MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 106

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated March/April 2004, covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, space exploration, and unexplained events. The issue begins with a Directors Report noting a switch in official roles for Bill McNeff and Dick Moss. The main feature article, 'The Kinross Case' by Dick Moss, details the mysterious disappearance of an F-89C Scorpion jet and its crew on November 23, 1953, while investigating an unidentified object over Lake Superior. The article presents conflicting official explanations and suggests a UFO involvement.

The Kinross Case

The article recounts the events of November 23, 1953, when an F-89C Scorpion interceptor, piloted by Lt. Felix Moncla with 2nd Lt. Robert Wilson, was scrambled to investigate a radar return near the Soo Locks. The object changed course over Lake Superior, and after the jet pursued it, both radar blips merged, and the F-89 disappeared. Despite an extensive search, no wreckage was found. An initial Associated Press release mentioned the plane merging with an object, but the Air Force later denied this, claiming the jet had crashed due to pilot vertigo or a phantom radar echo. Transcripts of communications between Moncla and radar controllers have not been released. The USAF Report of Aircraft Accident confirmed the F-89 took off from Kinross Air Force Base and was directed to intercept an unknown aircraft. Control was transferred between GCI stations, and at 1851 EST, radar returns from both aircraft merged, with the F-89's return disappearing. The unknown aircraft was identified as a Royal Canadian Air Force C-47, but a NICAP member's inquiry to the RCAF in 1961 revealed no record of such an incident. The article presents two interpretations: either the F-89 collided with or was destroyed by a UFO, or it intercepted a temporarily unidentified RCAF plane and then crashed for unknown reasons. The official explanation of vertigo is questioned due to weather conditions and the radar data. The article also mentions that Lt. Moncla's memorial headstone states he was intercepting a UFO.

Physical Traces Associated with Unidentified Flying Objects

This section presents an interim report by Ted R. Phillips analyzing data from 3,059 reports of anomalous phenomena or objects occurring between 1490 and 2004 in 91 countries. The research aims to identify regularities and stable statistical properties of these phenomena, focusing on physical residues. The report notes that while the data is scattered, a central repository is needed to produce more comprehensive databases. The distribution of events by year shows a peak in the 1970s, with a significant number of sightings in 1954, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980. Peak times for sightings are between 2100 and 2300 hours. The data also indicates peak distribution in the United States, New Zealand, Argentina, and Venezuela. Multiple witness events are common (40.4%), as are reports of occupants/beings (23.9%). Objects are often described as circular (57.2%), metallic (59.6%), and red (11.0%). Sound-related phenomena include whistling, humming, and buzzing.

Space Exploration Proposals

This section reports on President George W. Bush's proposals for manned missions to Mars and the Moon, including the construction of a permanent lunar space station. These initiatives are intended to reinvigorate the US space program. The article quotes Bob Park of the American Physical Society regarding a previous proposal by Bush's father. Chris Welch, a lecturer in space technology, suggests the Moon could serve as a testing ground for Mars mission technology due to its proximity. John Logsdon of the Space Policy Institute calls the initiative a "watershed point in history." Douglas Osheroff of Stanford University comments on the high costs involved. The article also mentions Europe's 'Aurora' plan for a Mars mission by 2030.

Mars - Sky Is Blue, Water and Green Algae

This article discusses the Viking Lander I mission to Mars in 1976. It claims that the first color images from Mars showed a blue sky, brown soil, and green algae, but these images were allegedly altered to appear orange. The article suggests that tests for life on Mars were rigged to deny its existence, citing Dr. Gilbert V. Levin, who believed life was found. It also mentions claims of NASA personnel doctoring space photos and the possibility of space structures and UFOs being airbrushed out.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police HQ Release: 'Space Objects Contingency Plan'

This article announces the release of an RCMP policy document known as 'The Space Objects Contingency Plan' or 'The Master Plan.' This 50-page manual details procedures for recovering space-based objects within Canadian jurisdiction, involving cooperation with American authorities. The plan, which existed in various forms since the 1950s/60s and was formalized in the 1970s, does not use the term UFO but its procedures are consistent with civilian witness reports of RCMP behavior during UFO investigations. The release was a result of a formal Access To Information Request.

Aliens? The Real Culprits

This article by Charles Colson explores the idea that UFO phenomena might be associated with demonic activity. It cites Christian physicist Hugh Ross, who, after analyzing UFO reports, concluded that while many are explainable, some are not and could be dangerous. Ross suggests that UFOs are nonphysical beings that disobey the laws of physics and are "bent on wreaking psychological and physical harm." The article also references conclusions from secular scholars and physicists like Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek, who suggest UFOs represent evidence for other dimensions or have psychic and symbolic reality. John Keel is mentioned as concluding that victims of "demonomania" suffer similar symptoms to UFO contactees.

