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European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies - vol 3-2
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The European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies, Volume 3(2), published in September 2002, is a publication primarily for the European ufological community. It is the journal of the Totton Researchers of ufology Theory and History (TRUTH), based in Southampton, United Kingdom.…
Magazine Overview
The European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies, Volume 3(2), published in September 2002, is a publication primarily for the European ufological community. It is the journal of the Totton Researchers of ufology Theory and History (TRUTH), based in Southampton, United Kingdom. The journal aims to foster debate and bring the European ufological community closer by publishing reviewed papers.
Editorial
The editorial expresses happiness with the array of accepted submissions. It highlights a paper analyzing the use of internet search engines to find UFO information, noting the 'eye-opener' discovery of a lack of high-quality literature online. The editorial also mentions an intriguing FORUM debate article from Romania assessing the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, and short articles on a petition to release UFO information and a sighting over Dagestan in 2000. It references a previous paper on 'Fantasy Proneness in Abductees' which received an award and was translated into German. The editorial concludes by expressing excitement about the start of a new academic year where UFO Studies will be available on the timetable for students, offering opportunities for research projects.
The Internet and Ufology: Which General Search Engine is most effective at finding UFO and related articles?
This article by Craig A. Roberts and Javier Garcia Frutos assesses the effectiveness of internet search engines in retrieving UFO and related links. Over 48 hours, 91 search engines were evaluated using five simple searches. Each engine was scored based on relevancy (0-5) for its first ten links, resulting in a maximum possible score of 250. Only 40 search engines yielded any results, and the amount of dead links was also recorded. A weighted score was calculated considering relevancy and dead links. The study found that Google, About, and Yahoo ranked highest, but even Google only scored 104 out of 250, suggesting either poor quality searching or a paucity of relevant online literature. The introduction discusses the growing use of the internet for research and references previous studies on search engine usefulness, noting Google's consistent performance. The method involved testing search engines with terms like 'Tectonic strain + UFO', 'Roswell + Weather balloon', 'Extraterrestrial Hypothesis + UFO', 'Alien Abduction + Sleep Paralysis', and 'Betty + Barney Hill + Alien Abduction'. A scoring system from 0 to 5 was used for link relevancy, with '*' indicating a dead link, '#' no pages found, and 'X' not appropriate. The results section details the scores generated, including grand totals, scores per search term, percentage of dead links, and weighted scores. Table 1 shows the top 20 search engines by total score, with Google leading at 104. Table 2 breaks down the number of top 10 positions for each search term. Table 3 lists the percentage of dead links for various search engines, with some having up to 40% dead links. Table 4 presents the weighted score for the top 30 search engines, again showing Google, About, and Yahoo as leaders. Table 5 compares ZDNet's IQ ratings with the research's weighted scores, noting that the top three search engines also had the highest IQ scores. The discussion concludes that while Google, About, and Yahoo performed better, their overall relevancy scores were only average, indicating that search engines are not highly effective at finding UFO information. However, it is also suggested that the internet may have a limited amount of high-quality UFO literature. Differences in search engine abilities were noted, with some providing good results followed by irrelevant ones, and a significant percentage of dead links in some cases.
FORUM debate article: Supercivilizations and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis
This article, authored by Dan Farcaş from Romania, is presented as a FORUM debate piece. It assesses the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, likely exploring arguments for and against the existence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations interacting with Earth. Readers are invited to comment on the paper.
Not a UFO, but a Bee over Dagestan in 2000
Authored by Paul Stonehill (USA), this short article examines a specific sighting that occurred in Dagestan in 2000, which is identified as not being a UFO but rather a bee.
In the matter of Roswell, Project Mogul and Bessie Brazel Schreiber
This article by Thomas J. Carey and Donald K. Schmitt (USA) delves into the Roswell incident, specifically focusing on its connection to Project Mogul and the individual Bessie Brazel Schreiber. It aims to clarify aspects of this well-known UFO case.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the accessibility and quality of UFO information online, the evaluation of search engine effectiveness, and the critical examination of core ufological concepts like the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis. The editorial stance, as expressed by Craig Roberts, is one of openness to diverse research, a desire to foster critical discussion within the ufological community, and an ambition to elevate the academic standing of UFO studies, particularly within a European context. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research, peer review, and the potential for UFO studies to become a recognized academic pursuit.
