Data Net - No 59 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. VI No. 5
Date: May 1972

This issue of DATA-NET, the publication of The UFO Amateur Radio Network, delves into UFO phenomena with a focus on historical cases and statistical analysis. The magazine is published monthly by Editor-Publisher Mrs. Josephine J. Clark and is based in Ben Lomond, California.

Research in Progress: Follow-Up to the 1950 Survey

This section, authored by Carlos Orlando and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, presents further information on the 1950 Iberian UFO flap, building upon a previous paper. It traces the history of UFO reporting in Spain, noting sporadic reports since 1800 and the first regular press coverage of 'flying saucer' phenomena in 1946. The 1950 flap is highlighted as a period when the phenomenon gained global recognition. The authors discuss why this wave might have been forgotten, citing issues with documentation in local newspapers, the lack of emphasis by early authors like Pedrajo and Buelta, and the limited number of investigators at the time. They also mention the efforts of Ribera in the 1960s to accurately document the flap.

Actual Case Histories

Several typical UFO sightings from the 1950 flap are detailed:

• March 21, 1950: Two young men near San Sebastian observed two brilliant, star-like objects moving at high speed (estimated 1000 Km/h) that disappeared at altitude.
• March 25, 1950: Witnesses near Valdehuncar reported a sharp hiss followed by a round-shaped craft with a silver luminosity and an orange trail, approximately 35 meters in diameter, which changed direction and gained altitude.
• March 25, 1950: A physician in Penaranda de Duero and his family witnessed an unusual object flying at high speed, described as melon-shaped, bright white, and without a trail.
• March 29, 1950: In Almansa, a 2-meter diameter object descended like a ball of fire with a humming noise, then ascended and vanished, leaving a violet spot.
• March 29, 1950: Airport personnel in Villafria, Burgos, observed a UFO flying at high speed (reported 1800 Km/h) that resembled a 'flying wing' aircraft.

UFO Activity in Relation to Night-of-the-week

This section presents a statistical analysis of UFO sightings based on the day of the week and time of day. Tables A and B show the distribution of cases, indicating that the lowest proportion of cases occurred on Sunday (days) and Saturday night (nights), while the highest occurred on Wednesday (days) and Tuesday night (nights). The authors note that the 1950 flap may not be a pure UFO wave but highlights the consistent low number of events on Saturday nights.

Sighting Dispersion Map

The issue includes a map plotting 86 UFO sightings. The analysis suggests that there is no apparent special trend in the geographic distribution of events, appearing unbiased. Furthermore, the number of inhabitants per square kilometer in each province does not correlate with the number of UFO reports, indicating a random variation with population density.

The Correlation with Mars

This article explores a potential correlation between the Earth-Mars distance and the number of UFO cases during the 1949-1951 period. A graph visually compares the two datasets, suggesting a striking comparison that warrants mention, although its significance is unknown.

Mart, Texas UFO Photographs

This report details an investigation into UFO photographs taken in Mart, Texas, on February 27, 1972. The Chief of Police and Sheriff's Department believe the pictures are genuine, and the photographer, Mr. Roll, is considered a reliable resident. The event was followed by power failures in local homes and churches, as well as unusual animal reactions. Other sightings in the area are also mentioned, including an orange object with lights and a brilliant blue-white light, and a reddish-orange object with brighter white lights. One witness described a huge orange disc-shaped object that changed to green and flew off at fantastic speed.

Additional Information and National Enquirer Reward

Further details on the Mart, Texas sighting are provided, including information about the camera used and the estimated size and distance of the object. The National Enquirer is offering a $50,000 reward for UFO reports, with a panel of judges including Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

Enigmatological Survey

This section reviews a UFO-themed segment on Disney's MOUSE FACTORY, featuring interviews with witnesses. It also praises SAGA magazine for its consistent coverage of UFO and fortean articles, highlighting an article by Otto Binder titled 'UFOS ARE LEADING MANKIND TO THE STARS' and another on 'FASTER-THAN-LIGHT SPACESHIPS' by Adrian Berry.

Reviews and Predictions

The issue reviews several publications, including 'THE CASE OF THE CRIPPLED FLYING SAUCER,' 'REDESIGNING OUR SOLAR SYSTEM,' and 'AMERICA'S APE-MEN MONSTERS.' It also notes the demise of SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE magazine and the emergence of $PACEVIEW. A review of 'VISITORS FROM LANULOS' by Woodrow W. Derenberger is included, discussing the concept of an 'Intergalactic Alphabet' and similarities with other drawings. The author also shares five personal predictions for 1972, ranging from entertainer Jimmy Durante making headlines to a high-intensity UFO flap around Minneapolis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of past UFO events, particularly the 1950 Iberian flap, and the analysis of contemporary sightings, such as the Mart, Texas case. The magazine emphasizes statistical approaches to understanding UFO phenomena and encourages further research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, presenting evidence and analysis while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the need for rigorous investigation. There is a clear interest in connecting UFO events to broader historical patterns and scientific possibilities, including extraterrestrial origins and advanced technologies.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, dated September 1971, focuses heavily on cataloging UFO sightings and related phenomena. It includes reviews of books on the subject and a humorous 'Forteana' award.

