MUFON New Jersey Chronicle - Vol 01 No 05 - 1991 05-06

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW JERSEY CHRONICLE
Issue Date: May/June 1991
Volume: 1, Number 5
Publisher: THE MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.

This issue of The New Jersey Chronicle delves into several intriguing UFO-related incidents and research topics. It features reports on a mysterious "helicopter" crash in Salem, New Jersey, a sighting of an unidentified object in Hudson Valley, and a "dark mass" observed over Emerson, New Jersey. The magazine also includes articles on the importance of improving the public image of UFO research, the need for Congressional inquiry, and updates on the TREAT II Conference proceedings concerning anomalous trauma.

"HELICOPTER" CRASH IN SALEM, N.J., POSSIBLE CE-4 CASE

The lead article details an incident on April 21, 1991, in Salem County, NJ, where three women reported seeing what they believed to be a helicopter crash. Despite an extensive search by police and rescue squads, no evidence of a crash site or any missing helicopters was found. The witnesses described unusual aspects, such as the absence of sound and a burst of light, suggesting the object might have been a UFO. One witness also reported strange recurring dreams prior to the event, leading to speculation that the "crash" might be a screen memory for an abduction event, with Budd Hopkins being contacted. The local newspaper, TODAY'S SUNBEAM, published the names of the witnesses, but for privacy, the CHRONICLE uses pseudonyms "Mrs. H," "Mrs. W," and "Mrs. E." Mrs. H described seeing sparks and flames going to the ground. Mrs. W corroborated this, mentioning seeing flames shoot from the side of the object. Neither witness reported hearing any sound. The object was described as solid, helicopter-shaped, with white and blue lights, and then a shower of red-orange sparks followed by a bright flash. Police logs confirm the call at 10:18 p.m., with rescue squads responding immediately. The Federal Aviation Agency and local airports reported no missing aircraft. The incident was also covered by local TV news. A police spokesman stated that the reports were taken seriously, and the possibility of a prank call was dismissed. MUFON investigator Richard Butler disagreed with the police characterization of the area as densely wooded, suggesting a crashed helicopter would have been found. Rescue efforts involving helicopters and boats searched the area throughout the night and into Monday morning but found no trace of a crash. Later that Monday, a woman from Deptford Township reported seeing the same thing. Michael Talpas reported that at least two other people driving in cars also called in sightings. While some speculated it could be a meteor, the duration of the event (estimated at 20 seconds by one witness, 3 minutes by others) and the detailed descriptions make this less likely. The report also touches on one of the younger women's unusual dreams prior to the event, which Richard Butler interprets as a potential screen memory of an abduction experience.

NJ COUPLE OBSERVE "UNIDENTIFIED" IN HUDSON VALLEY

This report details an observation on March 12, 1991, in Central Valley, NY, by Mr. and Mrs. B of Teaneck, NJ. While shopping at Woodbury Commons, Mr. B noticed a large, dark gray, cigar-shaped object with a bright orange-red tail moving slowly to the southwest. The object emitted no sound. Mr. B's wife commented that it was "not an aircraft." They observed the object for several minutes as it continued its slow movement, at times stopping and hovering. Mrs. B described the tail as resembling a paintbrush. The object was close enough for Mr. B to dismiss the possibility of a blimp or weather balloon, and there was no observable wind to cause flying debris. The investigators consider Mr. and Mrs. B to be credible witnesses. Inquiries to local police and airports yielded no reports of unusual sightings for that evening. The report includes a drawing by Mr. B of the object.

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Paul M. Makuch, the editor, begins by recounting a recent power-source and controller card failure on the Chronicle's computer center, humorously considering the headline "ALIENS ATTACK THE NEW JERSEY CHRONICLE'S COMPUTER CENTER!". He announces upgrades to the publication programs and welcomes reader feedback. He highlights key articles in the current issue: the Salem County "Helicopter" crash investigation, the Hudson Valley sighting, and an article by Richard Hall on improving the UFO "Image" for a government inquiry. He also mentions Dr. Don Johnson's abstract on personality characteristics of abductees and a statistical study of triangular UFOs from the National Sighting Research Center. The editor also notes an upcoming subscription renewal notice and a price increase to $15.00 per year due to rising postage and printing costs. He thanks contributors and acknowledges the use of original UFO witness drawings.

