MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 066

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated July/August 1997 and identified as Issue #66, focuses on a variety of topics within the realm of UFOlogy and related phenomena. The publication features articles on the 'Face on Mars,' remote viewing, alleged military involvement in UFO encounters, and a specific incident involving a UFO shootdown in South Africa.

The Mars Face and Extraterrestrial Life

The lead article, 'From the State Director,' discusses Vincent DiPietro's research on the 'Face on Mars.' DiPietro, a systems engineer, along with Greg Molenaar and others like Richard Hoagland, investigated an image of a human face on Mars. They concluded that the features were not tricks of light but an actual object on the surface. The article touches upon the broader implications for the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe and the scientific debate surrounding evolutionary theories. DiPietro's research involved digitally enlarging facial features using techniques like 'Starburst Pixel Interleaving Technique.' The article also mentions other geological features on Mars, such as the 'D & M Pyramid,' and discusses the isotopic ratios of carbon and oxygen in Mars' atmosphere, which are similar to Earth's, suggesting a common origin from the solar nebula.

Further evidence for extraterrestrial connections is presented through the discussion of meteorites originating from Mars. The 'Elephant Moraine' meteorite found in Antarctica and one studied in Egypt contained atmospheric compositions and organic fossil evidence suggesting Martian origins and an age of hundreds of millions to over a billion years old.

Remote Viewing: A Book Review & Some Thoughts

William McNeff reviews Jim Schnabel's book, 'Remote Viewers: The Secret History of America's Psychic Spies.' The review highlights Schnabel's investigation into US government-sponsored psychic spying and his own experiences with remote viewing. The article discusses the limitations of remote viewing, such as difficulty in picking up fine details, and the potential for misinterpretation. It also touches upon the accuracy of remote viewing, with figures ranging from 15% to 85%, and mentions the phenomenon of 'telepathic overlay.' The author draws parallels between remote viewing and dreams, suggesting a human capability to perceive future events.

South African Shootdown: The Story Behind the Alleged ET Interrogation

This article details a reported UFO shootdown by the South African Air Force (SAAF) on May 7, 1989, in the Kalahari Desert. Investigators Anthony Dodd and Dr. Henry Azadehdel gathered information from an informant within the SAAF. The report claims a UFO entered South African airspace, was fired upon with a Thor II experimental laser cannon, and crash-landed. Recovery efforts were reportedly hampered by an electromagnetic field emitted by the craft. The article states that US military specialists were involved, and two small entities were recovered from the craft. These occupants, along with the craft, were allegedly transported to Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. One alien reportedly died, and the other was taken to Area 51 for interrogation, which is depicted in a video mentioned in the article. The report notes a resemblance between an insignia on the craft and one seen on a UFO observed by Deputy Marshal Lonnie Zamora in 1964.

Distant Encounters

Craig R. Lang discusses the challenges of investigating UFO sightings, particularly 'distant encounters.' He emphasizes the need for critical reasoning and avoiding wishful thinking, comparing it to looking into an empty aquarium and expecting to see whales. Lang argues that a 'paradigm shift' is necessary to see UFOs, but questions whether this shift leads to seeing truly anomalous objects or simply reclassifying known objects as UFOs. He stresses the importance of objective investigation, drawing on analytical and critical thinking skills.

REVIEW: Human Exploration of Space

Craig R. Lang also reviews the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference (ISDC 97). The conference covered topics such as Mars exploration, the origin of life, NASA politics, and antigravity physics. Lang highlights talks on the 'Mars Direct' concept for mission planning, the 'Mars meteorite,' and future Mars exploration missions. A significant focus is placed on Dr. Ning Li's talk on 'Gravity Modification,' which explored experiments aimed at reproducing apparent 'antigravity' effects. The potential implications of successful antigravity technology for space exploration are discussed, offering a sense of hope and excitement for the future.

Commentary: Beyond Heaven's Gate: Must Ufology Die, Too?

Theresa Carlson reflects on the aftermath of the Heaven's Gate suicides and their impact on the UFO community. She notes a tendency for people to distance themselves from UFO study due to embarrassment or 'guilt by association.' Carlson argues that the Heaven's Gate incident was a cult act, unrelated to UFOs, and that the field of Ufology should not be allowed to die because of it. She suggests strategies for researchers, including counteracting negative press, concentrating on provable evidence, minimizing speculation, and persevering through difficult times. The commentary emphasizes the importance of clearly distinguishing serious UFO research from cult activity.

