The UFO Enigma - 2000 06 - Volume 20 no 10

Magazine Overview

The UFO Enigma, Volume 20, Number 10, published in June 2000 by the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, is a monthly publication dedicated to the investigation and reporting of UFO sightings. This issue features a variety of articles, including a look at British UFO secrets, baffling ice ball phenomena in Spain, and UFO activity near airports. It also includes a farewell message from CNI News and information about the MUFON 2000 International UFO Symposium.

UFO Study Group Meeting and Symposium

The UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis held its last meeting before a summer break on Sunday, June 11, 2000, at Alberto's restaurant. The meeting included an introduction of officers, a welcome to visitors, and an open discussion on new UFO cases and related happenings. The program aimed to review UFO facts and determine what is known and what needs further investigation through a roundtable discussion. A video on UFOs was also available.

The MUFON 2000 International UFO Symposium was scheduled for July 14-16, 2000, at the Sheraton West Port Hotel in St. Louis, MO. The theme was 'UFOs in the New Millennium' and featured numerous speakers, including John S. Carpenter, Stanton T. Friedman, and Bruce S. Maccabee. Advance registration prices were $90 before July 1, and $100 at the door, with individual sessions costing $25. Registration could be done by mail to P. O. Box 643, St. Charles, MO 63302.

CNI News Farewell

In a message dated May 31, 2000, Michael Lindemann, Editor of CNI News, announced the publication's farewell. The upcoming issue on June 1 would be the last. Lindemann explained that he had been offered an opportunity to join a new, confidential media project that would focus on a wider range of important issues relating to the human future, including mysterious phenomena. He assured readers that the UFO subject's interest had not diminished and that all paid subscribers would receive a full cash refund for the unused portion of their subscription. He expressed gratitude for the support and fascination the project had brought him.

Britain's UFO Secrets Revealed

This article, by Antony Barnett, Public Affairs Editor, discusses how the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the UK has historically classified UFO sighting reports, only releasing information after 30 years. However, the parliamentary Ombudsman insisted that the MoD provide information to Colin Ridyard, a research chemist. The article details several incidents: an air traffic controller in Scotland detecting a large object travelling at 3,000mph on radar on February 15, 1999; a commercial pilot reporting a high-speed object with a flashing strobe light over the Midlands three months earlier; and a pilot over the North Sea being startled by an 'incandescent' light, with other aircraft reporting a ball of light. Air traffic controllers reported no strange aircraft, but a weather station operator later picked up a fast-moving object on radar.

Falling Ice Balls Have Spanish Scientists Baffled

This news clipping from the National Post reports on a phenomenon in Spain where scientists were puzzled by a rain of melon-sized ice balls. Theories such as comet tails, large hail stones, or frozen toilet tank contents from airliners were discounted. The ice balls, some as large as a football and weighing up to four kilograms, fell mainly in the Valencia region, but also around Seville, Saragusa, and Soria, with the latest incident in a Madrid suburb. The National Weather Forecasting Institute ruled out hail stones, stating the phenomena were unknown to meteorological science. Geologist Jesus Martinez Frias speculated it could be remains of a comet, a theory challenged by Marc Kidger of the Canaries Astrophysics Institute.

Michigan Airport UFOs

Dr. Harry Willnus, former MUFON Michigan State Director, shares his observations on UFOs near airports, particularly Detroit Metro Airport. Having taught in the Romulus Community School District for 36 years, he heard numerous UFO-related stories from students and parents. He notes that Detroit experienced a major UFO flap in February and March 1978, with sightings occurring near airport fence lines and ground level. Despite daily calls to the FAA tower, no confirmation was received. Willnus speculates that UFOs might use airports as 'hiding places' due to the numerous lights, making it easier for them to operate unnoticed. The editor's note mentions similar cases near Philadelphia Airport and McGuire Air Force Base.

Missouri Numerous UFO's Sighted

This report details a sighting on January 13, 2000, where witnesses observed approximately 32 UFOs and seven aircraft between 6:45 and 8:45 PM in Northeast Missouri. The objects were traveling in all directions and not in formation. The sighting began when a grandson saw something in the sky, leading the family to pull off the highway for a closer look. The light followed them and later, when they arrived at the witness's house, UFOs were seen everywhere. About seven witnesses observed the event, noting no noise except from the planes.

Arkansas Flying Cigar Stops Car

On April 9, 2000, a witness in Hot Springs, Arkansas, reported seeing an enormous cigar-shaped craft flying toward their vehicle at about 100 feet above the road. The car died, and the witness experienced missing time, flashes of memory of being held to a table, and a high-pitched buzzing. Upon waking, the witness was in the back seat of the car and later discovered two bright red scars on their back, which they identified as signs of abduction.

Chicago Radar Anomalies

False radar images at O'Hare International Airport's air traffic controllers were reported in the Chicago Sun-Times. These 'ghost planes' forced pilots to take sudden turns, potentially endangering passengers. The article mentions that ground observers also reported UFOs in the area. The editor's note highlights the difficulty in confirming UFO reports with air traffic centers, as they are instructed to deny radar correlations.

Minnesota Flying Triangle

On May 13, 2000, a large dark triangle was observed over the clouds near Randle, Minnesota. It moved slowly and silently, appearing to land east of the highway. The object was estimated to be 1,000 to 2,000 feet in width.

Missouri Flying Triangle

On May 13, 2000, in Independence, Missouri, two witnesses observed a dark triangle with eight landing lights. The object was in sight for eight seconds, moving at what appeared to be stall speed. One witness, an ex-aviation employee, estimated the altitude at 3,000 feet and the size comparable to a 707 jet. The other witness, who had experience with stealth bombers, stated the object was not a stealth bomber. A similar craft was sighted over Minnesota shortly after.

Perspectives: Readers Reply to Survey on Progress of Urology

This section features letters from readers responding to a previous survey on ufology. Douglas Gray writes about humanity's self-destructive tendencies and suggests that more advanced alien races are hesitant to engage with us due to our uncontrolled nature. He proposes that recovered extraterrestrial technology should be made public to foster a new understanding of our place in the universe and promote world peace. He also references a report of a UFO buzzing a nuclear missile silo and altering targeting mechanisms, suggesting a connection between UFOs and nuclear technology.

Cynthia Butler shares her experience of searching for information on UFOs for years, finding a lack of places to discuss sightings and fears. She asserts that government testing of secret aircraft in populated areas is unlikely and that UFOs are intelligently controlled. She discusses the fear associated with abductions, particularly the loss of control and mind control. Butler believes that UFOs reveal themselves when people are close to convincing themselves they don't exist, aiming to instill fear and prepare humanity for eventual contact.

Don Mains discusses the disorganization of the UFO community, suggesting it might be beneficial for ideas to evolve. He believes the government knows about extraterrestrial visitors but can do little about it. He posits that the mystery will be solved when ETs are ready to disclose answers, possibly linked to the advent of nuclear technology. Mains also notes that UFOs seem to make little effort to hide their presence, suggesting a possible attempt to desensitize humanity for eventual contact.

Gary Val Tenuta observes that the UFO subject is becoming more mainstream, citing a local newspaper accepting his column proposal and frequent interviews on talk radio with authors of alternative subjects. He notes that while the mainstream media is often hesitant to report on UFOs due to image concerns, the growing acceptance of the topic among the public may lead to more coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing mystery of UFO phenomena, the challenges of investigating and reporting sightings, the potential for government secrecy and disclosure, and the personal impact of UFO encounters, including abductions. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles and reader contributions, is one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding the subject, and encouraging the sharing of information and experiences. There is a clear interest in exploring the implications of UFOs for humanity's future and understanding our place in the cosmos.

Title: The UFO Enigma
Issue: June 2000
Volume: 11
Publisher: NEXUS Magazine
Country of Publication: Australia
Original Language: English

This issue of The UFO Enigma features an editorial by Duncan Roads, the editor of NEXUS Magazine, reflecting on the state of UFO research and public perception. The magazine also includes listings for local UFO study groups and their meeting times.

Editorial: Duncan Roads on UFOs and Public Perception

Duncan Roads begins by stating that while not a UFO researcher himself, he has followed the subject with interest and has had two UFO sightings. He offers three main comments:

1. Public Demand for Proof: Roads observes that readers of magazines like NEXUS want "proof" from ufologists, not just vague sightings. He attributes this to the public being "spoilt rotten by Hollywood special effects movies," leading to unfair desires for definitive evidence, such as close-ups showing rivets.

