Orbiter - No 20 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #20
Date: SPT/OCT 1989
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "ORBITER" magazine, dated September/October 1989, presents a critical look at the state of ufology, focusing on perceived trends away from scientific rigor and towards sensationalism. The cover prominently features the headline "Hoax Exposed After Thirty Years" regarding the Swedish APRO case, suggesting a debunking of a well-known UFO incident.

In This Issue

The table of contents highlights several key articles:

• Commentary by Jim Melesciuc: An editorial piece likely setting the tone for the issue.
• Communiques and Bits n' Pieces: A section for shorter news items and updates.
• Hoax Exposed After Thirty Years by Anders Liljegren and Clas Svahn: This article details the debunking of a famous Swedish UFO case.
• The Crop Circles; A "Breakthrough" For Ufology? by Hilary Evans: Explores the phenomenon of crop circles and its implications for ufology.
• Fireball Reports: Sourced from SEAN Bulletin.
• UFOs and Cancer? A reproduction from the Canadian Medical Journal by Chris Rutkowski.
• A Major Discovery (satirical): A humorous or critical take on a supposed discovery.
• Conclusion of the Nippon television interview with CAUS members Larry Fawcett and Barry Greenwood: Continues a discussion from a television interview.
• RADIO AND T.V. LOG: A listing of relevant broadcasts.

The issue also includes subscription information, noting it is a rare 20-page edition, with rates of $20.00 in the U.S. and $25.00 foreign.

A photograph on the cover depicts two men looking at what appears to be a display or artifact, with a Swedish caption beneath it.

Commentary: A Futurist Perspective; Out of Focus

This lengthy commentary by Jim Melesciuc strongly criticizes the direction ufology has taken in recent years, arguing it is inching towards science fiction rather than maintaining scientific respectability. Melesciuc points to upcoming conference programs and best-selling UFO books that emphasize "thrills" and sensationalism over evidence and scrutiny. He identifies a new trend of "go-with-the-flow" thinking, exemplified by MUFON Deputy Director John Schuessler's article "Unidentified Flying Objects: A Futurist Perspective." Schuessler advocates for an open mind and a "futurist viewpoint," encouraging the community to embrace all ideas and search for new information without prejudice.

Melesciuc takes particular issue with Schuessler's defense of researchers like William Moore and Jenny Randles. He argues that Moore admitted to being recruited by government intelligence to spread disinformation and practice deceptions, with ex-OSI agent Richard Doty (code name Falcon) being his primary source. Melesciuc criticizes Moore's behavior at the 1989 MUFON symposium, where he allegedly refused to participate in a panel discussion after selling his 18-page speech for $10. Moore's publications were also removed from a book service catalog due to late and unfulfilled orders. Furthermore, Melesciuc recounts an incident where a video tape featuring Richard Doty explaining the 1980 Kirtland event, sold by Moore for $29.95, was found to be of poor quality and broke during playback. He highlights that Doty allegedly fed false information to Linda Howe, which Moore boasted about as a "very effective deception."

The commentary also addresses claims made by researchers like Lear, whose allegations of alien bodies at Wright-Patterson AFB and human mutilation by aliens are presented as "shock ufology." Melesciuc questions how Schuessler can use Lear's impressive flight career or Moore's college degree and teaching experience as evidence against accusations of being crackpots or government agents, suggesting this is akin to asking for advice on honest politics from Nixon.

Melesciuc further challenges Schuessler's inclusion of individuals like Walter Andrus, Bruce Maccabee, Peter Sturrock, and Peter Rank in the same category of UFO experts, likening it to lumping the Pope with the Jonestown cult. He specifically refutes claims that Andrus and Maccabee have added to the search for extraterrestrial life, noting their support for the Gulf Breeze, Florida, UFO claims and the MJ-12 documents, which Melesciuc asserts have been proven to be disinformation.

Contrasting Schuessler's call to "resist impulse" criticism with his own advocacy for scientific methods, Melesciuc emphasizes that science requires testing theories, finding faults, and debating them, not accepting them at face value. He contrasts Dr. J. Allen Hynek's definition of the UFO phenomenon as a continuous flow of strange sightings and reports, emphasizing that it says nothing about origin, with the "futurist perspective" which promotes subjectivity and hinders constructive progress.

