MUFON Missouri newsletter - 2013 Q2 - Summer

Magazine Overview

This document is the Spring 2013 issue of the Missouri MUFON Newsletter, Volume II, Issue 2. It serves as a newsletter for members and friends of the Missouri Mutual UFO Network (MUFON).

National UFO Alert

The lead article, "National UFO Alert: Seven states report 265 May cases, 547 U.S. Total" by Roger Marsh, details the updated UFO ALERT Rating System for June 2013. California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are highlighted as the highest reporting states for May 2013, with California leading at 67 cases. States like Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Washington, Colorado, Indiana, and Minnesota are in the UFO Alert 4 category with 13 or more reports. Other states fall into the UFO Alert 5 category. "Watch States" with 10 or more cases include Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland. The article notes that the entire country was moved back to the lowest alert level, UFO Alert 5.

It further breaks down the reported UFO shapes for May, with the sphere being the most reported (187 cases), followed by Circle (117), Triangle (92), Star-like (90), and Other (88). The distance of the objects from the witness is also analyzed, with "over one mile" being the most common (166 cases), followed by "unknown" (232 cases). The report also mentions "19 landings, hovering, or takeoffs reported and 1 entity observed."

From the New Editor

Patrick (Pat) E. Jagars, the new assistant editor, introduces himself and his plans for the newsletter, including an article on "Area 51" and a series on different UFO phenomena. He solicits feedback and information on organizational meetings. He also calls for "papers" for the next month's newsletter and suggests "Fun Apps to have" for stargazing and UFO tracking, such as Google Sky Map, Meteor Showers, ISS Detector, and GPS Essentials.

Mysterious Area 51

This article by Patrick Jagars explores the myths and truths surrounding Area 51. It discusses the various names it has gone by, such as "Dreamland" and "Groom Lake," and its location 83 miles North of Las Vegas. Myths include Hangar 18 being the largest hangar and its alleged involvement in reverse-engineering alien technology. The article questions the origin of the name "Area 51," with theories linking it to the Roswell wreckage or its placement on a geographical map. Security on the base is described as either "top notch" or "a big joke." It is noted that much of the base is believed to be underground, and it is said to be prepared for World War III or to prevent it. Area 51 is also linked as a decoy for a secret base in Washington State.

The "Truths" section highlights Area 51 as a testing ground for combat aircraft, including the U-2, X-15, "Blackbird," "Stealth" aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It mentions the use of captured Soviet MIGs to study their strengths and weaknesses. The article also touches on the restricted airspace around Area 51, with a "shoot to kill" policy potentially enacted for unauthorized entry. Annie Jacobsen's book "Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base" is mentioned as a source of information.

Recent Missouri UFO Reports to MUFON

This section compiles unedited reports from the MUFON database:

• May 25, 2013 (Ralls, MO): Six reddish-orange lights in a V-shaped formation were observed hovering noiselessly for several minutes before disappearing into a cloud. The witness, a retired police officer, was convinced it was a UFO.
• June 1, 2013 (Independence, MO): A single, very bright light was observed in the sky, glowing brighter and then diminishing into nothing. The witness attempted to photograph it.
• May 7, 2013 (Arnold, MO): A bright triangular light formation, brighter than surrounding stars, was observed hovering in place. Another light approached its base before disappearing. The formation was offset from natural star formations.
• November 9, 2012 (reported in June 2013, St. Charles, MO): A string of four red/orange lights moved in unison from East to West, maintaining distance and speed. The lights were described as solid red-orange and did not change color, blink, or change size.
• June 10, 2013 (Naingua, MO): A shiny sphere, emitting a bright, unwavering light with no sound, skimmed over treetops at approximately 35-40 feet above the ground. The object moved at an estimated 40-45 miles per hour and was speculated to be a drone, but its bright light and speed raised questions.

News From the State Director

Debbie Ziegelmeyer, Missouri MUFON State Director, reports on the month's completed sighting reports: 6 Unknown, 4 IFO (identified), 2 Insufficient Evidence, 2 Information Only, and 2 Hoax Events. She also provides statistics on assigned cases for 2013, noting Missouri's 3rd place ranking nationally. The article mentions a "Citizen's Hearing for UFO Disclosure" in Washington D.C., where former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel acknowledged a space-based military force. The upcoming guest speaker is Steve Firmani, who will discuss a March 10, 2010, New Hampshire car levitation case. Crystal Jackson will also be premiering her new Alien book. Monthly meetings are held at Culpepper's Restaurant in Creve Coeur.

Orange Fireball Reports Continue

By Margie Kay, ASD Missouri MUFON, this section discusses the continued reports of orange or orange-red glowing orbs or fireballs, which have steadily increased since May 2010. Witnesses report seeing these lights at various altitudes, from treetop level to a few feet off the ground. One account describes a glowing orange orb moving away from a house at roof level and then taking off very fast. The article notes that while MUFON.com has many reports of these phenomena globally, there are no definitive answers, with speculation that they might be craft or probes.

Calendar of Events

This section lists upcoming events and meetings:

• Missouri MUFON Monthly Meetings: Details for St. Louis, Kansas City, and St. Joseph meetings.
• 2013 MUFON Symposium: July 18-21 in Las Vegas, NV.
• 2013 ExrtaOrdinary Technology Conference: July 24-28 in Albuquerque, NM.
• Experiencers Speak 2 Alien Abduction Conference: September 6-8 in Portland, ME.
• KGRA PARACON: September 13-14 in Kansas City, MO.
• MUFON PA Annual Conference: October 4-6 in Philadelphia, PA.
• International UFO Congress: February 19-23 in Fountain Hills, AZ.
• Cornwall UFO Conference: October 12 in Truro, Cornwall, UK.
• Paradigm Symposium: October 17-19 in Minneapolis, MN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings, reports, and investigations. There is a strong emphasis on data collection and statistical analysis, as seen in the "National UFO Alert" section. The publication also explores the more speculative aspects of ufology, including discussions on advanced technology, government secrecy (particularly concerning Area 51), and potential extraterrestrial involvement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and information sharing within the MUFON community, encouraging members to contribute their findings and participate in discussions and events. The newsletter aims to educate and inform its readers about UFO phenomena and related topics.