MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 061

Magazine Overview

Title: MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter
Issue Date: September/October 1996
Publisher: MINNESOTA MUFON
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Newsletter delves into the complex relationship between popular culture and UFO phenomena, features updates on UFO investigations and events, and discusses significant findings related to extraterrestrial life.

From the State Director: Does Pop Culture Affect Our Views?

This section summarizes a presentation by Kevin Randles at the 1996 MUFON Symposium. Randles argues that information, including UFO and abduction narratives, can permeate society through cultural channels, much like music in the early 20th century. He challenges the notion that abductees have no cultural sources for their experiences, suggesting that elements of these stories have appeared in science fiction and popular media long before widespread reports. Randles points to the 1897 Great Airship sightings and the 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast as early examples of alien concepts entering public consciousness. He also notes how science fiction magazines and films from the 1930s and 1940s, such as 'Astounding Stories' and 'Killers From Space,' depicted themes and imagery later found in abduction accounts, including alien beings with large eyes, probes, and genetic material collection.

Randles contends that even if specific films or media were not widely attended, their themes could still spread through society. He uses the example of urban legends, like the Proctor and Gamble logo story, to illustrate how tales can persist despite a lack of evidence. He implies that beliefs surrounding aliens and abductions might also be influenced by such cultural diffusion rather than solely originating from real events. Randle concludes by urging for a better understanding of how pop culture shapes these narratives, stating that failing to do so will hinder convincing others of the reality of UFO phenomena.

Minnesota MUFON Meetings

Announcements are made for upcoming MUFON meetings on September 14 and October 12 at the Science Museum of MN Computer Education Center. Details are provided for building access, including specific entry times and the requirement to be at the ramp door between 1:00 and 1:30 PM for elevator access. The meetings are designated as non-smoking, with free coffee and soft drinks.

Echos of Cosmic Voyage by William I. McNeff

This article discusses NASA's announcement of strong evidence for the existence of life on Mars from four and a half billion years ago, based on fossils found in the meteorite ALH84001. The author highlights that while NASA chief Daniel Goldin attempted to downplay implications for higher life forms, the discovery significantly alters assumptions about life's evolution in the universe. The article correlates this finding with Courtney Brown's theories about Martians and mentions the 'Face on Mars' and pyramid formations as suggestive of intelligent design. It also references a hypnotic regression account from Betty Andreasen, who allegedly communicated with extraterrestrial beings, some of whom are described as coming from 'other realms' or 'this very earth,' potentially aligning with Brown's claims of Martian presence in New Mexico.

MUFON 1996 International UFO Symposium Summary by Candy Peterson

This report covers the 1996 MUFON Symposium held in Greensboro, North Carolina. Fourteen investigators presented multimedia evidence and analysis. Key highlights include:

• Walt H. Andrus, Jr.: Honored Raymond E. Fowler for his contributions to ufology.
• Kevin D. Randle: Presented evidence of alien abduction scenarios in pop culture predating the Great Airship sightings, challenging the 'no science fiction sources' argument and facing opposition.
• John S. Carpenter: Argued against psychological explanations for abduction accounts by presenting his caseload of multiple-participant abductions with high correlation of witness reports, disproving claims of internally generated mental creations.
• Chris Styles: Presented research on the October 4, 1967, Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia UFO crash/retrieval case, citing government documentation and ongoing plans for sonar and diving expeditions.
• Jeffrey W. Sainio: Offered photographic and videotape analysis tips, advising people to check astronomical charts before identifying potential UFOs and calibrate recordings.
• Vincent DiPietro: Presented extensive research on the 'Face on Mars,' aiming to clarify confusion and distinguish speculation from information.

The article notes that the next part of the symposium summary will be in the November/December issue.

