SUNlite - Vol 04 No 02

Magazine Overview

SUNlite, Volume 4, Number 2, published March-April 2012, is an issue dedicated to exploring UFOlogy and UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the "Betty and Barney Hill Incident," a seminal case in UFO abduction lore. The magazine aims to shed light on various aspects of UFO sightings, investigations, and the people involved in the field.

Key Articles and Features

The Betty and Barney Hill Incident

The issue dedicates significant space to the Betty and Barney Hill case. James MacDonald, a science fiction writer, is featured for an article that revisits the incident. MacDonald's argument, which intrigued the author of the article, suggests that factors like sensory deprivation from driving at night and a prominent light on Cannon Mountain could have played a role in the Hills' experience, potentially explaining the "missing time" and their perception of an alien spaceship. The author of the main article in this section, however, undertakes a personal journey to retrace the Hills' route, attempting to verify MacDonald's theories. They note that while a light on Cannon Mountain was visible, its prominence in 1961 is uncertain, and it's possible the Hills confused it with planets like Jupiter or Saturn. The article also questions why other observers, particularly those at the Mount Washington Observatory, did not report seeing the UFO if it was so prominent.

Investigations and Critiques of UFO Proponents

Several articles critically examine the claims and methods of various UFO researchers and proponents.

• Robert Hastings and the RB-47 Incident: The issue touches upon the RB-47 newsletter and an email exchange where Robert Hastings denies paying Reuters for story publication, admitting instead to using PR Newswire. The author questions Hastings' integrity, suggesting he may have ruined the careers of technicians by publishing flawed research.
• Rex Heflin Photographs: Robert Sheaffer's contribution discusses the Rex Heflin photographs, with the creation of a 3-D pair from the images raising further questions about a potential hoax.
• Phil Klass Rumor: Bob discusses an old rumor revived on the internet that Phil Klass offered money to Steve Pierce to claim the Travis Walton case was a hoax. Robert presents evidence that Klass had previously debunked these claims, noting that it's easy to fabricate stories about deceased individuals.
• Billy Cox and Media Ignorance: Billy Cox is criticized for repeatedly claiming the mainstream media ignores UFO threats. The author suggests Cox parrots a UFO party line and may be influenced by others, likening him to a "Howdy Doody" figure who should engage in actual investigative reporting.
• South American UFO Efforts: Cox is also mentioned for praising South American countries' efforts to resolve UFO problems. The author dismisses these efforts as repeating the failures of Project Blue Book, calling them "great bedtime stories" that have resolved nothing.
• MUFON's Move: The article notes MUFON's relocation to Cincinnati, Ohio, with Clifford Clift stepping down and David MacDonald taking over. Plans for a MUFON store are mentioned.
• Richard Dolan's "Best Case" List: Richard Dolan is critiqued for his list of twelve documents treating UFOs "seriously." The author argues Dolan, as a UFO proponent, overlooks the historical context of some documents, such as the Twining memo concerning Soviet technology, and includes debunked cases like the Rendlesham Forest incident. Dolan is also accused of misrepresenting facts about the Malmstrom Echo/Oscar shutdown and ignoring subsequent studies on the F-16 chase in Belgium.
• Bruce Duensing's Blog: Bruce Duensing's blog entry about NORAD's inability to defend against UFOs is discussed. Duensing's claims about a "missile" in November 2010 are identified as a solved case involving an airplane contrail. His use of the 2004 Mexican AF video (identified as oil well fires) and the Belgium UFO chase (explained by Salmon-Gilmard and Meessen) are also questioned.
• Peter Davenport's Photograph Analysis: Peter Davenport highlighted a UFO photograph of an Albatross plane. The witness claimed the UFO was visible for a split second, but the EXIF data showed a seven-second difference between images. The author suggests the blurriness is not due to motion but proximity, possibly indicating a hoax involving something on the plane's window.
• Jason McClellan's South Carolina Crash Claim: Jason McClellan is criticized for claiming a UFO crashed in South Carolina, which the author attributes to a bright fireball, noting that sonic booms are not uncommon with such events.
• Anthony Bragalia and Roswell: Anthony Bragalia is criticized for his attempts to link various events to the Roswell incident and for labeling elderly witnesses as liars based on their recollections. The author points out the unreliability of memories from over sixty years ago and suggests Bragalia should obtain official records rather than relying on interpretations and assumptions. Bragalia's approach is described as biased and lacking objectivity.

