MUFON New Jersey Chronicle - Vol 03 No 01-2 - 1992 09-12

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW JERSEY CHRONICLE
Issue: Volume 3, Numbers 1/2 (September - December 1992)
Publisher: THE MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.
Focus: Covering UFO phenomena and related topics within New Jersey and beyond.

Lead Article: A View of the Unknown

The issue's lead article, "A View of the Unknown" by Paul M. Makuch, details a two-and-a-half-year investigation into a photograph taken by a woman named Renee in December 1989. The photograph allegedly captures an image of an alien on her television screen, despite the TV not being turned on. Makuch recounts how the report was initially filed with the National UFO Reporting Center and then forwarded to MUFON. The investigation involved interviews with Renee and her friend Dawn, attempts to analyze the photograph, and a detailed technical examination of the television and camera used. The article highlights the challenges of verifying such evidence, including the witness's initial reluctance to release the photo due to her child's involvement and the difficulties in obtaining professional computer analysis. The investigation is ongoing, with plans for further digitization and analysis of the photograph.

From the Editor's Desk

The editor begins by stating this is the strangest investigation he has encountered, referring to the lead article. He highlights the importance of the "A View of the Unknown" piece and encourages reader feedback. The editor also mentions a letter from George P. Hansen criticizing ufologists like Budd Hopkins for allegedly downplaying the Linda Napolitano abduction case. Other featured items include "A Lighter Side of Ufology," a story titled "Something is Coming Our Way!" about a potential planetoid threat, and a local recognition piece for Jerome Clark. The editor also reviews Tom Benson's article on a New Hampshire MUFON conference and mentions an article on UFO descriptions from the National Sighting Research Center.

Letters to the Editor: Attempted Murder vs. The Politics of Ufology: A Question of Priorities in the Linda Napolitano Case

This lengthy letter by George P. Hansen critically examines the handling of the Linda Napolitano abduction case by prominent ufologists, including Budd Hopkins, John E. Mack, David M. Jacobs, and Walter H. Andrus. Hansen details Linda Napolitano's claims of being kidnapped, assaulted, battered, harassed, and nearly drowned by two government agents, identified as Richard and Dan. He notes that these ufologists accept her claims and have gathered extensive evidence, yet they have vigorously argued against reporting the alleged crimes to law enforcement authorities, citing concerns about "politically damaging" UFO research. Hansen recounts Linda's meeting with Richard Butler and Joseph Stefula, where she expressed fears for her safety. He details the alleged events of April 1991, including a forced car ride, interrogation, and a physical struggle, and mentions that Linda recalled a license plate number and identified one of the agents as possibly linked to the UN. Hansen questions the priorities of the ufological leaders, emphasizing the risk to public safety if federal agents are involved in such crimes and calls for them to explain their rationale.

In This Issue

• The table of contents lists several articles:
• A View of the Unknown (Page 1)
• From the Editor's Desk (Page 2)
• Letters to the Editor (Page 3)
• The Lighter Side of UFOlogy (Page 7)
• Something is Coming Our Way! by John Ford (Page 8)
• Mars Satellite built Locally (Page 8)
• Editor Receives UFO Award (Page 10)
• An Inside View by Tom Benson (Page 11)
• The Elusive UFO (Page 13)
• National Sighting Research Center Update: UFO Descriptions-Strange Lights/Objects (Pt 1) by Paul Ferrughelli (Page 14)
• Call For Entries (Page 17)
• Bit's and Piece's (Page 18) - includes articles on a NASA growth discovery, a Hubble telescope discovery of a black hole, and a secret US spy plane.
• The Information Network (Page 18)
• The Omega Project by Richard D. Seifried (Page 20)

Something Is Coming Our Way!

This article, taken from the Long Island U.F.O. Update and sponsored by Vangard Sciences, discusses a large planetoid object detected by NASA in 1987 entering our solar system near Pluto. The object, measuring over a thousand miles in diameter, has been under constant observation and has made mid-course corrections, suggesting intelligent control. The article posits that the object's orbit will bring it into Earth's orbit by late 1992 or early 1993. Linda Moulton Howe confirmed the story via a Pentagon Military Officer. The government is reportedly tracking the object using various telescopes, including the Hubble telescope, while publicly stating the missions are for photographing distant stars. The article also notes that the Moon's orbit has condensed and Earth's axis has tilted, potentially due to a gravitational field. It speculates that this event might be related to the authority recounted by UFO abductees regarding a significant future event.

Mars Satellite Built Locally

This brief article reports that the first American spacecraft to Mars in 17 years, the Mars Observer, was designed and built at the General Electric Astro Space Division in East Windsor, New Jersey. The 5,600-pound spacecraft took 3.5 years to complete with the work of over 1,000 scientists and engineers. It launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a 450 million-mile trip expected to last three years. The spacecraft is scheduled to reach Mars in August 1993 and will begin mapping the planet and recording weather conditions.

