NJAAP Bulletin - 1963 02 - Vol 2 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NJAAP BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 2 Number 1
Date: February, 1963
Publisher: New Jersey Association on Aerial Phenomena (NJAAP)
Price: Single Issue 30¢

Editorial Content

UFO Lull Continues with Mars Opposition

The lead article notes a significant decrease in UFO reports during January and February, a period that was expected to see an increase in sightings, especially with Mars's approach to Earth. This lull is observed globally, with some publications terming it the 'lull before the storm.' The article questions when this period of inactivity will end.

Editorials

The editorial section reflects on the 18 years since the 'modern era' of UFOs began. It expresses disappointment that promised Congressional hearings on UFOs did not occur in 1962. The press's stance on UFOs has reportedly improved, with more accounts denouncing Air Force statements and better sighting reports in 1962 compared to 1961. The editorial mentions several small flaps in 1962 across the US. It also discusses the long-standing efforts to unite UFOlogists, culminating in the formation of the United UFOlogical Association (U.U.A.) in December 1962, which includes 18 UFO groups in the USA and 8 overseas.

A significant portion of the editorial addresses the issue of 'contactee' claims. The NJAAP states it will not dismiss or wholeheartedly believe these claims but will investigate them prudently. They acknowledge that dismissing contactees outright is cowardly, but accepting all claims as truthful presents difficulties due to contradictions. A committee has been formed to investigate these claims with an open mind.

An analysis of Mr. Adamski's claims was planned but postponed due to the unavailability of a book by Gray Barker.

Rev. Guy Cyr vs. Mr. Ronald Anstee: Subject: Adamski

This section features a lengthy debate between Rev. Guy Cyr and Mr. Ronald Anstee concerning the claims of George Adamski. Rev. Cyr challenges Adamski's assertions, particularly his claims of receiving scientific information from 'Space People' that was later confirmed by scientists. Cyr demands specific evidence and quotes from both Adamski and the scientific reports.

Cyr scrutinizes Adamski's descriptions, such as the 'fireflies' phenomenon observed in space. He argues that Adamski's descriptions of 'fireflies' (flickering particles) are explainable by astronomical phenomena like meteors and the Gegenschein effect, and that astronauts' descriptions of similar phenomena (like Glenn's observation of particles) do not confirm Adamski's claims. Cyr also questions Adamski's reports on radiation belts and the atmosphere of Venus and the Moon, suggesting that scientists had already proposed similar ideas or that Adamski's accounts lack unique confirmation.

Mr. Anstee, in his reply, defends Adamski, arguing that Cyr is too dismissive and plays with words. Anstee asserts that Adamski's photographs have been verified by others and that his reports are truthful. He contends that Adamski's claims about fireflies, radiation belts, and lunar/Venusian atmospheres are supported by scientific findings or theories that predate Adamski but are consistent with his accounts. Anstee criticizes Cyr for ignoring certain points and for his perceived lack of sincerity. He also suggests that Adamski's descriptions of space phenomena, like the 'fireflies,' are based on his knowledge of astronomy and optical devices, making them plausible but not necessarily proof of contact.

Anstee challenges Cyr to provide specific evidence against Adamski and asks him to refrain from personal attacks. He emphasizes that readers should think for themselves and that his own research of 92 years has shown many facts to be true.

UFO News Briefs & Notices

Fiery Aerial Object Hovers Over Salinas: A UFO was reported on December 14, 1962, in Salinas, California, and surrounding communities. Witnesses, including police officers, described it as a high-flying, fiery ball that moved swiftly and sometimes hovered motionless at an estimated 10,000 feet. Civilian aircraft reported only heavy meteor activity, and the AF was unable to make radar contact.

Booklet Offer: The bulletin offers 10 copies left of their first meeting booklet for $0.50.

Publication Change: Gene Duplantier, editor of Saucers, Space & Science, has moved and changed his publication's format to photo offset.

UFOlogy Takes Another Step Forward

This section details the formation of the United UFOlogical Association (U.U.A.) on December 10, 1962. This organization was established by combining the Alliance-NARL, aiming to unite UFO investigative groups for extensive investigation. The U.U.A. has an International Coordinating Committee, a Newspaper Committee (publishing Look-See and UFO Informer), a General Committee, a Court for disputes, and a Project Committee.

Search for Life in Space Seen of Utmost Importance

A group of over 100 scientists, following an 8-week study by the Space Science Board of the National Academy of Science, strongly urged the federal government to prioritize the search for extraterrestrial life as the top scientific mission. They believe finding life beyond Earth would have a profound impact and that Mars is the most exciting exploration target.

Publication Discontinued: Mr. Norbert Gariety has discontinued his publication S.P.A.C.E. due to financial difficulties.

Photo Investigation Committee: This committee is seeking new members to analyze UFO photos and slides. Photography experience is not required.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NJAAP Bulletin consistently promotes a stance of open-minded investigation into the UFO phenomenon. It encourages critical thinking and the examination of evidence, particularly in the ongoing debate surrounding contactee claims. The publication highlights efforts to unite UFO organizations and emphasizes the scientific community's growing interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, seeking verifiable facts rather than accepting claims at face value, while acknowledging the complexity and mystery of the UFO enigma.

This issue of the N.J.A.A.P. Bulletin, dated April 1963, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a cover headline proclaiming "UFO HOVERS OVER AIR FORCE BASE." The publication, produced by the New Jersey Association on Aerial Phenomena (N.J.A.A.P.), details various reports from late 1962 and early 1963, alongside scientific speculation and administrative announcements.

