MUFON New Jersey Chronicle - Vol 02 No 04 - 1992 03-04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW JERSEY CHRONICLE
Issue: VOLUME 2 NUMBER 4
Date: MARCH - APRIL 1992
Publisher: MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The New Jersey Chronicle, a publication of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), focuses on UFO sightings, government secrecy, and the broader implications of potential alien contact. It features a detailed account of a sighting in Wayne, New Jersey, alongside articles discussing government disinformation, the Roswell incident, and alien abductions.

Wayne, New Jersey Overflight

The lead article, "WAYNE, NEW JERSEY OVERFLIGHT," presents a firsthand account of a UFO sighting that occurred in October 1988. The witness, identified as part of a family including her husband Bob and four children, described a bright, car-sized, oval-shaped object with brilliant lights and shooting sparks hovering over trees. The object was observed to be stationary, unlike a plane, and then swooped eastward out of sight. The witness's written transcript of the incident is presented, with an accompanying drawing of the UFO.

Controlling the Secret

This section explores the long-held belief among UFO researchers that the U.S. Government has possessed evidence of alien visitation since the Roswell event. The article posits that the government's primary concern is control, not only in conventional matters but also in managing the implications of extraterrestrial presence. It argues that alien visitation represents a national security threat far greater than past conflicts like World War II or the Cold War, questioning the very survival of human civilization.

The President's Speech

The article challenges ufologists to consider what a presidential announcement about UFOs would entail. It highlights the difficulty of providing unambiguous answers about the aliens' origin and intentions, suggesting that such an announcement could be irresponsible if the news is not positive, especially given the complexities of abduction phenomena.

Short Term and Long Term Impact

This section analyzes the potential societal reactions to a presidential disclosure of alien existence. Short-term impacts include widespread public reaction, potentially leading to panic or disbelief, particularly among fundamentalist Christian groups who may interpret UFOs as demonic. Long-term impacts are compared to the European colonization of the Americas, where a technologically superior culture overwhelmed native civilizations, suggesting a similar outcome for humanity if faced with a vastly superior alien intelligence.

National Security Issue

The presence of aliens is framed as the most crucial national security issue ever faced, with the potential to threaten the integrity of human civilization. The article references Dr. C.B. Scott Jones, who suggests that government secrecy stems from the lack of a positive outcome in past encounters between technologically superior cultures and less advanced ones.

Surveillance

An article from The New York Times is cited, indicating that 150,000 Americans are under close surveillance by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This surveillance includes various methods like telephone monitoring and mail opening. While some individuals under scrutiny are aware and approve due to their work on classified projects, the article questions the extent and justification of such surveillance, particularly when it involves monitoring citizens without clear criminal activity, suggesting it's often for precautionary monitoring related to national security.

Ufologists as a Threat

This section discusses how ufologists, through their data collection and dissemination of information, can become both useful to and a threat to government intelligence agencies. It suggests that disinformation campaigns, including fabricated stories about aliens, are used to discredit UFO research and neutralize public and congressional interest. Ufologists who spread such disinformation are labeled "useful idiots," while those working with intelligence agencies are "assets."

Mass Hysteria and Panic

The article references the 1953 CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel, which reviewed UFO cases and recommended manipulating public opinion. The panel's findings indicated that public belief in extraterrestrial visits was considered dangerous to national security as early as 1953. The article notes that the government has historically monitored UFO groups due to their potential influence on public thought.

Dangerous Knowledge

Being a UFO "buff" with knowledge of the central facts of the UFO secret places individuals in a similar category to those possessing classified national security information. The article explores the potential government response to a large-scale, unambiguous UFO sighting, referencing a supposed MJ-12 contingency plan. The government's goal would be to maintain control, likely through pre-prepared announcements assuring the public that aliens are benign or neutral.

Possible 'Black' Aircraft Seen Flying with F-117s, KC-135's

This article, reprinted from Aviation Week & Space Technology, reports on sightings of highly classified "black" aircraft flying in formation with F-117 stealth fighters and KC135Q tankers near Beale AFB, California. Observers described an unknown aircraft with a diamond-shaped lighting pattern and a distinctive engine noise. The article speculates on the nature of these aircraft, referencing different "Black Projects" programs and comparing them to known designs like the TR-3A.

Bearers of Deception

Authored by M. Collins, this article critiques individuals and publications within the UFO community that spread misinformation and sensationalism, making it difficult for the public to discern truth. It criticizes tabloids for printing outlandish headlines and fabricated stories, which contribute to making the UFO subject seem ludicrous. The article suggests that government counterintelligence agencies exploit this confusion by feeding into the misinformation. It concludes that the UFO community struggles to clean its own house, leaving individuals to rely on their own critical thinking.

