Pegasus - Vol 04 No 1 Jan-Feb 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Volume 4, Number 1
Date: January/February 1972
Publisher: SIGAP (Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial: The UFO Enigma and Scientific Dogma

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL," laments the scientific community's persistent dogmatism, comparing the current handling of the UFO enigma to the historical resistance faced by the concept of meteorites. It notes that it took until 1803 for stones falling from the sky to be accepted, and that the path to UFO recognition appears similarly arduous. Isolated UFO reports, even well-authenticated ones, fail to impress scientists, much like early accounts of meteor falls. The editorial points to a major meteor shower in 1803, from which 3,000 fragments were recovered, as the event that finally convinced scientists. It suggests that figures like Dr. Donald Menzel will continue to offer "straw" explanations like mirages and temperature inversions until UFOs physically land on their doorsteps.

UFO research is described as being in "proverbial doldrums," with declining membership in associated organizations. Scientists demand hard, physical data, which groups like SIGAP and BUFORA are ill-equipped to provide due to a lack of sophisticated equipment. Amateur research groups operate on shoe-string budgets and can only collect anecdotal information, which professors largely disregard. The primary role of these groups, therefore, is to educate the public, sift through sightings, and persistently present credible cases to scientists.

The editorial argues that the data scientists demand is readily available, waiting for scientists to shed their prejudices and tackle the UFO problem with a wide range of analytical techniques.

Professor James E. McDonald: A Champion for UFO Research

The article highlights the late Professor James E. McDonald of Arizona University's Institute of Atmospheric Physics as a rare scientist with an open mind towards UFOs. Professor McDonald, who died tragically in June of the previous year, dedicated himself to making ufology respectable. Initially casually interested, he launched an in-depth investigation in 1966, which astonished him. From then until his death, he tirelessly attempted to engage the scientific community.

On June 5, 1967, Professor McDonald wrote to UN Secretary-General U Thant, urging serious consideration of the hypothesis that UFOs are extraterrestrial probes. He stated that after intensive study, while still an hypothesis, his findings strongly suggested it as the most plausible explanation for the numerous credible, low-level sightings of machine-like objects worldwide. He called for the United Nations to accelerate scientific study of the UFO problem globally.

On June 7, he reiterated this stance to the UN's Outer Space Affairs Group, describing UFOs as of "extraordinary scientific interest" and emphasizing the need for a global study. He expressed his view that the most probable hypothesis for UFO phenomena is that they are surveillance probes of extraterrestrial origin, acknowledging that this is an hypothesis facing scientific preconceptions.

Professor McDonald further remarked that if UFOs are not extraterrestrial, then alternative hypotheses would be even more bizarre and scientifically interesting. He stressed that scientific neglect and ridicule must be replaced by scientific concern and intensive study, regardless of the ultimate explanation.

He was a principal speaker at a special UFO symposium on July 29, 1968, hosted by the Science and Astronautics Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. In his 65-page speech, he emphasized the urgency of having "very good people" investigate the problem, describing it as one of "very serious concern" involving inexplicable and baffling phenomena. He noted that the scientific community's reluctance stems from a lack of scientific data, which they themselves have not prioritized collecting. McDonald asserted that UFOs are "entirely real" and that their nature is unknown because they have been dismissed. He took the possibility of extraterrestrial surveillance devices seriously and believed the scientific community had been misinformed about the importance of UFOs for 20 years. He also suggested the possibility of surveillance by a highly advanced civilization.

Professor McDonald proposed a broad approach involving NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research.

Critiques of Official UFO Investigations: Condon Report and Project Bluebook

The article details Professor McDonald's dissection of the Condon Report, released in January 1969. He criticized its incompleteness and the report's recommendation that further extensive study of UFOs could not be justified. McDonald was also among the 15 invited speakers at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's UFO symposium in December 1969. His death was considered a severe blow to UFO research, as he was seen as its figurehead.

