UFO Commentary - vol 3 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: Vol.3 No.1
Date: Fall 1972
Publisher: Patrick A. Huyghe
Country: USA
Price: 60¢

This issue of UFO Commentary, a journal of progressive ufology, presents a detailed investigation into the "Delphos Case," an alleged UFO landing that occurred on November 2, 1971, near Delphos, Kansas. The cover art features a stylized archway with radiating lines leading to a triangular object, under the headline "UFOLOGY: THE ENDLESS TUNNEL."

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL," poses questions about the nature of ufology, comparing it to an "endless tunnel" or a "difficult and perilous" research endeavor. It emphasizes the importance of an individual's approach to the subject, cautioning against preconceived notions like "They are space ships" or "They are hallucinations." The editorial advocates for an attitude of "open critical inquiry," which involves sticking to facts, interviewing witnesses, gathering data, and determining significance before attempting interpretations. It stresses patience and managing expectations, stating that ufology is not for those seeking quick answers and that solving the "UFO enigma" would be intellectually arrogant. The journal aims to gather and record information for posterity, referencing J. Allen Hynek's statement about "30th century science." The editorial clarifies that the articles in UFO Commentary do not represent a consensus of beliefs and that the journal provides a platform for divergent ideas, accepting responsibility for giving them a chance to appear rather than endorsing the views expressed.

The Delphos Case: An In-Depth Investigation - Conclusion

This article, authored by Ted Phillips, details the investigation of a UFO landing site near Delphos, Kansas. Following an initial sighting on December 4th, the author and the Johnson family visited the site. They observed a ring-shaped ground mark, approximately 30 feet in diameter, which was perfectly outlined by unmelted snow. The soil within the ring was found to be dry and light brown, in stark contrast to the surrounding soil, which was moist and black, despite recent rain and snow. This unusual dryness of the ring soil, even after precipitation, is highlighted as a remarkable finding.

Soil samples taken from the ring revealed a high concentration of a white substance not found in the center of the ring or in the surrounding soil. The ring soil was dry to a depth of at least one foot, while the surrounding soil was wet to a depth of at least eight inches.

The site is located about 250 feet north of the farmhouse. The ground within the ring is devoid of plant life. A wooden fence runs west from a shed to a sheep pen, where the witness, Ronald Johnson, reportedly stood. A dead tree, located between the ring and the shed, was found broken at a point 8.5 feet above the ground, with a three-inch diameter break. The break indicated the tree may have been broken during the object's descent. The fallen tree showed possible impact marks, including one where the bark was peeled back, exposing green surface, suggesting it was not a natural fault. This limb had been alive at the time and would have required considerable pressure to break.

Entry into the site from the north or east was obstructed by undisturbed trees. The branches directly above the ring were not damaged, ruling out a vertical descent or ascent. The broken limb showed what appeared to be heat blisters, and the branches, though green, snapped easily. The flight path was described as being between two trees, over the fallen tree, over a low shed, and to the south. The author concludes that a conventional aircraft could not have made its way into and out of the site, making such an explanation highly improbable.

Summary of the Delphos Case:
Based on interviews with the Johnson family, Sheriff Enlow, and reporter Thaddia Smith, and after examining the site over seventy-one days, the author believes there is considerable evidence confirming the unusual event. The persistent ring mark, despite weather conditions, is presented as a significant mystery. The dry, light brown ring soil, in contrast to the wet, black surrounding soil, is described as "incredible." The author suggests this case is an excellent example of unusual phenomena and a most significant one.

Notes:
1. No change in lights accompanied the change in sound.
2. The total observation time was two to five minutes.

• Photographic Evidence:
• Several photographs are included, illustrating aspects of the case:
• Photograph #1 (taken by Sheriff): Shows dehydrated soil 19 hours after the observation.
• Photograph #2 (photographed by Phillips): Shows the ring on December 4, 1971.
• Photograph #3: Depicts a seven-inch diameter tree knocked to the ground along the flight path.
• Photograph #4: Shows Ronald and Mr. Johnson.
• Photograph #5: Illustrates a three-inch diameter limb broken over the ring, showing numerous heat blisters.
• Photograph #6: Shows Ronald Johnson and his dog.
• Photograph #7: Demonstrates growth in normal soil taken five feet from the ring, with no growth in the ring soil.

• Additional Witness Information:
• For several days following the incident, the witness (Ronald) suffered from headaches and eye pain.
• There were no known UFO sightings in central Kansas during 1971.
• Ronald did not describe the object as a spaceship or mention any "force field."
• The entire sighting lasted between two to five minutes.

Official Statements:
A statement from Sheriff Ralph Enlow of Ottawa County, Kansas, attests to the reliability of the Johnson family as lifetime residents of the community, stating their information would be accurate.

