SUNlite - Vol 05 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SUNlite
Issue: Volume 5, Number 1
Date: January - February 2013
Publisher: SUNlite
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SUNlite, a publication focused on UFOlogy and UFOs, leads with a tribute to James Moseley, a significant figure in the field who passed away. The cover features a quote from Moseley and an image of a rocket launch, hinting at themes of technology and the unknown. The magazine explores various UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, historical cases, and the scientific approach to studying these phenomena.

Farewell Supreme Commander: A Tribute to James Moseley

The issue begins with a heartfelt tribute to James Moseley, described as UFOlogy's self-proclaimed Supreme Commander. The author recounts personal interactions with Moseley, highlighting his humor, his extensive knowledge of UFO personalities, and his occasional disagreements on interpretation. Moseley's passing is noted as a significant loss to the UFO community. The author recalls Moseley's unique communication style, including his 'Confidential' postcards, and his lasting impact on the field.

Who's Blogging UFOs?

This section reviews recent discussions and opinions within the UFOlogy community, particularly those found on blogs. It touches upon articles that proclaimed UFOlogy to be dead, with counterarguments from UFOlogists citing numerous reports. The role of experts like Dave Wood and David Clarke is discussed, with Clarke suggesting UFOlogy has become a 'living myth' by relying on old cases like Roswell and Rendlesham. The decline of traditional UFO forums like 'UFO Updates' is noted, with a shift towards blogging and online forums for discussion. The section also examines a news report from Denver that sensationalized UFO sightings, despite evidence suggesting they were likely bugs, and critiques the reporting of Heidi Hemmat and the conclusions of entomologist Mary Ann Hamilton. The article also touches upon Leslie Kean's work and her findings on Chilean bug videos, noting conflicting opinions from researchers.

Further discussions include an Air Force pilot's account of a UFO, which the author identifies as a celestial object. The section also covers Tim Hebert's post on missile shutdowns supposedly caused by UFOs, suggesting that engineering solutions pointed to electronic causes rather than external threats. A UFO investigation report by Oregon MUFON is critiqued for its biased interpretation, concluding that a multi-colored object was a craft mimicking a balloon. The article also discusses Openminds' presentation of 'The UFO briefing document,' labeling it a one-sided propaganda sheet that omits key information. A report about the Japanese navy recovering a crashed UFO is dismissed as likely involving earthly debris. Salinas, Kansas, is noted for misidentifying astronomical objects as UFOs, with sightings of stationary objects and long hovering times pointing to natural phenomena. Finally, the section reviews Robert Sheaffer's response to Stanton Friedman's criticisms of debunkers and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos' report on Antarctic UFOs from 1965, which suggests many old reports are points of light with prosaic explanations.

The Roswell Corner: Resurrecting Walter Haut

This section revisits the Roswell Incident, focusing on the testimony of Walter Haut. It discusses a recent article by Anthony Bragalia that highlighted Haut's description of finding alien bodies, noting that this information was previously known. The author points out inconsistencies in Haut's accounts over the years, including his statements to Larry King and conflicting affidavits, and questions the reliability of his later recollections, especially when compared to his earliest interviews. The article suggests that Haut's earlier statements, made before the Roswell incident became a cornerstone of the local economy, might be more accurate. It also mentions Haut's endorsement of Frank Kaufmann, who was later determined to be a hoaxer, and his connection to Stanton Friedman and Glenn Dennis.

The article also features a piece by Lynne Vans titled "Author says 'Roswell Incident' finds readers around the world," detailing the success of Bill Moore's book co-authored with Charles Berlitz. Walter Haut, who hosted an autograph party for Moore, noted the book's international sales and the public's interest in the Roswell case. Haut recounts his role as public information officer at Walker Air Force Base during the incident and how a poorly worded press release led to sensational interpretations. He also mentions forgetting the incident until contacted by Charles Berlitz.

Additionally, this section includes a brief note about Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates having a weekly crime report segment on KHJ-TV.

That strange cylindrical UFO seen in October 2012

This article investigates a series of UFO sightings that occurred between October 15th and 17th, 2012, primarily focusing on a strange cylindrical UFO observed over Kentucky and Tennessee. The initial report by Allan Epling, who photographed and video recorded the object, piqued the author's interest. Epling described the object as having a high angle of elevation, small angular size, and slow angular speed. The author analyzes Epling's observations and the available images, suggesting the object's angular size was very small, indicating it was either very close or very distant.

