Pursuit - No 67 - Vol 17 No 3 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Volume 17, Number 3, Whole No. 67
Date: Third Quarter 1984
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Tagline: 'Science is the Pursuit of the Unexplained'

This issue of Pursuit magazine, the quarterly journal of SITU, focuses on ancient mysteries and the nature of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO experiences and ancient astronomical knowledge. The cover prominently features the headline "PROBING THE SECRETS OF SPACE BEFORE THE DAWN OF HISTORY" and an illustration of an "Ancient Astronomical Calculator at Sarmise Getusa Regia, Romania."

Articles and Content

Percipient-Dependent Components in the UFO Experience

By Luis Schönherr, this article explores the idea that UFO experiences may be influenced by the percipient's own memory and psychic state, a concept termed Percipient-Dependent Components (PDCs). Schönherr argues that many seemingly inexplicable details in UFO reports, such as the varied appearances of occupants or physical impossibilities, might stem from the witness's internal mental landscape rather than solely from an external, non-human intelligence. The article classifies PDC symptoms, including identification of memory patterns and physical impossibilities, and discusses the role of the percipient as either a non-involved observer or an involved participant. It presents several case histories to illustrate PDCs:

• Kearney, Nebraska, USA (November 5, 1957): A grain buyer reported an encounter with a UFO, including seeing two men inside who resembled people he knew. He was shown an area of the USSR devastated by a nuclear explosion, a claim that later seemed to align with reports of a Soviet nuclear disaster.
• Itaperuna, Brazil (November 17, 1971): A typewriter mechanic reported abduction and examination aboard a UFO, where he was shown images of an atomic explosion and a map. His friend's account of the same event differed significantly, highlighting potential PDC influences.
• Sydney/Melbourne, Australia (August 24, 1967): Mr. H described a UFO encounter involving a bluish-white light, a hovering metallic object, and two figures. He reported being pursued by the UFO at high speed, but noted that other drivers did not react to his signals, suggesting a dream-like quality to the event.
• Hanbury, England (November 20, 1968): A married couple and their child witnessed a UFO over a house after seeing rabbits run across the road. They observed humanoid silhouettes inside the craft. Later investigation found no trace of the house or the event.
• Yugoslavia: A witness reported seeing a frog and a scorpion before encountering a strange light, suggesting a possible link between perceived phenomena and the UFO event.

Schönherr concludes that recognizing PDCs is crucial for understanding UFO experiences and encourages researchers to avoid dismissing reports with psychic elements as merely pathological.

Cubits and Constructs of Ancient Astronomy

By Maurice Chatelain, this article posits that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, evidenced by megalithic structures worldwide. Chatelain, a former NASA specialist, argues for extensive culture importation in antiquity. He examines several sites:

• The Cahokia Computer (Illinois, USA): The American Woodhenge, a circular structure, is analyzed as a sophisticated astronomical computer. Its dimensions are linked to the Tiahuanaco cubit (446 mm), and it's suggested that it could have been used to measure lunar and solar years, predict eclipses, and track the lunisolar year and Mars cycle.
• The Many Mysteries of Poverty Point (Louisiana, USA): This archeological site features a complex of six octagonal platforms, the largest measuring 1200 meters in diameter. Its scale is compared to the Giza pyramids, and its design suggests advanced knowledge of geometry, mathematics, and possibly astronomy, with dimensions corresponding to astronomical cycles. The site also includes a circular burial mound carbon-dated to over 3000 years ago.
• Stonehenge of the West (Wyoming, USA): Known as the "Medicine Wheel" to local tribes, this monument at over 3000 meters altitude is described as having astronomical alignments from 1700 years ago, including alignments for the Summer Solstice, Equinox, and specific stars like Aldebaran, Rigel, and Sirius. Its original diameter is noted as 56 cubits of 445.851 mm.

Chatelain suggests these structures demonstrate a shared astronomical and mathematical heritage among ancient cultures.

Other Articles and Features

• STAR WARS NOW! The Bohm-Aharonov Effect, Scalar Interferometry, and Soviet Weaponization (Part II) by T. E. Bearden: Continues the discussion on advanced physics and potential Soviet weaponization.
• Normalizing the Paranormal by Michael Roll and George Andrews: Explores the integration of paranormal phenomena into a more accepted framework.
• Captures and Strandings of Monsters in Loch Ness by Ulrich Magin: Investigates alleged encounters with the Loch Ness Monster.
• And in Lake Champlain by Joe Zarzynski: Discusses sightings of a creature in Lake Champlain, referencing a book by the author.
• The Tri-State Spooklight: A Controversial Mystery by Keith L. Partain: Examines a puzzling light phenomenon.
• Letters to the Editor: A section for reader correspondence.
• Conference Report: MUFON UFO Symposium by Kim L. Neidigh: Reports on a conference held by the Mutual UFO Network.
• Books Reviewed: A section dedicated to reviews of relevant books.
• A Final Note on French Lost Cities by Jon Douglas Singer: Discusses potential lost cities in France.
• The Notes of Charles Fort Deciphered by Carl J. Pabst: An exploration of the work of Charles Fort.
• Correction: A correction is noted for a previous article regarding the 'Addendum to Ker Ys Article'.

