Orbiter - No 17 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue, #17, of the "ORBITER" newsletter, published by The New England Aerial Phenomena Report, is dated March/April 1989. The editor is Jim Melesciuc, located in Reading, MA. The publication announces a change to a bi-monthly schedule, with issues typically running 11-12 pages, though some may be 16 pages. Subscription rates have been adjusted to $20.00 domestically and $25.00 internationally. The newsletter also maintains an exchange basis with other publications and honors contributed articles for subscription rates. A red check mark on the address label indicates an expired subscription.

In This Issue

The issue highlights several key articles and features:

• "The Gulf Breeze Ghosts" by Robert D. Boyd: This article, starting on page 2, delves into the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO case, focusing on photographic evidence and witness accounts.
• "More of Connie's Zany Comics": Featured on page 9.
• Nippon Television Network Interview: On page 10, an interview with Barry Greenwood and Larry Fawcett of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) is presented. This interview, conducted on March 12, 1989, for a Japanese documentary on UFO secrecy, is the first part of a three-part series.
• "Myths and Outer Space": A Sputnik article from February 1983, appearing on page 15.

Article Log

The "ARTICLE LOG" section lists references to other publications, including:

• True Psychic Inquirer and Astrologer (Spring 1989) - "Where Are The Answers."
• Science Digest (March 1989) - "Extraterrestrial Intelligence: The Hunt Heats Up."
• Psychology Today (April 1989) - "Invasion of the Mind Snatchers."
• Sky and Telescope (May 1989) - "Mysterious Flash Photographed on Moon."

Radio/T.V. Log

This section logs recent UFO-related media coverage:

• March 4, 1989: Ch.56 news reported on UFO sightings in Guatemala, where the government received hundreds of reports of strange lights and established observation posts.
• April 13, 1989: John Lear, MUFON State Director for Nevada, appeared on "Evening Magazine" on Ch.4.
• April 16, 1989: The documentary "UFOs Are Real" aired on Ch.38.

The Gulf Breeze Link by Robert D. Boyd

This section, spanning pages 3-8, provides a detailed examination of the "Gulf Breeze Ghosts" case, primarily focusing on photographic evidence and the alleged "ghost-like" or "demon" images. Robert D. Boyd recounts an interview with a boy (informant) and his mother on March 20, 1988, which he states was detrimental to "Ed's" claims of UFO visitation. The boy alleged that "Ed" was a prankster, had taken "demon or ghostlike photographs" with his Polaroid camera, and had told friends he was planning an "Ultimate Prank".

Boyd documents how "Ed" was to provide a picture to Mr. Ware for verification. He also references a previous report, "The Other Side of the Coin," dated March 27, 1988, which described "seances" held in "Ed's" home involving youngsters in a circle, with photographs taken that allegedly showed a ghost-like image or demon summoned by their rituals.

Further correspondence is cited, including a letter from Mr. Ware to Boyd on March 25, 1988, noting that the picture had not yet been provided. Boyd also mentions a letter from himself to Mr. Mark Rodeghier dated April 11, 1988, referencing a witness's claim that "Ed" had taken pictures of demons in the presence of Mr. Flannigan.

Dr. Bruce Maccabee is quoted in a letter to Mr. Zan Overall (dated September 16, 1988) stating that "ghost-like" images could be explained by reflections from mirrors in the recreation room, and that the first image appeared over two years before the November 11, 1987 UFO sighting. Maccabee also addresses "Ed's" claim that he took photos in a normal manner, suggesting that the room's reflective surfaces combined with the flash could explain unexpected images.

Another letter from "Ed" (dated September 29, 1988) to "whom it may concern" denies any mention of a "red blob" and dismisses the "devil picture" as hear-say, stating that any foggy blur in reenactment photos was not a devil picture. "Ed" clarifies that only one party photo had an unusual image, and that the "ghost-like" image was not summoned but possibly a reflection.

Boyd's own analysis, presented in the "PHOTOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION" section (pages 7-8), scrutinizes two available pictures. He identifies a large black "partition" or "box" behind the subject, a dim room, and a curious curtain-like item. He concludes that the "ghost-like" or "demon" image was likely created by double or multiple exposure, possibly using fluorescent paint or a reflection on a glass surface, rather than being a direct photographic reflection. He notes that the subject, a girl about 16 years old, is wearing a sport-style sweatshirt. The "ghost-demon-devil" image is described as primarily white with yellow-orange "eyes".

Boyd's "CONCLUSION" (page 9) reiterates that the depicted image most probably originated from double or multiple exposures. He finds the arguments for a one-time accidental occurrence unconvincing, especially given the alleged confirmation of similar images since November 11, 1987.

More Craziness by "Connie"

This section features a comic strip by "Connie" titled "A Legend In Her Own Mind!!" The comic humorously depicts the unveiling of an advanced stealth aircraft based on "UFO technology," utilizing principles of magnetism, fusion, and static electricity, which then encounters an unexpected problem.

The Nippon T.V. Interview

This section (page 10) presents an interview with Barry Greenwood (BG) and Larry Fawcett (LF) of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), conducted by Charles Lee (CL) for Nippon T.V. They discuss CAUS's history, founded in 1978, and its role in obtaining thousands of government documents related to UFO phenomena from various agencies. Greenwood, the research director, manages the extensive files, while Fawcett, the assistant director, focuses on keeping the organization solvent and acquiring new documentation. They state that CAUS has approximately 400 members worldwide and aims to prove the reality of the phenomena by uncovering "hard core data" within secret government files. They believe there is much more information yet to be revealed that would significantly bolster the credibility of the UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular focus on photographic analysis and the challenges of discerning truth from rumor or misinterpretation. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of the "Gulf Breeze Ghosts" photographs and the emphasis on rigorous examination of evidence. The publication also highlights efforts to uncover government information related to UFOs, suggesting a belief in the existence of a "cover-up" or significant withheld data. The inclusion of media logs and references to other publications indicates an effort to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of current UFO-related discourse.

