Data Net - No 47 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. V No. 5
Date: May 1971
Publisher: The UFO Amateur Radio Network
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of DATA-NET, the official publication of the UFO Amateur Radio Network, is primarily dedicated to the final installment of an extensive analysis of 100 Iberian UFO landing reports. The publication is aimed at amateur radio operators and individuals seriously interested in the UFO phenomenon, with membership costing $5.00 per year domestically and $6.00 internationally.

Key Features and Content

Announcements and Services

DATA-NET offers several services to its members. A reward of $25.00 is offered for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer, with the condition that the photo must be clear enough to show items of value and preferably unprocessed. Members can also list items for sale, trade, or wanted for free in the 'Shop & Swap' section. A research library with UFO books is available from the Control Station, and a research service is offered for technical questions, both free to members. Additionally, a magnetic UFO detector, 'The Saucer Seeker,' with plans and parts lists, is available for free to members, with permanent magnets also offered for $2.00.

The publication encourages members to submit all UFO-related information, including newspaper clippings, magazine articles, books, and sighting reports, with confidential requests honored and material returned as requested.

Special Report Section: Type-1 Phenomena in Spain and Portugal

The core of this issue is the continuation of a study on 100 Iberian landings, co-authored by Vicente Ballester Olmos and Jacques Vallee. This article is also being published concurrently in France by LDLN, in Spain by STENDEK, and in England by FSR. The analysis aims to compare Iberian landing patterns with worldwide phenomena.

#### Part 2: Results of the Computer Analysis

The article begins by referencing a previous issue (D-N #45, Mar 1971) which detailed the motivation and data gathering for the survey. The current analysis focuses on 100 landing reports, 94 of which were previously unpublished outside Spain. The study seeks to answer several key questions:

1. Does Iberian landing activity align with general worldwide patterns?
2. Have UFO waves occurred, and what is their distribution?
3. Is the 'Law of the Times' (a fixed time distribution pattern) confirmed?
4. Can psychological or sociological biases be detected among Iberian witnesses, given cultural differences?
5. What can be said about reports of 'occupants' in the Iberian peninsula?
6. What new avenues for future research are opened by this study?

#### A. General Patterns

The study indicates that landings in Spain occur with a frequency and density comparable to France and other countries, a fact previously unrecognized due to general apathy. Figure 1, a map, illustrates the distribution of cases. Landings predominantly occur at night. Analysis of the time distribution (Figure 2) shows that while frequencies vary, there's no specific pattern beyond reflecting witness habits. Figure 3 compares cases with objects on the ground or at ground level for both Iberian and non-Iberic landings, showing striking similarity (53% on ground, 38% at ground level for Iberic vs. 60% and 35% for non-Iberic). The proportion of occupant cases is also similar, suggesting strong invariants in the phenomenon.

#### B. Distribution of Landing Sites

Table 1 provides a breakdown of landing cases by province in Spain. Sevilla and Barcelona show the highest density of cases (14 and 9, respectively). However, the authors caution that this density might be influenced by the presence of active UFO groups and independent researchers in these areas, potentially leading to a bias in reporting. The map suggests that 'avoidance areas' around principal cities, observed in France, are not as apparent in Spain. The study notes that Portugal contributes only three cases, with the lack of reports potentially linked to the adverse publicity from the hoax case of 'Sierra de Gardunha' in 1954 and the absence of organized data collection efforts.

#### C. Waves of Activity

The phenomenon is characterized by sharp peaks of activity (waves) developing rapidly and raising the general level of reports for several months. These waves have occurred in the US (August 1965, March 1966) and elsewhere, influencing scientific communities and leading to events like the creation of the Condon Committee and the closure of Project Blue Book. The study emphasizes that a worldwide perspective is crucial for observing genuine current activity. Figure 4, showing yearly UFO landing distributions from 1950-1970, illustrates the 'carelessness and general incompetence' of the Condon 'study,' highlighting a significant wave in the summer of 1968. The Iberian Peninsula also experienced activity in the early fifties, with a peak in 1954. The period 1959-64 was quiet, similar to Europe. Figure 5 details activity from 1967-69. Table 2 lists cases by year, showing a peak in 1968. The wave of August 1968 to March 1969 accounted for nearly half of the catalogue's landing accounts. The low number of cases for 1970 is attributed to a possible drop in events and the media's cautious approach following the Condon Report's conclusions.