The investigation expands to include additional sightings from the MUFON database, including reports from Tennessee and Alabama on October 15th, and sightings in West Virginia and Maryland on October 17th. A summary table details these observations, noting descriptions such as a bright dot, a line that changed shape, a long rectangular object, a cylinder, and a motionless "silver ink pen." The common themes across these sightings include a cylindrical shape, slow movement, and fluctuating brightness, leading the author to conclude they likely represent observations of the same object.

The article then presents a ground track of the object, estimating it traveled about 600 miles in two days, suggesting an average speed of about 12 miles per hour, consistent with wind-driven movement. Wind data from various locations is analyzed to determine if atmospheric conditions could support such a track, particularly at altitudes around 18,000 to 20,000 meters.

Further observations are discussed, including a report from New York on October 18th and a MUFON report from California on October 7th, though connections are difficult to establish. Weather patterns are considered as a reason for a lack of sightings on earlier dates. The article proposes a potential source for the UFO: a clear cylindrical balloon, possibly around 100 feet in size, operating at an altitude of 20,000 meters. The author also mentions the possibility of South Korean protesters launching balloons containing leaflets, food, and socks, some of which have been found to travel long distances. The possibility of a similar balloon being launched in the US is also considered, concluding that the balloon hypothesis offers a reasonable explanation for the observed phenomena.

CONFLICTING DRIVES: A Broken Promise in the Faith Why Science Should Study UFO Reports

This article by Martin S. Kottmeyer explores the long-held dream within UFOlogy to be recognized as a serious scientific enterprise. It discusses the justification often given by UFO groups: that studying extraterrestrial technology could lead to breakthroughs in advanced propulsion systems, aircraft, and energy. The author quotes George Earley from 1967, who emphasized the potential for technological advancement from UFO propulsion systems, and Richard Hall, who outlined steps for scientific study, including data compilation and statistical analysis. Whitley Strieber is also quoted, expressing the belief that science's earlier engagement with UFOs could have led to significant advancements.

The article highlights the mission statements of UFO organizations like MUFON and Communion Foundation, which aim to research propulsion technologies and understand extraterrestrial craft. It references Tian Daojun's argument that studying alien spacecraft could upgrade scientific research and lead to breakthroughs in aviation. Jacques Vallee's mention of funded projects aimed at developing patentable UFO-related inventions is also noted, along with efforts to extract technical data from contactees.

However, Kottmeyer expresses skepticism about these efforts, stating that they have been "foredoomed to failure." He points out the lack of patented breakthroughs from UFO organizations and the rarity of papers systematically surveying UFO reports for propulsion clues. The author then proceeds to collect and analyze several reports of flying saucers with propellers, presenting them as evidence of the incoherent nature of UFO reports when taken en masse. These include cases from 1947 in Ohio and Wisconsin, 1947 in Minnesota, 1950 in Mexico, 1952 in Pittsburgh, Kansas, and multiple cases from Italy in 1952 and 1954. The article suggests that these propeller-driven craft represent a specific type of UFO report that has been documented over the years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUNlite revolve around the ongoing debate within UFOlogy regarding its scientific legitimacy, the interpretation of UFO sightings, and the legacy of prominent figures like James Moseley. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, presenting various viewpoints, from those who believe in extraterrestrial craft to those who offer skeptical explanations or debunking arguments. There is a clear emphasis on analyzing evidence, questioning sensationalism, and exploring potential mundane explanations for UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery and the desire for scientific understanding. The issue also highlights the shift towards online discussions and blogging as primary platforms for UFOlogists.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated November 1957, delves into the complex and often speculative topic of UFO propulsion systems. It examines a wide range of historical sightings and the theoretical explanations proposed for how these craft might operate, drawing from witness accounts, scientific speculation, and science fiction.

Historical Propulsion Theories

The magazine begins by reviewing early UFO sightings that involved visible propulsion methods. The November 5, 1957, encounter by Reinhold Schmidt in Kearney, Nebraska, described a blimp-like craft with huge propellers and a 'fishbone-shaped structure.' Schmidt also reported the craft changed color and blended into the atmosphere, leaving behind a greenish, grease-like fluid and footprints. The issue notes that consistency across many cases involved propellers, appearing in various configurations on different craft shapes.