UFO Sightings and Reports

California Sighting

The lead story details a sighting on January 20, 1963, at 4:15 P.M. by a witness identified as "Mr. X." He observed a cigar-shaped UFO, approximately 8 feet thick and 12 feet long, hovering over McClean Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. The object remained stationary for about 45 minutes, giving off a faint white glow and appearing metallic, before ascending straight up very fast. Weather conditions were clear, and the UFO was approximately one mile away and at one mile in altitude.

New Jersey UFO Flap (Late 1962)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a series of UFO reports from New Jersey, primarily from September 1962. These include:

• September 15, 1962: An Edgewater resident spotted a huge object spinning past the Moon. Later that evening, at Oradell Reservoir, Robert Decker, Steve Nagy, and David Finley reported an object hovering over the water, landing briefly, submerging, and then taking off at great speed with a loud splash.
• September 16, 1962: David Finley and two other witnesses reported seeing a UFO land on the shore of the reservoir. They described it as an oval with a band, spots, and a fin, leaving behind bear-shaped and banana-shaped tracks.
• September 17, 1962: Emerson William Cooper and Alfred Tauss reported seeing an object dive into the reservoir. Mrs. Helen Cooper corroborated her son's account of a bright light moving over the pines, followed by a loud bang.
• September 18, 1962: Westwood Patrolmen Emil Rudloff and Eugene Troy observed a huge object, round at the top and tapering into a cone, traveling east very fast for 7-8 seconds, described as bright yellowish-white. Oradell Patrolmen Martin Hanlon and Peter McHale reported a similar sighting.
• September 19, 1962: Two Oradell patrolmen saw a strange light hovering over the reservoir.
• September 20, 1962: William Stock reported a round, disc-shaped object suspended in space near San Braen's quarry in Hawthorne. He described it as making no noise and moving erratically. The object was later observed by Hawthorne police, who described it as having two big lights and moving slowly.
• Prospect Park: Robert Kuiken and another resident reported seeing a UFO similar to the one seen at Braen's quarry, described as glowing with pure white brilliance.
• Hackensack: Two formations of six large, disc-shaped UFOs were seen at Paulaski Park.
• Clifton: Robert Santillo and Thomas David reported seeing a blinking star that grew brighter, shooting off beams of light and changing colors before disappearing.
• Paterson: A similar report came from Robert Mazzarone, describing lights and rapid movements.
• September 23, 1962: Peter Lee and his mother saw an oblong silvery object moving from the northwest over the Ramapo Mountains, which stopped, hesitated, then turned and sped away in about 10 seconds.
• September 24, 1962: Nine persons, including five Hawthorne police officers, reported a strange, multi-colored light over the Sam Braen quarry. George D. Penta, head of an independent news agency, described the object as about 30 feet in length, 1,000 feet in the air, and two miles away, changing colors from red to silver to green and back to red. Signals were reportedly picked up on the WABC radio frequency.

Other UFO-Related Reports

• B-52 Crash: An article speculates whether a UFO was involved in the explosion of an eight-engine B-52 near Mora, New Mexico, on January 30, 1963. The article notes that strange "flashes" have been noted in various crashes.
• Mars' Moons: Erling Jensen, Secretary of the Scandanivian UFO Investigation, suggests in a December 14, 1962, letter that the two moons of Mars are artificial. He bases this on their unusual speed, direction, circular orbits, and brightness, concluding they are made of metal.

Scientific and Speculative Content

Venus as a UFO Source?

An article by the Director and Associate Director of the N.J.A.A.P. explores the possibility of Venus and Mars as sources of UFOs. It discusses the intense heat on Venus (800°F surface temperature) as reported by the Mariner II probe, making life as we know it improbable. The article notes that Venus's atmosphere contains carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and its clouds are a layer of condensed hydrocarbons. Despite Venus likely being lifeless, the authors suggest that UFOs might originate from Mars or even Earth's Moon, especially given the correlation between UFO flaps and Mars' close approaches to Earth.

Population Growth and Food Supply

An article titled "THEY WON'T COME HERE" by Gene Duplantier discusses the inference that space people might invade Earth. Duplantier argues against this, citing Earth's rapidly increasing population (projected to reach 6 billion by 2000) and the existing global hunger and malnutrition. He posits that space people would likely avoid Earth due to the scarcity of food and the difficulty of finding enough to sustain themselves, suggesting they would seek "greener pastures."

Organizational Announcements and Activities

• N.J.A.A.P. Committee Director Reports UFO: This section details the sighting by Jerome Clark on January 25, 1963, of a red blinking light that moved rapidly and was later observed as an orange craft with red portholes.
• Public Opinion Poll: On February 11, 1963, the N.J.A.A.P. initiated a public opinion poll on UFOs in New Jersey, aiming to survey 5,000 people.
• Editor's Talks: The editor gave a talk on UFOs to the Franklin Park Rocket Club on January 31, 1963, and other talks were being prepared.
• Special Announcement - Termination of Publication: The Director, Edward J. Babcock, Jr., announces that this issue will be the last for the N.J.A.A.P. Bulletin. He cites financial burdens, lack of member support, and personal commitments (being a 16-year-old high school junior) as reasons for disbanding the publication. He expresses gratitude to supporters and mentions plans to produce a booklet on the Adamski and Bender reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The N.J.A.A.P. Bulletin consistently reports on UFO sightings with a generally open but investigative stance. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, seeking evidence and analysis. The publication also touches upon broader scientific and societal issues, such as space exploration, planetary conditions, and global population dynamics, often linking them back to the UFO question. The termination of the Bulletin signifies a shift in the organization's activities, though the director expresses hope for continued UFO reporting from subscribers.