SUNlite - Vol 07 No 02

Magazine Overview

SUNlite, Volume 7, Number 2, published March-April 2015, is a magazine dedicated to shedding light on UFOlogy and UFOs. This issue heavily focuses on the impending "reveal" of the "Roswell slides" scheduled for May 5th, 2015, framing it as "AN INVITATION TO WITNESS HISTORY!" and "The greatest story of the millennium." The cover features portraits of Jaimie Maussan, Don Schmitt, and Tom Carey, along with a central image and the promise that Holographic Technology will reveal the existence of beings from other planets, calling Mexico City the "UFO Capital of the world."

Editorial and Content Highlights

The editorial section expresses surprise at SUNlite receiving a "Zorgy" award for best paranormal magazine, while also acknowledging gratitude for the honor. The editor notes the anticipation surrounding the "Roswell slides," which were previously labeled "the lamest paranormal story of 2014." The magazine aims to provide commentary after the "big reveal" to allow for thorough consideration of the evidence. The issue also marks the 18th anniversary of the Arizona UFOs, addressing renewed interest and clarifying explanations previously endorsed by the editor. A break from television programs on the subject is mentioned, with the editor having been interviewed for a program called "UFOs: Declassified," though only a clip was available and the editor expressed disappointment.

Geoff Quick is thanked for his contribution on image analysis, introducing concepts necessary for understanding future articles. The editorial concludes by mentioning "usual articles and debunking."

Who's blogging UFOs? Hot topics and varied opinions

This section delves into various online discussions and claims within the UFO community. It addresses a CIA document suggesting the U2 created UFO reports, which is dismissed as incorrect. The section highlights issues with confidentiality surrounding Bud Hopkins' hypnosis sessions and the handling of his files by David Jacobs. John Greenewald's effort to post Bluebook files online is discussed, along with the media misinterpretation and the subsequent takedown of his page due to terms of service violations. A UFO police chase from 1973 in Illinois is presented with a probable explanation involving Mars. Cheryl Costa's reporting on Cylinder UFOs is critiqued for potentially misinterpreting fireball meteors, with a similar error noted from a previous issue. Leonard David's article on UFOs, featuring interviews with skeptics like Jim Oberg and Robert Sheaffer, and MUFON's Jan Harzan, is discussed. The editor expresses skepticism about MUFON's ability to solve the UFO problem and end warfare, criticizing the organization's repeated requests for more money and the failure of past UFO promotional campaigns.

Further discussions include a 1949 painting by Clovis Trouville potentially being the source of the Tulsa UFO photograph. John Podesta's regret over not releasing Top Secret UFO files while in office is noted, with skepticism about his current efforts. Kevin Randle's implication that deep space radar might be tracking UFOs is examined, with the editor pointing out the limitations and existing USAF systems. Robert Sheaffer's account of a UFO congress near Phoenix, Arizona, is summarized, mentioning abductions and various speakers, including Joshua Warren and Richard Dolan. Adam Dew's film about the "Roswell slides" is mentioned, with Sheaffer's interaction with Dew being noted. Chris Rutkowski's debunking of a UFO crash myth in Manitoba is also highlighted.

The Roswell Corner: Why did the aliens crash?

This section critically examines Kevin Randle's theory that the Roswell spaceship crashed on purpose to alert Earth to the existence of aliens. The editor questions the logic of crashing in a remote location like New Mexico and the idea of purposefully crashing a spaceship and killing the crew, suggesting it lacks common sense and indicates the aliens were ignorant of human behavior and history.

May 5, 2015: The day that will change the world

This article details how Jaimie Maussan, Don Schmitt, and Tom Carey are promoting the Roswell Saga's latest chapter. The date of May 5th, 2015, was revealed through hype and sentimentalization, with tantalizing glimpses of alien slides and information about those who photographed them. Anthony Bragalia is credited with initiating the hoopla by discussing the people who took the photographs, specifically Hilda Blair Ray and her alleged high-level connections, including Dwight Eisenhower. Adam Dew, the "caretaker" of the slides, also contributed to this narrative. The article questions the evidence presented, noting that the connection to the Eisenhowers is based on photographs and statements rather than documented proof. The editor identifies the man in a photograph with Eisenhower as Milton Eisenhower, not Bernerd Ray, based on historical records and visual comparison.

