UFO Phenomena International Annual Review - Vol 3 No 1 - 1978-1979

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO PHENOMENA
Issue: Vol. III N. 1
Date: 1978/1979
Publisher: EDITECS
Country: ITALY
Language: English

This issue of UFO PHENOMENA is an international annual review devoted to the scientific study of UFO phenomena. It is published by EDITECS in conjunction with the Comitato Nazionale Indipendente per lo Studio dei Fenomeni Aerei Anomali (CNIFAA).

Editorial

WHY STILL 'UFO PHENOMENA'?

The editorial, authored by F. Farabone, F. Izzo, and R. Cabassi, explores the significance of the journal's title. It references a previous editorial from the 1976 Miniature issue and addresses the ongoing question of why the field of UFO phenomena requires such a specific definition today. The editors reaffirm their commitment to the enterprise, highlighting the support of their editorial team and the implementation of a rigorous quality control system through referees. They also mention the publication of "UPIAR Letters to Editors" and "States of Art" to encourage criticism and discussion on major UFO research topics.

The editorial notes the increasing global attention on UFO phenomena, citing the establishment of GEPAN in France as the first governmental civilian committee for scientific study of UFO phenomena. It also mentions Sir Eric Gairy's proposal at the United Nations aimed at increasing attention from UN Member States, and a request by the Earl of Clancarty in the British House of Lords for the government to address the subject. The editors express hope that this increased commitment will lead to a better perspective on the matter.

They discuss a press release from the 32nd, 33rd, and 34th work sessions of the UN General Assembly, which recommended that Member States "take appropriate steps to co-ordinate, on a national level, scientific research and investigation into extra-terrestrial life, including unidentified flying objects." The editors find it astonishing that the Committee accepted the axiom that UFO phenomena are an integral part of the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence, noting a similar formulation in an interpellation by Lord Clancarty (Brinsley Le Poer Trench).

The editorial also references the French GEPAN, noting a shift towards a public relations service rather than a formal undertaking, possibly due to the "arrogance of their scientists boasting of being professionals." In Italy, a Socialist MP, Falco Accame, raised a question in the Chamber of Deputies regarding the government's stance on mysterious phenomena along the Adriatic Coast, which had scared fishermen. Civilian researchers and scientists interpellated the Italian Ministry of Defence, requesting information availability for scientific study.

A survey conducted in January 1977 by Peter A. Sturrock among members of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is highlighted. A key finding was that "opinions (on UFO phenomena) correlate strongly with time spent reading about the subject." The rate of respondents believing in the need for scientific study increased significantly with the amount of time spent reading about UFOs.

The editors criticize scientists who deny UFO phenomena a priori, referring to Antonino Zichichi as an example, and state that these individuals lack acquaintance with the specific literature. They describe this attitude as a "wretched habit - replete with quackery and arrogance" that hinders bias-free information diffusion and is antithetic to scientific honesty. They suggest re-reading Philip Morrison's paper on the nature of scientific evidence, emphasizing reproducibility and reliable proof. The editorial concludes by stating the imperative to master UFO phenomena responsibly to provide clarification.

Scope and Purpose

The journal publishes original papers concerning five fields of research:
1) PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF UFO PHENOMENA
2) GATHERING AND PROCESSING OF DATA CONCERNING UFO PHENOMENA
3) THE "CE III" (according to Hynek's terminology) IN THE UFO EXPERIENCE
4) PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERCEPTIVE ASPECTS IN THE UFO EXPERIENCE
5) EPISTEMOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH ON UFO PHENOMENA

Editorial Policy

Manuscripts submitted must be original and not simultaneously published or submitted elsewhere. The publisher acquires sole copyright. No photographic reproductions, microform, or similar reproductions are permitted without special permission. The use of registered names, trademarks, etc., does not imply they are free for general use. UFO PHENOMENA is published only after expert selection of manuscripts by experienced editors. It is an annual journal published by EDITECS in conjunction with C.N.I.F.A.A.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions should be sent to the publisher EDITECS, PUB. HOUSE. CAS. POST. (P.O. BOX) 190, 40100 BOLOGNA, ITALY.

Instructions to Authors

Submissions considered for publication include:
1) Papers stressing experimental results.
2) Papers of theoretical content leading to higher understanding and stimulating new research.
3) Papers of experimental content not directly dealing with UFO phenomena but having implications in the field.
Editorial Papers on general informative subjects are published upon request by the Editor-in-Chief. Supplements (monographs, congress proceedings) and announcements of meetings are also considered.

Submission of Manuscripts

Authors should send two copies of their manuscript, typed and single-spaced on white paper, to EDITECS PUB. HOUSE, CAS. POST. (P.O. BOX) 190, 40100 BOLOGNA, ITALY. The original must be clear for conclusive print. A third copy should be retained by the authors. Only original papers in English will be considered; French papers are accepted with a full English translation of the title and abstract. Technical terms or jargon should be avoided. Accepted manuscripts are published by direct photographic reproduction, without alterations. Authors are responsible for carefully checking the form and content to avoid corrections in proof. Contributions are published free of charge.

Presentation of Manuscripts

Contributions should be classified as:
A) REVIEW ARTICLES
B) ORIGINAL PAPERS (MODELS AND HYPOTHESES)
C) CASE HISTORIES
D) BOOK REVIEWS
E) LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

Papers should be typed, single-spaced, on one side of good quality white paper, with a maximum line length of 15 cm. Papers should include an abstract of 200-300 words, which should not be a mere summary but should underline the implications for UFO phenomena understanding. French papers require a full English summary. A list of 5-15 key-words for indexing purposes must be provided after the abstract.

References

The issue lists five references:
1. UN Press Release, December 3, 1978, in The MUFON UFO Journal (1978) No. 131, October, 5.
2. Gille, F. (1979). GEPAN:un Naufrage, Inforespace, No. 44, March 1979, p. 6.
3. Sturrock, P.A. (1977). Report on a Survey of the Membership of the American Astronomical Society Concerning the UFO Problem SUIPR Report No. 681, Institute for Plasma Research, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
4. Morrison, P. (1972) The Nature of Scientific Evidence in Sagan, C. & Page, T. ed. (1972) UFO's: A Scientific Debate, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, pp. 276-289.
5. Wigner, E. P. (1964) Two Kinds of Reality. The Monist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific study of UFO phenomena, the challenges of defining and researching the field, and the role of scientific institutions and governmental bodies. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research, criticizing what it perceives as unscientific attitudes from some established scientists, and emphasizing the need for open-minded yet critical investigation. The journal positions itself as a platform for serious scientific inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging scholarly contributions and critical discourse.

This document comprises selected pages from UFO PHENOMENA, Volume III, Number 2, published in 1978/79 by EDITECS. The content focuses on editorial policies, author guidelines, and a scientific article analyzing the probability of witnessing UFOs.

Editorial Policies and Author Guidelines

The journal outlines strict guidelines for authors submitting manuscripts. Original papers are to be divided into chapters: Abstract, Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, and References. Review articles and case histories may have chapters at the author's discretion. Illustrations, including photographs, diagrams, graphs, line drawings, and half-tone images, must be of good quality, in the desired final size, and clearly legible, with inscriptions around 5 mm high. Captions should be brief, clear, and avoid referring the reader to the text for explanations; they are considered part of the text and must be numbered sequentially.

References must be limited to quoted publications, listed alphabetically by the first author's surname, and cited by number in the text. Specific formats are provided for journal papers (including author(s) surname and initial(s), year, full title, publication, volume, issue, and page numbers) and books (including author(s), year, title, publisher, city, and page numbers). Examples are given for both, citing Poher C. (1976) and Webb D. (1976).

For abbreviations, symbols, and technical terms, authors should use international rules where they exist, or the terminology of well-known authors. The editors strongly recommend the development of a uniform terminology for UFO reports. Uncommon abbreviations should be placed as footnotes on the first page, and other footnotes should be avoided or kept to a minimum on the first page.

Fifteen free reprints are offered to authors, with additional copies available at a cost. The journal also requests authors to provide 5-15 key words for indexing purposes, noting that many submitted manuscripts have not met this requirement. The importance of key words for creating a Subject Index and an information retrieval system is explained, drawing parallels with scientific journals that use a Thesaurus. The journal aims to establish a uniform terminology in ufology, acknowledging the lack of a dedicated Thesaurus in the field.

Authors are invited to submit manuscripts for consideration, with a deadline of December 31st each year. A careful reading and application of the Instructions to Authors are considered basic principles for final approval.

"On the Chance of Witnessing Celestial or Aerial Events" by E. J. Betinis

This article, received on October 11, 1978, and published in UPIAR, Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79, by EDITECS 1979, presents a mathematical analysis of the probability of witnessing celestial or anomalous aerial events. E. J. Betinis, from Mathematical Consulting Service in Chicago, USA, derives equations to calculate these chances.

The study considers the volume of sky available to ground-based observers, pilots, and astronomers, comparing it to the entire Earth's atmosphere. It also factors in the fraction of time spent observing and the proportion of events occurring within the observable sky volume.

Key words associated with the article include: Chance of witnessing, Celestial event, Anomalous aerial event, UFO, Ground-based observer, Astronomer observer, Pilot observer, Selectivity, Global scale of reports.

The article develops a general equation for the chances of observing celestial and anomalous aerial occurrences near the Earth's surface. It applies these to astronomical events like meteors and UFOs. The results indicate that the chance of witnessing an anomalous event (UFO) is "extremely low and even improbable." The author suggests that this implies a "selectivity" in reporting or that the presence of a few fast-moving anomalies could account for the global scale of UFO reports.

Mathematical derivations are presented for the maximum volume of observable sky, considering factors like observer height (b), Earth's radius (Ro), and altitude (h). Equations are developed for the distance to the horizon (e), the radius of the observable circle (r), and the maximum volume of observable sky (Vmax SKY). Specific formulas are provided for astronomers (Vmax ASTN) and pilots (Vmax PILOT), taking into account viewing angles and altitudes.

The article further calculates the fraction of sky for various observers by dividing the maximum observable volumes by the total volume of the Earth's atmosphere. For an active observer scanning the maximum sky available, the fraction is given as P_AW = bh/2Roha.

Assumptions are made regarding observer movement, obstructions (trees, buildings), and weather conditions, leading to crude but necessary estimates due to a lack of data. The author acknowledges the approximate nature of the methods used.

Acknowledgements

The journal acknowledges the cooperation of friends worldwide in establishing the publication. It notes initial challenges in dispelling mistrust in foreign circles regarding Italian-produced ufology research. The journal's adoption of a serious, scientific approach has helped diminish this threat. The importance of basic research in ufology is highlighted. Specific thanks are extended to Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos for his interest, and to advisors R. F. Haines, Ernst Berger, L. Schönerr, and M. Delaval for their support. Erika Pauli and Renata Carcano are thanked for manuscript revision, and Nancy and Joe Locket for their assistance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFO PHENOMENA positions itself as a scientific journal dedicated to the serious study of ufology. It emphasizes rigorous methodology, detailed analysis, and the importance of accurate reporting and terminology. The journal actively encourages contributions that adhere to scientific standards, including mathematical modeling and detailed case histories. A key editorial stance is the promotion of a uniform terminology within the field to enhance clarity and consistency in research and reporting. The journal appears to adopt a skeptical but open-minded approach, seeking to understand UFO phenomena through empirical data and scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the mathematical analysis of sighting probabilities and the call for structured, well-referenced submissions.

This issue of UPIAR, Volume III, Number 2, published in 1978/79, focuses on the analysis of anomalous phenomena, particularly "Anomalous Lights in the Daylight Sky" by B. S. Maccabee. The publication also includes a theoretical analysis of the probability of observing celestial and anomalous events, meteor detection, and an appendix on the maximum volumes of observable sky for astronomers and pilots. The issue is primarily in English and originates from the USA.

Probability of Witnessing Celestial or Anomalous Events

The article begins by calculating the fraction of the sky available to different types of observers: average/inactive observers, astronomers, and aircraft pilots. It then delves into the conditions required for an event to "catch the observer's eye," emphasizing the need for a noticeable subtended arc-length. The authors assume an event subtends an arc-length of 0.65 cm when viewed through a thumb and forefinger at arm's length (65 cm). This leads to equations relating the object's size (Sa) and altitude (h).

The probability of witnessing an event is then analyzed based on the time spent observing and the frequency density of events. Four classes of observers are defined: "active" observer, "average" observer, astronomer, and pilot. Mathematical approximations are derived for the probability of each observer class witnessing a given event (P_ACT, P_AVG, P_ASTAN, P_PILOT), considering factors like observation time (T_ACT, T_AVG, T_ASTAN, T_PILOT) and event size (Sa).

Key findings indicate that for equal viewing times, the astronomer's chances are not as good as the active observer's or the pilot's. The pilot has the best chance, although the astronomer's larger observing time (T_ASTAN) can compensate to some extent. The analysis highlights that the volumes of sky available to observers are essentially narrow right circular cylinders.

Detection of Meteors Entering the Earth's Atmosphere

This section addresses the problem of detecting meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere. It calculates the volume of the atmosphere and the number of cubic kilometers swept out by a meteor per minute. Using equations derived earlier, it estimates the probability for an active observer to witness a high-velocity event like an entering meteor. For example, with specific assumptions about meteor speed, size, and observation time, the probability of seeing a meteor is calculated.

Anomalous Aerial Phenomena (UAP)

This section draws upon a USAF study from 1947-1955, which reported an average of about 20 unidentifiable "objects" per year, primarily from U.S.A. sightings. However, this figure is noted as unreliable due to a lack of quantitative investigation. A private communication from Mark Rodeghier of CUFOS reveals that their UFOCAT database contains approximately 65,000 UFO sightings from around the world.

The analysis uses the UFOCAT data to demonstrate the occurrence of anomalous events. By solving for N (the number of anomalous events per day) using reports and world population data, it is estimated that N is very small. The consequence of this low value of N is that the number of truly anomalous reports generated worldwide is due to very few anomalous events.

The article discusses the high velocities of these "objects," suggesting they might be in Earth orbit. It notes that high velocities can make a 30-meter object appear to "vanish" within seconds. The probability of an active observer seeing an anomalous event is found to be very remote, and for a "repeater" who has witnessed multiple events, the chance is even more negligible.

Discussion

The analysis concludes that only a few high-velocity "objects" could generate the observed UAP reports. The velocities, though seemingly high, could be plausible if the objects are in Earth orbit. The discussion highlights a "selectivity" in witnessing events, questioning whether it stems from the witness's psychological or physiological sensitivity or if the phenomena themselves "tune in." The authors conclude that the phenomena are truly anomalous in their behavior and intent.

Appendix: Maximum Volumes of Observable Sky

The appendix provides detailed calculations for the maximum volumes of observable sky for astronomers and pilots. For astronomers, assuming vertical viewing with a telescope, the volume is calculated based on altitude and viewing angle. For pilots, the volume seen per unit time is calculated considering aircraft altitude, velocity, viewing angle from the cockpit, and the time of viewing.

References

The issue lists three references: "Astrophysical Quantities" by C.W. Allen (1973), "Principles of Cosmology" by M. Berry (1976), and "Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14" by L. Davidson (1955).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the statistical analysis of UAP sightings, the probability of observation, and the nature of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be analytical and quantitative, attempting to explain UAP through mathematical models and data analysis, while acknowledging the inherently mysterious and anomalous nature of the phenomena. There is a clear effort to move beyond anecdotal evidence by applying scientific and statistical methods.

Title: UFO Investigator
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: July 1975
Publisher: National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP)
Country: USA
Price: $1.50

This issue of UFO Investigator features a detailed account and investigation of a sighting that occurred in the Chesapeake Bay Area.

The Chesapeake Bay Area Case

Summary of the Sighting

On Sunday, July 27, 1975, at approximately 12:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Mr. Y., while relaxing on his front porch in Cheverly, Maryland, was alerted by his eight-year-old daughter to a bright object "falling" from the sky. Mr. Y. observed a whitish, apparently glowing, circular object descending with uniform angular motion. The object suddenly stopped its descent, oscillated slightly, and then became motionless. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Y. became aware of a second glowing object of similar size and brightness, which appeared to have moved rapidly from the upper left of his vision to a position at the same angular height as the first object, slightly to its north.

Both objects remained motionless for about a minute or more. Mr. Y. noticed that each object was surrounded by a dark ring, described as a faint shadow, with a diameter approximately twice that of the object it encircled.

Mr. Y. called his wife, who confirmed the presence of the faint ring around each object. While his wife briefly returned inside to get dark glasses, the second object departed with a left-right zig-zag motion followed by a uniform, rapid, apparently vertical ascent. After the second object departed, the first object descended slightly and then began a uniform ascent. Mr. Y., his daughter, and his wife watched the first object ascend until it became indistinguishable from the sky background overhead. Mr. Y. estimated that it took about seven seconds for the object to "disappear" and that the first object had been in sight for three to five minutes.

Mr. Y. felt the objects must have been very bright to be visible from a distance against the bright sky, and he perceived them as distant because he could discern no features other than the faint dark ring. This perception of distance led him to believe they had moved at a tremendous rate.

Post-Sighting Actions and Investigation

After the objects disappeared, Mr. Y. attempted to find a logical explanation based on his experience with planes, balloons, and rocket launches but was puzzled by the objects' brightness, the second object's "serrated" (zig-zag) departure, and the apparent speed of the first object's ascent. He contacted Andrews Air Force Base (no help), the Baltimore-Washington Airport (no help), and a local TV station (no reports). He noted that he had never before taken such extraordinary actions but felt compelled to do so due to the unusual nature of the sighting. The following day (Monday), he mentioned the sighting to several co-workers at the Naval Surface Weapons Center, which eventually led to the investigator being contacted.

Investigation Details

On July 29, 1975, the investigator made initial contact by phone and took notes. The sighting was confirmed to be from Cheverly, Maryland, around noon on Sunday. The sky was clear, with no clouds.

Mr. Y. described the object he first saw as a bright shining light like a fireball at a distance, smaller than an aspirin tablet held at arm's length. It appeared to be descending. Then a second light appeared and traveled parallel to the first. Each light was encircled by a thin dark line. The second light moved away fast with strange angles of motion (zig-zag departure). The first light descended and then ascended rapidly until out of sight. The objects were of constant brightness, not blinking or fading, convincing Mr. Y. they were not airplanes. He reported no airplanes in the area during or before the sighting.

He described the objects as circular lights, each bigger than a "dot." His wife also observed the objects. He felt the objects would have to be very bright to be seen against the sky, suggesting they were distant or had a highly reflective surface. He again contacted Andrews AFB, BWI Airport, and a TV station, receiving no useful information. He reiterated his feeling that the objects moved very fast. Initially, the objects appeared to descend and oscillate, then move in a horizontal plane, becoming "fixed" and "parallel." The second object left in a zig-zag motion followed by rapid motion out of sight. The objects were described as bigger than the sharpened point of a pencil at arm's length. Although visible against the sky, they likely would not have been noticed in a casual glance.

On July 30, 1975, the investigator visited Mr. Y. at work. On July 31, 1975, the investigator visited his house and used a homemade transit to measure azimuth and altitude angles, with Mr. Y. sighting along it. Mr. Y. recounted his sighting, and his daughter and wife were also interviewed. His wife confirmed seeing the two objects but found the sky too bright for comfortable viewing. Upon returning with dark glasses, only one object was visible and difficult to see. With dark glasses, the object and sky were less bright.

Weather and Radar Data

On August 5, 1975, the investigator obtained weather data from the National Weather Center in Ashville, North Carolina. On the date of the sighting, weather conditions in the Washington area at noon included 20 miles visibility, a clear sky, and winds at 4 knots from the southeast. Weather balloons are launched one at a time, not in pairs. The air temperature was around 80°F (27°C) with high but comfortable humidity and noticeable smog.

From the control tower at Washington National Airport, the investigator learned there were no notations of unusual objects in their log. Their radar covers a fifty-five mile radius with a five-second revolution period. Pilots within the airport's control volume (17 miles radius, 7,000 feet high) would report anything unusual.

On August 6, 1975, the Baltimore-Washington Airport Control Tower reported no pilot reports or unusual log entries. Their radar reaches sixty miles, covering the sighting area, with a four-second revolution rate.

The Air Traffic Control Center in Leesburg, Virginia, reported no pilot reports. The FAA radar has a 200-mile range and can display objects up to 60,000 feet. It uses both primary and secondary radar. The radar antenna is in Suitland, Maryland. One rotation of the radar beam takes 12 seconds. The radar is sensitive enough to detect a small plane or bird at Cheverly's distance, provided the object is high enough and there are no anomalous atmospheric effects or ground clutter. Short-lived radar returns are usually ignored as "noise." An object would need to appear as a clear, large target for several minutes to be recognized as real, not an "angel" (anomalous target). Objects in hazardous locations would likely be ignored.

Andrews Air Force Base had no pilot reports or log notations of unusual objects. Their radar covers thirty miles with a three-second revolution rate.

Aircraft Traffic Analysis

On August 27, 1975, the investigator attempted to determine potential aircraft in the area. Airports are only required to keep records for fifteen days, so records for July 27 were unavailable. Andrews Air Force Base did have a record of two C-130s taking off west at 1:00 P.M., with nothing listed before noon.

National Airport's traffic pattern involved planes coming from the north and east circling to approach from the northwest. Planes arriving from the east would pass north of Washington, potentially crossing the observers' line of sight. A flight controller indicated that three to four landings might have occurred between 12:00 and 12:30 P.M., but these were from the west. Two jets and a twin-engine plane were scheduled to depart during that time.

The radar was likely operating in Moving Target Indicator (MTI) mode to avoid ground clutter. The controller believed the MTI was set to ignore objects moving slower than 50-60 mph (80-96 km/hr). MTI is range-gated and effective only within 15-20 miles of the airport. Beyond that range, anything can be seen. Since Cheverly is about eight miles from the airport, stationary objects up to 7-12 miles away could be detected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine focuses on detailed investigations of UFO/UAP sightings, emphasizing witness credibility and thorough analysis of available data, including weather and radar information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, seeking to rule out conventional explanations while acknowledging the possibility of genuine anomalies. The publication aims to provide comprehensive reports on significant cases.

This document, likely from an issue of "UFO Investigator," details an analysis of a UFO sighting that occurred on September 3, 1975, near Cheverly, Maryland. The primary source of information is the testimony of a witness identified as Mr. Y., supplemented by investigations into air traffic and object characteristics.

Witness Testimony and Initial Investigation The report begins with notes from a telephone conversation with Mr. Y. on September 3, 1975. Mr. Y. stated that there were "no airplanes" in the vicinity and that the area was "all quiet on the eastern front." He was familiar with aircraft flight patterns and was certain no aircraft were present before or after the sighting, specifically for a period of twenty minutes before to several minutes after. He clarified that there were no airplanes in view northeast of him, in the direction of the objects. His horizon was limited by houses and trees to an elevation of 20 degrees or more, potentially obscuring distant landing planes within the Washington control area if they were more than four miles away. Planes at altitudes around 35,000 feet could have been seen if closer than six miles.

Further investigation involved contacting the Goddard Space Flight Center, which found essentially zero activity typical for a Sunday noon, with no reports of unusual objects. A check with the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) also yielded no UFO reports from the Washington area for that day.