Moving beyond propellers, the magazine explores cases suggesting jet propulsion. The July 24, 1948, sighting by Captain Clarence S. Chiles and John B. Whitted described a 'fantastic Flash Gordon rocket ship' powered by jets or another power source emitting flame. Other reports from the 1940s and 1950s, such as the April 6, 1950, sighting in Terra Bella, California, by Ralph Burke, described saucers appearing jet-propelled due to their ability to circle, dip, rise, and spurt clouds of black smoke. The Oscar Linke report from July 9, 1952, near Germany's Russian Zone, mentioned a saucer taking off vertically with a swirling effect of glowing exhaust, suggesting it was spinning like a top.

Atomic and Nuclear Propulsion

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to theories involving atomic and nuclear energy as a propulsion source. As early as July 28, 1947, Kenneth Arnold suggested UFOs might be powered by a 'cyclotronic device' that absorbs atomic structure. The intelligence community, including figures like Donald Keyhoe, seriously considered atomic energy, with Keyhoe stating its secret was more important than the hydrogen bomb. The magazine cites the August 13, 1947, sighting by A.C. Urie in Twin Falls, Idaho, of a saucer with a 'red, tubular fiery glow' that was thought to be powered by atomic energy, creating a vacuum that made trees spin.

Later theories, such as those discussed in relation to Bob Lazar, suggest advanced alien propulsion systems involving nuclear physics and gravity modification, potentially utilizing element 115 and anti-matter particles. The concept of 'dark energy' for warp drives and wormhole construction is also mentioned in connection with Jack Sarfatti.

Electrogravitics and Gravity Manipulation

The concept of electrogravitics, related to electrostatic charges creating gravitational fields, is explored. Thomas Townsend Brown's work in the 1950s is mentioned, suggesting that electrostatic charges on capacitor plates could create a gravitational field. The magazine notes that this concept, or an anti-gravitic action, is believed by some to allow for rapid accelerations and turns seen in UFO reports. Donald Keyhoe favored the idea of 'artificial gravity shields.'

Other Propulsion Concepts

Several other propulsion ideas are discussed, including:

• Light Propulsion: The idea that light is a form of propulsion is presented, with some contactees reporting that aliens use 'liquid light' or that light serves as fuel. This concept is linked to the potential use of lasers for spacecraft propulsion.
• Crystal Power: Crystal spheres and crystals are mentioned as being involved in saucer propulsion, possibly containing ferro-electric charges or focusing cosmic energies. The Betty Andreasson Luca case is cited, where crystals were reportedly used in conjunction with acousto-electric and plasmonic energy effects.
• Ionic Propulsion: The origin of ion drive ideas is traced back to science fiction, with Herman Oberth rationalizing their plausibility. While acknowledged as effective for deep space, the magazine suggests ionic drives are likely too weak for use near Earth's surface due to gravity.
• Sound Waves and Vibrasonics: The idea that sound waves could be used for propulsion is mentioned, with experiments showing the levitation of objects using sound generators. This concept is linked to 'vibrasonics,' suggesting that sound itself could levitate saucers.
• The Ummo Contact: The Ummo contactees reportedly described saucer energy generated by transforming lithium and bismuth into plasma, with complex kinetic functions dependent on cosmic space states.

Scientific Skepticism and Challenges

Throughout the issue, there is an underlying acknowledgment of the challenges in scientifically verifying these propulsion theories. The magazine notes that some claims, like those of Bob Lazar, are met with skepticism from figures like Stanton Friedman. The difficulty in creating repeatable experiments and the lack of accepted scientific frameworks for concepts like anti-gravity are also highlighted. The issue concludes by mentioning the ongoing search for a unified field theory that might eventually explain some of these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the diverse and often imaginative theories proposed to explain UFO propulsion. The magazine presents a broad spectrum of ideas, from the relatively conventional (jets, propellers) to the highly speculative (atomic energy, gravity manipulation, light propulsion, crystal power). While presenting these concepts, the tone often includes a degree of scientific skepticism, acknowledging the challenges in empirical verification and the influence of science fiction on some of these ideas. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploring the breadth of human and alleged extraterrestrial ingenuity in spacecraft design, while maintaining a critical eye on the scientific plausibility of the claims.

This issue of UFOlogy Magazine, identified as issue number 25 and volume 27, published in July 2009 by Fortean Tomes, focuses on the complex and often speculative topic of UFO propulsion systems and the nature of multi-witness sighting scenarios. The cover headline, "Hypothetical multiwitness sighting scenarios," by Matthew Graeber, sets the tone for an exploration of how different types of sightings are categorized and interpreted.

