IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue of the IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK NEWSLETTER, Volume 2, Issue 3, dated May/June/July 1996, focuses on a variety of topics related to space, science, and the unexplained. The publication is produced by Pat Delaney, Chief Director, with articles compiled and researched by the IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK RESEARCH TEAM.

Deep Space Trawlers Seek Out Alien Signals

The lead article details the launch of the Billion-channel Extra-Terrestrial Assay (BETA) project, a five-year initiative by Harvard University astronomers to search for alien signals. The project, funded privately after government funding was axed, will use a radio telescope to scan the 'waterhole' frequency, where hydrogen naturally vibrates, believing advanced civilizations might use this quiet region for beacons. Jonath Weintroub from Harvard's physics department explains the search strategy, noting the challenge of man-made signals and the use of a third antenna to filter them out. The article highlights the previous NASA project that was halted due to cost concerns, with the Planetary Society and several companies stepping in to provide the $250,000 needed for BETA. Weintroub acknowledges the vast distances involved and the possibility that civilizations might have died out long before their signals are received, or that they may not be actively signalling. The article also humorously points out that aliens might judge Earth's civilization by its television programs, citing 'I Love Lucy' and 'Blankety Blank' as potentially off-putting examples. The article is attributed to Nicholas Booth, sourced from an English newspaper with an unknown title.

Fuel Burning Is 'Hotting Up Planet'

This section reports on scientific claims linking the burning of fossil fuels to global warming. Based on two reports from Britain and the United States, the Earth's surface temperature reached a record in 1995. The British data showed an average temperature of 14.84 degrees centigrade, and the US study reported 14.8 degrees centigrade. Dr James Hansen, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, argues that coal, petroleum, and wood combustion are the primary causes of this warming trend. The source for this information is the Evening Herald, Dublin.

Spielberg's MIB's

This article discusses Steven Spielberg's new movie production, 'Men In Black' (MIBs). Described as a fantasy-adventure, the film centers on two special agents, played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, who monitor misbehaving aliens on Earth. The concept originates from a short-lived 1991 comic book, with film rights purchased by Columbia Pictures in 1992. The article compares the film's theme to 'The X-Files' and notes that it will likely be some time before it is released internationally.

'Visitors of the Night'

This segment reviews a new American TV series, 'Visitors of the Night', aired by the NBC Network. The series focuses on a woman whose childhood alien encounter memories resurface as her teenage daughter begins to have her own close encounters. The reaction from the UFO community is noted as mixed. Similar to the 'Men In Black' movie, the series is expected to be available internationally in a year or two.

UFOs Down Under

A report from Whvalia, South Australia, details a four-hour 'light-show' of UFOs observed in July 1995. Six police officers, a Metropolitan Fire Service crew, and 100 residents witnessed what they described as 'very, very large red stars' hovering and moving at an altitude of 1.5km. Over 100 callers to the police reported seeing lights converging, flying in opposite directions, and lifting off the ground. The source is UFO Magazine (American).

Welcome to the Space Hotel

This article looks ahead to the year 2020, envisioning the opening of the first space hotel. Japan's Shimizu corporation plans construction in the early 21st century, offering guests the choice of sleeping in weightless conditions or experiencing artificial gravity via a spinning upper ring. A 'spaceplane' will transport visitors, who will require a few days of training, to a 'Pacific Space Port'.

Technology!

This section describes the SHARP (Super High Altitude Research Project), a huge gun tested in California capable of launching space probes at a fraction of the cost of using the space shuttle. Built by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the gun can propel a five-kilogram projectile at over 14,000 kilometers per hour, reaching an altitude of 450 km. The article explains the technology, which involves a 'two-stage light gas' gun using methane ignition to crush hydrogen, creating immense pressure that blasts the projectile. The project scientists plan to relocate the gun to Vandenberg Air Force Base and hope to build a larger version costing $4 billion.

Moira McGhee

A brief note from the IUFOPRA Director and Team wishing Moira, a contact from 'Down Under', a speedy recovery from hospitalization.

Quote

A prominent quote from the issue is: "PROMOTE PEACE IN OUR WAR TORN WORLD BEFORE ALIENS VISITORS PUT OUR HUMAN RACE TO THE TEST!"

Publication Information

The IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK NEWSLETTER is published quarterly and is printed and produced by Pat Delaney. Articles are compiled and researched by the IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK RESEARCH TEAM. Copyright 1996.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently covers topics related to UFOs, alien life, space exploration, and scientific advancements, often with a speculative or investigative tone. There is a clear interest in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and potential future human endeavors in space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting news and research from various sources. The inclusion of a quote about promoting peace before alien contact suggests a cautious optimism or a call for humanity to be prepared.