Data Net - No 43 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. V No. 1
Date: January 1971
Publisher: The UFO Amateur Radio Network
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of DATA-NET, the publication of the UFO Amateur Radio Network, presents a comprehensive collection of UFO-related information, including reports, analyses, and network updates. The magazine aims to investigate the nature, origin, and purpose of unidentified flying objects.

Table of Contents and Key Sections

The issue features a detailed table of contents, highlighting various articles and sections:

• Announcements: Includes a reward for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer and a free listing service for members.
• The Editor's Desk: Discusses an article from SAGA magazine about the Zodiac and its economic origins.
• Sociological Theory - "Status Inconsistency": An in-depth analysis of Donald I. Warren's article applying sociological theory to UFO sightings, suggesting a link between social status frustration and reporting UFOs.
• Excerpts From the Past: Features historical accounts, including portents from the year 793 in Northumbria and observations from 1926 and 1928.
• Australian First-hand Reports: Details sightings from Australia, including a pulsating ball of light and erratic flying objects.
• Landing Reports: A significant section providing a catalog of UFO landing reports, categorized by state and country, with dates, locations, descriptions, and witnesses.
• Distribution of 525 Landing Reports: A statistical breakdown of landing reports.
• Distribution of 399 U.S. Landing Reports: Further statistical data on US landing reports.
• Sighting Report Reference Chronology & Map: Tools for tracking UFO sightings.
• Clipping the News: A section dedicated to news items related to UFOs.
• UFO Events, Saucer Nests, Meteors, UFO Comments & Opinions, Miscellaneous: Various other topics related to UFO phenomena.

Key Articles and Features

Sociological Theory - "Status Inconsistency"

This section delves into Donald I. Warren's analysis, which appeared in the November 6, 1970, issue of SCIENCE magazine. Warren's research, based on a national survey, suggests that UFO sightings can be understood within the context of individuals' societal positions. The article highlights findings from the Condon Report and the Gallup Poll, indicating that while most Americans have heard of flying saucers, only a small percentage claim to have seen one. Warren's theory posits that UFO sightings are linked to status frustration and social alienation, where individuals might distort information or alter their evaluation systems to cope with their social standing. The article also includes a letter from Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, who commends Warren's analysis but raises pertinent questions about omitted data from the Condon Report and the distinction between UFO observers who report sightings and those who do not.

The Gift of Prophecy

Authored by George Farmer (W600), this piece humorously recounts the alleged lunar journey of a fictional scientist, Professor Euphrates Totterpast. The professor purportedly traveled to the Moon and back in less than 45 minutes using a raft-like craft called the Magnetron, breaking the light barrier. The narrative playfully attributes part of this feat to Daylight Savings Time, suggesting that such rapid space travel is an American capability that surpasses any Russian efforts.

Excerpts From the Past

This section provides historical glimpses into UFO-related phenomena. An excerpt from the year 793 describes portents in Northumbria, including whirlwinds, phantom lights, and fire dragons, followed by famine and the plundering of Lindisfarne. Another account from August 5, 1926, details a remarkably large, shiny oval object observed near the Humboldt Chain, which moved at great speed and changed direction. A 1928 entry describes a similar bright, spheroid object seen over the Kuen Lun Range.

Australian First-hand Reports

These reports, submitted by Sam Kaufman (VK2SK), detail two sightings in New South Wales, Australia. The first, on May 21, 1969, describes a pulsating ball of light observed by Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Cuthbert, which moved erratically and caused a tingling sensation. The second, in September 1969, by J. O'Neill, describes three lights in an erratic flight pattern observed in the northeastern sky.

Landing Reports

Compiled by Frater Jacobus, this extensive list details numerous UFO landing reports from various locations, including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, and international locations like Australia, Canada, Fiji Islands, New Guinea, and New Zealand. Each entry includes the date, location, time, description (hovered, landed, occupants seen), and witnesses.

Data Distribution Tables

The issue includes tables showing the distribution of 525 landing reports and 399 United States landing reports, broken down by state and country, along with corresponding DATA-NET report numbers.

Network Information and Services

DATA-NET, operating as The UFO Amateur Radio Network, provides several services to its members:

• Control/Director: Michel M. Jaffe (WB6RPL) in Mountain View, California.
• Editor/Secretary: Mrs. Josephine J. Clark in Ben Lomond, California.
• Alternate Control: Tom Thompson (W6BPV) in Ben Lomond, California.
• Assistant Control: Jerold R. Johnson (WA5RON) in Austin, Texas.
• Research Editor: Mark J. Richardson (WA0ZRG) in St. Louis, Missouri.
• UFO Library: Books are available from the Control Station.
• Research Service: Technical questions can be addressed to DATA-NET.
• Magnetic UFO Detector: "The Saucer Seeker" by W9AUT is available, along with plans and parts for building it. Permanent magnets are also offered.
• Network Schedule: Includes communication times for Wednesday and Thursday.

