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 critically examines the highly publicized "The Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" report, commonly known as the Condon Report, which was produced by a two-year investigation at the University of Colorado. The bulletin's editor, Ron Toft, presents a detailed analysis and critique of the report's findings and recommendations.

The Condon Report: A Critical Analysis

The main article, "DR. EDWARD U. CONDON AND HIS AMAZING U.F.O. REPORT" by Ron Toft, delves into the conclusions of the Condon Report. The report, accepted by a special review panel of the National Academy of Sciences chaired by Dr. Gerald M. Clemence, acknowledged the existence of UFOs but dismissed the hypothesis of extraterrestrial visitations as the "least likely explanation." The report's primary conclusion, as quoted, is that "no intelligent extra-terrestrial life outside of our solar-system has any possibility of visiting Earth in the next 10,000 years." Toft argues that this conclusion is based on "weak circumstantial evidence" and represents a "cardinal scientific sin" by making assumptions rather than relying solely on facts.

Toft challenges Condon's assertion that interstellar travel is impossible, pointing out that scientific understanding has evolved dramatically throughout history. He questions the arbitrary 10,000-year timeframe, suggesting it might be a figure chosen to reassure the public and government. The article criticizes the report's dismissal of UFO phenomena, stating that "Our general conclusion is that nothing has come from the study of U.F.O.s in the past 21 years that has added to our scientific knowledge." Toft vehemently disagrees, arguing that even if UFOs are natural phenomena or hallucinations, their thorough investigation would still benefit science by expanding knowledge of the atmosphere and the human mind.

A particularly disturbing recommendation from the Condon Report, according to Toft, is that teachers should discourage students from reading UFO material, deeming it "educationally harmed by absorbing unsound and erroneous material." Toft views this as a step towards communism and a backward move in American education, asserting 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. While acknowledging it was the first scientific study of its kind, Toft remains unconvinced by its conclusions, citing numerous unexplained reports from around the world that defy logical explanation, including sightings of disc-shaped craft and encounters with intelligent beings.

Astronomical Discoveries and Space Exploration

The bulletin also includes several short news items on recent scientific developments:

• Life Beyond Earth: A discovery by astronomers at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory suggests that life may have originated in space, not just on Earth. Huge clouds of formaldehyde, an organic compound essential for terrestrial life, have been detected both inside and outside our galaxy. Professor Thomas Gold of Cornell University believes this could mean life is common in the universe.
• Water on Mars: Astronomers at the McDonald Observatory in Texas claim to have "conclusive proof" of water in the Martian atmosphere. This discovery revives the possibility of life on Mars, as water is essential for life as we know it. The Martian atmosphere's humidity is equivalent to a cubic mile of water, potentially creating damp areas suitable for small organisms.
• Television Space Spectacular: A 2½ hour television program called "The Violent Universe" is scheduled to air on BBC 2, focusing on astronomy. It will feature a scale model of a section of space, with each foot representing three light years.
• Anglo-Australian Telescope: Plans are underway to build a large astronomical observatory in New South Wales, Australia, featuring a 156-inch reflecting telescope. The Science Research Council is responsible for the British share of the project.
• Manned Moon Landings: American space chiefs are planning ten manned lunar landings, starting in July, to perfect landing techniques and establish mini-laboratories on the Moon's surface. Later flights will include overland exploration.
• Life on the Moon?: Dr. Jack Green, who worked on the "Surveyor" lunar missions, believes sulphur may be present on the Moon. He suggests that if this is true, warm and moist areas near volcanic craters could potentially support small organisms.

UFO News and Events

• Prince Philip's Interest: Prince Philip has reportedly obtained a copy of the Condon Report book, indicating royal interest in UFOs.
• SIGAP Meetings: Upcoming meetings for the SIGAP group are announced, including an informal panel discussion on ufology on April 15 and the annual meeting on May 6, both in Guildford.
• UFO Seminar: A UFO seminar is scheduled for Cambridge University on April 19, aimed at training BUFORA members in UFO report investigation.
• UFOs on Television: A BBC 2 program on May 10 will feature television astronomer Patrick Moore interviewing UFO researcher Arthur Shuttlewood. Moore, known for his skepticism, visited Warminster, a site of UFO activity, for filmed interviews.
• Science Acknowledges UFOs: An article from an Arkansas newspaper highlights a shift in scientific opinion, with the "Journal of Aeronautics and Astronautics" concluding that UFO phenomena merit "quantitative scientific study." This has led prominent scientists like Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Allen Hyneck (who confesses his own "conversion") to take UFOs more seriously.
• UFO Talk: SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler gave a talk on UFOs to the 18 Plus Farnham Group.
• Field Van Loan: The British UFO Research Association's field van is on loan to SIGAP for several months.
• Skywatch Day: National Skywatch Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 28.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SIGAP Bulletin consistently adopts a critical stance towards official reports and mainstream scientific skepticism regarding UFOs, particularly exemplified by its strong rebuttal of the Condon Report. The publication champions the idea that UFO phenomena warrant serious, open-minded scientific investigation and expresses frustration with what it perceives as a dismissive or prejudiced attitude from established scientific bodies. There is a clear advocacy for the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and visitation, viewing unexplained sightings as evidence that cannot be easily ignored. The bulletin also serves as a community hub, announcing meetings, seminars, and events for UFO enthusiasts, and sharing news of astronomical discoveries that might support the existence of life beyond Earth. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a challenge to conventional scientific dogma when confronted with anomalous evidence.