robert Digby, highlight a perceived lack of serious scientific literature on UFOs, citing Dr. Joachim Kuettner's observation that much existing literature is not scientifically credible. They argue that TAP is intended to fill this void, providing a platform for in-depth research and objective reporting. The journal uses a modern A4 format with a reduced print size to maximize content, has minimal advertising, and is economically priced. It aims to be a credible publishing vehicle that can make scientists aware that the UFO subject can be taken seriously.

The Duration of UFO Events

Authored by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and reprinted from the CUFOS Bulletin, this article delves into the analysis of UFO sighting durations. It presents findings from four different studies (Battelle Memorial Institute, Dr. Poher, Allan Hendry, and Fred Merritt's UFOCAT data) which show surprisingly varied results. While some studies suggest similar duration distributions for UFOs and Identified Flying Objects (IFOs), Poher's study indicated a distinct difference. The article discusses the UFOCAT classification system, which categorizes sightings into nine 'strangeness classes.' Merritt's analysis of UFOCAT data suggests that high strangeness cases tend to peak in the 5-14 minute range, while low strangeness cases (likely IFOs) show different patterns. The article concludes that while further work with greater care for the human element in reporting is necessary, the data suggests that genuine UFO events are typically of short duration and localized in time and space, unlike IFOs.

Vehicle Interference Project Report

This article reviews BUFORA's Vehicle Interference Project Report, compiled by Charles F. Lockwood and Anthony R. Pace. The project, initiated in 1973, aimed to research cases where vehicle malfunction was reported during UFO sightings. The report includes a catalogue of over 420 summarized cases spanning 30 years, categorized into four types: Type 1 (no apparent interest or effects), Type 2 (definite interest, pacing, or hovering without effects), Type 3 (physiological or physical effects), and Type 4 (engine/light effects, i.e., electromagnetic effects). The authors note that the phenomenon is vast and that many cases likely remain undiscovered. They invite researchers to contribute data to update and improve the report. The article also touches upon possible explanations for vehicle interference, including Aime Michel's theory of chemical reaction inhibition and James McCampbell's hypothesis regarding headlight reflectors focusing radiation.

Editorial

Anthony Pace's editorial discusses the title choice for the journal, the establishment of the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research at the August '79 Congress, and a summary of a close encounter case in Livingston. He also mentions the ongoing analysis of the Ubatuba magnesium fragment. Pace emphasizes the need for a more realistic and factual view of UFO phenomena, advocating for a common-sense approach to elevate UFO research to a scientific discipline.

Other Content

The issue also includes a "Working Party Report," details on "Ubatuba Magnesium UFO Fragments?", a "Close Encounter in Scotland," an article on "The Application of Low Cost Computing and Data Processing to UFO Reports," and an "Atmospheric Phenomena Log." A section on "Definitions now standardized" provides a formal definition for "UFO Report" and "UFO" as established by the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research.

Reader Responses

Two letters from readers are included. Gerard Butler expresses his desire for life membership in BUFORA and commends the journal's high standard. Philip Taylor agrees with Dr. Kuettner's remarks about the lack of suitable outlets for UFO research and sees TAP as an opportunity to make British scientists more aware of the seriousness of the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pursuit of scientific rigor in UFO research, the importance of accurate data collection and analysis, and the need for standardized terminology and methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a serious, evidence-based approach, aiming to legitimize UFO research as a scientific discipline. The journal actively seeks to differentiate itself from sensationalist publications by focusing on detailed reports, statistical analysis, and credible investigations.

Title: Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue: Vol.1, No.2
Date: March 1979

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena delves into the nature of UFOs, exploring them as potential atmospheric phenomena and detailing advanced instrumentation for their study. It also reports extensively on the First London International UFO Congress and the formation of an international committee, alongside an in-depth investigation into the Ubatuba magnesium fragments.

Article: How To Fingerprint An UFO And 'Hear' Its Light

This article, authored by Russ Reardon, proposes using a photomultiplier, a commercially available electronic device, to identify the origin of UFO light. The photomultiplier, when connected to a pen contour plotter-recorder, can draw an individual 'fingerprint' of the light source by identifying its excitation wavelength. This technique could potentially identify the chemical element or source causing the UFO's light (red, blue, orange, white, or green). The author suggests that such equipment should be operational at UFO sighting locations. Furthermore, the article explains that a photomultiplier can be hooked up to an audio amplifier, converting light vibrations per second into sound, allowing the 'song' or 'hum' of the light source to be heard, which could aid in understanding the mystery. The author emphasizes that this method could amount to 'Physical Evidence' if the equipment is present during an event.

