SUNlite - Vol 06 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SUNlite
Issue Date: January - February 2014
Volume: 6
Issue: 1

This issue of SUNlite, subtitled "Shedding some light on UFOlogy and UFOs," features a cover quote by Curtis Peebles: "We watch the skies seeking meaning. In the end, what we find is ourselves." The magazine presents a mix of investigative articles, opinion pieces, and reviews, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis of UFO claims and proponents.

Table of Contents

The issue includes articles such as "Who's blogging UFOs?", "The Roswell Corner," "Does interdimensional mean anything?" by Marty Kottmeyer, "Venus: The debunker's myth?", "The 701 club: February 27, 1960," "The UFO Evidence Under review: February 11, 1953," "UFOs on the tube," and "Buy it, borrow it, or bin it."

Editorial and Commentary

The editorial section, "Tick...Tock...Tick...Tock...", sets a skeptical tone for the year, noting the anticipation for a "great UFO announcement" regarding the Roswell slides. It highlights the persistent promises from UFO investigative teams and personalities like Stephen Bassett and Anthony Bragalia, while expressing doubt about their delivery. The appointment of John Podesta as counselor for President Obama is mentioned as a potential catalyst for UFO file releases, though the author remains unconvinced, labeling UFOlogists as "notoriously long on promises but are always short on delivery."

Ted Molczan's input is discussed regarding the Discoverer 14 re-entry and its potential explanation for sightings in the southeastern United States, contrasting it with meteoric explanations. The upcoming Discovery Channel Canada show "Close Encounters" is criticized for its apparent lack of skeptical viewpoints, being labeled a "UFO propaganda film."

The "UFO Updates mailing list" is noted as having ended due to outdated format and migration to other forums.

Who's blogging UFOs?

This section critically examines various UFO-related blogs and online discussions. Paul Kimball's blog is mentioned for an article on Robert Salas and Roswell. The author questions Stanton Friedman's persistent belief in alien spaceships. A debate on the "UFO Iconoclast(s)" blog between Gilles Fernandez and Rich Reynolds regarding skepticism and methodology is highlighted. Anthony Bragalia's recommendation of a "hard core UFO proponent site" is critiqued for its sensational claims, such as a UFO in Comet ISON's coma.

Phil Klass's "Skeptic's UFO Newsletter" (SUN) is made available for download, and audio recordings collected by Wendy Connors are also noted. The seventh anniversary of the Chicago O'Hare airport sighting is discussed, with skepticism expressed about the lack of photographic evidence. Curt Collins' investigation into the Cash-Landrum incident is presented, suggesting that Texas Department of Health findings contradict the UFOlogists' narrative, particularly regarding Schuessler's account and the lack of evidence for physical effects.

The article also touches upon the Cash-Landrum incident's reliance on military helicopters during a holiday stand-down period, questioning the logistics and public knowledge of such an event. Wim van Utrecht's hypothesis about a chemical factory stack venting flames as a possible explanation for the sighting is mentioned, though its applicability to the described physical effects is doubted.

Kevin Randle's discussion of Operation Moondust and the September 15, 1960 sighting is reviewed, with the explanation that it was likely related to the monitoring of Sputnik 4 debris rather than alien spacecraft. The persistent misidentification of airplane contrails and bright fireballs as UFOs is pointed out as a recurring issue that proponents often overlook.

Chris Styles and Graham Simms' new book on the Shag Harbor event is mentioned, with a comparison to "Witness to Roswell" and a critique of its reliance on "unverifiable stories." Kevin Randle's analysis of the Tremonton films is also discussed, with the author agreeing with Dr. Hartmann's Condon report assessment that the objects could be birds unless proven otherwise.

The Roswell Corner

This section focuses on Anthony Bragalia's renewed discussion of the Roswell slide story, which is linked to an "Anonymous" source. The author questions Bragalia's claim that geologist Bernerd Ray was near Roswell in July 1947, noting that Ray's geological society was based in Midland, Texas, and its field trips did not include Roswell. The lack of personal records and the nature of geological field work (preferring black and white film over Kodachrome for its practicality) are used to cast doubt on the authenticity and provenance of the alleged alien body slides. The author emphasizes the need for independent, expert examination of the slides.