Communiques and Bits n' Pieces

This section covers various news items and announcements:

Conference

A second symposium on Ball Lightning is scheduled to be held in Budapest, Hungary, from June 26-29, 1990. The conference will cover properties, theoretical models, and experimental simulations of ball lightning. It will also include a visit to sites where damage has been caused by ball lightning. The approximate cost of participation is $200.00, including accommodation and meals. Information requests should be sent to Mr. George Eglely at the Central Institute for Physics in Budapest by December 1, 1989.

Good Reading

Two book recommendations are featured:

1. FIRE IN THE SKY: A 28-page case history of the Buckinghamshire UFO movie film, authored by Jenny Randles. The booklet details investigative research into the anomaly seen and filmed by Peter Day, exploring theories such as aircraft fuel dumps, F11 crashes, and astronomical phenomena. It costs $5.00 and can be ordered from BUFORA in England.
2. VISITATIONS? by Chris Rutkowski. This book draws from over 700 UFO cases from Manitoba, Canada, collected by UFOROM. It covers recent UFO reports, puzzling Manitoba cases, worldwide research, original sketches, photographs, and a recommended reading list. It costs $9.95 and is available from Winter Press in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Controversy Continues

This segment discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding the MJ-12 promoters, William Moore and Stanton Friedman. It notes that they have been receiving sympathy cards following the publication of "JUST CAUSE," which reportedly dissected Moore's Las Vegas speech and proved MJ-12 to be a hoax. Friedman's response to a sympathy card is quoted, dismissing claims of MJ-12's death and his own reputation's demise, attributing such notions to Phil Klass's arguments. Moore also claims to have received a large number of supportive cards.

Letter Box

From the Letter Box!

Bob Boyd, founder of AAI, writes about his involvement in exposing the Gulf Breeze, Florida hoax in 1988. He claims he was excommunicated from MUFON for collaborating with the hoax perpetrator and that CUFOS later succumbed to a collaboration that failed to publicize verification of the hoax. Boyd states he has since distanced himself from "UFO cult groups" and is now co-authoring a book that will expose the Gulf Breeze Fraud and examine the "community" influences in the field. He seeks assistance in finding a major publisher.

From Bill Moore

An excerpt from a letter by Bill Moore to "Mr. G." thanks him for a card but states that sympathies are misplaced, asserting that both MJ-12 and his credibility are alive and well. He suggests that "Mr. G." may have been misled by false or inaccurate information. Moore also notes receiving over a hundred cards and letters since his Las Vegas presentation, with a ratio of eight-to-one in his favor.

A STARRY ENCOUNTER

This section reports an encounter involving Hal Starr, MUFON State Director for Arizona, with an "alien baby" at the Santa Barbara Airport. According to Shirley Coyne, Starr was waiting for a flight when a woman with a baby passed him. The blanket slipped, revealing a baby with large black oval eyes, no nose, and a tiny slit for a mouth. The baby stared at Starr, who was transfixed. The woman and baby then disappeared into the crowd. Starr later described such experiences as "mind benders."

RADIO T.V. LOG

This log lists television and radio appearances by Whitley Strieber on programs like "Unsolved Mysteries," "CNN Larry King Show," and "ABC Good Morning America" in September and October 1989. It also notes appearances by Mike Luckman and Larry Bryant on "A Current Affair," coverage of Soviet CE-3 reports on major networks, and a documentary on the 1917 Fatima event.

-7- "Hoax Exposed After Thirty Years" Swedish APRO case never occurred

This article details the debunking of a famous Swedish UFO case that occurred on December 31, 1958, near Domsten. Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustafsson reported witnessing a luminous, landed saucer and three or four loaf-shaped, 130 cm tall, lead gray creatures. The case gained international attention through various publications and books, including Coral Lorenzen's "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax." However, an 18-month investigation by Clas Svahn, employing journalistic techniques, revealed the incident to be a hoax. Svahn interviewed participants, collected newspaper archives, and correspondence. The final report, published in April 1989, is summarized here.