The author, Ron Toft, states that Professor McDonald kindly supplied articles based on his speeches for Pegasus in 1969. One such speech, given to the Boeing Management Association on August 7, 1958, is presented as a tribute to McDonald, with Toft asserting its arguments and facts remain valid.

The Kenneth Arnold Sighting and Early Air Force Investigations

The article begins by recounting the famous Kenneth Arnold sighting on June 24, 1948. Arnold, a private pilot, reported seeing nine "fluttering, flashing, wingless, tail-less, disc-like objects" near Mount Rainier and Mount Adams in Washington. This sighting, which occurred in "Boeing country," is considered by the author to have a paternal interest for Boeing engineers, scientists, and executives.

Arnold described the objects as "flipping" and "skipping," a description that unfortunately led to the term "flying-saucer." He estimated the objects took about a minute and a half to pass through 90 degrees of azimuth, undulating and climbing as they disappeared towards Mount Adams. The author notes that official Air Force investigations, like Project Bluebook (then defunct), dismissed this as a "mirage."

The author refutes the "mirage" explanation, citing his own checks of radiosonde data and weather conditions for Seattle on that day, finding no possibility for such an optical illusion. He emphasizes that Arnold's description, including the objects' movement, altitude changes, and 90-degree azimuth shift, strongly argues against a mirage. He questions what on the Washington skyline could have been refractively distorted into such an appearance.

This case is discussed not because it's the most impressive, but because it typifies the "superficial and non-scientific handling of UFO sightings" that has created an "intolerable scientific situation."

Misinformation and the "Grand Foul-Up Hypothesis"

The article criticizes the "casual explaining-away" of important sightings by a small group within the Air Force, who allegedly lacked scientific training and curiosity. Assurances from the Pentagon that the problem was receiving the best scientific attention were deemed false.

Overzealous public relations efforts are identified as a source of misinformation. The author rejects the idea of an intentional conspiracy to cover up UFO investigations, instead subscribing to a "grand foul-up hypothesis." This suggests that the years of misinformation stem not from a far-reaching conspiracy, but from a policy committed about 15 years prior by a small group within the Air Force and Boeing management.

It is noted that while some individuals within the Air Force take UFOs seriously, they lack influence. Many others are indifferent or convinced UFOs are nonsense. The Air Force headquarters UFO project is described as consisting of only one or two officers, a sergeant, and a secretary at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. These individuals, inheriting the duty, continue to produce "absurd, unscientific" explanations for UFOs.

The author expresses disappointment with the University of Colorado's UFO program (presumably referring to the Condon Report), lamenting its lack of vigorous scientific curiosity and investigation. He notes that the Condon Report's negative conclusions were widely publicized.

The issue of scientists having "almost completely closed minds" about the possibility of UFOs is highlighted as puzzling, given that scientists are expected to suspend judgment. The article criticizes "egregiously insistent statements" from leading scientists dismissing UFOs as misconceptions without checking evidence or interviewing witnesses.

Evidence from Declassified Documents

The author discusses two declassified documents that shed light on early Air Force UFO investigations. The first is a collection of a dozen reports published by NICAP, titled "United States Air Force Projects Grudge and Bluebook, Reports 1-12 (1951-53)." These monthly status reports, secured through the Moss Subcommittee on Freedom of Information, authenticate many cases discussed in books by Major Donald E. Keyhoe and Captain Edward J. Ruppelt. The author finds it hard to believe the Air Force possessed such significant data pointing to unconventional performance characteristics of UFOs, yet ignored it and suppressed the problem around 1953.

The second document is a 1949 Air Force report titled "Unidentified Flying Objects, Project Grudge (Project XS-304, Report No. 102 AC 49/15-100)," loaned by Dr. Leon Davidson. This document, which the author briefly examined in 1966, is described as "enormously revealing" about how the Air Force "got off on the wrong foot early in the game."

While the 1949 publication contains many uninteresting reports, it also includes dozens of highly significant cases that should have prompted energetic investigation. However, due to a "top-level Air Force response," Project Grudge was almost cancelled in 1950. It was reactivated after a series of sightings near Fort Monmouth in September 1951.

