Data Net - No 17 - 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET REPORT
Issue: No. 17
Date: May, 1968
Publisher: DATA-NET CONTROL (WB6RPL)
Focus: UFO problem, amateur radio, astronomy, and related scientific phenomena.

Editorial Content

Data-Net Operations and Future Plans

The issue begins with an update from the Data-Net control station, WB6RPL, managed by Michel M. Jaffe. The station has experienced a 'delicate situation' due to emergency projects, leading to curtailed activities. However, this month saw an influx of information, totaling nearly 10 lbs. The report anticipates local assistance in the near future and mentions improvements to the newsletter's reproduction quality by their printer, Tom Price. Startling information concerning a larger UFO research group is pending verification for the next report, along with 'extremely cryptic information' that might lead to a solution, potentially causing Data-Net to dissolve if successful. The next issue will also feature an old UFO photo.

UFO Reporting Networks and Key Figures

The report references a recent article in 'Look' magazine concerning the Colorado project, noting that some information had previously appeared in the Data-Net Report. It discusses Wayne Green, publisher of '73' magazine, potentially initiating a worldwide UFO reporting network. The report acknowledges that Data-Net is not the first, citing W7ZC as the originator of the 'UFO Patrol/Network' in 1954-55, in cooperation with the 'Telonic Research Assn.' Dave from Telonic Research provided informative articles and a photo that is under analysis.

Member Reports and Activities

Jim, WA9THB, reports monitoring strange signals from outer space on 81.5 MC using a homebrew converter. Members are encouraged to share similar work. A new membership roster and books are forthcoming. Members are reminded they can place free ads in the 'Report'.

Data-Net Membership and Support

Data-Net is seeking financial support ('MONEY') to survive and encourages members to spread the word to double or triple membership. They are working diligently on the next report, which will contain cryptic information. Radio frequencies for contact with specific members are provided: KP4CH on 21.442 daily, 2D80FE on 21.433 daily, WB6RPL on 14.255 Sundays, and WB6TXK as control on Wednesdays at 14.305.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

• From W7ZC, a list of recommended books is provided:
• "Incident at Exeter" by John G. Fuller (1966): Described as a good, well-researched account of important sightings.
• "The Interrupted Journey" by J. G. Fuller (1966): Called a 'real weirdo' book about a psychic experience.
• "The World of Flying Saucers" by Menzel and Boyd (N.Y.): Characterized as negative, full of 'swamp gas' explanations, and intended to inform readers about efforts to negate UFO stories.
• "Voices from the Sky" by Arthur C. Clarke (1965): Highly recommended as a 'MUST book' for its classic-basic material on space.

The report notes that Fuller's "Incident at Exeter" contains data on a sighting by a ham and his wife in New England, which W7ZC intends to investigate.

UFO Sightings and Case Studies

• Anonymous Pilot Report (April 15, 1968): A pilot radioed a flame-out and ditching of an F102 aircraft about 50 miles from Monterey. A rescue vessel en route mysteriously caught fire. This report is unconfirmed.
• Cork-to-London Flight (March 26, 1968): Wreckage was found significantly off course, with victims wearing lifebelts, indicating a sudden impact.
• Dallas Astronomer William A. Dexter: Believes UFOs are real, comparing them to rainbows. He estimates that 90% of sightings are light reflections, with only 60 out of 10,000 recent reports unexplained in 1966 Air Force files. He suggests a solution to the saucer problem may be two years away and that the University of Colorado is researching the mystery.
• Anonymous Source: Reported a photo from the moon showing two laser beams pointed at the moon, recorded on film.
• DATANET Trademark: Informed that DATANET (no hyphen) is a registered trademark of General Electric Company.

Preparing for UFO Encounters

Submitted by WA5RON, a section titled "BE PREPARED!" emphasizes the need for sufficient data in UFO reports. Witnesses are urged to take steps to gather 'data' from sightings. Recommended equipment includes cameras (still and motion picture), inexpensive cameras, a compass, flashlight, pencil and paper, binoculars, and a spotting telescope. Devices that ring an alarm with magnetic field deviations are also mentioned, with designs appearing in 'Flying Saucers - UFO Reports #3'. The importance of obtaining scientific information is stressed, including potential measurements of magnetic fields and electromagnetic energy.

