SUNlite - Vol 07 No 01

Magazine Overview

SUNlite, Volume 7, Number 1, published January-February 2015, is a magazine dedicated to shedding light on UFOlogy and UFOs. The cover features an aerial photograph with a distant light and the magazine's title and subtitle. The issue's main articles explore various UFO-related topics, often with a critical and analytical perspective, emphasizing the role of misperception and the need for rigorous investigation.

Table of Contents

The issue includes articles on 'Who's blogging UFOs?', 'The Roswell Corner', 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles', 'IPACO McMinnville report update', 'September 21, 1961: Case Closed', 'UFO evidence under review: May 24, 1954', '701 club - Case 2315: January 1, 1953', and 'UFOs on the tube'.

Those Who Cannot Remember the Past

This article critiques proposals for the US government to form a UFO research organization, drawing parallels to past efforts like Project Blue Book. The author argues that such initiatives, often pushed by UFO proponents like Billy Cox and Leslie Kean, are likely to be ineffective and doomed to repeat past failures, citing George Santayana's quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." The author suggests that politicians would be unlikely to fund such a venture without strict oversight, and that even if cases remained unexplained, it would prove nothing significant, leading to accusations of government cover-up.

Who's Blogging UFOs?

This section provides a commentary on various online discussions and personalities within the UFO community. It touches upon:

• Boyd Bushman: A scientist from Lockheed who appeared in a 'UFO disclosure' video before his death. The photographs he presented were deemed unconvincing, possibly a hoax.
• Dan Aykroyd: Accused of making unsubstantiated claims about aliens being disgusted by humanity, citing UFOs observed during the World Trade Center attacks. The author dismisses him as a MUFON sensationalist.
• John Ventre: Rumored to be silenced by MUFON for his 'outrageous claims,' which the author finds bizarre and impossible to accept, noting similar behavior from other MUFON leaders.
• Jack Brewer: Claims the MJ-12 debate is 'technically knocked out.' Stanton Friedman is mentioned as disagreeing, with the author comparing it to a creationist accepting evolution.
• American University Panel: A panel of UFO proponents addressed a class, with Tom Carey claiming to have the 'smoking gun' of Roswell. Leslie Kean expressed distance from this claim and reiterated her desire for a government-funded UFO study program, which the author doubts would be funded.
• Curt Collins: Wrote articles exposing UFO hoaxes, including the Mandate 0463 case and the imagery associated with the 1952 Washington D.C. sightings, which were artistic creations based on internal reflections.
• Alejandro Rojas: Exposed another UFO hoax related to the 1997 Arizona UFOs and a video that appeared to be shot in night vision, possibly featuring a fictional character.
• Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos: Suggested a case involving a UFO responding to flashing lights and electromagnetic interference could be explained as a barium release from a rocket, highlighting how perceived 'intelligent behavior' can be attributed to witness psychology.
• Robert Hastings: Criticized for seeking funds for a film about 'UFOs and Nukes,' suggesting he is motivated by publicity and personal gain.
• Robert Hastings and Marc D'Antonio: Debated a UFO and Nukes story involving Malmstrom AFB, where the witness's claims lacked documentation and the exact date was uncertain. Tim Hebert also weighed in, pointing out technical issues with the story.
• Robert Sheaffer: Commented on a publicity stunt by the Aeronautical and Astronautical Association of France (AAAF) and Chile's Committee for the Studies of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena (CEFAA) to study UFOs, expressing skepticism about CEFAA's track record.
• IPACO: Solved an interesting UFO photograph that turned out to be a star field where the stars were distorted to appear as a UFO.
• Chris Rutkowski: His series 'The myth of radioactive UFOs' is praised for debunking claims of UFOs emitting radiation, attributing them to operator misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

The Roswell Corner

This section discusses the anticipated public release of alleged 'Roswell slides' by Tom Carey in 2015, which supposedly show a dissected alien body. The author expresses skepticism, linking it to the 'wild speculation' typical of Carey, Schmitt, and Bragalia, and suggests that the effort to connect it to Roswell relies on guesswork.

