MUFON Arizona - 1999 06 23 - Vol 08 No 06

Magazine Overview

This document is the MUFON Arizona Newsletter, Volume 8, Issue 6, dated June 23, 1999. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) is dedicated to the systematic collection and analysis of UFO data to understand the UFO phenomenon. The newsletter covers various topics including upcoming events, UFO sightings, legal matters, and scientific discussions.

Key Articles and Features

MUFON Events and Announcements

The newsletter announces an upcoming meeting on June 23, 1999, featuring guest speaker Peter Gersten, "THE UFO LAWYER." The meeting will be held at the National Guard Armory in Phoenix. MUFON Arizona will also host a UFO Awareness Display at Chris-Town Mall on August 20-22, 1999, requiring MUFON membership for participation. An announcement is also made regarding a special announcement by Maricopa County Section Director Jim Kelly at the June meeting.

A June Book Sale and Raffle is detailed, with prizes including Stanton Friedman's book "Top Secret/Magic" and the film "Independence Day." Tickets are $1.00 each. Additionally, a sale of UFO magazines from England and America is being held, with copies priced at $2.00 each or $3.00 for two.

The Experiencer's Meeting, hosted by Dr. Ruth Hover, is on hiatus for the summer and will resume on September 20th, 1999. A sign-up list for Field Investigator training, taking place next fall, is also available.

Media Watch and Broadcasts

The "MEDIA WATCH" section lists recent UFO-related television and radio programs. Weekly radio programs mentioned include "DREAMLAND" with Art Bell on KFYI 910 AM, "SPACECRAFT NEWS" with Franklin Carter on KFNX 1100 AM, "UFO LIVE" with Dr. Duncan Bowen on KFNX 1100 AM, "FRACTAL DIMENSIONS" with Dr. Simeon Hein on KFNX 1100 AM, and "MYSTERIES AROUND US" hosted by Frank Baranowski on KTAR Radio.

Weekly TV programs include "X-FILES" and "SIGHTINGS" on the SciFi Channel.

Calendar of Events

The newsletter provides a calendar of MUFON chapter meetings across Arizona: Pima County Chapter meets at Wilmot Library in Tucson; Pinal County Chapter meets at Meghans Restaurant in Florence; Yuma County Chapter meets quarterly; and Maricopa County Chapter meets on Wednesdays. Contact information for chapter directors is provided.

The 30th annual MUFON International UFO Symposium is scheduled for July 2-4, 1999, in Arlington, Virginia.

Arizona Sightings List

An updated compilation, "Arizona Sightings 1899-1998," by Dimitri "Jim" Ossipov, is available for purchase.

Article Submission and Membership Badges

Members are encouraged to submit articles or letters to the newsletter by contacting Teri Acton. Orders are also being taken for MUFON Membership Badges.

MUFON Book Sale Success

The May MUFON book sale was a record-breaker, totaling $211.00 in 60 minutes. The bookstore will remain open due to continued support.

Subscription Information

The MUFON-Arizona Newsletter now offers a family subscription rate of $25.00 per year, with individual rates at $15.00 per year. Payments should be sent to Tom Taylor in Tempe, AZ.

SETI@HOME Offers Free Screen Saver

Information is provided on how to obtain the SETI@HOME free screen saver, which connects to the internet to process signals from the Arecibo radio telescope.

Dr. Roger K. Leir's Heart Attack

An article by Gregory J. Avery, JD, MUFON State Director - Louisiana, reports that Dr. Roger K. Leir, known for his work on alien implants, suffered a heart attack. The article discusses the criticism Dr. Leir has faced online and emphasizes the importance of careful analysis and respectful discourse within the Ufology community. Avery calls for prayer for Dr. Leir's recovery.

Art Bell's Son Files Suit Over Assault

A federal lawsuit filed by Arthur Bell IV against the Nye County School District and a former substitute teacher, Brian Lepley, is detailed. The suit alleges the district failed to act to prevent the sexual crime of the substitute teacher, who is serving a life sentence for sexual assault. The article notes that Art Bell had previously alluded to a family event that led to his temporary departure from his radio show.

Current UFO Cases and Sightings: Local and Worldwide

This section reports on several UFO sightings:

• May 27, 1999, Blind River, Ontario, Canada: A woman reported seeing a cigar-shaped, red and white object lift off from behind trees, which then vibrated her car as it passed overhead.
• March 22, 1999, Ironbridge, Ontario, Canada: Two individuals heard a loud hum and saw a bright light in the bush.
• April 15, 1999, Ironbridge, Ontario, Canada: Two women saw a bright light in the bush.
• April 17, 1999, Garson, Ontario, Canada: A couple spotted a disk-shaped object, described as a last-quarter moon with squared tips and yellow in color.
• April 13, 1999, Val Caron, Ontario, Canada: Two individuals saw a blue, ball-shaped light with a flaming tail.
• April 13, 1999, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada: A woman saw a fluorescent green, round-shaped object moving at high speed.
• May 20, 1999, Dowling, Ontario, Canada: A silver, disk-shaped object was seen, followed by a dull, round object.
• February 3, 1999, North Sea (off Denmark): A Debonair jet crew reported seeing a huge UFO with an incandescent light, followed by a large, cylindrical silver object.

No local sightings were reported for Arizona.

Solar Flares Pose Millennial Threat

An article discusses the potential threat of solar flares around the millennium, which could impact satellite systems and power grids more severely than the Year 2000 computer problem. The last peak in the 11-year cycle in March 1989 caused a major power outage in Canada.

Extraterrestrial Sundial Base to be Built in Arizona

Drawings submitted by children will be incorporated into the design of the first extraterrestrial sundial, which will be sent to Mars aboard a NASA spacecraft in 2001. The sundial base will be manufactured at Arizona State University.

Classic UFO Cases: Formation of Discs Below Airliner

This recurring feature details a sighting on July 14, 1952, near Newport News, Virginia, where a Pan American Airways DC-4 airliner crew reported seeing six bright red, circular objects that maneuvered beneath their plane.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The MUFON Arizona Newsletter consistently promotes the collection and analysis of UFO data, encouraging member participation in events, reporting sightings, and submitting articles. There is a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and a cautious approach to information, particularly regarding online claims, as highlighted in the article about Dr. Roger K. Leir. The newsletter also covers broader topics related to potential threats such as solar flares and technological advancements like the SETI@HOME project. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, data collection, and a commitment to understanding the UFO phenomenon, while also addressing legal and societal implications. The newsletter aims to keep its members informed about MUFON activities, UFO news, and related subjects.