The article further scrutinizes the claims made by Dew and Bragalia, suggesting they are attempting to manufacture a history about the Rays to promote Dew's Kodachrome movie. The focus is on the "well connected" narrative, which the author argues lacks substantiation beyond the slides themselves. The article also discusses the dating of the slides, refuting Bragalia's claim that it was positively proven to be from 1947, citing the curator of the George Eastman House who stated that dating slides is speculative. The choice of Kodachrome film is also questioned in relation to geological work, with no evidence of the Rays using it for such purposes.

The two slides

This section continues the critical examination of the Roswell slides, focusing on the claims made by Tony Bragalia and others. Bragalia's assertion that the film's exposure year was proven to be 1947 is challenged, with the editor explaining that film dating is speculative and not definitive. The article questions the narrative that the Rays were "well connected" and had access to classified information, stating there is no evidence to support these claims. The focus on only two slides being exposed is also questioned, suggesting it might indicate that what was photographed was not worth wasting the entire roll of film. The images on the slides, depicting a body with a misshapen head, are analyzed. The editor notes that the body's proportions suggest it might be a child-like figure rather than an adult alien, and suggests it could be a hydrocephalus child skeleton or a forcibly misshapen human head from ancient cultures. The presence of a placard is also seen as unusual for an alien body, suggesting it might be a museum display. The article concludes by stating that despite the lack of definitive proof, promoters are proceeding with the May 5th reveal.

Just you wait!!!

This short section notes the strong reactions from skeptics to the slide revelation, with the author having spent time searching for matches to the images. Gilles Fernandez found a similar mummy, but not the same body. The author expresses that the promoters are trying to create a narrative to explain how the Rays could photograph a dead alien body, and that the dating of the slides is being questioned. The article mentions that Bragalia is trying to conceal or downplay revelations before May 5th and is threatening skeptics with defamation. Tom Carey also commented on the discussion, calling it "insane."

The greatest event known to man

This section discusses the promotion of a "big event" in Mexico City, involving Jaimie Maussan, Tom Carey, and Don Schmitt. The editor speculates that Maussan, described as a "UFO hoax promoter," is involved due to sensationalism and money rather than a search for truth. The event is being hyped as "one of the greatest events in all of human history," with Maussan filling a 10,000-seat auditorium, drawing a comparison to P.T. Barnum's promotion of Jumbo the elephant. The article questions whether this sensationalist approach will be successful.

All the eggs in one basket

This article describes an ambush interview with Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, where Adam Dew showed him a cell phone image of a slide. Tyson's response was dismissive, suggesting Dew return with better evidence. The editor notes that Tyson's reaction is typical of the scientific community and skeptics, and that promotion and spin will not change the outcome. Tony Bragalia, however, disagrees and believes the scientific community will be proven wrong. The editor anticipates that May 5th will pass without significant change, and that arguments will continue over details like the body's proportions. Skeptics will likely continue to search for earthly explanations, while proponents like Schmitt, Carey, and Bragalia have staked their reputations on the slides being genuine.

Notes and references

A list of references and sources is provided, citing various blog posts, articles, and news items related to the Roswell slides and associated individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUNlite are the intense scrutiny and skepticism applied to the "Roswell slides" and the claims of their proponents. The magazine consistently questions the evidence, the motivations of the promoters, and the validity of the interpretations presented. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical analysis and debunking, favoring scientific and evidence-based explanations over sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine highlights the efforts of skeptics and researchers who challenge the narratives presented by UFO proponents, emphasizing the need for verifiable proof and careful research. The issue also touches upon broader UFOlogy topics, but maintains a consistent tone of critical inquiry.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated February 2015, features a prominent cover headline "BRAGALIA STRIKES BACK!!!" and delves into several key topics within the UFO community. The content includes a detailed examination of the Roswell alien slides controversy, an analysis of the Rendlesham Forest incident, and a comprehensive report on numerous UFO sightings linked to space activities in early 2015. Additionally, there is an article on the principles of digital image enhancement.

