Orbiter - No 28 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #28
Date: January/February 1991
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report
Country: USA
Editor: Jim Melesciuc

Commentary: Watch Out for the Swirls!

This section, authored by editor Jim Melesciuc, addresses the recent surge in media coverage of "English Swirls" (crop circles) and their appearance in the U.S. Melesciuc notes that these formations are unique because they are neatly flattened without the rough damage typically associated with weather, animals, or humans. He contrasts them with earlier "Saucer Nests" or "Landing Traces" from the 1950s-70s, which were often described as "scorched, denuded circles." The article references a 1969-70 period in New Zealand where scorched mystery circles were prevalent. UFO researcher Ted Philips is mentioned for collecting numerous UFO-ring reports that remain available for laboratory study.

Melesciuc expresses some disillusionment after studying the British circles, noting that configurations sometimes changed bizarrely after an explanation was given, suggesting an attempt to "offset" explanations. He questions whether the redesigned swirl patterns are a jest at Dr. Meaden's meteorological vortex theory, pointing to figures indicating wind speed. Dr. Meaden's theory, as editor of the Journal of Meteorology, posits that circles are formed by the impact of a fast-spinning, partially ionized body of air, creating a luminous, columnar atmospheric vortex.

The article recounts an incident where an international team in Operation Blackbird filmed circles forming amid flashing lights, later finding ouija boards and crosses within the flattened areas, suggesting a prank. In contrast to the U.S. "mystery swirls," no landings or nocturnal lights have been reported. A MUFON representative, Grant Callison, speculated about UFO involvement in a Milan, IL swirl due to the lack of other explanations.

Indiana Hoax and Gulf Breeze Theory

The investigation into an Indiana case revealed a young teen admitted to creating the circles, inspired by a segment on "Unsolved Mysteries." His father appeared on TV to confess his son's involvement. In Gulf Breeze, FL, circles discovered by Ed Walters and Duane Cook in November 1989 and February 1990 were potentially created using CO/2. Local agricultural experts support this theory, suggesting that freezing grass with CO/2 makes it limp, allowing for manipulation into patterns that recover semi-permanently upon thawing.

Melesciuc concludes that current U.S. swirls may be due to natural phenomena, hoaxes, or other mechanisms, with investigators sometimes being subjective or emotionally involved. He notes that while today's swirls differ from "scorched denuded landing traces," some reports mention grass "saucer nests" with imprints, scorched grass, and burning odors, sometimes associated with "flap activity" and "close encounter observations." He questions the absence of UFOs and suggests these swirls might be a fad from England.

References

The article lists eight references, including works by J. Allen Hynek, the Evening Standard, New Zealand Truth, the MUFON symposium proceedings, George Terance Meaden, and personal communications.

Communiques and Bits N' Pieces

This section announces an increase in U.S. Postal Service rates, leading to Orbiter being trimmed by a few pages to offset costs without raising subscription prices. It then details upcoming UFO conferences and featured speakers.

ET-ALien-Abduction Conference (Trenton, NJ)

Scheduled for March 15-17, 1991, this conference in Trenton, NJ, organized by Pat Marcattilio, will feature speakers such as Andrija Puharich (author of "Beyond Telepathy"), Richard Glen (Canadian UFO researcher), Larry Warren (Bentwaters UFO witness), Betty Andreasson Luca & Bob Luca (discussing UFO abductions), Alice Haggerty (regressed by Dr. David M. Jacobs), Zecharia Sitchin (author of "The 12th Planet"), Antonio Huneeus (New International UFO with Humanoids & Entities Show), and James LeFante (abductee). Al Bielek will also speak about the Philadelphia Experiment.

Ozark UFO Conference (Eureka Springs, Ark.)

This conference, held April 5-7, 1991, at the Inn of the Ozarks, will feature updates on England's "circles" mystery by George Wingfield, discussions on worldwide UFO activity by Antonio Huneeus, and presentations on English UFO cases by Norman Oliver, contactee data correlations by Forrest Crawford, governmental interest in UFOs by Linda Moulton Howe, Puerto Rican UFO activity by Jorge Martin, Roswell crash witness testimonies by John Carpenter, and multidimensional universes by William Sherwood.

Other Announcements

Bob Oechsler will provide an update on new UFO photos and videos, plus Bob Lazar. Advance registration details for the Ozark UFO Conference are provided, including costs and deadlines.

Case Report

This brief report mentions a Paul Harvey News and Comment broadcast on WBZ Radio (Boston) on January 21, 1991, about a UFO hovering over a military airbase in Hungary. The object was described as 75 ft. long, hovering at 800 ft. altitude, emitting flame from behind, and accelerating out of sight.

From The Letter Box

This section features reader responses to the EBE photo published in Orbiter #27.

