SUN 54 (Nov 1998)

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptics UFO Newsletter
Issue: #54
Date: November 1998
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, published by Philip J. Klass, critically examines recent developments in the UFO field, focusing on the alleged findings of the Sturrock UFO Panel, the authenticity of UFO sightings and videos, and legal efforts to uncover government information.

Sturrock UFO Panel's Findings Praised and Critiqued

The lead article discusses the praise given to Dr. Peter Sturrock's UFO panel by Mark Rodeghier, scientific director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Rodeghier, along with Michael Swords, a former editor of the Journal of UFO Studies, expressed satisfaction with the panel's "generally positive conclusions" in the CUFOS publication International UFO Reporter (IUR). Rodeghier stated that the panel "might have concluded that UFO sightings are not worthy of scientific study," and thus the "generally positive conclusions are gratifying." However, the newsletter points out that the panel's actual conclusion, as reported in the Journal of Scientific Exploration, was that "Whenever there are unexplained observations, there is a possibility that scientists will learn something new by studying those observations." Crucially, the article highlights that neither Rodeghier nor Swords reported the panel's most significant conclusion: that it was "NOT CONVINCED THAT ANY OF THE EVIDENCE INVOLVED CURRENTLY UNKNOWN PHYSICAL PROCESSES OR POINTED TO THE INVOLVEMENT OF AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE."

The newsletter criticizes the misleading headlines generated by a Stanford University press release and subsequent media coverage, such as "SCIENTIFIC PANEL CONCLUDES SOME UFO EVIDENCE WORTHY OF STUDY" (Washington Post). It is noted that no experienced skeptics were allowed to brief the panel on prosaic explanations for the cases.

Genesis of the Sturrock UFO Workshop

This section details the origins of the Sturrock UFO Workshop, which was funded by Laurance S. Rockefeller. The workshop, held at Rockefeller's estate in Tarrytown, N.Y., brought together a panel of nine scientists. The initial plan for the panel to deliberate for two months was altered on the last day, with Sturrock announcing that the verdict was in and that the UFO phenomenon was a subject of legitimate scientific interest. The article suggests this outcome was influenced by Rockefeller's desire for research support and funding, noting that the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR) has raised significant funds, and Robert Bigelow had previously contributed substantially before terminating funding due to disappointment.

Sturrock Ignores Own Advice

The newsletter criticizes Sturrock for not personally investigating UFO cases, despite urging other scientists to do so. It mentions his interest in UFOs for over 20 years but his investigation of only one case: the Ubatuba, Brazil, incident. The article suggests Sturrock should propose Stanford University create a UFO Research Center, seeking Rockefeller's support, to demonstrate the value of such research.

The Truth Isn't Out There: Editorial Commentary

An editorial commentary from the New York Post is presented, criticizing the Sturrock Workshop panel report and the "Society for Scientific Exploration" (SSE). The Post labels the SSE's UFO platform as based on a "big lie" that scientists have ignored UFO claims due to fear of ridicule or government conspiracy. The editorial asserts that there is no credible evidence of space aliens visiting Earth.

Misleading Headlines for Sturrock's 1977 Astronomers-UFO Survey

This section revisits a 1977 survey conducted by Sturrock and Stanford University of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) members regarding their interest in UFOs. The newsletter argues that misleading headlines, such as "ASTONISHING 80% OF ASTRONOMERS BELIEVE UFOs SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED" (National Enquirer), resulted from a biased interpretation of the survey data. While 52% of AAS members responded, and many indicated UFOs "deserve scientific study" in some capacity, the press release emphasized this positive aspect while downplaying that only a small fraction (0.27%) believed the issue was important enough to warrant personal time for resolution. The article notes that the AAS has never scheduled a session on UFOs since the survey.

Giant UFO Over Mexico City: Proof Of ET Visitors Or A Clever Hoax?

The newsletter investigates a dramatic 30-second video of a giant saucer-shaped craft seen over Mexico City on August 6, 1997. Initially shown in the U.S. in April 1998, the video was later broadcast in Mexico by Jaime Maussan. Despite initial endorsements, the article presents Jeff Sainio's analysis, which concludes the video is a hoax. Sainio's computer graphics expertise revealed inconsistencies, such as the lack of expected smearing on background buildings when the camera panned, indicating the UFO was added later. The article also notes that no witnesses reported the sighting until after the video was televised, and advises investigators to be suspicious of anonymous reports and oddities.

