MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 076

Magazine Overview

Title: MN MUFON Journal
Issue: #76
Date: March/April 1999

This issue of the MN MUFON Journal delves into several intriguing topics within the realm of ufology and unexplained phenomena. It features an article on the 'Dead Flies Mystery' observed in crop circles, a continued review of Donald Keyhoe's influential books on UFOs, an examination of the controversial Condon Report, a field investigator's report from Minnesota, and a review of the book 'Daimonic Reality'.

The Dead Flies Mystery

Janet Ossebaard reports on a strange phenomenon encountered in crop circles in the Cher Hill Formation, Wiltshire, England, on July 17, 1998. She discovered numerous small, black flies attached to the seed heads of the plants in unusual ways, some with their tongues/snouts glued, others appearing to have been 'exploded' with their bodies and limbs scattered. Some flies were found dead but intact, while others, though appearing alive, needed time to recover after being carefully freed. Ossebaard sent samples to Dr. Levengood in the USA and a British lab for analysis. She raises questions about the 'kindness, friendship, love and light' often associated with crop circles, given the apparent harm to animals, and whether the energies involved are safe.

Donald Keyhoe's Books on UFO's: Continued Review (part 4)

Authored by Dick Moss, this section continues a review of Major Donald Keyhoe's work, focusing on his role as an early director of NICAP. The article highlights Keyhoe's use of airline encounters and Air Force cover-up attempts to support his theory that UFOs are interplanetary. It details several specific incidents:

• 1956 Navy Encounter: A Navy Super-Constellation over the Atlantic encountered a huge object that paced the airplane, estimated at up to 400 feet in diameter. The crew was questioned, and the pilot later identified a photograph of the craft.
• 1959 American Airlines Encounter: Captain Peter Killian reported seeing three bright lights that formed a formation, with one object pacing his plane. Other airline crews also reported similar sightings. The Air Force initially attempted to discredit Killian, suggesting stars through clouds, but later proposed the objects were refueling B-47 bombers.
• 1957 Pan American Encounter: A Pan American pilot had to take evasive action to avoid an object, resulting in passenger injuries. Other pilots reported seeing a fiery rear section drop away.
• 1956 Air Force Convair Incident: A Convair C-131-D experienced a crashing impact and dive over California, with the tail found to be badly damaged. The Air Force attributed it to metal fatigue, but this was dismissed by the Civil Aeronautics Board.

The article also touches upon efforts by Keyhoe and NICAP to pressure congressmen for public hearings on UFOs, and the Air Force's resistance to such inquiries. It mentions Keyhoe's meeting with Chief Investigator Healey and the list of witnesses provided to support the claim of Air Force cover-ups. A significant point is the admission that Air Force pilots had fired on unidentified flying objects, with Keyhoe questioning the Air Force's ability to identify them as conventional after firing.

Atwater, MN Lake Hole

Casey Holt presents a theory explaining a mysterious hole found in the ice of a local lake in Atwater, Minnesota, on January 17, 1999. Following a loud bang, a small hole with radiating elements was discovered. Divers found nothing significant. Holt suggests that a high-energy plasma burst, similar to lightning, could have caused the melting or vaporization of the ice. He notes that lightning can strike in winter and that the weather forecast for that day included thunderstorms. He also considers the possibility of an aeration system and a nearby large tree contributing to the phenomenon.

A Look at the Condon Report / Low Memorandum

This section, coordinated by the NCAS volunteer group, discusses the Condon Report and the significance of the 'Low Memorandum'. The author criticizes the Condon Report for lacking historical context and commentary, deeming it one-sided. The Low Memorandum, written by Robert J. Low, is presented as crucial to understanding the Condon Committee's approach. The memo suggests the study would be conducted "almost exclusively by non-believers" who would "add an impressive body of evidence that there is no reality to the observations." The aim was to present the study as objective to the public while signaling to the scientific community that it was an effort by non-believers. The article highlights internal dissent within the Condon project, including a near-mutiny, the dismissal of staff, and the resignation of an administrative assistant, all stemming from concerns about the project's bias and lack of objectivity. Key figures like Dr. Edward U. Condon, Major Donald Keyhoe, and Dr. James McDonald are mentioned in relation to the controversy.

