SUNlite - Vol 11 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SUNlite
Issue: Volume 11, Number 4
Date: July-August 2019
Publisher: SUNlite
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SUNlite, a magazine focused on UFOlogy and UFOs, features a cover quote from James Moseley stating, "My UFOlogical motto is, Consider everything, believe nothing." The cover image depicts a star-filled sky with streaks of light, possibly related to the content within.

Key Articles and Content

Trust is Something That Needs to Be Earned

The lead article critically examines the "To the Stars Academy" (TTSA) and its promotion of UFO evidence, particularly in light of its upcoming television program. The author notes that serious UFOlogists and skeptics have been asking probing questions about the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) and TTSA. Concerns are raised about Luis Elizondo's inflated role and the fact that TTSA videos were not released for public use. The article criticizes journalists for their sycophantic promotion of TTSA, interpreting their actions as a lack of desire to investigate anything beyond what TTSA presents. John Greenewald Jr. is highlighted for his efforts to uncover the truth, and the author suggests that if other UFO community "leaders" followed his lead, more facts might be revealed. The article questions whether TTSA is a serious research organization or a promotional gimmick, urging them to present verifiable evidence rather than relying on "smoke and mirrors." The author thanks Marty Kottmeyer for his work on Roman UFOs and notes the passing of Stanton Friedman and Colonel Robert Friend, the last surviving head of Project Blue Book.

Who's Blogging UFOs?

This section discusses recent UFO-related news and opinions. It begins by referencing the 2018 Canadian UFO Survey, with the author disagreeing with some classifications of alien entities. The article mentions Chris Mellon's call for Congress to investigate UFOs, linking it to a Pentagon briefing for senators. It also notes an article in The New York Times by Ralph Blumenthal and Leslie Kean, which is seen as part of a coordinated publicity campaign for TTSA's upcoming History Channel show. Several points are raised for consideration regarding the Navy pilot sightings and videos:

1. The Navy pilots did not directly see the targets, only radar contacts, which appeared after a new radar system was installed. When pilots closed in, the targets disappeared, leading to speculation about atmospheric phenomena or the radar system itself.
2. None of the interviewed pilots claimed direct involvement with the "Gimbal" or "Go fast" videos.
3. A near-collision incident involved a pilot describing a "transparent sphere with a cube in it," which was a brief glimpse and could have been a balloon or other object.

The article notes that Jason Colavito pointed out the coordinated nature of these articles, written by known TTSA promoters. Keith Kloor's investigation into Luis Elizondo's claims about leading AATIP is highlighted, with a Pentagon spokesperson stating Elizondo had no responsibilities with the program. George Knapp's involvement with TTSA and his presentation of a document refuting Greenewald's claims are also mentioned. Mick West's analysis of the "Gimbal" and "Go fast" footage is discussed, suggesting that the "Gimbal" footage mimics an infrared video and the "Go fast" clip could be a balloon. The article criticizes TTSA's approach of having pilots watch videos and comment, rather than presenting a detailed scientific analysis.

Weeding Out the Weinstein Catalogue

This section critically examines the Dominque F. Weinstein catalogue of UFO sightings. The author argues that the catalogue, like the NICAP list, is padded with poor quality cases and vague dates, making it difficult to assess significance. The article notes that the "project 1947 group" attempted to correct mistakes but did not identify many cases as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). Two cases are presented with potential explanations: a missile firing from Vandenberg AFB and a pyramid-shaped object over Puerto Rico that was suggested to be a balloon. The author believes that identifications proposed by skeptics should not be dismissed lightly. A table lists various UFO sightings with their descriptions, proposed IFO explanations (e.g., probable fireball, possible balloon, probable Venus, subsun, Soviet ICBM test, Cosmos re-entry), and sources. The author concludes that while some cases can be explained, the catalogue's purpose seems to be to mask genuine signals with noise.