Bragalia Strikes Back!!!

The lead article addresses the controversy surrounding the Roswell alien slides, focusing on the alleged "mysterious Roswell military witness" referred to as "Benjamin." The author recounts how Benjamin's name was revealed, proving he was a low-ranking PFC in Roswell at the time, and that he had previously appeared on a television program in 2006. Despite his desire to keep his name private, Paul Kimball posted Benjamin's yearbook page. This action led to aggressive e-mails and threats from Anthony Bragalia towards the author and Kimball, accusing them of being "gatekeepers" and demanding they renounce Kimball's writings. The author criticizes Bragalia's tactics as intimidation rather than a pursuit of truth.

The Rendlesham Lighthouse Chase

This section revisits the Rendlesham Forest incident, specifically focusing on the events of the first night and the role of the Orford Ness lighthouse. The author challenges Nick Pope's "cold case review," suggesting it's a catchphrase without official documentation. Evidence from signed statements by security personnel Jim Penniston, John Burroughs, and Edward Cabansag indicates they initially pursued strange lights, which later led them to a lighthouse. The author argues that these witnesses were genuinely mistaken, mistaking the lighthouse for the UFO, and that Colonel Halt's tape also likely captured the lighthouse. The article presents statements from Fred Buran and Master Sergeant Chandler, who monitored the events, suggesting that the witnesses were pursuing lights that disappeared, and they eventually found a marker beacon, which they realized was a lighthouse.

Where is this cold case review?

This short piece further questions Nick Pope's "cold case review" of the Rendlesham incident. The author states that no official document outlining this review has ever been seen, and that Pope's book is the primary source. It is pointed out that Colonel Halt collected the original statements from the three individuals who approached the object, and these statements described a triangular object approximately 9 feet on a side. The author implies that Pope overlooks or ignores this context when suggesting the statements were manufactured to cover up the story.

Just another UFOlogical legend

This brief section concludes that the Rendlesham case has become a UFOlogical legend, with individuals like Nick Pope staking their reputations on it, making it difficult to explain with evidence.

Space Report

This section details several events in January and February 2015 that produced UFO reports, many of which are attributed to man-made space activities.

January 10 Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral at 4:47AM EST

Reports from Lake Wales/Winter Haven, Florida, and Elfros, SK, Canada, described a bright white ball with a boomerang shape. Another report from Emerson, MB, Canada, detailed a bright blue/white object with a curved halo, moving slowly, and a second trailing object. Observers in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and Duluth, Minnesota, also reported unusual aerial objects, including an elongated object and a light with plumes.

January 20 Atlas 5 launch from Cape Canaveral at 8:04 PM EST

Reports from Tampa and Haines City, Florida, described objects that appeared to be shooting stars but moved horizontally or descended with trails. One witness in Haines City described an object that turned brilliant white and made a 90-degree turn. A report from Green Cove Springs, Florida, mentioned an orange flame-like object hovering, which disappeared as police cars arrived, leading the author to suggest that police vehicles were likely responding to something else.

January 31 Delta 2 rocket launch at 6:22 AM PST from Vandenberg

No UFO reports were filed from California for this launch, possibly due to cloudy weather. Videos showed the rocket entering clouds shortly after launch.

February 11 Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral at 6:03PM

A report from Quinby, Virginia, described a bright ball of white light with beams like spokes of a wheel, moving slowly and silently. Another report from Portsmouth, Virginia, described a bright light with a tail, appearing like a comet. These are attributed to the second stage burn of the rocket.

