SUNlite - Vol 01 No 04

Magazine Overview

SUNlite, Volume 1 Number 4, published November-December 2009, is a magazine dedicated to shedding light on UFOlogy and UFOs, often from a skeptical viewpoint. The cover features a photograph of the International Space Station (ISS) and Space Shuttle passing overhead, with a quote from Dr. William Hartmann stating that the signal-to-noise ratio in UFO studies is low and there may be no signal at all.

Articles and Content

Confessions of a sinister, stalking, lying Skeptic!

This article, written by the magazine's editor, addresses accusations made by Anthony Bragalia, who labeled the editor a 'stalker'. The editor defends himself, stating he only initiated communication once and that Bragalia's emails were often abusive. He criticizes Bragalia's research methods, particularly his alleged misrepresentation of documents and his pride in deceiving skeptics. The editor also touches on Dr. Robert Feldman's research on detecting lies and shares his experience at the Exeter UFO festival, which he found to be primarily about selling merchandise. He briefly mentions the LCROSS mission and the passing of UFOlogist Mac Tonnies.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a variety of articles covering topics such as 'Who's blogging UFOs?', 'Did they really know what they saw?', 'The Roswell Corner', 'Amateur astronomers bust narrow field of view myth', 'Space Shuttle and ISS put on a UFO show', 'A very bright IFO', 'Understanding the "U" in UFO', 'Balloon inflates amateur astronomer's UFO report', and 'The cat and mice game'.

Who's blogging UFOs?

This section critiques various online UFO discussions and claims. It examines a video of a supposed UFO passing a commercial jet, which is identified as a sun reflection. It also discusses Dick Criswell's story about reverse-engineered UFO technology and Michael Cohen's blog posts about coming 'revelations' and alleged UFO bases. The article also analyzes Alfred Lambremont Webre's report of an 'ET interdimensional vehicle', suggesting it was likely the ISS. It debunks a 'Moscow halo' story as a hole punch cloud formation and a CGI hoax related to 'War of the Worlds'. The section also covers claims about Roswell fragments and the USAF's use of aerial flares.

Did they really know what they saw?

This article critically examines James Fox's documentary, 'I know what I saw', by presenting skeptical counterarguments and alternative explanations for the cases presented. It addresses the Arizona UFOs, the Stephenville incident (attributed to F-16s), and Hudson Valley UFOs. The COMETA report and its cases, including flight 3532 and the Trans-en-Provence event, are discussed with skepticism. The article also touches on the Belgium UFOs, MOD documents concerning British airspace, and the Rendlesham Forest incident, referencing the work of Ian Ridpath and David Clarke. It also debunks the explanation for the March 30-31 mass sighting as a Russian booster rocket re-entry.

The Roswell Corner

This section delves into the Roswell incident, specifically addressing claims made by Anthony Bragalia regarding Dr. Linus Pauling's alleged involvement with UFO research and a 'massive' UFO library. The author argues that Pauling's library was small and his interest in UFOs was mild and skeptical. The article also scrutinizes Bragalia's implication that Pauling was involved in UFO research for the US government, presenting a document that is interpreted as Pauling's ideas for a scientific study. It further examines Bragalia's link between Pauling and Roswell through a letter concerning the Zamora incident and a letter from Dr. Clyde Williams of Battelle Memorial Institute, concluding that Pauling's involvement with Battelle was minimal and he likely had no knowledge of a crashed spaceship.

Amateur astronomers bust narrow field of view myth

This article challenges the notion that amateur astronomers miss UFOs because they are too focused on their telescopes. It argues that in group settings, large, obvious objects are rarely missed. The author recounts an event where a rocket launch created a spectacle visible to many amateur astronomers. He concedes that an individual astronomer, if alone and distracted, might miss a brief, faint event, but maintains that collective observation and knowledge make it unlikely for significant events to go unnoticed and unreported.

Space Shuttle and ISS put on a UFO show

This piece discusses how a pass by the Space Shuttle and ISS on September 9th, 2009, led to several UFO reports. The author explains that a cloud-like feature observed around the shuttle was likely due to waste water dumps. He notes that some observers misinterpreted the event, with one even filing a UFO report despite correctly identifying it as the shuttle.

Amateur astronomer busts ridicule myth

This article highlights Anthony Wesley, an amateur astronomer who discovered an impact on Jupiter. The author uses this as an example to counter the idea that amateur astronomers avoid reporting unusual sightings for fear of ridicule, suggesting that experienced astronomers are more likely to investigate and report genuine anomalies.