It also addresses claims by Ross Evans that his emails were hacked by a 'three-letter agency' to undermine the slides' credibility. Anthony Bragalia later claimed it was a third party and someone impersonating an FBI agent. The author notes the ongoing 'tit-for-tat' between individuals like Rich Reynolds and Tony Bragalia, and expresses doubt that the slides will live up to the hype, predicting they will be forgotten like the 'alien autopsy' case.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

This section explores how mundane phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs, particularly those exhibiting apparent 'intelligent behavior'.

• Induced Motion Illusion: The article explains how the illusion of heavenly bodies 'keeping pace' with a vehicle can fool observers, citing examples of people chasing stars, Venus, and Jupiter. Allan Hendry's observations are referenced, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of UFO reports.

• Locomotive Chased by a UFO: A case from October 21, 1973, involving a train in Mount Vernon, Indiana, being followed by a UFO is examined. While initially appearing to be an E-M UFO case, the author suggests alternative explanations, including the planet Mars, which was near opposition and bright at the time of the sighting. The train's diesel issue is noted as potentially unrelated to the UFO.

• Automobile Pursuit: A 2008 incident in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, where a couple pursued two lights, is explained as likely being the planets Venus and Jupiter, which were close together and visible in the sky.

Cops and Saucers

This section highlights numerous cases where police officers chased or were chased by astronomical objects, questioning the reliability of police officers as UFO observers. Allan Hendry's categorization of IFO reports is cited, showing that police officers misperceive mundane objects for extraordinary ones 94% of the time.

Examples include:

• Police chasing the setting moon at high speed.
• A patrolman in South Dakota mistaking the last quarter moon for a UFO.
• Police officers confusing Jupiter and Venus during the Condon study, with one officer pursuing Venus.
• A recent case where police officers chased an object in New York, which could have been the planet Jupiter setting.

Dark Blue UFO Chases Police Officer As Mystery Objects Dot Georgia Skies

This is a news report detailing a series of UFO sightings in Georgia, including a dark blue ball chased by a police officer. Other sightings included a yellow rectangle-shaped object. The Air Force base reported no radar contact, and the Weather Bureau ruled out weather balloons.

What Is It... U. F. O.???

This section presents images and discusses a case where police officers chased an object described as a 'bowl shaped-like an eggshell cut in half, giving off a bright red light.' The article suggests this was likely the moon, noting its similarity in description and appearance in the enlarged photograph. It also mentions other cases where police officers were confused by Jupiter and Venus.

Pilots are Human Too

This section argues that pilots, like police officers, are not immune to misperception. Dr. Hynek's observation that pilots are prone to misperception is highlighted.

• Military Pilot and Venus: A military pilot mistook the planet Venus for an aircraft.
• Captain Ryan UFO Chase: A popular NICAP-promoted case involving an American Airlines plane chasing a UFO was identified by Blue Book as the planet Venus. The article suggests the plane's path and the planet's position align with this explanation.
• DC-10 Aircraft and Venus: A 1977 incident involving a DC-10 aircraft near Syracuse, where the crew saw a UFO after adjusting their autopilot, is also explained as likely being the planet Venus setting.

The author points out that pilot error is a leading cause of aircraft accidents and suggests this should be considered when evaluating pilot reliability in UFO reports.

• Mexican AF Surveillance Plane: A 2004 recording of UFOs pacing an aircraft is explained as distant oil well flames, where the plane's motion created the illusion of the objects moving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue of SUNlite is the critical examination of UFO reports, with a strong emphasis on debunking sensational claims and identifying mundane explanations for sightings. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach, highlighting the prevalence of misperception, hoaxes, and the psychological factors influencing witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific rigor and evidence-based analysis over speculation and unsubstantiated claims, particularly when dealing with phenomena that can be explained by known astronomical objects or atmospheric conditions. There is a clear skepticism towards UFO organizations that promote unverified stories or engage in what the author perceives as sensationalism. The issue advocates for a more grounded and rational approach to the study of UFO phenomena.

Title: SUNlite
Issue: 5-7
Date: September 21, 1961 (Cover Date)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SUNlite focuses on the analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly concerning the interpretation of motion and the application of scientific principles like aerodynamics and electromagnetic radiation. It presents a critical examination of UFO reports, advocating for the consideration of mundane explanations and rigorous scientific methodology.

