Orbiter - No 35 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: ORBITER
Issue: #35
Date: SPRING/SUMMER 1992
Publisher: The New England Aerial Phenomena Report

This issue of Orbiter magazine, issue #35 from Spring/Summer 1992, delves into the ongoing debate surrounding UFO sightings, particularly focusing on the 'Red Light Sightings & Gulf Breeze' case. The cover features a quote from Dr. Bruce Maccabee describing bizarre events involving rings of white lights and a larger dark body, and a photograph of aerial lights. The magazine is presented as 'The New England Aerial Phenomena Report'.

In This Issue

The issue is described as a 16-page publication covering a variety of subjects, with a significant portion dedicated to abductions and the red lights over Gulf Breeze. Specific articles and features mentioned include:

• P. #2: Commentary titled 'Silenced?' by Jim Melesciuc, discussing the JFK assassination broadcast and its connection to UFO research.
• P. #3: 'Blue Book Pearls' by Dr. Willy Smith, focusing on a case from Shreveport, LA.
• P. #5: A newsclipping titled 'ET Is That You?' from the Laconia Citizen, NH, detailing a Concord, NH sighting.
• P. #6: 'An Authentic Mystery,' an abduction article reproduced from Harvard Magazine.
• P. #7: 'UFO Reports Get A Going-Over,' a critique from the Boston Globe's Health/Science department about a conference on abductions, highlighting a rift between mental health professionals and abductionists.
• P. #39 onwards: Letters debating the Gulf Breeze case.

Silenced?

This article by Jim Melesciuc (P. #2) discusses a two-hour program on the JFK assassination broadcast by WFXT television network. It explores theories concerning the assassination, the Warren Commission, and alleged 'forces' attempting to intimidate witnesses. The program featured ex-CIA operative Victor Marchetti and Oliver Stone. The article notes that Dallas law enforcement officers involved in the investigation allegedly met with 'mysterious deaths.' It speculates that the assassination might have been motivated by Kennedy's stance on Cuba, his restructuring of the CIA, or the scaling down of the US military. The author then connects this to UFOs, suggesting that the repercussions of the assassination are now stronger, with researchers reporting a 'covert menacing force trying to SILENCE them.' The article draws a parallel to the Roswell incident, suggesting that the US military's acquisition of an extraterrestrial spacecraft in 1947 could have led to significant advancements, but this scenario seemingly never developed. The author questions why UFO researchers are not facing the same 'covert menacing force' as those investigating the JFK assassination.

Blue Book Pearls

This section (P. #3) details a UFO sighting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 16, 1952. The main witness, an Air Force captain and senior pilot, observed a bright circular object moving at high speed, which then reversed direction without diminishing speed. The object changed shape from 'flat circular' to 'thinning lens' and altered color from white to pink and red. The sighting lasted 70 seconds and covered 25 miles. The report notes that Major Jesse H. Tessier of the Air Force prepared an Air Intelligence Information Report, evaluating the case as A-2 (reliable source, probably true). However, the author points out inconsistencies, such as the witness being confirmed by a second observer (a neighbor, a former WWII paratrooper sergeant) but not coded as A-1. The article questions why the case was classified as 'possibly balloon' when the witness was a credible Air Force officer, suggesting a deliberate downplaying of the incident. It also notes a similar incident in North Bay, Ontario, four days prior, which was classified as 'unidentified,' questioning the consistency of Project Blue Book's methodology.

ET, Is That You?

This newsclipping from the Laconia Citizen, NH (P. #5) features an artist's recreation of a UFO seen by motorist Roger Cross in Concord, New Hampshire. Cross described a huge triangular object with pulsating bluish-white lights disappearing over the treeline. Other reports from nearby towns described a similar object at a higher altitude. Cheryl A. Powell, an investigator for Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), is mentioned. Cross described the object as flying just above the treetops, 'awesome in size,' and making a sound 'like increasing rain on a summer night on a canvas tent,' without any turbine or jet whine. The article notes that there wasn't much time to take in more detail due to darkness, but it was unlike anything seen before. A note indicates 'Also - See Page 16.'

