Orbiter - No 23 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #23
Date: March/April 1990
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report

This issue of Orbiter focuses on the complex and often controversial aspects of UFO research, particularly concerning the MJ-12 documents, the work of Canadian ufologist Wilbert B. Smith, and the persistent theme of government cover-ups.

Key Articles and Departments

Communiques and Bits N' Pieces

This section includes a letter from Chris Rutkowski responding to Dr. Smith's article from the previous issue, welcoming a scientific debate. It also mentions a report from a woman and her daughter in Lynn/Revere, MA, concerning a possible helicopter overflight, and notes that three additional reports from the same locale have been received. A significant article on page 6 is "Wilbert Smith And The MJ-12 Connection" by Christopher D. Allan, recommended for those interested in the MJ-12 myth. Another piece on page 12, "Blue Book's Evaluation Of Gulf Breeze" by Bill Pitts, details his interviews with corroborative witnesses in Gulf Breeze. Supplements to Pitts' article include "The Blue Lightning Task Force & Mysterious Blimp" (p. 14) and "Fireball Reports" from Oregon (p. 15). An unusual event, "Bolide Causes Earthquake" from "Science in the USSR" (p. 16), is also featured, along with a PG-rated cartoon from the Soviet press (p. 118) offering insight into how the Soviet media treats the subject. The upcoming book "Clear Intent" by Greenwood/Fawcett is also mentioned (p. 20).

Communiques and Bits N' Pieces (Continued)

This section addresses issues with photocopied documents related to the MJ-12 matter, specifically the "noise" markings on the Eisenhower briefing paper, suggesting a faulty photocopy machine used by sources like Tim Good. It highlights a "Repair the Photocopier Fund" initiative by the Fair-Witness Project. Greg Long is noted to appear on "Inside Edition" discussing "Tectonic Strain Theory of UFOs." Researchers are directed to the "UFO INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY" newsletter. Chris Rutkowski clarifies his previous statement about the percentage of unexplained UFO cases, emphasizing that he suggested "perhaps 5%" for argument's sake in the context of defending Michael Persinger's tectonic strain theory. He discusses how the percentage of unknowns varies and notes that early MANUFOCAT studies found about 20% unknowns, while later studies found around 2.5%, with the 1989 Canadian UFO wave showing about 15% unknowns initially.

Preliminary Investigation: Lynn/Revere, MA Sighting

This report details a sighting on April 15, 1990, by Mary Kiley and her daughter Kelly, who observed an unusual aircraft near Logan International Airport. The object was described as traveling lower and slower than typical aircraft, with circular white lights and protrusions. Investigations with the U.S. Coast Guard, M.D.C. Police, and local newsrooms confirmed no official helicopter activity at that time. Advertising aircraft were also ruled out due to weather conditions (IFR). The weather on the evening of April 15, 1990, was rain, fog, and overcast skies.

FAA Remark and Additional Witnesses

An inquiry to the FAA regarding flight information for the Lynn/Revere sighting yielded a remark from Mike Ciccarelli that UFO reports are usually misidentifications of birds, aircraft, or atmospheric phenomena. A follow-up interview with Mary revealed that two other women traveling on Lynn Marsh Rd. also witnessed something unexplained in the same area. An interview with these additional witnesses was tentatively scheduled.

Wilbert Smith and the MJ-12 Connection

This lengthy article by Christopher D. Allan examines the work of Wilbert B. Smith, a Canadian civil servant and engineer who was interested in UFOs. Smith founded the Ottawa Flying Saucer Club and became involved in projects like "Magnet" and "Second Storey." The article discusses the release of Smith's "Top Secret" memorandum from 1950, which addressed "GEOMAGNETICS" and flying saucers. It notes that the memo requested a project to investigate harnessing the earth's magnetic field for flying discs, leading to Project Magnet. The author questions the "Top Secret" classification and the irregular authorization of the project. The memo contained paragraphs referring to the U.S. government's interest in UFOs, stating the matter was classified higher than the H-bomb and that a group led by Dr. Vannevar Bush was investigating flying discs. The article suggests that the significance of these remarks has been overestimated.

The Sarbacher Connection

The article details how Smith learned about Dr. Bush's alleged involvement in UFO investigations. Smith, while attending a conference in Washington D.C. in September 1950, met with an embassy official who arranged an interview with Dr. Robert I. Sarbacher, a U.S. scientist. During this interview, Sarbacher reportedly stated that UFOs were classified "higher than the H-bomb." Smith made notes of this interview, which were later obtained by Arthur Bray. The article critically examines claims made by Sarbacher, particularly in a letter to William Steinman, suggesting that Vannevar Bush and John von Neumann were involved in crashed UFOs. The author points out inconsistencies in Sarbacher's statements over time and suggests that his claims may have been influenced by the "crash saucerology" community. The article concludes that there is no mention of MJ-12 in Smith's 1950 notes and that Sarbacher would not have revealed such information to Smith.

