SUNlite - Vol 03 No 01

Magazine Overview

SUNlite, Volume 3, Number 1, published January-February 2011, is a magazine dedicated to UFOlogy and UFOs. The cover features a dramatic beam of light and a quote from Colonel John G. Murphy about the 'Battle of LA' in 1949. The issue includes a variety of articles, opinions, and analyses from different contributors.

Key Articles and Features

The People Have Spoken

This section discusses the Denver 'Initiative 300' ballot, which voters rejected, indicating a negative sentiment towards spending tax dollars on UFOs. The editor addresses criticism received for previous articles, emphasizing a willingness to correct factual errors but not necessarily interpretations based on belief. It also notes an error made by Martin Kottmeyer regarding the Arnold sighting's object formation, which he acknowledged and corrected.

UFO News and Events

Recent events include a UFO event attributed to an RC airplane with LEDs, another involving airplane landing lights solved by MUFON, and a UFO photograph resembling an aircraft. The New Zealand government released its UFO files in late December, which, as usual, did not contain definitive proof but included interesting details about the December 1978 Kaikoura UFO case. The Rendlesham case is revisited, with a mention of Ian Ridpath's work and a meeting attended by Burroughs and Penniston discussing a 'magic notebook' with a secret code.

Contributions and Opinions

The issue features contributions from various individuals. Peter Merlin discusses the 'Area 51' show, Peter Brookesmith offers an aspect of the Rendlesham case, Matt Graeber explores the 'dark side' of UFOlogy, and Roger Paquay analyzes media influence on the Belgian UFO wave. The editor thanks these contributors and highlights an amusing video clip from the movie 'Downfall' used for parodies.

Table of Contents Highlights

The table of contents lists several key articles, including "Who's blogging UFOs?", "The Roswell Corner", "More Malmstrom madness", "Hollywood and Area 51: A missed opportunity", "The Belgian UFO wave: A statistical study", "Initiative 300 takes a beating", "The Battle of LA UFO story", "IFO University: Balloons", and "Beware the dark side of UFOs!".

Who's Blogging UFOs?

This section examines various online discussions and claims within the UFO community. It critiques the UFO Examiner's 'alert condition system' and its lack of proactive investigation. Several cases are analyzed, including a 'white cylindrical object' over Illinois identified as likely an MD-80 aircraft, a red diamond-shaped object over Knotts Berry Farm attributed to an internal lens reflection, and the Varginha case potentially solved by identifying a local man resembling the creature described. A blue UFO in Centreville, Virginia, is revealed to be a remote-controlled aircraft with LEDs. The section also discusses Billy Cox's belief in Steve Bassett's claims about UFO disclosure and criticizes Cox for omitting details from the Belgian UFO case analysis. Anthony Bragalia's blog post suggesting that extraterrestrials might not make 'open contact' due to human racial divisions is also mentioned. The 'Interplanetary Phenomenon Unit' in the US Army is discussed, with speculation about its findings. The article questions the Bible as a historical document in relation to ET claims. Dr. David Clarke's comments on the Hastings press conference are noted, questioning the evidence for UFOs interfering with nuclear weapons. Paul Shroeder's open letter to debunkers is mentioned, as is Kevin Randle's point about Kal Korff's claims of military maneuvers. Andrew Wozny's claim of three large objects approaching Earth is scrutinized, with no evidence of 'Craig Kasnov' found. Keith Basterfield's article solving the Woomera UFO story by identifying an internal lens reflection is praised. UFO sightings in Los Angeles are analyzed and attributed to Red Bull air force parachutists.

The Roswell Corner

This section reviews Dr. Bill Doleman's research on the Roswell dig site, published in 'The Handbook of Space Engineering, Archaeology and Heritage.' The findings are described as a rehash of previous information, concluding that nothing important was found and questioning the location chosen for the dig. The article references a 1981 newspaper story about an author claiming 'Roswell Incident' finds readers worldwide. It also discusses the 'security oath' excuse and the lack of prosecution for those who have spoken out. The section also touches on the 'crash site scenario' and the sudden emergence of details years later.

