CUFORG - Vol 2 No 08 - 1981 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Cambridge UFO Research Group
Issue: Volume II, Issue No. 8
Date: December, 1981

This issue of the Cambridge UFO Research Group newsletter focuses on recent meetings, UFO sightings, and unexplained phenomena, particularly a series of unusual animal deaths and several distinct UFO encounters reported by witnesses in Ontario.

Animal Deaths at African Lion Safari

The newsletter details a series of disturbing animal deaths occurring over the past four years at the African Lion Safari in Rockton, Ontario. Mary, a staff member (fictitious name), reported that animals have been found dead with two puncture marks, each about 6 inches apart. These marks are described as perfectly round, with a diameter the size of an index finger, extremely clean, and approximately 2.5 inches deep. No scratch marks or other injuries are found on the animals, and crucially, no blood is found on the animal or the ground, despite the expected blood loss from such wounds. The animals found dead have primarily been babies, with the exception of one adult. The deaths consistently occur between the time staff leave in the evening (5:30-6:30 P.M.) and their arrival the next morning (8:45 A.M.).

The affected animals include thallow deer, sika deer, and moufalon deer. They are always found near the fence, where bushes are located, never in open spaces. The fence shows no signs of tampering, and no struggle or broken branches are found. Mary and other staff members have witnessed these events, with Mary having seen the most recent one. The deaths occurred in clusters during the spring (April, May), followed by a lull, and then again in mid-July and the end of July. In addition to these deaths, forty baboons have disappeared from the monkey compound this year, with no bodies ever found. In one instance, 60 feet of the fiberglass fencing (6-8 feet high, with an 18-inch electric wire on top) was found down one evening, with no wind or tracks present, which staff considered a complete mystery.

An update on November 28th reports another dead sika deer found by a fence, with two holes on its neck, 5-6 inches apart, with no other marks. Permission to see the animal was refused when requested, and the employee was asked not to repeat the information.

UFO Sightings

The newsletter also presents three detailed UFO sighting reports, all witnessed by individuals named Erhardt or Joannne, and interviewed by the Cambridge UFO Research Group in November 1981.

Petersburg Sightings

1. July 1978: Erhardt and a friend observed a round, orange object in the sky while outside. It was the size of a dime at arm's length, appeared about three miles away and half a mile high, at an elevation of about 20 degrees. It glowed orange, didn't appear to be moving, and disappeared into thin air after about 10 seconds. The sky was clear, temperature about 70°F, in a rural, isolated area. No noise was heard. The conclusion was "Unidentified."

2. September 1977: Erhardt and his sister saw a huge, dark, oval-shaped object with colored lights. It had blue, white, and red pulsating lights around the center. It was estimated to be 250-300 feet long, 200 feet away, and moving very slowly at about 15 mph. It was flying about 100 feet off the ground at an elevation of 45 degrees. The object moved in a straight line, made no noise, and had a visible seam around its center. The lights flashed continuously. The evening was clear and calm, temperature 80°F, with stars visible. The area was rural and isolated, near a 60-foot mud-bottom lake. Erhardt felt he was being watched or scanned. The object disappeared behind trees. The conclusion was "CE I" (Close Encounter I).

3. November 1977: Erhardt and his father noticed an unusual light in the sky. They saw a saucer-shaped object high in the sky, about three miles away and half a mile up, at an elevation of 20 degrees. It had a steady green glow and was quite small. It did not move during the 10 minutes it was observed and disappeared into thin air. The sky was clear, stars visible, temperature 40°F, in a rural, isolated area. No noise was heard. The conclusion was "Unidentified."

Waterloo Sighting

• December 1, 1981: Joanne observed two bright, round lights in the sky while driving. Initially thought to be tower lights, they remained stationary. They were in the northwest portion of the sky. Big flashes of greenish-yellow light fanned out downward from each light at one-second intervals. After two minutes, the lights moved, sometimes one ahead of the other, sometimes together, and then moved in a straight line. Both lights sent out green flashes. The lower light shot out a beam of bright white light that sparkled. The lights picked up speed and became brighter white as they moved out of view. The elevation was about 45 degrees. The sky was partly cloudy, temperature 5°C, with no stars visible. The area was rural and isolated. Joanne contacted the Waterloo Regional Police, and the Cambridge UFO Research Group checked with the Waterloo/Wellington Airport and an astronomer, finding no relevant records or explanations. The conclusion was "Unidentified Nocturnal Light."

