MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 171

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON Minnesota Journal
Issue: #171
Date: January/February 2015

This issue of the MUFON Minnesota Journal delves into the progress and challenges of UFO research, particularly reflecting on the author's nearly 20 years of involvement with MUFON. The journal explores the current state of understanding the UFO/CE4 phenomenon, the potential for government cover-ups, and scientific findings related to Mars.

The CE4 Corner: What have we accomplished?

Craig R. Lang, MS CHt, reflects on two decades of involvement with MUFON, questioning what has changed and what has been accomplished. He notes that while the reality of UFOs is now established, the fundamental understanding of the phenomenon has not significantly advanced. The complexity of the problem has become clearer, moving close encounters from the fringe to the core of the mystery. Lang suggests that understanding the UFO/CE4 mystery requires delving into parapsychology, the visitors' communication methods, their ability to manipulate reality, their location of origin, and their technology, which may challenge current physics.

And to all a Good Night

Billy Cox of the Herald-Tribune discusses the legacy of Project Blue Book and the Condon Report, which dismissed UFOs as a waste of time. Cox contrasts this with current political shifts, like the opening of relations with Cuba, suggesting that a similar bold move could be made regarding UFO research. He critiques the continued skepticism in mainstream science and the potential for political figures to use the UFO topic for their own gain.

WHAT IS THE REALITY BEHIND THE UFO/ET PHENOMENON?

William I. McNeff examines the possibility that governments may have promoted UFO mythology to cover up secret aviation technology developed during the Cold War. He argues that while most UFO sightings can be identified, the remaining 10% that show unconventional characteristics are crucial. McNeff cites the Journal for Scientific Exploration's critique of "intransigent skeptics" and highlights MUFON's extensive database of unidentified reports, validated photographs, and analyses of alleged alien materials. He concludes that the UFO phenomenon is real, with the leading theory being the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH).

McNeff further explores the idea that UFOs might be related to other universes or dimensions, citing the testimony of Roger Kvande, who described seeing a "flat" presentation of the universe and other universes. He also mentions Patrick Huyghe's book on extraterrestrials, noting the diversity of reported alien races. The article discusses Howard Storm's experience of a Near-Death Experience (NDE) and his encounter with intelligent beings who stated that extraterrestrials operate near Earth but are not allowed to interfere with human society. Storm's account is presented as evidence for the UFO puzzle being manned by intelligent life from elsewhere.

The author also touches upon the theological implications of UFOs, suggesting that different extraterrestrial races exhibit a range of qualities, akin to a "Bell curve" of good and bad. He advocates for open communication with extraterrestrials and notes that disclosure is happening slowly, without official government help. The article also considers Hancock's idea that close encounters may be a type of shamanic journey, suggesting an overlay of realities between our world and others, with potential interaction and physical marks left on our world.

Tales from a Martian rock

This section reports on new chemical analysis of an ancient Martian meteorite, ALH84001, conducted by scientists from the University of California, San Diego, NASA, and the Smithsonian Institution. The analysis of carbonates within the meteorite provides clues about Mars's climate billions of years ago, suggesting the presence of water but likely not vast oceans. The study also examined carbon isotopes, indicating different origins for the minerals and providing insights into Mars's atmospheric carbon dioxide composition. While previous findings in ALH84001 suggested potential evidence of microbial life, this study concludes the carbonates are abiotic, meaning not from living things.

AN ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION

William I. McNeff details the efforts of the Paradigm Research Group (PRG) to secure Congressional hearings on UFOs. This involves sending DVDs of testimony from military and government officials to Congress and encouraging public engagement through emails and tweets using the hashtag #Disclosure. McNeff provides guidelines for contacting representatives and expresses skepticism about the government's willingness to disclose information, suggesting it is to protect high technology allegedly harvested from crashed alien craft. He posits that humans are not the most intelligent species and that some extraterrestrials may not be morally advanced, citing abductions for tests and hypnotic suggestions to erase memories.

NASA caught deleting data from Mars Curiosity Rover images

This article by Dr. Michael Salla reports on accusations that NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has digitally altered images from the Mars Curiosity Rover to conceal evidence of artificial objects. Examples cited include an object with a portion removed and replaced by sand, and another object blurred using software. The author suggests that NASA is not in the business of discovering extraterrestrial life but rather hiding such discoveries from the public. The article references whistleblower testimony from former NASA employees who claim a policy of altering or destroying photos that reveal artificial structures on the moon or in space.

