MUFON New Jersey Chronicle - Vol 04 No 01 - 1994 01-03

Magazine Overview

Title: THE NEW JERSEY CHRONICLE
Issue: VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1
Date: JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 1994
Publisher: MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.

This issue of The New Jersey Chronicle, published by the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) of New Jersey, marks the beginning of its fourth year of publication. The magazine covers a range of topics within the UFOlogy field, with a strong emphasis on the ongoing investigation into the 1947 Roswell Incident.

From the Editor's Desk

Editor Paul M. Makuch reflects on the changes in UFOlogy over the past four years, noting that some aspects remain constant, particularly the lead story on the General Accounting Office (GAO) investigation into the Roswell crash. He highlights the role of Congressman Steve Schiff in requesting this investigation and mentions articles by George Filer and Mike Jamieson related to this topic. The editor also points to an article titled 'MUFON vs The New Age' by W.L. Garner, Jr., which addresses internal organizational challenges. Other featured content includes a '1993 UFO Year in Review,' information about an upcoming UFO demonstration at the Pentagon planned by Operation Right to Know (ORTK), and reports on recent UFO sightings in New Jersey. The issue also touches upon the statistical comparison of UFO sightings between the USA and Canada and covers upcoming UFO conferences.

Schiff Reopens 1947 UFO Case

This section details Congressman Steve Schiff's initiative to have the General Accounting Office (GAO) investigate the 1947 Roswell Incident. Schiff, a Republican from New Mexico, believes it's time for the government to be transparent about whether alien spacecraft crashed in New Mexico. The article notes that the 'Roswell Incident' has been a subject of intense interest for UFO enthusiasts for decades. Schiff's request was prompted by letters from constituents, including a constituent whose spouse is a MUFON investigator. While Schiff does not necessarily believe a UFO was recovered, he is concerned about the government's lack of transparency and potential 'stonewalling.' The GAO has begun its investigation, studying documents and looking into cover-up allegations. Philip J. Klass, an aviation writer, is quoted as stating there is 'isn't a shred of evidence' of a flying saucer recovery, but Schiff's interest is piqued by the government's reluctance to provide information.

Letters Lead to UFO Inquiry

This article clarifies that Congressman Steve Schiff's investigation into the 1947 Roswell crash was initiated by letters from constituents, not solely by the efforts of his aide's spouse, Karl Pflock, who is married to Schiff's district director, Mary Martinek. Pflock has been investigating the 'Roswell Incident' for nearly a year. Schiff stated that his interest was sparked by a 'flurry' of constituent letters. The Pentagon's response, stating they no longer had records and directing inquiries to the National Archives, is highlighted as a reason for Schiff's concern. The National Archives also reported not locating relevant documents. Pflock and fellow researcher Fred Whiting had previously compiled a 130-page briefing paper for Schiff's office. Schiff's initial inquiry to the Secretary of Defense in March 1993 sought a 'definitive explanation,' citing witness testimony suggesting the balloon explanation was a cover story and that authorities sought to intimidate witnesses.

Memo For New Jersey MUFON Members

This memo from George Filer, New Jersey State Director for MUFON, announces the GAO investigation into the Roswell Incident at Congressman Schiff's request. It frames this as a significant opportunity for UFO researchers. Filer explains that Schiff initially approached the Defense Department in early 1993 but was met with stonewalling, leading him to involve the GAO. The memo suggests the GAO inquiry focuses on identifying who holds the records and why they refuse to answer questions, rather than directly addressing the alien spacecraft hypothesis. It urges MUFON members to contact their congressmen to support Schiff's inquiry, advising them to focus on the Roswell problem and avoid tangential topics like Area 51.

Lobbying Members of Congress to Strengthen GAO Roswell Query

Authored by Mike Jamieson, this article details Operation Right to Know's (ORTK) letter-writing campaign to support the GAO's Roswell inquiry. ORTK suggests that people write to their congressmen, urging them to review testimony and records related to the Roswell case and to affirm to the GAO that fiscal issues might be involved due to potential federal expenditures on studying alien technology and disinformation programs. The article lists key government officials to contact, including the Comptroller General, the Speaker of the House, and chairmen of relevant committees.

