European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies - vol 3-1

Magazine Overview

Title: European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies
Issue: Volume 3(1)
Date: March 2002
Publisher: Totton Researchers of ufology Theory and History (TRUTH)
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1467-4785

This issue of the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies presents a diverse collection of papers from around the globe, highlighting the breadth of research in the field. The journal aims to foster development in ufology by publishing papers on historical perspectives, theoretical perspectives, empirical research, and European issues, with a primary focus on European ufological topics.

Editorial

In the editorial, Craig Roberts welcomes readers to Volume 3(1), emphasizing the global scope of the papers. He highlights the lead article, the second part of "Flying Saucers: Behind the Cold War Veil of Military Intelligence" by Michael Hall and Wendy Connors. Roberts also draws attention to an intriguing paper from Turkey by Erol Erkmen on "Anomalous Luminous Phenomena" potentially linked to earthquakes, suggesting it could be an important project for both ufology and public safety. The issue also includes a press release from Spain's Anomaly Foundation concerning a strange ice rock shower and a report on an increase in Canadian UFO sightings, contrasting with recent UK press skepticism. Finally, a letter addresses limitations in research concerning "Fantasy Proneness and Other Psychological Correlates of UFO experience." Roberts concludes with a call for papers for future issues.

Articles and Features

Flying Saucers: Behind the Cold War Veil of Military Intelligence (Part II)

This extensive article, authored by Michael Hall with Wendy Connors, delves into the early days of UFO investigations within the US military, particularly focusing on Project Sign and its successor, Project Grudge. It examines the influence of figures like Colonel McCoy and the evolving understanding of UFOs within the Air Force Intelligence (AFOIN). The article details the famous Chiles-Whitted sighting on July 24, 1948, where an Eastern Airlines DC-3 encountered a UFO described as a 100-foot long, wingless cylindrical object with a "deep blue glow" and an "orange red flame" trail, traveling at an estimated 800 miles per hour. This sighting significantly influenced Project Sign's investigation, leading some within the team, including Edward Ruppelt, to consider the "interplanetary" origin of UFOs. The article highlights the bureaucratic hurdles and differing opinions within the Pentagon and Dayton regarding the interpretation of these phenomena. It discusses the transition from the Army Air Forces (AAF) to the US Air Force (USAF) and the challenges in establishing clear intelligence functions. The role of individuals like Carl "Tooey" Spaatz and Hoyt S. Vandenberg in shaping the Air Force is noted, with Vandenberg focusing on modernization and independence. The article also explores the internal debates and the eventual shift in focus from investigating the extraterrestrial hypothesis to considering Soviet involvement, particularly in the context of the Cold War. The creation of Air Intelligence Report Number 100-203-79, a joint study by AFOIN and the Office of Naval Intelligence, is examined. This report, initiated after the Chiles-Whitted sighting, aimed to analyze the tactics of flying saucers and assumed their reality, but suggested a possible foreign (Soviet) origin. The article contrasts this with Loedding's "Estimate," which proposed an ET connection. It details the internal dynamics, including the influence of Major Boggs, who was seen as a "saucer killer" within AFOIN, prioritizing concerns about Soviet technology and psychological warfare over pure scientific curiosity. The article also references a "TOP SECRET" memorandum from Brigadier General E. Moore concerning a new Soviet guided missile, the "V-4," indicating the intelligence community's focus on potential Soviet advancements.

Further sections of the article discuss a "TOP SECRET" Telecon Transcript (TT #1524) from U.S. Air Force Intelligence in Europe (USAFE A-2), which acknowledged the recurring nature of flying saucer reports and the need for explanation beyond current intelligence thinking. It also references the findings of the Swedish Air Intelligence Service, which concluded that UFO phenomena displayed a high technical skill not attributable to any known Earth culture, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin. The article touches upon the possibility that German WWII flying wing designs might have been perfected by the Soviets, a concern shared by some intelligence officers.