Part 1: Motion does not always mean intelligent behavior

The introductory section posits that many reported UFO cases involving observed motion, such as following or evading vehicles, may not necessarily indicate intelligent behavior. It suggests that these observations could stem from stationary objects that witnesses perceive as moving in response to their actions. While not dismissing all UFO reports, it urges UFOlogists to seriously consider this possibility and avoid jumping to conclusions about extraterrestrial intelligence.

The section is followed by an extensive list of "Notes and references," citing various books, articles, and online resources related to UFO investigations, including works by Allan Hendry, Francis Ridge, Edward U. Condon, J. Allen Hynek, Steve Chicon, Kitty Mervine, Peter Sturrock, and Tim Printy. These references cover a range of UFO cases and analytical approaches.

Part 2: The radiometric domain: facts without (too many) formulae

This section delves into the physics of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR), explaining its fundamental properties and relevance to imagery analysis and remote sensing. It defines EMR as energy released by vibrating atomic structures, primarily due to thermal or kinetic agitation.

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

Matter at any temperature above absolute zero emits EMR. This energy travels at the velocity of light (c), approximately 300,000 kilometers per second, and can be conceptualized as either a waveform or a stream of particles (quanta or photons). The relationship between wavelength (λ) and frequency (ν) is inverse, governed by the equation νλ = c.

Some features of EMR

EMR propagates through a vacuum at the speed of light. It exhibits wave-like properties, characterized by wavelength (the distance between successive wave peaks) and frequency (the number of cycles passing a point per second). The electromagnetic spectrum categorizes EMR based on wavelength, ranging from short wavelengths (gamma rays, X-rays) to long wavelengths (microwaves, radio waves). Visible light occupies a narrow band within this spectrum (approximately 400-700 nm).

The EM Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into sections such as gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, and radio. The visible spectrum, perceived by the human eye, ranges from blue (400-500nm) to red (600-700nm). Infrared radiation is further divided into near, mid, and thermal IR. Ultraviolet radiation, while invisible to humans, can cause sunburn. Radiometry is the measurement of optical radiation, while photometry specifically measures light detected by the human eye.

Reflection, Refraction, Absorption etc.

When EMR encounters a physical interface, several phenomena can occur: transmission (passing through), reflection (bouncing off), scattering (bouncing off in different directions), absorption (dissipating within), and refraction (altering path through). The interaction depends on the material's properties and the wavelength of the EMR. Surfaces have coefficients for transmission, reflection, and absorption, which sum to 1. Specular reflection occurs on smooth surfaces, while rough surfaces lead to scattering. Albedo refers to a surface's reflectivity.

Black-body Radiation

A blackbody is an idealized surface that absorbs all incident EMR and emits maximum EMR at all wavelengths. Three laws govern blackbody radiation: the Stefan-Boltzmann Law (total emitted EMR is proportional to T⁴), Wein's Displacement Law (determines the peak emission wavelength based on temperature), and Planck's Formula (describes EMR emittance at each wavelength for a given temperature). The Sun is approximated as a blackbody with a surface temperature of around 6000 K, emitting maximally around 0.5 microns (500nm), aligning with human visual sensitivity. Earth, at around 300 K, would theoretically radiate EMR maximally at 9.6µm, in the infrared range.

Natural bodies are considered gray-bodies, which partially reflect or transmit radiation and emit less EMR than blackbodies at the same temperature. The concept of a "red" balloon reflecting red light and absorbing blue light, while a "white" balloon reflects all visible light, and a "black" balloon absorbs all visible EMR, illustrates these principles.

Radiometric resolution

Radiometric resolution refers to the ability of an imaging system to represent or distinguish differences in EMR intensity, often expressed in bits or levels. Higher resolution allows for the detection of subtler differences.

Part 2: Back to McMinnville-From Imagery Analysis to Interpretation

This section presents an analysis of the McMinnville UFO case, focusing on imagery interpretation and aerodynamic considerations. The IPACO team's findings suggest a probable suspension thread in the images, supporting the hypothesis of a light, suspended object.

