Data Net - No 65 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. VI. No. 11
Date: November 1972
Publisher: DATA-NET
Country: USA
Language: English
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of DATA-NET, the publication of the UFO Amateur Radio Network, delves into the analysis of UFO phenomena, focusing on statistical patterns and detailed case studies. The magazine is published monthly by Mrs. Josephine J. Clark and is available to members for a fee.

Announcements and Services

The issue begins with a section on announcements, including a $25.00 reward for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer, offered to members. A "Shop & Swap" service is available for free listings of items wanted, for sale, or for trade for members. The DATA-NET Research Library offers UFO books on request, free to members. Additionally, the "Saucer Seeker" magnetic UFO detector is available for free to members, along with plans for building one. Back issues of the REPORT are available, with some older issues being out-of-print. A special report, "A Study of 100 Iberic Landings" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallee, is also offered. DATA-NET encourages readers to submit UFO-related information, including clippings, articles, books, and sighting reports.

The DATA-NET Communication Centers schedule is provided: Wednesday at 7:00 pm PST on 7.268 (LSB). A correction is noted for an article in the October 1972 issue regarding "The World-wide Wave of 1950: Further Inquiries."

Research in Progress: Some Patterns in UFO Landing Traces Reports

This section features an article by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, analyzing statistical inference and interpretation of UFO-related landing traces. The work is based on a study by Mr. Ted Phillips, an American researcher and member of the Midwest UFO Network. Olmos's analysis is driven by his friendship with Phillips, his specialization in Type-I cases, and a desire to further explore the vast data available.

The article highlights three key points derived from Phillips' study. The first is an "Evaluation of the UFO-Witness Distances." Contrary to the belief that UFOs are poorly observed phenomena, the data suggests that many sightings occur within close intervals (44% within 0°-250°, or 0 to 85 meters). These closer distances allow for a better determination of details, and Aime Michel's research indicates that the "strangeness index" increases as the witness-UFO distance decreases, suggesting UFOs are not conventional phenomena.

The second aspect studied is "The Estimated Dimensions of the UFOs." Based on a sample of 27 cases, Phillips' data shows a distribution of UFO diameters. The article presents a graph (Figure 2) showing diameter versus the number of cases, resembling a Gaussian distribution. The interval of 10°-30° (approximately 3 to 10 meters) shows the highest proportion of cases (70.3%).

The third part of the research focuses on "Objective Measurements: Diameter of the Effected Areas." This examines the diameter of damage areas caused by UFO landings, such as flattened zones or pressed areas. Phillips' data, presented in a histogram (Figure 4), indicates that 63.3% of cases fall within the 3°-18° interval, and 23.3% in the 21°-35° interval. Cumulatively, 86.6% of affected areas are between 3° and 35°. The conclusion is that a large majority of these areas are between 1 and 12 meters, which can serve as an indicator for understanding the phenomenon.

In correspondence with Phillips, it was noted that many investigators fail to record diameters, and some reports involve imprints or footprints without circular traces. The article concludes by comparing UFO diameters with the dimensions of traces, finding a correlation and suggesting that the reported dimensions are of the same order of magnitude. Olmos posits that this statistical consistency indicates a non-random phenomenon and that the nature of the phenomenon cannot be identified by its inherent properties because the reports stem from first-hand, well-observed sightings.

The Lucerne Valley Sighting

This section details a sighting that occurred on November 13, 1971, in Lucerne Valley, California. The report was prepared by Mrs. Ann Druffel for the Los Angeles Subcommittee of NICAP. The original news item appeared in DATA-NET REPORT #56. The "occupant" symbol was deleted as no outline was seen.

Three hunters, identified as Mr. "A" (30, display director), Mr. "B" (22, employee), and Mr. "C" (18, employee), were shooting jackrabbits twelve miles east of Lucerne Valley. They discovered three circular markings in the soil, each about 12-14 inches in diameter, forming a rough triangle with sides between 10-14 inches. These circles appeared to be "blown-out" and were about 1/16" deep, with surrounding rocks settled around their rims. Inside the triangle were two small holes, about 2 inches deep and 2 inches in diameter.

Mr. "C" photographed the marks and took a sample rock. Further away, they found another set of similar marks, less distinct. The marks seemed to have been recently rained on, just enough to "set" them. Two other 14-inch circles were found nearby.