Crop Circles in the Sky

This brief report details sightings of unusual cloud formations described as 'cloud circles' with sharp edges, resembling cookie-cutter cutouts. These sightings were reported in Maryland and other locations, with some witnesses describing them as portals to parallel universes.

Ghost Plane Crashes Again and Again...

This piece recounts reports of phantom aircraft crashes, particularly a twin-engined aircraft crash on a Yorkshire moor in March 1997. The article mentions that such sightings have been reported for years, with explanations ranging from electromagnetic phenomena to 'ghost images' of past crashes.

Sighting Report

A UFO sighting is reported near St. Hilaire, Minnesota, involving a 100-foot disc-shaped object that followed a car for several miles. The object was described as shiny silver metal with windows and a red light at the rear.

Melinda Leslie, Abductions & the Military

Candy Peterson reports on a presentation by Melinda Leslie, who focuses on the military's interest in the UFO field, particularly concerning alleged harassment and re-abduction of 'alien abductee' experiencers. Leslie shares her own abduction experiences, including encounters with various types of aliens and military personnel. She discusses criteria for identifying actual abductions and suggests theories for military motivation, such as monitoring alien compliance with agreements or acquiring alien technology. The article also mentions the potential role of 'PSI Factor issues' and the possibility that the phenomenon might involve illusions of humans in uniform.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of anomalies on Mars, the potential for extraterrestrial life, the exploration of consciousness and psychic phenomena like remote viewing, and the alleged involvement of military and intelligence agencies in UFO-related events. There is a consistent emphasis on critical thinking, evidence-based research, and the need to distinguish serious Ufology from sensationalism and cult activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded yet rigorous inquiry into unexplained phenomena, advocating for the continued study of Ufology despite potential setbacks and negative public perceptions.

This document is the June 1997 issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON newsletter. It provides updates on the organization's activities, including field investigations, meeting announcements, and information about upcoming events.

Field Investigator Update

The "Field Investigator Update" by Craig R. Lang, FI Coordinator, covers the months of April and May 1997. Lang reports that investigations have uncovered "major unknowns." He notes that while some reports come through the MN MUFON website or direct contact, the most productive source of sighting reports is word-of-mouth, often from unexpected sources. Lang estimates that up to 90% of UFO sightings are never reported, referring to these often reliable reports as "accidental" sighting reports. He mentions a major investigation is in progress based on such a lead. The update directs readers to the MN MUFON web site for the latest information on sightings and investigations and provides contact information for reporting sightings or becoming a field investigator. Classes for field investigators are offered about three times a year.

Contact Information and Subscription Details

The newsletter lists key personnel for Minnesota MUFON, including Richard Moss (State Director), William McNeff (Asst. State Director), Lynn Bell (Treasurer & Editor), and Craig Lang (Field Investigator Coordinator). It also acknowledges contributors and provides contact details for Lynn Bell for articles and inquiries. The Minnesota MUFON Newsletter is published six times a year with an annual subscription rate of $12.00. The National MUFON Hotline is available at 1-800-836-2166. MUFONET, a radio net, operates on 7.237 MHz on Saturdays from 7:00 AM CST, with Bob Schutz as Net Control. The MN MUFON web page address is provided: http://www.wavefront.com/~jhenry/index.html, managed by Joel Henry.

Meeting Notes

Several upcoming meetings and events are announced:

• Theosophical Society: Meets at 7:30 PM at 900 Mount Curve, Minneapolis, MN. Contacts are Peter Morris and Rolf Canton.
• International Tesla Society: Meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at The Pavek Wireless Museum, 3515 Raleigh Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN. Contacts are Jeff Rafferty and Bob Bartholomew.
• MUFON 1997 UFO SYMPOSIUM: The 28th International UFO Symposium will be held July 11-13 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, featuring national and local speakers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the reporting of UFO sightings and encourages active participation in investigations. It highlights the importance of the MN MUFON web site as a resource for information and reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of active inquiry and information dissemination within the UFO research community, emphasizing the ongoing nature of investigations and the potential for significant discoveries. The focus on both local and national MUFON activities suggests a commitment to a broad scope of UFO research and public engagement.