Icefalls investigated by the Anomaly Foundation

This section, attributed to Fundacion Anomalia (Spain), reports on the investigation of a strange "ice rock shower" that occurred in January 2000. The Anomaly Foundation meticulously researched this event.

Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (A.L.P.)

Authored by Erol Erkmen (Turkey), this paper focuses on anomalous luminous phenomena observed in Turkey, particularly in relation to earthquakes. The research is presented as a potentially significant project for both ufology and understanding the risks associated with earthquake zones.

Canadian UFO Survey indicates increase in UFO sightings, lack attention

Chris Rutkowski (Canada) presents a brief report on a Canadian survey of UFO activity. The survey indicates a significant increase in UFO sightings in 2001, which is presented as being contrary to some recent UK press reports suggesting UFOs do not exist.

Letter about the Gow et al (2001) study published in Volume 2(2)

This letter, written by Claude Mauge (France), discusses the paper "Fantasy Proneness and Other Psychological Correlates of UFO experience" (published in Volume 2(2) of the journal). The author raises pertinent points regarding the limitations of this type of research.

Editorial Board and Staff

The journal lists its Editor-in-chief as Craig Roberts (B.Sc Hons) from TRUTH, based in Southampton, UK. The Editorial Board comprises individuals from Spain, the United Kingdom, Romania, Portugal, Ukraine, Russia, France, Italy, and Turkey. Associate Editors and Reviewers are also listed, with their roles in typesetting, proofreading, translation, and specific areas of expertise such as psychodynamic issues and physics.

Aims and Scope

The European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies (EJUFOAS) is the journal of TRUTH, aiming to circulate ideas and contemporary issues related to ufology and alien abduction phenomena. While focusing on European issues, it accepts non-European papers. The journal seeks to foster development in the field through diverse papers on historical, theoretical, and empirical research. All submitted papers undergo a blind review process by at least three members of the editorial board, with a review process typically taking 4-6 weeks. Regular issues include "Forum Debate Articles," and special editions focus on specific areas. The journal aspires to be groundbreaking and unite the European ufological community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly within military and intelligence contexts during the Cold War. There's a clear emphasis on analyzing early US government projects and the challenges they faced in interpreting sightings. The journal also demonstrates an interest in anomalous phenomena occurring globally, with specific features on Turkey and Canada, and a commitment to rigorous research, as evidenced by the inclusion of peer-reviewed articles and letters discussing research methodologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging diverse research and debate while maintaining a critical perspective, especially concerning the limitations of certain types of studies. The journal actively seeks to promote European ufology and connect researchers within the field.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as issue 11, delves into the early history of US military investigations into unidentified flying objects (UFOs), primarily focusing on the period from 1947 to 1949. It examines the evolving policies, key personnel, and the complex relationship between intelligence gathering and public perception.

The Lake Incident and Early Theories

The issue begins by recounting an incident where Swedish intelligence reported a flying saucer observation, leading to a naval salvage team being dispatched to a lake. Divers discovered an uncharted crater on the lake floor, which they attributed to the flying saucer. While acknowledging the unusual nature of this theory, the document suggests keeping an open mind.

Official Correspondence and Shifting Attitudes

A document from the AFOIN Director to Colonel McCoy demonstrates a sense of urgency regarding the flying saucer issue. The conclusion was that "some type of flying object has been observed," but its origin and identification were not discernible. The need for increased efforts to determine the origin for national defense purposes was emphasized. Major General Cabell's letter admitted the inescapable observation of a flying object. Colonel McCoy's response, while not ignoring the possibility of extraterrestrial origin, noted the complete lack of tangible evidence to support such conclusions. He also highlighted a periodic variation in incident frequency that appeared to correlate with planetary approaches, though this was considered a potential coincidence.

The Role of Cold War Concerns

The analysis group's emphasis on Cold War issues is questioned, suggesting that despite concerns about the extraterrestrial nature of saucers, some within the cadre, like Brigadier General Walter R. Agee, Brigadier General Moore, and Colonel Porter, were more focused on Soviet UFOs (unidentified aircraft and missiles). Colonel Harold E. Watson is also mentioned as being skeptical, possibly due to his "Cold Warrior" perspective.