Editor Receives UFO Award

This section announces that Jerome Clark has been selected to receive the 1992 "Isabel L. Davis Memorial Award" from the Fund for UFO Research, Inc. The award recognizes accomplishments in promoting rational inquiry into UFO sightings and phenomena and comes with a $1,000 grant. Clark is recognized for his work as editor of the International UFO Reporter and author of "The UFO Encyclopedia." The article quotes Richard Hall, a member of the Fund's Board of Directors, praising Clark's fair presentation of controversial information and his contributions to UFO studies. Isabel Davis is noted as a pioneer in ufology and a co-founder of the Fund for UFO Research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings and photographic evidence, the critical examination of abduction cases and the role of ufologists, and reports on astronomical discoveries with potential implications for Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging reader participation and critical discussion, while also highlighting the importance of scientific investigation and the potential for significant future events related to UFOs and space exploration. There is a clear emphasis on the New Jersey UFO community and its activities.

This issue of the MUFON UFO Journal, Volume 17, Issue 11, dated July/August 1992, features a report on the second annual New Hampshire MUFON UFO Conference held in Portsmouth, titled "Presenting the Evidence." The conference attracted about 450 attendees and was efficiently managed by Pete Geremia and Walter Friesendorf. The issue also includes a diverse range of articles on UFO phenomena, scientific investigations, and related topics.

New Hampshire MUFON UFO Conference

The conference opened with Stan Gordon, MUFON State Director for Pennsylvania, presenting a comprehensive review of the 1965 Kecksburg, PA UFO crash retrieval. Gordon is still investigating the incident and is unsure if the object was a Soviet satellite, pursuing contacts and using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. He also mentioned "Project Moondust" for UFO retrievals and appeared on the TV show "Sightings."

Dr. John E. Mack, a Harvard University Medical School psychiatrist, discussed his work with approximately 70 abductees. A highlight was an audiotape of an experiencer screaming about aliens taking their sperm. Dr. Mack emphasized the seriousness of physical evidence and the need for independent witnesses, suggesting "abduction" might not be the best term. He has studied people's mental states for over 40 years and noted the cultural boundaries surrounding the phenomenon. He mentioned his collaboration with Budd Hopkins and recent articles in "Noetic Science Review" and "International UFO Reporter." Dr. Mack stated that the proceedings of the Abduction Study Conference held at MIT would be published by the end of the year, and he intends to publish a book on the UFO abduction phenomenon.

Dr. Steven M. Greer discussed his attempts to communicate directly with aliens, claiming successes in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and at a crop circle site in Great Britain. He detailed the range of his laser and light devices and stated that his group contacts the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) before communication attempts.

Budd Hopkins presented the controversial "Linda Napolitano" case from November 1989, where she was allegedly abducted by three aliens from a high-rise building. The abduction was reportedly witnessed by independent individuals, including a top politician (rumored to be the Ex-Secretary General of the United Nations), security personnel, and other witnesses. Hopkins played an audio tape from two alleged government security agents who witnessed the event. These agents, who contacted Hopkins via mail and tape, have refused to meet in person. Hopkins claims to know their agency and military records, and has confirmed the identity of a third person involved. He presented over 80 pages of letters and discussed the witnesses' personalities and peculiar behavior.

Hopkins also showed an X-ray of an implant in Linda's head, unrelated to the November 1989 incident. He has contacted the Pakistan and Russian delegations at the U.N., the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. State Department, and claims car license plates have been traced to agencies. Hopkins views the UFO phenomenon as having two sides: the physically beautiful and awe-inspiring aspects, and the unpleasant onboard experience with neutral aliens. He compared crop circles to mutilated animals. Questions remain about why the aliens allowed a third party to witness the abduction. The object was reportedly in view for about one and a half minutes.

Hopkins also presented another abduction report from a 10-year-old boy in Connecticut who described seeing "god taking somebody up to heaven" on a blue beam.

Colin Andrews discussed the ongoing crop circle phenomena, particularly in Great Britain, and how indigenous people interpreted the pictograms. He suggested the Earth is communicating via pictograms due to pollution and environmental degradation. Andrews plans to move his operation to the United States.

A call for entries for the 1992 Donald E. Keyhoe Journalism Award is included, sponsored by The Fund for UFO Research, Inc., for articles or stories published in 1992 concerning UFOs. The award honors Major Donald E. Keyhoe.

UFO Descriptions: Strange Lights/Strange Objects (Part 1)

This article by Paul Ferrughelli analyzes 1032 UFO sightings from 1987-1991 from the National Sighting Research Center's database. The analysis categorizes sightings into Nocturnal Lights (NL), Daylight Discs (DD), and Close Encounters (CE-1 & CE-2). Of the total reports, 55.7% were described as objects/shapes and 44.3% as lights/illuminations. Close Encounter reports were predominantly classified as objects (89%).

The data suggests that for long-distance sightings (NL/DD), there is a significant trend and correlation between light sightings and object sightings, particularly from October 1989 through 1991. This indicates that lights might be misidentified as objects in these cases. However, Close Encounter (CE-1 & CE-2) reports do not show a significant trend between lights and objects, which is attributed to the high percentage of object classifications in CE reports.

