SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 3 No 12 - oktober 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: SVLT
Issue: 12
Volume: 3
Date: October 1984
Publisher: SVL-GESAG Belgium
Country: Netherlands
Language: Dutch

This issue of SVLT, a quarterly journal of the Study Group for Strange Aerial Phenomena (Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen), dated October 1984, introduces significant new content and addresses critical issues within ufology. The cover features a satirical illustration by Heinrich Kley depicting a mysterious airship that caused a sensation in the USA in 1897, setting a tone that juxtaposes historical phenomena with contemporary analysis.

New Sections and Editorial Vision

The editorial, penned by Wim Van Utrecht, announces the introduction of two new, complementary sections. The first, focusing on the 'physical aspects' of UFO reports (termed 'CE II-cases'), aims to provide scientific results by analyzing physical effects. The second section delves into the 'psycho-sociological aspects' that characterize the UFO phenomenon, exploring topics from the psychology of perception to the creation of modern myths. The editors emphasize that these two aspects are considered equally important and will receive regular attention, contingent on the quality and quantity of contributions received.

Article 1: "Trace Cases: Let's Restate Them!" by Maurizio Verga

This theoretical contribution, translated from Italian by Wim Van Utrecht, attempts to redefine 'trace cases,' also known as 'close encounters of the second kind.' Verga, an Italian UFO researcher known for his work on the 'Italian Catalogue' of Type I sightings, focuses on the physical traces left by alleged UFO events, such as disturbances on the ground (vegetation and materials) and the discovery of substances. He critiques Ted Phillips Jr.'s definition for not adequately distinguishing between casual mentions and genuinely anomalous events, and for not considering the 'witness' aspect. Verga proposes a definition that links the discovery of traces to the 'UFO phenomenon,' whether the manifestation was directly observed or merely inferred. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and those arising from psychological or sociological factors, suggesting that even 'unidentified' does not necessarily mean 'unknown.' The article stresses the need for thorough investigation, including witness interviews and site analysis, while acknowledging the inherent subjectivity and potential biases of researchers.

Article 2: "Liars and Lunatics, and What We Can Learn From Them" by Hilary Evans

Based on a lecture given at the second international BUFORA congress, this article by British researcher Hilary Evans addresses the pervasive issue of unreliable UFO material. Evans, a co-founder of ASSAP, argues that false reports are a significant problem in ufology, stemming from psychological and cultural factors such as wishful thinking, personal issues, and the influence of the 'New Age' movement. He distinguishes between 'liars' (those who intentionally fabricate reports) and 'lunatics' (those who do so unintentionally). Evans illustrates 'level one lying' with the example of the American magazine 'Official UFO,' which published sensational stories, including claims of Elvis Presley clones and the destruction of Chester, Illinois by UFOs, in pursuit of financial gain. He notes that readers often accepted these stories, attributing the lack of mainstream media coverage to government cover-ups. The article also touches upon the 'West-Wales affair,' where multiple books were published about alleged UFO events, but investigations revealed deliberate fabrications, such as the false claim about Stack Rock being free of snow in winter.

Evans further categorizes 'level two lying' as uncritical reporting by researchers, exemplified by the 'West-Wales incident' where a BUFCRA researcher, Pugh, allegedly encouraged the public to believe an unlikely story about a landed UFO seen by schoolboys. This uncritical acceptance, even if not intentional deception by the researcher, leads to the burial of genuine reports under layers of lies and exaggeration. The article implies that while the journalist's motivation is clear (selling stories), the researcher's motivation for uncritical reporting is more complex and tied to individual personality.

Other Content

"Korte Berichten" (Short Reports)

This section includes brief mentions of books on the UFO topic and an appearance by UFO researcher Jacques Vallee. It also notes media coverage of Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, comparing it to Lourdes and Fatima, and mentions accompanying 'signs in the sky.'

"Spoorgevallen" (Trace Cases) - Continued

The article on trace cases continues, discussing the challenges in defining and verifying such events. It highlights the difficulty in eliminating subjective factors and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication. The definition of a 'high strangeness' case is explored, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation.

