MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 097

Magazine Overview

Title: Minnesota MUFON Journal
Issue: #97
Date: September/October 2002
Publisher: Minnesota MUFON

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal delves into several intriguing topics within the realm of UFOlogy and unexplained phenomena. The Directors Report by Bill McNeff tackles the controversial subject of crop circles, examining arguments for and against an alien origin. The journal also features an article by Richard Moss summarizing Budd Hopkins' research on the psychological after-effects of alien abductions. Additionally, it explores the phenomenon of 'black triangles' or BBDs, suggesting a possible military explanation, and provides an update on the declassified Canadian 'Project Magnet' UFO memo. Other articles discuss the futuristic writings of Lloyd Berkner and field investigator updates.

Directors Report: The Case For -- And Against Alien Origin of Some Crop Circles

Bill McNeff, State Director for Minnesota MUFON, begins by discussing the movie "Signs" and its premise regarding crop circles. He acknowledges that many crop circles are hoaxes, citing John Sawicke's experience in England where most formations were man-made. However, McNeff highlights observations that are difficult to explain through conventional means, such as complex and uniform layering of stalks and stalks bent at a narrow radius without crimping. He presents eight points of evidence suggesting a potential alien origin for some crop patterns:

1. Changes in germination of seeds: Seeds from crop patterns showed statistically significant differences in germination compared to controls.
2. Differences in plant growth: Plants grown from pattern seeds differed from control plants.
3. Lengthening of nodes: Nodes on stalks within patterns were observed to be longer.
4. "Blowouts" in nodes: Indicating heating of moisture within the nodes, possibly by microwaves.
5. Apparent charring: Seen on the inside of cornstalks from a Minnesota formation.
6. Meteoric iron: Imbedded in stalks in a molten state, suggesting atmospheric heating.
7. Unusual compound: A substance found in a Minnesota crop circle, crystallized into spiral shapes, with an unknown compound.
8. Moving lights and beams: Videotaped lights and beams of light appearing above and in crop patterns.
9. Geometric theorems: Patterns implying mathematical properties not known to earthly mathematicians, as suggested by astronomer Gerald Hawkins.

McNeff acknowledges that some theories propose U.S. satellites producing these patterns with microwaves or lasers, but finds this unlikely due to the precision and specific effects observed. He suggests that a stationary platform might be required for such precise patterns, hinting at a highly secret, advanced technology.

John Sawicke provides commentary, agreeing that the crop circle issue is a genuine mystery and that the 'time stamp' theory is interesting. He recounts an incident in Hutchinson, Minnesota, around 1990, involving a formation created by shearing off corn stalks with a hot implement, leaving a charred effect and a question mark shape. The farmer noted the difficulty of replicating this with blow torches, and observed that about 1.5 feet of the severed stalks appeared "vaporized."

Draft Of Top Secret UFO Memo Now Public by Grant Cameron

This section announces the public release of a draft of the original "Project Magnet" Top Secret Memo, recovered by researcher Nick Balaskas. This memo, written by Wilbert Smith, Senior Radio Engineer for the Canadian Department of Transport, in November 1952, marked the beginning of the Canadian government's official program to investigate flying saucers. Smith headed this investigation from December 1950 to August 1954.

The memo was originally intended for Smith's superiors and was classified as "Secret." Two newly discovered pages, also titled "Project Magnet," detail the project's purpose, organization, and program. The purpose was to study magnetic phenomena, particularly those resulting from unusual boundary conditions in the basic electromagnetic field, with the belief that this research could lead to a new and useful technology.

The organization was to be small and composed of personnel with diverse research abilities, utilizing existing laboratory facilities. The engineer-in-charge would have overall responsibility.

The initial program included theoretical and laboratory studies of:

1. Electromagnetic radiation with non-conventional boundary conditions.
2. Mechanical forces associated with electron drift and electric currents.
3. Magnetic domain resonance conditions.
4. Propagation of magnetic wave motion.
5. Producing a "sink" in a magnetic field.
6. Producing single isolated magnetic poles.
7. Effects of magnetic fields on rotating metallic objects.

Coordination with other groups was to be maintained, and reports would be available on a classified basis. Security was emphasized, with the belief that lesser-known aspects of magnetism might hold the key to new technology, necessitating classification until its impact could be assessed.

