Orbiter - No 27 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #27
Date: November/December 1990
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report

This issue of Orbiter, dated November/December 1990, focuses on UFO-related investigations, controversies, and reports. The editor, Jim Melesciuc, solicits comments on a photograph featured on the cover. The issue includes a variety of articles, a book sale, and a case report.

In This Issue

The issue highlights several key articles:

• P. #2: Communiques and Bits N' Pieces: This section primarily addresses the "Road Shot" case involving Ed Walters. MUFON investigators Carol and Rex Salisberry, appointed by MUFON International Director Walt Andrus, have concluded that several, if not all, of Ed Walters' photos are probable hoaxes. Their investigation focused on a styrofoam model found in Walters' attic that resembled his drawings, and testimony from Tommy Smith, who claimed Walters asked him to fake UFO photos. The Salisberrys' analysis of the "Road Shot" photo suggests the reflection of the spacecraft is at an angle inconsistent with the road surface and that the photo may have been created by a double exposure. Their preliminary report suggests that if these photos are hoaxes, others should be considered highly suspect.
• P. #5: Reproduction of The Stars and Stripes article "Too Many Close Encounters In Gulf Breeze" (8 Aug. 1990): This article discusses Gulf Breeze, Florida, as a UFO hotbed and the unusual events surrounding six AWOL soldiers from West Germany who appeared in town. It explores the town's reputation, the involvement of local authorities like Police Chief Jerry D. Brown and Mayor Ed Gray III, and the role of Ed Walters, whose book "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" co-authored with his wife Frances, is mentioned.
• P. #6: UFO Unbiased Approach; Science in the USSR 1989 article: This section presents an article discussing a seminar held in Tomsk, USSR, on "Nonperiodic Transient Phenomena in the Environment." The author, Yu. Platov, criticizes the seminar's approach, which he describes as confrontational towards traditional science and reliant on sensationalized interpretations. He argues that while unexplained anomalies exist, they should be studied with rigorous scientific methods, not through "nontrivial hypotheses" or claims of suppression by "official science."
• P. #9: Book Sale: A comprehensive list of UFO-related books is offered for sale, covering various topics such as UFO evidence, sightings, abductions, and historical accounts. Books by authors like Daniel Ross, Jay David, Whitley Strieber, John Keel, Brad Steiger, and Jacques Vallee are included.
• P. #12: An interesting feature for the holidays, letters from the Journal British Astronomy Assoc. on The Star of Bethlehem: This section is mentioned but not detailed in the provided text.
• P. #15: A Tidbit from the AAAS meeting (1988) in Boston, MA., concerning analyses of a photograph on an aerial anomaly: This brief mention indicates a discussion at a scientific meeting about an anomalous photograph.
• P. #16: More on the Belgian Flying Triangle; Source: Science Frontiers #72: This indicates further coverage of the Belgian Flying Triangle phenomenon.

Detailed Article Summaries

Communiques and Bits N' Pieces (Pages 2-4)

The investigation into Ed Walters' "Road Shot" photos by Carol and Rex Salisberry is a central theme. They were appointed by Walt Andrus, MUFON's International Director, to re-examine the case after questions arose about the credibility of Walters' photos. The Salisberrys cite two key factors: the discovery of a styrofoam model resembling Walters' drawings and testimony from Tommy Smith, who claimed Walters asked him to fake UFO photos. Their analysis of the "Road Shot" photo points out an unnatural reflection and suggests a double-exposure technique. They also discuss the results of voice stress analyses on a tape recording involving Tommy Smith, which indicated Smith was telling the truth regarding his allegations against Walters. Furthermore, they mention an analysis of the model's paper, which could not have been made from Walters' claimed house plans, a finding independently verified by others, including Mr. Philip Klass.

The Salisberrys also address the use of lie detector tests, noting that Ed Walters has passed multiple tests, while Tommy Smith's testimony was supported by voice stress analysis. However, they question the validity of tests conducted without proper oversight and note that Frances Walters had not taken a lie detector test. They also mention an interview where MUFON's assessment of taped interviews was that the information discussed was insufficient for a truthfulness determination.

