JTAP - Vol 2 No 3 - July 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue Date: July 1982
Volume: 2, Number 3
Publisher: British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association
ISSN: 0143-8840
Price: £1.60

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena is devoted to the scientific study of unusual aerial phenomena. It features articles that delve into the psychological and psychosocial aspects of UFO sightings, challenging purely physical explanations and advocating for a more witness-centered approach to investigation.

The 'Dark Side' of the UFO: Psychosocial Influences and Witness-Centered Investigation

Ernst Berger's article, "The Dark Side of the UFO," presents findings from surveying 30 years of UFO literature and studying 100 Austrian UFO reports. Berger, along with Luis Schönherr, posits that psychosocial influences play a significant role in UFO experiences. The paper argues that a "dark side" can be traced in published cases and studied experimentally through clinical psychology and psychiatry. The authors suggest that a new, witness-centered investigation technique is needed, particularly for "close encounters," and a different scientific attitude towards UFO phenomenology. They hypothesize that progress in psychosocial disciplines will help to "brighten" the "dark side" of the UFO, moving away from crude, spiritistic approaches.

The article emphasizes that the UFO problem is primarily linked to the "human self-portrait" of our time, meaning the degree of scientifically-based awareness researchers have of themselves and the witnesses. Berger critiques the traditional approach to UFO investigations, which often focuses on documenting the phenomenon with instrumentation rather than understanding the witness's subjective reality. He quotes J.A. Hynek, who realized his experience with UFOs was secondhand, observed through others' eyes. The "police approach" to case reports, which prioritizes understanding the reporter, is contrasted with the "at face value approach" of UFO studies. This psychosocial reality of the reporter can be checked after the incident, unlike the subjective reality of the witnessed incident, which is shaped by its psychosocial context.

Berger discusses the limitations of conventional investigation procedures, noting that for both European and Australian cases, single witness events constitute about 50% or more. He suggests that while comparing independent observation reports is valid, it's not always possible due to the social nature of multiple-witness sightings. The article stresses the importance of understanding that most field investigations are social situations and that human communication heavily influences perceived reality.

Material and Methods

The authors describe their modified field investigation procedures, which are now witness-centered. They note that over 100 Austrian field investigations, including "local flap" studies, have shown that the standard investigation procedure is insufficient. They highlight that compared to technical aspects, the psychosocial dimension of UFO phenomena received marginal interest until 1977. Results from studies by Sprinkle and Schwarz are cited, indicating that UFO landing witnesses do not deviate from the general population in age, sex, occupation, or activity, and that psychiatric studies have not traced psychopathological reactions or UFO-induced paranoia.

However, the article also presents counterpoints, such as Walker's case study of a UFO alcoholic hallucination and Schönherr's speculation about hallucinatory elements in UFO experiences. Hallucinations are described as a side effect caused by conditions in the vicinity of the UFO, allowing subconscious or unconscious images to become indistinguishable from real experiences. Cases of paranoid episodes involving UFO researchers are also mentioned.

The 'Mirror Effect'

A significant concept introduced is the "mirror effect," which suggests that psychic elements, thoughts, wishes, experiences, and models of the witness, along with shapes from their memory, may flow into the UFO experience and form parts of the phenomenal details. This effect is confirmed by "artificial UFO" experiments and similar processes observed in studies of religious visions. Examples include a case where a Brazilian Indian, expecting to see ancestral ghosts, instead saw angels from his Christian education. Another case involves a witness in Lower Austria who, after experiencing personal problems under the Nazi regime and feeling persecuted, encountered a landed object and was offered a leadership role, which was interpreted as a delusional product shaped by his social isolation and paranoid political ideas.

Another example of the "mirror effect" is the "recognizing" of object features by a witness in a second observation at a different location. The connecting line between these alleged observations was not the surroundings or the phenomenon itself, but the witness. The article suggests that for highly intelligent witnesses, investigators should ask about structured objects and their potential resemblance to prior experiences or emotional importance.

Curved and 'Rope-Ladder' Light Beams

Geoffrey Falla contributes a section on "Curved and 'Rope-Ladder' Light Beams." This phenomenon, characterized by solid or coherent light described as tubes, sometimes compared to neon tubes, is noted for its slow propagation, truncated appearance, and the ability to pass through solid objects without casting a shadow. Several cases are presented where the beam is described as unrolling "like a rope ladder" or "rope being uncoiled." This feature is highlighted as a distinct variation worthy of attention.

