MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 070

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated March/April 1998, Issue #70, focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, investigations, and related scientific and cultural topics. The publication aims to inform its readers about ongoing research, historical cases, and theoretical possibilities within the UFO field.

From the State Director: '1947: The Beginning of the UFO Era'

This section, presented by Jan Aldrich, reviews his work on 'Project 1947,' an effort funded by CUFOS, FUFOR, and MUFON Coalition, which compiled 10,000 pages of personal accounts and reports from 300 people regarding UFO events in 1947. Aldrich, a former meteorologist, highlights the early public perception of flying saucers, noting that a Gallup poll taken after the Kenneth Arnold sighting showed no public awareness of extraterrestrial craft. He discusses an incident prior to Arnold's sighting where meteorologists in Richmond, Virginia, tracked a balloon and observed a silver object below it, larger than the balloon, with a dome on top, which sped away on a level flight path. The article also mentions a British fighter plane chasing an object in early 1947, which the Project Blue Book later attributed to inversion effects, though Aldrich questions this explanation due to the lack of a solid radar return if it were an airplane. The Air Force issued conflicting statements about investigating flying saucers, while the FBI conducted its own investigation. Aldrich notes that the Air Force was interested in exhaust trails and cloud effects, while the FBI's focus on radio interference remains unclear. He points out that many sightings were missed by the Air Force due to a lack of seriousness and poor communication to subordinate commands. Flight crews and weather observers reported sightings that did not make it into Project Blue Book files. United Airlines officials admitted some crews had seen UFOs but would not discuss them. The era was rife with hoaxes, with newspapers being the primary communication medium, leading some editors to become hostile to UFO stories. A theory even suggested that dust motes floating in the eyes, combined with eye movement, caused the perception of flying saucers. The Roswell incident, initially thought to be a spacecraft, was announced as a weather balloon, bringing the 1947 wave to an end around July 10th. Aldrich's research is summarized, and readers are urged to obtain the Symposium Proceedings from MUFON in Seguin, Texas for the full text.

MINNESOTA MUFON Meetings

Announcements for MUFON meetings on Saturday, March 14, and Saturday, April 11, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM at the Science Museum of MN Computer Education Center, Firstar Center, 5th & Minnesota Sts., 19th Floor. A $2.00 Speaker Fund Donation is requested. Parking is free, with ramp entrance on Minnesota St. to the 5th Level. Entrance is secured, requiring access via the ramp door between 1:15 and 1:30 PM. The next admittance time is at the 3:00 PM break. The building and ramp areas are non-smoking.

The Rise and Fall of Pine Bush by Scott C. Carr

Scott C. Carr, editor of 'The Flying Saucer Gazette' and host of 'UFO Desk,' discusses the UFO hotspot of Pine Bush, New York. The phenomenon first gained public perception in 1987, mentioned in 'Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings.' Although Pine Bush played a minor role in the mid-1980s Hudson Valley UFO flap, sightings there grew in number and frequency. As reports from the 'Westchester Wing' diminished, Pine Bush became more active. The community attracted locals and investigators, including Ellen Crystall, who published 'Silent Invasion' after an eleven-year investigation. Crystall reported seeing numerous strange craft landing and taking off, and her photographs, though unclear, were attributed by her to intentional disruption by aliens. Despite media attention from 'PM Magazine,' 'Sightings,' and 'Strange Universe,' Pine Bush largely remained unnoticed. However, those who visited found it intriguing, leading to a dedicated group of skywatchers and investigators forming. The phenomenon became stranger, with reports of lights, phantom beings, animal sightings, underground rumblings, and strange white orbs ('Tesla Globes') appearing in photographs. The abduction craze also spread to Pine Bush. Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' later revealed that some of his experiences took place in his Pine Bush cabin. Dr. Bruce Cornet, a geologist, investigated Pine Bush and claimed to have discovered underground transmitters sending polarized magnetic photon beams into space. He referred to the phenomena as 'Transient Luminescent Phenomenon' (TLP) and claimed telepathic communication with extraterrestrial entities. However, increasing urbanization threatened the skywatching sites with 'No Trespassing' signs. Sightings decreased, and Cornet's theories became more unorthodox, including his belief that the Wallkill River valley area was a replica of Mars' Cydonia region, dubbing Pine Bush 'Cydonia II.' Police began patrolling the area. On May 17, 1997, Cornet, along with Marc Whitford and Dinah Bertran, recorded a mysterious black triangle on video, providing a much-needed confirmation of the enigma during a 'dry spell.' The ongoing urbanization continued to threaten privacy and freedom for skywatchers.