Other Topics

• UFO Reports Spike: Peter Davenport notes an increase in UFO reports in early 2012, but attributes the spike primarily to New Year's Day, suggesting many reports are due to fireworks.
• Science Fiction Brothel: Jim Oberg shares a story about a science fiction-based brothel opening up.
• Battle of LA: The seventieth anniversary of the Battle of LA is mentioned, with the conclusion that it was due to war nerves, not an alien spaceship.
• Universe Scale Link: A link to "htwins.net/scale2/" is provided for exploring the scale of the universe.
• SUNlite Index: An index for SUNlite is being developed for the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUNlite revolve around critical examination of UFO claims, investigations into specific cases, and the analysis of UFO proponents' methodologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims and a preference for logical explanations and verifiable evidence. The magazine actively debunks alleged hoaxes, questions the reliability of witness testimony, and scrutinizes the research methods of prominent figures in the UFO community. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual reporting and speculative theories, with a particular focus on debunking cases that are presented as definitive evidence of alien visitation. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical context and scientific analysis when evaluating UFO phenomena, often contrasting these with what it perceives as biased or emotionally driven interpretations by UFO enthusiasts.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated November 1989, features a cover headline "Hastings' hoax?" and delves into two primary areas: the controversial claims made by Robert Hastings regarding UFOs and military incidents, and a detailed account of the Belgian UFO wave of November 29, 1989. The magazine also includes discussions on the RB-47 case, the nature of anecdotal evidence in scientific research, and astronomical events.

Hastings' Hoax?

The article questions Robert Hastings' assertion that the FE Warren AFB missile incident was caused by UFOs. It introduces an anonymous source, codenamed "Wannabe," who allegedly receives information from two missile technicians formerly attached to FE Warren AFB. These technicians were reportedly forced to "retire" and had their DD214s "flagged," preventing them from future defense contract work, purportedly due to leaking classified information about UFOs or missile technology. The author expresses skepticism, noting that such a punishment would likely prevent honorable discharge and that court-martial would be a more probable recourse for wronged individuals. The article suggests that "Wannabe" and the technicians may not exist or are not who they claim to be, and that the story could be fabricated for publicity. It highlights the lack of any official military news indicating such discharges and points to a potential hoax, citing other UFO proponents known for fabricating stories.

RB-47 Follow-Up

This section addresses arguments surrounding the RB-47 case, particularly the claim that the aircraft flew along the 89th meridian. The author questions the necessity of using round-numbered meridians and latitudes for ease of analysis, suggesting it implies a lack of skill among analysts and crews. The article presents testimony from an RB-47 navigator who had no recollection of such a practice, stating that flying along specific lines was coincidental. It also considers that pilots might not have purposefully flown along round numbers, and that deviations could have occurred, potentially explaining the 'upscope' signal with the CPS-6B radar. Another theory explored is a "supersonic radar plane," with the B-58 "Hustler" being a candidate, though lacking records to support this. A forgotten radar site at Perrin AFB, operational in 1957, is also mentioned as a potential source of a radar signal.

What was at Majors airfield?

The author notes that the bearing from the 1044Z position pointed towards Greenville, Texas. Majors field at Greenville housed TEMCO, a company involved in modifying aircraft for Communications Intelligence gathering. This raises the possibility that a radar signal was generated there to test equipment on planes like the RB-47, a classified operation that might not be mentioned in UFO reports.

Civilian Air Traffic Activity

An examination of airline timetables from the period reveals a potential flight, American Airlines Flight 211 (a DC-6), scheduled to land at Greater Southwestern Airport around 3:55 AM on the date in question, which could have been a factor.

Navigator Tom Hanley

The author attempted to contact the navigator of the RB-47 flight, Tom Hanley, but learned he had recently passed away. His son stated his father did not discuss the incident much, and the author expresses regret for not pursuing this lead earlier.

Anecdotal Evidence and Science

This section discusses the role of anecdotal evidence in scientific research. It uses the example of meteorites, where initial suggestions of rocks falling from the sky were initially met with skepticism but eventually supported by physical evidence. The author emphasizes that while anecdotal evidence can initiate research, it is usually insufficient to convince the scientific community without corroborating data. The Upsilon Pegasids meteor shower is cited as an example where anecdotal reports alone were not enough to establish its existence. The article argues that for exotic phenomena like UFOs, more convincing evidence is required than mere eyewitness testimony, especially since a large percentage of UFO reports are likely misperceptions.

