MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 103

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated September/October 2003, presents a diverse range of topics within the field of UFO research and investigation. The cover story, "ENCOUNTER WITH STRANGE BEINGS NEAR DULUTH, MN, AUG. 7, 1979," by William I. McNeff, details a close encounter experience.

Directors Report: ENCOUNTER WITH STRANGE BEINGS NEAR DULUTH, MN, AUG. 7, 1979

William I. McNeff, MN MUFON State Director, recounts a compelling witness account from August 7, 1979, near Duluth, Minnesota. The witness, referred to as "Liz," a retired woman then about 50 years old, was driving home from a bridal shower with her coworker, Ruth. Around 9:10 PM, they observed three figures zig-zagging on the road ahead. Initially mistaken for children on bikes, the figures did not move when the car approached. As the car drew closer, one figure was directly in front of the vehicle. The witness described it as a "luminous grey" creature with a huge head (18-20 inches across), large eyes (2-3 inches), no protruding nose, and a slit for a mouth. The creature's arms were proportional to its body, and it appeared "cerebral." The dash lights of the car went out simultaneously with the encounter and could not be repaired by mechanics, adding to the credibility of the witness's account. The report emphasizes the witness's high credibility and the unusual nature of the beings, concluding they were definitely unidentified.

Minnesota Mufon Meetings

Announcements for upcoming Minnesota MUFON meetings are provided for September 13th and October 11th, both from 1:30-5pm, held at the New Brighton Family Service Center.

Estimating The Height And Size Of The Creatures

This section provides a detailed analysis of the physical characteristics of the beings encountered near Duluth. Based on the witness's description and measurements of a 1999 Honda, the creatures are estimated to be a little over four feet tall, with heads that were disproportionately large, estimated at 18-20 inches wide. The arms were described as proportional to the body.

The Duluth encounter and other encounters

This piece connects the Duluth encounter to a wave of UFO reports in late 1979, including sightings of hovering discs and an encounter involving Deputy Val Johnson. It speculates on the meaning of these encounters, suggesting a message of presence and advanced technology, possibly with a modified "Prime Directive" of non-interference.

Report on Budd Hopkins' presentation at the 2002 MUFON Symposium

Richard Moss reports on Budd Hopkins' presentation titled "The Abduction Phenomenon - Where We Are Now." Hopkins reviewed the Betty and Barney Hill case, discussing the psychiatrist's interpretation and the concept of hybridization. He noted that critics in 1987 found hybridization theories implausible, but advances in transgenics have since made such concepts more scientifically tenable. Hopkins argues that the alien presence is not about environmentalism but about physical experiences, and dismisses the idea of abductions being a quasi-military operation. He suggests the phenomenon serves to distract from the real issue and that new scientific advances support its plausibility.

CIA Falls On Its UFO-Secrecy Sword

Larry W. Bryant critiques the CIA's apparent return to pre-1953 UFO intelligence practices, collecting and analyzing information without public oversight. He questions whether the agency is also resuming the production of dossiers on UFO researchers.

FOIA Request Response

A letter from Kathryn I. Dyer of the CIA to Larry W. Bryant acknowledges a FOIA request for CIA-generated and CIA-received records pertaining to UFO encounters reported in Turkey. The CIA denies the request, citing national security exemptions (b)(1) and (b)(3), stating that confirming or denying the existence of such records would reveal intelligence sources and methods.

Field Investigator Update: July/Aug. 2003

Craig R. Lang provides an update on Minnesota MUFON's activities. He notes a sparse number of new sightings, with only one reported triangle sighting by two pre-teenagers. The update highlights ongoing investigations into close encounters, emphasizing the variety of beings described and the complexity of the phenomenon. It also mentions a continuing investigation into a 1970s sighting of a large object over south Minneapolis and a skywatch event where orbs were photographed.

Investigators Wanted

An announcement seeking individuals interested in becoming field investigators for MUFON. Classes are offered based on sufficient interest, and potential investigators are encouraged to contact the author. Readers are also invited to share information on sightings or encounters.

MUFON IS ON THE AIRWAVES

Information about a new regular segment called "The MUFON Hour" on the "WakeUP USA- A UFO Study show," hosted by Jim Hickman, airing Wednesdays from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST on the Stardust Radio Network.

Issues Swamp Gas Journal Now Available Online

Chris Rutkowski announces that back issues of "The Swamp Gas Journal" are now available online, along with a new Special Issue No. 6.

Minnesota MUFON Sponsors 2 Lecture Events

Details are provided for two upcoming lectures sponsored by Minnesota MUFON: "White House UFOs: 60 Years" by Grant Cameron on September 11th, and a lecture by Debra Lindemann on October 11th.

Minnesota MUFON Contact Information

Contact details for Minnesota MUFON, including State Director Richard Moss, Assistant State Director Bill McNeff, Field Invest. Coord. Craig Lang, Journal Editor Joel Henry, website, MUFONET, and the National MUFON Hotline.

Charles Fort quotes

Two quotes from Charles Fort are included, reflecting on the nature of science and explanation.

ET 'alive and on Mars'

This article by Leigh Dayton and Steven Swinford reports that NASA found evidence of life on Mars in 1976 but dismissed it. New evidence from missions like the Mars Global Surveyor suggests this early observation may have been correct. Experiments on the Viking landers, particularly one designed by Gilbert Levin, indicated the presence of bacteria-like organisms. Astronomer Seth Shostak predicts that ET will be found within 25 years, with the development of new radio telescopes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO sightings, close encounters, and the investigation of anomalous phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of obtaining official information, as highlighted by the CIA's FOIA response. The publication also explores the scientific and psychological aspects of UFO experiences, including abduction phenomena and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a commitment to documenting and analyzing UFO-related events, while acknowledging the complexities and mysteries involved.