Harold E. Watson: "Saucer Killer"?

The issue dedicates significant attention to Colonel Harold E. Watson, who held command at TID/ATIC and influenced UFO investigations. Despite some recollections of his skepticism, the author suggests Watson may have had a more nuanced view. Watson's career is detailed, including his engineering background, his time as a pilot, and his involvement in Operation Lusty, an endeavor to recover German aircraft technology. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his exploits during this operation.

Watson's "skeptical behavior" regarding flying saucers is explored, with potential insights gained from his tours at Wright Field and the Pentagon. It is speculated that he may have known the reports to be unreliable or was perhaps under orders to de-emphasize the issue due to Cold War priorities.

Transition from Project Sign to Project Grudge

When Colonel Watson took over TID in 1949, UFOs were a minor part of its duties. The period saw the creation of Project Grudge as a successor to the ineffective Project Sign. While Project Sign advocated for continued study, Project Grudge largely debunked the issue. The Grudge report, officially titled "Unidentified Flying Objects-Project Grudge," summarized Air Force research since 1947 and concluded that UFO reports posed no direct threat to national security, attributing them to mass hysteria, fabrication, psychopathology, or misinterpretation.

The "Purges" and Shifting Personnel

Under Colonel Watson's early leadership, many individuals involved in analyzing Cold War-related UFOs (specifically Soviet aircraft and missiles) were reassigned. Alfred Loedding, a former Project Sign team member and believer in saucers, was involved in analyzing intelligence on Soviet rocket tests. However, civilian personnel like Loedding and Lawrence H. Truettner were phased out as part of Watson's new policies, which favored contracting specialized services to think tanks and hiring prestigious consultants. A. Francis Arcier, an internationally reputed aircraft designer, is highlighted as an example of such a consultant.

Colonel Watson's administrative skills are noted, with the purges aimed at making TID lean and efficient. However, the underlying motivation for these purges is suggested to be a shift in policy away from the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Loedding and Deyarmond's Conflicts

Alfred Loedding and Lawrence H. Truettner's eventual exit from Intelligence may have been partly due to their refusal to ignore the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Personal conflicts, particularly between Loedding and Albert Deyarmond, also contributed to Loedding's departure. Despite this, both Honaker and Deyarmond reportedly held curiosity about saucer reports.

Flying Saucers and the Press

The issue details the military's approach to press inquiries, particularly concerning a two-part article by Sidney Shallet in The Saturday Evening Post in 1949. Shallet had approached the Air Force for assistance, and despite initial reluctance from Major General Cabell, the article proceeded due to backing from Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal. The Air Force Directorate of Intelligence recommended assisting the press to ensure the articles were less harmful to national interests, while also emphasizing that they were investigating valid reports.

Shallet's article, "What You Can Believe About Flying Saucers," contained carefully crafted quotations, and it is suggested that Major Boggs used Shallet to imply the Air Force was being forthcoming.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the tension between genuine UFO investigation and the influence of Cold War politics and national security concerns. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical analysis, presenting different perspectives and the evolution of official attitudes towards UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on the bureaucratic and political machinations within the military and intelligence agencies that shaped the handling of UFO information. The transition from an open-minded inquiry (Project Sign) to a more dismissive approach (Project Grudge) is a central theme, driven by a desire to manage public perception and prioritize perceived threats, such as Soviet military advancements.

This document, likely an issue of a magazine focused on UFOs or related phenomena, details the early history of flying saucer investigations in the United States, primarily during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It explores the internal debates within the Air Force, the influence of the Cold War, and the role of media and public perception in shaping the understanding and handling of UFO reports.

