Magonia Supplement - No 19 - 1999 09

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA Monthly Supplement
Issue: No. 19
Date: September 1999
Publisher: formerly ETH Bulletin
Editor: JOHN HARNEY

This issue of Magonia Monthly Supplement focuses on the nature of ufological skepticism and historical UFO cases.

Editorial: The Pelicanist

The editorial introduces a new term, 'pelicanist', for ufologists who prioritize rational explanations for UFO reports, contrasting them with those who immediately attribute sightings to alien spacecraft (ETHers). The term was reportedly coined during an internet debate concerning the 1947 Arnold sighting, where a suggestion of pelicans as a mundane explanation for the sighting infuriated some ufologists. The editorial board of Magonia proudly embraces the label 'pelicanist', aligning themselves with the pursuit of rational analysis.

Ridicule and Ufology by John Rimmer

John Rimmer explores the concept of skepticism within ufology, differentiating between those who are genuinely skeptical due to insufficient evidence and those who may adopt a skeptical stance due to fear of ridicule. He references a recent internet discussion on UFO UpDates where Jerome Clark suggested that some UFO skeptics are afraid of being criticized and thus adopt a 'scientific' attitude to fit in. Rimmer questions this assertion, suggesting that people interested in ufology are likely already accustomed to facing ridicule. He argues that the fear of ridicule is inherent from the moment one expresses an interest in UFOs, regardless of one's specific stance (ETHer, skeptic, etc.). Rimmer also touches upon the influence of friends and co-researchers on individual opinions, citing an example of how a casual mention of UFO propulsion systems might create an awkward atmosphere in a social setting. He concludes that while ridicule is prevalent in the UFO subject, particularly for percipients, it is unlikely to influence serious researchers, advising those who fear it to leave the field.

Dogfight with UFO - In 1915 by Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson presents a historical case from World War One, highlighting the potential for unusual aerial phenomena sightings during that era. He recounts an incident from February 19, 1915, in Buffalo, USA, where thousands of people witnessed an aeroplane streaking across the sky. The case gains significance through the testimony of Lieutenant E.H. Bequer of the British Royal Flying Corps. Bequer claimed to have engaged in an aerial dogfight with a mysterious machine over North America, describing bullet wounds sustained during the encounter. Watson analyzes Bequer's account, noting the implausibility of a secret, long-distance flight from Long Island to Vancouver to engage enemy spies, suggesting it might have been a fabricated story to impress locals or cover up secret aircraft shipments. He points out that many elements found in modern ufological beliefs, such as aerial dogfights with UFOs, were present in cases from this period, anticipating their later prevalence in science fiction and UFO reports.

Letter from Karl T. Pflock

Karl T. Pflock responds to a letter from Chris Allan, defending his selection of 'best cases' that suggest the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as a legitimate contender. Pflock criticizes Allan's reliance on Donald Menzel and Gordon Thayer, characterizing Menzel's explanations as scientifically impossible and Thayer's report as lacking respectability. Pflock concedes that the Vermillion case was not formally investigated but argues that the witness testimony was impressive. He defends the independence of witnesses in his cases, even if they conferred briefly, and asserts that the evidence in the RB-47 case, as presented by 'Sparks', strongly suggests nonhuman intelligence. Pflock concludes by stating that his selection of cases, even if partially dismissed by Allan, represents a strong batting average in favor of his arguments.

World War One. UFOs? by Nigel Watson

This section, also by Nigel Watson, provides context for the 'Dogfight with UFO - In 1915' article. It discusses the widespread fears of aerial attacks during World War One, mentioning rumors of German aircraft in South Africa and the general vigilance of authorities in Britain, Canada, and the US. It notes that while the danger was often exaggerated, these fears highlighted the potential for war beyond traditional battlefields. The text also briefly mentions German Zeppelin airships and aeroplanes, and promotes Nigel Watson's upcoming book, "The Scareship Mystery," which surveys aircraft scares from 1909-1918.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufological skepticism, the definition and perception of 'pelicanists' (rational ufologists), and the examination of historical UFO cases. The editorial stance, as explicitly stated, is one of proud 'pelicanism,' advocating for rational explanations and critical analysis within the field of ufology. The magazine appears to encourage rigorous investigation and a balanced approach, even when discussing controversial topics or historical accounts that blur the lines between known phenomena and unexplained events.