"Niveau Drie Liegen" (Level Three Lying)

This section, though brief, introduces the concept of 'level three lying,' suggesting even deeper levels of human motivation behind false claims, using the Cergy-Pontoise abduction case as an example.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the critical need for rigorous, scientific analysis in ufology, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, misinterpretations, or fabrications. The editorial stance is one of caution and a demand for evidence-based research. The magazine champions the dual approach of examining both the physical evidence and the psychological/sociological factors influencing reports and their reception. There is a clear concern about the proliferation of unreliable information and its detrimental effect on serious UFO investigation. The editors aim to provide a platform for critical analysis and to educate readers on how to identify and evaluate different types of UFO-related claims.

This issue of SVLT, titled 'VREEMDE VERSCHIJNSELEN BOVEN VLAANDEREN (DEEL 5)', authored by Jacques Bonabot, continues a series detailing strange sightings reported in Flanders. This installment covers the period up to August 1947, building upon previous issues that covered events up to September 1944.

The magazine appeals to other Belgian UFO groups to contribute information from their archives to complete the chronological overview of sightings in the Flemish region, including religious apparitions and solar phenomena.

The Cergy-Pontoise Affair and Jimmy Guieu

The issue begins by examining the Cergy-Pontoise case, where witnesses claimed to have been abducted. It critically analyzes the testimony of the three main protagonists, suggesting they might have been 'lying directly' (Niveau Eén Liegen). A further dimension is introduced as 'Level Three Lying' (Niveau Drie Liegen), involving a subtler process. Science fiction author Jimmy Guieu is discussed for his immediate belief in the abduction story, despite not meeting the involved parties. He subsequently took the trio under his organization, 'l'Institut Mondial des Sciences Avancées', and housed them in a secret location. Guieu rapidly wrote a book about the affair, which was published within four months. The author criticizes the book for its 'laughable incidents' like mysterious zombies and dramatic teleportations, suggesting it was written for financial gain rather than factual reporting.

The article questions why a popular author would risk his reputation on a dubious case, or if he genuinely believed the story. It speculates that Guieu's background as a science fiction author might have led him to seek 'real facts' or to give publicity to the story out of a desire to believe it was real, suggesting a deep personal need. The author concludes that such behavior might warrant examination by a psychiatrist rather than a ufologist.

Distinguishing Pseudo-UFOs

The issue argues that it is impossible to draw a hard line between a liar and someone who is merely 'light-minded' (lichtzinnige). It proposes that experiences like those of Guieu can be seen as temporary lapses in judgment driven by strong personal motivations, similar to the case of Pugh in Wales, who might have overlooked the improbability of a UFO landing in broad daylight.

The article suggests that researchers should consider a third category of phenomena beyond UFOs and IFOs (Identified Flying Objects): PSEUFOs (pseudo-UFOs). These are described as artificial, psychological, or sociological creations that resemble UFOs but are illusory. The author emphasizes that while researchers should not be expected to remain silent, they must maintain critical thinking and investigate the possibility of fabrication.

The Role of the Researcher

Researchers are urged to acknowledge the possibility of fabrications when encountering unlikely UFO reports. They should not act as arbiters of truth but must investigate probabilities and present facts. The article criticizes publications like 'Magic Saucer' for promoting uncritical belief in UFOs, citing a letter from a reader in Swansea who described a bizarre event involving 'Space Brothers' and a 'weird color' over her garden, which she interpreted as the end of the world.

Another case mentioned is that of Marian Keech, an American woman who claimed to receive messages from extraterrestrials predicting a catastrophe, leading her followers to abandon their lives. When the predicted catastrophe did not occur, the article questions the right to play with others' lives and stresses the importance of informing the public about potential dangers.

Defining Pseudo-UFOs

The article defines pseudo-UFOs as phenomena that arise from subjective processes in the witness's mind. This can include unconscious fabrications, hallucinations, or distortions of objective events to the point where all objectivity is lost. It is also possible that no external event occurred, and the report originated entirely within the witness's mind. The author provides an example of a witness describing a cigar-shaped object with windows, which is likely a product of imagination.

It is stressed that labeling something as a 'pseufo' does not diminish its importance to the witness, as these experiences are as real to them as any other. However, they should be classified as psychological or sociological events rather than objective UFO sightings.