The Story: Rydberg and Gustafsson claimed they stopped on a coastal road near Oresund and saw a strange light in a glade. Approaching, they saw a saucer on a tripod and creatures moving nearby. The creatures attempted to pull them towards the saucer, communicating with buzzing sounds and being soft but strong. Stig managed to escape, and after he sounded the car horn, the creatures released Hans and retreated into the saucer, which then departed towards Denmark. The two men were terrified and reported the incident the next morning.

Media Interest: Journalist Kjell Lusch published the story with reservations. Initially, the fight and abduction attempt were not mentioned, and the date was vague. The story gained national attention, leading to a combined military/police investigation in Helsingborg on January 9, 1959. Three military investigators and interrogation specialists participated. The investigation found weak points, such as the plausibility of a pole supporting a man horizontally and a contradiction in Stig's story during a reconstruction.

Controversy: The case became a media controversy. Dr. Ingeborg Kjellin vouched for the men's sanity. Sven Schalin of NICAP taped an interview, and Stig hinted at a desire to travel in space with "the good ones." However, NICAP reportedly had no interest in "little men stories." The military investigation's verdict was negative, primarily based on the psychologists' assessment of the men's background. Stig was relieved from military service due to agoraphobia.

Other Weak Points: The investigation identified several inconsistencies: conflicting time estimates, the claim of being with unidentified young girls, a reference to a non-existent street name ("Vengatan"), and weather data contradicting the reported fog on the night of the incident. Stig's precise estimates of the saucer's tripod legs and the single impression found in the sand also raised suspicion.

Hypnosis?: A private team of doctors used hypnosis to investigate the case, though the article notes that hypnosis is not a "truth serum" and the "hypno analysis" method used was a light form of relaxation. The doctors vouched for the case in general but not for the creatures, suggesting misidentifications. It was noted that the doctors involved had side interests in flying saucers and the occult, and one had previously written a letter of recommendation for George Adamski.

-10- What happened after the initial weeks does not strengthen the story.

Following the initial report, Stig and Hans reportedly started a tour of heavy drinking and sightseeing trips in the Öresund territory. They subsequently traveled to Sweden, visiting Lund, Malmö, Landskrona, and Stockholm. The article notes that Rydberg and Gustafsson received 5-6000 letters in the first two weeks, a sign of obvious fascination, but also mentions that the effects of the story were similar to other cases where the media's excitement led to similar outcomes. Rehns's account of his contact with the beings is also mentioned, along with his subsequent experiences and the fact that he later sold UFO photos.

New Contact

Later, Stig and Hans appeared at a Copenhagen audience with a new, completely different contact story. Driving around in Helsingborg, they reportedly met two people who claimed to be mysterious men who took them for a tour on the Öresund and in a small boat. A saucer came down and took them for a ride into space, where they interacted with "good-looking people dressed in 'ski suits'."

Rehn's new contact story, which was published in his letters to the editor and his bulletin, is described as a "new turn of events in her Bulletin." The note states that the story was obviously a variant of Adamki's contact. Rehn believed the Domsten incident to be genuine. However, the article notes that Rehn's faith was tested when he bought a set of UFO photos, which he later discovered were not genuine.

Alcoholism

The article concludes by stating that both Rydberg and Gustafsson are dead, likely due to alcoholism. The Domsten affair is described as "very nervous and irritated" and Hans's mother is mentioned as being "beneath" the events. The article implies that the events surrounding the Domsten case were influenced by the participants' heavy drinking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "ORBITER" revolve around the critical examination of ufology, the exposure of hoaxes and disinformation, and the importance of scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for rigorous investigation and objective analysis. The magazine actively seeks to debunk cases that have been widely accepted, as seen with the Domsten incident, and questions the validity of "futurist" approaches that deviate from scientific principles. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and fabricated or misinterpreted events, with a particular focus on the alleged disinformation campaigns involving figures like William Moore and Richard Doty. The issue also highlights the potential for alcoholism and psychological factors to influence witness testimony and the overall narrative within the UFO community.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated June 1, 1989, delves into several intriguing aspects of UFOlogy, including a debunked Swedish hoax, a potential breakthrough in understanding crop circles, and the controversial MJ-12 documents. It also features a section on fireball reports and a discussion on the 'tectonic strain theory' linking geophysical phenomena to health effects.