This document contains several articles and a petition related to UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and civilizations. The content spans discussions on search engine effectiveness for UFO research, theoretical explorations of supercivilizations, a petition for UN disclosure of UFO information, and a debate on the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
Search Engine Research and UFO Information
The first section compares the findings of this study with previous research on search engine effectiveness for finding UFO-related material. It notes that Google performed well in finding such material, corroborating some previous findings. However, differences were observed compared to other studies, with some search engines performing consistently well in previous research (like Hotbot, Northern Light, Alta Vista, Fast) but not in this study, and vice versa (like FindWhat, Zensearch, Netflip, Quickfindit, 2look4it). The study also references research on user preferences for search engines, with Yahoo, AOL, and MSN being popular. A comparison with ZDNet's IQ scores for search engines reveals discrepancies, with some low-scoring engines performing well in this study and high-scoring ones failing to rank. Limitations of the study are mentioned, including the rating being conducted by a single author and the exclusion of newer search engines.
Petition to UN Requesting Disclosure of UFO Information
This section details a petition supported by the Society for the Scientific Investigation of Anomalous Atmospheric and Radar Phenomena (MUFON-CES) and addressed to the United Nations Secretary General. The petition urges UN member nations to take elementary actions regarding their official studies and activities related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It highlights that documents related to UFO declassification already exist, citing an example from Spain. The petition aims to be delivered in March 2003, and readers are encouraged to support it by signing online, placing a banner on their website, or visiting provided links for more information on UFOs and scientific approaches.
FORUM debate article: Supercivilizations and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis
This extensive article by Dan D. Farcaş PhD explores the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), focusing on the existence and nature of supercivilizations.
How many civilizations are in the Universe?
The article posits that the universe is rich in planets, water, and the basic components of life. It suggests that life is widespread and can evolve into complex, technological civilizations. Using a modified Drake equation, the author estimates that the Milky Way galaxy could host around 1000 supercivilizations. Considering the vast number of galaxies, the existence of many supercivilizations across the universe is considered almost certain.
What can be a supercivilization?
Extrapolating from human evolution, the article speculates that supercivilizations would have overcome self-destruction and achieved advanced technological capabilities, including interstellar travel. It discusses potential propulsion systems and the possibility of conquering the Milky Way within a few million years. The author believes that future physics discoveries will overcome the limitations of the speed of light, making interstellar travel much simpler. Human evolution is also expected to advance through genetic engineering and integration with artificial intelligence.
The time gap
The article emphasizes that the temporal gap between civilizations is more significant than the spatial distance. It suggests that supercivilizations might appear every 2-3 million years in our galaxy. These civilizations could have evolved into spiritual or virtual beings, or something beyond current human comprehension, over millions of years.
Where are they?
Given the estimates of supercivilization development, the author questions why they are not overtly present on Earth, referencing the Fermi paradox. The article critiques common scenarios of ET contact, such as direct landings, communication attempts, or invasions, labeling them as "preconceptions" based on human biases.
A list of several ET preconceptions
- Several preconceptions are discussed:
- Equal rights: The vast difference in evolutionary time (millions of years) makes it improbable that humans and advanced ETs would be on an equal footing.
- Conversation: A significant evolutionary gap would likely preclude meaningful conversation or exchange of ideas.
- Temporal chauvinism: The belief that current scientific understanding represents the ultimate truth, limiting possibilities for future discoveries.
- Invasion: The idea that alien civilizations would attempt to conquer Earth by force is dismissed, as any invasion would likely have occurred millions of years ago when Earth was more vulnerable.