The article suggests that by 1949, considerable evidence pointed to UFOs being a problem of "enormous scientific interest." It is considered a "major scientific tragedy" that those responsible lacked the imagination and background to properly analyze the data. There is strong evidence that within the Air Force personnel working on these reports in 1949, a preponderance inclined towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The author believes a "top secret estimate of the situation" was prepared in the summer of 1948, tentatively concluding UFOs were extraterrestrial, but was rejected by General Vandenberg. This official denial is seen as merely reflecting Vandenberg's rejection of the report, not its non-existence.

The author concludes that, looking at the cases on record by 1948, it is not difficult to imagine officers and personnel reaching the conclusion that UFOs were extraterrestrial. Any other conclusion would be harder to imagine.

Finally, the article mentions that T. R. Bloecher has compiled a collection of approximately [text cut off].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a more serious, scientific, and open-minded approach to UFO investigation. It criticizes the historical dismissal and superficial handling of UFO phenomena by scientific institutions and government agencies, particularly the U.S. Air Force. The editorial stance is that UFOs represent a significant phenomenon worthy of rigorous scientific inquiry, and that prejudice and dogma have hindered progress. The work and advocacy of Professor James E. McDonald are central to this issue, presented as a model for how scientists should approach the subject. The article emphasizes the importance of historical data and declassified documents in understanding the long-standing nature of the UFO problem and the alleged systemic failures in its investigation.

This document appears to be an excerpt from a magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena. It contains several articles and discussions, including historical accounts, analysis of folklore, and a review of official investigations.

UFO Sightings and Historical Context

The text begins by referencing the "UFO Wave of 1947," noting the significant number of reports following Arnold's sighting near Mount Rainier. It highlights a report available through NICAP, "Report on the UFO Wave of 1947," as a key analysis of this early phase. The author shares personal checks of several dozen cases from that period, expressing astonishment at the implications and the persistent problem of witnesses facing ridicule, which hinders scientific recognition.

General John A. Samford, USAF, is quoted from a July 1952 press conference stating, "Credible observers are seeing relatively incredible objects." The text emphasizes that despite sincere efforts to report sightings, individuals have often faced ridicule and "fun-poking," a situation that "must change and must change rapidly."

Scientific Investigation and Institutional Shift

A recent development offering hope for increased scientific attention was the UFO Symposium held on July 29, 1968, before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics. The author was one of six scientists who spoke, advocating for the reality of the UFO problem and the necessity of new investigative methods. Dr. J. A. Hynek, a long-time scientific consultant to the Air Force on UFO matters, is noted for now stressing the lack of adequate scientific investigation.

The author argues for transferring responsibility for the UFO problem from defense-oriented agencies to science-oriented ones like NASA or the National Science Foundation. The text urges executives at aerospace corporations, specifically mentioning the Boeing Company, to establish small study groups to investigate the UFO problem. The author has spoken to various chapters of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, encouraging such studies and noting a glimmer of interest from Boeing Company personnel.

The national space program's focus on searching for life in the universe is contrasted with the possibility that "life in the universe" may have already found humanity. The potential for gaining technological and scientific knowledge by studying UFOs, rather than ignoring them, is presented.

Addressing Skepticism and the "Why No Contact?" Question

The author acknowledges that many standard questions from skeptics have good answers, but others do not. The "greatest single question" without an adequate answer is "why no contact?" The text explores the idea that if UFOs are extraterrestrial surveillance devices, their elusive behavior without open contact is puzzling. While acknowledging a few reports of "contact," the dominant pattern is avoidance.

The article challenges the homocentric fallacy that extraterrestrials would act as humans would. It suggests that other civilizations might have different motivations and values, and that humanity's own evolving ethics regarding interference with less advanced societies might offer a parallel. The possibility is raised that highly advanced civilizations might act differently than we would today, perhaps being baffled by their own reconnaissance.

