Data Net - No 31 - 1970

Magazine Overview

This document is the January 1970 issue, Volume IV, Number 1, of the "DATA-NET REPORT," an official newsletter for DATA-NET, a group of radio amateurs interested in the UFO phenomenon. Membership is $4.00 per year, and the report is published monthly. The publication is copyrighted 1970 by Michel M. Jaffe, who also serves as Control/Director/Publisher. Mrs. Josephine J. Clark is the Editor/Secretary/Printer, and Jerold R. Johnson is the Assistant Controller. The magazine's policy is that sufficient evidence exists to prove the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and its purpose is to answer questions about their origin and nature.

Key Articles and Features

The Editor's Desk

The editorial section discusses the Condon Report, stating it confirmed UFO "buff's" predictions by giving the Air Force support for a negative conclusion and an excuse to abandon Project Blue Book. The editor criticizes the report as a "monetary sin" for concluding the phenomenon is unexplainable. It notes that the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) held a symposium where Dr. Edward U. Condon attempted to dismiss UFO discussions. The editor highlights "scientific" explanations offered, such as "mental quirks" and "illusions and hallucinations," and quotes Dr. Robert Hall suggesting people seek solace in mysticism. The AAAS conclusion is seen as supporting the theory that flying saucers exist only in people's minds.

The Boullia Spheres

This section details the investigation into three metal spheres found in Australia in 1963. The report contrasts Frank Edwards' sensationalized account with factual findings. The first sphere, found on Boullia Station, was 14 inches in diameter and weighed 12 pounds. The second, found 60 miles away, was 16 inches in diameter and weighed 18 pounds. The third was found near Mulcorina. An investigation by WA5RON and VK2SK, with verification from WB6RPL, led to a letter from the Australian Department of Supply signed by Mr. A. S. Cooley. Cooley stated that the spheres were identified as high-pressure gas storage vessels from a US Air Force Agena launch vehicle in 1962. He clarified that scientists did not fail to open the sphere but delayed it to see if the owner claimed it. The spheres were later sectioned at the Weapons Research Establishment. The US government confirmed the spheres were of US origin. Articles on the pressure vessels appeared in the "Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets." A further article by Peter M. Twiss describes the first sphere as 14.75 inches in diameter, weighing 11.5 lb, and located at latitude 30° 03′ S, longitude 141° 50′ E. The second sphere was approximately 16.6 inches in diameter and weighed 21.6 lb. Analysis revealed the material was 90% titanium, 4% vanadium, and 6% aluminum, corresponding to ASTM B265/58T grade V. The spheres showed signs of high temperatures and were identified as part of a space booster or spacecraft.

Phil W. Merrill supplemented this with information that the spheres were pressure vessels aboard an Air Force Agena space vehicle, used to store helium to pressurize main propellant tanks. The article discusses how smooth objects can survive re-entry due to material melting points and shielding.

Network Schedule and Ham Poster

The issue includes a network schedule for Wednesday at 2000 on 7.268 (LSB), with WB6RPL (Mike) and WA5RON (Jerry) calling CQ. W6BPV (Tom) will also call CQ from California. W6BPV (Tom) will call CQ from California. WNOZRG (Mark) from St. Louis will call novices on Monday at 2100 Z on 716.8 KC. KP4CH suggests contacting him in Puerto Rico on 21342 KC. The "Ham Poster" lists active DATA-NET member call letters and their locations, including Harrison, Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; Ben Lomond, California; Mountain View, California; and international members from Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Texas, Ontario, Puerto Rico, Australia, England, and Norway.

UFO Library and New Additions

Books are available from the Control Station, loaned free to members. A new addition is "UFOS OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE" by Michael Hervey, contributed by VK2SK via WA5RON.

Clipping The News

This section appears to be a summary of news clippings, with items like "Saucer Nests," "UFO Events," "UFO Government Reports," and "UFO Comments & Opinions."

Miscellaneous

Includes "The Mail Box" and "Shop & Swap" sections.

California Landing Reports

A list of 25 UFO landing reports from 1896 to 1967 across various locations in California, detailing dates, times, whether occupants were seen, and witnesses.

Bulletin!

A first-hand report from WA8WYW describes a cigar-shaped UFO with changing colored lights seen over Columbus, Ohio, in February 1969. The object exhibited an irregular path, zig-zagging, looping, and zooming away before returning and circling the city.

Morris K. Jessup Case

The University of Michigan informed DATA-NET that Morris K. Jessup was not enrolled since 1926 and never completed a doctoral degree, despite working on a doctoral program.