• Cases detailed include:
• September 1956, Serdon, France: A light from a dark, nebulous object descended slowly, unrolling like a rope ladder, changing the colors of illuminated objects and causing a tingling sensation. The object then performed a right-angled turn and vanished.
• September 1965, Col d'Aspin, France: Two UFOs emitted a "slow flash of lightning" from which a white, threadlike light emerged and descended like a rope ladder.
• August 29, 1967, Oka, Canada: A beam of "solid light" from a UFO rose and then fell, creating a transparent bell-shaped "wall" that illuminated a circular region on the ground.
• January 1, 1970, Vancouver, Canada: An anomalous object emitted a curved, chopped light beam, described as a thin neon tube, which disappeared in a flash.
• October 30, 1971, Tocopilla, Chile: A curved light beam emerged from a craft, resembling a jet of water from a garden hose.

The article concludes by suggesting that these phenomena described as curved and rope ladder light beams may have a common origin.

Discussion and Conclusion

The journal discusses the paradox of UFO evidence, where bizarre reports are refused by scientific authorities but accepted by many because they appeal to unconscious needs. The existing gap between culture and technology is seen as a factor. The article argues that while physical approaches have improved life, they cannot solve central human problems, leading to dissatisfaction and anti-scientific movements. The conflict between spiritism and animism in parapsychology is noted. The authors suggest that belief in supernatural intelligence cannot be proven or disproven by modern science. They polemically state that the "new age of darkness" and "new regression in human thought" feared by UFO spiritists may be a projection of their own fearful thinking. Ultimately, the journal posits that "human beings with unconscious feelings and wishes, are the dark side of the UFO mystery." Understanding ourselves is key to understanding the true meaning of the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and psychosocial dimensions of UFO experiences, challenging the purely physical or extraterrestrial explanations. The editorial stance clearly favors a more introspective and human-centered approach to UFO research, emphasizing the importance of the witness's mental state and subjective reality. The journal promotes a critical examination of UFO phenomena, moving beyond simplistic or spiritistic interpretations towards a deeper understanding of how human consciousness and societal factors interact with these unexplained events. The "mirror effect" and "witness-centered investigation" are presented as crucial tools for this new approach.

This issue of JOURNAL TAP, Volume 2, Issue 2, dated July 1982, focuses on "CURVED AND 'ROPE-LADDER' LIGHT BEAMS" as described by Geoffrey Falla. The magazine also delves into the controversial topic of using hypnosis in UFO abduction cases and announces upcoming ufological conferences and seminars.

Reported Sightings of Curved and 'Rope-Ladder' Light Beams

The article by Geoffrey Falla details several sightings of unusual luminous phenomena:

• July 4, 1972, Ellezelles, Belgium: A young farmer observed bluish light beams in the shape of arcs descending from a stationary luminous 'cloud'. These beams touched the ground at three points in a circle before retracting. The process repeated several times.
• November 17, 1977: Nine people observed an object that varied in size and color, emitting a pattern of curved light beams.
• May 21, 1977, Poole, Dorset: Witnesses saw 'dancing discs' and a silvery-grey disc-shaped object. A whitish beam of light extended from the object's underside to the ground, which then vanished.
• October 29, 1973, Traunstein, Austria: Two witnesses saw a yellow-orange globe emitting two curved beams resembling 'snail feelers'. Later, a disc-shaped object with similar 'feelers' was observed. Other unidentified objects were also seen.
• June 15, 1981, Rawtenstall, Lancashire: Four groups witnessed a golden oval object with two white lights on the underside. It dropped a 'ladder' into woods.
• October 26, 1981, Keighley, Yorkshire: Two 'planked shaped' objects with bright lights were observed low in the sky. They appeared to 'cloud over' and curl up on themselves.

The article notes that these cases draw comparisons to 'rope ladder' phenomena and curved beams, suggesting that a curved light beam might be better understood if the light emission is present along the entire beam rather than from a single source. French researcher Jean Goupil's theory suggests these light tubes are toroidal discharges of a magnetic field.