MUFON vs The New Age

This editorial by W.L. Garner, Jr., Louisiana's MUFON State Director, addresses the growing controversy within MUFON between 'pseudo scientists' and 'new age psychics.' Garner argues that the organization's effectiveness and reputation are being affected by this conflict, with some members prioritizing emotional expression over MUFON's stated purpose of scientific study. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to scientific protocols and evidence-based investigation, warning that a lack of scientific validation renders claims as 'useless gossip.' Garner stresses the need for independent confirmation and patience in scientific inquiry, contrasting it with the human mind's capacity for creating or altering memories. He calls for continuous, aggressive efforts to keep MUFON activities directed toward scientific objectives, particularly in public relations and publications, to avoid transforming the organization into a 'cult.'

1993 UFO Year in Review

This section provides an overview of UFO activity in 1993, noting it was the busiest year in at least a decade, with an increase in the quality of sightings and interest from scientifically trained individuals. It covers:

• Sightings: Predominantly odd lights, with an increase in craft-shaped objects like discs, triangles, and boomerangs. 'Mini-flaps' were reported in the Midwest and West Coast. A committee of the European Parliament recommended establishing a UFO observatory.
• Government Involvement: The U.S. government maintained its stance that UFOs have not been of interest since Project Blue Book. However, media interest in the Roswell crash continued, with a TV movie, books, and a video documentary in production. Congressman Schiff's request for a GAO investigation is noted, along with the discovery of new witnesses to the 1947 crash.
• Abductions: The phenomenon continues to attract mental health professionals. Several hundred new cases appear annually, and the Fund for UFO Research supports a referral service. The issue of abduction experiences is being explored further, with a conference at MIT and the creation of a computer database for abduction information.
• English Crop Circles: Complex formations in southwestern England are discussed, with over a thousand recorded, but no clear explanation for their origins. While local press interest has decreased due to hoax evidence, the Fund retains interest due to suspected connections.
• Cattle Mutilations: This mystery is considered by some to be related to UFOs, though convincing evidence is lacking. Baffling mutilations were reported in northern Georgia in 1993, but investigations were not sufficiently rapid.
• Crazy Tales Muddle UFO Picture: This commentary warns against 'outlandish claims' made by self-styled UFO experts lacking evidence. It advises caution against simple answers to complex questions and highlights the trend of connecting UFOs with the JFK assassination and international conspiracy theories, contrasting this with the possibility of genuine government cover-ups supported by facts.

Operation Right to Know Plans UFO Demonstration at Pentagon

This announcement details ORTK's plan for a UFO demonstration at the Pentagon's South Parking Entrance in Arlington, Virginia, on Monday, May 23rd. It specifies a dress code and encourages interested individuals to attend or arrange transportation, providing contact information for Stan Handler.

Investigative Reports

This section presents detailed accounts of specific UFO sightings:

• UFO Sighting at Elizabeth, New Jersey: Provided by MUFON Field Investigator Tom Briggs, this report describes a sighting by 'John' on August 20, 1993, of a brilliant, stationary light that disappeared after being photographed. John reported experiencing paranormal activity.
• UFO Seen Over Ortley Beach, New Jersey: On November 11, 1993, 'Doug' witnessed a greenish glowing plate object rise from the ocean, zig-zag, and pass over land, causing streetlights to flicker. A second witness, 'Ben,' corroborated seeing a similar object. The report notes that the local radio station WJRZ observed a power surge during the event.
• UFO Materializes on Farm, Williamstown, New Jersey: This report details a sighting by 'John' in July 1993, who awoke to see a saucer-shaped UFO materialize in his backyard. The object, described as gray and metallic with meshing lights, left a ten-foot circle in the grass. John has experienced other strange occurrences at his home, including power outages and unlocked doors.

