MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 170

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON Minnesota Journal, dated November/December 2014, issue #170, focuses on a blend of UFO field investigation techniques, historical accounts, controversial figures, and theoretical physics.

The CE4 Corner

The lead article, 'The CE4 Corner,' by Craig R. Lang, details the author's experience at the first MUFON field investigator boot camp in Arizona. Lang contrasts the spiritual and metaphysical orientation often found in the Twin Cities with the 'hard-boiled, evidence-based, forensic investigation' approach taught at the camp. The training covered tools, procedures, and scenarios like UFO crashes, landings, and vehicle interactions, emphasizing careful evidence gathering. Lang notes that many attendees were seasoned investigators with backgrounds in law enforcement, engineering, and the military, some with potential government-UFO knowledge. He also contrasts this with the 'Paradigm symposium' attended earlier, which featured Graham Hancock discussing shamanism and its connection to close encounters.

Lang posits that UFO encounters may have both physical and spiritual/metaphysical aspects, suggesting an 'overlay of realities' between this world and others. He concludes that the phenomenon is complex, involving 'spirit, hardware and mystery,' rather than being solely nuts-and-bolts or purely metaphysical.

Ben Rich, Area 51 & Taking ET Home

This section delves into the legacy of Ben Rich, former head of Lockheed's Skunk Works, and his connection to UFO lore, particularly Area 51. The article clarifies that Rich's famous quote about having 'the technology to take E.T. home' was a joke, a tagline used since 1983 referencing the movie 'E.T. the Extraterrestrial.' It debunks the notion that he admitted to having technology for interstellar travel or that he confessed to extraterrestrial contact before his death. The article explains that Rich's presentations often included a slide of a flying saucer, and his 'E.T. home' comment was a humorous remark about a contract received by the Skunk Works.

The piece also touches upon the Area 51 mythos, mentioning Paul Bennewitz and John Lear, and Bob Lazar's role in popularizing Area 51. It notes that while Rich believed in both manmade and extraterrestrial UFOs, he cautioned against 'kooks and charlatans.'

Boyd Bushman Controversy

This segment discusses scientist Boyd Bushman, a retired Senior Scientist for Lockheed Martin, who, shortly before his death in 2014, made claims about his experiences with Area 51, UFOs, aliens, and antigravity. Bushman claimed contact with extraterrestrials and involvement in antigravity technology. However, the article highlights that photos he presented as evidence of aliens were identified as a K-Mart toy, and his claims have been debunked by Snopes and questioned by German newspaper Bild. The article also examines his patents, finding no claims of antigravity, with one patent simply describing an electromagnetically driven fan.

CMS Case #: 59182

A specific UFO sighting is detailed from Albert Lea, Minnesota, on August 20, 2014. Three to four witnesses reported seeing three cylindrical objects moving northerly at approximately 50-60 mph. The objects were described as aspirin-sized from a distance but estimated to be 31 to 100 ft. long, appearing suddenly and moving slowly without wings or propellers. The Total Certainty Index for this case was low at 14.0%.

Any Takers?

This article by Billy Cox explores advanced physics concepts related to UFO propulsion. It introduces Robert Schroeder's work and his book 'Solving the UFO Enigma,' which suggests that modern physics is pointing towards new concepts for UFO travel. The piece discusses the 'hierarchy problem' in physics, the weakness of gravity compared to other forces, and the theories of string/M-theory and warped geometry. Warped geometry proposes that UFOs might utilize extra dimensions to shrink interstellar distances and achieve inertia-defying maneuvers by creating micro-black holes to reduce their effective mass. The article also mentions Doug Trumbull's UFOTOG project, aimed at detecting Hawking radiation from UFOs, and the recent challenges faced by supersymmetry theories, leading to increased interest in extra-dimensional physics.

Paradigm Research Group (PRG) and Congressional Investigations

William I. McNeff reports on the Paradigm Research Group's (PRG) initiative to push for congressional hearings on UFOs. PRG, headed by Stephen Bassett, plans to send informational DVDs to Congress and aims to secure hearings by January 31, 2015. The article notes the challenges of gaining media attention for the UFO disclosure effort amidst other major news events like the election aftermath, Ebola, and the 'Islamic State.'