Article: ARE UFOS AN ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENON?

Written by Stuart Campbell, this article hypothesizes that the incidence of UFOs is related to the cooling of the atmosphere, suggesting they are a meteorological phenomenon. The author proposes a mechanism where contracting air could form UFO plasmas, similar to ball lightning. The evidence presented includes a graph (Figure 1) showing a correlation between the number of UFO reports and falling air temperatures, with a peak in UFO activity occurring when air temperature is lowest. The article posits that calm weather conditions are more conducive to the formation of coherent, rotating air circulations that could lead to electromagnetic action and ionization, forming UFO plasmas or ball lightning. It suggests that physical experiments in laboratories might be able to replicate these conditions. The article concludes by stating that more arguments for UFOs being natural phenomena will be presented in a subsequent article.

Article: WORKING PARTY REPORT

This extensive report, edited by David Haisell, details the First London International UFO Congress and the formation of the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research (PICUFOR). The congress, held in London on August 26-27th, 1979, aimed to foster international co-operation in UFO research. The formation of PICUFOR reflects a spirit of co-operation among nations, following an earlier suggestion to the United Nations to set up an 'international clearing house' for UFO research.

The Working Party's objectives included establishing international standards for terminology, definitions, and classifications of UFO phenomena. Discussions also touched upon the application of micro-processors to UFO data and establishing a common data base and software. The report highlights the significant contributions from various countries, particularly France and Scandinavia, noting their governmental co-operation and organized investigative groups.

Key discussions revolved around defining 'UFO Report' and 'UFO'. The Working Party expressed dissatisfaction with the term 'UFO' itself, suggesting 'unidentified phenomena' as a more accurate descriptor, but recognized the futility of changing the established term. They decided to define 'UFO report' first, emphasizing the phenomenon's characteristics over observation conditions. The term 'UFO reporter' also proved difficult to define, with various levels of witnesses and investigators considered.

The report details the challenges in developing a classification system, noting that many organizations are overwhelmed by the volume of reports and require computer assistance. The Working Party suggested that countries already automating UFO report analysis proceed accordingly, while a central provisional committee would work on minimum requirements for a workable international data base.

Representatives from twelve countries participated, with notable figures including Peter Hill (Working Party Secretary), Dr. Allan Hynek (Centre for UFO Studies), and Alain Esterle (Director of GEPAN). The report also mentions the URD project from Sweden, a system for collecting, registering, and evaluating UFO data using computers.

Article: UBATUBA MAGNESIUM - UFO FRAGMENTS?

Compiled by Anthony R. Pace, this article investigates the Ubatuba magnesium fragments, recovered from an alleged UFO incident off the coast of Brazil in 1957. The fragments, described as light and irregular with microscopic cracks, were found to be magnesium of unusually high purity. Initial analyses by various laboratories, including the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Dow Metal Products Co., concluded that the magnesium was terrestrial. However, a structural analysis in 1969 by Dr. Walter W. Walker suggested that the directional solidification of the fragments indicated a potentially advanced culture, as this technique was not widely studied at the time. Further analysis by Robert E. Ogilvie at MIT in 1979 suggested the material could be from weld metal of an exploding aircraft or a reentering satellite, though the structure remained unusual. The article notes the ongoing controversy surrounding the fragments, with further technological advances potentially shedding more light on their true nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the development of new technologies and methodologies for studying UFOs, and the importance of international cooperation in advancing research. The journal consistently promotes a serious, scientific approach to UFO study, encouraging rigorous analysis and the development of standardized procedures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to understand UFOs as potentially natural or even technologically advanced phenomena, while critically evaluating evidence and dismissing unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, Volume 1, Number 2, dated March 1979, features a prominent article titled "CLOSE ENCOUNTER IN SCOTLAND" by Stuart Campbell. The magazine also includes a section on "THE APPLICATION OF LOW COST COMPUTING AND DATA PROCESSING TO UFO REPORTS AND RELATED PROBLEMS" by Malcolm Bull, Steve Gamble, and Robert Digby, and a column titled "ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA LOG" by John Armitage.