On September 13, 1975, Philip J. Klass provided a list of possible aircraft arrivals and departures from local airports. This list included TWA flight #227 and Eastern #173 departing Baltimore-Washington (BW) around noon and 11:50 AM respectively, likely heading southeast. Eastern #173 might have crossed the line of sight to the objects but would have been ten or more miles away. Delta #325, Eastern Shuttle, and American #463 were scheduled to arrive at National Airport (NA) around noon from Boston and New York. These arriving planes would have passed northeast of the sighting area, potentially about half an hour before the sighting. The report notes that planes passing through en route to other airports or small planes could have been in the sighting area, but no information on such planes was available.

Object Characteristics and Witness Vision On September 29, 1975, Mr. Y. stated he wears glasses (monofocals) and had them on during the sighting while reading. He claimed his vision with glasses was 20/20 in each eye, suggesting an angular resolution of about one minute of arc (0.3 milliradians) under bright sky conditions.

On October 15, 1975, Mr. Klass suggested presenting Mr. Y. with twenty-three daytime color photos of small and large jets taken by Klass and the author. These photos were taken during clear days in the preceding two weeks, between noon and 2:00 PM EDT, in northeasterly directions, with objects photographed at angular altitudes from 20° to 90°. Some were taken with telephoto lenses. Mr. Y. was asked to pay attention to the brightness of the images against the sky background.

On October 29, 1975, Mr. Y. returned the slides, emphatically stating that nothing resembled what he had seen. He specifically noted that the objects were "much brighter than any of the planes he had seen on the slides," comparing their brilliance to "burning phosphorous." He described them as the brightest things he had ever seen in the sky except the sun. However, he felt the objects were small enough that they might not have been noticed during a casual look at the sky unless one looked in the correct direction. The report includes a note on how human eye acuity decreases with angular distance from the line of sight, making small objects against a bright background difficult to detect.

Analysis of the Sighting The lack of confirmatory reports from pilots, motorists, etc., suggests the objects might have been small and close to the witnesses. The report acknowledges that spectacular objects are rarely reported to authorities, and motorists might have seen them briefly but been unimpressed. The author found out about the case through acquaintances of Mr. Y., indicating it was not widely reported.

The lack of radar reports is considered further evidence that the objects might have been small. It is deemed difficult to imagine they could have avoided all radar detection in the area. The report explains that range-gated MTI radar systems might not display stationary objects within a certain range (e.g., Washington National Airport Radar, Andrews Airport, FAA radar in Suitland, Maryland). Radar sets displaying ground clutter might not distinguish bright objects in the sky. If the objects were far from normal air routes, air traffic controllers might ignore them as "angels" or unimportant targets. Only unusually large radar returns or hazardous positions would prompt special attention.

During periods of motion, the objects could have been detected by National and Andrews airport radars. However, their motion durations were estimated to be only tens of seconds, resulting in only a few radar "paints." In such cases, without a clear threat to aircraft, controllers might attribute the returns to anomalous propagations or "angels" and ignore them. The absence of unusual radar target records leads to the conclusion that the objects were likely unimpressive radar targets, possibly detected but not recognized as true objects, or were not radar-reflective.

Figures and Object Size Estimates Figure 1 is a map of the Washington, D.C. area showing Cheverly, Maryland, and the positions of National and Andrews Airports. Baltimore-Washington International Airport is about 15 miles (24 km) north-northeast of the map's upper corner, in line with the sighting direction (21 miles from Cheverly). The sighting directions to the two objects when motionless are also shown.

Figure 2 illustrates the angular altitude of the objects when hovering and the observer's sighting horizon. Figure 3 shows approximate maximum and minimum diameters of the bright areas based on Mr. Y.'s statements: (a) smaller than an aspirin tablet at arm's length (about 20 milliradians), (b) about the size of or smaller than a pea at arm's length (about 10 milliradians), and (c) bigger than the point of a pencil at arm's length (about 1 mr.).

It is important to note that Mr. Y. stated the first object shrank in apparent angular size as it departed upward. Since his vision is normal, any object with sufficient brightness contrast but an angular size smaller than about 0.3 mr. would appear as a "point" of light. This suggests the objects likely had angular sizes equal to or larger than 1 mr. during their stationary period. The report references mathematical relations for diameter-distance for 1 mr. and 10 mr. and illustrates height-distance relation based on a 25° angular elevation.

Sighting Duration Mr. Y. estimated the total sighting duration was three to five minutes. Based on estimates of the time required for the witness to perform reported activities, the author breaks down the sighting into segments: * Daughter's call to standing on lawn: 15 seconds. * First object sighting to calling wife after second object appeared: 30 to 60 seconds. * Wife leaving house to returning with glasses: 30 to 60 seconds. * Wife entering house to returning with glasses (during which second object departed and first object ascended): 30 to 60 seconds. * Wife arriving outside to complete disappearance of first object: 5 to 10 seconds.

The summation of these estimated times is 110 to 205 seconds (approximately two to three and a half minutes), suggesting the lower estimate is more likely correct.

Exclusions Based on the available data and analysis, the objects were suggested to probably not be: 1. Balloons: Their overall motions (downward and upward) are not characteristic. Trajectory characteristics are inconsistent with balloons in gentle winds, and differential motions would require excessive wind shears. Balloons do not have dark rings and are not excessively bright against a bright sky. 2. Airplanes: No observable structure was seen. If they were planes, they must have been far away and appeared to move slowly. Planes typically travel horizontally, do not execute rapid zig-zag maneuvers, and do not have dark rings. 3. Helicopters: No observable structure was seen, implying they were distant. Appearing excessively bright would require optimal solar reflections (glints).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring theme in this document is the rigorous analysis of a specific UFO sighting, attempting to explain it through conventional means while acknowledging the limitations of available data. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective investigation, systematically ruling out common explanations like aircraft and balloons based on witness testimony, physical characteristics, and environmental factors. The document emphasizes the importance of detailed witness accounts, visual acuity, and the potential for misinterpretation or non-detection by radar. The analysis leans towards the objects being unusual phenomena that do not fit standard categories, possibly due to their brightness, size, or radar signature.

This document, likely an excerpt from a publication focused on UFOs or unexplained phenomena, presents an analysis of a specific sighting and explores potential explanations for unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

Analysis of Explanations The text systematically evaluates several common explanations for observed aerial phenomena, primarily focusing on a sighting involving bright objects.

Helicopters Helicopters are discussed as a potential explanation, but several factors rule them out. Their glints are not generally maintained at constant intensity over varying sighting angles. While helicopters can travel vertically, at distances large enough to be unresolved by observers (2-3 miles), their angular rates of climb would imply speeds impossible for a helicopter. For instance, an angular velocity of 6°/sec at a distance of 10,000 feet would correspond to a climb velocity of approximately 1050 ft/sec (717 mph or 1153 km/hr). Furthermore, helicopters do not have rings around them, although rotating blades might appear as such when viewed from directly below or above.

Birds Birds are considered as they can be small, close, and undetected by radar. However, they would not have a constant brightness due to wing flapping and would not be described as "the brightest thing I have ever seen in the daytime sky except the sun." Soaring birds would not flap their wings, but neither would they remain apparently motionless for a minute or more. A bird far enough away to be visually unresolved could not fly fast enough to produce the angular rates of motion reported by witnesses, and birds do not have dark rings around themselves.

Kites Kites are dismissed because their typical motions are up and then down, not down and then up. They also do not have dark rings around them and are not excessively bright.

Aircraft Vortices The suggestion that bright objects might be remnants of aircraft vortices, as proposed by P.J. Klass, is examined. Aircraft vortices are horizontal circulations of air produced by passing aircraft, normally invisible even near airports. Under laboratory conditions, they can be made visible by injecting dye or fog. In unusual circumstances, the vapor contrail of a high-flying aircraft might make the two vortices (one centered on each wingtip) appear. Photos of vortices made visible by condensation trails at high altitude (31,000 feet) were obtained from the Royal Aircraft Establishment. These vortices appeared no brighter than the condensation trails and, while they break up after several minutes, they do not produce individual bright round regions of vapor. Their dynamical aspects show them moving slowly downward until they dissipate or reach the ground. They have not been reported to accelerate upwards as the observed objects apparently did. A final argument against vortices is that they are not encircled by dark rings.

Object Characteristics and Analysis Aside from the characteristics that prevent identification as ordinary phenomena, two other features are highlighted, pointed out by Mr. Klass.

Constant Brightness Mr. Y. specifically noted that the apparent brightness of the objects was constant. If the object surfaces were made of reflective, curved material (e.g., spherical), one would expect a brightness increase from a glint of the sun during descent or departure. Since no such increase was noted, the objects could be argued to be non-reflective or not metallic. However, to appear extraordinarily bright over a wide range of viewing angles, the objects must have been self-luminous. This self-luminosity, combined with sufficiently non-reflective surfaces, might have made any glint cause only a slight, unnoticeable increase in brightness.

Absence of Noise The second interesting feature is the absence of any noise despite the apparently great speeds of the objects. During the departure of the first object, an average angular rate of speed of 6°/sec or more may have been achieved. Estimating vertical velocity from this, assuming the object was one mile away at an angular altitude of 25°, and it disappeared at 85° about ten seconds after rising with constant angular velocity, the calculations show significant speeds. During the first second, the altitude increased from 2462 ft to 3172 ft, with an average velocity of 710 ft/sec (484 mph or 779 km/hr). In the next second, it rose from 31° to 37° angular altitude, a height increase of 807 ft, with an average velocity of 807 ft/sec (550 mph or 885 km/hr). Subsequent seconds showed increasing average velocities: 945 ft/sec (3rd sec), 1150 ft/sec (4th sec), and 1985 ft/sec (6th sec). By the end of the 4th second, the object would have exceeded the speed of sound (approx. 1100 ft/sec in the lower atmosphere). One would expect a "sonic boom" if a shock wave generated by such a fast-moving object traveled toward a listener. While shock waves from upward travel might not be heard, shock waves from downward travel (when the objects first appeared) should have been heard by listeners on the ground. The absence of reported noise during arrivals might indicate that the objects do not generate shock waves even at high speeds. Alternatively, the lack of noise could be due to lower speeds during descents or the production of very weak shocks from small objects that were not noticed by witnesses.

Discussion The document concludes with a discussion acknowledging the difficulty in definitively identifying the objects. It states that while it is possible to argue what the "objects" were not, it does not seem possible to construct convincing arguments about what they may have been based on the available observational data.

Visual Aids Figure 1 provides a map of the sighting area, indicating locations such as Washington, D.C., the Pentagon, Andrews Air Force Base, and various routes and airports. Mr. Y.'s location is implied to be within this region. Figure 2 illustrates the observer's horizon and the angular elevation of objects when stationary. Figure 3 presents graphs showing size and height relationships based on angular measurements and distance.

Appendix A: Personal Account of Mr. Y. This section provides the firsthand account of Mr. Y., written on July 29, 1975. On July 27, 1975, at approximately 12:15 P.M., while sitting on his porch, Mr. Y. and his eight-year-old daughter observed an object descending in the sky. It appeared as a very bright light, moving smoothly and fluidly, similar to an object dropped by parachute. The object remained visible against the clear blue sky with constant brilliance. After a few moments, it appeared to become stationary. Mr. Y. then noticed a second object identical to the first, positioned parallel to it. Both objects remained stable for a few moments. The second object then ascended with a left-to-right, right-to-left motion before assuming a more direct vertical ascent and disappearing from sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes revolve around the analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena, the systematic debunking of conventional explanations, and the examination of unusual object characteristics such as extreme brightness and high speeds without audible sound. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, attempting to find rational explanations while acknowledging the limitations of available data in definitively identifying the phenomena. The document emphasizes the scientific approach to analyzing eyewitness accounts and physical evidence, or the lack thereof.

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, Volume III, No. 2/1978-79, features articles on UFO phenomena, including a detailed report titled "DRAMATIC CHASE IN SPAIN" by W. Smith, M. Guasp, and V. J. Ballester Olmos, received March 18, 1978, and published by EDUTECS. The magazine is in German, with the primary focus on international UFO cases.

Article: DRAMATIC CHASE IN SPAIN

The abstract describes an incident where a family of five, returning home at night on back roads near Cheste (Valencia, Spain), was followed and persistently chased by a bright light (UFO) for approximately 40 km over nearly an hour. As the UFO approached the village, it moved ahead and above the car, extending what appeared to be legs. The encounter ended when another vehicle approached from the opposite direction on the usually deserted road. One of the witnesses, a 15-year-old girl, became violently ill during the incident and remained indisposed for some time afterward. The automobile's battery was damaged and had to be replaced the following day, an effect attributed to the incident.

The article lists key words associated with the case: Battery failure, Chase of car by UFO, Close encounter of the first kind, Electromagnetic effects, Multiple witnesses, and Physiological effects. It also includes a list of figures, detailing drawings and photographs related to the sighting, including maps of the location, views of the area, and depictions of the witnesses (Mr. and Mrs. Serena, Carmen Serena age 15, Antonia age 10, and Paquita age 9) and their drawings.

The introduction states that the incident was first heard about six weeks after it occurred, with initial contact by two of the investigators (WS and MG) taking place a few weeks later. Despite the delay, the participants retained vivid mental images and clear memories of the experience, which is noted as usual for such events.

The credibility of the information is enhanced by the fact that an entire family witnessed the event, characterized by three fundamental elements: the UFO's directionality towards the car, the presence of electromagnetic effects impacting the car's ignition and headlights, and physiological effects experienced by at least one of the young girls. The report is presented as the final distillation of information gathered in several meetings with the participants, recorded on magnetic tape, and meticulously evaluated. The investigators concluded it was a genuine close encounter of the first kind, with the witnesses being truthful and coherent, showing no internal inconsistencies.

The Witnesses

The evaluation of the witnesses is presented as a necessary step to judge their credibility. The field investigator finds that UFO witnesses are typically average persons, not prone to fantasies or hallucinations. The family involved in this incident is described as a blue-collar family of modest means with elementary education. The father, Mr. Antonio Serena, is about 45 years old and works as a bus driver on the Buñol-Valencia route. His wife, Mrs. Francisca Castellanos, is fortyish and a typical housewife, born in Andalucía, known for her loquacity.

Witness Testimony (Cheverly, Maryland Sighting)

On page 62, a witness (referred to as Mr. Y.) describes a sighting where two objects ascended simultaneously into the sky. He watched them until they disappeared. He distinguishes these objects from rockets, military aircraft, or balloons, noting their brightness, motion, and speed. When the objects were parallel, he observed a fine circle encompassing them. He was unaware of this detail until he saw the objects more closely in a stable position. This sighting was witnessed by three people: the witness, his daughter, and his wife. He requests his name be kept confidential and notes that his name is on file with NICAP, MUFON, and CUFOS.

Figure A-1 on page 63 illustrates this sighting, showing the observer's location relative to two objects, with patterns of descent indicated. The sky was clear blue, and the weather was clear and sunny with excellent visibility. The date of this sighting is given as July 27, 1975, in the Town of Cheverly, Maryland, at approximately 12:15 P.M.

Figure A-2 on page 64 details the patterns of ascent for Object #1. It notes that the time before the object disappeared from sight was about 4-5 seconds. For Object #1 again, the time before it disappeared from view was about 7 seconds. The color of the objects is described as "Brilliant bright white light. Appeared to be a solid glowing object."

Appendix B on page 65 evaluates the witnesses. The investigator notes that Mr. Y. took an empirical approach, emphasizing observational data without theorizing. While his wife and daughter's testimonies were less detailed, they supported his account. Mr. Y. works in the publications division of the Naval Surface Weapons Center and received a certificate of merit from the Department of the Navy in June 1975. He was unwilling to speculate about what he saw but was convinced of what he did not see (e.g., bird, plane). He is described as well-read and has translated ancient religious writings. He identifies as a "philosopher" and not a skeptic, open to the possibility of UFOs representing true anecdotal data. He takes an empirical rather than theoretical approach and admits extraterrestrial visitation, time traveling, and psychic phenomena as possible explanations. He did not believe all UFO reports could be explained as misidentifications, psychological effects, or hoaxes. He was willing to classify the objects as "UFOs" if unexplained but would accept any reasonable explanation.

On page 66, the investigator concludes that it is highly unlikely that the witness and his family would have fabricated the sighting or suffered from delusion or hallucination. The witness appears to have presented an accurate history of the occurrence without bias.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on detailed case studies of UFO sightings, emphasizing witness credibility, observational data, and potential explanations. The editorial stance, as reflected in the investigator's evaluation of the "Dramatic Chase in Spain" case, leans towards a serious and empirical approach to UFO phenomena. There is a clear effort to assess the reliability of witnesses and to document the physical and physiological effects associated with sightings. The publication seems to be open to considering extraordinary explanations while maintaining a rigorous investigative methodology, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of the Serena family's experience and Mr. Y.'s sighting. The inclusion of technical details like electromagnetic effects and physiological responses suggests a scientific interest in the subject matter.

This document details a significant UFO sighting experienced by the Serena family in Spain on February 22, 1977. The family, consisting of parents Mr. and Mrs. Serena and their three daughters Carmen (15), Antonia (10), and Paquita (9), encountered an unidentified aerial object while driving home near Chiva, Valencia.

The Incident The sighting occurred on a clear night as the family was returning from dinner. They first noticed an intense white light in the sky, which they initially mistook for a plane or Venus, but soon realized it was something else due to its intensity and behavior. The object appeared to follow their car, increasing in size and proximity. The family's initial route was altered due to road conditions, leading them through Casinos and Liria before heading towards Villamarchante and eventually Chiva.

As the object drew closer, it began to affect the family's vehicle. The car's engine started to fail, lights seemed to go out, and the vehicle experienced irregular traction, as if sticking to the ground. The intensity of the object's light was so great that it illuminated the highway and adjacent areas. The object displayed both a nondirectional white light when moving away and a projected yellow light when nearby. Its shape was described as oval, like an extremely large tray.

The object eventually overtook the car, decreasing its altitude and extending landing gear. The witnesses estimated its longest dimension to be at least 5 meters. During this phase, Carmen, the eldest daughter, experienced severe distress, including vomiting and crying, and the other children were also frantic.

A second car approaching from the opposite direction caused the UFO to move away temporarily, but it reappeared after the second car passed. The entire encounter, including the direct pursuit, lasted only a few minutes. The object was last seen disappearing toward the south as the family arrived home.

Electromagnetic and Physiological Effects Several anomalous electromagnetic effects were noted. A battery-operated radio Mr. Serena had on to listen to a football match deteriorated in reception until it became inaudible. The car's engine malfunctioned, and the battery was found to be completely dry and unable to be recharged by the generator, later requiring replacement. The investigators concluded that the battery failure was a posteriori discovery, but the immediate effects on the car were evident during the encounter.

The physiological effects on the family were also significant. All members were extremely afraid and nervous. Mr. Serena experienced cold sweat, while Mrs. Serena and the girls felt extreme cold. The girls suffered upset stomachs and general distress. Paquita, the youngest, reacted with sobbing and crying when questioned months later. Carmen, the eldest, experienced vomiting, repeated cramps in her feet, depression, headaches, and malaise, requiring medical attention and bed rest for several days. All family members experienced sleeping problems and relived the event in their dreams.

Other Possible Witnesses While the investigation focused on the Serena family, there were indications of other possible witnesses. Mrs. Serena mentioned the incident to a lieutenant of the Rural Police named Adolfo, who, along with two subordinates, reported observing a luminous phenomenon near Chiva on the same night. A druggist from Vistalegre also reportedly made an observation.

Discussion and Conclusions The investigators concluded that conventional explanations for UFO sightings were inadequate for this case. They considered the incident either totally false or totally true and concluded it was true based on several factors:

1. Family Background: The Serenas were described as a typical lower-middle-class family with limited education, making it unlikely they would fabricate a complex story for no apparent gain.
2. Interrogation Testimony: The family's interrogation, recorded on magnetic tape, revealed a disorganized and disjointed narrative, which the investigators found indicative of genuine recollection rather than a rehearsed story. The investigators themselves had difficulty reconstructing the sequence of events until they retraced the route.
3. Lack of Discrepancies: Despite the disorganized initial narrative, later replays of the tapes showed that all details fit together. The investigators noted only minor discrepancies in detail (e.g., number of legs on the object), which they attributed to memory imperfections or different perspectives, contrasting with a fabricated story which would ideally be free of such inconsistencies.
4. Youngest Daughter's Reaction: Paquita, the youngest daughter, was unaware of the investigators' presence until informed of their purpose. Her dramatic and spontaneous reaction of fear and tears upon being asked about the incident, even weeks later, strongly suggested the absence of a conspiracy.

The investigators emphasized two key aspects: the UFO's vectoring toward the specific automobile over a long distance and time, and its deliberate behavior, particularly when moving away upon the approach of a second car, pointing to intelligent control. Consequently, the evidence was deemed sufficient to classify the case as UNEXPLAINED.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this document are the detailed reporting of a specific UFO encounter, the analysis of witness testimony, the investigation of physical and physiological effects associated with such encounters, and the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from fabrications. The editorial stance is one of serious consideration of the evidence, leaning towards the veracity of the witness accounts and concluding that the case remains unexplained, suggesting the possibility of intelligent control behind the phenomenon.

Title: UPIAR
Issue: Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79
Publisher: EDITECS
Date: 1978/79 (issue date), 1978 (received date)
Language: English

This issue of UPIAR presents a detailed analysis of UFO experiences reported in Austria during the 1954/55 period, a time characterized by a significant global "UFO wave." The article, authored by E. Berger, MUFON Representative for Austria, delves into the "Austrian share" of this phenomenon, which had been largely forgotten.

1954/55 - The Austrian Share

The core of the material analyzed consists of gendarmerie and police reports collected by the Austrian government. These reports were made available to Ernst Berger in 1973. The study focuses on 99 unidentified UFO experiences from the 1954/55 period, with 28 of the most interesting case histories presented in detail. The analysis employs a statistical method, comparing the structures of the 1954/55 Austrian report patterns with earlier studies by Berger on 1972-77 Austrian data and findings by other researchers like Vallee and Hall.

Introduction

The author notes that the density of reports suggests similar sightings might be found in other European countries, supporting Vallee's assumption regarding the "global wave of 1954." The interval from July 1954 to February 1955 is identified as Austria's "classical" period for UFO sightings. The analysis of the 1954/55 cases was a high priority for an Austrian researcher, as it had not been attempted before. The methodology used is consistent with previous evaluations of Austrian data from 1972 to 1977.

Material and Methods

Reference is made to a case investigated by the Spanish Government involving Juan José Benitez, which was handed over on October 20, 1976. However, a more significant precedent was Ernst Berger's discussion on July 26, 1973, with a high Austrian government official (MUFON-Austria promised not to identify). This led to Berger receiving a collection of 111 case reports, approximately 200 pages, detailing UFO observations over Austrian territory monitored by gendarmerie and police authorities. Berger was officially authorized to use this material for scientific analysis.

Due to other time-consuming MUFON-Austria activities, the statistical evaluation of the material was delayed until 1977. Extensive searches through Austrian newspapers of the 1954/55 period revealed the extent of this "impressive flap." The article aims to provide the scientific community with the first in-depth review of this "Austrian share."

