JTAP - Vol 2 No 2 - Jan 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, Volume 2, Number 2, dated January 1982, is published by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association Limited. It is devoted to the scientific study of unusual aerial phenomena.

Articles

New Horizons in UFO Research by Peter A. Hill

Peter A. Hill argues that subjective opinion is an obstacle to unbiased observation and that hypotheses are premature and potentially harmful at the current stage of UFO research. He stresses the absolute requirement for scientific method, with a search for patterns in data and correlations with other variables. He advocates for international cooperation with common methods, stating that anything less is partial, parochial, and potentially misleading. The paper was first presented at the SUFOI Conference in Copenhagen in 1980.

Hill notes that for 35 years, UFO reports have been investigated by government authorities in various countries, including Canada, France, the German Federal Republic, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union. He critiques Project Bluebook in the US as being understaffed and inadequate for in-depth investigation. In contrast, he mentions the University of Colorado study directed by Condon, but finds it curiously ambivalent for a scientific study, with some sections excellent while others are based on unsubstantiated speculation.

He emphasizes the need for reliable data, stating that the "selective data syndrome" is a significant risk. Hill calls for the rigorous application of classical scientific method, better quality data, and more thorough investigation. He suggests that training of investigators and analysts needs to be improved globally, noting that Scandinavia's training is likely the best. He believes that progress will be made not by analyzing individual reports but by statistical analysis of groups of reports.

Hill proposes a "strangeness/credibility factor" as a measure of probability, rather than classifying cases as simply IFO (Identified Flying Object) or UFO. He criticizes the tendency of some UFO societies to engage in a "collecting mania" without proper analysis. He stresses that hypotheses should only be developed after patterns and correlations have been identified through statistical analysis.

He concludes by pleading for international cooperation, the application of scientific method in UFO research, and achieving more in the next five years than in the previous thirty.

Meteorological Flying Objects by E.W. Crew

E.W. Crew proposes a meteorological explanation for certain types of flying objects that might otherwise be described as UFOs. He suggests that a stroke of lightning, an electrical discharge in the atmosphere, can create jets of air with high longitudinal velocity. These jets, propelled by the electric field and magnetic field of the discharge, can carry a mass of atmospheric gases and water vapor.

Crew explains that this ejected material, particularly water vapor, can cool and condense in the upper atmosphere, forming streaks of misty material that follow a parabolic trajectory. These streaks would be particularly conspicuous when lit by sunlight and could change shape and position, making them difficult to judge from a distance, especially from a high-flying aircraft.

He further elaborates that if the water vapor in these streaks freezes, the solid particles at the head of the moving column would encounter atmospheric resistance, causing the ice to bunch together, forming a solid lump. He suggests that many reported cases of large lumps of ice falling might be explained by this phenomenon, rather than by hailstones or falls from aircraft. He cites an incident where a large piece of ice, estimated to weigh between one and two kilograms, crashed to the ground nine minutes after a violent lightning flash. Investigations by Dr. R.F. Griffiths suggested that the ice was unlikely to have fallen from an aircraft and was not a giant hailstone. Crew provides calculations to support the idea that such ice lumps could be formed from lightning-generated jets.

Crew concludes that many UFO sightings may have a natural physical explanation, avoiding the less acceptable hypothesis of extraterrestrial intelligences. He also notes similarities between electrical discharge characteristics and astronomical phenomena, suggesting further study in this area.

Are We Alone, or Could They Be in the Asteroid Belt? by Michael D. Papagiannis

Michael D. Papagiannis explores the dilemma of whether humanity is alone in the galaxy or if advanced technological civilizations exist elsewhere. He begins by stating that life has a natural tendency to expand and that advanced civilizations should be capable of interstellar travel, leading to the potential colonization of the entire galaxy.

Papagiannis discusses the shift from the optimism of the 1960s and 70s to a more pessimistic view that we might be the only technological civilization in the galaxy. This change is attributed to observations that life expands to occupy available space, interstellar travel seems attainable (especially with nuclear fusion), and that the galaxy, despite its age, could be colonized relatively quickly.