Invisible Cattle Mutilators? Argentine Cattle Mutilation Update

This update by Virgilio Sanchez-Ocejo suggests that cattle mutilations in Argentina may be over, allowing ufologists to investigate more freely. A UFO group is investigating, with the help of local veterinarians, the correlation between cattle mutilations and high-voltage power lines (132 KW) within a 20-kilometer radius. Eyewitness accounts describe whirlwinds causing the mutilations. The article seeks information on similar studies in other countries.

Field Investigator Update

Craig R. Lang, MN MUFON FI Coordinator, provides an update on recent sightings and ongoing cases. One new sighting in Sherburn, Minnesota, involved a witness observing bright white lights that turned red, which then appeared as a pale lime saucer shape with a dark outline, emitting beams of light. The report also mentions new developments in the apparent 1978/79 sighting wave, with a witness describing a light appearing directly above him and his brother, followed by missing time. The implications of these events suggest a potential connection to phenomena described in Budd Hopkins' book "Witnessed," hinting at abduction-in-progress scenarios. The section concludes with a call for new field investigators and provides contact information for MUFON.

Palm Beach Post Interviews Ex-Astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell

This section features excerpts from an interview with ex-astronaut Edgar Mitchell. Mitchell expresses his conviction that aliens have visited Earth and that there has been a government cover-up of UFOs, stating, "We've BEEN LIED TO AND COVERED UP." He confirms the Roswell Incident was valid and has been briefed on Area 51. He also comments on the theories of Erich von Däniken, suggesting there "MAY BE A KERNEL OF TRUTH" in his ideas about ancient biblical passages describing alien visits. Mitchell believes space flight will become as commonplace as in Star Trek by the end of the century.

Close Encounter on Highway 7

This article reports on a sighting by John Stewart and his family near Winnipeg, Canada. They observed a pewter-colored, three-meter diameter object with windows hovering over a farmer's field. The object flew over the highway at high speeds, described as "not aerodynamic at all." The sighting was one of 25 reported in Manitoba in 2003, according to the Canadian UFO Survey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of specific UFO cases like the Kinross incident, the analysis of physical evidence related to UFOs, and the exploration of potential extraterrestrial life and space exploration. There is a consistent focus on unexplained aerial phenomena, government secrecy, and the scientific and anecdotal evidence surrounding these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various perspectives from scientific, debunker, and ufological viewpoints, while also touching upon more speculative theories such as demonic influence. The journal also highlights the importance of ongoing research, data collection, and the need for trained investigators.

The Minnesota MUFON Journal, issue 11, focuses on UFO sightings in Canada during 2003, alongside updates from MUFON organizations. The cover story highlights a specific sighting by a witness named Stewart, whose account was corroborated by other family members who drew similar pictures of the object. Stewart expressed uncertainty about the nature of the object, stating it was unlike anything he had previously considered.

Canadian UFO Survey 2003

The issue presents findings from the 2003 Canadian UFO Survey, indicating a significant increase in reported sightings. Across Canada, 673 sightings were recorded, marking a 39% rise from 2002. The survey also noted that 115 of these sightings had no apparent explanation. Most UFO sightings are attributed to natural phenomena or human activity.

Manitoba and Winnipeg Sightings

Specifically, the province of Manitoba reported 25 sightings in 2003, a decrease from the 36 recorded in 2002. Of these, thirteen sightings occurred in Winnipeg. The typical duration of a sighting was 10 minutes, and most involved two witnesses. Approximately 17% of all reported sightings across Canada remained unexplained.

Ufology Research of Manitoba

The journal references Ufology Research of Manitoba, with an editor's note suggesting a potential connection between sightings in northern Minnesota and those near the Minnesota/Canada border in Winnipeg.

Wisconsin MUFON News

Updates from Wisconsin MUFON indicate that Nick Roesler has stepped down as State Director for personal reasons. He will continue to serve on MUFON's Membership Committee and as MUFON's Staff Photographer. A replacement for the State Director position had not yet been named.

Minnesota MUFON Information

Contact details for Minnesota MUFON are provided, including State Director Richard Moss, Assistant State Director Bill McNeff, Field Invest. Coord. Craig Lang, and Journal Editor Joel Henry. The organization's mailing address in Apple Valley, MN, and email address ([email protected]) are listed. Their website, www.mnmufon.org, is also provided, with Joel Henry as the webmaster. Information is also given for 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 for reporting UFO news and sightings at 1-800-836-2166. Back issues of the Minnesota MUFON Journal can be accessed via www.mnmufon.org/mmj.htm.

Editorial Notes and Copyright

Contributions, articles, and inquiries for the journal are welcomed and should be directed to the Editor. The issue includes a note on copyrights, stating that articles are the property of their originators and reprinted with permission or believed to be in the public domain. Permission for use or reprinting must be obtained from the original authors.

Websites of Interest

A link to the Canadian UFO Survey for 2003 is provided: http://www.geocities.com/area51/rampart/2653/2003survey.html.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, with a focus on statistical data from Canada and organizational updates from MUFON chapters. The editorial stance appears to be one of information dissemination and encouraging public reporting of unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for careful investigation and attribution to natural causes where possible.