February 23 CZ-4B rocket body re-entry

A re-entry over the western United States and Canada produced reports of large bar-shaped objects with star-like lights (Nampa, Idaho) and a long red cylinder-shaped object (Wenatchee, WA). Wickenburg, AZ, reported a solid black object with a burning light at the front and a smaller glowing light at the rear. These are explained as "airship" and "excitedness" effects.

February 25 White Sands Missile launch

A missile launch from White Sands created a pink display visible from Chihuahua, Mexico. The object was described as a round cloud of white gas with an inner pink light that shifted to red and violet.

Space activity and UFO reports

This concluding section emphasizes that space activities, such as rocket launches and re-entries, are frequent sources of UFO reports and that UFO databases should correctly label these as Identified Flying Objects (IFOs).

Outlining some imagery enhancement principles and introducing the spatial domain - I

This article by Geoff Quick introduces concepts related to digital image analysis. It clarifies the term "spatial" in the context of imagery, distinguishing it from earth observation satellites. The author explains the radiometric domain, which quantifies gray levels and color levels of pixels. The article then moves to basic radiometric enhancement concepts and information within the pixel matrix, defining "x" and "y" axes and terminology. It illustrates a schematic digital array and explains how pixels are identified by their coordinates (x, y) and brightness values (z axis). The physical elements of a digital image are discussed, including Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) and their sensors, with explanations of Megapixels and file sizes. The article touches upon the limitations of the human visual system in perceiving digital image data and introduces the concept of "Density Slicing and Contrast Enhancement" by referencing a distribution histogram.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debates and controversies within the UFO community, particularly concerning the Roswell and Rendlesham incidents. There's a clear skepticism towards certain interpretations and individuals, such as Nick Pope, and a strong emphasis on evidence-based analysis, even when it debunks sightings. The magazine actively seeks to identify mundane explanations for UFO reports, especially those related to space activities. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination and a rational approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and misinterpretations or manufactured narratives. The inclusion of an article on digital image analysis suggests an interest in the technical aspects of evidence evaluation.

This issue of SUNlite, dated May-June 2010, focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly the 'Phoenix Lights' event and historical cases, alongside discussions on image enhancement and spatial frequency.

The Arizona Lights

The article "The Arizona Lights" addresses recent postings about the March 13, 1997 Arizona UFO event. It examines the claims made by Dr. Lynne Kitei, who has dismissed skeptical explanations and produced a movie on the subject. The author criticizes Kitei and her supporters for misrepresenting skeptical arguments, particularly the claim that skeptics attribute the 8 PM event to flares. The author asserts that informed skeptics clarify that flares only explained the 10 PM event. Dr. Kitei's videos were analyzed by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, who determined through triangulation that the lights were hovering over the Barry Goldwater range, consistent with illumination flares from military exercises. Despite this analysis, Kitei continues to promote the images as "true UFOs." The article also refutes the argument that a television newscast proves no aircraft were airborne, explaining that the document cited only states that aircraft from Luke AFB were not involved, not that no aircraft were present from other bases.

Regarding the explanation that the lights were a formation of aircraft, the author notes that while the noise from aircraft in cruise mode might not be significant at high altitudes, the time delay between seeing the lights and hearing the sound could cause confusion. The article mentions Jim Dilletosso, presented by Dr. Kitei as an expert to counter Maccabee's findings, but notes that Kitei's movie uses a flawed analysis and demonstrates a lack of interest in scientific analysis, prioritizing belief promotion.

The author concludes that UFO proponents and witnesses will likely never accept an aircraft formation explanation, even with complete data, due to a conviction that the event was "exotic." The article states that proponents have failed to provide evidence proving an aircraft formation was impossible, with arguments against the explanation often relying on eyewitness reports that are selectively used.