An Undersheriff Harlan Enlow's report details the initial call received from reporter Thaddia Smith on November 3, 1971, regarding the UFO sighting at the Durel Johnson residence. The report describes the sequence of events as told by Ronnie Johnson, who heard a loud noise and saw a bright light, which then rose into the sky and headed south. His parents confirmed seeing the object. The report also mentions the discovery of the ring-shaped mark, broken trees, and the contrast in soil conditions.

Other Contents

• Comparison Cases: Page 12
• The World Sighting Index: by Allen Benz, Page 14
• Index to Volume Two of UFO COMMENTARY: Page 18

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and careful investigation in ufology. The editorial highlights a commitment to open-mindedness and the presentation of diverse viewpoints, even those that may conflict. The Delphos Case investigation exemplifies this by meticulously documenting physical evidence, witness testimony, and photographic documentation. The recurring theme is the pursuit of understanding unusual phenomena through rigorous, fact-based research, acknowledging the complexity and long-term nature of the UFO enigma. The journal positions itself as a platform for advancing ufological knowledge by fostering critical inquiry and hospitality to varied ideas.

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: Volume Two
Date: November 3, 1971
Publisher: UFO COMMENTARY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO Commentary focuses on a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Delphos, Kansas, on November 3, 1971. The report details witness testimonies, physical evidence found at the scene, and includes a comparative analysis of similar cases from around the world.

Delphos, Kansas Sighting (November 3, 1971)

The primary focus of the issue is the account of a UFO sighting by the Johnson family and subsequent investigation by Undersheriff Harlan Enlow and reporter Thaddia Smith. The incident began around 7:00 p.m. when Ronnie Johnson, a 16-year-old, observed a blinding, brilliant light accompanied by a loud rumbling sound, which he described as similar to a jet engine. The light ascended into the heavens in a southerly direction. Ronnie alerted his parents, and together they observed the light high in the sky. The family's dog also exhibited unusual behavior, appearing to look for the object.

Upon investigation of the area where the object was seen, the family discovered a large, fluorescent circle on the ground. Mrs. Johnson took a photograph of the area. Reporter Thaddia Smith, accompanied by her husband Lester Smith and son-in-law Kennith McCullick, visited the Johnson farm to document the event.

Smith described the circle as distinct and plain, with the soil within the ring being dried and crusted, approximately 8 feet across. The center and outer areas were muddy from recent rains, but the ring itself was about a foot across and very light in color. Evidence of the object's presence included a crushed dead tree and a broken limb on a live tree. The broken limb was unusual, appearing dead yet green underneath, with the upper area retaining leaves while the lower area showed signs of blistering and a whitish cast.

Undersheriff Enlow collected a soil sample from the dried ring, which was described as almost white and very dry. A Civil Defense Radiological Monitor was used to test the soil, determining it was not radioactive. The sample and photographs were stored pending further investigation.

Smith initially felt skeptical but was compelled to investigate. After her visit, she contacted the Concordia Weather Bureau, which reported no unidentified objects on radar. She also contacted KSAL in Salina. Later that evening, personnel from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Highway Patrol, and Cloud County Weather Bureau had also visited the site and collected samples.

Smith noted that the Johnson family are respected, truthful, and trustworthy members of the Delphos community.

Detailed measurements of the site were taken, including the location of a shed relative to the ring. A white substance was found to cover 30-60% of the surface soil within the ring. A tree noted at the site was dead before the incident.

Comparison Cases

The issue presents a section titled "Comparison Cases," which details several similar incidents from around the world that share characteristics with the Delphos, Kansas case. These cases are drawn from Mr. Phillips' extensive files.

• Tucuman, Argentina (January 31, 1963): Two scorched rings, described as forming a figure "8", were found. The grass and roots were burned to a depth of four inches. A white ash-like powder was present. A witness reported seeing an egg-shaped object in the vicinity.
• Standoff, Alberta, Canada (May 1968): A bright circular object was observed landing. The next day, two oval-shaped burned areas were found. Digging in the larger circle revealed it had been burned down about three feet, with the center less burned than the perimeter. The grass grew back coarser and greener in the burned area.
• Boggabri, Australia (October 19, 1970): Unusual ground markings were found, including a "crater" eight inches deep and six feet in diameter, with holes that appeared to be cut by an auger. A white encrustation was found in the holes.
• Waihoke, New Zealand (January 1965): A ring of bare earth, eight feet in diameter, was found in a sheep holding pen. The area was muddy but reappeared after rain. The ring did not produce growth and disappeared after four years.

These cases are presented with dates, locations, and descriptions of the physical traces left behind, suggesting a pattern of phenomena involving ground markings and scorched or burned areas.

Report of Photographic Consultation

This section, attributed to Niel Lynch, analyzes a photograph purported to be of a "flying saucer." The photograph, provided as photocopies from newspaper clippings and a piece cut from the original, is described as being of a uniform gray tone with a moderate grain pattern. A dark object resembling a flying saucer is visible, along with three parallel lines that might be power lines. The analysis notes that the reproduction is indistinct and that the original context (water, boat, shoreline) is missing from the cut piece.