Historical Sightings in Flanders (1944-1947)

The issue then details several specific sightings from Flanders:

• September 1944: A witness in Brussels observed an oval, transparent object moving from west to east. Another witness reported two series of orange light spheres hovering in the sky.
• August/September 1946: The newspaper 'Het Belang van Limburg' reported three sightings, identified as flares or natural phenomena. One incident in Ostend on September 27th was attributed to a pistol-fired flare. Mysterious appearances in the Verviers region on August 28th and 29th were also linked to flares or falling celestial bodies.
• May 16, 1953: In Bouffioulx, a witness took photos of a luminous body with a rainbow-colored cloud, which was investigated by military authorities.
• 1946 or 1947: A young man near Sint-Niklaas reported seeing a small, armored creature next to a disc-shaped object, and a scorched trapezoidal imprint was found in the grass.
• 1946: Near Sint-Niklaas, a green light was observed hovering and then moving at high speed.
• July 23, 1947: Two night watchmen in Hamont reported a fireball moving at high speed with a green-blue flame. On the same evening, a witness in Bocholt described a glowing ball moving towards Holland, with a green light and white smoke.

The article discusses the possibility of these sightings being related to military flares, particularly those used for illumination. It also notes the presence of debris from ammunition and flares along the Belgian coast during this period.

Analysis of Sightings

The author analyzes the Hamont and Bocholt sightings, comparing them to meteors. The lack of precise duration for many sightings hinders proper evaluation. The article mentions that since the launch of the first Russian satellites in 1957, numerous reports have been classified as 'insufficient' due to a lack of information on observation duration.

References

The issue includes a list of references, citing works by Festinger, Riecken, Schacter; Jimmy Guieu; Esterle et al.; Clive Harold; 'Magic Saucer'; 'Official UFO'; Peter Paget; and Pugh & Holiday.

Short Reports

Brief reports cover a lecture by Jean Marie Gantois on UFOs, criticizing his outdated information and omission of key cases like the NICO AI affair and the Trans-en-Provence incident. It also mentions the second UFO 21 congress, noting low attendance and the presence of critical researchers. The report highlights Hilary Evans receiving the UFO 21 trophy. Finally, it touches upon a TF1 television debate on UFO research, criticizing the technical team's lack of respect for the subject and the disruptive intervention of Jean-Pierre Petit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO witness testimony, the distinction between genuine sightings and fabricated or misinterpreted phenomena (PSEUFOs), and the historical documentation of alleged UFO events in Belgium. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unverified claims, advocating for rigorous research, critical analysis, and the classification of reports based on evidence. The magazine encourages reader participation in gathering historical UFO data, emphasizing the importance of accurate source citation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between subjective experiences and objective reality, and on the responsibility of researchers to present information clearly and critically to the public.

This issue of the SVL Journal, titled 'MEN SCHRIJFT ONS...', focuses on recent UFO/IFO sightings and critical analysis of established UFO research. It features contributions from various researchers and correspondents, including Jacques Bonabot, C.J. Maas, Luc Van Biesbrouck, and an editorial note on the SVL's approach to evaluating reports. The journal also includes a summary of the SVL-Journal itself and a detailed discussion on the definition of 'trace cases' by Maurizio Verga.

Article: MICHEL, VALLEE EN DE ANDEREN

This section begins with a critique of 'new ufologists' who, despite not witnessing the early UFO phenomenon, accuse older researchers of distorting information. The author expresses surprise at a letter from Claude Maugé in the SVL (SVLT) journal, dated July 1984, which criticizes the work of Jacques Vallée and Aimé Michel. Maugé agrees with Jacques Scornaux that Vallée is responsible for introducing unverified stories and distortions, possibly to make them seem more credible and strange. The article specifically references Vallée's catalog, 'Un siècle d'atterrissages U.F.O. (1868-1968)', published in his book 'Passport to Magonia'.