- Intervention: The hope that ETs will help humanity overcome future catastrophes is also questioned. The article suggests that advanced civilizations might adopt a non-interventionist approach, similar to how humans now view protected natural areas, potentially observing Earth as a "cosmic reservation."
The primitive ET hypothesis and some questions about UFOs
This section contrasts the "primitive" ETH (focused on "nuts and bolts" material and limited evolutionary differences) with the more advanced concept. It addresses Jacques Vallée's objections to the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, including the number of landings, the strange behavior of UFOs, and the human-like appearance of alleged extraterrestrial biological entities (EBEs).
- UFO Landings: The author suggests that for supercivilizations, cosmic distances are manageable, and UFOs might be used for short-range travel, possibly from nearby cosmic bases.
- UFO Behavior: The unusual behavior of UFOs is explained as potentially being perceived as magic by less advanced civilizations, similar to how ancient peoples viewed technological advancements.
- Genetic Experiments: The similarity of EBEs to humans and reports of interbreeding are discussed. The article speculates that advanced civilizations might use genetic engineering to create artificial human races or biorobots, potentially using Earth's gene pool as a resource. This could explain hybridization stories and the perceived human-like traits of EBEs. The article also draws parallels with ancient myths and religious texts that describe genetic manipulation or hybrid beings.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes throughout these articles are the vastness of the universe, the potential for advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, and the critical examination of human assumptions and preconceptions regarding alien life and contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging a scientific and rational approach to understanding UFO phenomena and the ETH, while challenging anthropocentric views and simplistic interpretations of potential alien interactions. The articles advocate for further research and a willingness to consider possibilities beyond current human understanding.
This issue of UFO Universe, Volume 3, Issue 12, dated 1999, explores profound questions about advanced intelligences and their potential interactions with humanity. The cover headline, "THE COSMIC INTELLIGENCE," sets the stage for discussions on supercivilizations monitoring Earth and the reasons behind their potential non-intervention or technological withholding.
Why They Do Not Offer Us Their Technologies?
The article addresses Jacques Vallée's objections regarding UFO visitors' technological levels being too close to ours. Two explanations are proposed: either witnesses only understand and report what aligns with current scientific concepts, or the visitors impose an "embargo" due to a non-intervention policy. A significant reason cited is the fear of human aggressiveness and xenophobia, suggesting that advanced technologies given to humans could lead to widespread destruction. The text posits that mankind needs to achieve moral maturity before any exchange of sophisticated technologies can occur. Furthermore, it's suggested that revealing too much could cause a "cultural shock," potentially destroying societal structures. A hypothesis is presented that Cosmic Intelligence might be waiting for something crucial, perhaps even harvesting original human ideas and viewpoints that could be destroyed by premature contact.
The Database Earth
Extrapolating future supercivilizations, the article considers the advancements in information and communication technology. It estimates that all verbal and visual information generated by a person in their lifetime could be stored in a computer by 2040. By the end of the century, all human information, thoughts, and gestures might be stored in a single computer. This information could be collected via direct brain implants. The concept of "virtual reality" is explored, where individuals could be restored based on their data, interacting with virtual representations of living or deceased people. This "memory" could be similar to the "Book of Life" or "Akashic Records," potentially explaining channeling, speaking in unknown languages, "walk-ins," and reincarnation. Virtual reality could allow travel to the past and future, but only as scenarios, not altering fate. Many UFO encounters and mystical experiences might be virtual contacts staged by a supermemory installed by a Higher Intelligence.
Spiritual Worlds?
The nature of supercivilizations is considered, suggesting they might operate beyond our understanding of speed of light and substance, possibly involving structured spiritual doubles of the universe. The possibility of a "Multiverse" much older and more complex than our observable universe is raised, questioning what existed before the "Big Bang" and what lies beyond its limits. If multiple universes exist, an intelligence born within one might need to find an escape, implying the existence of a much older Higher Intelligence and a hierarchy of supercivilizations.