SITU Membership and Operations

Page 2 provides details on SITU membership, including annual fees for US and international members, and the benefits received (the quarterly journal Pursuit and special publications). It outlines how to submit material for publication, the Society's operations and reference files, and important notices regarding its non-partisan stance and privacy policies. Contributions to SITU are noted as tax-deductible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of ancient history, archeology, and astronomy with modern scientific inquiry, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, through a critical yet open-minded lens. The editorial stance, as articulated by SITU, is to investigate phenomena that orthodox science may overlook, emphasizing the collection and reporting of data. The journal aims to present diverse viewpoints, stating that opinions expressed are those of the individual member or author, not the Society itself. There is a clear emphasis on the psychological and perceptual aspects of unexplained experiences, as highlighted by the article on PDCs, suggesting that the percipient's internal state plays a significant role in shaping their encounters with the unexplained.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1984, focuses on two primary themes: ancient astronomical sites and the emerging field of scalar interferometry, particularly its potential weaponization by the Soviet Union.

Ancient Astronomical Sites

The issue begins by comparing the Medicine Wheel in Wyoming to Stonehenge, suggesting both served as astronomical observatories and religious centers. The builders of both sites reportedly used similar calculation techniques, with Stonehenge divided into 56 equal parts and the Medicine Wheel into half that number. The Wyoming construct is described as a combination of a half-circle and a half-ellipse, reminiscent of the temple at Long Meg in England. The article highlights the mathematical skills of ancient peoples, noting their use of fractions like 22/7 and the square root of the 'golden number' to design structures with precise measurements. The Medicine Wheel's location at 44° north latitude and 108° west longitude is detailed, with its diameter potentially derived from Celtic or Greek feet, or more likely, the Tiahuanaco cubit. The precision of these ancient measurements leads to wonder about how they were achieved.

The text suggests that ancient peoples, through millennia of observation, understood the varying apparent diameters and angular velocities of celestial bodies, leading them to reproduce elliptical effects on the ground and use circles and ellipses for observation. The division of the Medicine Wheel into 28 parts is linked to a lunisolar year of 364 days (13 months of 28 days). The article also touches upon the 56 Moon-cycles and their relation to the wheel's perimeter, as well as coincidences with planetary cycles like Mars. The possibility of a connection between Native American cultures and ancient civilizations like the Celts, Greeks, or those of Tiahuanaco is explored.

Two prehistoric 'time temples' in Canada are mentioned: the Medicine Wheel of Majorville in Alberta and the Medicine Wheel of Moose Mountain in Saskatchewan. The Majorville wheel, composed of a stone circle with radiating spokes, is estimated to be over 5000 years old. The Moose Mountain wheel, located on a hilltop, is described as being oriented east-west and possibly dating to the third century A.D. Its alignments with the heliacal rising of stars like Aldebaran, Rigel, and Sirius are noted, suggesting advanced astronomical programming.

Calendar-Computers of the Southwest

The article then shifts to astronomical observatories in the American Southwest, specifically Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, home to the ancient Navajo village of Pueblo Bonito. This area is believed to have been the center of a civilization of at least 15,000 people. Scientists speculate a connection to the Olmecs and Toltecs. Two prominent structures, the Casa Rinconada and the Kiva of Chetro Ketl, are described as astronomical observatories built with different calendars (34 days for Casa Rinconada, 29 days for Chetro Ketl). Their dimensions are compared, and the Chaldean foot of 312 mm is identified as a potential ancient measurement standard. The possibility of a lost mother civilization in the Atlantic or Antarctic is raised.

The Chetro Ketl structure, with 29 numbered niches (one painted red for sunrises), utilized two markers and two priests to track the Sun and Moon, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and lunar cycles. The priests moved markers at the rate of one niche per sunrise or moonrise, corresponding to the actual rotation of celestial bodies. This system allowed for the counting of 29 or 30 days and the calculation of New Moon dates for potential solar eclipses.

Sarmise Getusa Regia, Romania

Another ancient astronomical calculator is presented: the site at Sarmise Getusa Regia in Romania. This structure, with a diameter of 29.40 meters, was designed with a foot of 280 mm and a circumference of 330 feet. The circumference was divided into 104 intervals of 888 mm, representing three feet of 296 mm. A problem arises as the 280 mm foot is similar to Celtic and Mycenaean feet, while the 296 mm foot resembles the Roman foot, which was not used until much later. The site consists of two concentric stone circles and a stone horseshoe. The large circle is divided into 104 andesite stelae and 30 groups of stones (totaling 210 pillars), while the small circle has 34 stones. The horseshoe has 21 stones in its curved part and 13 in its straight part. The numbers 34, 104, and 210 are noted as significant for calculations, potentially relating to planetary cycles like Mars-Jupiter and Jupiter-Saturn, as well as Mayan and lunisolar cycles.

French scientist Pierre Carnac is cited regarding three astronomical cycles computed by Romanian astronomers, all multiples of 34 days, related to lunar years, lunar months, conjunctions of Mars and Jupiter, solar years, and Mercury-Venus conjunctions. The 34-day computer might have been used for the 6800-day lunar 'standstill' cycle, which affects moonrise positions and combines with planetary cycles.

Ancient Measurement Systems

A table by Maurice Chatelain reconstructs 45 ancient measuring systems, listing lengths of feet and cubits, and weights of cubic feet and cubits, and yards for various cultures including Hindu, Celtic, Greek, Roman, Sumerian, Tiahuanaco, Inca, Egyptian, Mayan, and others. This table provides detailed comparative data on ancient metrology.