Future Evaluations

In future issues, SUNlite intends to examine cases from the list to find potential explanations and filter out IFOs, allowing readers to focus on cases that might contain something of interest. Notes and references are provided for further research.

August 1, 1963 Garston, Hertfordshire, England

This section details a sighting by a former RAF pilot and flying instructor of a triangular UFO. The object hovered for a long period before climbing out of sight. An air traffic controller also observed the UFO. The sighting was reported in *Flight International*. Other sources suggest it was a cosmic ray research balloon launched from France. The article includes a letter from David Ogilvy describing the object's appearance, its slow rotation, and its resemblance to a Vulcan aircraft. Ogilvy contacted the Air Ministry, which dismissed it as a met balloon from France, despite the object remaining stationary for an extended period. The air traffic controller at Elstree Aerodrome also logged it as an "unidentified object." The object was described as very large and at a considerable height, possibly around 80,000 ft with a span of 400 ft. The witness, initially a "disbeliever," became open-minded after the experience. Another witness, Tony Devereux, also observed a similar object and provided detailed observations, including its shape, brightness, and estimated altitude of 83,000 ft. Devereux's calculations suggested a size of about 56 ft. The Air Ministry informed him it was a radio-sonde launched from France for cosmic ray research, with an intended height of 110,000 ft and size of 70 ft. The article concludes that the description matches a high altitude research balloon and should be eliminated as "Best evidence" for UFOs.

The 701 Club: Case 1501: July 16, 1952 Salem, Massachusetts

This case involves U.S. Coast Guard photographer Shell R. Alpert, who photographed four elliptical blobs of light in formation through a window. The objects dimmed and then brightened suddenly. Alpert filmed the formation using a Super XX cut film. The article notes that this case was listed as UNIDENTIFIED in the Blue Book file, but the author believes it is explained. The USAF attempted to replicate the images, suggesting they might be reflections from interior lights or a deliberate hoax. The analysis section discusses the skepticism surrounding the photographs, with J. Allen Hynek agreeing with the Air Force's conclusion that it was a reflection. The author's opinion is that the photographs are either reflections or a hoax, possibly involving double exposure photography, and that the case should be listed as explained.

London and Home Counties

This section reports on a "wave" of sightings in the London and Home Counties area. The Daily Sketch reported that scores of people called the Air Ministry and the B.B.C. to report a mysterious triangular-shaped object. The Air Ministry suggested that weather balloons released on the Continent might have caused the sightings, but the article notes that the Ministry is making its statements vaguer due to persistent investigators. The West Herts and Watford Observer reported a sighting over Oxhey on August 1, where a fourteen-year-old schoolboy observed a stationary object through his telescope for nearly two hours. He described it as not saucer-shaped, revolving, solid in the middle, and diamond-shaped with transparent edges. Other observers agreed it was "very odd." The witness dismissed the idea of it being a balloon, noting its prolonged stationary position. The article also mentions a report from Mr. L. Booth in Blackpool about a formation of seven objects emitting a pale orange light, seen passing over the sea.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, particularly those promoted by organizations like TTSA, and a focus on rigorous investigation and explanation of sightings. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical analysis and debunking misidentified objects (IFOs), emphasizing that genuine UFO evidence is rare and requires substantial proof. The magazine advocates for a methodical approach to UFO research, encouraging the filtering of cases to focus on those with potential significance, rather than accepting unsubstantiated claims at face value. The importance of historical cases and their re-evaluation is also a prominent theme.

Title: Project Blue Book case review

Issue: July-October 1957 (Sixth Edition)

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Publisher: Project Blue Book

Country of Publication: USA

Original Language: English

Date: July-October 1957

Content Summary

This document presents a review of 296 cases from the Project Blue Book files, spanning July through October 1957. The author's objective was to examine each case to determine if its conclusion had merit, offering personal evaluations and comments to clarify explanations or highlight inadequacies. The review is structured as a table listing date, location, the Project Blue Book (BB) explanation, and the author's evaluation.