#### D. The Law of the Times

Early computer studies revealed a peculiar tendency for Type-I UFO events to follow a fixed time distribution, a law considered one of the most reliable invariants of the phenomenon. The Iberian landings provided an ideal sample to test this law. Figure 6 compares the distribution curves of non-Iberic and Iberian landings, showing strong correlation. Activity is low during the day, rising in the evening to a sharp maximum around 9:30 pm, then decreasing and reaching a secondary maximum around 3 am before ceasing by 7 am. This consistent pattern suggests the phenomenon follows a constant behavior, contrary to theories of a 'plan' behind UFO activity.

#### E. Occupants

Twenty-six cases involving occupants are catalogued. In eight, no object was seen; in two, occupants were seen with an object at ground level. The remaining sixteen describe objects and occupants on the ground. Thirteen of these occupant cases occurred during the August 1968 - March 1969 wave. Detailed descriptions are available in the catalogue, with a full analysis deferred to a future study.

#### F. The Witnesses

Contrary to the common scientific view that UFO landing observers are credulous or delusional, this analysis of Iberian witnesses refutes that hypothesis. The report found that 19% of accounts did not identify the witness. The analysis of witness ages, backgrounds, reliability, and behavior showed a direct refutation of the 'unreliable testimony' hypothesis. Table 3 details the number of witnesses per case, ranging from one to hundreds. Examples of one-witness cases include an engineer, an economist, and industrialists. Two-witness cases include businessmen, brothers, and a retired officer. Three-witness cases involve a chief of the telephone office and families. Notably, in Candanchu, 300 people reportedly saw an object on the snow on March 22, 1968. Several sightings have religious connotations. The report highlights the case of Gonzalo Rufinos Ramos in Ordenes (Nov 1, 1954) as particularly interesting due to its mention in foreign newspapers, and investigation confirmed its details, including a radio blackout and independent witnesses, contrary to initial skepticism.

Conclusions

The report recommends that local groups use existing catalogues for systematic re-investigation of landing cases. It stresses the importance of publishing detailed data without interpretation. The authors note that the effort in Spain is just beginning and much more information will emerge. They question the lack of similar comprehensive mapping efforts in other countries, such as Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Latin America, and suggest that the feasibility and usefulness of such analysis, as demonstrated in this report, should motivate similar efforts elsewhere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic analysis of UFO landing data, the identification of invariant patterns in the phenomenon (such as the 'Law of the Times' and wave activity), and the validation of witness testimony. The editorial stance is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, advocating for detailed data collection and analysis, and challenging prevailing skepticism towards UFO reports. The publication clearly believes that unidentified flying objects exist and aims to answer fundamental questions about their nature, origin, and purpose.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 17, Number 2, dated March-April 1971, is published by Flying Saucer Review Ltd. in the United Kingdom. The cover price was 3s 6d. The issue features several analytical articles and data presentations related to UFO sightings, with a particular focus on landing cases and their distribution.

Key Articles and Content

General Distribution by Years (1950-1970)

Figure 4 presents a bar chart illustrating the general distribution of UFO sightings by year from 1950 to 1970. This graph provides a historical overview of the frequency of reported UFO phenomena over two decades.

Monthly Distribution of Landing Cases during the Iberic Wave of 1968-69

Figure 5, a bar chart, details the monthly distribution of landing cases specifically during the 'Iberic wave' of 1968-69. It shows a peak in activity during the summer months of 1968 and a significant drop in early 1969, with a notable percentage (47%) of cases occurring within a specific period.

The "Law of the Times" for the Iberic Catalogue compared to the MAGONIA Catalogue

Figure 6 and Figure 2 (on page 7) explore the temporal patterns of UFO sightings, referred to as the "Law of the Times." These line graphs compare the time of day distribution of landing cases for the Iberic catalogue (100 landings) with two sets of Magonia catalogue data: 362 cases before 1962 and 375 cases from 1963-1970. The graphs show distinct peaks and troughs in sighting frequency throughout the 24-hour cycle for each dataset.

Geographic Distribution of Occupant Cases in Spain and Portugal

Figure 7 is a map illustrating the geographic distribution of occupant cases in Spain and Portugal. Various numbered points on the map indicate the locations of these reported encounters.