Another bizarre twist involves MUFON Deputy Director Dan Wright suggesting the Salisberrys might have taken sides in a political dispute. The issue also touches on the "Belgian Flying Triangle" and the analysis of photos #14 and #19 from Walters' book, which the Salisberrys deem highly suspect due to probable hoaxes.

A case report details a sighting on November 4, 1990, in Cornville, ME, where two witnesses observed a glowing triangular/diamond-shaped object that vanished. The report notes the object was seen about half a mile away and that one witness had seen a similar object previously.

From the Letter Box, Chris Allan suggests a possible connection between the Robert Mark case and the Exeter incident, referencing a Danish ufologist's book. Allan questions the accuracy of Mark's sighting date and suggests that discrepancies might explain why Pease AFB had no record of the event.

Too Many Close Encounters In Gulf Breeze (Page 5)

This article from the Los Angeles Times paints Gulf Breeze, Florida, as a town overwhelmed by UFO sightings and related phenomena. The town's reputation as a UFO hotbed is exacerbated by the appearance of six AWOL soldiers from West Germany, leading to speculation about cult activity and government cover-ups. Local officials, including Police Chief Jerry D. Brown and Mayor Ed Gray III, express frustration with the "UFO hysteria" and its negative impact on the community. The article highlights Ed Walters, whose book "The Gulf Breeze Sightings" has brought national attention to the town. It also mentions the MUFON convention held in Pensacola and the town's efforts to manage its image amidst the growing UFO phenomenon.

UFO: Unbiased Approach? (Pages 6-8)

This section features an article by Yu. Platov, a Cand. Sc. (Phys. & Math.), critiquing the approach to paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs, as discussed in the USSR. Platov argues that while scientific inquiry should be open to anomalies, the "nontraditional" approach often seen in UFO research is characterized by confusing terminology, a confrontational stance against established science, and a focus on sensationalism rather than rigorous investigation. He contends that most reported phenomena can be explained by conventional science, and the remaining fraction, while intriguing, should be subjected to detailed analysis. Platov criticizes the tendency to seek confirmation of pre-existing theories and dismisses the idea of a "confrontation" between official science and UFO enthusiasts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research and expert opinion.

The article also touches upon the challenges of scientific discovery in modern times, requiring specialized equipment and analysis. Platov notes that low scientific standards in UFO research are not unique to the USSR, with similar issues observed in other countries. He suggests that many sightings are connected to space launchings and that a closer look at specific sightings is warranted.

Book Sale (Pages 9-10)

This extensive section lists a wide array of books related to UFOs and related phenomena. The books are categorized by title, author, format (PB for paperback, SB for softbound, HC for hard cover, BL for booklet), condition (E for Excellent, G for Good, F for Fair, PR for Poor but Readable), and price. Titles range from classic works like "The Flying Saucer Reader" and "Project Bluebook" to more contemporary topics like "UFO Abductions" and "The Mothman Prophecies." The sale offers a comprehensive selection for enthusiasts interested in the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Orbiter are the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly the alleged hoaxes in the Ed Walters case, and the debate surrounding the scientific methodology applied to paranormal phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that favors rigorous, unbiased investigation, questioning sensationalism and promoting a sober analysis of facts. The inclusion of articles critiquing scientific approaches in the USSR and the detailed breakdown of the Salisberrys' investigation into the "Road Shot" case underscore this editorial direction. The book sale suggests a commitment to providing readers with resources for further study on the subject.

Title: NEWS ADVERTISER
Issue Date: Monday, September 3, 1990
Content Focus: This issue of the News Advertiser covers a range of topics including UFO sightings, crop circles, astronomical interpretations of biblical events, and military encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena.

Features

News Crosses the World

This section highlights how a story about UFO theories by Dr. Jan Pajak, a UFO expert from Dunedin, New Zealand, gained international attention. The article was reproduced by an American-based UFO newsclipping service and translated into Italian for the UFO Express magazine. The report suggests that New Zealand, with its low population density, could be a prime location for UFO landings, potentially becoming a tourist attraction. Dr. Pajak believes that UFOs sometimes land for extended periods in New Zealand, leaving clearer marks than in densely populated areas like England. He dismisses the 'mushroom growth' theory for crop circles, citing his own experiments with pegs marking the size of rings over years. He also notes that UFO landing sites are not always rings, with some being shaped like four-leaf clovers. The article mentions Weka Pass near Christchurch as a popular landing site.

