MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 036

Magazine Overview

The MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, Issue #36 from September 1992, focuses on recent UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, with a particular emphasis on a mysterious "next-generation spy plane" and the phenomenon of alien abductions. The newsletter also covers upcoming MUFON meetings and a significant UFO conference.

Mystery Aircraft and "Doughnuts on a Rope"

The lead story, "Back in the news: Mystery aircraft and doughnuts on a rope!", details sightings and sounds of a strange aircraft, possibly a new Pentagon spy plane, reported across the United States. Civilians have observed delta-shaped aircraft with unusual lights and heard pulsing engines powerful enough to "make walls quiver and sleepers awake." Recent public evidence includes photos of a high-altitude contrail over Amarillo, Texas, described as "doughnuts on a rope." Aviation Week magazine reports similar sightings and noises over Edwards AFB, near Los Angeles, Portland, OR, and Denver. Analysts speculate this craft could be part of the Pentagon's "black" program, with some suggesting it might be a "stealthy U-2." Former intelligence officer William Arkin notes the military's aggressive pursuit of high-speed unmanned drones for reconnaissance. Analysts suggest the "doughnuts on a rope" contrail is consistent with the exhaust pattern of an advanced propulsion design called the "pulse detonation wave engine," which uses supersonic shock waves. However, John Pike of the Federation of American Scientists is skeptical, estimating the craft would have to travel at speeds far exceeding orbiting spacecraft. Aviation Week's William Scott suggests a speed closer to three times the speed of sound, similar to the SR-71. Scientific evidence includes sonic booms recorded by earthquake sensors in the Los Angeles area in 1991 and 1992, with one incident indicating a speed of about 1.1 times the speed of sound.

UFO Study Group Reviews "Unusual Personal Experiences"

This section reviews a 64-page booklet, "Unusual Personal Experiences," which analyzes data from three national surveys conducted by the Roper Organization. The study, underwritten by Robert Bigelow, aimed to convince healthcare professionals that UFO abductees had genuinely experienced trauma, comparable to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Respondents were asked about 11 specific experiences, including seeing a ghost, feeling out-of-body, seeing a UFO, waking up paralyzed, feeling like flying, hearing the word "TRONDANT," experiencing lost time, seeing unusual lights, finding puzzling scars, seeing terrifying figures, and having vivid UFO dreams. The UFO abduction profile, defined by "Yes" answers to four or more key symptomatic questions, suggests experiences by 3,700,000 adult U.S. citizens. The study also noted that young adults, politically and socially active individuals, and those with higher incomes reported more occurrences. The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis has copies of the report, and Minnesota MUFON is attempting to borrow one.

Roswell to Host Flying Saucers...

The International UFO Museum and Research Center is scheduled to open in Roswell, New Mexico, the site of the famous 1947 UFO case. Walter Haut, who was ordered to release the news of the recovered disc, stated that while he never saw the wreckage, descriptions by military personnel convinced him that something extraordinary happened. The museum is expected to draw significant visitor numbers, building on the existing interest in the Roswell incident.

Northland Abounds with Unexplained Phenomena

This section features personal accounts of UFO sightings and alleged abductions from the Duluth area, compiled from an article in the Duluth News-Tribune. These include:

• Amber Lights: A sighting of moving amber lights over a lake in Lutsen, MN, on March 20, 1992, which was also reported by a border guard at the same time and location.
• Abduction Experience: An anonymous account from Duluth describing a sudden impact, waking in a white sterile space with "men/aliens," and being "thrown back" when questioning the situation. The timing coincided with media reports of sightings over Duluth.
• Ship Over Smokestack: Walter J. Quick of Duluth reported seeing a black and silver ship, about 25 feet across, maneuver over a smokestack and then reverse direction near the Aerial Bridge.
• Cigar-Shaped Ship: An anonymous account from Duluth describes seeing a cigar-shaped ship at age 10 near Brule, WI, with figures in flowing robes looking down from a railing.
• Ocean Lights: R.F. Thompson of Proctor reported seeing darting, reddish-orange lights near the ocean surface while returning from the Phillippine Islands aboard a hospital ship.

