MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 100

Magazine Overview

Title: Minnesota MUFON Journal
Issue: #100
Date: March/April 2003
Publisher: MUFON (Mutual UFO Network)
Country: USA

Directors Report: An Estimate of the Situation for 2003

William I. McNeff, Minnesota MUFON State Director, provides an overview of the UFO field in 2002. He discusses the impact of media programs like the Sci-Fi channel's 20-hour series "Taken," which dramatized alien abductions, noting its potential to desensitize the public and educate them about abduction experiences. While McNeff did not see "Taken" due to lack of cable, he acknowledges its potential audience size. He also mentions a previous Sci-Fi program featuring "abductees" or "experiencers," including MUFON member Don Weatherbee, a computer programming expert who co-created the MUFON UFO/ET database (WUFOD) with Wendy Ban. McNeff believes that media exposure for credible individuals advances the cause of ufology.

The article delves into the controversial "Roswell - The Smoking Gun" program, noting the division within ufology regarding its significance. Some view it as a well-documented case, while others consider it an invention by enthusiasts, citing inconsistent witness testimonies. McNeff sides with the former, attributing testimony variations to the passage of time and asserting that "something of great importance happened at Roswell." He references archeological evidence like a ground groove and the "Ramey Memo" mentioning "victims of the wreck" and a "disk."

McNeff highlights the growing number of scientists and academics involved in UFO research, citing David Jacobs, Ph.D., who documented 1275 individuals with advanced degrees (Doctorates, Working Scholars, Masters, Research Specialists) interested in UFOs, a stark contrast to fifty years prior when such public interest was rare.

He also mentions Raymond Fowler's latest book, "UFO Testament," which explores his childhood and teenage experiences with the phenomenon, suggesting he may have been programmed not to remember them. Fowler's work touches on other paranormal phenomena associated with UFOs and the government's duplicity, attributed to national security. McNeff recommends the book and provides ordering information.

The report notes the continuous stream of UFO and ET reports globally, estimating that for every documented sighting, about twenty more occur due to public reluctance to report. Applying this to Minnesota's population, he estimates around 200,000 people in the state may have seen UFOs, with about 20,000 "good" reports after accounting for ordinary causes, leading to an estimated 500 good sightings per year in the state.

McNeff concludes that while the state of ufology is not ideal, it is improving, but significant work remains.

Secrecy News

This section, from the FAS Project on Government Secrecy (Volume 2003, Issue No. 1, January 6, 2003), reports on the U.S. government's use of the Invention Secrecy Act of 1951. In fiscal year 2002, 139 patent applications were subjected to new secrecy orders, blocking their publication. A total of 4,792 secrecy orders were in effect at the end of the year. These orders can be imposed at the discretion of government agencies if disclosure is deemed "detrimental to national security." The article notes that this act, along with the Atomic Energy Act, allows the government to prevent publication of privately generated information, and its constitutionality has not been tested in court. It highlights that 37 of the new orders were on private inventors without government funding, termed "John Doe" orders, which are constitutionally problematic. Links to statistics and resources on the Invention Secrecy Act are provided.

Study Finds Huge Increase in UFO Reports in Canada in 2002

A news release dated February 12, 2003, details a study by an independent research group finding a significant increase in UFO sightings in Canada during 2002. Chris Rutkowski, research coordinator, states that people continue to report unusual objects in the sky, often observed by credible witnesses like pilots and police. The study found 483 reported sightings in Canada in 2002 (averaging more than one per day), a 29% increase from 2001, and a 250% increase since 1998. Late summer saw the most reports, with an unexpected peak in February. Approximately 18% of all 2002 reports were unexplained, dropping to 7% for "high-quality" cases. Most sightings involved two witnesses and lasted about 15 minutes. Rutkowski cautions that while incontrovertible evidence of extraterrestrial contact is lacking, the continued reporting warrants further examination by scientists. A toll-free UFO hotline for Canada is also mentioned.

The NIDS-FAA UFOdata Compact: Not-So-Strange Bedfellows

By Larry W. Bryant, this article details the author's FOIA request to the FAA regarding its contract with the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS). Bryant received a tardy and incomplete package of records concerning the FAA's selection of NIDS as a single point of contact for UFO encounter information. The FAA stated that no reports had yet been processed for NIDS and no fees were associated with the request. The article includes correspondence from Michael A. Cirillo (FAA) and Robert T. Bigelow (NIDS founding director). Bigelow's proposal outlines NIDS's intent to investigate cases while fresh, provide confidentiality, conduct scientific investigations, and report findings to the FAA. He also lists topics for a potential briefing to FAA staff, including the historical basis of UFO phenomena in aviation, the public vs. scientific opinion gap, multisensory evidence, aerial encounters, report handling, the lack of a government agency for sightings, and NIDS's capabilities. The author notes that the anticipated Congressional hearings failed to materialize and expresses skepticism about the NIDS-FAA relationship, particularly concerning potential retaliation against FOIA requesters. NIDS enclosures include "Examples of Cases Involving UFO Encounters with Aircraft," highlighting electromagnetic interference as a safety hazard.