The memo also outlined five key items discovered by Smith while discussing UFOs with top U.S. officials:

1. The UFO subject is the most highly classified subject in the U.S. Government, above the H-bomb.
2. Flying saucers exist.
3. Their modus operandi is unknown, but concentrated effort is being made by a group headed by Vannevar Bush.
4. The matter is considered of tremendous significance by U.S. authorities.
5. U.S. authorities are investigating related phenomena, possibly including mental phenomena.

The newly discovered pages also detail the circumstances surrounding the memo's survival, including Wilbert Smith's arrangements with his wife to hide the files due to anticipated recovery attempts. After Smith's death, the files were passed to Arthur Bray, who advocated for the government to release the "Project Magnet" files.

Investigation Casts Light on the Mysterious Flying Black Triangle

This article, by Leonard David, discusses a study by the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) regarding large, black, triangular UFOs, often referred to as "Big Black Deltas" (BBDs). NIDS proposes a more down-to-earth hypothesis: these craft are lighter-than-air, blimp-style vehicles developed by the U.S. military, possibly powered by "electrokinetic" drives and operational since the early to mid-1980s.

The NIDS study correlated sightings of triangular objects with U.S. Air Force Materiel Command and Air Mobility Command bases. A specific case involved four police officers and others observing a silent, low-flying black triangular object in Illinois, near Scott Air Force Base.

NIDS acknowledges that while the Illinois sighting's origin is not definitively concluded, it aligns with over 150 similar reports. The study highlights the historical dominance of lighter-than-air vehicles for altitude and payload records. NIDS suggests BBDs are capable of carrying massive payloads at low altitudes and cruising at high speeds. They propose electrokinetic propulsion, which would not produce downwash like helicopters. These craft are described as silent, with potential for slight humming from control equipment or occasional coronal discharge.

Colm Kelleher, deputy administrator for NIDS, states their goal is to transform UFOs into IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) by reducing the number of unidentified cases. NIDS has amassed about 1,000 cases, with approximately 200 involving BBDs. Kelleher believes military black triangle vehicles are becoming less stealthy and may eventually be declassified.

L. Scott Miller, a professor of Aerospace Engineering, supports the idea of large, classified airships being built. He notes that the U.S. airlift fleet is aging and that large airships could be beneficial for carrying heavy payloads. Miller suggests that a "stealth blimp" is feasible, capable of operating at low altitudes and nights to avoid radar detection. He speculates that many recent "Triangle UFO" sightings might be of such black world aircraft or airships.

After-Effects of Alien Abductions

This article by Richard Moss summarizes a presentation by Budd Hopkins at the 2001 MUFON Symposium, focusing on the after-effects of alien abductions. Hopkins, a noted abduction researcher, outlines five after-effects:

1. The "funnel effect": Coined by David Jacobs, this describes the tendency for abductees to suspect that everything might be UFO-related, drawing all aspects of life into their fear.
2. "Mickey & Baby Ann Syndrome": Peculiar to adults who, as children, were brought together by aliens interested in human friendship and potential sexual attachment, leading to fears and doubts about alien bonding studies.
3. "Chronic fatigue syndrome": Resulting from lengthy abductions with blocked memories, leading to tiredness and potential nighttime anxiety and insomnia.
4. "Government harassment": Abductees often become suspicious of the government, fearing surveillance or harassment, though Hopkins suggests this is often irrational given the numbers involved.
5. "Serious concerns": The likelihood of future abductions, and the possibility of children also being abducted.

Hopkins emphasizes the need for courage, optimism, and reliable information to counter rumors and conspiracy theories. He also discusses the impact of abductions on human development through different life stages, using Erik Erikson's developmental model. Abductions during infancy can create distrust, hindering the development of hope. During early childhood (ages 2-3), they can create shame and self-doubt, opposing autonomy. During play age (3-5), aliens may play mental games to make children more tractable, sometimes inducing affection that overrides negative experiences. Abductions during school age (6-13) can lead to children becoming loners, and the psychological consequences of alien reproductive procedures during puberty are questioned.

Lloyd V. Berkner, Member of MJ-12?

William McNeff examines the writings of Lloyd Berkner, listed as a member of the alleged "MJ-12 Eisenhower Briefing Document" committee. McNeff reviews two articles by Berkner from the 1962 Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) Proceedings, written from the perspective of 50 years in the future (i.e., 2012).