Close Encounter in Scotland

The lead article details a remarkable UFO event that occurred on November 9, 1979, in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland. The witness, Robert Taylor, a 64-year-old forester with no prior interest in UFOs, was inspecting young forests when he encountered three separate objects in daylight. The event is noted for taking place in daylight, for the presence of ground markings recorded by local police, for damage to the witness's clothing, and for the witness becoming unconscious.

The Witness

Robert Taylor is described as a 64-year-old, honest, and responsible individual, known for his phlegmatic disposition. He works as a foreman for Livingston Development Corporation and has no prior knowledge of or interest in UFOs. He is in reasonable health and does not drink during working hours.

The Incident

On the morning of November 9, 1979, Taylor left his house at 1000 GMT in a Forestry Department van to inspect forests. He had to leave the van and proceed on foot with his dog. Around 1015, near the M8 motorway, he was confronted by an unusual sight. Initially, he saw a large, stationary, dome-shaped object hovering just above the ground. It was dark grey, with a texture like emery-paper, and appeared partly transparent, suggesting it was attempting to camouflage itself. The object was estimated to be 20 feet (6m) in diameter, with no visible rotation or audible sound.

After about 30 seconds, smaller objects, described as 'mines', appeared from under the large craft and rushed towards him. These objects had a similar color and texture, rolled on a horizontal axis, and made a plopping noise as their 'legs' hit the ground. They attached themselves to Taylor's trousers below the pockets, tugging him towards the large object. Simultaneously, he experienced a strong, acrid smell, similar to burning brake linings, which he associated with the 'mines'. He then felt himself being dragged forward, his feet scraping on the ground, before losing consciousness.

Reconstruction and Physical Traces

Taylor fell face downwards. Upon regaining consciousness, the UFOs had vanished, and only his dog was present. He found he had lost his voice and his legs would not support him. He crawled back up the track, eventually managing to stand and half-stagger, half-crawl to his van. He attempted to use the two-way radio but could not speak. While trying to reverse the van, he backed it off the track into soft ground. He then walked the 1600m back to his house, arriving around 11:30, by which time his voice had returned. His wife, noticing his state, contacted his superior, Mr. Malcolm Drummond, head of the Forestry Department. Drummond accompanied Taylor back to the scene, where they discovered curious marks in the grass that had not been there earlier that morning. These marks, along with his wife's observation of tears on his trousers, convinced many that Taylor was telling the truth.

Later, Taylor was examined by his doctor and sent for a skull X-ray at Bangour Hospital, but he discharged himself. The police were called, and the first press reports appeared on November 10, 1979.

Ground Marks: The ground marks were of two types. Firstly, two isolated ladder-type 'tracks' about 2.5m long and the same distance apart. Each 'rung' was 2-3cm wide and deep, and about 30cm long. The grass between the rungs was flattened. These impressions were only in the grass and did not alter the ground profile. Secondly, 40 holes surrounded the 'tracks', exposing fresh earth. These holes were tapered, up to 10cm wide, with an angle of about 30 degrees to the horizontal. The direction of the angle was consistent, and the holes formed two distinct sets, one circling clockwise and the other anticlockwise, in tandem between the 'tracks'. Blades of grass around the edge of some holes were sheared off.

Clothing Damage: Robert Taylor's trousers and long underpants showed damage. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate tears on each leg of the navy blue serge trousers: the right leg tear was about 65cm up from the bottom, and the left tear was about 76cm up. An S-shaped hole was found on the outside of the left leg of the underpants, corresponding with the tear in the right trouser leg and a graze on Taylor's thigh. A police scientist determined the tears were not caused by burning but likely by a strong mechanical pull upwards or by jumping downwards and catching trousers on projections. The breadth of the tears indicated a broad attachment.

Reconstruction: Reconstructing the events suggests Taylor was unconscious for about 25 minutes. The temperature was 3°C with a light wind from the WSW. A full report for BUFORA's records was in preparation.