Of the total 99 reports, 96 are from the flap period. The 28 selected cases are presented with comments on official and press reactions. All times are given in Central European Time (CET), which is GMT plus one hour. A 24-hour classification scheme is used. Figures, including a map of Western Austria (Figure 1) and photographs, are referenced for geographical context and visual understanding.

28 Selected Cases and Comments

In the summer of 1954, Austria was still under Allied occupation following World War II. Different provinces were under the control of French, American, British, and Russian forces. Vienna was also divided into Allied sectors. The occupation officially ended in 1955 with the Austrian State Treaty.

Austria was not permitted to conduct civil or military air operations during the occupation. The country's police forces were divided into municipal and rural police, with the latter being called gendarmerie.

The first reported sighting of 1954/55 appeared in the "Weltpresse" newspaper on May 3, 1954. It described a "comet-like body" seen on April 28 by two inhabitants near Andorf, which had a luminous globe with a radial tail and was followed by an aircraft from which three bodies detached. Observers heard a faint metallic tinkling.

On May 14, the Austrian Press Agency reported a sighting near Klagenfurt where five people saw three dark, round discs flying rapidly in a wedge formation. These discs allegedly expelled fire, and fiery drops fell from them. The phenomenon was soundless and lasted about 10 seconds. The "Presse" newspaper censored the report by omitting that the discs were dark and soundless.

Scattered reports followed in May, July, and August 1954. After July 25, sightings became almost weekly, and after August 31, almost daily. The article arbitrarily designates July 25 as the start of the flap, noting it was over a month before the flap intensified in France, suggesting it was not a contagion effect.

From September 1, reports became more frequent. One case from Dornbirn, reported by Josef Mattner, described a "Headmaster watches flying saucers." Professor Friederike Edelmüller observed a pale reddish disc on August 31 at about 2200, which she initially thought was a comet. Using field glasses, she saw it consisted of six individual discs with bluish edges. She described an "u-shaped flight formation" and the discs disappearing vertically after 25 minutes. A press article later estimated the discs' height at about 4000 meters and noted their steady, remote-controlled movement.

Another report from "Vorarlberger Nachrichten" on September 8, 1954, titled "Saucer observation over Lingenau," detailed a sighting by customs officer Werner Dünser and Miss Brunhilde Fehr on September 3. They saw a reddish, vibrating disc resembling a radiant discus, which opened like a shell and then flew off. The witness later confirmed his sighting 20 years later and mentioned a radio interview.

On September 4, 1954, reports from the Graz area emerged. Seven workers at a paper mill and two policemen independently observed greenish oval and red disc-shaped objects moving at high speed. The Meteorological Institute of Graz University had no statement at the time.

A police report from Hallein, Salzburg, documented the account of porter Franz Wallner, who on September 3/4, 1954, at about 0130, saw three bright red, globular objects that changed color and moved at aircraft speed with a weak rushing sound before breaking up.

A letter to the publication from Otto Turker of Innsbruck-Pradl, dated September 4, described a bright star rapidly changing its position and color, which he initially dismissed as a meteor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this section of the magazine are the detailed reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on official government and police records from Austria. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, scientific investigation into these phenomena, aiming to present factual data and analysis to the public. The use of statistical methods and comparison with previous studies underscores a commitment to rigorous research. The magazine also highlights the historical context of these events, such as the post-war occupation of Austria, which may have influenced reporting or observation conditions.

This document, likely an excerpt from a publication like the "Tiroler Tageszeitung" or a similar journal focusing on anomalous phenomena, details a series of unidentified flying object (UFO) and flying saucer sightings reported in Austria, primarily in the Tyrol region, during September and October 1954. The content is rich with eyewitness accounts, gendarmerie reports, and newspaper clippings, providing a chronological and geographical overview of the wave of sightings.

Early Sightings and the September Wave The document begins with an account of an early observation in 1915, where a peculiar sky phenomenon described as a "diso" with yellowish light and reddish edges was seen. However, the main focus shifts to September 1954, which saw a significant increase in reports. The period of September 3, 4, and 5, 1954, produced 20 unidentified sightings, initiating a wave of publicity across Austria, even before a notable French "flap."

Detailed Case Reports Several detailed case reports are presented:

Heinrich Neururer Case (September 16, 1954) Master mason Heinrich Neururer of Sautens reported observing a "silvery gleaming disc" with protrusions, flying east-west. He described it as somewhat tilted and made of polished aluminum. The object later reappeared, drifting towards Mt. Mitterkarkopf, and was obscured by fog. Neururer, a respected member of his community with prior military experience, concluded that the object could not have been a conventional aircraft.

Innsbruck Airport Sighting (September 18, 1954) Officials from the meteorological station, flight control, and police, along with other witnesses, observed a brightly shining flying body near Innsbruck airport. Visible in pinpoint size over Stubai Valley, it remained motionless for an hour before moving west against a strong wind.

Daniel Thoman Sighting (September 24, 1954) Daniel Thoman of Innsbruck reported hunting in Schmirn Valley when he noticed a high-flying object with intense blue-violet luminosity. Through binoculars, he saw a quadratic object with bent-up edges, flying soundlessly from southeast to northwest.

Johann Rachbauer Sighting (September 24, 1954) Estate manager Johann Rachbauer observed two searchlights and three circular, white luminous discs moving over Mt.Pfenningberg near Schweigau. The objects moved southeast quickly and disappeared.

Udmath Formation Flight (September 30, 1954) This is described as a "third well-documented 'formation flight case'." Pensioned official Josef Rudl, farmer Johann Fugger and his wife Maria, and country woman Olga Katholnig witnessed 5 or 6 grey-red, bright discs in a half arc over Udmath. One disc broke off and flew south in a zig-zag course, while the others moved northeast. Witnesses described them as round, brighter than stars, and having tails.

Daylight Sighting in Innsbruck (September 30, 1954) A 12-year-old boy in Innsbruck saw a silvery elliptical disc with a "blue pile" at the upper edge. The object ascended vertically and then flew horizontally. The boy described it as an unmanned, stable flying machine with no exhaust traces or sound.

Dr. Christoph Spiegelfeld Sighting (October 3, 1954) Dr. Christoph Spiegelfeld, an official adviser for police affairs, observed a round, aluminium-silvery shining disc over the Lüsener Ferner. It remained stationary for 20 minutes before moving west. Spiegelfeld, a former pilot, stated it was not a balloon due to strong Föhn wind and its ability to hold position, nor a conventional aircraft due to its speed and take-off.

Tuxerjoch Sighting (October 13, 1954) A group of 17 students and their teacher, Dr. Walter Plankensteiner, observed a suspicious flying object near Tuxerjoch. Initially disc-shaped, it changed into a "silver arrow" and flew quickly westwards, soundlessly. They concluded it was neither a conventional aircraft nor a balloon.

Innsbruck Skyscraper Terrace Sighting (October 15, 1954) Two medical students reported seeing a "flying saucer" from a skyscraper terrace in Innsbruck. The object appeared cigar-shaped, with a cupola-shaped body that changed color. They estimated its radius to be 70 meters and its speed to be around 1200 km/hour, noting the absence of sound or exhaust.

Marchreisenspitze Sighting (October 10, 1954) A witness observed a "glistening 'star'" south of Marchreisenspitze ridge. The object, which had an elliptical shape, descended vertically, stopped, and then moved up the ridge before disappearing. The witness noted the luminous difference compared to actual stars.

Official Reactions and Explanations Initially, the Austrian Central Meteorological Station suggested radiosonde balloons as a possible explanation for some sightings. However, a high Austrian official issued a general order in September 1954 to collect data on all "flying saucer" reports, suspecting radiosondes but ensuring all police/gendarmerie reports were preserved. The document also notes that French cases began to appear in Austrian press offices via AFP and Reuter in late September and early October.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes throughout these reports include the visual descriptions of the objects (discs, silvery, luminous, changing colors), their silent operation, and their non-conventional flight patterns (zig-zag, hovering, rapid acceleration). Many witnesses, particularly those with technical or observational backgrounds, explicitly ruled out conventional explanations like aircraft or balloons. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious reporting and investigation of these phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts and official reports without overt skepticism, though acknowledging the need for verification and the potential for misinterpretation (e.g., radiosondes).

Title: UFO Nachrichten
Issue: October 1954 (Vol. 2)
Publisher: MUFON-Austria
Country: Austria
Language: German
Time Period Covered: July 25, 1954 – January 31, 1955

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, published by MUFON-Austria, details a significant wave of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings that occurred in Austria between the latter half of 1954 and the beginning of 1955. The magazine compiles reports from various sources, including gendarmerie posts, local newspapers, and eyewitness testimonies, to document these events.

Key Sightings and Reports

The publication presents a chronological account of numerous incidents, highlighting the diversity of reported phenomena:

• October 15, 1954: A report from the Zwettl an der Rodl area describes a phenomenon like a small thundercloud that moved earthwards and then horizontally with great speed, exhibiting a cupolar shape and a tail.
• October 18, 1954: An employee in Innsbruck reported seeing a 'glass disc' in a clear sky, described as transparent and illuminated from within, which disappeared suddenly.
• October 25, 1954: Thousands across Eastern and Southern Austria witnessed a bright fireball, causing significant public concern and police activity. Separately, a woodcutter in Styria reported three burning small flying objects, described as circular discs, crashing down.
• October 27, 1954: The mayor of Vitis spotted approximately 30 discoidal, silvery objects flying in an easterly direction at high speed, noting an aerial sound unlike that of aircraft.
• November 12, 1954: In Gnadenwald, a luminous body detached from a larger star-shaped object and descended vertically, exhibiting a torpedo-like shape and trailing sparks.
• November 17, 1954: In Telfs, a bright, reddish-yellow disc was observed flying at high altitude with a glowing tail resembling a shower of sparks.
• November 19, 1954: Two officers in Carinthia observed a bright, shining disc that moved with great speed and had a wavy trajectory.
• January 24, 1955: A hunter in St. Leonhard im Pitztal reported a silverball that transformed into a ring-disc with indented edges, rotating counterclockwise.
• January 28, 1955: A businessman and cinema owner in Salzburg observed a hemispherical object that changed into a triangle and dashed away at high speed.

Propaganda Balloons and Meteor Falls

The issue also addresses potential explanations for some sightings. It discusses the release of American propaganda balloons carrying anti-communist leaflets over Eastern European states, noting their whitish, non-metallic color and drift patterns. Some sightings, particularly a bright fireball on October 25, are discussed in the context of meteor falls, with one instance of a disintegrating meteor being photographed.

Scientific and Official Responses

Austrian scientists offered their perspectives on the UFO phenomenon. Dr. Ferdinand Cap, a nuclear physicist, stated that 90-95% of phenomena are identified and expressed a wish to witness extraterrestrial landings. Professor Hopmann, director of Vienna's University observatory, fiercely denied the existence of flying saucers and attributed sightings to subjective errors and 'saucer psychosis'. Dr. Heinz Reuter also advocated for eliminating subjective errors. The magazine notes that these scientists tended to debunk eyewitness accounts, sometimes overlooking unexplained data.

Reliability and Case Classification

The report interval analyzed spans from July 25, 1954, to January 31, 1955. The reliability of the material is considered moderate, with cases classified using the RANDLES-DELAIR system. The dataset includes various classifications (A-, B-, C-, D-, E-cases), with the Neururer observation at Sautens being the only A-case.

Conclusion of the Austrian Flap

The Austrian UFO flap gradually subsided, with only one unidentified case reported per week after November 19, 1954. The magazine notes that newspaper reporters quickly forgot the cases, data were destroyed, and government reporting orders lost their effect after 1956. The situation remained largely unchanged until MUFON-Austria began its investigations in 1973.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena in Austria during the specified period, the challenges in investigating such reports due to skepticism and data loss, and the contrast between eyewitness accounts and official/scientific explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival and investigative work, presenting the raw data and witness testimonies while acknowledging the difficulties in definitively explaining all occurrences, particularly those that defy conventional explanations. The magazine highlights cases that suggest unusual characteristics, speeds, and behaviors, leaving room for the possibility of unknown phenomena.

This document, likely an excerpt from a publication focused on UFO phenomena, presents a detailed statistical analysis of unidentified flying object (UFO) reports from Austria during the 1954/55 period. The analysis covers various aspects of the sightings, including temporal distribution, geographical patterns, and physical characteristics of the observed phenomena.

Reports per Month The maximum number of unidentifieds was recorded in October 1954, with 32 cases. Reports were distributed across several months with absolute frequencies: July (1), August (8), September (29), October (32), November (16), December (4), and January (6). A comparison with the VALLEE data indicated an October peak for the 'wave' of sightings, while the Austrian sample showed a more even distribution between September and October.

Time of Day Out of 81 reports with time data, the peak interval for first observation moments was 18-21 CET, with a secondary peak in the morning hours (06-09 CET). Specifically, 38% of cases with reported time were in the 18-21 interval, 16% in 21-24, and 11% in 06-09, totaling 54% between 18 and 24 CET. A notable pattern of dusk/dawn peaks was observed. Of the 68 cases occurring at night, 26 were during local daytime, indicating a night-to-daytime ratio of 72.3% to 27.7%, meaning about every fourth event was seen in daylight. The 'Tyrol daylight bloc' of October 3-15, 1954, was highlighted for later description.

Duration With the exception of 8 cases, the duration of the phenomenon or visibility time was reported. Figure 9, which superimposes report numbers per duration class for 1954/55 data on sporadic and Traunstein flap data from 1972-1977, revealed two peaks for 1954/55: one in the seconds range and another in the 5-15 minutes range. These peaks were noted to potentially correspond to 'sporadic seconds-peak' and 'flap minutes' phenomena, after cleaning the data of conventional objects like meteors and airplanes.

End of Observations Based on 40 reports detailing how objects disappeared, most were seen flying behind terrestrial obstacles like mountains. However, 20% of these cases ended with a sudden 'switch-off' of the phenomenon, which was often puzzling to observers. The quandrangular Schmirntal object on September 24, 1954, was cited as an example of instantaneous disappearance.

Locations Austria, a democratic republic with 9 Federal Provinces, showed a tendency for 1954/55 flap cases to concentrate in the Western provinces and thin out towards the east. Northern Tyrol was identified as the primary focus, with other clusters in northern Vorarlberg and southern Carinthia. The Upper Austrian reports were confined to the northern part of that province. Tyrol, described as Austria's most mountainous province, has a low population density. Innsbruck, with 21 sightings, is situated between high massifs.

Disappearing Direction For 71 cases, the direction of object disappearance was recorded. A significant 41% of these were westward disappearances, which was considered remarkable, although distinguishing between north and northeast might be difficult for untrained witnesses.

Number of Witnesses Over 200 witnesses were present for 96 flap events. 40 reports (42%) came from single witnesses, 16 (17%) had a corroborating witness, and the remaining 41% involved multiple observers. Ten occasions (10%) had more than 5 observers.

Education of Witnesses While the formal education and observational abilities of witnesses were often unknown, a notable number of details came from individuals with relevant backgrounds, such as alpine hunters, former pilots, ground-air-observers, military personnel, and higher councillors. Police/gendarmerie officials were eye-witnesses in 5 cases. Experts from Innsbruck-Kranebitten airport could not identify two phenomena, and a whole gymnasium class and their teacher witnessed a daylight flight.

Aids Binoculars were used in 15 events for detailed examination, with telescopes available in 3 of those. One witness used a telescope but no binoculars, and cars were not noted as playing a special role in these early fifties episodes, with witnesses being stationary.

Number of Objects Similar to the 1972-77 data, single object cases constituted the majority (75% or 72 events) in 1954/55. However, one object split into two parts, and on another occasion, up to 30 objects were seen in the air.

Elevations Elevation angles over 20° were scarce, with most phenomena observed near the horizon. The Sautens trajectory was the only one measurable at the site, at 25-26°.

Heights and Distances Triangulations were not possible due to vague trajectory data. Tyrol objects near mountain peaks were observed at distances of 3 to 20 kilometers. Estimated true altitudes were generally above 1 kilometer, with values ranging from 1000 to 4000 meters in Vorarlberg, 1000 meters in Carinthia, and 3000 to 8000 meters in the Innsbruck area. Phenomena with 'mountain affinity' had considerably less absolute height, with one torpedo-shaped object passing less than 100 meters below treetop height. CE II-objects at Mt.Grössingberg allegedly touched the ground, leaving burned traces and oil.

Object Sizes Size data quality was poor, with 15 values available. Relative size estimations ranged from full moon to half moon, and smaller fractions thereof. Absolute size guesses included '5-10 meters minimum' and '30-40 meters across'.

Object Shapes Of 93 cases with shape descriptions, 31% involved ovals, eggs, ellipses, or discs. 26% were balls, globes, or round objects. Six events showed shape variations, and four had very complex shapes.

Object Brightness Brightness details were poor, though some objects were noted for their striking brightness, especially at dusk.

Object Colors Usable color descriptions were available for 72 cases. 19% were 'aluminium colored, metallic, silvery' daylight objects. Other colors included reddish (12.5%), yellowish (11.1%), orange (4.2%), bluish (9.7%), and white (8.3%). 9.7% showed more than one color, 5.5% had color changes, and 8.3% had differently colored domes/edges. Vivid color changes or pulsations, as reported in Traunstein, were not reported here.

Source of Light Objects were mostly luminous as a whole, with some occasions featuring point light sources or dark/transparent objects without light production. Examples include the Graz-Arland object, the Hollenburg formation, and Innsbruck 'glass discs'.

Light Effects Five testimonies mentioned ejection of fire, flames, or sparks. Four reported distinct halos, and 19.8% involved objects with a tail. A spotlight cone was noticed once over Innsbruck. Puzzling light phenomena were absent.

Object Motion Motion analysis was possible but not representative due to 50% of reports lacking speed information. The proportion of stationary or slow-moving objects to fast ones was about 1:1 (44% : 56%). Motion discontinuities (hovering, take-off, motion/stand-still, accelerations, undulatory/pendulum motions) were extractable from about one-third of the cases. Rotation was mentioned in only two events.

Sound Sound was reported on 5 occasions, described as 'faint metallic', 'peculiar', 'like a small car motor', 'faint swoosh', and 'rushing'. These objects were in the distance, while two CE cases and many other events were explicitly stated as soundless.

Electromagnetic and Other Effects No electromagnetic anomalies were detected in the available material. One CE-II case was presented in a selected report section. The lack of phenomena near the soil, typical for the 1972-77 period in Austria, was also present in 1954/55, contrary to France.

Austrian 1954/55 Patterns Key details from the evaluations include: - A flat September/October peak period. - Most cases started between 18 and 21 CET, with a morning peak. - The two peaks may be associated with local dusk and dawn. - 54% of cases occurred between 18 and 24 CET. - About every third event occurred in daylight. - Two case duration peaks: 1-10 seconds and 5-15 minutes. - A noticeable percentage of objects 'switched off' at the end of observation. - Case locations clustered in Northern Tyrol and Vorarlberg, near Innsbruck and its mountain ranges. - A prominent disappearance peak to the west (41% of 71 sightings). - Single witness and single object cases were most frequent. - Distances and altitudes generally ranged above 1 kilometer. - Round shapes dominated descriptions; few mentioned complex structures. - Objects appeared self-luminous, red, yellow, orange, or bluish at night; silvery-metallic in daylight. - Angular motion was either slow or quick (1:1 proportion). - Motion discontinuities occurred in about every third case. - Sound and traces were rare.

Dusk/Dawn Peaks A special evaluation confirmed the onset of evening observations versus local sunset and morning reports versus local sunrise. For dusk, 47.6% of 63 cases between 12 and 00 CET started within +/- 2 hours of local sunset, with 25.4% beginning 1/2 hours after sunset. For dawn, 61.1% of 18 cases between 00 and 12 CET began within +/- 2 hours of local sunrise. Overall, 50.6% of 81 sightings with precise times occurred within +/- 2 hours of local sunsets and sunrises, indicating that every second observation fell into these dusk/dawn peak intervals.

Time Coincidences Eight time coincidences of UFO events were noted. Five examples are provided: Graz/Styria and Hallein/Salzburg on September 4, 1954, with events starting around 0130 CET; Velden/Carinthia, Kirchberg/Tyrol, and Linz/Upper Austria on September 5, 1954, with events at 2044-2045 CET. Other coincidences occurred on November 17, 1954 (Tyrol, Carinthia), and January 24, 1955 (Tyrol, Salzburg). A series of 4 coincidental reports also opened the flap interval in July/August.

Mountain Affinity and Valley Flyovers A geographical analysis of trajectories over Tyrol suggested UFO phenomena from September to November 1954 had an 'affinity' to mountains, potentially resulting in longer durations. Specific landmarks like Nordkette and Karwendel were mentioned as areas objects moved near or from. Several witnesses reported objects moving along ridges then behind them. Observations also included valley-flyovers, such as in the Inn Valley near Innsbruck, where objects traveled from one ridge over the valley bottom to another. Duration data from the press were noted as insufficient for a convincing statistical comparison. A concentration area for phenomena trajectories was identified at Nordkette north of Innsbruck, where 8 objects disappeared during October and November 1954.

Tyrol Daylight Bloc The most prominent pattern encountered was the distribution of daytime/nighttime reports. Between October 1 and 15, there was a significant rise to 10 daylight versus 1 night events, the opposite of usual proportions. This period exclusively featured events from Tyrol, with a September case from Carinthia and subsequent Tyrol cases until October 15, followed by another daylight sighting in Upper Austria.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The document consistently focuses on empirical data and statistical analysis of UFO sightings in Austria during a specific period. The editorial stance appears objective, aiming to categorize and understand the phenomena through quantitative methods. Recurring themes include the temporal and geographical clustering of sightings, the characteristics of the objects themselves (shape, color, motion), and the relationship between sightings and natural phenomena like dusk and dawn, or geographical features like mountains. The analysis emphasizes the need to filter out conventional explanations and highlights patterns that deviate from random occurrences. The use of comparative data from other studies (e.g., VALLEE, Traunstein flap data) suggests a broader context for understanding these events. The document also touches upon the reliability of witness accounts and the aids used in observation.

This document, comprising pages 124 through 132, appears to be an excerpt from a publication focused on UFO observations, specifically analyzing data from Austria. It delves into statistical comparisons of UFO sightings from two distinct periods: 1954/55 and 1972-77.

"Tyrol Daylight Bloc" and Phenomenal Classification The analysis begins by defining a period called the "Tyrol daylight bloc," which is noted for its coincidence with the French "wave" and a significant proportion of daytime sightings (27.7% of 96 total cases, with 38.5% of these daytime cases occurring within the "Tyrol daylight bloc"). The flap consists of 68 nocturnal and 26 daytime events, plus 2 time-uncertain ones. The phenomena are classified using Hynek's system, resulting in 69 nocturnal lights, 25 daylight discs, 1 close encounter of the first kind, and 1 of the second kind. Using Vallee's scheme, the breakdown is 2 Type-I, 0 Type-II, 34 Type-III, and 60 Type-IV events, with a high proportion of Type-III cases attributed to motion-discontinuous objects.

Discussion and Comparisons The document then engages in a discussion comparing the Austrian data with other studies. A comparison with MICHEL's work on the French "wave" highlights difficulties due to Michel's non-statistical presentation. It is suggested that the Austrian flap was likely of lower proportion compared to French events, even considering France's larger size.

