Project Red Book vol 2 no 8

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 2 #8
Date: February 1999
Publisher: YUFOS Yorkshire UFO Society

This issue of YUFOS magazine, titled 'PROJECT RED BOOK', delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a strong emphasis on the challenges of scientific acceptance and the skepticism faced by researchers. It features articles on the difficulties of publishing UFO research in scientific journals, critiques of skeptical explanations, and an examination of millennialist cults and their end-of-the-world beliefs.

"STILL IN DEFAULT (Part 5)" by Bruce Maccabee

This extensive article by Bruce Maccabee details his experiences and struggles in getting his UFO research published in scientific journals. He recounts the "buggy UFO hypothesis" (BUFOH) proposed by Dr. Philip Callahan in 'Applied Optics' to explain UFO sightings as swarms of insects, and his own attempts to rebut it. Maccabee describes how his letter to the editor was initially rejected, and how the journal's stance shifted, eventually publishing his rebuttal after a lengthy process. He also discusses his investigation into the famous New Zealand sightings of December 31, 1978, which involved multiple witnesses, radar data, and film evidence. His subsequent paper on these sightings was rejected by 'Nature' for lack of space. Further challenges arose when he submitted a paper to the 'Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics' criticizing Dr. William Lehn's refraction hypothesis for the New Zealand case. Maccabee details the referee's rejection based on philosophical grounds rather than technical ones, and his subsequent efforts to get his work published, highlighting a perceived "self-cover-up" within the scientific community that is unwilling to engage with UFO data.

He also touches upon a more recent attempt to publish an analysis of a photograph of an unidentified bright object, which despite being endorsed by skeptic Philip Klass, was rejected multiple times. Maccabee concludes that science has failed humanity by proposing unconvincing explanations for UFO phenomena and by not allowing open analysis of UFO data.

"APOCALYPSE REALLY SOON"

This section, sourced from ABCNEWS.com, explores the rise of millennialist cults as the year 2000 approaches. It highlights the conviction of many groups that the world will end or transform shortly after January 1, 2000. The article mentions the deportation of 'Concerned Christians' from Israel for alleged plans of mayhem. It notes that a 1997 Associated Press poll indicated nearly 25 percent of adult Christians believe Jesus Christ will return in their lifetime. The piece provides a quick guide to prominent millennialist groups, including:

• Sukyo Mahikari: A secretive Japanese group accused of spreading anti-Semitic dogma, though it denies links to Aum Shinrikyo.
• Aum Shinrikyo: Known for the deadly sarin gas attack in Tokyo.
• House of Yahweh: Founded by Jacob Yisrael Hawkins, it prophesies the world's end if Yahweh's laws are not obeyed and the Jerusalem temple is not rebuilt.
• Concerned Christians: Founded by Monte Kim Miller, who believed he was the last prophet before Armageddon.
• Order of the Solar Temple: With over 74 members committing suicide in Canada and Switzerland since 1994.
• Church of the Final Testament: Founded by Sergei Torop (Vissarion), who claims to be Jesus Christ and is building a "City of the Sun" in Siberia.
• Elohim City: A fortress-like town in Arkansas run by former Mennonite preacher Robert Millar, anticipating an "Asiatic invasion" and the end of the world.
• Outer Dimensional Forces (ODF): Founded by Orville T. Gordon, who believes the US is in trouble and that heavenly allies will rescue the faithful.
• Center for Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Led by Dr. Steven M. Greer, who takes groups into the wilderness to encourage UFO landings and believes aliens want to share technology but are hindered by the government.

The article quotes Ted Daniels, director of the Millennium Watch Institute, stating that "People who expect the world to end soon do a lot of very strange things."

Other Articles and Content

• "MESSAGE FROM MATTHEW WILLIAMS: Crop Circles and Strange Activity": This article likely discusses crop circles and related phenomena, with Matthew Williams as a contributor.
• "OVER HALF OF ALL BRITON'S BELIEVE IN E.T.": This section presents results from a Focus Magazine survey.
• "FURBY ALERT!!": A brief, humorous mention suggesting the NSA is "mad as lorries."
• "SPACE VEHICLE PROPULSION" by Iain McCafferty: Examines possible UFO propulsion systems.
• "THE BARILOCHE CASE" by Professor Oscar A. Uriondo: Refutes a psychological explanation for a famous Argentine pilot's UFO sighting.
• "FINNISH AIRFORCE IN UFO DOGFIGHT?" by Joseph Trainor: Speculates on an intriguing case involving the Finnish Air Force.
• "THE NORTHER LIGHTS": A review by Andy Ashmore, with comments by Dave Baker, on a Close Up North UFO programme.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific community's resistance to UFO research, the perceived "self-cover-up" by scientists, and the challenges faced by independent researchers like Bruce Maccabee. The magazine appears to advocate for a more open and rational analysis of UFO phenomena, criticizing skeptical explanations as unconvincing and incorrect. There is also a significant focus on millennialist beliefs and cults, reflecting a broader interest in societal anxieties and end-of-the-world scenarios. The editorial stance, as implied by Maccabee's article and the general content, is critical of mainstream scientific dismissal of UFO evidence and supportive of alternative investigations, while also acknowledging the existence and activities of various end-times groups.

