Data Net - No 22 - 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET CONTROL
Issue: 22
Volume: WB6RPL
Date: November 1968
Publisher: Data-Not
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of DATA-NET CONTROL, a newsletter for radio amateurs interested in the UFO problem, features a collection of reports, analyses, and opinions on unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. The publication aims to provide information and stimulate discussion within its membership.

DATA-NET Report No. 22: East German Sighting

Report No. 22 details a UFO sighting that occurred on Tuesday, September 17, 1968, involving a "Bundes Bahn" train traveling through East Germany. The witness, who requested anonymity, described a silver-colored, oblong, cigar-shaped object hanging between two rozy-orange clouds. The object appeared almost gaseous and was estimated to be about a mile away and the size of the moon. It followed the train for a few minutes before disappearing. The report poses questions about whether the gaseous appearance could be camouflage or if it represents an unknown natural phenomenon.

Della Larson Case

The newsletter mentions a meeting with Dr. Freeman, a Professor of Metaphysics, who stated that Della Larson, a known UFO expert, had not committed suicide but was being held against her will in a mental institution. Research revealed an Oakland Tribune article from October 26, 1965, reporting Della Larson, 70, found dead in a convalescent hospital, with her death labeled an apparent suicide. She was described as an avowed expert on flying saucers and claimed Venusians flew them. A nurse found her hanging by a nylon stocking. The article notes that Larson had claimed some space travelers were living unrecognized on Earth. The report concludes that she was in a convalescent hospital and did commit suicide, suggesting suicide records could be verified.

Madrid UFO Incident (September 1968)

This section compiles reports from various sources regarding a significant UFO event in Madrid, Spain. On September 6, 1968, the Spanish Air Force reported that one of its F-104 jets chased an unidentified flying object northeast of Madrid. The object was tracked on radar and described by pilots as pyramid-shaped with three bright blobs of light on its underside, flying at an estimated 90,000 feet. Thousands of people in Madrid also witnessed a mysterious triangular object that evening, causing traffic jams. Photographs taken through telescopes showed a triangular object, solid on one side and translucent in parts. The Spanish Air Ministry admitted having no positive knowledge of the object's nature, suggesting it might be a weather balloon, a theory later contradicted by French technicians. The object was observed for over an hour, causing significant public attention and disrupting traffic. The report notes that the U.S. military air base at Torrejon claimed the object did not appear on their radar screens. A theory suggested it might be a meteorological balloon from the Concorde jet liner project, but this was disproven.

Scientific Perspectives and Theories

Plasma and Propulsion

The issue explores theories about UFO propulsion and characteristics. One theory suggests that UFOs might generate a plasma sheath around themselves for propulsion and protection, similar to concepts being researched for fusion power. This plasma could create strong magnetic fields, explaining the silent flight and lack of shock waves observed with some UFOs. The theory posits that ionized air, controlled by magnetic fields, could be used for propulsion and to cushion the craft from friction and sonic booms. This could explain why UFOs appear as bright, fuzzy blobs in night photographs.

Interstellar Travel

Regarding interstellar travel, the article discusses the possibility of UFOs not needing to exceed the speed of light. It calculates that with one gravity (G) acceleration, a craft could reach 3/4 the speed of light in 267 days. At 1G acceleration, reaching 99% of the speed of light might take a year, with time dilation significantly reducing travel time for passengers on long journeys. This suggests that beings with long lifespans or suspended animation could undertake such trips.

Wayne Green and Arecibo

Wayne Green's visit to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is mentioned, where he learned that the Arecibo crew takes the "Little Green Men" theory regarding mysterious pulsars seriously. The signals appear to be in a coded pattern, suggesting intelligent production, possibly as beacons or relay stations.

UFO NET and Resources

Reports from WA5RON indicate that the UFO NET is not performing well due to low participation. A valuable resource mentioned is the "Proceedings of the Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects (7-29-68)" from the U.S. House of Representatives, available free of charge.

Project Moon Blink

The "Project Moon Blink" initiative, involving Foothill Observatory and 11 other locations, aimed to keep the moon under surveillance for a mysterious light. However, the project ceased due to lack of financing and general interest.

Stanton T. Friedman's Conviction

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist with experience in the nuclear aircraft industry, is convinced that Earth is being visited by "intelligently controlled vehicles whose origin is extraterrestrial." He believes that space creatures, or "humanoids," have accompanied these vehicles. Friedman has eliminated identifiable sightings and those with fragmental information, finding that about one-third of "excellent" sightings remain "unknowns." These unknowns share similarities like hovering, high speed, vertical flight, right-angle turns, and silent flight. He notes that while astronomers tend to discount UFOs, those in the "Hardware" field, designing nuclear aircraft, know that extraterrestrial travel is possible.

