Magonia Supplement - No 08 - 1998 10

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA ETH Bulletin, Issue No. 8, dated October 1998, is an editorial-driven publication focusing on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings. The editor is JOHN HARNEY. The issue delves into the complexities of analyzing UFO reports and encourages a serious consideration of the 'ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) while acknowledging the value of 'PSH' (Psychological/Sociological Hypothesis) in understanding public beliefs.

Editorial: The Challenge of UFO Analysis

The editorial highlights the difficulty in finding truly interesting and mysterious UFO reports that warrant careful analysis. However, it notes encouraging recent signs, such as Brad Sparks's re-examination of the RB-47 case and a revival of interest in the Travis Walton case, suggesting potential future developments in the field.

Case Study: The Exeter CE1 Incident

The issue presents a detailed account of the Exeter, New Hampshire UFO sighting on September 3, 1965. Norman J. Muscarello reported seeing five bright red lights that appeared over a house and moved in a line at a sixty-degree angle, pulsing and acting like a floating leaf. He described the lights as so bright they illuminated the area and made it impossible to distinguish the object's form. He reported the sighting to the Exeter Police Station.

Patrolman Eugene Bertrand accompanied Muscarello to the field and, after initially seeing nothing, witnessed the flashing lights reappear and perform a repeat performance. Patrolman David Hunt also joined them and saw the lights before they moved off. This incident is described as the most impressive and best-known of a wave of sightings in New Hampshire in 1965.

Project Blue Book's Handling of the Exeter Case

The article criticizes the US Air Force's Project Blue Book for its handling of the Exeter case, aiming to reassure the public. J. Allen Hynek, in his book 'The Hynek UFO Report', is quoted extensively, calling the case a "showcase illustration of Blue Book negligence, put-down of witnesses, attempts to explain away the testimony of responsible witnesses with a parade of 'official' explanations, and of capitulation on the part of the Pentagon." Hynek points out that Blue Book files still contained original evaluations like 'Astro-Stars/Planets' and 'Aircraft from Operation Big Blast', which he deems "completely untenable" given the timing of the incident and the nature of the sightings.

Skeptical Perspectives and Counterarguments

Ufologist Raymond Fowler and journalist John G. Fuller investigated the Exeter case. Lt. Col. John P. Spaulding of the Air Force grudgingly admitted in a letter that they were "unable to identify the object that you observed on September 3, 1965." Skeptical attacks on the case are discussed, particularly from Robert Sheaffer in 'The UFO Verdict'. Sheaffer suggested that the sightings might have been of Jupiter, and notes that some close-encounter reports have been identified as astronomical objects. The article references Allan Hendry's investigation of a case where witnesses described a saucer-like object with flashing lights, which was later found to be compatible with observations of the crescent moon, Mars, and Jupiter seen through haze.

However, the article argues that it is difficult to explain the Exeter sightings as misperceptions of Jupiter, an advertising plane, or a US Air Force exercise, given the description of five brilliant red lights blinking in sequence.

Book Reviews

'Something in the Air' by Jenny Randles

This book is reviewed as a plea for aircraft encounters with UFOs to be taken more seriously, avoiding extremes of dismissal or attributing all reports to ETs. Randles suggests that some reports may be due to atmospheric electrical phenomena or secret military aircraft. The review notes that the book discusses classic cases and original material, particularly British sightings, with some explained as natural phenomena or unusual aircraft formations.

'Hollywood Vs. the Aliens' by Bruce Rux

This book is compared to a long article by Martin Kottmeyer, exploring the influence of science fiction films on UFO close-encounter and abduction stories. Rux proposes that SF films imitate UFO accounts as part of a government-inspired disinformation project. The review mentions Rux's assertion that alien invasion films were designed to be serious or ridiculous depending on government intent, citing Ed Wood's 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' as an example of deliberate badness. The book is recommended as a reference manual for investigating the connection between SF films and UFO reports.

Letters to the Editor

'Walton Again' Article Discussion

A letter addresses the 'Walton Again' article (Issue No. 7), challenging the assertion that the behavior of Travis Walton's woodsmen would be difficult to fake. The writer argues that credible performances by ordinary people in hoax situations are common, citing examples of hoaxed hate crimes reported on the US television show '20/20'. These examples involved elaborate hoaxes of vandalism and arson, where 'victims' appeared genuinely distressed and convinced investigators and the public of their sincerity.

The letter highlights cases where perpetrators were caught on surveillance video, bragged about their actions, or where insurance investigators uncovered similarities to previous cases. The writer concludes that believable behavior by crime victims and UFO witnesses is a weak element of supporting evidence, and while its absence is a warning flag, its presence should not be given undue weight.

Karl T. Pflock, from Placitas, New Mexico, agrees that it's easy to fall into the trap of accepting witness testimony at face value, referencing his own experience with the Glenn Dennis of Roswell fame. He concedes, however, that it is highly unlikely that all six of Walton's fellow woodsmen could have been in on a hoax and maintained convincing stories under scrutiny.

PSH vs. ETH Debate

Nigel Watson, from Plymouth, thanks the ETH Bulletin for the debate it has encouraged. He notes that people tend to think in terms of PSH versus ETH, but argues that PSH can help understand popular beliefs. Watson criticizes ETH supporters for dismissing PSH as ridiculous while believing in phenomena like abductees passing through solid walls. He questions John E. Mack's methodology in 'Abduction', noting that out of 76 cases, only 4 were extensively tested by PhD psychologists due to cost and time. Of these, one abductee was hospitalized, and the other three tested within normal ranges. Watson finds Mack's conclusion that the phenomenon "could not be explained psychiatrically" questionable based on such limited testing.

Watson asserts that psychology and sociology can deal with the world scientifically, whereas the ETH is a belief system that, as evidenced by the bulletin's controversy, is not inclined to accept explanations or detailed examination of UFO cases.

The Gill Case Analysis

Martin S. Kottmeyer, from Carlyle, Illinois, comments on the Gill case, agreeing with Christopher Allan's assessment that it is a strong multiple-witness case. However, Kottmeyer argues that Christopher Allan is confusing insolubility with evidence for ETH. Kottmeyer points out that Gill himself stated the figures on the craft were "human" and had "outlines of normal human beings." He finds the case problematic, noting that the beings walking on top of the craft contradicts other reports of beings inside. He also questions the function of upward-angled beams and suggests that parts of the case may involve misinterpretations of astronomical objects. Kottmeyer reiterates his earlier theory that the incident likely involved a boat engaged in night fishing, finding it a more plausible explanation than others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently engages with the debate between the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and alternative explanations, including psychological, sociological, and prosaic misidentifications (PSH). There is a critical examination of official investigations, such as Project Blue Book, highlighting perceived negligence and attempts to downplay witness testimony. The publication also reviews books that explore UFO phenomena, media influence, and skeptical analyses, indicating a broad interest in the subject matter. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous analysis and a critical approach, even while acknowledging the enduring mystery of some UFO cases.