Magonia - No 97 - 2008 04

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA97
Issue: Incorporating MUFOB 142
Date: April 2008
Publisher: Magonia
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Notes

The editorial reflects on the impending closure of Magonia magazine, noting the encouraging feedback received from readers who appreciated its contribution to ufology. The editor, John Rimmer, questions the seriousness of ufology as a discipline, distinguishing between studying UFO reports and the broader subject. He argues that while individual case investigations can be rigorous, ufology lacks an overarching narrative and the concept of 'peer review' is problematic due to the absence of recognized peers. Rimmer emphasizes that ufology is not a science itself, though it utilizes scientific knowledge. He announces that Magonia 100 will be a special issue reprinting significant articles from MUFOB and Magonia's history, starting with Peter Rogerson's "Future Shock" from 1973, which examines quasi-religious cultism in ufology.

Curioser and Curioser: Gareth J. Medway

Gareth J. Medway's article, "Curioser and Curioser," delves into the phenomenon of 'High Strangeness' in UFO cases, where encounters involve more than just sightings of unknown objects, often including poltergeist activity, strange phone calls, and visits from 'Men In Black' (MIBs). Medway discusses the works of John Keel and Jacques Vallee, who documented such cases, and questions whether these are aberrations or typical. He suggests that investigators might edit out 'unwelcome details' like MIBs to maintain credibility. The article cites examples such as the Sarah Hall sighting of a flying triangle, where details of the witness's unease were omitted from reporting. It also references Richard Thompson's account of the Hills' experience, which included poltergeist phenomena not widely reported. The article touches upon Albert K. Bender's International Flying Saucer Bureau and his book "Flying Saucers and the Three Men," which reportedly described encounters with MIBs and extraterrestrials, and suggested a secret underground base in Antarctica. Medway notes that Bender's account was largely ignored because it didn't fit common theories. The piece also covers the case of David Stephens and Glen Gray, who reported a hovering cylindrical object and subsequent strange events, and the 'Looking Glass' effect where an artist's drawing of a craft preceded a real sighting. It mentions Steuart Campbell's theory that UFO reports are caused by mirages of stars, which Medway finds unconvincing. The article concludes by referencing David Haisell's "The Missing Seven Hours," which details a family's experiences with UFO sightings, poltergeists, and other phenomena.

Apollo 20: A Space Absurdity - Exopolitics Goes on a Flight to the Moon / Curtis Peebles

Curtis Peebles' article examines the claims surrounding the alleged "Apollo 20" mission. The story originated from YouTube videos posted by an individual named "retiredafb" (William Rutledge), who claimed to be a former U.S. Air Force member involved in a secret 1976 joint U.S./Soviet mission to investigate a crashed UFO on the far side of the Moon. Rutledge provided details about the mission, including the spacecraft names and crew members, and claimed to have photographed an alien mothership and even alien bodies. Peebles analyzes the methodology and mindset of exopolitics advocates through this case. He notes that Italian journalist Lusa Scantamburlo was initially impressed by Rutledge's claims, finding them coherent and knowledgeable about aerospace history. However, Scantamburlo also identified inconsistencies, such as the Apollo 20 mission patch and the use of a sound clip from the Apollo 15 mission in a video of an alleged Moon city. Dr. Michael E. Salla, a prominent exopolitics figure, also commented on the case, acknowledging Scantamburlo's efforts but pointing out further inconsistencies, including a discrepancy with Ingo Swann's remote viewing accounts. Salla suggested the claims might be a sophisticated hoax or an attempt to raise public awareness. Peebles also discusses the technical feasibility of launching a Saturn V rocket from Vandenberg AFB, concluding that no evidence exists for such facilities being present in the mid-1970s, which contradicts Rutledge's claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundaries between belief and evidence in ufology. The editorial stance, as expressed by John Rimmer, is critical of ufology's claim to be a serious scientific study, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology and a clear definition of what constitutes 'studying UFOs.' The articles by Medway and Peebles highlight the challenges of evaluating extraordinary claims, whether they involve 'high strangeness' phenomena or alleged secret space missions. The recurring theme is the critical examination of evidence, the potential for bias in reporting and interpretation, and the distinction between genuine investigation and speculative theories, particularly within the exopolitics movement. The magazine appears to advocate for a more grounded and evidence-based approach to the study of anomalous phenomena, while acknowledging the persistent interest in such topics.