Scalar Interferometry and Soviet Weaponization

The second major section of the magazine, authored by T. E. Bearden, introduces the Bohm-Aharonov effect and scalar interferometry. This theory posits that crossing two zero-field scalar wave beams in a distant region can create real physical effects in that interference zone. Energy fed into remote transmitters is exhibited in the interference zone without 'traveling through space.' This process transforms energy into stress-energy of vacuum (pure potential), allowing for the creation or extinction of electromagnetic fields at a distance. This means energy can be produced or extracted from a distant target.

"Cold Explosions" and Weather Engineering

Direct evidence of massive Soviet testing of these 'energy extraction' systems is presented, citing large, anomalous mushroom-shaped ice cloud formations detected over the Soviet Arctic since 1974. These 'cold explosions' are described as occurring in areas much colder than the surrounding air, with no radioactivity detected. A dramatic example occurred off Japan in April 1984, where a mushroom cloud reached 60,000 feet in two minutes. These events are interpreted as evidence of Soviet weather engineering capabilities, with the potential to freeze entire regions or neutralize targets without nuclear contamination.

Scalar Interferometry Applications

Scalar interferometers can also be used in a 'produce energy' mode, capable of jamming or disabling electronic equipment, detonating explosive materials, and creating effects similar to nuclear weapons (thermal radiation, blast wave, EMP) but without gamma radiation and nuclear fallout. This offers a way to destroy targets and kill people without contaminating the area, which could be advantageous for salvaging farmland.

Furthermore, scalar interferometer beams can be configured into giant hemispheric shells of glowing energy, useful for strategic Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) defense of large areas. The Soviets have reportedly engaged in weaponizing scalar electromagnetics for decades, with Khrushchev announcing a powerful weapon in 1960 and Brezhnev proposing a ban on new electromagnetic weapons in 1975.

Scalar electromagnetic weapons are applicable to nearly all phases of warfare, tactical and strategic, capable of destroying various military assets from ICBMs to personnel carriers, and even controlling weather and causing earthquakes. The concept of a 'Buck Rogers' ray pistol is presented as a reality.

Soviet Weather Engineering

In the 'produce energy' mode, scalar interferometers can create high-pressure 'hot spots' or low-pressure 'cold spots' at distant target areas. By sweeping these beams, an interference grid can be created over entire continents, allowing for energy production or extraction within each grid block. Evidence of Soviet weather control interferometry grid systems has been observed in the U.S., with signatures including giant radial patterns and twin giant radial patterns, some photographed over Huntsville, Alabama. While normal instruments may not detect the active scalar beams, longitudinal waves can be detected.

Related Situations

Claims of New England Stonehenge Rejected by Archaeologists

This section discusses claims by amateur archaeologist John (Jay) Pendergast that a circle of upright boulders at LeBlanc Park in New England represents a New England Stonehenge, built by voyagers from the British Isles. He dates it to the 4th or 5th Century A.D. and claims the stones are astronomically aligned. However, professional archaeologists, including state archaeologist Brona Simon and Ricardo J. Elia from Boston University, are highly skeptical, suggesting the rocks are likely from an 18th or 19th-century landscaper or are natural formations. The debate highlights a recurring conflict between amateur proponents of pre-Columbian contacts and the mainstream archaeological community.

Celtic-Indian Word Links

Amateur researchers have found inscriptions resembling Celtic Ogham alphabet characters at some sites and note similarities between American Indian place names and Old Irish words. For example, Amoskeag River in New Hampshire is linked to an Algonquin word and a similar Celtic term. Professional archaeologists dismiss these as natural etchings, colonial plow marks, or forgeries, and any linguistic similarities as coincidence.

A Retired Professor's Theory

Barry Fell, a retired Harvard professor, is a proponent of the theory that traders and settlers from North Africa, the British Isles, and the Iberian Peninsula reached North America before the time of Christ, blending into the Indian population and leaving behind inscriptions and stone chambers.

Mayan Lunar Observatory is Discovered

A geographer from Dartmouth College, Vincent Malmstrom, has identified what may be the oldest lunar observatory in the Western Hemisphere at Edzna, a Mayan city in Mexico. Evidence suggests Edzna was the source of a major modification to the Mayan calendar, moving the New Year's Day to July 26. Malmstrom calculated that Edzna was the only place in Yucatan where the sun would go directly overhead on July 26. A stone shaft on the city's central pyramid is in shadow only on this date, and a nearby pyramid's shape aligns with the northernmost point of moonset, functioning as a lunar observatory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sophistication of ancient civilizations in astronomy and mathematics, the potential for advanced, non-conventional physics (scalar interferometry), and the implications of Soviet technological advancements, particularly in weaponry and weather control. The magazine appears to favor the perspectives of independent researchers and amateurs who explore theories outside the mainstream archaeological and scientific establishments, as evidenced by the inclusion of articles on controversial claims about pre-Columbian contacts and the detailed exploration of scalar physics and its alleged Soviet applications. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these less conventional areas, suggesting that much remains to be understood about both ancient history and modern physics.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1984, focuses on the burgeoning fields of scalar electromagnetics, UFO phenomena, and paranormal research. It presents a compilation of reports, analyses, and historical accounts, suggesting a growing awareness and concern regarding advanced Soviet weaponry and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Scalar Electromagnetics and Soviet Weaponry

The magazine highlights the development and implications of scalar electromagnetics, presenting it as a reality with significant strategic and tactical weaponization potential. It asserts that the Soviet Union has been developing these weapons for decades, with at least one other country also possessing such technology. The article "Table 7. TWIN GIANT RADIALS" and its accompanying "Conclusion" emphasize the evidence for these weapons, referencing the Bohm-Aharonov work and its experimental proof. The "microwave radiation" of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, starting around 1959 or 1960, is cited as a potential early application. The issue warns that the West is largely defenseless against these weapons and calls for an immediate "Manhattan Project" to develop defenses.