Around 4:00 p.m., as dusk approached, they set up camp. From a vantage point about 2,000 yards away, they observed two bright white lights in the southwest sky. One light was large, the other like a bright star. The larger light appeared to slip behind hills. Later, several other yellow-white lights maneuvered in the sky. At approximately 5:15 p.m., a large yellow-white light descended from a mountain pass, flew over the foothills, and landed near the spot where the markings were found. The light, viewed through binoculars, appeared to have a solid, possibly silvery body attached to it, which was not visible when the light extinguished upon landing.

Shortly after the light landed, a smaller, whitish-yellow light or lights emerged from the same spot. The witnesses' descriptions of the lights varied, likely due to their focus on different aspects. "C" thought two lights emerged, while "A" and "B" noted one. They observed the lights maneuvering swiftly in an east-west pattern. One light moved southwest into the mountains, while the other continued across the desert. The light appeared to float, moving like a flashlight held by a man, but much faster. "A", an experienced hunter, estimated its speed to be about ten times that of a man walking.

Later, as they prepared to sleep, they heard a noise in the brush, like a heavy object crashing, followed by sounds described as "gibberish" or a "wild turkey." The next day, they returned to the landing spot and found two holes similar to those found earlier, but without associated circles. These holes were on a plateau devoid of brush.

Upon returning home, the sighting was reported to NICAP. Stanton Friedman of CUFORI also learned of the sighting. Ann and Charles Druffel of NICAP, along with Adrian Vance, met with two of the three witnesses. Mr. Friedman did not attend. "B" was reportedly scared to talk about the sighting.

During the night, "C" saw a lighted object moving silently overhead, flashing erratic colored lights. The following day, the LANS group investigated the marks. Samples of soil and rocks were taken. Mr. Vance attempted to duplicate the marks, but his efforts lacked the "blown-out" appearance and the overturned rocks seen in the original marks.

LANS is attempting to find a geologist to analyze the soil and rock samples. There were no signs of stains or metal scrapings. Attempts to obtain weather and wind information have been unsuccessful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on physical evidence such as landing traces and object dimensions. The magazine promotes a stance that the UFO phenomenon possesses a coherent structure, not dependent on the witness or location, but originating from its very nature. The editorial suggests that a physical explanation must be sought and poses the question of whether an intelligence is behind UFO cases, indicating a continued search for answers. The publication emphasizes the importance of detailed observation and data collection, encouraging members to contribute their findings. The overall tone is one of serious investigation and a belief that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon requiring further study.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (Vol. 18, No. 1, January 1973) primarily focuses on an in-depth investigation into the Lucerne Valley sighting that occurred on November 13, 1971. The magazine also presents a collection of other UFO sighting reports from around the world.

The Lucerne Valley Sighting: An Extended Investigation

The core of this issue is a multi-part report on the Lucerne Valley sighting, compiled by Ann Druffel of the Los Angeles NICAP Subcommittee. The initial report details the sighting by three witnesses of a large lighted object that landed, leaving behind circular marks on the ground. The Commanding General of the Marine Corps Base at Twentynine Palms confirmed no military exercises or aircraft were in the area that could explain the lights or markings.

Subsequent supplements detail further witness reports and investigative efforts. All three witnesses' accounts on NICAP sighting forms agreed on salient points, with a minor discrepancy regarding the perceived size of the landed object, later explained as being viewed through binoculars. Wind and weather information confirmed the presence of brisk winds and recent light rain, which may have affected the visibility of markings. The proximity of bright planets Jupiter and Venus was noted as a potential explanation for the initial lights, though one witness rejected this.

Attempts to gather local wind and weather data were unsuccessful. Correspondence with local authorities, including the Lucerne Valley newspaper, fire department, Chamber of Commerce, and the Sheriff's office, yielded limited results, with a non-committal reply from the Sheriff's office and an ongoing wait for a reply from an inspector.

New Markings and Physical Evidence

Mr. "A", one of the primary witnesses, continued to visit the sighting location monthly. He discovered numerous additional "blown-out" marks similar to the original ones, some appearing very recent. One rock found in a mark had a white residue, which was sent for analysis. A young friend analyzed the rock, confirming it had been burned, but the school's lab equipment was insufficient for further testing.

Further investigation involved Greg Redfern, who accompanied Mr. "A" and witness "C". Samples of white residue and a rock sample were collected for analysis at UCLA's geology lab. Mr. "A" theorized that the white residue might have been washed away by winter rains, as it was not found in earlier marks but appeared in later ones after a dry period.

