Data Net - No 60 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. VI No. 6
Date: June 1972
Publisher: DATA-NET
Description: This issue of DATA-NET, the publication of The UFO Amateur Radio Network, is primarily focused on statistical analysis of UFO sightings, with a significant article detailing a method for quantifying the resemblance of UFO landing time distributions to a model.

Research in Progress: "Quantification of the Law of the Times"

The lead article, by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp, introduces a method to express the degree of resemblance of a given time distribution curve to a model curve. The authors, associated with CEONI and students at the University of Valencia, explain that the 'Law of the Times,' as interpreted by Dr. Jacques F. Vallee, is a well-studied pattern of Type-I UFO phenomena characterized by a specific daily distribution of sightings. This distribution shows a low proportion of reports during the night, a progressive increment in the afternoon and evening reaching a maximum around 9 p.m., followed by an exponential decrease, and a secondary, lower maximum in the early dawn hours. The authors propose a quantitative method to assess how closely other sets of data conform to this model, using six notable characteristics (sharpest maximum, second sharpest maximum, sharpest minimum, and their respective percentages) to calculate a 'Degree of Resemblance' (C) value ranging from 0 to 1.

The article details the theoretical concepts, including the calculation of errors (e) and the formula for C: C = 1 - Σ(ei * yi), where yi is the coefficient of importance. For six characteristics with equal importance, the formula simplifies. Numerical values for errors are derived from differences between time magnitudes and percentages, with specific formulas provided for calculating errors related to the sharpest maximum, second sharpest maximum, sharpest minimum, and their percentages. The discussion of the limits of the Degree of Resemblance explores how C=0% would imply extreme differences between curves, while C=100% would mean identical curves. A scale is presented to interpret the Degree of Resemblance, dividing it into High discrepancy zone (50%-70%), Intermediate zone (70%-85%), and High resemblance zone (85%-100%). The authors recommend applying this method to new sets of data and removing fraudulent reports.

Other Articles and Sections

• Announcements: General announcements are listed.
• "CQ" ...de WA5RON: A brief mention, likely related to amateur radio communication.
• Hoax Suspected in UFO Photos - by Jerold Johnson: This article details Jerry Johnson's investigation into photographs taken by Les Roll of Mart, Texas. After interviewing Roll and examining the Polaroid prints, Johnson became convinced the sighting was a hoax. He points out inconsistencies in the photos, such as the cutting of the prints, the sharp lines and black shadows suggesting proximity to the camera, and the angle of power lines indicating the photographer did not step off the porch as claimed. Johnson suggests the object was a small model disk supported by a wire or string.
• A List of References on Formal Methods and Phenomena - by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos: This section provides a bibliography of UFO-related works, including books and articles on patterns, landings, and specific phenomena, referencing authors like J.F. Vallee, T. Phillips, and J.A. Hynek.
• 1896 Airship Sightings: A brief mention of historical airship sightings.
• Enigmatological Survey - by Paul Braczyk: The content of this survey is not detailed in the provided pages.
• Clipping the News: This section likely contains news clippings related to UFOs.
• UFO Reports: A section dedicated to reporting UFO sightings.
• UFO Comments and Opinions: A space for reader feedback and commentary.
• Shop & Swap: A service for members to list items for sale, trade, or wanted.

Publisher Information and Services

The DATA-NET REPORT is the official publication of DATA-NET, the UFO Amateur Radio Network. Membership is $5.00 per year domestic and $6.00 per year foreign. The REPORT is published monthly by Editor-Publisher Mrs. Josephine J. Clark. The issue is copyrighted 1972 by Mrs. Josephine J. Clark. The report lists the control staff: Control-Director WB6RPL, Michel M. Jaffe; Editor-Publisher Mrs. Josephine J. Clark; Alternate Control W6BPV, Tom Thompson; and Assistant Control WA5RON, Jerold R. Johnson.

DATA-NET offers several services to its members: a $25.00 reward for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer, free research library services for UFO books, and the "The Saucer Seeker" magnetic UFO detector manual is available for free. Permanent magnets are available for $2.00. Back issues are available starting from December 1969 (Report #30), though some 1970 and 1971 issues are out-of-print. A Special Report, "A Study of 100 Iberic Landings" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallee, is available for $1.50.

DATA-NET appreciates receiving UFO-related information, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, books, and sighting reports. Confidential requests are honored, and material will be returned upon request.

DATA-NET COMMUNICATION CENTERS: The network schedule is WEDNESDAY at 7:00 pm PDST, which is THURSDAY at 0200 GMT on 7.268 (LSB).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous, scientific analysis of UFO data, particularly through statistical methods like the 'Law of the Times.' There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine sightings and potential hoaxes, as demonstrated by the article on suspected photo hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging data collection, analysis, and open communication among researchers and enthusiasts, particularly those with amateur radio backgrounds. The publication also highlights the importance of historical UFO cases and provides resources for further study.

