The UFO Enigma - 2001 09 - Volume 22 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The UFO Enigma
Issue: Volume 22, Number 1
Date: September 2001
Publisher: UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Description: This issue of The UFO Enigma, a monthly publication from the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, featuring witness accounts, scientific speculation, and historical analysis.

Key Articles and Features

"GIVE ME WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UFO'S"

The lead article details the first meeting of the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis for the 2001-2 season, held on September 9th. The meeting featured Part 1 of "The May 2000 National Press Club Disclosure Project" video, produced by Stephen Greer, M.D. This video presents testimony from 10 witnesses, chosen from over 400 individuals who offered affidavits of verifiable UFO contact. Many of these witnesses, holding "Top Secret" clearance, felt compelled to reveal truths about UFO encounters previously covered up for national security. The 10 witnesses whose testimonies were shown are:

1. John Callahan: Shared a report given to President Ronald Reagan.
2. Col. Charles Brown (Air Force Retired): Cited Operation Grudge data.
3. Michael Smith (Air Force): Discussed a NORAD radar report.
4. Jalenic Pasgrovic (Mexican Air Traffic Controller): Detailed a 1992 tower UFO sighting.
5. Graham Defent (Retired Navy Commander): Explained how 31 observers on a December 10, 1951, flight from Iceland to Newfoundland evaded orders not to report a UFO buzzing their plane.
6. Anne Willis (U.S. Navy): Verified a 1969 naval vessel radar and personnel sighting of a red-orange, elliptical, unidentified object that shot out of Alaskan waters into space at 7,000 miles per hour.
7. Don Phillips (U.S. Air Force SR71 monitor): Reported on a mysterious intervention at Nellis Air Force Base.
8. Robert Stollis (Captain U.S. Air Force): Discussed the mysterious loss of six missiles during base surveillance.
9. Dewayne Allison (26-year Air Force veteran): Presented pictographic proof of UFOs.
10. Harlin Bentley (US Army PFC): Described a phenomenal 1958 UFO crash.

David Marler, MUFON State Director for Illinois, provided the video. The meeting also included agenda items for Internet sharing of UFO reports, collection of $20 annual dues for membership, and election of UFOSG officers. The article was written by John Schroeder, with data supplied by Wanda Beard and Study Group President Clarence Barnes.

"Alone No More?" - The Search for Extraterrestrial Civilizations

This article features an interview with Russian astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev, an authority on radio astronomy. Kardashev discusses the "great epic of searching for ET reason" and the "disappointing outcome" of that search, attributing the silence of the Universe to several factors:

• Earth Chauvinism: The tendency to look for civilizations similar to our own, which is unlikely.
• Cosmological Time Spans: The difficulty in describing the emergence and evolution of civilizations within meaningful timeframes, suggesting civilizations could be up to 8 billion years old.
• Overestimation of Knowledge: Our limited understanding of the Universe's makeup, which may be infinite in space, time, and diversity.

Kardashev proposes that the answer to the mystery of "hidden mass" (90-99% of the Universe's mass) will also explain the Universe's silence. He suggests that 70% of the Universe's mass is vacuum, which drives expansion. The remaining non-vacuum mass could be vast numbers of black holes or "mirror particles" with gravitational properties but no interaction with normal matter. He posits the existence of countless Universes and "bubble Universes" connected by hypothetical "topological connector tunnels" (Einstein-Rosen bridges or worm burrows). Advanced civilizations are most likely to be found near these tunnel entrances, where movement might ignore the velocity-of-light limit, potentially allowing for time travel.

"GREATEST CROP CIRCLE FORMATION FORMS IN WILTSHI"

This section highlights a remarkable crop circle formation at Milk Hill (2), near Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, reported on August 13th. The author, who has experienced nearly a thousand crop circles over 11 years, describes this formation as "breathtaking" and "magnificent." It is estimated to be around 900 feet in diameter, composed of at least 400 separate circles, forming a Julia Set design. The formation's grandeur was magnified by its lofty position on top of Milk Hill, and the author notes that standing inside it gives the impression of seeing circles everywhere. The field's undulating terrain means the entire formation cannot be seen from all points, only sections.

Southern Missouri Activity Low

This report indicates a quiet period in Southern Missouri regarding UFO activity, with only sporadic sightings of anomalous lights. The most common phenomena observed have been bright orange/amber lights, sometimes in strings, often accompanied by military fighter planes. These planes appear with unmistakable engine sounds and high speeds, often turning off their wing lights before circling. The report notes that the amber lights often continue after the planes depart. An interview with a witness who camped with his son in Southeast Missouri describes a similar sighting of orange/amber lights and military planes.

Yakima Area, Washington

The Yakima area in Washington State has a history of orange/amber light sightings. Activity reportedly ceased for some years after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens but has begun again in the past two years. Reports of military aircraft in conjunction with aerial light sightings are anticipated.

Illinois UFOs Endanger Air Traffic

This section details several UFO sightings in Illinois, raising concerns about potential collisions with commercial aircraft.

• Downers Grove (August 1, 2001): A glowing, gold/orange cylinder-shaped object was observed flying northeast toward Chicago at high speed, near O'Hare and Midway airports. It exhibited unusual speed changes, slowing down as a B-757 departed and then accelerating and vanishing as a B-727 entered the traffic pattern. The witness, with 25 years in the airline industry, stated it was not a military or commercial aircraft due to its lack of wings, immediate speed changes, and vanishing.
• Evanston (August 7, 2001): A flying triangle object with bright hazy white lights was seen moving slowly and then streaked north.
• Wheaton (August 6, 2001): A round whitish-silvery circle object was observed, appearing motionless before shooting upwards at high speed.
• Chicago (August 9, 2001): Ten witnesses observed a diamond-shaped, orange object with small points of light flying overhead. It was described as luminescent and silent, unlike commercial aircraft.

The editor notes that radar controllers have reported unidentified flying objects near Chicago airports, leading to aircraft diversions, and suggests ground reports indicate UFOs are regularly flying in the area.

Pennsylvania Truck Size Cigar Shaped UFOs

• Philadelphia (August 10, 2001): A witness reported seeing a truck-size cigar-shaped object zooming over the highway. The craft appeared dark on the bottom half and reflected the sky on top, flying low and exhibiting erratic movement.

"The CIA's UFO History" by Mark Rodeghier

This article reviews a study by government historian Gerald K. Haines, published in "Studies in Intelligence," which examined the CIA's interest and involvement in UFO investigation and government UFO policy from 1947 to 1990. The study, made public in 1994, revealed that the CIA's policies of excessive secrecy contributed to the notion of a UFO cover-up. Haines suggested that many UFO sightings in the late 1950s and 1960s were misidentified secret American spy planes, and that the Air Force's Project Blue Book may have misled the public by falsifying explanations. The CIA itself is not accused of deception by Haines, but the Air Force is implicated. Brigadier General Ronald Sconyers of the Air Force stated, "I cannot confirm or deny that we lied." The article also discusses the CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel of 1953, which recommended that UFO groups be monitored and UFO reports be debunked.

The media coverage focused on the spy plane angle and the Robertson Panel, with headlines like "CIA feared UFO hysteria." Columnists used the history to criticize government secrecy. The article notes that while the press coverage was late, it viewed ufologists sympathetically as victims of government deception.

The author of "The UFO Enigma" article points out that the Haines report is brief and that the CIA's excessive secrecy, exemplified by its handling of the Leon Davidson and Ralph Mayher cases, fueled suspicions of a cover-up. The article also touches on the suggestion that the CIA (or FBI) may have monitored UFO investigators, citing Richard Hall as an example. The Robertson Panel's recommendation to monitor UFO groups is mentioned as a key point.