Jim Moseley's Comment

Jim Moseley, editor of "Saucer Smear," humorously refers to the EBE photo as his "Chinese half-brother" and jokingly threatens legal action.

Dan Wright's Analysis

Dan Wright of MUFON offers a detailed, tongue-in-cheek analysis of the EBE photo, focusing on the "silvery garment" and a "broad zipper," concluding it might have been fashioned in Akron, Ohio, "America's first and foremost zipper factory."

Bill Knell's Opinion

Bill Knell of Island Skywatch believes the photo is either a prop for a movie or a fake designed to confuse the public. He showed it to three abductees who stated it did not resemble EBES they had seen.

Bill Moore's Statement

Bill Moore of the Fair-Witness Project states they have "absolutely no reason to accept such a claim as true at the present time" and are "not particularly impressed" but will continue to collect information.

Ib Laulund's Observation

Ib Laulund from Denmark recalls seeing a similar creature before, finding his own version shows an "ugly evil face" and originates from Mexico, unlike the Orbiter's picture.

Article: "Many Experience Fears in the Night"

This short piece, presented as a "tidbit that should be considered on the abduction phenomena," discusses the experience of waking up paralyzed and sensing a presence, a phenomenon Dr. David Hufford of Penn State College of Medicine attributes to "waking night terror" or "sleep paralysis." It notes that this occurs in about 20 percent of the population across cultures and includes features like paralysis, a sense of threat, hearing footsteps, and physical distress.

Article: UFO's And The Technological Community

Authored by Robert F. Morse, P.E., this article argues for the necessity of involving the technological community in the examination of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Morse contends that despite decades of sightings, positive identification remains elusive. He criticizes the scientific community's "hands off" attitude, suggesting disinterest and a preference for "ivory towers" of conservatism, possibly due to the stigma and ridicule associated with UFO research, and the influence of the Air Force's long-standing dismissal of UFO evidence.

Morse acknowledges that factors like public ridicule, divergent eyewitness descriptions, and the tendency of some scientists to castigate phenomena not fitting established criteria have hindered scientific investigation. He highlights encouraging signs, such as increased public open-mindedness and the involvement of higher learning institutions, citing the University of Colorado's Research Grant as a catalyst.

He mentions scholarly rebuttals from researchers like Dr. Donald H. Menzel and Professor William Markowitz, who have attempted to identify UFOs with known phenomena. Morse questions their approach, suggesting they have "lost touch with the methodical and unprejudiced approach" expected of scientists. He notes the establishment of a filter center for UFO reports and a course in UFO study at a university.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a former Air Force consultant, is noted for indicating a need for serious investigation beyond the Air Force's limited efforts. Morse argues that the UFO phenomenon, while not overtly hostile, requires preparation and investigation, drawing a parallel to nuclear holocaust preparedness. He emphasizes that the unknown nature of UFOs necessitates a rational approach to cope with their potential importance.

Morse suggests that while individuals may form personal conclusions, irrefutable documentary evidence is needed, which requires concerted national or global effort beyond the reach of individuals or small groups. He calls for scientists and engineers to diligently search their personal convictions about UFOs, predicting that increased attention, coupled with institutional grants and pronouncements from leading scientists, could snowball public opinion into demanding a properly conducted, resourceful, and financed international investigation.

He addresses the University of Colorado's project as a significant but initial step, emphasizing the vast amount of data to sift through. Morse also touches upon the potential benefits of contact with an advanced extraterrestrial civilization, both sociological and scientific, and the need to be prepared for either peaceful or hostile visitors.

Now You Know!

This small section provides trivia: Antares is the only bright star viewable from North America that can be occulted by a closer celestial body. It also notes there will be six eclipses in 1991 (two solar, four lunar).

Book Sale

This section lists a refurbished UFO book list, including titles on ancient astronauts and world mysteries, along with some astronomy books. Books are categorized by format (PB, SB, HC, BL) and condition (E, G, F, PR), with prices listed. Titles include "The Roswell Incident," "The Andreasson Affair," "Communion," "The Interrupted Journey," "Project Bluebook," "Majestic," "The Six Thousand Year-Old Space Suit," "Extraterrestrial Intervention," "Sky Crash," "A Woman Clothed With The Sun," "UFOs Past Present & Future," "No Earthly Explanation," "Missing Time," "Flying Saucers Serious Business," "Hynek UFO Report," "Invisible Residents," "Transformation," "Anatomy of a Phenomenon: UFOs In Space," "The Spaceships of Ezekiel," "The Fire Came By," "The Bermuda Triangle," "The UFO Experience," "Intruders," "Flying Saucers on the Attack," and "Encounters."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Orbiter are the nature and investigation of "mysterious swirls" (crop circles) and the broader phenomenon of UFOs. The magazine presents a stance that advocates for a more serious, scientific, and potentially international investigation into UFOs, challenging the perceived apathy and skepticism within the scientific community. It highlights the need for evidence-based conclusions and preparedness for potential extraterrestrial contact, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and natural explanations. The issue also serves as a platform for UFO conferences and a marketplace for UFO-related literature.