LOCAL WIND

Local topography can significantly influence wind conditions, creating effects different from regional meteorology. Objects near buildings may experience localized wind vectors.

SOME OBJECT SHAPE IMPLICATIONS

The McMinnville object is described as circular with a convex upper surface, resembling an axisymmetrical aerofoil or "flying saucer." Its shape implies aerodynamic characteristics, including a center of pressure forward of the center of gravity, which can lead to instability in flight, such as a tendency to pitch up or "back flip." The Avro Canada "Avrocar" is cited as a full-sized example of such a shape.

STALLING

An airfoil "stalls" when its angle of attack (AoA) exceeds approximately 15 degrees, causing airflow to become turbulent and lift to decrease rapidly. This can lead to wing dropping, increased local alpha, and roll, potentially resulting in a spin in aircraft. The McMinnville object is considered to be in a stalled state.

THE APPARENT BEHAVIOUR OF THE MACMINNVILLE SUSPENDED OBJECT

Analysis of the McMinnville images indicates that the object exhibited positive alpha (angle of attack) relative to the airflow, with measurements of 19° and 17° for the two images (C1 and C2). These values are consistent with the object behaving as a suspended model airfoil. The suspension thread's displacement from the vertical also supports this, moving to the right as alpha increased. The object appears to be in a stalled state (alpha > 15 degrees), exhibiting roll and sway motions, possibly due to aerodynamic instability rather than simple pendulum mechanics.

Suspension Point

The precise suspension point is unknown but assumed to be near the top of the dome. This assumption suggests constraints on the object's pitching motion. The observed behavior in pitch is argued to be consistent with a small object suspended on a tether.

The Power Line

Observations of a power line in the McMinnville images suggest it appeared lower and kinked, potentially due to the weight of the suspended object. This analysis, combined with mensuration results, reinforces the conclusion that the McMinnville UFO was a model hanging from a thread.

SEPTEMBER 21, 1961: CASE CLOSED

This section revisits a prominent UFO case from September 21, 1961, involving two aircraft and a ship in the Pacific that reported seeing a UFO arc across the sky. The author had previously proposed that a Soviet R-7 missile test was the source of the sighting, but faced skepticism from some UFO proponents.

Confirmation

New information from Ted Molczan and Johnathan McDowell confirms the missile test explanation. McDowell lists the actual launch time as 1630Z, aligning with the estimated time. A FOIA request for a report on "Soviet launch vehicle tests in the Pacific Ocean" by W. Hrubiak confirms a missile launch test on September 21, 1960 (note: the text states 1960 here, but the context and date of the article strongly suggest 1961), with specific impact point boundaries. Ted Molczan computed a probable ephemeris for the missile, providing altitudes at three-minute intervals starting from 1650Z. These altitudes are noted as important for determining how far away the missile could have been observed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology, aerodynamics, and physics (specifically electromagnetic radiation) in interpreting sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and the debunking of sensationalist claims, advocating for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research. The issue highlights the IPACO team's detailed analysis of the McMinnville case and the definitive confirmation of the 1961 Pacific sighting as a missile test, underscoring the publication's commitment to providing well-researched and reasoned perspectives on UFO topics.

This issue of The UFO Evidence delves into several intriguing cases, primarily focusing on aerial phenomena and their potential explanations, ranging from missile tests to atmospheric effects and misidentified aircraft.

Case 1: Soviet Missile Test (September 21, 1961)

The issue begins by analyzing a sighting reported by the S.S. Iberville on September 21, 1961, near 31° 30′ N., 175° 30′ E. The report describes a white opaque mass appearing in the northwest at an elevation of about 20°, which gradually climbed to about 40° at the zenith before diminishing and fading out. Ted Molczan's computed ground track for an R-7 launch is presented alongside this report. The ephemeris data aligns with the observed phenomenon, showing the R-7A missile descending through 10 degrees elevation seconds after 16:59 UTC near azimuth 95 degrees. The departing azimuth from the ephemeris (~120 degrees) is in reasonable agreement with the crew's report of moving ESE with a bearing of about 100 degrees. The ephemeris also shows the missile passing below the visible horizon at about 17:02:45 UTC, making it plausible that the object was in view for the reported 7 minutes. This case is presented as evidence of a Soviet missile test, a conclusion that NICAP, in its October 1961 UFO Investigator, had initially disputed.

