Magonia Supplement - No 44 - 2002 12 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of MAGONIA Supplement, No. 44, dated December 3, 2002, features an in-depth examination of the "Trindade Island Case" by John Rimmer, questioning whether it represents multiple witnesses or wishful thinking. The supplement also includes an article by Martin S. Kottmeyer on the "Hokey Smoke!" case.

The Trindade Island Case: Multiple Witnesses or Wishful Thinking?

John Rimmer delves into the Trindade Island UFO case, which gained prominence in 1957-1958 during the International Geophysical Year. A Brazilian naval research station was established on Trindade Island, and in January 1958, photographer Almiro Barauna allegedly captured five photographs of a UFO described as "Saturn-shaped."

The article highlights several points of contention and ambiguity surrounding the case. While the Brazilian Naval Ministry issued a statement acknowledging that photographs were taken and the object was seen by a large number of people, they also stated that the evidence was insufficient for official announcements.

Skeptics like Donald Menzel and Phil Klass have challenged the authenticity of the photographs, with Menzel suggesting double exposure. A previous hoax photograph produced by Barauna for a Brazilian magazine is also noted. However, the article emphasizes that the question of a hoax would be irrelevant if the UFO was indeed witnessed by a significant number of credible witnesses.

A key debate revolves around the number of witnesses. While some sources claim figures as high as 48 or 150, the article points out that the official Brazilian Naval report, while mentioning "many" witnesses, fails to provide specific names or corroborating statements. The author notes that apart from Barauna, only two direct eyewitness reports are readily available, and these come from individuals associated with Barauna's underwater photography club.

The article scrutinizes the handling of the photographic evidence, noting inconsistencies. For instance, the scientific base on the island reportedly had facilities for developing films, yet Barauna developed his in a makeshift darkroom on board the ship due to a supposed lack of photographic paper. Furthermore, the naval investigation's thoroughness is questioned, with reports suggesting it relied heavily on second-hand accounts and did not interview all potential witnesses.

Jerome Clark, a proponent of the case's significance, argues that the number of witnesses and photo analyses make a hoax unlikely. However, the author counters that the official report does not provide sufficient evidence to corroborate the claim of numerous witnesses. The article also touches upon the debate on internet forums, where proponents of the case have been challenged to provide more direct evidence.

The author concludes that the Trindade Island case rests on "far shakier foundations than its chroniclers would have you believe," placing the burden of proof on proponents to demonstrate the existence of independent witnesses.

Hokey Smoke!

Martin S. Kottmeyer examines the "Hokey Smoke!" case, which involves a UFO sighting over Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 1950. The object was described as a fiery, fast-moving entity that spewed light-colored smoke, later described as an "angry black" cloud. The incident caused considerable public interest and jammed local police switchboards.

The article notes that the USAF requested a nearby B-29 to investigate, suggesting they had no knowledge of the object. The head of the University of Arizona's astronomy department, Edwin F. Carpenter, stated it was not a meteor or natural phenomenon. Later, USAF officers suggested the traces were "vapour trails from a high-flying American airplane."

Kottmeyer questions the case's validity as evidence for extraterrestrial intelligence, particularly the idea of a Martian scout craft emitting heavy black smoke, which he argues does not align with advanced technology. He references J. Allen Hynek's observation that cases with hundreds of witnesses are often solved as mundane phenomena.

The article notes that UFO historian Loren Gross found no explanation for the case in his research, and it is not listed as unsolved in Project Blue Book files. Keyhoe mentioned the case briefly, but it was later misdated in NICAP's The UFO Evidence.

Gerald Heard was impressed by the event, calling it a "wonderful show." However, Kottmeyer expresses doubt about alien spacecraft emitting smoke, suggesting eco-minded aliens would not pollute the atmosphere. He also points out the contradiction between the object's rapid movement and the time it supposedly took to take multiple photographs.

Commander Alvin Moore suggested the phenomenon resulted from "crude-oil-like skychemicals" or formaldehyde. The article also mentions a similar case from 1991 involving an oval craft scripting an L with its smoke trail, which resulted in the illness and death of occupants.

Ultimately, Kottmeyer finds the case technically unexplained but questions its significance, suggesting that a mundane solution is likely and that the mystery is not of major consequence after half a century.

Editorial

The editorial discusses John Rimmer's article on the Trindade Island case, framing it as an example of the "will-to-believe" among ufologists. It criticizes those who readily accept such cases as genuine due to the perceived number of witnesses, without questioning the witnesses themselves or seeking their statements. The editorial notes that when Rimmer raised these questions, they were not welcomed. It also mentions Jerome Clark's announcement of new evidence that would supposedly prove the case was not a hoax and expresses anticipation for this evidence.

Sources

The article lists several sources, including websites related to CUFOS, UFO UpDates, and Magonia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of classic UFO cases, the reliability of photographic evidence and witness testimony, and the role of skepticism in ufology. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging a rigorous approach to UFO evidence and challenging assumptions within the ufological community. The publication expresses a desire for more concrete evidence and is awaiting promised new information on the Trindade Island case.