UFO Propulsion Theories Explored

The magazine delves into a wide array of proposed propulsion methods for UFOs, drawing from various sources, including contactee reports, historical research, and speculative science. Several articles discuss the idea of UFOs utilizing solar energy, with some contactees claiming that craft consume no fuel and are powered by 'raw energy' found in space or by concentrated solar energy. The concept of zero-point energy is also explored, with references to Victor Schauberger's work on drawing levitational thrust from the quantum foam.

Anti-gravity and hyperspace theories are prominent. Alan Holt is cited for his idea that UFOs involve a 7-dimensional hyperspace, or 'phase space,' to explain phenomena like tight maneuvers and gravitational effects. A particularly vivid account describes an encounter with a 'blackness' that was identified as hyperspace, defined by an alien as 'space without time.'

Other propulsion concepts include tachyon drives, which are said to paralyze space and time, and magnetic drives, which are noted as a common theme in UFO literature. The possibility of 'thought energy' powering UFOs is also mentioned, as is the 'merkaba principle' involving counter-revolving fields. The issue also touches upon Wilhelm Reich's theory that UFOs run on orgone energy.

Historical and Speculative Cases

The magazine references numerous historical cases and claims, from early contactees like George Adamski to more recent investigations. It discusses the work of researchers and authors who have explored these topics, often highlighting the speculative nature of the information. For instance, the article mentions Victor Schauberger's alleged anti-gravity patent and the influence of his work on later experiments. It also touches upon claims of Nazi UFO technology and extraterrestrial involvement in propulsion systems.

Multi-witness Sighting Scenarios

Matthew Graeber's article, "Hypothetical multiwitness sighting scenarios," forms a significant part of this issue. He categorizes sightings into 'large group sightings' (like Fatima or the German swastika event) and 'small group sightings' (like a family of four). Graeber suggests that the psychological effect of these visions may be similar across different group sizes, potentially influenced by the group's psychic condition and emotional needs. He questions whether these are actual sightings of alien spacecraft or 'meaningful visions' that reflect the observers' internal states. He also considers the possibility that UFOs might represent a variety of phenomena, not all of which are necessarily extraterrestrial.

Debunking and Skepticism

While exploring various theories, the magazine also incorporates elements of skepticism. The article "News flash: Anthony Bragalia claims that the Trent UFO photographs are a hoax!" details a controversy surrounding the authenticity of the famous Trent photographs. It highlights how Bragalia's claims were challenged by skeptics and UFO proponents, particularly James Oberg, who provided evidence that contradicted Bragalia's assertion that a specific photograph of a child on a ladder came from the same film roll as the UFO images. The piece emphasizes the importance of verifying information and the potential for sensationalism in UFO reporting.

Richard Hall's claim of having read over 200 explanations for saucer propulsion, yet declining to give an opinion on which was right, is also mentioned, underscoring the difficulty in establishing definitive answers in the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the diverse and often contradictory nature of UFO lore, the search for scientific explanations for anomalous phenomena, and the psychological aspects of belief and perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting a wide range of theories and claims while also acknowledging the speculative nature of much of the material and the importance of rigorous investigation and skepticism. The concluding remarks by Matthew Graeber caution readers to "Keep your wallet closed" and state that "Ufo study for the purpose of finding the key to the stars is totally bogus," suggesting that while fantasy can be stimulating, practical breakthroughs from such study are unlikely, and that it borders on 'mystery worship.'

Title: The UFO Investigator
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 1
Date: July 1957
Publisher: The National Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The UFO Investigator critically examines several well-known UFO cases, proposing more conventional explanations and critiquing the investigative processes of organizations like NICAP and Project Blue Book.

Article: Another old UFO report explained as a satellite re-entry

This section discusses Ted Molczan's explanation of a lesser-known UFO case from Morocco in September 1976. The case, which occurred after midnight, gained attention due to its connection with the American embassy in Morocco and then-Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. It was described in Larry Fawcett and Barry Greenwood's book, 'The UFO cover-up'. The article suggests that this case, like others, might be explained as a satellite re-entry.

Article: Vindicating Hartmann

Dr. William Hartmann's chapter in the Condon Report, titled "Processes of Perception, Conception, and Reporting," is highlighted. Hartmann noted how some individuals misperceived the Zond IV re-entry as a large cylindrical object with windows. He argued that while many reports might suggest a re-entry, a fraction of the more exotic descriptions could mislead investigators if taken in isolation. The article supports Hartmann's astute observations, noting that in cases like the Yukon and Morocco incidents, witnesses were unaware of re-entries and provided exotic descriptions, leading UFOlogists to believe they were alien craft.