ORBITER is presented as a bi-monthly newsletter, with this particular issue focusing on a comprehensive listing of books, magazine articles, and other publications related to UFOs, ancient astronauts, mysteries, and astronomy. The content is primarily a catalog of available or discussed materials, rather than original reporting.

Featured Content

The newsletter lists numerous titles, categorized by subject matter. These include:

• Flying Saucers and UFOs: Titles like "Flying Saucers: Hoax or Reality?" by L. Jerome Stanton, "UFO Mystery; Explaining the Hudson Valley Sightings" (a 1987 Discover magazine article), "God Drives A Flying Saucer" by R.L. Dione, and "UFOs From Behind The Iron Curtain" by Hobana/Weverbergh are featured. Other related items include "UFO Universe" (Spring/Summer 1989 issues), "UFO Magazine" (Vol. 4, #32, 1989), and "The Truth About Flying Saucers" by Aime Michel. "Flying Saucers The Startling Evidence of the Invasion from Outer Space" by Coral Lorenzen and "Flying Saucers Uncensored" by Harold Wilkins are also listed.

• Ancient Astronauts and Prehistory: Several entries focus on the ancient astronaut theory, including "Extraterrestrial Visitations from Prehistoric Times to the Present" by Jacques Bergier, "Chariots of the Gods" by Erich Von Daniken, "The Outer Space Connection" (featuring Alan & Sally Landsburg), and "The 12th Planet" by Zecharia Sitchin. "God's From Outer Space" by Erich Von Daniken and "In Search of Ancient Mysteries" by Alan & Sally Landsburg are also present.

• Mysteries and Strange Phenomena: This category includes "Strangely Enough!" by C.B. Colby, "The Mothman Prophecies" by John Keel, "Mysterious Worlds" by Dennis Bardens, and "This Baffling World" by John Godwin. "The Philadelphia Experiment" by Moore/Berlitz and "Incident At Exeter" by John Fuller are also listed.

• Astronomy and Science: Publications related to astronomy and science include "OMNI magazine" (featuring a UFO Contest & Marian apparition article), "Science Digest magazine" (SETI article), "Beyond Earth; Man's Contact With UFOs" by Ralph & Judy Blum, "In The Center of Immensities" (astronomy) by Bernard Lowell, "Quasars, Pulsars, and Black Holes" (astronomy) by Frederick Golden, "In Quest of Quasars" (astronomy) by Ben Bova, "One Two Three...Infinity" (astronomy) by George Gamow, and "The First Three Minutes" (astronomy) by Steven Weinberg. "The World's First Spaceship - SHUTTLE" by Robert Powers is also mentioned.

• Other Notable Titles: "Earth in Upheaval" (global catastrophes) by Immanuel Velikovsky, "The Uninvited: True Tales of the Unknown" by Sharon Jarvis, "The Astronomical Significance of Stonehenge" by C.A. Newham, "New England's Marvelous Monsters" by Robert Cahill, "What's Behind The UFO Mania" (Readers Digest Article), "The Skeptic Inquirer" (Spring 1985), "New England's Ghostly Haunts" by Robert Cahill, "The Cosmic Connection" by Carl Sagan, "We Ar Not Alone" (SETI) by Walter Sullivan, "Harmonic 33" by Captain Bruce Cathie, "Limbo of the Lost" by John Wallace Spencer, "Noah's Ark: I touched It" by Fernand Navarra, and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (novel) by Steven Spielberg are also listed.

• Specific Articles and Reports: The issue notes a "Popular Science" magazine article from 1969 that discusses the Condon Report. "Let's Hope Their Friendly!" is described as a study on the New Zealand footage by Quentin Fogarty. "The UFO Report" by Irving Greenfield is also listed.

Publication and Subscription Information

ORBITER is a bi-monthly newsletter. Subscription rates are $20.00 U.S. and $25.00 Foreign. In lieu of subscription rates, ORBITER offers an exchange for newsletters, articles, and periodicals related to UFO phenomena and transient/unusual events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ORBITER are UFO sightings and phenomena, the ancient astronaut theory, general mysteries, and astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of cataloging and presenting information from various sources within these fields, offering a resource for individuals interested in these subjects. The inclusion of both skeptical pieces (e.g., "UFO Mystery; Explaining the Hudson Valley Sightings") and more credulous or speculative works suggests a broad approach to the topics covered.