Houston Sky - no 08 - Dec 1995-Jan 1996

Magazine Overview

Houston Sky, Issue No. 8, dated December 1995/January 1996, is a bimonthly UFO newsletter for Houston-Area MUFON members and others. It features a cover story titled "Light Shining in Darkness" by Dr. Barry H. Downing, exploring the religious implications of UFO phenomena.

"Light Shining in Darkness" by Barry H. Downing, PhD

Dr. Barry H. Downing, a minister and scientist, offers an essay connecting UFOs to religious themes. He suggests that UFOs could be interpreted as "angels" that have influenced the development of biblical religion. Downing, author of "The Bible and Flying Saucers," believes that while some Christians find their faith strengthened by this connection, others are challenged. He draws parallels between his own experiences and those of his cattle, highlighting the limits of human understanding and science in grasping a "Higher Reality." Downing discusses various perspectives on UFOs, including those that view them as technological angels, demonic manifestations, or signs of a New Age spiritual evolution. He also touches upon the idea of UFOs shaping human culture and religion, contrasting this with the secular scientific view of evolution. The article references biblical events like the Star of Bethlehem and angelic appearances as potential UFO events, citing M. K. Jessup's "UFO and the Bible" as an early proponent of such connections. Downing also mentions the work of Richard L. Thompson and John E. Mack, who apply UFO reality to religious and cultural development.

"UFOs in Cyberspace: Part 1" by Gayle Nesom and Rebecca Schatte

This article introduces readers to the world of UFO information available online. It explains how personal computers and modems can connect users to UFO-related electronic bulletin board systems (BBSs) and the Internet. The authors detail how to navigate these systems, including sending e-mail, posting messages, and accessing information from various sources like the Los Alamos National Laboratory. They recommend America Online (AOL) for its ease of use and access to publications like "Omni" and "Sightings," while noting CompuServe's "Encounters Forum" for MUFON members. Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs) are described as often free, limited networks, with the Atomic Cafe in Houston highlighted for its access to Fidonet echos and Internet newsgroups.

"Worth Repeating" Section

This section includes several brief items:

• Out of the Loop!: A quote from President Clinton denying knowledge of an alien spacecraft crash in Roswell, New Mexico, and the recovery of alien bodies.
• An Awkward Problem: A quote from the introduction to the Berkley edition of "The Bible and Flying Saucers" by Barry H. Downing, stating that UFOs present an awkward problem for religious leaders and are changing belief systems.
• Like Flies on the Ceiling: A quote from Jacques Vallee, emphasizing that UFOs force us to question our existence and reality, and that skeptics are irrelevant if they don't help address this quest.
• Apple, Sagan Make Peace: A brief report on an "amicable" settlement between Apple Computer and astronomer Carl Sagan over the use of his name.
• Science, Art, Religion: A quote from Jacques Vallee stating that anomalies are essential for science, art, and religion.

"Deep-Throat" Column

This column presents unsubstantiated rumors from the UFO grapevine. It mentions a reported triangular UFO sighting at a Colorado Springs military academy, research into the medical instruments used in an autopsy video, and the lack of a "Mystery Guest" at Colin Andrews' "Great Big Event."

"UFO Notebook" by Bill Eatwell

This installment reviews physicist Alan C. Holt's "hyperfield resonance theory." The theory proposes a model using "projective, nonlinear mathematics" to describe interactions between energy patterns in space-time and a seven-dimensional hyperspace. It suggests that technology using pulsating electromagnetic fields could initiate local changes in gravitational fields. The article notes that much of Holt's advanced propulsion research is proprietary and unpublished. It also mentions photomicrographs of metallic samples purportedly recovered from UFOs, which showed unique structural characteristics, including a sample of pure aluminum with a nonmetallic matrix.

"Santilli Circus Fence-Sitter No More!" Editorial by Rebecca Schatte

Rebecca Schatte declares her position on the Santilli alien autopsy film, concluding it is a hoax. She cites several reasons: Mr. Santilli's lack of authentication efforts, his candidness about making money from the film, and the apparent lack of scientific scrutiny. Schatte points out that the film clip provided to analyst Bob Shell lacked an edge code, and the analysis was based on markings supplied by Santilli himself. She also notes that Kodak has repeatedly confirmed no autopsy footage has been turned over for analysis, despite claims. Schatte highlights the absence of anyone claiming to have seen actual 16mm film of the autopsy sequence, and the difficulty in locating a company that transferred the film to video. She concludes that until Kodak can authenticate the film, it remains a "pathetic hoax."

"Review: UFO Publications: Part 2" by Gayle Nesom

This section provides a list and brief descriptions of 13 privately published UFO newsletters and bulletins, including their editors, publication frequency, page count, cost, and content focus. Examples include "Australian UFO Bulletin," "Flying Saucer Digest," "Magick Mirror," and "UFO Times."

"Of Interest" Section

This section lists upcoming UFO-related events and meetings in the Houston Area and elsewhere, including the "4th Annual Gulf Breeze UFO Spring Conference" and the "1996 Ozarks UFO Conference." It also provides contact information for the MUFON UFO Hotline.

"UFO LINGO"

This recurring feature asks readers for terms to describe someone avidly interested in UFOs but not a researcher, posing the question: "A UFO buff? A UFO enthusiast? A space alien devotee?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the integration of UFO phenomena with religious and spiritual beliefs, the growing role of the Internet and cyberspace in accessing UFO information, and a critical examination of alleged UFO evidence, particularly the Santilli film. The editorial stance, as articulated by Rebecca Schatte, is one of skepticism towards unverified claims and a demand for rigorous scientific authentication of UFO evidence. The newsletter positions itself as a forum for open exchange of ideas within the UFO community, while maintaining a critical perspective on sensational claims. The publication also highlights the work of researchers like Barry H. Downing and Alan C. Holt, exploring their theoretical contributions to understanding UFOs and their potential implications.