The Domsten Affair: A Hoax Revealed

The issue begins by investigating the backgrounds of Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustafsson, central figures in the Domsten UFO affair. Both men had experienced personal difficulties, including divorces. Hans Gustafsson died in 1960, reportedly falling off a ferry after consuming alcohol. Stig Rydberg died in 1984, found dead in his apartment after an assault. The article reveals that in the summer of 1960, shortly before his death, Hans confessed to his brother Artur that the Domsten story was a hoax, expressing regret. The ground impressions were made with a bottle, and Hans had planned to reveal the truth to a newspaper.

Further confirmation of the hoax came from Christian Johansen, who, along with his mother, had been sworn to secrecy. Upon learning of the men's deaths and the exposure of the hoax, they felt free to disclose the facts. Christian, who was 14 at the time, recalled selling tickets for lectures by the Domsten men, describing their "flying saucer business" as lucrative and noting one man's talent for deception.

The Background of the Hoax

The timing and location of the Domsten hoax are contextualized by the burgeoning space age, following Sputnik's launch in October 1957, which ignited global interest in the sky. The Parthenon book company in Helsingborg, where Rydberg and Gustafsson lived, published Swedish editions of influential UFO books by Leslie/Adamski, Daniel Fry, and Adamski in 1957 and 1958. In October 1958, German enthusiast Karl Veit visited Helsingborg, lecturing on the concern of extraterrestrials regarding nuclear bombs, which may have influenced local UFO enthusiasts.

Inspirations for the Story

Potential inspirations for the hoax are explored, including a local ghost story published in Helsingborg's Dagblad on October 3, 1958, about a 'ghost light' near a windmill. Additionally, a "Tom Trick" science fiction cartoon series in a Swedish weekly magazine featured a story with a rubber-like creature and a whistling sound device, paralleling elements of the Domsten affair. The article suggests that these elements, combined with the public's fascination with UFOs, contributed to the fabrication of the story.

The Crop Circles: A "Breakthrough" for Ufology?

Hilary Evans discusses the mysterious crop circles that appeared in the English countryside during the summer months. Initially, some speculated that UFOs might be responsible due to the complex and sophisticated nature of the patterns. However, Evans highlights the work of Dr. Terence Meaden, a professional meteorologist, who has provided a natural explanation for the phenomenon. Meaden's research suggests that the vortices creating the circles are associated with luminous plasma, often spherical but sometimes elongated into cigar shapes or discs, with a metallic appearance and a lifetime of up to half an hour. Evans posits that this phenomenon, if it exists, could explain a significant portion of UFO sightings that have previously defied explanation.

Evans emphasizes that Meaden's hypothesis is a front-runner and that his findings, though provisional, open a new avenue for UFO research. He contrasts this with the crumbling MJ-12 documents, the psychological explanations for abductions, and the pitfalls of cases like 'Gulf Breeze,' suggesting that Meaden's work offers something tangible and scientifically investigable, independent of witness testimony.

Meaden's Research and its Implications

Meaden's findings suggest that the plasma vortices are frequently associated with luminous plasma, basically spherical in shape, but which can be elongated by air currents into cigar shapes, or flattened into discs. These plasma have a 'metallic' appearance and a lifetime of up to a half-hour. Evans argues that if such a phenomenon exists, it could explain many 'UFO' sightings that have until now defied explanation, whether as honest sightings of lights-in-the-sky or as stimuli to more extravagant descriptions by suggestible witnesses. While more research is needed, the existence of the circles and the cause are certain, and Meaden's hypothesis is considered the leading explanation. This research is presented as a potential breakthrough for ufology, offering a scientifically investigable phenomenon that could explain a substantial proportion of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Fireball Reports

The issue includes a compilation of fireball reports from various locations around the world, detailing observations from Australia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, Texas, Zimbabwe, West Germany, and Colorado. These reports include dates, times, locations, observer details, sighting parameters (azimuth, altitude, duration, magnitude, color, shape, trail), and termination descriptions. Examples include a dazzling bright green, round object seen over Australia, a yellow-with-orange tint object in Hawaii, a slow blue object with a luminous trail in Massachusetts, a bright blue-green teardrop-shaped object in Oregon, and a bright white object with a smoky trail in Texas.

