Data Net - No 51 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. V No. 9
Date: September 1971
Publisher: The UFO Amateur Radio Network
Location: Ben Lomond, California, USA

This issue of DATA-NET, the publication of The UFO Amateur Radio Network, presents a collection of UFO reports, analyses, and related news. The cover features a diagram of a radio tower and antenna, along with the network's name and address. The table of contents lists various sections including Announcements, Geographical Location of 322 United States UFO Reports, California Sighting, Sighting Report Distribution Map (May 1971), Sighting Report Index, Clipping the News, UFO Reports, UFO Comments, and Fortean Mysteries.

Announcements and Membership

The publication details its membership structure, with domestic membership at $5.00 per year and foreign at $6.00 per year. It is published monthly by Editor Mrs. Josephine J. Clark. The network's policy is that sufficient evidence exists to prove the reality of unidentified flying objects and they seek to understand their nature, origin, and purpose. Announcements include a $25.00 reward for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer, a free 'Shop & Swap' service for members, and access to a Research Library of UFO books. A 'Technical Research Service' is also offered to members for technical questions. The 'Magnetic UFO Detector' (The Saucer Seeker) is available for free to members, with permanent magnets costing $2.00.

UFO Reports and Sightings

The issue prominently features a "Geographical Location of 322 United States UFO Reports" map, illustrating the distribution of reported sightings. A "Sighting Report Distribution Map (May 1971)" and a "Sighting Report Index" are also included, categorizing reports by type (landings, unusual flight patterns, stationary objects, continuous flight, indefinite objects) and characteristics (multiple objects, investigating vehicles, physical appearance alterations, borderline objects, optical/mechanical aids, effects).

Several detailed sighting reports are presented:

• September 6, 1971, Ben Lomond, California: Sharon Turner reported a bright, square, grey-brown object moving silently across the valley from SW to NE, disappearing without a trace. The object was described as flat on the top and bottom, and about half the size of a dime at arm's length.
• September 6, 1971, Boulder Creek, California: Florence and Joseph Simoni, along with Victor Gervasi, witnessed a bright white object, described as a "soup dish turned upside down" with glowing windows and blinking lights. It remained stationary for about 25 minutes at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet before disappearing.
• July 1, 1965, Upper Provence, France: A peasant reported seeing a machine with six "legs" and a creature inside, with traces of the machine found at the spot. This report is noted as being from the French Gendarmerie Nationale magazine.
• November 18, 1970, Christchurch, New Zealand: Christchurch meteorological radar tracked a UFO with unusual speed and climbing capacity, which disappeared before the radar could maintain lock. The object's speed and altitude capabilities were extraordinary.
• December 8, 1970, Nr. Meekatharra, Australia: Australian government investigators are examining evidence of a UFO, including a photograph of flattened reeds in a circular pattern, reported by 20 copper miners. An eyewitness described it as a large, silvery disc.
• March 24, 1971, Walthamstow, England: Roger Cruickshank reported a glowing saucer-shaped object with a dome, about the size of three buses, swooping low and fast before disappearing.
• April 9, 1971, Nr. Leeston, New Zealand: Charlie Haffenden and Bob Thompson saw a bright light that lifted above the bush, changed color, and zig-zagged before disappearing.
• April 15, 1971, Taupo, New Zealand: Roger Morel and Robin Duncan Hay observed an inverted ice cream cone-shaped object hovering above their campsite, with flickering lights.
• April 18, 1971, Taupo, New Zealand: Mr. J. C. Hall reported a bright star-like object, about the size of a full moon, that appeared to be revolving at the bottom and emitted orange, green, and red lights.
• April 22, 1971, Nr. Rangitaiki, New Zealand: A helicopter pilot, Mr. R. D. Nairn, discovered five Ngatea-like circles, each up to 300 feet in diameter, covered with a fungus-like growth.

Additional reports include sightings of red and green flashing lights, groups of UFOs, and objects described as bars of light with small objects. The issue also mentions a UFO over a power station in Wairakei, New Zealand, and blue light emitting sparks in Colusa, California.

Data-Net Communication Centers

The publication lists its network schedule: Wednesday at 7:00 PM PDST (Thursday at 0200 GMT) on 7.268 (LSB). It also notes active communication centers in St. Louis, Missouri (WAØZRG on 10 meters) and Puerto Rico (KP4CH on 21.342 Khz).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings from various locations worldwide. The editorial stance, as stated in the policy, is that UFOs are real and the network aims to understand them. The emphasis is on collecting and disseminating information, encouraging members to contribute their findings. The issue highlights the amateur nature of the network, relying on its members for reports and investigations, and the use of amateur radio for communication.

This issue of "UFO Report" (Volume 14, Issue 10, July 1971) focuses on the persistent nature of UFO phenomena despite a decline in reported sightings and official government interest. It presents a collection of recent UFO encounters, expert opinions, and ongoing research efforts.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Sightings from May and June 1971

The magazine details several specific UFO incidents:

• May 1, 1971, Opotiki, New Zealand: A resident observed a large, saucer-shaped UFO with blinking lights for about half an hour.
• May 2, 1971, Clare, Michigan, USA: A mysterious light near swamps was described as basketball-sized, dimming, brightening, and changing color. Skeptics attributed it to swamp gas or pranksters, while others considered it a flying saucer or a ghost.
• May 25, 1971, Lynchford, Tasmania, Australia: A circular, flattened area resembling a three-leaf clover was discovered in bushes, attributed to a mysterious force.
• May 28, 1971, East Brookfield, Massachusetts, USA: A bright, oval-shaped object was reported.
• May 28, 1971, Dorchester, Massachusetts, USA: A bright orange, kite-shaped object with a tail was sighted.
• May 29, 1971, Oxford, Massachusetts, USA: A fisherman reported seeing a UFO, corroborated by other witnesses.
• May 31, 1971, Wanneroo, Western Australia: A large, pulsating reddish-yellow light was observed moving rapidly and erratically.
• May 31, 1971, Lynchford, Tasmania, Australia: A second flattened area, similar to the first, was found.
• June 25, 1971, Steward, Minnesota, USA: A strange phenomenon at a farm included wind, quacking ducks, power interruption, and a 10-foot circle of burned corn.

