MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 082

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated March/April 2000, Issue #82, focuses on the intersection of scientific inquiry into life beyond Earth and the ongoing investigation of unexplained phenomena.

Directors Report: NASA & LIFE OUT THERE

William I. McNeff, MNMUFON State Dir., reports on NASA's growing interest in alien life forms through its Exobiology Program. Exobiology, the study of life's origin and evolution under suitable planetary conditions, is exploring extreme environments on Earth, such as deep-sea volcanic vents and life within solid rock and ice cores, as evidence that life may be a common consequence of matter organization. The article highlights the concept of 'panspermia,' suggesting life may spread through space via meteors, and notes the potential for life on Mars, Jupiter's moon Europa, and Saturn's moon Titan, fueled by recent discoveries of ice. NASA's program aims to understand life's origin, evolution, and distribution, with a goal to study the evolution of advanced life. The article mentions the development of a virtual Astrobiology Institute (NABI) through a private research consortium involving NASA and universities, which will focus on understanding life's origin and distribution, and will utilize the internet for research.

Minnesota MUFON Meetings

Announcements for MUFON meetings on March 11th and April 8th, from 1:30-4:45 pm at the Roseville Community Center, are included, with contact information and directions.

Beijing Journal: U.F.O. Boom Doesn't Worry Officials

Elisabeth Rosenthal reports from the New York Times on a significant increase in UFO sightings in China around the turn of the millennium. Hundreds of people reported seeing strange, shining objects. The article notes that UFO research in China is treated with a degree of scientific seriousness, with a bimonthly magazine and state-run media coverage. Unlike in the US, where such researchers may face derision, Chinese academics discuss UFOs freely. The article quotes Sun Shili, president of the Beijing UFO Research Society, and Jin Fan, head of the Dalian UFO Research Society, who emphasize the scientific nature of their pursuit, distinguishing it from spiritual movements like Falun Gong. Many Chinese UFO enthusiasts are scientists and engineers, with some societies requiring college degrees for membership. The sightings often involve glowing orange-yellow objects. The article also touches on the government's tolerance of UFO research, viewing it as a scientific pursuit, and mentions the development of experimental propulsion devices by some members.

More on China: China sees UFOs and calls it science, not superstition

Charles Hutzler of the Associated Press reports on the growing UFO phenomenon in China. Despite government crackdowns on spiritual movements, UFO sightings are taken seriously and are often framed as scientific inquiry. A conservative state-run media reports on sightings, and a magazine with a circulation of 400,000 is devoted to UFO research. Rocket scientist Shen Shituan states that 'All these phenomena are worth researching.' The article notes that the current interest coincides with the traditional Chinese calendar's Year of the Dragon, a time of perceived change. While some sightings are dismissed as airplane trails, others, like those in Pusalu village, are viewed by locals as potentially cosmic events. The China UFO Research Resource Center collects numerous reports, and investigations are ongoing, including a claim of alien abduction.

New Physical Evidence of Abductions

George A. Filer reports on a potential breakthrough in finding physical evidence of alien abductions. Biophysicist Dr. William C. Levengood has found microscopic glassy particles in household dust of individuals claiming to be abductees. These particles, described as hollow or solid spheres, sometimes amber in color, and varying in size, have been found in various rooms of abductees' homes. The article suggests these particles may be linked to abduction events and provides a website for photos.

Canada reaps bumper harvest of crop circles

Jim Bronskill reports on the significant increase in crop circles in Canada during 1999, with 20 formations discovered across six provinces. Circles Phenomenon Research Canada (CPR-Canada) compiles data on these formations, noting that while some are dismissed as hoaxes, others show evidence of altered plant and soil composition. Some formations have appeared in remote locations, and eyewitness accounts exist. CPR-Canada investigators have reported malfunctioning camera equipment and electromagnetic frequency emissions at circle sites, with some individuals experiencing headaches or nausea. The article details specific cases, including a complex swirling pattern near Neilburg, Sask., and two 'perfectly circular' patterns in a blueberry field in P.E.I. The RCMP investigated a formation in Ontario, where an amateur researcher reported unusual sounds and found cobweb-like material.

Bovine Intervention: High-powered research team tries to get to the bottom of cow mutilations

J. Douglas Allen-Taylor discusses the work of the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) in investigating cattle mutilations, which are often linked to UFOs. NIDS, a privately funded organization, has ruled out natural causes like predators and disease, confirming the use of sharp instruments. They are unable to determine the perpetrators or motives. The article highlights the organization's serious approach, with founder Robert Bigelow being a successful businessman and key members holding advanced degrees and having backgrounds in science and even space exploration. NIDS has documented cases that cannot be explained by natural phenomena, noting missing body parts such as lips, tongue, rectum, and genitalia. The article also mentions other investigators, like Ted Oliphant III, who suggests a government conspiracy, and Linda Moulton Howe, who believes extraterrestrials are responsible.