Letter from Dr. J. Allen Hynek to PHYSICS TODAY

A significant portion of the issue includes a copy of a letter from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, scheduled for the May 1970 issue of PHYSICS TODAY. In this letter, Hynek expresses concern that the closure of Project Blue Book and the Condon Report might lead to the loss of potentially valuable scientific data on UFOs. He notes that UFO reports are still being received from reputable individuals, often from small-town newspapers where editors may be less influenced by officialdom. Hynek estimates that for every reported UFO case, ten go unreported due to fear of ridicule. He announces that he and his scientific colleagues are establishing a new center to receive UFO reports, ensuring that data is treated seriously and sender anonymity is maintained. He also debunks the misconception that UFO reports come only from 'ding-a-lings,' stating that many come from highly trained technical people and scientists. The address for submitting reports is provided: Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Chairman, Department of Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60201.

Additional Comment by Dr. Hynek

An additional comment by Dr. Hynek, dated April 13, 1971, provides encouragement for UFO researchers. He mentions that a seminar on UFOs at Northwestern University had 70 applicants, with only 12 admitted to the regular course carrying academic credit. He highlights that a graduate student is pursuing a doctorate on the subject, indicating the growing scientific respectability of UFO studies.

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS: THE LANDINGS OF 1970

This section, authored by Dr. Jacques Vallee, presents a preliminary tabulation of landing reports from 1970. DATA-NET members are familiar with the data reduction techniques applied, particularly to the Iberic catalogue. The survey of worldwide landing reports for 1970 shows that the number of landings is not decreasing, with sixty cases already recorded and twelve reports for August alone. Notably, no significant wave occurred in 1970 in countries with good information. Table 2 provides a breakdown of landing distributions by country, including USA (18), Iberic (10), Great Britain (7), France (2), Rest of Europe (5), Australia (4), Canada (4), Latin America (4), and Africa (1).

Observations on 1970 Landing Reports

The review notes an unusual amount of activity in Scandinavia and Africa, though details are not reported. The Spanish contribution remains high, with UFO reports increasing in Spain as of April 1971. There were few reports of occupants (five), mostly associated with low-altitude objects that did not land. Twelve reports of physical traces or marks were recorded. The landings continued to follow the "Law of the Times."

UFO Organizations and Reporting

The issue examines how UFO information was reported and the performance of various UFO organizations. It observes that in 1970, the first year without Project Blue Book, landing reports circulated more widely and accurately. A distribution table shows the number of reports attributed to DATA-NET (30), Flying Saucers (8), SKYLOOK (3), APRO (2), and NICAP (0). The excellent information from DATA-NET is attributed to the UFORC clipping service. The article notes that the best documents, in terms of supporting evidence and depth, were found in Charles Bowen's FLYING SAUCER REVIEW. A key conclusion is that the quantity of information provided by a UFO organization is inversely proportional to its size.

Notable Researchers and Cases

Individual researchers active in making Type I reports public in 1970 include Ballester, Fawcett, Hynek, Lagarde, Fouere, Farish, Clint Williams, Ted Phillips, and Norma Short. The issue also includes a list of "1970 Landing Reports" with dates, locations, and brief descriptions, such as Viator (Spain), Gerena-Olivares (Spain), Duncan (Canada), and others across Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australia. It also details specific cases, including a hovering UFO in Batley, England (1968), a circling UFO in Rio de Janeiro (1970), a landed UFO in Brightwalton, England (1970), a power failure and landing in Helsinki, Finland (1971), a submerged UFO near Cape Corse, France (1971), and a landing with an occupant seen in Peabody, Kansas (1971).

UFO Coding System

A significant factor common to UFO reports is the description of the action attributed to an unexplained flying object. The article proposes a coding system based on consistency, adapting Dr. Vallee's methods. This system categorizes reports into five major types: LANDINGS, UNUSUAL or ERRATIC FLIGHT PATTERN, STATIONARY or HOVERING IN THE SKY, CONTINUOUS FLIGHT, and INDEFINITE OBJECTS. These types are further defined by classes and sub-classes, such as Pacing or investigating vehicles, multiple objects, physical appearance alterations, and borderline objects. Examples of coding are provided, such as I-AC-bc-% for a landing with an occupant seen.

Clipping the News

This section provides summaries of recent UFO news clippings. Examples include a report from Batley, England, about an oval silver object hovering above Mount Pleasant, and another from Batley about a bright craft hanging low in the air. A report from Rio de Janeiro describes a silent, circling UFO. A landed UFO near Brightwalton, England, is detailed, as is a case from Helsinki, Finland, involving power failure and a landing. A submerged UFO near Cape Corse, France, and a landing with an occupant seen in Peabody, Kansas, are also summarized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, particularly landing cases, and their temporal and geographic distribution. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of systematic data collection and analysis, as advocated by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Jacques Vallee. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting the scientific study of UFO phenomena, encouraging rigorous reporting, and debunking misconceptions about the nature of UFO witnesses and the subject itself. The issue highlights the role of dedicated researchers and organizations in advancing the field, particularly in the absence of official government projects like Blue Book. The growing scientific respectability of UFO studies is also a notable theme.

