SIGAP Bulletin - No 23 1969 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SIGAP BULLETIN
Issue: No. 23
Date: April 1969
Publisher: SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
Price: 1/-

This issue of the SIGAP Bulletin, a publication by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, focuses heavily on the controversial "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (the Condon Report) conducted at the University of Colorado. The bulletin critically analyzes the report's findings and recommendations, offering a counter-argument to its conclusions.

The Condon Report: A Critical Examination

The lead article, "DR. EDWARD U. CONDON AND HIS AMAZING U.F.O. REPORT" by Ron Toft, delves into the Condon Report's primary conclusion: that while UFOs exist and some remain unexplained, they are not evidence of extraterrestrial visitations. The author quotes Dr. Edward U. Condon, the head of the two-year investigation, stating that "no intelligent extra-terrestrial life outside of our solar-system has any possibility of visiting Earth in the next 10,000 years." This assertion is based on the immense distances involved, the speed of light, and speculation about the evolutionary paths and technological capabilities of alien civilizations.

The bulletin's author challenges Condon's assumptions, calling it a "cardinal scientific sin" to assume aliens could not visit Earth. The author argues that just because current human technology cannot achieve interstellar travel does not mean other intelligences haven't. The article points out the historical precedent of scientific principles being overturned by new discoveries and questions the arbitrary 10,000-year timeframe, suggesting it might be a public reassurance tactic.

Furthermore, the article criticizes Condon's statement that the study of UFOs over 21 years "has added to our scientific knowledge" is negligible. The author contends that even if UFOs were merely natural phenomena or hallucinations, a thorough investigation would still benefit science by exploring atmospheric and psychological unknowns. The report's conclusion that "further extensive study of U.F.O.s cannot be justified in the expectation that science will be advanced thereby" is dismissed as "absolute rubbish."

A particularly contentious point highlighted is the Condon Report's recommendation that teachers, especially in America, should discourage students from reading UFO material. Condon suggests that such study is "educationally harmed" and "retards the development of a critical faculty." The bulletin's author vehemently opposes this, labeling it "unthinkable" and "a step towards communism," arguing that students should be free to read and form their own opinions.

The article notes that the University of Colorado U.F.O. project cost American taxpayers approximately half-a-million dollars. Despite disagreeing with the conclusions, the author acknowledges the project as the first scientific study of the UFO problem and hopes it may spur further research. The author expresses a personal belief that reports defying logical explanation, describing strange craft and encounters with intelligent beings, are more fantastic to dismiss as lies or defects than to accept as potentially real.

Scientific Developments and Astronomical News

Beyond the Condon Report, the bulletin includes several short articles on scientific and astronomical topics:

• DID LIFE BEGIN IN SPACE: A discovery by astronomers at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory suggests that life might have originated in space rather than Earth's oceans. Huge clouds of formaldehyde, an organic compound essential for terrestrial life, have been detected inside and outside our galaxy. This implies biological molecules could form in space and seed planets.
• THERE IS WATER ON MARS: Astronomers at the McDonald Observatory in Texas claim to have "conclusive proof" of water in the Martian atmosphere. This discovery, if confirmed, is encouraging for the possibility of life on Mars, as water is essential. The Martian atmosphere's humidity is equivalent to a cubic mile of water, potentially supporting small organisms in damp areas.
• TELEVISION SPACE SPECTACULAR: A 2½ hour BBC 2 television program titled "The Violent Universe" is scheduled for April 17, described as the longest and most ambitious astronomy program of its kind on British television. It will feature a scale model of a section of space.
• ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN TELESCOPE: An Anglo-Australian astronomical observatory featuring a 156-inch reflecting telescope is planned for Siding Springs, New South Wales. The Science Research Council is involved in the British share of the £4.4 million project, with construction expected to take two years.
• TEN MANNED MOON LANDINGS: American space officials are planning ten manned lunar landings starting in July, focusing on landing techniques and setting up mini-laboratories. Later missions will include overland exploration.
• LIFE ON MOON?: Dr. Jack Green, who worked on the "Surveyor" lunar missions, believes sulphur may be present on the Moon. He suggests that near the large crater Aristarchus, warm and moist conditions might exist, potentially supporting small organisms.
• ROYALTY AND U.F.O.s: Prince Philip has reportedly obtained a copy of the Condon Report book, indicating royal interest in the subject.

SIGAP Activities and Upcoming Events

The bulletin also provides updates on the activities of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP):

• U.F.O. TALK: SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler gave a talk on UFOs to about 30 members of the 18 Plus Farnham Group.
• FIELD VAN ON LOAN: The British UFO Research Association's field van has been loaned to SIGAP for several months.
• NEXT MEETING: The next SIGAP meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, featuring an informal panel discussion on ufology at the Plastic Coatings Factory in Guildford.
• ANNUAL MEETING: SIGAP's annual meeting will be held on May 6.
• U.F.O. SEMINAR: A seminar for BUFORA members on UFO investigation is planned for Cambridge University on April 19, with SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler expected to attend.
• U.F.O.S ON TELEVISION: A BBC 2 program featuring astronomer Patrick Moore interviewing UFO researcher Arthur Shuttlewood is scheduled for May 10. The program will cover a visit by the BBC team to Warminster.
• SCIENCE FINALLY GIVES U.F.O.S NOD: An article from an Arkansas newspaper is cited, reporting that the "Journal of Aeronautics and Astronautics" now suggests UFO phenomena merit "quantitative scientific study." This has led prominent scientists like Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Allen Hyneck to reconsider their skepticism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical re-evaluation of the Condon Report. The SIGAP Bulletin clearly positions itself as a proponent of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, actively challenging the scientific establishment's skepticism and the report's restrictive conclusions. The editorial stance is one of advocating for continued research and open-mindedness, viewing the Condon Report's recommendations as detrimental to scientific curiosity and education. The inclusion of various astronomical and space exploration news items suggests a broader interest in the possibilities of life beyond Earth and advancements in space science, often framed in relation to the UFO question.