Data Net - No 33 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. IV No. 3
Date: March 1970
Publisher: The UFO Amateur Radio Network
Description: This issue of the DATA-NET REPORT, the official publication of the UFO Amateur Radio Network, is a monthly newsletter focused on UFO phenomena. Membership is $4.00 per year. The publication is controlled and published by Michel M. Jaffe, with editorial and production support from Mrs. Josephine J. Clark and research contributions from Mark J. Richardson.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:

• Announcements: General updates and calls for information.
• The Editor's Desk: An editorial piece discussing the extraterrestrial theory.
• Network Schedule: Details on radio communication schedules for network members.
• Ham Roster: A list of amateur radio operators involved with the network.
• Bulletin!: Updates and news items.
• UFO Detectors: Reviews and discussions of various UFO detection devices.
• The Adamski Photographs: A critical examination of the famous Adamski UFO photos.
• A Question of Fuel: An article exploring the possibility of UFOs tapping power sources.
• Landing Reports from New York State: A compilation of UFO landing incidents.
• Clipping The News: Recaps of UFO-related news articles.

The Editor's Desk: The Extraterrestrial Theory

The editor argues that the extraterrestrial theory is the most rational explanation for UFO characteristics. The article lists significant characteristics reported by UFO observers, including unidentified objects being seen, photographed, and tracked on radar; objects maneuvering intelligently; unusual light patterns; discharge of gelatinous masses; triggering power failures and E-M effects; containing foreign occupants; animal reactions; creation of ground markings ('saucer nests'); physiological effects on observers; and observations by astronomers. The editor concludes that an extraterrestrial source provides an all-encompassing answer, and until science proves otherwise, UFO students will likely support this theory.

UFO Detectors

This section reviews several UFO detection devices. The "SAUCER SEEKER," designed by Bob Achzehner (W9AUT), is described as a simple compass or magnet device that can be triggered by magnetized aircraft, buses, axes, and metal ducks. It is theoretically sensitive enough to detect changes in the Earth's magnetic pole. The article notes that a switch should be added to turn it off, as it can be overly sensitive. The "APRO UFO detector" is mentioned as an electronics unit with schematics available for 50 cents. The "SENTRY detector" from Aerial Research Systems is described as a simple electrical device using a buzzer and a reed switch. While the theory is sound, the article notes that the unit requires the EM intruder to be very close and that the $10.00 charge for the SENTRY is not justified, especially as the unit received was not soldered.

The Adamski Photographs

Dennis Stammey's article "Contacts: A Historical Perspective" in the UFOARB journal is reviewed. The editor finds Stammey's attempt to build a case for the Adamski photographs unconvincing. While photographic experts have stated the photos could not be faked with expensive equipment, the editor counters that they can be duplicated with cheap equipment. The comparison of Adamski's saucer with other saucer pictures and plastic models of the "Enterprise" is dismissed as not proving the authenticity of the models.

A Question of Fuel

This article explores the theory that UFOs may be tapping into Earth's power sources for fuel. An anonymous manager from a Pacific Gas and Electric Company power station confirms that power drains attributed to UFOs do occur, though companies are not supposed to discuss it. The article cites numerous power blackouts and reports of UFOs near generating stations or high-tension lines, suggesting a correlation between UFO activity and power/communication failures. The "refueling theory" is presented as a potential explanation for the increase in UFO sightings and could make moon trips more frequent and less costly.

Landing Reports from New York State

Compiled by Frater Jacobus, this section lists UFO landing reports from New York State, dating from June 1953 to September 1968. The reports include dates, locations, descriptions (hovered, landed, occupant seen), and witnesses.

Clipping The News: Saucer Nests

This section details a report from May 1968 in Standoff, Alberta, Canada, where a sheep herder, Mr. Hoeffer, witnessed a bright, circular object land. The next day, two oval-shaped burned areas were discovered. The larger circle, about 9 ft. in diameter, showed signs of burning and unusual grass growth—coarser, greener, and taller than surrounding grass, with fantastic root development. The grass in the circles was about 2.5 to 3 feet high. Samples of the grass were taken for comparison. A second oval was found to be slightly smaller.