The Book Rack: Secret Life

This section reviews David Jacobs' book "Secret Life: Firsthand Accounts of UFO Abductions." The reviewer, Keith Rowell, praises the book as a comprehensive study of the abduction phenomenon, noting Jacobs' scholarly approach. However, the reviewer expresses disappointment that the book lacks an index and detailed medical reports or physical trace evidence. Jacobs' belief that alien abductions are real and that aliens may be using humans for genetic material is highlighted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena, the perceived government efforts to conceal information and control public perception, and the psychological and societal implications of potential alien contact. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles and the "Editor's Note" sections, appears to be one of critical inquiry into UFO reports, a concern for the accuracy of information within the UFO community, and an acknowledgment of the profound questions UFOs raise about humanity's place in the universe and national security.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated November 1992 (implied by conference dates), features a prominent cover story on "The MJ-12 Documents: An Analytical Report" by William L. Moore and Jaime H. Shandera, questioning their authenticity as presidential briefing papers on crashed UFOs and alien bodies. The magazine also includes a detailed "1991 UFO Year in Review" compiled by Paul Ferrughell from the National Sighting Research Center, offering statistical breakdowns of sightings, and information on upcoming UFO conferences.

"Secret Life" Review and Abduction Phenomenon

The issue continues a review of a book titled "Secret Life," which discusses the abduction phenomenon. The review notes that "hard evidence" for UFOs has been slow to emerge but is increasing, with physiological and psychological effects of abductions providing strong clues. The author of the review mentions that while the book by Jacobs treats the abduction phenomenon in a straightforward way, it lacks detailed reports of medical or psychological examinations in its appendices. Despite these shortcomings, the book is recommended as essential for ufologists.

Upcoming UFO Conferences

Two major UFO conferences are highlighted: the 13th Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigation at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming (June 22-27), and the World UFO Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado (September 11-13, 1992), themed "A 90's Approach to UFO Investigation."

The Information Network

A section called "The Information Network" lists various UFO newsletters and organizations from across the country that share information, including Arkansas MUFON Newsletter, Arizona MUFON Newsletter, Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, and many others, emphasizing the sharing of current UFO-related stories.

"Intruders" Mini-series Reminder

A reminder is given for the CBS mini-series "Intruders," based on the work of Budd Hopkins, airing on May 17th and 19th.

The MJ-12 Documents: An Analytical Report

This section details "The MJ-12 Documents: An Analytical Report" by William L. Moore and Jaime H. Shandera. It describes the documents as purported presidential briefing papers about crashed UFOs and alien bodies, posing the question of their authenticity or if they are a sophisticated hoax. The report is noted to be 50,000 words and 110 pages, offering an in-depth examination with new information, appendices, notes, illustrations, and a bibliography. A limited supply can be ordered from The Fair Witness Project of Los Angeles.

"Check Your Files" - Government Surveillance and UFOs

An article, submitted under the pseudonym "Deltoid," discusses the possibility of government files on ufologists. It suggests that the government monitors individuals interested in UFOs, estimating that there are about 4,000 Americans who subscribe to ufological journals or newsletters. The author speculates that in the event of a UFO landing, these individuals could be reclassified from "nut cases" to "experts" and sought by the media, which the government would want to control. The article concludes by suggesting that internment, similar to that of Japanese Americans during World War II, might be a possibility for those with active UFO files, particularly the estimated 100 individuals who are opinion makers or leaders in the field.

"Ecological Avenger" - Zen Comic

This short piece introduces "Zen," a "blue" alien character from Archie Comics' "Zen Intergalactic Ninja" comic book. Zen is portrayed as a concerned alien fighting pollution, described as "hip and slick" with an attitude, communicating telepathically and being highly intelligent.

Bit's & Piece's

This section presents several brief news items:

• Sonic Booms on West Coast: A November 11, 1991, Aviation Week & Space Technology report mentions unusually loud sonic booms heard along the west coast, possibly from high-flying classified aircraft like the SR-71, flying at speeds up to Mach 3 and altitudes of 23,000-33,000 ft. The Air Force, Navy, and NASA/Dryden denied having high-speed aircraft airborne at that time.
• Radar Blips in Scotland: A March 8, 1992, Anchorage Daily News article, quoting The Scotsman, reports "mysterious, fast-moving radar blips and strange engine sounds" near a joint RAF-NATO base in Machrihanish, Scotland, tracked at approximately Mach 3.
• Project Aurora: A story suggests that U.S. Air Force secret projects at Groom Lake may have produced evidence of Project Aurora, a plane capable of flying at Mach 6.
• Russian Aeroplane Airship: A photograph and description of a prototype Russian Theromoplane airship, featuring a Mil Mi-2 helicopter airframe under a disc-shaped envelope.
• Cypher UAV: Description of the Cypher, a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a donut-shaped design, capable of cruising over 90 mph and carrying a 130 lb payload.

