MUFON Louisiana - Vol 08 No 06 - 1996

Magazine Overview

This is the final issue of the LA MUFON (Louisiana Mutual UFO Network) newsletter, dated November-December 1996. The publication, edited by W. L. "Barney" Garner, is dedicated to the scientific investigation and study of the UFO phenomenon. The newsletter aims to provide information to contributors, cooperating universities, and law enforcement officials.

Editor's Last Hurrah!

In his final editorial, W. L. "Barney" Garner reflects on his personal journey into the UFO odyssey, which began in his youth and was solidified by his experiences as an Air Force Weapons Controller and his university career. He notes that the search for answers has challenged his understanding and beliefs, and that he has accepted the position of state director for MUFON. He recounts some of the more unusual calls he received, including one from a psychic predicting a heart attack. He expresses gratitude to friends, associates, media, law enforcement, and university officials, as well as experiencers and researchers who allowed him to participate in their activities. Garner states that he has more questions than answers but a greater appreciation for the world. He hopes this final newsletter will open a new phase of his odyssey, allowing him more time and freedom to pursue further questions.

UFO Newsletters, Magazines and TV Documentaries Decline as UFO Sources on Internet Expand

This article discusses the significant decline in traditional UFO information sources, with approximately three dozen UFO newsletters and commercial publications folding within the past year. Even TV UFO specials are becoming fewer, and established UFO organizations are experiencing declining membership. The primary reason cited for this shift is the rapid expansion and accessibility of the internet, which is becoming a superior tool for obtaining both current and historical UFO data. Dying publications are being reincarnated as internet home pages, and new organizations are emerging with aggressive online presences. Home pages serve as gateways to vast amounts of specialized UFO information through links. The article notes the current cost of internet access and predicts future decreases in hardware and access costs. It highlights the internet's utility for researchers, gossips, and those seeking entertainment, while also raising the serious question of data validation.

Identified Heavenly Objects

This section, written by Michael D. Sandras, an observatory operator and past president of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society, provides a guide to observing celestial objects in the December 1996 and January 1997 evening and morning skies. Saturn will remain visible, and Jupiter will be visible in the southwestern sky for a few more weeks. Mercury will be low in the southwestern sky in mid-December. Venus will be bright in the east, and Mars will be high in the southern sky in the morning. The "Winter Sky" constellations, including Orion, Taurus, Auriga, Gemini, Canis Major, and Canis Minor, will be prominent. Specific bright stars like Rigel and Betelgeuse in Orion, Aldebaran in Taurus, and Sirius (the brightest star in the night sky) are mentioned. The article also points out star clusters like the Hyades and Pleiades in Taurus, noting the Pleiades are called "Subaru" in Japan. The Geminid Meteor Shower is highlighted, peaking on December 13th, and is considered one of the best annual meteor showers. Sandras recommends using star maps from magazines like "Astronomy" and "Sky & Telescope" or an IHO Finder chart for identification. He also mentions the upcoming Comet Hale-Bopp, predicting it will be the brightest comet in many years and will be at its brightest in April 1997. He debunks rumors about a photo of Hale-Bopp, explaining it was a diffraction spike. Moon phases for December 1996 and January 1997 are also provided. The column concludes with an invitation for readers to call with astronomical questions.

Identified Heavenly Objects Finder

A detailed chart provides azimuth and elevation data for various celestial objects (Moon, planets, stars, constellations) as seen from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for specific dates and times in December 1996 and January 1997. This data allows readers to locate these objects in the night sky.

UFO-Like Clues to Lost History

This extensive section presents a chronological list of historical incidents and artifacts that suggest past contact with advanced beings or UFO phenomena. It spans from 15000 BC (cave paintings) to 1995. Examples include:

• 15000 BC: Cave paintings in Spain, France, and the Sahara Desert depicting disc-shaped objects.
• 5000 BC: A cave painting in Pakistan showing an astronaut and a disc-shaped UFO.
• 3500 BC: An Akkadian cylinder seal depicting the solar system with an extra planet.
• 1500 BC: Vedic literature describing flying machines (vimanas) and advanced weaponry.
• 1450 BC: Egyptian annals recording "balls of fire" crossing the sky.
• 1250 BC: Biblical accounts of Moses and the Exodus, interpreted as UFO incidents (burning bush, pillar of cloud/fire).
• 597 BC: Ezekiel's description of a whirlwind and living creatures, with engineers designing a landing craft based on it.
• 327 BC: Alexander the Great's army encountering a "ball of light."
• 173 BC: Reports of burning shields hovering over Roman temples.
• 0 AD: The Star of Bethlehem and Christ's ascension, considered UFO-like events.
• 776 AD: "Shields" seen flaming above a church during a siege in France.
• 800 AD: Archbishop of Lyons rescuing people accused of landing in a "cloud ship."
• 1056 AD: A "luminous pearl" seen in the skies of northern China.
• 1271 AD: A "bright, shiny object like a full moon" appearing during a priest's execution.
• 1400 AD: XV century Italian paintings showing enigmatic disc-shaped objects in the sky.
• 1492 AD: Columbus's navigator noting the guiding star moving.
• 1513 AD: Piri Reis map showing accurate coastlines, including Antarctica.
• 1561 AD: Broadsheets describing "aerial battles" between globe-like objects.
• 1710 AD: A Flemish painting depicting a disc-shaped ball of light.
• 1716 AD: Sir Edmund Halley observing a brightly lit object over London.
• 1783 AD: Astronomer Herschel reporting lights on the Moon.
• 1800 AD: A house-size "ball of fire" passing over Baton Rouge, LA.
• 1820 AD: A formation of saucer-shaped objects flying over France.
• 1880 AD: The Patna steamship reporting "enormous luminous wheels."
• 1883 AD: Astronomer Jose A. Y. Bonilla photographing discs and ovoids crossing the sun.
• 1893 AD: H.M.S. Caroline logging sightings of strange, globular lights.
• 1896 AD: Reports of "airships" flying across the Midwest.
• 1897 AD: 10,000 people watching an airship over Kansas City, Missouri.
• 1904 AD: U.S.S. Supply crew observing three bright red "meteors."
• 1921 AD: Marconi and other scientists reporting alien signals from space.
• 1931 AD: Pilot F. Chicester spotting a gray-white disc.
• 1932-1937 AD: "Ghost Fliers" reported across Northern Europe.
• 1942 AD: "Los Angeles Air Raid" involving objects cruising above the city.
• 1942 AD: "Foo Fighter" report over Norway and an experimental rocket launch.
• 1942 AD: First UFO photo taken by a Nationalist Chinese General.
• 1943 AD: "Foo Fighters" described by Allied and Axis pilots.