UFOs and Anecdotal Evidence

This part reiterates that science cannot be based solely on feelings or anecdotal testimony. While anecdotal evidence can spark interest in a new phenomenon, it is generally inadequate for scientific validation. The author criticizes the reliance of UFOlogy on anecdotal reports, suggesting that this approach hinders the field's legitimacy and that it's time for UFOlogy to move beyond this methodology.

TESTIMONIES OF 29 NOVEMBER 1989: EUPEN, GILEPPE.

This extensive section details two observations made by gendarmes in Belgium on November 29, 1989, which are considered part of "The Belgian wave of ufos."

Observation 1: EUPEN:

At approximately 17:20, two gendarmes driving from Eupen saw a bright spot on a grassland. They then observed an "engine," described as a large platform with three enormous lights forming a triangle, directed downwards, emitting cone-shaped beams. The object's altitude was estimated at 120 meters. The base of the object was described as horizontal, forming an isosceles triangle with dimensions of 30-35 meters for the base and 25 meters for the height, with a thickness of two meters. A red spotlight flashed at the center. The sound was described as comparable to a car engine and traffic noise, not silent. Later reports from newspapers indicated a weak humming noise and an altitude of 300 meters, with another report placing it between 300 and 400 meters. The object moved steadily over Baelen towards the Gileppe barrage, where it reportedly stayed for about 45 minutes before disappearing towards Spa.

Observation 2: The spectacle above La Gileppe.

Later, the same gendarmes observed the "engine" again, displacing towards the dam of La Gileppe. They stopped at Kortenbach and saw the object motionless above the Gileppe tower. This observation lasted for about an hour, and the object then moved to disappear in the direction of Spa. The initial description was of a bright ball, quasi-punctual, with dimensions comparable to the tower. Later interviews suggested "several lights, maybe 10 or 15, very bright, intense white." The article notes discrepancies in altitude estimates and descriptions between initial reports and later interviews.

How explain this phenomenon?

The article explores various explanations for the observed phenomena. The possibility of Venus being mistaken for a UFO is strongly considered, especially given its brightness and apparent size. The author notes that the gendarmes stated they did not see Venus, but this could be due to misperception or the specific conditions of the observation. The article also discusses the possibility of atmospheric conditions, such as mist, causing light dispersion, and compares the observed lights to those of aircraft anticrash lights. The possibility of the object being a helicopter is also raised, but its audibility at a distance is questioned. The article critically examines the gendarmes' descriptions, pointing out potential inconsistencies and subjective interpretations, particularly regarding the object's movement and the lack of reaction from other drivers.

Remarks about the observations: Eupen and Gileppe.

This section highlights discrepancies between different accounts of the Eupen and Gileppe observations. It notes that the initial description of a triangular engine differs from the later description of a quasi-punctual light. The article questions whether the two observations, separated by a stop at a casern, were of the same object. It also points out that the reported disappearance of the object towards Spa does not align with the direction of the tower. The influence of the "Unsolved Mysteries" television program, which recreated the events with powerful lights, is suggested as a factor that may have influenced the witnesses' memories and later declarations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those involving alleged military cover-ups or hoaxes (Hastings' claims, RB-47 case). There is a strong emphasis on the scientific method, highlighting the limitations of anecdotal evidence and the need for verifiable data. The Belgian UFO wave is presented as a case study, with detailed analysis of witness testimony and exploration of potential mundane explanations, with Venus being a prominent candidate. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, advocating for rigorous investigation and a critical approach to UFOlogy, while acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena.

Title: UFOs on the tube
Issue Date: December 1989
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "UFOs on the tube" delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, offering a critical perspective on UFOlogy, witness testimonies, and popular culture representations. The cover story, "The Truth Behind UFOs," examines a National Geographic program, dissecting its content with a critical eye.

The Truth Behind UFOs

The article "The Truth Behind UFOs" reviews a National Geographic program that presented a mixed bag of information. The "bad" aspects included the "UFO hunters from Las Vegas," who are criticized for their exaggerated claims and lack of critical approach, such as their belief in the "dome of the rock" UFOs being real despite evidence of hoaxes. The author found their nightly UFO watch near Area 51 to be somewhat of a joke, with inadequate equipment and questionable interpretations of recorded lights.

