MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 179

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON Minnesota Journal, Issue #179, dated May/June 2016, focuses on the theme of 'Alien Mischief' and related topics such as extraterrestrial visitation, UFO disclosure, and scientific investigation into anomalous phenomena.

Alien Mischief

The lead article, 'Alien Mischief,' by William I. McNeff, explores the belief in extraterrestrial visitation, suggesting that with over 80 alien races involved, their purposes likely vary. The article references Howard Storm's near-death experience where he saw various alien races, some of whom were committing 'mischief.' Experiencer Roger Kvande also reported aliens 'doing mischief.' The article questions whether alien interference with nuclear weapons, such as the Minuteman missiles, is 'mischief' or a message against mutual destruction. It also touches upon reports of abductions where individuals' wills are subverted for sexual encounters, questioning if this serves a higher purpose like strengthening genetic traits. The concept of a 'galactic confederation' with rules is mentioned, alongside alien races like 'reptilians' that allegedly do not subscribe to these rules. Psychologist John Carpenter's decades-old reports of women experiencing forced sex with reptilians, sometimes resulting in strong climaxes, are cited as examples of the strangeness of the ET phenomenon.

NASA Confirms “1,300 New Worlds Discovered By Kepler Probe – 9 Are Probably HABITABLE”

This article reports on NASA's confirmation of nearly 1,300 new exoplanets, with nine being rocky planets that could potentially host alien life. This discovery is framed as a possible 'drip feeding of DISCLOSURE.' The Kepler spacecraft, launched in May 2009, had previously identified thousands of candidate planets, including 12 in the 'Goldilocks Zone.' The new findings double the number of confirmed worlds, with nearly half being rocky. Notably, nine planets are in the habitable zone, with Kepler 1638b being approximately 60% larger than Earth and orbiting its star closely. Paul Hertz, Astrophysics Division director at NASA, stated that humanity is entering a time where it can scientifically answer the question of whether we are alone, with exoplanets being a key focus. The article notes that while these planets are confirmed, some believe NASA is already aware of habitable planets used by ETs. The Kepler mission is ending, to be replaced by new telescopes like the James Webb telescope, designed to study planetary atmospheres for signs of life.

What UFOs Mean for Why People Don't Trust Science

Authored by Julie Beck, this article explores the complex psychology of fringe beliefs and the mistrust between ufology and mainstream science. It references a 1953 U.S. Air Force sergeant's statement about unknown objects and discusses Greg Eghigian's research on the history of ufology. Eghigian argues that the mistrust stems not from ufologists' ignorance of science, but from a perceived lack of scientific engagement with their hypotheses. The article highlights how academics initially dismissed UFO study as illegitimate, with the U.S. Air Force ceasing its own investigations. Human sciences began studying *why* people believe in UFOs, leading to more reports of alien abduction, which Eghigian links to 'human experimentation.' The article suggests that the 'institutional isolation' of ufologists reinforces their view that authorities are hiding information. Barriers to understanding, such as the inaccessibility of scientific journals and complex scientific jargon, can also contribute to suspicion. Scientists' reluctance to engage with UFO-related topics is seen as further fueling public mistrust.

The article also touches upon the public's understanding of science, citing a Pew report that 84% of scientists believe the public doesn't know much about science. However, it posits that ufologists might understand science but are hoping it will eventually confirm their existing beliefs.

Hillary Clinton Gives U.F.O. Buffs Hope She Will Open the X-Files

This piece by Amy Chozick reports on Hillary Clinton's public statements regarding UFOs, or 'unexplained aerial phenomena' (UAP) as she termed them. Clinton has vowed to open government files on the subject, a departure from President Obama's dismissive stance. Her position has energized UFO enthusiasts, who have dubbed her the 'E.T. Candidate.' Joseph G. Buchman, an advocate for government transparency, notes Clinton's unprecedented interest. She has stated she would release information about Area 51 and wants to open files 'as much as we can,' expressing a desire to see what information the files reveal rather than stating a belief in UFOs. The article notes that while many Americans do not believe in UFOs, Clinton's stance aligns with a broader cultural fascination with aliens. Her campaign chairman, John D. Podesta, a proponent of disclosure, has a history of interest in UFOs, including running an 'X-Files' fan club. The article mentions a 1995 meeting with Laurance S. Rockefeller, who was pressuring the government on UFO-related files, and how this meeting may have influenced Clinton's current position. It also references the cultural impact of 'The X-Files' and movies like 'Independence Day' during the Clinton presidency.