Legal Battle for Secret UFO Reports

An article by Ward Sinclair from the Washington Post discusses a legal battle over 131 secret documents about UFOs held by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA claims that releasing these documents could endanger national security and compromise its eavesdropping techniques. Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) is arguing for their release, with lawyer Peter Gersten stating that if UFOs don't exist, there's nothing to hide, and if they do, the public should know. The case has reached the U.S. Court of Appeals. The article references previous releases of Air Force and CIA reports that revealed military personnel observed unexplained aerial objects near nuclear weapons sites in 1975.

Convention Attendance

Pat De la franier of the Stratford UFO Research Team, along with Don Teskey and Dag Balzer of the Cambridge UFO Research Group, attended the APRO Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, from June 5-7, 1981. Pat's commentary and pictures from this convention are to be featured on following pages.

Cartoons

The issue includes two comic strips: "The Outcasts" by Ben Wicks, and "B.C.".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained animal deaths, UFO sightings, and government secrecy surrounding UFO information. The Cambridge UFO Research Group appears to maintain an open-minded stance, diligently investigating and reporting on these phenomena while also engaging with the broader UFO community through convention attendance and legal challenges to information access. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into anomalous events, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings without definitive conclusions, often labeling phenomena as "Unidentified."

This document is an issue of the APRO UFO CONFERENCE newsletter, covering events from June 5th to 7th, 1981. The conference was held at the Marriott Inn-Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, and was organized by the AERIAL PHENOMENON RESEARCH ORGANIZATION (APRO) in conjunction with the CAMBRIDGE UFO RESEARCH GROUP. The primary theme was "The Case For Aliens," exploring various facets of the UFO mystery.

Conference Proceedings

Friday, June 5th

The author arrived at the Marriott Inn and checked in. The information table was staffed by Stanton Friedman and Bill Moore, who were selling their books. Betty Hill was also present, interacting with attendees. The evening featured a get-together for attendees to meet and renew friendships. The author observed Leo Sprinkle hypnotizing Alice Rose.

Saturday, June 6th

The day began with lectures. Dr. Robert Creegan presented on "The Nature of Truth" and "A Search For Magic." Dr. Van Arsdale, known for his work on "The Colorado Ranch Case," presented two models for UFO reality. Following lunch, Bill Moore, co-author of "The Philadelphia Experiment" and "The Roswell Incident," spoke. Moore offered advice for UFO investigators, emphasizing respect and thoroughness. He then detailed his research into "The Roswell Incident," having interviewed seventy witnesses. He described the sighting of a flaming, circular object over Roswell, New Mexico, on July 2nd, 1947, followed by an explosion in a desert area. The debris field was extensive, and witnesses found unusual metallic debris. Moore also mentioned another crash with alien bodies occurring simultaneously 125 miles west at Magdalena.

Bill Moore outlined evidence supporting the Roswell crash, including a new release from the Air Force in July 1947, initially stating the recovery of a flying disc, later attributed to a weather balloon. He had photographs and numerous witnesses, and emphasized the importance of naming sources. Information on the Roswell crash is available in William Moore's book, "The Roswell Incident."

Abductee Betty Hill then shared her experience and the twenty years since her initial incident, noting attempts by the scientific establishment to discredit her. She recounted her capture on September 19, 1961, while driving with Barney in New Hampshire. They observed a strange object following them, which then stopped in midair over the road. Barney saw human figures in the object's window. The craft descended, and Barney panicked. They heard beeping sounds, and the craft moved over their car. They later found themselves off the road in the woods, with no memory of how they got there. They arrived home two hours later than expected, feeling contaminated.

Under hypnosis, Betty and Barney recalled the event, describing beings and craft blocking the highway. They were taken to the UFO and physically examined. Eleven beings were on board, one of whom spoke English and was referred to as the leader. The leader gave Betty a book and showed her a map of where they were from. However, the leader then took the book away, stating Betty would not remember the event. They left and watched the craft take off, surrounded by a fiery mass.

Betty also mentioned numerous UFO sightings in New Hampshire, particularly in an area known as 'the landing area.' She and Barney investigated their sighting and received a radar report of an unidentified craft leaving the capture area. They located the area, measuring the craft at 60 to 65 feet across. Marjorie Fish was also researching Betty's star map.