The Air Force's Initial Stance and Internal Debates The issue begins by describing how some Air Force personnel, including Colonel Porter, viewed flying saucer reports as a result of public excitement that could be easily managed. This perspective aimed to reduce the burden on investigations and save resources. Colonel Watson, in Dayton, shared this view, feeling that TID was overextended by these reports, especially if the press sensationalized them. Major General Cabell, however, appeared to have a more serious interest, viewing the issue as a significant intelligence matter and challenging his officers to prove the saucers were real.

Cabell's concern was also influenced by his past negative experiences with popular columnist Walter Winchell, who had linked flying saucers to Russian missiles. This, combined with other news stories, contributed to a state of public anxiety that Cabell described as bordering on mass hysteria. The growing press interest, particularly with the upcoming article by Sidney Shallet, worried Cabell about setting a precedent for media access.

Media Influence and Public Perception The media played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around flying saucers. Sidney Shallet's article in The Saturday Evening Post, released on April 29, 1949, was significant as it came after a period where the public patiently awaited an official USAF evaluation. This article, along with a Pentagon "Project Saucer" press release, addressed the public's need for information, with the press release stating that "The 'saucers' are not a joke. Neither are they a cause for alarm..."

Further media attention came from Jan Aldrich's research and the coverage of events like the Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" radio drama, which demonstrated the potential for public panic. The article highlights how the Air Force's attempts to downplay sightings, as exemplified by Colonel DeWitt Searles' quote, "No, no, a thousand times no. As far as the Air Force goes, there's no such thing as a flying saucer," only fueled conspiracy theories.

Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, which initially sparked press coverage, was further amplified by his story in Fate magazine. The belief that the discs were extraterrestrial in origin was implied by the weight given to the "War of the Worlds" analogy by top authorities.

The Cold War Context and Air Defense Concerns The issue of flying saucers became intertwined with the escalating Cold War. The detection of radioactivity near Russia's borders and the Soviet atomic bomb test in September 1949 heightened national security concerns. This led to debates about air defense, particularly the inadequacy of radar coverage and the availability of jet fighters. The Air Force's focus on building up the Strategic Air Command (SAC) at the expense of the Air Defense Command (ADC) was seen as a potential vulnerability.

Major General Cabell, despite his interest in UFOs, was also noted for his support of the ADC. The detonation of the Soviet nuclear device spurred intense debate about air defense, with researchers noting that the ADC was under-equipped. The development of a national radar network, envisioned in the "Blue Book plan" (distinct from the later UFO project of the same name), was seen as critical by 1952, coinciding with projections of Soviet nuclear capabilities.

Project Grudge and the "Dark Ages" The document details the history of Project Grudge, an Air Force investigation into UFOs. It was prepared in August 1949 and canceled, then reinitiated in October 1950. Despite hundreds of reports being investigated, the conclusions were similar to earlier investigations, suggesting that unidentified aircraft were not considered weapons of a foreign power. However, it was deemed impractical to express a complete lack of interest.

Colonel Watson's April 23, 1951, letter to Major General Cabell suggested that the ADC should be the primary organization for investigating unidentified aircraft, with TID handling analysis only if hard data was available. The letter highlighted that current procedures were inadequate if an unidentified flying object turned out to be an enemy aircraft. The Air Force's official stance, as stated in a December 28, 1949, UP report, concluded that there were no "flying saucers" and attributed sightings to misinterpretation of conventional objects, mass hysteria, or hoaxes.

Despite the official closure of Grudge, Edward Ruppelt referred to this period as the "dark ages" of official interest. Files were stored, and personnel were transferred. However, the project did not entirely die but went underground, with some evidence suggesting continued, albeit low-key, investigation.

Shifting Responsibilities and Continued Interest Despite the official policy, Major General Cabell retained an interest in flying saucer activity and revived efforts to study the phenomena. Simultaneously, the AMC, through Colonel Watson, attempted to shift the responsibility for investigating saucer sightings to the ADC. Watson's letter argued that his command had investigated thousands of reports and concluded that the objects did not represent a development of any foreign power.