Case 2: RB-29 Sighting (May 24, 1954)

This section details a sighting on May 24, 1954, near Dayton, Ohio, where the photo officer and scanner on an RB-29 aircraft observed and photographed a circular UFO below the plane. The object was described as extremely bright, with a mirror-like finish, and traveling fast, estimated at 600 mph. The crew reported it was directly under the B-29, and one scanner in an aft blister also saw it. A photograph was taken by the big vertical camera in the aft section. The photograph, however, showed a circular-shaped blob of light with fuzzy edges, likely due to its brightness or being out of focus. The object was estimated to be about 125 feet in diameter if at 6,000 feet. Captain Hardin from Project Blue Book led an investigation, which included checking aircraft flights and rephotographing the area. Despite finding nothing to explain the object, the case was classified as 'unknown'. Later, Blue Book's report indicated they had a copy of the photograph, but it seemed less impressive than described. Experts concluded that the sighting was a rare aerial phenomenon caused by the reflection of the sun's rays upon an ice-crystal platelet formation, essentially a 'sub sun'. NICAP classified it as 'unknown' because Ruppelt felt it had been classified as such.

Case 3: 701 Club Case 2315 (January 1, 1953)

This case, described by Don Berlinner, occurred on January 1, 1953, at 8:45 p.m. in Craig, Montana. Witnesses Warner Anderson and two women reported a silver, saucer-shaped object with a red glowing bottom that flew low over a river and then climbed fast in a horizontal attitude, observed for ten seconds. The Blue Book file revealed little additional information. The sighting took place in a remote area between Wolf Creek and Craig, Montana, about 30 miles from Helena. The witnesses were in a vehicle driving southwest. The report mentioned a sketch by the daughter, but it was not in the file. The male witness was considered reliable due to his experience as an aircraft spotter during World War II. The object was described as "two soup bowls put together" and was visible for only 10 seconds, traveling from SW to NE. The author notes issues with the file, suggesting the report may have been typed up for witnesses to sign, preventing additional information. The most likely explanation proposed is a fireball or bright meteor, possibly fragmenting and giving the impression of "portholes." The author concludes that the case should be classified as a 'possible meteor' rather than 'unknown'.

UFOs on the Tube: UFO conspiracies: UFO swarm

This section reviews a program that evaluated Arizona UFOs from March 13, 1997. It featured amateur photographer Gerry Church, who saw a formation of lights moving from NW to SE, and another witness, Gary, who also saw the lights and thought they might be jets but noted they didn't fly in formation at night and were silent. Dr. Lynne Kitei discussed the "triangle formation" of lights. James McGaha suggested two separate events with different explanations, proposing that the 8 PM event lights behaved like a formation of aircraft, possibly A-10s on a standard air route, difficult to hear at 15,000 feet. The program also covered the May 19, 1986, "night of the UFOs" in Brazil, where radar detected UFOs and Brazilian Air Force jets attempted interception but had trouble locating them. The report stated the UFOs were under intelligent control. Skeptical explanations included "ball lightning," perceptual distortion, and bias. Astronomical objects like Mars were suggested as possible sources for some lights, and anomalous propagation conditions were considered for radar contacts. The Cash-Landrum case was also presented, with a theory of radiation exposure from a nuclear-powered drone, which was countered by experts stating such tests are not made in populated areas. Bryan McClelland suggested radiation poisoning, but a medical radiation specialist stated the symptoms indicated a high radiation dose, suggesting a chemical agent. Robert Bartholomew proposed that witnesses were recalling events based on memory and suggested a superior mirage of petrochemical plants as a possible explanation. The program was criticized for glossing over the helicopter fleet part of the Cash-Landrum story and for focusing on three cases instead of one.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO sightings and the presentation of both conventional and unconventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to favor skeptical analysis, seeking logical explanations such as missile tests, atmospheric phenomena, and misidentified aircraft, while acknowledging the limitations of investigations and the persistence of unexplained cases. The author expresses a preference for focused analysis and a critical view of programs that present multiple cases without thorough skeptical examination.