Apollo 10 Incident

The issue includes a report on an incident during the Apollo 10 mission. While transmitting detailed television pictures of the moon, a new surface feature, described as tiny rounded 'domes,' appeared. Astronaut Gene Cernan noted the presence of these 'domes.' Following this observation, the intercom and audio services were cut off, the TV picture lost horizontal hold, and a test pattern replaced the image. An announcement stated no further visual transmission would occur until the spacecraft was en route home. The report questions the sudden communication breakdown and the cancellation of scheduled transmissions, suggesting it was not a technical malfunction but possibly a deliberate action to prevent the public from seeing the 'moon domes,' which astronomers have reportedly observed moving on the moon's surface.

UFO Activity in Des Plaines, Illinois

Bob Achzehner's column reports on UFO activity in the Des Plaines, Illinois area on November 25 and 27, 1967. On November 25, a bright light was observed hovering near O'Hare field. On November 27, an unusual object pulsating between red and white was seen hovering and then moving northeast rapidly. This sighting coincided with a simultaneous, spurious activation of all nine Des Plaines fire sirens, linked by a telephone line. The report notes that active UFO investigators have information linking UFO activity with power and communication problems.

Power Failures and UFOs

This section details several power blackouts and their potential connection to UFO activity. The "grand-daddy" of blackouts, the New York event on November 9, 1965, is discussed, along with other blackouts in Sweden and San Salvador, and eight more in the following ten weeks across Europe and California. In at least three of these failures, UFOs were reported near generating stations or high-tension lines. The article highlights the New York blackout, where fireballs were seen preceding the event, and tremendous surges of current were detected, leading to a burned-out relay at a generating station, with the origin of the surge remaining unknown after intensive study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DATA-NET include the persistent investigation of UFO phenomena, the promotion of the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the most plausible explanation, and the exploration of potential technological aspects of UFOs, such as their energy sources and detection methods. The editorial stance, as expressed in "The Editor's Desk," strongly favors the extraterrestrial theory, viewing it as the only theory capable of encompassing all reported UFO characteristics. The publication also emphasizes the importance of amateur radio networks in gathering and disseminating UFO information, encouraging member participation and the submission of reports and data.

This issue of UFO Report, dated November and December 1969, presents a compilation of numerous unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related commentary from late 1969 and early 1970. The magazine focuses on detailed eyewitness accounts, often including dates, locations, and descriptions of the phenomena.

UFO Events

The issue meticulously documents a series of UFO sightings across North America. On August 1, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, Northwest Airlines pilot Capt. Paul Thrush and Co-Pilot C.J. Cole reported an unidentified aircraft dropping red and white flares, causing flight delays. A United Airlines pilot also detected the flares, and the Civil Aeronautics Administration confirmed the aircraft was not military, classifying the subject as a 'security matter.'

On July 24, 1949, near Boise, Idaho, a pilot reported seeing several V-shaped objects flying in tight formation at high speed, describing them as having a solid, circular body under the V and no visible means of propulsion.

On March 2, 1950, in Long Beach, California, two Air Force Sergeants, Bill Elder and Bob O'Hara, reported a 'pinkish, pancake-like affair' hovering for nearly two hours.

A significant report from August 6, 1969, in Elkader, Iowa, details a sighting by eight members of the Arno and Don Wilke families. They observed a round object with a reddish tint hovering over a wooded area, which then disappeared, followed by bright flashing lights in the woods. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of astronomy at Northwestern University, stated the sighting was genuine and lacked an explanation at the time.

Several sightings from December 1969 are detailed: On December 3, a local citizen in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada, reported an object described as a 'flying saucer' with orange and red light. On December 5, a pilot flying towards Toronto Island Airport observed a bright white light oscillating and moving at high speed, which was not detected on radar. On December 13, in Kahoka, Missouri, two local men sighted a UFO flying erratically with flashing neon lights. On December 19, in Saddle River, New Jersey, patrolmen and a resident reported seeing yellow-orange objects traveling in pairs. On December 29, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, two boys photographed an object described as a disc, approximately 30-35 feet in diameter.