Betty and Barney sought refuge from the press and subsequently saw more UFOs. Betty showed slides of 'the landing area,' a seven-mile square region with geological features and power lines. She also showed slides of the abduction area and night lights seen over the years.

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle presented a paper on "UFO Activity and Human Consciousness," noting that many UFO investigators have contactee or abductee backgrounds. William James Herrman discussed the personal impact of UFO abduction. Dag Balzar and the author experimented with photography settings.

Sunday, June 7th

Earl Neff of the CLEVELAND UFOLOGY PROJECT discussed "UFO Art Through the Ages." P. Wayne Laport spoke on the "Anatomy of a UFO Window," based on observations near Charlotte, N.C. Peter Jordan discussed the cattle mutilation mystery. Jim Lorenzen addressed major objections from skeptics to the Alien Hypothesis. During Lorenzen's talk, the author met Harry Lebelson, Contributing Editor to OMNI MAGAZINE.

Stanton Friedman was the final speaker, though the crowd had dwindled. The author noted Friedman's lecture was long-winded. The attendees departed Cleveland in the afternoon, heading back via Route 90.

Key to Pictures

The issue includes a key to pictures on the following two pages, identifying individuals such as Stanton Friedman (lecturer), Betty Hill (abductee), R. Leo Sprinkle (hypnotist), Henry McKay (MUFON Representative), Dr. Robert Creegan, Bill Moore, and Alice Rose.

Article: MARCEN LOOKS AT UFO RETRIEVALS

This article, from The Marcen Journal, Volume II, Number III, discusses UFO Retrievals. MARCEN began debating the merits of pursuing retrieval stories in 1978 and 1979, questioning if they were legends, hoaxes, or part of a government preparation for an announcement. The field included individuals like Leonard Stringfield and Walter Todd Zechel.

MARCEN started collecting data in May 1979, receiving recordings from retired military officers and calls from individuals worldwide. Their investigators incurred significant telephone bills as the log of recoveries grew. The article states that MARCEN decided to give credence only to events substantiated by at least three witnesses with verified military backgrounds.

As of the publication date, MARCEN had data on 23 alleged UFO recoveries and 100 bodies of alien occupants. The article lists recoveries by date, including:

• July 22, 1947: Roswell, New Mexico (No bodies, UFO exploded in air)
• February 13, 1948: Aztec, New Mexico (12 bodies)
• July 7, 1948: Mexico 30 miles south of Laredo, Texas (1 body)
• August 14, 1952: Spitzbergen Island, Norway (2 bodies)
• September 10, 1952: Ely, Nevada (16 bodies)
• April 18, 1953: Alburquerque, New Mexico (3 bodies)
• May 20, 1953: Southwest Arizona (No bodies)
• June 19, 1953: Kingman, Arizona (1 body)
• June 19, 1953: 10 miles north of Laredo, Texas (4 bodies)
• July 10, 1953: Union of South Africa (5 bodies)
• October 13, 1953: Dutton, Montana (4 bodies)
• May 5, 1955: England near Brighton (4 bodies)
• July 18, 1957: Near Carlsbad, New Mexico (4 bodies)
• June 12, 1962: Near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico (2 bodies)
• November 10, 1964: Fort Riley, Kansas (9 bodies)
• October 27, 1966: Northeastern Arizona (UFO got away, 1 body)
• 1966-1968: Five crashes reported in the Indiana-Kentucky-Ohio area (3 bodies)
• July 18, 1972: Sahara Desert south of Morrocco (3 bodies)
• July 10, 1973: Northwestern Arizona (5 bodies)
• May 12, 1976: Australian Desert (4 bodies)
• June 22, 1977: Northwestern Arizona (5 bodies)
• April 5, 1977: Southwestern Ohio (11 bodies)
• August 17, 1977: Tobasco, Mexico (2 bodies)
• May 1978: Bolivia (No bodies)