A comparison with ZINSSTAG is mentioned, noting that reliable statistical studies for Western Germany and Switzerland are lacking. A compilation of Italian events is also underway.

When comparing with VALLEE's statistical review of French and foreign reports from mid-August to November 1954, two Austrian cases are included. Figure 7 illustrates the relative frequencies of Vallee and Austrian data during this period. The "first negative law" proposed by Vallee, concerning Type-I cases and population density, is tested against the Austrian data, suggesting it may only be valid for Tyrol objects with "mountain affinity."

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to a comparison with BERGER's analysis of 85 Austrian reports from the 1972-77 interval. This comparison aims to intercompare "fresh" UFO events with "classical" ones, despite differing reliability levels.

Parallels and Differences Between 1954/55 and 1972-77 Data Several surprising similarities are found between the two Austrian datasets: * Time of Day: 38% of time-certain cases in 1954/55 and 37.6% in 1972-77 occurred between 18-21 CET. 54% in 1954/55 and 64.7% in 1972-77 occurred between 18-24 CET. Both sets showed a morning peak. * Duration Peaks: Both datasets exhibit similar duration peaks. * Witnesses per Case: 41.7% of cases in 1954/55 involved a single witness, compared to 44.7% in 1972-77. * Single Object Cases: 75% of cases in 1954/55 involved single objects, versus 67.1% in 1972-77. * Disappearance by "Switch-off": 20% of reports in 1954/55 and 11.8% in 1972-77 involved disappearance by "switch-off." * Object Shape: 57% of cases in 1954/55 involved round objects, compared to 52.8% in 1972-77. 67 of 127 objects in 1972-77 had rotation symmetry. * Motion Discontinuities: Noticed in 31.3% of 1954/55 cases and 35% of 1972-77 observations. * Sound: Heard in only 5 sightings in each dataset. * EM Effects: None were reported in either dataset.

• Differences were noted in:
• Number of reports per month: The 1954/55 data show a flat September/October maximum, while the 1972-77 data have a December peak.
• Case Locations: The 1954/55 flap thins out to the east, with Tyrol likely being the focus. The 1972-77 material shows an east-west gradient, possibly influenced by the investigation center's location in Vienna.
• Colors and Light Effects: Of 72 cases with known object colors in 1954/55, 19% reported silvery/aluminium color, compared to only one such object in 85 cases from 1972-77. Yellow-orange-red objects constituted 27.8% in 1954/55 and 38.8% in 1972-77. Blue/bluish objects were reported in 9.7% of 1954/55 cases, while white objects appeared in 16.5% of 1972-77 cases. Variable-color objects were more prevalent in 1972-77. Light effects (sparks, flames, beams) were present in 6.3% of 1954/55 cases, but in 11% of sporadics and 26% of Traunstein data (1972-1977).

Data Tables and Figures The document includes several tables and figures summarizing the data: * Table A (End of observations): Details how objects disappeared, with "Unknown, how object disappeared" being the most frequent category (56 out of 96 cases). * Table B (Disappearing directions): Shows the direction of disappearance, with "unknown" (25 cases) and West (29 cases) being prominent. * Table C (Number of witnesses): Indicates that 40 cases involved a single witness, and a total of 200 witnesses were recorded across 96 cases. * Table D (Number of objects): Shows that 72 cases involved a single object. * Table E (Object shapes): Lists various shapes, with "Disc, ellipse, oval, egg" (29 cases) and "Globe, ball, round" (24 cases) being the most common. * Table F (Object colors): "Indefinite, unknown" (24 cases) was the most frequent color description, followed by "Metallic, silvery, aluminium" (14 cases). * Figure 7: Compares the relative report frequency at Austria to Vallee "wave" intervals for August 10 - November 20, 1954. * Figure 8: A pie chart showing the distribution of sightings by time of day. * Figure 9: A line graph illustrating "Durations" of sightings, comparing "sporadics," "Traunstein," and "1954/55" data. * Figure 10: A map showing the locations of 99 Austrian UFO observations in 1954/55. * Figure 11: A map of Austrian topography classes. * Figure 12: A map of Austrian population density per district (1965).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes revolve around the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, comparing different time periods and geographical locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective, data-driven investigation, seeking patterns and correlations within the reported phenomena. The use of established classification systems (Hynek, Vallee) and comparisons with other researchers' work (Michel, Berger, Zinsstag) underscore a commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry within the field of ufology. The document implicitly suggests that UFO phenomena, even across different decades, share common characteristics, while also highlighting unique aspects of specific waves or regional occurrences.

Title: UPIAR
Issue: Vol. III, N. 2
Date: 1978/79
Publisher: EDITECS
Country: France
Language: English (original language of article)

Considerations on the Nature of Humanoids by J. Scornaux

This article, published in UPIAR, Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79, addresses the controversial nature of humanoids reported in UFO phenomena. The author, J. Scornaux, notes that their existence as intelligent extraterrestrial beings is met with significant reticence, partly due to fear and partly due to elaborate arguments.

The Mental Block and Reticence

Scornaux highlights that while mysterious objects in the sky are accepted relatively easily, the idea of beings disembarking from them creates a mental block. This reticence is not exclusive to the general public; even reputable ufological groups like NICAP were slow to investigate humanoid cases, with "The UFO Evidence" (1964) notably omitting them. The author criticizes dismissive remarks like "unbelievable" or "fantastic" as lacking logical foundation, as unbelievability is not proof of untruth, and "fantastic" is subjective.

Fear as a Principal Cause

The primary cause of this mental block is identified as fear. While the intelligent behavior of UFOs can be acknowledged, they can still be interpreted as uninhabited probes. However, accepting the physical presence of intelligent non-human beings requires confronting a deeper fear, reminiscent of the panic caused by Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" radio play in 1938 and a similar incident in Denmark in 1964.

The Problem of Resemblance

More elaborate arguments against the existence of humanoids as extraterrestrial beings are also discussed. One significant argument is their strong resemblance to humans, leading to questions about whether they are figments of human imagination, deceptive images, or even humans themselves. Biologists hold differing views on this resemblance: some find it improbable that beings from an independent evolutionary line would have similar morphology, while others believe the human form's advantages might lead to its prevalence across the universe due to convergent evolution.

Scornaux points out that bilateral symmetry, concentration of the brain and sensory organs, and a reduced number of limbs are common to many superior animals. The upright human posture, freeing limbs for tool use, is seen as advantageous for developing technological civilizations. At the current level of biological understanding, the resemblance argument is not considered conclusive.

Imagination vs. Reality

Scornaux argues against explaining humanoid appearances solely through human imagination. He suggests that if imagination were the primary factor, accounts would likely include more varied and fantastical beings (e.g., multi-limbed creatures, tentacled monsters). Instead, cases of non-humanoid "ufonauts" are rare, with most reported entities resembling humans. He contrasts this with comic book depictions of aliens, which often differ significantly from reported humanoids (e.g., lack of green/blue skin, unusual noses, antennae). The author finds the resemblance of humanoids to be disturbingly "both too much and too little" like ourselves.

Variability of Morphology

Another argument against the material nature of ufonauts is the variability of their morphology. While generally humanoid, there is significant diversity. Jader U. Pereira's study distinguished 12 main types and 23 variants. Scornaux suggests this variability could stem from errors in observation, different descriptions of the same characteristics, greater racial/individual differences within a species (like dogs), or the presence of multiple species from different origins.

He references Maurice de San's hypothesis about "artificial worlds" or "world-ships" traveling through the galaxy, potentially sending reconnaissance teams to inhabited planets. This could explain UFO sightings and morphological differences.

Peculiarities and Instant Disappearance

Certain morphological peculiarities, though rare, are noted as perplexing, such as the case of "opolops" with single-eye vision, which seems disadvantageous for survival compared to binocular vision. The small size of some humanoids (15-20 cm) also raises questions about their capacity for great intelligence.

A more fundamental argument against the material nature of humanoids is their "on the spot" or instant disappearance. While not an invariant of the UFO phenomenon, this aspect is undeniable and must be accounted for by any hypothesis. The author suggests that the "ultra-fantastic" nature of these events might lead to self-censorship, making them rarer in reports than they actually occur.

Hypotheses and Conclusion

Scornaux presents several hypotheses about the nature of material humanoids and discusses the concept of a "reassuring" hypothesis. He proposes that part of the humanoids might be human beings captured by the entities governing the UFO phenomenon. The article concludes that the resemblance argument is not conclusive and that the nature of humanoids remains a complex and open question.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UPIAR focuses on the complex and often controversial topic of humanoids within the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for reported sightings and phenomena while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. The article encourages a deeper investigation into the nature of these entities, moving beyond simplistic dismissals and exploring various hypotheses, including psychological, evolutionary, and potentially extraterrestrial origins. The recurring themes include the psychological impact of the phenomenon, the scientific challenges in studying it, and the need for rigorous analysis of evidence.

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, spanning pages 145-154 and dated 1974, focuses on the intriguing phenomenon of instant disappearances involving UFOs and humanoids. It presents a collection of case studies from various locations and time periods, exploring witness accounts and potential interpretations.

Case Studies of Instant Disappearances

The magazine details several specific incidents:

Nouâtre, France (September 30, 1954) Mr. Geogres Gatay, a building site foreman, witnessed a shiny dome-shaped object hovering about a meter off the ground. A strangely dressed "man" with a helmet resembling opaque glass stood before it. The "man" suddenly vanished "like an image wiped out in a single stroke." The UFO then departed with a hissing sound into a blue haze. Mr. Gatay experienced numbness, insomnia, and headaches for a week. His colleagues also saw the craft and the humanoid and were paralyzed.

Warneton, Belgium (June 6, 1974) A motorist, who had previously seen a UFO and two humanoids, encountered two identical "ufonauts" standing by the roadside. They disappeared "as if disintegrated." The car radio stopped working, and the engine misfired briefly. The article notes that these "UFO-less ufonauts" cases are distinct from those where a humanoid is seen with a UFO, but the resemblance suggests a connection.

Toulz Ste. Croix, France (1930) A witness saw a "small man" less than 1.30 meters tall glide across the road and then instantaneously volatilize on the spot. The article mentions that this village in central France has reportedly had frequent UFO visits.

Ibagué, Colombia (August 10, 1973) Four students and a policeman observed four small, human-like beings, about 20 cm high, in a dried-up riverbed. They wore white and grey caps and disappeared into thin air "as if by magic." Tiny footprints were later photographed.

Birmingham, England (1957-1958) Mrs. Cynthia Appleton reported seeing a human form appear in her room, which was initially blurred but became clear. The man had long hair and wore a tight-fitting garment. He communicated ideas telepathically, including that he was from another world seeking titanium. He then vanished into thin air. Newspaper pages where he stood were scorched. On January 7, 1958, a second, older individual appeared and spoke in English, explaining they were projections. Mrs. Appleton claimed to have had further visits and even become pregnant by one of them. Brad Steiger of MUFON expressed doubts about this case, noting its contactee nature.

Province of Alberta, Canada (August 8, 1961) A couple awoke to see two small "men" (1.2 to 1.5 m) in their room. They wore dark garments and vanished with a hissing sound. Simultaneously, a neighbor saw a shiny bluish globe, about 7 meters in diameter, take off from the house and disappear. Notably, the humanoids and the UFO were observed by different persons.

Little Lever (near Bolton), England (1964 to 1968) Mrs. Lainchbury was awakened by an intense orange light and saw a sphere of light explode silently. She heard shattering noises resembling voices. Later, a figure appeared in her room, about 1.50 meters tall, covered in greyish rings. He stated he came from the sphere and that there were three "castaways." The beings later reappeared and indicated they came because she was not afraid. The letters PLUTO appeared in the air before they vanished. In 1968, she again saw an orange sphere.

Kursu (Province of Salla), Finland (April 15, 1970) Mr. Kalle Tilhonen and his sons noticed a UFO making a buzzing noise. He then saw a small man, about 1.20 meters tall, wearing a shiny garment and helmet in his kitchen. A conversation about the Apollo XIII mission took place, and the entity disappeared through the wall. Mr. Tilhonen was unsure if the words came from the being's mouth or were formed directly in his brain.

Santa Isabel, Argentina (September 23, 1972) Mr. Theodoro Merlo, a factory keeper, found a strange figure about 2.50 m tall in a cloakroom, which vanished when he looked away. Later that evening, he saw the same face in the rearview mirror of a bus, which also disappeared. This incident was accompanied by a lights failure. The witness suffered eye irritation and headaches. Other employees at the factory reported similar humanoid sightings around the same time.

Blacksod, Ireland (February 1974) An elderly man saw a man dressed in white in his room, who vanished. He then saw a luminous white object shaped like a bus with large wheels and small beings inside, which rose slowly and disappeared into the clouds.

Possible Interpretations of Instant Disappearances

The article discusses two main attitudes towards these sightings:

1. Rationalist Tendencies: These views consider such cases as fantasy, psychopathology, or hallucinations, possibly linked to the shock of a close encounter. The author questions whether, given the rarity of these sightings, they should be provisionally set aside.
2. Interpretative Hypothesis: The author argues against outright denial, suggesting a hypothesis that accounts for all cases, even the extraordinary ones, is more logical. This hypothesis should explain not only instant disappearances but also gradual appearances/disappearances and physically impossible behaviors.

Alternative explanations are proposed:

• Electromagnetic Waves: Engineer physicist James McCampbell suggested that modulated microwaves could induce auditory or visual signals directly in the brain, explaining telepathic impressions and visual perceptions without external stimuli. This could also explain why only one witness sees an image when others do not.
• Projection of Images: The author posits that humanoids appearing and disappearing within confined spaces, or through walls, might not be material but rather projections of images. The challenge then becomes how these images are transmitted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the perplexing nature of humanoids and UFOs that exhibit instantaneous vanishing. The magazine presents a variety of cases, highlighting the challenges in explaining these phenomena through conventional means. The author leans towards seeking a unifying hypothesis that can encompass even the most unusual accounts, suggesting that explanations involving electromagnetic waves or image projection are more plausible than outright dismissal or purely spiritual interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the strangeness of the reports while critically examining potential explanations and the reliability of witness testimony.

This document, comprising pages 155 through 164 of what appears to be an issue of "UFO REVIEW," delves into complex theories surrounding UFO phenomena, focusing on extrasensory perception, the materiality of alleged humanoids, and detailed case studies of encounters.

Extrasensory Perception and Technological Reproduction

The initial pages discuss the challenges of understanding phenomena that may not rely on conventional electromagnetic means, contrasting them with radio transmission and television. The author posits that if initial hypotheses prove untenable, a second one invoking extrasensory perception (ESP) must be considered. This is framed not as a rejection of rational approaches but as an acknowledgment of ESP's experimental validation in university laboratories. The text suggests that technologically or intellectually advanced beings might have mastered ESP, potentially reproducing it via machines, analogous to how humans create machines for sound and image production. A case from Brazil on September 27, 1968, is cited, where a witness reported being paralyzed and engaging in telepathic conversation with a metallic plate from a UFO for about 10 minutes. The answers received were brief and stereotyped, leading to the speculation of an "automatic answering device."

Physical Traces and Witness Accounts

Further discussion dismisses the idea of simply ignoring witness accounts, especially when supported by physical evidence. The Brazilian case is revisited, noting traces on the ground, an odor of burnt oil, and a scorched area of grass (65 cm in diameter) that remained un-grown for three years. The possibility that some observations might be projections of images, masking the actual departure of UFOs or humanoids, is explored. Dr. Frank Salisbury's hypothesis of "masking"—blanking out perception rather than projecting images—is mentioned as a way to explain instantaneous disappearances. However, image projection is deemed necessary for cases where only partial witnesses see vanishing humanoids.

The text questions the motives behind these potential projections, linking it to the broader question of contact between different intelligences and suggesting that UFO commanders might deliberately deceive humans. This deception, if gratuitous, would be undesirable, but might be supported by other elements in close encounters.

Documented Cases and Physical Evidence

Four out of ten cited cases involved multiple witnesses. The document refutes the notion that "the witness is always alone." Specific cases are detailed with physical traces (footprints at Ibagué, scorched window sash and door at Little Lever), physiological effects (insomnia, headaches at Nouâtre and Kursu, eye irritation at Santa Isabel), paralysis (Nouâtre, Alberta), and interference with radio and car engines (Warneton).

Humanoid Footprints

The issue then focuses on "The materiality of humanoids," presenting two key elements: footprints and physical contact. Several examples of humanoid footprints are provided:

• Monte Maiz, Argentina (October 12, 1963): After a lorry driver encountered a large metal object and beings, a footprint 45-50 cm long was found.
• Eythe, Kent, England (November 16, 1963): Youths saw an oval UFO and a dark shadow. Later, footprints were found.
• Arc sous Cioon, France (July 17, 1967): Children saw small beings. The next day, a circular area of burnt grass with tiny footprints was discovered.
• Trenal, France (March 5, 1971): Footprints resembling a shoe without a heel, about 40 cm long, were found near a landing site.
• Ibagué case (Colombia): Tiny footprints were discovered where humanoids had stood.
• Mañeru, Spain (February 25, 1976): After a UFO landed and a 2.3-meter being emerged, five footprints 40 cm long were found.
• Montreal, Canada (January 6, 1977): A woman saw a discoidal UFO land, and two humanoids emerged. Four "twisted" footprints, about 16 cm long, were found on a frozen surface.

Physical Contact Cases

Cases involving physical contact between observers and humanoids are presented as less rare than might be imagined:

• Kouriéras, France (September 10, 1954): A farmer encountered a strangely dressed character who shook his hand firmly.
• Cénon, France (September 17, 1954): A cyclist experienced a tingling sensation, a dark object landed, and a small being touched him.
• Cennina, Italy (November 1, 1954): Two small beings approached a woman, snatching her flowers.
• Venezuela (End of 1954): Three cases of physical contact involved violence. In one, a driver encountered a "hairy dwarf" and struggled with it.
• San Carlos (December 16, 1954): A small hairy humanoid scratched a youth.
• Sao Francisco de Sales, Brazil (October 16, 1957): The case of Antonio Villas Boas is mentioned as a closer and less unpleasant physical contact.
• Indian Head, USA (September 19, 1961): The case of Betty and Barney Hill is noted.
• Pirassununga, Brazil (February 12, 1969): A farm hand was dragged by two hairy beings, leading to a fight.
• Pascagoula, USA (October 11, 1973): Two fishermen were taken aboard a UFO by humanoids.
• Origny en Thierache, France (February 28, 1974): A blacksmith encountered two figures who urged him to swallow a tasteless chocolate bar.

Materiality and Speculation

The document argues that refuting cases of instant disappearance while accepting physical contact cases is illogical, concluding that certain humanoids must be material. It addresses the question of whether auditory and visual sensations could be induced directly into the brain, and by extension, tactile impressions. The author considers the possibility of a hypnotic effect, but also suggests that a combination of a UFO's electromagnetic field and modulated microwave suggestions could create the illusion of physical contact. The text concludes by questioning whether this line of reasoning ventures too far into speculation and the unknown, acknowledging the need for an intelligent designer for any hypothetical machine involved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this section of the magazine are the investigation into the nature of UFO phenomena, the evidence for the physical reality of humanoids, and the potential for advanced beings to interact with humans through various means, including deception and advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed case studies and theoretical possibilities without definitive conclusions, while emphasizing the importance of physical evidence and witness testimony. The magazine seems to advocate for a serious consideration of these phenomena, challenging skepticism and exploring complex explanations beyond conventional understanding.

This document, likely an issue of a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, presents a detailed exploration of various hypotheses concerning the nature and origin of 'humanoids' encountered in UFO reports. The content is primarily analytical and theoretical, discussing the implications of different explanations for these sightings.

Nature of Material Humanoids

The text begins by acknowledging that while humanoid appearance is common, it's not necessarily the only form visitors might take, suggesting the human form might be a concession to human psychology. It emphasizes the need to explain physical evidence like footprints and scratches, citing three cases of aggressive humanoids in Venezuela in 1954, and argues against a purely dismissive attitude towards the physical reality of these encounters.

Hypothesis 1: Robots

This hypothesis is deemed unlikely for the majority of ufonauts. The author questions the rationality of creating machines in human form given their different requirements and suggests that if the intention were to mislead, making them indistinguishable from humans would be more effective. While acknowledging descriptions of 'jerky' or 'mechanical' gaits, the author attributes this to potential adaptation issues with Earth's gravity. The mention of metal in the Venezuelan case is interpreted as possibly a space suit or breast-plate.

Hypothesis 2: Temporarily Material Beings

This theory posits that humanoids are momentary materializations of 'spiritual' or 'paraphysical' entities, possibly akin to 'Elementals' from folklore. While this could explain the diversity of types and apparent disappearances, it's criticized for being gratuitous and lacking a solid rationale beyond explaining the phenomenon itself. The concepts of 'other levels of frequency' or 'parallel universes' are described as vague, obscure, and pseudo-explanations that complicate rather than resolve issues.

Hypothesis 3: Parapsychological Materializations

Humanoids are likened to ectoplasms, forms that acquire substance during spiritualist séances. The author finds this analogy inconclusive, noting the vast difference in the scale of UFO phenomena compared to ectoplasmic events and the lack of correspondence in appearance or behavior. Classic materializations (ectoplasms, ghosts) are described as typically having the form of a human or animal body, or familiar objects, and occurring in confined, often dark, areas near a medium.

Hypothesis 4: Temporal Travellers

This hypothesis suggests UFOs are 'time machines' and the visitors are our descendants. While it could explain non-intervention, it doesn't address the diversity of types. The concept of time travel is deemed alien to science, and the hypothesis is considered gratuitous due to a lack of independent evidence.

Hypothesis 5: Unknown Inhabitants of the Earth

This theory refers to 'secret societies' or 'underground peoples' who may have developed advanced science in hidden bases. However, it faces difficulties in explaining how such a group could maintain a vast lead over humanity and why their existence has never been discovered.

What is a Reassuring Hypothesis?

The author notes that hypotheses 3, 4, and 5 are appealing because they trace the UFO phenomenon back to humanity, offering a sense of reassurance. The idea of humanoids being 'one of us' (contemporaries or descendants) or the result of human mental resources is flattering. Hypothesis 2, while not anthropocentric, is still 'geocentric' if 'Elementals' are considered Earth-based.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The text critiques the tendency among some ufologists to dismiss the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) as an emotive choice. It argues that the frantic desire to attribute UFOs to Earth-based phenomena might stem from a need to avoid the implications of a reality beyond human understanding. The concept of 'saviors' from outer space is acknowledged as appealing but considered a minority view. The ETH, when considered in a more plausible form, suggests beings with a significantly different and likely superior mental and biological evolution, making communication potentially difficult or dangerous.

Return to the Problem of Resemblance

The issue of why humanoids physically resemble humans is revisited. The author concedes the resemblance can be disturbing, noting descriptions that echo racial myths (e.g., the 'pure Aryan' type) or future human evolution (large heads, small bodies). While these could be phantasms of the human mind, two objections are raised: the materiality of humanoids (footprints, contact) and the existence of other ufonaut types not fitting human subconscious prototypes, alongside classical human imagination representations (like angels or demons) that don't appear in humanoid sightings.

Explanations for Resemblance

One explanation is that ufonauts resemble us because it is less disturbing. This could be due to the human mind filtering images or the beings deliberately presenting a less alien appearance. A more disturbing, but potentially realistic, hypothesis is that some humanoids are actually humans captured and subjugated by the UFO-governing beings.

The 'Human Raw Material' Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests that UFO-governing beings, unable or unwilling to manifest directly, use remote-controlled robots or 'pilots' adapted through biological manipulation. This could explain the diversity of humanoid types, akin to selective breeding in dogs. This also accounts for the absence of formal contact.

Aimé Michel's Variant

Aimé Michel's hypothesis is presented: no extraterrestrials are currently near Earth, but rather an ancient, complex, automated machine in orbit. UFOs are its means of action, collecting samples and genetically manipulating them. This could explain the absence of contact and the sometimes absurd or repetitive behavior of humanoids, suggesting the machine might be 'idling' or operating on old programming.

Conclusion

The author concludes that while the hypotheses discussed, particularly Aimé Michel's variant, are disturbing, they merit serious consideration based on their adequacy to observed facts rather than subjective criteria. The two classical interpretations (material beings vs. immaterial images) are deemed inadequate alone, suggesting a combination might be closer to the truth. The importance of maintaining an open mind in UFO research, especially regarding humanoids due to inadequate data, is stressed. Considering various hypotheses is presented as a valuable exercise for critical thinking and openness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration and critical evaluation of diverse hypotheses attempting to explain the phenomenon of UFO humanoids. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging rigorous analysis of evidence and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations, while cautioning against purely dismissive attitudes or overly simplistic conclusions. The text emphasizes the need for hypotheses to be grounded in observed facts and to avoid gratuitous or unscientific concepts.

This document consists of scanned pages from a publication titled "UPIAR," specifically Volume III, Number 2, published in 1978/79 by EDITECS. The primary content is a research paper titled "USING THE PENDULUM TECHNIQUE IN THE INVESTIGATION OF UFO EXPERIENCES" by R. L. Sprinkle, from the University of Wyoming. The paper is dated January 12, 1978, and received by the publisher in 1979.

Using the Pendulum Technique in the Investigation of UFO Experiences

The paper by R. L. Sprinkle aims to provide information about a technique for uncovering subconscious memories, suggesting its potential use for UFO field investigators. The focus is on its application in investigations of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), particularly Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE III), as classified by J. Allen Hynek.

Abstract

The abstract states that the pendulum technique is described, with references to its historical development and contemporary usage. Procedures for learning the technique are presented, along with illustrations. The paper reviews literature on UFO field investigation, emphasizing reports of CE III, including "loss of time" or partial amnesia during sightings. Results from using the pendulum technique in two UFO cases are mentioned: one case provided preliminary information about a "loss of time" experience, and the second about a "hidden" UFO experience. The UFO cases are presented as examples for preliminary investigation of CE III experiences, and field investigators are encouraged to consider consultants in hypnosis to help witnesses explore their subconscious memories.

Key Words

The key words listed are: Close Encounters of the Third Kind; "Hidden" UFO experiences; Hypnotic procedures; Ideomotor responses; "Loss of time" experiences; Pendulum technique; Subconscious memories; Subconscious processes; UFO field investigations.

Introduction

The introduction reiterates the purpose of the paper: to inform about a technique for uncovering subconscious memories for use in UFO investigations. It highlights the technique's utility in obtaining preliminary information about CE III cases. The pendulum technique is described as one of several techniques, such as finger and thumb movements and hand levitation, employed in hypnotic procedures to utilize "ideomotor responses." The term "ideo-motor action" was defined by William James as an idea expressing itself in action without conflicting ideas.

Material and Methods

LeCron's book on self-hypnotism is cited for a description of methods for exploring and communicating with subconscious processes. The pendulum method is detailed: the pendulum can be any small light object (e.g., a finger ring or iron washer) tied to a thread about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long. A plastic lucite ball with a chain is suggested as an ideal pendulum. The paper notes that the pendulum has been used for centuries, not for prognostication, but as a device for gaining information from the subconscious mind, described as the easiest and quickest way to learn the causes of emotional illnesses and other conditions.

The technique has been taught to thousands of physicians, dentists, and psychologists through "Hypnosis Symposiums," with considerable success in thousands of cases, including psychiatrists. Instructions for using the pendulum involve holding the thread between thumb and forefinger, with the elbow resting on a support, allowing the weight to dangle freely. Four basic directions of movement are possible: clockwise circle, counter-clockwise circle, back and forth, and in and out. The inner mind can be asked to select movements to signify "yes," "no," "I don't know," and "I do not want to answer." It is suggested that allowing the subconscious to make its own selections promotes better cooperation and demonstrates its capacity for thought and reason.

The process of setting up the responses involves voluntarily moving the pendulum in each of the four directions, then holding it motionless while asking the subconscious to select one motion for "yes." This is done mentally, without words. The subconscious is asked to select one of the four motions to represent an affirmative reply. The pendulum may start moving within seconds, or it may take a moment to "warm up." If movement is slow, thinking "yes" several times may help. It is crucial not to move the pendulum voluntarily. If no movement occurs, another person can ask the questions. Once "yes" is established, another motion is chosen for "no," and one of the remaining two for "I don't know," with the last representing "not wanting to answer." The author notes that people often express surprise at the pendulum's movements, which can be slight but usually have a long and definite arc. The phenomenon is explained as the inner mind thinking and reasoning, controlling muscular movements, similar to how breathing or walking becomes involuntary after practice.

Limitations of the Pendulum Technique

LeCron identified two major limitations:
1. Motivation-induced movement: An ideomotor response can occur if the individual is highly motivated, causing them to unconsciously affect the pendulum's movement. An example is given of a study with 402 pregnant women asked to use ideomotor responses to indicate the sex of their unborn child, achieving a 90% correct response rate.
2. Subconscious resistance: The subconscious may resist revealing certain information if the individual is not ready to learn it.

Figures

• Three figures are included:
• Figure 1: Illustrates the four basic directions of pendulum movement: "In and out from elbow," "Back and forth in front of elbow," "Clockwise," and "Counter-clockwise."
• Figure 2: Shows the position of the arm and hand for conducting the Pendulum Technique.
• Figure 3: Depicts allowing the subconscious choice of the four responses to indicate "Yes," "No," "I don't know," and "I don't wish to say."

References

The document includes an extensive list of references, numbered from (1) to (50), citing various authors and publications related to extraterrestrial visitations, UFOs, and related phenomena. Notable authors include J. Bergier, R. Bieri, J.M. Bigorne, C. Bowen, N. Carrouges, F. Edwards, J.C. Fuller, O.A. Galindez, D.M. Jacobo, J.A. Keel, F. Lagarde, J.M. McCampbell, A. Michel, J.D. Musgrave, J.U. Pereira, K.G. Rehn, F.B. Salisbury, J. Scornaux, C. Piens, C.C. Simpson, W. Sullivan, and J. Vallée.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of UFO experiences through psychological and investigative techniques, specifically the pendulum method as a tool for accessing subconscious memories. The editorial stance, as presented in this paper, is that the pendulum technique, while not a definitive proof of validity, is a valuable method for preliminary investigation and for gathering information from the subconscious mind. The publication appears to be a scientific or research-oriented journal focused on UFO phenomena, presenting a methodical approach to investigating subjective experiences related to UFO sightings.

This document, likely an issue of a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, details methodologies and case studies related to UFO investigation, with a particular emphasis on the use of the pendulum technique and hypnotic procedures to explore subconscious memories.

Pendulum Technique in UFO Investigation

The document outlines a step-by-step guide for using a pendulum in UFO investigations. It begins with constructing a pendulum from simple materials like a string and an iron washer or ring, or purchasing one from suppliers like the Wilshire Book Company. The practice involves mastering four voluntary movements of the pendulum: clock-wise circle, counter-clock-wise circle, in and out from the elbow, and back and forth in front of the elbow. The core of the technique is to allow the subconscious processes to 'select' signals for responses to questions like 'Yes,' 'No,' 'I don't know,' and 'I don't wish to say.'

Investigators are advised to record all questions and responses, and to check for reliability and consistency. Signals can be verified by asking oneself general questions with known answers, such as 'Do I have brown eyes?' or 'Am I 40 years of age?' Once reliability is established, questions can be posed to explore 'hidden' UFO experiences. Sample questions are provided, starting with inquiries about subconscious memories of important events, potential future recall, and the method for gaining information. The process then moves to exploring the timing of these events (e.g., 20-25 years of age, 15-20 years of age) and whether other unusual events were subconsciously known.

Further questions probe the connection of these events with 'strange looking person or persons' and the subconscious memory of a UFO experience itself. The document suggests that if an investigator obtains 'Yes' responses to these questions, they may wish to participate in a research study by contacting Dr. James A. Harder or Jim and Coral Lorenzen of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). These researchers have encouraged APRO field investigators to use the pendulum technique for exploring 'hidden' UFO experiences.

Risks and Considerations

The document acknowledges that researchers have found many UFO abduction experiences may be repressed or 'hidden' from conscious memory, often recoverable through hypnotic time regression. However, it cautions that experienced UFO investigators recognize the risks of biasing or giving inappropriate suggestions to a witness through the efforts of an inexperienced practitioner of hypnotic procedures. These same risks are identified as inherent in the inappropriate use of the pendulum technique.

Despite these risks, the document suggests that if careful procedures are followed, preliminary information about possible CE III experiences (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) can be obtained. For many witnesses, encounters with UFO occupants are frightening, and if investigators gather information indicating encounters or 'abductions,' they may consider arranging for a hypnosis consultant to help explore and evaluate the witnesses' subconscious memories.

Interested field investigators can obtain a paper titled "Hypnotic Time Regression Procedures in the Investigation of UFO Experiences," which appeared as an appendix in the book "Abducted!" by Lorenzen & Lorenzen, serving as a guide for investigators, witnesses, and consultants.

Case Studies

Case #1: Sgt. Herbert Schirmer

This section presents two cases of UFO investigation where the pendulum technique was used as an initial method for obtaining preliminary information about apparent CE III experiences.

In Case #1, the pendulum technique was employed because the UFO witness, Sgt. Herbert Schirmer (then a policeman in Ashland, Nebraska, USA), expressed doubt about proceeding with hypnotic procedures. The pendulum was used to gather information about subconscious memories of an apparent UFO experience and to prepare the witness for further hypnotic procedures during the interview. The UFO sighting occurred on December 3, 1967, and the case was investigated by the "Condon Committee" (UFO Project, University of Colorado - Boulder), directed by Dr. E. U. Condon.

The Condon Committee had invited the author of the report (R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D.) to discuss hypnotic procedures with UFO observers. At this meeting, it was decided that Sgt. Schirmer would be interviewed, which would also serve as a demonstration of hypnotic procedures with a witness who experienced a possible "loss of time" or partial amnesia during a UFO sighting. Additional information was later reported by other investigators. A report on this interview was submitted to the Condon Committee in March 1968, and a copy was presented in a chapter of the book "Encounters with UFO Occupants" by Lorenzen and Lorenzen.

The report by R. Leo Sprinkle, presented to the Condon Committee, is titled "IMPRESSIONS OF THE FEBRUARY 13, 1968 INTERVIEW WITH SERGEANT HERBERT SCHIRMER." It covers the introduction, impressions of Sgt. Schirmer (including his verbal and non-verbal behavior, relationship with Chief Bill Wlaskin, description of the UFO sighting, and reactions), impressions of information obtained from the interview (pendulum technique, hypnotic session, comparison of old and new information), and summary and conclusions. The appendix includes "Notes on the February 13, 1968, Interview With Sgt. Schirmer."

Sprinkle's introduction notes that the report presents personal impressions, acknowledging potential biases of the writer and the purpose of the report. The writer believes in the existence of hypnotic processes, ESP, and extraterrestrial spacecraft. He offers his impressions subjectively, recognizing that other observers might have different views. The purpose is to provide a subjective evaluation of the interview information, acknowledging that recordings of the interview may be more reliable indicators.

Sprinkle's initial impression of Sgt. Schirmer was similar to others who report UFO sightings: an uncertainty about being believed or being viewed as confused. During the interview, Sgt. Schirmer appeared pleasant and cooperative, though he sometimes hesitated in his word choice. Sprinkle considered him to be of average or above-average intelligence with an average educational background, presenting as a conscientious policeman with intuition. His relationship with Chief Bill Wlaskin appeared close and comfortable.

Case #2: Participant as a "Self Test"

In Case #2, the pendulum technique was used by the participant as a "self test" to determine responses to items on a questionnaire about "hidden" UFO experiences. The participant was surprised by his responses and requested assistance through hypnotic procedures to understand their significance.

These cases are presented as examples of the uses of the pendulum technique in UFO investigation, serving as illustrations for exploring subconscious information about UFO experiences so that results can be compared with other investigative methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the exploration of UFO experiences through unconventional psychological and para-psychological methods, specifically the pendulum technique and hypnosis. There is a clear editorial stance that these methods, when used carefully, can yield valuable preliminary information about subconscious memories related to UFO encounters. The document also implicitly supports the reality of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial intelligence by presenting these investigative techniques as legitimate tools for research. The importance of rigorous methodology, acknowledging potential biases, and comparing findings with other investigative methods is also emphasized.

This document, likely an excerpt from a publication focused on UFO investigations, details an interview and analysis of Sergeant Herb Schirmer's account of a UFO sighting that occurred on December 3, 1967, in Ashland. The interview, conducted on February 13, 1968, employed pendulum and hypnotic techniques to delve deeper into Schirmer's experience. The report is structured around the proceedings, the reactions of participants, the information obtained through various methods, and interpretations of the findings.

Description of the UFO Sighting

During the initial discussion, Herb Schirmer was willing to sketch a diagram of the Ashland community and the sighting's location. The information he provided was consistent with previous accounts from Roy Craig and Jim Wadsworth. Schirmer appeared to gain confidence from the general acceptance of his story, becoming less apprehensive about the planned afternoon proceedings.

Reaction to Setting and Participants

Chief Wlaskin showed a special interest, ensuring his sergeant was treated fairly. Sgt. Schirmer presented as a trustworthy observer and policeman, pleased with the support from his superior officer. The atmosphere was friendly, with personnel establishing a "first name" basis. However, the interviewer observed Sgt. Schirmer's reactions as indicative of a desire to appear courageous while harboring doubts and fears. John Ahrens reported that Schirmer was doubtful about undergoing hypnotic techniques. The interviewer reflected that using hypnosis earlier in the morning might have been beneficial for relaxation and orientation.

Interview Process and Challenges

The interviewer judged the rapport to be sufficient but decided to wait until the afternoon for the interview to allow observers to witness the process from the beginning. Experts in hypnosis believe the relationship between interviewer and subject is crucial for productivity. Sgt. Schirmer seemed to face a conflict between wanting to be seen as a competent, courageous observer and wanting to maintain his autonomy, not wanting to be controlled by suggestion or hypnosis.

The crux of the conflict arose when Schirmer was presented with a release form. His hesitation stemmed from a desire to be cautious and prudent, as well as anxiety about hypnotic techniques. To avoid jeopardizing the session, the interviewer opted for the pendulum technique, acknowledging expert disagreement on its reliability but noting its utility for concentration and relaxation.

Information Obtained From the Interview

Herb Schirmer was willing to use the pendulum and expressed amazement at his reactions and the signals related to the questions. Attendees at the afternoon session included Ahrens, Condon, Craig, Hallack McCord, Schirmer, Sprinkle, Wadsworth, Walskin, and psychologist Bob Fenner. The interviewer took notes, assuming a tape recording was being made.

Information From Pendulum Techniques

The pendulum technique suggested that Sgt. Schirmer possessed deeper consciousness of further information about the UFO sighting, but also indicated subconscious uncertainty about divulging these memories. Techniques were used to overcome this resistance. As Schirmer deepened his trance, suggestions were given to help him relax, recall, and describe the events.

Information From Hypnotic Session

Despite apparent effort, Schirmer responded to suggestions and described events, including a bright light from the object and a "white blurred object" approaching the car. He felt he was in communication with someone in the object and that this communication was effective during the interview. When Schirmer stated it would be "wrong" to say more until the "proper time and place," the interviewer sensed resistance and discontinued the session.

During the post-hypnotic session, Schirmer offered comments that had a "ring of truth," but he seemed unaware of the source of this information. The "new" information obtained was not inconsistent with previous investigations but introduced unusual terms like "sister ships," "electrical-magnetic force," "force of gravity," "from another galaxy," and "friendly intentions" of beings aiming to prevent Earth's destruction.

Interpretations About the "New" Information

Four general interpretations were proposed:

1. Emotional Disturbance: The information results from hallucinatory or pathological reactions, requiring psychological evaluation.
2. Deliberate Lying: The information is part of a hoax, potentially verifiable with a polygraph test.
3. Response to Interviewer's Wishes: The information is influenced by the interviewer-interviewee relationship, possibly verifiable by other interviewers.
4. Reliable Reporting: The person is reliably reporting perceived events, and the information is considered "reliable."

The author believes the fourth interpretation is most likely but acknowledges it raises further questions about how, why, and from whom the information was obtained, and its potential use by investigators.

Summary and Conclusions

The pendulum and hypnotic techniques yielded additional information from Sgt. Schirmer regarding his UFO sighting. He claimed to have observed a hovering UFO and experienced:

• A bright light emitted from the object, shining on his police car.
• A "white, blurred object," described as an intelligent organism, approaching the car.
• "Conversation" with the object via mental communication.
• Apparent mental contact during the interview with the person or being communicated with during the sighting, including descriptions of their activities and purposes.
• Apparent mental contact with the UFO occupants, leading to the belief that further information could be obtained later.
• Conviction that the additional information is valid, though without supporting evidence of its source or validity.

The interviewer concluded that hypnotic techniques can be used to obtain further information from UFO observers. In Schirmer's case, the information helps explain the reported "loss of time" but also raises questions about the source, method, and purpose of communication. The author believes the events are "true" in Schirmer's experience but that current evidence does not answer the questions regarding the source, method, and purpose of the communication.

Appendix: Notes on the February 13, 1968, Interview With Sgt. Schirmer

This section details the use of the pendulum technique, listing the signals elicited for ideomotor responses (Yes, No, I don't know, I don't want to say) and providing a series of 37 questions asked during the interview. The questions cover the experience of the UFO sighting, the availability of information, the accuracy of recollections, details about the car (ignition, headlights, engine), the impulse to use a gun, communication with the object, a light shown to him, a welt on his neck, and feelings of fear.

It also includes a "Break in Questioning" section where Sgt. Schirmer described his post-sighting reactions, including drinking coffee, experiencing auditory phenomena (ringing, numbness, buzzing), having precognitive dreams, feeling concern and "hurt" since the sighting, and experiencing sleep disturbances such as "choking" and "handcuffing" his wife, and his wife sometimes moving his gun from his boots.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the investigation of UFO sightings, the application and effectiveness of psychological techniques (hypnosis, pendulum) in eliciting witness testimony, and the interpretation of subjective experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting the findings and interpretations of an expert while acknowledging the inherent difficulties and unanswered questions in such investigations. The document emphasizes the subjective nature of the reported events and the challenges in verifying their objective reality.

This document comprises pages from a publication titled "UFO Investigator," specifically featuring content from the August 1978 issue, with page numbers ranging from 206 to 215. The content primarily focuses on UFO investigations, particularly utilizing hypnotic techniques to explore witness accounts and subconscious memories. The articles detail specific cases, discuss the methodologies employed, and touch upon the broader implications and challenges within the field of UFO research.

Case of Sgt. Schirmer

Pages 206-207 detail an interview with Sgt. Schirmer, conducted under hypnosis. The initial part of the document presents a series of questions and responses, likely from a questionnaire administered to Sgt. Schirmer, probing his memory and perceptions during a sighting. These questions cover his impulse to use a police radio microphone, whether he was prevented from speaking or pressing the button, and if he saw anything emerge from the object. Sgt. Schirmer's responses range from 'Yes' and 'No' to 'I don't know' and 'I don't want to say.'

Following the questionnaire, a narrative summary describes the hypnotic session. Sgt. Schirmer claimed that during the sighting, a bright light came from the object, a "white, blurred object" approached the car and faded, the craft moved, a weird sound was heard, a bright red-orange glow emanated from beneath the object, and it then "shot" straight up and out of sight. He also expressed a feeling that it would be "wrong" to say more until the "proper time and proper place." Suggestions were given to discontinue questioning in the trance state and to return comfortably to the normal state.

Further discussion with Chief Wlaskin and Dr. Gerald Brewster, a psychiatrist, explored whether officers would have fired at a UFO. Sgt. Schirmer's comments included the perception of the object as a "living object," communication with someone in the craft, and the feeling of direct mental contact. He received information indicating the craft was propelled by electrical and magnetic forces controlling gravity, obtained power from nearby lines, and that the occupants were friendly beings from Venus or Saturn with the purpose of preventing Earth's destruction. Sgt. Schirmer could not offer evidence for this information but believed it to be true.

Case of PLW

Pages 209-214 focus on the UFO experience of PLW, presented as an example of the pendulum technique in investigating "hidden" UFO experiences. During the summer of 1978, PLW participated in an informal self-hypnosis program at the University of Wyoming. He volunteered for a research study by Dr. James Harder, completing a questionnaire on "hidden" UFO experiences, and was surprised by his responses.

PLW met with the author to discuss his concerns, and hypnotic procedures were used to help him recall impressions from March 27-28, 1973. Interviews conducted on June 26 and July 5, 1978, led PLW to recall impressions of a UFO sighting and an encounter with two strange-looking persons. A report of this investigation was submitted to the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO).

The document includes a copy of the questionnaire PLW completed with the aid of a pendulum on June 14, 1978. The questions probed his unconscious mind's memories, the nature of the experience (involving strange persons, not an ordinary explanation, not before age ten), and whether it involved a UFO close approach, blocked memories, or telepathic messages. PLW's responses, indicated by checkmarks, suggest a positive recall for most of these aspects.

Page 211 is a letter dated August 24, 1978, from R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Counseling and Testing at the University of Wyoming, to Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Lorenzen of APRO. Dr. Sprinkle details PLW's participation in the "Self Improvement Program" and his interest in "hidden" UFO experiences. He notes that PLW experienced an encounter with "strange looking" persons on March 27-28, 1973, and obtained information indicating another unusual event would occur within 20 years (around 1993). Dr. Sprinkle recounts the hypnotic interviews, where PLW recalled encountering two tall humanoid beings and received impressions of two future events: a landing site in Wyoming and a disaster in California in 1993. Dr. Sprinkle concludes that PLW's impressions should be regarded as memories of a "real" UFO experience.

Pages 212-214 provide transcripts of the hypnotic interviews with PLW. On June 26, 1978, PLW described driving on an Interstate Highway at night, experiencing darkness, then a bright light, and feeling enclosed. He recalled seeing two tall, skinny figures with cat-like eyes, one looking into the car. He felt fear and tried to start the car, which wouldn't start. The figures seemed to be wearing capes and had angular, bony faces with high cheekbones and no eyebrows. The dome light came on, and he felt a presence towering over him. He described a kaleidoscope of colors and a sensation of moving down a chute, possibly towards a sphere.