This issue of DATA-NET, identified as issue number 59, is a compilation of UFO reports, research, and commentary. While the exact publication date and volume are not explicitly stated, the content suggests a focus on UFO phenomena from the 1970s, with historical references dating back to 1896.

Article: Ray Stanford's Investigation of Les Roll's Sighting

The issue begins with an account of Ray Stanford's investigation into a UFO sighting by Les Roll. Roll claimed to have photographed a huge object that "zig-zagged" in the sky. Stanford interviewed Roll and Tommy Blann, who had sent reports to DATA-NET. Blann is described as predisposed to accept such claims due to his belief in telepathic communication with spacemen and repeated close-range sightings. A power failure occurred 25 minutes after the sighting, though no connection to UFOs was apparent. Significantly, no other witnesses in the area saw the object. Stanford's report includes his opinions, while the Assistant Control reserves its own until the original photographs can be examined. The article notes that $2.00 for a copy of the photographs sold by Mr. Blann would be a waste.

Article: A LIST OF REFERENCES ON FORMAL METHODS AND SPECULATIONS FOR THE AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF UFO PHENOMENA by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos presents a bibliography of scientific and technical articles related to UFOs, focusing on automatic detection. He states his intention to provide this bibliography to DATA-NET for publication, serving two purposes: to assist UFO investigators and to encourage DATA-NET members to contribute new references. The list includes articles on UFO propulsion, statistical research, and fault lines. Olmos acknowledges that his list may have gaps and encourages cooperation from other students to fill them. He also offers to exchange items with readers who wish to trade. The first part of his list, focusing on automatic detection of UFOs, is presented, with entries including reports from USAF, scientific journals, and various publications.

Historical Airship Sighting: Oakland, California, 1896

This section details a series of reports from Oakland, California, concerning a mysterious airship sighted in November 1896. Multiple witnesses, including passengers on an Alameda car, described a brilliant stream of light and the distinct outlines of a huge, bird-like airship. The object was observed to rise and fall, move rapidly, and disappear towards Hayward. The accounts are described as strikingly similar, agreeing on the time, direction, and description, leading to a belief that a successful airship had been invented. Miss Wilson and Miss Hunter, along with Officer Carson, provided similar testimonies. Attorney A. A. Moore reported that Attorney George D. Collins stated a successful airship had been invented by his client, though the client's name was withheld. The machine was reportedly run by compressed air and generated its own electricity for a powerful arc light.

Article: ENIGMATOLOGICAL SURVEY by Paul Braczyk

Paul Braczyk reviews two books: Roy Norton's "MONUMENTS TO UFO SPACE PIONEERS?" in SAGA magazine and Ivan Sanderson's "INVESTIGATING THE UNEXPLAINED: A Compendium of Disquieting Mysteries Of the Natural World." Braczyk finds Norton's article to be unoriginal, suggesting SAGA could have obtained the information from a library. He notes that the article references Morris Jessup's "THE CASE FOR UFOS" and Reinhold Schmidt's contactee claims. Braczyk praises Sanderson's book for its comprehensive nature, including references, appendices, charts, diagrams, and photos, and describes it as "fortean." The book is available for $7.95 plus postage.

Book Reviews and Publications

Several books and publications related to UFOs and forteana are mentioned:

• THE SHOCKING TRUTH by Albert Coe: Described as a familiar contactee storyline but with exceptional articulation and no religious overtones. The illustrations are noted as artistic sketches by Thomas Lulevitch. Available for $5.95 plus shipping.
• John Keel's ANOMALY: Now subtitled "A Journal of Forteana," it is described as having a professional magazine look and is free upon request with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
• THE SPIRIT POND RUNESTONES: Published by the New England Antiquities Research Association, it contains information on Viking runestones found in Maine. It sells for $2.00 to non-members.
• FATE magazine (June/72 issue): Contains articles "A FLAP OF GLOWING CROSSES" by David Techter and "ON THE TRAIL OF PUMAS AND ULAS" by Jerome Clark and Loren Coleman.
• THE OUTSIDERS: A bulletin by Robert Goerman featuring MIB material and a guide to turning a TV set into a UFO detector. Subscription is $4.00 per year.
• THE FLITTERING FINGER OF FORTEANA: A humorous account of Wilfred Grist's pigs eating an airplane and other items.