And the meek shall inherit the Earth

Written by Billy Cox, this article critiques the media's focus on the presidential campaign's tenor while overlooking Hillary Clinton's statements on UFOs. Cox highlights the irony of candidates discussing mundane issues while ignoring the possibility of extraterrestrial life. He references Stephen Bassett's lobbying efforts for government disclosure and the significance of Clinton's willingness to discuss UFOs. The article also touches upon the idea that a major victory would be for candidates to be asked about UFOs in a presidential debate, with Christopher Mellon advocating for humility in understanding the universe.

The Weird Tale of the Man Who Discovered “Gravity Shielding” UFO-like Technologies

This article by Micah Hanks details the work of Russian inventor Eugene Podkletnov. In 1992, while working with superconductors at Tampere University in Finland, Podkletnov observed that a rotating superconducting disc, when placed near electromagnets, appeared to lessen the effect of gravity on objects above it by up to 2%. Journalist Charles Platt documented this phenomenon, noting that it seemed to shield objects from Earth's pull. The article draws parallels to earlier discoveries by Francois Dominique Arago regarding magnets and spinning discs. Podkletnov claimed his technology could reflect gravitational waves and lead to new forms of flight akin to UFO craft. Despite initial interest from companies like Boeing and NASA, and programs like Project Grasp and Project Greenglow, the effects were reportedly not reproducible, and Podkletnov faced criticism and alleged suppression from a 'gravity establishment.' The article suggests that the difficulties Podkletnov encountered may be similar to the reasons UFO reports have been historically downplayed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent presence of UFO phenomena in public discourse, the tension between scientific skepticism and belief in the unexplained, and the ongoing quest for government transparency regarding extraterrestrial life. The journal appears to adopt a stance of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to research and consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and evidence. There is a clear interest in the potential for disclosure and the implications of alien visitation and advanced technologies.

The Minnesota MUFON Journal, dated May 2016, features a prominent article detailing the claims of hacker Gary McKinnon regarding US military operations in space. The issue also delves into the complexities of UFO disclosure and announces an upcoming meeting of the Minnesota MUFON chapter.

NASA Hacker Claims USA Has War Ships In Space

This article, by Baxter Dmitry, dated April 10, 2016, reports on high-profile hacker Gary McKinnon's assertions about a secret US Navy operation in space. McKinnon, known for hacking into US Navy and NASA systems in 2002, claims to have discovered a fleet of "eight to ten" warships in space, manned by approximately 25 "Non-terrestrial officers." He described how he used a program called Landsearch to scan NASA documents and files for UFO cover-ups, operating undetected for two years before being caught. McKinnon stated that NASA's security was lax and that President Bush wanted him imprisoned. He faced a ten-year legal battle in the UK, narrowly avoiding extradition to the USA.

• McKinnon shared specific details from his findings, including:
• A person at the Johnson Space Center in Houston whose full-time job is to airbrush UFOs from images.
• A US Navy spreadsheet titled 'Non-terrestrial officers,' which he interprets as evidence of beings not from Earth, with ranks and names listed, and ships prefixed with 'USS.'
• Evidence of "material transfer between ships," possibly involving eight to ten such transfers.

McKinnon believes these findings explain the Bush administration's strong desire to have him incarcerated. The article notes that McKinnon's body language during a four-part interview suggested consistency and insight, despite potential skepticism from the public.

The Disclosure Problem

Authored by Whitley Strieber and dated April 29, 2016, this section discusses the challenges and political maneuvering surrounding UFO disclosure. Strieber notes that Hillary Clinton is hedging her position, stating she may not proceed with disclosure if national security issues arise. He recalls that Jimmy Carter promised transparency but later refused to discuss the matter. Laurence Rockefeller's attempt to confront Bill Clinton about UFOs was met with a similar refusal to discuss.

Strieber points out that documents older than thirty years are typically declassified unless they pose a national security risk. He references John Podesta's tweet about the "law" requiring release, implying that some information is being withheld for reasons beyond standard classification. The article also mentions astronaut Gordon Cooper's 1957 sighting of a silver object at Edwards Air Force Base, which he publicly stated had films taken of it, but these were classified and never released.

Strieber recounts being told that Jimmy Carter received a briefing that deeply affected him, leading to his subsequent silence on the topic. He questions whether the issue is truly national security or a social one, pondering the public reaction to the release of evidence of intelligently controlled UFOs, particularly the potential for sensationalized media coverage of "alien abductions."

He suggests that the "visitors" themselves might be controlling the disclosure process, rather than presidents or government officials. Strieber posits that a newly elected president briefed on such matters might be overwhelmed and accept information uncritically. He emphasizes the need for skepticism, even when dealing with potentially alien entities, as their true nature and intentions are unknown. Strieber believes that confronting such a challenge requires years of preparation and emotional resilience.

He references his books, "Solving the Communion Enigma" and "Super Natural," as attempts to lay intellectual groundwork for a rational discussion of these issues. Strieber concludes that disclosure is crucial for humanity's survival, especially given the accelerating curve of an extinction event on Earth. He believes that an admission of an unknown, intelligent presence would mobilize human intellect to address critical problems.

Strieber reflects on the immense pressure a president would face if tasked with revealing the truth about UFOs and aliens, suggesting that a psych hospital visit might be a consequence of breaking the silence. He acknowledges that many may not even consider the existence of such phenomena. He concludes that the only solution is to "be as a clear glass through which God can Shine," a process that requires many years of difficulty and internal realization.

The section ends with a paraphrase from Aleister Crowley's "The Book of Lies," encouraging doubt.

Minnesota MUFON Meeting May 14

This section announces the regular meeting of Minnesota MUFON, scheduled for Saturday, May 14, at the New Brighton Family Service Center. The event includes a social time at 1:00 pm, followed by a formal meeting at 2:00 pm. The agenda includes announcements, introductions, and a presentation by Professor Aaron Tank.

Prof. Aaron Tank – Brief Biography:

Aaron Tank was raised on a family farm in western North Dakota, with a family history of UFO sightings. He teaches Chemistry and Physics at West Fargo High School and has taught at various tech schools and colleges. He has a breeding farm in the Glyndon-Felton area of Minnesota and has conducted extensive experiments with turning water into fuel. He has advised the government on projects through NDSU and UND. Professor Tank will be speaking about his experiences and research.

The meeting is open to the public, with a fee of $3.00 for MUFON members and $5.00 for non-members. Bill McNeff is listed as Asst. State Director, Chief Investigator for Minnesota MUFON.

Meeting Location and Contact Information

Directions are provided for attendees coming from the south to the New Brighton Community Center. Information is also given for accessing up-to-date details on MUFON Minnesota meetings and agendas via their website. Contact details for MUFON Minnesota, including State Director Craig Lang, Assist. State Director Bill McNeff, and Journal Editor Joel Henry, are provided, along with an email address and website for the MN MUFON WEB PAGE.

Details for MUFONET (3.9777 Mhz) and the National MUFON Hotline are also included.

The Minnesota MUFON Journal (MMJ) is a free publication available only as a PDF document via email request or download from their website. Instructions are given for submitting news or editorial contributions to the Editor.

A note on copyright states that articles are reprinted with permission or are believed to be in the public domain, and permission must be obtained from the original author(s) for use or reprint.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing mystery of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact, the complexities of government secrecy and the push for disclosure, and the role of civilian organizations like MUFON in investigating and disseminating information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting claims and discussions from various perspectives, while acknowledging the challenges and potential implications of such topics. The inclusion of Arthur C. Clarke's quote, "Two possibilities exist; Either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying," encapsulates the profound and unsettling nature of the subjects explored.