This issue of YUFOS magazine, dated February 1999 (Vol 2/#7), focuses on a variety of topics related to UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and advanced technology. The cover prominently features a headline about British belief in extraterrestrial life, citing a BBC News Sci/Tech report based on a survey for Focus magazine.

Matthew Williams' Circlemaking Confession

Matthew Williams, along with Paul Damon, presents a statement detailing their activities during the summer of 1998, where they made crop circles in the United Kingdom. This effort was part of ongoing research into the circle phenomena, building on limited work in 1996 and 1997. The initial reasons for this research were to determine the ease of creating complex formations, observe the reactions of researchers to man-made circles, ascertain if there was a form of communication via pattern progression (human or otherwise), observe unusual effects reported by other circlemakers, understand the phenomena from a circlemaker's perspective, and verify claims made by previous human circlemakers. Williams emphasizes that secrecy was paramount to avoid altering results and to establish a control sample for gauging reactions. He acknowledges that some people may be offended by the lack of prior disclosure but states they informed only those considered important. The results indicated that over the season, the group's opinions and motivations changed, and they observed many unusual phenomena and a sense of communication with a higher intelligence through their circle designs, with some circles appearing as responses to their creations. Williams describes these experiences as life-altering but too fantastic to fully detail, mentioning coincidences like similar designs appearing nationwide. He concludes that human circlemakers are likely receiving inspiration from a higher source, leading them to view circlemaking as a sacred art with a higher purpose. Their circles were regarded as genuine by the research community, and they witnessed measurable effects like dowsability. UFOs and other paranormal events were perceived around the areas where they worked, and they felt protected by an unseen force, sometimes experiencing invisibility and inaudibility to bystanders. They posit this might explain why human circlemakers are rarely caught. The issue also notes equipment failures and strange photographic/video evidence collected. The conclusion is that crop circles are a sacred art form meant to mystify people and prompt questions about spirituality and the universe, and they represent a tangible paranormal attractor and emitter. The message behind the phenomena is deemed benign and friendly. The article recommends approaching circlemaking with reverence and maintaining high standards, advising against discussing details externally to preserve the mystique, which can be a shamanistic way to draw people towards realization. They suggest humility in seeking guidance can improve circlemaking ability, and circles made with wrong intent appear bad and lack paranormal effects.

Britons Believe in ET

A report from BBC News Sci/Tech, dated 1-13-99, states that over half of Britons believe in extraterrestrial life, with 50.2% agreeing alien life must exist. The report quotes Paul Simpson, editor of Focus magazine, who notes that belief in alien life is no longer confined to the 'lunatic fringe' and that many scientists now consider it likely. The influence of 'The X Files' is noted, with 80% of people suspecting government cover-ups of alien life existence. Survey results vary by demographics, with women being more skeptical and pensioners being the least likely to believe in intelligent life. The North West of England shows lower belief rates compared to the South West and East Anglia.

Furby Alert!!!

This section reports on a warning issued by the National Security Agency (NSA) regarding Furby toys. The NSA banned the toys from its Fort Meade premises due to concerns that their computer chips and recording capabilities could pose a national security threat. The toys can utter 200 words and repeat audio, leading to worries that people might take them home and inadvertently reveal classified information.

