NM MUFON News - no 32 - 1996 04

Magazine Overview

Title: NM MUFON NEWS
Issue: Number 32
Date: April 6, 1995
Publisher: MUFON
Price: $1.50

This issue of NM MUFON NEWS features a cover story on the "ROSWELL, THE METAL FRAGMENT INCIDENT," detailing the investigation and analysis of a metal fragment allegedly recovered from the 1947 crash site. It also includes various announcements, calendar events, and articles discussing remote viewing and other UFO-related topics.

ROSWELL, THE METAL FRAGMENT INCIDENT

The lead article, by Miller Johnson, recounts the events surrounding a metal fragment brought to the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell on March 24, 1996. Max Littell, Secretary/Treasurer of the museum, was approached by an out-of-state visitor with a story about a debris fragment from the 1947 incident. The visitor claimed knowledge of the whereabouts of such a piece, which had been framed by a former military person involved in the clean-up detail.

Littell, initially skeptical, agreed to examine the fragment. Within twenty minutes, he was presented with a triangular metal piece, approximately 1 5/8" x 3", with a visible side showing a pattern of copper and bright aluminum or silver. The story gained traction, making the front page of the Roswell Daily Record on March 27th with a color photo, and was subsequently covered by Associated Press. Max Littell was interviewed on local television channels.

To scientifically identify the fragment, Littell contacted the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources in Socorro. Chris McKee, the Department Manager, agreed to perform an analysis using X-ray fluorescence technology. Professor C. B. Moore from Socorro also expressed interest in viewing the fragment.

The analysis took place on March 29th. Professor Moore and the author, along with Roswell's Chief of Police Ray Mounts, were present. The fragment was handled with precautionary measures to avoid fingerprints. During the analysis, the piece was bent slightly to fit into the chamber, resulting in a minor fracture upon return to its original configuration.

The X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed the front side to be composed of about 50% copper (Cu) and 50% silver (Ag). The back side analysis showed approximately 87% Ag, 12% Cu, and 1% trace elements. The fragment weighed 16.160 grams. The author noted that he neglected to bring calipers to measure the thickness, but estimated it to be less than 0.01 inch, a conclusion shared by Professor Moore.

Professor Moore provided a memo detailing his initial assessment of the fragment. He stated that it did not appear to be related to radar targets or NYU equipment. He suggested it might have been part of a sonobuoy microphone section, but questioned how it would have become exposed. Moore concluded that the fragment was likely a component of a "terrestrial, technical artifact" and could have been bent or torn from its original setting, showing no indication of an exotic nature or origin.

David Thomas, vice-president of "New Mexicans for Science and Reason," suggested an isotopic analysis. Professor Moore elaborated on this, explaining that the ratio of copper isotopes (Cu-63 and Cu-65) is determined by processes in supernovae. If the fragment's copper isotope ratio differs from terrestrial ratios, it could indicate an "extra-solar system" origin. He detailed the process of mass spectrometry used for such analysis.

The article notes the significant national and worldwide attention the Roswell Metal Fragment Incident has garnered, with the International UFO Museum receiving numerous calls and visitors. German radio was scheduled to interview Max Littell.

COURTNEY BROWN - BOGUS VOYAGE?

This article, written by Carolyn Duce-Ashe, critically examines the claims made by Courtney Brown in his book "Cosmic Voyage--A Scientific Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life." The author addresses reader interest generated by a previous article and notes that neither Brown nor Ed Dames responded to attempts at contact.

The article argues that Brown relies too heavily on his Ph.D. to legitimize his remote viewing claims, asserting that his protocols are flawed and his results unscientific. Duce-Ashe contends that data collected without blind testing, or with "front-loaded" targets, does not constitute scientific evidence and is susceptible to imagination or cueing.

A major point of contention is Brown's scenario of Martians in an underground base under Santa Fe's Mount Baldy. Duce-Ashe points out that this scenario was first revealed by Ed Dames of PSI Tech in 1992, or possibly earlier, and discussed publicly in 1993. Brown's claim to have "discovered" this base through remote viewing in 1994 is presented as dubious, especially since Dames and Brown were reportedly in contact during the summer and fall of 1993, with Brown receiving remote viewing training from Dames.

The author questions the accuracy of both Brown's and Dames' claims of near 100% accuracy in remote viewing, given that details in their respective stories about the "Martians" do not match. Brown's agitated reaction when Ed Dames' name was mentioned at a book signing is interpreted as a sign of strained relations.

The article also touches upon Jim Marrs' involvement with Dames in 1993 on a book about remote viewing and PSI Tech, which has been delayed or canceled. Author Jim Schnabel is reportedly working on a book about remote viewing and has made a video featuring Dames.

Duce-Ashe suggests that Brown may have published Ed Dames' Martian story as his own. The article speculates that the entire situation could be a disinformation scheme, especially since the predicted "Big Event" did not occur, and Dames left Albuquerque for Beverly Hills.

While affirming belief in remote viewing and other psychic abilities, Duce-Ashe emphasizes the need for more rigorous development and study, expressing concern that Brown's claims have created a setback for the field.

FROM OUT OF THE BLUE!

This section contains letters to the editor and announcements.

Letter from Tut Runyun:
Tut Runyun praises Carolyn Duce-Ashe for her article criticizing Courtney Brown, using the phrase "kicked Courtney Brown's patootie." He shares a limerick about Brown's discomfort with mentioning Ed Dames and his own perceived decline.

Letter from Ken Ewing:
Ken Ewing reports on the eruption of the Mexican volcano Popocatépetl, noting a Mayan legend and futurist predictions that it might signal a cataclysm or UFO event. He also mentions the "goat sucking" phenomena and the reporting of Chupacabras in Mexico and southern Florida.

Letter from [email protected] (Glenn Campbell):
Glenn Campbell expresses appreciation for the newsletter and inquires about the development of a web site. He offers technical assistance and web space, and requests to store Duce-Ashe's Courtney Brown article on his site. He also expresses interest in reviewing Richard Sauder's book and other articles related to ufologists.

Letter from Karl ([email protected]):
Karl shares his thoughts on the Newton's recollections of Marcel, suggesting it challenges the crashed-saucer narrative of the Roswell event. He also wishes Beckie and Dan well in their new ventures and comments on the name "Southwest Research Associates."

Letter from Gail Leigh (International Association for New Science):
Gail Leigh thanks Carolyn for mentioning their conference on Natural Healing, which was canceled due to low pre-registrations. She also requests a mention of the upcoming Third International Symposium on New Energy in April and the Rocky Mountain UFO Conference in Laramie, Wyoming.

• Announcements:
• Several new publications and events are announced:
• "Fastwalker," a novel by Jacques Vallee and Tracy Torme.
• "The View From Hermit's Peak," a monthly newsletter edited by Richard Rowlette and Carolyn Duce-Ashe.
• "ReVision," a new quarterly journal.
• "Borderlands," a quarterly journal on advanced knowledge.
• A free catalog of UFO-related books and videos from Greenleaf Publications.
• The New Mexico MUFON is seeking a State Director and a location for monthly meetings.

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Ireland-UFOs and Newgrange:
Carolyn Duce-Ashe shares her experiences from a trip to Ireland. She mentions meeting David Burgess, the MUFON Director for Ireland, who reported sightings of UFOs similar to the Belgian triangle-shaped craft. She also visited Newgrange, a 6,200-year-old mesolithic structure, and felt a spiritual connection to the site. She plans to write a more detailed report on Newgrange in a future issue.

Proposed Changes For NM MUFON News:
Duce-Ashe and Debby Stark announce plans to change the name of the newsletter to reflect its new role as the journal of the Southwest Research Associates, a private research group. The publication will be renamed and published six times a year, with subscriptions costing $15/year. The new focus will include reporting on current news, in-depth investigations, and research on UFOs, the paranormal, human consciousness, remote viewing, and other psychic phenomena. The first issue of the new newsletter is expected in June 1996.

MORE AVIARY "LEAKS", MEMORANDUM II

This article, by Richard Boylan, Ph.D., from the HUFON Report (Nov-Dec, 1995), discusses information received from an informant referred to as "Beltway Throat" (BT) regarding "The Aviary," led by retired Naval Intelligence Commander C.B. Scott Jones. The Aviary reportedly believes in upcoming events, including a predicted Extraterrestrial Landing on April 24, 1997, which is seen as a precursor to a 1998 series of cataclysms.

According to BT, the 1997 landing is the last chance for human governments to acknowledge extraterrestrial visitation, otherwise, ETs will not assist in mitigating the 1998 cataclysms. The U.S. Power Structure is reportedly aware of these warnings. The cataclysms are described as a mix of technological and natural causes, potentially including seismic upheavals, volcanism, and global-warming weather extremes.

Dr. Jones reportedly believes that resistance to admitting extraterrestrial visitation is significant in developed countries, but The Aviary is concerned about tyrants in third-world countries who might resist the change. Two scenarios for the 1997 landing are presented:

• Scenario One: A coalition of "Insiders" (MJ-12 leadership, The Aviary, and Robert Bigelow's NIDS Institute) would act as an elite Contact Group to negotiate with ETs. The author protests this elitist approach.
• Scenario Two: A "blue-ribbon panel" would be established as the Contact Team. The author suggests this panel should be democratically selected and globally representative, like the U.N.

BT also shared a rumor that Christ was an ET and that returning ETs might present a "Christ Consciousness" figure, potentially leading to social chaos as Christians might ignore governmental direction.

Furthermore, Bob Bigelow's NIDS Institute reportedly possesses a UFO artifact that will be revealed to draw public attention to the UFO/ET phenomenon, potentially manipulating people into granting undue power to the MJ-12/Aviary/Bigelow NIDS Institute for negotiations.

The article concludes by urging readers to use their own judgment and discernment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NM MUFON NEWS consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related controversies. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Carolyn Duce-Ashe's writing, is critical and investigative, particularly regarding claims that lack rigorous scientific backing, such as those made by Courtney Brown. There is a strong emphasis on scientific analysis, as seen in the Roswell fragment investigation, while also acknowledging the existence and potential of psychic abilities like remote viewing. The publication also serves as a platform for announcements of events, new research, and publications within the UFO community, and acts as a communication channel for MUFON members and interested readers.