MUFON Arizona - 1998 07 22 - Vol 07 No 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of MUFON-AZ, dated July 1998, is the seventh issue of Volume 7. The magazine is published by Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The cover headline announces 'ARIZONA CHAPTER Volume 7, Issue 7 The Truth is Out There...' and features an illustration of desert scenery.

Director's Message

Tom Taylor, State Director, discusses the upcoming UFO Awareness Weekend at Chris-Town Mall, urging members to volunteer for activities like setting up exhibit tables and talking to the public. He mentions a photograph of a groundbreaking in Fountain Hills with a UFO in the background, with an update to be provided at the next meeting. Taylor also reports that Alan Morey represented MUFON at the Symposium in Denver and that the Arizona chapter is considered second only to California in activity. He notes that several recent sighting reports turned out to be stars and mentions that two scientists from the University of Arizona are interested in attending a local MUFON meeting.

Special Program and Meeting Details

The July meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. sharp at the National Guard Armory. The program features Christopher O'Brien discussing 'San Luis - The Mysterious Valley,' with a special admission fee of $5.00. The meeting location is 5636 E. McDowell Road.

Scientists Take a Closer Look at UFO Sightings

This article by Dale McFeatters discusses a panel of scientists who have concluded that UFO reports warrant serious study. The review, funded by Laurance Rockefeller, suggests that such study might yield scientific discoveries about atmospheric radiation and Earth's magnetic field. The author expresses skepticism, implying that scientists might regret delving into the subject, and humorously references the 'giggle factor' and connections to the Trilateral Commission. The article notes that while most incidents can be explained by natural phenomena, a 'stubborn residue of reports' resists obvious explanation.

1998 MUFON Symposium Report

Alan Morey, Assistant State Director, reports on the 29th Annual International MUFON Symposium held in Denver, Colorado, from June 25-28. He found the speakers informative and the director's meeting constructive. He highlights several speakers and their topics: Jaimie Maussan on UFO sightings in Mexico City, Professor Stanley McDaniel on the face on Mars, Jose Escamilla on 'rod' sightings, Dr. Richard Haines on CE-5 encounters, and Nancy Talbott on crop circles and their link to abductees. Morey states that he will provide more details at the July meeting.

July Raffle

A raffle will be held at the July meeting for an unassembled Alan Morey's Testors Area S4 UFO model. Tickets are $1 each.

Scientists' Look at UFOs May Open Pandora's Box — Or Just Bring Ridicule

This article from the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, by Tom Teepen, discusses the proposal for a scientific process to examine UFO events. The author suggests that this initiative will likely attract more attention from UFO enthusiasts now that science is showing interest. The article mentions that the study was conducted by members of the Society for Scientific Exploration, based at Stanford University. It notes that the society's journal has previously published articles on topics like water witching and ESP. The author humorously comments on the potential for ridicule and the 'psychokinetic action of young chicks.' Von Eshleman, a co-chairman of the UFO review, acknowledges the possibility of opening 'Pandora's box' but states he doesn't care as he is a professor emeritus.

New Asteroid Found Within Earth's Orbit

Astronomers at the University of Hawaii have discovered an asteroid, 1998 DK36, about 40 yards in diameter, that orbits entirely within Earth's orbit. This is unusual, as most known Earth-approaching asteroids have orbits that lie partly outside Earth's orbit. Dr. David Tholen reported that while this asteroid poses no immediate threat, its orbit opens the possibility of dangerous asteroids being found in unexpected locations. Dr. Gareth Williams of the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams expressed doubt about the orbital calculation, based on limited observations, but Tholen emphasized concern over undiscovered asteroids.

NASA Loses Contact with SOHO Space Observatory

On June 24, 1998, flight controllers at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center lost contact with the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite. SOHO entered an emergency sun reacquisition mode due to an anomaly causing it to lose orientation. Efforts to re-establish contact and retrieve telemetry have been unsuccessful. The nature of the anomaly was not described in the NASA press release. The article notes that SOHO is jointly operated by NASA and the European Space Agency and mentions a previous incident where SOHO photographed a mysterious object identified as a sun-grazing 'proto-comet.'

Green Fireball and Black Helicopters Sighted in Southern California

On June 17, 1998, a waitress, her son, and her boyfriend reported seeing a strange green glow and a large 'fireball' hovering about 5,000 feet above a mountain road in California. The object was described as luminescent and forty times brighter than the brightest flashlight. The report also mentions black military helicopters observed taking off from Norton Air Force Base earlier that day. The following day, the same woman reported seeing a convoy of six military vehicles carrying troops. SoCal MUFON is investigating these reports.

More UFO Activity in Marlette, Michigan

On June 17, 1998, Michigan ufologist Jeff Westover spotted five star-like objects moving fast in the sky, with some moving north and others south-southeast. One object intersected with a westbound jet and exhibited a veering movement. On June 20, 1998, Westover observed a brilliant reddish-orange light above the southern horizon that appeared to bob and jump around before vanishing and reappearing. He described it as a bright ball of fire, concentrated and bright.

Writers Explore Secret Project at Egypt's Great Pyramid

A team of three investigators, including Lynn Picknett, Clive Prince, and Simon Cox, infiltrated Egypt's Great Pyramid on March 31, 1998. They reported finding evidence of secret tunneling, a recently installed metal grille with an electric cable, and the noise of a generator or drill. They believe the tunnel connects to the northern 'air shaft' of the King's Chamber and that rubbish has been dropped from the other side. Simon Cox also found a false floor in the Subterranean Chamber beneath the pyramid. The article references a Fortean Times article detailing these findings and includes an editor's comment about rumors of new chambers, secret UNESCO digs, and military involvement.

Media Watch

This section notes the popularity of 'X Files' and 'Armageddon' and lists recent and upcoming UFO-related television and radio programs, including 'Dreamland' with Art Bell, 'Mysteries Around Us,' 'X Files,' 'Sightings,' 'Strange Universe,' and 'After Midnight.' It encourages members to submit additions or changes to the list and to share taped programs.

MUFON Membership Badges

Orders are being taken for MUFON Membership Badges, priced at $4.50 each. Details on how to order are provided.

Calendar

This section lists upcoming chapter meetings and events: Pima County Chapter (July 18), Pinal County Chapter (contact Ken Kerber), Yuma County Chapter (quarterly meetings), Maricopa County Chapter (July 22), and an Experiencer's Meeting with Dr. Ruth Hover. It also lists a 'Reality Check #3' event in Tempe on July 20, featuring Richard Hoagland, and upcoming MUFON-AZ events in August (UFO Awareness Week) and September (Roswell 1947 Revisited).

Classified Ads

This section encourages members to advertise in the MUFON-AZ Newsletter, with rates for ads up to three lines ($5.00) and business-card sized ads ($10). Information on submitting ads and payment is provided.

50+ Years of Arizona Sightings 1946-1997

Jim Ossipov is compiling a listing of reported Arizona UFO sightings, available for $6.00 at MUFON-AZ meetings or $7.50 by mail. Orders should be sent to Dimitri Ossipov.

Article Submission

An invitation is extended to members to submit articles and book reviews for the newsletter. Handwritten or typed submissions are accepted, and computer diskette submissions are preferred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of investigating UFO phenomena and educating the public. There is a strong emphasis on local chapter activities and member participation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and the potential for mundane explanations. The inclusion of articles on scientific investigations, historical sightings, and even astronomical discoveries suggests a broad interest in unexplained phenomena. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by researchers, such as public ridicule and the difficulty of obtaining credible evidence.