MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 102

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated July/August 2003, features a 'Directors Report' by William McNeff, State Director, titled 'VISITS FROM THE PAST.' The journal covers a range of topics related to UFOs, anomalous phenomena, and related research.

Directors Report: Visits From The Past

William McNeff discusses his subscription to the RIAP BULLETIN, which focuses on paleovisitology and historical anomalies suggesting extraterrestrial contact. He references a myth from Australian aborigines that describes a creation story and an encounter with a black creature with fiery eyes and a flying object, which he compares to a rocket launch. While Dr. Yuriy Morozov, the author of the referenced article, concludes the myth is not evidence of an ET visit, McNeff notes the close correspondences with modern UFO events, such as upright white objects and fiery eyes.

McNeff also highlights the Dogon tribe of Africa and their myth about the star Sirius, which accurately describes its unseen companion star, a detail unknown to science until the mid-19th century. This knowledge, detailed in Robert Temple's book 'The Sirius Mystery,' suggests a possible ancient extraterrestrial briefing. Morozov's method for detecting anomalies is discussed, emphasizing the search for elements that do not conform to historical context. McNeff suggests that calculating the odds of such detailed knowledge arising by chance could indicate an anomalous source.

The Tunguska event is also mentioned as being studied by RIAP scientists. McNeff references a book suggesting the Tunguska object moved at a speed too slow for a bolide, indicating a possible craft, and notes a reported course change in the shape of a question mark, suggesting intelligent control.

Morozov is also studying an anomalous area in Russia with recorded visual and instrumental effects, folklore of humanoids, and legends of paleocontacts with beings from the Sirius system. McNeff expresses hope to share preliminary results from these studies in the future.

Lights, Camera, Crop Circles!

This section, published by Enygma and reprinted from UFO Magazine, discusses the phenomenon of crop circles and the work of Dutch videographers Bert Janssen and Janet Ossebaard. They have documented 'balls of light' (BOLs) hovering above crop circles and investigate whether these lights are the source of the formations. The article traces the history of crop circles, suggesting they are much older than commonly believed, with evidence from prehistoric cave paintings and historical accounts.

Janssen and Ossebaard's documentary videos, 'Crop Circles: What on Earth is Going On?' (1996), 'Crop Circles: The Research' (1999), and 'Contact' (2001), are highlighted. 'Contact' focuses on the strange BOLs and poses questions about their role in creating crop circles and whether they represent an unknown intelligence. The video won an EBE Award.

The article explores the connection between BOLs and crop circles, referencing physicist Dr. Eltjo Hasselhoff's theory that BOLs could be the creators, with effects like node elongation in stalks suggesting radiation from an electromagnetic point source. Janssen and Ossebaard believe BOLs exhibit intelligence, changing direction and following contours, and seem to react to being observed.

Robbert van der Broeke, another Dutchman, claims a BOL flattened into a pancake and discharged energy into plants, leaving the stalks hot. The article questions whether these lights are natural 'earth lights,' nature spirits, or UFO-type extraterrestrial probes. Van der Broeke has also had dreams of UFOs showing him how crop circles are made and seems to have psychic contact with their source.

Janssen and Ossebaard are considering a next step in research involving psychic interaction with the intelligence behind the circles. The article mentions experiments where groups meditating together have reportedly produced crop circles, citing examples from Steven Greer's work and a meditation by the Centre for Crop Circle Studies.

Take water and potash, add electricity and get - a mystery

This article by Robert Matthews reports on a potential scientific discovery by a team from Gardner Watts, an environmental technology company. They claim to have created a 'thermal energy cell' that produces hundreds of times more energy than is put into it, a finding independently verified at Bristol University. The makers admit they cannot explain precisely how it works but insist it is not 'cold fusion.'

Christopher Davies, managing director of Gardner Watts, states the device taps into a previously unrecognized source of energy. The cell is based on research into the fundamental properties of hydrogen and quantum theory, suggesting hydrogen can exist in a metastable state with a potential for extra energy. When electricity is passed through a mixture of water and potassium carbonate (potash), extra energy is released as heat.

Tests showed energy gains of between three and 26 times the input. Scientists are astonished by the results, with Prof. Stephen Smith of Essex University noting the claim is unprecedented. Skepticism exists regarding the measurement of electrical input, with suggestions that sparks might cause energy surges not detected by instruments.

Cambridge Consultants is collaborating to develop a working prototype, requiring significant investment. Gardner Watts plans to develop a device capable of turning one kilowatt of electrical power into 10 kilowatts of heat, with potential applications for household boilers and market availability within two years.

Observations on Richard Dolan's presentation at the 2002 MUFON Symposium

Dick Moss reports on Richard Dolan's presentation, 'The Limits of Science in UFO Research.' Dolan discussed the cultural schizophrenia surrounding UFOs, where academia often dismisses them while intelligent people take them seriously. He authored 'UFOs and the National Security State' and is working on a second book.

Dolan expressed concern that calls for connecting ufology with the scientific community might lead to overly conservative approaches. He noted that while unity in research is often sought, fragmentation has been prevalent since the 1960s, with researchers disagreeing on UFOs' nature, analysis criteria, and public communication.

He argued that the inability to replicate UFO phenomena makes them difficult for scientists to study. Dolan believes peer review in UFO literature tends to be conservative and can hinder progress. He cited the Condon Committee as an example of a peer-reviewed, academic study of UFOs whose conclusions did not always match the data.

Dolan suggested that questions, rather than answers, drive illumination. He addressed basic questions about the military's treatment of UFOs, confirming they are treated seriously, with actual objects recognized, and that the military has had substantial encounters. UFOs have also presented special problems by repeatedly invading sensitive airspace.