"Table 8. RADIATION OF THE U.S. EMBASSY IN MOSCOW" details the history of this radiation, noting the use of "twin beams" and the difficulties induced in personnel. It also mentions that as late as 1982, Soviet representatives warned of the impending use of weapons more powerful than nuclear arsenals.

"Table 9. LYSENKO'S 1982 STATEMENT" records a USSR representative at the World Futures Conference in Washington D.C. on July 20, 1982, stating that new weapons, more powerful than nuclear weapons and non-verifiable, would be developed.

Appendix I: UFO and Anomalous Phenomena Incidents

The magazine extensively documents various incidents, presented as "Appendix I," detailing numerous sightings and phenomena that fall outside conventional explanations. These include:

• Item 1. TESLA WEAPON AT SARYSHAGAN: Depicts a diagram of a Tesla weapon system.
• Item 2. "NUCLEAR" FLASHES OFF THE COAST OF AFRICA: Reports booms off the U.S. east coast and flashes over the Atlantic and off Africa, detected by Vela satellites.
• Item 3. YUGOSLAVIAN EARTHQUAKE: An earthquake on April 15, 1979, registering 7.2 on the Richter scale, with an epicenter 33 km deep, over 100 aftershocks, and unusual phenomena at Kamenari, described as an "Adriatic Sea mushroomed up like atomic bomb explosion." The incident is questioned as a potential test of a Tesla Howitzer.
• Item 4. QUAKE IN TANGSHAN, CHINA: A 7.8 Richter scale earthquake on July 28, 1976, which killed hundreds of thousands and was accompanied by light and electrical effects, communications interference, and sky lighting.
• Item 5. GIANT ABM SHIELD SEEN FROM AFGHANISTAN: A description of a strange lurid glow observed over the Hindu Kush.
• Item 6. TESLA SHIELD: A diagram illustrating a Tesla shield.
• Item 7. CONTINUOUS TESLA FIREBALL: A CIA report released under FOIA concerning British European Airways Flight #831 between Moscow and London on September 10, 1976, reporting a continuous Tesla fireball.
• Item 8. MYSTERIOUS LIGHT OVER NORTH PACIFIC: Reports from June 18, 1982, concerning a light seen 700 km east of Kushiro by JAL Flights 403 and 421.
• Item 9. CONTINUOUS TESLA EMP GLOBE: A CIA report from June 17, 1966, in Teheran, Iran, detailing a continuous Tesla EMP globe observed for 4-5 minutes by two aircraft.
• Item 10. TESLA ABM DEFENSES: A diagram illustrating Tesla ABM defenses.
• Item 11. HEMISPHERE AND GLOBES 1977: A report from March 24, 1977, in the North Atlantic, describing a "searchlight" and luminous patches.
• Item 12. EAST COAST AERIAL BLASTS: A series of incidents from December 1977 to January 1978 involving loud explosions, balls of fire, and globular light along the U.S. East Coast.
• Item 13. BOOMS IN DELAWARE: Mysterious morning booms recorded on seismographs in Sussex County on November 16, 1982.
• Item 14. 1969 VIRGIN ISLANDS INCIDENT: A luminous arc sighted on August 1968 near the Virgin Islands, described as growing in size and rising in altitude.
• Item 15. EXPANDING DOME-LIKE PHENOMENON: An observation from March 20, 1969, in the Caribbean and Western North Atlantic, of a semicircle of milky white light that dimmed and lasted 10 minutes.
• Item 16. TWO ARCS IN THE SKY: Depicts double concentric Tesla shields.
• Item 17. "LASER" BLINDING OF U.S. SATELLITES: Reports four incidents in the latter half of 1975 involving USAF satellites and Soviet technological breakthroughs, including lithium fusion and Sputnik, suggesting a laser capability that U.S. recon satellites failed to locate.
• Item 18. EXTREME INTENSITY SKY BRIGHTENING: An incident in Western Alaska on May 15, 1972, where the sky suddenly brightened intensely for 2-7 seconds, with color changes.
• Item 19. RADAR INVISIBILITY: A diagram illustrating a concept of radar invisibility using an "energy bottle."
• Item 20. CREATING AN INERTIAL FIELD (ANTIGRAVITY): A diagram related to creating an inertial field.
• Item 21. LIGHTNING WALL: A report from 1959-1960 of a patrol plane commander encountering a "solid wall of lightning" from very high altitude.
• Item 22. ANOMALOUS BURNS AND UNDERWATER SOUNDS: Incidents off Cornwall around January 7, 1970, involving underwater sounds, burn marks, and strange substances.
• Item 23. "CLOUD ARC": An observation from July 12, 1980, in the Strait of Gibraltar, of a "most peculiar cloud arch."