The Bush Connection

This section explores how Dr. Bush's name became linked to UFOs. It is suggested that Smith, during his 1950 Washington visit, may have misinterpreted information or been influenced by conversations, possibly with Donald Keyhoe, leading him to believe Bush was involved in similar work. The article posits that Bush, a prominent engineer with high security clearance, was a logical candidate to lead any group investigating flying discs. The author argues that Bush's name was later connected to crashed disc retrievals in the early 1980s due to misinterpretations of Smith's memo and the "Sarbacher letter," leading to the erroneous conclusion that Bush was involved with MJ-12.

Smith's Writings and Theories

Wilbert Smith is described as a proponent of the cover-up hypothesis. The article touches upon his "bizarre ideas about physics and the properties of matter," including the invention of a "binding meter." It notes that Smith claimed to have examined fragments of a UFO and recovered "unidentified metal." The author questions Smith's reliability and credibility, citing the Condon Report's findings on similar claims. Smith's assertion that "every nation on this planet has been officially informed of the existence of space craft" is also mentioned. The article reveals that Smith himself requested Project Magnet be kept under strict security. It also addresses the cause of Smith's death, with conflicting accounts of a brain tumor versus stomach cancer, and discusses his posthumous award for broadcasting services. Omond M. Solandt, former chief of the Defense Research Board, is quoted as having a low opinion of Smith's scientific abilities and stating that Smith was obsessed with "Establishment" suppression of UFOs. Solandt also confirmed knowing Dr. Bush but had never heard of any top-secret UFO project.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent investigation into the MJ-12 phenomenon, the analysis of historical UFO cases and projects like Project Magnet, and the critical examination of claims related to government cover-ups and crash retrievals. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence and critical analysis, while acknowledging the ongoing interest in these subjects within the UFO community. The magazine aims to present a forum for scientific debate and to debunk unsubstantiated theories.

This issue of SCIENCE JOURNAL DIGE, dated Jan/Feb 1990, features a cover story titled "BOLIDE CAUSES EARTHQUAKE" and includes articles on UFO phenomena, specifically the MJ-12 connection and the Gulf Breeze case, alongside reports of fireballs and a unique seismic event.

The MJ-12 Connection

The article posits that the MJ-12 story is a forgery. The forger, after failing to find documentary evidence in Vannevar Bush's classified files, decided to manufacture a hoax. This hoax allegedly involved Vannevar Bush as the scientist-in-charge of a project that never existed. The forger is said to have used names from Bush's files and a letter from Sarbacher to lend credibility to the fabricated project. The author suggests that an impartial person examining Dr. Bush's files would find significant evidence of this fabrication, noting that the forger likely encountered the term 'compartmentalised' in the Hillenkoetter briefing paper. The irony is highlighted that a top-secret fictitious project was born from an 'innocent bit of name dropping' by a Canadian citizen, leading to a document that perhaps should never have been classified.

References

The article cites several sources related to UFOs and Project Magnet, including:
1. "The Truth about Flying Saucers" (several editions, first published 1957).
2. Mentions scientists involved in Project Magnet or Shirley's Bay: Dr. James Watt, Mr. John H. Thompson, Prof. J.T. Wilson, Dr. G.D. Garland, Dr. Omond M. Solandt, and Mr. Dean Mackenzie.
3. "Above Top Secret" by Timothy Good (1987).
4. "Is Another World Watching?" by Gerald Heard (1950), which postulated UFOs piloted by intelligent insects.
5. "Flying Saucers From Out Of Space" by Donald Keyhoe (first published 1953).
6. "The Wilbert B. Smith collection" and W.L. Moore publications.

