MUFON Missouri newsletter - 2012 01

Magazine Overview

This document is the January 2012 issue of the Missouri MUFON News newsletter, Volume II, Issue 1. It focuses on UFO sightings and related activities within Missouri, featuring reports, statistics, event calendars, and articles of interest to MUFON members and the public.

Rectangular UFO over the Plaza December 24

This lead article, by Roger Marsh, details a sighting on December 24, 2011, by a witness in Kansas City, Missouri. The witness reported a hovering, rectangular-shaped object approximately 200 to 300 feet above the trees near the Plaza lights. The object displayed flashing strobe lights and an orange glow. The witness initially mistook it for a traffic helicopter but realized it was stationary. The object was described as being as wide as two traffic lanes. The witness noted that other people were in the street and may have also seen the object. No images or videos were submitted with the report, which was filed on January 2, 2012.

An editor's note from Margie Kay mentions that she contacted the witness, who further elaborated on the experience. The witness described people on a median between traffic lanes appearing "out of contrast" like an old TV signal. The witness is preparing a drawing of the object for the MUFON CMS database. The article also notes that Missouri is currently rated UFO ALERT 4, with a higher than average number of sightings nationally, having recorded 15 reports in December 2011, while California led the nation with 63 reports.

Sighting in Joplin Similar to Others in Belton

This section details an account submitted by a Joplin, Missouri resident, which occurred on January 3rd. The sighting is described as similar to several others reported from the Belton/Raymore and South Lee's Summit areas in November. The witness observed a bright light hovering, from which three smaller, blinking objects emerged. These smaller objects darted erratically before ascending and then becoming still and blinking. The witness then observed the original large light begin to float slowly downwards until it was obscured by buildings and trees. The witness also noted a possible airplane flying past the objects. The smaller objects were still blinking and sitting still. Upon returning later, the witness found that the objects were gone. The witness's sister and mother encouraged her to report this sighting, as she had not reported four previous sightings of a bright light since early December 2011.

Monthly Statistical MUFON Report for Dec 2011

This report, from MUFON International Director Clifford Clift, provides a statistical breakdown of UFO reports for December 2011. The United States had 498 reports, with Afghanistan second at 98. The top ten states for reports were Alabama (101), California (63), Pennsylvania (40), Florida (39), Michigan (26), New York (22), North Carolina (21), Georgia (20), Texas (16), and Missouri (15). The report also categorizes sightings by object shape, with 'Sphere' being the most reported (154), followed by 'Circle' (89) and 'Star-like' (84). 'Square/Rectangular' objects were reported 18 times. The report notes that Missouri is consistently in the top 10 for UFO reports and expresses bafflement over the significant increase in sightings from May to November 2011, particularly in the greater Kansas City area.

Calendar of UFO Events

This section lists upcoming MUFON meetings and events in Missouri for January through May 2012. Events include St. Louis MUFON meetings at Culpepper's Restaurant, KC MUFON meetings at Westport Flea Market Restaurant, a MUFON Field Investigator Class in St. Louis, and the 21st Annual UFO Congress in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Specific dates, times, locations, and speakers (where available) are provided. A note warns of potential meeting cancellations due to winter weather. The May 20, 2012, event is highlighted as the Missouri MUFON annual statewide meeting in Kansas City, focusing on the "Kansas City UFO Flap of 2011."

New Research Shows Billions of Planets in our Galaxy

Authored by Margie Kay, this article discusses new astronomical findings. The 219th American Astronomical Society announced that gravitational microlensing suggests there are hundreds of billions of planets in our Milky Way Galaxy, with possibly 10 billion Earth-sized planets. This is a significant increase from previous estimates. The Kepler telescope has been instrumental in this research, and in December 2011, the first Earth-sized planet was detected. The article also mentions the discovery of three small planets orbiting a red dwarf star, KOI-961. The term "Exoplanets" is introduced for planets outside our solar system. The article concludes by posing the question of whether other intelligent life forms exist in our galaxy.

St. Louis MUFON News

This section, written by State Director Debbie Ziegelmeyer, provides updates on St. Louis area MUFON activities. The December meeting featured Margie Kay discussing the Kansas City UFO Flap and predictions for 2012. The group also held a UFO/Paranormal gift exchange. The January 18th meeting was scheduled to feature David Marler presenting on Triangle craft sightings. The newsletter also announces Ted Phillips's 70th birthday and that Missouri MUFON purchased a remote control helicopter for his investigations, seeking donations to cover the cost. A MUFON Field Investigator class was scheduled for February 11, 2012, requiring attendees to be current MUFON members with specific qualifications.

MUFON Internet Resources

This section lists various online resources for MUFON members. It includes MUFON Forums for discussion, UFONAUT Radio with Jesse Randolph, MUFON Ham Radio, and links to download UFO case report forms and astronomy software. It also directs users to file UFO sighting reports at mufon.com and encourages ordering the MUFON Journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes MUFON's mission of investigating UFO phenomena. Recurring themes include detailed witness reports of sightings, statistical analysis of UFO activity, and the promotion of MUFON events and educational opportunities. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into UFOs, encouraging member participation and the sharing of information. There is also an interest in broader scientific discoveries related to space and potential extraterrestrial life, as seen in the article on exoplanets. The newsletter aims to keep members informed about local and national UFO news, events, and research.