Magonia Supplement - No 02 - 1998 04

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA ETH Bulletin, Issue No. 2, dated April 1998, is a publication focused on ufology, featuring critical analysis of UFO cases, skeptical viewpoints, and information on research organizations. The editor is John Harney.

Editorial

The editorial section criticizes the methods employed by many skeptics in debunking the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). It argues that skeptics often resort to *a priori* and *ad hominem* arguments, and sometimes present multiple explanations for a single report, suggesting a lack of genuine critical engagement. The bulletin aims for a more balanced approach, maintaining a critical attitude towards inadequate skeptical explanations while also refusing to accept unsubstantiated tales.

HE IS A LUMBERJACK AND HE'S OKAY: THE WALTON EXPERIENCE

This article delves into the controversial Travis Walton UFO case, which occurred in Arizona on November 5, 1975. Travis Walton, a logger, claimed he encountered a UFO while on his way home with six other men. He stated he was taken aboard the craft and returned five days later, several miles away. The presence of multiple witnesses who corroborated his story made the case difficult for skeptics to dismiss easily.

A baffling case

The article highlights that while many puzzling UFO cases are solved through investigation, some, like the Walton case, resist easy answers, leading to strong reactions from skeptics. The core of the Walton case is the claim of abduction and a five-day disappearance. The witnesses initially panicked and drove away, returning later to find Walton missing.

Possible explanations

Skeptics face a dilemma: either assert that all seven witnesses are liars, or propose that they misinterpreted a natural phenomenon and Walton experienced a trance-like state for five days. The article suggests that while these explanations have superficial plausibility, they falter under closer scrutiny. The author implies that rejecting these explanations leaves the ETH as a possibility, which dedicated skeptics wish to avoid.

Encounter in the forest

The article notes that much attention is given to events *after* the alleged encounter, with less focus on the incident itself. It points out that many accounts copy descriptions from one another rather than referring to Walton's original testimony. For instance, some accounts state Walton jumped out of the truck before it stopped, contradicting his own description.

Walton's account describes being electrified by an "awesome, incredible sight," with his companions shouting "Stop!" and "It's a flying saucer!" He felt an urgency to see the craft up close, fearing it would fly away.

The article then addresses the skepticism surrounding Walton's lack of bruises, as noted by doctors examining him about 24 hours after his return. Philip Klass highlights this as evidence against the abduction. However, the author counters that Walton might not have suffered noticeable bruising, or that bruises could have disappeared within a few days.

Was it a hoax?

The article explores the possibility of the Walton incident being a hoax. If it was a hoax, the loggers did not see anything unusual, and the story would have been carefully rehearsed. The men would have had to be excellent actors, either in a highly emotional state or performing brilliantly.

Two main motives for a hoax are discussed: financial gain and the large sum of money offered by the National Enquirer for proof of alien visitation. However, the article questions the feasibility of such a hoax, given the likelihood of inconsistencies when seven people are interrogated separately, and the necessity of passing polygraph tests. It is noted that the UFO organization APRO, not Walton or Rogers, contacted the National Enquirer.

Polygraphs

The use and interpretation of polygraph tests in the Walton investigation are discussed. The article expresses surprise at the reverence given to polygraphs, calling them an "absurd contraption." It notes that believers claimed the tests showed truthfulness, while skeptics asserted they indicated lies, highlighting a lack of consensus.

Klass keeps up the pressure

Philip Klass is presented as a persistent skeptic who continues to pressure the witnesses. He suggests that if Walton had been abducted, UFOs would have become the focal point of his interest, leading him to join organizations like APRO or attend UFO conferences. Klass's argument is that Walton's actions (or lack thereof) somehow prove his story false or indicate delusion. The article criticizes Klass for trying to have it both ways: if Walton acts like an abductee, he's subjective; if he doesn't, his story is false. Klass also criticizes Walton for not recalling more details, despite the likelihood that any extended account would not be believed by Klass anyway.

Jerome Clark is quoted as saying that if the Walton episode is a hoax, it won't be the kind Klass suggests. The article mentions Klass's recent newsletter, which speculates that Clark may have helped Walton write his books.

FUNDACIÓN ANOMALÍA

This section introduces Fundación Anomalía (Anomaly Foundation), a non-profit organization established in Spain in January 1997, approved by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture. It is described as the first of its kind in Europe, created by experienced UFO researchers and supported by investigators, experts, and scientists.

Objectives and Projects

The foundation's objectives include promoting rational study of anomalous aerospatial phenomena (UFOs) and their socio-cultural influence, preserving archives, editing the Spanish-language UFO journal *Cuadernos de Ufología*, and financing UFO investigations. Projects in progress include a database of Spanish ufological culture, a collective UFO book, a CD-ROM on Spanish UFO literature, and a field manual for UFO investigators.

An accomplished project is the *Diccionario Temático de Ufología*, a 416-page thematic UFO dictionary published in December 1997.

1998 grants

Fundación Anomalía offers several grants and prizes for 1998, including the 'Ricardo Carancho' Prize for field investigation, the 'Universitas' Scholarship for academic research, and the 'Zurich' International Prize for research on the UFO problem. A 'Cuadernos de Ufología' Prize also honors UFO publications.

The foundation is located at Apartado de Correos, 5.041 - 39080 Santander, Spain.

BOOK REVIEWS

Timothy Good. Alien Base: Earth's Encounters with Extraterrestrials, Century, London, 1998. £16.99

This review critically assesses Timothy Good's book, noting that while British ufologists may not take the ETH seriously, books on UFOs sell well. The reviewer suggests Good feels compelled to present sensational material to engage readers, as he cannot produce convincing evidence. The review touches upon the rehabilitation of George Adamski, a notorious fantasist, and other contactees like Paul Villa. The reviewer finds Good's approach to be easily convinced and notes that the chapter headings suggest a degree of irony or skepticism from the author himself.

Nicholas Redfern. The FBI Files: The FBI's UFO Top Secrets Exposed, Simon & Schuster, London, 1998. £16.99

This review discusses Nicholas Redfern's book, which reveals the FBI's involvement in investigating UFO reports, contrary to previous denials. The FBI's interest stemmed from a request by US Army Intelligence to determine the sincerity of witnesses. The review highlights the FBI's investigations into contactees like Adamski and Van Tassel, possibly due to concerns about politically subversive ideas. Redfern's thesis suggests J. Edgar Hoover's intrigue with crashed saucer reports led the FBI to investigate individuals with knowledge of UFOs, particularly after strained relations with the military. The review mentions the alleged Aztec UFO crash of 1948 and implies the FBI's interest in Leo GeBauer and Silas Newton was due to their UFO knowledge. While acknowledging the interesting information Redfern extracted from FBI files, the reviewer criticizes his "implausible speculations" and use of unreliable sources, which detract from what could have been a serious work.

LETTER

Ralph Noyes of London contributes a letter reflecting on his past experience with military aircraft (DS8/AS2) and his reading of UFO reports. He doubts that the Psychosocial Hypothesis alone can explain all UFO phenomena. Noyes suggests that some reports, particularly from RAF personnel, indicate the existence of transient phenomena that are not easily explained by conventional means or imagination. He likens these phenomena to rainbows or the aurora borealis in their 'reality' and 'solidity,' even if idiosyncratic. Noyes cautions against jumping to simplistic conclusions about UFOs and ghosts, advocating for a more "phenomenological" approach.

THE ADAMSKI SAUCER

This short piece discusses the famous dome-shaped object photographed by George Adamski. While most ufologists agree it was not a Venusian scout ship as claimed, the article states that Adamski clearly photographed something. Various speculative identifications are listed, including an electric light fitting, chicken feeder, wine cooler lid, vacuum cleaner part, or a specially built model. The article invites readers to submit any information or ideas that might help solve this mystery.

Related Publications and Contact Information

Information is provided for subscribing to "Abduction Watch," a monthly newsletter, and for Magonia, the journal. Contact details for the Editor (John Rimmer), the Magonia web site, Web Editor (Mark Pilkington), and the MAGONIA ETH Bulletin Editor (John Harney) are listed. The MAGONIA ETH Bulletin is available on the Magonia web site, with limited printed copies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. It challenges simplistic skeptical dismissals of UFO reports, particularly the Travis Walton case, while also cautioning against uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated claims. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, evidence-based analysis, and a balanced perspective. It highlights the ongoing debate between proponents of the ETH and skeptics, and showcases efforts by organizations like Fundación Anomalía to advance the scientific study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking truth through careful examination, rather than adhering to pre-determined conclusions.