On July 5, 1978, PLW continued recounting the events. After the lights disappeared, he saw two figures approaching. One tried the car door, which was locked. He described them as tall, broad, with possibly brighter colored heads. He felt immobilized and experienced a light, possibly from a car, but then realized it was something else, a silvery light. He felt a compulsion to move toward one of the figures and got out of the car. He described the figure as tall, wearing a cape, and felt a light hitting the back of his neck. He also recalled a kaleidoscope of colors and a sensation of moving through a sphere. Later, he described impressions of arid landscapes, like the Red Desert, and a feeling of being suspended over a freeway with thousands of cars and smoke, suggesting a disaster in 1993, possibly in California, and a natural disaster rather than war. He questioned the validity of these impressions, suggesting they might be from science fiction.

Discussion

Pages 215 discusses the application and validity of the pendulum technique in UFO investigations. It states that the technique can be used to uncover subconscious memories and may be useful for obtaining preliminary information about CE III experiences, including those of field investigators themselves. However, the document acknowledges doubts among some hypnosis practitioners regarding the validity of information obtained through the pendulum technique and the accuracy of hypnotic procedures for investigating abduction cases. Studies on "imaginary" abductees and hallucinations raise questions about the distinction between imagination and memory in UFO experiences. The article concludes that UFO investigators may not be able to resolve the critical question of information validity from witnesses for some time, and that consistency of information from multiple witnesses is a key concern.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the use of hypnosis and related techniques (like the pendulum) to investigate UFO experiences, the detailed recounting of witness testimonies, and the exploration of potential future predictions or information received during these encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, employing psychological and investigative methods to gather and analyze data, while also acknowledging the inherent challenges and debates surrounding the reliability and interpretation of such evidence. The publication seems to support the idea that these experiences, even if subjective, hold potential significance in understanding the broader "UFO Mystery."

This document is an excerpt from a publication titled "HYPNOSIS OF IMAGINARY UFO \"ABDUCTEES\"" by A. H. Lawson, affiliated with California State University. It was received on January 18, 1979, and published in UPIAR, Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79, with an ISSN of 219/258.

Abstract

The abstract details a study attempting to objectively evaluate UFO abduction claims by inducing imaginary abductions hypnotically in volunteers with no prior significant knowledge of UFOs. Eight situational questions were used to gather data. The researchers expected major dissimilarities between imaginary and 'real' abduction narratives but found extensive patterns echoing well-established details from 'real' UFO reports. These patterns show parallels with 'image constants' from drug-induced hallucinations and 'death' narratives, leading to the conclusion that 'real' abductees' stories may accurately reflect sensory input, despite the lack of clear physical evidence. The study acknowledges crucial differences, such as alleged physical effects in real cases.

Introduction

Since early 1977, sixteen volunteers were hypnotized to experience imaginary UFO "abductions." The study, conducted by a clinical hypnotist with a group of Southern California ufologists, aimed to describe these experiments and discuss their implications for UFO research, particularly in light of analogs like drug-induced hallucinations. The volunteers, ten females and six males aged 12-65, were generally ignorant about UFOs. The study originated from researchers' dissatisfaction with results from allegedly real abduction cases, citing uncertain witness credibility, ambiguous evidence, and unresolved questions about hypnosis efficacy. The initial assumption was that imaginary abductions would be distinct from 'real' cases, but the findings were surprising and unsettling.

Materials and Methods

The study outlines the typical stages of a reported abduction sequence: witness in normal environment, pre-abduction condition, initiation of experience, loss of control, sensing the UFO, being taken aboard, sensing the interior, sensing entities, being examined, receiving a message, being returned, and aftermath. A series of eight situational questions based on this sequence was used as an interrogation form. The researchers quantified data from both imaginary and 'real' abductions, analyzing transcripts line by line. Categories for analysis included pattern recognition (obvious and possible), strangeness of data, witness objectivity and bias, paranormal data, and emotional component. Intentional and unintentional cues were also noted.

Four 'real' abduction cases were selected for comparison: Betty Hill (New Hampshire, 1961), Judy Kendall (California, 1971), Sandy Larson (North Dakota, 1975), and Elaine Thomas (Kentucky, 1976). These were chosen for being credible dual or multiple-witness cases with available regression transcripts or narrative records. The study acknowledges the subjective nature of the quantification and the small sample size, noting the rarity of well-investigated, multiple-witness abduction cases.

Results

The eight-category analysis revealed striking similarities between averages of four 'real' and four imaginary cases. These parallels extended to patterns and details found throughout UFO report literature, ranging from obvious descriptions like "saucer-shaped" to rare details like "tunnel of light." The investigators hypothesized that 'obvious' patterns could be derived from general UFO awareness, while 'rare' patterns might indicate familiarity with UFO case literature. The results are presented in tables comparing "Obvious Patterns" and "Rare Patterns" across categories such as "UFO Sighted," "Aboard UFO," "UFO Interior," "Entities," "Examination," "Message," "Return," and "Aftermath." For instance, under "UFO Sighted," both real and imaginary accounts included descriptions of brightness, shape, haze, and movement, though specific details varied.

Key-words

Abduction sequence, animals, apparitions, "death" narratives, drug-induced hallucinations, entities exotic, hallucinations, human, humanoid, hypnosis, image constants, imaginary abductees, model abduction, "naive" subjects, patterns, "real" abductees, robot, stimulus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the psychological reality of UFO experiences, the role of hypnosis in eliciting narratives, and the comparison between simulated and reported abductions. The study suggests that the content of abduction narratives may be heavily influenced by psychological processes, including imagination and hallucination, rather than solely by external physical events. The editorial stance, as indicated by the author's preference for a dualistic UFO hypothesis and the conclusion that non-physical UFO research is promising, leans towards exploring the psychological and subjective dimensions of the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its reality in psychological terms even without definitive physical proof.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 21, Number 2, dated (based on context) 1979, presents a detailed analysis comparing "real" and imaginary abduction experiences. The central theme revolves around the surprising extent of similarities between these two categories of accounts, leading to questions about the nature of abduction phenomena and the reliability of witness testimony.

Key Articles and Findings

Graph Showing Similarities Between "Real" and Imaginary Abduction Data

Figure 1 presents a graph illustrating extensive similarities between data from composites of four "real" and four imaginary abductions. The graph plots "Information Categories" on the x-axis (numbered 1 through 8) against the percentage of "real" abduction data and imaginary abduction data on the y-axis. The categories are defined as: 1--Pattern, 2--Possible pattern, 3--No recognizable pattern, 4--Strangeness of data, 5--Subject's objectivity, 6--Subject's bias, 7--Possible paranormal data, and 8--Emotional component. Both "real" and imaginary abduction data show similar peaks and valleys across these categories, suggesting a common underlying structure.

Entity Types in "Real" and Imaginary Abductions

Figures 2 and 3 provide visual comparisons of entity types described in "real" and imaginary abduction narratives. The categories of entities include Human, Humanoid, Animal, Robot, Exotic, and Apparitional. The article notes that all six known categories of entities were described in the first eight imaginary regression narratives, providing compelling evidence of in-depth pattern parallels between imaginary and "real" abductions. Sketches illustrate these different entity types, with some appearing in both "real" and imaginary accounts (e.g., Humanoid, Human).

Discussion: The Nature of Abduction Experiences

The "Discussion" section delves into the implications of these observed patterns. The author posits that the patterns are too abundant and complex to have originated solely from ordinary pop culture sources, suggesting a deeper connection to UFO case literature. However, the protocol for the study made significant UFO knowledge by the volunteers improbable.

#### Explanations for the Patterns:

Several hypotheses are explored to account for the non-trivial patterns in imaginary UFO abduction narratives:

• A. The Hypnosis Procedure: While hypnotic regression is increasingly used to gather information, it is cautioned that it is not a reliable path to truth. Witnesses can lie, believe their own lies, or confuse fantasies with reality. However, the article notes that many unusual pattern details have been reported in cases where hypnosis was not used.
• B. Leading Questions: It is suggested that leading questions in experiments might bias the imaginary abduction narratives. An example is provided where a hypnotist asks a single, open-ended question, and the subject responds with an extensive, detailed description of entities, seemingly without cueing.
• C. Are "Real" Abductions Imaginary?: The existence of strong patterns between imaginary and "real" narratives leads to the inference that "real" abductions might be imaginary. However, a comparison table highlights significant differences: imaginary abductions are often voluntary, with less emotional impact and no physical effects, while "real" abductions are described as involuntary, frightening, with time lapses and alleged physical effects.
• D. The ETH Inference: The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), suggesting visitors from other worlds, is the most prevalent theory for UFOs. The article suggests that this theory might have distorted UFO report data by creating a complex set of ETH-oriented expectations that manifest in witness narratives.
• E. Jungian Archetypes: Carl Jung's archetypal concepts are mentioned as a possible framework, suggesting a collective awareness of such imagery in both "real" and imaginary narratives.
• F. Paranormal Cueing: The possibility that subjects might be "reading the minds" of informed ufologists during sessions is considered, but evidence is deemed ambiguous.
• G. Limitations of the Brain's Responses: It is theorized that the human brain might respond similarly to a variety of stimuli, leading to identical mental effects. This raises epistemological questions about relating witness testimony to reality.

Key Differences Between Imaginary and "Real" Abduction Experiences

A table in the text contrasts the two types of experiences:

| Imaginary Abduction Experiences | "Real" Abduction Experiences |
|---|---|
| Voluntary | Involuntary |
| Witness usually controls emotion | Witness often frightened, emotional |
| No enduring sense of "time lapse" | Often involves "time lapse" |
| No physical effects | Physical effects alleged |
| No physiological effects | Physiological effects alleged |
| No amnesia | Amnesia common |
| Few dreams, nightmares | Dreams, nightmares, etc. |
| No apparent aftermath | Aftermath of disturbing psychic, emotional effects |
| Usually no conscious "memory" of UFO encounter experience | Often a conscious memory of UFO encounter |

The ETH and "Nuts-and-Bolts" Theory

The article discusses how the popular "flying saucers" concept implies extraterrestrial visitors, and the "nuts-and-bolts" theory might have shaped UFO reports by creating expectations that appear in witness narratives.

Jungian Archetypes and Paranormal Cueing

Jungian archetypes are presented as a potential interpretation for the patterns, suggesting a collective unconscious imagery. Paranormal cueing, where subjects might pick up information from ufologists, is also considered but found to be ambiguously supported.

Brain Responses and Stimuli

Figure 5 illustrates how the brain can have similar responses to various stimuli, including UFOs, migraines, hallucinogens, hypnosis, and imagination. This suggests that the brain might mask its activities, making it difficult to understand the true stimulus for abduction experiences. The article notes that recent work on drug-induced hallucinations and anecdotal evidence from "death" narratives provide support for the idea that "real" abduction witnesses are likely telling the truth as they have experienced it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the profound convergence between subjective, imaginary experiences and allegedly objective, "real" abduction accounts. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, exploring various psychological, sociological, and even potentially paranormal explanations for these phenomena without definitively concluding that "real" abductions are purely imaginary or solely the product of external forces. The emphasis is on the complexity of the data and the limitations of current research methodologies, particularly concerning hypnosis and witness testimony. The editorial stance encourages further research into the psychological and cognitive aspects of UFO experiences while acknowledging the persistent patterns that defy simple explanations.

This document, likely an excerpt from a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, explores the striking parallels between reported UFO abduction experiences and phenomena associated with drug-induced hallucinations. It presents a detailed analysis of recurring visual elements, termed 'image constants,' that appear in both types of experiences.

Similarities Between UFO Abductions and Hallucinations

The text identifies ten key similarities between UFO abduction sequences and 'image constants' from hallucination experiments. These include:

1. Pulsating Light: An initial bright, pulsating light.
2. Tunnels/Tubes: Images of tunnels and/or tubes.
3. Intense Colors: Varied but intense colors.
4. Rotating/Spiraling Images: Images that rotate or spiral.
5. Geometric Patterns: The presence of geometric patterns.
6. Erratic Movement: Erratic movement of imagery.
7. Participation: The subject becoming part of the imagery or participating in the experience.
8. TV Screens: Reports of multiple 'TV screens' displaying autobiographical data.
9. Memory Integration: Integration of the subject's own memories into the experience.
10. Complex Imagery: Various 'complex imagery,' including recognizable human or animal forms.

The document emphasizes that while some hallucinatory images are synonymous with abduction sequences, an unusual parallel is provided by participant paintings and descriptions. Large, domed rooms, often depicted with surrounding 'windows,' are common in both 'real' and imaginary abduction narratives, as illustrated by Figure 7.

The Tunnel/Tube Image

The tunnel/tube image is highlighted as one of the most common elements in both hallucinations and abduction narratives. Examples are provided from an imaginary abductee describing an 'elevator-shaft' room, a 'real' abductee describing a 'volcano' or 'long tube' room (linked to a 1976 Kentucky abduction), and a hallucinating subject describing a 'tubelike' room. These descriptions, while varied, share the common theme of a confined, tube-like space.

Figure 8 and Figure 9 further illustrate various forms of tunnel/tube imagery reported in UFO encounters and hallucinations, including tubes of light, passageways, needlelike tubes, containers, and cylindrical rooms. Figure 10 displays various tube-shaped UFOs, and Figure 11 depicts a 'typical retracting light beam from UFO showing flat "cut-off" end.'

Levitation and Light Beams

One function attributed to these tubes of light is the levitation of witnesses. Figure 12 illustrates a reported 'real' levitation by a beam of light. Similar events were described by three imaginary subjects, who reported being drawn up into a tube of air and light.

Geometric Patterns and Complex Imagery

Another common image in hallucinations is the geometric or lattice pattern, which is sometimes combined with complex or recognizable imagery, as shown in Figure 13. Geometric patterns are also found in witnesses' sketches of UFO surfaces (Figure 14). Many UFO geometric patterns are interpreted as 'windows' by witnesses, and it is noted that virtually every geometric form can be found among witness sketches.

Figure 15 visually summarizes some UFO-hallucination parallels, including lights, lighted tunnels, rotation images, geometric patterns, colors, and random movement. Figure 16 presents similar UFO/hallucination images, comparing a 'honeycomb-surface UFO' with a geometric pattern from a hallucination, and a hallucination image of a human figure within a rotating tunnel.

Integration of Personal Memories

The document also discusses how hallucinating subjects and abductees integrate their own memories into their experiences. This is illustrated by examples such as Judy Kendall describing a 'catheterization' by aliens, only to reveal she had been catheterized in a hospital. Sandy Larson reported her sinuses being 'scraped' by an alien examiner, recalling a prior sinus operation. A surprising parallel is found in an imaginary subject who experienced a similar medical-memory phenomenon, remembering a mask used during an examination that was also used during a childhood tonsillectomy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the striking similarities between UFO abduction experiences and drug-induced hallucinations, the nature of 'image constants,' and the psychological processes involved in these altered states of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective comparison, presenting evidence and witness accounts to explore the potential overlap and shared origins of these phenomena, without definitively concluding whether the experiences are purely psychological or indicative of external events. The use of figures and direct quotes from subjects supports a research-oriented approach to the subject matter.

This issue of UFO Phenomena, Volume 1, Issue 2, published in 1978, delves into the complex relationship between UFO abduction experiences, hallucinations, and deathbed narratives. The cover features a comparison of a 'little electric man' from a 1973 Ohio CE-III case with a hallucinated figure, and also illustrates 'abductee' and 'TV screens' phenomena, noting their reported similarity during hallucinations.

The 'Encounter Matrix' and Shared Imagery

The central theme of the issue is the exploration of the 'encounter matrix,' a concept suggesting that UFO encounters, hallucinations, and deathbed experiences share fundamental elements and imagery. The article highlights numerous parallels, including bright lights, tunnels, a sense of floating, encounters with beings, communication, and reviews of one's life, which appear across these disparate phenomena. It argues that the apparent near-identity of imagery suggests that differences in interpretation, rather than qualitative distinctions, define the experience for the participant.

Witness Misinterpretations and Psychological Explanations

The text discusses how witness misinterpretations can contribute to abduction narratives, drawing parallels with evidence from 'death' narratives, which often involve anecdotal accounts of clinical death experiences. These experiences share many events with UFO abductions, such as encountering a bright light, a humming sound, floating out of body, moving through a tunnel, and meeting a 'being of light.' The article notes that while these similarities are intriguing, they do not definitively prove UFO abductions are illusory.

Psychological perspectives are explored, with reference to studies by Richard Haines, which found no substantial differences between UFO sketches by witnesses and non-witnesses. This raises questions about the 'truth' of UFO witness testimony. The issue also touches upon the phenomenon of paralysis reported by close encounter witnesses, which mirrors the mild paralysis of the human muscular system during REM sleep, potentially linking UFO experiences to dreams.

Theories on Underlying Mechanisms

Two theories are presented to explain the commonalities: one, proposed by Siegel, suggests underlying mechanisms in the central nervous system are operative in hallucinations. The other, by Stanislav Grof, posits the existence of archetypal matrices in the mind activated by a stimulus. Grof's work is further linked to the trauma associated with normal human birth processes, suggesting a connection between the omnipresent tunnel/tube images in UFO encounters and the birth canal.

Research and Future Directions

The article describes a research approach involving imaginary abductions conducted under hypnosis, comparing them with 'real' abduction cases. An appendix details the methodology and findings of a study comparing four 'real' and four imaginary abduction narratives, analyzing them across ten categories of informational 'bits.' The quantification, though subjective, revealed patterns suggesting similarities between the two types of experiences. The researchers are considering testing the birth-trauma hypothesis by examining whether Caesarian-born individuals exhibit fewer 'tube' images in their imaginary abductions.

Key Incidents and Figures

The issue references specific cases and figures, including the 'Little electric man' from a 1973 Ohio CE-III case, and mentions abductees like Sandy Larson from the Garden Grove Case. It also cites numerous researchers and authors, such as Raymond Moody, Richard Haines, Stanislav Grof, Otto Rank, William C. McCall, Claud Rifat, E. Kubler-Ross, and J. Vallee, indicating a broad engagement with the literature on UFOs, psychology, and altered states of consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the psychological underpinnings of alleged UFO encounters, the blurring lines between subjective experience and objective reality, and the search for commonalities across diverse phenomena like hallucinations, near-death experiences, and UFO abductions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, exploring psychological and neurological explanations for UFO experiences without definitively dismissing the possibility of genuine, external phenomena, while emphasizing the need for rigorous research and careful interpretation of witness accounts.

Title: UPIAR
Issue: Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79
Date: 1978
Publisher: EDITECS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UPIAR features a two-part article by R. F. Haines titled "UFO DRAWINGS BY WITNESSES AND NON WITNESSES: IS THERE SOMETHING IN COMMON? (Part II)". The issue also includes an appendix with a sample imaginary hypnotic transcript.

UFO Drawings by Witnesses and Non Witnesses (Part II)

This article by R. F. Haines presents the results of a study analyzing 458 UFO drawings from individuals who claimed to have seen a UFO ('Have' seen group) and those who claimed not to have seen one ('Have Not' seen group). This research builds upon a previous study with 136 drawings.

The primary finding is that while there are few readily discernible differences in the basic shapes drawn, the 'Have' seen group exhibited several distinct characteristics:

• A higher percentage of valid drawings (not ludicrous).
• A higher percentage of UFO shapes drawn at an angle relative to the card edge.
• A higher percentage of drawings with two or more shapes.
• A lower percentage of shapes drawn in side or isometric view.
• A lower percentage of symmetrical drawings.

Key measurements such as the mean width-to-height ratio of the UFO outline and its dome did not differ significantly between the two groups. Similarly, other major outline and dome measurements were not drawn differently. However, the 'Have' seen group drew a smaller number of miscellaneous details like apertures (windows), markings, and wavy lines around the shape.

These findings are discussed in terms of the perceptual impact a UFO encounter appears to have on a witness's willingness and/or ability to reproduce a UFO shape. The author notes that the data was collected from various groups, including science fiction conventions and a fellowship meeting, and that the drawings were unsigned to ensure anonymity.

The study also compared the results to previous research and discussed potential sources of distortion in UFO reporting. The average age and handedness of participants in the 'Have' seen and 'Have Not' seen groups were found to be similar, suggesting the groups were relatively matched.

• Key Statistics from Table 2:
• Total valid drawings analyzed: 458 (83% of 549 entries).
• 'Have' seen group: 154 drawings (28% of entries).
• 'Have Not' seen group: 395 drawings (28% of entries).
• 'Have' seen groups generally drew a larger percentage of valid drawings than 'Have Not' seen groups.

• Specific Drawing Characteristics:
• Symmetrical Drawings: 'Have' seen groups consistently had a lower percentage than 'Have Not' seen groups across most test groups.
• Side View Drawings: 'Have' seen groups had a higher percentage in some groups (e.g., Group 4: 41.1% vs 53.3%).
• UFO at Indeterminate Angle: 'Have' seen groups had a higher percentage in some groups (e.g., Group 4: 29% vs 17%).
• Cards with no shape drawn: 'Have' seen groups had a lower percentage (e.g., Group 4: 6% vs 1%).
• Round openings (apertures?): 'Have' seen groups consistently showed a higher number of drawings with round openings (e.g., Group 4: 17 vs 47).
• Thin lines extending from UFO: 'Have' seen groups showed a higher number (e.g., Group 4: 2 vs 45).
• Wavy lines from UFO body: 'Have' seen groups showed a higher number (e.g., Group 4: 18 vs 40).

Appendix III: Sample Imaginary Hypnotic Transcript

This section provides a transcript of a hypnotic session where a subject (EJ) is asked to imagine undergoing a physical examination by non-human entities. The transcript details the subject's fear, the physical sensations, and the procedures performed by the entities.

• Key elements of the transcript:
• The subject is lying on a table and feels strapped down.
• The entities use machines to take blood and perform what seems like an X-ray of the entire body.
• The subject's clothes disintegrate, and they feel strange, cold, and hot.
• The entities examine bone structures and take saliva samples.
• The subject expresses fear and uncertainty about the procedures and potential infection.
• The entities seem to be analyzing the subject's body, including genitals and uterus, using a machine that can see inside.
• The subject is unable to move and feels the entities want to take skin samples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the analysis of UFO sightings through the lens of perceptual psychology and drawing analysis. The magazine appears to present research and data related to UFO phenomena, aiming to understand the nature of sightings and the psychological factors involved. The editorial stance, as suggested by the inclusion of scientific research and the quote from Darwin, leans towards a rigorous and evidence-based approach to studying UFOs, acknowledging the potential for error and the importance of careful methodology. The inclusion of the hypnotic transcript suggests an interest in exploring subjective experiences related to potential encounters, even if presented as imaginary.

This issue of "UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist" (Vol. 2, No. 1, 1977) delves into the psychological and behavioral aspects of UFO sightings and potential extraterrestrial communication. The publication is from The Scarecrow Press, based in the USA, and is in English.

Article 1: UFO Drawings by Witnesses and Non-Witnesses: Is There Something in Common?

This primary article investigates the differences and similarities in drawings produced by individuals who claim to have seen UFOs ('Have' seen group) and those who have not ('Have not' seen group). The study notes regional differences in participation, with more 'yes' responses in the West. It hypothesizes that the specific focus on UFOs and space-related themes in some drawing tests might account for a 'selection' bias. The researchers assumed participants were telling the truth about their experiences, acknowledging this as a potential naive assumption.