Zero Point Energy and UFOS by William I. McNeff

William I. McNeff, Asst. State Director of MINNESOTA MUFON, explores the concept of zero point energy. Since the early 1900s, physicists have theorized that 'empty' space is filled with electromagnetic waves. Physicist Paul Dirac compared this to waves on the sea, leading to the term 'The Dirac Sea.' Modern physics suggests that a vacuum is not empty but churns with activity even at absolute zero, hence 'zero point energy.' The energy contained in a volume the size of a light bulb is calculated to be enough to boil away Earth's oceans. This energy is believed to come from force fields like electromagnetic, gravitational, and nuclear. Physicists postulate it could explain cold fusion, inertia, and potentially serve as a 'negative mass' system for spacecraft propulsion. The Casimir effect, where two metal plates brought close together attract each other, is cited as evidence. Harold Puthoff has been testing apparatus to gather zero point energy without success in yielding a genuine energy gain. NASA scientists have developed a mathematical theory linking vacuum energy to electromagnetism, suggesting the possibility of developing a space drive. McNeff questions if this could be the motive power behind alien spacecraft.

It's 10:30: Do YouKnow What The Kids Are Watching? by Candy Peterson

Candy Peterson discusses the prevalence of UFO and alien programming on television, including shows like 'X-Files' and 'Third Rock From the Sun,' and cartoons that feature flying saucers. She highlights the Disney Channel series 'Katie and Orble,' aimed at preschoolers, where Orbie is an ET who sleeps upside down. The show features gentle themes and politically correct characters who do not seem to notice Orbie's alien nature. The opening sequence shows a small domed flying saucer landing in Katie's backyard in the Great Lakes area. The program is narrated by Leslie Nielson and uses sound effects and music to represent Orbie's speech. Peterson questions whether having an extraterrestrial companion for a child is nefarious cultural indoctrination or a way to present enduring lessons. She notes that children have greater access to televised UFO and alien motifs than adults might realize.

Wonder and Rationality: The Dilemma of a Scientific UFO Investigator by Craig R. Lang

Craig R. Lang, Field Investigator Coordinator for MINNESOTA MUFON, presents a case study illustrating the 'wonder vs skepticism' dilemma faced by UFO investigators. The case involves a witness in western Minnesota who reported seeing a brilliant white light hovering over a field, accompanied by smaller companion objects, for several hours. The witness emphatically stated, 'This was not the moon,' despite the rising moon's position potentially explaining the sighting. Lang checked mundane possibilities like lights, yard lights, and helicopters, all yielding negative results. He notes that the witness was intelligent and not prone to flights of fancy. The descriptions of the object hovering in one place for hours contradict the moon's movement. The witness also described companion star-like objects interacting with the main object. Lang concludes that while some observations might be explained by bright stars, other aspects do not fit. He presents the dilemma: force a mundane explanation, accept it as an ET craft, or declare it unexplained. The article concludes by posing the question to the reader: 'You decide...'

Road Rage on the Information Super Highway by Candy Peterson

Candy Peterson discusses the proliferation of UFO and entity information online and the challenges of discerning fact from fiction, particularly for abduction experiencers. She critiques the 'Abduction Information Center' (AIC), created by a person who claims to have worked closely with Budd Hopkins. This individual became incensed when a mother discussed teaching her children to 'take control' and 'empower' themselves, calling it 'New Age thinking.' He responded with insults and derogatory language towards those who disagreed with his views, even likening people to 'cockroaches.' Peterson questions if this person should be in a position of authority over abductees. She notes that the AIC's computer programmer eventually removed the files and created a new discussion site called ACE. The author expresses concern that the AIC creator might merge the AIC with Budd Hopkins' Intruders Foundation, continuing to attract unsuspecting clients. Peterson concludes that the individual's hateful language reveals his true nature and that his 'road' does not lead to empathy or understanding for abductees, posting a 'DEAD END' sign.

