NJAAP Bulletin - 1964 01 - Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of The N.J.A.A.P. Bulletin, Volume II, Number 3, dated January 1964, is published by the New Jersey Association on Aerial Phenomena (NJAAP). The cover highlights a scientist's theory on UFO origins and reports on an NJAAP-sponsored skywatch that produced no significant results. The issue delves into various UFO sightings and analyses, including incidents in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky, as well as observations of strange phenomena on the moon.

NJAAP Pennsylvania-New Jersey Skywatch

The lead article details an NJAAP-sponsored skywatch held from December 26-27, 1963. Despite extensive notification to individuals and newspapers, only two sightings were reported, both identified as conventional phenomena. The report acknowledges Richard Henderson, a 16-year-old student and president of the Freedom 7 Amateur-Rocketry and Technological Research Society, for his detailed observations.

Richard Henderson's report from January 2, 1964, describes two sightings. The first, a bright light streaking across the sky, was identified as a bolide (fireball meteor), likely part of the Ursid meteor shower. The second sighting involved a red flashing object heading northeast. Through trigonometric calculations based on Henderson's and another witness's (Tom Weir) measurements, the object was determined to be at an altitude of about 3.3 miles and 9.1 miles south. The red flashing light suggested a navigation light of an aircraft, possibly military, and its altitude made the motor inaudible. The report concludes this was likely a military plane.

Mr. Henderson's reporting is praised as a model for UFO investigations. NJAAP is preparing for another skywatch in April.

Strange Falling UFO's Near Trenton

This section details two cases of UFOs reported to be falling or landing near Trenton, New Jersey. The first incident, occurring around the beginning of December, involved a luminous UFO observed by a couple in Ewing Township dropping into a wooded area behind their house. The object descended soundlessly and frightened the wife. The investigation was hampered by the witnesses' lack of a telephone and difficulty in contacting them, resulting in third-hand information. The description aligns with a fireball meteor, and the timing might coincide with the Geminid meteor shower. However, the limited number of witnesses suggests the object was close to them, possibly having fallen.

The second Trenton sighting, on January 10, 1964, involved three 13-year-olds (Kenneth Clarice, Susan Perry, and Marietta Azzaro) in the Slackwood area of Lawrence Township. They observed a light descending at a 45-degree angle, which then performed a zig-zag maneuver multiple times before disappearing behind trees. This incident is described as definitely not a meteor and occurred shortly after 8:00 PM. Police searched the area but found nothing. The report notes the similarity to the Ewing Township case and the 1963 Lyle, Minnesota incident.

Iowa-Minnesota Border Sighting (June 4, 1963)

This section revisits the widely reported sighting on the Iowa-Minnesota border. It highlights that many previous accounts were sketchy and overlooked a crucial detail: two sightings occurred. The first, around 2:30 AM, reported a white light exploding near Cedar Falls, Iowa, also seen in other towns. The second, about thirty minutes later, involved a strange multi-colored light seen by truckers near Lyle, Minnesota, appearing to settle to earth. The report notes that an aerial search and highway patrol search found no trace of the object. Scientists offered explanations like meteors or man-made missiles, but the authors find these theories absurd and incongruous, suggesting the objects were closer and possibly controlled.

An interpretation by Jerome Clark suggests the Iowa "meteor" was a UFO that exploded, and a second UFO (UFO #2) then searched for it, landing in the Lyle area. This hypothesis attempts to explain the proximity of the two sightings.

UFO's with Lighted Windows

This section compiles several sightings of UFOs characterized by lighted windows or portholes, drawing from past issues of Fate magazine and other sources.

• Chicago Sighting (June 21, 1963): Janice McKay reported an unusual object in the southeastern sky with five small, individual lights like windows. It spun like a top and revolved, then made sharp motions before disappearing toward Lake Michigan.
• Waukegan, Illinois Sighting (May 19, 1963): Reverend Father R. Dean Johnson described a disk-shaped UFO with lighted windows, estimated to be 200-300 feet above him. It revolved counter-clockwise at about 40 miles per hour and had windows "evenly spaced all the way around on two levels." Other witnesses also reported similar objects.
• Philadelphia Sighting (October 6, 1963): Michael R. Freedman reported an oval-shaped UFO, seen in profile, with lighted windows. The report notes its resemblance to the Waukegan and Chicago sightings.