This issue of the DATA-NET REPORT, dated January 28, 1971, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a cover headline hinting at the reporting of events to teachers and classmates. The document is primarily a compilation of UFO incident reports and commentary.

UFO Incident Reports

Delia, Kansas (February 1, 1971)

Mr. and Mrs. Lundin reported hearing a loud noise like a shotgun blast and seeing a red light illuminate their house, followed by an object burning with flames for several minutes. The next day, a pile of metallic ashes covering a 4-foot square area was discovered. Two pieces of this metal were given to the Jackson County Sheriff. NASA stated the object could not be debris from a space capsule, and the AF recommended local university analysis.

Monterey, California (February 12, 1971)

Area residents reported a fireball trailing smoke that fell from the sky, splashed into the ocean, and apparently sank without a trace. An all-night Coast Guard search was conducted, with aerial flares illuminating the night sky and hundreds watching from the shore. Military and civilian aviation facilities reported no missing aircraft or missiles.

Lorain, Ohio (March 18, 1971)

Mrs. Joseph Garcia and her 16-year-old daughter observed a 'very bright light' traveling from north to south. They described it as 'saucer-like' and noted that it 'stopped and dimmed, then brightened with a ring of flashing red and white lights on the bottom.' The object then 'darted, real fast,' appearing every three or four minutes and circling in the general direction of the Sheffield Shopping Center. It was last seen around 9:35 pm.

Eldorado Mountain, Colorado (April 1, 1971)

Mrs. Alfreda Walker and her 10-year-old daughter reported seeing a ball of flame followed by a plume of smoke and hearing an explosion when an aircraft hit the ground. An airplane appeared to 'bounce into the air and explode' on the northeast face of Eldorado Mountain. Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Walter Young reported that seven deputy sheriffs and two fire departments were dispatched, but a two-hour search by helicopter found no trace of an explosion, fire, or downed airplane. Local airports and the FAA confirmed no missing airplanes.

Brunswick, West Australia (April 13, 1971)

Geoff Richards, his wife Toni, and their son Mark were driving when Mr. Richards noticed a single white light behind them. He initially thought it was another car, but the light 'suddenly came racing up to the car; it appeared to be going about 500 miles an hour.' The light stopped about 20 yards behind the car, then shot backwards to the horizon. It glowed red like a fire, lit up the surroundings, and then turned white before approaching again. This happened about four times. Mr. Richards also noted another light appeared in front, which also shot forward and then darted back. He found it frightening that the light turned from red to white on the horizon, and stated, 'It was not the kind of light a car boam gives and I could look right at it without it hurting my eyes.'

UFO Comments and Opinions

Washington, D.C. (March 2, 1971)

Dr. James E. McDonald's theory linking UFOs to the 1965 New York power failure was discussed in relation to his thesis that SSTs could increase skin cancer. Representative Silvio O. Conte questioned McDonald on his UFO-power failure correlation theory. McDonald affirmed that the correlation was 'disturbing' and had held up, describing the problem of UFOs as a 'very serious scientific problem.' He also testified that 500 SSTs could increase US skin cancer cases by at least 5,000 a year by reducing the ozone layer, which filters cancer-producing ultraviolet rays.

Shop & Swap and Data-Net Report Information

The issue includes a 'Shop & Swap' section seeking back issues of 'Flying Saucer Review' and a copy of 'Zanoni' by Bulwer Lytton. It also provides information about DATA-NET, including a notice for membership renewal ($5.00 domestic, $6.00 foreign per year) and the availability of back issues, with reports #30 and #41 noted as exhausted. A 'Special Report' on 'A Study of 100 Iberic Landings' by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallee is also advertised for $1.50.

Contact information for DATA-NET and the DATA-NET REPORT is provided, including an address for Mrs. Josephine J. Clark in Ben Lomond, California, and a mailing address for DATA-NET in Mountain View, California.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the documentation and analysis of UFO sightings and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these events, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of incidents and the inclusion of scientific commentary from figures like Dr. James E. McDonald. The publication also serves as a hub for enthusiasts, facilitating the exchange of information and resources related to UFO research.