Magonia Supplement - No 46 - 2003 03 17

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA Supplement, Issue No. 46, dated 17 March 2003, is a publication that delves into paranormal phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs and related legends. This issue features articles by Martin S. Kottmeyer and M.J. Graeber, an editorial, and a literary criticism section.

Did the Nine-Eleven Tragedy Increase UFO Reporting?

Martin S. Kottmeyer investigates whether the collapse of the World Trade Center in September 2001 led to an increase in UFO reporting. He analyzes data from the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), presenting two charts: one showing daily reports over a five-month period centered on September 2001, and another showing monthly variations over several years. Kottmeyer notes a spike of 26 reports on the day of the tragedy itself, which he attributes partly to people being outdoors due to grounded flights and general curiosity. However, he observes that in the weeks following 9/11, the median and modal values of reporting activity decreased compared to the period before the tragedy. He suggests this reduction might be due to mourning, depression, a shift in focus to more immediate threats, or a decrease in general enthusiasm for mysteries. Kottmeyer dismisses the idea that the brief increase contradicts theories about societal crises generating UFO flaps, arguing that the subsequent prolonged decrease indicates that the crisis theorist model may be flawed or that the crisis itself was not perceived as such by the public. Ultimately, he concludes that the answer to the title question is 'NO', citing a net decrease of several hundred reports over the period.

Mothman – Myth or Monster?

M.J. Graeber explores the legend of Mothman, a winged creature reportedly encountered near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, during the 1960s. The legend is popularized by John Keel's book and a subsequent film. Graeber discusses the numerous observations, the alleged psychic component associated with the sightings, and the mysterious link to the collapse of the Silver Bridge on December 15, 1967, which killed 46 people. He notes that while early reports described Mothman as squeaking, the sight of the creature may have triggered remote viewing capabilities in witnesses. Rumors even suggested two mothmen caused the bridge collapse by vibrating the structure with their wings, though engineers attributed the collapse to structural fatigue and an antiquated design.

Graeber also touches upon associated phenomena, such as dog disappearances and animal mutilations, and links to other legends like the Jersey Devil. He discusses the varied descriptions of Mothman, with most calling it grey, but some reporting greenish, scaly skin. The creature's large, glowing red eyes and enormous wings are consistent features. Graeber considers the possibility that Mothman sightings could be misidentifications of large birds, such as sandhill cranes, especially in poor lighting conditions. He recounts the initial reports, including a sighting by two couples on November 15, 1966, near an abandoned power plant, and another on November 16, 1966, involving a group visiting the Ralph Thomas family. The name 'Mothman' was coined by a reporter, inspired by the popular Batman TV show.

The article also delves into the 'Cornstalk curse,' a legend originating from a Shawnee chieftain's dying curse upon the land after being tricked by the governor of Virginia. This curse is said to have brought about numerous catastrophes in Point Pleasant.

Graeber recounts a personal encounter with what appeared to be Mothman in Darby, Pennsylvania, in August 1973, which turned out to be a hiker dressed for inclement weather, equipped with a backpack and poncho. This experience highlights how fear and expectation can influence perception.

Finally, Graeber notes that Mothman sightings dropped off after the Silver Bridge collapse, leaving the reason unknown. He questions whether Mothman's appearances somehow triggered prophetic visions of the impending doom.

Literary Criticism: The Invention of Telepathy

This section reviews Roger Luckhurst's book, 'The Invention of Telepathy,' which traces the development of the idea of telepathy in the context of fin de siècle culture. Luckhurst argues that psychical research was influenced by scientific modernity and the rise of 'tele-technologies' like the telegraph and telephone. The review notes that scientists like Alfred Wallace and William Crookes were drawn to psychical research, seeing telepathy as part of new scientific discoveries. The review also mentions the connection between psychical research and Victorian social attitudes, imperialism, and the 'new woman,' as well as the role of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in maintaining a certain social exclusivity.

Editorial

The editorial expresses skepticism towards many UFO reports, arguing that they often contain fatal flaws, are hoaxes, or lack verifiable witness statements. It critiques the handling of cases like the Trans-en-Provence and Trindade Island incidents, suggesting that believers often ignore critical studies and less credulous investigations. The editorial highlights a Spanish report concluding the Trindade case was a hoax, based on evidence that few witnesses were actually present. The piece concludes with a warning to be wary of imaginary multiple witnesses and physical evidence presented by hoaxers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly UFO sightings, and the exploration of urban legends and their cultural impact. The editorial stance is one of skepticism and a demand for rigorous evidence, as demonstrated by the critique of UFO reporting and the focus on debunking questionable cases. The magazine appears to favor a rational and analytical approach to phenomena that are often sensationalized.