Field Investigator's Report, March 1999

By Craig R. Lang, FI Coordinator, this report summarizes recent activity and findings. It notes three new reports online, including investigations into the 1992 Elk River and 1986 St. Francis sightings, and a 1995 sighting in south Minneapolis during a power outage. In the Minneapolis case, a witness reported a hovering object, with potential missing time and an inability to get the attention of nearby neighbors, suggesting unusual anomalies.

Daimonic Reality: Understanding Otherworld Encounters

This is a review by Dean DeHarpPorte of Patrick Harpur's book, 'Daimonic Reality'. The review critiques the common ufological attribution of UFOs and aliens to 'another dimension' as lacking logic. Harpur's book attempts to define this 'other dimension' or 'otherworld' using Carl Jung's concept of the 'collective unconscious' and mythological entities called 'daimons'. These daimons are described as intermediaries between physical reality and the source of good and evil, encompassing various paranormal entities. The review explains how Harpur views daimons as characters in mythology, embodying human drives to comprehend fundamental concepts. It also touches on the role of shamans in mediating with daimons and how daimons may project themselves into physical reality as 'aliens' due to feeling neglected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the scientific investigation of these topics. There is a clear interest in historical UFO cases and the efforts of organizations like MUFON and NICAP to gather and analyze information. The critique of the Condon Report suggests a stance that values genuine scientific inquiry and is wary of biased or predetermined outcomes. The inclusion of diverse topics like crop circle anomalies and 'Daimonic Reality' indicates a broad approach to understanding the unexplained, often questioning conventional explanations and seeking deeper, perhaps unconventional, interpretations.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, identified by its page number '11', delves into the complex relationship between UFO phenomena, crop circles, and ancient beliefs, exploring whether these occurrences offer insights into an 'otherworld'. The content references the work of Harvard psychologist John Mack, who studied abduction phenomena, and Carl Jung's theories on archetypes, suggesting that UFOs and their occupants consistently defy rational analysis, bordering on the supernatural.

Articles and Content

The primary article discusses the intrusive nature of 'daimons' and their manifestations, comparing them to ghosts, old hags, and fairies, which primitive man, being closer to the 'otherworld', perceived more directly. The author questions whether current understanding of the otherworld has advanced, or if theories, such as those presented by Harpur (whose work is cited as being taken seriously by John Mack), are merely "mumbo jumbo." The article highlights crop circles, particularly those in southern England, as a significant nexus for understanding "enlightenment."

Minnesota MUFON Updates and Resources

Significant logistical information is provided regarding Minnesota MUFON meetings. Starting with the May 8, 1999 meeting, the location is changing to the Roseville Parks and Rec. Community Center. This new location is described as being more accessible, with free parking and fewer security and elevator issues compared to the previous Firstar Bank building. A rental fee of $8/hr will be incurred, necessitating a $1 contribution at the door. Details will be further communicated via the website and future issues, with meetings continuing at the old location through April.

• Contact information for key Minnesota MUFON personnel is listed:
• State Director: Richard Moss (320) 732-3205
• Assistant State Director: Bill McNeff (952) 890-1390
• Field Investigator Coordinator: Craig Lang (763) 560-1532
• Journal Editor: Joel Henry, PO Box 240631, Apple Valley, MN 55124, (952) 431-2426, E-Mail: [email protected]

The Minnesota MUFON website is http://www.mnmufon.org, managed by Webmaster Joel Henry.

• Further resources include:
• MUFONET: A radio net operating on 7.237mhz every Saturday at 7:00 am CST, with Bob Shultz as Net Control.
• National MUFON Hotline: For reporting UFO news and sightings, call 1-800-836-2166.
• Back Issues: Available at www.mnmufon.org/mmj.htm.

Editorial and Copyright Information

Contributions, news, and editorial pieces are welcomed and encouraged, with submissions to be directed to the Editor. The journal also includes a copyright notice stating that articles are the property of their originators and are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain. Permission for use or reprinting must be obtained from the original authors.

Cover Feature

The cover prominently features a "WANTED" notice for individuals involved in "interstate flight, kidnapping, possible abductions." It advises not to approach and to contact MUFON of Ohio at (614) 486-5877 or 548-6634.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the psychological and mythological interpretations of anomalous experiences, and the dissemination of information within the MUFON network. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging public participation and reporting, while also managing the practical aspects of the organization, such as meeting logistics and communication channels. The inclusion of the "WANTED" notice suggests an engagement with more serious, potentially criminal aspects related to alleged UFO encounters.