Incidents at secure military and nuclear facilities, such as Oak Ridge and Los Alamos, were considered disturbing by nuclear scientists and security inspectors. Even Canada was experiencing an increase in sightings, with a "TOP SECRET" memo from the Department of Transport suggesting the matter was highly classified and that flying saucers existed.

Colonel Watson's attitude towards new reports became less enthusiastic, possibly due to a lack of detailed direction from Cabell. Brigadier General Walter Agee stated in a draft letter that the Air Force considered flying saucer reports mythical and not a concern for national security. However, Brigadier General Moore later sent a directive to keep TID investigations very low-key.

Colonel Watson's Skepticism and Legacy By early 1951, Colonel Watson began giving interviews with a skeptical tone, ridiculing those who reported flying saucers, including Air Force pilots. He stated, "There are no flying saucers... There just ain't no such animal, but tracking down the nonexistent cause of mass hysteria is still costing us-and you-plenty." Edward Ruppelt later overheard Watson gloating about "snowing" a reporter, raising questions about whether Watson truly believed the official Air Force line or was merely adhering to it.

Watson is described as a flamboyant individual, a "larger-than-life personality" who was also a "very practical engineering-minded man." His efforts to court positive public attention for the Air Force led some to recall him as an "arch saucer killer." The document also notes potential conflicts between the responsibilities of the Air Defense Command (ADC) and the Air Materiel Command's TID intelligence group regarding UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this document include the evolving official stance of the Air Force on UFOs, the impact of the Cold War on national security perceptions, the significant role of media in shaping public opinion, and the internal bureaucratic struggles within military and intelligence agencies. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical historical analysis, presenting evidence and perspectives from various sources to explore the complexities and controversies surrounding early UFO investigations, suggesting that while official explanations often downplayed the phenomenon, there was a persistent underlying interest and concern among some within the government and military.

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 3, dated October 1954, delves into the intricate history of UFO investigations within the United States military and intelligence agencies during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The content focuses on the bureaucratic challenges, evolving reporting systems, and the differing perspectives of key personnel involved in analyzing these phenomena.

The Genesis of UFO Reporting Systems

The article begins by examining the initial efforts to standardize the reporting of unidentified flying objects, tracing the lineage back to wartime systems like CIRES (Communication Instructions for Reporting Enemy Sightings). The post-war era saw the development of JANAP-146 (Joint Army-Navy-Air Force Publication), which included provisions for reporting 'Unidentified flying objects' (UFOs), a notable early use of the term. The CIRVIS system (Communication Instructions For Reporting Vital Intelligence Sightings) evolved from this, intended to capture a range of vital intelligence, including potential enemy activity.

Bureaucratic Struggles and Conflicting Responsibilities

A central theme is the conflict and confusion surrounding which agency should be responsible for investigating UFO reports. Colonel Harold E. Watson, from the Air Defense Command (ADC), argued that the ADC, tasked with intercepting unknown aircraft, should handle UFOs. His Technical Intelligence Division (TID) focused on aerodynamic analysis of foreign aircraft and required physical evidence, making them less inclined to deal with purely visual sightings of 'flying saucers.' Major General Cabell, a key figure in intelligence, was concerned with defining these responsibilities, aiming to keep TID from being overwhelmed by saucer reports.

Evolution of Reporting Procedures

The text details the evolution of reporting procedures, including the proposed modifications to JANAP-146 and the eventual issuance of JANAP-146A. It highlights how the abbreviation CIRES was initially used for emergency sightings to sound innocuous, avoiding international complications. The precursor to the modern UFO investigation was CIRMIS (Communication Instructions for Reporting Military Intelligence Sightings), which emerged in 1948. Cabell's request in September 1948 to include flying saucer reports in this publication marked a significant step.