Table 3, an abbreviated summary of Table 2, highlights key differences:

1. 'Have' seen participants drew a larger percentage of valid drawings (91% vs. 81%).
2. A larger percentage of shapes drawn by 'Have' seen participants had a longitudinal axis at an angle, rather than parallel to the card's edge (47% vs. 27%).
3. 'Have' seen participants drew a larger percentage of cards with two shapes (10% vs. 4%) and three or more shapes (9% vs. 3%).
4. A larger percentage of shapes were drawn at an indeterminate angle by 'Have' seen participants because no ground plane was included (32% vs. 18%).
5. 'Have' seen participants drew a smaller percentage of shapes in apparent side view and isometric view (58% vs. 66% and 11% vs. 16%, respectively).
6. 'Have' seen participants drew a smaller percentage of cards with one shape (81% vs. 93%).
7. 'Have' seen participants drew a smaller percentage of symmetrical shapes (60% vs. 68%).

The article questions why individuals who claim to have seen a UFO draw more asymmetrical shapes oriented at indeterminate angles. It explores whether these individuals are more willing to express themselves abstractly or if they are fundamentally different from those who haven't seen a UFO, even before any alleged sighting.

Five measures were made on the outline shape of each drawing, but interestingly, no clear-cut differences were found between the 'Have' and 'Have not' seen groups for these measures. The authors suggest that while the ratios might be of theoretical interest, they are not particularly useful for predicting UFO sightings or the influence of such experiences on drawings.

It is noted that participants were not explicitly instructed to draw what they saw, to avoid bias. However, some 'Have' seen participants did label their drawings as depicting the phenomenon they witnessed, and these were not fundamentally different from unlabeled drawings. The possibility exists that 'Have' seen drawings reflect media-derived shapes.

UFO Dome Measures: Three measures related to dome-like protrusions were taken. While the 'Have Not' seen group drew domes on top of the outline shape more often, and the 'Have' seen group drew a larger percentage of domes, no clear-cut differences were found between the groups for these specific measures. The crucial issue is whether a particular detail is drawn at all, rather than how it is drawn.

Voluntary Compliance: The willingness of people to participate in such tests is crucial. The experimenter stressed the scientific purpose to encourage compliance. The large audience size and anonymity might have led some participants to draw 'strange looking' things for fun. While it's hard to objectively gauge seriousness, the high percentage of valid drawings suggests participants took instructions seriously. Notably, the two largest participant groups showed the largest differences in cards submitted with no shape drawn ('Have': 2.8%; 'Have not': 13.5%), raising questions about why some people refuse to draw.

Miscellaneous Measures: Six miscellaneous measures were also compared. The 'Have Not' seen group drew more details, including more round apertures, straight thin lines, wavy lines, markings, and insignias, than the 'Have' seen group. Again, the question is raised as to why someone claiming never to have seen a UFO would include such details.

Summary of the Article

This section reiterates that the UFO experience may or may not influence drawings, and the study was premised on the idea that it does. It acknowledges the possibility that people who claim to have seen UFOs might be different from those who haven't, even before any sighting. The authors suggest that future research should involve more preliminary measures to ensure participant groups are comparable in psychological and sociological characteristics. These characteristics significantly influence participation and expression through drawings. Quantifying these subtle characteristics is vital.

If UFO phenomena are considered external physical stimuli, then relevant personality characteristics influencing perceptual processing of visual stimuli must be quantified. The alternative is that UFO phenomena are internally generated stimuli (hallucinations, imagination). While the latter is possible, the study found qualitative and quantitative differences in drawings between the 'Have' and 'Have not' seen groups, even without a visual stimulus (drawings were from memory). Future research should administer a battery of personality and psychiatric tests alongside the drawing test to better identify the influence of prior personality characteristics and the alleged UFO experience.

Article 2: A Theoretical Framework for the Problem of Non-Contact Between an Advanced Extra-Terrestrial Civilization and Mankind: Symbolic Sequential Communication Versus Non-Symbolic Non-Sequential Communication

This article by C. Rifat, published in UPIAR (Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79), proposes a theoretical framework for understanding potential non-contact scenarios with advanced extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). The author suggests that advanced ETI might not be interested in communicating with a primitive species like humans.

Abstract: The abstract posits that advanced ETI might find human communication, based on symbolic sequential language, too primitive. It suggests that advanced intelligences could communicate more effectively via a non-symbolic, non-sequential language, which conveys more information per unit of time with less distortion, thereby minimizing issues with cloudy symbolic concepts that cause noise in human communication. The author also points to the dolphin as a terrestrial species that may have evolved a more advanced mode of communication.

Key words: anthropomorphocentrism, chauvinism of symbolic sequential language, ecological adaptation, information, communication, eidetic, dream.

A quote from Richard Lee (in a publication edited by Carl Sagan) is included: "Human intelligence reduced to its essential is synonymous with human language. Intelligence is improved communication, the transmission of more complex information from one individual to another."

Résumé (French Abstract): This section mirrors the English abstract, stating that advanced extraterrestrial intelligence would likely not be interested in communicating with a primitive species. It reiterates that symbolic sequential language is primitive, and advanced intelligences might use a non-symbolic, non-sequential language for greater efficiency. The dolphin is again mentioned as an example of a terrestrial species with advanced communication.

Introduction: The introduction aims to challenge narrow ideas about human communication, referring to what Carl Sagan termed "chauvinism of symbolic-sequential language." The author rephrases this as "anthropomorphocentrism," the tendency to interpret everything based on human experience and biological structure. It questions the assumption that ETI would necessarily use a language similar to ours, suggesting that studying this problem reveals this idea to be an example of anthropocentrism.

What is Communication?: The article defines communication, citing Wilson (3), as a phenomenon where an individual's behavior modifies the probability of behavioral patterns in other individuals. This definition is presented as mathematically translatable, involving entities (A, B) and their actions (X1, X2) with associated probabilities. Communication occurs when the probability of an action by one individual is conditional on the action of another, and this conditional probability differs from the unconditional probability.

List of References

The issue includes an extensive list of references, primarily related to UFO phenomena, behavioral science, psychology, and communication. Key authors cited include R. F. Haines, P. Fox, W. K. Hartmann, M. A. Persinger, B. E. Schwarz, R. N. Shepard, R. L. Sprinkle, L. Standing, A. Trankell, and R. Westrum. Several entries are from "UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist" edited by R. F. Haines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological and behavioral aspects of UFO sightings, specifically how these experiences (or lack thereof) influence perception and expression, as evidenced by drawings. The issue also explores theoretical models of communication, particularly in the context of potential interactions with advanced extraterrestrial intelligence, questioning human-centric assumptions about language and communication methods. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, seeking to understand UFO phenomena through behavioral science and to critically examine assumptions about intelligence and communication across species.

This document, titled "L'ETUDE DE LA COMMUNICATION" (The Study of Communication), appears to be an excerpt from a larger publication, likely a magazine or journal, focusing on communication theory and related concepts. It delves into the quantitative measurement of information, the nature of language, and speculates on advanced forms of communication, including those potentially used by extraterrestrial intelligences.

Information Measurement and Communication

The text begins by explaining how to measure information, introducing the 'bit' (binary digit) as the fundamental unit. A bit is defined as the quantity of information needed to resolve uncertainty between two equally probable choices. An analogy is used of a bird raising or lowering its wings to signal an intruder, where each signal transmits one bit of information. The concept is extended to multiple equally probable messages, where 4 messages require 2 bits, 8 messages require 3 bits, and generally, N messages require log2(N) bits. The document notes that if messages are not equally probable, the transmitted information is less than log2(N), as the uncertainty is reduced.

Communication is described as the exchange and circulation of information within a network connecting transmitting and receiving systems via a coded message, which constitutes a language. This process can be disrupted by distortion or 'noise' in the transmission line, which degrades the information. The text references the work of Shannon and Weaver for further information on this topic.

Language Evolution and Characteristics

The document then shifts to discuss the evolution of communication, particularly human language, in the context of ecological adaptation. It posits that the mode of communication is determined by an species' phylogenetic history and environmental pressures. Human language is characterized by two essential features: sequentiality and symbolism.

Sequentiality means that acoustic waves carrying a message are emitted and perceived one after another. Symbolism involves using coded signals to represent information, but not all the details of the information itself. A symbol is a simplified representation, like the concept of 'table', which conveys the essence of the object but not its full perceptual detail. This symbolic representation inherently involves a loss of information, as a large quantity of bits is eliminated in the transduction from non-sequential, non-symbolic information to sequential, symbolic information. This loss of information leads to ambiguity.

Types of Language and Intelligence

The text distinguishes between different types of language. It proposes a definition of a 'primitive' language as one with high noise and low bit rate, and an 'advanced' language as one with very low noise and a high bit rate. It identifies two types of coding relevant to nature: physiological coding (natural language of neurons) and cultural coding (arbitrary human languages).

Human language, being sequential and symbolic, is classified as a primitive language, a prototype for organisms that have recently achieved intelligence. The text questions the nature of intelligence itself, suggesting that for an intelligence to express and develop, it needs a means of action on its environment for constant informational feedback.

Advanced Communication and Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI)

The document speculates about more advanced forms of communication, potentially used by extraterrestrial intelligences (ETI). It considers the hypothesis that dolphins might use non-sequential and non-symbolic acoustic communication, directly through physiological coding, which would explain why human attempts to detect their language have failed. This form of communication could involve transmitting acoustic 'images' rich in information.

Such ETI, if they existed, might possess a communication system with a high bit rate and low distortion, potentially superior to human communication. However, their intelligence might not be recognized by humans due to the fundamentally different nature of their language and the lack of a means for them to act upon the environment in a way that humans would perceive as intelligent (e.g., lacking a 'hand').

The text also touches upon the human capacity for non-sequential, non-symbolic information generation through dreams and hallucinations, suggesting that humans might have the potential for a future advanced language, but currently lack the necessary 'emissive nervous structure'. It questions the motivation for ETI to communicate with less advanced species, suggesting that such interactions would offer little new information to the ETI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the quantitative nature of information, the evolution and characteristics of communication systems, the definition and potential of intelligence, and the speculative possibilities of advanced communication, including extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be analytical and speculative, exploring theoretical concepts in information and communication science and applying them to biological and potential extraterrestrial contexts. The document emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping communication and intelligence.

This issue of UPIAR, Volume III, Number 2, published in 1978/79 by EDITECS, is titled 'ARE UFOs PSYCHIC PHENOMENA?' and is authored by I. Grattan-Guinness. The publication is based in England and written in English.

Article: Are UFOs Psychic Phenomena?

The article by I. Grattan-Guinness explores the possibility of connections and similarities between UFO phenomena and psychic phenomena, suggesting that students of UFO phenomena increasingly view their work as a branch of psychical research. The author states an intention to ignore critics who explain all phenomena through natural causes or witness claims, focusing instead on a significant residue of evidence that cannot be easily dismissed.

Introduction to Ufology

The author notes that the most well-known UFO-related event of 1978 was not a sighting but the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' which draws from J.A. Hynek's classification of UFO sightings. This classification includes cases with 'occupants.' The film's success has led to the category of 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind,' referring to alleged abduction cases, often investigated using regression hypnosis. These cases are highlighted for their strangest data and cinematic potential.

The article traces the history of UFO explanations, noting a shift in recent years away from purely technological explanations towards psychic interpretations. This shift is partly attributed to the Germans' advanced wartime technology, which authorities in the East and West sought to acquire after World War II. Reports of 'flying saucers' were publicized, leading to speculation about whether witnesses were seeing advanced German technology. While some claims suggest the Germans attempted to develop such machines (e.g., the V7 helicopter mentioned in relation to H. Oberth), definitive proof remains elusive, with archives denying possession of such material and authorities like R.V. Jones having no knowledge of these developments.

The social climate has eased in recent years, with the US releasing Air Force information and producing television programs. France also admits to studying the phenomena. However, Britain is described as remaining timid, with BBC programs on UFOs often deemed 'rubbish.' Nevertheless, initiatives like the UFO Investigation Network, organized by Jenny Randles, are active.

The author posits that the military implications of UFOs have likely influenced officialdom's desire to disparage the subject. Citing Hynek's 'The UFO Experience,' the article mentions extraordinary carelessness with evidence by investigative committees, which fueled Hynek's curiosity. D.M. Jacobs's social history of 'The UFO Controversy in America' is referenced for its depiction of controversy fueled by fanatics on both sides.

Similarities Between UFO and Psychic Phenomena

The move towards psychic explanations for UFOs, largely occurring in the 1970s, is attributed to the failure to produce convincing technological theories and the realization that psychic phenomena are sometimes associated with UFO sightings. C.G. Jung is mentioned as a pioneer in this direction, initially viewing UFOs as God-images rather than machines, though later considering them space-ships.

The article surveys nine respects in which UFOs and psychic phenomena display similarities:

1. Phenomena: UFOs are compared to apparitions and ghosts, though UFOs can leave more physical evidence (broken branches, damaged crops, circular marks). Ectoplasm is rarely associated with UFO sightings. Animal behavior is similar, with dogs and cats reacting similarly to both UFOs and psychical phenomena. Animal deaths have also been reported after UFO sightings.
2. Repeatability: Both areas face difficulties with repeatability. Stella Lansing is mentioned as a case where UFOs are seen and photographed at will, with others able to witness them as well.
3. Residual Categories: Both UFOs and psychical phenomena are defined as residual categories, meaning they are what is left after other explanations are ruled out. This leads to the conclusion that saying UFO phenomena are psychic phenomena conveys little information, as both are disparate. Classification and taxonomy are needed for both, and connections between them might aid this process.
4. Rationality: Both UFO and psychic phenomena strain rationality due to their apparent contradiction with established science. The author argues that established science should adapt rather than dismiss these phenomena, citing historical examples where phenomena once considered fringe became subjects of scientific study. The rejection of these fields is criticized as infantile and a form of reckless conservatism, contrasting with a cautious approach that accepts phenomena for exploration.
5. Polarity of Attitudes: Attitudes towards UFO phenomena and their study are often strongly polarized, either in favor or against.

Communication Types

The document also includes a summary of two types of language:

• LANGAGE SYMBOLIQUE SEQUENTIEL (L.S.S.) / Symbolic Sequential Language: Transmitted via acoustic waves, with signals and symbols juxtaposed sequentially. Codes are artificial and variable. Information quantity is low (approx. 100 bits/second). Signal ambiguity is high due to artificial coding.
• LANGAGE NON-SYMBOLIQUE NON-SEQUENTIEL (L.N.S.N.S.) / Non-Symbolic Non-Sequential Language: Transmitted via electromagnetic or high-frequency acoustic waves. Message structure is a constellation of signals integrated simultaneously. Codes are natural and invariant, reflecting the nervous system's processing of information. Information quantity is very high (over 100,000 bits/second). Signal ambiguity is minimal due to invariant coding.

Conclusion

The author concludes that human language, while considered advanced, is elementary compared to potential extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) communication modes. If advanced ETIs were to visit Earth, their communication might be so far beyond ours that meaningful interaction would be impossible. The article reflects on the anthropocentric tendency to believe in human uniqueness and importance in the universe.

References

The article includes a bibliography citing works on extraterrestrial intelligence, communication theory, sociobiology, evolution, and animal behavior, including authors like C. Sagan, E. Wilson, E.C. Shannon, W. Weaver, E. Mayr, S. Chapman, C.F. Stromeyer, and J. Alcock.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the nature of communication, the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the overlap between UFO phenomena and psychic experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, challenging conventional scientific skepticism towards fringe phenomena and suggesting that a more cautious approach involves exploring possibilities rather than outright rejection. The author advocates for a re-evaluation of scientific rationality in the face of phenomena that challenge current paradigms.

This document appears to be an excerpt from a publication, likely a journal or magazine focused on UFO research and related phenomena, possibly from the "Flying Saucer Review" (FSR) given the references. The content explores the intersection of UFOs with psychical phenomena, scientific inquiry, and occult doctrines, spanning discussions from the late 1970s. It includes a detailed survey of Italian astronomical observatories' opinions on UFOs.

Intersections of UFOs and Psychical Phenomena

The text begins by drawing parallels between psychical phenomena and UFO sightings, noting a shared "polarity" that evokes fear in both protagonists and critics. It highlights an "asymmetry of publicity" where critics are readily accepted as experts, while well-argued defenses are ignored, a pattern observed in both ufology and psychical research. An example cited is the Adamski UFO photographs, where the explanation of them being a bottle cooler cover received more attention than the inventor's claim of inspiration from Adamski's design.

Minds, Bodies, and Universes

Section 3.6 delves into the implications of UFO and psychical phenomena for the mind-body distinction. It contrasts the scientific and philosophical views on dualism, noting that both UFO and psychical phenomena seem to challenge it. J. Eisenbud's suggestion of viewing a UFO as an "into-the-body experience" (converse to out-of-the-body experiences) is presented. The concept of parallel universes as a psychical explanation for UFOs is discussed, but deemed unhelpful due to its unfalsifiable nature and lack of specific connection to the phenomena.

Use of Hypnosis

Hypnosis, itself a psychical phenomenon, is increasingly used in ufology, particularly for close encounters. However, the typical UFO experience is not usually seen as having a hypnotic or hallucinatory component, occurring in the witness's normal state of consciousness. Nevertheless, UFO encounters can cause physiological effects, including burns, eye-strain, headaches, and even death.

Use of Statistics

Section 3.8 addresses the use of statistics in UFO research. It mentions ongoing work by Dr. D. Saunders at Hynek's Center for UFO Studies, which involves analyzing tens of thousands of sightings. Preliminary findings suggest correlations between sighting frequency and sidereal time. The author expresses skepticism about whether statistical analysis alone can determine the physical or psychical nature of UFO phenomena, citing I. Brand's hope in this regard.

Use of Photographs and Films

The interpretation of photographs and films in both UFO and psychical research presents similar challenges, with UFO photographs being considered easier to fake. A notable photographic case is a 1967 sighting over San José de Valderas, Spain, of a white saucer-shaped object with a distinctive mark, which was photographed by multiple witnesses. The case of Stella Lansing is also recalled for its photographic and ufological aspects.

Some Conclusions

Section 4 attempts to draw conclusions, posing the question: "Are UFOs psychic phenomena?" The author finds this question too simplistic due to the incoherence and disparity between the categories. Instead, a more nuanced approach is suggested: "In which ways (if any) do UFO experiences of type X match up with psychic phenomena of type Y?". While individual connections have been noted, no clear pattern has emerged. The author suggests that the relative novelty of psychical explanations for UFOs might be a reason for the lack of success, as ufologists may not be fully conversant with psychical research details. J. Vallée's book "UFOs: the psychic solution" is mentioned, though the author confesses not to understand the "psychic solution" it proposes. The importance of asking witnesses relevant questions and following appropriate procedures is stressed, noting that the possibility of pre-cognition of UFO sightings is often unexplored.

Further Considerations on Explanations

Further points are raised regarding the investigation of UFO sightings. The location of sightings is mapped, but often correlated only with man-made artifacts rather than natural effects like magnetic fault lines. The duration of sightings is determined, but witnesses' astrological charts are not prepared to find patterns. The author speculates that explanations for both UFO and psychical phenomena might draw on occult doctrines. David Tansley's "Omens of awareness" is highlighted as an interesting essay on occult aspects of UFO sightings, linking UFOs to "expanding consciousness of man" and ancient Mystery Teachings. Tansley suggests UFOs are connected with spirit forces and that their appearance serves to make humans realize universal creative forces. The Monastery of the Seven Rays in South America is mentioned as a location where many UFO sightings occur.

The author concludes that technological and psychical explanations have so far been disappointing, and questions why fringe subjects should not embrace their own fringes.

A Statistical Survey Among Italian Astronomical Observatories

A separate section presents an abstract and introduction to a statistical survey conducted by the "Centro Ufologico Nazionale" (National Ufological Center) between 1977 and 1978. The survey involved 14 important Italian astronomical and astrophysical observatories.

Objectives and Methods

The survey aimed to gauge the opinion of the Italian scientific community on the UFO subject and to determine if observatory staff had directly sighted UFO phenomena. The informative test did not yield unexpected results but clearly highlighted a "mediocre standard of information and sensibility" within the scientific environment concerning UFOs. The authors suggest that repeating such investigations across other scientific circles could help assess the evolution of scientific opinion on UFOs over time.

Observatories Probed

Fourteen Italian observatories were contacted, including those in Arcetri, Asiago, Bologna, Brera, Cagliari, Campo dei Fiori, Catania, Collurania, Capodimonte, Monte Mario, Palermo, Pino Torinese, Trieste, and G. Horn D'Arturo.

Questionnaire

A simple, one-sheet questionnaire was used, consisting of nine questions requiring "yes" or "no" answers. Key questions included whether respondents were acquainted with the UFO phenomenon, knew astronomers who witnessed alleged UFO phenomena, or had colleagues who witnessed such phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly their potential connection to psychical phenomena, the limitations of scientific approaches (statistics, photography), and the exploration of less conventional explanations such as occult doctrines. There is a critical stance towards the mainstream scientific community's engagement with the UFO subject, as evidenced by the survey of Italian observatories. The author seems open to exploring unconventional hypotheses while maintaining a degree of skepticism about definitive explanations, suggesting that current approaches have been "disappointing."

Title: UPIAR
Issue: Vol. III, N. 2, 1978/79
Publisher: EDITECS
Country: Italy
Date: 1978

This issue of UPIAR presents findings from a survey of Italian observatories regarding their knowledge and involvement with the UFO phenomenon, alongside details of an official data request made to the Italian Ministry of Defence.

Dispatches to the Observatories

The section details the methodology and timeline of a survey sent to 14 observatories. The first letter was sent on May 14, 1977, followed by two reminders on July 25 and September 1, 1977. The survey package included an introductory letter explaining the project, informative papers about the Center's activities, a statistical questionnaire, and a pre-addressed envelope. In June 1978, a report summarizing the survey results was sent to all involved observatories.

Results

Respondent Observatories:

Out of the fourteen observatories surveyed, only ten responded. These were Observatories No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 12, according to the 'Material and Methods' list. The remaining four did not participate.

Answers:

Figure 2 illustrates the histogram of affirmative and negative answers to questions 1-7 and 9. Some observatories did not answer or answered unclearly questions 1, 6, and 7. Figure 3 shows the most frequently selected explanations for UFO phenomena from question 8. Two observatories did not answer question 8, while the others selected between one and five possible explanations.

Discussion:

The inquiry yielded four key observations:

1. Lack of Acquaintance with UFO Phenomenon: Italian observatories generally lack familiarity with the UFO phenomenon. Even those claiming acquaintance (question 1) reported no good knowledge of UFO sightings involving professional astronomers (questions 2 and 4). One observatory that answered positively to questions 2 and 3 was actually referring to a balloon sighting.
2. Function as Gathering Centers for Reports: Observatories primarily act as collection points for sighting reports (question 5). However, these reports, often deemed unreliable due to the mediocre sensibility of the observatories (question 6), are systematically lost because they are not conveyed to anyone capable of examining them (question 7).
3. Non-Acknowledgement of UFO Phenomenon Reality: The answers to question 8 indicate a tendency to attribute UFO sightings to natural phenomena, psychic phenomena, conventional aircraft, or hoaxes. Few observatories expressed doubts.
4. Lack of Interest: Many astronomers willingly discuss UFOs when prompted by media but only 8 out of 14 observatories expressed interest in knowing the survey results (question 9). Two observatories explicitly stated they did not want to know the results. This, combined with the mediocre information standard and the need for reminders, points to a scant interest in the UFO matter.

