MUFON Michigan Newsletter - 2009 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Michigan MUFON newsletter, dated November 2009, focuses on the significant increase in UFO sightings reported in Michigan during 2009. The cover prominently features the headline "2009 Michigan Sightings Reach Record High," indicating that the state had already surpassed its total sightings from the previous year.

Words From the State Director

The State Director reports that Michigan MUFON has received over 200 UFO sighting reports in 2009, exceeding the 184 reports from 2008 and 76 from 2007. This increase is attributed to greater awareness of MUFON and its follow-up capabilities. To manage the growing caseload, a new position, Deputy Chief Investigator, has been created and filled by Tom Maat, an experienced paranormal investigator. The director also reminds members that MUFON dues for 2010 remain $25 per family and can be paid online, at meetings, or by mail. An upcoming fundraiser, a poker night at MVP Sports Bar in Romulus from November 13-15, is announced to support MUFON's efforts, with volunteers being sought. Funds raised will go towards higher-profile speakers and potential Michigan events. The director also mentions that MIMUFON is mirroring the International MUFON policy of maintaining a back catalog of issues online.

Inside this issue:

The table of contents highlights several articles, including "Mystery Explained: Glow in Night Sky Was Astronaut Urine," "Movies on UFOs, other worlds help public acclimation?", "Famous LIFE Photographers' Roswell Crash Revelation," "Bill Murphy's Column: Two Dramatic, Century-Old Midwest Reports," "State Section Directors Meeting Minutes," "Michigan Reports at UFO Northwest.com," "Police Officer Sees Aliens at Crop Circle," "Russian Navy UFO records say aliens love oceans," "Recent Michigan Sightings," and "From The Editor's Desk."

Article Summaries

Mystery Explained: Glow in Night Sky Was Astronaut Urine

This article by Clara Moskowitz explains that a mysterious glowing trail seen in the night sky was actually astronaut urine dumped from the space shuttle Discovery during its STS-128 mission. The large quantity of waste water, approximately 150 pounds, was dumped because the shuttle had undocked from the International Space Station and could not unload waste water while docked, due to a new restriction to prevent contamination of the Kibo module. The waste water froze into ice droplets that sublimated into water vapor when hit by the sun. The phenomenon was spotted by several people across North America, including Abe Megahed, who photographed it from Madison, Wisconsin.

Movies on UFOs, other worlds help public acclimation?

Authored by Steve Hammons, this article examines whether recent and upcoming movies related to UFOs and off-Earth civilizations are helping to prepare the public for potential significant developments. Examples cited include "Aliens in the Attic," "Planet 51," "District 9," "The Fourth Kind," and James Cameron's "Avatar." The article suggests that these creative works, along with historical speculation about groups like "Majestic" or the "Interplanetary Phenomenon Unit (IPU)," may be part of an indirect effort to acclimate people to the possibility or reality of encounters with non-human or human-related extraterrestrials. The author draws a parallel to the historical encounters between Native American Indians and technologically advanced Europeans. The article also mentions the author's own novels, "Mission Into Light" and "Light's Hand," and their adaptation into a movie screenplay and TV pilots, which explore similar themes.

Famous LIFE Photographers' Roswell Crash Revelation

This article by Anthony Bragalia details the account of famed Life magazine photographer Allan Grant regarding the 1947 Roswell crash. Grant, who was sent to Roswell by his editor, described being flown to the crash site by a US Army Air Force pilot, Major Charles Phillips, and being handed a loaded pistol for protection, with the reason unknown. Grant's widow, Karin Grant, believes the military used Allan as a "potential cover" to obfuscate the truth, suggesting that the object was not a meteor or experimental aircraft but an unidentified flying object. The article also notes that Major Phillips later became one of the US Air Force's first official UFO researchers, working with Dr. Lincoln LaPaz on investigating "Green Fireball" sightings.

Bill Murphy's Column: Two Dramatic, Century-Old Midwest Reports

Bill Murphy's column presents two historical UFO reports from the Midwest. The first, from Rolling Prairie, Indiana, in June 1904, describes a sighting by three people of two dimly-lit, orange spheres, approximately 3.5 to 4 feet in diameter, that moved intelligently. The explanation offered at the time by government representatives was "gas' or 'marsh' lights." The second report, from La Porte, Indiana, in October 1909, details a church group's encounter with a bright, octopus-like object with illuminated tentacles, the size of a full moon, which moved slowly and then disappeared. The witness, Ruth Smith, described it as a solid source of light. The article also touches upon the "swamp gas" explanation for UFOs, referencing Dr. J. Allen Hynek's controversial statement in 1966.

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report - for September 2009

This report indicates that MUFON received 757 sighting reports globally in September 2009, with 660 in the United States and 46 in Michigan. Notably, there were 43 Landings, Hovering, or Takeoffs and 36 Entities observed worldwide. Readers are directed to www.mufon.com for access to the UFO Case Files database.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increase in UFO sightings, the investigation and reporting of these phenomena by organizations like MUFON, and the historical context of UFO encounters. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the investigation of UFOs as a serious subject, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of historical cases and the efforts to inform and prepare the public. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting and the need to access primary sources for case information. The role of media in shaping public perception and potentially acclimating society to the idea of extraterrestrial contact is also a significant theme.