Key Figures and Their Stances

Several individuals played crucial roles in shaping the early UFO investigation landscape:

• Colonel Harold E. Watson: Expressed skepticism towards 'flying saucer' reports, advocating for them to be routed to the ADC and suggesting that TID should focus on more concrete intelligence, effectively trying to dismiss the saucer issue.
• Major General Cabell: Grappled with the administrative and intelligence implications of UFO reports, seeking to streamline reporting and delegate responsibilities. He later issued directives for continued analysis of UFO information.
• Bernard Baruch, Jr.: A U.S. Navy Reserve Commander who advocated for a directive similar to the wartime CIRES system to handle special intelligence messages.
• Edward Ruppelt: A Lieutenant who became instrumental in the reorganized ATIC operation and later headed Project Blue Book. His personal papers and manuscript provide significant insight into the internal workings and attitudes towards UFOs.
• Albert Deyarmond and Donald Loedding: Individuals who were convinced of the extraterrestrial hypothesis and were involved in early projects like Project Sign. Loedding's extensive report was ultimately dismissed by a leading scientist as a figment of imagination.

Internal Debates and Project Reorganizations

The issue of UFO reporting led to disagreements within the intelligence community. AFOIN (Air Force Office of Special Investigations) staff studies in 1951 highlighted concerns over the distinction between UFOs and 'flying saucers,' noting that CIRVIS reports were often about the latter, not enemy activity. The article discusses the reorganization of projects, including Project Grudge and its eventual renaming to Project Blue Book in March 1952, with Ruppelt taking a leading role.

Notable Incidents and Skepticism

The issue references several specific incidents, such as the Sioux City Incident of January 20, 1951, and the Captain Mantell case. It also touches upon a report from Africa in February 1951 involving a V-2 rocket-shaped object. The prevailing attitude within some parts of ATIC was dismissive, with one officer suggesting that 'crazy pilots' would eventually stop reporting sightings. However, the text also notes that some intelligence officers took UFO reports seriously, with individuals like Deyarmond convinced of an interplanetary origin.

The Prelude to Project Blue Book

The latter part of the document sets the stage for Project Blue Book, detailing the personnel changes and the increasing attention given to UFO sightings by figures like Cabell, especially after the Korean War. It highlights the transition from earlier projects like Sign and Grudge to the more formally recognized Blue Book. The article concludes by noting that the CIA's interest in UFOs by 1953 and Colonel Watson's return to ATIC in 1954 marked further developments in the ongoing story of UFO investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government bureaucracy, the challenges of intelligence gathering and dissemination, and the persistent human fascination with unidentified aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical documentation, presenting the facts and internal debates surrounding early UFO investigations without overtly endorsing or dismissing the phenomena themselves. It emphasizes the difficulties in establishing clear protocols and the impact of individual perspectives and skepticism on official investigations.

This document appears to be a collection of footnotes and references from a larger work, likely a book or extensive article, focusing on the historical investigation of UFOs, particularly within the context of US military and intelligence agencies during the Cold War era. It delves into the origins of UFO research projects, the roles of key personnel, and the prevailing attitudes and concerns of the time.

Early UFO Investigations and Military Involvement

The text extensively references early US Air Force projects such as Project Sign and Project Grudge, which were precursors to Project Blue Book. It details the organizational structures and the involvement of various intelligence units, including the Air Materiel Command (AMC) and the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). The role of Major General C.P. Cabell, Director of Intelligence, is frequently mentioned, along with his perspective on the importance of intelligence participation in decision-making processes. The document highlights the prevailing concern during the Cold War that UFO sightings might be related to Soviet technological advancements, influencing the priorities of Air Force investigations.

Key Figures and Organizations

Several key individuals are cited, including Major General Harold E. Watson, Professor Michael Swords, Edward Ruppelt (known for popularizing the term "UFO"), and various intelligence officers and researchers. Organizations such as the Research and Development Board (R&DB), the Joint Intelligence Committee, and the National Science Foundation are discussed in relation to their involvement or stance on UFO phenomena. The text also notes the skepticism of some prominent scientists, such as von Braun, von Neuman, and others, regarding the existence of UFOs.