1991 UFO Year in Review

This extensive section, by Paul Ferrughell, analyzes UFO sighting data for 1991. Key findings include:

• Shift in Description: For the first time in five years, "lights/illuminations" (57.4%) outnumbered "objects/shapes."
• Peak Month: January became the peak month for sightings (15%), a change from October in previous years.
• Geographical Span: Sightings were reported across 66% of the USA.
• Leading State: Florida led with 26.8% of total reports, with Gulf Breeze accounting for a significant portion (34 sightings).
• Peak Distribution: The 21st to 31st of the month saw the highest number of reports.
• Peak Time of Day: 8-9 P.M. was the peak time (21% of sightings), a consistent pattern with previous years.
• Lull Times: 6 A.M. - 5 P.M. represented the lull in activity (9.3%).
• Peak Day of Week: Wednesday (18.1%) was the most active day, while Monday (11.7%) was the least.
• Shape Class: "Lights/Illuminations" dominated (57.4%), while "Rectangular" shapes were less common (2.6%).
• Hynek Class: "Nocturnal Lights" were most prevalent (74.4%), followed by "Trace Case, No UFO" (3%).
• Duration: Most reports lasted 3 to 9 minutes.
• Sound: The vast majority of sightings (91.7%) involved no reported sound.
• Visibility: Most sightings occurred during nighttime (86.2%), with daytime visibility being low (9.2%).
• Multiple Witnesses: 68.8% of reports involved multiple witnesses.
• Signal Witness Reports: 31.2% reported signal witnesses.
• Most Common Sound: "HUM" was the most commonly reported sound.
• Top Five States: Florida, Indiana, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania were the top reporting states.
• Recurring Sighting Locations: 20 towns in 13 states reported multiple sightings.

State Sighting Breakdown: Florida led significantly, with 83% of its sightings being "lights/illuminations." Indiana led in Close Encounter UFO sightings (CES). North Carolina ranked fourth, and New Jersey reported four "Objects/Shapes" sightings, two of which were CES.

Recurring Sighting Locations: 96 UFO sightings were reported in 20 towns across 13 states, with Gulf Breeze, Florida, being a major contributor.

Hynek Class Breakdown: Nocturnal Lights accounted for 74.5% of reports, higher than the five-year average. Daylight Disc reports were lower than average, and Close Encounter Sightings (CES) were also lower at 18% compared to the five-year average of 22%.

Observations: 1991 saw no significant UFO events, but the high percentage of "lights/illuminations" and the 8:00 P.M. peak time may be significant. 14 reports of Trace Cases of Crop Circles in the USA were noted but not included in the main UFO data.

Five Year Summary Data (1986-1990)

This section compares 1991 data to a cumulative average of 1000 UFO reports from 1986-1990. Key comparisons include:

• Peak Year: 1988 had the most reports (291).
• Peak Month: October 1989 had the most reports (47); October was the overall peak month (13%).
• Lull Month: June (4.3%).
• Peak State: Indiana (21.5%).
• Peak Time of Day: 9 P.M. (17%).
• Lull Time of Day: 8 A.M. (0.4%).
• Peak Day of Week: Wednesday (17.1%).
• Lull Day of Week: Saturday (10.6%).
• Shape Class (Peak): "Lights/Illuminations" (35.7%).
• Shape Class (Lull): "Rectangular" (3.0%).
• Hynek Class (Peak): "Nocturnal Lights" (66.7%).
• Duration: 1 to 5 minutes (20.6%).
• Sound: "No Sound" (87.5%).
• Visibility: Nighttime (84.9%).
• Objects/Shapes: 60.0% of reports.
• Lights/Illuminations: 40.0% of reports.
• Multiple Witness Reports: 36.6%.
• Most Common Sound: "HUM."
• Top Five States: Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, Michigan.

The Lighter Side of UFology

A comic strip titled "Bubba's Garage" features a humorous exchange about ordering parts for foreign models, implying a connection to UFOs or unusual vehicles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of UFO sighting data, particularly from 1991, and the ongoing investigation into the abduction phenomenon. There's a strong emphasis on statistical reporting and the breakdown of sightings by various characteristics (time, location, shape, etc.). The issue also touches upon the potential for government secrecy and surveillance related to UFO research, as suggested by the "Deltoid" article. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging ufologists to maintain their research while acknowledging the challenges posed by disinformation and the lack of definitive physical evidence. The inclusion of upcoming conferences and a review of a key book on abductions indicates a commitment to informing the readership about current developments and foundational research in the field.