'A cluster of balloons'

This article discusses the 'Rendlesham Incident' and the debate surrounding it. It examines Kevin Conde's suggestion that his prank with colored lights might have been responsible for one aspect of the case. The commentary from Lt Col Charles Halt's tape recording is analyzed. The article contrasts Conde's explanation with Ian Ridpath's analysis of scintillating stars. It also delves into the 'cover-up' aspect, quoting Conde's belief that the USAF would not cover up such an event. Colonel Sam Morgan's assessment of Halt's actions as a 'hobbyist' and 'flaky' is presented. The article also touches on the 'Walter Mitty-ish tendency' of Halt and the perception of enlisted men who chauffeured him.

The Malmstrom Merry-Go-Round

This section details the ongoing dispute between Robert Hastings and James Carlson regarding the Malmstrom missile shutdown case. Hastings is reportedly threatening Carlson with a lawsuit. The article notes that Carlson challenged Hastings to admit certain omitted details and to acknowledge contact with Figel and Dick Evans. Carlson demanded Hastings withdraw a claim that he was lying about talking to Figel. The article presents Carlson's three choices for response: ignore, acknowledge, or state events were not true, suggesting Hastings has chosen to ignore the letter. It also discusses Hastings' planned speaking engagement at Oxford University, noting the low attendance and the fact that it was a financial transaction rather than an academic endorsement. David Clarke's opinion that the Malmstrom case is 'not proven' due to contradictions is mentioned. Tim Hebert's blog post questioning the Malmstrom event is also covered, with a note about potential 'factual errors' identified by Frank Warren.

Mr. Hastings goes to Wyoming

This part of the article follows Robert Hastings to Wyoming to investigate UFO reports related to the missile shutdown. It suggests his method of posting newspaper requests will likely lead him to find unsubstantiated sightings, which he can then use to support his narrative. The author criticizes this as stirring up rumors and promoting his 'UFOs and Nukes' book.

End Game?

This section questions whether the dispute over the Malmstrom case will lead to a court resolution or continue endlessly. It suggests that even if facts demonstrate no UFO involvement, proponents will continue to promote their theories. Skeptics are noted for seeking verifiable evidence, while the only verified fact is the missile shutdown itself.

Stomping around, goofing off

This article by Peter Brookesmith revisits the Rendlesham Forest Incident, focusing on the US Air Force and British MoD's silence. It examines the theory that a prank by former USAF law enforcement officer Kevin Conde, involving colored lights, might explain some sightings. The article analyzes Halt's tape-recorded commentary and discusses the possibility of this prank being the source of the 'beams of light'. It contrasts this with Ian Ridpath's explanation involving star scintillations. The author notes that Conde cannot be certain of his prank's timing. The article also touches on the 'cover-up' aspect and quotes Chris Armold describing the event as 'just a half-dozen or so of us stomping around goofing off.'

The official position

This section details the author's inquiry into the official position regarding US airmen operating off-base in the UK. The RAF and British Army press officers indicated that USAF responsibility ends at the fenceline of an RAF base, with local police responsible for security beyond that. This legal and constitutional framework is explained in relation to the Rendlesham Incident, highlighting the British distaste for standing armies and the separation of military and police powers.

Wars and rumours of wars

This part discusses the complexities of the British constitution and its implications for defending a USAF base in the UK. It notes that while US jurisdiction ends at the base perimeter, there are circumstances where USVF personnel can go off-base, particularly for base defense. The article explains that in a state of heightened tension, USAF security police would operate freely off-base to engage an enemy. It also mentions Nick Pope's recognition of the complexity of laws governing USVF and the potential for them to venture off-base if security is compromised. The author questions whether this authorization extends to investigating UFOs.

Out of his own mouth

This section focuses on Lt Col Charles Halt's account of the Rendlesham incident. Halt describes being alerted to a UFO's return and assembling a team to 'debunk' it. The author notes that Halt's formulation fits the 'believers' rhetoric' of starting as a skeptic and being converted by evidence. The article also quotes Col Sam Morgan's assessment of Halt as a 'kind of twit' and someone seeking attention. Kevin Conde's observation that Halt enjoyed the excitement of riding with security police patrols is also included. Col Morgan's current view is that Halt inflated the story, giving himself no graceful way out.