A 1953 report of a black object near the Oak Ridge Nuclear Facility is mentioned as an example of a national security concern. Edward Ruppelt's account of a meeting chaired by General Charles Cabell regarding a UFO encounter is also noted, with the tape of the meeting reportedly destroyed.

Dolan highlighted that many top-level scientists were involved with the phenomenon at a classified level, including figures like Lloyd Berkner and J. Allen Hynek. He concluded that the phenomenon is real, intelligent, technological, and not of human origin.

The summary also mentions the availability of the 2002 MUFON Symposium Proceedings.

COMPUTER ENHANCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF THE RAMEY MEMO

This article by Bill McNeff and Glenn Fishbine details attempts to decipher a document held by General Roger Ramey in a 1947 photograph, which he claimed was a weather balloon but was mistaken for a flying disc. Using digital scans and ten image restoration techniques, the authors made a preliminary study.

They identified the document as a teletype message and focused on interpreting the 'signature' line. Based on the distinctive font and letter characteristics, they identified the sender as 'Ramey' and the recipient possibly as the base commander at Roswell. The message appears to relate to the 'wreckage' being transported to Fort Worth.

McNeff's interpretation assumes Ramey typed the message himself due to haste and secrecy, leading to imperfect spelling and abbreviations like 'TXE' for Texas. The paper was apparently removed from the teletype and folded to hide it, but was subsequently photographed.

Future work includes rescanning the image with improved techniques to enhance clarity and reduce noise. Glenn Fishbine is noted as an expert in photoanalysis, and William McNeff as an electrical engineer.

Field Investigator Update: July/August 2003

By Craig Lang, MN MUFON FI Coord., this update highlights the ongoing 'Minnesota mystery' of few reported sightings. Lang questions whether Minnesota MUFON is not hearing about sightings or if the skies are less active.

A single report of a large triangle seen in southern Minnesota by two pre-teenagers is mentioned, but remains unsubstantiated as the investigator has not yet followed up.

The update also touches on ongoing investigations into older sightings and close encounters. Lang describes a typical case with paranormal fallout, scoop marks, and missing time, but notes that upon closer examination, the encounters seemed to involve various non-gray beings, highlighting the strangeness of the phenomenon.

Another continuing investigation involves a family's observation of a large orange glowing object hovering over south Minneapolis in the early 1970s. A recent interview with another family member provided a detailed description of the lenticular/saucer-shaped object. The update seeks information from others who may have witnessed a similar object in that area during 1973 or 1974.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of anomalous phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFOs and related mysteries. The journal presents a mix of historical analysis (myths, ancient accounts), contemporary research (crop circles, energy cells), and detailed investigations of specific cases (Ramey Memo, sightings). There is a clear stance favoring rigorous scientific inquiry, even when applied to subjects often dismissed by mainstream academia, as exemplified by Richard Dolan's presentation and the work of organizations like MUFON and RIAP. The issue encourages open-mindedness and the pursuit of knowledge, even when dealing with controversial or unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the limitations and challenges of such research.

This document is page 11 of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, an issue focused on local UFOlogy and investigation. It details a specific skywatch event and provides resources for aspiring investigators.

Skywatch Event in St. Croix Valley

The journal recounts a skywatch event held on a Saturday night in May, approximately an hour north of Minneapolis in the St. Croix Valley. The event, which had an air of seriousness despite often being social, involved several participants equipped with scientific instruments such as a Geiger counter, TriField EM Meter, and a spotting telescope. Some attendees also identified as psychics or sensitives and reported sensing a presence.

While the night offered interesting sights like a spectacular moon-rise, numerous satellites, and shooting stars, no controlled aerial phenomena were observed. However, upon leaving, the author and others took photographs. A group photo, described as a "glory shot" of those who stayed late, revealed several unexplained orbs. These orbs were positioned in front, to the right, and above the group, each about half the size of a football and appearing to be two to three feet away. The author questions the nature of these orbs, pondering if they are simply dust spots or something more, and notes the intrigue of their appearance during the skywatch.

Becoming a Field Investigator

The journal includes a section titled "Investigators Wanted," outlining the process for individuals interested in becoming field investigators. Classes are offered when sufficient interest is shown, with plans for a beginning class and a refresher class. Prospective investigators are encouraged to contact the author if they possess the necessary time, energy, and objectivity. Additionally, they are required to join MUFON as a field investigator trainee and purchase the MUFON field investigators manual.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

Detailed contact information for Minnesota MUFON is provided. Richard Moss serves as the State Director, Bill McNeff as the Assistant State Director, and Craig Lang as the Field Investigator Coordinator. Joel Henry is the Journal Editor and Webmaster. The journal also lists a PO Box address in Apple Valley, MN, and a general phone number (952) 431-2426, with the email address [email protected]. The Minnesota MUFON web page is http://www.mnmufon.org.

MUFON Resources and Hotlines

Further resources include information about MUFONET, a radio net operating on 7.237mhz on Saturdays at 7:00 am CST, with Bob Shultz as Net Control. A National MUFON Hotline is available at 1-800-836-2166 for reporting UFO news and sightings. Readers are also directed to www.mnmufon.org/mmj.htm for back issues of the Minnesota MUFON Journal.

Editorial Notes and Contributions

The journal welcomes news and editorial contributions and requests that they be directed to the Editor. A note on copyrights clarifies that articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain, with permission required for use or reprint from the original author(s).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are local UFO sightings, the process of UFO investigation, and the resources available through MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging public participation in UFO research, providing practical guidance for investigation, and disseminating information on local cases and organizational activities.