1976 - Science Paper 1 David Viewing INSTRUMENTS & DETECTION

Magazine Overview

This document is BUFORA Science Paper 1, titled "The Use of Analytical Instruments in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Spacecraft." It was presented by David Viewing of the Extra-Terrestrial Society at the first National Research and Investigations Conference in Stoke on Trent, England, in May 1975. The paper was published in January 1976. The cover price was 30 pence for members and 50 pence for non-members.

Introduction by Tony Pace FRAS

Tony Pace FRAS introduces David Viewing, an electronic engineer specializing in scientific instrument design. Pace highlights Viewing's distinction between the search for extra-terrestrial spacecraft and the investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Viewing's work aims to detect potential spacecraft from other civilizations.

David Viewing's Presentation

David Viewing clarifies that his work is not about looking for UFOs but rather about investigating the possibility that other civilizations might manufacture and send spacecraft on exploratory missions. The Extra-Terrestrial Society (ETS) aims to evaluate the detectability of such spacecraft. Viewing states that the ETS is in the initial stages of experimental examination and that the popular interpretation of UFOs as extraterrestrial technology aligns with their concept of how such technology might operate.

The ETS, established in 1971, is a small, independent, and selective organization focused on research. Its membership primarily consists of professional scientists and engineers. The society does not have regular publications or hold meetings. Viewing expresses that most members privately believe the UFO phenomenon is explicable by natural terrestrial phenomena and encourages organizations to focus more on understanding natural phenomena.

Viewing introduces the concept of "starships" for extra-terrestrial spacecraft, noting that their existence is not excluded even if UFOs are not extraterrestrial, as starships might be subtle. He discusses gamma radiation, which is electromagnetic radiation emitted by radioactive materials, and its use in identifying material sources through spectral signatures.

To cross interstellar space, starships would require immense energy and high speeds, potentially on time scales of tens to hundreds of years. Groups are researching propulsion methods for starships, and this knowledge could be applicable to other civilizations. The ETS focuses on concepts that can be worked with on Earth, not speculative "magic" means.

Propulsion Methods and Detectability

Viewing outlines four potential methods for extracting vast amounts of energy: nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, annihilation of matter and anti-matter, and gravitation. He notes that while matter-anti-matter annihilation is speculative due to the difficulty of manufacturing anti-matter, it offers 100% energy efficiency. Gravitation is also considered speculative.

He focuses on nuclear fusion, specifically mentioning the "Daedalus" project by the British Interplanetary Society. This project involves exploding thermonuclear devices behind a starship and collecting the energy in a shield to provide a regular flow of energy. The Daedalus starship could achieve speeds of about one-sixth the speed of light, enabling travel to nearby stars in 30 to 100 years. This project is considered feasible and does not violate existing physical laws. The Daedalus project is a "fly-by" mission, intended to provide a glimpse of other star systems.

Future vehicles might use thermonuclear ramjets, like those discussed by Bussard, which burn interstellar hydrogen. Viewing emphasizes that Daedalus-type vehicles would be detectable as point sources of flashing radiation, potentially resembling pulsars, and would be very powerful and observable.

He contrasts these potential starships with UFOs, stating that while starships might emit radiation and magnetic fields, they are essentially "white noise generators" and not necessarily UFOs. Any correlation between UFOs and such vehicles is considered coincidental.

Jones Drove Laboratory Experiments

Viewing then discusses experiments conducted at the Jones Drove Laboratory of the ETS, focusing on atmospheric gamma ray distribution and spectroscopy. A large sodium iodide scintillation detector is used, sensitive to gamma radiation from 100 keV to 10 MeV. Radiation entering the detector produces light pulses, which are amplified and sent to analytical equipment. The system operates continuously, producing outputs on paper strip charts, punched paper tape, and print-outs.

Significant events trigger special routines, such as producing high-resolution paper tape to reconstruct the event. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the experiment, Figure 2 shows a sodium iodide crystal detector, and Figure 3 shows an instrument bay for nuclear physics experiments. Figure 4 shows a spectrometer used for significant events, analyzing radiation at high resolution and outputting data on paper tape.

Figure 5 displays spectral distributions of energy against the number of events, showing peaks due to geological radiation (e.g., Potassium 40) and a continuum of low-energy events due to atmospheric absorption and scattering of gamma ray photons from geological radiation and cosmic ray flux.

The system also monitors changes, such as an excess count at 511 keV, which triggers special routines. The system is controlled by a special clock synchronized with a quartz crystal, providing timing pulses and recording data from various instruments, including atmospheric pressure.

Figure 6 shows a field installation for measuring atmospheric parameters near the ground, including wind speed and temperature. Figure 7 illustrates an electric field meter, a sensitive instrument that detects atmospheric electric fields, potentially caused by thunderstorms, and could be relevant to starship studies.

Figure 8 shows a recorder bay with an analogue chart recorder. One recorder measures atmospheric pressure variations, which have been shown to detect distant nuclear explosions. Viewing suggests that shock waves from thermonuclear explosions, like those in the Daedalus concept, would be noticeable if they entered the atmosphere.

