Orbiter - No 08 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #8
Date: May 1988
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report

This issue of Orbiter delves into the current state of ufological discourse, highlighting concerns about 'contacteeism,' New Age material, and the proliferation of books and conferences. It critically examines the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings and photographs, questioning their authenticity and suggesting a potential hoax. The magazine also touches upon the controversial MJ-12 documents and the broader landscape of UFO investigation.

Gulf Breeze, Mountbatten, and Sour Grapes

The lead article sets a critical tone, suggesting an 'inevitable showdown' in ufology due to what is perceived as 'nonsense' and 'knee-deep' misinformation. The author laments the rise of psychics promoting abductions and the commercialization of UFO research through books and New Age materials. The article contrasts this with the serious investigation of phenomena, mentioning the Iran-Contra connection as a parallel to a perceived 'underground battle between entities and American forces.'

The Gulf Breeze Incident

The issue focuses heavily on the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings, which involved a Mr. X taking Polaroid pictures of an object. The article notes that MUFON investigators and the media converged on the scene, and that the publicity attracted many individuals, including someone named 'Believe Bill.' The author expresses skepticism about the authenticity of these photos, drawing parallels to past UFO photo hoaxes.

UFO Photo Hoaxes

The magazine provides examples of well-known UFO photo hoaxes to illustrate the ease with which such deceptions can occur. The Alec Birch photos, published for years as genuine, were later revealed to be a hoax where objects were painted on a window pane. Similarly, the Paul Knight photo from St. Catherine's, Ontario, was admitted by Knight to be faked using a Volkswagen hubcap.

The article suggests that the Gulf Breeze investigation by MUFON has encountered 'serious problems,' leading to a 'hate campaign' against critics. It highlights the dedication of a few remaining researchers who strive to maintain the subject's respectability.

Lord Mountbatten and UFO Interest

The discussion shifts to Lord Mountbatten, a prominent figure in World War II and British politics. The article notes that Mountbatten had a keen interest in UFO phenomena and even attempted to establish a center for filtering reports. However, his interest reportedly waned due to the 'nonsense' associated with 'contacteeism.' The author speculates that many others may have exited the subject for similar reasons.

Caution on World-Wide UFO

This section warns readers about a new entity in the Orlando, Florida area that is duplicating the work of Lucius Farish's UFO Newsclipping Service (UFONS) by using the title 'World-Wide UFO.' Lucius Farish has been researching UFOs since 1957 and publishing articles since the early sixties. Readers are advised to be cautious of anything promoted from the Orlando area.

New Book and International Congress

A new book, 'UFOS AND THE COMPLETE EVIDENCE FROM SPACE' by Daniel Ross, is reviewed and critically dismissed with a rating of -3. The book is noted for leaning heavily on Adamski material and the 'lush green side of the moon' theory.

The International UFO Congress is announced, scheduled for September 3-6, 1988, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Notable speakers include Eric von Daniken, Jacques Vallee, and Jimmy Guieu.

Radio-TV Log and Article Log

The issue includes a log of recent and upcoming media appearances related to UFO topics, featuring guests like Budd Hopkins and Travis Walton. An 'Article Log' lists various publications and the dates of articles related to UFOs or relevant topics.

Gulf Breeze, Florida Activity Summary (As of May 1, 1988)

This detailed summary, attributed to Robert D. Boyd, CUFOS Investigator Coordinator and MUFON State Director, Alabama, presents a critical analysis of the Gulf Breeze events and photographs.

A. Biased One-Sided Investigation

Boyd notes that principal investigators made public statements authenticating the photographs before the investigation concluded. He also claims that negative aspects of the reported events were restricted and covered up, with investigators allegedly siding with the photographer and even furnishing them with internal correspondence.

B. Questionable Factors Concerning Principal Witness/es

Several questionable factors are raised regarding the principal witness:

1. The witness initially reported to The Sentinel newspaper rather than an official agency like the police department.
2. No independent witnesses have reportedly observed the same objects despite the number of photographs taken.
3. The witness is reportedly writing and submitting manuscripts to Mr. Budd Hopkins' agent for possible publication.
4. Disturbing incidents related to the principal witness have been reported by some Gulf Breeze residents, including a statement allegedly made by the witness: "The Ultimate Prank."
5. The witness's experience has not impressed the author or other investigators as a truly traumatic experience.