The authors note the similarities in appearance and maneuvers of these UFOs, including sharp changes of direction and occurrences around the same time of day. Bodies of water played a prominent role, with objects often moving along coastlines. The behavior suggests a possible interest in studying industrial areas along shorelines.

Older Sightings:

• Philadelphia Sighting (April 24, 1962): Paul Scattergood and Robert King reported a UFO with window-like lights that blanked out repeatedly, resembling a rotating machine.
• Kentucky Sighting (circa 1958-1960): Cecil D. Clayton reported a zeppelin-like object with several lighted portholes paralleling the road. A similar sighting was later reported by his brother-in-law and another associate, describing an object about 150-200 feet high moving at 45-50 mph.
• Dallas, Texas Sighting (circa 1962): Mrs. Schaffhausen's late husband observed a cigar-shaped UFO with lighted windows pacing an airliner.

The report emphasizes that these older sightings, particularly those with lighted windows, are not new but are presented for the record, noting the lack of a clear pattern compared to the 1963 incidents.

Strange 'Ruby' Spots on Moon

This article discusses recent observations of strange red spots near the lunar crater Aristarchus, reported in Time magazine (12/27/63). Air Force observers James C. Greenacre and Edward M. Barr at the Lowell Observatory reported seeing three bright red spots. Dr. John S. Hall and other observers later saw a reddish area in the same vicinity. Dr. Hall suggested the heat of sunlight releasing gases from the lunar interior. The authors propose a more speculative theory that these spots might be something intelligently controlled and connected with terrestrial UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently focuses on UFO sightings, emphasizing detailed reporting and analysis. There's a strong inclination to investigate and explain phenomena, often comparing new sightings to historical cases. The editorial stance appears open to the possibility of genuine UFOs, while also employing scientific reasoning and trigonometric calculations to identify conventional explanations like aircraft or meteors. The publication encourages reader participation by soliciting information and criticisms regarding the presented theories and data. A recurring theme is the comparison of sightings, particularly those involving objects with lighted windows and their behavior near bodies of water, suggesting a potential pattern of observation or study.

This issue of *Stanford Today*, published by Stanford University in Winter 1963, is largely dedicated to exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life, particularly focusing on Mars and Venus. The magazine features two key articles by Stanford scientists from the Genetics Department.

Life Beyond the Earth by Dr. Joshua Lederberg

Dr. Joshua Lederberg, head of the Department of Genetics, considers the potential for life on other planets in our solar system. He posits that extraterrestrial organisms might not require the same conditions as terrestrial life, stating, "man is not the measure of all things." The fundamental requirement for life, according to Lederberg, is water or a similar solvent, essential for the complex work of cells. He identifies evolution as the only universal biological principle, outlining three stages: "chemogeny" (production of complex organic compounds), "biogeny" (replication of ordered polymers and formation of cells), and "cog-nogeny" (evolution of perception, computation, and symbolic expression for communication and tradition).

Lederberg examines Venus, noting that while Mariner II measurements suggest high surface temperatures, life might exist in its higher atmosphere. He draws an analogy to Earth's atmosphere, which supports a variety of life forms.

Regarding Mars, Lederberg acknowledges the scarcity of water as an objection to surface life. However, he suggests that while a rich biology like Earth's is unlikely, a "marginal biology" needing water could exist. He predicts Mars has achieved the "chemogenic stage" but is uncertain about the "biogenic stage." He also raises the possibility that Martian life might have evolved into "cognogony," meaning intelligent life could have existed and gone.

Lederberg briefly touches upon Jupiter, noting its surface composition contains the "raw material" for the evolution of life and the universe.

Payload to Mars by Dr. Elliot Levinthal

Dr. Elliot Levinthal, also from the Genetics Department, details the "Multivator," an instrument designed to detect microbial life on Mars, intended for a Mariner capsule in 1967. The Multivator collects Martian soil samples and tests them for "the enzyme phosphatase," chosen for its widespread presence in terrestrial organisms and its role in metabolism. The goal is to measure incidences as low as 100 to 1,000 bacteria per milligram of soil. Levinthal expresses interest in whether Martian life has experienced "biogenic or cognogenic stages" and any divergences from terrestrial evolution.

He also mentions future plans for a microscope that would transmit video signals to Earth for observing Martian microbial life, with ongoing development of interpretation methods.

