Orbiter - No 10 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #10
Date: August 1988
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report
Cover Headline: UFOS: WHY DO SOME SEE THEM AND OTHERS DON'T?

This issue of Orbiter, subtitled 'The New England Aerial Phenomena Report,' delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, blending personal accounts, scientific inquiry, and media analysis. The cover prominently features the question of why some individuals perceive UFOs while others do not, setting the stage for a multifaceted exploration of belief, evidence, and interpretation.

Commentary

The issue opens with a reproduction of an article titled "UFOs: Why Do Some See Them and Others Don't" by Dr. Arthur Fetrovsky, a member of the USSR Academy of Pedagogical Sciences. Fetrovsky's article is described as providing a clear picture of how scientists view the UFO subject from within their fields, emphasizing the demand for facts and scientific evidence. A key concept highlighted is the 'orientation phenomenon,' which the article suggests could be relevant to casework and the interpretation of witness testimony. The commentary also references Whitley Strieber's "When Is a True Story True?" from Publishers Weekly, noting that Strieber received a significant volume of correspondence from people who had experienced similar phenomena after his book 'Communion' was published, raising questions about a potential link to the 'orientation phenomenon.'

The Gulf Breeze, Florida File

This section addresses the complexity of the Gulf Breeze events, noting human involvement and community interest. Robert Boyd has compiled a list of 133 items of correspondence (totaling 531 pages) related to the case. Information on how to obtain this list is provided.

Radio-TV Log

This log tracks recent media coverage of UFO-related topics:

• July 23: Arts and Entertainment Network aired a documentary "Secrets and Mysteries" which dramatized courtroom proceedings on the existence of UFOs.
• July 27: WJAR-TV Channel 10, FM Magazine, aired a segment on UFOs.
• August 23: Channel 5, Good Day, aired a repeat segment on abductions.

Conferences

Details are provided for upcoming UFO conferences:

• September 17-18, 1988: The 25th Annual National UFO Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Contact UAPA or Bob Easley for information.
• October 8-9, 1988: "The UFO Experience" sponsored by OMEGA Communications at the Ramada Inn, North Haven, Connecticut. Featured speakers include John White, Walter Webb, Bruce Maccabee, Lawrence Fawcett, Philip Imbragna, Kathie Davis, Sherry and Brad Steiger, Rev. Barry Downing, Jean Mundy, Dr. David Jacobs, and Budd Hopkins. Registration is $100.00. Contact OMEGA Communications for details.
• September 7, 1988: "UFO's Yesterday and Today" talk by MUFON State Director for New Hampshire, Peter Geremia, in New London, NH, sponsored by the Expanded Mind.

The CUFOS Position on the Gulf Breeze Case

This article presents the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) perspective on the Gulf Breeze case, cautioning against a potentially misleading impression from a previous article. CUFOS views the case as potentially significant but unproven, stressing the need for continued research into photographs and testimony. Four examples are given to illustrate CUFOS's concerns:

1. The Blue Beam: Questions are raised about the timeline of reporting a blue beam in the Gulf Breeze incident, noting that it appeared in later accounts after initial reports denied its presence.
2. Ed's Testimony: Three different versions of Ed's activity at the initiation of the November 11 sighting are noted, prompting questions about the discrepancies.
3. Investigator Relationship: Concerns are raised about the relationship between MUFON investigators and Ed and his family, specifically whether Ed was kept fully informed of ongoing inquiries, which could allow for the covering of tracks if evidence was being sought.
4. Scientific Replication: While applauding Bruce Maccabee's analysis of the photographs, CUFOS emphasizes that scientific inquiry requires replication by another skilled scientist.

CUFOS hopes ufologists will focus on objective consideration of the case rather than getting caught up in needless heat, concentrating on the work needed to find the truth.

Electric Snowstorm

A brief report from Fort Huron, Michigan, on March 25, 1930, describes St. Elmo's Fire observed during a heavy, wet snow, noting a loud hissing sound.

Orange Balls of Light: Earthquakes or Aliens?