General Nathan Twining Confirms Roswell was an ET event.......sort of

This article debunks a story about General Nathan Twining's alleged deathbed confession regarding Roswell. The author dismisses the account, which was reportedly relayed by Twining's son to a stranger, as unsubstantiated hearsay, lacking documentation and contradicting other accounts from Twining Jr.

Another weak argument against MOGUL by Kevin Randle

This piece rebuts Kevin Randle's argument about balloon launches. Randle's new claim that the CAA allowed night launches due to shorter July balloon arrays is challenged. The author argues that the move to New Mexico for launches, where airways were less congested and control was different, likely led to relaxed rules, rather than the duration of the arrays themselves.

Does Interdimensional Mean Anything?

This lengthy article explores the concept of interdimensional UFOs and beings. It traces the history of the idea from early mathematical and scientific explorations of higher dimensions to its adoption in UFOlogy and science fiction. Authors like Philip Imbrogno and Jacques Vallee are discussed for popularizing the concept. The article contrasts the interdimensional hypothesis with the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), noting that it avoids the problem of vast interstellar distances and offers a way for UFO proponents to maintain the reality of their experiences without claiming they are extraterrestrial.

The author examines the use of dimensional language in occult thought, Theosophy, and various contactee accounts. The article also delves into the scientific perspective, discussing how higher dimensions are treated in mathematics and physics, and the implications for energy propagation and atomic stability. It notes that while science fiction has explored interdimensional travel, the concept in UFOlogy often serves as a convenient explanation for phenomena like disappearing objects or unexplained events, allowing believers to maintain their core beliefs.

The article concludes by considering the potential verifiability of interdimensional transport and beings, suggesting that unusual chemical compositions or physical states could serve as evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, a recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO claims and the skepticism towards sensational or unsubstantiated evidence presented by UFO proponents. The magazine consistently contrasts these claims with scientific understanding, logical reasoning, and historical context. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach, often highlighting the shortcomings and speculative nature of much UFOlogy. The use of the interdimensional hypothesis is presented as a complex concept with a history in both science and mysticism, but its application in UFOlogy is often viewed with suspicion as a way to avoid confronting the possibility that some UFO phenomena may not be what they are claimed to be.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated "16" (likely referring to a volume or issue number, with a publication date estimated as January 2014), focuses on the persistent problem of Venus being misidentified as a UFO. The cover story, "Venus: The debunker's myth?", explores how the planet's appearance in the night sky has led to numerous mistaken reports throughout history and into the modern era. The magazine features detailed analysis of historical and contemporary UFO cases, with a particular emphasis on the role of astronomical misidentification.

Venus as a UFO Report Generator

The central theme of the magazine is that Venus is a significant, yet often overlooked, source of UFO reports. The article "Venus: The debunker's myth?" by an unnamed author, begins by referencing a blog post by Kevin Randle, which discusses Brad Sparks' questioning of 'debunker's' attempts to attribute UFO reports to Venus. Sparks accuses Allan Hendry of perpetuating a hoax or being fooled by an FAA official regarding a story about air traffic controllers clearing Venus to land. The author of the article argues that Sparks is taking the quote too literally and that it was likely a poor choice of words or a joking remark, rather than a deliberate hoax.

The article notes that other prominent UFO investigators, including J. Allen Hynek, have also mentioned similar instances of air traffic controllers confusing Venus with aircraft. It suggests that Hendry and Hynek believed this confusion occurred, and it wasn't necessarily an attempt to humiliate UFO witnesses.

The magazine then provides a historical overview of Venus misidentifications, dating back to the "airship" wave of 1897, when the planet's brightness was mistaken for an aerial craft. During both World Wars, Venus was also misidentified as enemy aircraft, leading to instances of nervous airmen and civilians attempting to shoot it down. The article cites several newspaper clippings illustrating these historical confusions, including reports from London mistaking Jupiter and Venus for Zeppelins, and Seattle attributing Jap balloon scares to Venus.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to analyzing UFO report databases to quantify how often Venus is a likely source of sightings. The author examined reports from MUFON and NUFORC for specific periods in 2012 and 2013. The data presented in a table shows that during periods when Venus was prominent, a notable percentage of sampled UFO reports were identified as "probably Venus." For example, in the MUFON October 1-14, 2013 sample, 8.0% of reports were likely Venus sightings. Similarly, in the NUFORC March 7-17, 2012 sample, 9.3% were likely Venus.

