SUNlite - Vol 12 No 02

Magazine Overview

SUNlite, Volume 12, Number 2, published March-April 2020, is a magazine dedicated to UFOlogy. This issue features articles that aim to shed light on various aspects of UFO sightings and investigations, including debunking common misidentifications and analyzing historical cases.

Moon Madness

The lead article, "Moon Madness," by Wim van Utrecht, explores how the moon itself can be the source of UFO reports. The author notes that even experienced individuals, like Allan Hendry (the magazine's editor), have been surprised when reports turned out to be the moon. The article highlights two primary factors contributing to these misidentifications: the moon illusion, which makes the moon appear larger when close to the horizon, and atmospheric conditions that can distort its appearance, often making it look reddish-orange. The article mentions police officers chasing the setting moon as an example of how easily people can be confused. It also touches upon the "To the stars academy" (TTSA) and AATIP programs, expressing skepticism about their true purpose and suggesting they might have been a way to fund UFO research through government contracts. The author references an article by Tim McMillan in Popular Mechanics, which discussed a classified document produced by Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS) for the DOD. The article criticizes BAASS's methodology in selecting UFO reports for analysis, particularly concerning the "northern tier sightings" in 1975, and notes that the information appears to be based on rumor and speculation, possibly from Linda Moulton Howe. The author also thanks Barry Greenwood for information about a Weinstein catalogue entry that was identified as a submarine launching Trident missiles.

Weeding Out the Weinstein Catalogue: March 17, 1982

This section details a case from the Weinstein catalogue, sourced from CUFOS and Project 1947 files, concerning a sighting on March 17, 1982. The information comes from a letter by Robert Klinn to Dr. Hynek. Eight aircraft reportedly saw objects described as "three of them right now!" and "still climbing and going!" The objects were described as gaining altitude rapidly and being "WAY up THERE." Excerpts from a tape transcript include phrases like "Is there a rocket-launching area up there?" and "WE'VE GOT UFOS OUT THERE!" The objects were described as coming "far over the ocean" and then making a "severe turn, ALL HEADED BACK, and climbed up at a, almost straight-up angle." The Air Canada flight involved in the sighting was looking east, and the en route controller confirmed radar coverage extending to the east air routes from the Bahamas towards the Carolinas. The sighting was also observed from South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina. The Fed Ex 256 flight, which was traveling from Memphis towards Florida, initially placed the sighting at its 10 o'clock position but later mentioned an easterly direction. The pilots also suggested the sighting was near the Ocala Forest Bombing range, indicating they were looking southeast. The analysis concludes that the directions and timing align with a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) test launch from the Eastern Test Range (ETR) off the coast of Florida. Specifically, it matches the launch of four Trident missiles from SSBN 658 (USS Mariano G. Vallejo) around 1034Z, which is close to the reported 1040Z sighting time. The illuminated missile plumes at high altitude would have been spectacular, especially before sunrise. The author, drawing on personal experience as an ex-submariner, notes that SSBNs operating out of Port Canaveral would conduct tests at a considerable distance offshore. The mention of a "warning area" and submarine-launched missiles in the transcript further supports this explanation. The case is recommended for removal from the "Best Evidence" list as it can be classified as a missile launch.

April 12, 1959: Montreal, Canada

This case file examines a sighting on April 12, 1959, in Montreal, Canada. Control tower operators at St. Hubert Air Base and others observed a reddish UFO hovering over the base for several minutes before darting away north. An RCAF spokesman called it a "genuine UFO." Residents of north Montreal described a similar object as round and cigar-shaped, hovering low over a field, emitting "fiery sparks." The Blue Book file summary states a "Red light, seemed to hang in the sky for a few mins, then darted North at a very high speed." The RCAF investigation, however, concluded that the object did not appear on radar and suggested it was a spotlight from an ice breaker in the St. Lawrence River channel. A news report confirmed that the spokesman at St. Hubert stated no object showed up on base radar and it was not seen by the control tower operator. The analysis notes conflicting media reports regarding the control tower operator's observation. However, the urgent need for ice breakers due to heavy ice in the seaway system, which had postponed its opening, supports the spotlight explanation. The direction of the UFO's departure (north, towards the river) is consistent with a spotlight from an ice breaker. The case is deemed a "possible spotlight operation" and recommended for removal from the "Best Evidence" list.

The 701 Club: Case 7851 April 4, 1962 Wurtland, Kentucky

This section reviews a case from Wurtland, Kentucky, on April 4, 1962. Witnesses G.R. Wells and J. Lewis, using a 117x telescope, reported a small object changing brightness, giving off smoke, and remaining stationary like a comet for six minutes. The case is noted as missing from official files. The analysis considers several possibilities. A rocket booster venting gases is considered, but the object's stationary nature near Gamma Virginis (1-2 degrees south of the celestial equator) suggests it might have been a geostationary object, which was unlikely as satellites of that type were not launched until 1963. The most plausible explanation offered is a balloon. The sighting occurred during late twilight, and the object could have reflected sunlight, appearing bright. The location of the target was about 176 degrees from the sun's right ascension (southeast). The analysis suggests a balloon could explain the observation from a single location, as Wurtland is in a sparsely populated border region. A picture of the object is mentioned, and the description of its shape is consistent with a research balloon, such as an "Ash Can" balloon. The article notes that Boeing magazine reported on H-21s chasing a project Ash Can balloon. Radiosonde data supports an eastward track for stratospheric balloons during that period. However, due to the lack of observations from other locations, a definitive conclusion cannot be reached, and the case is considered "possibly a research balloon."

Science and UFOs

This article critically examines a video by Alexander Wendt, a political scientist, who complained that science does not investigate UFO reports. The author finds it amusing that Wendt, not being a physical scientist, considers himself an expert on the scientific study of UFOs. The article argues that Wendt's claim that UFOs are a "taboo" for scientists is not entirely true, citing the Condon report's encouragement for scientists to study the subject if they felt they could learn something. The Sturrock panel also encouraged scientists to find methods to study UFOs while warning about UFOlogists' objectivity. The article states that scientists generally do not waste time on UFOs because there appears to be nothing to learn, considering their time valuable. It emphasizes that UFOlogy needs to demonstrate that there is something more than "ghost stories" by presenting quantifiable and analyzable data. The author agrees with Wendt that UFOlogists should establish networks of cameras and scientific equipment, but points out that scientists and governments are already monitoring the sky through fireball networks and other systems, which primarily record conventional phenomena. The article criticizes some UFOlogists for sensationalizing their findings, citing an example where Rob Freeman and Marcus McNabb allegedly misrepresented data to support their "orb" video, which was later identified as the International Space Station (ISS). The author concludes that the ball is in UFOlogy's court to present real data that scientists can examine, and that UFO promoters need to "up their game" to attract scientific interest.

Project Blue Book Case Review: January-June 1959

This section provides a review of selected cases from Project Blue Book covering January through June 1959. The author examines each case, evaluating the original conclusion and adding comments for clarification or to correct perceived inaccuracies. The review includes tables listing the date, location, BB explanation, and the author's evaluation for each case. For January 1958, cases include misidentifications of meteors, aircraft, planets (Spica, Mars, Venus, Fomalhaut, Arcturus), and reflections. One case from Brooklyn, NY, is evaluated as a reflection of aircraft, and another from 50 Mi SE Patrick AFB, FL, is identified as missile debris from a Navajo missile test failure. For February 1959, cases involve misinterpretations of light sources, debris, meteors, aircraft, and planets (Venus, Mars, Sirius, Arcturus). One case from 60 Mi. E of Puerto Rico is noted as having insufficient data and a potentially incorrect date, possibly matching a failed Atlas launch. Another case in Kansas City, MO, involves two sightings, with one possibly being an aircraft and the later observation with a telescope possibly being Sirius.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SUNlite consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is to critically examine reports, debunk misidentifications, and encourage rigorous scientific investigation. The magazine emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and cases that can be explained by conventional means, such as atmospheric conditions, celestial bodies, or human-made objects like missiles and aircraft. The recurring theme is the need for UFOlogy to present credible, quantifiable data to scientists, rather than relying on anecdotal evidence or sensationalism. The magazine advocates for a scientific approach, while acknowledging that some cases may remain unexplained, but stresses that these should be thoroughly investigated before being labeled as definitively UFOs.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 26, No. 6, dated March 1981, features a prominent article titled "Lunar Terror in Poland: A Doctor's Dilemma" by Wim van Utrecht. The cover art, an artist's rendering by Terrence Collins, depicts a scene at a railway crossing related to this incident. The magazine is priced at £1.

The Lunar Terror in Poland: A Doctor's Dilemma

The main article details a perplexing encounter that occurred in Northern Poland, as reported by Polish ufologist Emma Popik. On September 5, 1980, at approximately 3:15 a.m., an ambulance was dispatched to the village of Żuławka. Aboard the ambulance were Dr. Barbara Piazza, driver Grzegorz Skoczynski, and stretcher bearer Andrzej Olejuik. While returning to the hospital with a stable patient, Mrs. Elzbieta Pluta, the ambulance crew encountered a large, red, luminous object in the sky.

Around 3:35 a.m., near the village of Tropy, the object was clearly visible, appearing dark crimson and growing larger as it approached. It was observed hovering at a relatively low altitude, estimated between 15° and 20° elevation, and at a distance of about 500 meters. As the ambulance passed through Tropy, the object moved parallel to the road, maintaining a distance of approximately 150-200 meters. The witnesses described it as being at tree-top level and appearing to be under intelligent control, as it paced the vehicle regardless of its speed, even when accelerating to 130 km/h.

At about 3:40 a.m., the object stopped directly in the road ahead of the ambulance, approximately 200 meters away, between two trees. Its edges overlapped the road, and its surface displayed curved bands and stripes, with some witnesses comparing the markings to veins or a net. Patches of yellow-orange were seen on its deep crimson surface. Dr. Piazza suspected radiation and moved the vehicle back. The object then changed its color back to deep crimson and vanished suddenly, like a TV set switched off, at about 4:15 a.m.

Investigation and Re-evaluation

British researcher Martin Shough later uncovered a 28-minute audio file containing interviews with the ambulance crew and crossing keepers. This investigation revealed that police officers did arrive at the scene. The descriptive elements of the object, particularly its reddish color and pacing behavior, strongly suggested the moon. However, the initial report's date of September 5, 1980, made a lunar explanation difficult.

Further research, including searching Polish references, revealed that the incident likely occurred exactly one year earlier, on September 5, 1979. On this date, at 4:00 a.m., the moon was 97% illuminated and positioned at an azimuth of 245°, close to the horizon, perfectly matching the reported observations. The moon's movement from left to right across the road and its disappearance within 2-3 seconds were consistent with its setting time. The article concludes that the initial report likely contained a date error, and the "UFO" was indeed the moon.

UFO Case Files: March - June 1959

The magazine also presents a comprehensive list of UFO cases investigated between January and June 1959, evaluating 185 cases. Approximately 22% (40 cases) were deemed improperly classified, with 5% (9 cases) listed as "insufficient information." The table details these cases, their reclassifications, and the reasons behind them. Many sightings initially classified as "insufficient information" had potential explanations.

Notable cases and reclassifications include:

• March 1959: Numerous sightings are listed, with explanations ranging from aircraft and meteors to Venus, balloons, and reflections. Some cases, like the one in Grand Bahama Island, involved radar detection during a Snark missile test, with speculation about naval aircraft. The Danville, NJ case involved objects appearing after photograph development due to static electricity.
• April 1959: This month's entries continue the pattern of varied explanations, including balloons, meteors, Venus, and aircraft. A case near Newfoundland was noted as a possible research balloon, with an azimuth conflicting with Venus.
• May 1959: Sightings include a "bright light over Wayne ave" in Dayton, OH, and a case in Manassas/Roanoke, Virginia, where objects were tracked at high speeds (200-400 knots) at high altitudes (65-70K feet), potentially identified as high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft like the RB-57D.
• June 1959: Cases include the "Father Gill case" in New Guinea, which was concluded to be astronomical in nature (Venus, Jupiter, or Saturn), and a case in Reno, NV, involving a balloon.

Reclassification Section

A dedicated section details the reclassification of 185 cases from January to June 1959. The author reclassified 40 cases, with 9 of these being previously listed as "insufficient information." Examples include reclassifying sightings as Spica, Fomalhaut, Mars, Venus, possible aircraft, and Betelgeuse, based on astronomical data and available information.

Discussion of Challenging Cases

The author discusses specific challenging cases, including the "Father Gill" and "Killian" cases, agreeing with Blue Book's conclusions. The theory of optical illusions, such as mistaking fishing boats for UFOs or misjudging the horizon, is mentioned. The article also addresses cases involving aircraft chasing UFOs, suggesting that pilots might have been chasing astronomical objects rather than unknown craft. The Cincinnati, Ohio (2/20) and Montana (3/25) cases are highlighted as having insufficient astronomical explanations, leading to their "UNIDENTIFIED" classification.

The June 9th Manassas/Roanoke, Virginia case, initially classified as "UNIDENTIFIED" due to speed readings, is re-examined. The author suggests an error in speed computation and proposes that the tracked objects were high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, possibly RB-57Ds used for atmospheric testing. Despite this plausible explanation, the author agrees with the Blue Book conclusion, noting that a more thorough follow-up by Blue Book would have been beneficial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and re-evaluation of UFO reports. A recurring theme is the tendency for misidentification, particularly with astronomical objects like Venus and the moon, as well as conventional aircraft and atmospheric phenomena. The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical analysis, seeking logical explanations for sightings while acknowledging the existence of genuinely puzzling cases. The editorial tone is analytical and evidence-based, aiming to demystify UFO reports by applying scientific and astronomical knowledge. The article concludes by expressing a willingness to discuss cases further with interested parties.

References

The article cites several sources, including "Project Blue Book investigations," the Project Blue Book archive, NOAA data, "Stratospheric balloons: Chronological lists of launches worldwide since 1947," "Space History Chronology," and E. U. Condon's "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects."

Title: CAELESTIA
Issue: 25
Date: January 2020

This issue of CAELESTIA delves into the Tropy-Sztumskie UFO incident, which occurred in Poland on September 5, 1979. The article, authored by the magazine's editorial team, critically examines witness testimonies and photographic evidence to propose a rational explanation for the sighting, primarily attributing it to a misidentification of the moon.

The Tropy-Sztumskie Incident: Witness Accounts

The incident involved an ambulance crew and two railway crossing keepers who observed a luminous, dark red, ball-shaped object in the sky. Initially, the object was believed to be the moon. Gabriela Ludorf, one of the crossing keepers, described the object as being "dark red and bigger when compared to the moon. Not twice as big but about one and a half times the moon." The arrival of the ambulance, which drove backwards over the railway and parked in front of the crossing, added to the witnesses' anxiety and confusion. Dr. Piazza, from the ambulance, inquired if the witnesses had seen the ball, hinting at possible radiation, which further heightened their alarm.

The article notes that the witnesses had been observing the object for some time before the ambulance arrived, raising a question about how they could have been looking at the object for an extended period if it had been chasing the ambulance over a significant distance.

The Chase and Object's Movement

The ambulance driver, G.S. (later identified as Skoczyński), reported seeing the object on the left as they left the village of Kalwa. The object was described as a "dark red matte ball." As the ambulance navigated two consecutive junctions near Kalwa, the object reportedly engaged in "pacing" behavior, sometimes "swinging past the trees in gentle curves." The article suggests this movement could be interpreted as the moon keeping pace with the vehicle, especially as it headed towards the crossing. The object was described as accelerating and overtaking the ambulance, then hanging over the road before stopping.

Shape, Colours, and Size Analysis

The near-full moon on the night of the encounter (97% illuminated) is consistent with the description of a luminous, ball-shaped object. The driver, Skoczyński, when asked to draw the object, reportedly said, "Not sure how to do that," and was told, "Just draw the moon, that's as close as you can get." The appearance of "black lines going up and down irregularly" is attributed to tree branches in front of the lunar disc. The yellowish light shining through the leaves and darker/lighter areas on the lunar surface, combined with atmospheric scattering of blue light, could account for the "yellow-orange patches" and the overall red color observed when the moon was low on the horizon.

Elevation Estimates Discrepancy

A significant point of contention is the estimated elevation of the object. Witnesses placed it between 15° and 20°, with one estimate at 35°. However, the article argues that at these elevations, the moon would not appear as a striking reddish tinge due to less atmospheric interference. The authors cite a study of 132 Belgian cases where UFO elevations were overestimated, with many attributed to astronomical bodies at much lower altitudes. The article concludes that the object was likely observed at a much lower altitude, closer to the horizon, consistent with the moon's position at that time (between 3°37′ and 4°12′ above the horizon).

The White Light and Other Details

Some witnesses reported a "white light underneath the ball" and a "flood of white light beyond the horizon." This is compared to the white lights of a car or streetlights. The article suggests that old-model streetlights near Pietrzwałd, about 1.5 km from the crossing, might have contributed to this effect, though it's uncertain if they existed in 1979. Another possibility is the glare from a vehicle, perhaps a motorbike that had crossed the railway earlier.

Mrs. Pluta's claim of seeing "something like an antenna" on top of the ball, making it look "like an inflated balloon on a wire," is noted as an odd detail not reported by other witnesses, possibly a streetlight reflection.

Reported Movements and Explanations

The reported movements of the object, such as hovering, gliding, and returning after a few seconds, are analyzed. The article suggests that these movements might be subjective, influenced by the witnesses' own movements (walking, driving) and their expectation of how an object should behave when viewed from a moving vehicle. The "moon illusion" is again highlighted, where objects near the horizon appear larger, and the brain compensates for expected size changes as objects move away.

Conclusion: The Moon Explanation Solidified

The article concludes that the moon explanation for the Tropy-Sztumskie incident is solid. Despite some minor uncertainties and discrepancies in witness accounts, the evidence points towards a misinterpretation of the moon. The article criticizes Emma Popik's assertion that the moon had "waned" at 3:40 a.m., stating that the moon was still visible and near its setting time (4:13 a.m.) when the object disappeared. The authors reference other studies and cases where the moon has been mistaken for UFOs.

Postscript and Acknowledgements

A postscript notes that other researchers, such as Juan Carlos Victorio, have also attributed the Tropy-Sztumskie UFO encounter to a misinterpretation of the setting moon. The acknowledgements thank various individuals for their contributions, including proofreading, directing the author to relevant articles, and assisting with translations and research on elevation angles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO reports through a skeptical lens, emphasizing rational explanations and the psychological phenomena that can influence perception. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of debunking UFO sightings when a plausible natural explanation exists, such as the moon illusion in this case. The magazine aims to provide a thorough analysis of such cases, drawing on witness testimony, scientific principles, and historical research to offer a grounded perspective on unexplained aerial phenomena.