Georgia Sky Watch - 1996 03 - no 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Georgia Sky Watch
Issue: Number 5
Date: March 1996
Publisher: MUFON of Georgia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Investigative Techniques by John C. Thompson

John C. Thompson, State Section Director for LaGrange, outlines the essential skills for a UFO field investigator, likening them to intelligence operatives. He stresses the importance of casting a wide net, establishing a network of agents, and integrating UFO sightees and abductees into an intelligence network. Thompson suggests that experienced individuals may develop a 'sixth sense' for ongoing alien activity, which he describes as an intuitive process of subconsciously matching prior conditions. He draws parallels to combat veterans and street cops who can 'smell' trouble. Thompson advises investigators to be constantly searching, not just passively reporting. He provides optimal times for observing UFOs: around dawn and dusk, nights with little or no moonlight, Sundays, clear nights 2-3 days after a cold front, and before or after uncommon weather patterns. He speculates that these times are chosen by aliens for security reasons, as areas safe at night might risk exposure during the day. Investigators are urged to look carefully at ridge lines, trees, and clouds for concealment opportunities.

Thompson recounts a personal sighting of a blurry, red, "covered-bridge" shaped craft moving a few feet above a ridge line at dusk, which then disappeared behind a hill. He also mentions reports of UFOs using transparent clouds for concealment and mimicking colors to blend with their surroundings, citing an example of a five-foot diameter sphere camouflaged in a tree. The article highlights the importance of investigating mysterious explosions and loud rumbling noises, which can be indicators of UFO activity, and notes that witnesses may experience vibrations and alarming sensations when directly underneath these craft.

Understanding the Phenomenon

This section emphasizes that understanding UFOs requires more than passive investigation and reporting; it demands active searching. It reiterates that UFOs can mimic colors and use camouflage, citing an example of a sphere blending with fall foliage. The article also stresses the importance of investigating unusual sounds, such as explosions and rumbling noises, which can be associated with UFOs. These sounds can cause vibrations and alarming sensations for those nearby, while those indoors might mistake them for freight trains or trucks.

Calendar of Events

The "Calendar of Events" lists several upcoming MUFON of Georgia activities:

• April 6, 2:00 p.m.: Field investigator training class presented by George Fawcett.
• April 13, 7:00 p.m.: Sky watch in LaGrange at John Thompson's house.
• April 27, 1:00 p.m.: Field investigator training class.
• May 4-5: Second Annual UFO and Alien Research Conference in Greenville, South Carolina.

Details for the training classes and the conference are provided, including contact information and fees.

Subscription Information and Contact Details

The newsletter provides subscription rates for Georgia Sky Watch: $22.00/year for the United States and $30.00/year for foreign subscriptions. Funds should be made payable to MUFON of Georgia and mailed to their business office in Norcross, GA. Reporting UFO sightings can be done via phone at (770) 935-7865 (770 & 404 area codes) or (800) 860-1000 ext. 877386. Articles, letters, and comments for the newsletter should be sent to the Georgia Sky Watch P.O. Box in Carrollton, GA. Contact information for the Editor, Mark Ausmus, and Associate Editor, Daniel Sharpe, is also provided.

A "NOTICE" states that the newsletter may be the last one received if membership dues are not paid by April 30, 1996.

Message From the Editor

Walt Andrus, International Director for MUFON, has appointed Henry and Kelley Owens as the new State CO-Directors for MUFON of Georgia. The editor expresses confidence in their ability to elevate the organization. The message highlights recent exciting developments, including calls on the hotline, an upcoming lecture by George Fawcett, a sky watch event, field investigator training, increased media attention, and new members joining. The editor also notes the presence of many engineers and computer geeks in the organization and proposes an informal poll to understand the demographics and interests of MUFON members. Members are encouraged to send in their dues by April 13th, and the next issue is promised to be "shocking" with content from Ed Komarek.

The editor stresses the importance of going public with findings to encourage new reports and build clientele. He suggests using local newspapers, radio, and television to publicize UFO activity. Organizational skills are also deemed crucial for investigators, with advice on managing files, collecting raw data, and constructing active files for ongoing investigations. Reports should be finalized and sent to a central MUFON center. Self-education through secondary sources is encouraged, but primary research through personal investigations and sightings is paramount. Creating a network of agents and scouring the skies are key to fulfilling the mission.

UFO Repetitions: A Challenge to Scientific Investigations by George D. Fawcett

George D. Fawcett discusses the persistent and consistent nature of UFO sightings over the past forty-seven years, presenting them as a challenge to science. He lists 25 aspects of UFO repetitions that must be dealt with to solve the global UFO enigma. These include:

1. Objects demonstrating superior speeds and intricate maneuvers.
2. Radar tracking of UFOs.
3. Photographs and movies of UFOs.
4. Pursuits of UFOs by planes, ships, and cars.
5. Falls of "fragments" and "angel hair."
6. Increases in background radiation, ground markings, and deposits of metallic and non-metallic residues (magnesium, aluminum, silicon, boron, calcium).
7. Near-collisions and pacing by UFOs reported by pilots.
8. Physiological and psychological effects on observers (electric shock, radiation burns, paralysis, nightmares).
9. Electromagnetic interference affecting various devices.
10. Skyquakes, explosions, and sonic booms.
11. Propulsion sounds and smells.
12. Landings and near-landings.
13. Hostile acts involving UFOs.
14. Reports from "contactees."
15. Straight lines of flight and kinematic, geometric, and luminescent characteristics.
16. Reputable sightings by scientists and trained observers.
17. Appearances of "little men" and other entities, with reports of sample collection and human abductions.
18. Periodic cycles of increased UFO sightings (every 26 months, 5 years, 10 years).
19. Unique UFO shapes (nocturnal lights, discs, saucers, cigar-shaped, etc.).
20. Revolving wheel-like machines sighted in oceans.
21. Ground evidence like depressions, craters, and landing marks.
22. Power-failures associated with UFO appearances.
23. Severe animal reactions.
24. Levitation phenomena.
25. Historical evidence of UFOs in archaeology, legends, and ancient texts.

Fawcett argues that any future solution to the UFO problem must directly address these repetitions. He concludes that the challenge in future scientific investigations remains and that science must meet the challenge posed by these repetitions among over 140 world nations.

Minutes From the Meeting

March Minutes by Roberta Puhalski

The March meeting was opened by Kelley Owens, who welcomed members and guests and explained MUFON's purpose as an international scientific organization for the study of UFOs and related anomalies. She emphasized that MUFON operates on a volunteer basis. Susanna Felder volunteered to be the Historian/Librarian, and her offer was accepted. Kelley announced upcoming Field Investigator Training Classes and encouraged participation, stating, "Why watch the X-files, when you can live it!"

Kelley also provided details about the George Fawcett lecture and slide show on April 13th, requiring pre-registration. Walt Andrus, International Director of MUFON, is scheduled to visit Georgia on July 13th. Upcoming sky watch plans were also mentioned.

Jim Clifford, treasurer, presented the organization's finances and reminded attendees about the "saucer collection" at the information desk, explaining that collected money funded postage for mailings. Mark Ausmus, editor of Georgia Sky Watch, described the newsletter's sections and invited submissions for future issues, suggesting faxing him at (770) 832-8311.

Michael Norris, Assistant State Director and Chief Investigator, shared his extensive field investigation experience and clarified that MUFON focuses solely on the scientific investigation and research of UFOs, crop circles, cattle mutilations, and abductions, emphasizing that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. He described MUFON as a "grass roots" organization.

State Director's Corner: Passing of the Torch!

By Henry and Kelley Owens

Henry and Kelley Owens, the newly appointed State CO-Directors for MUFON of Georgia, commend their predecessor, S. Christopher Early, for his leadership. They announce plans for quarterly meetings outside the Atlanta area, with a meeting already scheduled for LaGrange on April 20th. They are also coordinating meetings in the Macon area. MUFON of Georgia is actively reaching out to professional organizations to raise awareness of their existence and provides a toll-free number (800-860-1000 ext. 877386) for centralized communication.

Field Investigator (FI) training classes are ongoing, with arrangements made for those unable to attend the regular classes to still take the FI test for certification. Information is available by phone. Guest speakers George Fawcett (April 20th) and Walt Andrus (July 13th) are confirmed. The State Directors are also organizing statewide skywatches for Spring, Summer, and Fall and invite suggestions for locations.

Nurse Photographs UFO

This brief case report describes an incident on May 6, 1994, in the Lawrencville area, where a nurse and her two sons witnessed a hovering object with bright lights. The object appeared to rotate and entered a wooded area. The family managed to take several photographs of the object before it disappeared. The case is currently under investigation.

Can UFO Technology Save Us? by S. Christopher Early

This is the third and final part of an article by S. Christopher Early, continuing a quote from an 1851 volume by Thomas Dick. The section, titled "ON THE SENSES OF SUPERIOR BEINGS," speculates that superior beings from other worlds may possess additional senses beyond the human five. It argues that limiting our understanding of intelligence to human sensory perception would be to limit the Creator's infinite wisdom. The text suggests that beings in other spheres might have the faculty to perceive internal structures, trace development from embryo to maturity, and see through a "transparent medium" with greater acuteness and perfection than humans. It posits that these beings might perceive objects with distinctness at much greater distances, even discerning the scenery of distant worlds, and that their extent of vision could far exceed that of the smallest insect.

The article concludes by drawing parallels between the limited vision of humans and that of a worm or mite, suggesting that our current range of view is circumscribed. It implies that organized beings exist whose vision far surpasses ours, allowing them to perceive diversified landscapes in other worlds and the movements of their inhabitants as distinctly as we perceive objects across a river.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Georgia Sky Watch revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of organized research through MUFON, and the sharing of information within the ufology community. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exchanging ideas and information, emphasizing that opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of MUFON of Georgia or its editors. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, data collection, and the protection of witness identities. The publication also highlights upcoming events and training opportunities for those interested in becoming field investigators, encouraging active participation rather than passive observation. The editorial stance is one of promoting ufology as a scientific endeavor, encouraging public awareness, and fostering a community of researchers dedicated to understanding UFOs and related anomalies.