Supercivizations and Divinity
Even with conservative estimates, the probability of a supercivilization being present on Earth and monitoring us is extremely high. Historical and contemporary reports of unexplained phenomena, including UFO encounters, are presented as a second argument for their presence, often ignored by mainstream science. The capabilities and objectives of such supercivilizations are beyond human comprehension, making their actions indistinguishable from magic. The article draws a parallel between the attributes of such supercivilizations and divinity, suggesting that concepts like "unlimited power" might be better understood as "more powerful than anything imaginable." Ultimately, it proposes that a "Higher Intelligence of supercivilizations" could be considered another name for Divine.
Closing remark
The author clarifies that the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while not definitively proven, cannot be discarded based on current arguments and appears highly probable. However, other hypotheses remain possible, and definitive answers are still awaited.
Not a UFO, but a Bee over Dagestan in 2000
This article by Paul Stonehill investigates a reported UFO sighting over Dagestan on November 14, 2000. Through research, it is concluded that the sighting was actually an advanced Russian weapon, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) known as the Stroy-P system, specifically the Pchela drone. The article details the development of the Pchela drone, its capabilities (range, altitude, speed, endurance), and its integration into the Russian Army in 1997. It notes that test flights of the Pchela-1T, equipped with infrared vision, were conducted around the time of the Dagestan sighting, suggesting a correlation. The article also draws parallels to a 1969 "UFO" sighting in the Soviet Union, which was later identified as an American espionage aircraft, highlighting how such events can be misidentified tests of military technology.
Roswell, Project Mogul and Bessie Brazel Schreiber
This section, authored by Thomas J. Carey and Donald R. Schmitt, delves into the enduring mystery of the Roswell incident of July 1947. It begins by discussing legal strategies, particularly witness "impeachment" techniques used in court to discredit testimony. The authors then present the two primary explanations for the Roswell events: either an extraterrestrial craft and crew crashed and was subsequently covered up by the U.S. Government, or it was a "balloon train" from the top-secret Project Mogul, initially misidentified as a spaceship. The "Nature of the Evidence" section examines the available documents, including newspaper articles from the Roswell Daily Record, an FBI memo, and the controversial "MJ-12 Documents." It also discusses the "Ramey Memo" and the challenges of interpreting photographic evidence through computer enhancement. The "Witness Evidence" section highlights the overwhelming number of witnesses supporting the extraterrestrial explanation, while also noting instances where testimonies have been "impeached" due to falsehoods or inconsistencies. The "Mogul Configuration" section presents the argument that the incident involved components from the Project Mogul balloon project.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of advanced intelligence, the potential for contact with supercivilizations, and the interpretation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that explores speculative theories, such as the Cosmic Intelligence and the Database Earth, while also grounding investigations in empirical research, as seen in the debunking of the Dagestan UFO and the detailed examination of the Roswell incident. There is an underlying curiosity about humanity's place in the cosmos and the possibility of non-human intelligence influencing or observing our world. The editorial approach seems to favor open-minded inquiry, presenting various hypotheses and evidence for readers to consider, rather than asserting definitive conclusions.
This issue of UFO Magazine, dated August 2001, Volume 16, Issue 16, with a cover price of $4.95, focuses on debunking the Project Mogul hypothesis as an explanation for the 1947 Roswell Incident. The magazine's title is "Roswell: The Mogul Hypothesis Debunked!".
Project Mogul Components and Purpose
The article begins by explaining that Project Mogul was a top-secret initiative by the Soviet Union (though the text later clarifies it was a US project) aimed at detecting the detonation of atomic bombs using balloon-borne acoustic sensors. These balloons were high-altitude, constant-level craft. While the project itself was secret, its components, such as the lofting balloons (up to 25 in a "balloon train") and tinfoil radar targets (up to three), were not. These components were described as ordinary neoprene for the balloons and paper-backed tinfoil supported by balsa wood sticks for the targets. The total length of these "balloon trains" could reach hundreds of feet. Robert Galganski, a civil engineer who researched Mogul configurations, described Flight #4 as consisting of 28 neoprene meteorological balloons attached to a 600-foot master line, three ML-307B rawin radar targets, possibly parachutes, and test equipment like sonobuoy microphones and radio transmitters. These were all described as ordinary "off-the-shelf items". Later Mogul flights utilized polyethylene balloons instead of the all-rubber neoprene ones.