The Condon Report Controversy

The issue highlights the controversy surrounding the University of Colorado's UFO study, directed by Dr. Edward U. Condon. The report, estimated at 1,500 pages, was expected to conclude that UFOs offer no "hard evidence" of extraterrestrial visitors. However, Dr. James E. McDonald, conducting his own independent study, believes UFOs are real and that Earth may be under surveillance. McDonald cited a preliminary memo suggesting the Condon study would be conducted "almost exclusively by nonbelievers," indicating a potential bias. Critics accused McDonald of seeking a multi-billion-dollar government program and using Navy funds for his research. The Condon report's release was anticipated to further fuel the controversy.

Astronaut McDivitt's Sightings

Astronaut Col. James A. McDivitt, a level-headed individual, believes in UFOs and reported seeing them in deep space during his Gemini 4 mission in June 1965. He described three separate sightings: a dot of light moving parallel, a white tubular device with a long pole, and a third object that defied description. McDivitt is currently the command pilot for the Apollo 9 mission, focused on testing the Apollo spacecraft and lunar landing module.

Other Reports and Discussions

• A report from Dallas mentions a "mysterious light blinking on and off on the moon" in 1965, leading to the "Project Moon Blink" surveillance.
• The Dallas Times Herald reported on September 30, 1968, that Dr. Condon's UFO report might be finished in late November, but Condon seemed unconcerned, calling it "not one of the great issues of the world today."
• A comic strip by Johnny Hart humorously depicts the idea of extraterrestrial visitors and miniaturization.
• A report from Yauco, Puerto Rico, details two policemen seeing a bright object hovering over a mountain.
• A New York Times Service report from August 9, 1963, states that six scientists insisted before Congress that UFOs are suitable for serious study, but faced ridicule.
• A cartoon by Filardi in Spanish depicts "Mysterious Objects in Mayagüez and Yauco" and "Political Situation."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DATA-NET CONTROL include the reporting of specific UFO sightings, the scientific investigation and analysis of these phenomena, and the skepticism or openness of various authorities and individuals. The newsletter appears to lean towards presenting evidence and theories that support the reality of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, while also acknowledging the controversies and differing opinions within the scientific community. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging serious investigation and critical thinking, urging readers not to be misled by incomplete or biased information.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, dated November 1968, is Volume 14, Issue 11. It features a cover story titled "MYSTERIOUS VOICES FROM SPACE" by John A. Keel and includes a variety of articles on UFO phenomena, physics, astronomy, and related scientific developments.

Article: Professor Debunks Flying Saucers

Arthur J. Snider reports on William Markowitz, a professor of physics at Marquette University, who argues that if the laws of physics are valid, UFOs cannot be under extraterrestrial control. Markowitz contends that claims of UFOs entering our atmosphere, landing, and taking off violate fundamental principles of celestial mechanics, Newtonian gravitation, and Einstein relativity. He points out the lack of reliable reports of communication with extraterrestrial visitors and the absence of any physical evidence left behind from landings. Markowitz also questions why extraterrestrial visitors would not attempt to communicate after such long voyages. He uses the analogy of Columbus communicating with natives upon landing to counter the idea that advanced beings might not communicate. He also addresses the concept of a gravity shield, stating that it would not solve the problem of inertia and propulsion, comparing it to lifting oneself by one's bootstraps. Furthermore, he highlights the practical difficulties of converting matter into energy for spacecraft propulsion without adverse effects.

Article: Scientist Says UFOs May Be Turning Us Off

This section, attributed to Star-Ledger Wire Services, reports on Dr. James E. McDonald, a senior physicist at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics. McDonald suggested a potential relationship between unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and power failures, particularly the 1965 blackout of the Northeast United States. He noted that the Federal Power Commission received numerous reports of UFO sightings during the New York power failure. Reports from upstate New York mentioned a glowing object at the instant the lights went out. McDonald stated that while he could not definitively say extraterrestrial life caused the power failures, there was a "puzzling and quite disturbing coincidence" between the sightings and the blackouts. He also mentioned that UFO reports often contain information about power failures in houses or automobile engines. McDonald agreed with Dr. J. Allen Hynek that the government should establish an agency to study UFO reports. He expressed concern that Earth might be under surveillance by a high civilization and that the recurrent observations by reliable citizens over the past 20 years need to be taken seriously. He called for greatly expanded scientist and public attention to the UFO problem.