An Objective Model for PSI

Craig R. Lang explores the concept of parapsychology (PSI) phenomena and the challenge of finding a theoretical mechanism for its acceptance by the scientific community. He discusses a hypothesis by Roger Penrose, Michael Conrad, and Stuart Hameroff (Orch-OR theory) which suggests that quantum behavior within microtubules (MTs) in nerve cells could be the basis for consciousness and PSI. This theory proposes that interactions between tubulins might allow a coherent quantum field to form in the brain, potentially explaining the 40 Hz signal observed in brainwaves. The theory offers verifiable predictions related to nerve cell electronic behavior and EEG waveforms.

Six-Toed Sasquatch?

An email from Robert Epp recounts a sighting of large, six-toed footprints near Penticton, BC, approximately 18 inches long and 4 inches deep in hard ground. The prints were found on an old railway bed and appeared to have grain and lines similar to a human hand. The witness believes the prints were made by a Bigfoot that jumped down a steep bank. The prints were destroyed by a friend before they could be cast.

Strange footprints discovered in the Quebec forest by a wildlife specialist.

Following a Journal de Montreal article, the Quebec Association of Ufology (AQU) received a report from three experienced forest animal trackers who discovered unusual footprints in the snow in Quebec. The footprints, described as having three fingers with claws and measuring 8 to 9 inches long, were found near a clearing where witnesses felt a sensation of heat. Later, the footprints were found again in melted ground. Provincial government wildlife specialists could not identify them. AQU president Gilles Milot investigated the site, and Yvon Leclerc, an authority on fossil footprints, also examined the case, finding the footprints unidentifiable. The mystery of the heat sensation and the unknown animal remains.

Field Investigator Update: March, 2000

Craig R. Lang, MN MUFON FI Coord., reports a lull in local UFO reports during the winter months. He reviews ongoing cases, including a triangle sighting in the western suburbs where a witness observed a large, dark triangular object moving at treetop level with red and green lights. The article notes similarities to other local triangle sightings and suggests a potential relationship between the object and the witness. Another case involves a family observing a large, disk-shaped craft moving parallel to a road in Wright County.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of life beyond Earth, the persistent study of UFO phenomena across different cultures, and the exploration of consciousness and unexplained physical evidence. The journal consistently presents these topics with an emphasis on scientific inquiry, rigorous investigation, and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism often associated with these fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a commitment to exploring the frontiers of knowledge, encouraging readers to contribute their own reports and observations.

This document is page 11 of the Minnesota MUFON Journal. It contains various announcements, contact information, and a book review related to UFO phenomena. The issue date appears to be around May 12, 2000, based on the MarsCon 2000 schedule.

Content Summary

Field Investigator Information The journal encourages readers to become UFO field investigators, emphasizing the need for more individuals to understand the UFO phenomenon. Interested parties are instructed to contact Craig Lang for information on joining MUFON as a field investigator trainee and purchasing the necessary manual. Classes for field investigators are held approximately three times a year.

Book Review: The Chinese Roswell A book review by Joel Henry, Ed., discusses "The Chinese Roswell: UFO Encounters in the Far East from Ancient times to the Present" by Hartwig Hausdorf. The book is described as a 7-year effort to gather information on UFOs and paranormal phenomena in China, likened to "Chariots of the Gods in China." It is noted as a rare and reasonably good source for Chinese UFO information. The publisher, New Paradigm Books, offers a 30% discount to readers of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, making the price $9.77 plus shipping, totaling $12.97.

Contact Information Contact details for New Paradigm Books are provided, including an email address ([email protected]), fax number (561-852-8322), phone number (561-482-5971), and mailing address in Boca Raton, FL.

UFO Report in Yukon Territory A URL is provided for a report on a UFO the size of a football stadium sighted in Yukon Territory, Canada: http://ufobc.org/yukon/22index.htm.

MUFON Presentations at MarsCon 2000 Announcements are made for MUFON presentations at MarsCon 2000, scheduled for Friday, May 12, 2000, from 8 to 10 PM at the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington, MN. The schedule includes Don Schmitt discussing Current Roswell Topics at 8 PM, and Craig Lang covering UFOs and Close Encounters in the Present Day at 9 PM. A general Q&A or 1:1 discussions with experiencers are planned for 10 PM. The MarsCon 2000 website is http://www.MarsCon.com/m2k.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information Key personnel for Minnesota MUFON are listed: Richard Moss (State Director), William McNeff (Assistant State Director), and Craig Lang (Field Investigator Coordinator). Journal Editors Joel Henry and his contact information (PO Box 240631, Apple Valley, MN 55124, phone: 612-431-2426, email: [email protected]) are also provided. The MN MUFON Web Page is http//www.visi.com/~jhenry/index.html.

National MUFON Resources The National MUFON Hotline is available at 1-800-836-2166 for reporting UFO news and sightings. MUFONET operates on 7.237mhz on Saturdays at 7:00 AM CST, with Bob Shultz as Net Control.

Editorial Notes Contributions to the Journal are welcomed. Copyrights for articles belong to their originators or assignees, with reprinted articles appearing with permission or in the public domain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the active pursuit of UFO investigations, the importance of public participation through field investigators, and the dissemination of information through publications and conferences. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting UFO research, encouraging public involvement, and sharing findings within the UFO community. There is a clear emphasis on providing resources and contact points for those interested in the subject, from reporting sightings to becoming involved in investigations and attending related events.