What happened next

This section revisits the author's earlier remarks about Halt's actions. It questions whether Halt and his team were 'on duty' and discusses the legal implications of trespassing. The article notes that while Halt was certainly on duty, the status of others is less clear. It suggests that Halt's position regarding standing arrangements between the UK and USAF was ambiguous. The author also discusses how Halt's commanders responded, influenced by their perception of him. The article mentions that Halt was fortunate to have his expedition viewed kindly by experienced officers, as others had a low opinion of him.

Red peril, red faces

This section places Halt's superiors' response to his sortie within the broader political context of the time, including the presence of nuclear weapons at Woodbridge/Bentwaters, the Iran hostage crisis, the Iran-Iraq war, IRA activity, protests against cruise missiles, and the Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union. The article contrasts two potential tabloid headlines: one sensationalizing a 'drug-crazed' incident involving servicemen and a lighthouse, and another portraying them as bravely confronting a UFO. The author suggests that the former would invite investigative journalists, while the latter would deter them. The article notes that Halt's superiors sent a bland report, and the MoD concluded there was 'no defence significance.' It questions whether this was a deliberate deflection or a case of turning a blind eye to a violation of the Status of Forces agreement. The article concludes that the incident was dismissed as 'little more than Halt being Halt,' and that a cover-up of the event would have been too public.

And finally

This concluding section argues that while the details of what happened in the forest remain unclear, the events explain why both the UK MOD and the US DoD were reluctant to publicize the incident. It suggests that the USAF and US government preferred to downplay the incident, which involved US servicemen blundering about where they should not have been, rather than admit to a potentially embarrassing infraction of English law. The author distinguishes this from a conspiracy to remain silent about an extraterrestrial craft. The article states that Lt Col Halt should have known the law and the British constitution, and that whether his actions stemmed from ignorance or knowledge, he was out of order. The USAF's desire for discretion is understandable, but the attempt to conceal the 'cock-up' backfired, leading to persistent speculation. The article concludes by noting that Col Sam Morgan criticized Halt for hinting at a cover-up by US and UK authorities, believing that a national government would not be capable of such a conspiracy due to the number of people involved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUNlite include the critical examination of UFO claims, the analysis of witness testimony and evidence, and the exploration of potential cover-ups and military involvement. The magazine appears to adopt a balanced approach, presenting both skeptical viewpoints and accounts from UFO proponents, while often leaning towards rational explanations and questioning extraordinary claims. There is a consistent effort to debunk sensationalized stories and to provide factual analysis, even when it challenges popular beliefs within the UFO community. The editorial stance seems to favor critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning over speculation and unsubstantiated theories.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 17, Numbers 2-3, published in Summer and Autumn 2004, is edited by Peter Brooke-smith and features a collection of articles analyzing various UFO phenomena. The magazine delves into the critical examination of UFO documentaries, statistical analysis of UFO waves, and historical UFO events.

Hollywood and Area 51: A missed opportunity

Peter W. Merlin discusses the challenges of producing accurate documentaries about Area 51. He notes that despite public interest sparked by figures like Bob Lazar, much of the available information is sparse or speculative. Merlin critiques documentaries like 'Inside Area 51' for succumbing to sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly citing Jim Wilson's erroneous report that Area 51 had shut down. He laments that producers often prioritize ratings over factual accuracy, leading to a misrepresentation of the facility's history and purpose. Merlin recounts his own experiences consulting on various UFO-related programs, highlighting how his contributions were often cut or distorted to fit a pre-existing narrative of mystery and extraterrestrial involvement, rather than focusing on the documented historical and technological aspects of Area 51.