This document is the November 2009 issue of the Michigan MUFON Newsletter. It primarily consists of meeting minutes, reports of recent UFO sightings, and articles on UFO-related topics. The issue includes a cover with meeting minutes details and a quote from Buzz Aldrin, followed by various articles and reports across its pages.

State Section Directors Meeting Minutes (September 20, 2009)

The meeting was held at Walli's Restaurant in Flint, Michigan, with several directors in attendance. Key discussions included:

• Newsletter Distribution: Judy suggested sending complimentary copies of the Newsletter to sighting witnesses after their interviews, and Dave Twichell confirmed he sends email invitations. Bill recommended that investigators could send electronic copies.
• Field Investigators: Bill complimented the efficiency of Michigan's Field Investigators and expressed concern about the workload due to a high volume of sightings. The consensus was that an Assistant Chief Investigator is needed, and Bill will speak with a candidate.
• Fundraising: A casino fundraising effort was discussed, with shifts scheduled for November 13, 14, and 15 at MVP Sports Grill in Romulus. Two people are required per shift.
• Guest Speaker: Bill suggested inviting Peter Robbins as a guest speaker, possibly at a larger venue, noting his presentation at an International Symposium in Denver. This possibility was tabled pending the success of the November fundraiser.
• Donations: A free-will donation to speaker Dr. Levengood totaled $122.00.
• Attendance: Wendy reported 47 attendees, including the guest speaker and assistant.
• Merchandise Sales: Patty reported the MUFON store sold $69.00 worth of merchandise.
• Book Publication: Bill announced his upcoming book, “Experiencer: Raised in Two Worlds,” which is 140 pages and covers his life up to age 19. He will present on this at the November 8th State meeting, along with Roger Sugden.
• January Meeting: Bill recommended the January 31st, 2010 meeting include a showing of James Fox's film “I Know What I Saw” and Field Investigator training. David Bleicher mentioned the Showcase Theater and a theater in downtown Lapeer as potential venues.

The meeting adjourned at 5 PM. Minutes were submitted by Wendy Smith on October 6, 2009.

Recent Michigan Sightings

This section details several UFO sighting reports:

• September 17, 2009 (Tecumseh, Michigan): Witnesses reported seeing two white box-shaped objects that made an L-shaped turn and vanished. Later, they saw a multi-colored object, then three star-like objects moving erratically, and finally another box-shaped object with rapidly changing red, white, and blue lights. The objects made no sound and were described as not being helicopters or airplanes.
• August 21, 2009 (Grand Rapids, Michigan): A witness saw a big red fire ball hovering over the sky near the Ford Airport. The object turned sideways and bolted out of sight very quickly.
• July 4, 2009 (Union Pier, Michigan): A group saw a reddish light flying along the shore of Lake Michigan. It stopped, stayed for a minute or two, and faded. Two more similar objects were seen, followed by a fourth. The lights were pulsating and appeared mostly red, with other colors also appearing.

Police Officer Sees Aliens at Crop Circle

Published on October 20, 2009, this article by Alastair Jamieson reports on a police sergeant in Wiltshire, UK, who, while off-duty, witnessed three aliens examining a freshly made crop circle near Avebury. The sergeant described the beings as over 6ft tall with blond hair. As he approached, he heard a sound like static electricity, and the trio ran away extremely fast. The officer contacted paranormal experts, and crop circle researcher Andrew Russell is investigating the sighting. Wiltshire Police declined to comment, calling it a personal matter. Crop circle expert Colin Andrews is convinced by the officer's story.

San Francisco Sighting

A witness reported a strange anomaly in one of three photos taken of a hotel on September 21, 2009. The object was not visible when the photos were taken but appeared upon downloading them. The case is under investigation by MUFON California.

Russian Navy UFO Records Say Aliens Love Oceans

This article reports on declassified Russian navy records of unidentified objects technologically superior to human technology. Compiled by a special navy group, the documents reveal numerous possible UFO encounters. Vladimir Azhazha, a Russian UFO researcher, states that 50% of UFO encounters are connected with oceans. The article mentions a nuclear submarine detecting six unknown objects in the Pacific and Rear Admiral Yury Beketov recalling mysterious events in the Bermuda Triangle, including instrument malfunctions. Captain Igor Barklay notes that ocean UFOs often appear where NATO fleets concentrate. Lake Baikal is also mentioned as a site of UFO encounters, with reports of powerful lights and objects emerging from the water. A 1982 incident involving military divers at Baikal resulted in an encounter with humanoid creatures, causing casualties.