Greg Long contributes an article detailing his investigation into orange balls of light (BOLS), starting in 1981 on the Yakima Indian Reservation. He notes reports of non-orange UFOs, craft, humanoids, and Bigfoot sightings in the same area. A limited study by Michael Persinger and John Derr suggested a correlation between low-level quakes and the appearance of these balls, concluding they were a natural phenomenon. However, Long questions the physics behind their generation and sustained presence. He has launched "Project Orange Ball of Light" with several objectives: to determine if BOLS appear worldwide and in earthquake/non-earthquake areas, to identify patterns in their features and behaviors, and to uncover information about their physical production. Long is seeking reports, clippings, articles, and photos from the ufological community.

Snow & Long Thunderstorm

A brief meteorological report from St. Louis, Missouri, on February 1, 1893, describes a thunderstorm accompanied by snow and sleet.

Snow on Fourth of July

A report from Portland, Maine, on July 4, 1879, details snow flakes seen by a Signal Corps observer, a significant temperature drop, and a minimum temperature of 57°.

Sputnik 1/83: UFOs: Why Do Some See Them and Others Don't?

This section features an article by Dr. Arthur Petrovsky, condensed from the monthly ZHURNALIST. Petrovsky, a scientist, discusses the psychological basis of belief in phenomena like UFOs. He introduces the concept of 'orientation' – a psychological readiness to perceive and interpret information in a certain way. He suggests that people are more inclined to believe in the incredible when it falls outside their area of expertise. Petrovsky posits that while UFOs are not necessarily crafts from other stars, their interpretation is influenced by individual orientation, prior knowledge, and a yearning for the miraculous. He advises journalists to consider the psychological impact of their reports on the general reader.

Publishing Issues: When Is a True Story True?

This article examines the publishing dilemma surrounding Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion,' which purports to be a true account of alien abduction experiences. The book's success on the bestseller list is discussed, along with the advance paid and Strieber's publicity efforts. The article highlights the difficulty of verifying such experiences, noting that evidence lies within memory and is often recalled under hypnosis. It presents the views of Strieber's publisher, James Landis, and his agent, Sherry Arden, who express belief in his sincerity and the book's quality. The article also includes skeptical viewpoints from critics like Thomas M. Disch and Philip J. Klass, who question the veracity of Strieber's claims and suggest the possibility of fabrication or delusion, particularly in light of the suggestibility of hypnosis.

Columbia Journalism Review - Oct/Nov 1987: Public will see stealth bomber after the November elections

This is a brief news item about the unveiling of the Stealth bomber after the presidential election, denying political motivations for the timing.

Sputnik Mag. 6/68: Flying saucer in Mongolia

This is a personal account from Ulan Bator, Mongolia, describing the sighting of a strange object resembling the moon that ascended sharply, changed course, and disappeared. The witness notes the object appeared larger as it gained altitude and was also seen from Ulan Bator.

New Flying Object Is Reported in West

A brief report from San Francisco on June 30, detailing a sighting by a group of friends of a "bright, cigar-shaped object" that hovered for about ten minutes before ascending rapidly. The object was described as having "no wings, no tail, no visible means of propulsion." The report also mentions a sighting of a similar object by a doctor in the same area.

A.F. Pook-Pooks West's Flying Disks

This report from Washington states that Air Force spokesman Gene Duncan commented on UFOs, noting that while the Air Force has no official position on UFOs, they do investigate reports of "strange disks" that have been sighted. He mentioned that the military has been investigating UFOs for years and that the public has been exposed to these reports through media coverage.

The Far Side by Gary Larson

A comic strip depicting a conversation between two aliens about humans and their belief in UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Orbiter revolve around the nature of belief, the challenges of scientific investigation into anomalous phenomena, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical examination of UFO reports, balancing the presentation of witness testimony and alleged evidence with scientific skepticism and psychological analysis. There is a clear emphasis on the need for verifiable facts and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, as exemplified by the CUFOS position on the Gulf Breeze case and the discussions surrounding Whitley Strieber's 'Communion.' The inclusion of various media logs and conference announcements indicates a commitment to keeping readers informed about ongoing developments and discussions within the UFO community.