Mogul Physical Evidence?
The article questions the existence of physical evidence linking Project Mogul flights from Alamogordo in May, June, or July 1947 directly to the Roswell events of early July 1947. While acknowledging ongoing investigations into claims of materials from the 1947 wreckage, the authors note that none of these match the description of a Mogul "balloon train". Many items match the description of "memory metal" – metal that could be wadded up and then unfurl without wrinkles. The authors pose the rhetorical question of why anyone would keep prosaic items like rubber, tape, tinfoil, or sticks for so many years.
Eyewitness Accounts and Project Mogul
The magazine discusses the photographs taken on July 8th, 1947, by Maj. Jesse A. Marcel, Sr., showing him with tinfoil, sticks, and rubber/weather balloon debris. These were presented as evidence from the Project Mogul flight. However, the article points out that these photographs did not show extraterrestrial debris. Charles Moore, a former member of the Project Mogul team, is cited as having used polyethylene balloons later in the project. The article also references a 1990s investigation by William Moore and Charles Berlitz, who linked Project Mogul to the Roswell events. They reportedly found details of a Mogul flight launched on June 4th, 1947, near Alamogordo, New Mexico. This flight was apparently never recovered and was linked to the Roswell events.
The Mogul Witness: Charles Moore and Others
Charles Moore's recollection of the Mogul Flight #4 is presented, noting his initial belief that it was a "patriotic duty" to participate. He described the exotic nature of what he found, including "balloon remains" and tinfoil. The article mentions that "The Mogulites" often cite his testimony. The magazine also refers to the testimony of Irving Newton, who worked with Ramey's photographic unit, but suggests his role was to undermine Jesse Marcel, Sr.'s testimony by arguing that Mogul debris was not involved in Roswell.
Bessie Brazel Schreiber's Testimony
A significant portion of the article is dedicated to Bessie Brazel Schreiber, daughter of Mack Brazel, the rancher who found the debris. Bessie, who was fourteen at the time of the incident, claims she was at the ranch with her father and younger brother, Vernon, helping clean up. However, her account is contrasted with her brother Bill Brazel, Jr.'s statement that she was not present. Bill Jr. also recanted earlier statements attributed to him. Bessie's initial accounts are described as consistent, but her 1989 interview with Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt revealed a different perspective, where she stated, "That's why I didn't go," referring to the apparent loneliness of spending the summer on the ranch.
Conflicting Timelines and Discovery Dates
The article meticulously dissects the timeline of the Roswell Incident and the discovery of the debris. The original work, "The Roswell Incident," suggested a crash date of July 2nd, 1947, and a discovery date of July 3rd, 1947, based on a press release from Lt. Walter Haut and witness accounts of a "flying disk" sighting by the Wilmots on the evening of July 2nd. Later, Randle and Schmitt proposed a July 4th crash date in their 1994 book. The Air Force, adopting the Mogul hypothesis, aligned with a June 14th, 1947, discovery date mentioned in a "Harassed Rancher" article, and linked it to Mogul Launch #4 on June 4th, 1947. However, Bessie Brazel Schreiber consistently maintained that the discovery occurred in July, specifically July 3rd, arguing that debris would not be left out for a month with livestock present. She stated the cleanup occurred on July 5th, as July 4th was a holiday. Loretta Proctor, a neighbor, supported the July 3rd discovery date, stating her son "Dee" Proctor was with Mack Brazel. However, Bessie later denied "Dee" was present, though she admitted in a 1993 interview that something could have happened on another part of the ranch unknown to her.
The Debris Field
Maj. Jesse A. Marcel, RAAF's senior Intelligence Officer, described the debris field as densely packed, thin, aluminum foil-like material scattered over an area approximately 3/4ths of a mile long by several hundred feet wide, equating to about one million square feet or the area of 22 football fields.