He argues that if advanced civilizations evolved in our galaxy, it is inevitable that some would have achieved interstellar travel and colonized the entire galaxy, including our solar system. Conversely, if we are alone in our solar system, it is likely we are alone in the galaxy. This implies that the probability factors used in the Drake equation might have been overestimated.

Papagiannis emphasizes the need to search our solar system for signs of other technological civilizations, as the absence of evidence should not be taken as evidence of absence. He considers the asteroid belt as an ideal location for extraterrestrial space colonies. He reasons that such colonies would have easy access to natural resources for mining and would be close enough to the Sun for ample solar energy. He dismisses concerns about the density of meteoroids in the asteroid belt, citing data from the Pioneer missions.

He suggests that the large fragmentation of asteroid belt components might even be the result of mining projects by extraterrestrial colonies. He acknowledges that detecting these colonies would be difficult, as they would be indistinguishable from natural asteroids from a distance and would follow similar orbits. However, he proposes that careful radio observations, infrared observations, and planned space missions could potentially detect evidence of such colonies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a scientific approach to the study of transient aerial phenomena. It emphasizes rigorous data collection, analysis, and the application of scientific method, often contrasting this with speculative or unproven hypotheses. There is a clear stance against unsubstantiated claims and a call for international cooperation and standardization of research methods. The articles explore both terrestrial and potentially extraterrestrial explanations for observed phenomena, with a preference for natural or scientific causes over more exotic ones, while still acknowledging the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial intelligence and its implications.

This issue of JOURNAL TAP, Volume 2, published in 1982, features several articles on UFO phenomena and related scientific topics. The cover story, "ARE WE ALL ALONE, OR COULD THEY BE IN THE ASTEROID BELT?" by Michael D. Papagiannis, explores the possibility of extraterrestrial colonies in the asteroid belt. Other key articles include "Dog meets UFO - a brief survey" by D.G. Butcher, which details numerous instances of dogs reacting to UFOs, and a section on "NASA news" covering space exploration, including discoveries from the Voyager probes and new theories on the origin of the solar system. The issue also includes "MAPIT resources centre" by David Rees, Mark Tyrrell, and Stephen Cleaver, detailing plans for a UFO research archive, and "BUFORA news" covering upcoming conferences and past events.

Are We All Alone, Or Could They Be in the Asteroid Belt?

Michael D. Papagiannis discusses the implications of not having made contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. He posits the "zoo hypothesis" as one explanation for their silence, suggesting that hypothetical neighbors might be observing Earth. A simpler explanation offered is that Earth's rapidly advancing technological society (planes, radio, nuclear bombs, spacecraft) may have caused confusion and indecision among advanced cosmic civilizations, leading them to postpone contact while they debate whether to crush or help humanity. The asteroid belt is proposed as a natural hide-out for these colonies, allowing them to remain inconspicuous until humans actively search for them. The author concludes that while the idea of extraterrestrial colonies in the asteroid belt sounds like science fiction, the arguments presented warrant serious consideration and investigation before concluding that humanity is alone in the galaxy.

Dog Meets UFO - A Brief Survey

D.G. Butcher presents a comprehensive survey of reported encounters between dogs and UFOs, categorizing them into four main headings: cases of fright on the part of the dog (mild and severe), cases of defiance, attempted abduction of dogs, and traces of a giant dog in the vicinity of a UFO sighting.