Book Reviews and Mentions

The issue highlights several books related to UFOs. 'Flying Saucers, Ancient Writings and the Bible' by R. Cedric Leonard is recommended for its factual approach, contrasting with 'The Phenomena of Flying Saucers and Spatial People' by Ulysee Douglas, which is described as more preachy. Both are available from Exposition Press, Inc. Damon Knight's 'Charles Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained' is noted as being available from Marboro Books for $1.00. The extensive 'Man, Myth and Magic: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Supernatural' by Marshall Cavendish Corp. is also discussed. While praised for its overall quality, the section on flying saucers is found disappointing, featuring articles by astronomer Patrick Moore (categorizing sightings into LITS and contactee-types) and sociologist J. A. Jackson (focusing on George King and the Aetherius Society). The first volume of this encyclopedia is offered free.

The Flittering Finger of Forteana

This month's 'Flittering Finger of Forteana' award goes to John Shields, an education officer at the Flamingo Park Zoo in Scarborough, England. On April Fool's Day eve, he placed the frozen carcass of a bull elephant seal into Loch Ness. This act caused a significant stir, with zoologists initially believing they had found the Loch Ness Monster and transporting the carcass to England. Shields eventually confessed his prank, which the editor notes made the work of an 'Enigmatologist' more difficult.

Sighting Report Index - September 1971

The core of the issue is the 'Sighting Report Index' for September 1971, which meticulously lists numerous UFO reports. The index uses a coding system to classify sightings:

• Type I: Landings and Near Landings (tree height or under 100')
• Type 2: Unusual or Erratic Flight Pattern
• Type 3: Stationary or Hovering in the Sky
• Type 4: Continuous Flight
• Type 5: Indefinite Objects

Further classifications (Class A, B, C, D) detail:

• Class A: Pacing or investigating vehicles (land, sea, air)
• Class B: Multiple objects (and objects emitted or merged)
• Class C: Physical appearance alters
• Class D: Borderline objects (due to characteristics)

Sub-categories include observations via optical or mechanical aids, photographs, and effects on humans, animals, electrical, or mechanical systems. Specific incident details include:

• Landed (or submerged)
• Near landing (tree height or under 100')
• Occupant seen
• Traces (residue, marks)

Key Incidents from September 1971 Reports:

• July 26, 1965 - Ogre, Latvia, USSR: Three astronomers observed a lens-like disc with a spherical bulge and three surrounding balls, described as pearly green, moving away from Earth. This was classified as a (4-B-a) sighting.
• November 26, 1968 - Melbourne, Florida, USA: Four UFOs, described as 'football-like,' followed two small planes for about 20 miles. One object landed in a swampy area using 'telescopic legs.' This was classified as (I-AB-).
• July 2, 1971 - Toorooka, NSW, Australia: A bright helmet-shaped object, colored yellow to creamy white with orange-red rings, was photographed hovering before moving off. Classified as (3-b).
• August 11, 1971 - Corby, England: A massive, dazzling orange ball with a white glow was reported floating in the sky for over an hour. Classified as (3).
• August 15, 1971 - Bolton, England: Four glowing white, round objects in joined pairs moved silently across the sky for five minutes. Classified as (4).
• August 29, 1971 - Culloden, England: A colored object appeared, grew from a star shape to a globe, and shot off toward Black Isle, moving back and forth as if surveying. Classified as (2).
• September 9, 1971 - Barnsley, England: A 'bright and cigar shape' object, metallic and either silver or white, passed over the town, drifting slowly. Classified as (4).
• September 11, 1971 - Glen Forrest, Perth, Australia: APRO investigator Donald Cline sighted a brilliant white light that descended very fast, hovered, and disappeared. Classified as (2-a).
• September 11, 1971 - Cottesloe, Australia: A brilliant light illuminated the sky, causing a dog to bark; a brilliant light surrounded by mist was seen. Classified as (2-c).
• September 30, 1971 - Tyneside, England: A massive silver-colored flying saucer, described as 'as big as 5 or 6 Jumbo jets put together,' hovered over a golf course. Classified as (3).