The article notes that through the 1950s, crashes and recoveries were concentrated in the southwestern United States, near defense installations and nuclear testing areas, which also saw heavy UFO reports. It recounts specific incidents: the October 27, 1966, incident where U.S. Army units encountered a parked UFO and a struggle ensued, resulting in an alien's unintentional death by tranquilizer; the July 10, 1973, incident where an alien died despite attempts at resuscitation; and the July 1977 incident in Southwestern Ohio, involving Army and National Guard troops, 11 alien casualties, and 11 Army casualties. The latter incident involved aliens using a light-emitting weapon, but the Pentagon denied it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly alleged extraterrestrial visitations, abductions, and crash retrievals. The APRO UFO Conference serves as the central event, highlighting discussions and personal accounts from researchers and abductees. The article on "MARCEN LOOKS AT UFO RETRIEVALS" demonstrates a critical approach, requiring multiple verified witnesses for credibility, while still presenting a significant number of alleged recovery incidents. The overall stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFOs, acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject and the challenges in obtaining verifiable evidence, while also presenting compelling anecdotal and reported evidence.

This issue of the Cambridge UFO Research Group's publication, dated October 1981, focuses on the pervasive problem of "UFO Disinformation." The magazine explores how fabricated stories, hoaxes, and deliberate misinformation campaigns undermine serious ufological research and confuse the public. It highlights the efforts of organizations like MARCEN to sift through these deceptions and the challenges they face in finding tangible proof.

UFO Disinformation and Hoaxes

The lead article, "UFO Disinformation," discusses the persistent, repetitive nature of stories concerning crashed UFOs and their supposed retrieval by the Air Force. MARCEN, an organization mentioned, finds these tales difficult to accept without tangible proof, despite interviewing hundreds of individuals who claim to have witnessed such events. The article questions how these stories remain consistent and fresh in witnesses' minds over decades, and why former military personnel are often involved. One theory suggests a clandestine government bureau manufactures fictional UFO information to discredit the phenomenon entirely. However, after reviewing FBI and CIA documents, MARCEN found no evidence of such a coordinated effort, though government interest in UFOs was admitted.

The issue details specific hoaxes, including a February 1958 letter sent to George Adamski, purportedly from a State Department official, claiming government knowledge of UFOs. More recently, in the summer of 1979, hoax letters on faked Air Force letterheads circulated, confirming special units for UFO retrieval and underground storage at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. These letters, despite their crude nature, were believed by some, including experienced ufologists, to be accurate. The origin of these hoax letters remains speculative, with accusations flying among various individuals and groups.

Further disinformation is attributed to contactees who claim to meet with aliens and spread messages of salvation, creating cult-like followings. The article also criticizes pulp newsstand UFO magazines for publishing fictionalized stories presented as fact, such as the destruction of Chester, Illinois, by a UFO attack. Rumors also suggest that some UFO skeptics write articles for sensational magazines under pseudonyms to create myths and destroy ufology's credibility.

The 'BLUE FOG' Project

An addendum reveals information about a potential government project named "BLUE FOG," allegedly funded by the Air Force and CIA for years. The word 'Blue' is noted as being used by the government to designate UFO-related projects. If authentic, this memo suggests an ongoing effort to create a smokescreen around UFO information. MARCEN advises caution and the need for verification, rather than immediately accepting this as proof of a cover-up.

Earthquake Lights as an Alternative Explanation

An article from the Toronto Star, "Spot a UFO? Blame an earth tremor," by John Picton, presents the theory of Michael Persinger and Brian Brady. They suggest that many UFO sightings, possibly over half, are caused by "earthquake illumination" or "earthquake lights." These are balls of light produced when quartz-bearing rock breaks up during seismic activity. These lights can appear short-lived but intense, moving in ways that mimic UFOs. The phenomenon is already known in China as "earthquake lights." The article cites research in the New Madrid region and along a fault line in Canada where increased luminosity reports coincided with seismic activity. A sighting from an aircraft in New Zealand was also explained by the plane flying parallel to the Alpine Fault line.

SETI vs. UFOlogy: A Tale of Two Approaches

An "Astronomy Forum" section by David W. Swift contrasts two conferences: one on SETI sponsored by NASA, and another on UFOs by MUFON. The SETI conference was invitation-only and attended by scientists, while the MUFON conference was open to the public with a larger, more diverse audience. The article highlights the significant differences between the two fields:

• Focus: SETI searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) via radio signals from distant stars, while UFOlogy investigates phenomena occurring on or near Earth.
• Methodology: SETI uses deduction, starting with the hypothesis of extraterrestrial life and seeking radio signals as evidence. UFOlogy uses induction, starting with reports of strange phenomena and seeking a theory to explain them.
• Data: SETI lacks verified claims for ETI detection despite organized searches. UFOlogy has abundant "soft" data from numerous reports but lacks a single satisfactory hypothesis.
• Scientific Support: SETI enjoys significant support from NASA and the scientific community, with prestigious institutions and scientists involved. UFOlogy struggles for credibility and faces skepticism.
• Funding: SETI has a better chance of securing federal funding, while UFOlogy sees little hope for it and relies on public support.
• Public Image: SETI strives to maintain a respectable image, avoiding association with the "lunatic fringe" that often surrounds UFOlogy.

The article suggests that scientists are more inclined to support SETI because it fits within established scientific frameworks and offers more control over research, whereas UFOs challenge basic laws of physics and their implications are unpredictable.

Cartoons and Editorial Stance

The issue includes several cartoons related to UFO themes. One depicts aliens in a spacecraft labeled "USA APOLLO XIX" commenting on humans looking like ants. Another shows a soldier with a ray gun confronting a small alien. A comic strip titled "FUNKY WINKERBEAN" by Tom Batiuk features aliens discussing their report on Earth. A separate cartoon shows aliens in a UFO commenting on a coffee cup and a "NUDIST COLONY."

The "From the Editor" section by Robert S. Easley discusses the ongoing fight by Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) to obtain classified UFO documents from the NSA. The editor expresses his contention that information on UFOs, regardless of how it was obtained, should not be withheld from the American public. He encourages readers to write to their Congressmen and Senators to demand the release of this information, especially with the upcoming congressional elections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive nature of UFO disinformation, the challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction in ufology, and the contrast between the scientific pursuit of SETI and the more controversial study of UFOs. The editorial stance, particularly from Robert S. Easley, is strongly in favor of government transparency regarding UFO information, advocating for the public's right to know and encouraging action to pressure for the release of classified documents. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and hoaxes, while simultaneously supporting the serious investigation of the UFO phenomenon. The issue also touches upon the potential for geological explanations for some sightings and the differing levels of acceptance and support these fields receive from the scientific community and government.

This issue of the Cambridge UFO Research Group bulletin, dated October-November 1981, features subscriber comments, reports on UFO-related meetings and incidents, and a review of a book debunking a prominent UFO contactee.

Subscriber Comments

Richard Heiden, a subscriber from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers comments on past newsletters. He points out a potential error in time comparisons for the Toronto abduction case, suggesting that different time zones were not considered for Kansas and Nebraska sightings. He also notes that the size comparison to 'a 50¢ piece held at arm's length' might not be universally understood by a foreign readership. Heiden expresses skepticism about Dr. Frank Stranges' credentials, noting that alleged degrees were not verifiable in university directories and that institutions where he claimed to have studied had no phone listings. Heiden questions where Stranges actually obtained his doctorate, contrasting the claims made in different UFO encyclopedias.

MUFON Holds Pre-Convention Meeting

A report details a pre-convention meeting held at the residence of MUFON's Canadian Director, Henry McKay, on September 19th. The purpose was to gather suggestions for topics for the 1982 MUFON International Symposium in Toronto. A key point was the need for Canadian speakers, as none had yet agreed to present. The meeting also covered an overview of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) conference, including a presentation on new evidence concerning the Paul Trent UFO photograph from McMinnville, Oregon. Project UPD (UFO Research Data), a system for co-ordinating field data gathering with computer analysis, was also discussed. Proposals for the Toronto convention included smaller seminars, a MUFON ham radio link, and a film about cattle mutilations. Potential Canadian speakers mentioned were Terence Dickinson, Stanton Friedman, Hugh Cochrane, and Jack McDonald. An interesting idea proposed was linking abductees to an EEG machine during questioning.

Advertising the symposium in ethnic newspapers was suggested to increase attendance. Gabriele Raimondo volunteered as a translator for Spanish and Portuguese speakers. The featured speaker at McKay's meeting was 'Mr. X,' who reported on the movement of UFO reports from the National Research Council to the Public Archives. He indicated that the files contained approximately 2,500 reports and that microfilms would be available for purchase, estimated to cost around $500 unless more people signed up.