The Belgian UFO wave: A statistical study

This section presents a statistical analysis of the Belgian UFO wave by Roger Paquay, a physicist and honorary director at the Université de Liège. The study, based on data from SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux), examines UFO reports from December 1989 to April 1991. Paquay explains basic statistical concepts like absolute value, frequency, cumulative frequencies, and correlation. The data, presented in a table, shows the number of cases, reports, and lines of text published in the media each month. The analysis reveals a strong positive correlation (0.912 for the entire period, and 0.954 for the first ten months) between the number of media reports and the number of UFO declarations. This suggests a significant link between media coverage and witness reports. However, the study notes a 'negative correlation' between press coverage and testimony, which is deemed curious. The article also highlights that 50% of reports occurred in the first four months of the wave, and 60% in the first six, indicating a decline in interest as media coverage waned. SOBEPS, despite this data, continued to deny a link between publications and UFO reports. The study acknowledges that it only measures the impact of written media, not TV and radio, which could have influenced public perception and reporting.

Initiative 300 takes a beating

This article reports on a failed ballot initiative in Denver, Colorado, from November 2, 2010, which proposed creating an "extraterrestrial affairs commission." The initiative's stated beliefs included that presidents knew about alien spaceships and that the government was suppressing evidence of aliens. The commission members were to be selected based on unique qualifications, including expertise in "Exopolitics." The author expresses skepticism about the initiative's proponents, particularly Jeff Peckman, suggesting his motives were publicity-driven. The initiative was overwhelmingly rejected by voters, with over 80% voting "NO." Peckman blamed Democrats and skeptics, even threatening legal action over cost estimates. The article questions the voters who supported the initiative, wondering if they were knowledgeable or simply swayed by the "Metatron technology"-like claims. It also critiques the interpretation of the vote by Alfred Lambremont Webre, who saw it as a rejection of an "ET intervention" to cleanse Earth's atmosphere.

The battle of Los Angeles UFO story

This section investigates the infamous "Battle of Los Angeles" UFO incident of February 24-25, 1942. The article begins by setting the context of heightened alert on the West Coast following the Pearl Harbor attack, with citizens and military personnel on edge for potential Japanese invasion or air attacks. It recounts how the planet Venus was mistaken for enemy aircraft and how rumors of an impending bombing fueled anxiety. The article details the air defense systems in place, including the SCR-270 and SCR-268 radar systems, noting their limitations. The night of the incident saw numerous reports of "lights" and "planes" near defense plants and oil fields. Anti-aircraft batteries fired for nearly an hour, with conflicting accounts emerging. The Army investigation concluded that one to five planes might have been involved, while the Navy declared it a false alarm. The media, however, had a field day with the conflicting statements, as depicted in a Newsweek cartoon. The article also examines media accounts, including reports of a "big bag" resembling a balloon being destroyed and various interpretations of the events, such as Ernie Pyle's description of searchlight beams converging on a spot. The article concludes by noting that while many observers reported seeing aircraft, none mentioned a single large aircraft, and the military's investigation was hampered by fatigue and confusion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy and skepticism towards sensationalized accounts. The magazine consistently promotes a rational approach, dissecting media portrayals, statistical data, and historical events with a focus on evidence-based analysis. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate myth from reality in the realm of UFOlogy and unexplained phenomena. The articles collectively advocate for a more rigorous and less speculative approach to understanding these topics, often highlighting the failures of media and documentary producers to adhere to journalistic or scientific standards.

This issue of SUNlite, titled "Twenty-First Century UFOlogy – VIII: Beware of the Dark Side of UFOs! A brief expose of the saucer lore, aliens and the abduction expert mythos," by Matt Graeber, edited by Grace L. Graeber, delves into the less-discussed, often controversial aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine explores how common objects and events are frequently misidentified as UFOs, the psychological underpinnings of UFO belief, and the problematic nature of some UFO 'experts' and their narratives.