The article suggests that these historical incidents indicate a long-standing association between mankind and superhuman beings or advanced technology.

Time Line of Modern UFO Incidents

This chart provides a timeline correlating thousands of UFO events over fifty years with concurrent political and military events. It aims to help readers understand the context in which public knowledge about UFOs was acquired, without judging the factuality of any event. It lists events under "Known to Public" and "Hidden from Public" categories, spanning from World War II to 1995. Notable entries include:

• 1947: Roswell crashed disk news, Maury Island debris fall, K. Arnold sighting, German pilot reports "aerial whale," British establish "Foo Fighter" investigation.
• 1950: Capt. T. Mantell UFO chase and crash, Gen Twining's letter, Majestic-12 established, Project Grudge opened.
• 1955: Fleets of UFOs seen over Rome, Italy, Dr. LaPaz on green fireballs, CIA Robertson Panel, AF establishes UFO tracking squadrons.
• 1960: SETI initiated by Dr. Frank Drake, natives and UFO crew waive at each other, Bentwaters radar/visual encounters.
• 1965: Barney & Betty Hill abductions, NASA, NORAD track mystery satellites, Holloman AFB UFO landing, AF-alien conference.
• 1970: Travis Walton abduction, CUFOS established, French Defense Minister states "UFOs are real."
• 1975: UFO intrusions at five ICBM sites, face on Mars photographed.
• 1980: Rendlesham Forest RAF/USAF encounters, Woodbridge RAF/USAF Base UFO landing, Hessdalen UFO Project in Scandinavia.
• 1985: Siberian Hill 611 UFO explosion, crash, reports of aliens at Groom Lake (Area 51).
• 1990: Belgian & Russian UFO flaps begin, huge UFOs baffle Soviet air defense systems, unknown celestial objects tracked.
• 1995: Chupacabras incidents, DIA use of psychics disclosed, USAF Final Report on Roswell released, NASA press conference on Mars meteorite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the historical depth of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it is not a new occurrence but rather a recurring aspect of human history. The editor, W. L. "Barney" Garner, expresses a personal journey of discovery and a commitment to scientific investigation, while acknowledging the subjective nature of perceived reality and the importance of logical analysis based on documented evidence. The shift towards the internet as a primary source of information is a key theme in this final issue, reflecting the evolving landscape of UFO research and dissemination. The publication also highlights the importance of astronomical observation and provides resources for those interested in the subject. The overall stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to conduct their own research and form their own conclusions, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach to the data presented.

FAQ

• Q: Why is this the last issue of the LA MUFON newsletter? A: The editor feels the internet is becoming the best source for UFO information and wishes to dedicate more time to asking questions.
• Q: What are the current trends in UFO information sources? A: UFO newsletters and magazines are declining, while the internet is rapidly becoming an easily accessible tool for obtaining current and historical UFO data, with many publications being reincarnated as home pages.
• Q: What astronomical events are mentioned for late 1996 and early 1997? A: Jupiter and Saturn are visible in the evening sky, Mercury is low in the southwestern sky in mid-December, Venus is bright in the east and Mars is high in the southern sky in the morning. The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks on December 13th.
• Q: How does the editor view the nature of UFO experiences? A: The editor believes that while UFO experiences may be triggered by an outside source, the perceived phenomena, especially psychic experiences, are likely shaped by the percipient's mind and sense of reality rather than an outside entity.

Summary

This final issue of the LA MUFON newsletter marks a transition from traditional print media to the internet as the primary source for UFO information. The editor, W. L. "Barney" Garner, reflects on his personal journey into UFO research and expresses his belief that the internet offers a more dynamic and accessible platform for information exchange. The newsletter includes an astronomical column by Michael D. Sandras, detailing celestial events and objects visible in the late 1996 and early 1997 skies, and a comprehensive historical overview titled "UFO-Like Clues to Lost History," which compiles numerous ancient and modern incidents suggesting a long-standing connection between humanity and advanced phenomena. A timeline of modern UFO incidents, correlating them with political and military events, is also presented. The editor's concluding thoughts emphasize the subjective nature of reality and the importance of logical analysis in understanding UFO experiences. The publication also provides a list of internet resources for UFO research and contact information for various UFO organizations.