Phenomena Magazine Newsclipping Library

This brief section announces the availability of a collection of scanned newspaper articles about UFOs, primarily from UK newspapers around the 1980s, being posted on Facebook by the "Phenomena" magazine.

Four Tips for Having a Close Encounter

James M. Deem offers four tips for increasing the chances of seeing a UFO. These include staying up late, being in a rural area, being young (as children report more UFOs), and taking an automobile ride, particularly on rural roads. The article notes that vehicular encounters often involve vehicle malfunctions and can be brief. An example is given of Deputy Val Johnson's encounter in Minnesota in 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs and the challenges in achieving a definitive understanding despite decades of research. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official government narratives and a belief in widespread cover-ups of evidence related to extraterrestrial activity, particularly concerning space exploration. The journal also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with parapsychology, metaphysics, and even theology, suggesting a complex, multi-faceted reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency, disclosure, and continued investigation into the UFO phenomenon, while acknowledging its profound implications for our understanding of reality and humanity's place in the universe.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, published by MUFON Minnesota, focuses on UFO/UAP encounters and the nature of skepticism. It is a free publication available online.

Val Johnson Encounter

The issue details an incident involving Deputy Val Johnson, who reported that his patrol car was attacked while he was driving. He described hearing glass breaking and his brakes locking up, stating, "Something attacked my car." He was treated for eye irritation, similar to that of a welder not wearing a mask. Sheriff Dennis Brekke inspected the site and found damage to the patrol car, including a smashed headlight, cracked windshield, and an almost broken radio antenna, which could not be attributed to anything at the scene. Most notably, both Johnson's wristwatch and the patrol car's clock were found to be fourteen minutes slow. Brekke confirmed Johnson's watch was correct prior to the incident. An extensive investigation by a UFO center proved inconclusive, but some speculate Johnson encountered a TRUFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and its electrical field.

Russ Johnson Encounter

Two days later, and approximately four hundred miles away in Vermillion, South Dakota, Russ Johnson had a similar encounter. He saw a light on the highway that rushed towards him, covered his car in bright light, and then zoomed into the sky. This occurred around the same time as Val Johnson's experience, and notably, no newspaper had yet reported on Val Johnson's case, suggesting Russ Johnson's account was independent. Russ Johnson was not injured, and his watch did not stop.

Skepticism and Dogma

An excerpt by Bill McNeff discusses "Skeptics and their dogma." McNeff references Michael Shermer and quotes Stephen Braude from the Journal for Scientific Exploration. Braude criticizes critics of psi phenomena for stating their opinions as dogma, often with contempt and certitude disproportionate to their knowledge. Braude labels such individuals as "intransigent skeptics" or "passionate deniers" and emphasizes the importance of checking if skeptics cite facts to support their positions.

Project CORE

Jeff Ritzmann details "Project CORE (experiential data)," a massive online survey conducted on December 15, 2014. The survey collected data from individuals reporting "paranormal" experiences, with questions ranging from physiological data to ancestral heritage. The survey questions were compiled from submissions by CORE members and then edited by a team. Participants were asked to provide written accounts of their experiences, and the data gathered comprised nearly two years of analysis and discussion among team members. The project members included Kimbal E. Cooper, Ph.D., Tyler A. Kokjohn, Ph.D., Jeff Ritzmann, D. Ellen K. Tarr, Ph.D., and Jeremy Vaeni. The results, commentary papers, and graphical representations are available at www.projectcore.net.

MUFON Minnesota Information

The issue provides contact information for MUFON Minnesota, including State Director Craig Lang and Assistant State Director/Field Investigator Coordinator Bill McNeff. It lists websites for meetings, agendas, and events, as well as the MN MUFON Web Page. Information is also provided for MUFONET (a radio net) and the National MUFON Hotline for reporting UFO news and sightings. The Minnesota MUFON Journal (MMJ) is described as a free PDF publication available via email request or downloadable from www.mnmufon.org/mmjpdf.htm. The journal notes that articles are reprinted with permission and copyrights belong to the originators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/TRUFOs), the challenges of investigating such cases, the critical examination of skepticism, and the collection of data on paranormal experiences through surveys. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous phenomena, while also encouraging critical analysis of both claims and skeptical viewpoints, as evidenced by the inclusion of the article on "Skeptics and their dogma."