Conclusion on Mogul Hypothesis
The article concludes that the discovery date of June 14th, 1947, for Mack Brazel's finding of debris on the Foster Ranch is illegitimate and unsupported. It suggests that the entire Project Mogul explanation for the Roswell events hinges on this unsupported date. The authors believe that testimony supports a discovery date of July 3rd, 1947, with the crash occurring the evening before, returning to the original timeline proposed in "The Roswell Incident" (1980).
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination and debunking of the Project Mogul hypothesis as the explanation for the Roswell Incident. The editorial stance is skeptical of the Mogul proponents' evidence and timelines, emphasizing the lack of credible corroboration and the reliance on questionable eyewitness accounts and dates. The magazine advocates for a return to the original understanding of the Roswell Incident, which did not involve Project Mogul, and highlights the inconsistencies and contradictions within the Mogul theory. The article strongly implies that the Mogul explanation is a manufactured narrative to explain away the Roswell event with prosaic origins.
This document, likely an excerpt from a magazine or journal focused on UFO phenomena, delves deeply into the analysis of the debris from the 1947 Roswell incident. It scrutinizes the testimonies of various witnesses, particularly Bessie Brazel Schreiber (referred to as BBS), and evaluates the plausibility of the 'Project Mogul' explanation versus an extraterrestrial origin.
Debris Description and Witness Testimonies
The text begins by referencing the initial reports of the debris field, noting its location in Hines Draw, approximately a mile from the sheep watering station on the Foster Ranch. Mack Brazel, the rancher who found the debris, is quoted indirectly through a newspaper article, describing it as "a large area of bright wreckage made up of rubber strips, tinfoil, a rather tough paper and sticks." The rubber strips were "smoky gray" and scattered, suggesting an aerial explosion rather than ground dragging. Notably, there were no strings or wires expected from a balloon device, but "eyelets" in the paper suggested attachments. Some debris reportedly contained individual letters but no complete words. The presence of "scotch tape and some tape with flowers printed upon it" was highlighted as a key detail for proponents of the Project Mogul theory.
Jesse Marcel, Sr., who was involved in the recovery, is mentioned as having taken some debris home, believing it was "not from this earth." His son, Jesse Marcel, Jr., corroborated that his father brought home only a small portion of the total debris.
Lt. Col. Sheridan Cavitt, who accompanied Major Marcel to the debris field, provided a statement in 1994 to Air Force researcher Col. Richard L. Weaver. Cavitt stated the debris was concentrated in a small area, "very small, about 20 feet square," and that it was consistent with a downed weather balloon, which he immediately recognized as such. This contrasts with the "Harassed Rancher" article's estimate of the balloon debris area being up to 200 yards in diameter.
Moore and Friedman's 1979 interview for "The Roswell Incident" yielded a non-committal description from BBS: "... so much debris scattered over pastureland." However, in a 1993 affidavit, she became more specific, describing the debris as scattered sparsely over an area about the size of a football field (approximately 45,000 square feet). She also stated that the debris fit into just three burlap feed sacks, which seems to contradict the idea of a large amount of material.
BBS's accounts have evolved significantly over time. In her 1979 interview, she supported both her father's account of finding strange debris and the public record, stating that what she saw was "definitely not a balloon." She described pieces of "heavily waxed paper and a sort of aluminum-like foil" with numbers and lettering, and tape with pastel flowers. However, she also mentioned that the writing looked like numbers in columns, unlike any she had seen before.
By her 1993 affidavit, submitted after being interviewed by Project Mogul proponent Karl Pflock, BBS's story shifted. She described pieces of a "large balloon which had burst," made of a double-sided material, "foil-like on one side and rubber-like on the other." She added "kite sticks" and mentioned tape with "flower designs on it" in pastel colors, reminiscent of Japanese paintings. She also pointed out there were no ground gouges, contradicting other accounts. Her father's initial discovery date was also shifted to two days before she first saw the debris.