USA/Canada UFO Sighting Data Comparison

This update from the National Sighting Research Center (NSRC) by Paul Ferrughelli analyzes UFO sighting data from the USA and Canada between 1989 and 1992. The analysis indicates that UFO phenomena occur globally in 'waves.' The study found a low correlation (r=0.106) between the two countries' sighting data, suggesting that while peaks occurred simultaneously in October 1989 and April 1990, the overall frequency of sightings differs. The 'Time of Day Analysis' for 1992 shows a strong trend between the two countries, with the majority of sightings occurring at night, between 7:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pursuit of transparency regarding UFO phenomena, particularly concerning the Roswell Incident. There is a clear editorial stance favoring scientific investigation and evidence-based analysis, as exemplified by the critique of 'New Age' approaches within MUFON and the emphasis on objective reporting in the investigative reports. The magazine actively promotes citizen engagement in lobbying government officials for information and supports organizations like MUFON and ORTK that are dedicated to these pursuits. The overall tone is one of earnest inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, advocating for a rigorous, scientific approach while acknowledging the persistent public interest and the challenges in obtaining official disclosure.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 1994, delves into a comparative analysis of UFO sighting data between the USA and Canada, alongside various other UFO-related topics including a major conference, a peculiar auditory phenomenon, and a significant astronomical event.

USA/Canada UFO Data Analysis

The core of the issue presents a detailed statistical comparison of UFO sighting characteristics between the USA and Canada over the four-year period of 1989-1992. The analysis, based on data from the 1992 Canadian UFO Survey and the NSRC National Sighting Yearbook - 1992, highlights both similarities and differences.

Key Findings:

• Frequency: The USA reported a greater frequency of Close Encounter (CE) reports over the four-year period.
• CE-1 vs. CE-2: While the USA had more total CE reports, 35% of Canadian reports were CE-2 (sightings interacting with the environment), compared to only 18.6% for the USA. This is noted as particularly interesting.
• Overall CE Percentage: The 4-year average for CE reports was 21.5% of total sightings in the USA, versus 7.1% in Canada.
• Time of Day: Both countries showed similar frequency distributions for time of day, with a strong linear correlation. Canadian reports showed a slight increase in daytime and late evening hours.
• Duration: The duration comparison data for 1992 showed similarities, with a major difference being the large quantity of Canadian reports under 10 seconds (six times greater than the USA). Reports under 10 seconds are often associated with natural phenomena like meteors.
• Nocturnal Light Reports: The percentage of nocturnal light reports was nearly equal: 66.1% for the USA and 65.3% for Canada.
• Daylight Disc Reports: The USA had 5.9% of total reports as daylight disc reports, while Canada had 0.89%.
• Witness Count: The USA averaged 2.50 witnesses per report, while Canada averaged 1.95.
• Sighting Duration: For 1992, the USA averaged 18.6 minutes per report, while Canada (1990-1992) averaged 14.3 minutes.

The analysis suggests that while many characteristics are similar, the differences in CE-2 reports and daylight disc reports in Canada warrant further investigation. The data is considered a portion of available reports, and natural explanations are always a possibility.

Monthly Trends:

• Canadian UFO reports showed noticeable peaks in April and August 1990. From February to August 1992, Canadian sightings were above the 4-year average.
• USA monthly distribution was different, with no peaks in 1990 and 1992 below the cumulative average.
• A noticeable monthly trend between USA and Canada occurred in 1989, with sustained USA activity from January to October while Canadian sightings were at a minimum.

Day of Week:

• Wednesday was the peak day for UFO reports in the USA.
• Wednesday and Tuesday were peak days for Canada.

Inside View: NUFOC Conference and Other Topics

This section covers the 30th Annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) held in October 1993. Key speakers and topics included:

