SUN 60 (Nov 1999)

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTICS UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: #60
Date: November 1999
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter delves into several controversial topics within the UFO community, focusing on the authenticity of documents, the analysis of sightings, and critiques of UFO research organizations. Philip J. Klass, the editor, presents a skeptical viewpoint, often favoring prosaic explanations for phenomena.

Mechanical Flaw in Typewriter Used for "New MJ-12 Documents"

The lead article investigates Tim Cooper's "New MJ-12 Documents," alleging they were prepared using a typewriter with a specific mechanical flaw: a slightly elevated number "8." This flaw was identified in Cooper's personal letters written in 1991 and also found in one of the "MJ-12 documents." The article notes that while the Woods (Dr. Robert Wood and son Ryan) initially endorsed Cooper's documents, they later suggested a possible disinformation campaign. The presence of the identical typewriter flaw raises serious questions about the authenticity of all documents provided by Cooper, suggesting he may have counterfeited them.

Cooper Claims More "New MJ-12 Documents" And ET-Autopsy Photos

This section reports on Tim Cooper's claim to have received hundreds of new UFO documents, including pictures of an apparent alien autopsy and MJ-12 personnel, from "secret sources." The Woods continue to endorse this material, though the newsletter questions the logic of Cooper's "sources" risking exposure if the documents were authentic. A 334-page manuscript submitted to Project Blue Book, allegedly typed on a 1939 Underwood Portable, is highlighted as suspicious due to its length and the use of a portable typewriter.

Forensic Laboratory Test Can Determine Age of Ink and Paper

The newsletter emphasizes the importance of forensic analysis in determining the age of ink and paper to expose bogus documents. It recounts the case of Stanton Friedman being given a diary supposedly from 1947, which forensic tests revealed was written with ink manufactured around 1974, proving the diary was fake. The article questions when the Woods will submit their key documents for similar analysis.

RPIT Claims Roswell Debris Not From Balloon-Borne Radar Target

The Roswell Photo Interpretation Team (RPIT), led by J. Bond Johnson, claims to have "proved conclusively" that the debris photographed in Brig. Gen. Roger Ramey's office in 1947 did not originate from a Project Mogul balloon-borne radar target. Their claim is based on computer enhancement of Ramey's office photos. While Ramey identified the debris as from a radar target, and the connection to Project Mogul was established later, RPIT suggests the material was bogus debris substituted for the original recovered by Maj. Jesse Marcel. The article notes that most Roswell researchers previously agreed the debris was from kite-like radar targets. It also mentions a dispute between RPIT member Ron Regehr and Charles B. Moore regarding whether the debris matched Project Mogul components.

Swissair 747's "Close Encounter" With UFO

This section details a near-midair collision incident involving a Swissair 747 on August 9, 1997. The cockpit crew described an unidentified object as white and cylindrical, or white and round. A six-month investigation by UFO-researcher Robert J. Durant and Don Berliner concluded it was an "Unidentified Flying Object." However, the newsletter suggests the object might have been a meteor-fireball, noting that such phenomena often appear much closer than they are. The incident occurred shortly before the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, strengthening the meteor-fireball hypothesis. The NTSB investigator showed no interest in this explanation.

Credulous French Report Suggests Need For Defense Against UFOS

A 90-page French report titled "UFOs and Defense: What Must We Be Prepared For?" by COMETA is reviewed. The report, characterized as "of great historical importance" by CUFOS, concludes that UFOs are extraterrestrial craft and recommends studying defense measures against potential ET attacks. The newsletter criticizes COMETA for ignoring the fact that French government agencies like GEPAN/SEPRA have investigated UFOs for over 20 years without producing scientifically credible evidence of ET craft. The report's preface is by a retired French Air Force general, and its preamble by a former head of CNES.

Commercial "Spy Satellite" Offers Great UFO Photo Opportunity

The launch of Ikonos, the first commercial photo-reconnaissance satellite capable of 3-foot resolution, is discussed as a potential opportunity for UFOlogists to obtain photographic proof of alien craft. The article notes that while the CIA has operated similar satellites for decades, their imagery was classified. It suggests that individuals like Joe Firmage and Robert T. Bigelow could fund the analysis of Ikonos photos. However, the newsletter predicts that such photos will likely show conventional aircraft, and pro-UFOlogists will offer excuses for any lack of ET craft evidence.

Gersten Commercializes CAUS Via The Internet

Peter A. Gersten, executive director of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), is described as commercializing the organization through its website. CAUS now offers legal assistance programs, seeks advertisers, and promotes a trip to Peru. It also sells merchandise and "Edgar Cayce Past-Life Profiles." The newsletter questions the legality of Gersten's legal services in states where he is not licensed and suggests that CAUS, as a not-for-profit organization, should provide access to its IRS financial reports given its expanding commercial activities.

Short Shrift

This section briefly mentions Larry Bryant's request to resign from the MUFON Board of Directors due to his controversial actions, including threatening legal action against the governor of Virginia regarding UFO abductions.

Dr. Mack to debut his new UFO-abduction book in New York City

Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John E. Mack is scheduled to discuss his new book, "Passport to the Cosmos: Human Transformation and Alien Encounters," which explores UFO abductions. Notably, Budd Hopkins, who initially interested Mack in the subject, is not an invited speaker, indicating a strain in their relationship due to differing views on the nature of ET actions (malevolent vs. benevolent).

Bay Area UFO Expo attracts large audience

The Bay Area UFO Expo attracted over a thousand attendees, with relative unknowns like Dan Sherman and Robert Peralta gaining media attention. Sherman claims to have been recruited into a covert USAF program to receive telepathic messages from ETs, while Peralta claims frequent abductions and telepathic communication.

Hardcover edition of Firmage's book "The Truth" delayed

The hardcover edition of Joe Firmage's book "The Truth" has been delayed until March, with the publisher citing the addition of new information. The newsletter speculates if Firmage is softening his endorsement of Tim Cooper's "MJ-12 papers."

Words of Wisdom from British UFOlogist

Gloria Dixon, director of investigations for the British UFO Research Assoc., offers a philosophical view that aliens and UFOs are becoming a new belief system as religion wanes, with aliens serving as modern-day angels and demons. The newsletter adds that UFOlogy also attracts those seeking fame or fortune.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly documents and eyewitness accounts, and a skepticism towards claims of extraterrestrial visitation. The editor, Philip J. Klass, consistently favors prosaic explanations and highlights potential hoaxes or misinterpretations. The newsletter also touches upon the commercialization of UFO research and the role of organizations in the field. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims and promote rational analysis of UFO phenomena.