The analysis uses statistical values like the Pearson's rho correlation coefficient ('r') and the T-Test ('p') to determine trends. A strong trend is indicated when 'r' is greater than or equal to +/-.500 and 'p' is less than or equal to .050. The data shows strong trends for ALL REPORTS and NL/DD in 1990 and 1991, with 'r' values increasing from 1987 to 1990 and then decreasing in 1991. CE-1 & CE-2 data showed no statistical trends.

Scatter diagrams are used to visually examine the relationship between lights and objects. Figure 5 (NL/DD) shows a strong trend, indicating that as light sightings increase, object sightings also increase. Figure 6 (CE-1/CE-2) shows a weak trend.

The article concludes that it appears unlikely that reports of strange lights are a stimulus for reporting strange objects, especially for close encounters. However, for long-distance sightings, misidentification of lights as objects is possible. The data also notes that 79% of reports were long-range and 21% were close encounters, a similarity to previous findings. Close Encounter reports classified as Objects peaked in January 1989 and remained above average from October 1989 to April 1990, suggesting a possible external effect rather than a correlation with strange lights.

Mystery Growth Formed in Outer Space Baffles NASA Scientists

This article reports on a tiny patch of mystery growth discovered on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite, which had been exposed to outer space for nearly six years. NASA scientists are baffled by its existence and composition. The growth, found on a Teflon-covered section, was tiny (about seven microns) and survived high ultraviolet radiation and corrosive atomic oxygen. Initial tests ruled out fungus or mold. Researchers speculate that gases may have leaked from the satellite, producing this physical structure in the absence of gravity. NASA scientists are seeking suggestions from the global scientific community regarding the substance, with no possibilities discounted. Jim Zwiener expressed concern that the material might be interpreted as a non-DNA life form.

Hubble Gives Glimpse of Possible Black Hole

This news report details how the Hubble space telescope has captured the most detailed view yet of an immense caldron of heat and energy surrounding what may be a black hole. The photograph of galaxy NGC4261, in the Virgo Cluster, shows a swirling cloud of gas spiraling into a center, supporting theories about black holes. Walter Jaffe of the Leiden Observatory stated that this is the closest view yet of a black hole's nuclear engine. The image shows a disk of gas and dust rotating rapidly, with two jets of ionized gas stretching across almost 100,000 light years. Astronomers have speculated about black holes for 30 years, and this image provides strong support for the theory. The disk measures about 400 light years across, and the material is accelerated to near the speed of light before disappearing into the black hole.

Secret US Spy Plane is Kintyre's Dark Visitor

This article discusses reports of a mysterious, fast-moving shape in the sky, described as the "US Air Force's top secret Project Aurora" spy plane. Reports of "pulsating roars and strange smoke rings" have come from Scotland and Los Angeles. The plane is said to be as big as Concorde and capable of flying three times its speed. The remote RAF airbase at Machrihanish, Strathclyde, is reportedly being used as a staging point. The aircraft is described as stealthy, dropping in at night before returning to the US across the North Pole at high speeds. It is powered by a "pulser" engine and equipped with high-powered cameras and infrared radar. Defense analysts are convinced it is the Aurora, a successor to the SR-71 Blackbird. Billions are reportedly being spent on the project at Lockheed's Skunk Works. The article mentions unusual sonic booms in Los Angeles and the possibility of the plane being tested in missions that circle the globe.

The Omega Project

This article is a review by Richard D. Seifried of Dr. Kenneth Ring's book, "The Omega Project." Seifried takes exception to Ring's conclusion that UFO encounters, particularly abductions, and near-death experiences (NDEs) are the result of "dissociation" stemming from traumatic life events, such as critical illness, child abuse, or sexual abuse. Seifried, who identifies himself as an abductee, argues that his own positive childhood and adult experiences, along with the fact that many people who have not experienced such traumas also report UFO sightings (e.g., in Belgium), contradict Ring's theory. He questions how phenomena like burn marks on lawns, electronic interference, and animals going wild with fear could be explained by dissociation. Seifried acknowledges Ring's work as important for UFO researchers but believes more evidence is needed to support his theories. He quotes Michael Grosso, who suggests a connection between UFO contact and near-death experiences as a "single mass reorientation in the global mind."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the MUFON UFO Journal consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with scientific inquiry and analysis. The conference report highlights the presentation of evidence and the ongoing investigation of cases like Kecksburg and the Linda Napolitano abduction. The data analysis section emphasizes a statistical approach to understanding UFO sightings, distinguishing between different types of reports and seeking correlations. The articles on space growth and black holes demonstrate a continued interest in scientific mysteries, even those that border on the speculative. The review of "The Omega Project" showcases a critical engagement with theories attempting to explain UFO phenomena through psychological frameworks, with the author strongly defending the reality of his own experiences against such interpretations. The overall stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging scientific rigor while acknowledging the profound and often perplexing nature of UFO encounters and related phenomena.