STATE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Donald A. Johnson, Ph.D., discusses the release of the book "UFO Crash at Roswell" by Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt, recommending it and noting its availability. He mentions a news conference by the authors and a special report on the Roswell incident from the Center for UFO Studies. Johnson also outlines plans to send copies of the book and a "Recollection of Roswell" videotape to the New Jersey Congressional delegation, requesting meetings with their aides. He appeals for donations of $5.00 to cover the costs of these materials. He also lists the newly appointed State Section Directors for MUFON in New Jersey. Johnson reports on the southern New Jersey MUFON group's meeting, which included a report on UFO reports and a deer mutilation case, as well as his own attendance at the National Conference on Anomalous Experiences. He highlights the announcement of a $200,000 grant for abduction research by David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins. The message concludes with details for the next southern New Jersey MUFON meeting in Howell, NJ.

UFO "UNDERSTRUCTURE" LECTURE GIVEN AT NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM

This section reports on a presentation by New Jersey MUFON member Tom Benson at the New Jersey State Museum. Benson, an artist, discussed 96 cases of UFO "Understructures," with 24 illustrated. His data included 24 major categories and sub-category percentiles, leading to a tentative conclusion about potential UFO propulsion systems. Future research directions include upgrading data quality and using a motif classification system. A summary report will be published in The New Jersey Chronicle and a scientific journal.

UFO 'Image' Must Improve: A Government Inquiry

Written by Richard Hall, this article argues for the necessity of improving the public perception of UFOs to facilitate serious investigation, particularly by Congress. Hall recounts his involvement in two past congressional hearings on UFOs in the 1960s, noting that they were influenced by public pressure, impressive sightings, and scientific input. He emphasizes that Congress is more likely to investigate specific, focused issues rather than broad UFO phenomena. Hall criticizes the sensationalized and often "crackpot" nature of many UFO reports, which he believes hinders serious consideration. He suggests that for Congress to take UFOs seriously, there needs to be a clear-cut issue, a large number of credible witnesses, endorsement from prominent scientists, and perhaps current spectacular UFO events. He points to the 1960s' hearings, which focused on the perceived misleading nature of the Air Force's Project Blue Book, as an example of a focused issue. Hall also discusses the current "Congressional Liaison Project," which aims to provide background information to Congressional officers, noting some positive response regarding the Roswell crash case. He suggests that focused cases like Roswell and the 1965 Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, crash could be investigated independently. The article concludes by stressing the importance of separating credible UFO facts from sensationalized material to persuade Congress of the subject's significance.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Tom Benson writes a letter warning UFO promoters and lecturers who are Federal Government employees about a new Federal Law taking effect January 1, 1991, which forbids speaking or writing about non-fiction topics for a fee, with violations carrying a $10,000 fine. He also reminds those selling UFO literature in New Jersey to collect and pay the appropriate sales tax.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS

"DARK MASS" SEEN OVER EMERSON

This report details a sighting on April 10, 1991, in Emerson, New Jersey, by Bill and his neighbor Don. Bill observed a "dark mass" overhead traveling northwest at a constant altitude and speed, appearing to be the size of a 1/2 to 3/4 fist at arm's length. The object made no sound, had no lights, and left no vapor trail. Bill described it as a "dark amorphous mass" with an altering surface. He estimated the altitude at approximately 500 ft. The object traversed the horizon in about 15 seconds. Bill initially considered it a flock of birds but realized they would have to be moving exceptionally fast. The winds were reported at 20-30 mph. No electromagnetic or physical effects were noted. The following day, Don reported seeing a similar "dark blob" in the sky heading toward Kinderkamack Road two nights prior. Bill was shocked by the similarity of Don's account to his own sighting. The investigators note that this is a classic case of an anomalous night time sighting observed by two independent witnesses. Bill is an amateur astronomer and made inquiries about nocturnal birds, ruling them out as an explanation. No detailed investigation has taken place yet, but follow-up checks are underway.

TREAT II CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS TO BE PUBLISHED

This article announces the upcoming publication of the proceedings from the TREAT II Conference, organized by Rima Laibow, M.D. The conference series aims to provide "mainstream" scientific input to the UFO abduction puzzle. The proceedings will include papers from researchers like Maccabee, Friedman, Bullard, and Johnson, presenting their work to the academic and professional community. The book is described as "must" reading for ufologists and a valuable reference for physicians and therapists who encounter abductees, emphasizing that reported abductions are not necessarily a sign of pathology. The publication is handled by a reputable publishing house and is considered a bona fide scientific publication. The pre-publication price is $22, with the post-publication price being $32.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, potential UFO sightings, and the challenges of investigating and gaining public and governmental acceptance for the subject. The magazine consistently highlights the need for rigorous investigation, credible evidence, and a move away from sensationalism to improve the public and scientific image of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting of sightings and research, while also acknowledging the skepticism and obstacles faced by the UFO community. There is a clear emphasis on scientific approaches, as seen in the coverage of the TREAT conference and the discussion of improving UFO "image" for potential government engagement.