Carlos Allende and "Keelitis"

DATA-NET received numerous postcards and letters from Mr. Carlos Allende, described as "reeking of Keelitis." "Keelitis" is defined as a UFO "disease" leading to a cycle of "read my next article" and is priced exorbitantly. Allende has been referred to NICAP.

Wide Range Field Detector and Survey Instrument

This article provides instructions for building a combination geiger-counter and electromagnetic field detector. The instrument can detect high voltage AC, dangerous radar or microwave transmitters, gamma rays, and radioactivity. It is constructed using a geiger counter chassis, a transistorized power supply, a meter, and components like a IN23 diode, a 5-transistor amplifier, and a Raytheon CK1026 Geiger-Muller tube. The device can pick up radiation from fluorescent lights, E-M radiation from TV sets, and radioactivity from wristwatch dials, serving as a warning for dangerous radiation fields.

UFOLOGICAL HOROSCOPE

A horoscope by Frater Jacobus provides humorous and often bizarre predictions for each zodiac sign, relating to UFOs, strange encounters, and unusual activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the critique of official government reports and their conclusions (particularly the Condon Report), the identification of UFOs with space technology, and the role of amateur researchers and radio amateurs in collecting and disseminating information. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief in the reality of UFOs, encouraging members to actively participate in data collection and sharing. There is also a recurring theme of sensationalism versus factual reporting, as seen in the comparison of Frank Edwards' account with official findings.

This issue of the DATA-NET Bulletin, covering October and November 1969, focuses on UFO sightings and related research. The publication aims to provide a comprehensive recap of sighting reports for its members and encourages reporting of UFO phenomena. The issue includes a sighting report map for October and November, detailing numerous incidents across North America and Australasia.

Editorial Stance and Criticisms

The editorial team expresses strong criticism of writer Mr. Binder, whose latest article in SAGA magazine is described as building a conspiracy around the deaths of individuals involved in UFO research. DATA-NET deems Binder's work slanderous and of "poor taste," advising members that his writings are likely of "no value to the true researcher." The publication clarifies that a "true UFO researcher" is someone sincerely interested in solving the UFO mystery, distinguishing them from collectors and disseminators of information.

Recommended Reading

DATA-NET highlights two new books added to its library: "UFOS OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE" by Michael Hervey, described as well-documented and highly recommended for its coverage of sightings from "down under." The second recommendation is Jacques Vallee's "Passport to Magonia," which is presented as two books in one, exploring the parallels between ancient myths and modern "little people" encounters, and cataloging 923 known landings.

Sighting Report Map and Data Compilation

The "OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER SIGHTING REPORT MAP" visually represents reported UFO activity. The accompanying note emphasizes that compiling sighting statistics and verifying reports remains a crucial function of UFO investigation. It points out that the phenomenon continues to surprise and confuse the public, despite the "AF's official negative nonsense."

Key Incidents and Reports

The bulletin details numerous specific UFO events from late 1969:

• October 7, 1969, Wellington, Australia: Scientists are investigating a circle of radioactive scrub, 42 feet in diameter, found on a farm. Early tests indicated the scrub was "cooked" instantaneously from the inside out, with three V-shaped grooves forming a triangle within the circle. Moisture in the plants had been vaporized, and the pith reduced to black carbon.
• November 1969, Hamilton, New Zealand: Manuka scrub from a mysterious circle, found at Ngatea, was tested and found to be radioactive and cooked from the inside out. Horticultural consultant Mr. John Stuart-Menzies described the process as similar to infra-red cooking on an enormous scale.
• November 5, 1969, Auckland, New Zealand: Mysterious circles of vegetation on various farms have puzzled the country. A horticulturist claimed the scrub was cooked from the inside out by an unknown energy source. Government scientists suggested saprophytic fungus, but a farmer denied this. Two circles of burned grass appeared at Kaharoa, and another at Puketutu. A farmer herding cattle discovered the Puketutu circle when cattle suddenly turned away.
• June 6, 1969, Husnes, Norway: A UFO was reported near Husnes. A witness described a round shining disc that moved slowly, remained stationary above trees, and returned after disappearing. The object moved vertically and horizontally and was followed through binoculars for an hour.
• October 10, 1969, Manila, Philippines: Three farmers reported a white, low-slung saucer-shaped vehicle landing and taking off. Two Caucasian passengers, about six feet tall, wore white flying suits and plastic headgear. This sighting occurred near the Philippine Communications Satellite ground station.
• June 10, 1969, Manila, Philippines: An engineer reported seeing a large, yellowish "ball of fire" flashing in the sky, followed by a hovering, blinking red light.
• July 25, 1969, Baralaba, Australia: A baker reported seeing a bright light, described as an "upturned tortoise shell" with portholes and a mast, emitting a humming sound. It moved in a jerky motion, and a second "shell" appeared. The object was followed by a third one.
• October 4, 1969, Wagga, Australia: Eight people reported a glowing "flying saucer" descending and hovering over a paddock. It changed color from white to flashing red and green, then shot up to about 1,000 feet and became white again. Witnesses described its tremendous brightness and speed, estimating it was faster than a Boeing jet.
• October 10, 1969, Kazabazua, Canada: A bushworker reported seeing an object about 8 feet in diameter, cone-shaped, flying about 200 feet above the ground. It was mostly white and had a "skull-and-crossbones" figure on its side, sporting the "Jolly Roger."
• October 11, 1969, Denver, Colorado: Two boys claimed a V-shaped object with 10 to 12 lights on each arm was a formation of birds glowing in the dark.
• October 11, 1969, Murdochville, Quebec: Two employees witnessed a bright object, described as half-moon shaped with a blue windshield and propellers, heading toward a dam. It swooped close, made turns, discharged a blue flame, and disappeared behind mountains.
• October 15, 1969, Clacton & Colchester, England: A brilliant white light, about 4,000 ft. up, was seen. It appeared as four smaller lights, with the inside two brighter. A reporter saw a similar group of lights.
• October 21, 1969, Bournemouth, England: A "Flying Jellyfish" incident was reported, involving a 6-9 inch diameter object that hovered, was translucent and greyish-white, and pulsating at its center.
• October 28, 1969, Mobile, Alabama: Two students reported a low-flying plane that began descending at great speed with red lights flashing, landing in a vacant lot. The object was described as approximately 35-50 ft. in diameter and 15 ft. high, circular, with luminous panels and lights.
• October 29, 1969, Canton, New York: Students and police reported seeing a UFO with vari-colored lights, apparently motionless just above the horizon.
• November 3, 1969, Cedar Falls, Iowa: Youths reported seeing an object with three big red lights and a red glow over the town.
• November 4, 1969, Provost, Alberta: A columnist spotted a UFO that was initially thought to be an airplane but was silent, not on a particular course, and appeared to be hovering.
• November 6, 1969, Lynchburg, Virginia: A couple reported a large, bright, fast-moving white object that spanned the sky and disappeared to the southeast.
• November 11, 1969, University City, Missouri: Two teenagers reported a huge, very bright and white light, about 30 feet long, with red and pink lights, that followed their car and then took off without noise.
• November 12, 1969, New Ulm, Minnesota: A deputy sheriff and a police officer spotted a "big flashing red light" that traveled over towards a TV tower, stopped, and then moved northeast.
• November 13, 1969, San Luis Obispo, Calif.: Bright orange-colored objects in the night sky caused speculation, with Vandenberg Air Force Base offering no explanation.
• November 15, 1969, Commerce, Oklahoma: A bright orange object was seen moving east to west, slower than a meteor, with lights that did not resemble airplane lights.
• November 27, 1969, Medford, Oregon: Two boys described an object with a bright red light that whirled and hovered, then showed bright white lights before disappearing.
• November 30, 1969, Quincy, Illinois: A bright UFO was reported to have swooped down over a car, causing it to lift off the highway. The disc-shaped object had a neon-type red light and made no noise.
• December 1, 1969, Muscatine, Iowa: A bright blue light and a red flashing light were reported over the Mississippi river bridge.

UFO Government Reports and Opinions

The issue notes the abandonment of Project Bluebook by the US Air Force on December 17, 1969. Robert Seamans Jr., Secretary of the AF, stated that the investigation of flying object reports could no longer be justified on grounds of national security or science. Project Blue Book had investigated 21,618 reports over 21 years at a cost of several million dollars. A NAS Committee and a U.C. group concluded that further studies of "UFOs" or "unknowns" were a waste of time and money. The National Academy of Sciences stated that the "least likely explanation of UFOs is the hypothesis of extraterrestrial visitations by intelligent beings."

Despite the official stance, the UFO Research Institute in Pittsburg, Penn., reported receiving 100 reports since January, with Maj. Joseph J. Jenkins stating, "We will keep plodding until we find an answer." Stanton T. Friedman, speaking at the University of California, criticized the AF's "deception" and "dishonesty" in its treatment of UFOs, calling for "lifting the laughter curtain" and asserting that "we have been visited by intelligently controlled vehicles from outside earth."

Dr. J. Allen Hynek expressed concern that despite daily sightings, nothing is being done about it, urging the public to report UFO sightings. He noted that "giggling" about UFOs simply shows people's anxiety. Dr. Hynek also emphasized the importance of continuing scientific studies of UFOs, stating it is the duty of scientists to document and examine all data, not to dismiss it.

Scientists' Symposium and Data Storage

A symposium at the American Association of the Advancement of Science in Boston discussed the UFO issue. Most scientists still viewed the extra-terrestrial space ship idea as invalid but were interested in researching the psychological aspects of why people report mysteries. There was serious alarm that the Air Force was putting its 21 years of UFO investigation records into dead storage or destroying them. Dr. J. Allen Hynek called this destruction of raw scientific data "unpardonable" and advocated for its declassification. Dr. Robert Hall suggested that the "night sky is full of ambiguous stimuli" leading people to establish "systems of belief" to explain phenomena. Dr. E. U. Condon, who led the investigation that found UFOs to be non-existent, had appealed to Vice President Spiro Agnew to remove UFO topics from the AAAS program, but this was unsuccessful.

Most speakers focused on explaining the mental processes of UFO believers rather than the possibility of unidentified atmospheric phenomena. Dr. Lester Grinspoon suggested that mental disorders can permit sufferers to accept illusions as real, but stated that mental illness is not required for faith in fantasies.

None of the scientists believed UFOs represented visitors from outer space, but many were interested in unexplained sightings as potential results of unknown physical phenomena or as insights into social and psychological phenomena like mass hysteria.

The Air Force planned to move its records from Wright-Patterson AFB to Maxwell AFB, excluding secret records.

NICAP's Response and Future Study

The National Investigations Committee for Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), with 10,000 members, stated that the AF's decision to end Project Bluebook would "pave the way for a fresh and more thorough scientific study." NICAP believes UFOs can now receive "serious, scientific attention they require, free from military considerations."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent reporting of UFO sightings globally, the scientific community's varied reactions ranging from skepticism to calls for further research, and criticism of official government stances on UFO investigations. The editorial stance is one of encouraging diligent research, critical evaluation of information (as seen in the critique of Mr. Binder), and advocating for the scientific study of UFO phenomena, free from dismissal or ridicule. The issue highlights the ongoing nature of the UFO mystery despite official efforts to conclude investigations.

This issue of SKYLOOK, dated December 1969, delves into a variety of topics ranging from lunar science and cosmology to UFO phenomena and space exploration. The magazine maintains its commitment to 'telling it like it is,' addressing reader curiosity and presenting information from various sources.

Lunar Gardening and Moon Dust

The lead article, "WHAT CAN LUNAR GARDEN GROW? SCIENTISTS PROBE MOON: MYTHS," dated December 6, 1969, explores the long-held belief in the moon's influence on earthly life. It reports on findings from Dr. Charles H. Walkinshaw of the U.S. Forest Service, who is evaluating the effects of lunar material on over 30 plant species grown under sterile conditions at NASA's lunar Receiving Lab. in Houston. Seedlings of tomato, bean, wheat, and pine survived and, in some cases, grew healthier when challenged with moon dust, particularly liverworts. Dr. Walkinshaw explained that moon dust lacks sufficient nutrients for plant growth on its own but can serve as a good medium if proper nutrients are added. He also noted that moon dust is geologically unique, possessing a high titanium content, low potassium and sodium, and lacking organic matter. The article also mentions that moon rock has considerable magnetic qualities. Furthermore, it touches upon ancient beliefs and gardening practices related to planting by the moon's phases and its passage through zodiac signs, noting that plants bearing harvest above ground benefit from planting during an increasing moon, while those yielding crops below ground do best during a waning moon.

Cosmic Discoveries and the Universe's Scale

An article dated December 7, 1969, from Washington, D.C., titled "NEW DATA STRETCHES IMAGINATION," reports on evidence suggesting the universe may be significantly larger than previously thought and potentially 'open' rather than 'closed,' as proposed by Albert Einstein. This information comes from the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OA02), launched a year prior by NASA. OA02 has been observing the universe in ultraviolet light, which does not penetrate Earth's atmosphere. Scientists have found that many distant galaxies are much brighter in ultraviolet radiation than anticipated, suggesting they are farther away than previously assumed. A popular theory posits that all matter in the universe originated from a dense 'atom' that exploded about 10 billion years ago, with its fragments forming galaxies. According to this theory, the universe is likely no more than 20 billion light-years in diameter, but OA02's findings suggest it could be 'several times' larger. The article also notes that if inter-galactic matter exists to support an 'oscillating universe' model, it is not detectable in ultraviolet light.

Space Exploration and Moonbases

Under the date December 10, 1969, an article from Oregon, "U.S. MOONBASE SEEN AS NEXT IMPORTANT SPACE VENTURE," highlights predictions by Dr. Willard F. Libby, director of the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at the University of California. Dr. Libby, speaking at a conference, predicted that the U.S. would establish a moonbase as the next significant venture in space. Such a base could potentially house a chemical factory for developing propellants for space probes and manufacturing new metals, leveraging the absence of air and gravity.

Miscellaneous UFO Reports and Local Interest

The "MISCELLANEOUS" section includes several brief reports:

• December 1969, Ogallala, Nebraska: Mayor Paul Cassel stated that if the planet is under surveillance by flying saucers, they will land where there are decoys. Ogallala painted its water tower with fluorescent paint and intricate lighting to resemble a flying saucer, following public reports of a UFO with revolving orange lights and figures in portholes. The Mayor hopes this will attract travelers.
• Subscription Notice: Subscriptions to SAUCER MAGAZINE are now $3.00 a year, and it is published monthly. Information can be obtained by writing to Mark Bouge, Editor & Publisher.
• December 9, 1969, Bogota, Columbia: Over 40 people, mostly children, died of gastro-enteritis in Fundacion, Magdalena State. A note references a potential connection to a report titled "DID SAUCER CAUSE DEATH."
• December 22, 1969, Colorado Springs, Colorado: The Air Force agency tracking orbiting objects predicts nearly 4,000 space objects will be circling Earth by the end of the 1970s, based on launching capabilities. Over 1,800 red objects are already orbiting Earth.

The Mail Box and Reader Contributions

The "MAIL BOX" section features reader correspondence:

• Ted Serios Discussion: A reader, Bob Achzehner, expresses suspicion towards the cameraman and Mike's friend in the discussion of Ted Serios (December 1969 issue). He questions whether the cellophane picture was confiscated and how an image could be formed on film without a lens. The editor notes that Serios keeps a beer stein nearby while he 'works.'
• "Mechanical" Theory: Joseph M. Erhardt, Editor of UFO CHRONOLOG, responds to a "mechanical" theory (mentioned in a previous issue, Dec., P. 3) that he personally contrived to demonstrate how flimsy a theory can become when facts are interpolated excessively. He questions whether a probable theory can be created based on known facts without undue extrapolation.
• DATA-NET Inquiry: Paul J. Willis, Secretary/Editor of DATA-NET, expresses impressment with the work of DATA-NET, noting three items of interest: an ice fall, a "USO" (unidentified submerged object), and a list of UFO sightings by astronomers. He inquires if the DATA-NET REPORT is available to non-Ham operators.
• DATA-NET Information: The editor clarifies that DATA-NET is an association of radio amateurs and non-Hams interested in the UFO phenomenon, with a membership across the U.S. and several foreign countries.
• Praise for DATA-NET: Another reader expresses surprise at DATA-NET's quality, noting that after 43 issues, the organization is only now gaining recognition. The reader praises the ham-radio network setup and wishes them well.
• Joseph M. Erhardt's Update: Joseph M. Erhardt states that DATA-NET has been working quietly since 1967 and has recently solved printing and distribution problems, allowing them to expand their REPORT to members. Their primary purpose remains seeking solutions.
• All-Sky Camera: Jerry Johnson, WA5RON, proposes an investigative procedure for recording UFO paths and actions on film and is experimenting with building an "all-sky-camera." He asks for suggestions on a suitable location to set it up.
• Editor's Response: The editor responds to Jerry Johnson, stating, "If you build it -- we'll install it!!"

Shop & Swap

The "SHOP & SWAP" section contains advertisements for various items:

• WANTED: SWR VI bridge and keyer.
• FOR SALE: HEATHKIT FM RADIO model GR-21 with AFC, $40.00.
• FOR SALE or TRADE: SPEEDOPLEX #2 Bug Key, $10.00 or trade.
• FOR SALE BY OWNER: Hi-speed FLOWSTAFF, $14,000.00.
• FOR SALE BY OWNER: One MICROMETER DEVIATOR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SKYLOOK demonstrates a consistent editorial stance of exploring fringe science, unexplained phenomena, and technological advancements. The magazine acts as a conduit for reader inquiries, scientific reports, and anecdotal evidence related to UFOs, space, and unusual occurrences. The inclusion of diverse reports, from botanical experiments with moon dust to cosmological theories and UFO sightings, reflects a broad interest in the unknown and the frontiers of human knowledge. The "MAIL BOX" and "SHOP & SWAP" sections highlight community engagement and the practical aspects of amateur radio and UFO research, reinforcing the magazine's role as a hub for enthusiasts in these fields. The editorial approach appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also encouraging further investigation and discussion.