More problematic aspects involved John Lear, who made statements suggesting that many technological advancements are the result of reverse-engineered alien technology. The show also featured Paul Moller and his "sky car," which the author found interesting but not directly related to UFOs.

On the "good" side, Peter Merlin presented arguments about how military flares can account for some UFO reports around Area 51 and demonstrated the implausibility of a secret crash area being completely "sanitized." Marc D'Antonio's analysis of UFO photographs was also highlighted, though the author points out that even scientifically analyzed photos can be hoaxes, referencing the Petit-Rechain photograph as an example. Doug Wilson of Colorado MUFON is presented as a knowledgeable and careful investigator, though he still believes UFOs could be alien spaceships, comparing belief in UFOlogy to belief in God.

Geometric Logic?

This section draws an analogy between the behavior of Captain Queeg from the movie "The Caine Mutiny" and the approach of some UFOlogists. The author recounts the scene where Captain Queeg obsessively searches for a duplicate key to the icebox to explain the missing strawberries, even when faced with more plausible explanations. This is presented as an example of "geometric logic" where a preferred, unlikely scenario is pursued despite contradictory evidence.

The author then applies this analogy to UFO cases, suggesting that some UFOlogists might "assume" that UFOs are "intelligently controlled vehicles of unknown origin" and then seek evidence to fit this assumption, rather than considering more likely explanations. The article critiques the tendency to create UFO conspiracies and highlights the importance of considering simpler explanations first.

The Meessen Incident Analysis

The first page of the magazine provides a detailed analysis of an observation made by gendarmes in Meessen. The observers reported seeing a bright object, identified as Venus due to its magnitude of -4.6. The apparent visual diameter of Venus was comparable to that of a tower, and it appeared as a bright white ball. The article discusses the possibility of confusion with Venus, noting that the gendarmes might have seen Venus and mistaken it for a UFO, especially if they were moving and their view was intermittently obstructed.

Mr. von Montigny's testimony is presented, describing the object moving parallel to the gendarmes' car, which is characteristic of a star or planet. The observation is described as a "mimetism of move," suggesting the object followed the ground's profile and stopped when the gendarmes stopped. The analysis concludes that the gendarmes likely observed different things at different moments: first a large engine with lights, then a bright planet. The hypothesis of confusion with Venus is considered plausible, even the most probable, despite Mr. Meessen's rejection of it.

Further details from an "Etude approfondie et discussion de certaines observations du 29 novembre" are mentioned, referencing a specific interview with Mr. von Montigny. The apparent visual diameter of Venus is compared to a tower, and its brightness is emphasized, noting it is significantly more luminous than stars like Betelgeuse.

The article also touches upon the difficulty of observing phenomena while driving and the interruptions caused by entering a building, suggesting these factors could affect observations. The distances involved in the observations are noted as not being viable data, except for the distance between Kortenbach and the tower. The helicopter hypothesis is mentioned in relation to an Eupen observation, while Venus is presented as a perfect match for the second observation in the Meessen case.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes a "Book Reviews" section with three categories: "Buy it!", "Borrow it.", and "Bin it!"

• Buy it! UFO Abductions - Susan Clancy: This book is recommended for those interested in UFO abductions, praising Clancy's objective examination of abduction stories and her conclusion that abductees may consider themselves special, viewing their experiences as akin to a religious one.
• Borrow it. The Abduction Enigma - Kevin Randle, Russ Estes, and William Cone: This book is suggested for borrowing. The reviewer became disenchanted due to errors, such as misrepresenting the loss of the 1/5 Norfolk Regiment at Gallipoli as an abduction incident and misstating the location where Betty and Barney Hill lived. The reviewer also felt the book was too long and could have been more concise.
• Bin it! Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens - John Mack: This book is strongly discouraged. The reviewer finds it to be a non-objective look at abduction phenomena, criticizing Mack's observation that abductees are more spiritual. The reviewer suggests that people might tell these stories to feel special, a point also made by Susan Clancy. The book is considered too long and unconvincing unless one already believes in alien abductions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the reliability of witness testimony, and the psychological aspects of belief. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical but open-minded stance, encouraging logical analysis and questioning unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications, hoaxes, or psychological biases. The critique of certain UFOlogists and their methodologies suggests an editorial stance that values scientific rigor and critical thinking over sensationalism or conspiracy theories. The use of pop culture references, like "The Caine Mutiny," serves to illustrate broader points about human perception and belief formation.