Article: Speculate on Galaxy Radio Beeps

Richard Lewis reports on two experts from the California Institute of Technology, Harrison Brown (professor of geochemistry) and William A. Fowler (professor of physics), who speculated that mysterious radio signals emitted from deep within our galaxy might be transmitted by intelligent beings. While acknowledging that it is more likely these signals, known as pulsars, are emitted by dying stars, Brown considered it "conceivable that these could be intentional signals sent by some kind of high level, technological civilization." Fowler suggested they could be "wonderful beacons" and attempts to communicate. The puzzling aspect is the stationary nature of the sources and the constant period of repetition, which required accounting for Earth's motion. Astronomers at Cambridge University discovered these beeps in July, finding they lasted three-tenths of a second and repeated every 1.337 seconds with remarkable accuracy. Brown suggested these beeps could serve as navigation beacons for U.S. spacecraft. The discovery has led more scientists to seriously consider the likelihood of life beyond Earth. Brown, co-author of a science fiction novel on the theme, believes artificial pulsars would answer the question of whether high-energy civilizations can stabilize themselves and survive.

Article: IIT Finds Way to Pare Size of Rocket Engines

Richard Lewis writes about a discovery at the Illinois Institute of Technology by T. Paul Torda, professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering. This new principle in rocket fuel behavior could revolutionize the construction of missiles and spacecraft, allowing for smaller liquid fuel rocket engines without sacrificing thrust. This would enable rockets to lift more payload and be more maneuverable. The discovery stems from an 18-month analysis of fuel droplet behavior in rocket combustion chambers, revealing an error in the formula used for 20 years to predict vaporization rates. Torda found that under high pressures, droplets vaporize much faster than predicted by the Renz-Marshall model. This means rocket combustion chambers can be smaller, leading to smaller engines, increased efficiency, and quicker response to steering commands. NASA is financing this research. Torda believes this finding might influence future engine designs, though not necessarily existing ones like the K-1 or F-1. The research showed that fuel droplets quickly transform into a "vapor ball" and that the temperature of this ball rises, accelerating vaporization. Higher pressure in the combustion chamber also speeds up vaporization, allowing for smaller, high-pressure combustion chambers and potentially new generations of compact, powerful chemical rocket engines.

Article: Russia Reports on UFOs; Scientist Asks World Study

This report from Moscow (UPI) details findings by Dr. Feliks Zigel, an astronomy professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, on Soviet scientists' studies of "luminous orange-colored" flying saucers. Zigel called for a global investigation, stating the UFO phenomenon is a "problem of prime importance" that requires a "joint effort of all the scientists of the world." He reported that a team of Soviet scientists studied 200 sighting reports. The most characteristic UFO type described is a luminous orange-colored crescent, 15 to 20 degrees of arc, flying with its outward curve forward. Its surface is slightly duller than the moon, and its "horns" throw out jets. The report also details an observation by three Latvian astronomers of a bright star that appeared as a small flat spot through binoculars, but revealed a lens-shaped disk with a central ball and three rotating balls around it when viewed through a telescope. The entire system dwindled as it receded. The objects were described as "obviously could not have been made by man and are definitely not artificial Earth Satellites or space rockets."

Article: Perplexing Pulsars Beat the Clock

Walter Sullivan reports for The New York Times Service on the discovery that pulsars, or "radio-pulsing clocks in the sky," tick at an extraordinarily uniform rate, comparable to a clock that errs by no more than one second in 30 million years. This precision, measured by scientists at the California Institute of Technology using an atomic clock, suggests they are among nature's most rhythmic phenomena. This precision could make them useful as navigational beacons for interstellar travel. However, the suggestion that they might be artificial navigational aids has been dismissed by most astronomers due to the lack of other artificial characteristics in their signals. The number of known pulsars has increased, with new discoveries in the southern sky. The locations of the nine known pulsars suggest they are randomly scattered, but in some locations, nothing is visible through powerful telescopes. The pulse rates are similar, between 0.25 and 2 seconds. While some expected a wider range of rates as more pulsars were found, their uniformity is a key puzzle. The pulse rates are more compatible with the proposal that they emanate from "white dwarfs" than from "neutron stars." However, white dwarfs have been photographed, but none have been detected at pulsar locations. Wayne Green suggests the signal sources are on a "great circle route in the galaxy" and do not originate randomly, contradicting the idea of random scattering.