Arthur C. Clarke's quote, "Any sufficiently advanced technology would appear indistinguishable from magic," is included.

A biographical note for James E. McDonald is provided, detailing his birth, death, education, and career as Professor of Meteorology at the University of Arizona.

Factor or Folklore?

This section, authored by Dan Butcher, explores two legends from the vicinity of the estuary of the River Lynher in Devon, which may relate to UFO visitations.

The Legend of Dando and His Dogs

Dando, described as a dissolute priest, is said to have been whisked away to perdition by a mysterious hunter on a black horse, identified as the Devil. During a hunting trip, Dando felt thirsty and was offered a drink from a richly ornamented flask by a stranger. After drinking, he became intoxicated. He then attempted to retrieve game bagged by the stranger, but fell. The stranger hoisted Dando onto his black horse, which then dashed off, striking fire, and plunged into the River Lynher, boiling the waters. Dando was never seen again. A chair in St. Germans Church depicts Dando and his dogs, serving as a warning.

The Legend of St. German

This tale concerns St. German, the builder of the church. Sent to Britain by Emperor Valentinian, he was persecuted by locals. Trapped by a mob, he prayed for deliverance, and a chariot surrounded by flames descended from the sky. Two angels placed St. German in the chariot, which ascended and disappeared. The spot where the chariot landed reportedly showed a burnt track of its wheels.

The author suggests these might be two versions of the same event: a local peasant's view (Dando) and an ecclesiastical version (St. German), possibly indicating that Dando and St. German were the same person. The legend of Dando is seen as potentially glossed by Christians, with the "Wild Hunter" identified as the UFO and the contactee as a reprobate priest. The St. German story is presented as a more straightforward account of a UFO landing.

Points in the Dando tale that speak of a flying-saucer encounter include the mysterious horseman, the "Wild Hunter," representing the UFO with extended landing gear and blazing eyes (portholes or rays). The headless horse is also noted as a resemblance to UFOs. The richly-mounted flask is compared to a "Grail-like vessel" offered to Dona Maria Cintra in Brazil in 1968. The text suggests Dando's experience of the flask sticking to his lips indicates ectoplasm projection, and his drunken rocking and swaying corresponds to UFO movements and "ecsomatic projection."

Chinese Folklore Encounter

An old Chinese story tells of a scholar named Hai visited by a fairy man and woman. The fairy man offered to take Hai to the Western Lake on a ship from the Milky Way. Hai agreed, and a fleecy cloud descended, revealing a craft shaped like an open fan, of exquisite design. The crew were described as "a collection of the most graceful and beautiful wings." After boarding, Hai was taken to the Western Lake, where he was rowed about by the crew using their wings as oars. Other ships were present, and music was played. Hai then returned home.

The author notes the familiarity of the fan or triangular-shaped UFO, the rapid ascent, and descent onto water. The fairy visitant's wave is paralleled by UFO occupants' waves, and the winged crew is compared to creatures in Ezekiel's vision.

Project Bluebook: The Final Figures

Authored by Ron Toft, this section details the termination of Project Bluebook, the United States Air Force UFO investigation program, on December 17, 1969. The decision was based on an evaluation of the Condon Report, a review by the National Academy of Sciences, past UFO studies, and USAF experience.

A statement from the Department of the Air Force is quoted, asserting that no reported UFO indicated a threat to national security, nor provided evidence of technological developments beyond current knowledge or extraterrestrial vehicles. With Project Bluebook's termination, the Air Force regulation was rescinded, and its records were transferred to archives.

The article presents a breakdown of sightings reported to Bluebook over the years, showing a total of 12,618 reported sightings, with 701 categorized as unidentified.

Publications of interest are listed, including bibliographies and studies from the Library of Congress, the University of Colorado, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Unravelling the Tunguska Mystery

This section reports on a bulletin from the Russian Novosti Information Service regarding the Tunguska explosion in Siberia in 1908. Scientists have found microscopic grains of glassy mass with unusual chemical composition, including silicon, sodium, aluminum, and potassium, but lacking titanium, magnesium, and manganese. Many "glass beads" contained hermetically sealed gas bubbles, and carbon-dioxide was prevalent.