This issue of the magazine, dated June 1991, features a lead article titled "PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF PERSONS REPORTING EXPERIENCED ANOMALOUS TRAUMA: WHAT WE KNOW FROM QUESTIONAIRE DATA" by Donald A. Johnson, Ph.D. The article presents excerpts from a paper prepared for the Third Conference on Treatment and Research on Experienced Anomalous Trauma. It also includes an "UPDATE" section from the National Sighting Research Center analyzing triangular shaped unidentified flying objects, authored by Paul Ferrughelli.

Personality Characteristics of Persons Reporting Experienced Anomalous Trauma

This section delves into the personality profiles of individuals who report experienced anomalous trauma (EAT), with a specific focus on those claiming abduction by UFO aliens. The analysis is based on data from various psychological tests, including the MMPI, 16-PF, Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), NEO-PI, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The article examines the viability of the fantasy-prone personality hypothesis as a psychological mechanism for these claims, presenting evidence for psychopathology and individual differences within normal adult behavior. Data on hypnotic suggestibility, dissociative experiences, self-reported childhood experiences with fantasy proneness, and subjective psychic experiences are also discussed.

The author reviews research findings from several sources, including studies by Slater (1985), Ring and Rosing (1990), Stone (1989), Panell (1986, 1988), Parnell and Sprinkle (1990), Rodeghier, Goodpaster & Blatterbauer (personal communication), and Johnson (1991) himself. The analysis also includes data from the Personality Assessment System (PAS) classification for 20 EAT claimants.

Conclusions from the EAT Study

1. Doubtful Veracity: It is concluded that some individuals reporting UFO abduction and contact experiences may have personality profiles that cast doubt on the veracity of their accounts. This is partly based on the PAS reference group membership of some claimants, which includes immature, unstable, and untrustworthy individuals. Additionally, "markedly elevated" profile scores on MMPI scales F (faking), 6 (Pa - oversensitivity to criticism, possibly paranoid tendencies), and 8 (Sc - divergent thinking, possibly schizoid processes) in the Parnell and Sprinkle data are noted.
2. Fantasy Proneness: The study finds little support for fantasy proneness being a likely cause of experienced anomalous trauma. Studies by Ring & Rosing and Rodeghier et.al. found no significant relationships, and most EAT claimants do not fall into the small percentage of the population with extensive fantasy involvement. While EAT claimants may have slightly elevated scores for openness to fantasy, these are generally within the normal range. The article suggests that if they were fantasy-prone, their scores on the ICMI scale or the Childhood Experiences Inventory would be significantly higher.
3. Traumatic Event Hypothesis: Many individuals reporting abduction experiences show personality profiles consistent with having experienced a serious traumatic event. They may exhibit heightened vigilance and threat sensitivity. Questionnaires, projective tests, and WAIS assessments suggest these individuals might be less socially adept, ill at ease in interpersonal relationships, vulnerable to rejection, and lack a strong sense of identity. The hypothesis that UFO abduction scenarios might be a screen memory to protect victims from intolerable information and overwhelming affect due to childhood physical and sexual abuse is discussed. However, the author finds it perplexing that the victim consciously recalls and reports the abuse that is supposed to be intolerable. Further comparison with psychological profiles of rape and child abuse victims is recommended, with EAT claimants reporting childhood abuse analyzed as a separate subgroup.
4. Source of UFO Experience: The findings do not definitively settle the question of the true source of the UFO experience. While it's possible that extraterrestrials select vulnerable, psychically sensitive people, similar arguments can be made for other alternative explanations. The article emphasizes that psychological factors in the UFO abduction experience are significant and must be acknowledged as a source of clues for definitive answers.
5. Categorization of Experiences: The fact that personality characteristics predict aspects of the UFO abduction experience suggests that progress can be made by developing a concise method for categorizing the various aspects of these experiences. Analyzing the psychological characteristics of subgroups of EAT claimants, rather than lumping them together, is proposed as a more beneficial approach.

Analysis of Triangular Shaped Unidentified Flying Objects

This section, an "UPDATE" from the National Sighting Research Center, analyzes characteristics and statistics of triangular (deltoid) shaped UFO sightings from 1986-1990, based on a database of 944 cases, including 92 deltoid sightings.

