MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 057

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated January/February 1996, focuses on the analysis of the controversial Colorado Project and explores the emerging 'Holographic Universe' theory, alongside personal UFO sighting accounts.

State Director's Report: The Colorado Project

The State Director summarizes Dr. Michael Swords' presentation on the USAF-sponsored Colorado Project for the Scientific Study of UFOs, presented at the 1995 MUFON Symposium. Dr. Swords, a Professor of Natural Science at Western Michigan University and a board member of CUFOS, critiqued the project's methodology and conclusions. He argued that the project was predestined to yield negative results due to a complex mix of personalities, attitudes, and political/social forces. The project's final book, intended to provide an authoritative answer on UFOs, was criticized for its negative conclusions presented upfront, discouraging further reading. Swords highlighted that the project is often cited by debunkers to dismiss the study of UFOs.

David Saunders, a member of the Project team, wrote a book called 'UFOs? YES!' detailing the project's internal issues. John Fuller also wrote an article for LOOK magazine titled 'Flying Saucer Fiasco.' Swords' presentation reportedly covered the interplay and clashes of individuals within the Project, ultimately concluding that it was not a scientific endeavor.

The report touches upon the historical context of UFO investigations, mentioning the 1956 Air Force Scientific Advisory Board's recommendation for a university-contracted study and a significant UFO flap involving the Dexter-Hillsdale sighting. J. Allen Hynek's initial 'swamp gas' comment is noted as having drawn ridicule.

Swords' presentation also detailed the disorganized nature of the Condon Project, where academics were seemingly unsure of their tasks. It mentions an order for a Project member to check out a psychic prediction of a landed UFO at the Bonneville Salt Flats and Condon's communication with the governor of Utah. The involvement of figures like Jacques Vallee, Donald Keyhoe, and Richard Hall is noted, with Vallee advocating statistical research and Hall and Keyhoe emphasizing the study of puzzling cases.

The narrative highlights internal conflicts, such as the Pentagon's opposition to the psychologists' proposal to stage fake UFO sightings for public perception studies, leading to the psychologists' withdrawal. The Project, initially planned for one year, lacked a clear plan even after half a year.

Bob Low, involved in the project, suggested three key questions for study: the existence of inexplicable UFO cases, whether UFOs are solid objects, and if they are extraterrestrial vehicles. The final report was expected to acknowledge a UFO mystery.

Condon's personal involvement is described, including his attendance at the Congress of Scientific Ufologists and his recommendation of Jacques Vallee and NICAP's 'UFO Evidence' to others. His assessment of Allen Hynek and Richard Hall as 'the two smartest guys on UFOs' is also mentioned.

The report notes a shift in Condon's perspective, leading him to believe UFOs caused deep mental problems and that reading about them damaged school children. The Condon Report's conclusions led to the closure of Project Bluebook and impacted organizations like NICAP and APRO, while simultaneously contributing to the rise of MUFON.

The Holographic Universe

This section, authored by William I. McNeff, discusses a talk by Dr. Joe Lewels, Ph.D., at the 1995 MUFON Symposium titled 'Over The Rainbow: Quantum Physics Discovers the Holographic Universe.' Lewels, new to ufology, was impressed by the scientific caliber of attendees at a previous conference, though he also noted a contingent interested in spiritual and metaphysical implications.

Lewels' interest was piqued by the book 'The Holographic Universe' by Michael Talbot. The article explains the principle of a hologram, where a 3D image is stored on a 2D film and can be reconstructed from any piece of the film, illustrating the concept of 'Non Locality.' This principle is applied to quantum physics, suggesting that subatomic particles are interconnected, forming a universal consciousness.

Evidence for the holographic model is found in the work of neurophysiologist Dr. Karl Pribam, who discovered that memories are stored holographically in the brain. The concept of consciousness as a 'Non Local' energy field, extending beyond the physical body, is introduced. This idea is linked to near-death experiences and research into past lives under hypnosis.

The article posits that the observer's consciousness influences the outcome of observations, challenging traditional scientific objectivity. It suggests that synchronicities, precognition, and extrasensory perception should be considered normal occurrences. The interconnectedness of space implies the possibility of instantaneous travel, potentially explaining UFO phenomena and the presence of non-human entities.

Lewels advocates for a new scientific paradigm that embraces the paranormal and suggests that the implications of the Holographic Model threaten the foundations of both science and religion. He proposes that the universe is not made of separate objects but is a unified whole, urging respect for all living things. The message is one of awakening to the universal consciousness and realizing humanity's interconnectedness.

A Minnesota Light

This section recounts an incident from rural southeastern Minnesota, shared 'third hand' with MUFON. A pilot and hobby farmer named Ed witnessed a bright spotlight on a bluff that revealed four strobe lights, resembling a hovering helicopter. The object was silent, and its light created an area of 'daylight.' Ed's livestock became extremely agitated, and his collie was found stiff and shivering.

Ed's wife reported that the house lights dimmed significantly during the incident. Ed spent the rest of the night on his garage roof, and in a state of heightened nerves, shot a rabbit, leading to domestic repercussions.

A Light in the Night

This account, shared by Tim Watts, describes an incident he and his wife, Jean, experienced in August 1981 near Eagle Grove, Iowa. While driving, they observed a brilliant, pulsing white light in the sky. The light later turned bright red and appeared to pace their car. They pursued the object for over 25 miles at speeds exceeding 80 mph before losing sight of it. Tim noted a discrepancy of about ten minutes in his timekeeping during the encounter.

The following day, an article in the Des Moines Register reported sightings of strange red lights over the Quad Cities area. Tim and a friend later investigated the chase route and witnessed a shiny, silver, metallic object that disappeared quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena and related anomalous events. It highlights the importance of scientific inquiry, even when critical of established projects like the Condon Report. The publication encourages the sharing of personal sightings and experiences, as seen in the 'Minnesota Light' and 'A Light in the Night' accounts. There is a clear interest in exploring unconventional theories, such as the Holographic Universe, and their potential implications for understanding reality and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms and the failures of established institutions to adequately address UFOs and the paranormal.