Normalizing the Paranormal

This section, authored by Michael Roll and George Andrews, explores the concept of the "invisible nine-tenths" of the universe, theorizing that it is composed of neutrinos and neutrino-like particles. It suggests that modern physics, neurology, and astronomy are providing breakthroughs in understanding psychic and paranormal phenomena. The authors propose that the universe is largely composed of this invisible mass, and that human potential intelligence is also largely untapped. They posit a connection between this invisible universe and the dormant 90% of the human cerebral cortex, suggesting that activating this potential could make the invisible visible. The article also touches upon the idea of UFOs interacting with Earth when desired, and the potential catastrophic consequences of nuclear war on various dimensions of intelligent life.

Percipient-Dependent Components in the UFO Experience

This article examines the role of "percipient-dependent components" (PDCs) in UFO experiences. It argues that many UFO phenomena may be influenced by the witness's psyche, memory, and psychological profile. Cases are analyzed to show how repressed memories or psychological factors might shape the perception of UFO events. The author discusses the difficulty in filtering out PDCs due to factors like repression, self-reflection, and the ambiguity of verbal descriptions. The article concludes that UFO experiences likely have both a psychic and a physical component, and that while a primary physical cause might exist, the percipient's response plays a significant role in shaping the experience. It also introduces the concept of "ideoplasty," where the human psyche may create physical reality.

Captures and Strandings of Monsters in Loch Ness

Authored by Ulrich Magin, this article critically examines reports and alleged evidence of the Loch Ness Monster. It reviews numerous sightings since 1933, attempts at capture, and accounts of dead Nessies. The author debunks several claims, including a supposed capture by a German magazine, a Mussolini-era report of Nessie being killed by a bomb, and a basking shark carcass found on the shore. It also discusses alleged findings like giant skeletons and small, tadpole-like creatures detected by sonar, questioning their authenticity and often attributing them to hoaxes or misidentifications. The article concludes that while the mystery persists, many claims lack credible evidence.

And in Lake Champlain

This section investigates rumors of a "dinosaur" carcass washed ashore at Lake Champlain around 1904. The author, Joe Zarzynski, interviews individuals who recall the event, with one sister recalling it as a "huge fish, and not like any sort of dinosaur." The article also addresses the question of why there is no "Champ carcass," presenting arguments from Dr. George Zug of the Smithsonian, suggesting that deaths would likely occur in winter when the lake freezes, making stranding and discovery rare.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit magazine revolve around the potential for advanced, unconventional weaponry (particularly Soviet scalar electromagnetics), the persistent mystery of UFOs and their possible connection to psychic phenomena, and the enduring legends of lake monsters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these subjects, presenting evidence and theories that challenge conventional scientific and governmental understanding. There is a clear concern about national security in relation to Soviet technological advancements and a willingness to explore fringe science and unexplained phenomena. The magazine seems to advocate for a more open-minded approach to understanding the universe and the potential for phenomena that lie beyond current scientific paradigms.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1984, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on the nature of perception and the interpretation of unusual events. The cover story, "The Tri-State Spooklight: A Controversial Mystery" by Keith L. Partain, examines a long-standing mystery light in the Ozarks, exploring explanations ranging from optical illusions to UFOs and ball lightning.

The Tri-State Spooklight: A Controversial Mystery

Keith L. Partain discusses the Tri-State Spooklight, a mysterious light phenomenon near the Oklahoma-Kansas-Missouri border, sighted since the late 1880s. He debunks some sensationalized claims while acknowledging the light's reality, though not always its explanation. Partain notes that while optical illusions, such as refracted headlights from Highway 66, can account for some sightings, other strange luminous phenomena may also be present. He mentions theories like the 'UFO-Airport' theory, promoted by Captain Robert E. Loftin, which was investigated by the Condon Committee. The article also touches upon the possibility of ball lightning as an explanation, citing photographs taken by Marta Poynor-Churchwell.

Perception and Reality

An article titled "The Question of Reality" explores how the human brain distinguishes between imagination and real experience, noting that in UFO events, this ability may be compromised. It introduces diagrams illustrating "Perception Structure Diagrams" (Figs. 1 & 2) that differentiate between primary causes (physical or psychic) and "percipient-dependent components" (PDCs). The diagrams and accompanying key explain various modes of perception, including objective sensory input, ideoplastic reproductions, psychic events, and telepathic hallucinations. The text suggests that understanding UFO phenomena might require abandoning the conventional idea of a material world existing independently of the observer.

Possible Nature of the Primary Cause

This section delves into theoretical explanations for the UFO phenomenon. The author, reflecting on his three decades of interest, initially considered extradimensional phenomena and space-time manipulation. He later proposed that UFOs might cause local four-dimensional deformations of space, extending into our dimension. Another suggestion is that UFOs emit force fields that affect the human brain, causing subconscious images to be indistinguishable from real experiences. The article introduces "syntrometry," a concept in theoretical physics developed by Heim, as a potential framework for understanding these phenomena, suggesting that structures extending into a fifth dimension could interact with physical space, leading to luminous phenomena, physical traces, and hallucinations.

Speculations about Non-human Intelligence

This section critically examines the speculation about non-human intelligence behind UFO phenomena. The author expresses unease about such speculation, drawing parallels to historical instances where pseudo-scientific theories justified inhuman actions, such as the witchcraft trials. He warns against the dangers of anthropocentric views, both of "cosmic brothers" coming to save humanity and of malevolent intelligences seeking to manipulate us. The article cautions that publicizing such ideas in mass-circulation media can have psycho-social dangers.