The author then quotes Vallée's introductory warning from his catalog, which states that the testimonies are not presented as factual but as a guide to extensive literature on the subject. Vallée emphasizes that he does not claim any of the cases represent physical phenomena of unknown origin and warns against considering all cases in the catalog as equally valid or using them to bolster or detract from other cases. The author notes that Aimé Michel is also considered a victim of this new generation of ufologists, having been criticized for his work on 'orthotenie' and his handling of information for his book 'M.O.C.'.

Alain Gamard and the author had the opportunity to observe how information circulated during the famous French wave of 1954, highlighting the difficulty in tracing original references and how information can be distorted by news agencies and editorial offices. The author concludes that Michel should not be blamed, as his work was based on available sources from that time. The text suggests that, like early parapsychological research, Vallée, Michel, Maugé, Pinvidic, Hallet, and Caudron will also be criticized by future generations.

Jacques Bonabot, in his notes and references, confirms the publication details of Vallée's book and the warning within it. He also discusses Aimé Michel's 'Mystérieux Objets Célestes' (M.O.C.), noting its significance despite criticisms. Bonabot also mentions the book 'OVNI: le premier dossier complet des rencontres rapprochées en France' by Michel Figuet and Jean-Louis Ruchon.

Article: Mevrouw Dolphijn Case Analysis

This section addresses the case of Mevrouw Dolphijn from Uden, Netherlands, as reported in Hans van Kampen's book 'Ufo's boven de lage landen'. The author, C.J. Maas, disputes Van Kampen's account, stating that it contains fabricated details. Maas contrasts Van Kampen's description of a flying saucer with small, suited beings taking ground samples, with the original newspaper report from November 1973. The newspaper report describes Mevrouw Dolphijn seeing three humanoid beings with 'roll sweepers' and large feet, who moved away quickly when noticed. She also saw a large orange ball disappear. Maas points out three discrepancies: Mevrouw Dolphijn did not mention a flying saucer in her garden, did not mention ground samples being taken, and did not mention the beings entering or leaving a craft.

Maas then provides his own explanation for the 'sightings'. He recounts his experience in a new housing development in 's-Hertogenbosch-Noord, where gas company workers used 'roll sweepers' to detect gas leaks in newly laid pipes. He suggests that Mevrouw Dolphijn may have mistaken these workers for extraterrestrial beings. Maas concludes that Van Kampen's book has invented details, potentially creating a 'Dutch Betty Hill' scenario. He emphasizes the importance of credibility in UFO reports and criticizes the embellishment of cases.

The editorial note by C.J. Maas clarifies that Hans van Kampen also discussed the Mevrouw Dolphijn case in his books 'Spooklicht' and 'UFO's boven de Lage Landen'. Van Kampen himself suspected a misinterpretation, possibly of disguised children during carnival. The SVL's evaluation of this case is 'VLIEGER' (kite), suggesting a mundane explanation.

Article: Recent Sightings (Recente Meldingen)

This section presents recent UFO/IFO sightings from Belgium and the Netherlands, with a maximum of six months prior to the SVL Journal's publication date.

• Melsele (O-Vlaanderen), 7/05/1984 (around 22:30): Mevrouw G.V.R. reported a strong vibration and a loud 'thunderous roar' that shook the house, described as the sound of a squadron of aircraft. Her dogs were also agitated. She noted that her house was in a row of five, and none of her neighbors heard or felt anything. She also mentioned witnessing strange lights above Antwerp in 1978 and later near Basel, but couldn't confirm if they were UFOs.
• SVL Evaluation: INSUFFICIENT. The lack of a precise date and visual observation makes the report unhandleable. Police and fire department inquiries might have provided conventional explanations or confirmed multiple witnesses.
• Hengelo (Gelderland), 13/08/1984 (evening): Residents of the Klein Driene neighborhood reported a blinking light in the sky that moved erratically. Police investigated and found three men on a field with a kite-like device, which they used to follow papers in the dark. The police confiscated the kite.
• SVL Evaluation: KITE.
• Lille (Antwerpen), 19/08/1984 (at 19:37): Mej. L.D., mej. L.V., and dhr. R.R. observed a strange, silver, light-emitting object in the sky. L.V. described it as a 'very light-emitting object' with a shape somewhat like a bird, possessing its own light source and deviating slightly from its straight path. R.R. described it as elongated and moving in a straight, slow course, about 75-80 degrees above the horizon. The object moved from south to north and disappeared behind obstacles. The sighting lasted about 30 seconds, with no sound heard.
• SVL Evaluation: AIRPLANE.
• Follow-up: On August 26th, R.R. and L.V. observed the object again. R.R. took three photos, which helped confirm their suspicion that the witnesses had misinterpreted an aircraft. The SVL concluded the case was a misinterpretation due to the willing cooperation of the witnesses.
• Denekamp (Overijssel), 23/08/1984 (evening): The observatory in Denekamp reported a rare phenomenon: a sphere with a bright blue-green light that moved at high speed and broke into three pieces. The light trail remained visible for some time. The spokesperson suggested it could be a meteor or a piece of a satellite. The object itself was no larger than a human fist. The KNMI in De Bilt did not observe the phenomenon.
• SVL Evaluation: METEOR OR SATELLITE FALL.