Missouri Flying Spinning UFOs

• Washington (March 29, 2001): A 9-year-old girl noticed a "shiny" object in the sky during daylight hours. The object was square from a frontal view, with four circular shapes within it, and "chrome-like." The backside was black and flat. It was observed spinning horizontally and traveling north at speeds varying from 10 to 25 miles per hour.
• St. Louis (April 5, 2001): A witness and his son saw a large, bright oval-shaped light in the night sky, described as much brighter than any airplane. The object was estimated to be two or three full moons in size, with a large bright oval light in the front and other lights forming a triangular shape. It made a soft humming sound and appeared gray or black, moving slowly before heading northwest.
• St. Louis (April 21, 2001): A witness reported seeing a light coming from over the trees, which resolved into a craft with three to five lights on the front. The object was circular, flew directly overhead with no sound, and appeared smaller than a commercial airplane. The weather was cloudy with a mild thunderstorm.

Colorado MUFON News

This section includes a notice for Colorado MUFON membership and their March-April 2001 issue.

Missouri "Aluminum" Looking Triangle Aircraft

• Independence (July 4, 2001): A witness heard a loud, low "jet aircraft" sound and saw a triangle-shaped object with a "brushed aluminum" material and two flashing red lights on the wing tips. It had an "accordion" design on the underside and moved smoothly forward. The witness believed it was not human-made.

California Disc Observed

• Sacramento (July 6, 2001): A witness observed a bright and shiny round object hovering over treetops. It appeared to be rotating and changed from shiny to almost black. No lights or other structures were visible, and there was a haze or aura around it with no sound detected. The object was estimated to be a few hundred feet above the treetops and seemed to fade into the clouds.

Argentina Huge Football Stadium Size UFO

• Cachi (June 25, 2001): Journalist Antonio Zuleta filmed a "giant UFO" described as "the size of a football stadium." The object was immense, moving slowly over a ridge, and gave off lights like streamers of red and green. It was filmed for over 20 minutes before accelerating to a fantastic speed. A specialist from Salta analyzed the film and considered it legitimate. The object made intelligent movements, accelerated and decelerated at prodigious speeds, and was surrounded by a green outline, with a white core and red/blue flashes. It projected violet and sky-blue beams and appeared oval, changing shape.

Filer's Files

This section contains several short reports:

• Missouri "Aluminum" Looking Triangle Aircraft (Independence, July 4, 2001): (See above)
• California Disc Observed (Sacramento, July 6, 2001): (See above)
• Argentina Huge Football Stadium Size UFO (Cachi, June 25, 2001): (See above)

Mars: Neuroscientist Finds Life on Mars in Decades-Old Data

This article discusses research by Joseph Miller, Ph.D., of the University of Southern California, who re-analyzed data from the Viking Landers 1 and 2 experiments conducted in 1975. Miller found evidence of a biological rhythm in the collected Martian soil that suggests life may exist on Mars. The rhythm of 24.66 hours, the length of a Martian day, was synchronized to a 2-degree Celsius fluctuation inside the lander. Miller believes this strongly suggests life, with over 90% certainty, especially when combined with evidence of past water flow on Mars.

Mars Had Cycle Climate Just As Our Earth

This piece by Mitch Battros suggests that Mars exhibits climate cycles similar to Earth's, implying either industrial life on Mars or a smaller role for human pollutants in climate change. It references Dr. Tom Van Flandren's theory that Mars was a "Disneyland for our ancestors." New images from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft show the terrain breaking down, indicating climate change and possibly modern Martian ice ages. The article also mentions John Fleming's book, "The War of All Against All," and Steve Wingate's discovery of "bright rectangular 'cells'" on the Martian surface, possibly indicating ruined infrastructure or cultural structures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from various locations, often involving unusual shapes, speeds, and behaviors. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the credibility of observers, particularly those with aviation experience. The issue also explores scientific theories about the Universe, such as the possibility of multiple universes and extraterrestrial life, and delves into the historical context of UFO investigations, particularly the role of government agencies like the CIA and Air Force, and the concept of a UFO cover-up. The potential for UFOs to pose a risk to air traffic safety is also highlighted. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and theories while encouraging further investigation and reporting by readers.

Title: The UFO Enigma
Issue: September 2001 (Page 11)
Date: September 2001
Content Type: Magazine Article

This issue of The UFO Enigma features an account of a sighting of unexplained lights in Dover, Arkansas, on June 30, 2001. The article details the observations of a group of 16 people and includes information about local UFO study groups and their meetings.