Hypnotic Fantasies: The Reliability of Hypnosis in UFO Abduction Cases

This extensive section, authored by Steuart Campbell, critically examines the reliance of the UFO movement on hypnosis to support abduction claims. The article highlights research and opinions from various experts:

• Alvin H. Lawson's Experiment: A 1977 experiment induced imaginary UFO abductions in subjects who were then hypnotically questioned. Their accounts showed "no substantive differences" from tales of actual abductions, raising questions about the credibility of hypnotic recall.
• Philip J. Klass and James A. Harder: Klass reviewed the controversy, while Harder argued that Lawson's paper might lead to the conclusion that all abduction reports are imaginary. Lawson later revised his findings, acknowledging crucial differences (like multiple witnesses and physical effects) that distinguish real abductions from imaginary ones, but still warned about the potential for fabrication and subtle confusion.
• Martin T. Orne: A recognized authority on hypnosis, Orne's work is cited as demolishing the premises of using hypnosis to substantiate UFO abduction tales. Orne warned that individuals can feign hypnosis and deceive even experienced hypnotists, and that subjects can willfully lie or confabulate details.
• Confabulation and Suggestion: Orne emphasized that hypnotic suggestions can lead subjects to fill in plausible but fabricated details, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of recalled memories. He noted that leading questions, even seemingly innocuous ones, can inadvertently guide a subject's recall.
• Pseudo-Memories: Orne suggested that hypnosis can generate 'pseudo-memories' that become incorporated into a person's memory store as if they were real, especially if the hypnotist has preconceived beliefs about what occurred.
• Procedural Safeguards: Orne proposed four important safeguards for hypnotic investigation: 1) conducted by a trained psychiatrist or psychologist; 2) hypnotist unaware of case facts; 3) all interactions videotaped; 4) only the subject and hypnotist present during the session.
• Ernest R. Hilgard and Josephine R. Hilgard: Ernest Hilgard, a noted hypnosis expert, commented that using hypnotic recall as evidence in UFO abduction cases is an "abuse of hypnosis" due to the role of fantasy and the potential for fabrication. Josephine R. Hilgard's work on the role of fantasy in hypnosis is also referenced.

Television and Research News

• BBC-2 "HORIZON" Documentary: A planned 1982 documentary on UFOs was mentioned, featuring interviews with Allan Hendry and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, as well as sceptics Phillip Klass and Robert Schaeffer. Dr. Alvin Lawson's theory on birth trauma stimulating abduction memories and Dr. Michael Persinger's views on piezo-electric effects were also to be included. The documentary was expected to conclude that UFOs are often regarded as a religious belief.
• New Zealand Movie Film Case: Extensive analysis of a famous New Zealand movie film case was conducted, with Dr. Bruce Maccabbee discussing his work.

Upcoming Events

• United Kingdom 3rd International UFO Congress 1983: Organized by BUFORA LTD, this event aimed to promote scientific interest in UFO reports and was to be held near High-Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, featuring international researchers.
• Kensington Lectures 1982: Included talks like "Averley Abduction - a new look" by Andy Collins and "There's more to UFO than meets the eye" by Peter Warrington.
• Manchester Seminar: Titled "Investigator & Witness," this seminar at the University of Manchester included lectures and practical exercises.
• Salzburg Seminar: First International UPIAR Colloquium on Human Sciences and UFO Phenomena (July 26-29, 1982): This seminar in Salzburg, Austria, focused on the psychological and sociological components of UFO reports, including eyewitness testimony and perception mechanisms. Topics included experimental psychology, sociology, epistemology, and case histories. The proceedings were to be published by UPIAR.

New Research Body

The ORGANISATION for SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION of AERIAL PHENOMENA (OSEAP) was formed by the merger of F.U.F.O.R. and the M.A.P.P.I.T. Resources Centre. OSEAP issues the OSEAP Journal, with editorial enquiries directed to Crewe, Cheshire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of unusual aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on critical examination of evidence, particularly concerning the reliability of witness testimony obtained through hypnosis. The magazine also serves as a platform for announcing and promoting ufological research, conferences, and seminars, indicating a commitment to advancing the scientific study of UFOs while maintaining a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the subject matter. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a cautious interpretation of evidence, especially when dealing with subjective accounts influenced by psychological factors.

