UFO Commentary - vol 3 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: VOL.3 NO.2
Date: WINTER 1972
Publisher: UFO Commentary, Ltd.
Type: A Journal of Progressive UFOlogy

Editorial Philosophy and Policy

UFO COMMENTARY is published quarterly and is dedicated to serious research into unidentified flying objects. The journal's policy is to be open-minded, considering all aspects of the UFO problem with a spirit of inquiry and critical thought, avoiding dogmatism and narrow-mindedness. It emphasizes that while free inquiry is encouraged, it must be supported by rigorous investigation and documentation. The publication is non-profit, aiming to provide a medium for in-depth reporting and original research. The editors explicitly state that the views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the consensus of UFO COMMENTARY, which accepts responsibility for giving a platform to divergent ideas.

Key Articles and Content

Cogito: Kinesics and UFOLOGY

This section introduces the concept of kinesics, or body language, as studied by Julius Fast. The author argues that understanding kinesic principles is vital for ufological progress, as UFOs are seen as a human experience. Investigators should consider whether a witness's verbal statements align with their nonverbal communication (kinesics) to better assess the information provided.

Techniques of Investigation I: The UFO Landing Site

Authored by Sharon K. Lynch and Niel Lynch, this article begins a series on investigating alleged UFO landings. It proposes using the science of criminalistics—the collection, preservation, and interpretation of physical evidence—as a basis for UFO investigations. The authors highlight the challenges faced by ufologists, including a lack of official status, potential interference from others, and the need to handle evidence carefully to avoid contamination or misinterpretation. They stress the importance of preparation, cooperation with local authorities, and maintaining a scientific approach. The article also touches on potential dangers, such as mistaking criminal activity for UFO sightings.

#### Supplies for Investigation

The article lists essential supplies for a UFO investigator, including a sketch pad and pencil, tape recorder, cameras (with various film types and filters), measuring tape, rope for securing a scene, casting material for footprints, and containers for evidence. It also mentions the need for special equipment and skills for remote or dangerous locations.

Object Seen Over Twin Falls

This detailed report by Allen Benz describes a mysterious fiery object observed over Twin Falls, Idaho, on August 10, 1972. Dr. Glenn A. Hoss, a local physician, and his nurse witnessed a large, white, perfectly round sphere with a silver nose and flames. Three smaller objects, described as 'wings,' detached from the main object, followed by a fiery trail. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 20,000 to 40,000 feet and traveling at high speed. The report includes corroboration from a graduate student, Jean Nutile, and a USAF flight crew. Analysis of press reports indicates similar sightings over Boise and Salt Lake City. Dr. Mark Littman of the Salt Lake City planetarium suggested it might be a meteor, though he noted its unusual brightness. NORAD issued a statement identifying the object as either a space vehicle re-entering the atmosphere or a meteor.

Analysis and Comment

This section reviews press reports of the Twin Falls incident and related sightings, including a statement from NORAD. It discusses the possibility of the object being a meteor, citing Dr. Mark Littman's opinion that daytime meteors of such brightness are rare. The article also mentions a photograph of the object allegedly seen over Salt Lake City.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of evidence collection and analysis, and the critical assessment of witness testimony. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to rigorous research, encouraging the exploration of diverse ideas within ufology. The journal aims to advance ufological knowledge through a broad hospitality to divergent viewpoints, while maintaining high standards of documentation and investigation.

Title: SPACEVIEW
Publisher: Paradice International
Country: USA
Price: 3/-
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SPACEVIEW, a magazine specializing in Space News and Flying Saucer Scene, covers a range of UFO-related topics, from official investigations to historical accounts and scientific analysis of phenomena.

Article: Spokesman Del Kindschi on UFO Sighting

The issue begins with a statement from spokesman Del Kindschi regarding a potential space object sighting. Kindschi stated that the object was definitely not a man-made decaying space object and that they could not speculate on its nature. He confirmed that there was no predicted satellite or space activity in the area, and NORAD considered the case closed. When asked if it could have been a missile fired into polar orbit, Kindschi replied that there were no reports of missile firings in that area.

Article: San Francisco: City of UFOs?

Kevin McCray presents an article exploring San Francisco as a potential 'UFO window area.' He outlines ten requirements for identifying such an area, including specific days and times (Wednesday evenings around 10 PM), periods of the year (last two weeks of March, first two weeks of April, July, August, last two weeks of October, November, December), observation points (highest ground), proximity to water, magnetic fault lines, areas of natural disasters, man-made installations (military bases, power plants), regions with mixed population density, and existing UFO history. McCray believes the San Francisco Bay region fits these criteria due to its hills, numerous bodies of water (Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, reservoirs, rivers, streams), military installations, engineering achievements like BART and the Golden Gate Bridge, historical significance (1906 earthquake), population density, and magnetic declination.