Griffith Scientists Propose Existence and Interaction of Parallel Worlds

This section briefly mentions research from Griffith University academics, including Professor Howard Wiseman and Dr. Michael Hall, who propose a theory of interacting parallel universes. This theory challenges the foundations of quantum science by suggesting that nearby worlds influence each other through a subtle force of repulsion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate between the physical and metaphysical aspects of UFO encounters, the critical examination of claims made by prominent figures in the UFO community (like Ben Rich and Boyd Bushman), and the exploration of cutting-edge physics as a potential framework for understanding UFO technology. The journal adopts a stance that favors evidence-based investigation while also acknowledging the theoretical possibilities presented by modern physics. There is a clear effort to debunk misinformation and sensationalism, particularly concerning Ben Rich's statements, and to present a more grounded, albeit speculative, view of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of The Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated November 2014, explores two main themes: cutting-edge theories in quantum mechanics and the official investigation of UFOs by the French government. The journal is published by MUFON Minnesota and is available for free as a PDF.

Quantum Mechanics and Parallel Universes

The issue begins by discussing the complexities of quantum mechanics, quoting Richard Feynman's famous statement that "nobody understands quantum mechanics." It then introduces the "Many-Interacting Worlds" approach, developed at Griffith University, as a new perspective on this field. This theory posits that our universe is one of a gigantic number of worlds, some similar and some very different, all equally real and existing continuously. Quantum phenomena, according to this theory, arise from a universal force of repulsion between 'nearby' or similar worlds, which tends to make them more dissimilar.

Professor Wiseman, a proponent of this theory, explains that it reduces to Newtonian mechanics if there is only one world, and reproduces quantum mechanics if there is a gigantic number of worlds. In between, it predicts something new. The theory may also offer a way to test for the existence of other worlds. Professor Bill Poirier of Texas Tech University praises these ideas for their conceptual strength and potential for numerical breakthroughs, particularly in molecular dynamics, which is crucial for understanding chemical reactions and drug actions.

The article provides a link to a relevant scientific paper: https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.4.041013.

France's UFO Hunters: Geipan

The second major feature, by Chris Bockman, highlights France's unique position as the only European country with a full-time, state-run UFO investigation department called Geipan (Study Group and Information on Non-Identified Aerospace Phenomenon). Located at the French Space Centre headquarters in Toulouse, the department operates with a small team of four staff and a dozen volunteers.

Geipan receives an average of two UFO sightings per day, requiring witnesses to fill out a detailed 11-page form. The team uses various methods to investigate reports, including checking flight paths, accessing military flight data, and liaising with air traffic control. They may also consult local police and neighbours to verify witness credibility. Many reports come from people observing the night sky.

The department maintains yellowing archives dating back to the 1950s, containing accounts from fighter pilots and other unusual encounters. While Geipan can explain away most sightings—often attributing them to Chinese lanterns, balloons, kites, space debris, or even reflections in car windows—there are approximately 400 UFO sightings from the 1970s that the team cannot explain. One case, an alleged flying saucer landing near Aix-en-Provence in 1981, involving landing marks and multiple witnesses, is taken very seriously.

The article touches upon the question of whether taxpayers' money should be spent on UFO research, especially during times of budgetary constraints, and ponders the existence of extraterrestrial life.

MUFON Minnesota Information

The latter part of the journal provides contact information and resources for MUFON Minnesota. This includes details for meetings, special speakers, the State Director Craig Lang, Assistant State Director and Field Investigator Coordinator Bill McNeff, Journal Editor and Webmaster Joel Henry, and MUFONET net control Bob Shultz. It also lists the National MUFON Hotline for reporting UFO news and sightings.

The Minnesota MUFON Journal (MMJ) is a free PDF publication available via email or download from their website. The journal encourages submissions of news and editorial contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a dual interest in the frontiers of theoretical physics (quantum mechanics) and the ongoing investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand both the fundamental nature of the universe and the reality of reported anomalous events. There is an emphasis on transparency in reporting, as exemplified by the French Geipan team and the free availability of the MUFON Journal. The journal aims to provide information on both scientific theories and eyewitness accounts, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts interested in these subjects.