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, Volume 6, Number 2, dated August 1973, features an article titled "FUTURE SHOCK" AS A FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF QUASI-RELIGIOUS UFO CULTS by Peter Rogerson. The magazine appears to be a publication dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena, with a critical and analytical approach.

"Future Shock" as a Factor in the Development of Quasi-Religious UFO Cults

Peter Rogerson's lead article explores the psychological and sociological underpinnings of UFO cults, drawing a parallel between Alvin Toffler's concept of "Future Shock" and the rise of these belief systems. Rogerson begins by citing examples of fervent UFO beliefs expressed in graffiti, indicating a deep emotional impact on some individuals, akin to religious conviction.

He categorizes individuals involved in ufology into three groups: UFO Researchers (objective analysts), UFO Buffs (passive hobbyists), and UFO Cultists (those who view UFOs religiously or mystically). Rogerson argues that the latter group is not monolithic but rather a diverse collection of tendencies, including extraterrestrial euhemerists, Neo-Gnostics, and devotees of "mystical arts," all sharing common themes.

Rogerson challenges the notion that ufologists are purely motivated by scientific inquiry, citing the religious-like vocabulary used in UFO literature ('conversion', 'belief', 'seeing the light'). He quotes Michael Holt, who suggests that ufologists are engaged in a "faith to be fought for" rather than a dispassionate scientific endeavor. Holt's statement, "It is no longer necessary to be an evangelical movement ... preaching the truth about UFOs," encapsulates this sentiment.

The article posits that the intense emotional impact of UFO phenomena, coupled with societal anxieties and the perceived inadequacy of traditional myths, drives people towards UFO cults. These cults offer a sense of community and a framework for understanding a rapidly changing and often frightening world. Rogerson notes that the "space brother" myth, for instance, serves to defuse the fear of the unknown by presenting aliens as benevolent beings.

He further connects these phenomena to historical patterns, drawing parallels with messianic cults that emerged during periods of social upheaval. The article suggests that the modern UFO myth functions similarly, providing comfort and a sense of order in the face of technological change and societal disruption. The skywatch at Warminster is presented as an example of a ritualistic gathering, echoing ancient beliefs about seeking spiritual revelations on high places.

Rogerson critiques the tendency within some UFO circles to ascribe mythological status to themselves and to view their beliefs as occult secrets. He also touches upon the concept of "disinformation" within ufology, suggesting that some claims may originate from official sources or be perpetuated by unscrupulous individuals seeking notoriety.

The Apollo 20 Hypothesis and Hoax Analysis

The scanned pages also include a detailed analysis of the Apollo 20 mission claims, which is presented as a case study in the intersection of ufology and skepticism. The author systematically debunks the idea of a secret Apollo 20 mission launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Key arguments against the mission include:

• Launch Site Infeasibility: Vandenberg lacked the necessary facilities (VAB, launch pads) and security to hide a Saturn V launch. Its proximity to public roads and Lompoc made secrecy impossible.
• Debris and Safety Concerns: A Saturn V launch from Vandenberg would have sent debris over the continental United States, posing a significant safety risk. Launches from Florida were eastward over the Atlantic to mitigate this.
• Payload Limitations: Polar orbits, necessary from Vandenberg, would have resulted in a lower payload capacity for the Saturn V, insufficient for the early Apollo Moon landings.
• Mission Timing: The claimed daylight launch of Apollo 20 on August 16, 1976, contradicts the calculated landing time on the Moon, which would have occurred at night, making a landing extremely difficult without adequate illumination.

The author then explores the hypothesis that the Apollo 20 story is a hoax, citing issues with the YouTube videos and images presented as evidence. These were found to be altered or outright forgeries, with the Saturn V launch video being from the Apollo 11 mission and audio clips from Apollo 15. The "alien mothership" is suggested to be a natural geological feature.

The analysis concludes that there is no evidence to support the Apollo 19 and 20 missions as real events, and that the details of the claims are demonstrably false. This leads to the broader implication that the UFO evidence often lacks sufficient merit to be accepted by the scientific community.

Book Reviews

The issue also features several book reviews:

• "Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience" by Stanton T. Friedman and Kathleen Marden: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, this book is described as an "official biography" that presents the Betty and Barney Hill abduction story in a fundamentalist ufological style. Rogerson notes the book's focus on how Betty Hill was drawn into contactee cultism and suggests that the story may have been influenced by individuals like Robert Hohmann and C. D. Jackson. He also draws parallels between Betty's experiences and those of Catholic saints.

• "Man-Monkey: in search of the British Bigfoot" by Nick Redfern and "Big Bird! modern sightings of flying monsters" by Ken Gerhard: Reviewed by Peter Rogerson, these books explore cryptozoological claims. The "Man-Monkey" review discusses the evolution of a local folklore story into modern sightings of hairy hominids, with Redfern's investigation being criticized for a lack of rigorous research. The "Big Bird" review touches on reports of giant birds and pterodactyls, suggesting misperception or psychological factors.

• "Witness to Roswell: Unmasking the 60-year cover-up" by Thomas J. Carey and Donald R. Schmitt: Reviewed by John Harney, this book is criticized for its reliance on alleged witnesses who are "repeatedly asked leading questions" and "embellish their stories." The reviewer points out inconsistencies, such as the use of pseudonyms and the selective discarding of witness accounts. The book is deemed misleading and not a good starting point for understanding the Roswell incident, with Karl Pflock's "Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe" recommended instead.

• "The Starchild Skull: genetic enigma or human-alien hybrid?" by Lloyd Pye: Reviewed by John Harney, this book examines the controversial Starchild Skull. The reviewer notes the dubious provenance of the skull and criticizes Pye's Sitchinist leanings. While acknowledging the skull's unusual appearance, the reviewer suggests it is likely an unusual human skull, possibly of a hydrocephalic child, rather than an alien hybrid. The possibility of a sophisticated hoax by groups like the Raelians or Sitchinists is also considered.

• "UFO Religion: inside UFO cults and culture" by Gregory L. Reece: Reviewed by John Harney, this book is described as an "impressionistic journey" through "ufolore." The reviewer agrees with Reece's assessment that the Roswell incident was not about a crashed alien spaceship but a "decidedly low tech and quite terrestrial instrument." Reece's view that ufology is connected to "primal awe" and the allure of the future is highlighted, as is his observation that modern fears are linked to human actions rather than aliens.

• "The Haunted: a social history of ghosts" by Owen Davies: Reviewed by John Harney, this book traces the history of ghost beliefs from the Reformation to modern times. It focuses on the social and cultural aspects of ghost lore, including popular entertainment and regional folklore. The reviewer notes the book's emphasis on unity across generations and its exploration of how ghost stories have adapted to changing societal contexts.

• "Adventures in Paranormal Investigation" by Joe Nickell: Reviewed by John Harney, this book features the rationalist approach of Joe Nickell in debunking paranormal claims. The reviewer notes Nickell's unwavering certainty and lack of appreciation for the ambiguities of human experience, suggesting that "professional 'skeptics' are just another variety of believer."

• "Hollow Earth: the long and curious history of imagining strange lands, fantastical creatures, advanced civilisations and marvellous machines below the earth's surface" by David Standish: Reviewed by John Harney, this book surveys the hollow earth theory in pseudoscience and popular culture. The reviewer notes the book's exploration of the theory's persistence and its appeal as a utopian concept, but criticizes its lack of discussion on why the theory has endured despite scientific refutation.

• "Alien Worlds" magazine (Issue 1): Reviewed by John Harney, this new bimonthly publication aims to combine UFOs, SETI, and astrobiology. The review notes its interviews with scientists and ufologists, including Michael Michaud and Ian Morison. It also mentions an interview with Mac Tonnies about "crypto-terrestrials" and an article by Nick Pope on "Project Condign." The reviewer suggests the magazine is superior to many similar journals but hopes for a more conventional graphic layout.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and sociological factors influencing belief in UFOs and related phenomena. The publication exhibits a strong skeptical stance, critically examining UFO claims and often attributing them to psychological biases, cultural influences, or deliberate hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on debunking sensationalist claims and promoting a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be that ufology, in its current form, is largely a product of modern folklore and a response to societal anxieties, rather than a pursuit of objective scientific truth.