C. Conflicting and Inconsistent Characteristics

1. The majority of sightings occurred in a heavily populated residential and business area, which is unusual for high-quality UFO encounters that typically occur in rural areas.
2. The number of reports was primarily prompted by the news media, suggesting a 'flap' or 'wave' created by media attention rather than the phenomenon itself.
3. An alleged 'attack' by the UFO on the witness's vehicle did not involve any reported electromagnetic effects, and the progression of events differs from other low-level encounters.
4. Repeated sightings and experiences are similar to other questionable 'contactee' claims, which often involve single, short-duration encounters.
5. The witness's claimed ability to resist the anomaly is contrary to findings in the field.
6. Similarities were found with Mr. Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion,' including the mention of a 'Cinnamon' smell, which is noted as the only known reference to that smell in UFO literature.

D. Questionable Factors Concerning the Photographs

1. The first five photographs taken on November 11, 1987, depict a rapidly darkening sky inconsistent with the witness's stated 3-4 minute duration for the event.
2. Cloud movement data analysis is ongoing, with questions raised about the speed of clouds in the first five pictures.

E. Inherent Flaws with the Depicted Object/s

1. The circular base of the object appears tilted, creating a non-symmetrical ellipse, which is unusual for a symmetrical object.
2. An ambient light on the object's surface, particularly in photo #5, cannot be attributed to natural sources like the sky, moon, or local lighting, suggesting artificial illumination.
3. A distinct flaw is evident at the base of the object on the outer edge of the rim in photographs #11, #14, and #17.
4. Photograph #16 shows a circular light within the bottom base of the object, possibly resembling a kitchen fluorescent light.
5. Photograph #7 may show an overlap between the object and a tree, suggesting the object is in front of or integrated with the tree.
6. The object in the first five photographs appears non-symmetrical, with upper and lower portions off-center, possibly due to reflection off a glass surface or medium.
7. Dr. Willy Smith notes that at least one 'window' on the object does not line up horizontally with adjacent windows.
8. The spacing between the 'windows' is irregular and not proportional, revealing mathematical inconsistencies contrary to good geometry.

The Final Blow

Further analysis by Ray Stanford (Ref. 3) indicates that the cloud patterns in the photos are inconsistent with the reported wind direction on November 11, 1987. This suggests that photos #2 and #3 were not taken on the reported date. The conclusion is that the photos were likely taken during the preparation of a hoax. Photo #4 was not discussed due to lack of a clear copy. The analysis of cloud motion by Ray Stanford suggests a possible date compatible with the wind direction shown in the photos. The determination that the photos were not taken on the reported date leads to the conclusion that the Gulf Breeze sightings do not reflect real events, and the witness's credibility has evaporated.

Department of Further Amplification

This section reprints an open letter from Joe Nyman, a MUFON member, expressing confusion and seeking answers regarding the current state of ufology. Nyman questions the validity of abduction investigations, the role of media hype, and the alleged commercialization of the subject. He lists ten specific, often satirical, questions about the field, including:

1. Conflicting interpretations of a photograph (Mr. Ed's photo #17).
2. Investigators being distracted by 'cash registers' instead of their work.
3. The significance of 'MJ' and '12' potentially replacing 'HOLLYWOOD'.
4. Investigators recognizing media hype.
5. Media reps seeking abductees for ratings.
6. An investigator being trampled by pregnant women.
7. A screen test for investigator exams.
8. An abductee endorsing toilet paper and condoms.
9. A writer suing an abductee over an alien baby's birth timing.
10. MJ12 proponents having their library cards revoked.

Nyman concludes by expressing a desire for cooperation and objective research, humorously suggesting that the Weekly World News might have the answers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence, and the skepticism towards sensationalism, 'contacteeism,' and media-driven narratives in ufology. The editorial stance is clearly one of questioning authenticity and promoting rigorous, objective investigation, as exemplified by the detailed debunking of the Gulf Breeze photographs and the critical commentary on the state of the field.