Despite this, the article notes that some astronomers are beginning to approach the UFO problem more seriously.

Official Data Request in Italy

This section details a request made by CNIFAA (Comitato Nazionale Indipendente per lo Studio dei Fenomeni Aerei Anomali) to the Italian Ministry of Defence. Following a wave of UFO reports from September 1978 to January 1979, CNIFAA promoted clarification articles in the press and an official request for data held by the Ministry.

Correspondence with the Ministry of Defence:

CNIFAA had not yet received a final answer to their request, except for a cable from Admiral Mainini, Principal Private Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, dated Rome, 13th, 1979. The cable indicated that the Ministry was awaiting instructions from 'higher organs' to identify a 'civilian organization' to which the study of the UFO problem could be devolved.

CNIFAA's Official Request (January 9, 1979):

The request, addressed to the highest organs of politics and defence, referenced a declaration by Navy Captain Michele Turri stating that the Ministry did not have a special bureau for UFOs and that such news was considered non-classified information. CNIFAA, noting the growing international scientific interest and the persistence of unidentified object observations in Italy, acknowledged a potential scientific interest in the data gathered by the General Staff of the Board of Defence. They proposed that this data, along with studies and research, be handed over to a group of highly competent scientists and researchers. Furthermore, they suggested that future observations should be part of this collaboration.

CNIFAA presented itself as a candidate group, emphasizing the diverse expertise of its members (university and scientific researchers from various doctrines) and its involvement in the international review "UFO PHENOMENA".

Challenges and Proposals:

The request was signed by thirty-two researchers, including Italian and foreign university teachers. The term "civilian organization" was interpreted in the Italian context, potentially referring to an entity like the "Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche" (CNR). However, the article expresses concern about the CNR's limited funds and general lack of availability for new research aspects, suggesting that transferring data to unqualified researchers (due to lack of information and acquaintance with UFO phenomena) would be an unsuccessful attempt. The article cites examples of statements made by individuals who seemed uninformed about UFO research, such as misinterpreting Edward Condon's recommendations or claiming astronomers never saw UFOs.

As a result, CNIFAA decided to urge the Ministry of Defence to search for a "civilian organization" and, alternatively, to propose the establishment of a research group similar to the French GEPAN, emphasizing the importance of similarity in terms of correctness and capability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the lack of scientific engagement with UFO phenomena in Italy, the bureaucratic hurdles in accessing official data, and the CNIFAA's persistent efforts to promote serious scientific research. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a more rigorous and collaborative approach to studying UFOs, highlighting the need for qualified researchers and open access to data. There is a clear critique of the current disinterest and lack of information within Italian observatories and governmental bodies regarding UFOs.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, identified as the 1978/1979 UPIAR publication, delves into the evolving landscape of UFO research, scientific methodology, and the persistent challenges of gaining acceptance within the academic community. The content reflects a period of significant discussion and re-evaluation within the ufological field.

Key Articles and Contributions

"State of Art" by David M. Jacobs

David M. Jacobs, author of the classic "The UFO Controversy in America" and a professor of History at Temple University, provides a contribution that outlines the historical progression of UFO research. He notes that in the 1940s, the origin and purpose of UFOs seemed straightforward, with many researchers accepting the extraterrestrial hypothesis or earthly secret weapons. However, since the late 1960s, the phenomenon has been understood as far more complex, thanks to refined investigative techniques and a more open attitude towards cases previously dismissed as "crackpot". Jacobs points out that while investigative refinement has reduced the number of truly unidentified cases, the remaining anomalous cases offer crucial insights into the phenomenon's complexities. He also discusses the cultural influences on UFO speculation and the shift from the 'nuts-and-bolts' idea to more exotic theories like 'parallel universes' or 'other dimensions'. A significant hurdle for UFO research, according to Jacobs, is the continuing lack of recognition from the established scientific community, which results in virtually nonexistent funding and a slow pace of new insights, largely driven by volunteers.

"1978 BUFORA Conference"

The issue extensively covers the 1978 National Research and Investigations Conference, sponsored by the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and held in Nottingham, England. Over 150 attendees from various countries participated in lectures and discussions. The conference featured 13 speakers presenting papers on a wide array of topics, including:

• "Danish Time Law Analysis of UFO Sightings" by Skaninavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), analyzing sighting frequencies.
• "Close Encounters of the Second Kind" by Robert Digby, reviewing problems with photographic and physical evidence.
• "An Experimental Investigation of Some Aspects of Biochemical Evolution" by Stephen Gamble, drawing parallels between control techniques in chemical research and UFO physical trace cases.
• "A New Look at UFO Reports" by John Hind, suggesting that UFO theory needs to account for emotional dimensions and that UFOs might represent a modern social phenomenon.
• "Exobiological Concepts and the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Life" by John Armitage, discussing extraterrestrial life and space probe efforts.
• "UFO Events in Pembrokeshire, 1977" by Anthony Pace, Charles Lockwood, Lionel Beer, and Randall Pugh, detailing close encounters and a UFO flap, including descriptions of humanoid figures.
• "An Analytic Review of UFO Shapes" by Richard F. Haines, presenting findings on UFO shape drawing tests and emphasizing the importance of witness-drawn sketches.
• "Comments on Recent Experiences at the Center for UFO Studies-USA" by Douwe Bosga, discussing the "hot line" for reports and the increase in abduction reports.
• "The Nature of Starships" by David Viewing, outlining interstellar vehicle propulsion systems and detection techniques.
• "The Zeta Reticulans" by Anthony Pace, reviewing the Betty Hill star map and research on potential visitors from Zeta Reticuli.

Three group discussions (workshops) were also held, focusing on radar principles and cases, improving cooperation among UK UFO groups, and a radio-noise monitoring project.

"Recent Developments in Spanish Ufology"

This section details the First National Congress of Ufology held in Barcelona in December 1977, organized by Antonio Ribera. The event aimed to establish scientifically valid guidelines for UFO research, despite initial reticence. The congress saw a heterogeneity of participants, including "propagandists" and "scientists." The aftermath was positive, leading to the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) and the journal Stendek launching a publication of the technical speeches, including "Ufology in the Decade of the 70's" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos.

Editorial Notes and Personal Reflections

Richard F. Haines reflects on the BUFORA conference, emphasizing the need for an open mind and an interdisciplinary approach to unravel the complexities of UFO phenomena. He expresses anticipation for future BUFORA conferences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the ongoing efforts to bring UFO research into the realm of scientific respectability. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous methodology, data analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a serious, scientific investigation of UFOs, while acknowledging the difficulties posed by public skepticism and the lack of support from mainstream academia. The content suggests a transition from older, simpler theories to more complex and speculative ones, reflecting the dynamic nature of UFO research in the late 1970s.

This issue of UFO Phenomena, dated December 1978 (Volume 7, Issue n. 180), is published by CEI and Stendek and focuses on the scientific and interdisciplinary aspects of ufology. The magazine features a collection of articles and reviews that delve into the methodology, theoretical frameworks, and literature surrounding UFO research.

Featured Articles and Contributions

The issue opens with a list of featured articles, including "A Tool for the Scientific Ufology: The Statistical Techniques" by José-Tomás Ramírez y Barberó (pages 20-29), "New Technical Aspects on the Case of Javier Bosques" by Alberto Adell Sabatés (pages 31-41), "Possibility and Impossibility of the Processal Paradigm" by Miguel Guasp (pages 43-56), and "Bases for a Theoretical Modelling of the UFO Phenomenon" by David G. López, Félix Ares de Blas, and Angel Salaverría (pages 59-106).

The Consejo de Consultores de Stendek

A significant development highlighted is the creation of the Consejo de Consultores de Stendek (Council of Consultants of Stendek) in June 1978. This informal working group aims to foster scientific dialogue among university-qualified analysts and researchers in UFO phenomenology. Supported by CEI and Stendek, it implements a speed system for intercommunication among its members. The Council reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the UFO problem, with its 27 components drawn from various fields such as Engineering (8), Computer Science (2), Physics (4), Psychology/Psychiatry (2), Medicine (4), Geology/Geophysics (2), Statistics (3), and Paleonthology and Chemistry (2). Members share analytical and field investigation experience, with no single hypothesis being promoted.

Read in Literature

This section is dedicated to reviewing significant contributions in international UFO literature. It features comprehensive commentaries on papers, with authors invited to submit reprints.

• "Social Intelligence About Anomalies: The case of UFO's" by Ron Westrum (1977): Reviewed as a work by an American sociologist specializing in the sociology of science. It examines the rise of an anomaly, its nature, and implications within established knowledge, detailing the transformation of an anomaly experience into a report and its passage through social channels. The chapter on social intelligence's influence on scientific opinion is particularly noted.
• "Anomalies: A Bibliographic Introduction With Some Cautionary Remarks" by Ron Westrum and Marcello Truzzi (1978): This review discusses the new scientific journal 'ZETETIC SCHOLAR', founded by Marcello Truzzi. The journal aims to enhance communication between critics and proponents of paranormal claims and establish a collegium of responsible researchers. The article highlights 'anomaly' as a defiance to scientific paradigms, being something perceived and validated but not explained by current theory.
• "Logique et Recherches Ufologique" by Pierre Viéroudy (1978): Published in the French review 'Lumières dans la nuit', this article is considered highly interesting for its discussion on a rational approach to the UFO problem. Viéroudy explores epistemological remarks, emphasizing the operational way of making science through questions and answers. He critiques the traditional Western 'logic of the third excluded' and suggests that it leads to contradictory statements when applied to UFO studies. Drawing an analogy with physics, where particles can behave as waves or particles, Viéroudy, referencing French physicist Stéphan Lupasco, proposes a wider logic that includes contradictory events as possible situations, distinguishing between a 'POTENTIALITY' phase and an 'ACTUALITY' phase. This logic, he argues, can explain the dual physical and psychological appearance of UFO phenomena.

Book Review: "Ces OVNIs Qui Annoncent le Surhomme" by Pierre Vieroudy

This review by Roberto Farabone assesses Pierre Vieroudy's book, published in Paris by Tchou in 1977. While acknowledging its seriousness, the reviewer finds the quality of its contents mixed. The first chapter, a survey of UFO cases, is noted to have issues, particularly the author's apparent unawareness of hoaxes like the 1897 Alexander Hamilton case. The review points out common defects in UFO books, such as the difficulty of using historical records. Subsequent chapters analyze UFO behavior, noting its questionable materiality, intelligence, and quasi-biological responsiveness. Vieroudy suggests many sightings appear 'staged'.

The review also touches upon the author's thoughts on the personality characteristics of UFO witnesses, suggesting they often display difficult childhoods and conflictual adult lives, with some 'psi' abilities. The author's argument that UFOs respond to human needs, particularly during times of worry (coinciding with UFO waves), is presented as ingenious, though some evidence is subject to alternative explanations. The review notes the author's thoroughness in gathering data but criticizes the lack of attention to the press's role in reporting cases. The book concludes with the author's personal experiments, including photographic and spectroscopic examinations, and his argument that UFOs are human creations testifying to unexploited paranormal powers.

In Short

This section introduces new columns for short communications, announcements, and other information of interest to readers. It also features a brief mention of the book "OVNIS: El Fenomeno Aterrizaje" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, a significant work in Spanish UFO research. Information on how to obtain the book, priced at $9.00, is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing scientific rigor and interdisciplinary approach to ufology. There is a clear emphasis on applying logical and statistical methods to the study of UFOs, moving beyond anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor critical yet open-minded inquiry, as evidenced by the reviews of literature that analyze both the strengths and weaknesses of various works and authors. The importance of understanding the social and psychological context of anomalies, as well as the limitations of traditional logical frameworks, is also a prominent theme.

Title: UFO PHENOMENA
Issue: 3
Volume: 3
Year: 1978

This issue of UFO PHENOMENA serves as a platform for scientific discourse and research dissemination within the UFO community. It includes a comprehensive subject index, letters to the editor, and several articles exploring various facets of UFO phenomena, from specific cases and observational studies to theoretical considerations.

Books and Journals Received

The issue begins by listing several books and journals received, indicating that these publications may be reviewed in subsequent issues. Among the listed items are:

• Actas del Primer Congreso Nacional de Ufologia Ponencias Tecnicas (AA. VV.), published by Stendek-CEI, Barcelona, Spain (1978).
• A Helicopter-UFO Encounter Over Ohio by Jennie Zeidman, published by CUFOS, Evanston, Illinois, USA (1979).
• Abducted! Confrontations with Beings from Outer Space by Coral and Jim Lorenzen, published by Barkley Pub. Corporation, New Jersey, USA (1977).
• Project URD, Report No.1, Characteristics of a UFO Report File (AA. VV.), published by International URD Foundation, Stockholm, Sweden (1978).
• Visitatori non Invitati by Marco Marianti, published by SugarCo Edizioni, Milano, Italy (1978).

A list of UFO-related journals is also provided, including MUFON UFO JOURNAL, ZETETIC SCHOLAR, UFO INFORMATIONS, PANORAMA UFO, UFO INFO, CENAP REPORTS, AFU, UFO NYT, UFOLOGIA, INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER, LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT, OVNI APPROCHE, STENDEK, FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, LES EXTRATERRESTRES, NOTIZIARIO UFO, and UFO INVESTIGATOR.

Letters to the Editors

The "Letters to the Editors" section is presented as a central forum for scientific community and UFO amateurs to engage in debate and comment on published works. It also serves as a channel for announcements of conferences, workshops, summer schools, and meetings, as well as for fellowship opportunities and appeals for help or information on specific technical problems.

A Researcher Writes

A letter from a researcher expresses compliments on the journal's enterprise in publishing scientific papers on UFO phenomena. The writer notes the journal's policy of rigorous selectivity, which has resulted in interesting work. The letter highlights the assistance received from the journal's reviews in their efforts to present UFO phenomena seriously to the scientific community at Euratom, Ispra. Towards the end of 1977, a society was established at Euratom to inform the community about unidentified aerospatial phenomena. A key point for collaboration is the basis of valid information. To this end, efforts have been concentrated on setting up a codification scheme for sightings to enable computer-aided statistical analysis. This scheme is an extension of a 1977 project by CNIFAA and CUN. The first practical application will be an analysis of the "Italian" UFO year 1977. The writer hopes that improved information will lead to a more open attitude from the scientific community towards UFO phenomena.

Ball Lightning

This section addresses the phenomenon of ball lightning. It is described as a short-lived, rare phenomenon often observed during thunderstorms but also under other atmospheric conditions, with a lifetime of seconds. Ball lightning is typically spherical, with a diameter of several centimetres. Due to its unfamiliar nature and rarity, it may be reported as an unidentified flying object, especially since it can share characteristics with reported UFOs, such as odours of sulphur or ozone, interference with electrical apparatus, burns, and ground marks. The author expresses interest in receiving reports of ball lightning observations from readers, with first-hand accounts being particularly useful. A report form is available upon request.

About UFO Drawings

This article discusses UFO drawings, with the author expressing a belief that Richard Haines' analysis of UFO drawings by observers and non-observers overlooks a crucial point. The author suggests that the majority of UFO sightings, even those considered "valid," are nocturnal lights without a distinct form. Consequently, many "witnesses" may not be drawing what they actually saw, but rather what they believe a typical UFO to be like, similar to non-observers. This leads to the conclusion that it is not possible to unambiguously separate drawings based on media representations from those based on actual sightings, especially when the witness saw point sources of light. The author posits that future testing should ask participants to specify whether they saw an actual UFO that was angularly small or large. A continuation article is mentioned, which will further discuss instructional bias in participant groups. The author also notes that printed media often do not publish illustrations of point sources, which creates a strong bias in the public's perception of UFO shapes, favouring angularly large ones with detail, whereas most UFO witnesses report point sources of light without much detail.

Ron Westrum, from the Dept. of Sociology at EMU, Ypsilanti, USA, raises a point that one cannot conclude that what is imagined by non-observers coincides with what is seen by observers. The author agrees with this statement and suggests that participants in "Have Seen" studies may be divided into two sub-groups: those who perceived small point light sources (the majority) and those who perceived angularly large phenomena. The author notes that the test instructions did not explicitly ask participants to draw what they saw, making it difficult to distinguish between drawings based on media representations and those of actual sightings.

Richard F. Haines responds, acknowledging Ron Westrum's point. He reiterates that drawings by "Have Seen" participants tend to have fewer details than those by "have Not Seen" participants, potentially supporting the idea that these are different observer populations. However, Haines prefers to keep an open mind until further research is conducted.

On Hypotheses

This section presents a letter from Roberto Aristarco of Milano, Italy, reflecting on the papers published in UFO PHENOMENA. Aristarco observes that discussions about UFO origin often lead to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) being considered a probable explanation, though not necessarily the most qualified. He notes a lack of explicit theories on the phenomenon in the published papers, which he attributes to editorial choices, refereeing, or authors' reluctance to engage with the subject. While acknowledging it might be too early to formulate a complete theory, Aristarco believes it is time to suggest interpretations, even if approximate. He emphasizes that science progresses by exploring new directions and that ideas should not be judged a priori based on personal likes or dislikes. He advocates for a research approach that includes interpretation and forecasting to test the validity of patterns, allowing knowledge to grow gradually by rejecting unconfirmed patterns. These patterns should be based on real, confirmed data and possess internal consistency. Aristarco stresses the importance of following logic, as our brains operate on established schemes and categories. He suggests that even exploring hypotheses with different logics could lead to new insights. Ultimately, he calls for serious, correct, and precise research, encouraging the exploration of "a priori" or unusual hypotheses as long as they are consistently submitted and verifiable.

Subject Index

The issue includes a cumulative Subject Index for the first, second, and third volumes of UPIAR, covering the years 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. The index lists various topics alphabetically, with corresponding page numbers and volume references (I, II, or III).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of data collection and analysis, and the development of hypotheses. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous scientific inquiry, open debate, and the systematic study of UFO reports, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential biases in witness testimony and data interpretation. The journal aims to be a platform for presenting research, fostering discussion, and advancing the understanding of UFO phenomena within a scientific framework.

Title: UFO PHENOMENA

Subtitle: an international annual review devoted to the scientific study of ufo phenomena

Publisher: The Publishing House EDITECS

Country of Publication: ITALY

Issue Date: May 1980 (Copyright 1979)

Price: L. 13.000 ($ 15.00)

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Content

This issue of UFO PHENOMENA presents a comprehensive collection of articles and reviews dedicated to the scientific investigation of unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. The editorial board, led by Direttore Responsabile Renzo Cabassi, has curated a diverse range of topics, reflecting the international scope of ufological research.

Key Articles and Themes:

• Celestial and Aerial Events: E. J. Betinis explores the likelihood of witnessing such events.
• Anomalous Lights and Chases: B. S. Maccabee discusses anomalous lights in the daylight sky, while W. Smith, M. Guasp, and V. J. Ballester Olmos detail a dramatic chase in Spain.
• Historical Cases: E. Berger examines the "1954/55 The Austrian share," and J. Scornaux delves into considerations on the nature of humanoids.
• Investigative Techniques: R. L. Sprinkle investigates the use of the pendulum technique in the study of UFO experiences.
• Psychological Aspects: A. H. Lawson addresses the "Hypnosis of imaginary UFO 'abductees'," and R. F. Haines analyzes "UFO drawings by witnesses and non witnesses: is there something in common (part II)."
• Theoretical Frameworks: C. Rifat proposes "A theoretical framework for the problem of non-contact between and advanced extra-terrestrial civilization and mankind: symbolic sequential communication versus non-symbolic non-sequential communication."
• Statistical Surveys: J. Grattan-Guinness investigates "Are UFO psychic phenomena," and M. Pittella, R. Cabassi, and F. Izzo present "A statistical survey among Italian astronomical observatory" and discuss "Official data request in Italy."
• State of the Art: David M. Jacobs provides an overview of the current "State of Art" in the field.

Symposia and Meetings:

R. F. Haines reports on the "1978 BUFORA Conference," and J. V. Ballester Olmos covers "Recent developments in Spanish ufology."

Literature and Reviews:

The issue also includes sections for "Read in Literature," "Book Review," "In Short," "Books and Journals Received," and "Letters to the Editor," providing a broader context for ongoing research and discussions within the ufology community.

Subject Index:

A comprehensive "SUBJECT INDEX" is provided, facilitating access to the diverse topics covered throughout the publication. The index lists numerous entries, including "Humanoid," "Hypnosis," "Identified Flying Objects (IFO)," "Light Beams," "Light Spheres," "Loss of Time' Experiences," "Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)," "Monde Exterieur (Outer World)," "Monde Intérieur (Inner World)," "Motion," "Naive' Subjects," "Neurone (Neuron)," "Neurotransmetteur (Neurotransmitter)," "Objects of Analogous Type," "Observation Parameters," "Observatories," "Observer," "Occam's Razor," "Parallel Universes," "Paralyzing Light," "Pattern(s)," "Pendulum Technique," "Persecution Mania," "Phase," "Poisson Distribution," "Precognition," "Principal Diagonal," "Profecy," "Projection Eidétique (Eidetic Projection)," "Projection of Images," "PSI," "Psychic Phenomena," "Physical Contact with Ufonauts," "Physical Evidence," "Physiological Effects," "Questionnaire," "Raphé (Raphe)," "Random Sample," "Recognition Filter," "Reliability," "Représentation Inconsciente (Inconscious Representation)," "Rêve (Dream)," "Robot," "Scientific Establishment," "Scientific Mind," "Selectivity," "Sérotonine (Serotonin)," "Shape Reproduction," "Shapes," "Signal," "Sizes," "Slowly Propagating Light," "Solid Light," "Sommeil Lent (Slow Waves Sleep)," "Sommeil Paradoxal (Paradoxical Sleep)," "Sporadic Data," "Statistical Analysis," "Statistical Distribution," "Stimulus," "Strangeness," "Structured Light," "Subconscious Memories," "Subconscious Processes," "Survey," "Switch-off/Switch-on Effect," "Textbook," "Thesaurus," "Threshold Correlation (r)," "Time Coincideces," "Time of Day," "Traunstein Flap," "Tyrol Daylight Bloc," "Ufo," "Ufo Activity," "Ufo Data," "Ufo Details," "Ufo Drawings," "Ufo Field Investigators," "Ufo Mountain Affinity," "Ufo Patterns," "Ufo Phenomenon," "Ufo Report," "Ufo Shapes," "Ufology," "Vectors," "Viewing Angle," "Voluntary Compliance," "Wave," "Wave Structure," "Width to Height Ratio (R)," "Zig-Zag Path," and "1968 Iberian Wave."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, encompassing observational data, witness testimonies, psychological factors, and theoretical models. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry, aiming to approach the subject from a scientific perspective, as indicated by the subtitle "an international annual review devoted to the scientific study of ufo phenomena." The inclusion of statistical surveys, theoretical frameworks, and detailed analyses of specific cases suggests a commitment to methodical research and the exploration of complex aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including its potential links to psychology and consciousness.