Astronomical Discoveries: Pulsars

Several articles discuss the discovery of pulsars – pulsating radio signals from space. Dr. Jeremiah Ostriker theorizes they may come from rapidly rotating white dwarf stars. Scientists at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have found signals from pulsars, some of which have sliding tones and occur at frequencies used by television and FM radio. Speculation exists that these could be coded messages from intelligent beings, though scientists lean towards natural sources due to the immense energy involved. Four pulsars have been identified in the Milky Way galaxy.

The Tunguska Event Re-examined

An article from Copley News Service discusses the Tunguska meteorite event of June 30, 1908. Russian scientists now suggest it may have been a flying saucer from an alien world. Dr. Felix Ziegel of the Moscow Aviation Institute believes the hypothesis of UFOs originating from other worlds merits serious examination. A 'UFO Section' has been formed within the All-Union Cosmonautics Committee in Moscow. Ziegel calls the Tunguska event 'the most remarkable UFO phenomenon,' noting its explosion parameters suggest a nuclear reaction and that it left no crater, only microscopic nickel-iron fragments.

Air Force Investigations and Public Perception

An article from The San Juan Star reports that the Air Force is organizing a new approach to UFO investigations, seeking a university to conduct intensive studies. This marks a shift from past policy where UFO reports were not taken seriously. The investigations, termed 'Project Blue Book,' have historically provided conventional explanations for most sightings, leaving a small percentage unidentifiable due to lack of information. The current projects stem from a request by Maj. Gen. E. B. Lebailly, acknowledging that some UFO reports come from 'intelligent and technically well-qualified individuals.'

Soviet Perspective on UFOs

A report from Moscow suggests that flying saucers are a 'capitalist plot' to distract workers. The article quotes a science columnist, V. Lyustibert, who lists flying saucers, the Loch Ness monster, and the abominable snowman as 'ready sensations' used by Western leaders.

Woodrow Derenberger Encounter

Woodrow Derenberger recounts an encounter near Parkersburg, West Virginia, where a 'spaceman' emerged from a hovering, dark gray, metal object shaped like a kerosene lamp globe. The 'spaceman,' described as about 6 feet tall with dark hair and complexion, communicated telepathically and stated, "Have no fear. We come from a country that is not nearly as powerful as yours. We mean you no harm."

Sam Jenkins' UFO Experience

Sam Jenkins shared his personal experience of seeing a UFO six years prior at a meeting of the Civilian Saucer Intelligence Agency in Decatur. The object descended slowly, stopped, and had a revolving bottom with light shining from oval windows.

Lon Cerame and NICUFO

Lon Cerame, a freshman at Rutgers University, has established headquarters for the National Investigations Committee on Unidentified Flying Objects (NICUFO) in Belleville. He became involved after reading books by NICUFO's director, Dr. Frank Stranges, and is now his representative on the East Coast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Data-Net Report consistently emphasizes the importance of gathering detailed, scientific information on UFO sightings. It highlights the ongoing efforts of amateur and professional groups to investigate and report on UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging public skepticism and the challenges of obtaining credible data. The publication appears to support the idea that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon worthy of serious investigation, contrasting this with dismissive explanations and political interpretations. There's a clear call for increased membership and financial support to sustain the reporting network and its publication efforts.

This issue of the National Enquirer, dated March 31, 1968, features a collection of articles focusing on UFO phenomena, scientific interpretations of celestial events, and alleged government cover-ups.

Pulsars and Intelligent Signaling

The issue begins with a discussion on the scientific understanding of neutron stars and black holes, and the discovery of four known pulsars by British radio astronomers at Cambridge University. Dr. Frank D. Drake of the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory presented observations of these pulsars, noting their uniform pulse rates could serve as navigation beacons for advanced civilizations. However, he deemed an intelligent origin unlikely due to the energy distribution across the radio spectrum, suggesting a natural source. Dr. Thomas Gold of Cornell University proposed that pulsars are fast-spinning neutron stars. Observations showed three pulsars (Pulsar 1, 2, and 4) had pulses at intervals of slightly over one second, with pulse durations of 38-40 thousandths of a second, and consistent pulse shapes. Pulsar 3 differed, and all were thought to be neutron stars.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Several UFO sightings and incidents are detailed:

