MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 178

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON Minnesota Journal
Issue: #178
Date: March/April 2016
Publisher: MUFON Mutual UFO Network

The CE4 Corner: Balance Between Spirit and Technology

Craig R. Lang's "CE4 Corner" column explores the delicate balance between the right brain (emotional healing, spirituality) and the left brain (problem-solving, technology). He draws parallels between his work as a hypnotherapist, his interest in science and religion, and the field of UFO studies. Lang recounts attending a MUFON conference where he heard lectures on UFO physics, utilizing concepts like Maxwell's equations and general relativity, and the spiritual aspects of UFO encounters. He notes how UFO studies fit into this balancing act, questioning whether the phenomenon is physical or spiritual, or both. Lang describes an instance where he left a lecture to assist an "experiencer" who had recovered memories of a UFO encounter and a subsequent devastating period in her life. He also shares an anecdote about an experiencer who, after being shown visions of apocalyptic scenarios by aliens, declared it to be "all bull @#$%," asserting his own discernment.

The column emphasizes that neither pure spirituality nor pure technology can provide complete answers, and that endeavors are often a mixture of opposites, forming a delicate balance. Lang mentions upcoming MUFON initiatives like UFOTOG2, focusing on physical evidence cases, while also acknowledging the ongoing work with technology projects and the importance of deep trance work in hypnotherapy.

LUCIFER is Helping Vatican Astronomers Look for Extraterrestrials?

This article reports on a book, "Exo-Vaticana: Petrus Romanus, Project LUCIFER, and the Vatican's Astonishing Plan for the Arrival of an Alien Savior," by Tom Horn and Chris Putnam. The authors claim that Vatican astronomers are using the LUCIFER instrument, attached to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), to search for an alien savior. LUCIFER is an acronym for "Large Binocular Telescope Near-infrared Utility with Camera and Integral Field Unit for Extragalactic Research." The book suggests that the Vatican believes an alien savior is imminent. The article also mentions Guy Consolmagno, a Jesuit astronomer at the Vatican, who stated in a 2010 interview that any entity, regardless of its form, has a soul and that he would offer to baptize an extraterrestrial if requested. Consolmagno also affirmed the Vatican's keen interest in science.

The Aliens Are Silent Because They're Dead

This section presents a theory from astrobiologists at The Australian National University (ANU) that explains the Fermi paradox – the lack of detected extraterrestrial life. The theory, called the "Gaian Bottleneck," suggests that early life on planets is fragile and often dies out due to runaway heating or cooling. While habitable planets may be common, the ability of life to regulate greenhouse gases to maintain a stable climate is rare. Earth's early life likely played a crucial role in stabilizing its climate, unlike Venus and Mars. The theory predicts that most fossils in the universe will be from extinct microbial life, not complex species.

The UFO Phenomenon as Demonic Activity?

This section explores the perspective that UFOs might be an occultic or demonic phenomenon, citing researchers like Jacques Vallee, John A. Keel, and Pierre Guerin. Vallee suggests UFOs are not simply spacecraft but represent an unrecognized level of consciousness linked to Earth, capable of projecting illusions to alter belief systems. Keel posits that UFO manifestations are variations of the age-old demonological phenomenon. Guerin likens UFO behavior to magic rather than physics and believes modern "UFOnauts" are identical to ancient demons. Lynn E. Catoe links UFO literature to mysticism and metaphysical subjects, noting similarities to demonic possession. Ivar Mackay suggests a correlation between occult groups and UFO entities. Trevor James emphasizes the indispensability of occult science knowledge for UFO investigation. Sociologists Stupple and McNeece note that flying saucer cults are part of a larger occult social world.

The Way of the Explorer

Billy Cox's article recounts an encounter with moonwalker Edgar Mitchell, who, while stating he found no evidence of UFOs during his space missions, expressed that if the government possessed knowledge of ET contact and withheld it, it would be a case of "criminal culpability." Mitchell, who conducted ESP experiments on the moon, founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences. The article also touches upon Mitchell's allegations about a "semi- or quasi-private organization" operating with black-budget federal funding that aimed to get people released from their security oaths regarding UFO phenomena. Mitchell's bond with Steven Greer reportedly dissolved due to Greer's use of Mitchell's name to promote his Disclosure initiative. Mitchell also recounted a story about Rear Adm. Thomas R. Wilson, former Defense Intelligence Agency director, who allegedly denied having access to UFO-related material due to security clearance issues, a story Greer continued to repeat.

Mitchell's desire to explore the unknown is highlighted, with his autobiography "The Way of the Explorer" suggesting that such experiences can quell the fear of death and lead to a profound feeling of eternity.

UFOs in Chile, France and Russia

Antonio Huneeus discusses official UFO investigations in various countries, focusing on Chile, France, and Russia. Chile has become a leader in official UFO study, with its committee, CEFAA, operating under the Civil Aviation agency (DGAC) to assess risks to air operations. Notable Chilean cases include the "time warp case of Corporal Valdes" and the "Pelican case" involving multiple aircraft witnessing an object with erratic motion. The article highlights Chile's commitment to transparency and cooperation with other countries.

France has a long history of rational UFO investigation, with protocols established by the Gendarmerie and the creation of GEPAN (later GEIPAN) by the CNES space agency. Significant French cases include the Valensole CE-III encounter and the Trans-en-Provence landing, which left physical evidence. Semi-official reports like the COMETA Report and the Sigma Commission have also concluded that UFOs are real and likely of extraterrestrial origin.

The article contrasts these open investigations with the perceived lack of openness in the United States, emphasizing the need for a change in attitude and a willingness to share information. Gen. Bermúdez is quoted stating that the anomalous aerial phenomenon is real and present everywhere, necessitating scientific study and accurate information dissemination.

International Panel

A brief mention of the international panel at the Citizen Hearing on Disclosure, listing participants from Chile/France/Russia, UK, Canada, China, and Italy.

Other Countries: France & Russia

This section continues the discussion on international UFO investigations, mentioning Russia, the UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Ukraine, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. It reiterates France's long-standing and rational approach, dating back to the fifties, with the Gendarmerie formalizing protocols in the seventies. The establishment of GEPAN by CNES is noted, along with its successor GEIPAN. The article also mentions semi-official reports like COMETA and the Sigma Commission, which confirm the reality of UFOs and their likely extraterrestrial origin. The author contrasts this with the US approach, suggesting a need for greater openness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the multifaceted nature of the UFO phenomenon, exploring its intersection with science, spirituality, and even potential demonic influences. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of open, scientific, and transparent investigation, as exemplified by the efforts in Chile and France. The journal appears to advocate for a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the physical and metaphysical aspects of UFO encounters, and encouraging a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject. The editorial stance seems to favor international cooperation and a departure from secrecy or dismissal of the phenomenon.

This issue of the Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated March 6, 2016, focuses on early UFO bulletins and magazines available for free in PDF format. It highlights the proactive approach of France in UFO research and delves into the history of UFO investigations in Russia and the former Soviet Union.

UFO Research in Russia and the Soviet Union

The article outlines the historical context of UFO research in the Soviet Union, noting initial censorship and private research by scientists like Prof. Felix Zigel. A significant development was the creation of a Commission for the study of Anomalous Phenomena in 1977 following a publicized event in Petrozavadosk, Karelia. Alongside this public commission, a secret study was conducted by the KGB and the Soviet Ministry of Defense, the existence of which was revealed after the USSR's collapse. Some military and KGB files were released in the 1990s, including incidents involving UFOs over nuclear facilities.

Key Soviet/Russian UFO Incidents

• Kapustin Yar Missile Base (July 28-29, 1989): A multiple-witness Close Encounter of the First Kind (CE-I) at a top-secret army missile base. Seven military witnesses reported a disc-shaped object maneuvering over the rocket weapons depot and emitting a bright beam.
• Usovo Nuclear Missile Base (1982): Sightings of UFOs over a nuclear missile base in Ukraine coincided with malfunctions in the computerized console controlling nuclear weapons launches. This incident is compared to events at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

International Agreements and UFOs

The article points out that concerns over UFOs interacting with nuclear weapons may have led to a curious clause in the Agreement on Measures to Reduce the Risk of Nuclear War between the United States and the Soviet Union, signed in 1971. Article 3 of this agreement states that both parties undertake to notify each other immediately if missile warning systems detect unidentified objects or if there are signs of interference with these systems, especially if such occurrences could create a risk of nuclear war.

Cosmonaut Accounts

Several UFO cases involving Russian cosmonauts have been made public. A notable report comes from cosmonaut Major-General Vladimir Kovalyonok from the Salyut-6 space station on May 5, 1981. He described sighting a pulsating, round object that resembled a melon and later became like a barbell, unlike any known cosmic objects. Major-General Pavel Popovich, who became President of the All-Union Ufology Association, is also mentioned, with a quote emphasizing the need for ufology to be integrated with other sciences for a global study of humanity's place in the universe.

Minnesota UFO Report

A personal account details a UFO sighting in Blaine, Minnesota, on December 25, 2015. The witness and his brother observed two burnt orange spheres or orbs that moved west and then formed a triangle formation with a third object before fading. Later, a much larger, pale blue and white object was seen. The witness also reported a strange experience of time distortion and subsequent physical and psychological distress, questioning if he had been abducted.

Resources for UFO Literature

The journal provides links to various archives offering early UFO bulletins and magazines in PDF format, including those from CUFOS and the Barry Greenwood Archive. It also lists contact information and web pages for MUFON Minnesota, including their hotline for reporting UFO news and sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of serious, scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, advocating for its integration with other scientific disciplines. It highlights the historical significance of UFO reports, particularly those involving military and nuclear installations, and suggests a global perspective is needed. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and information sharing, providing resources for researchers and enthusiasts.