The 'Battle of Los Angeles' Re-examined

The issue begins by revisiting the "Battle of Los Angeles" incident of February 25, 1942. William Goss is quoted stating that the confusion likely stemmed from searchlights illuminating antiaircraft shell bursts, which were mistaken for enemy planes. The article highlights that over 1400 rounds of ammunition were expended due to two weather balloons. Colonel John Murphy, part of the investigative team, recounts how the firing was initiated by a young Air Force controller who, upon hearing of a balloon, visualized a German zeppelin and ordered the barrage without proper authority. The investigation involved interrogating numerous witnesses, with about half reporting seeing planes and the other half seeing nothing. The article concludes that the initial alarm was likely caused by meteorological balloons, supported by the fact that antiaircraft artillery units were criticized for wasting ammunition on slow-moving targets. William Gross's work is cited, agreeing that meteorological balloons may have caused the initial alarm. The article notes that once firing began, imagination created targets, and even shell bursts were mistaken for objects. The accuracy of antiaircraft fire in 1942 is questioned, with Navy records showing a kill rate of less than 1% against planes.

Evolution of the UFO Story

The article traces the classification of the "Battle of Los Angeles" as a UFO event, noting that it wasn't initially considered as such by NICAP in 1964. The first mention as a UFO event appears to be in 1966. The mid-1990s saw the internet become a primary source for UFO information, often highlighting historical events with an extraterrestrial bias while omitting crucial context. Paul T. Collins' 1987 article for Fate is cited as an example of this, presenting a synopsis with an ET bias. The article critiques Collins' claim that "thousands" saw a singular object, stating that most witnesses saw nothing, individual planes, or balloons/dirigibles, making a "huge craft" far from certain.

The Photograph

The photograph that became a key piece of evidence for a genuine UFO in the "Battle of Los Angeles" case appeared in the LA Times, NY Times, and Time magazine. It reportedly shows searchlights focusing on an object over Culver City. Dr. Maccabee's analysis is mentioned, suggesting the object could be behind the beams. However, the article questions the photograph's conditions (camera settings, film speed) and notes that compared to a LIFE magazine photograph from 1939, it shows no stars, indicating a shorter exposure. The possibility of overexposure due to printing to show faint beams and horizon is raised. The presence of numerous AA bursts in the area where searchlights converge is also noted. The article suggests that smoke from AA bursts could have caused searchlight beams to reflect, creating a circular appearance similar to the photograph, a phenomenon confirmed by Ernie Pyle and illustrated by a LIFE magazine photo from 1939. The lack of any UFO in the LIFE magazine photo suggests the effect might be due to converging searchlights. The article concludes that without other photographs, this image is not strong evidence of anything other than searchlights.

A Myth?

Military officials and historians concluded that no piloted craft were in the skies that night, attributing the barrage to the order to shoot down a weather balloon. UFOlogists, however, have latched onto media reports to support their belief in a UFO event. The article points out that the failure of unit histories to mention large, AA-fire-impervious craft is often ignored. Recent witness accounts are considered suspect, potentially influenced by the photograph and pre-existing beliefs, turning vague memories into sightings of flying discs.

UFO University: Balloons

This section addresses how various airborne objects are often mistaken for UFOs. Toy balloons, when released in large numbers, have led to UFO reports. Isolated balloons can also be mistaken for UFOs, especially if their movement is not clearly correlated with wind data from all altitudes. The article mentions a "UFO" in Reading, UK, that was analyzed and initially thought not to be a balloon due to its perceived lack of movement with the wind, but the analysis only used surface wind data. The author suggests it behaved like a toy balloon. The importance of checking radiosonde data for wind conditions at different altitudes is stressed. The possibility of balloons with attached LED lights or road flares is also raised, potentially explaining phenomena like the "Red UFOs" in Gulf Breeze.

Fire balloons/Chinese lanterns

These are described as miniature hot-air balloons, initially made with plastic bags and birthday candles, designed to illuminate and float. Modern "Chinese lanterns" are similar and are used in celebrations.

Weather balloons

Weather balloons are routinely released and expand as they rise, making them visible from a distance. They are often mistaken for UFOs.

Research balloons

Predominantly seen in the southwestern US, research balloons have been linked to UFO events. An amateur astronomer in Arizona reported seeing a balloon low on the horizon after sunset, which he initially mistook for something unexplainable.