NIDS's Proposal and FAA's Response

NIDS proposes to investigate UFO cases, maintain a national database, and share information with the FAA. The FAA's acceptance letter, dated March 6, 2000, refers to FAA Order 8020.11A, which directs the FAA to refer UFO report individuals to scientific establishments or local police if life or property is endangered. The FAA expressed interest in meeting with NIDS. Subsequently, FAA document changes effective July 12, 2001, designated NIDS as the single point of contact for UFO information, with contact details provided. The article mentions a conversation with a NIDS official, "Dr. J. B. Nidster," who chastised Bryant for his FOIA probe and alluded to FAA officials' reluctance to cooperate due to his requests. Bryant argues that the Freedom of Information Act does not authorize retaliation against requesters.

In Search of EBE's

By Richard Moss, MN MUFON ASD, this section summarizes a presentation by Bill Hamilton at the MUFON 2002 International UFO Symposium. Hamilton connects astrobiology with UFO concerns, suggesting new biological findings bear on UFO studies. He notes the growing number of known planets suggests the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, though political climate for funding remains cool. SETI scientists do not interact with UFO study scientists. Hamilton believes UFO researchers feel SETI is a waste of time if UFOs are evidence of ETs. NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder mission, planned for 2012, aims to detect life-sustaining planets. Calculations suggest billions of potentially habitable planets in the galaxy. Hamilton discusses the possibility of ETs having physical resemblances to humans, citing biologist C. D. Darlington. He also mentions NASA experiments simulating interstellar conditions and findings supporting panspermia (life seeded from space), with the theory of Cosmic Ancestry gaining support. Hamilton explores propulsion methods, noting the need for breakthroughs in gravity control and faster-than-light travel for warp drives. He conjectures that alien behaviors, like passing through walls, suggest origins from extra-dimensional worlds. Hamilton recounts his participation in an attempt to contact aliens using a light beam communicator procedure pioneered by John Otto in 1958 near Yucca Valley, where a barbell-shaped object was observed. He praises Dr. Steven Greer's efforts in organizing CE-5 communication attempts. The section concludes by advocating for greater scrutiny, interdisciplinary investigations, and cooperation between scientific and UFO communities.

Habitable Planets May Be Common

An exclusive from New Scientist (1/3/03) reports that astrophysicists estimate one in four planetary systems outside our Solar System could harbor Earth-like planets, a higher proportion than expected. Researchers Serge Tabachnik and Kristen Menou of Princeton University used computer simulations of 85 known systems to identify those potentially harboring habitable planets, focusing on stable orbits and the "habitable zone." Greg Laughlin of UC Santa Cruz agrees with the findings, though the authors caution that results are preliminary. The article notes that other gas giants further away could affect stable regions.

It's True, Men Really Are From Mars

By Paul Davies, The Guardian - UK (October 30, 2002), this article revisits the idea of life on Mars. While early beliefs in Martian life (Percival Lowell) were dismissed after space probe findings and NASA's Viking missions found no evidence of life, Davies argues that this assessment is too hasty. He posits that Mars may have been the cradle of life, citing discoveries of deep-living, heat-tolerant microbes on Earth. He suggests that Mars, being smaller, cooled faster, offering a deeper "comfort zone" for microbes. Asteroid impacts that made early life on Earth hazardous may have simultaneously splattered Martian rock, potentially carrying microbes to Earth. Davies's hypothesis, proposed 10 years prior, suggests that microbes could survive ejection from a planet, interplanetary space, and atmospheric re-entry, shielded within rocks. He explains that while Mars was initially more bio-friendly, life there spread through subsurface zones. Microbes flung into orbit could have survived millions of years in boulders, with some eventually hitting Earth. This could explain the rapid appearance of life on Earth shortly after the bombardment period. Davies is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Astrobiology and has written "The Fifth Miracle."