The Role of Intelligence and Secrecy

The document touches upon the classified nature of UFO information, with references to "TOP SECRET" files and the challenges faced by researchers in accessing relevant data. The influence of figures like W. Stuart Symington, Secretary of the Air Force, and his relationship with President Truman is noted, suggesting the political dimensions of intelligence matters. The text also mentions the establishment of the R&DB and its significant authority in coordinating military R&D, indicating a structured approach to national security research.

Later Developments and Related Phenomena

Beyond the historical UFO investigations, the document includes information on more recent research. The "Anomaly Foundation," founded in 1997 in Spain, is presented as an organization dedicated to investigating unusual aerial phenomena and preserving related documentation. Their work includes a documentary compilation titled "Hydroaerolites: the enigma which fell out of the blue," focusing on icefalls reported in Spain. Additionally, Erol Erkmen's project on "Anomalous Luminous Phenomena (A.L.P.)" is introduced, which aims to prove that lights seen before earthquakes are not UFOs and to potentially warn people beforehand. This project is linked to the Tectonic Strain Theory (TST) by M. Persinger.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the historical investigation of UFOs, the intersection of military intelligence and scientific inquiry, the impact of the Cold War on research priorities, and the challenges of accessing classified information. There is a clear emphasis on documenting the early efforts to understand and explain UFO phenomena, often within a framework of national security concerns. The inclusion of later research by the Anomaly Foundation and Erol Erkmen suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena, moving from military-focused investigations to more scientific and observational approaches. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical documentation and analysis, presenting various perspectives and sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

This issue of UFO DATA, Volume 2, Issue 51, dated 2002, focuses on the research of Anomalous Light Phenomena (ALPs) in Turkey and a Canadian UFO Survey. The magazine explores the potential connection between these lights and seismic activities, alongside a discussion on the scientific community's engagement with UFO research.

Research on ALPs in Turkey

The magazine details research conducted by TUVPO into ALPs, which are observed before earthquakes in regions with active fault lines or where tectonic plates create stress. These phenomena are particularly noted in the Adıyaman region of Turkey, attributed to the Arabian Plate sliding into the Anatolian Plate. The research suggests that these lights are not alien but natural events linked to stress release on fault lines, such as one located near Afyon. While research on light phenomena not connected to seismic activity is limited, TUVPO's techniques for defining ALPs are presented as a potential area for further study. The project has gathered pre-information, despite some 'new age' groups insisting on alien origins.

A laboratory model is presented to illustrate how seismic activities and stress on crystal structures can generate these lights. The research, ongoing since 1999, analyzes data to support the thesis that plate movement creates stress, leading to ALP lights before quakes. The time difference between observing lights and quakes is related to fault line length. Detailed information on ALPs, observation duration, height, spectral behavior, piezoelectric charges, and gases like Radon are considered important for analysis.

Experimental data from Darley Dale Sandstone, Bentheim Sandstone, and Icelandic Basalt under various conditions (water-free, drained, undrained) are presented in Table 10-1, showing magnitudes of pre-seismic and co-seismic signals in millivolts. The research aims to formulate connections between all collected data and earthquakes, acknowledging the difficulty due to the lack of collaborative research and the scattered locations of observed phenomena.

ALP Project Focus and Data

The ALP project's studies include finding and analyzing video and photographic documentations of ALPs, measuring the piezoelectric sphere during ALP formation and its connection to quakes, formulating data connections with earthquakes, facilitating communication among project participants, and classifying reports from other UFO research establishments.

The first data from the ALP project emerged between August 20-26, 1999, when Turkish TV stations sensationalized UFO reports. TUVPO began investigating this subject, coinciding with the Izmit earthquake. The earthquake resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disaster, which deeply affected the researchers. This event spurred the initiation of the ALP project, with the goal of identifying precursors to earthquakes. High-resolution ALP photos were published on their website. Similar seismic activities and ALP sightings have since occurred, with observations indicating that the duration of lights is proportional to the distance of the impending earthquake and the length of the fault line.