A very bright IFO

This section reports on a bright fireball that exploded over Ontario on September 25, 2009. The author notes that while such events are rare and spectacular, they are often misidentified by witnesses. He expresses a wish that all-sky cameras would also record massive UFOs that others report.

Understanding the "U" in UFO

This article defines UFO as an object that the observer cannot identify as having an ordinary natural origin. It criticizes the tendency of UFOlogists to link 'unidentified' with alien spacecraft. The author emphasizes that the witness determines if an object is unidentifiable, and that many reports are of normal terrestrial events that observers fail to recognize due to a lack of sky knowledge. Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center is quoted as being frustrated by the number of mundane reports he receives, and the article suggests that improving observers' knowledge of the night sky is the best way to eliminate the 'U' from UFO.

Balloon inflates amateur astronomer's UFO report

This article analyzes a UFO report from an amateur astronomer in New Mexico. The author suggests the sighting was likely a NASA research balloon, providing several arguments to support this explanation, including the object's direction, apparent size, and timing. The reporter, however, insisted it was an 'unknown' and refused to accept the balloon explanation, frustrating the author.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUNlite include skepticism towards UFO claims, the importance of scientific investigation and critical thinking, and the debunking of popular UFO myths. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational explanations and challenges the tendency within UFOlogy to jump to conclusions about extraterrestrial origins without sufficient evidence. The magazine aims to provide a counterpoint to more credulous UFO reporting, encouraging readers to seek conventional explanations and improve their understanding of natural phenomena in the sky.

This issue of "UFOlogist" (Issue 10) features a cover story titled "C.S.I. UFO: Are UFOlogists afraid of physical evidence?" by Peter W. Merlin. The magazine explores the challenges of finding concrete evidence in UFO cases, contrasting alleged UFO crash retrievals with the documented sanitization of classified aircraft crash sites. It also includes articles discussing specific UFO cases and debates within the UFO community.

C.S.I. UFO: Are UFOlogists afraid of physical evidence?

Peter W. Merlin, a forensic scientist, expresses frustration with the lack of verifiable evidence in UFO research. He argues that the core of UFOlogy should be identifying unknown objects, and crash retrieval stories offer the best hope for obtaining physical evidence. Merlin draws parallels between alleged UFO crash retrievals and the recovery operations of classified aircraft like the A-12, D-21B drone, and F-117A stealth fighter. He notes that these military incidents involved extensive security, site sanitization, and witness debriefing, suggesting a similar protocol could be applied to UFO crashes.

Merlin's research into classified aircraft crashes revealed that sites were indeed thoroughly cleaned, contrary to the belief held by some UFO investigators that UFO crash sites are always completely sanitized. He found identifiable physical evidence at many such sites, which had not been sanitized. He shared this information on the UFO UpDates forum, but received no response, leading him to believe that some in the UFO community are resistant to evidence that might challenge their existing narratives.

Merlin presented his findings at the 4th Annual UFO Crash Retrieval Conference, where he discussed how studying classified aircraft crash sites can provide insight into government/military crash retrieval activities. He reiterated that while some UFO incidents may be hoaxes, real events should leave evidence, and UFO researchers are often rejecting forensic methods.

The Shiprock NM and the Allan Grant meteorite hunt of 1947

This section details a dispute between the author (Timothy Printy) and Anthony Bragalia regarding the Allan Grant story. Bragalia claims the author is wrong and that the Shiprock photograph, presented by Grant as related to a July 1947 meteorite hunt, is actually from a November 1947 event. Bragalia provides an email from Mrs. Grant acknowledging the photograph might not be from the July hunt. Printy argues that Bragalia's evidence is insufficient and that the story has changed multiple times. Bragalia accuses Printy of being unprofessional and trying to "mine" him for information, ultimately refusing to answer further questions in a public forum.

Printy concludes that the Shiprock photograph is related to a meteorite hunt and not "feeding the Navajos." He notes Bragalia now suggests there were two 1947 meteorite hunts in New Mexico, but Printy maintains that the case remains closed unless real proof is presented for the Roswell version of the story.

The Socorro case "Definitively exposed"?

This section discusses the Zamora UFO event, noting that numerous explanations have been offered, none fully satisfactory. The author, Printy, expresses personal dissatisfaction with the "Unidentified" classification, feeling essential elements are missing. He believes the solution may lie with Lonnie Zamora. Printy critiques Anthony Bragalia's attempt to explain the case as a hoax, similar to Phil Klass's theory. Bragalia claimed to have "vital information" from Stirling Colgate, but Colgate provided only brief answers and did not follow up. Printy finds Bragalia's evidence to be based on rumors and second-hand stories without sufficient detail or methodology to confirm a hoax.

