UFO Encounters - Vol 01 No 09 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO ENCOUNTERS
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 9
Date: 1993
Publisher: Aztec Publishing
Country: USA
Price: $2.50

This issue of UFO Encounters, dated 1993, provides worldwide coverage of the UFO phenomenon, with a strong focus on significant cases and ongoing research.

From the Editor

Michael Norris, the Chief Editor, opens the issue by highlighting the success of the 1993 International MUFON Symposium in Richmond, VA, which attracted over 850 attendees and explored 'Ufology: The Emergence of a New Science.' He notes that the issue will cover much of the information presented at the symposium. Norris also mentions the lost contact with NASA's Mars Observer probe, hinting at a future story. He directs readers to an article by Bruce Maccabee on the 'Magnetic Case,' emphasizing its significance and the development of UFO detection devices. Finally, he teases an upcoming update on NASA's announcement of receiving 164 unknown signals.

Magnetic Case: Strong Magnetic Field Detected Following a Sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object

By Bruce Maccabee

This article details a remarkable case from Gulf Breeze, Florida, on September 11, 1992. Mrs. A reported seeing an unusual round object rise from behind her house, move, flip over, and disappear. Within an hour, the sighting was reported to the Gulf Breeze Research Team of Pensacola MUFON. The next day, an acquaintance, recalling a similar experience in 1973 where his car's gauges pointed towards the steering column, decided to investigate the area behind the witness's house with a sensitive flux gradient magnetometer (gradiometer).

The gradiometer detected a strong magnetic field in the air over a pond. Initially thought to be a 'magnetic cloud,' the source was later pinpointed to the tops of pine trees about 60 feet away. The instrument detected a field gradient of approximately 0.18 G/m when pointed towards the treetops at an upward angle of 20-30 degrees. The pitch of the gradiometer's audio tone, which is proportional to the field gradient, increased significantly in this area. The acquaintance also discovered three depressed circles in the bottom of the pond that were not there days earlier.

Subsequent investigations on September 14 showed a significant decrease in the magnetic field gradient. The article discusses the properties of the gradiometer, explaining that it measures the difference in field between two points, not the absolute field strength. It notes that the earth's field strength is around 0.3-0.5 G, while the detected gradient was up to 0.25 G/m. The source of the field remained a mystery, as wood is not ferromagnetic and no magnetic residue was found. The article also touches upon anomalous magnetic effects associated with UFOs, referencing the Fred Johnson sighting near Mt. Adams on June 24, 1947, where his compass rotated continuously.

1993 MUFON Symposium Highlights

This section features photographs from the 1993 MUFON Symposium. Images include speakers like Colin Andrews, Jorge Martin, and Budd Hopkins answering questions. Another photo shows George Knapp speaking, and a separate image depicts protestors organized by 'Operation Right to Know' at the nation's capital, protesting the government's cover-up of UFO material.

George Knapp on Area 51 and Bob Lazar: An Update

By Derek Sikes

George Knapp, a television journalist known for breaking the Bob Lazar story, addressed a crowd of approximately 900 people at the MUFON symposium. His presentation aimed to dispel fallacies surrounding Bob Lazar, who claims to have worked with alien craft and technology at a classified location (S-4) on the Nellis test range in Southern Nevada.

Knapp addressed numerous rumors about Lazar, including claims that he is running a meth lab, managing prostitutes, is a secret agent, or has disappeared. He also debunked outlandish rumors about Area 51, such as children being kidnapped for torture or the facility being tied to mind-altering weapons or alien control from 'planet Krondac.' Knapp criticized an article in the MUFON Journal by Dennis Stacy for focusing on gossip and superficial details rather than the substance of presentations.

Knapp defended the Lazar story against claims of disinformation, suggesting such conclusions are based on speculation rather than evidence. He also discussed the broader controversy surrounding Area 51, noting that the narrative of alien technology in Nevada predates Bob Lazar and is deeply rooted in ufology.

Lazar himself, in a video interview shown by Knapp, decried the absurd stories about him and stated he is currently designing and selling radiation detectors. He expressed disillusionment with the UFO community, describing many involved as psychics and astrologers who derive income from UFOs and create ridiculous stories. Lazar also mentioned a past encounter with ufologist Jacques Vallee, who he felt tried to impose his theories about UFOs, leading to Vallee's departure with a bruised ego.