Larry Hatch's UFO database is also analyzed, showing a correlation between Venus's proximity to Earth (specifically during its greatest brilliancy) and an increase in UFO reports. The data indicates that when Venus is most prominent, the number of UFO reports spikes significantly.

The article concludes that while Venus does not account for all UFO reports, it plays a significant role and should always be considered as a potential source when investigating sightings, especially if the witness did not mention seeing Venus. The author emphasizes that ignoring Venus as a potential explanation is a failure to acknowledge a known source of misidentification.

The 701 Club: Case Closed?

This section details a specific UFO sighting from February 27, 1960, at Rome AFB, New York. The case, identified as "Case 6663," involved witnesses observing a light trailing a white fan shape that made a mild descent for several minutes. The Blue Book record card described a round object moving west, but the UFO analysis sheet indicated confusion in the direction of motion and suggested possible explanations like aircraft, satellites, balloons, mirages, or even the refraction of the star Canopus.

However, the article presents a compelling explanation: the sighting was likely the Echo balloon satellite test launched by NASA from Wallops Island, Virginia, on the same evening. The launch occurred just seven minutes prior to the reported sighting time and was announced to be visible from up to 500 miles away. News reports confirmed the visibility of the balloon test from various locations, including Montreal and Lowell, Massachusetts, and even Canada. The "white fan shape" or "red hue" reported by witnesses is explained by the balloon's design and the use of red fluorescent powder to identify potential tears, which did occur.

Critically, the article points out that Blue Book incorrectly classified this sighting as "unknown" and even misidentified another similar sighting in Vermont as an airplane afterburner. The author attributes these failures to Blue Book's understaffing and a generally apathetic approach to investigations. The case is presented as an example of how inadequate investigation by Blue Book led to misclassifications, and it is recommended that this case be considered "IDENTIFIED" and "closed."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical importance of thorough investigation and the avoidance of hasty conclusions in UFO research. The magazine strongly advocates for considering all plausible explanations, particularly natural phenomena like Venus, before labeling a sighting as truly anomalous. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, emphasizing scientific rigor and historical context. While not dismissing the possibility of genuine UFOs, the issue highlights how a significant number of reports can be attributed to misidentifications, often due to a lack of awareness or incomplete investigations by organizations like Blue Book. The magazine encourages investigators to be diligent and to "ask, 'Could it have been Venus?'" as a primary step in the process.

Title: THE UFO EVIDENCE
Issue: 20
Volume: III
Date: February 11, 1953

This issue of THE UFO EVIDENCE focuses on a specific case from February 11, 1953, involving a USAF transport plane paced by an unidentified flying object (UFO) during a flight from Tunis to Tripoli. The magazine also includes a critical review of a television program about the 'Top 10 Alien Encounters' and a review of an e-book concerning the Roswell incident.

The Tunis-Tripoli Incident: February 11, 1953

The primary focus of this issue is a USAF C-119 transport aircraft that was reportedly paced by a UFO. The initial information comes from a NICAP document, which states that the UFO approached the plane, fell back, and then paced it for a 'long period.' The source of this information was 'USAF Intelligence reports.'

Further details are provided from the Project Blue Book file on the case. According to the report, the event occurred at 2045Z, with the plane at an altitude of 7500 feet and a true air speed of 170 knots on a heading of 154. The UFO was first seen off the right wing (starboard side) by six aircrew members. They described it as a 'very bright light with halo of diffused light encircling obj.' The object was observed to 'rise and descend' and 'approach and retreat,' with the longest duration of observation being 55 minutes. Four of the six crew members were positive it was not a star.

However, the report notes several inconsistencies and points of confusion. The given longitude of '11 degrees west and 30 minutes east' is considered confusing, with the assumption made that it was 11 degrees 30 minutes east. The latitude of 39 degrees 40 minutes north places the aircraft east of Sardinia, and the course heading of 154 degrees would not direct the aircraft towards Tripoli. The article suggests the latitude might be in error, possibly being 35 or 36 degrees north.