Cases of Fright on the Part of the Dog

• Mild Alarm: Usually results in barking and howling, drawing the human witness's attention. Examples include dogs baying at a "great cloud cigar" in France (1954), a barking dog alerting children to a UFO entity (1954), a dog awakening a witness to a luminous ball in Montreal (1964), and dogs awakening a man in a Florida swamp in 1966, who was subsequently knocked unconscious.
• Severe Fright: Dogs exhibiting more extreme reactions. Examples include howling dogs in Paris, Texas (1896), dogs awakening boys near Sydney, Australia (1965), dogs whining at a UFO in North Berkshire (1966), dogs making a "dreadful noise" in France (1954), and dogs running as if fleeing from a UFO, as seen in the Cappoquin photograph.
• Specific Incidents: A dog in Surrey (1965) sat down and refused to move, while its owner saw "two head-lamps." In another case near Runcorn (no date/1967), a dog's hair stood on end. In South Wales (1965), a dog became very frightened by a bright light. In France (1954), a dog howled loudly, and later crawled on its belly, when a UFO was seen near railway lines. An Alsatian dog in Weymouth (1967) was very distraught and refused to "sit" during multiple UFO visits. A bitch in Valence, France (1954) howled miserably, and other dogs in the village joined in, with the dog trembling for three days.

Cases of Defiance on the Part of the Dog

• Fear of Dog Shown by UFO Entities: An American working in Austria (1951) reported that a UFO occupant was frightened away by a dog's barking. In Valence, France (1954), a UFO occupant climbed back into its craft when it saw a dog. Similarly, in Perpignan, France (1954), a man emerging from a reddish object was scared by barking dogs.
• Positive Defensive Action Taken Against Dogs by UFO Occupants: In Corbierres, France (1954), a dog that ran towards two beings emerging from a UFO became partially paralyzed. A similar account from Manosque, France (1954) describes a dog becoming semi-paralyzed after approaching a UFO. In Tucuman, South America (1963), three dogs became listless and enervated by beams of light from UFOs, but later began to howl when the beams fluctuated.

The Attempted Abduction of Dogs by UFO Occupants

• Point Pleasant, USA (1967): Barking dogs drew attention to a UFO descending a hill, which then changed direction. Three dogs disappeared in the Point Pleasant area in Autumn 1966, coinciding with UFO appearances.
• Everittstown, New Jersey (1957): A non-human entity associated with a luminous egg-shaped object spoke to John Trasco, asking for his dog. The dog was barking furiously.
• Dante, Tennessee (no date): A 12-year-old boy found his dog with a group of other dogs near an elongated egg-like object. One man grabbed at the dog, which growled, and then picked up another dog that bit him.

Traces of a Giant Dog in the Vicinity of a UFO Sighting

• Vereeniging, South Africa (1963): Two men saw an "exceptionally large dog" and later investigated, being buzzed by a UFO.
• Charleston, West Virginia, USA (1967): A large metal sphere was seen hovering above the road. Months later, investigators found "very strange footprints in the mud" that were not dog tracks but suggested an animal weighing 200-400 pounds. These are compared to legends of spectral animals and the "Surrey puma."

Other incidents include dogs panicking and running in Argentina (1967), a dog bounding off into a swamp near a UFO nest site in Queensland, Australia (1967), a dog trembling after a UFO contact in the case of Betty and Barney Hill (1961), a shepherd dog crushed to death in Ohio, USA (no date), and mutilated dogs examined by John Keel. A dog was killed by slag falling from a UFO in Maury Island (1947), and another was paralyzed in Argentina (1968). Disappearances of dogs near UFO sightings were common in West Virginia and Ohio in 1967. Encounters with "errant hairy monsters" in Florida sometimes involved dogs being aggressive or refusing to pursue. A case of a wolf or large dog ravaging sheep in Wales (1904) is also mentioned. A dog belonging to Charles Garreau in Chalais, France (1954) was patted by UFO entities.

NASA News

'LIFE IN SPACE' WATCH ENDS

The United States' six-year project to listen for extraterrestrial civilizations ended on September 30, amid criticism for budget cuts. Astronomers condemned the decision as "penny pinching" and a "tragic lack of imagination." The project aimed to detect signals from planets orbiting other stars using large radio telescopes. The scrapping of a computer program to separate artificial signals from natural radio emissions was particularly deplored, as it was nearing completion.