UFO Photographs--Food for Thought

This section relays an anecdote from the APRO Bulletin about Charles Fiorita of Missouri receiving a call from a man claiming to work in the Research Department of the Kodak Company. The caller asserted that Kodak possessed over 5,000 photographs of UFOs at its Rochester Research Center, a claim that, if true, would be of great interest to UFO researchers.

The Meier Incident: The Most Infamous Hoax in UFOlogy

This section announces and reviews a book by Kal Korff, with editorial assistance from William L. Moore, titled 'The Meier Incident: Most Infamous Hoax in UFOlogy.' The book concerns Eduard 'Billy' Meier, a Swiss citizen who claims to have taken hundreds of UFO photographs and traveled to other planets. Genesis III Productions, the book's publisher, claimed personal interviews, scientific analysis of samples, and computer evaluations supported Meier's claims. However, Korff's extensive investigations, aided by other UFOlogists, strongly suggest that Meier's claims are fraudulent. The book aims to expose previously unpublished facts about this alleged hoax.

Also available is a reprint of 'Questions and Answers by the Royal Order of Tibet (Vol. I)' by 'Professor George' Adamski, offering insight into his early philosophy.

Book List and Order Blank

William L. Moore, Publications & Research, offers a list of books and papers for sale, including titles such as 'The Roswell Incident,' 'The Philadelphia Experiment: Project Invisibility,' 'The Meier Incident: Most Infamous Hoax in UFOlogy,' and 'The Zeta Reticuli Incident.' Prices and postage costs are provided, along with an order form.

Science: Stars and Scopes Forever

This article discusses advancements in telescope technology, focusing on the development of new large-aperture telescopes. It highlights the 'Eye of Texas' project at the University of Texas, which utilizes a flexible, 4-inch-thick fused silica mirror supported by movable pads and controlled by laser sensors and a computer. It also describes the University of California's approach, involving 36 hexagonal glass tiles forming a 400-inch reflector. The article contrasts these new ground-based telescopes with the upcoming Space Telescope, noting that while the Space Telescope will provide unparalleled images, larger ground-based telescopes are still crucial for tasks like spectroscopy. The challenges of atmospheric distortion and the need for specialized equipment are also mentioned.

Val Johnson UFO Incident Report

A special report from The Swamp Gas Journal (Volume 1, Number 7, April 1980) details the Val Johnson UFO incident that occurred on August 27, 1979, near Stephen, Minnesota. The incident involved the apparent impact of a U.S. police vehicle with an unidentified flying object, supported by physical evidence. Val Johnson, a Deputy Sheriff, is described as a credible witness. The report notes the time sequence of events, the examination of physical traces, and Johnson's transfer to a hospital. The physiological effects on Johnson included mild shock, a bruise on his forehead, dazedness, and intense pain in his eyes, compared to a welder's burn. Notably, his dental bridgework, intact before the incident, was found broken at the gums afterward, with no swelling or pain reported.

The physical evidence included the car being found front-end-first in a ditch, with 'yaw marks' and skid marks extending from the impact point. The right headlight was broken, and a round dent was found on the hood, possibly caused by a hammer-like impact. The windshield had a teardrop-shaped breakage pattern, suggesting both inward and outward motion. The roof light's glass was knocked out, and the police radio and CB antennas were bent. The damage occurred in a narrow path, leading to speculation about a glancing blow. The bending of the antennas, which are spring-loaded, suggested they were affected by extreme speed or a strong deceleration, though the latter was questioned due to the antennas' design.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of UFO claims, the process of UFO research, and the reporting of specific incidents. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unverified claims, particularly those of contactees like Frank Stranges and Eduard Meier, as evidenced by the subscriber comments and the book review. There is also a focus on the practical aspects of UFO research, such as data gathering (Project UPD) and the development of observational tools (telescopes). The reporting of the Val Johnson incident demonstrates an interest in well-documented cases with physical evidence and witness testimony, while also acknowledging the need for careful analysis and avoiding definitive conclusions ('Not Proof, But...'). The inclusion of the science article on telescopes suggests a broader interest in scientific advancements that could aid in astronomical observation.

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, dated 1980, focuses on a detailed investigation into a mysterious incident involving Val Johnson's car in Stephen, Minnesota. The journal, published by Chris Rutkowski in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, presents a case that remains unexplained.