July 1957 Cases:

The July 1957 section details numerous sightings. Many were explained as aircraft, balloons, stars, meteors, or Venus. For instance, a Shiloh, OH sighting initially thought to be a meteorite was determined to be a rock. A Peoria, IL sighting identified as Arcturus was re-evaluated as possibly Venus and Mars. A Wellsboro, PA sighting was identified as a possible research balloon. A significant incident in Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX, related to an RB-47, was noted as potentially a misidentified aircraft with possible electronic explanations.

August 1957 Cases:

August saw a variety of explanations, including Comet Mrkos, meteors, aircraft, balloons, and celestial bodies like Venus and Jupiter. A report from Jacksonville, FL, was deemed unreliable, made years after the event. A sighting in Norway was attributed to a reflection from a diamond ring on a tourist's hand, ruining a photograph.

September 1957 Cases:

September's entries included meteor showers, aircraft, balloons, and astronomical phenomena. A case in Lincoln County, NV, involved a possible moonrise confusion, with the report made six weeks after the event. A sighting in San Diego, CA, initially classified as Astro and Radar (WX), was re-evaluated as probably Venus, with explanations involving atmospheric conditions and radar contact.

October 1957 Cases:

The October section continued with explanations such as meteors, aircraft, balloons, and celestial bodies. A case in the United States involving Comet Encke was noted as poorly evaluated, with most observations likely being astronomical phenomena like stars and Venus. A sighting in San Diego, CA, was again evaluated as probably Venus, with detailed analysis of bearing changes and radar contact.

Reclassification Analysis:

At the end of the review, the author provides a summary of the reclassification efforts. Out of 296 evaluated cases, 65 (approximately 22%) were deemed improperly classified. The author states that some sightings lacked sufficient information for evaluation, while others listed as 'insufficient information' had potential explanations that were not fully explored in the original classification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring Themes:

• Astronomical Explanations: A significant number of sightings were attributed to known celestial bodies such as Venus, Jupiter, and stars like Arcturus. The author frequently re-evaluated BB explanations to align with astronomical data.
• Aircraft and Balloons: Many sightings were identified as conventional aircraft or balloons, including research balloons and military operations.
• Meteors and Natural Phenomena: Meteors, meteor showers, auroras, and atmospheric phenomena like mirages and contrails were common explanations.
• Insufficient Data: A recurring issue was the lack of sufficient information (positional data, time, duration, witness details) to definitively classify many sightings. This led to the 'insufficient data' classification and often prompted the author to suggest potential explanations or reclassifications.
• Hoaxes and Unreliable Reports: A small number of cases were identified as hoaxes or based on unreliable reports, sometimes made long after the event.

Editorial Stance:

The author adopts a critical and analytical stance, meticulously reviewing the Project Blue Book classifications. The core of the editorial stance is a belief in the importance of rigorous evaluation and the potential for misclassification within the original Blue Book files. The author demonstrates a preference for grounded, scientific explanations, often correcting or questioning the initial BB conclusions when astronomical data or logical inconsistencies are present. The author's commentary aims to provide a more accurate and thorough understanding of the reported phenomena, emphasizing that many sightings, while unexplained by BB, could be attributed to known objects or phenomena with further investigation or more complete data.

This issue of UFO Roundup, Volume 22, Number 11, dated November 1987, is published by the Mutual UFO Network, Inc. The cover price is $2.50 and the ISSN is 0744-0776. The main cover headline focuses on "PROJECT BLUE BOOK'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL CASE".

Summary

The issue begins with a summary of recent sightings, noting a period marked by many sightings of Venus, with several cases reclassified as "possible" due to insufficient data. The author highlights the October 14th sighting in San Diego, initially classified as Arcturus, which is expanded upon in the subsequent article. The author also observes handwritten notes from investigators and Captain Gregory complaining about a lack of data and incompetence, and notes the absence of comments from Blue Book's consultant, Dr. Hynek, suggesting potential personality conflicts.