Orson Welles-Like Panic in Denmark

This section reports on a panic in Copenhagen, Denmark, on New Year's Day, triggered by a Danish state radio science-fiction program that mimicked the style of Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" broadcast. The program described an alien invasion and the Earth's rotation slowing down, averted by US and Russian rockets. Despite clear announcements of its fictional nature, the broadcast caused alarm, with over 1000 calls received by the station and some listeners seeking air raid shelters. The report suggests this incident foreshadows potential public reaction to a mass UFO landing, emphasizing the need for public preparation.

What the Scientist Said by Ivan T. Sanderson

Ivan T. Sanderson, NJAAP Special Advisor, discusses a theory from a highly respected scientist (whose identity is withheld) regarding the appearance and behavior of UFOs. The theory links UFO phenomena to advancements in electromagnetic spectrum applications and the concept of "interference." Sanderson suggests that humanity's "wanton and irresponsible release of raw energy" might be causing us to inadvertently "break through" into other space-time continua or create new frequencies that disrupt devices in those continua. He cites examples of electronic equipment failures caused by distant, seemingly minor events.

This "interference" could cause UFOs, whether machines or life-forms, to malfunction, become lost, or "crash." Sanderson finds this theory alarming but encouraging for understanding the "how" of UFOs. He humorously dismisses the idea of benevolent, human-like aliens, suggesting UFO entities are more likely "revolting little gaseous bodies" or robots.

Solution (?) of Sayreville Mystery

This section addresses the "mysterious disappearance of a large quantity of fill dirt" near Sayreville, New Jersey, in early 1962. The New York Times reported on a larceny indictment against Frank Caprio, head of the Sayreville Earth Products Company, for allegedly stealing borough-owned dirt. Caprio had pleaded guilty to charges related to bribes and the theft of 7,000 cubic yards. However, the initial report mentioned 1,800,000 cubic yards missing, leaving over 1,750,000 cubic yards unaccounted for. The article notes that the prosecutor's office disputed the quoted figures, suggesting that while a UFO-related explanation for the crater might be unlikely, there was likely "hugger-mugger" within the Sayreville Borough Council.

Items of Interest to UFO Students

This section provides several brief updates for UFO enthusiasts:

• Air Force UFO Fact Sheet: A recent release from Project Blue Book is available, detailing sightings from the first eight months of 1963, including "Unknown" cases and "solved" cases. It humorously notes that UFO writers are perceived as exploiting "religious, superstitious, and science fiction beliefs."
• "The Graphic Time Table of the Heavens": An almanac published by the Maryland Academy of Sciences, recommended for determining possible astronomical causes of UFO sightings.
• Russian Scientist's Report: A translation of a Russian report on the "Tunguska meteorite" of 1908, theorizing it was a nuclear-powered spacecraft, is available.

Physics Professor Joins NJAAP Panel

NJAAP announces the formation of a Panel of Special Advisors, including persons with expertise in physics, meteorology, electronics, and astronomy. Dr. Philip Morrison, Professor of Physics at Cornell University, is introduced as a new panel member. Morrison, who worked with scientists like Enrico Fermi and Niels Bohr at Los Alamos, is described as a skeptic of UFOs, viewing the case as legally strong but not yet scientifically proven. He was a supporter of "Project Ozma" and has worked on mathematical codes for communicating with extraterrestrials.

Clark Chosen as Assistant Director

Jerome Clark is appointed Assistant Director of NJAAP. He is recognized for his analyses of "contact" cases and the Bender Mystery. His interests are broad, including UFOs, "Fortean" phenomena, American history, and political science. Clark is a high school senior planning to major in Political Science at South Dakota State University.

Freedman Appointed to NICAP Youth Council

Michael R. Freedman of Philadelphia is selected as the Pennsylvania representative to NICAP's Youth Council. The council aims to promote interest in UFOs and space activity among young people aged 14-20. Freedman's role will involve answering questions and handling correspondence from teenagers in Pennsylvania regarding UFOs, space travel, and astronomy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the scientific and speculative aspects of extraterrestrial life, particularly focusing on Mars. There's a strong emphasis on the scientific approach, with articles by university professors and discussions of instruments and theories. The magazine also highlights public reactions to UFO phenomena, as seen in the Orson Welles-like panic, and addresses the role of scientific organizations like NICAP and NJAAP in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging skepticism, as exemplified by Dr. Morrison's position. The possibility of interference in the electromagnetic spectrum as a cause for UFO phenomena is also a recurring theme.