Article: How many more?

This section poses the question of how many UFO cases can be traced back to space debris re-entries or bright fireballs. It points to cases like the Chiles-Whitted sighting, suggesting it was likely a bright fireball, despite prominent UFOlogists refusing to accept this explanation. The article criticizes the tendency of some UFOlogists to prioritize confirming their existing beliefs over learning from past misidentifications.

Article: The UFO evidence: Under review - March 9, 1957

This part of the magazine reviews the Pan American Airways pilot case from March 9, 1957, near San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to NICAP, a pilot took evasive action to avoid a fiery, greenish-white object. The article presents the details from news reports and the Blue Book file, noting that the event occurred at 3:33 AM EST. Captain Matthew Van Winkle described the object as a "big spotlight" and stated it passed under his plane. He dismissed the possibility of it being a meteor, as he had seen hundreds and they typically come from above. Captain Perry, another pilot, described it as a "magnesium flash." The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) investigation found no evidence of military activities and noted that U.S. Weather Bureau and astronomical agencies indicated no meteor activity at the time.

However, the article argues that Blue Book concluded it was a bright fireball, citing the widespread visibility, short duration, and extreme brightness. It suggests that the object's brightness changing with distance from the source is characteristic of a fireball, not a craft. The article also addresses NICAP's arguments against the fireball explanation, including the time difference and the pilot's statement about the object being below the horizon, suggesting these points might be misinterpretations or errors.

Article: Another one bites the dust?

This section concludes the review of the Pan American Airways case, stating that its inclusion in "The UFO evidence" was more about disputing Blue Book's conclusion than a careful evaluation. The author asserts that the sighting was likely a bright fireball, acknowledging that it cannot be conclusively proven due to its occurrence over the sea. The case is deemed the most likely solution and should not have been considered evidence of extraterrestrial manifestations.

Article: The 701 Club - Case # 9053

This section details a case from August 18, 1964, over the Atlantic Ocean, 200 miles east of Dover, Delaware. Witnesses on a USAF C-124 transport plane reported a round, blurred, reddish-white object on a collision course. The plane evaded the object, and the sighting lasted two minutes. The Blue Book file contained limited information. The article notes that the investigating officer could not explain the event and there was no radar contact or other aircraft in the area. J. Allen Hynek classified it as a "nocturnal light" (NL-10) but did not thoroughly investigate it. The article proposes a reasonable explanation: a Scout X-4A rocket launch from Wallops Island, which occurred approximately 30 minutes later and in the direction of the sighting. Potential reasons for rejection, such as the time difference and clouds, are discussed but deemed not fatal. The author suggests that Blue Book may have overlooked this explanation due to complacency.

Article: UFOs on the tube : Canada's Roswell

This section reviews a TV show about the Shag Harbor incident. The author finds the witness reports inconsistent, with some seeing lights in the sky and others seeing a light in the harbor. The show focused on claims of a "cover-up" and "fearful" residents. The scientific responses were portrayed negatively, with Father Burke-Gaffney labeled a debunker. The article notes that major UFO groups like NICAP and APRO seemed apathetic. It also discusses claims of a subsequent operation near Shelburne, supported by a UFO report by Captain Mersey, which is interpreted as a description of the general area rather than evidence of a specific operation. Rumors of "creatures" from another UFO helping a damaged one are dismissed as speculation. The article concludes that the show presented a lot of speculation and wild stories, with little substance beyond anecdotal reports.

Book Review: Buy it, Borrow it, or Bin it! - Dark Object by Don Ledger and Chris Styles

This review critiques a book titled "World's only government-documented UFO crash," which focuses on the Shag Harbor incident. The reviewer expected documentation supporting the claim of a UFO crash but found little. The book connects various sightings, suggesting a damaged UFO crashed near Shag Harbor after an incident over northeastern Canada. However, the reviewer notes a lack of supporting documentation and a reliance on pseudonymous individuals describing mysterious events. The review suggests the book is more about hyping a conspiracy than presenting evidence and recommends borrowing it online rather than purchasing it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical re-evaluation of UFO cases, often suggesting conventional explanations such as satellite re-entries, bright fireballs, or rocket launches. The magazine's stance appears to be one of skepticism towards claims of extraterrestrial visitation, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and the potential for misidentification. There is a clear critique of how some UFOlogists and organizations handle cases, often prioritizing pre-existing beliefs over objective analysis and thorough investigation. The issue advocates for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to understanding UFO phenomena.