Article: Airship Lands in Missouri

Allen Benz reports on an airship landing in Maysville, Missouri, on April 12, 1897, based on a report from the Kingston Times. Citizens witnessed a faint gleaming light that swept rapidly over the town and descended to the ground. A single occupant, appearing to be Norwegian, was on board and seemed disgusted with the landing. The craft was repaired within thirty minutes, and the visitor departed. Benz also discusses the importance of collecting and interpreting 'kinesic information' (body language) during UFO witness interviews, suggesting the use of movie cameras and tape recorders, and advocating for research groups to locate kinesic specialists.

Article: A Closer Look at TLPs

Lucius Farish examines Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs), which are anomalous occurrences observed on the Moon's surface. He references the 'Chronological Catalog of Reported Lunar Events (CCRLE)' compiled by Middlehurst, Burley, Moore, and Welther, which lists 579 TLP reports from 1540 to 1967. Farish notes that the CCRLE may have excluded some reports due to 'scientific conservatism.' He highlights an observation by amateur astronomer V.A. Firsoff of two bright points of light near the Moon's South Pole on May 24, 1955, with a beam of light ascending and disappearing. Farish also recounts another of Firsoff's observations of 'minute flashes' over the Moon's south pole, which he suggests sounds more like UFO activity than standard lunar phenomena.

Visuals and Indexes

The issue includes a drawing by Glenn Hoss, M.D., depicting an 'Object Over Twin Falls' with annotations like 'Silvw Prow,' 'Lickin, Flares,' and 'F.J.S. Five.' There is also a diagram illustrating magnetic declination in San Francisco and a map showing lines of equal declination. The magazine features extensive indexes: 'The World Sighting Index' with numerous global cases and 'North American Cases' with detailed listings of sightings, primarily in Florida and Washington D.C., along with some cases in Connecticut, Delaware, and Georgia.

Editorial and Subscription Information

The magazine concludes with subscription information for 'SPACEVIEW,' offering membership and a year's subscription for $2.95, with options for free bonus items like a UFO photo or a 'Treasure Chest.' The publication is described as an independent magazine specializing in Space News and Flying Saucer Scene, containing about 32 pages and copyrighted in 1972 by Paradice International.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, historical accounts of aerial phenomena, and scientific investigations into unexplained events, both terrestrial and lunar. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging research and the collection of data, while also acknowledging the historical and scientific aspects of such investigations. The magazine aims to provide authoritative news and analysis for those interested in flying saucer topics and space news.

This document consists of two pages from the magazine "UFO COMMENTARY". The first page is a "READER OPINION SURVEY" designed to gather feedback from subscribers to improve the journal's content and relevance. The second page provides "HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUES" and announces "COMING IN FUTURE ISSUES". The magazine is published by UFO COMMENTARY and appears to be based in the USA.

Reader Opinion Survey

The survey aims to make the journal more relevant and useful by asking readers for their opinions. It requests feedback on what readers like most and least about the journal, and what they would like to see more of. The survey also asks for basic demographic information, including gender (Male/Female), age, education level, and occupation. Additionally, it inquires about specific interests within ufology. All replies are stated to be confidential. The survey instructions direct respondents to mail completed questionnaires to UFO COMMENTARY at 833 Shoshone N. #206, Twin Falls, ID 83301.

Highlights from Previous Issues

The "HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS ISSUES" section details content from several past editions:

• VOL. 2 NO. 3: Featured "Report on the Yugoslavian Flap of 1967" by Joseph M. Brill and "Key to the UFO COMMENTARY World Sighting Index" by Allen Benz.
• VOL. 2 NO. 4: Included "The Delphos case; an in depth investigation" by Ted Phillips, "Airships in Oklahoma and Texas" by Lucius Farish, and "Format of the UFOCAT Disc" by David R. Saunders.
• VOL. 3 NO. 1: Contained "The Delphos case Conclusion" by Ted Phillips and "Report of Photographic Consultation" by Niel Lynch.

Coming in Future Issues

The "COMING IN FUTURE ISSUES" section outlines upcoming content:

• Continuation of the series "TECHNIQUES OF INVESTIGATION".
• Coverage of "North American UFO activity 1870-1970".
• Discussion of "Recent developments in physical traces".
• "News in capsule: sighting analysis and interpretation".
• The "World Sighting Index" will be included in each issue.

Readers are encouraged not to miss a single issue and to "RENEW NOW!". The mailing address for UFO COMMENTARY is provided as 833 Shoshone N. #206, Twin Falls, ID 83301 USA. A subscriber's address, Barry J. Greenwood of Somerville, MA, is also visible on a mailing label.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on detailed investigations of UFO cases, analysis of sightings, and the development of ufological research techniques. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious inquiry and information sharing within the ufology community, as evidenced by the depth of topics covered and the call for reader participation to improve the journal.