The Stephen, Minnesota Incident

The primary focus is the account of Val Johnson, whose car experienced a series of unexplained events. The vehicle's battery could no longer hold a charge, and it was proposed that the headlight and roof light were affected by a high-energy electrical source, possibly ball lightning, though this couldn't account for all the damage. The car sustained a dent in the hood, impacts on the window, and its antennas were bent backward. Curiously, insects adhered to the antennas were not wiped off. The electric clock in the car was found to be missing 14 minutes, a discrepancy also noted in Val Johnson's mechanical wristwatch, which had been synchronized with police station clocks earlier that night.

The CB radio in the car was described as being in worse condition after the incident. Allan Hendry of the Center for UFO Studies sent a gauss-meter to test for magnetic pattern changes, but the results were negative. Dust particles found in the shattered glass were suggested to be residue from the dent in the hood.

Psychological Effects on Val Johnson

When Val Johnson called for help, his voice was described as weak and as if he were coming out of a daze. He had been unconscious for 39 minutes, from the time he heard glass breaking and felt a light 'hit' him, until he woke up to see the 'ENGINE' light on his dash. During this period, the car traveled 953 feet in a straight line before veering into a ditch. Despite skid marks indicating braking, Johnson did not remember applying the brakes.

During questioning, Johnson stated he believed he had seen something he wasn't supposed to see and that his powers of observation were neutralized. He was asked about regressive hypnosis, noting that the National Enquirer had offered him money for exclusive rights to a regression, an offer he rejected. He also declined a hypnotic regression for research purposes, stating he was not curious about the event. Everett Doolittle of MCU announced that their file on the case was closed, with no conclusions reached, and the matter was in the hands of ufologists.

Investigators confirmed that they would not subject Johnson to a polygraph or regressive hypnosis, deeming it unnecessary. They also stated that the Air Force, CIA, or FBI had not approached them.

Johnson reported experiencing unusual incidents, including dreams and thinking three words—'I AM COMMITTED'—which would stick in his mind without reason. He indicated that if he saw the light again, he would stop the car and yell for help.

Discussion and Evidence

The case was reviewed with detailed examination of photographs of the car. Guy Westcott, a NOAP investigator, found a 'burn mark' in the field beside the road, approximately 6-7 feet in diameter, with no vegetation and resembling a fertilizer burn. A representative from the USDA took infrared aerial photographs of the site, which showed that the ditches on either side had a different chlorophyll absorption than the surrounding fields.

The MCU participants concluded that the incident was inconsistent with the theory of the car being struck by an object, including ball lightning. While hits by multiple objects were considered marginally tenable, the 39 minutes of unaccounted time, complex impacts, or effects from unknown individuals were listed as possibilities. The incident was deemed to be something very unusual with no adequate explanation at the time, and it was listed in UFOROM files as 'unknown'.

New Books Section

This section reviews several UFO-related books:

• UFO ABDUCTIONS edited by D. Scott Rogo (Signet Books, 1980): This anthology of 'True Cases of Alien Kidnapings' is noted for Rogo's insightful commentary on abduction controversy, drawing from psychology and parapsychology. Rogo believes abduction experiences are 'real' events, not confabulations, and that they are dramas materialized from the unconscious mind by 'The Phenomenon'. The reviewer, Jerome Clark, finds Rogo's observations provocative and stimulating, though he notes the book is editor-driven.
• UFOS: INTERPLANETARY VISITORS by Raymond E. Fowler (Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1979): This book, originally published in 1974, is praised for its coverage of UFO reports investigated personally by the author. While the author's speculations are deemed naive, the content is considered interesting and valuable.
• OBSERVING UFOs by Richard F. Haines (Nelson-Hall Publishers, 1980): This book is highlighted for its technical approach, focusing on human visual perception of distant objects and light sources, rather than a general overview of UFO cases. Haines, a NASA research scientist, aims to fill a gap in the UFO literature by discussing the limitations of human vision in detecting motion. It is recommended for serious UFO researchers and is noted for its scholarly style.
• 1980 MUFON UFO SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS edited by Walter H. Andrus, Jr., and Dennis W. Stacy (Mutual UFO Network, 1980): The proceedings are considered a welcome contribution, though not the best in the series, with a note that not all papers are of high quality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena and related incidents, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and open-mindedness. The editorial stance appears to favor detailed case studies and critical analysis of existing theories, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The inclusion of book reviews suggests an effort to engage with the broader UFO literature and research community. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena and the challenges in finding definitive explanations.