SITUations

This section reports on various contemporary curious and unexplained events:

• Where Did Hannibal Get Elephants?: Discusses the historical puzzle of how Hannibal acquired elephants for his march across the Alps, considering theories involving African forest elephants from the Atlas Mountains or Indian elephants brought via Egypt.
• Texas Street Bulge Mystery: Reports on a baffling 20-foot-long bulge that appeared and disappeared in a Texas city street without any visible crack or rupture, baffling officials.
• Death of Martins Linked to Gnats: Suggests that unusually large swarms of gnats may have driven hundreds of purple martins to their deaths in southeastern Minnesota.
• Mysterious Explosions Baffle Colonie Family: Details a family in Colonie, N.Y., experiencing dozens of unexplained blasts that shake their house, with no apparent cause found by investigators.
• Plague of Ladybugs: Discusses the rapid spread of European C-7 ladybugs in Delaware, noting their beneficial role in pest control but also reports of them biting humans due to lack of food and water.
• Halley's Comet is Rotating?: Reports that new photographs of Halley's Comet suggest it may be irregular in shape or have a patchy surface and appears to be rotating.
• Halley's Comet is Melting: Astronomers observe Halley's Comet appearing brighter than expected due to early melting, forming a coma further from the sun than usual.
• Pennsylvania Cougar Sighting: A man in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, claims to have found a cast of a cougar's footprint, despite mountain lions being officially extinct in the state for a century.
• 'Ghost Vandal' At Grave: Describes a mystery surrounding the desecration of a teenage girl's grave in London, which has occurred repeatedly despite intensive police surveillance and electronic monitoring.
• Stone Age Monument Discovered in England: Aerial photographs reveal a Stone Age monument near Exeter, possibly used by sun worshippers, predating Stonehenge.
• 'Chessie' Back Again: Reports renewed sightings of a mysterious sea creature, nicknamed "Chessie," in the Chesapeake Bay, with descriptions ranging from a large eel to a serpentine creature.
• Identical Cancer in Twins: Details the rare case of identical twins both developing the same form of non-hereditary cancer, with one twin donating bone marrow to save the other.
• Mystery Debris is Sky-High: A baffling incident in Indianapolis where hundreds of pieces of debris fell from the sky, with no clear explanation found.
• Mother Mule Beats Long Odds: Reports the confirmed case of a mule giving birth to a mule foal, a rare event, possibly sired by a male donkey.

Letters to the Editors

• Dear Editor: A pilot recounts a personal experience with a large, orange ball of light emitting crackling sounds and an odor of ozone, which appeared in the cockpit of an Aer Lingus Constellation in 1958. The event caused the generators to trip and the autopilot to disconnect.
• Dear Editor: Edward J. Toner, Jr. questions the explanation of two KAL off-course excursions detailed in a previous article, arguing that the B-707's navigation systems (INS, Doppler, Loran) would have alerted the crew to any significant deviations.

Fellow Forteans

This section announces changes at Flying Saucer Review (FSR), with Charles Bowen stepping down due to a stroke and Gordon Creighton taking over as editor. It highlights FSR's historical significance in ufology and urges readers to support the journal during a period of recession.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundaries between reality and perception, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena. It advocates for a critical and cautious approach to speculation, especially regarding non-human intelligence, drawing historical parallels to warn against the dangers of unfounded beliefs. The magazine promotes a scientific yet open-minded investigation of unexplained events, encouraging readers to submit their own reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy current understanding.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Third Quarter 1984
Volume: 17
Publisher: FSR Publications Ltd.
Country: England
Price: £1.50
ISSN: 0142-2435

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated Third Quarter 1984, offers a diverse collection of articles exploring UFO phenomena, historical mysteries, paraphysics, and cryptozoology. The cover prominently features "Champ" sightings wanted, with a map of Lake Champlain highlighting reported locations.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor - John A. Keel:

J.N. Williamson responds to an article by Luis Schoenherr, reinterpreting a 16th-century woodcut from 1524. Williamson argues that the woodcut depicts an "extraterrestrial spacecraft" rather than solely an astrological forecast. He points out the presence of Mercury's symbol, suggesting a seven-planet conjunction in Pisces. He further interprets the "spaceship" as a symbol of death and destruction, with a "laser" dividing peasants from rulers. Williamson connects the year 1524 to the Anabaptist movement in Zurich and the cosmic significance of events like Luther's Bible translation and papal deaths.

Harold Holland shares a local legend from Allen County, Kentucky, about "cabbage snakes" – small, snake-like vermin that infested the area around a century prior. These creatures were described as 6-10 inches long, whitish, and found in cabbages and water cisterns. Holland notes their similarity to horsehair worms but with distinct head and eye features, and that the infestation ended with the first chill of autumn.

Scott Parker inquires about Philip S. Callahan's current standing in scientific circles and recommends his book "Turning Into Nature." The editors note that Callahan's recent book, "Ancient Mysteries, Modern Visions: The Magnetic Life of Agriculture," is recommended.

Will J. van Rossum expresses appreciation for a "Report on Four Conferences" in a previous issue and hopes for continued coverage, mentioning he is writing to some of the organizations listed.