Despite this, the cause of the explosion remains unestablished, with theories ranging from a comet, anti-matter, a meteorite, to an extraterrestrial spaceship.

Warminster's Eye-On-The-Sky

This piece describes a mobile UFO research unit housed in a caravan on the Wiltshire Downs above Warminster, belonging to the Bedfordshire UFO Society. Mr. David Viewing, a member, spoke about the society's approach and the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.

Viewing emphasizes the "extraterrestrial question" as their primary interest, arguing that probability suggests other Earths and civilizations exist. He questions why scientists don't more actively search for extraterrestrial life, citing Project Ozma as a rare example. He suggests the difficulty of the search and the reliance on studying the universe for electromagnetic radiation are reasons for limited efforts.

Viewing proposes searching for aliens "right on our own doorstep" by looking for spacecraft. He believes space-travel is a realistic possibility and that civilizations could populate the universe. He anticipates a solution to the speed of light problem, allowing for instantaneous travel. He suggests that if aliens are visiting, traces would be left behind.

The Bedfordshire UFO Society takes a harder line than many ufologists, not relying on UFO sightings alone. They seek "evidence of an entirely new character" compatible with modern science. They actively investigate the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft, rather than just observing the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical context of UFO sightings, the challenges of scientific investigation due to public skepticism and ridicule, and the importance of institutional shifts towards science-oriented research. Folklore is presented as a potential source of early UFO encounter narratives, offering alternative interpretations of ancient legends. The termination of Project Bluebook and its findings are discussed, alongside ongoing research efforts by private organizations like the Bedfordshire UFO Society. The underlying stance is one of advocating for serious, scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond mere anecdotal evidence to seek more robust, scientifically compatible data.

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena
Date: 1972
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena

This issue of PEGASUS delves into the evolving methods of UFO observation, the potential for extraterrestrial technology, and a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena. It also includes an obituary for a notable figure in ufology and administrative notes from the Surrey Investigation Group (SIGAP).

The Shift from Human to Machine Observation

The magazine opens with a discussion by an individual named Viewing, who critiques the reliability of human skywatchers. He argues that human observers are prone to misidentification, misjudgment of distance, and subjective interpretation. To address these limitations, Viewing explains the development of an "automatic skywatcher" that utilizes machines and instrumentation. This approach is favored for its objectivity, reliability, and constancy, as machines do not possess opinions and simply record data. The automatic skywatcher is designed to operate continuously, gathering vast amounts of observational data on ambient conditions such as Earth's magnetic and electric fields, radio noise, and meteorological data. It is capable of detecting and analyzing unusual disturbances, potentially identifying unknown phenomena.

Fusion Power and Extraterrestrial Craft

Viewing then transitions to the topic of fusion process, describing it as the "life-blood of the stars" and a fundamental operating principle for advanced science-space technologies. He posits that advanced civilizations would likely employ this process for power. The possibility of fusion-powered extraterrestrial craft visiting Earth is considered, with reference to a theoretical model proposed by Brian Winder. Viewing suggests that such craft might be built on Earth in the foreseeable future. He outlines distinguishing characteristics of hypothetical fusion craft: emission of large quantities of gamma rays, high-level magnetic fields, and expulsion of ionized air. While acknowledging that building such a reactor on Earth is a distant prospect, the group is actively studying these phenomena to differentiate them from known craft or natural events.

Obituary: Dan Butcher

The issue includes a heartfelt obituary for Dan Butcher, who passed away on January 10th, 1972, after an emergency operation following an accident at home. Butcher's contributions to UFOLOGY are remembered through his UFO paintings and articles. His military service in North Africa during World War II and subsequent invalidity due to polio are noted. His UFO paintings were exhibited and acclaimed, often accompanied by lectures based on witness reports. Butcher also designed covers for PEGASUS magazine and authored books on UFO encounters. His article series, "Fact or Folklore!", was widely read and reproduced. The magazine expresses gratitude for his contributions and assures that his name will not be forgotten.