Voyager Discoveries

Unexpected discoveries about Jupiter's moons Ganymede and Callisto have sparked debate about their origins. While scientists previously expected them to be similar, Voyager 1 and 2 flybys in 1979 revealed Ganymede has a bimodal face, suggesting internal heating, contrasting with Callisto's uniformly cratered surface. Callisto is a frozen sphere with numerous craters, remnants from four billion years ago. Ganymede's surface shows brighter areas with grooves, possibly due to internal heating that melted or weakened ice. Scientists Cassen, Reynolds, and Peale suggest formation heat, radioactive energy, and tidal dissipation as sources for this heating, with radioactive effects being the most significant.

Voyager 2 Reaches Saturn

NASA's Voyager 2 reached Saturn on August 25, 1981, passing 101,000 kilometers above the planet's cloud tops. Voyager 1, which flew past in November 1980, is moving out of the ecliptic plane. Despite some camera issues, Voyager 1 is expected to continue sending data for years. Voyager 2's mission was reprogrammed based on Voyager 1's findings, particularly regarding Saturn's complex ring system and unexplained phenomena. Saturn's belts and zones are muted by a haze layer. Saturn generates almost twice the heat it receives from the Sun, likely due to gravitational separation of helium. Winds at Saturn's equator can reach 1,800 km/hour, decreasing to near zero at 35 degrees latitude. Saturn's orbit takes 29.46 years, and its day is 10 hours, 39 minutes, 26 seconds.

New Theory on Origin of Solar System

Dr. Theodore Bunch and Dr. Sherwood Chang propose a new theory on the solar system's origin. Previously, it was thought the solar system formed from a contracting cloud of interstellar matter. Their research on carbonaceous chondrites suggests these meteorites, containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, are not primitive. They found evidence that the clays within these meteorites formed in ways similar to Earth clays, indicating they originated from a parent body that experienced water-rock reactions. This suggests that water and water-soluble materials, including organic compounds, may have been present in these bodies before the solar system formed. They theorize that meteorites originally formed in interstellar space before the solar system's formation, over 4.5 billion years ago. Their "cosmic raisin muffin model" suggests that early solar system bodies were composed of ice and rocky material, with carbonaceous meteorites forming closer to the Sun. The heat from radioactive decay (aluminum 26) or collisions could have melted ice, forming clays. Other researchers support this, noting that the decay of aluminum 26 could have provided the necessary heat.

Diamonds Found in Antarctic Meteorite

Tiny diamond crystals have been found in a 10.4-kilogram iron meteorite collected from the Antarctic ice cap in 1977. This is the second iron-type meteorite found with diamonds. The diamonds are believed to have been produced by a shock pressure from a collision in space, as the meteorite is too small to have produced such pressure upon impact with Earth. These diamonds have no commercial value and are evidence of a collision in the asteroid belt millions of years ago. The meteorite is likely a fragment of an asteroid. The Antarctic ice cap has yielded over 1000 new meteorite specimens since 1976, including various types of stony meteorites and some unusual specimens.

MAPIT Resources Centre

David Rees, Mark Tyrrell, and Stephen Cleaver outline the need for and establishment of the MAPIT resources centre. They highlight the increasing volume of information in UFO research and the lack of accessible data. The centre aims to provide a comprehensive collection of reference material, including subjects beyond UFO research, making information available to all interested parties. It will utilize a 'Sinclair ZX-81' computer for indexing and cataloguing, creating General, Subject, and Abstract indexes. The centre will be accessible via telephone, mail, and personal visits. They appeal for donations of materials such as news clippings, old magazines, tapes, and photographs, and have established a support fund for purchasing items. The centre will need to charge for information to cover running costs.

BUFORA News

National Conference 1982

The 1982 BUFORA National Conference is scheduled for March 13-14 in Edinburgh. Registration begins on March 12. The conference will feature papers from professional scientists, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek and colleagues from CUFOS. A symposium on a close encounter case by Robert Taylor of Livingston is planned. A special dinner and a trip to the Livingston encounter site are also organized. Applications should be sent to Peter A. Hill.

