SUNlite - Vol 12 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: SUNlite
Issue: Volume 12 Number 3
Date: May-June 2020
Subtitle: Shedding some light on UFOlogy and UFOs

This issue of SUNlite magazine focuses on UFOlogy, with a cover story featuring a personal account by Arthur C. Clarke about a sighting with Stanley Kubrick that was ultimately identified as the ECHO balloon satellite. The magazine also presents detailed reviews and analyses of several historical UFO cases, primarily from the Project Blue Book files, spanning the 1940s and 1950s.

Cover Story: Arthur C. Clarke and the ECHO Balloon Satellite

The cover prominently features a quote from Arthur C. Clarke expressing embarrassment over a UFO sighting he had with Stanley Kubrick. They observed a brilliant light in the sky, which they later realized was the ECHO balloon satellite. Clarke admits they might not have been as critical as they should have been due to being in an 'exalted mood.' The image on the cover depicts a string of lights in the night sky, likely representing the satellite trail.

Editorial and General Commentary

The editorial section touches upon the personal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the author expressing gratitude for family health. The author notes that despite having more free time, their focus shifted to astronomy and family rather than UFO writing. A positive mention is made of Sarah Scoles' book on UFOs, which is praised for its objective approach and focus on interviews rather than sensationalism. The author also expresses interest in the 'To the stars academy' (TTSA) and its Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), particularly regarding a hidden 10-month report, questioning what 'data' was presented and why it remains concealed. The issue also critiques a widely circulated UFO video, identifying it as a computer-generated hoax, and discusses another sighting involving Tom Delonge, which was concluded to be Venus. The release of three AATIP videos by the Department of Defense is mentioned, with the observation that they offered no new significant information.

Case File Reviews:

Weeding out the Weinstein Catalogue: June 8, 1949: Haines Alaska

This section reviews a case from the Project Blue Book file, listed as 'Insufficient data.' The original report described an aircraft, a C-46, swerving to avoid a collision with a very bright blue-green ball of light. The object was described as extremely fast, estimated at 800 mph, and disappeared gradually. The analysis suggests that astronomical conditions (2345 local time, twilight) and the object's description are consistent with a fireball meteor. The author concludes that this case does not warrant inclusion in the Weinstein catalogue and should be removed.

June 21, 1950: Hamilton AFB, California

This case involves an unidentified object buzzing the control tower at Hamilton AFB multiple times. The object was described as elliptical, with a blue flame protruding from its rear, and traversed at an estimated speed of over 1000 mph at an altitude of 2000-5000 feet. Media reports initially described a 'roaring noise' and a 'cone' shape, but official documentation indicated it was soundless and elliptical, like a 'fan marker symbol.' The analysis suggests that the sightings were likely meteors, noting that the rate of observation was not significantly higher than the usual sporadic rate. The author concludes that this case is not strong evidence and should be removed from consideration.

The 701 Club: Case 6409 June 30, 1959 Patuxent River NAS, Maryland

This case file describes a sighting by USN Cdr. D. Connolly of a gold, oblate-shaped object, nine times as wide as it was thick, with metallic and sharp edges. It flew straight and level for 20-30 seconds at approximately 4000 feet. The analysis suggests that the region had significant air traffic, and a naked-eye sighting of an aircraft reflecting the sun from a distance could appear as a cigar-like object. The author concludes that due to limited information, lack of positional data, and the possibility of an aircraft reflecting the setting sun, the case should be classified as 'insufficient information' or potentially an aircraft.

Project Blue Book case review: July-December 1959

This section provides a comprehensive review of various cases from the Project Blue Book files during the latter half of 1959. Each entry includes the date, location, the BB explanation, and the author's evaluation. Many cases are evaluated as 'Agreed' with the Blue Book explanation, often identifying the phenomena as aircraft, meteors, Venus, balloons, or atmospheric reflections. Some cases are noted as 'Insufficient data' or 'UNIDENTIFIED.' Notable evaluations include:

• July 1959: Several sightings are attributed to aircraft, meteors, or Venus. One case in Ceresco, NE, is marked 'UNIDENTIFIED' despite multiple sightings.
• August 1959: Cases include potential aircraft, meteors, balloons, and a missile launch. A sighting in Coeburn, VA, is declared a hoax. A sighting in Ocean Beach, NJ, is possibly attributed to Capella or atmospheric conditions.
• September 1959: Cases are reviewed, with explanations ranging from aircraft and meteors to missile launches (Atlas missile). A sighting in Lake Winnebago, WI, is noted as possibly Sputnik 3 or meteors. A case in Lexington, KY, is noted as 'insufficient data' with multiple objects seen but lacking specifics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO sightings, particularly those documented in historical files like Project Blue Book. There is a strong emphasis on seeking conventional explanations for reported phenomena, such as meteors, aircraft, and celestial bodies. The magazine appears to advocate for a more rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFOlogy, often questioning the validity of sensational claims and highlighting instances of misidentification or insufficient data. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding unexplained aerial phenomena, favoring scientific analysis and debunking where possible, while acknowledging the existence of genuinely puzzling cases that remain 'UNIDENTIFIED' due to lack of information. The critique of 'scientific UFOlogy' and the discussion of AATIP data suggest a desire for transparency and robust methodology in the field.

This issue of UFOlogy focuses on a compilation of unidentified flying object (UFO) reports, primarily from October, November, and December 1959, with a section on reclassifications of cases from July to December 1959. The magazine presents detailed lists of sightings, including date, location, the 'BB explanation' (likely referring to Project Blue Book's initial assessment), and a 'My evaluation' which offers a more in-depth analysis or reclassification.

October 1959 Sightings

The October 1959 section lists numerous sightings across the United States and some international locations. Explanations range from "UNIDENTIFIED" and "Insufficient data" to more specific identifications such as "Possible balloon," "Possible birds," "Venus," "Meteor," "Aircraft," "Planet," and "Flare." Several entries note potential confusion with celestial bodies like Venus, Jupiter, Arcturus, and Capella, as well as atmospheric phenomena like inversions and contrails. Some reports are linked to specific events, such as the Cape Canaveral launch and a Nike Cajun Aeronomy launch from Eglin AFB.

Notable entries include:

• Detroit, MI (Oct 13-15): Possible birds crossing the moon on multiple nights.
• Ripley, WV (Oct 13-27): An unreliable report of an object moving east to west for an hour every other night, with no photographs or details.
• Jamaica, Long Island, NY (Oct 17): Identified as Venus.
• South Charleston, WV (Oct 22): Identified as Venus, noted as being near Regulus and much brighter.
• Springfield, Fayetteville, OH (Oct 27): Witness reported two objects, identified as Jupiter and Capella.
• RAF Edinburgh Scotland (Oct 29): Possibly stars Arcturus and Capella, with confusing azimuth details.
• W. Coast of FL (Oct 30): Described as a flare, but observers noted it was a Cape Canaveral launch.
• Camp Pendleton, CA (Oct 30): Identified as a Jupiter missile launch.
• Keesler AFB, MS (Oct 1): Identified as a Nike Cajun Aeronomy launch from Eglin AFB.
• Seattle, WA (Oct 2): Inversion explained radar contacts, and visual sighting appeared to be Fomalhaut.

November 1959 Sightings

The November 1959 section continues the pattern of detailed reports. Explanations include "Agreed," "Possible meteor," "Possible aircraft," "Possible balloon," and "Possible birds." Several sightings are attributed to missile launches, including Atlas missile launches. The issue highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between UFOs and known objects, especially when positional data is missing or witness accounts are unreliable.

Key November entries include:

• Cincinnati, OH (Nov 5): An unreliable report from a 13-year-old witness who tended to exaggerate.
• E. of Cape Canaveral, FL (Nov 6): Identified as an Atlas missile launch.
• Biscayne Bay, FL (Nov 9): Identified as an Atlas missile launch.
• Eastbourne, England (Nov 11): Identified as a possible meteor.
• Elke, NV (Nov 12): Classified as "Hoax/psychological," with witness reporting multiple UFOs between September 1959 and May 1960.
• Terre Haute, IN (Nov 13, 15): Reports submitted by a UFO organization with little data, and times not specified as AM or PM.
• Republic of Korea (Nov 19): Identified as Venus.
• Great Mills, MD (Nov 19): No positional information, possibly Venus rising in the east.
• Near Cartegena, Columbia (Nov 19): Limited data, possibly moon setting in the west.
• Warsaw, NY (Nov 21): Identified as various stars/planets, including Castor, Pollux, Venus, and Sirius, with insufficient information to confirm.
• Prescott, AZ (Nov 22): Identified as Jupiter, with the object disappearing towards the west.
• Loring AFB, Ft. Fairfield, ME (Nov 22-23): Multiple sightings by different observers, likely stars like Sirius and Procyon.
• Carswell GCI site, ME (Nov 23): Radar contacts led to F102s intercepting nothing but a star; temperature inversion and anomalous propagation were present.

December 1959 Sightings

The December 1959 section presents fewer entries but includes significant cases. Explanations continue to cover a range of possibilities, from "Agreed" and "Possible daylight meteor" to "Possible aircraft," "Possible balloon," and "Possible sun dog." One entry notes an Atlas missile test.

Key December entries include:

• Riviera Beach, FL (Dec 8): Identified as an Atlas missile test.
• New York, NY (Dec 14): Identified as possible aircraft.
• Victoria Island, Canada (Dec 18): Identified as a possible balloon.
• Burgoon, OH (Dec 19): Identified as a possible sun dog.
• W. of Albuquerque, NM (Dec 23): Identified as a balloon.
• Quantico, VA (Dec 31): Identified as Grimes Beacon/aircraft.

Reclassification

This section provides a critical analysis of cases previously classified by Project Blue Book. The author evaluated 200 cases from July to December 1959, finding that 52 (26%) were improperly classified. Of these, 29 (about 15% of total cases, 56% of reclassifications) were initially listed as "insufficient information." The table details specific cases and the proposed reclassification with reasons.

Notable reclassifications include:

• Dayton, OH (July 1): Reclassified from "Insufficient data" to "Clouds," with witness reporting west while record card stated NE, and clouds present despite weather data suggesting clearing skies; possibly Venus.
• Pikesville, MD (Aug 8): Reclassified from "Reflection/inversion" to "Possible meteor."
• Oak, NE (Aug 10): Reclassified from "Unreliable report" to "Venus," noting the object appeared to follow the witness as direction changed, and Venus was setting in the west.
• Brazil (Aug 13): Reclassified from "Insufficient data" to "Possible balloon."
• Ceresco, NE (Aug 19): Reclassified from "Insufficient data" to "UNIDENTIFIED," with multiple sightings, one possibly a T-33 aircraft, others difficult to identify.
• Berea, KY (Aug 21): Reclassified from "Insufficient data" to "Possible aircraft," noting the time was incorrect and description indicated possible aircraft.
• Pensacola, FL (Aug 26): Reclassified from "anti-collision light" to "Arcturus."
• Coeburn, VA (Aug): Reclassified from "Hoax" to "Insufficient information" due to lack of date, but noted flaws in film and witness mentioning receiving money for a photo.
• Washington D.C. (Aug 2): Reclassified from "Insufficient data" to "Possible bird," describing a single light moving erratically.
• Columbus, OH (Aug 9): Reclassified from "Insufficient data" to "Possible moon," describing a "V" shaped red object moving west, possibly a crescent moon.
• Upper Greenwood Lake, NJ (Aug 11): Reclassified from "Balloon" to "Possible meteor."
• Ocean Beach, NJ (Aug 12): Reclassified from "Reflection" to "Possibly Capella," noting the object moved NE and faded, with Capella rising.

Summary

The summary section discusses the challenging nature of UFO cases during this period. The Redmond, California case is highlighted, where confusion about events and a telephone conversation suggested Venus as the explanation, while radar contacts and aircraft intercepts were also noted. The Ceresco, Nebraska sightings are described as having sufficient data, with one possibly being an aircraft and another unexplainable by the amateur astronomer, potentially a balloon. The author expresses that it should not have been listed as "insufficient data." A series of sightings in the northeast on August 19, 1959, suggested a possible satellite in orbit, but none was found. The New Jersey event is suspected to be aircraft. The Connecticut case involved erratic behavior and a steady northeast course, possibly a balloon. The summary also notes a significant number of rocket launches during the late 1950s and early 1960s, which may have contributed to UFO reports due to unfamiliarity with their appearance.

References

The issue concludes with a list of references, including "Project Blue Book investigations" from Fold 3, the Project Blue Book archive, NOAA/ESRL Radiosonde Database, "Stratospheric balloons: Chronological lists of launches worldwide since 1947" from StratoCat, "Space History Chronology" from Astronautix, and the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" by Condon et al.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the difficulty in definitively identifying UFOs, with many sightings being attributed to known celestial bodies (especially Venus), aircraft, balloons, meteors, or atmospheric phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, aiming to reclassify and provide more plausible explanations for reported sightings, often challenging the initial classifications of Project Blue Book. There is a clear emphasis on data analysis, witness reliability, and the potential for misinterpretation of everyday events as UFOs. The magazine advocates for a rigorous approach to UFOlogy, seeking to demystify the subject by identifying conventional explanations where possible.