Early 1970 sightings include: On January 1, 1970, in Mill Bay, British Columbia, residents reported an object with four lights close together moving slowly and emitting a ray. On the same date, in Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, registered nurse Mrs. Doreen Kendall reported seeing a saucer-shaped craft with two human-like figures inside, hovering outside a hospital. On January 4, in Burquitlam, British Columbia, two individuals reported a 'golden glowing glob' in the sky. On January 10, in Hayward, California, a 'yellow fireball' was reported, followed by a large yellow flash and explosion. On January 10, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, several people reported strange lights moving slowly and changing colors.

Further reports include: On January 14, 1970, in Shippensburg & Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, flashes and white circles were observed, described as forming a smoke ring. On January 29, in Deland, Florida, a fruit driver and his brother reported an object about 40 feet long, shaped like two saucers inverted, emitting colored lights and a whirring sound. On February 10, 1970, in San Mateo, California, a 15-year-old girl reported a saucer-shaped object hovering with red and blue lights.

Photographs

A photograph taken in July 1969 in Flippin, Arkansas, of a jet plane landing was later found to contain an inverted object in the sky, which was confirmed as authentic by the developing company. Another photograph from January 22, 1970, in Tucson, Arizona, of a UFO described as a 'solid object' and 'quite large' (estimated 80 to 320 feet in diameter) was analyzed by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO).

UFO Comments and Opinions

The issue includes commentary from various experts. Two Harvard University psychiatrists, Lester Grinspoon and Alan Persky, suggested that subconscious thoughts related to sex symbols might explain some UFO sightings, attributing them to tension-ridden times and a reliance on magic and myths. They proposed that saucer-shaped or cigar-shaped objects could be projections of the breast and phallus.

Astronomers Thornton Page and Carl Sagan emphasized the importance of studying UFOs to maintain respect from students, noting that topics like ESP and astrology attract bright, young individuals. They suggested that explanations beyond extraterrestrial theories, such as spiritual happenings and time travelers, are often overlooked.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, speaking in St. Louis, Missouri, criticized UFO study methods and stated that 'The only thing we know for sure is that we don't know.' He noted that while some witnesses might be 'batty,' others were credible, and Project Bluebook did not settle the UFO problem. Hynek suggested UFOs might be natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and called for an independent scientific institute to investigate them.

The UFO Study Group of Great St. Louis announced its intention to continue scanning the skies, with John F. Schuessler stating that the responsibility for investigating UFOs now rests with the scientific community following the end of Project Bluebook.

Meteors, Comets, and Fireballs

On January 3, 1970, a blazing meteorite was tracked across several states and recovered near Lost City, Oklahoma. Early indications suggested it might have come from Mars' orbit.

Astronomy

Astronomers discovered an abundance of formaldehyde in interstellar space, suggesting that key biological molecules, possibly amino acids, also exist there. This discovery, made by David Buhl and Lewis E. Snyder, along with others, indicates that methane, ammonia, and water are present, essential for the formation of life.

Miscellaneous

Budget limitations led NASA to cancel one lunar landing in the Apollo program, stretching the remaining missions to 1974. The agency's deputy chief stated that the eighth moon landing was dropped to free up a Saturn 5 rocket for launching an embryonic space station in July 1972.

Isaac Asimov, in an article in the Houston Post, discussed his reasons for believing that contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life is unlikely due to the vast distances involved in space, which would preclude effective radio communication.

Sighting Report Reference Chronology

The issue includes a detailed chronology of UFO sightings reported in November and December 1969, listing date, location, description, and witnesses for each event. This section covers numerous brief reports from various locations in the US and Canada.

The Mail Box

Orestes Wilson contributed a letter suggesting that understanding UFOs requires a spiritual sense and that answers can be found in Metaphysical groups. The editor responded, acknowledging the comfort of belief but emphasizing the search for a 'solution.'

Shop & Swap

This section contains advertisements for individuals seeking or selling radio equipment and books related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the investigation and analysis of these phenomena, and the ongoing debate within the scientific and public communities about their nature and origin. The magazine appears to maintain a stance of documenting these events thoroughly, presenting expert opinions, and encouraging further scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the more speculative or metaphysical interpretations.