Background

Triangular UFOs are presented as one of the most interesting groups of UFO sightings. The study uses data from the NSRC database (1986-90). It notes that 32% of deltoid reports are Close Encounter of the First or Second Kind (CE-1 or CE-2). The book "Night Siege" is cited for accounts of deltoids in the Hudson Valley in the early 1980s. In March 1990, deltoids gained media attention in Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Characteristics

Deltoids are reported to be very large, ranging from football field size to four times the size of a Boeing 747. Sound is rarely reported, but when it is, it's a faint hum. Their colors are dull gray to reddish-brown. Observers often experience long duration sightings, primarily at night, with rare daytime sightings. Deltoids are described as hovering, moving slowly, and then rapidly departing. Common descriptions include Triangles, Diamonds, Boomerangs, V-Shaped objects, Wings, Deltas, Stingrays, Cones, Semi-circles, and Bananas. Figures 1-4 illustrate some classic deltoid shapes based on witness drawings.

Statistical Breakdown (1986-1990)

The statistical summary for the 92 deltoid sightings in the U.S. includes:

• Peak Year: 1989 (38%)
• Peak Months: January (16%), March (13%), August (13%)
• Lull Month: June (1%)
• Peak Day of Week: Thursday (26%)
• Lull Day of Week: Saturday (5%)
• Peak Time of Day: Between 9-10 p.m. (29%)
• Peak Grouped Hours: Between 9-12 p.m. (55%)
• Lull Grouped Hours: Between 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (0%)
• Reports with No Sound: 84%
• Multiple Witness Reports: 67%
• Mean Sighting Duration: 11.5 Minutes

Figure 5 shows the national distribution of deltoid sightings by state.

Correlation Analysis

This study treated deltoid sightings as a separate group, comparing the 92 deltoid sightings to 852 other UFO sightings over a five-year period. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was .344, indicating a somewhat weak linear trend between deltoid sightings and general sightings. However, the T-Test value of .007 and a low P value indicate a strong significance of slope, though not necessarily a cause/effect relationship.

Conclusion of the Deltoid Study

Skeptics often attribute UFO reports to misapprehended natural phenomena, misidentified aircraft, or hoaxes. However, the known facts about deltoid sightings, such as 32% being close encounter cases, provide quality observational data. The size, hovering, slow movement, and long duration of these objects are difficult to explain as natural phenomena or conventional aircraft. The article questions the likelihood of an elaborate, worldwide hoax due to the effort and expense involved.

The data shows a weak correlation value but a strong significance of slope, suggesting deltoid sightings tend to increase as other UFO sightings increase. The article poses whether this could be a technique to disguise UFOs or part of the same general phenomena. Further analysis considered time of day, peak/lull months, states, multiple witness cases, visibility, sound, and duration, matching them with general reported sightings.

Unusual facts noted include that Thursday is not a peak day for UFO sightings (unlike Tuesday and Wednesday), there are no reported deltoid sightings between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and the scatter plot shows strong straight-line relationships.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on the psychological aspects of UFO experiences, particularly abductions, and presents a data-driven analysis of a specific type of UFO sighting (deltoids). The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking empirical evidence and psychological explanations while acknowledging the complexity and persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena. The magazine encourages further research and detailed analysis of subgroups within the EAT claimant population. The "News of Science" section briefly touches upon new evidence suggesting the reality of UFOs, referencing the Roswell incident and alleged government cover-ups, indicating a leaning towards investigating such claims seriously.

Upcoming UFO Conferences

The issue lists several upcoming UFO conferences in 1991:

• MUFON 1991 International UFO Symposium: July 5-7, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago, Illinois.
• Disneyworld's Great UFO/ET/Alien & Abduction Congress: August 23-25, 1991, The Grosvenor Resort. Speakers include Wendelle C. Stevens and Jorge Martin.
• 28th Annual VAPA 1991 National UFO Conference: September 13-14, 1991, Holiday Inn Cleveland/Airport. Speakers include James W. Moseley, Antionio Huneeus, Tim Beckley, Curt Sutherly, and Ron Schaffner.

News of Science

This section reports on "New UFO Evidence?" suggesting that UFOs may be real. It details new evidence and testimony about the U.S. Government recovering a crashed UFO in New Mexico in 1947, the subsequent cover-up, and the unusual nature of the recovered material and alien bodies. It mentions retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General who claims officials ordered the cover-up. The Fund for UFO Research is sponsoring an investigation into the New Mexico case.

Lighter Side of ufology

A cartoon depicts aliens positioned on street corners, asking for orders to "gradually eliminate these creatures?"