Berkner's first article, "IRE -- The First 50 Years," traces the history of science. McNeff notes Berkner's omission of the transistor's invention in 1947, questioning if this was deliberate, knowing it was an "alien craft" discovery. Berkner's second article, "Space -- 2012," describes a meeting of the "Lunar" section of the IRE in 2012, detailing lunar facilities, Martian and Venetian communication links, and a powerful telescope. Berkner also writes about a "Laser report" from a party that landed on Mars, finding evidence of an ancient civilization and a foreign biology that uses oxygen and water from rocks. McNeff wonders if Berkner's writings reflect knowledge of "a completely foreign biology" from crashed craft wreckage.

Field Investigator Update: Sept./Oct. 2002

Craig R. Lang, MN MUFON FI Coordinator, reports a surge in sighting reports nationwide, with Minnesota experiencing echoes of this. He mentions that investigators are following up on useful and reliable reports. Casey Holt provides a report on a live event in Wisconsin where six glowing amber spheres, dubbed "Plasma Ships," were observed, followed by a bright greenish-white light with three connected lights, called "Force Connector Ships." The objects exhibited controlled flight and unusual movements. The article also notes that two reports have been completed and filed in the MUFON database and are available on www.craigrlang.com.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena, crop circles, and alien abductions. The journal appears to maintain an open-minded but evidence-based approach, presenting various theories and research findings while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and conventional explanations. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging genuine investigation and critical analysis of evidence, rather than dismissing phenomena outright. There is a clear interest in government secrecy and advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, technology.

This document is page 11 of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, a publication focused on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings and investigations within Minnesota. It features reports of specific incidents, contact information for MUFON personnel, and information on how to get involved in UFO research.

Featured Sightings

Wright County, MN Close Encounter Sighting

This report, cataloged under Worldwide UFO Database Entry# 1-962-MN, describes a sighting that occurred to four witnesses in their car while driving west on a busy highway in central Minnesota. The witnesses observed several objects, and according to the report, many other motorists also saw these objects and pulled their cars over to observe them. The entry notes that there are potentially new and interesting developments in this case, urging readers to 'stay tuned'.

Plymouth, MN Triangle Sighting

This sighting, identified as Worldwide UFO Database Entry# 1-851-MN, details a triangle-shaped flyover observed by a single witness in the late evening hours. The large, slow-moving object was seen passing at treetop level over the witness's house. The report highlights that, like many other triangle sightings, this object was clearly visible and passed over populated and well-traveled roads, suggesting it should have been visible to many other potential witnesses.

Comparison of Witness Accounts

The article contrasts these two cases with another account (referred to as 'Casey's account') where lights were seen by many observers. It notes that in both the Wright County and Plymouth sightings, few, if any, other witnesses have come forward, raising questions about the visibility and reporting of such events.

Call for Information and Involvement

The journal invites readers who may have witnessed similar spectacular events to contact them. It also requests any further updates on events discussed in the column or information that might shed light on other sightings or encounters. Contact can be made through the Minnesota MUFON website (www.visi.com/~jhenry) or by contacting Craig Lang via phone or email.

Becoming a Field Investigator

The opportunity to become involved in UFO studies is presented as expanding with each event. For individuals interested in becoming field investigators, classes are conducted based on sufficient interest. These classes are typically held approximately three times per year, with the next one anticipated for the fall. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Craig Lang. To participate, individuals must join MUFON as a field investigator trainee and purchase the MUFON field investigators manual. The article emphasizes the need for investigators with time, energy, and objectivity to help understand the 'UFO enigma'.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

The issue provides comprehensive contact details for Minnesota MUFON:

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

Additional resources include:

• Minnesota MUFON Web Page: http://www.mnmufon.org (Webmaster: Joel Henry)
• MUFONET: Operates on 7.237mhz on Saturdays 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.
• Minnesota MUFON Journal Back Issues: Available at www.mnmufon.org/mmj.htm.

Editorial and Contributions

News or editorial contributions to the journal are welcomed and appreciated, and should be directed to the Editor. The note on copyrights clarifies that articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain, and permission to use or reprint must be obtained from the original author(s).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the documentation and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings, particularly within Minnesota. There is a strong emphasis on the role of MUFON as an organization dedicated to studying this phenomenon and the importance of citizen involvement through field investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the reporting of sightings and the pursuit of understanding, while acknowledging the inherent mystery of the subject. The journal actively seeks contributions and aims to inform its readership about ongoing cases and research opportunities.