In a 1999 interview, BBS stuck with the balloon story but introduced new details, describing the material as "kite-like" and "rubbery type stuff." When asked if she thought it was a balloon, she replied, "Yep, because that's what Dad said he thought it was." This contradicted her earlier statement that she had never found a balloon herself. She also described the find as "different from anything we had picked up before," suggesting it might be important.
Analysis of Project Mogul Hypothesis
The document critically examines the Project Mogul hypothesis, which posits that the Roswell debris was from a Project Mogul balloon train (Flight #4). It notes that "Mogulists" point to the "scotch-tape with flowers" as evidence. However, the article questions the size of the debris field described in the "Harassed Rancher" article, suggesting it is too large for a single balloon and target. Sophisticated analysis has yet to reveal the "flowery scotch-tape" in the Ramey photographs.
BBS's shifting accounts are seen as damaging to both her cause and the Project Mogul proponents. Her earlier statements supported the idea of a large amount of strange debris, while later statements described a smaller, more manageable amount consistent with a balloon recovery. The document questions whether BBS was lying or Cavitt was lying regarding the size and nature of the debris.
Expert studies by Robert Galganski and Neil Morris/Ron Regehr are cited, concluding that the amount of debris potentially available from a Mogul "balloon train" is insufficient to account for the debris reported by witnesses like Brazel and Marcel. The authors suggest that the "mogulists" ignore this fundamental flaw in their hypothesis.
Contradictions and Inconsistencies
The article highlights numerous contradictions in BBS's testimony. For instance, she claimed her family picnicked in a park while waiting for her father to report his find, but other witnesses state Mack Brazel was kept in custody for about a week. BBS also claimed her mother treated everyone to a fried chicken dinner, which seems at odds with other accounts of the family's situation.
Furthermore, BBS's account of gathering all the wreckage before the military arrived contradicts reports of military cleanup crews spending days at the site. Her claim that her father never took the debris to neighbors like the Proctors is also disputed by others.
The document argues that BBS's testimony is so at variance with accepted accounts that it must be rejected. It suggests that BBS may not have even been present at the Foster Ranch at the time of the events.
Summation and Verdict
The paper concludes that the case for Project Mogul, based on the examination of key issues, fails. Expert witnesses like Robert Galganski have empirically concluded that Mogul Flight 4 was not responsible for the debris field. The document asserts that while the extraterrestrial visitation case for Roswell has many corroborating witnesses, the alleged eyewitnesses for the Mogul explanation disagree on fundamental details, leading to a lack of corroboration and thus, no case.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme is the critical examination of eyewitness testimony, particularly Bessie Brazel Schreiber's evolving account, in the context of the Roswell Incident. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of the Project Mogul explanation, highlighting inconsistencies, contradictions, and the lack of empirical support for it. The document strongly implies that the evidence points away from a mundane explanation and towards something more extraordinary, while simultaneously dismantling the primary alternative explanation offered by proponents of a conventional cause.
This document, from the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies, Volume 6, Issue 107, published in Winter 1999, focuses on a critical analysis of the 1947 Roswell incident and provides guidelines for potential contributors to the journal.
Analysis of Bessie Brazel Schreiber's Testimony and Project Mogul
The primary focus of the text is to re-evaluate the testimony of Bessie Brazel Schreiber concerning the Roswell events of 1947. The authors stipulate that if Schreiber's account is considered true and correct, then Project Mogul Flight #4 cannot be the explanation for what she witnessed. This is because Flight #4 utilized neoprene balloons, whereas Schreiber described seeing a polyethylene balloon. Based on the preponderance and quality of evidence presented, the authors conclude that Bessie Brazel Schreiber is an impeached witness and her entire testimony must be rejected. This rejection also undermines the 'Mogul Explanation' for the Roswell incident, as it leaves no known credible, first-hand eyewitnesses to a balloon event on Mack Brazel's sheep pasture. The article asserts that, legally or scientifically, Project Mogul fails as a viable explanation, raising serious questions about its sustainability under legal doctrines like 'preponderance of evidence' or 'beyond a reasonable doubt,' and even under 'Occam's Law of Parsimony.' The disqualification of Schreiber as a witness places the burden of proof back on the United States Air Force and its defenders.