UFO Reports Section

This section details numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations and dates:

• January 8, 1971 - Tafe Viejo, Tucuman, Argentina: A farmer and his nephew sighted a mysterious object that landed, burning pastures and a cornfield. The object was shaped like two dishes joined at the rims, emitted a whistle, and had a reddish lower part and an aluminum upper part with V-shaped antennae.
• June 23, 1971 - Grenaa, Denmark: A news photographer captured a UFO on film over Kattegat, which appeared as a mysterious object with an unusual fog-trail. The image was studied by SUFOI and considered one of the best seen.
• September 19, 1971 - Bahia Blanca, Argentina: A young agricultural worker claimed to have been burned on the face by radiations from a flying saucer that moved at high speed, stirring up dust and causing cows to change color.
• September 25, 1971 - Itaperuna, Brazil: Paulo Caetano da Silva reported a trip in a flying saucer with 40 cm blue beings. His account was corroborated by Benedito Miranda, who also encountered similar beings. The saucer was described as two basins placed one atop the other with lights.
• November 2, 1971 - Delphos, Kansas: Soil samples from a "glowing ring" on the Durel Johnson farm showed unusual properties, including resistance to water and high calcium content. Two independent reports of a bright glowing object descending near the farm were also noted.
• December 19, 1971 - Vic. Porto Alegre, Brazil: A young man reported an object emerging from the sea and moving in his direction. It was described as orange-colored and enveloped in fog.
• December 25, 1971 - Toolgie Hill, S.A., Australia: Investigators collected soil and vegetation samples from a circular marking on a farm, the size of a large tractor tire.
• March 3, 1972 - Muskegon, Michigan: Police officers, airport personnel, and citizens reported a strange object in the sky that emitted a yellowish-white light, dimmed to blue and green, then reappeared with brighter intensity before stopping and dimming.
• March 5 & 8, 1972 - Salt Lake City, Utah: Photographs were taken of UFOs posing leisurely over the city.
• March 5, 1972 - Orland, California: A 16-year-old cyclist reported seeing white and blue lights spotlighting him from above. A high-pitched sound accompanied the UFO.
• March 11, 1972 - Wiltsdown, Auckland, N.Z.: A circle of bare earth appeared on a farm, with the grass roots alive but the surface dead. It was not caused by grass grub or stock.
• March 22, 1972 - Wyandotte County, Kans.: Teenagers reported a long object with red lights landing briefly in a field before taking off.
• April 2-13, 1972 - Ashburton & Hakataramea Valley, New Zealand: Two titanium alloy balls were found, one with the marking N135. Similar balls were found in 1963 near Broken Hill.
• April 13, 1972 - Tokoroa, New Zealand: Another mysterious circle of dying grass was found, about half the size of one found earlier.
• April 16, 1972 - Greensburg, Penn.: Witnesses reported a bright orange object rising off the ground and moving over the city. Later, a circular object projected a light beam onto a house trailer.
• April 17, 1972 - Wiener Neustadt, Austria: A UFO was sighted at an estimated altitude of 12,000m, shining brightly with a white cross. Aircraft sent to investigate could not find it.
• April 22, 1972 - Greensburg, Penn.: Witnesses reported three UFOs emitting orange sparks. One object split apart, and the UFOs ascended vertically.

UFO Comments and Opinions

This section features statements from prominent scientists regarding UFOs:

• Stanton Friedman: A nuclear physicist, firmly convinced that Earth is being visited by intelligently controlled extraterrestrial vehicles.
• Dr. E. K. Birnbaum: A nuclear physicist and former consultant to the U.S. Air Force, concludes that Earth is being visited by spacecraft from other planets, attributing the lack of acceptance to scientific objectivity and press sensationalism.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: An astrophysicist and scientific advisor to the Air Force, states that 10-20 percent of UFO reports remain unexplainable and advocates for lifting the ridicule barrier to facilitate scientific study. He notes an increase in documented sightings.
• Dr. M. K. Eriksen: An aerophysicist, asserts that there is sufficient hard evidence to dispute the existence of alien spacecraft and that the focus should be on finding unquestioned physical proof. He and his assistants are working on communication systems to establish contact with UFOs.

Shop & Swap / Data-Net Report

The issue concludes with a "Shop & Swap" section where Ron Westrum seeks back issues of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW. A "DATA-NET REPORT" is also included, offering a comprehensive UFO news report for $5.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada, and $6.00 per year for foreign subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DATA-NET are the reporting of UFO sightings from around the world, the presentation of evidence (photographic, trace, and testimonial), and the scientific community's evolving stance on the reality of UFOs and their potential extraterrestrial origin. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, encouraging scientific inquiry while acknowledging the challenges of ridicule and lack of definitive proof. The inclusion of bibliographies and book reviews suggests a commitment to providing resources for researchers in the field.