Analysis of ALPs and UFO Sightings

Personal experiments in professional film branches were used to study color profiles and spectral values of light, comparing them with piezo light values, heat, and Kelvin temperature. While the descriptions are not claimed to be 100% reliable, no negative data has been encountered, except for some low-quality videos. The researchers can currently determine if lights are ALPs or not, but defining the locations and conducting experiments on soil samples is left to other teams. A warning is issued about the high energy of these lights, which can transform sand into glasslike formations and pose a danger to humans.

Data from 10 ground stations in the Marmara region are being evaluated to measure piezoelectric forces during ALPs and connect them with earthquakes. These stations measure low-frequency components of the electrical sphere affected by piezoelectricity. While it is early to draw firm conclusions, a connection between ALPs, piezoelectric measurements, and seismic activities is evident.

The project also announced its initiation to ufologists, seeking documentation of UFO reports related to seismic activity. Despite initial support, no such documentation was received. TUVPO has since evaluated only the documentation and reports obtained from Turkey.

A key finding is that these lights are not connected to aliens, and earthquakes can be predicted with accurate studies. The project is ongoing, and TUVPO is ready to share its experiences and accept new members.

Canadian UFO Survey 2001

Chris Rutkowski's article, 'Canadian UFO Survey indicates increase in UFO sightings, lack attention,' highlights that UFO sightings in Canada have remained at a steady level over the past years. The 2001 survey, compiled by Geoff Dittman and Chris A. Rutkowski with support from 19 independent UFO organizations, found that some sighted objects defied obvious explanations. The survey confirmed findings of UFO researchers over decades. In 2001, 374 UFO sightings were reported in Canada, a 42% increase from 2000, with approximately 15% remaining unexplained. High-quality cases, involving credible witnesses or physical effects, accounted for 5% of sightings. The typical UFO sighting lasted about 15 minutes. Rutkowski expresses concern that scientists have dismissed the survey's findings. He also authored '15 Reasons Why Science Should Re-Examine the UFO Phenomenon.'

Academic Research and Ethical Considerations

The paper by Kathryn Gow and others in EJUFOAS discusses 'Fantasy Proneness and Other Psychological Correlates of UFO experience.' The authors acknowledge methodological shortcomings, including small sample sizes and insufficient funding. They suggest a tighter definition of 'contact' and 'abduction' might be useful, but the core issue may lie in the instrumentalization for study purposes. The paper notes that 80-90% of raw reports can be explained by mundane causes, and this reduction rate likely applies to contactees and abductees as well, potentially enhanced by self-classification. Comparisons between studies are difficult due to varying definitions of terms like 'abductee.' The sample construction, possibly using a door-knocking method and questionnaires sent to an Australian-wide UFO organization, raises questions about potential bias. The 'anomalous' sex ratio in the sample is noted as a difference from the general population.

The 'Submission Guidelines for Potential Contributors' for the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies (EJUFOAS) outlines the journal's objective nature, covering a broad spectrum of issues related to UFO and Abduction phenomena, including academic and spiritual aspects. It seeks papers on theoretical, historical, empirical, methodological, and cultural issues, as well as commentaries and case studies. Authors of accepted papers receive a free copy of the journal. The 'Research Noticeboard' section facilitates collaboration among researchers.

'Ethical Considerations' emphasize adherence to ethical guidelines for research involving human participants, particularly for 'abductee' investigations. Research deemed ethically dubious will not be published. Consent for mentioning names must be obtained in writing, though pseudonyms can be used. Submission guidelines detail requirements for postal and electronic submissions, including peer review by an editorial board and a preferred reference style.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly ALPs and UFO sightings, and their potential connection to natural events like earthquakes. There is a clear stance against attributing these phenomena to aliens, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific study and data analysis. The magazine also promotes academic discourse within the ufology community, providing guidelines for research and publication while stressing ethical considerations. The overall tone is one of scientific inquiry and a call for greater attention from the mainstream scientific community to these subjects.