Dover, AR Lights Still There

The main article recounts a sighting that occurred on June 30, 2001, when a group of 16 individuals visited an overlook near Dover, Arkansas, to observe the "Dover Lights." They arrived around 8:00 PM, before sunset, and noted the hazy conditions that worsened after sunset. The temperature was around 70°F with a light breeze, and the moon was well up, providing ambient light.

As darkness fell, the witnesses observed three to four apparent campground lights in the valley below, approximately 1000 feet below and about half a mile SW-W. These lights appeared as small, two of them brighter than the others, and one quite dim. They remained stationary from the time they became visible around 9:00 PM until the witnesses left after midnight.

Around 11:30 PM, after two members of the group left to return to the campground, the witnesses saw what appeared to be a very bright handheld spotlight being flashed approximately six times over about 20 seconds, moving slightly between flashes. The witness initially thought it was a person named 'G--' but realized this was impossible due to the time and lack of vehicle access to the campground area.

About a minute later, two very bright white, fuzzy lights appeared. These lights moved slightly south to north and tilted. Then, two more lights appeared below the first two, resembling a car with headlights and fog lights. This display illuminated the surroundings and the fog/haze. The lights were seen to disappear behind trees and reappear. Two more smaller lights then appeared, making a total of six lights. The entire display lasted about a minute and was clearly visible to the naked eye and through binoculars.

The lights then began to extinguish. One went out, followed by a second, and then the remaining four extinguished simultaneously. The witness emphasized that they did not fade but went out as if turned off.

Local people present at the overlook confirmed that flashes, similar to camera flashes, are common in the valley and can appear anywhere. They also noted that larger lights, appearing singly or in groups, are not quick flashes but remain visible for varying periods and can be stationary or move slightly.

The witness expressed a desire to know if anyone in the hike-in campground witnessed these lights and what could be seen from their perspective. They reiterated that there is no drive-in access to the location, ruling out the possibility of 'G--' or anyone else in a car being the source of the lights, although the appearance resembled a car moving over rough ground.

The witness described the lights as first two, then four, then six, all the same color and brightness but with different sizes, definitely illuminating the surroundings. The extinguishment was described as the first single light going out, then a second, then the remaining four going out together, not fading but turning off.

The witness plans to return to Dover to stay for a couple of days and investigate the Long Pool campground and the hike-in camping area. They also intend to research the history of the area, particularly the overlook, which they found unusually built with a stone wall on a remote dirt road, questioning its purpose.

An invitation is extended to anyone interested in joining the next trip to Dover, with directions to be provided.

Local Meetings and Organizations

Page 12 of The UFO Enigma lists local meetings for UFO study groups:

• UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis: Meets the second Sunday of the month at 2 PM at Grone's Cafeteria, 1269 S. Laclede Station Rd., Yorkshire Shopping Plaza, St. Louis, MO. Contact Walter Palmer at 314-771-0173 or Spence Wolling at 314-966-4955.
• MUFON Missouri-St. Charles, MO: Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Holiday Inn: Select at 4221 South Springs Exit 2. Contact Bruce Widaman at 636-946-1394.
• MUFON of Southern Illinois: Meets the third Sunday of each month at 2 PM at the Ponderosa Steak House in Collinsville, IL. Contact Forest Crawford at 618-345-0554.

The issue also lists the officers and board of directors for the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis for 2000-2001, including President Clarence Barnes, Vice President Walter Palmer, Treasurer Spencer Wolling, Secretary Margaret Myers, Librarian Frank Brown, and Marshall Marshall. Key investigators and contributors are also listed, such as Chief Field Investigator JoAnne Scarpellini and Editor of the Enigma Spencer Wolling.

Contact information is provided for the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, Inc. (P.O. Box 31544, St. Louis, Missouri 63131) and the Fund for UFO Research, Inc. (P.O. Box 277, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena and the investigation into such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and documentation of witness accounts, encouraging further investigation and participation from interested individuals. The publication serves as a platform for sharing sighting reports and connecting individuals with UFO research organizations.