Gulf Breeze Evaluation

Bill Pitts, Director of The New Project Blue Book, provides a critical evaluation of the Gulf Breeze UFO episode, declaring it a complete fabrication and hoax. He states that the perpetrator is profiting from it and criticizes MUFON's director, Walt Andrus, and Dr. Bruce Maccabee, along with others, for financially benefiting from and promoting the 'cancer' of this case. Pitts believes these individuals should be banned from responsible positions in ufology due to their vested interest and biased protection of the hoaxer. He argues that this 'prostitution' of Ufology deters credible persons, scientists, and government agencies from engaging with the subject. Pitts recounts an incident at the 1988 Eureka Springs UFO conference where Walt Andrus presented slides and video-tapes of the 'craft.' When Dewey Fournet, associated with the original Project Blue Book, was asked to listen to Walt's interpretation, he left in disgust, stating that Blue Book had discarded better and more convincing photos than those presented in the Gulf Breeze case. Pitts suggests that the only U.S. government agency interested in the Gulf Breeze UFO is the IRS, pursuing taxes on Ed's royalties. He notes that Walt Andrus's statement that critics should not judge the case until all reports are received is contrary to legal principles, as MUFON investigators allegedly aided the hoaxer by suggesting details. The article details the perpetrator's history of legal trouble, including auto thefts and forgery, and his use of multiple aliases. Pitts asserts that while convicted felons can observe UFOs, Ed's background is crucial for understanding the individual. He dismisses the idea of a U.S. government agency confiscating UFO photos, stating that such actions would only occur if a security breach was violated, which is not the case with UFOs. The presence of mobile radar units and the Blue Lightning Task Force in the Gulf Breeze area is explained as an effort to combat drug smugglers, not to investigate UFOs. Pitts concludes that the enthusiasm of Gulf Breeze promoters has compromised their objectivity, and the aerostats (blimps) are simply used to cover radar gaps for drug interdiction. He references reports that leading photo analysts and newspapers rejected Ed's story and photos. The article also mentions Ed's attempt to gain clemency from the Governor of Florida to add credibility to his UFO claims. Pitts expresses certainty that he will be criticized for his report but stands by his assessment that Ufology needs an honest appraisal, not a bending to the fantasy of those with vested interests. He notes that a similar hoax model was exposed years ago, but Walt Andrus ignored this information.

The Blue Lightning Task Force & Mysterious Blimp

This section, by Jim Melesciuc, clarifies the role of the Blue Lightning Task Force (BLTF). It is a joint operation involving the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Customs, and local police to combat drug trafficking. The BLTF utilizes hi-tech equipment, including radar aerostats—large blimp-like platforms capable of scanning a 150-mile radius from 15,000 feet. These 245-foot-long blimps are tethered and operated by Westinghouse Defense & Electronics Systems Company. Aerostats are deployed in the Bahamas and are scheduled for deployment in Puerto Rico. The article explains that these aerostats are frequently moved to cover gaps in ground-based radar, which drug smugglers exploit. The General Accounting Office has also noted the need for frequent maintenance on these aerostats. The author refutes claims that the Gulf Breeze area was saturated with mobile radar units and a mysterious blimp to look for UFOs, stating that the aerostats are a normal part of drug interdiction efforts and are not mysterious.

Fireball Reports

This section compiles several reports of fireballs observed in Washington and Oregon, USA, during July, August, and September 1989. The reports detail the date, time, location, duration, magnitude, color, trail characteristics, and termination of each sighting. For example, a fireball seen on July 26, 1989, was described as bright as the full moon, blue-white to green-white, with a short blue or green tail, and sparks were witnessed by one person.

Bolide Causes Earthquake

This article, translated from a Soviet newsclipping, details a unique natural phenomenon observed on February 26, 1984, in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, and Tomsk regions of the USSR. People witnessed a huge bolide that entered the atmosphere at an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers and exploded near the Chulym River at an altitude of 2 to 4 kilometers. The blast disrupted photocells at a local airport and caused a surge of current in homes, burning out light bulbs. Simultaneously, eight local seismological stations registered an earth tremor. Geophysicists pinpointed the epicenter and calculated the magnitude, finding that the tremor's location and time coincided with the bolide's explosion. The suspect area had experienced no earthquakes for a decade prior. The power of the blast was calculated to be approximately 10 kilotons of TNT equivalent, proving that a meteor exploding high above the ground can cause earth tremors. The article cites V. Ovchinnikov and I. Pasechnik from Doklady AN SSSR as sources and was prepared by Ye. Gerasimova.

UFO Trivia

A trivia question is posed: "This man allegedly met a Venusian at the Pentagon?" The answer is obscured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly the debunking of alleged hoaxes like MJ-12 and the Gulf Breeze case. There is a strong emphasis on scientific analysis and skepticism towards sensational claims, with a clear stance against the 'prostitution' of Ufology by individuals with vested interests. The issue also highlights the intersection of unusual aerial phenomena (bolides) with scientific events (earthquakes), suggesting a broader interest in unexplained events beyond typical UFO narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry and a desire for factual reporting, even when it challenges popular beliefs within the UFO community.