SUN 15 (May 1992)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, dated May 1992 (SUN #15), is published by Philip J. Klass and focuses on critical analysis of UFO phenomena. The cover headline highlights the conclusion of an expert photoanalyst that the Ed Walters UFO photo is a fake.

Expert Photoanalyst Calls Ed Walters UFO Photo a Double-Exposure "Fake"

The lead article details the findings of William G. Hyzer, a forensic expert in photogrammetry, who analyzed Ed Walters' Photo #19. Hyzer characterizes the photo, which purportedly shows a giant UFO, as a "fake produced by multiple exposure photography." This conclusion stemmed from anomalies noted by pro-UFOlogist Ray Stanford, who was suspicious of the lack of reflections on the truck's hood. Bruce Maccabee's earlier explanation involving a bent hood was deemed insufficient. Further investigation by Rex and Carol Salisberry for MUFON also suggested a hoax. Hyzer's preliminary report, based on "Nth-generation" copies, noted suspicious anomalies. Subsequent experiments involving a similar truck and light sources, conducted by Salisberry and associates, provided data that Hyzer analyzed. The test photos confirmed that light from a simulated UFO did reflect off the truck's hood, contradicting Maccabee's earlier assertions. Hyzer's final conclusion, based on all optical anomalies, is that the photograph is a fake due to multiple-exposure photography.

Will Andrus and Maccabee Admit They Goofed?

The newsletter predicts that MUFON director Walt Andrus and Bruce Maccabee will be reluctant to admit their previous endorsements of the Ed Walters UFO photos were mistaken.

Gulf Breeze Red-Light UFOs (RUFOs) Love to Appear on TV

This section reports on sightings of red-light UFOs (RUFOs) in Gulf Breeze, Florida. A CBS affiliate TV crew captured video footage of a RUFO that drifted slowly, allowing for approximately six minutes of recording. The object's red light briefly turned white before extinguishing, similar to a balloon-borne emergency road flare.

CBS to Air "UFO-Abduction" Mini-Series in Mid-May for "Ratings Sweeps"

CBS is launching a four-hour "docu-drama" on UFO abductions, with the first segment airing on May 17 and the final on May 19. The series, titled "Intruders," is based on the work of Budd Hopkins. This has generated interest from other network shows, and local stations like KHOU are preparing UFO-related segments.

First "UFO-Abductions" May Have Occurred Nearly a Century Ago--Long Before Kenneth Arnold UFO Sighting--According to David Jacobs

David Jacobs, promoting his book "Secret Life: Firsthand Accounts of UFO Abductions," suggests that abduction incidents may date back to the 1920s or even the turn of the century, predating the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947. Jacobs estimates over a million people have been abducted. He also discusses the "technological aspect" of abductions, where individuals report floating out of closed windows. Jacobs believes the conversation with ETs is telepathic.

Skeptics' Editor's Counterpoint on Abduction Claims

Philip J. Klass, the editor, expresses skepticism about abduction tales, suggesting a combination of fantasy and psychological disturbance in subjects. He notes that psychological tests indicate people claiming UFO abductions report higher rates of sexual abuse as children and have seen strange entities. Jacobs disputes Klass's assessment, stating that abductees are not necessarily psychologically disturbed and that a small number have been found to be normal through psychological testing.

Jacobs' Past Statements and Research

The newsletter recalls Jacobs' earlier statements at a 1988 MUFON conference where he urged "extreme caution" with abduction claims, suggesting individuals might be telling the truth, lying, or mistaken. It also references Dr. John E. Mack's foreword to Jacobs' book, which highlights the potential for personal growth and ecological consciousness in abductees. Mack is also writing a book titled "The Abduction Syndrome."

Reactions to Jacobs' Work

An interview in the San Francisco Chronicle quotes Jacobs describing his Temple University colleagues' view of him as a "regular fellow" with a "strange religion." Jacobs also expresses embarrassment about "crackpots and idiots" in the field of UFO research. The article mentions a case where an abductee was allegedly interrupted during intercourse, raising questions about the ETs' stated mission of collecting sperm and ova.

Close Encounter of the Schizophrenic Kind

This section revisits Barbara O'Brien's 1958 book "Operators and Things," which describes an encounter with "Men from Mars." The newsletter suggests this account might be an early depiction of schizophrenia, where the mind creates visitors to cope with personal problems. It draws a parallel to modern abduction accounts, where subconscious minds might create ET visitors based on exposure to media.

MUFON Official Criticizes "Abductionists" for Their Secrecy

Dan Wright, MUFON's deputy director for investigations, criticizes "abductionists" for their lack of transparency and failure to submit their findings for peer review. He argues that this secrecy hinders proper investigation and allows for mishandling of cases, with little oversight from the MUFON Board.

Jacques Vallee to Criticize Abductionists

Jacques Vallee is predicted to criticize abduction researchers for selecting data that supports their preconceived fantasies and withholding contradictory information.

"New Science" Group to Hold UFO Research Conference

The International Association for New Science (IANS), in conjunction with MUFON and CUFOS, is sponsoring a symposium on UFO research in Denver. Topics include the "Face on Mars," crop circles, UFO abductions, and cattle mutilations. Notably, the speaker list does not include any UFO skeptics.

Brian O'Leary's Background

Brian O'Leary, a co-founder of IANS and a former Apollo astronaut candidate, is highlighted. His resignation from flight training and his philosophy of "Anything is possible" are mentioned.

That's Show Biz

This section previews speakers at the UFO EXPO WEST event in Los Angeles, including Budd Hopkins, George Green, Edith Fiore, Vladimir Terziski, and John Lear, covering topics from abductions to alleged German flights to the Moon and Mars.

"Crashed-Saucer Magna Carta" Expected Soon

A summary of a debate between Kevin Randle/Don Schmitt and Stanton Friedman/Don Berliner regarding the 1947 New Mexico UFO crash is anticipated. The debate centers on the number of UFOs involved and the recovery of ET bodies. The newsletter notes discrepancies in Gerald Anderson's account, a key figure in the Friedman/Berliner claim.

Friedman/Berliner "Crashed-Saucer" Book Due This Summer

A new book by Friedman and Berliner, "Crash at Corona," is set for August publication, focusing on the alleged UFO crash near Corona, New Mexico.

Video Recommendation and Challenge

The newsletter recommends the video "Recollections of Roswell II" for researchers evaluating key witnesses. It also challenges Friedman/Berliner to have Gerald Anderson sign a sworn statement and Randle/Schmitt and Friedman/Berliner to have Glenn Dennis do the same, expressing skepticism that they will.

Short Shrift

Brief updates include a correction regarding William L. Moore's claim about a University of Pennsylvania archaeological team, a report from FUFOR stating 1991 was a slow year for impressive UFO reports, and a note on the newsletter's high subscriber renewal rate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptics UFO Newsletter consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO claims, particularly those involving abductions and photographic evidence. The publication prioritizes rigorous scientific analysis, peer review, and the exposure of potential hoaxes or misinterpretations. It frequently questions the methodologies and conclusions of prominent UFO researchers, highlighting inconsistencies and lack of evidence. The editorial stance is to challenge unsubstantiated claims and promote a rational, evidence-based approach to the study of UFO phenomena.