Kensington Lectures 1982

A series of lectures are scheduled for Saturday evenings at Kensington Central Library, London W8, from January to April 1982. Topics include "Southern Stranger," "Substance and shadow in the ETH," "Seeing and believing - religious responses to UFO experience," "The interface between the UFO report and new information," and "Alien intelligence."

The Power of the Media

A mention on London Weekend Television's "Area Information" spot for the 1981 Congress led to a flood of calls from viewers seeking more information.

Second London International Congress

This event, held on May 24-25, 1981, at the Mount Royal Hotel, London, was preceded by a meeting of the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research (PICUR). Nearly two hundred delegates attended. Proceedings included talks on "Are you sure you have your facts right?" by Bob Digby, "The Possible Influence of Black Holes on Space Travel" by Nigel Henbest, and a report on the PICUR meeting. Post-lunch sessions featured a talk by Bruce Maccabee on UFO origin theories and a presentation by Philippe Schneider on the Isosoles Theory. David Haisell of Canada spoke on "The Need for Collaboration - The Canadian Experience," highlighting Project UFOCAN. Displays of materials from FUFOR, BUFORA, and other organizations were present.

BUFORA "Flying Saucer Review" Paper

Charles Bowen presented "Reflections of an Editor," discussing problems and incidents encountered during his time as editor of FSR. Stuart Campbell discussed the Livingston close encounter case witnessed by Robert Taylor. Hilary Evans led a discussion on "Psychic phenomena and UFOs: Is there a connection?"

New Zealand Film and Remote Sensing

A talk was given on a film taken by an Australian TV crew off the coast of New Zealand, presented by Dr. Bruce Maccabee. This was followed by films on remote sensing and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Fatima Case Paper

Joaquim Fernandes presented a paper on the Fatima case in Portugal, suggesting possible extra-terrestrial interference based on research into events witnessed by three young girls in 1917. This research forms the basis of a book titled "Extra-terrestrial Interference at Fatima."

Discussion Groups and Presentations

Delegates participated in discussion groups on topics such as vehicle interference cases and a code of ethics for investigators. Norman Oliver gave a presentation on Close Encounter Experiences. Bruce Maccabee discussed theories of UFO origin. Philippe Schneider presented the Isosoles Theory. David Haisell discussed Project UFOCAN and the need for collaboration among Canadian UFO groups.

Congress Displays and Thanks

Exhibition areas featured displays from FUFOR, the BUFORA Punched Card System, and Journal UFO. A BUFORA bookstall was also present. Thanks were extended to BUFORA members and Grand Metropolitan Hotels for making the Congress a success.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent questions of extraterrestrial life and contact, the observable phenomena associated with UFO sightings, and the scientific and organizational efforts to investigate these matters. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages serious investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting both scientific research (like NASA's space exploration and meteorite studies) and anecdotal evidence (dog reactions, close encounters) with a degree of open-mindedness. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of information gathering, archiving, and inter-organizational collaboration, as seen in the MAPIT and BUFORA sections. The editorial stance seems to be one of advocating for continued research and exploration into the unknown, whether it be in space or in the realm of unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous scientific methodology and critical analysis.

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 2/1
Date: October 24, 1981
Publisher: Bufora Journal
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, published by Bufora Journal, focuses on UFO research and related news. It features contributions from prominent figures in the field and aims to promote scientific analysis and international cooperation in ufology.

BUFORA NEWS

The BUFORA NEWS section reports on the success of an international congress, which served as a focal point for co-ordination and co-operation in UFO research. The congress facilitated the formulation of new projects that transcended group and national boundaries, with many new ideas emerging. Several working parties were formed to continue discussions throughout the main congress.

Key Individuals in BUFORA NEWS:

• David Haisell: Director of Unexplained Phenomena Investigations Research Inc. and Editor of 'Journal UFO'. He has been instrumental in bringing together Canadian UFO societies and is a member of the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research.
• Peter Hill: BUFORA Edinburgh and International Liaison.
• Dr. Bruce Maccabee: Appointed Chairman of the Fund for Research Inc. in Maryland, USA. He is an optical physicist known for his extensive investigation of New Zealand airborne sightings.
• Stuart Campbell: A member of the BUFORA Edinburgh Branch and the lead investigator of a close encounter at Livingston.
• Bertil Kuhlemann: Head of Computer Services for the WA Administrative Department of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science. With 20 years of experience in ufology, he founded the International UFO Reporting and Data System.