More Tales of Alien Abductions, UFO Sightings

An article by Annette Gillespie for Knight-Ridder newspapers highlights Tom H. Anderson, a "spiritual counselor" who has interviewed people about their UFO and alien experiences. Anderson's interest was sparked by clients' stories, particularly those involving "Grays" and experiences of "internal paralysis." The Roper Organization polls, sponsored by the Intruders Foundation and Fund for UFO Research, indicate that about 3.7 million Americans may have had an abduction experience. Dr. Matthew Edlund suggests physiological reasons, such as sleep deprivation and dream states, can explain these experiences, likening them to hallucinations. The article notes Hollywood's interest in filming UFO/alien stories.

Not Like Seeing Elvis?

This section discusses a UFO seminar held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), sponsored by an MIT physicist and a Harvard psychiatrist, but not officially endorsed by MIT. The seminar aimed to help abductees and researchers determine how to conduct research and assist those troubled by alien abuse memories. Harvard psychiatrist John Mack, initially skeptical, found the stories of abductees to be "very consistent and powerful" after interviewing over 60 people. MIT physics professor Phillip Morrison, however, viewed the similarities as "a very faint argument" and not conclusive evidence. The section includes a story from "Pat" who described a blue beam of light, being transported into a UFO, examined, and observing alien beings and children.

About That Jaunt to the Red Planet!

This brief article discusses the Mars Observer spacecraft, launched on September 16, which will orbit Mars for two years to gather information about its atmosphere and weather. It also mentions NASA's agreement to re-photograph the famous "face on Mars."

The Industrial Fire Journal Reported...

A near miss incident involving a Boeing 737 approaching Gatwick Airport in London and a "small, black lozenge-shaped object" is reported, based on a Civil Aviation Authority report. The object was tracked on radar heading southeast at 100 knots before disappearing.

And from Los Angeles Came...

A United Airlines jumbo jet reported a close encounter with an unidentified aircraft that passed at supersonic speed beneath the 747. The Air Line Pilots Association is investigating the report, and U.S. officials stated it was not one of their secret projects.

Stir the Onions, Add a Pinch of ... UFOs?

This section highlights Vidalia, Georgia, as a growing UFO hotspot, according to Holiness preacher Rickey Monroe. Monroe reports numerous sightings, including a landing of a large, well-lighted spaceship that caused seedlings to grow rapidly. He theorizes aliens are monitoring activities at nearby military installations. Another case from Arkansas describes a long object emitting triangular objects with yellow, white, and red lights, which evaded F-16 interceptors. The newsletter also mentions a missed report on a UFO sighting in Elk River, MN, heard on WCCO radio.

What is the Primary Purpose of MUFON?

George Coyne, MUFON Central Regions Director, explains MUFON's purpose is to reach out to people with sightings and abduction experiences who need help understanding their experiences. He emphasizes the need to locate new members willing to train as investigators. He notes that in some states, the Field Investigator trainee program has not been implemented.

From the Director

William I. McNeff, Minnesota MUFON State Director, expresses pleasure with the new newsletter format and thanks Lynn Bell for editing and David Bell for artwork. He announces the appointment of an "Executive Committee" to discuss proposals regarding actions abductees can take to gain information about aliens. McNeff also recounts a problem with Kinko's refusing to copy a copyrighted foreword by Dr. John Mack, who graciously gave permission to reprint it.

SHOW ME UFO/IAC CONFERENCE IV

Details are provided for the "SHOW ME UFO/IAC CONFERENCE IV" to be held on Saturday, October 24, 1992, at the Harley Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The conference features speakers such as David H. Childress, Virginia M. Tilly, Dr. Thomas E. (Eddie) Bullard, Dr. John C. Kasher, Harry Jordan, and Dr. David M. Jacobs. The conference includes presentations, panel discussions, and a closed panel discussion among speakers. Registration is $30 for the entire day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the prevalence of UFO sightings and abduction experiences, presenting them as serious phenomena worthy of investigation. There is a clear focus on gathering evidence, sharing witness accounts, and promoting the work of organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging public participation and professional investigation, while also acknowledging skepticism and seeking scientific explanations where possible. The newsletter also touches upon government secrecy regarding UFOs and the potential for advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, technology.