Invisibility & UFO Abductions

By Michael Norris

Budd Hopkins, a pioneer in abduction research, presented his findings on the UFO abduction phenomenon, which he described as a 'serious scientific discipline' due to 'strict replication' of cases worldwide. He traced the history of abduction research, starting with the Betty and Barney Hill case (1961), which identified key patterns: missing time, physical paralysis, interest in reproduction, telepathic communication, and human physical examinations. Dr. Benjamin Simon's use of hypnotic regression was highlighted as a useful investigative technique.

Raymond Fowler's investigations into the Betty Andreasson case added details like nasal implant devices and the ability of aliens to pass through solid objects. By 1981, Hopkins' book 'Missing Time' expanded knowledge to include recurring abductions, screen memories, and scars left on abductees. His 1987 book, 'Intruders,' further detailed patterns such as artificial insemination and the creation of hybrids.

Dr. David Jacobs' 1992 book, 'Secret Life,' introduced concepts like 'mindscans' to take thoughts or emotions and abductees being submerged in liquid where they could still breathe. Hopkins also shared newer findings: pairs of humans being abducted together for study, sometimes engaging in sexual activity, and aliens having humans teach 'hybrids' about Earth. The issue notes that while most abductions occur under a cloak of invisibility, the Linda Cortile case is an exception, believed to be a staged event for a political figure.

The Australian Case (Washburns)

This section details a case involving the 'Washburns' family in Brisbane, Australia. In the fall of 1992, the couple reported unusual nosebleeds and a disturbing experience in a park. They handed Hopkins four red photographs where they were supposed to be, but were not visible. During hypnotic regression, Jenny and Sam Washburn recounted a 1978 incident where two shiny balls appeared, followed by a huge, blindingly lit object. Jenny, her two sons, and a guest were levitated into the craft for a typical abduction experience, while Sam was frozen on the beach, but managed to take photos of an empty scene.

Upcoming Events

This section lists several upcoming UFO-related conferences and events in September, October, and November 1993, including:

• Third Annual New Hampshire MUFON Conference (Portsmouth, NH)
• Midwest Conference on UFO Research (Springfield, MO)
• The UFO Experience (North Haven, CT)
• The National UFO Conference (Bordentown, NJ)
• Houston UFO Research Conference (Houston, TX)
• Gulf Breeze UFO Conference (Pensacola Beach, FL)
• The Second Delaware UFO Symposium (Wilmington, DE)
• International UFO Congress and Film Festival (Las Vegas, NV)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, including physical evidence (magnetic fields, trace evidence), eyewitness accounts, and the evolution of abduction research. The editorial stance, as expressed by Michael Norris and George Knapp, is one of serious scientific inquiry into ufology, advocating for open-minded investigation while cautioning against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There's a clear emphasis on presenting research, debunking myths, and pushing for ufology to be recognized as an emerging science, despite resistance from mainstream science and skepticism.

This issue of UFO Encounters, Volume 1, Issue 1 (though the cover references Vol. 1, #'s 2&3 for the Puerto Rico section), published by Aztec Publishing, focuses on compelling UFO phenomena. The main cover story, "The Astounding UFO Experience in Puerto Rico," by Michael Norris, highlights a presentation by Jorge Martin. The magazine also features an article by Paul Stonehill titled "Stalin and UFOs," and extensive coverage of Area 51 and Bob Lazar's claims, largely through the research of George Knapp.

The Astounding UFO Experience in Puerto Rico

Michael Norris reports on Jorge Martin's presentation, which included photographic evidence of a jet fighter intercepting a UFO in May 1988 in Puerto Rico. The UFO was described as having a copper bottom and a top of bluish steel or aluminum. Martin's presentation also featured a 3D computer reenactment of the encounter. The article revisits the story of two F-14 jets that reportedly disappeared in late 1988 after intercepting a large triangular craft. Witnesses claimed the UFO stretched into a cigar shape, exploded with sparks, and then split into two sections, one red and one yellow, with one section flying east and the other north. The craft was estimated to be 800 feet wide and 500 feet long.

Another account detailed the disappearance of a young man while flying from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico after radioing about a "strange object harassing them." The object mirrored the plane's evasive maneuvers, and after distress calls, all radio contact was lost, along with the plane and its two passengers. The young man's parents later reported a bizarre visitation where their son appeared, dressed in a greenish suit, and explained he was taken to a base under the Atlantic Ocean for "activity there," stating he was happy before disappearing in a burst of light. Martin noted that UFOs were seen coming from the ocean in that area in the mid-1970s, with a high-ranking naval officer confirming encounters with UFOs by jet aircraft in the same region. In one incident, jets sent to investigate a hovering UFO that emerged from the ocean were stopped in midair, vibrated violently, and exploded.