An Authentic Mystery

This article, reproduced from Harvard Magazine (P. #6) and written by Craig Lambert, discusses alien abduction phenomena and the work of researchers like Budd Hopkins and psychiatrist John Mack. It describes how abductees often report disturbing medical or sexual explorations and recall events with difficulty, often after experiencing 'missing time.' Mack states that there is 'no psychiatric explanation for this phenomenon. It is an authentic mystery.' The article highlights the consistent structure of abduction experiences across individuals who have not communicated with each other, citing specific elements not available in mass media. It mentions Julia, an abductee client of Mack's, who reported being taken aboard a spacecraft by 34-feet-tall visitors and shown a nursery of hybrid human-alien fetuses. The article discusses the reproductive aspect of abduction, with the focus being on the 'production of children.' It also touches upon the trauma associated with these memories and the difficulty in explaining them within current scientific understanding. The article contrasts the views of Mack with those of Robert Baker, a psychology professor who suggests 'waking dreams' as an explanation.

UFO Reports Get A Going-Over

This article from The Boston Globe (P. #7) by David L. Chandler reports on a conference where abduction tales were scrutinized as psychological phenomena. It describes an account from Maria, who reported being paralyzed and taken into a hovering UFO. The article notes the increasing popularity of abduction stories in books and movies. While many scientists dismiss these tales, a growing number of mental health professionals are beginning to analyze them. John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist, considers them 'valid experiences,' while Robert Baker, a psychology professor, attributes them to 'waking dreams' and criticizes investigators for lacking psychological training. The article mentions that the reliability of hypnotically recovered memories is a key issue, with skeptics pointing out that hypnosis can increase both accurate and inaccurate memories.

The Search for Physical Evidence Turns Up Little

This section (P. #8) discusses the difficulty in finding concrete physical evidence for alien abductions, referencing astronomer Carl Sagan's principle that 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.' MIT physicist David Pritchard, who organized a conference on the subject, found purported physical evidence, such as a tiny 'implant' from abductee Richard Price, to be 'totally, inconclusive.' The article mentions that while MRI scans of people claiming implants sometimes show unexplained spots, these spots also appear in other individuals. It also touches upon the similarities in abduction accounts collected by different investigators, suggesting that these similarities could be influenced by the investigators themselves, or that the selection process might favor certain narratives. The article also notes the emotional intensity experienced by abductees, which convinces some researchers that the phenomenon is real.

From the Letter Box

This section (P. #9) contains a letter from Barbara Becker responding to Dr. Bruce Maccabee regarding the Gulf Breeze sightings. Becker raises issues about the authenticity of the original UFO photos, questioning claims that they were authenticated by Polaroid Corporation experts. She states that Harro Limbo, named as an authenticator, denies ever seeing the photos. Becker also questions the timeline of events related to copyright claims for the photos, suggesting a possible attempt to profit from the images. She criticizes the handling of the Gulf Breeze case and the copyright of photos from anonymous sources. The letter also addresses other sightings mentioned, expressing skepticism and asserting a need for facts rather than belief. The author of the letter suggests that the magazine's editor is trying to elicit negative opinions through innuendo.

Other Witnesses and Red-Light UFOs

This section (P. #10) discusses other witnesses to UFO phenomena, including Jeff Thompson and the Somerbys, whose reports are noted to have come after they viewed Ed Walters' photos, raising questions about contamination. It also details 'Red-Light' UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, describing them as bright cherry-red lights that pulse, sometimes accompanied by a brighter white ball of light. These objects are described as silent, elliptical, and discharging smaller lights. The section also reports on seventeen witnesses who saw bright lights appearing and disappearing, with some reporting a 'large disc-like object encompassing the lights.' Another report describes fourteen witnesses observing objects that appeared larger than stars, with colors varying from gold-orange to fire-red, and formations described as triangular or horizontal lines. The author concludes by asking if these descriptions sound like Gulf Breeze.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the skepticism surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly the Gulf Breeze sightings, and the debate over whether these are genuine encounters or psychological manifestations. The magazine presents various viewpoints, from those who believe in the reality of UFOs and abductions to those who are critical and seek concrete evidence. There is a strong emphasis on questioning witness testimony, photographic evidence, and the methodology of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives and to demand factual evidence, while acknowledging the profound impact these experiences have on individuals. The connection between the JFK assassination conspiracy and the alleged silencing of UFO researchers suggests a broader theme of government secrecy and control.