The Dark Side of UFOlogy

Matt Graeber discusses the "dark side" of UFOlogy, focusing on cases that appear to be "rock-solid unknowns" but may have mundane explanations or are promoted by questionable sources. He emphasizes the psychological impact of UFO sightings on observers and criticizes the tendency of some UFOlogists to focus on sensational aspects rather than rigorous investigation. He notes that while he doesn't imply UFO witnesses are mentally ill, he sees parallels between delusional episodes in mental patients and UFO lore.

UFO religion, cult suicides, and murders

The article details instances of UFO-related cults, including one led by a former race car journalist with a following of 50,000, which embraces group sex. It also mentions charges of sexual exploitation and financial scandal within the abduction community. Several cases of murders and attempted murders are cited, where perpetrators claimed aliens instructed them or that they were sparing victims from alien abduction. Examples include a grandmother who stabbed her grandchildren to spare them from abduction and a man who killed his ex-wife to protect her from alien kidnapping.

The light

This section touches upon the spiritual and psychological aspects of UFO lore, mentioning a speaker who collapsed after describing a UFO armada, and a woman who spoke of "soul counts" for spiritual warfare. It notes that schizophrenic patients sometimes report aliens or people entering through light or controlling them with laser beams. The preoccupation with light and speed, and the concept of aliens defying physical laws, are highlighted as common themes.

Another Clarification

Graeber reiterates his intention to explore UFOlogy objectively, not to debunk but to question. He states that despite decades of investigation by numerous experts and authorities, no single UFO case has been incontrovertibly proven to be a genuine alien spacecraft. He criticizes the often anecdotal and questionable "evidence" presented, distinguishing between objective UFOlogy and "UFOOLogy" (belief-based UFO studies). He argues that believers rely on rhetoric, faith, and assumption rather than verifiable evidence.

A Final Sad Story

A UFO writer and TV promoter produced a documentary about an alleged alien saucer crash near Roswell, which was rejected by TV executives. The film involved UFOlogists, ghost hunters, and psychics praying to an "invisible alien spirit." Graeber notes that Dr. Carl Jung viewed UFOs and aliens as a "changing of the gods," suggesting UFOlogy is becoming a new religion. He believes that the arguments of skeptics, based on logic and common sense, are unlikely to sway believers who rely on deep-seated faith.

Recollections

Graeber recounts investigating UFO sighting reports where children's accounts contradicted adult witnesses, suggesting children might have a more accurate perception, likening the event to a visit from an imaginary friend. He emphasizes that his interest lies in understanding the UFO experience and the observer's psychology, not in debunking.

21st Century UFOlogy

This section reiterates the author's objective approach to UFOlogy, aiming to understand the phenomenon and the observer's mindset without necessarily embracing belief. He stresses the importance of considering child witnesses' perspectives when they contradict adult accounts.

Rocket launches and UFO reports

This section details several instances where rocket launches were misidentified as UFOs. Reports from September 17, September 20, and September 25, 1942, describe launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base (Minuteman III, Atlas V, and Minotaur IV rockets) that witnesses mistook for UFOs. Descriptions often included bright lights, staging events, and exhaust plumes resembling "comet-like" phenomena. A November 5 report describes a Delta II rocket launch mistaken for a craft. The article notes that even when aware of rocket launches, witnesses sometimes convince themselves they are seeing something else. It also mentions that rocket launches in Florida, even classified ones, draw attention and are often reported. Launches from Wallops Island, Virginia, are also noted as generating UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly the "dark side" often overlooked by enthusiasts. The magazine emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between objective investigation and blind belief, highlighting how mundane events like weather balloons and rocket launches are frequently misidentified as UFOs. The author, Matt Graeber, adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging readers to question sensational claims and seek verifiable evidence. The issue critiques the role of self-appointed UFO experts and the potential for psychological factors and media hype to shape perceptions of reality. The overall editorial stance is one of caution against uncritical acceptance of UFO lore, urging readers to be aware of the potential for misinterpretation, deception, and negative consequences associated with the phenomenon.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified by its page number '30', focuses on debunking common UFO sightings and critiquing the methods and conclusions of some within the UFOlogy community. The cover story, "Missile or Contrail?", and the article "UFOs on the tube" are central to this theme, alongside reviews of UFO-related books.