• Matt Graeber: Artist and Ufologist, presented his drawing of the alleged Roswell UFO crash.
• Jim Moseley: Permanent Chairman of NUFOC, presented an award to Tom Benson.
• Muhammad Ramadan: Discussed the 'Mars Observer' and misconceptions in Ufology, including the isolation of E.T., the phenomenon's multi-dimensional aspects, and the concept of a universal hierarchy.
• Whitley Streiber: His experience helped him to forgive his father, highlighting the importance of interpreting information and the telepathic nature of entities.
• Tom Benson: Discussed implications for humans from UFO Close Encounter reports, his transmutation concept, and a new paradigm for understanding the phenomenon.
• Bob Oechsler: Presented videos of Gulf Breeze sightings and crop circles, and provided an update on a Canadian video case involving a new witness.
• Antonio Huneeus: Discussed UFOs in advertising, the 1979 UN Grenada attempts for a UFO study group, and the history of FATE magazine.
• Rick Hilberg: Showed slides on the recent history of Ufology.
• Dr. Richard Thompson: Presented a comparative study of UFOs and ancient Sanskrit texts, discussing humanoid types, 'vimanas' from Vedic texts, and the concept of different physical constitutions and dimensional aspects.
• David Huggins: An artist, displayed paintings of his E.T. encounters.
• Dania Kara: Read poems on the UFO topic.
• Alex Fedorow: A skeptic, discussed books by UFO debunkers.
• George Hansen: Lectured on the 'Social Structures of Ufology and Parapsychology', comparing UFO organizations like MUFON and CSICOP with scientific societies.
• Cope Schellhorn: Discussed the belief in E.T. visitation, the interrelationship between abductions and animal mutilations, and the variety of alien types.
• John Lear and Col. Wendelle Stevens: Mentioned the existence of over 80 and 200 alien types, respectively.
• Calvin Parker: His out-of-body experience was discussed.
• Tom Adams: Reported on ghost helicopters and animal mutilations.
• David Huggins: Artist, showed paintings of his E.T. encounters.
• George Filer: Discussed the 'Secret War for Planet Earth' and reviewed New Jersey UFO sighting reports.
• Gregg Jacques: Presented on UFOs and cosmic music.
• Joe Stefula: Discussed discrepancies in the Linda Napolitano case.

Other Topics Covered:

• UFO Abductions Journalism Award: An article on the UFO abduction phenomenon by Ben Hellwarth won a journalism award.
• The 'Taos Hum': This section details the phenomenon of a constant, low-frequency noise heard by people in Taos, New Mexico, and elsewhere. Researchers believe it may be generated within the ears of those who hear it. The article notes that while some blame external forces like power lines or government experiments, many 'hearers' believe the cause is external and deliberately hidden.
• Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 Impact on Jupiter: The issue highlights the impending collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter, an event expected to unleash immense energy. Scientists are organizing global observations to study the impacts, which are expected to provide insights into comets, Jupiter's atmosphere, and past impacts on Earth. This event is described as unprecedented due to the advance warning received.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena through data analysis, personal accounts, and conference reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and findings without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. There is a clear emphasis on statistical analysis of sighting data, while also giving voice to experiencers and researchers. The inclusion of diverse topics like the 'Taos Hum' and the Jupiter comet impact suggests a broad interest in unexplained phenomena and scientific events with potential implications for our understanding of the universe and our place within it. The recurring theme of comparative analysis between different regions (USA/Canada) and historical data indicates a desire to identify patterns and anomalies in UFO reports.

Title: OMNI
Issue: November 1994
Volume: 17
Publisher: Omni Publications International Ltd.
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $3.00
Cover Headline: THE HUM: Is it aliens, government experiments, or mass hysteria?

The Hum Phenomenon

The magazine delves into the perplexing 'Hum' phenomenon, a low-frequency sound that has been reported by people across the globe. The article focuses on Taos, New Mexico, where the Hum has been a persistent issue. Longtime residents jokingly attributed it to new arrivals, with one researcher noting, "It was easy to make jokes about it." The Hum is described as a strange phenomenon that can be heard anywhere but its source is difficult to pinpoint.

Politicians, including Congressman Rep. Bill Richardson, initially suggested military radar or airborne laser laboratories as potential sources, but Pentagon officials denied these allegations, leaving many New Mexicans agitated and uninformed. A research team comprising scientists from Los Alamos and Sandia, along with university specialists, was formed to investigate. Using specialized sensors in a mobile laboratory, they scoured the Taos area but found no evidence of electromagnetic force, tectonic movement, or noise matching the Hum. They even encountered a false alarm involving a gopher disrupting a geophone.

The research generated publicity, leading to reports from other countries and throughout the United States. Gary Gates of Palmyra, New Jersey, reported hearing the Hum throughout central Pennsylvania, describing it as a "really strange phenomenon."

Martha Housen, a former light-opera singer with perfect pitch, described the Hum as a vibration felt at a cellular level. She found the sound so disturbing that she had to move from her home near Albuquerque to escape it, finding relief in the urban noise of barking dogs and car alarms.