Printy's skeptical contacts agreed that Bragalia's revelations were intriguing but lacked substance. The author concludes that the case is not closed and awaits evidence that can confirm an explanation other than an alien spaceship.

Dave Thomas steps in to help

Timothy Printy recounts his interaction with Dave Thomas regarding the Zamora case and Bragalia's claims. Thomas, intrigued by the article, offered to speak with Dr. Colgate, who initially seemed displeased and busy. Colgate reportedly felt Bragalia was not a qualified historian and attempted to end the exchange. Thomas acted as a go-between, attempting to gather more information about the alleged hoax from alumni groups, but with no success. Bragalia continues to push the hoax theory on the UFO Iconoclast blog, while the UFO community largely remains unconvinced without solid proof.

IMPLANTS ANYONE!?

Matthew Graeber recounts attending a speaking engagement in 1977 where a visually impaired gentleman, Mr. Compton, presented on UFO reports. Compton claimed to have investigated UFOs for decades and stated he was not a contactee but knew several. He presented slides of alleged UFO incidents, many of which were poorly documented. A notable story involved Mrs. Brotmann of Philadelphia, who was allegedly struck by a small UFO that lodged in her brain, leading to a significant IQ increase and her becoming an engineer. Compton suggested this was related to the "American" Society of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. The presenter also warned about the dangers of certain UFOs and offered a "UFO Friendship Test." Graeber notes this was the first "Implant story" he had heard and followed up with a talk on investigative methods, subsequently avoiding public speaking engagements on UFOs.

ON THE FOSSIL REMAINS OF MYTHICAL CREATURES AND ILL-FATED SAUCER PILOTS.

This section discusses a 1996 book about mythical creature fossils, where a deceased Texan was suspected of fabricating skeletal remains of creatures like mermaids and leprechauns. A UFO group leader was captivated by a photograph of a small creature's remains, believing it resembled an "ill-fated saucer pilot" from a reported crash near Aurora, Texas, in 1897. The story was promoted in the UFO group's journal. As the story unraveled, the group leader retired. Jim Moseley, editor of "Saucer Smear," had criticized the bogus fossil, and the author drew a cartoon comparing it to Warner Brothers' Marvin the Martian.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of evidence in UFO research, the role of skepticism, and the challenges posed by government secrecy and potential disinformation. The magazine appears to advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO investigation, contrasting it with what it perceives as unsubstantiated claims and a resistance to critical inquiry within parts of the UFO community. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism, emphasizing the need for verifiable proof and questioning narratives that lack concrete support. There is a clear distinction drawn between the investigation of classified military projects and the often less rigorous methods employed in some UFO research circles.

This issue of SUNlite, dated January 15, 1974, focuses on UFO investigations and skeptical analysis, featuring articles by Matthew Graeber and Michael Hoza, along with book reviews and reader correspondence.

The Cat and Mice Game by Matthew Graeber

Matthew Graeber details his investigation into an 'unresolved' UFO case from January 15, 1974, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The case involved a young man named Tim who, while using a public pay phone, reported observing a UFO. Graeber's initial phone report and subsequent investigation, including an audio-taped interview at the sighting location, aimed to establish a timeline and gather details. Tim's family, including his wife Sarah and her parents Stan and Kat, were also present and had their own recollections and sketches of the event.

A key aspect of the investigation was the discrepancy between the witnesses' descriptions. While Tim described the object as cylindrical, his wife and parents insisted it was a double-convex disc. This difference, along with variations in reported lighting and the presence of a revolving rim, puzzled Graeber. He conducted a thorough on-site investigation, examining fallen tree branches that Tim had mentioned as possibly being struck by the UFO, but found no evidence of recent impact or damage that couldn't be explained by natural causes like wind or ice.

Graeber explored the possibility of psychological factors influencing witness accounts, noting that many witnesses were reluctant to discuss personal psychological aspects but were more receptive to the term 'psychical.' He also touched upon the idea that UFO encounters might be linked to paranormal experiences for some individuals. Ultimately, Graeber concluded the case remained 'UNKNOWN,' unable to definitively confirm or deny a hoax, but highlighting the starkly differing perceptions of the same event.

My True UFO Story by Major Michael Hoza, U.S.C.A.P.

