MUFON-AZ Newsletter

Magazine Overview

This document is the February 1999 issue of the MUFON-AZ Newsletter, Volume 8, Issue 2. The newsletter is published by the MUFON Arizona Chapter and focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related topics. The cover features the MUFON logo, chapter details, and a headline about the truth being out there, accompanied by a desert-themed illustration.

MUFON Mission and Staff

The newsletter reiterates MUFON's mission: the systematic collection and analysis of UFO data to understand the origin and nature of the UFO phenomenon. It lists the key staff of the Arizona Chapter, including Alan Morey (State Director), Bill Morris (Asst. State Director), and various County Section Directors and support staff.

Upcoming Meeting and Program

The featured event for the Wednesday, February 24, 1999 meeting was a presentation by Aage Nost, a former NASA Scientist & Author, titled "What is Really Going On – On The Moon?". The meeting was scheduled for 7:30 PM at the National Guard Armory, with admission fees of $3 for members and $5 for non-members. The newsletter also provides the MUFON-AZ website address.

Director's Message

State Director Alan Morey highlights the upcoming program by Aage Nost, emphasizing that Nost will present evidence of structures and unusual forms on the moon, challenging the public perception. He also mentions Nost's book, "Alien Encounters in America's Midwest," which will be available at the meeting. Morey encourages questions and discussion, acknowledging that some people doubt the moon landings.

Monthly Financial Report

The financial report for January 1999 shows total income of $504.00, primarily from meeting admissions, raffles, and memberships. Total expenses were $318.94, covering newsletter costs, postage, room reservation, advertising, service charges, and facility rent. The account balance at the end of January was $661.51. The report also thanks Bill Goodman and Tom Ulick for their donations.

February Raffle

A raffle for the tape "Aliens Are Here - Excerpts from Strange Universe" was announced for the February meeting, with tickets priced at $1.00.

Media Watch

This section lists recent and upcoming UFO-related television and radio programs. It includes shows like "UFO LIVE," "FRACTAL DIMENSIONS," "MYSTERIES AROUND US," "X-FILES," "SIGHTINGS," and "STRANGE UNIVERSE." Members are encouraged to contact Mary Hart with information on programs they find.

Weekly Radio Programs

Details are provided for weekly radio programs such as "DREAMLAND" hosted by Art Bell on KFYI Radio and "SPACECRAFT NEWS" with Franklin Carter on KFNX radio.

Calendar of Events

The newsletter includes a calendar of upcoming MUFON chapter meetings and events across Arizona, including a presentation by Aage Nost in Pima County and a "Video-Rama" in Pinal County. It also lists several national and international UFO-related conferences and events, such as the 8th Annual International UFO Congress Convention in Laughlin, NV, and the 30th annual MUFON International UFO Symposium in Arlington, VA.

Classified Ads

An advertisement section invites readers to place ads in the MUFON-AZ Newsletter, with pricing for different ad sizes.

Arizona Sightings

This section promotes the booklet "Arizona Sightings 1899-1998," a compilation by Dimitri "Jim" Ossipov, available for purchase at meetings or by mail.

Article Submission

An invitation is extended to members to submit articles and book reviews for the newsletter. Guidelines are provided for handwritten, typed, or computer-submitted articles, with a preference for digital formats like MS Word, WordPerfect, or ASCII text.

MUFON Membership Badges

Information is provided on ordering MUFON Membership Badges, which are 1-1/4" x 3" blue badges with white print. Orders can be placed via mail or fax.

Response to John Schuessler's Article

This section addresses an article titled "UFO ON GUN CAMERA FILM" that appeared in the previous month's newsletter. It includes the text of a report received by the National UFO Reporting Center concerning UFO sightings over Phoenix, involving military aircraft and alleged gun camera film. The report details an encounter where military pilots were reportedly scared and experienced "white noise" affecting radar. The full text of the report is linked online.

Response to Dan Wright's Case of the Month

Tom Taylor responds to an article by Dan Wright in the MUFON Journal concerning a Yuma sighting. Taylor criticizes Wright for making assumptions and statements based on hearsay rather than direct investigation, and for not contacting the appropriate MUFON officials. Taylor also points out errors and typos in Wright's correspondence. He emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation, documentation, and adherence to MUFON procedures, citing Ray Fowler's "Writing the Report" chapter as a guide. Taylor expresses frustration with incomplete case reports and the need for them to hold up under scrutiny.

Is Someone Ringing Your Bell?

Eric Lewis discusses his re-engagement with the study of UFO phenomena and criticizes a particular talk show host, referred to as "P.T. Barnum," for his influence and the nature of his broadcasts. Lewis questions the host's lack of personal opinion and his airing of alleged hoaxes, such as the "Heaven's Gate" prophecies and a case involving an alien supposedly killed and kept in a cooler. Lewis suggests the host might have an agenda or be contributing to misinformation.

UFO Sighting Report

This section details a sighting reported by a woman who saw a bright object on November 24, 1998, near Fountain Hills, Arizona. The object was estimated to be the size of a football field and was observed for a short period before disappearing behind hills. The woman preferred to remain anonymous.

Reported Discovery of a 'Buried UFO' in Estonia

This article, translated from Spanish and Russian, recounts a story about the discovery of a mysterious metallic body buried near Tallin, Estonia, in the 1980s. Workmen digging a well struck a metallic object believed to be of "alien origin." Individuals who attempted to dig it out reportedly died mysteriously, and samples of water from the site allegedly caused paralysis. A piece of the metallic material was confiscated by the Russian military. Analysis of the metal yielded contradictory results, with one institute suggesting a complicated alloy and another cast iron. Leading Soviet scientists reportedly believed the artifact was of extraterrestrial origin.

Pluto Retains Its Planet Status

This brief article notes that the International Astronomical Union has ruled that Pluto remains a planet, despite earlier news reports suggesting it might be demoted. Discussions are ongoing regarding a numbering system for Trans-Neptunian Objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, documentation, and adherence to established procedures in UFO research. It promotes the collection and analysis of data to understand the phenomenon. There is a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims and sensationalism, particularly from media personalities. The editorial stance supports the scientific pursuit of truth regarding UFOs and related phenomena, while also acknowledging the skepticism and debunking efforts from individuals like Phil Klass.