Recent Michigan Sightings (Continued)

• September 8, 2009 (Rogers City, Michigan): Two UFOs, brighter than Venus and making no sound, were seen flying toward Lake Huron.
• September 12, 2009 (Lake Huron, Michigan): Four bright red/pink lights in a geometric formation were observed. Afterward, a dark, shadowy object moved east over Lake Huron, described as three tree tops in size, with flickering white light underneath.
• September 25, 2009 (Davison, Michigan): A 4-point star-shaped object with a bright orange center and a blue/green hue was seen falling in a slight arc, pulsing slightly, and disappearing within three seconds.
• Undated (Belmont, Michigan): A witness saw a glowing craft with a reverse funnel light underneath, accompanied by a deep humming noise. The lights turned off and on, and the craft vanished after the second time the lights disappeared.

A Double Treat at November 8th Meeting in Flint

This section announces two speakers for the November 8th meeting in Flint:

• Tim O'Neil: A classical piano teacher and MIMUFON member, will share his close-encounter experience that inspired him to join the organization. His story was featured on Jeff Rense's website.
• William Konkolesky: State Director of Michigan MUFON, will discuss his new book, “Experiencer: Raised in Two Worlds.” Copies will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds donated to MUFON.

The article emphasizes the value of hearing new accounts from people known personally and how such experiences can change one's worldview.

Notice to Library Patrons

David Twichell addresses an issue with some DVDs in the MiMUFON Library freezing or stuttering. Patrons are asked to return problematic DVDs or CDs to the librarians, Dave and Darlene Bleicher, for replacement.

MUFON Field Investigator's Training

Chief Investigator Gary Golem will conduct morning Field Investigator Training.

Make Your Meeting Reservations Today!

Reservations for the November 8th meeting can be made by phone to State Director Bill Konkolesky at (248) 515-9568 or by email to [email protected] by Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Attendees are asked to provide their name, number of people attending, and a contact telephone number.

Michigan MUFON Meeting at Walli's East Restaurant (November 8, 2009)

This section provides details for the upcoming meeting:

• Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009
• Location: Walli's East Restaurant, Burton, Michigan
• Cost: Members $14.00, Non-Members $16.00, First-time guests $5.00.
• Schedule:
• 10 am: FI Training: CI Gary Golem
• 12 pm: Buffet Lunch
• 1:30 pm: Tim O'Neil and Bill Konkolesky will speak
• 4:00 pm: MIMUFON Announcements & Necessary Business
• Board Meeting: MIMUFON Board members are requested to attend a brief meeting following the guest speaker.
• Directions: Includes a MAPQUEST map and driving directions.

From The Editor's Desk: I Know What I Saw

David Twichell reviews James Fox's documentary “I Know What I Saw,” described as a follow-up to “Out of The Blue.” The film provides documented evidence of UFO reality and aired on The History Channel. The documentary's setting is a November 12, 2007 press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., moderated by former Arizona Governor Fife Symington. The panel included high-level military and government officials, pilots, and aviation experts who have witnessed UFOs or been involved in UFO cover-ups. The article lists the panel participants, including Ray Bowyer, Rodrigo Bravo, General Wilfried De Brouwer, John Callahan, Dr. Anthony Choy, Jean-Claude Duboc, Colonel Charles I. Halt, General Parviz Jafari, Jim Penniston, Dr. Claude Poher, Nick Pope, Dr. Jean-Claude Ribes, and Comandante Oscar Santa Maria. Fife Symington confessed to witnessing the Phoenix Lights and being part of a UFO cover-up. Colonel Halt and Jim Penniston discussed the Rendlesham Forest UFO Incident, and Captain Ray Bowyer recounted a sighting of two cigar-shaped UFOs over the Channel Islands. The Stephenville Lights incident and the Roswell crash were also mentioned. The film is presented as highly convincing evidence for skeptics and those on the fence regarding the UFO subject.

Michigan MUFON Contact List

This extensive list provides contact information for State Section Directors, Regional State Section Directors, and County State Section Directors for Michigan MUFON. It includes names, phone numbers, and email addresses for various roles such as Field Investigator Trainer, Assistant State Directors, Electronic Data Manager, Librarians, Newsletter Editor, and Chief Investigator. A map of Michigan MUFON Regional SSDs is also included. The list advises that email is the preferred method of contact and provides instructions for leaving messages if calling.

Suggestion Box

This section invites readers to provide comments and suggestions to improve the organization. Questions are posed regarding their interest in the UFO phenomenon, desired MIMUFON events, suggestions for future speakers, and other general comments. Mail should be sent to Michigan MUFON, PO Box 8532, Kentwood, MI 49518-8532.

MICHIGAN MUFON 2010 STATE DUES and NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION FORM

A form is provided for 2010 calendar year memberships and subscriptions. The cost is $25.00, payable by check or money order to Michigan MUFON, P.O. Box 8532, Kentwood, MI 49518-8532. The form requests name, address, city, state/province, zip code, phone number, and email/website. It also asks if the subscriber wishes to receive the newsletter via email and if they are a current member of MUFON, Inc.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the organization and activities of Michigan MUFON, and the presentation of evidence related to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and documentation, encouraging witness reports and providing platforms for discussion and education through meetings, training, and publications. The newsletter actively promotes MUFON's mission to investigate and inform the public about UFOs, while also fostering a sense of community among its members.