This issue of TEKIINIKA-MOLODYOZI!!, identified as issue number 15 and volume 4, published in the USSR, features a prominent article titled "MYTHS AND OUTER SPACE." The cover poses the question, "Who has not heard fairy tales and myths about 'visitors from outer space'?" and suggests that the sources of these stories should be sought. The issue appears to be from January 1980, based on the date provided for a related court case.

Myths and Outer Space

The main article, "MYTHS AND OUTER SPACE," condensed from the magazine TEKIINIKA-MOLODYOZI!!, explores the widespread presence of myths about inhabitants of outer space across various human cultures. It highlights legends from Peruvian Indians, Dogons of Africa, Maoris of New Zealand, Central American Indian tribes, and the people of Easter Island, who have myths about distant planets inhabited by man-like beings or ancient civilizations with advanced knowledge.

The article notes that the Siberian Kets believed in a "celestial people" residing in seven circles above Earth, and that many ancient peoples associated the Pleiades constellation with the home of intelligent beings. It suggests that cosmic civilizations are often represented as cultures of a higher order, and that outer space is sometimes presumed to be humanity's original homeland.

Examples of specific myths include the Inca legend of a "ship of gold" from the stars commanded by Oriana, and the ancient Germans' belief in arriving on Earth in "flying towers." The article also mentions myths from South American tribes, the Ainu of Japan and Sakhalin, and the aborigines of the New Hebrides, all suggesting descent from "sons of Heaven."

Heroes who descended from the sky and taught diverse knowledge are also discussed, such as Huang-ti in Chinese mythology, who allegedly taught people various crafts and skills. Korean legends speak of spirits of Wind, Rain, and Clouds, while Indians from the Queen Charlotte Islands have traditions of "wizards who came from the stars in fiery ships."

The article posits that these myth-makers were convinced of populated expanses of the universe, with "Gods" superior to humans, and that Earth was connected to the universe, with life originating from outer space. It questions the objective reality behind these concepts and whether they reflect concrete historical events.

Facts are presented to suggest that some myths are based on historical reality. The discovery of Troy by Heinrich Schliemann, who believed in the Homerian epic, and the discovery of the foundations of the Tower of Babel are cited as examples. The article also mentions the discovery of a Babylonian cuneiform tablet in 1912 that described a "giant star" in a specific part of the sky. Astronomers in 1968 spotted a pulsar in that region, which could be the trace of a supernova that occurred six to eight thousand years ago, suggesting the myth preserved the memory of this event.

The meeting of primitive humans with higher intelligence is noted as a common theme in myths. An old Hawaiian song describes mysterious deities emerging from the sea, and the article links this to Captain James Cook's expedition. It also mentions a recent instance after World War II where inhabitants of a Pacific island developed a "cult of visitors from the sky," inspired by the arrival of planes during the war.

However, the article stresses that while myths can have a historical foundation, only scientific research can prove or disprove them. It concludes that despite the complexity of deciphering myths, "there is no smoke without fire," and that further scientific study is needed to bring clarity to the subject.

Legal Battles and UFO Document Retrieval

Interspersed within the magazine's content are discussions about legal efforts to obtain UFO-related documents from government agencies. The interviewees, LF, CL, and BG, discuss their experiences with court cases involving the CIA and NSA.

They mention attempts to obtain a 21-page affidavit presented in camera, which required top-secret clearance to view. The government argued that the material was too sensitive to be released to the public, citing national security reasons. Despite losing the suit, the government was compelled to admit that the NSA was withholding documents. A subsequent FOIA request yielded a highly censored document, with only about 20% of the original language legible.

Another aspect discussed is the legal strategy in pursuing UFO cases. The group CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy) is mentioned as having pursued cases, including a "writ of Habius Corpus Extraterrestrial" filed by Larry Bryant. The government's defense in such cases often involves claiming lack of jurisdiction rather than directly denying the existence of extraterrestrial bodies.

The difficulty in obtaining concrete evidence is a recurring theme. The interviewees express frustration with the government's denial of possessing UFO files and the subsequent use of CIA releases that referenced NSA documents. They note that FOIA, once a valuable tool, is no longer as effective.

Regarding the possibility of the government releasing extraterrestrial bodies or crashed saucers, the outlook is pessimistic, given the government's long-standing secrecy. The need for "very, very strong evidence," such as a validated piece from a crash, is emphasized as crucial for any legal pursuit.

The discussion also touches upon the legal exemptions under FOIA that protect confidential sources, making it difficult to reveal names, even if they provided information to agencies like the FBI. The possibility of Guy Hottel, an individual mentioned in relation to a document, still being alive is questioned, but he could not be traced.

Finally, the issue of withheld documents is highlighted, with the CIA having withheld at least 200 documents in previous suits that the courts did not allow to be seen, leaving open the question of what crucial UFO information might have been contained within them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of ancient myths, folklore, and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. There's a strong undercurrent of investigative journalism and legal activism aimed at uncovering government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official denials and a persistent pursuit of evidence, advocating for transparency and scientific inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential historical roots in human mythology. The magazine seems to encourage readers to consider the possibility that ancient stories may hold kernels of truth about past encounters with non-human intelligence.