Conference Report

MUFON UFO Symposium by Kim L. Neidigh

The Fifteenth Annual MUFON UFO Symposium, themed "ETI? A Public Forum," was held July 6-8, 1984, in San Antonio, Texas. Papers presented included:

• "Public Information - Top Priority for Ufologists" by Marge Christensen, discussing methods for informing the public about UFOs.
• "The Haunting of Kitley Woods - An on-going UFO Saga" by Budd Hopkins, detailing a family plagued by UFOs and humanoids, including abduction accounts and trauma.
• "Animal Mutilations: A Decade of Mystery" by Thomas R. Adams, focusing on bizarre animal mutilations with surgical incisions and accompanying UFO sightings.
• "The Entity Enigma" by Hilary Evans, examining UFO occupants and their parallels with folklore figures.
• "UFO Secrecy '84 - Big Brother is Watching Them" by Barry J. Greenwood, reporting on government interest in UFOs via the Freedom of Information Act.
• "Properties of the UFO Phenomenon" by J. Allen Hynek, presenting characteristics of UFO sightings for computer analysis.
• "The Cash-Landrum Case: Speculation About the Medical Effects" by John F. Schuessler, detailing physical symptoms experienced after a close encounter.
• "The Boomerang Mystery" by Philip J. Imbrogno, describing sightings of a large, boomerang-shaped object with brilliant lights in New York.
• "UFO Light Beams and Space-Time Projections" by Alan C. Holt, discussing the characteristics of light beams from UFOs.
• "Countdown to Reality" by Paul B. Norman, covering the Frederick Valentich disappearance and other Australian UFO cases.
• "Tribal Reactions to UFOs in Africa" by Cynthia R. Hind, exploring how African tribal cultures interpret UFO sightings.

The symposium proceedings are available from Mutual UFO Network, Inc. The event was described as well-organized and professional.

Books Reviewed

100% INTELLECT - THE FREEDOM COVENANT by Richard J. Benson

Reviewed by Donald R. Boysen.

This book explores "100% intellect" societies believed to have preceded modern civilization, drawing connections to ancient structures like the Egyptian pyramids and Mexican monuments. Benson proposes that these structures demonstrate advanced knowledge of geometry, including quadrature of a circle and precise measurements. He hypothesizes that stones were "laser cut' and levitated, citing the example of Coral Castle. The book's central theme is that binary math underlies all language, science, and art. Benson presents numerical sequences, particularly related to the number 6336, and discusses the "pi ratio" and its precision in relation to astronomical cycles and geometric calculations. The reviewer notes the book's emphasis on accepting information only after personal verification, quoting Descartes. Benson's concepts of gravity, antigravity, and a "solar disc" model of the sun are also discussed, along with his ideas on "ARCS" craft that utilize surrounding energy. The reviewer concludes that much of this knowledge was known previously but lost or deliberately altered over time.

CLEAR INTENT, by Lawrence Fawcett & Barry Greenwood

Reviewed by Robert Barrow.

This book is presented as a significant work based on approximately 3,000 declassified U.S. government documents obtained over four years via the Freedom of Information Act. It asserts that UFOs are a real and major government concern. The book highlights a 1975 NORAD document as a key piece of evidence, detailing sightings by reliable military personnel at missile control facilities and nuclear weapons storage areas. It reconstructs UFO activity from official reports, including a frightening encounter at a Montana missile base where a UFO allegedly changed targeting computer data. The book also details incidents involving Malmstrom AFB and a sheriff's office swamped with UFO reports. Fawcett and Greenwood claim that military personnel were often ordered to sign secrecy documents, and that deaths of pilots may be linked to UFO encounters. The book discusses military films of UFOs and the intense higher-level concern surrounding them, citing an interrogation of a Navy serviceman who observed a UFO. The "Robertson Report" of 1953 is analyzed as a propaganda panel rather than a scientific one. The book includes a January 26, 1975 document from the "International Congress of Space Medicine" that is largely censored, but mentions theories linking magnetic fields to UFO propulsion. It also recounts an FBI-Air Force squabble over tracking UFOs and details a 1950 FBI memo about the recovery of three "flying saucers" in New Mexico, each occupied by three small, alien beings.

CHAMP-BEYOND THE LEGEND, by Joseph Zarzynski

Reviewed by R. M. Fischer.

This book compiles eyewitness accounts and evidence related to the "Champ" monster of Lake Champlain. Zarzynski, a 9th-grade social studies teacher, has researched the legend since 1974. The book includes 224 eyewitness accounts and over 70 illustrations, presenting a case for the creature's existence. It features the 1977 photograph by Sandra Mansi, analyzed as authentic. Comparisons are drawn to the Loch Ness Monster, and the author references previous works on the subject. In 1983, 24 Champ sightings were reported, with five involving multiple creatures. Zarzynski suggests Lake Champlain may host multiple "Champs." The book aims to encourage reporting of sightings and scientific inquiry into the phenomenon.

Final Notes

"Champ" sightings wanted:

Joseph W. Zarzynski, director of the Lake Champlain Phenomena Investigation, is seeking reports of "Champ" sightings from 1984 and previous years. 1983 saw 24 sightings, and Zarzynski hopes 1984 will be a banner year due to increased public awareness and comfort in reporting. A resolution passed by the Vermont House and New York State Senate/Assembly calls for "Champ's" protection and encourages scientific inquiry and reporting.