Researchers Investigate the Hum

Phase two of the Hum hunt involves researchers at UNM rigging up specialized microphones designed to capture low frequencies, as standard microphones are not built for such sounds. The plan is to place these microphones in the ears of those who hear the Hum to record it directly. Ear specialist Kelly, working in a UNM laboratory, observed sound waves at 40 hertz mingling with waves of 1 to 2 hertz, producing a low, irksome noise.

Kelly suggests that if the Hum cannot be detected elsewhere, people might be generating it themselves. He cites research indicating that certain ears can produce high-pitched sounds, and that when the ear detects two different tones, it can emit a third predicted sound. He also notes that certain diseases can cause people to hear roaring and high-frequency noises, and that most people can "tune" their ears to focus on certain sounds. Kelly was convinced of something unusual when he heard a "beat" that he believed required two tones to produce.

Coping with the Hum

In Taos, residents adapt as best they can. A local music store advertises its radio selections with an ad asking, "Tired of the same old hum?" Many are indeed tired of the Hum and are hopeful for the Hum team's success. Horace Poteet, a vibration expert with Sandia who worked on the Hum patrol, hears the rumble himself and describes it as a "curiosity more than a concern," but acknowledges how it could bother people. He worries that his research might identify the problem without providing a solution, stating, "I wish I could see how what we're going to do could help get rid of it."

Too-Close Encounters: Normal People Whisked Away by Fear, Anxiety

This section shifts focus to alien abduction experiences, featuring Clare Holcomb and Diana Graves, who claim to be abducted by aliens. They describe being grabbed without warning, often at dusk or out of deep sleep, and taken aboard alien spacecraft. These experiences, which have occurred hundreds of times, are described as terrifying, involving pokes, prods, skin excisions, and forced feedings.

Holcomb and Graves report being transported to "egg-shaped" rooms for probing and being impregnated by aliens who allegedly develop fetuses in spaceship nurseries. Afterward, they feel wretched for days and often question their sanity. Holcomb copes by trying to deny the experiences, while Graves states, "Every day or two you deny the whole thing, 'It's all going to stop because I don't believe it anymore.'"

Research published in the November issue of the Journal of Abnormal Psychology by Nicholas Spanos, a psychology professor at Carleton University, suggests that UFO abductees and sighters are not necessarily psychotic or more imaginative than the general population. The only difference found was that UFO-sighters believed extraterrestrial life existed before their experiences.

Holcomb's first abduction experience, recalled a year after it happened, occurred on December 15, 1991, when she was driving and saw a pair of bright lights. She stopped the car and remembers blinking, with no sound. She later recalled her ear lobes being inflamed and bleeding, with her earrings inserted backward. She initially assumed she had had a nervous breakdown.

These memories, sometimes occurring weekly, have led to flashbacks of regular abductions dating back to childhood. Holcomb and Graves are among at least 1,000 people in the United States who claim to have been contacted by space aliens, living in constant states of anxiety and depression.

They have sought professional help. Holcomb consulted David Ruxer, a psychologist who has treated a dozen UFO abductees and notes that they often display anxiety, depression, and flashbacks, describing it as an "ongoing stress."
Ruxer offers hypnosis to recover suppressed memories or a safe place to talk. When Holcomb and Graves first became aware of the abductions, they stayed close to home and each other, feeling like they were "being wanted by the police, hiding out with a new identity."

Graves asserts their determination to survive and deal with the experiences, stating, "Ninety-nine percent of the time our lives have nothing to do with them. It's the 1% invasion that sure does mess up your life."

The Lighter Side of UFology

A cartoon depicts Congressman Bill Schiff demanding an investigation into the "Roswell Incident," while a woman replies, "I didn't do it, honey! I've never even been to Roswell!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, presenting both scientific investigations and personal testimonies. The editorial approach seems to be to explore the mysteries of the Hum and alien abductions with a degree of seriousness while also acknowledging the psychological impact on individuals and the potential for misinterpretation or mass hysteria. The inclusion of a lighter, humorous take on UFOs in the cartoon suggests a balanced perspective, not taking the subject matter entirely at face value but respecting the experiences of those involved.