The photograph was reportedly taken by a thirteen-year-old using an Olympus Pen EE-2 camera. The analysis discusses the limitations of examining a second-generation print and the potential degradation of image quality through reproduction processes. It also touches on the possibility of darkroom manipulation by a hoaxer but suggests the grain structure extending into the object's features indicates it might be on the film.

The World Sighting Index

Pages 5 through 8 of the issue contain extensive lists of "Global Cases" and "North American Cases" compiled by Allen Benz. These lists provide dates, locations, and index numbers for numerous UFO sightings, spanning from 1954 to 1966 for global cases and from 1951 to 1966 for North American cases. This index serves as a catalog of reported UFO events, likely for reference or further research.

Index to Volume Two of UFO Commentary

Pages 18 and 19 provide an index to Volume Two of UFO Commentary, listing topics, authors, and specific sightings covered in previous issues. This includes entries on airships, animal reactions to UFOs, various international sightings (Yugoslavia, Australia, Italy, Argentina), book reviews, and specific phenomena like "angel hair" and "electromagnetic pollution."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings, the analysis of physical evidence left behind, and the comparison of these events with a broader catalog of similar incidents worldwide. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, investigative stance, presenting witness accounts and physical findings objectively, while also acknowledging the need for scientific analysis (like the soil testing) and photographic examination. The inclusion of extensive sighting indexes and a detailed index to past issues suggests a commitment to comprehensive documentation and research within the field of UFOlogy. The comparison cases highlight a consistent pattern of ground traces and aerial phenomena reported globally over several decades.

Title: DARKNESS
Issue: 23
Volume: TWO
Date: Undetermined, indicated by page number 23 and references to Volume Two.
Publisher: CF/UFOFRI
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of DARKNESS magazine, a publication of CF/UFOFRI, delves into a wide array of UFO sightings, research, and related phenomena. It features extensive lists of sightings, investigations, and reports, with a particular focus on a "Yugoslavian flap" and "North American cases." The magazine also includes a detailed "Report of Photographic Consultation" analyzing a specific UFO photograph.

Key Articles and Reports

Yugoslavian Sightings and Research

The issue extensively documents UFO activity in Yugoslavia, listing numerous locations and specific sightings. Locations mentioned include Ivangrad, Leskovac, Lijeva Rijecka, Matsevo, Moreca, Niksic, Slatina, and various mountains such as Mt. Crni Vrh, Mt. Dubocak, Mt. Komovi, Mt. Medjedjak, Mt. Mokra Gora, Mt. Ostravica, Mt. Prekobrdje, Mt. Rovci, and Mt. Sirjajevina. Many of these mountain locations are noted as being "set ablaze." The "Yugoslavian flap" is a recurring theme, with reports carried by publications like "Vecernje Novosti."

North American Sightings

Sightings and related phenomena in North America are also covered. This includes reports from Kansas (Leroy, KS) and New York (Matteawan, NY, Yonkers, NY), often mentioning "airship" sightings. Specific locations like Pella, IA, and Whitsett, NC (fall of angel hair) are also noted. The issue references "North American cases" within the "World Sighting Index."

Photographic Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a "Report of Photographic Consultation," which continues from page 13. This section analyzes a photograph of an object described as "roughly cigar shaped" or "roughly diamond shaped with rounded corners." The author concludes that the object is likely real and was photographed close to the camera, possibly due to the skill of a schoolboy photographer or an associate. However, due to the limitations of the photograph, no further definitive conclusions could be drawn regarding the object's nature or distance.

Physical Traces and Phenomena

The issue details various physical traces associated with UFO events. These include "glowing circles," "glowing trees," "residue, white," "broken tree," and "burn marks on ground." The "Wednesday phenomenon" and "mysterious skyfalls" are also mentioned, with a specific reference to a skyfall in St. Louis, Missouri, and Lancashire (UK).

Research and Publications

Information is provided on UFO research and publications. The "World Sighting Index" is referenced, detailing its purpose and sections on global and North American cases. The "Ufological research" is described as an "essential problem." A bibliography of "government documents" related to UFOs is also included. Libraries, specifically public libraries, are noted for holding UFO publications.

Other Topics

Other topics covered include "electromagnetic pollution," "power failures and UFOs," "space-time continuum" in relation to UFOs, and "secret inventions" as explanations for airships. The issue also touches upon "pyramidology" and "parallel universe" theories in connection with UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different continents, the importance of detailed reporting and investigation, and the analysis of physical evidence and photographic data. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting a wide range of reports and research findings without definitive conclusions on many cases, particularly those involving photographic evidence. The magazine aims to document and explore the unknown, covering a broad spectrum of related topics from scientific investigations to more speculative theories.