Space Vehicle Propulsion Devices

Authored by Iain M. McCafferty, this multi-part article delves into the science of space propulsion, exploring its relevance to UFO phenomena. McCafferty, with a degree in Physics with Space Science & Technology, analyzes how UFOs might achieve their seemingly miraculous propulsion. He begins by discussing the history of rocketry, highlighting the significant advancements made by the German team at Peenemunder during WWII, which were so advanced that it took years for the US and Russia to comprehend them. The article categorizes rockets into solid fuel and liquid fuel types, noting hybrid rockets are less relevant for interstellar travel. Solid fuel rockets, like the Space Shuttle boosters, use ammonium perchlorate as an oxidant and aluminum as fuel. Liquid fuel rockets, often hypergolic for immediate combustion, are also discussed, with examples like hydrogen/oxygen mixes. McCafferty points out the limitations of chemical rockets for interstellar travel due to fuel payload requirements and the immense energy needed to escape Earth's gravity, making it impractical for manned missions beyond the solar system. He suggests UFOs must use other means to cover vast distances and perform erratic maneuvers.

The article then explores various alternative propulsion systems under development: MHD engines, Ion thrusters, Field-Effect ion thrusters, Laser or Photon engines, solar heated engines, solar sails, electric propulsion units, and nuclear fission engines. MHD engines use electrical fields to create plasma for thrust but are limited by fuel supply and initial trials yield low thrust. Ion thrusters produce thrust from accelerated ions but also provide insufficient power for UFO-like maneuvers. Laser and photon engines rely on photon pressure, requiring immense electrical power (300 megawatts for 1 Newton of thrust) and large solar sails (over 10km square) to be feasible, making them theoretical for now. Solar heated engines face similar constraints. Electric propulsion engines are more efficient than laser engines but still impractical for interstellar travel due to fuel supply and current efficiency limitations.

McCafferty argues that only nuclear fission engines could provide the necessary power for long-term space travel, but NASA abandoned research due to safety concerns and the dire environmental consequences of a failure. He concludes that none of these current or theoretical propulsion systems can account for UFO capabilities.

The article then introduces two strictly theoretical propulsion methods: nuclear fusion engines and matter/anti-matter reaction engines. Nuclear fusion, the power source of the sun, is more environmentally friendly and efficient than fission, with potential energy sources like seawater. While sustainable fusion reactions are estimated to be 40-50 years away (e.g., at the JET facility), it could power interstellar travel. However, fusion engines might not provide the massive accelerations observed in UFOs.

Matter/anti-matter reactions are nearly 100% efficient, with a few hundred grams providing immense power. This could enable interstellar travel at near light-speed. A key challenge is the safe regulation of these reactions and the short lifetimes of anti-matter. However, storage in a 'magnetic bottle' is proposed. This method would also allow for the creation of artificial gravity within a ship, mitigating the detrimental physiological effects of weightlessness experienced by astronauts. Scientists have been researching anti-gravity engines since the 1950s, but progress is unknown. The article notes that while anti-matter is known, producing it in sufficient quantities and lifetimes for a reaction engine remains a formidable obstacle.

The Bariloche Case: A Psychological Explanation

This section analyzes the Bariloche case of July 31, 1995, in Argentina, presented by Professor Oscar A. Uriondo, a pioneer in UFO research. The case is examined from a skeptical perspective, attributing the sightings to conventional and psychological factors, such as pilot stress and emotional shock. The explanation suggests that the flight over mountain areas and memories of 'terrible accidents' at the San Carlos de Bariloche airport caused stress in pilot Commander Jorge Polanco, leading him to imagine an 'ambiguous light.' This perturbed impression was then shared with the crew, control tower, and other pilots, creating a situation of shared stress. However, the article critically refutes this hypothesis, pointing out that the flight route does not cross mountain areas, the airport is at a high altitude, and pilots are accustomed to routine flights. It also highlights that Polanco was not the first to see the light; his co-pilot Dortona and flight engineer Allende also observed it, and Dortona's inquiry to the tower confirmed the object was not a known aircraft. The article argues that the 'unknown traffic' perception originated from objective data, not Polanco's mind. Furthermore, the green and orange lights were seen by other crew members, not just Polanco, making it unfair to focus solely on his perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and public perception. There's a strong undercurrent of questioning official narratives, particularly regarding UFOs and potential government cover-ups, as evidenced by the 'X-Files' influence and the NSA's actions regarding Furbies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting both firsthand accounts (like the circlemaker confession) and theoretical scientific discussions (space propulsion). The magazine encourages critical thinking while acknowledging the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding. The recurring theme of advanced, possibly non-human, technology is central to the space propulsion articles, while the Bariloche case highlights the debate between psychological explanations and the possibility of genuine anomalous events. The overall tone suggests a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and a desire to understand their origins and capabilities, often leaning towards the extraordinary rather than conventional explanations.