The Star of Bethlehem

This section comprises letters to the editor discussing the 'Star of Bethlehem.'

• Letter from J. Brit.: Congratulates Mr. John Farquharson on his compilation of evidence concerning the Star of Bethlehem but notes the omission of Professor Conradin Ferrari d'Occhieppo's book, 'Der Stern der Weisen.' This book, published in German, offers a plausible explanation involving the zodiacal light and planetary conjunctions (Saturn and Jupiter) for the Magi's navigational 'fix.' Ferrari d'Occhieppo also suggests the Magi predicted a persecution and intended to warn the Holy Family.
• Letter from Gordon E. Taylor: Questions the 'Star of Bethlehem' narrative, suggesting it might be a 'von Daniken-type of UFO' or a story invented by the author of St. Matthew's gospel to establish Christ's divine origin, drawing a parallel to Shakespeare's quote about celestial events marking the death of princes.
• Letter from Cicely M. Botley: Comments on the 'Star of Bethlehem' and suggests that the object of 4 BC in Aquila might not be the Star. She mentions the possibility of a triple conjunction in 8 BC and a tradition that the Star would appear two years before the Messiah's birth. She also notes that Albategnius, a crater on the moon, might have been one of the Magi.
• Mr. Farquharson Replies: Acknowledges the correspondence and additional information. He quotes Paul L. Maier, who discusses the zodiacal light theory and dismisses 'Was God an astronaut?' theories as grotesque. Farquharson also notes that the tendency of historians to relate events to 'convenient' celestial phenomena is examined in a paper on comet chronology.
• Further discussion on Herod's death: The chronology of Herod's death is debated, with references to a lunar eclipse on March 13, 4 BC, and Josephus's accounts of events surrounding Passover in 4 BC. The possibility of a comet/nova appearing in Aquila in 4 BC being the 'star' seen by the Magi is raised.

Rumble Not Likely 'Quake

This brief report from Nashua, USA, describes a loud rumble heard on November 25, 1990, which led to numerous calls to the police, with people suspecting an earthquake. However, seismologists from the Weston Observatory and the National Earthquake Information Center confirmed that their instruments did not detect any seismic activity, ruling out an earthquake and suggesting a possible explosion or sonic boom.

The Belgian Flying Triangle

This article details a series of remarkable sightings of 'flying triangles' in Belgium beginning in October 1989. Witnesses describe a dark, triangular object with three bright lights and a flashing red one in the center. Size estimates vary, and the objects have been observed hovering, moving slowly, and accelerating to high speeds. The article recounts an encounter on March 30, 1990, where two Belgian F16 fighter jets and radar installations tracked a UFO. The object reportedly accelerated from 280 kph to 1,800 kph in one second, performing extreme maneuvers to evade the jets and ground radar. The encounter lasted 75 minutes, with no sonic boom reported despite the object's speed.

AAAS Annual Meeting Abstract

An abstract submitted by I. Scott of Ohio State University for the 1988 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston is included. The abstract, titled 'Photogrammetric Analysis of a Photograph of an Aerial Anomaly,' describes a photograph taken on July 13, 1968, near Boston, Massachusetts, using a Polaroid camera. The object in the photograph had seven squares that blinked on and off. The analysis suggests the object's forward portion was elevated compared to its rear portion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on UFO phenomena, crop circles, and related mysteries, often presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions. There's a clear interest in exploring unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential implications, as seen in the coverage of the Belgian Flying Triangle and Dr. Jan Pajak's theories. The 'Star of Bethlehem' section indicates an engagement with the intersection of astronomy, history, and religious interpretation, showcasing diverse viewpoints and ongoing debates. The inclusion of the AAAS abstract suggests an effort to bridge ufology with scientific analysis, even if the specific subject is an 'aerial anomaly.' The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting information and allowing for reader discussion.