Other Notable Reports and Sections:

• October 3, 1971 - Belmont, England: A UFO described as 'six or eight large lights suspended vertically in the sky' was viewed.
• October 11, 1971 - Walthamstow, England: A cigar-shaped object, 'larger than a Jumbo jet with a white light at one end,' moved incredibly fast.
• October 14, 1971 - Bredon, England: Two flashing lights, like catherine wheels, were observed, one performing aerobatics.
• October 17, 1971 - Walthamstow, England: A round object shaped like a plate with red & yellow lights made a buzzing sound.
• October 26, 1971 - Newport, England: A red cone-shaped object 'with the thick end of the cone first' moved slowly, trailing flames.
• October 27, 1971 - Shrewsbury to Telford, England: An object described as a long, thin yellow pencil changed shape to a dome or upside-down saucer and hovered.
• October 27, 1971 - Hindley Green, England: A large cigar-shaped object with smoke coming from the back flew over and disappeared quickly.
• October 27, 1971 - Middlesex, England: An 'enormous hovering UFO' described as a craft with a turreted or dome-shaped top and a slowly revolving base with many facets was observed.
• October 27, 1971 - Bedworth, England: Two orange cigar-shaped objects appeared, one closing into a sphere and then returning to its original shape.
• October 27, 1971 - Pinvin, England: Three large black objects, one stationary, one spinning, and one moving fast, were seen.
• October 28, 1971 - West Midlands area, England: A saucer-shaped object with a tower and a vapor trail floated in the sky.
• October 28, 1971 - Rock Ferry, England: An object was seen at high altitude, then dropped to 2,000 feet, leaving a flare.
• October 28, 1971 - Scunthorpe, England: An object like two saucers remained stationary for several minutes before moving off, leaving a reddish-gold line.
• October 28, 1971 - Grimsby, England: A cigar-shaped object, stationary and standing on its end, was seen, later assuming a horizontal position and fading away.
• November 3, 1971 - Walthamstow, England: A white cigar-shaped object hovered and flew off, leaving a long white vapor trail.
• November 5, 1971 - South Johnstone, Queensland, Australia: An Advocate reporter investigated a reported UFO landing, with witnesses finding burnt cane and a powerful light. Rescuers found locomotive men stupified.
• November 10, 1971 - Capel St. Mary, England: A reddish, glowing cylindrical object with a short tail emitted a small, black, round piece that shot off at enormous speed.
• November 22, 1971 - Preist River, Idaho, USA: Bright red lights were observed on a mountain, moving up and down, then side to side. A second bright red light appeared, and a military plane investigated.
• December 5, 1971 - Beaumont, Pennsylvania, USA: A bright light, described as 'the whole house was lit up,' hovered over a car and followed it home, later pacing another car.
• December 14, 1971 - Cavetown, Maryland, USA: A UFO described as a large bright white light with occasional flashing red lights was observed hovering and changing speeds.
• December 28, 1971 - Basildon, England: Two bright cigar-shaped objects moved noiselessly across the dark sky.
• January 1972 - Strongsville, Ohio, USA: A saucer-shaped object hovered for about 30 minutes, allowing photographs to be taken.
• January 1972 - Ngatea, Waikato, New Zealand: Mysterious substances, described as light, inflammable polyurethane slivers, were found at a burned circle site, possibly left by a UFO.
• January 5, 1972 - Oil Trough, Arkansas, USA: A glowing sphere was reported to have crashed in the woods, leaving a reddish glow.
• January 7, 1972 - Kanawha Valley area, West Virginia, USA: A fish-shaped object, long and reddish, with a white flashing light on the bottom, was seen hovering and circling.
• January 22, 1972 - Nr. Geraldton, Western Australia: Five youths were frightened by a brilliant orange light that separated into two parts, with one part moving towards them.
• February 3, 1972 - Eden, North Carolina, USA: A bright light, described as like a street light but larger, was seen below cloud level.
• February 2, 1972 - Eden, North Carolina, USA: A UFO kept pace with a car, appearing reddish, then green with blinking lights, moving forward, turning, dipping, stopping, and backing up.
• February 8, 1972 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA: A bright light in the sky shot a beam down, causing a dog to disappear. Other readers reported missing dogs.
• February 17, 1972 - Quincy, Illinois, USA: A small, light UFO with two pods extending from a central dish, displaying red, green, and white lights, passed over a car.
• February 26, 1972 - Larned, Kansas, USA: A big, white light appeared before a car, hovering and circling. The next morning, two wires of a corral were found cut, and milk cows had burn spots on their backs.
• April 14, 1972 - Tallahassee, Florida, USA: 'Two huge bright lights' and later 'two huge, bright red lights' were reported over the city, followed by 'blue and gray lights.'
• April 9, 1972 - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada: Tourists watched an unoccupied car turn on its lights, shatter its lenses, blow its horn, start its engine, and burst into flames.

Miscellaneous and Data-Net Report

The issue also includes a 'Shop & Swap' section seeking back issues of 'Flying Saucer Review.' A book review for 'The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry' by Dr. J. Allen Hynek is present, with advance copies available. The 'DATA-NET REPORT' section advertises a comprehensive UFO news report service with subscription rates for U.S. and foreign mail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed cataloging of UFO sightings, the variety of object shapes and behaviors reported, and the ongoing effort to collect and analyze this data. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous phenomena, while also acknowledging and sometimes humorously highlighting the more unusual or prank-related incidents, as seen with the 'Flittering Finger of Forteana' award. The inclusion of book reviews and the DATA-NET service indicates a commitment to disseminating information within the UFO research community.