UFOs and Cancer? The Tectonic Strain Theory

This section critically examines a theory proposing a link between electromagnetic fields, underground rock strain, and increased carcinogenic effects. The 'tectonic strain theory' attempts to correlate luminous atmospheric phenomena with neuropsychiatric, psychologic, and neurobiologic effects. While some studies suggest a link between magnetic fields and brain tumors, others find this relationship not well-established. Proponents of the theory link tectonic activity to electromagnetic radiation and then to electromagnetic induction of brain tumors, concluding that luminous atmospheric phenomena are associated with increased incidence of brain tumors and neurobiologic disturbances. The article expresses concern that such a theory, implying a novel environmental carcinogenic effect, requires substantial scientific evidence before being formally announced. It argues that the tectonic strain theory relies on circumstantial evidence and statistical correlations rather than empirical data, and that many observed luminous objects have more mundane explanations. The authors, Chris A. Rutkowski and Marc R. Del Bigio, urge caution in presenting such theories, especially regarding health implications, and call for quantitative and empirical studies rather than circumstantial inference.

A Major Discovery: Beard and Bald Lightning

Researchers announce a major scientific discovery after decades of research: the existence of two new forces of nature, "Beard" Lightning and "Bald" Lightning. These phenomena have been observed for twenty years and are described as colorful, spectacular explosive displays lasting from minutes to several hours. "Beard" lightning possesses a strong positive charge, while "Bald" lightning has an extremely negative charge. Psychological effects on witnesses range from frustration and depression to anger and euphoria, with common physical symptoms including headaches and stomach distress. A warning is issued that close proximity of these two forces can produce a blast in the megaton range, advising dark clothing, hats, and sunglasses when observing.

The Nippon T.V. Interview (Conclusion)

In the conclusion of an interview, Barry Greenwood and Larry Fawcett discuss the MJ-12 documents and the role of Richard Doty. Greenwood recounts his initial investigation into MJ-12 in 1985, based on rumors of newly released documents. He found some documents questionable and concluded they were not genuine government documents. Fawcett corroborates that some MJ-12 material was presented to their attorney by an agent within OSI named Richard Doty in 1982, predating the public release of the documents. They explain that Richard Doty previously worked for OSI (Office of Special Investigation) and was involved in other alleged UFO-related documents that turned out to be hoaxes.

Doty's father was an investigator for Project Blue Book, giving him a background in the subject. Greenwood and Fawcett are convinced that Doty was behind much of the MJ-12 story. They express certainty that the MJ-12 memo is not authentic government documentation and have produced a report detailing their reasons. They also discuss the JMP group, about which they received an unsigned press release but know nothing else.

The interviewees also touch upon their book "Clear Intent," which covers government involvement in UFO phenomena over twenty to thirty years. They mention waiting for a fifty-one-page release from the Department of Energy concerning a document found in the same file as the Cutler Twining memo, which was pulled for national security reasons. Fawcett, a police lieutenant, shares a personal UFO sighting in 1965 over Manchester, CT, where an object reportedly tapped electricity from a sub-station, causing a town-wide blackout. Greenwood, who works for the U.S. Postal Service, states he has seen unexplained lights but nothing detailed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO" magazine exhibits a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It actively debunks hoaxes, such as the Domsten affair, and scrutinizes claims of government cover-ups, like the MJ-12 documents, presenting evidence of their fraudulent nature. The magazine also explores potentially groundbreaking scientific explanations for phenomena like crop circles, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence and rigorous investigation. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated theories, particularly those linking UFOs to health risks without sufficient scientific backing, as seen in the critique of the tectonic strain theory. The inclusion of detailed fireball reports suggests an ongoing effort to document and analyze a wide range of aerial phenomena. The overall editorial approach prioritizes evidence-based analysis and a cautious yet open-minded exploration of the UFO subject.