Media Coverage of UFOs

An article by Omar Fowler discusses the increased attention given to UFOs by television in 1972. He critiques the BBC's "Man Alive" program for starting at a basic level, focusing on old questions and ignoring deeper investigation. However, he praises the BBC2 "Horizon" program for its more serious approach, covering "Fortean Phenomena" and, importantly, featuring Dr. Alan Hynek. Hynek discussed significant UFO cases, including film footage of two UFO discs analyzed for their light reflective value, which proved to be unaccountable by known craft or phenomena. Photographs taken by a farmer also yielded similar results. Fowler sees this as a hopeful sign that scientists are actively investigating UFOs.

Aerial Phenomena Guide: Part 2

This section provides a guide to various aerial phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs:

Ball Lightning

Described as a rare electrical discharge appearing as a luminous ball in various colors and sizes. It can move rapidly, float, emit hissing noises, explode, or disappear silently. Proximity can cause mild physiological symptoms. Investigators are advised to check weather conditions when encountering such phenomena.

Balloons

Several types of balloons are listed as potential causes for UFO reports:
1. Amusement Balloons: Small, rubber, any color, rarely exceeding 2ft diameter.
2. Neoprene Balloons: Used for weather forecasting, often red or white, up to 30 ft diameter.
3. Hawk Balloons: Tethered lifting devices with a suspended dummy hawk, used by farmers for bird scaring.
4. Polyethylene Balloons: Used for high-altitude research, partially inflated on the ground, expanding to 400 ft diameter at 100,000 ft altitude.
5. Passenger Carrying Balloons: Ascended by lighter-than-air gas or flame, with crew in a basket.

Barium Cloud

A barium cloud test uses Strontium, Sodium, and Barium to determine Earth's magnetic field. It appears as a point of light, rapidly spreading to cover a large area with a reddish hue.

#### Barium Cloud, Night of September 7th 1971

This event, widely reported in the UK, was identified as a Barium Thermite Cloud. Launched from South Uist, it was observed from Glasgow as a whitish-blue globe, approximately 12° in size, moving N.W. and changing shape before fading. The event was timed at 2116 hrs BST.

Birds

Birds, especially in flocks or at night with reflected light, can be mistaken for UFOs. Bats and owls flying across the moon can also appear strange. The Lubbock Lights of 1951 are suggested as a possible example of reflected light on Plovers.

Bolides

Large, slow-velocity meteors that explode are called bolides. They may break up, leaving a gaseous wake. Bolide phenomena are thought to be of lunar origin and may explain the "Green Fireball" reports of 1948-1949.

Secretarial Notes

The secretarial notes report a difficult year for SIGAP in 1971 due to a lack of local activity and a loss of membership. Increased costs of postage and printing have impacted finances. The group will continue to use Guildford House for meetings. Ron Toft is stepping down from his Editorial and Chairmanship roles due to work pressures and impending marriage. The magazine apologizes for its lateness and is seeking new methods for regular publication. The notes also welcome new members and list their addresses.

SIGAP Equipment Fund

SIGAP is urgently seeking £150 to purchase an electric duplicator, which would enable more frequent publication of the journal and ease production problems. Members are asked to contribute to this fund. Members who have lapsed are also urged to remit their annual dues.

Pegasus Submission Guidelines

Articles for publication in Pegasus, whether long or short, are welcome and should be sent to the Secretary. Views expressed in Pegasus are not necessarily those of SIGAP. Extracts may be taken with proper credit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO evidence, the transition from subjective human observation to objective machine-based data collection, and the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and the demystification of sightings through logical explanations, while still acknowledging the existence of genuinely puzzling events. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, seeking to understand phenomena through scientific principles and technological advancement, as exemplified by the focus on automatic skywatchers and the analysis of events like the Barium Cloud.