Major Michael Hoza shares his personal UFO sighting experience from the mid-1990s over Arizona. As a certified private pilot with extensive flying hours, Hoza was flying a Cessna 152 when he encountered a stationary object at his altitude. Initially, he described it as a perfect cube with a gold and red window, which panicked him as it didn't resemble any known aircraft. He later realized the object was a simple bag caught in a thermal, but he emphasizes that for a brief period, it appeared to be a UFO.

Hoza expresses skepticism towards the UFO craze, criticizing the unscientific methods used by some 'experts' and advocating for a rational process in identifying aerial objects. He uses his own experience with misidentifying a bag as a UFO to illustrate how non-pilots might make similar errors when encountering objects out of place in the sky.

UFOs on the tube

This section critiques James Fox's UFO documentary, broadcast on the History Channel. The author argues that Fox relies on emotional appeals from witnesses rather than providing objective explanations for UFO cases. The critique suggests that Fox distorts information, implying secret government organizations investigate UFOs, and misrepresents historical cases. The author believes Fox is more interested in perpetuating the mystery for commercial gain than in discovering the truth, and criticizes the program for not presenting alternate hypotheses or scientific opinions.

Book Reviews

Buy it! (No UFO library should do without it)

The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan is recommended for its explanation of scientific thinking in relation to the paranormal. The reviewer, who was not a big fan of Sagan's TV appearances, found the book valuable for understanding how to approach exotic claims from a scientific perspective.

Borrow it. (Worth checking out of library or borrowing from a friend)

The scientific study of Unidentified Flying Objects by Dr. Edward Condon et. al. is noted for providing useful information and insights into events that can be confused with UFOs. Dr. Hartmann's section on perception issues is particularly praised. The reviewer suggests it can be read online.

Bin it! (Not worth the paper it is written upon - send to recycle bin)

Top Secret/Majic by Stanton Friedman is heavily criticized. The reviewer found it to be filled with speculation, particularly the claim that the invention of the transistor was linked to Roswell. The book is dismissed as a waste of money and time.

E-mails to the editor

An open letter from Matt Graeber

Matt Graeber writes to clarify that he is not a conspiracy theorist but an objective UFOlogist who considers the potential ulterior motives of pro-UFO experts. He aims to defend history from biased rewrites and protect the reputations of those wrongly assailed. He expresses frustration with the 'UFOOLogy' community, describing some as 'idiots' who effectively manipulate believers and the media, while others are more educated but can be aggressive. He criticizes the tendency for 'skeptics' to be ridiculed and seen as 'infidels' within the UFO community.

Matt

Matt's comments are attributed to his extensive involvement with UFOs, and the editor acknowledges his frustration with the field.

More memories of Phil

An unnamed contributor shares fond memories of 'Phil,' who was invited to speak to their astronomy club. The meeting was lively, with Phil engaging with many attendees, some of whom were critical. The contributor recalls Phil's book on spy satellites and expresses missing him.

Barry

Barry comments on the shared memories of 'Uncle Phil,' noting that while many in UFOlogy disliked his stance, some likely miss their 'favorite devil.'

From the other side of the fence

Bill expresses appreciation for SUNlite, stating that while he doesn't always agree with it, the newsletter challenges those interested in the subject.

John

John downloaded the first two issues of SUNlite but found them to be a waste of time, suggesting the content was repetitive and unlikely to improve over time.

Editor's Note

The editor appreciates Bill's comment and encourages a skeptical view of information found in newsletters or online. He explains that he has opened the newsletter to other authors to provide fresh perspectives and prevent it from becoming stale. He highlights articles by Peter Merlin and Matt Graeber as particularly interesting.

UFOs on the tube

This section reiterates the critique of James Fox's UFO documentary. The author argues that Fox's approach is to present witnesses as credible and emotional to support the idea that they want to know 'what they saw,' when in reality, they want validation for their interpretations. The author criticizes Fox for distorting the reasons behind past UFO investigations and for misrepresenting cases, concluding that Fox is not interested in the truth but in perpetuating the mystery for profit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUNlite revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena and the methodologies used to investigate them. There is a strong emphasis on skepticism, scientific inquiry, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine observation and subjective interpretation or wishful thinking. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the articles and editor's notes, is one of rigorous investigation, a preference for evidence-based conclusions, and a critical view of the more sensationalist or unverified claims within the UFO community. The magazine actively challenges assumptions and encourages readers to question narratives, particularly those presented in popular media or by self-proclaimed experts. The contributors, like Matthew Graeber and Michael Hoza, advocate for a more grounded and analytical approach to understanding UFO reports, often highlighting the potential for misidentification, psychological factors, and the need for objective data.