Title: ORBITER
Issue: IUR July/August 1990
Publisher: Zan Overall
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Orbiter focuses heavily on the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO sightings, presenting a debate between critics and investigators regarding the authenticity of photographic evidence and witness testimony. The publication features arguments from Zan Overall, who challenges the validity of the sightings and the photographic evidence, particularly the 'ghost/demon' photo, suggesting it is a double exposure. Conversely, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a prominent investigator, discusses his involvement and the phenomena observed, while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes.

Gulf Breeze Sightings: Photographic Analysis and Debunking

The core of the issue revolves around the interpretation of photographs taken by Ed Walters. Zan Overall, in his paper "Gulf Breeze Double Exposed," argues that the 'ghost/demon' photo, allegedly taken in 1986, is a double exposure. He proposes simple tests to demonstrate this, questioning why CUFOS and others have not conducted them. Overall criticizes the methodology of debunkers, suggesting they make grand conclusions without empirical testing. He also addresses the argument that Ed Walters might have withheld certain photos to support his narrative, deeming it faulty logic.

Dr. Bruce Maccabee, in his contribution, reflects on his early involvement with the Gulf Breeze sightings. He notes that his interest would have waned if the photographer, Ed Walters, had remained anonymous. Maccabee recounts his interactions with Barbara Becker, who he believes is attempting to discredit the Walters family's sightings. He also mentions that the Gulf Breeze Research Team had recorded approximately 120 sightings by the end of January 1992, involving various witnesses, including military personnel and air traffic controllers. Maccabee describes some of the reported phenomena, such as objects with pulsating lights and unusual movements, and notes that tests, including optical spectra analysis, are being conducted.

Barbara Becker's arguments are presented as attempts to discredit Ed Walters and his family's sightings. She questions the timing of Ed Walters' copyright request and his disclosure to MUFON investigators. The text suggests that Becker's reasoning is based on assumptions and loose logic, particularly regarding the dating of photographs.

Alternative Explanations

The issue explores various alternative explanations for the Gulf Breeze sightings. Early commentaries from the Condon Report are cited, suggesting that some sightings might be explained by SAC dropping flares during training routines, or by candles launched on balloons. The Condon Report's explanation for case #29 suggests witnesses saw flares, and the 'product of their expectation.' Case #18 was concluded to be candles launched on balloons.

Allan Hendry's "The UFO Handbook" is referenced for its commentary on 'prank balloons' consisting of plastic laundry bags with birthday candles, which can create illusions of shape when candlelight reflects off the bag. A photo from UFO Magazine is compared to one taken by Hufford, showing a glob of light with rings.

Regarding magnesium flares, the 1975 version of a manual states they can be seen from great distances, appearing bright white up close and yellowish-red further away, sometimes resembling a forward-moving circular craft with rotating lights. The 1983 Manual describes flares expanding rapidly, giving the impression of a rapidly moving oval object, and then shrinking as if receding, with upper air winds causing shape changes. The article concludes that current Gulf Breeze reports are consistent with flares, candles, and balloons, indicating a hoax.

Other Sightings and Correspondence

Beyond the Gulf Breeze debate, the issue includes a report from The Union Leader newspaper about a UFO sighting in Concord, New Hampshire, on Tuesday night, March 5, 1992. Driver Roger Cross reported seeing and hearing a large, triangular object with pulsating lights overfly Route 3A. Investigators from Mutual UFO Network, including Cheryl A. Powell, were looking into similar reports from other areas in the state.

The "Letters" section features correspondence from Ed Walters and Zan Overall, continuing their debate. Walters challenges Overall's analysis of the 'ghost/demon' photo and the CUFOS report, demanding a test to prove a double exposure. He questions why CUFOS did not investigate the mechanics of Polaroid film packs. Overall, in turn, criticizes Walters and Maccabee for their interpretation of events, particularly regarding the order in which photos were taken and revealed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of photographic evidence in UFO cases, the credibility of witnesses, and the debate between those who believe in genuine UFO phenomena and those who attribute sightings to hoaxes or misidentifications. The editorial stance, as represented by Zan Overall's contributions, leans towards skepticism and a demand for rigorous scientific testing to validate extraordinary claims. The publication appears to provide a platform for these differing viewpoints, allowing for a robust discussion within the UFO community.