1995 00 00 OMNI - UFO Foundation - 1995 Fall

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue: 4
Date: Not specified
Content Type: Magazine Issue

Article: FIRST WORD - A UFO FOUNDATION: Working together to find answers

This article, written by physicist and science-fiction writer Gregory Benford, addresses the perceived animosity between UFO enthusiasts and scientists. Benford notes that while scientific skepticism is understandable due to a lack of solid, physical evidence after decades of sightings, the extraterrestrial visitor hypothesis has not been definitively disproven.

Benford criticizes the current state of UFO coverage, which he feels is dominated by media like 'The X-Files' and the 'National Enquirer,' leading to unproductive shouting matches rather than serious study. He proposes that UFO enthusiasts should actively support research, including providing funding, to uncover convincing evidence. This approach, he argues, would grant UFOlogists credibility and provide them with solid points for discussion.

Scientific Approach to UFO Investigation

Benford urges UFO fans to think like scientists. He posits that if aliens are visiting Earth, they likely have bases somewhere in our solar system, implying they would need locations to regroup and refuel. He suggests that these aliens might be making it difficult for scientists to obtain physical proof, but they cannot entirely conceal their presence.

Proposed Research Areas

Benford outlines several potential areas for serious scientific investigation:

• The Moon: He suggests searching for alien bases on the far side of the moon by conducting a careful analysis of high-resolution mapping data, such as that acquired by the Clementine spacecraft in 1994. He believes that even with modest funding, a data processor could identify anomalies.
• Lunar Lagrangian Points: Benford points out that the stable zones leading and trailing the moon in its orbit, known as Lagrangian points, could serve as convenient parking spots for spaceships, protected from tidal tugs. He references a 1980s study by two astronomers who searched these points for shiny objects reflecting sunlight, though they did so without a UFO agenda.
• The Asteroid Belt: Drawing on the work of Michael Papagiannis of Boston University, Benford suggests that starfaring aliens might utilize the asteroid belt as a residential zone and a source of raw materials. Papagiannis proposed searching for them by tracking their waste heat, as any energy-using entity would generate an infrared glow. This proposal, though technically sound, failed to secure funding from NASA or NSF.

The Role of a UFO Foundation

Benford envisions a foundation dedicated to real, objective research that could fund initiatives like Papagiannis's infrared search or similar ideas. Such an institution, he believes, could lead to the research being cited in scientific publications and help build bridges with the skeptical scientific community. He acknowledges that the search might yield no results, which is common in science, but emphasizes the nobility and progressive nature of the search itself.

Benford concludes by urging the UFO community to consider this more collaborative and scientific approach, suggesting that a serious institution would receive far more respect than the current confrontational dynamic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the need for a more rigorous, scientific approach to UFO research, moving beyond adversarial exchanges. The editorial stance advocates for collaboration between UFO enthusiasts and scientists, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based investigation and funding for credible research. The magazine appears open to exploring unconventional ideas but stresses the necessity of scientific methodology.