SIGAP Newsletter 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 focuses heavily on the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects," commonly known as the Condon Report, produced by the University of Colorado. The bulletin's editor, Ron Toft, presents a critical analysis of the report's conclusions, particularly its assertion that extraterrestrial visitations are highly unlikely within the next 10,000 years.

Analysis of the Condon Report

The article begins by quoting Dr. Edward U. Condon, the head of the two-year investigation into U.F.O.s at the University of Colorado. Condon's report, presented to a special review panel of the National Academy of Sciences chaired by Dr. Gerald M. Clemence, concluded that while U.F.O.s exist, they do not come from outer space. The panel accepted the report, noting it was a creditable effort to apply scientific techniques, but acknowledged that some sightings remain unexplained. However, the report's "least likely explanation" for U.F.O.s was the hypothesis of extra-terrestrial visitations by intelligent beings.

The Condon report was published in paperback format, costing 12s 6d, and is described as a "phenomenal" 961-page book. The author of the bulletin article questions Condon's absolute certainty about the 10,000-year timeframe, arguing it's based on weak circumstantial evidence and a lack of understanding of potential alien capabilities.

The bulletin's author criticizes Condon's assumption that aliens could not visit Earth, emphasizing that scientists should not assume anything and should deal only in facts. The article points out that while current human technology makes interstellar travel difficult, this doesn't preclude other intelligences from having developed more efficient propulsion methods. It draws parallels to historical scientific shifts, such as the acceptance of planetary travel.

Condon's conclusion that "nothing has come from the study of U.F.O.s in the past 21 years that has added to our scientific knowledge" is also challenged. The author argues that even if U.F.O.s are natural phenomena or hallucinations, their investigation could still yield scientific benefits, particularly in understanding the atmosphere and the human mind.

A particularly contentious point is the Condon report's recommendation that teachers, especially in America, should discourage students from reading U.F.O. material. The bulletin's author views this as a step towards communism and a backward move in 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. Despite disagreeing with the report's conclusions and recommendations, the author acknowledges the project was the first scientific study of the U.F.O. problem and may encourage further research.

Broader Scientific Context and Other News

The bulletin includes several other short articles and news items:

• Life's Origins: A discovery by astronomers at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory suggests life may have originated in space, not just Earth's oceans, due to the presence of formaldehyde clouds. Professor Thomas Gold of Cornell University believes this could make life extremely common.
• Water on Mars: Astronomers at the McDonald Observatory claim to have proof of water in Mars' atmosphere, reviving the possibility of life on the Red Planet. The humidity is equivalent to a cubic mile of water, potentially creating damp areas.
• Television Spectacular: A 2½ hour television program on astronomy, "The Violent Universe," is scheduled for BBC 2 on April 17, described as the longest and most ambitious of its kind on British television.
• Anglo-Australian Telescope: Plans are underway to build a 156-inch reflecting telescope at Siding Springs, Australia, a joint project involving the Science Research Council.
• Manned Moon Landings: American space chiefs are planning ten manned lunar landings starting in July, focusing on landing techniques and setting up mini-laboratories, with later flights involving overland exploration.
• Life on the Moon?: Dr. Jack Green believes sulphur may be present on the Moon, potentially supporting small organisms in warm, moist areas near the Aristarchus crater.
• Royalty and U.F.O.s: Prince Philip has reportedly obtained a copy of the Condon report book.
• U.F.O. Talk: SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler gave a talk on U.F.O.s to the 18 Plus Farnham Group.
• Field Van on Loan: The British U.F.O. Research Association's field van is on loan to SIGAP.
• Skywatch Day: National Skywatch Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
• Next SIGAP Meetings: Upcoming meetings are scheduled for April 15 (panel discussion) and May 6 (annual meeting) in Guildford.
• U.F.O. Seminar: A U.F.O. seminar for BUFORA members is planned for Cambridge University on April 19.
• U.F.O.s on Television: Patrick Moore is set to interview Arthur Shuttlewood for a BBC 2 program about U.F.O.s, including footage filmed at Warminster.
• Science Gives U.F.O.s Nod: An article from an Arkansas newspaper highlights a shift in scientific opinion, citing a "Journal of Aeronautics and Astronautics" conclusion that U.F.O. phenomena merit quantitative scientific study. It mentions Dr. James McDonald and Dr. Allen Hyneck, who has reportedly "converted" and can no longer dismiss the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin's editorial stance is clearly critical of the Condon Report's conclusions, particularly its dismissal of extraterrestrial hypotheses for U.F.O.s and its recommendation to discourage U.F.O. research among students. The publication champions the idea that U.F.O.s warrant serious scientific investigation and that open-mindedness is crucial. It highlights recent astronomical discoveries that support the possibility of life beyond Earth, contrasting this with the Condon Report's perceived limitations. The recurring theme is the importance of continued, objective scientific inquiry into aerial phenomena, even when faced with established scientific skepticism.