Missile or Contrail?

The lead article by Robert Sheaffer and James Oberg investigates a mysterious event on November 8th, initially suspected to be a missile launch from an SSBN. Initial investigation, including checking for NOTAMs, seemed to confirm this. However, further analysis, particularly referencing Mick West's "Contrail Science" and Liem Bahne-man's work, led the authors to conclude it was likely a contrail. The exhaust-like appearance was attributed to sunlight reflecting off an aircraft. The contrail was identified as possibly originating from US Airways flight 808 or, more likely, UPS flight 902. Despite military conclusions leaning towards a contrail, a "conspiracy crowd" persisted in calling it a missile launch. The article uses this case to highlight how video evidence can be misleading and how people tend to see what they want to see, serving as a lesson for UFOlogists. The piece also touches upon bizarre claims made by Colleen Thomas, who alleged Pleiadians shot down missiles related to President Obama's actions. Dan Aykroyd's mention of a similar sighting on Jimmy Kimmel is also discussed, with Aykroyd describing an orb-like object. The author criticizes MUFON and Aykroyd for potentially misinterpreting evidence and suggests they consult resources like Mick West's website.

UFOs on the tube

This section reviews an episode of the Investigation Discovery channel series "UFOs over the earth: Mass sightings in Mexico", featuring investigator James Carrion. The author's initial unimpressed opinion of the series from a previous issue changed somewhat, though still found issues. The episode explored Mexico as a "hotbed of UFO activity" but noted a lack of proper investigations. Carrion visited Jaimie Maussan's television show, where videos of what appeared to be models on strings and balloons were shown. A videographer, Arturo Robles, presented "worm videos" and a UFO sighting on his roof, which turned out to be balloons. The segment also examined photographs taken by Carlos Avila, which MUFON's photo analyst Marc D'Antonio found suspicious due to EXIF data discrepancies and evidence of digital manipulation. Despite this, Maussan defended Avila, and investigator Guiellermo Anaya suggested aliens could alter data. Carrion felt the investigation was inconclusive, though the author strongly disagreed, believing it was a clear hoax. The final segment covered an exotic UFO event in Mezcala, Mexico, involving a light and a power outage, which was simulated for residents. However, the simulation was inaccurate, and the event was eventually attributed to an electrical fault in power lines. The author notes Carrion's statement about some within MUFON wanting to solve mysteries while others perpetuate them, and observes that the show seemed to maintain the mystery despite debunking some cases.

Book Reviews

The issue includes three book reviews:

• "UFO: The government files" by Peter Brookesmith: Recommended as a good starting point for understanding UFOlogy's history, offering a simple yet effective chronological presentation of events and personalities.
• "Witness to Roswell" by Don Schmitt and Tom Carey: Recommended for borrowing rather than buying, as it contains many stories and rumors from enlisted men and townspeople but lacks substance and contains contradictions. It is suggested for its new testimony that may be worth examining.
• "The UFO Mystery: Solved!" by Steuart Campbell: Recommended to be "binned" (recycled). The author found Campbell's argument that most UFO reports can be solved by natural phenomena like mirages and astronomical objects to be a stretch, particularly his explanations for daylight sightings.

Conclusion

The "Conclusion" section reiterates the idea that distance from a launch site increases the probability of misidentifying a rocket launch as a UFO. A night launch can be seen from over 200 miles away, and the observer's position relative to the trajectory is crucial. The author emphasizes that the common excuse, "everybody knows what a rocket launch looks like," is invalid, as demonstrated by cases where rocket launches were the primary source of UFO reports but were not considered by UFOlogists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on debunking misidentifications and alleged hoaxes. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of sensationalist claims and advocates for rigorous, evidence-based investigation. The magazine promotes a scientific approach, highlighting how easily visual evidence can be misinterpreted and how personal biases can lead to the perpetuation of mysteries rather than their resolution. There is a clear critique of organizations and individuals who, in the author's view, fail to apply critical thinking and scientific methodology to UFO cases, often preferring to maintain the mystery or promote unsubstantiated theories.