UFO Problem Just Won't Go Away

This section discusses the ongoing nature of the UFO phenomenon, noting a lull in sightings but predicting a potential 'flap' in late 1971 and winter 1972. It mentions historical sighting waves (1947-1949, 1952, 1954, 1966) and the government's historical response, including the U.S. Air Force's Project Sign, Grudge, and Blue Book, which aimed to deny or downplay evidence. The article notes a similar de-materialization of the UFO problem by the USSR and USA in late 1969/early 1970.

Expert Opinions and Theories

• John Acuff (NICAP): Expresses concern over the decline in reports and public apathy, suggesting deep-rooted psychological factors.
• Carl Sagan: Attributes the phenomenon's disappearance to human personality factors.
• Gabriel Green (Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs): Believes UFOs will 'manifest' again, possibly by next year, with extraterrestrials making contact with astronauts on future moon trips.
• Ivan Sanderson (SITU): Proposes a 'parallel universe' theory, suggesting beings from another dimension manipulate time warps to appear physically.
• G. Stuart Nixon (NICAP): States that NICAP is computerizing 10,000 UFO sightings to find patterns and clues.
• J. Allen Hynek: Formerly with Project Blue Book, he now heads Northwestern University's astronomy department. He argues that flying saucers are still active, but public reporting has ceased due to the Condon Report. He advocates for a new, open-minded investigative agency.
• Donald H. Menzel (Harvard): Expresses relief that the phenomenon appears over, calling it a 'great waste of time.'
• Air Force Spokesman: States there was no evidence of extraterrestrial origins or technological developments beyond current knowledge.
• Ronald Bracewell (Stanford): Notes that people now attribute sightings to natural causes rather than reporting them as UFOs.
• Capt. Ivan Mackay (BUFORA): Believes UFOs will be scientifically established and that scientists are among the most interested parties.
• Prof. Yuval Ne'eman: Supports the 'parallel universe' theory.
• Luis Schonherr: Critiques the tendency to attribute unexplained phenomena to subjective or hallucinatory experiences, suggesting future historians may view this trend as unjustified.
• Dr. P.S. Moller (UC Davis): Developed a method to study UFOs by framing questions as related to physiological effects of hypothetical propulsion systems, finding that scientists were more receptive to objective investigation.
• Dr. P.M.H. Edwards (APRO): Claims overwhelming evidence suggests UFOs are intelligently guided, expressing concern about unexplained disappearances and the possibility of humans being used for biological purposes.
• Daniel William Fry: Claims to have traveled at 8,000 mph in a flying saucer controlled by an extraterrestrial named A-Lan, whose mission is to prevent nuclear holocaust by projecting visions of the future to world leaders.

UFO Research and Challenges

• Fear of Ridicule: Ray Sanders (APRO) notes that fear of being called 'nuts' prevents many from reporting sightings, hindering research.
• Aerodynamic Capabilities: The aerodynamic capabilities of flying saucers remain perplexing, with theories suggesting gyroscopic principles.
• Computerization of Data: APRO is initiating a project to computerize UFO data to enable instant scanning by researchers.
• Condon Report's Impact: The Condon Report is seen by 'True Believers' as the end of UFO research, while others reject its conclusions.
• Lack of Official Agency: Following the closure of official government UFO investigation programs, organizations like NICAP and APRO serve as reporting channels.

Extraordinary Reality in Aerial Phenomena

• Harold H. Fulton (NICAP): Suggests that 1971 could see a significant increase in UFO appearances, possibly linked to planetary alignments (Earth and Mars oppositions), citing historical correlations with UFO reports.
• Bruce L. Cathie (NAC Pilot): Claims to have evidence of land-based activity related to UFOs, involving scientists and controlled from outside the country, with the goal of developing anti-gravity power. He has Government documents supporting his activities.

Miscellaneous Reports

• Flying Saucer Alert for French Police: French gendarmes have been instructed to watch for evidence of flying saucer landings.
• Mystery Spheres in North Dakota: Four metallic spheres, approximately 53 inches in circumference and weighing 21 pounds, were found in North Dakota. They appear to be American-made and have generated interest from officials.
• African Beans Rained on Brazil: A bizarre incident where beans fell from the sky in Brazil, speculated to be from a storm carrying them from Africa.
• Unique Rock Found: A porous, gold-colored rock found in Kentucky is believed by the finder to be a meteorite.
• Life in Distant Galaxies?: A French astronomer reported the first direct evidence of the oxygen-hydrogen molecule (OH) in interstellar dust between galaxies, suggesting chemical evolution and the potential existence of water in distant galaxies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistence of UFO sightings despite official disinterest, the ongoing efforts of private organizations and researchers to investigate the phenomenon, and the various theories attempting to explain UFOs, ranging from extraterrestrial visitation to parallel universes. The editorial stance appears to favor continued investigation and open-mindedness, contrasting with the skepticism of some scientific and government figures. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including public apathy, fear of ridicule, and the lack of official support, while also presenting evidence and arguments from those who believe UFOs are real and significant.