YUFOS magazine, Vol 2, Issue #7, dated February 1999, is a UK-based publication focusing on UFO phenomena. This issue delves into several reported sightings and encounters, critically examines media coverage of the subject, and promotes its own back issues and publications.

The Bariloche Incident and the Escalade of Hypothesis

The magazine begins by discussing the Bariloche incident, exploring the psychological aspects of UFO witnesses. It posits that the intensity of emotional responses correlates with the strangeness of the phenomenon. For flight GN-705, the crew experienced unease due to unknown 'traffic' and altitude, fearing a collision. Upon seeing an amber light with controlled motions, their feelings shifted to reassurance, and they returned to their primary task of a sanitary emergency. Similarly, the crew of a Boeing 727 initially felt intrigue, then alarm, at the possibility of collision with unidentified traffic. A close-range encounter with a strange luminous phenomenon caused varied reactions based on personality, but the pilots maintained professionalism despite a simultaneous airport blackout.

A key concept introduced is the 'escalade of hypothesis' (attributed to Hynek). This describes the process where witnesses first attempt to fit their experiences into conventional understanding. When this fails, they progressively develop more complex hypotheses until they accept the existence of a mysterious event. The article reviews the events of July 31, 1995, in the Bariloche area. For Dina Huapi, Mr. and Mrs. Cabral initially thought a bright light over the lake was a plane, but its immobility and silence led them to reject this, eventually connecting the experience to a UFO the next morning.

Finnish Air Force in UFO Dogfight?

This section reports on a claimed incident on March 31, 1997, in northern Finland. Ufologists are investigating a reported air battle between a Finnish F-18A Hornet and a squadron of five UFOs. The pilot, whose name is withheld, contacted a radio talk show describing his experience. The F-18 took off on a routine patrol near the Russian border and spotted three discoid UFOs, which later appeared to be five. Upon interception, the UFOs, described as 'glowing orange objects,' veered sharply northwest. The pilot pursued them, and when requested permission to fire, Flight Control granted it. However, as the pilot lined up a saucer, his targeting computer, heads-up display, and firing system went offline. The UFOs then regrouped and departed at high speed ('Mach 4 or 5'). The jet's flight control systems remained unaffected, and the pilot returned safely. Computer tests found no faults. The saucers were last seen heading towards Russia.

Review: 'The Northern Lights' (BBC 2)

Andrew Ashmore reviews a BBC documentary titled 'The Northern Lights,' which aimed to explore the interest in UFOs among people in Yorkshire. The reviewer expresses a hope for a sensible presentation, free from media clichés. The documentary featured footage of a wobbling disc and then presented several eye-witness accounts. However, the reviewer notes that the program seemed to offer explanations through visual cues, such as showing a plane passing overhead during an account of strange lights, or images of the Moon and Venus when a woman described lights that 'didn't move.'

David Clarke, presented as a skeptic, offered his views, including the assertion that 'a lot of seriously disturbed people are involved in UFO research.' The reviewer criticizes this as negative publicity and narrow-mindedness. The program also covered the Melvin Ford case, where Russell Kellett and Keith interviewed Ford about an encounter with a tall woman and a cloaked dwarf. The reviewer found the segment lengthy and awkward, suggesting the interviewers were incompetent.

The review also touches on a YUFOS group meeting, where the reviewer was more interested in being filmed than the discussion. The documentary's editing is questioned, particularly the juxtaposition of Dave Clarke's 'deranged people' comment with footage of Russell and Keith.

Despite the criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges that the documentary could have been worse and that YUFOS came across relatively well compared to other segments. The program provided some publicity and generated interest in YUFOS.

Independent UFO Network's Debut Release

The Independent UFO Network announces its first publication, a 40-plus page special investigation document titled 'THE HOWDEN MOORS INCIDENT,' authored by David Clarke and Martin Jeffries. This report concerns a Peak District aircrash mystery from March 24, 1997, and related incidents, including witness statements and official documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a pro-UFO research stance, often critical of skeptical viewpoints and media portrayals. It emphasizes the importance of detailed investigation and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. The 'escalade of hypothesis' is presented as a valid framework for understanding UFO experiences. The review of 'The Northern Lights' highlights a frustration with how UFO research is often depicted in the media, with a tendency towards ridicule or simplistic explanations. The magazine aims to present UFO phenomena seriously, distinguishing itself from sensationalist or 'tongue-in-cheek' approaches. The publication of the 'Howden Moors Incident' report by the Independent UFO Network further underscores its commitment to in-depth UFO investigations.