DATA-NET encourages members to submit UFO-related information, including newspaper clippings, magazine articles, books, and sighting reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the empirical investigation of UFO phenomena, the application of sociological and psychological frameworks to understand UFO reports, and the utilization of amateur radio networks for information dissemination and communication. The editorial stance, as stated in the 'POLICY' section, is that DATA-NET believes sufficient evidence exists to prove that unidentified flying objects are real, and their ultimate purpose is to determine their nature, origin, and reason for being here. The magazine emphasizes the importance of member contributions and maintains a commitment to honoring confidential requests.

This issue of "UFO Landing" (Volume 1, October 1970) is a compilation of UFO sighting reports, primarily focusing on events that occurred in October 1970, with a special section dedicated to landing reports. The magazine includes a map illustrating the distribution of 399 United States landing reports and a detailed chronology of sightings from various countries.

Sighting Report Reference Chronology: October 1970

The chronology section provides a day-by-day account of UFO sightings, including the date, location, local time, a description of the event, the witnesses, and a report number. The reports span across multiple countries:

• October 1st: Queenstown, Tasmania, Australia - An object oscillated.
• October 2nd: Batley, United Kingdom - A flyover and hover occurred.
• October 2nd: Manchester, United Kingdom - A slow flyby was observed.
• October 3rd: Napier, New Zealand - Eight lights flew over.
• October 4th: Tasman Bay, New Zealand - UFOs hovered, maneuvered, and sped off.
• October 4th: Ocean Beach, Auckland, New Zealand - A humming UFO was observed.
• October 4th: Napier, New Zealand - Four objects were seen in formation.
• October 5th: Central City, Kentucky, USA - A barium cloud (IFO) was reported.
• October 6th: Rolla, Missouri, USA - An object flipped sideways, descended, and dripped liquid.
• October 6th: Salisbury, North Carolina, USA - A 'skyquake' with debris occurred.
• October 7th: Masterton, New Zealand - An object hovered and moved.
• October 8th: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - A flyby with photos was reported.
• October 9th: Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada - A flyby of lights was observed.
• October 9th: Leeton, New South Wales, Australia - An object disappeared and reappeared.
• October 9th: Pleasant Point, New Zealand - A stationary object was seen.
• October 10th: Bay City, Michigan, USA - A low formation flyby with E-M effect was reported.
• October 11th: Dupo, Illinois, USA - An object dipped and then zoomed into the sky.
• October 12th: Waingawa, New Zealand - A hovering object was observed.
• October 13th: Dove Creek & Cortez, Colorado, USA - A landed UFO pursued cyclists.
• October 14th & 15th: Stanbridge, New South Wales, Australia - Hovering and possible landing occurred.
• October 15th: Lawson, Missouri, USA - A car was chased by a UFO.
• October 17th: Carrick, Tasmania, Australia - A bright light moving south was concluded to be a flare.
• October 20th: Pana, Illinois, USA - A possible landing was reported.
• October 20th: Pretoria, South Africa - A UFO was observed at treetop level.
• October 21st (approx.): Colchester, England - A UFO buzzed a 9-year-old.

UFO Events: Clipping the News

This section provides more detailed accounts of specific UFO incidents:

• March 1970 - Mullinahone County, Tipperary, Ireland: John Shelley, an auctioneer, and his wife reported seeing a landed object described as "half an orange with the flat part towards the ground," emitting a dazzling orange and crimson light. The object had a mist underneath and later disappeared. The UFO Register reported it swung down in a great half circle, appearing orange then red, and looked like a disc near the ground with a cushion of vapor below it.

• August 12, 1970 - Richmond, New Zealand: Ellis Dudgeon, a photographer, unintentionally captured a UFO in a photograph of a farm scene. The developed film revealed an object resembling a cylinder with a rounded end, exhibiting two bands of light. Dudgeon noted that the shiny end faced away from the sun and that the object appeared stationary.

• August 13, 1970 - Haderslev, Denmark: Police constable Evald H. Maarup photographed a UFO. His report described a conical light originating from a soundless, grey object about 4-5 meters in diameter at the bottom. The object rose gradually, leaving darkness, and then vanished vertically at high speed. Maarup found the car's front mudguard was still hot.

• September 7, 1970 - Drakelow, Derbyshire, United Kingdom: Police Constable William Woodhouse reported a "brilliant pulsating light" over Drakelow Power Station, witnessed by others. Station officials could not explain the sighting.

• September 12, 1970 - Dunedin, Otago Prov., New Zealand: Citizens reported a bright orb with a triangular flashing tail flying over the city. Similar sightings were reported from Tussock Creek, Dunsdale, and Invercargill, with descriptions of rainbow-colored lights, circular bodies, and stubby tails.