Correspondence

This section includes a letter from Stuart Campbell and a response from Peter A. Hill.

Stuart Campbell's Letter:

Stuart Campbell addresses the 'natural theory' of UFOs, acknowledging its descent from Philip Klass's plasma hypothesis. He states that he has developed a more rigorous theory, suggesting that UFOs are a natural atmospheric phenomenon that is either unknown or unusual. Campbell clarifies that his theory does not suggest physical traces or cattle mutilations are due to hallucinations, but rather natural phenomena and hooliganism, respectively. He also discusses the increase in UFO sightings since 1947, attributing it to factors like publicity and the efficiency of post-war news media, and questions whether UFOs are a modern or age-old phenomenon.

Peter A. Hill's Response:

Peter A. Hill responds to Campbell's paper, finding it a refreshing change from negative attitudes. He discusses the challenges of defining UFOs and the validity of opinion polls on the subject. Hill agrees with Vallee and Hynek that the UFO report is the primary data requiring definition. He explains the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research's (PICUR) approach to definition, which evolved from Hynek's work by removing the word 'object' and references to 'in the sky or on the ground'. Hill acknowledges that the definition is not final and is seen as a facet to be refined. He also touches upon Hind's concern about overlooking alien craft reports due to psychological evaluations. Hill finds Campbell's argument about 'open' and 'closed' definitions useful but notes the Condon Report's view that the 'open' definition is untenable. He concludes by applauding Campbell for his contribution to the evolution of a satisfactory definition, noting the need for constructive input rather than 'snipers'.

Aims and Scope of the Journal

This section details the purpose and focus of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (Journal TAP). It states that ufological research has progressed from speculation to scientific analysis. The journal aims to provide a forum for scientists and researchers to present ideas, investigations, and statistical analysis, promoting a broad scope, clear comment, and scientific rigor. It intends to be an international publication that serves to further knowledge of the cosmos and benefit mankind.

Notes for Contributors:

Detailed guidelines are provided for authors submitting manuscripts. Contributions should preferably be in English, typed double-spaced on A4 paper with wide margins, and submitted in duplicate. Authors are encouraged to be concise. The manuscript should include the author's name, affiliation, an abstract of about 100 words, and mathematical symbols should be clear. Illustrations should be kept to a minimum and drawn in black ink on white paper. Photographs should be glossy prints. Tables should be suitable for direct reproduction. References should be quoted in the text and grouped at the end, following a specific format. Dates should be in astronomical convention (e.g., 1977 August 06), and times should use the 24-hour clock and Universal Time (UT).

The Editorial Board reserves the right to seek advice from referees and to accept, revise, or reject manuscripts. If a manuscript is deemed unsuitable for Journal TAP, it may be forwarded to the Editor of Bufora Journal. Book reviews and letters are also considered. Authors are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for publication. All opinions expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bufora.

Contents

The contents page lists the following articles:

• NEW HORIZONS IN UFO RESEARCH - PETER A HILL
• METEOROLOGICAL FLYING OBJECTS - E W CREW
• ARE WE ALL ALONE, OR COULD THEY BE IN THE ASTEROID BELT - MICHAEL D PAPAGIANNIS
• DOG MEETS UFO - D G BUTCHER
• MAPIT RESOURCES CENTRE - D REES, M TYRRELL & S CLEAVER
• NASA NEWS
• BUFORA NEWS

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of clear definitions in ufology, and the promotion of international collaboration among researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous scientific inquiry, open discussion, and the development of a more systematic approach to understanding UFOs, moving beyond mere speculation. There is a clear emphasis on the need for constructive contributions to the field and a desire to foster a more cohesive and cooperative research community.