Breakthrough, by Whitley Streiber Reviewed by Craig R. Lang

This review discusses Whitley Streiber's book 'Breakthrough,' which aims to present proof of the Visitors' existence and explain their nature and agenda. The reviewer finds Streiber's explanation of the Visitors' agenda plausible but the details of his personal interactions far-fetched. The book is noted for corroborating some of Streiber's accounts with those of other witnesses, such as the 'nine knocks' phenomenon. The review suggests that while the book doesn't provide airtight proof, it offers a complex portrayal of the Visitors, transcending concepts of good and evil, and presents a potentially heartening view of their agenda for humanity, possibly making an 'end-run' around human institutions. The reviewer recommends the book for UFO believers but advises taking some claims with a grain of salt.

Captured in the 'Net!

This section highlights two items found online:

• From Richard Boylan, Ph.D.: A report that the United Nations passed a resolution requiring off-planet visitors to present themselves to the UN. This resolution, dated August 20, is noted as occurring shortly after NASA's acknowledgment of evidence for life on Mars and potential findings on Jupiter's moon Europa.

Skywatching

This section shares UFO news and commentaries from the internet, specifically an exchange between 'Masinaigan' and 'BlackDeep'.

• Masinaigan' Report: John K. from Stanley, Wisconsin, reports seeing a bright white light moving slowly northward at an estimated altitude of 30,000-40,000 feet and a speed of 100-200 mph. The object dipped eastward before disappearing. Later, he saw an F-16 aircraft heading east, which then banked and headed north in the same path as the initial object. The following night, he observed a similar white object heading southeast, flanked by an F-16 maintaining the same airspeed.
• Black Deep's Observation: This response offers a conventional explanation for Masinaigan's sighting, suggesting it was an aircraft on final approach. The bright landing lights of aircraft can be seen from great distances, and when throttled back for landing, they can appear to be hovering. The F-16 heading in the same direction is interpreted as indicative of the same flight path. The response also mentions newer aircraft strobe lights and the difficulty of hearing engines when they are descending.

Field Investigator Group Update by Craig Lang

This update details the activities of the Minnesota MUFON field investigator group. They have held study groups, with six participants completing the field investigator exam and receiving accreditation. The group is organizing and seeking to expand its network by contacting law enforcement agencies, police departments, sheriff's departments, TV and radio stations, and other organizations. They are also collaborating with internet UFO reporting centers to gather Minnesota-specific sightings. The group plans to compile a local/regional supplement to the MUFON Field Investigator's Manual and has been holding successful monthly mini-conferences to discuss active cases.

First Movie Film of Crop Circle Being Formed

This report, released by Colin Andrews, describes a filmed event in England where two white spheres were observed creating a large crop pattern in a spiral formation. A second pair of spheres joined the pattern. The footage is described as potentially the most important UFO and crop circle film ever, or an elaborate fraud. Analysis of the film is underway, with updates planned for the CPRI newsletter and 'UFO Reality' magazine.

Japanese UFO Museum a Bust?

This brief report notes that the much-publicized UFO Museum in Hakui City, Japan, opened on July 1 but is described as an 'ordinary space museum' rather than a specialized UFO museum. It states that outside of Japan, few researchers referred to it as a UFO museum, and the Japanese government showed no interest in promoting UFO information globally. Attendees for the opening were reportedly not allowed inside.

Important Dates!

Announcements are made for the National UFO and Unexplained Phenomena Conference, 'Dialog With The Stars,' on October 5-6, featuring various prominent UFO researchers. The International Tesla Society meeting is also announced for the third Saturday of each month. Information is provided for the MN MUFON WEB PAGE and radio programs like 'The Laura Lee Show' and 'Extraordinary Science.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation through reporting sightings and becoming field investigators. There's a strong emphasis on the scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO research, as seen in the symposium reports and the call for rigorous analysis of evidence. The influence of popular culture on UFO narratives is a recurring theme, suggesting that media exposure plays a significant role in shaping public perception and witness accounts. The newsletter also highlights the potential for extraterrestrial life, both past (Mars fossils) and present (UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters), and encourages readers to stay informed through various resources like radio programs and online platforms.