Experimental Results and Observations

Viewing discusses the study of natural phenomena as being as important as the question of starships. An early experiment involved repeating the search for ball lightning, a phenomenon suggested by the Harwell group to be due to antimatter meteorites. Despite approximately 10,000 hours of operation, ball lightning was not observed, and the results were inconsistent with the Harwell findings.

Figure 9 shows four spectra from a recent violent thunderstorm. One spectrum exhibited an extra peak identified as Bismuth 207, which was washed down from the upper atmosphere during a hailstorm and trapped in hail. This peak disappeared when the hail melted. This event is presented as an example of a transitory, unusual phenomenon that could potentially be analogous to a detectable peak from a starship, though very difficult to detect with less sensitive instruments.

Viewing mentions that the instruments operated by their group have achieved about 30,000 hours of operation, with 20,000 hours dedicated to gamma ray monitoring. He contrasts this continuous monitoring with typical human observing times and suggests that if their instruments could detect an object 100 miles away, they should have detected two by now.

He reassures that the equipment, while appearing sophisticated, is not difficult to establish and operate.

Figure 10 shows strip charts displaying various parameters, including atmospheric pressure, electric field, total radiation count, and power supplies, recorded during the event in Figure 9. The electric field chart shows rapid variations identified as a thunderstorm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the scientific investigation of potential extra-terrestrial spacecraft using sophisticated analytical instruments and experimental data. The document emphasizes a distinction between this research and the more speculative study of UFOs, advocating for a grounded, physics-based approach. The Extra-Terrestrial Society's stance is one of rigorous research, focusing on observable phenomena and known physical laws, rather than unsubstantiated speculation. The paper highlights the sensitivity of their detection equipment and the potential for observing phenomena related to advanced technology.

This document, issue number 10 of UFO Data Magazine, dated May 1974, focuses on the findings from an observatory operated at Warminster. The magazine is published by B.U.F.O.R.A. Ltd., which also organizes lectures in London. The content is primarily a conclusion and discussion stemming from a scientific study of UFO phenomena.

Warminster Observatory Study

The article details the operation of an observatory at Warminster, which ran for approximately two years. The facility was equipped with instruments designed to detect UFOs and was found to operate reliably and effectively. A key finding was that the observatory's study showed no physical stimulus for the phenomena reported in Warminster. The author suggests that the UFOs may have ceased appearing when the observatory began its work.

Interpretation of UFO Phenomena

The author expresses strong opinions on the interpretation of UFO results. While acknowledging the Warminster installation was suitable for detecting UFOs, even if not highly sensitive or powerful, the study comprehensively indicated the absence of UFOs of the type described in UFO literature in that location. The author posits that the common interpretation of UFO phenomena, involving large spacecraft with immense magnetic fields, is "hopelessly naive." The reasoning is that if such phenomena were frequent, magnetic observatories would be constantly disrupted, and the environment would be saturated.

Interest in Extra-terrestrial Intelligence

The article states an interest in communication with, or at least detection of, extra-terrestrial intelligence, viewing it as crucial for the future of the world. The potential impact of contact is acknowledged, underscoring the importance of obtaining accurate answers and avoiding premature conclusions.

Criticism of Ufologists

A significant portion of the text criticizes ufologists for "jumping to the most appalling conclusions." While specifically noting that BUFORA, as an organization, wisely avoids corporate views and its officers hold sensible, realistic perspectives, the author extends this criticism to many of their members and other groups. The danger highlighted is that by making UFO research appear disreputable through unfounded claims of extra-terrestrial spacecraft, it discourages serious scientific involvement.

Advice for Reporting and Research

The author strongly advises against interpreting UFOs before the data is collected and analyzed. The recommendation is to continue reporting and finding instances of UFOs but to refrain from publishing interpretations that are not firmly supported by evidence. Researchers are urged to investigate natural phenomena, understand what occurs in the dark when people are alone and worried, and explore the psychological reasons behind sightings. Publishing results that allege UFOs are extra-terrestrial spacecraft without a solid foundation is seen as making the work of serious researchers virtually impossible.

Acknowledgements

The speaker expresses thanks to Robin Lindsey for preparing slides, Chris Horswell for preparing an exhibition, and Roger Stanway and Tony Pace for providing the opportunity to speak.

References

• Two references are provided:
• "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" edited by D.F. Gilmore (Bantam, 1969).
• "Project Daedalus: the interim report of the British Interplanetary Society starship study" (May 1974).

Publisher Information

B.U.F.O.R.A. Ltd. publishes a bi-monthly journal and holds monthly lectures in London. Further information can be obtained by calling 0252 511758 or writing to the Publicity Secretary, Miss C. Henning, at 99 Mayday Gardens, London S.E. 3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is scientific rigor in UFO research. The editorial stance is one of strong skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a firm advocacy for data-driven investigation. The magazine emphasizes the need for careful analysis, the exclusion of natural explanations, and the avoidance of premature conclusions that could damage the credibility of UFO research within the scientific community. There is a clear distinction drawn between the reporting of phenomena and their interpretation, with a strong preference for the former until sufficient evidence is gathered.