References

The summary section includes a list of six references, primarily pointing to online archives and databases related to Project Blue Book, NOAA, stratospheric balloons, and space history.

October 14, 1957 Radar-Visual Case

This article delves into the October 14, 1957 radar-visual case, presented by Dr. James McDonald as a convincing UFO case. The author acknowledges that Dr. McDonald effectively refuted the USAF's explanation of Arcturus and the weather/inversion hypothesis for the radar returns, but argues that McDonald overlooked other possibilities.

Project Blue Book's Case File and Conclusion

The events of October 14, 1957, began before 1900 when a tower operator observed a stationary bright light. An S2F sub-hunter aircraft was directed towards the object. The pilot saw the object prior to takeoff and pursued it after takeoff at an altitude of 200 feet. The object rapidly accelerated away and the pilot pursued it. Radar reported a target ahead at 17 miles. The plane ascended to 4500 feet, with the radar target 12 miles ahead. The object then moved erratically, and despite the pilot's attempts to close the distance, they could not. The object disappeared off radar between 40 and 50 miles from Point Loma, reappearing visually but not on radar. The pursuit ended at 58 miles from Point Loma when the object faded. Project Blue Book concluded the object was the star Arcturus, with radar returns attributed to an inversion or weather, and also marked it as a "possible balloon."

Dr. McDonald's Case

Dr. James McDonald disagreed with Blue Book's evaluation, correctly pointing out that Arcturus's position did not match the observed object. He also criticized the weather/inversion explanation due to a lack of supporting data.

My Analysis and Explanation

The author's analysis concludes that the optical sighting was of the planet Venus, citing its brilliant magnitude and bearing. The table provided shows the bearings of the UFO and Venus, indicating they fall within a similar range, with the object consistently returning to a bearing close to Venus. The pilot's observation of low clouds to the west could explain the fading and reappearance. Crucially, the pilot and tower operator never mentioned Venus, suggesting it was not perceived as a factor, which the author believes is strong evidence that Venus was the object pursued. The pilot's maneuver after takeoff also placed the object to his starboard wingtip, consistent with pursuing Venus.

The radar returns are considered less easy to explain. The AN/APS-38 radar, designed for hunting submarines, might not have been optimal for tracking aircraft. The article notes that neither McDonald nor the USAF provided radiosonde data. However, the author checked the database and found a temperature inversion around 7500 feet, which could cause refraction of radar waves and false targets, though not severe enough for trapping/ducting. The absence of detection by other nearby Navy or USAF radars, including a site on Mount Laguna, suggests the target may have been isolated to the S2F's radar unit and not an actual physical object.

Conclusion

The author concludes that Venus is the primary culprit in this sighting. The analysis criticizes both McDonald and the USAF for not considering astronomical objects and atmospheric conditions, suggesting a cursory examination by both parties.

Revisions for the Classical Period

This section, authored by Marty Kottmeyer, presents a list of historical events from the classical period that have been cited in UFO literature. Kottmeyer aims to correct these accounts using the best available scholarship, providing context and clarifying ambiguities.

c. 580-576 B.C. Province of Regio Calabria and the Olympian games

This entry discusses accounts from Cicero regarding the appearance of deities and battles, citing Cicero's "Of the Nature of the Gods."

464 B.C. Rome, Italy

An account from Livy describes the heavens blazing with numerous fires and other portents.

404 or 403 B.C. Phyle, Attica (now: Fyli, Attica, Greece)

This section cites Xenophon's "Hellenica" and Clement of Alexandria, describing divine interventions and a guiding light seen during a night march.

c.345 to 343 B.C. Mediterranean off Sicily

An account from Plutarch's "Lives" describes a bright spreading flame issuing from the heaven, guiding Timoleon's fleet.

340 B.C. Near Capua

Livy's account describes an apparition of a majestic man visiting the consuls, foretelling a victory contingent on a sacrifice.