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue: pp59-60
Volume: VOL 2
Date: April 1982
Publisher: Bufora
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena features a 'CORRESPONDENCE' section with several contributions debating various aspects of UFO research and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

'Natural' Theory rebuttal by Manfred Cassierer

Manfred Cassierer writes from London, dated April 1982, to address Mr. Campbell's advocacy of theoretical explanations for UFOs that Cassierer believes fail to explain the phenomenon. He acknowledges Campbell's high standards but suggests that the data, which are all that investigators have to work with, might be psychological rather than physical in nature. Cassierer questions whether UFOs are ordinary physical objects familiar to science. He posits that the UFO Phenomenon, which he considers a "greatest scientific problem of our time," includes bizarre features like humanoids and abduction scenarios, and touches upon science fiction, parapsychology, folklore, and Jungian archetypal images, while excluding concepts like leylines, dragons, and Atlantis. Cassierer asserts that UFOs are a post-war phenomenon and that isolated natural occurrences do not explain their gargantuan, worldwide prevalence. He concludes that UFOs are not, despite appearances, from Outer Space.

'In appreciation' by A Agostinelli

A. Agostinelli from Argentina, writing in September 1981, expresses thanks for the journal's review and considers it a significant contribution to scientific ufology of high quality. Agostinelli offers to exchange their bulletins on UFOs from Argentina for further issues of Journal TAP. They also offer to provide information on the UFO situation in Argentina if required.

'Papagiannis' by Steuart Campbell

Steuart Campbell, writing from Edinburgh in February 1982, critiques Michael Papagiannis's claims regarding intelligent life in the galaxy. Papagiannis suggested that either the galaxy is teeming with intelligent life, or there is none, even in our solar system. Campbell questions whether Papagiannis underestimated the challenges of interstellar travel, particularly the psychological and cultural problems for a community undertaking a 500-year journey. He argues that mankind will likely not travel to the stars until journeys can be completed within a single lifetime, citing the possibility of constant 1G acceleration to achieve near-light speeds. Campbell estimates that a race might colonize the galaxy in 10 million years, but Sagan's estimate of civilization lasting only 10,000 years suggests limited colonization within that timeframe. He proposes that the absence of alien signals doesn't mean aliens don't exist, but rather that there may be few of them or they are not nearby. Campbell dismisses Papagiannis's assumption that aliens would inhabit the asteroid belt and not contact us, calling it naive. He argues that intelligent beings would prefer planets and that if aliens arrived before humans, they could have colonized Earth. Campbell concludes that Papagiannis's arguments are "specious, unsound, speculative, implausible and naive" and contribute nothing to the discussion. He states that finding no alien culture in our asteroid belt proves nothing until the galaxy is explored or aliens are encountered.

In a postscript (P.S.), Campbell questions why Papagiannis's article was published in JTAP if there is no evidence connecting UFOs with aliens. He also criticizes the journal for repeating content from the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggesting that JTAP should focus on its specialized subject matter to avoid blurring distinctions between journals.

Journal Aims and Scope

The journal aims to cover research and investigation into unidentified flying object (UFO) phenomena, applying scientific analysis and evaluation methods. It seeks to provide a forum for scientists and researchers to discuss ideas, present investigation results, and analyze statistics. The journal intends to offer an international platform for publishing results with scientific rigor, aiming to further knowledge of the cosmos and benefit mankind.

Notes for Contributors

Contributions are welcome from around the world, preferably in English, and should be submitted to the Editor-in-chief in Whittlesey, Peterborough, UK. Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced on A4 paper, in duplicate, with wide margins, and include an abstract of about 100 words. Authors' names and affiliations should be clearly stated. Mathematical symbols should be unambiguous, and illustrations should be kept to a minimum, drawn in black ink on white paper, with clear lettering. Photographs should be glossy prints. Tables should be suitable for direct reproduction. References should be quoted in the text and listed numerically at the end. Dates should follow astronomical convention (e.g., 1977 August 06), and times should use the 24-hour clock with Universal Time (UT) where possible. The Editorial Board reserves the right to seek advice from referees, accept, revise, or reject manuscripts, and may forward unsuitable submissions to the Bufora Journal. Book reviews and letters are also considered. Authors are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for material publication, and opinions expressed are their own.

Contents

The contents page lists articles such as "THE DARK SIDE OF THE UFO" by ERNST BERGER, "CURVED AND ROPE LADDER LIGHT BEAMS" by G FALLA, and "HYNOTIC FANTASIES" by STEUART CAMBELL, along with BUFORA NEWS, UPIAR SEMINAR, and CORRESPONDENCE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFOs, the scientific approach to ufology, and the debate on the existence and characteristics of alien civilizations. The journal positions itself as a platform for rigorous scientific discussion, encouraging international contributions and aiming to advance knowledge in the field. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical evidence and scientific methodology, as seen in the critique of speculative arguments and the emphasis on clear, concise contributions from researchers.