Gravity Waves Analysis Opens 'Completely New Sense'

This article from SpaceDaily (October 29, 2002) discusses the impending detection of gravity waves, predicted by Einstein's theory. Wai-Mo Suen, Ph.D., from Washington University in St. Louis, is collaborating on developing waveform templates to analyze these signals, which are expected to reveal universe mysteries. Suen describes gravity waves as a new "sense" for experiencing the universe, distinct from electromagnetic waves. The article mentions the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and other planned observatories. Supercomputers are used to simulate Einstein's equations to generate templates for comparison with observed signals. The intrigue surrounding gravity waves stems from their origin at the edge of the universe and their potential to reveal unknown phenomena, possibly including black holes or gravity wave propulsion, which could indicate interstellar travel capabilities.

'The Truth Behind Men In Black'

Reviewed by Mac Tonnies, this section discusses Jenny Randles' book "The Truth Behind Men In Black." Tonnies praises the book as the best he has read on the "Men In Black" phenomenon, noting its skepticism, wit, and journalism. Randles presents compelling cases and offers a plausible explanation for the "Men In Black," exploring exotic possibilities before settling on a disturbing reality. Tonnies recommends it for readers interested in looking beyond mainstream ufology.

Prediction For March 15 2003 Worldwide UFO Wave

Donald A. Johnson, Ph.D., UFOCAT archivist, predicts a worldwide UFO wave peaking between March 15 and March 25, 2003, likely involving Northern Europe, the Pacific Ocean, Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska. This prediction is based on analysis of historical UFO reports in the UFOCAT database.

Casey Holt, Minnesota MUFON Field Investigator Passes at 39

This brief obituary notes the passing of Casey Holt, a field investigator for Minnesota MUFON, who died in December 2002. Holt was known for his expertise in electronics and his involvement in magnetic levitation and temperature sensing experiments related to anomaly studies. He was a key member of the investigator group since 1996.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the evolving public perception of UFOs, the role of media in shaping these perceptions, government secrecy and transparency regarding UFO information, and the scientific exploration of related phenomena like astrobiology and gravity waves. The journal also highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like MUFON in collecting and investigating UFO reports. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, is one of critical inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the persistent mystery and public interest in UFOs and related phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on evidence-based analysis and a call for greater cooperation between different communities involved in studying these subjects.

Title: MN MUFON Journal
Issue Date: January/February 2003 (implied by editor's note, though the issue itself was not published)
Publisher: Minnesota MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the MN MUFON Journal, despite the absence of a January/February 2003 edition due to circumstances beyond the editor's control, contains several important pieces of information and reflections.

Content Highlights

Editorial and Publication Notes

The journal announces that there will only be 5 issues published this year, citing increasing costs as the reason for a price increase. The "Editors Note" specifically addresses the missing Jan/Feb 2003 issue, stating it was due to circumstances beyond their control. Contributions and inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to the Editor.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

• Detailed contact information for Minnesota MUFON is provided:
• State Director: Richard Moss (320) 732-3205
• Assistant State Director: Bill McNeff (952) 890-1390
• Field Invest. Coord.: Craig Lang (763) 560-1532
• Journal Editor: Joel Henry, PO Box 240631, Apple Valley, MN 55124, (952) 431-2426, E-Mail: [email protected]
• MN MUFON WEB PAGE: http://www.mnmufon.org (Webmaster: Joel Henry)
• MUFONET: 7.237mhz on Saturdays at 7:00 am CST, with Bob Shultz as Net Control.
• National MUFON Hotline: 1-800-836-2166 for reporting UFO news and sightings.

IFO Database on the Internet

The journal recommends the IFO Database (http://ifo.s5.com/) as an excellent resource for identifying non-UFOs. It highlights that 90-95% of reported UFO sightings turn out to be IFOs (identified flying objects) or other explainable phenomena. The database is presented as a valuable tool to avoid mistaking mundane objects for UFOs.

Columbia Shuttle Disaster

This section expresses profound sadness and mourning for the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its astronauts. It acknowledges the inherent risks of space travel and expresses hope that the disaster was not caused by negligence, drawing a parallel to the Challenger disaster. The note concludes with "Time will tell."

Memorial Information

A memorial fund has been established in the name of an individual referred to as "Casey," described as a science/technology wizard and a true spiritual seeker whose combination of interests led to fascinating adventures. The fund is managed by Joan Holt, with a mailing address provided (1545 South 38th St., Manitowoc, WI 54220). E-mail letters of condolence can be sent to [email protected].

Copyright Notice

A note clarifies that copyrights for the articles in this issue belong to the originators or their assignees. Articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain. Permission for use or reprint must be obtained from the original authors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the practical aspects of UFO investigation (through the IFO Database), the broader implications of space exploration and its risks (highlighted by the Columbia disaster), and community support (through the memorial fund and MUFON's organizational structure). The editorial stance appears to be one of diligence in identification, somber reflection on tragic events, and community engagement within the UFO research field.