"The Threat" by David Jacobs

This section reviews David Jacobs' book, 'The Threat: The Secret Agenda: What the Aliens Really Want... And How They Plan to Get It.' The reviewer, Craig R. Lang, notes that the book challenges the conventional, often wonder-filled, view of close encounters (CE4) and presents a picture of darkness and peril. Jacobs describes his research history, starting with 1960s-1970s sightings and moving to abduction research in the 1980s. He has amassed a large database of CE4 cases and identified common themes that align with findings by Budd Hopkins, suggesting a non-psychological origin. The book argues that the phenomenon is 'nuts and bolts technology' used to exploit humanity, specifically for creating human-alien hybrids. Jacobs criticizes 'positive' researchers like John Mack, Leo Sprinkle, and Richard Boylan for their therapeutic approach, which he believes allows for an unrealistically positive interpretation. He insists that individuals are 'abducted' against their will. Lang's primary criticism is not of Jacobs' view but his assertion that 'we now know the answer.' Lang finds the book spooky and unsettling but compelling, suggesting that while Jacobs' hypothesis is solid, it rests on abductee accounts of alien explanations, which are generally considered untrustworthy. Lang hopes Jacobs is wrong but acknowledges he might be right, fearing for the future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Minnesota MUFON Newsletter consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple perspectives, including historical analysis, ongoing investigations, scientific inquiry, and cultural impact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider various theories and evidence while maintaining a critical approach. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed case studies, scientific concepts related to UFOs, and critiques of research methodologies and interpretations. The newsletter also addresses the challenges faced by experiencers, particularly in the digital age, and the importance of discerning credible information. The publication seems to advocate for a rational yet open approach to the UFO mystery, acknowledging the complexities and the 'skeptic's dilemma' inherent in the field.

Title: MINNESOTA MUFON
Issue: Newsletter
Date: Unknown (bi-monthly publication)
Publisher: MINNESOTA MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

Field Investigator Update by Craig R. Lang

The winter months have been active for the MINNESOTA MUFON, with several ongoing investigations gaining momentum and new sightings being reported. The recent Field Investigator class has concluded, welcoming two new investigators to the team.

Ongoing Investigations

Several long-term investigations have intensified. The 1978/79 UFO wave, previously discussed in the newsletter, continues to yield new witnesses. The investigation is ongoing, with further interviews providing more information. Special thanks are given to Casey Holt for his dedicated efforts on this case.

Additionally, new investigations have commenced into various sightings and close encounters that reportedly occurred in northwestern Wisconsin over the past few years. These incidents appear to be geographically clustered and occurred around the same time span, suggesting a potential pattern of UFO encounters. The article notes that while UFO waves are documented phenomena, some researchers debate whether they are real or merely statistical anomalies. It references David Jacobs' view that the phenomenon is centered on the individual experiencer rather than being geographically specific.

Reporting and Resources

Details on new sightings, ongoing investigations, completed case reports, and anonymous close encounter cases are available on the MINNESOTA MUFON web site. Readers are encouraged to check the site regularly for updates. Individuals with information on sightings or experiences are urged to contact Minnesota field investigators, the web site, or MUFON in Seguin, Texas, via the UFO hotline.

Field Investigator Classes

Field investigator classes are typically held three times a year, contingent on sufficient interest. Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact Craig R. Lang via email ([email protected]) or phone (612/560-1532). A sign-up sheet is also available at MINNESOTA MUFON meetings.

Other Information

The newsletter also lists contact information for the State Director (Dick Moss), Asst. State Director (Bill McNeff), Field Investigation Coordinator (Craig Lang), and Newsletter contact (Lynn Bell). The annual subscription rate for the newsletter is $12.00. The National MUFON Hotline is 1-800-836-2166. MUFONET operates on 7.237 mhz on Saturdays at 7:00 AM CST with Bob Schultz as Net Control. The MN MUFON Web Page is accessible at http://www.wavefront.com/-jhenry/index.html, managed by Joel Henry.

Theosophical Meetings

Information is provided for Theosophical Society meetings at The First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis, held at 7:30 PM at 900 Mount Curve Avenue. For dates and program information, individuals can contact Peter Morris (923-1393) or Rolf Canton (822-3155).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the ongoing work and findings of the MINNESOTA MUFON in the field of UFO research. The editorial stance is one of active investigation, data collection, and encouraging public participation in reporting sightings and experiences. There is an emphasis on the continuing mystery and challenge of studying UFO events, as expressed in the concluding quote by Craig R. Lang.