Post Scripts and Further Recollections
In a postscript, the authors recount an interview with Bessie Brazel Schreiber in 1999 where she stated her father, Mack Brazel, had warned the family not to believe newspaper reports, suggesting the Army Air Force would use him for a story. This statement could support the idea that Mack Brazel was not held against his will, or it could indicate he had forewarning of the 'Harassed Rancher' story. When asked why this statement was never revealed before, Schreiber responded, "No one asked me." The authors admit they also did not ask her about it.
A subsequent section details an interview with Bessie Brazel Schreiber in late Fall 2001, where she visited her brother, Bill Brazel, Jr., at his ranch in Capitan, NM. During their conversation, the 1947 Roswell events were discussed. According to Bill Brazel, Jr., Bessie questioned him multiple times, primarily seeking to confirm if she was actually present at their father's ranch during the events. Bill, Jr. has consistently maintained that she was not.
Submission Guidelines for Potential Contributors
The document also includes detailed submission guidelines for the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies (EJUFOAS), which is affiliated with TRUTH (The Totton Researchers of Ufology Theory and History). The journal aims to connect the European UFO community and is objective in nature, covering a broad spectrum of issues related to UFO and Abduction phenomena, including academic subjects like astronomy and biology, as well as spiritual aspects, skepticism, and new theoretical issues.
Types of Papers and Articles
- The journal welcomes various types of submissions, including:
- Theoretical issues: Assessing, expanding, or presenting new theoretical ideas.
- Historical issues: Examining the historical progression of UFO and Abduction phenomena or ancient accounts.
- Empirical studies: Reporting on primary research and data collection/analysis, or analyzing attitudes towards UFO phenomena.
- Methodological and Investigation issues: Assessing ufological methods and techniques, or suggesting new ones.
- Cultural issues: Exploring whether ufology aspects are culturally unique or universal.
- Commentaries: Assessing notions published in the journal.
- Case Studies / Reports of enhanced sightings: Detailing interesting cases or 'flaps'.
- Research Noticeboard: Facilitating communication and collaboration among researchers, including calls for research assistance.
- Reviews: Providing objective reviews of books and videos sent by publishers and broadcasting companies.
Authors whose papers are accepted in the first seven categories receive a free copy of the journal. No free copy is sent for Research Noticeboard or Reviews submissions.
Ethical Considerations
For articles involving human participants, strict adherence to ethical guidelines is mandatory, referencing those of the British Psychological Society or the American Psychological Association, or other recognized national guidelines. For investigations into abduction experiences, the "Ethics Code for Abduction Experience Investigation and Treatment" from the Journal of UFO Studies, Vol 5 (1994) must be met. Research deemed ethically dubious will not be reviewed or published. If names are to be used, written consent from the individuals is required; pseudonyms can be used if clearly indicated.
Submission of Papers
Papers should be sent to Craig Roberts, Editor of EJUFOAS, at the address provided in Totton, Southampton, UK, or via email to [email protected].
- Postal submissions: Should be in triplicate on A4 paper, with a front sheet including the title, author(s) postal and email addresses. The paper will then undergo blind peer review by three editorial board members.
- Electronic mail submissions: Two emails are required. One with the title and author addresses, and a second with the paper and any images/figures as attachments (text or Microsoft Word compatible). This will also be peer-reviewed by three editorial board members.
All papers must include a full reference section, clearly listing authors, titles, volumes, and publication years. A preferred citation style is provided for articles, books, and chapters from books, with examples given.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO phenomena evidence, particularly concerning the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based analysis and ethical research practices, as evidenced by the detailed submission guidelines and the critical approach to witness testimony and established explanations like Project Mogul. The journal aims to be a platform for diverse ufological perspectives while maintaining academic and ethical standards.