Article: Fund Pinch Threatens the U. of I.'s 'Big Ear'

Richard Lewis reports for the Chicago Sun-Times that the University of Illinois' giant radiotelescope, the "Big Ear," may have to shut down due to a cutback in federal funds. The $871,650 instrument, located in the Vorwillion River Valley, might become inoperable unless it receives emergency funds. University scientists cannot even afford to modify the instrument to join a worldwide search for mysterious radio signals. The signals are radio pulses lasting precisely three-tenths of a second and repeating at intervals of 1.337 seconds, first noticed by scientists at Cambridge University. The "Big Ear" telescope, tuned to a higher frequency, could be adjusted for lower frequencies if money were available, but the decision was made against it due to cost. The grant from the Office of Naval Research runs out at the end of July, with no further funds for operation. The article notes that three other institutions will continue to receive ONR money for radio astronomy, but less, as part of a phasing out of big research projects financed by the Defense Department.

Article: Astronomical Theory Sheds New Light on Star Mystery

Richard Lewis reports on a theory by Fred Hoyle, an English astronomer, that aims to demystify quasars. Hoyle's theory suggests that quasars are not as distant as many astronomers believe, may be more common than suspected, and could be a prime source of cosmic rays. He proposes that quasars are composed of matter fragments that collide at near the speed of light, producing immense energy, cosmic rays, and radio waves. This collision would create a diffuse cloud of particles and electromagnetic radiation, explaining the powerful emissions from quasars. Hoyle's theory also suggests that the "red shift" observed in quasars, which leads astronomers to believe they are distant and moving away, could be caused by powerful gravitational forces within the quasar masses, rather than the expansion of the universe. This challenges the dominant "big bang" theory.

Article: No Dummy Even Though He's a 'Dummy'

This article by Frank Macouber discusses "ED," an electronic dummy developed for NASA's Mannod Spacecraft Center. ED is a plastic head-and-shoulders dummy used to test space suit communications systems for Apollo astronauts. The noise level during an Apollo spacecraft liftoff is about 125 decibels, similar to a jet airliner. ED's ears are microphones, and his mouth is a loudspeaker, simulating human hearing and voice ranges. He is fitted with an Apollo helmet and subjected to artificial sound levels to test the communications system. ED's responses help engineers develop audio-headsets and soundproof the spacecraft. He also helps determine if test conditions are safe for humans before astronauts are exposed to the high noise levels. Engineers claim ED is superior to human subjects in noise tests because his responses are consistent and unaffected by emotions.

Article: Mysterious Voices from Space

John A. Keel writes about "eerie guttural voices" chattering in a language unlike any known on Earth, heard on airwaves, particularly during UFO "flap" periods. These "unknowns" are perceived as threatening. The interference is most prevalent on VLF frequencies but is sometimes heard on the amateur band. The sounds are described as speeded-up phonograph records or blasts from radios not turned on. Keel reports instances of messages in English, including one in January 1954 stating, "I wish no one to be afraid, although I speak from outer space. But if you do not stop preparations for war, you will be destroyed." Project Blue Book received a similar warning letter in 1953. Many HAM operators have picked up strange conversations, even when their gear was off. The "hoax" theory is viewed with skepticism as VLF is not used by amateurs. A male voice claiming to be from "the planet Jupiter" warned that American atomic bomb tests could lead to disaster, speaking for two and a half hours in multiple languages. Both Russia and the U.S. have been baffled by unaccountable signals. The article questions whether these are normal atmospheric disturbances, sunspots, static, or an elaborate hoax.

Article: DIYUFOs

This short piece describes "DIYUFOs" (do it yourself UFOs) as a project by two University of Illinois students, Richard Roush and Kirk Breseo. Their DIYUFO is a hot air balloon heated by burning paraffin-filled straws and propelled by wind. The idea originated with aeronautical engineer Mike Elbl, who sent three UFOs over Illinois Residence Hall and had one sent back.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by these phenomena to established scientific understanding, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial intelligence or advanced technology. There is a clear tension between skepticism based on known physics (Markowitz) and a more open-minded approach that acknowledges the need for further study and considers unconventional explanations (McDonald, Hynek). The issue also explores the intersection of UFOs with other scientific fields, such as astronomy (pulsars, quasars) and aerospace engineering (rocket technology, space suit development). The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging scientific inquiry into these unexplained phenomena, even if it challenges conventional wisdom or requires re-evaluation of existing theories. The inclusion of reports from various sources, including scientific journals, news agencies, and amateur radio operators, suggests a broad approach to gathering information on the subject.