The Application of Low Cost Computing and Data Processing to UFO Reports and Related Problems

This section, authored by Malcolm Bull, Steve Gamble, and Robert Digby, discusses the potential for using low-cost computing power to manage UFO information. It was prepared by BUFORA's Computer Sub-Committee prior to the International UFO Congress in August 1979.

Preamble

The availability of affordable computing power is seen as attractive for manipulating UFO data, such as creating sighting lists, sorting by category, managing membership records, and producing reports. The article notes the availability of micro-computers and mini-computers.

Available Hardware & Related Problems

The article examines typical micro-computers like the Commodore PET, Tandy TRS 80, and Apple II. It highlights limitations such as limited memory (4K to 48K RAM), slow cassette tape units for storage, and the restricted capabilities of BASIC interpreters. A test with a PET using two cassette machines to process 1,000 random numbers revealed significant issues, including read/write errors, incomplete processing, and system lock-ups, taking 506 seconds for a task that should have been faster. The conclusion is that cassette tape micro-computers are too slow and inefficient for BUFORA's needs.

Job Requirements

BUFORA's requirements include total computerization of case reports, membership records, and inventories.

Mini-Computers

Mini-computers offer greater storage capacity and faster processing. A small mini-system with a hard disc drive, matrix system, printer, and CPU with 16-64K RAM could cost around £20,000, with additional peripherals potentially raising the cost to over £35,000. The authors conclude that there is no effective solution available on the basis of purchasing hardware at a reasonable cost and do not recommend purchasing basic micro-system units.

Available Alternatives

Since purchasing a mini-system is not feasible, alternatives are explored:

1. Machine Lease: Hiring a machine for the necessary duration, requiring significant capital outlay for media.
2. Time Purchase: Purchasing off-peak time from a software house on a user-time basis, with ownership of database media. This offers low capital outlay and spread costs but restricts access to available times.
3. Borrowed Time: Accessing company, university, or research institute computers, which is deemed unreliable and carries risks of unofficial use.

Conclusions

The most feasible situation for BUFORA is time purchase, allowing for computerization with a modest annual budget. The biggest challenge is the initiation of programs to encode data and the laborious task of typing details. The article suggests modular projects or intensive all-in sessions for data entry.

Appendix 1: Standard Database, Computerisation and Data Exchange

This appendix discusses the need for agreement on data formats for international exchange. It suggests that each user group might have unique data requirements, necessitating conversion programs. The adoption of an "INTERNATIONAL UFO DATA STANDARD" is proposed. It also mentions the need for a standard codebook for uniform encoding of data, such as coloration.

Atmospheric Phenomena Log

This column by John Armitage examines atmospheric phenomena and their relevance to UFO reports.

A Temperature Inversion

A temperature inversion is defined as an increase in temperature with height above the ground, creating a sharp temperature discontinuity. These can occur at various atmospheric levels, often near the ground after nights of radiative cooling. The article suggests that night-time phenomena associated with inversion layers, which act as optical and radar reflectors, might explain some UFO reports. Investigators are advised to check with local Meteorological Offices regarding inversion layer phenomena.

Example Scenario

The article illustrates how vehicle headlights, projected onto an inversion layer in uneven terrain, could create the appearance of lights moving rapidly in the sky, potentially mimicking UFO behavior. Similar effects can be observed with searchlights.

Electrical Phenomena & Inversion Layers

Electrical phenomena, such as brush discharges (visible electrical discharges accompanied by crackling or hissing noises), can occur when relative humidity and temperature are low, often associated with temperature inversions. The "St. Elmo's Fire" phenomenon is given as an example. The "Andes Glow" or "Andes Lights" are also discussed as potential brush discharge phenomena linked to temperature inversion conditions, often occurring towards dawn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article suggests that temperature inversion conditions and associated phenomena are likely responsible for at least some UFO reports that initially appear to have substance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed investigative reporting of specific UFO cases, with a focus on witness testimony, physical evidence, and official responses. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific and technical aspects of UFO research, as evidenced by the articles on data processing and atmospheric phenomena. The journal appears to adopt a serious, analytical approach, aiming to clarify and potentially explain UFO reports through scientific understanding and technological application. The editorial stance seems to be one of thorough investigation and a desire to find rational explanations, while not dismissing the possibility of unexplained phenomena.