The article then delves into the possibility that the object was a celestial body, specifically Venus or Jupiter. Project Blue Book submitted the case to its contract astronomer, who determined that Venus was likely responsible. Venus would have appeared very bright at approximately a 200-degree azimuth in Libya under fair weather conditions, and its apparent stationary nature and observed movements (rise and descend, approach and retreat) could be explained by atmospheric conditions and the aircraft's movement.

The article questions the azimuth of 200 degrees, noting that 90 degrees from the plane's heading of 154 is 244 degrees. It also discusses the timing of the sighting, noting that if it ended at 2045Z, Venus might have been responsible, but if it started at 2045Z, Venus would have set around 2040Z. The planet Jupiter is presented as another candidate, visible in the same general direction at 2045Z with an azimuth of 264 degrees and an elevation of 30 degrees. As the plane approached landing at Wheelus AFB, Jupiter might have disappeared behind the aircraft or into clouds.

Ultimately, the article concludes that the UFO was likely either Venus or Jupiter, suggesting it should be removed from the 'Best Evidence' listing. The lack of specific information regarding the beginning and end times of the sighting is noted as a hindrance to a definitive identification.

Review: 'UFOs on the tube: Unsealed: Alien files - The top 10 alien encounters'

This section critically reviews a television program that presented the 'Top 10 Alien Encounters.' The author expresses immediate disappointment with the use of the term 'Alien' instead of UFO and criticizes the production quality, describing it as a 'cheap production.'

The author disagrees with the presentation of several cases:

• Flight 19 disappearance: Attributed to pilot error, not alien abduction as claimed by Bill Birnes.
• Battle of LA: The author argues that Lee Speigal's assertion that the military couldn't shoot down a weather balloon is historically inaccurate, and the event was due to nervous gunners.
• Solway Spaceman: Dismissed due to a lack of evidence beyond a photograph.
• Roswell: The author finds John Greenewald's interpretation of facts differs from his own, and criticizes the use of the Guy Hottel memo, stating it had nothing to do with Roswell.
• Russian hillside crash (January 29, 1986): The claim that debris exhibited anti-gravity properties and was kept in Las Vegas is mentioned.
• Zamora incident: The show distorted the description of the craft, calling it disc-shaped when it was described as egg-shaped, and incorrectly stated its departure path.
• Phoenix Lights: John Greenewald's FOIA response is acknowledged, but the author points out the planes responsible for flares came from Tuscon, not Luke AFB.
• Travis Walton: Described as a case where it is 'simply his word' and he mysteriously disappeared.
• Jim Penniston's case: The author questions the story involving binary signals recognized from a 'magic notebook.'
• Men in Black incident (2008): A brief mention of Men in Black appearing in a hotel lobby after a flying triangle sighting.

The author concludes that the show was a waste of time.

Review: 'Roswell Revisted' by Kevin Randle

This section reviews Kevin Randle's e-book on the Roswell incident. The author notes that the book largely reiterates Randle's previous work, based on interviews. A key point of contention is Randle's willingness to believe witnesses who claim an alien spaceship crash while being less willing to accept statements that nothing transpired. The reviewer questions if Randle implies that pilots of the 509th lied to Kent Jeffrey.

The review highlights Randle's discussion of the Ramey memo, mentioning the results of a Fund for UFO research analysis that concluded the memo was impossible to accurately read. The author also notes that Randle refers to him as 'Tom' Printy, implying a disagreement on the Roswell case.

Despite the critical review, the author finds the e-book worth the 99-cent download price, stating that anything more expensive would not have been worth the time or money.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence and the explanations provided by official investigations and popular media. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet analytical stance, questioning official conclusions (like Blue Book's identification of Venus/Jupiter) and debunking sensationalized accounts presented in television programs and some UFO literature. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation, fact-checking, and a preference for evidence-based reasoning over speculation. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded approach to understanding UFO phenomena, often attributing sightings to misidentifications of celestial bodies or conventional aircraft, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases.