Orbiter - No 29 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: Orbiter
Issue: #29
Date: March/April 1991
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report

This issue of Orbiter magazine, edited by Jim Melosouc, focuses on a variety of aerial phenomena and related investigations, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and the examination of evidence. The cover features a striking photograph of a fireball taken from a B-29 in 1946.

In This Issue: Feature Articles and Reports

The issue opens with a summary of its contents, highlighting articles on fireballs, the Kecksburg incident, and the controversial MJ-12 documents. It also touches upon the crop circle phenomenon and other UFO-related reports.

The Great Northeast Fireball of 1991

Authored by Walter Webb, this article details a significant fireball event observed in New England on March 6, 1991. The fireball traveled a long, nearly horizontal path across the northeast U.S. and was witnessed in multiple states. It is noted for its remarkable duration, estimated at up to 30 seconds, and for reports of anomalous sound, described as a 'whooshing' sound by one observer. The object was generally described as a bright blue-white ball with a long, tapered orange tail that turned greenish. The article includes a list of observation sites across several states, from New Jersey to Maine, and notes that the object was generally seen at a low angular altitude towards the east or southeast.

From The Letter Box

This section features correspondence from readers. Sal Amendola shares his observations on a photo of a 'dead extraterrestrial,' providing a sketch from memory and noting peculiar 'grooves' on its feet. Bill Hamilton of UFORCES comments on the silver suit and pink skin of the figure, suggesting it might be a staged dummy in an inverted pressure suit. Christian Page of OCIPE clarifies details about the 'Roswell extraterrestrial' photo, stating it was taken in 1979, not 1967, and that the figure was a life-size dummy in a scuba diver suit displayed in Montreal. Page also critiques Richard Glen, a Canadian UFO researcher, questioning his qualifications and methods, and suggesting he might be the author of a disparaging commentary about himself.

Stan Gordon's Response to "Oldsolved Mysteries"

Stan Gordon addresses Robert Young's article in the Skeptical Inquirer regarding the Kecksburg, PA incident of December 9, 1965. Gordon asserts that an aerial object of undetermined origin landed in Kecksburg and that military personnel responded. He criticizes Young's reliance on secondary sources like newspaper accounts and TV reports, stating that Young's article contains misinformation and misattributes information to Gordon. Gordon clarifies that while some reports mentioned a meteor, the public's imagination, fueled by memories of Kecksburg, led to exaggerated claims of a cordon and a landed object. He notes that a major newspaper is conducting a new investigation into the Kecksburg case, expected in late May 1991.

Hilary Evans on Crop Circles

Hilary Evans, an author and lecturer from Great Britain, responds to an article on 'swirls' (crop circles). He acknowledges the mystery but states that much is known about their creation, linking them to atmospheric disturbances and invisible forces. While not ruling out extraterrestrial spacecraft, Evans argues there is no good reason to believe they are responsible, as no alien spacecraft have been reliably seen, nor is it known how they would create the circles. He suggests that hoaxes are underestimated, citing an experiment where a special effects expert created a convincing circle in an hour. Evans concludes that while crop circles provide amusement, they are often turned into supernatural phenomena by theorists.

MJ-12: CRAZIER THAN EVER

This section is a critique by Christopher D. Allan of 'The MJ-12 Documents, AN ANALYTICAL REPORT' by William L. Moore and Jamie Shandera. Allan systematically analyzes various documents presented in the report, including the Weitzel letter, Aquarius Documents, Kirtland Documents, and Carter Briefing notes. He points out numerous inconsistencies, potential forgeries, and questionable interpretations by Moore and Shandera. Allan questions the timeline of document acquisition, the reliability of sources like 'Falcon,' and the methods used to authenticate the documents. He specifically critiques the analysis of the Eisenhower Briefing Document and the Truman-Forrestal memorandum, suggesting that the authors are reluctant to consider the possibility of private forgery and are overly focused on official disinformation. Allan concludes that the 'EB' and 'TM' documents are likely not genuine, and the 'CT' is also suspect.

Photometric properties of an unidentified bright object seen off the coast of New Zealand

This section contains a reply by Bruce S. Maccabee to comments by W. Ireland and M. K. Andrews regarding an unidentified bright object photographed off the coast of New Zealand on December 31, 1978. Maccabee defends his analysis, stating that conventional sources, such as squid boats, were ruled out. He refutes Ireland and Andrews' suggestion that the light came from a squid fishing boat, citing ministry records that showed no boats in the vicinity and pilot accounts of not seeing squid boats in the area. Maccabee presents data suggesting the object moved considerably and was capable of rapid motion, contradicting the stationary squid boat hypothesis. He concludes that the evidence indicates the light source was not a squid boat and questions the claim that a UFO was photographed.

Photometric properties of an unidentified bright object seen off the coast of New Zealand: comments

In a counter-response, W. Ireland and M. K. Andrews argue that Maccabee has not sufficiently ruled out conventional sources for the New Zealand sighting. They suggest the light likely came from a squid boat, noting that a large squid-fishing fleet was in New Zealand waters at the time. They interpret the available evidence differently, suggesting the object was near-stationary and compatible with shipboard lighting. They question Maccabee's conclusion that a UFO was photographed.

Area Man Says: Flying Saucer Spotted in 1933

This is a reprinted article from the Allentown PA. Call Chronicle, dated February 16, 1964. It recounts the experience of an individual, identified as 'Mr. X,' who claims to have inspected a bell-shaped, metallic object in a field in 1933. He describes the object as about ten feet in diameter and six feet high, with a circular door, tubing, and dials inside. The odor was like ammonia, and the temperature was cold. Mr. X, who was 18 at the time, believes he saw something 'not of this earth.' The article speculates on anti-gravity propulsion and notes the similarity of the object's shape to a model held by another individual.

Now You Know

This section contains brief, unrelated trivia: a fact about howling monkeys and a fact about the planet Uranus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Orbiter include the analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena, the critical examination of evidence and documentation, and the questioning of official narratives and skeptical viewpoints. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages thorough investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations, while also maintaining a critical eye towards potential hoaxes, disinformation, and unsubstantiated claims. The critiques of the MJ-12 documents and the discussion on crop circles highlight a preference for rigorous analysis and a skepticism towards sensationalism.

Title: The American Engineer
Issue: May 1968
Content Focus: This issue features an in-depth look at an experimental course on UFOs at the University of California, Davis, exploring its social and technological implications. It also reports on the formation of a UFO investigation committee in Russia and delves into the technical aspects of UFO phenomena.

Experimental UFO Course at UC Davis

The lead article, "Engineering Professor Teaches UFO Course At University Of California," details an experimental course offered at the University of California, Davis, during the winter quarter of 1967-68. Taught by Dr. P. S. Moller, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and assisted by political scientist Dr. Dennis Livingston, the course attracted 30 students from diverse majors. Titled "Flying Saucers: The Social and Technological Implications," the course required an "open mind" to all phenomena, a requirement noted as difficult due to public and governmental biases that emerged after 1951.

The article highlights the prejudice that such a course faces, from scientists to cultists. It contrasts the initial open attitude of the public and the Air Force before 1951 with the subsequent shift towards selecting information released. The course aimed to examine negative attitudes in areas where open minds are typically assumed, citing Dr. Hugh Dryden's statement, "There are no such things as flying saucers--nothing to them at all!" as an example of such a stance.

Social and Sociological Implications

The sociological aspect of the course sought to broaden perspectives by examining historical patterns of civilization collapse due to terror and loss of self-confidence in the face of superior civilizations, using the American Indian as an example. It posed the question of how society might react if it were certain of a more advanced civilization, potentially leading to a feeling of barbarism.

Another implication discussed was the formation of religious cults around UFOs, mirroring age-old desires to attach higher meaning to the unexplained. The course also encouraged students to consider the UFOs' "point of view," questioning if humans are viewed as aborigines to be studied.

Technological Implications and Scientific Hypotheses

The bulk of the course focused on scientific hypotheses related to the physics of matter at speeds approaching the speed of light. The writer acknowledges the importance of skepticism but cautions against extremes. Students were noted for their skepticism, which led to sharp questions and kept the course from becoming a "cult."

The article delves into technical areas, particularly propulsion systems that could replicate reported UFO performance and environmental effects. The writer developed a propulsion system employing large alternating magnetic fields (over 100 kilogauss) potentially achievable with superconductors. While details are proprietary, the writer hints at its characteristics.

Electromagnetic Effects and UFO Phenomena

Significant correlations were drawn between reported UFO phenomena and scientific knowledge of electromagnetic effects. A magnetic field over 10 kilogauss can induce eddy currents in the body, causing a shock effect and temporary paralysis. Movement in such fields can also cause a "prickling sensation" and visual phenomena like seeing "stars." These effects align with witness reports of temporary paralysis and prickling sensations near UFOs.

Another correlation is the dimming or extinguishing of automobile and house lights near UFOs. This is linked to tungsten filament lights, which undergo a large increase in electrical resistance when placed in magnetic fields. Modern aircraft with fluorescent lighting are not affected. The failure of an aircraft's magnetic compass when paced by a UFO is also noted.

UFOs Near Power Lines and Plasma Propulsion

The frequent observation of UFOs hovering near high-voltage lines is discussed. One explanation offered is induction charging of an electric power supply. However, the author dismisses explanations involving ball lightning or plasmas as attempts to explain the unknown with something even less understood.

A propulsion system using a large magnetic field in conjunction with plasma (possibly ionized air) is proposed. The circular shape is considered near optimum for thrust and control. Such a plasma would glow and change color with ionization degree and altitude, mirroring characteristics reported in many UFO sightings.

Addressing Skepticism and Promoting Objective Investigation

The article criticizes the scientific world's reluctance to engage with UFOs, attributing it to the subject being perceived as reserved for "crackpots." This allows the Air Force to use hoaxes and fanatics as a "smoke screen" for their own secret investigations. The author argues that creating doubt is a tactic to achieve skepticism, which is as false as the extreme of scientific egocentricity.

The writer concludes that the time devoted to the course was small relative to its value. The shared knowledge reduced fear and absurdities surrounding UFOs. The hope is that such courses can bring the scientific world closer to objective investigation, breaking the cycle of superstition.

The Current UFO Situation in Russia

This section reports on the formation of an unofficial body in May 1967, comprising scientists, military personnel, writers, and public figures, to conduct a preliminary scientific investigation of UFOs. This group, named the UFO Section of the All-Union Cosmonautics Committee, was established in October 1967 with headquarters in Moscow. Air Force Major General Porfiri Stolyarov was elected chairman.

The ambitious program includes organizing the collection of reliable UFO information through existing astronomical, meteorological, geophysical observatories, satellite tracking stations, and radar installations. Plans are also underway to develop special devices for photographing UFOs and recording radiation and magnetic disturbances. The article emphasizes that hypotheses should not attempt to explain UFOs in terms of familiar phenomena, suggesting a need for a "radical reassessment of values." The hypothesis that UFOs originate from other worlds is deemed worthy of serious examination.

Strange Phenomena Investigations Newsletter

A brief mention is made of "Strange Phenomena Investigations" and a newsletter from researcher Malcolm Robinson in Scotland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of encouraging open-minded, objective scientific inquiry into phenomena like UFOs. It critiques the prevailing skepticism and biases that hinder research, advocating for a more disciplined and exploratory approach. The editorial focus is on bridging the gap between unexplained phenomena and scientific understanding, suggesting that a thorough investigation could demystify UFOs and potentially reveal valuable insights.