2. The Void of Confirmation and Rise of Conspiracy Theories: He points to the "total lack of official government response" and the absence of "mainstream media-reported information" as key factors fueling "rampant speculation." This void, combined with an increasing number of personal UFO sightings, has led to the flourishing of "conspiracy theories" involving reptilian aliens, greys, MIBs, ET factions, and other elaborate narratives. Roads uses the Heaven's Gate incident as an extreme example of belief systems flourishing in the absence of official confirmation.

3. Determining Credibility Among Researchers: Roads acknowledges that many people ask for his opinion on which UFO researcher to believe, as they are bewildered by contradictory angles. He suggests this reflects how the public is accustomed to being "told" what to believe. He advises callers to form their own opinions and consider diverse viewpoints. He notes the existence of "many strong and diverse UFO research personalities" whose claims and counter-claims have devolved into debates over trivial details, such as the telephone cord in the Roswell autopsy footage.

Roads concludes that in an "information overload," the question becomes "which 'expert' are you going to believe?" He observes that ufology has "slowed down" since a decade prior when whistleblowers were more common. He recalls that in Australia, there were once six to eight glossy UFO magazines, but now there are only two.

Historical Trends in UFO Interest

Roads summarizes the historical trends in UFO interest:

• 1940s-1950s: Strong interest driven by numerous sightings, with UFO magazines and newsletters having large subscriber bases.
• 1960s-1980s: Interest waned due to media and government denials. UFO magazines largely disappeared, though mass-market paperbacks emerged. Research continued quietly behind the scenes.
• 1980s-2000: A resurgence occurred with the emergence of abduction reports and more sightings. Sci-fi films like "ET" and "Close Encounters" were popular. Whistleblowers claimed to reveal ET and government treaties, leading to the rise of conspiracy theories. UFO magazines reappeared, along with more whistleblowers, crop circles, autopsy footage, documentaries, radio shows, and internet content. Information circulated globally, and the fall of the Iron Curtain revealed widespread awareness. Despite the proliferation of books, conferences, magazines, "The X-Files," UFO museums, and UFOs appearing in advertisements, there has been no official confirmation.

Roads expresses concern that if "information momentum" is not maintained, public interest will decline, government pressure will fade, and the public will remain "in the dark and at the mercy of alien-government conspiracy speculation."

He calls for "more whistleblowers, more crashed UFOs -- better still, a public landing on the White House lawn" to counter these "information demons."

Local Meetings and Organizations

The issue also lists various UFO study groups and their meeting details:

• UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Meets the second Sunday of the month at 2 P.M. at Schnucks Station Rest., 8650 Big Bend, Webster Groves, MO 63119. Contacts: Spence Wolling (966-4955) or Walter Palmer (771-0173).
• MUFON Missouri-St. Charles, MO.: Holds regular monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Select, 4221 South Outer Rd., St. Peters, MO. Contact: Bruce Widaman (946-1394).
• MUFON of Southern Illinois: Meets at 2 P.M. on the third Sunday of the month at the Ponderosa Steak House in Collinsville. Directions are provided from St. Louis, involving taking 55-70 east to Illinois 157 and following signs for "Police left." Contact: Forest Crawford ((618)-345-0554).

The "UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc." also lists its 1999-2000 officers and Board of Directors, including President Walter Palmer, Vice-President Spence Wolling, and Secretary Margaret Myers. The organization's P.O. Box is provided.

Additionally, the "FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH, INC." is listed with its P.O. Box in Mt. Rainier, MD 20712, identifying itself as "A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFOs)."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the public's perception of UFOs, the perceived lack of transparency from governments and media, and the resulting proliferation of conspiracy theories. The editorial stance, as expressed by Duncan Roads, is one of concern over the "information void" and a call for greater disclosure or at least sustained public engagement with the topic. Roads advocates for critical thinking and individual assessment of evidence, rather than blind acceptance of any single expert's view. The inclusion of local group listings suggests an effort to connect researchers and enthusiasts, fostering community around the subject.