Sainio's Analysis Shows Mexico City UFO Video Is A Hoax

This section elaborates on Jeff Sainio's analysis of the Mexico City UFO video. Sainio, a former MUFON state director, used computer graphics to identify the hoax. Key indicators included the absence of expected image smearing on buildings as the camera panned, suggesting the UFO was superimposed. Sainio also noted that the viewing angle of the buildings changed slightly, but the UFO's did not, and that the UFO's altitude relative to nearby structures did not change as expected during panning. Sainio's advice to investigators emphasizes skepticism towards anonymous reports and the need for repeatable, measurable procedures in analysis.

UFO-Lawyer's FOIA Suit Seeks Government Info On UFO-Abductions

Peter Gersten, director of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with four federal agencies (DIA, CIA, DoD, FBI) seeking information on UFO-abductions. Gersten claims thousands of Americans have reported being abducted by "creatures" and alleges a conspiracy and violation of human rights. The newsletter suggests an FBI response that emphasizes kidnapping as a federal crime and requires formal complaints from abductees. It notes that no "UFO abductions" have been reported to the FBI, and individuals making false claims could face fines and imprisonment. The article also mentions Gersten's previous FOIA suit against the U.S. Army concerning claims made by former Lt. Col. Philip J. Corso.

CAUS Video Reveals That Gersten Does Not Believe Corso

The newsletter reviews a CAUS video titled "Extraterrestrial Contact: Proof Beyond A Reasonable Doubt," which features a mock trial. Gersten selected Travis Walton to play the presiding judge. The article notes that Gersten believes "crop circles" are strong evidence of ET visitations and features "crop-circle expert" Colin Andrews as a witness. However, Andrews resists characterizing crop circles as ET creations, and Gersten expresses doubt about Stanton Friedman's claims regarding crashed saucers.

Gersten Is Trying To Expand CAUS

Gersten is attempting to expand CAUS into a national network by absorbing local UFO groups, particularly those dis-affiliated from MUFON. The newsletter suggests this move may be an attempt to exploit discontent within MUFON, which has seen a significant decline in membership.

MJ-12 Refuses To Allow Clinton To Reveal The Truth About Lewinsky

This speculative section, attributed to a "highly placed usually Unreliable source" (SUUS), claims that President Clinton's inability to recall sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky is due to MJ-12 erasing his memories of an abduction by ETs. According to the source, ETs needed sperm and ova from world figures for their hybrids, and mistakenly abducted Ms. Lewinsky along with President Clinton. The ETs allegedly broke their sperm-extraction machine and Ms. Lewinsky provided the needed "material." Their memories were then erased. The article further alleges that MJ-12 rejected Clinton's request to reveal the truth, thus maintaining the government's UFO coverup. It also humorously suggests Clinton asked ETs to abduct Ken Starr.

NBC-TV Network To Air Two-Hour Pro-UFO Show

Pro-UFO researcher Rob Durant provides insight into an upcoming two-hour NBC-TV show tentatively titled "UFOs--Confirmed." The show's "bottom-line strategy" is driven by marketing studies showing the success of UFO programming in drawing audiences and reinforcing public belief in UFOs. The producers believe a skeptical show would not be commercially viable. The program is intended for prime time and will likely be preceded by significant advertising, with coverage of the Sturrock Panel expected.

Short Shrift

• Brief news items include:
• The Unarius Academy of Science predicts a giant interstellar spacecraft will land by 2001, with Jerome Clark commenting on the history of ET visitation beliefs.
• A follow-up on the alleged UFO crash near Varginha, Brazil, in mid-1996, noting that despite endorsements from UFOlogists like Stanton Friedman and Dr. John Mack, no "fantastic surprises" have materialized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards pro-UFO claims and a critical examination of evidence presented by UFO organizations and researchers. Philip J. Klass, through the "Skeptics UFO Newsletter," consistently challenges the validity of UFO phenomena, highlights instances of hoaxes and misleading reporting, and questions the scientific rigor of UFO investigations. The editorial stance is clearly against the notion of extraterrestrial visitation and emphasizes the need for credible evidence and scientific methodology, often pointing out the lack thereof in prominent UFO cases and claims. The newsletter actively debunks sensationalized stories and promotes a rational, skeptical approach to UFOlogy.