The article also revisits the strange occurrences at the Cartagena Lagoon in Puerto Rico. Jorge Martin added more accounts, including a man seeing five small grayish creatures with pointed ears and bright eyes near the lagoon, who then jumped over a bridge and disappeared into it. Another man saw a similar creature near a canal connected to the lagoon, which disappeared into the water when spotted. A woman reported seeing three "gray creatures" taking plant samples around her house before disappearing into the lagoon. The author speculates that the creatures' bright eyes might be an adaptation for seeing in the dark water.

Stalin and UFOs

Paul Stonehill's article explores Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin's alleged interest in UFOs, based on information from Valery Pavlovich Burdakov, a scientist who worked for rocket designer Sergey Pavlovich Korolyov. Burdakov initially presented lectures on "flying saucers" to employees, and Korolyov, rather than punishing him, supported his interest and even sent him to the Pulkovskaya Observatory. Korolyov later met with Stalin, who requested his opinion on UFOs. Korolyov stated that UFOs were not a military threat but acknowledged the phenomenon's existence and the need for future study. Stalin mentioned he had consulted other eminent specialists who held similar views.

Another version of the meeting, published in TERMINATOR magazine, suggests Stalin gave Korolyov a book by D. Menzel about flying saucers and asked for his opinion. Korolyov, only knowing German, requested to borrow the book, but Stalin refused, instead having female translators assist Korolyov. Korolyov concluded that UFOs, if they existed, could not be American military creations. Following this meeting, Korolyov became a supporter of A. Kazantsev's idea that the Tungusska Meteorite could have been an alien spaceship, and reportedly organized expeditions to investigate the site.

The article also touches on Korolyov's life, noting his role in space exploration and mentioning a mysterious "laboratory for the study of flying saucers." Lev Sergeyevich Termen, a Soviet inventor, also mentioned such a laboratory. Korolyov reportedly experienced a UFO sighting over the Baikonur Cosmodrom in 1962, described as a disc-like object in a spiral cloud.

Area 51 and Bob Lazar

George Knapp's research into Area 51 and Bob Lazar's claims is presented extensively. Knapp asserts that Area 51 is a likely candidate for housing alien technology, citing decades of "black projects" like the U-2, SR-71, and Stealth programs. The facility's designation has reportedly been changed due to public familiarity with "Area 51," with pilots referring to the restricted airspace as "the box." Knapp details the Air Force's 1984 seizure of 89,000 acres around Groom Lake and the extreme security measures employed, including surveillance, motion detection, and multiple security forces.

Despite security efforts, Knapp notes that White Sides mountain offers a distant view of the Groom Lake facility. Personnel at Groom Lake are aware of observers, and classified work is halted when UFO enthusiasts are detected. Knapp mentions a pending land seizure that could include White Sides, potentially eliminating the last point of civilian access.

Knapp categorizes Area 51 enthusiasts into three groups: those seeking to witness UFOs or HPACs, aviation buffs interested in secret planes, and "experts" who believe the UFO activity is a disinformation campaign. Knapp expresses discomfort with all viewpoints, questioning if anyone would still be flying craft there if so many people are looking for them.

Knapp recounts the difficulties in researching Lazar's educational and employment history, facing roadblocks at every step. Even a U.S. congressman admitted similar difficulties. While Lazar claims to have attended Cal-Tech and M.I.T., both schools deny having records. Lazar himself is uncooperative, but Knapp believes he may have had ample proof before his wife's death in 1986. Knapp suggests Lazar's emotional trauma from this loss might have led him to abandon his possessions and records.

Despite gaps and undocumented periods in Lazar's story, Knapp insists there is too much that makes sense and can be corroborated by others. He has found reputable individuals who confirm aspects of Lazar's background or his claims about S-4 and its programs. Lazar has also passed polygraph tests and answered questions about Area 51 correctly from a former employee. Knapp acknowledges a rumor about Lazar's involvement with illegal prostitution is true, but likens it to a DUI incident for Einstein – it doesn't invalidate the core claims.

Knapp criticizes Lazar for being "lackadaisical about documentation" and indifferent to belief, but stresses the importance of thorough investigation. He notes that Lazar's story, if it is disinformation, is a testament to the perseverance of those running such programs. Knapp also raises a question about Lazar's claim that humans are "containers of souls," seeking clarification on its origin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, encounters, and alleged government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and research from various sources, while also acknowledging the controversies and challenges in verifying such claims. There is a clear interest in the intersection of UFO phenomena with military and governmental activities, as seen in the extensive coverage of Area 51 and the historical accounts of Soviet interest.