A Final Note on French Lost Cities by Jon Douglas Singer, M.A.

Singer discusses a 1979 Scientific American article about the excavation of prehistoric settlements submerged in Lake Paladru, France. The article, by Aime Bocquet, detailed a Neolithic village dating to about 5,000 years ago. Singer notes the oddity that Bocquet did not mention the local legend of a sunken city called Paladru, suggesting that oral tradition may preserve memories of lost settlements.

The Notes of Charles Fort

Deciphered by Carl J. Pabst.

This section provides a chronological catalog of historical events, phenomena, and sightings from 1837 to 1839. It includes meteorological events (auroras, meteors, storms), geological events (earthquakes, volcanic activity), and various unexplained phenomena (fireballs, strange lights, alleged UFO sightings, and unusual animal behavior). Each entry is cross-referenced with sources like "American Journal of Science," "London Times," "Comptes Rendus," and "Nature." The catalog details specific dates, locations, and brief descriptions of each event, often with references to previous or subsequent related occurrences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with historical records, scientific inquiry, and government secrecy. There's a recurring theme of re-examining historical accounts and artifacts (like the 1524 woodcut and the Grave Creek stone) through a modern, often skeptical yet open-minded lens. The magazine champions the pursuit of knowledge, particularly concerning UFOs and other mysteries, and criticizes what it perceives as government obfuscation and the limitations of conventional scientific paradigms. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking, independent research, and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations for observed phenomena, while also valuing rigorous documentation and evidence, as seen in the detailed catalog of historical events.

Title: THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: September 1968
Publisher: SITU/PURSUIT
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0033-4685

This issue of Pursuit, dated September 1968, marks a significant point in the evolution of the organization, formally adopting the abbreviation SITU for the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained. The publication details the origins and development of the society, which was initially established in 1965 by zoologist, biologist, botanist, and geologist Ivan T. Sanderson, along with other distinguished authors. Their aim was to create a "foundation" for the exposition and research of the paranormal and "disquieting mysteries of the natural world."

The first newsletter was issued in May 1967, and the response, while not overwhelming, was encouraging enough to proceed. By March 1968, plans were announced for a larger structure to be built upon the foundation, to be called the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained, with documents filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State. The name proved prophetic, as Dr. Sanderson himself titled one of his later books "Investigating the Unexplained," published in 1972 and dedicated to the Society.

Another publication in June 1968 saw "newsletter" become a subtitle, with "Pursuit" displayed as the main title for the first time. This September 1968 issue, identified as Vol. 1, No. 4, explicitly states that "the abbreviation SITU has now been formally adopted as the designation of our Society." This issue also introduced the Scientific Advisory Board, listing the names and affiliations of its advisors. The content shifted from administrative matters to investigative reporting.

Key Articles and Content

Origins of SITU/Pursuit

This section details the historical development of the Society and its publication. It highlights the founding by Ivan T. Sanderson in 1965 and the subsequent evolution from a newsletter to the magazine 'Pursuit'. The formal establishment of the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained and the adoption of the SITU abbreviation are key points.

Scientific Advisory Board

The issue formally introduces the Scientific Advisory Board, listing prominent individuals and their affiliations. This board comprises experts from diverse fields, including:

• Archeology: Dr. George A. Agogino (Eastern New Mexico University)
• Mentalogy: Dr. Carl H. Delacato (The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured)
• Astronomy: Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Northwestern University)
• Mathematics: Dr. Martin Kruskal (Princeton University)
• General Biology: Dr. Samuel B. McDowell (Rutgers the State University)
• Ethnosociology and Ethnology: Dr. Vladimir Markotic (University of Alberta)
• Physical Anthropology: Dr. John R. Napier (University of London)
• Psychology: Dr. Michael A. Persinger (Laurentian University)
• Plant Physiology: Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Utah State University)
• Mental Sciences: Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz (National Institute for Rehabilitation Engineering)
• Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics: Dr. Roger W. Wescott (Drew University)
• Geography and Oceanography: Dr. A. Joseph Wraight (U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey)
• Botany: Dr. Robert K. Zuck (Drew University)

Investigative Reporting

The administrative matters were relegated to the back of the 20-page issue, with the majority of the content dedicated to investigative reporting on various phenomena. Notable topics covered include:

• A "great armadillo" (6 feet long, 3 feet high) reportedly captured in Argentina.
• The phenomenon of "instant transportation of solid objects from one place to another and even through solids."
• The attack on the famed University of Colorado UFO Project, headed by Dr. Edward U. Condon.
• Updated information about "ringing rocks" and "stone spheres."

Governing Board

The Governing Board of the Society is listed, with Robert C. Warth serving as President, Gregory Arend as Vice-President, and Nancy L. Warth as Secretary and Treasurer. Other trustees include Gregory Arend, Steven N. Mayne, Nancy L. Warth, Robert C. Warth, Martin Wiegler, and Albena Zwerver.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue, and indeed the Society itself, is the investigation of the unexplained and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, seeking to engage professionals and non-professionals alike in exploring mysteries of the natural world. The inclusion of a diverse Scientific Advisory Board suggests a commitment to a multi-disciplinary approach to these investigations. The reporting on topics ranging from alleged biological anomalies to UFO projects and geological curiosities indicates a broad scope of interest in the unexplained.