Data Net - No 16 - 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET CONTROL
Issue: NO. 16
Date: April 5, 1968
Publisher: Data-Net (Control Station WB6RPL)
Focus: UFOs and radio amateurs.

Content Summary

This issue of DATA-NET CONTROL, a monthly newsletter for radio amateurs interested in the UFO problem, is dated April 5, 1968. The publication is produced by the control station WB6RPL, with Jo Clark as editor, Joe Adamski handling analytical research, and Tom Price as printer. Dues are $3.00 per year, and there are no subscribers. Data-Net offers a $21.00 reward for an authentic UFO photograph.

New Members and Financials

New members this month include WN9WPO (Larry, Illinois) and WA3GPW (Ken, Pennsylvania). The Data-Net treasury currently holds $32.25, including reward money.

Ham Radio and UFO Cooperation

Earl (W7PFE) is reported to be operating on Devils Ash Pit, Ascension Island, on 28.7333 and 21.4333 MHz. KP4CH is active on 21.442 MHz. Wayne Green, publisher of "73" magazine, is organizing a ham UFO watch and has requested cooperation from Data-Net. An offer of cooperation has also been received from U.F.O.I.C. in Australia, with potential for joint efforts. The newsletter notes that its reports travel globally and are sometimes redistributed, referencing a large-scale incident of 6,000 sheep killed in Utah.

'Inner Earth' Theories

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the 'inner earth' theory, submitted by Carol Adamski. While Data-Net does not necessarily endorse these claims, they are reproduced for reader interest. The information centers on the alleged geographical discoveries of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Key points include:

• December 1929: Capt. Sir George Hubert Wilkins' discovery of unknown land beyond the South Pole, suggesting a need to change scientific concepts of Earth's southern contour.
• February 1947: Rear Admiral Byrd's statement about seeing land beyond the North Pole, described as the 'center of the Great Unknown.' The author notes Byrd's seven-hour flight of 1,700 miles beyond the North Pole, suggesting he flew into a polar opening leading to a hollow interior of the Earth with an iceless region, mountains, lakes, rivers, vegetation, and animal life, rather than across a frozen waste.
• November 1955: Rear Admiral Byrd called an expedition to explore land beyond the South Pole 'the most important expedition in the history of the world.'
• January 1956: Members of the US expedition accomplished a flight of 2,700 miles from McMurdo Sound.
• March 1956: Rear Admiral Byrd reported that his expedition had opened up a 'vast new territory' and described an 'enchanted continent in the sky, land of everlasting mystery!'

Personal UFO Sighting

Mrs. WA3FCM shares her experience of seeing a UFO two years prior. She describes it as a reddish-orange glow, oval in shape, moving toward her car and hovering. Her husband, initially inattentive, eventually saw it as it circled their vehicle. Ted (WA3FCM) provides further details via tape letter, describing the object as double convex, red in color, about half the brightness of the full moon, with a definite outline. He perceived it as an intelligently controlled phenomenon, possibly not a material object, that wobbled without inertia and had a size estimate of roughly 30' in diameter.

Pulsating Radio Signals from Space

A clipping from the San Juan Star discusses 'THE LITTLE GREEN MEN' by Ursula Von Eckardt. It reports on regular pulsating radio signals from space detected by British and American astronomers, occurring every 1,337 seconds. Initially dubbed 'LGM's', the signals are now thought by some to be natural oscillations of dying stars, though one astronomer suggests it's the best case for attributing signals to a civilization. The article touches upon the vastness of the universe and the probability of other intelligent life, citing Harlow Shapley's estimate of billions of solar systems with life-supporting planets. It discusses the immense challenge of detecting such civilizations due to cosmic time scales.

Communication and Language Barriers

The newsletter delves into the philosophical aspects of communicating with potential extraterrestrial intelligences. It questions the nature of such intelligence and the possibility of shared understanding. Isaac Asimov is mentioned for his insistence that mathematical statements about shared reality would be necessary for communication. However, the author expresses doubt, suggesting that mathematics might be a product of specific nervous systems and environments, leading to potentially different 'correct' mathematical systems among alien races, thus hindering intuitive understanding and common language.

Arecibo Signals and Natural Sources

Another article from the San Juan Star, by David Anlers, discusses the radio pulses detected at the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory. F.D. Drake, a leading scientist on the project, believes the emissions are likely not signals from intelligent beings. Evidence cited includes the extremely high transmission power (100 to 1 million times Earth's total electrical capacity) and the broad radio frequency (60 to 150 megacycles), which Drake finds unreasonable for a simple communication signal. He suggests the spectrum is typical of a natural source and proposes four possibilities: a pulsating neutron star, a rotating neutron star, two neutron stars rotating around each other, or an intelligent civilization. Drake states he is studying the pulsations for several weeks to months to determine their origin.

Soviet UFO Research and International Cooperation

An article adapted from the Soviet government's magazine 'Soviet Life' highlights that the Soviet Union is increasingly concerned about UFOs, with some scientists believing they originate from other planets and are investigating Earth. Felix Zigel, Assistant Professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, calls for a serious international study of these objects. The article recounts a sighting in Kazakhstan in August 1960 of a luminous, lens-shaped object observed by eight scientific workers. It also mentions reports from the Mountain Astrophysical Station in the Caucasus of a strange, white cloud formation observed in July 1967. The article emphasizes that the UFO phenomenon is widespread and accepted, and that science must distinguish truth from falsehood. It notes that while the Soviet Union previously viewed UFOs as optical phenomena, the situation is changing, with an unofficial body, the UFO Section of the All-Union Cosmonautics Committee, formed in October 1967 to conduct preliminary scientific investigations.

Condon Investigation and Soviet Appeal

Dr. Edward U. Condon, director of an Air Force-financed investigation into UFOs, has appealed to Soviet scientists for cooperation. This appeal was relayed through the National Academy of Sciences. Condon's investigation, begun 20 years prior, aims to determine if flying saucers are natural phenomena or spaceships. The Air Force has funded the study with nearly $500,000. The investigation is expected to conclude in June, with the report released in November or December. Condon declined to speculate on preliminary findings or his personal belief status.

'Loco' Texan Hoax and Other Reports

The newsletter addresses a report about Carroll Wayne Watts, a farmer from Loco, Texas, who claimed to have contacted alien spacemen and taken pictures. Watts later admitted his story was a hoax after failing a lie detector test. The artist who allegedly implanted the story under hypnosis has not been identified. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an advisor to the Air Force's Foreign Technology Division, initially found Watts' photographs not obviously fraudulent, calling it a 'very, very clever hoax.'

A clipping from a Columbian newspaper shows police examining an object that might be a piece of a flying saucer.

'Groo-Loc' Phenomenon in Coleman Valley

An extensive report details the 'Groo-Loc' phenomenon in Coleman Valley, California. Residents, including the Morrison family and students from Analy Union High School, have reported a luminous green light that causes dogs to react fearfully and appears to move without leaving footprints. The light is described as bright green, about the size of a large flashlight, and has been seen hovering and moving through fences. The sheriff's office confirmed a deputy saw a similar green light. The phenomenon is considered by locals to be unusual and potentially non-hostile, though it has caused significant unease.

Men in Black (MIBs) and Data-Net's Stance

The newsletter touches upon the concept of 'Men in Black' (MIBs), described as a secret group that allegedly threatens UFO witnesses and researchers. Data-Net acknowledges these reports but states that neither the station nor its members have had any direct contact or experienced harm related to MIBs. The publication suggests that blaming MIBs or other external factors for personal misfortunes is an easy way out.

Notable Figures in UFO Research

A list of deceased prominent writers on UFOs is provided, including Edward Ruppelt, C. G. Jung, Frank Scully, Frank Edwards, Morris K. Jessup, Wilbert B. Smith, and Waveney Girvan. The newsletter notes that most knowledgeable persons attribute their deaths to natural causes rather than conspiracy.

Ivan I. Sanderson's Work

Carol Adamski provides observations on Ivan I. Sanderson's new book, 'Uninvited Visitors.' Sanderson, a former British Naval Intelligence Officer with degrees in Biology, Zoology, and Geography, has studied the UFO phenomenon for thirty years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Data-Net Control are the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, the exploration of speculative theories such as 'inner earth,' and the intersection of amateur radio operations with UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to conduct personal investigations while maintaining a degree of skepticism and a commitment to scientific analysis, even when dealing with extraordinary claims. The newsletter actively seeks to connect with other researchers and organizations globally, including those in the Soviet Union, and emphasizes the importance of a calm, sensation-free, and strictly scientific approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "Flying Saucer" magazine, dated March 1968 (with a cover date of March 27, 1968), is presented as Volume 12. The primary focus is on UFO sightings and expert opinions, with a cover headline highlighting "SAUCERS BUSY IN COLORADO AREA."

Professor McDonald's Conviction

The magazine features an article detailing the views of Professor James E. McDonald, a meteorology professor from the University of Arizona. He asserts his belief in the reality of flying saucers, arguing that their unexplained nature does not preclude their existence. While he doesn't believe they originate from other planets within our solar system, he finds one investigated sighting particularly outstanding.

This exceptional case occurred on June 26, 1959, in New Guinea, where 38 individuals witnessed a UFO on a beach. The craft, surrounded by a golden glow, had figures on top that appeared to wave back at the witnesses, who also waved. McDonald noted that the figures looked somewhat human but were difficult to describe precisely due to the craft's glow.

Colorado Sightings

Another report, originating from WASRON and published in The Dallas Times Herald on March 27, 1968, details sightings in the Alamosa, Colorado area. Reporter Pearl Mallen Nicholas, an employee of the Alamosa Valley Courier, claims that she and several friends sighted unidentified flying objects on eight separate nights over a 40-day period ending March 21.

Nicholas described the objects as making no sound and not appearing to be planes or shooting stars. The most spectacular sighting occurred on March 21, when she, Mr. and Mrs. K.P. Wilson, and Mrs. Margaret Heiman observed a bright yellow light near the 14,317-foot Mount Blanca. The light flashed on and off for about a minute before reappearing within a few city blocks of their car. The light was so intense it caused an after-image. Nicholas expressed certainty that it wasn't a hoax, as they were the only ones aware of their location and timing.

The article briefly mentions that interest in UFOs in the area had previously peaked after an Appaloosa horse was discovered dead in a field, though the conclusion of that particular report was not submitted.

Observer's Description

An earlier section of the magazine describes an object observed by someone named Sanderson. He believes that some UFOs are not machines but animal-like life forms, possibly created by civilizations projecting DNA molecules into machines. Sanderson has seen several unique objects, all exhibiting purposeful, direct movement controlled by an intelligent force. He described one specific object as nickel-shaped, grey, and about one-third of a mile in diameter. This object hovered over a TV tower for a few seconds before flying away in a straight line towards Scranton.

Data-Net Operations and Editor's Note

The final section of the scanned pages contains a note from Michel M. Jaffe, likely the editor or a correspondent for "Flying Saucer" magazine or a related organization called Data-Net. He acknowledges being backlogged with mail but thanks participating stations for their help. Jaffe appeals for "information, reports, research, stamps AND money" to support Data-Net's operations. He explicitly denies rumors of running for President in '68 on a "Flying Saucer platform." The note concludes with radio-style sign-offs ("73 to the OM's and 88 to the YL's").

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the belief in the reality of UFOs, the importance of witness testimony, and the investigation of specific sightings. Professor McDonald's academic backing lends credibility to the subject, while the detailed accounts from New Guinea and Colorado provide concrete examples. The magazine appears to advocate for continued research and support for organizations like Data-Net, suggesting an editorial stance that is actively engaged in promoting and investigating the UFO phenomenon.