Image Enhancement and Spatial Frequency

Two articles discuss technical aspects of image analysis. The first explains digital image processing, using a submarine image as an example. It details how pixel gray levels are distributed in a histogram and how "density slicing" can enhance contrast by spreading out the gray levels. The second article introduces the concept of "spatial frequency" in imagery, comparing a high spatial frequency image (pebbles) with a low spatial frequency image (clouds). Spatial frequency refers to how brightness values change across an image, relating to texture. The article notes that images are a mixture of high and low spatial frequency components that can be extracted and analyzed. The basic theory and use of these tools in imagery enhancement will be outlined in a future part.

Historical UFO Cases

December 12, 1957 - Tokyo, Japan

This section examines a UFO sighting described in "The UFO Evidence" as a radar-visual sighting of a vari-colored UFO with jets scrambled. The source is the January 1958 APRO bulletin. The details involve an RF-84-F pilot being notified of an unidentified object flying parallel to his wing. GCI radar tracked the object, and two F-86-Ds were scrambled. The interceptors returned, one with control mechanism issues. The article suggests this might be a coincidence or that the fighter engaged the object. However, it notes that Blue Book files provide a more informative account, suggesting the incident occurred near Chitose AFB, about 500 miles away. Two F-86s were scrambled but failed to reach the target, though they saw a bright object they thought was a star. An RF-84-F on a training flight also failed to see anything. Blue Book files indicate ground observers saw a bright light, and radar operators found a target, prompting the intercept. Ultimately, Blue Book determined the object was the planet Venus, with a handwritten note by Dr. Hynek stating, "Definitely Venus with an attempt to correlate with radar." The article concludes that the Venus explanation is plausible and highlights how second-hand stories in "The UFO Evidence" can contain mistakes.

The Hoffmans' Sightings (1952)

This section details three UFO sightings involving the Hoffman family in 1952: April 27, May 25, and June 18.

• April 27, 1952: John Hoffman and his family reported seeing a UFO near Royal Oak, Michigan. The object was described as two miles north, 3000 feet high, and 200 feet across, with tiers of windows. It drifted northwest at 100 mph. The author suggests this sighting is likely an observation of the setting moon, which was northwest of their position and set around the time of the sighting. The cloudy conditions mentioned by Hoffman might have distorted the moon's appearance.

• May 25, 1952: The Hoffmans and friends reported a large white circular object at Walnut Lake, Michigan. It flew noiselessly for 30 minutes, appearing red behind a cloud. John Hoffman estimated it to be 200 feet in diameter and 20 feet thick, with dark sections resembling "the side of an accordion." The author again suggests this was likely the moon, which was visible in the sky moving north and west and set around the time of the sighting.

• June 18, 1952: Marron Hoffman (John's brother) and relatives reported an orange light zigzagging and hovering at Walnut Lake, Michigan. It later appeared as a white object that shot upward and disappeared, then reappeared and drifted northwest. The object showed no shape and was the size of a star. The author finds this case puzzling due to missing information but suggests it could be explained by stars and planets, such as Mars, Saturn, Spica, Arcturus, and Regulus. The auto-kinetic effect and unsteady hands using binoculars could account for perceived maneuvers. The final drift westward points towards Regulus. The "disappearance" could be Regulus setting behind objects. The author classifies this sighting as "possible stars" and not "unknown."

The author concludes that Mr. John Hoffman's belief in UFOs likely biased his reports. His confusion of the moon with a flying saucer in two of the three sightings raises questions about the accuracy of the third. After these reports, Hoffman apparently stopped reporting UFOs, possibly because he was not taken seriously. The article states there is no reason to suspect these sightings were of anything truly exotic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO reports, the application of scientific and analytical methods to explain phenomena, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine unknowns and misidentified natural objects or conventional aircraft. The editorial stance is skeptical, emphasizing the need for evidence-based conclusions and cautioning against accepting extraordinary claims without rigorous proof. The magazine highlights how historical UFO cases, when re-examined with available data and scientific understanding, often have mundane explanations, such as celestial bodies or atmospheric conditions. The use of image enhancement and spatial frequency analysis points to a broader interest in the scientific study of visual data, even within the context of UFO research.