The Amateur Rocketry Theory

A significant portion of the investigation focused on the theory that the marks and lights could be attributed to amateur rocket activities. LANS corresponded with Deputy George Pickens, who had observed individuals firing rockets in a nearby area. It was determined that this area was several miles from the original sighting location, suggesting the Lucerne Valley incident was not directly related to those observed rocket firings.

LANS also contacted Hugh Debberthine, advisor for the Covina Skylighter Model Rocket Club. Mr. Debberthine stated that model rocket firings typically do not cause the type of "blown-out" marks seen in Lucerne Valley, citing the use of launch racks and blast deflectors that mitigate ground impact. He distinguished between organized model rocketry and "amateur rocketeers" who might launch directly from the ground and could potentially cause blast marks and white residue from Type E and F rockets.

Estes Industries, a manufacturer of Type E and F rockets, was contacted for comparison samples, but no reply was received. A rock sample analyzed by a UCLA TA concluded the rock had been "blasted." However, further analysis by Dr. X of soil and rock samples from the Lucerne Valley site yielded negative results, finding nothing unusual or indicative of strangeness, leading to the conclusion that the investigation was at a standstill.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence supporting the amateur rocketry theory, Mr. "A" remained convinced the object was a "space craft" and the smaller light was an "occupant." His continued dedication to investigating the site was noted.

Scientific Analysis Report (Dr. X)

A report from Dr. X detailed the measurements taken from the collected samples. Radioactivity measurements showed no detectable rates above background cosmic rays. Induced magnetic field tests were negative. Conclusions stated the samples were not radioactive, had not been exposed to large radiation flux or intense heat, and it was doubtful if any effect could be detected even with fields larger than 10,000 gauss.

New Publications and Items of Interest

The issue also includes announcements of new publications, such as "UFOS: A SCIENTIFIC DEBATE" by Dr. Carl Sagan, and proceedings from the First Soviet-American Conference on Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence. An "Interesting Item from the Past" discusses recruiting ham radio operators for APRO. Jerry Johnson shared a tape recording of an interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

Sighting Report Distribution Map and Index (August 1972)

A map and index of UFO sighting reports for August 1972 are presented, showing the distribution of reports across the United States, Alaska, Australia, and England. The index provides coding for the type of sighting, class of object, and specific details like physical appearance, effects, and traces. A sample report from Lebanon, Indiana, is detailed.

Clipping the News: UFO Reports from Around the World

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports from July through September 1972:

• July 17, 1972 - Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada: Three girls reported a giant red ball with humming and beeping sounds, which reduced in size and disappeared.
• August 12, 1972 - Madison, Nebraska, USA: Two men reported three balls of fire crash-landing in a field.
• August 17, 1972 - York, Cheshire, England: A couple reported a glowing, melon-shaped object with a tapering base.
• August 28, 1972 - Merrillan, Wisconsin, USA: A couple reported a bright, stationary white light.
• September 4, 1972 - Canton, Missouri, USA: Two boys and adults sighted a large object with colored lights.
• September 7, 1972 - Beausejour, Manitoba, Canada: A family reported an oblong, bright object that followed their car.
• September 10, 1972 - Canton, Missouri, USA: A girl and her mother saw a "flying saucer" with flickering lights.
• September 14, 1972 - Napier, New Zealand: A student saw a strange, dumb-bell shaped object hovering in the sky.

Flying Saucer Film

An announcement about a Swedish UFO motion picture being prepared for showing in Stockholm, which reportedly illustrates two UFOs, one accelerating. Reports of various objects, including hexagonal and ring-shaped ones, have been received by UFO-Sweden.

Shop & Swap and Data-Net Report

This section includes a "Wanted" ad for back issues of "Flying Saucer Review" and information about the "DATA-NET" amateur radio network, including membership details and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO incidents, the exploration of potential explanations (including scientific and mundane ones like amateur rocketry), the collection and presentation of numerous witness reports from diverse locations, and the ongoing efforts to gather and analyze physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough, albeit sometimes inconclusive, investigation, presenting both the phenomena and the attempts to understand them, while acknowledging the sincerity of witnesses even when definitive answers are elusive. The emphasis on physical traces and scientific analysis highlights a commitment to empirical evidence.