332 B.C. Tyre, Phoenicia (now: Lebanon)

This entry quotes John Digby's translation of Quintus Curtius, detailing defensive measures used by the Tyrians, including heated bronze shields filled with sand and boiling mud.

223 B.C - Ariminum (Now: Rimini) and Italian peninsula, Italy

This section cites Livy and other sources describing portents such as a river running the color of blood, a fiery sky, the appearance of three moons, and a vulture perched in the Forum.

222 B.C.

This entry is a cross-reference to 122 B.C.

218 B.C. Rome and Amiternum, Italy

Livy's account describes various portents, including a six-months-old child shouting, an ox climbing a house, a phantom navy, lightning striking a temple, a crow flying down to a statue, beings in human shape, a shower of stones, shrinking oracular tablets, and a wolf snatching a sentinel's sword.

217 or 216 B.C. Arpi, Praeneste (now: Palestrina), Capena, Falerii (now: Civita Castellana)

This entry details numerous portents reported simultaneously in several places, including shields covered in flames, shores lit by fires, shields sweating blood, lightning strikes, a solar eclipse, a shower of red-hot stones, the sun fighting the moon, two moons visible in the daytime, waters mingled with blood, and oracular tablets shrinking.

213 B.C. Hadria (now: Atri)

An account from Livy describes an altar with appearances of men in white clothing seen in the heavens, and in Rome, a swarm of bees and armed legions seen on the Janiculum.

174 B.C. Rome

This entry cites Livy and other sources describing portents such as a two-headed boy, a girl with teeth, an arcus (bow-shaped phenomenon) stretching over the temple of Saturn, three suns, lights in the air, a snake with a mane, an ox speaking, and three suns seen simultaneously.

173 B.C. Lanuvium (NOT Lanupium)

An account from Livy describes the sight of a great fleet witnessed in the heavens.

166 B.C. Cassinum (now: Cassino)

Livy's account details portents including earth raining, blood falling, wool sprouting from trees, water pouring from a statue, lightning strikes, a sun seen at night, and a boy born with four hands and four feet.

163 B.C. Capua, Formiae (now: Formice)

This entry from Julii Obsequens describes various portents, including the sun seen at night, lightning strikes, triplet boys born, two suns seen, the sky blazing with fire, a man burnt alive by a beam from a burning mirror, milk raining, lightning striking places, a swan escaping, a girl born without a hand, a trumpet sounding, a tempestuous storm, an image of the sun shining at night, and a pig born with human hands and feet.

122 B.C. Gaul (now: France)

This section cites Pliny and Julii Obsequens, mentioning the sighting of three moons, referred to as "nocturnal suns," and a hermaphrodite born.

103 B.C. Ameria (Now: Amelia, Umbria, Italy), Tuder (Now: Todi)

Accounts from Pliny and Plutarch describe rattling of arms and trumpets heard in the sky, armies seen in the heavens, fiery spears and shields moving in various directions, and celestial armies fighting.

100 B.C. Tarquinii (now: Tarquinia)

This entry quotes Pliny the Elder describing a burning shield darting across the sky at sunset and houses reduced to ruins by an earth tremor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of specific UFO cases, particularly those involving radar and visual sightings, and the re-examination of historical accounts of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be critical and analytical, aiming to provide more accurate interpretations of both modern UFO reports and ancient historical records, often challenging previous conclusions from official investigations or other researchers. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, astronomical identification, and historical scholarship.

This document is a compilation of historical accounts of unusual celestial phenomena and omens, primarily from ancient Roman sources. It functions as a historical record of reported sightings, often interpreted as portents of significant events.

Ancient Sightings and Portents

93 B.C. - Lucania and Vulsinium Accounts from Julius Obsequens describe various portents. In Rome, lightning struck, and a slave girl gave birth to a one-handed boy. At Fregellae, the temple of Neptune opened, and twin calves were found in the stomach of a sacrificed male calf. In Arretium, a bronze standard of Mercury perspired. In Lucania, flames surrounded a flock of wethers without burning them. Carseoli experienced a torrent of blood, and wolves entered the city. Praeneste reported wool flying, and Apulia a mule giving birth. A kite was caught in the temple of Apollo in Rome. During a sacrifice, the consul Herennius found the liver lacking a head. A dog ate dinner placed before a goddess before it was tasted. At Vulsinium, flames burst from the sky, displaying a dark-red appearance, and the sky seemed to divide, with coils of flame appearing. These were expiated through ceremonies.

91 B.C. - Spoletum (Italian: Spoleto) During the time of Livius Drusus and the Italian War, many prodigies appeared. A ball of fire with a mighty sound came from the north. In Arretium, blood flowed from loaves of bread. The Vestini experienced a seven-day rain of stones and potsherds. Aenaria saw a flame erupt from a cleft in the earth. Regium suffered destruction from an earthquake. At Spoletum, a ball of fire with a golden hue rolled down, increased in size, and obscured the sun. The statue of Apollo at Cumae perspired. The temple of Piety in the Circus Flaminius was struck by lightning. At Asculum, Romans were killed during games. The agitation of herds driven into the city by the Latins was seen as a premonition of war.

48 B.C. - Pharsolos, Thessaly (now: Farsala, Greece) Before the battle, a fiery torch was seen in the heavens, moving over Caesar's camp and falling into Pompey's. This was interpreted differently by Caesar and Pompey's men.

44 B.C. - Rome Cicero discusses the Roman belief in prodigies, mentioning sightings of two suns, three moons, flames of fire in the sky, the sun seen at night, noises in the sky, the heaven bursting open, and strange globes.

43 B.C. - Rome Numerous fearful prodigies were observed. Dogs acted like wolves, wolves entered the city, cattle uttered human voices, and a newborn infant appeared. Sweat issued from statues, some sweating blood. Loud voices and the clashing of arms were heard. Showers of stones and continuous lightning struck temples. Diviners were summoned from Etruria.

42 B.C. - Rome and Mutinensi Multiple suns were seen at oblique angles. Ancestors had frequently seen three suns at the same time. The sun was seen to diminish and grow small, then appear huge and trebled in size, and once shone at night.

12 B.C. - Rome On the occasion of Agrippa's death, portents included owls, lightning striking a house, a comet appearing as flashes resembling torches, and buildings destroyed by fire. The hut of Romulus was set ablaze by crows dropping burning meat.

70 A.D. - Jerusalem Before sunset, chariots were seen in the air and armed battalions hurtling through the clouds, encompassing the cities.

80 A.D. - Caledon Wood, Scotland Annals recorded flaming brands flying through the air, Caledonia appearing ablaze at night, phantom ships in the sky, a rain of stones in Athol, and a torrential downpour of frogs in Horestia.

Between March and May 193 A.D. - Rome Three stars appeared surrounding the sun during a sacrifice, which soldiers interpreted as a portent of a dreadful fate for the emperor.

191 A.D. - Rome Stars remained visible during the day, and other stars extended to an enormous length, seeming to hang in the middle of the sky.

217 A.D. - Rome A great fire filled the temple of Serapis in Alexandria. In Rome, a spirit led an ass to the Capitol and palace, announcing Antoninus' death and Jupiter's emperorship. At a horse-race, the statue of Mars fell. A jackdaw on an obelisk was interpreted as a sign for Martialis, the slayer of Antoninus.

c. 333/4 A.D. - Antioch, Turkey A star appeared in the eastern sky during the day, emitting smoke like from a furnace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The document consistently presents historical accounts of unusual aerial and celestial phenomena, often framed as omens or portents within the context of ancient beliefs and historical events. The editorial stance appears to be one of cataloging and presenting these historical records, drawing from classical texts and scholarly interpretations, without explicit endorsement or dismissal of the phenomena's nature. The recurring themes include meteoric events, atmospheric anomalies, and celestial sightings, all interpreted through the lens of ancient divination and belief systems.