• September 12-19, 1970 - Rand & Vaal triangle, South Africa: Numerous reports described a brightly colored UFO visible for about half a minute, described as gold, pink, white, purple, green, red, yellow, and conglomerations of these colors.

• September 13, 1970 - Stoke, New Zealand: A UFO with a disc on its side, bearing a large black letter "W," was observed approaching at terrific speed and hovering over Mt. Arthur.

• September 17, 1970 - Beit Bridge, South Africa: A low-flying UFO with a brilliant white light was seen heading south-south-east.

• September 20, 1970 - Waiwera, New Zealand: A mysterious object shaped like a weather balloon with glittering lights descended and then ascended vertically at high speed.

• September 22, 1970 - Waimea West, New Zealand: Two objects described as "darting about like flies" were seen, appearing as brilliant, saucer-shaped stars with knobs and flashing lights.

• September 24, 1970 - Mapua, New Zealand: Two families watched a stationary, bright white light in the sky, brighter than a star, which lit up the clouds before disappearing.

• September 26, 1970 - Mahuta, New Zealand: A single bright light, followed by a larger light with revolving colored lights, was observed hovering and maneuvering.

• September 26, 1970 - Mt. Pleasant Park, Rhodesia, Africa: Three UFOs in formation were seen traveling from north to northeast, radiating a huge light and moving in a "swirling vapor trail."

• September 26, 1970 - Salisbury, Rhodesia, Africa: An object like a meteor streaked across the sky and broke into three lights.

• September 27, 1970 - Salisbury, Rhodesia, Africa: Several people heard an "unearthly noise" described as "metal crashing on metal."

• September 28, 1970 - Salisbury, Rhodesia, Africa: Three UFOs were observed in formation, with the main object described as a flashing ball and the others having a red glow.

• September 28, 1970 - Salisbury, Rhodesia, Africa: A red object, like a star, hovered at treetop level and then dropped down.

• September 29, 1970 - Winton, Bourne, United Kingdom: A "silver globe" was seen spinning at a fantastic rate, emitting a strange droning noise, and moving very fast.

• October 1st - Queenstown, Tasmania: A "flying saucer" was described as moving up and down and back and forth.

• October 3rd - Napier, New Zealand: Eight lights were seen in the sky approaching at about 300 feet.

• October 4th - Tasman Bay, New Zealand: Two UFOs were sighted fishing, hovering and moving with distinct colored lights.

• October 4th - Ocean Beach, Auckland Prov., New Zealand: A large, bright light emitted a humming noise similar to a powerful generator.

• October 4th - Napier, New Zealand: Three youths reported four bright objects moving in rough formation.

• October 7th - Masterton, Wellington Prov., New Zealand: A glowing object with radiating spokes was observed for 15 minutes, and later seen again.

• October 9th - Pleasant Point, Canterbury Prov., New Zealand: A white light faded and reappeared, changing color from red to bright white.

• October 11th - Dupo, Illinois, USA: An object dropped to about 2,200 feet and then zoomed into the sky, described as "long and glowed white with colored lights at each end."

• October 13th - Dove Creek & Cortez, Colorado, USA: A bright glowing object was seen hovering near Ute mountain, described as a "jelly bean" shape with three lights.

• October 15th - Lawson, Missouri, USA: Four teenage girls reported a globular light chasing their car.

• October 17th - Carrick, Tasmania, Australia: A bright, steady light moving south was identified as a parachute flare.

• October 20th - Pana, Illinois, USA: A white, burning-like light was seen drifting down from the sky.

• October 20th - Pretoria, South Africa: A dull metallescent disc-shaped object of considerable size was seen at treetop height, moving at tremendous speed.

• October 21st (approx.) - Colchester, England: A 9-year-old boy reported seeing a goldy-colored object with beams of light coming towards him.

• October 22nd - Pell City, Alabama, USA: Two cylindrical objects were observed, one with a vapor trail, meeting and one disappearing.

• October 22nd - Lancashire, England: A cigar-shaped object with a beam of light in the middle was reported.

• October 23rd - Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: UFOs were identified as balloon clusters.

• October 25th-28th - Compton, South Australia: A brightly lit object was observed nightly for four nights, illuminating fence posts and exhibiting red rays.

• October 28th - St. Helens, Tasmania, Australia: A cigar-shaped object moved slowly across the sky, exhibiting red, white, and blue colors.

• October 31st - Tallimba, New South Wales, Australia: A strange light was observed on a hill, turning red and yellow as it rose.

• October 31st - Mount Gambier, South Australia: A bright pink object, turning redder away from the center, was observed falling slowly.

Saucer Nests

• September 13th - Puketutu, Te Kuiti, New Zealand: Mr. C. Blackmoore reported an unidentified object leaving a flattened area of grass for the third time. The water in a nearby pond had turned murky, and a strange mark was evident around the rim. A smell like jet plane fuel was noted.