• Russian Rocket Re-entry: A Russian rocket's fiery re-entry on April 21st caused a brilliant aerial display and numerous UFO reports near Cape Kennedy, Florida. A pilot reported seeing six to 10 objects traveling at great speed.
• Biblical Interpretation: The issue presents a controversial interpretation of the biblical Exodus story, suggesting that the 'pillar of cloud' and 'pillar of fire' were an advanced intelligent being on a UFO, and the 'Lord' was an extraterrestrial entity saving the Israelites from their Egyptian tormentors. This interpretation is linked to Barry H. Downing's book, "The Bible and Flying Saucers."
• Soviet UFO Beliefs: Top Russian scientists and military leaders reportedly believe flying saucers are visitors from other planets conducting surveillance. Dr. Feliz Zigel, an astronomy professor, stated that UFOs behave intelligently and a UFO Observation Center was established in Moscow in October 1967.
• Latvian Sighting: Three Latvian astronomers observed a lens-shaped disk with a sphere and three smaller spheres, which rotated and moved away.
• Caucasus Mountain Sightings: Reports from astronomers near Kislovodsk, Russia, include a reddish crescent seen in the sky and a dense milky-white cloud with a rose-red nucleus.
• Norwegian Sea Incident: The mate of the ship Izhevsk reported seeing a sphere-like whitish spot that flared up, moved rapidly, stopped, threw off sparks, and became enveloped in a white shroud.
• Shag Harbor, Nova Scotia Incident: Mysterious, winking yellow and white lights were seen descending into the sea, leaving a foamy, discolored patch of water. An investigation by navy divers found nothing.
• South Hill, Virginia Incident: A large object resembling a metal storage tank blocked a highway and then emitted a burst of white fire, burning the road and leaving four holes.
• Washington D.C. Sightings (1954): Two large glowing oval objects were observed maneuvering over the National Airport and the city.
• Great Plains Mass Formation (1965): An estimated quarter of a million people witnessed mass formations of unusual lights maneuvering overhead across the Great Plains states.

Interstellar Communication and Time Dilation

The article "HELLO OUT THERE" by Robert McCoy discusses Walter Sullivan's work on Frank D. Drake's "Project Ozma," an early scientific effort to contact extraterrestrial intelligence. Drake's search involved aiming a giant antenna at sunlike stars for radio signals. The Arecibo signals, believed to originate from Vulpecula, are transmitted regularly, but their power seems too high for signaling. The concept of "time dilation," as predicted by the Special Theory of Relativity, is explored as a factor that could make extended space voyages feasible, allowing travelers to age less while covering vast distances.

Government Censorship and UFOs

Several articles accuse the U.S. Air Force of deliberately covering up and censoring vital information about UFOs. Dr. James E. McDonald is quoted as stating that the CIA requested the Air Force adopt a policy of "debunking" UFO reports to decrease public interest, especially after the 1952 wave of sightings. This policy, enforced by regulations like JANAP 146, allegedly made public release of UFO information a crime, hindering scientific study. The Air Force is accused of providing superficial explanations for sightings, such as satellites or mirages, and ridiculing reliable witnesses.

Project Blue Book

Project Blue Book is described as a "smoke screen" created to tell the public there is nothing to be found, despite the evidence. Dr. James McDonald condemned its statistical reports as "utterly worthless."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and mysterious nature of UFO sightings, the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, the scientific investigation of space phenomena, and a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations, suggesting a deliberate government cover-up of UFO-related information. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and a scientific approach to understanding these phenomena, challenging the established narratives and policies of governmental bodies.

This document, page -20- of an unspecified magazine issue, focuses on the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and its long-standing advocacy for treating UFOs as a scientific problem rather than a military one. The text highlights a significant development in August 1966 when Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer at Northwestern University and the Air Force's top scientific consultant on UFOs since 1948, publicly supported NICAP's viewpoint.

NICAP's Position and Dr. Hynek's Support The article states that NICAP is a civilian group composed of admirals, generals, and scientists. For many years, they have argued that UFOs do not represent a military threat but rather a scientific mystery. This stance was notably validated when Dr. Hynek declared, "These unidentified flying objects are not a military problem, but they do constitute a scientific problem and should be dealt with as such." This statement is presented as a crucial moment, as it aligns the top Air Force scientist with the views previously held by NICAP and numerous other non-military specialists who had faced "frustrating rebuffs" in their efforts.

Surveyor I Photos Offer Additionally, the page includes a brief advertisement offering "2 sets of 13 5 by 7 photos of the Surveyor I pictures." The price for these photos is stated as $5.00, intended to cover the costs of printing, postage, sandwiches, and coffee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The primary theme is the shift in perspective regarding UFO phenomena, moving from a military classification to a scientific inquiry, with NICAP and Dr. J. Allen Hynek being central figures in this transition. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of scientific investigation into UFOs, as evidenced by the highlighting of Dr. Hynek's supportive statement and NICAP's persistent efforts.