Article: SUMMARY OF THE SVL-JOURNAL Nº 3/12

This section, written by Wim Van Utrecht, provides an overview of the SVL and its journal. The 'Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen' (SVL) was founded in 1979 and is the sister-organization of GESAG. SVL publishes a trimonthly journal in Flemish ('SVL Tijdschrift' or 'SVLT') and also in English ('SVL Journal'). English summaries were added in December 1982 to interest English-speaking UFO researchers. An annual subscription costs 400,- BF for 4 issues.

The contribution by Italian researcher Maurizio Verga is introduced. Verga, known for his work on ITACAT (Italian Catalogue of Type I-UFO reports), focuses on the physical aspect of the UFO phenomenon.

TRACE CASES : Let's restate them !

Maurizio Verga discusses the definition of a 'trace case' in UFO research, typically defined as a 'close encounter of the second type' involving durable physical effects on living beings or matter. He focuses on ground and vegetation traces, and 'fragments'. Verga references Ted Phillips Jr.'s definition, which emphasizes physical disturbances on the ground without immediate natural or conventional explanation, and 'high strangeness cases' that remain unidentified after investigation. Verga expresses doubts about the 'quality' assessment in Phillips' definition, noting the subjective factors involved.

Verga also points out that Phillips' definition does not cover 'isolated trace cases' (markings without UFO perception) or cases involving the discovery of 'fragments' supposedly belonging to perceived objects. Verga then proposes his own definition for a 'trace case':

"Any event where the discovery of traces on ground (vegetation and other materials) and/or of substances having various nature and constitution has been associated to what is conventionally known as 'UFO phenomenon', both its manifestation has been reported or only supposed. The association between the occurrence of event (perceived or not) and the discovery of traces can indifferently be accomplished by witness, investigators or other persons not connected with the case".

Verga emphasizes the term 'UFO phenomenon' to highlight the common association of traces with the idea of an alien entity. He acknowledges that this broad definition encompasses diverse events but shares a common denominator: the 'UFO phenomenon'. He notes that such cases are often termed 'high strangeness reports' and offers his definition for a 'high strangeness trace case':

"Any event deeply investigated (-multiple witness' interviews; subsequent investigations on the spot; in-depth examination of the trace site; close contact with specialists in doctrines useful for the evaluation of traces themselves; etc...) by investigators inquiring the case within brief time since its beginning and verifying personally the presence of traces. Both witness account of the event and physical evidences themselves must be subjected to a detailed and documented sifting, that takes the greater possible part of conventional causes able to have produced the traces and/or the whole witness experience into consideration and the events must come out without being able to be explained or to be questioned by the phenomena (-and activities-) considered by investigators or other researchers."

Verga concludes by stating that the most serious restriction of this definition is the investigator's degree of confidence, as subjective components are ineliminable. However, a case meeting this definition, while not necessarily a "genuine" report of UFO phenomenology, could still possess sufficient quality for studying what is supposed to be an unknown phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SVL Journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO reports. The editorial stance leans towards debunking or reclassifying sightings as misinterpretations of known phenomena, such as aircraft, meteors, or mundane activities like gas leak detection. The journal emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, the need for accurate data, and the dangers of sensationalism and unverified claims in UFO research. There is a clear focus on distinguishing between credible evidence and rumor or fabrication, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the Mevrouw Dolphijn case and the discussion on defining 'trace cases'. The journal also engages with the ongoing debates within the UFO community, particularly concerning the work of influential figures like Jacques Vallée and Aimé Michel, highlighting internal criticisms and differing methodologies.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated August 23, 1984, features an article by Jacques Bonabot titled "McCampbell, Michel, Vallée and the others... / Jacques BONABOT." The content primarily addresses the evolution of UFO research and the criticisms leveled by a new generation of researchers against established figures.

Critique of 'New Ufologists'

Bonabot expresses his displeasure with a new generation of researchers who, despite not being direct witnesses to the early UFO phenomenon, aggressively criticize older authors and researchers. He notes their tendency to accuse these established figures of deforming information, sometimes with "ferocity" that borders on "impudence."

Claude Maugé and the Criticism of Vallée and Michel

The author highlights a letter from Claude Maugé, published in the SVL-journal (SVLT) in July 1984. Maugé, described as perhaps the only 'new ufologist' with a degree of tolerance, criticizes the work of Jacques Vallée and Aimé Michel. Maugé agrees with Jacques Scornaux's assessment that Vallée is responsible for introducing partially confirmed stories, gathering them carelessly, and deforming them in his summaries to enhance their strangeness and credibility. This criticism is specifically linked to Vallée's catalogue, "A century of U.F.O. landings (1868-1968)," published in his book "Passport to Magonia."

Vallée's Defense and the Purpose of his Catalogue

Bonabot draws attention to a warning issued by Jacques Vallée in the introduction of his catalogue. Vallée stated that they would not apologize for including reports that might be considered unbelievable or ludicrous, nor would they claim that any report relates to a real physical event. The purpose, as stated by Vallée, was to compile "a general guide for a study of the abundant literature of this intriguing subject," and that it would be an "unfair procedure and a grave misunderstanding of our purpose to assume that all cases in the list stand at the same level of reliability."

Bonabot asserts that Wim van Utrecht and Claude Maugé are incorrect in questioning McCampbell's knowledge of UFO literature based on hundreds of reports. Instead, Bonabot argues that McCampbell, by examining UFO literature in light of existing knowledge about microwaves from the seventies, noticed that witness descriptions of UFOs seemed to align with the effects produced by waves on earthly surroundings and humans.

Theoretical Explanations: Microwaves and MHD

Jean-Pierre Petit and Maurice Viton are mentioned for their recent observations while studying MagnetoHydroDynamics (MHD). They noted that descriptions of observed objects contained characteristics that could be attributed to MHD. For instance, what witnesses perceived as portholes might have been interpreted as electrodes within an MHD concept.

Bonabot concludes that McCampbell, Petit, and Viton were on the right track. Their theoretical and experimental research suggests that the UFO phenomenon, as reported in the literature, exhibits characteristics compatible with the effects of microwaves, particularly within an MHD framework.

Defense of Aimé Michel

Aimé Michel is also presented as a victim of the "young lions." Bonabot defends Michel's work on the "straight-line-theory" and his treatment of data for his book "M.C.C." He recounts how, with Alain Gamard, he observed the circulation of information from one newspaper to another during the 1954 French UFO wave, highlighting the difficulty in tracing original sources. Bonabot argues that Michel's work was conducted using the sources available at the time, and the deformations seen today are due to the passage of information through various press agencies and editorial staffs over the years.

Future Criticisms

Bonabot speculates that, similar to parapsychological research in the early 20th century, researchers like Vallée, Michel, Maugé, Pinvidic, Hallet, and Caudron will likely face criticism from the generation of researchers in the year 2010.

Notes and References

The article includes notes and references detailing the publication of Vallée's book "Passport to Magonia" and other related works, such as "Mystérieux Objets Célestes." It also provides contact information for SVL and Wim van Utrecht in Belgium for further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate and evolution of UFO research, the validity of historical UFO reports, and the generational conflicts within the ufological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of defending established researchers and their methodologies against what the author perceives as overly aggressive and uninformed criticism from newer entrants into the field. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of understanding the context and purpose of research, particularly regarding the compilation and interpretation of UFO literature.