• November 5th - Boggabri, New South Wales, Australia: A mysterious object appeared to have landed, leaving a landing pad about six feet in diameter with a deep center hole and seven other indentations. A powdery substance was found around the holes.

Meteors

• December 2nd - Mountain View, California, USA: Scientists discovered amino acids, considered building blocks of life, in a meteorite that fell near Murchison, Victoria, Australia, on September 28, 1969.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse manifestations of UFO phenomena, including landings, aerial maneuvers, formations, and unusual lights and sounds. The magazine presents a factual, chronological account of sightings, relying on witness testimonies and official reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these phenomena for public awareness and investigation, without overtly endorsing any single explanation. The inclusion of reports from various countries highlights the global nature of UFO sightings. The "Clipping the News" section provides more in-depth narratives of selected incidents, while the "Saucer Nests" and "Meteors" sections touch upon related phenomena and scientific findings.

This document is a collection of short articles and reports from what appears to be a UFO-focused publication, likely a newsletter or magazine, given the page numbering and varied content. The content spans late 1970 and includes discussions on scientific theories related to extraterrestrial life, UFO sightings, and historical unexplained events.

Extraterrestrial Chemical Evolution

An article discusses the findings of Dr. Ponnamperuma regarding extraterrestrial chemical evolution. Amino acids found in the Murchison meteorite do not appear to be of biological origin, suggesting that complex chemical molecules can evolve chemically in other parts of the Solar System. This discovery indicates that these molecules may have been present since the formation of the Earth, approximately 4.5 billion years ago, aligning with the estimated age of the solar system.

UFO Comments & Opinions: New UFO Theory

At a National Academy of Sciences meeting, Dr. David Atlas presented a new technique using radar to probe the atmosphere. This technique revealed unexpected small-scale atmospheric activities that could have large-scale significance. These activities, described as thin layers of turbulence, might be responsible for UFO phenomena by concentrating light waves like a lens, creating the appearance of a solid object. This concept is referred to as 'Cat' (Clear-Air Turbulence).

A Scientist With a Mission

Stanton T. Friedman, a scientist and member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), is touring and advocating for more government-funded studies into UFOs. The AIAA recently formed a committee to study the UFO problem, and their findings, published in the "Astronautics and Aeronautics" journal, suggested that the high rate of unexplained cases (30 percent) warrants further investigation. Friedman accuses the Air Force of "deception" and criticizes their policy of not addressing unidentified phenomena. He also notes that official explanations often do not match witness accounts. Friedman believes a significant barrier to accepting UFOs is psychological, as it challenges our perception of ourselves and our place in the universe, particularly the idea of advanced civilizations visiting Earth without interaction.

Miscellaneous: Fossilized Eggs Found

In the Gibi Desert, Soviet and Mongolian scientists discovered several dozen fossilized eggs of ornithischia sauropod dinosaurs, which disappeared 60 million years ago. These dinosaurs could grow up to 60 feet long, but their eggs were relatively small, measuring not more than 7.8 inches in diameter.

UFO Group Asks for Reports

The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis has put out a call for UFO sighting reports from the Greater St. Louis area. They are also seeking members from St. Clair and adjoining counties. Sightings can be reported to John F. Schuessler or Arthur J. Expstein, and further information can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Norma E. Short.

Tunguska Explosions

Russian scientist V.P. Korobienikov of the Steklov Mathematics Institute in Moscow proposed that two of the famous Tunguska explosions of June 30, 1908, might have been "sonic booms" from the disintegration of a small comet's head. This would be the only known instance of a comet reaching Earth. Korobienikov, who has been studying the explosions for 60 years, noted significant advancements in understanding in the last decade. He described the 1908 event as a dazzlingly bright fireball seen over a 400-mile trajectory, followed by three explosions. He believes it was not a solid meteorite due to the lack of a crater and the complete disappearance of the main mass, estimated at one million tons. The explosions flattened trees in a butterfly pattern. Recent scientific discoveries indicate that the explosions were accompanied by nuclear radiation and disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field, similar to nuclear explosions.

Data-Net Report and Subscriptions

Information is provided for subscribing to DATA-NET, described as a comprehensive UFO news report. Subscription rates are $4.00 per year for domestic mail and $5.00 per year for foreign mail. Orders can be sent directly to DATA-NET or to the editor, Mrs. Josephine J. Clark. Contact information is also given for The UFO Amateur Radio Network, based in Mountain View, California.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the potential for extraterrestrial life and chemical evolution, and the critical examination of official explanations for unexplained events. There is a clear advocacy for more open and scientifically rigorous research into UFOs, with a critical view of government agencies like the Air Force. The publication seems to aim at informing its readers about scientific developments that might relate to UFOs and encouraging public participation in reporting sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives and support for independent, scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon.