UFO Phenomena International Annual Review - Vol 4 No 1 - 1980-1981

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO PHENOMENA
Issue: Vol. IV No. 1
Date: 1980/1981
Publisher: COOPERATIVA STUDI E INIZIATIVE UPIAR S.R.L.
Editor in Chief: R. Farabone

This issue of UFO Phenomena presents itself as an international annual review devoted to the scientific study of UFO phenomena. It emphasizes a critical and rigorous approach to the subject, moving away from what it perceives as the uncritical acceptance of reports by many "UFOlogists."

The Defense of Truth and the UFO Phenomenon

The editorial begins with a quote from Leonardo Sciascia, highlighting the difficulty and solitude involved in defending a truth. This sets the tone for the issue's exploration of UFO phenomena, suggesting that researchers in this field often face similar challenges. The article "WE ARE NOT ALONE" introduces the idea that researchers like Richard Haines, Alexander Keul, and Alvin Lawson are paying a price for their "heretical" approach, which dares to examine the human factor, the physical environment, and the cultural context of UFO experiences.

Critiquing "UFOlogists" and Proposing a New Method

The issue strongly critiques the prevailing practices within the "UFOlogy" community, suggesting that many "UFOlogists" lack the necessary training and approach UFO reports uncritically. Frank Edwards' earlier statement that "Flying Saucers are a serious business" is amended to "UFO phenomena are too serious a business indeed to leave to the mercy of 'UFOlogists'." The journal argues that the scientific method, as championed by researchers like Richard Haines, is essential for demonstrating that UFO phenomena offer a field rich in experimental cues worthy of further investigation.

A key concept introduced is the "map analogy," where different "maps" (representing aspects like the eyewitness, investigator expertise, or socio-cultural context) are needed to understand a complex phenomenon like UFO reports. The issue criticizes the "blindness map" that has dominated UFO research, which involves accepting accounts at face value. It argues that the prevailing hypothesis has not been the extra-terrestrial hypothesis (ETH) but rather the "separability hypothesis," which attempts to account for the problem by relating isolated elements.

A Holistic Approach to UFO Phenomena

In opposition to the separability hypothesis, the journal proclaims a "holistic approach" to UFO phenomena. This approach involves exploring the interactions of four observable parameters: Reports, Witnesses, Physical Environment, and Psycho-sociological Environment. These parameters are visually represented as vertices of a tetrahedral figure, with the stimulus being the non-observable trigger for a UFO experience. The editorial stresses that examining each vertex in isolation, excluding its relationship with the others, would be a significant mistake.

The issue points out that none of these four vertices or their interactions have received competent, unbiased attention. The "Report" vertex, while seemingly the best known, is described as an "alibi which serves to hide the blatant intellectual mediocrity of 'UFOlogists'." It notes that Lynn Catoe's bibliography lists very few references concerning the Witness and Psycho-sociological Environment vertices, highlighting a neglect of these crucial aspects.

The Scientific Status of UFO Phenomena

The journal questions whether UFO phenomena can be labeled as anomalous when an exhaustive scientific description is still missing and efforts for rigorous examination have been "ludicrous." It highlights GEPAN in France as one of the few serious, funded enterprises working on determining the reality of UFO phenomena. The issue also references Marcello Truzzi, suggesting that the ultimate explanation for a real anomaly might lie far from initial expectations.

UPIAR's Aims and Future Direction

This volume of UPIAR is described as "atypical," aiming to expose what is considered unfair and shameful in the current status of UFO research and to present challenging contributions on the Witness vertex. Special mention is given to a review of the New Zealand case and a technical contribution on the digital analysis of UFO pictures, both shedding light on the Report and Physical Environment vertices.

The editorial acknowledges that some sections may have gaps due to the rejection of low-quality manuscripts, attributing this to the "intellectual paucity that surrounds the subject." UPIAR aims to encourage more serious researchers to contribute. It invites authors to submit their works to EDITECS, emphasizing the importance of repeatability of results in scientific research.

Significant changes are noted for this volume: direct or indirect references to the CNIFAA group have disappeared, as UPIAR intends to be a reference point for a competent and responsible approach to UFO phenomena, independent of any particular association. This independence is seen as crucial for achieving an international stature and making significant contributions more widely known.

Editorial Board and Subscriptions

The journal recognizes that it represents a minority viewpoint but asserts that a minority can be irresistible when it exerts its full weight. There have been deletions in the advisory and editorial boards, with new referees arriving, including physicist Theodore Auerbach, sociologist Phillis Fox, astronomer Elaine Hendry, and psychologist Elizabeth Loftus.

The printing of 500 copies remains consistent with previous years, but there is a growing number of subscriptions for future volumes, which is seen as hopeful. However, an increase in subscriptions is vital to cover printing and mailing costs, which have been significantly impacted by losses and missing deliveries. Readers and editors are urged to promote subscriptions and encourage libraries to subscribe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for a more scientific, critical, and rigorous approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a departure from uncritical "UFOlogy" towards a methodology grounded in scientific principles. The journal champions a holistic view, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various factors in UFO sightings and calling for empirical study. It positions itself as an independent voice in the field, aiming to elevate the discourse beyond group affiliations and animosities, and to foster serious scholarly contributions.

This issue of UFO PHENOMENA, identified as Vol. IV, No. 1, published by UPIAR in 1980, features the cover headline "DIGITAL UFO PICTURE ANALYSIS" by Francois Louange. The publication is seeking support for its fund-raising campaign to sustain its operations and new commitments, including the launch of "UPIAR RESEARCH IN PROGRESS," a refereed supplement to be issued three times a year starting in Summer 1982.

Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos is the Editor-in-Chief, and the publication appeals to readers for their belief and support.

Scope and Purpose

The journal publishes original papers on the following research areas:

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 not have been published or submitted elsewhere. The publisher acquires sole copyright upon acceptance. No reproductions are permitted without special permission. The use of registered names does not imply exemption from protective laws. The journal is published after expert selection of manuscripts.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are to be sent to Coop. UPIAR SrL, CAS. POST. (P.O. BOX) 11221, I 20110 Milano, Italy.

Instructions to Authors

Contributions considered for publication include:

1. Papers stressing experimental results.
2. Theoretical papers stimulating new research.
3. Experimental papers with implications for UFO phenomena.
4. Editorial Papers on general informative interest (upon request).

Supplements such as monographs or congress proceedings may also be published. Announcements of meetings, symposia, and workshops are considered.

Submission of Manuscripts

Authors should send two copies of their manuscript, typed and single-spaced on white paper, to Coop. UPIAR SrL in Milan, Italy. The original must be clear for printing. A third copy should be retained by the author. Only original papers written in English will be considered, though French papers are accepted if accompanied by a full English translation of the title and abstract. Contributors are asked to avoid technical terms or jargon. Accepted manuscripts will be published by direct photographic reproduction, with no possibility of subsequent alterations. The publisher states that all 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 good quality white paper, with a maximum line length of 15 cm. Each paper must include an abstract of 200-300 words, which should be comprehensible to a broad audience and highlight the work's implications for UFO phenomena. The title should convey the paper's nature. The first page must include the title, authors' names, and their affiliation. French papers require an English summary and title translation. A list of 5-15 keywords for indexing purposes must be provided after the abstract.

Chapters and Sections

Original Papers are divided into chapters: Abstract, Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, Discussion, and References. Review Articles and Case Histories can be divided at the author's discretion.

Illustrations and Captions

Illustrations (photographs, diagrams, graphs) should be in the desired final size, respecting the page proportions (12 x 18 cm). Line drawings should be glossy prints with legible inscriptions. Half-tone illustrations should be well-contrasted photographic prints. Captions should be brief, clear, and appended to the text, avoiding phrases like "For explanation, see text."

References

References must be limited to quoted publications and listed alphabetically by the first author's surname. For journal papers, the format includes surname and initial(s), year of publication, full title (underlined), volume, issue, and page numbers. For books, it includes surname and initial(s), year, full title (underlined), publisher, city, and page numbers. For papers with more than two authors, only the first author is mentioned after the first citation (e.g., Schwarz et al., 1970).

Symbols and Terminology

Authors must use international rules for abbreviations, symbols, and technical terms. If none exist, terminology from well-known authors or treatises may be used. The editors strongly recommend developing a uniform terminology for UFO reports and invite suggestions.

Footnotes and Reprints

Footnotes should be avoided if possible, appearing on the first page if essential. Fifteen reprints are provided free of charge, with additional copies available upon request at a cost depending on page count.

About Key Words

Authors are requested to provide 5-15 keywords for indexing. The journal notes that many submitted manuscripts do not meet this requirement, possibly due to a lack of familiarity with the practice. Keywords are defined as significant words from a title or document used for indexing content. The journal aims to establish a uniform terminology in UFOlogy, akin to existing thesauri in other scientific fields like Index Medicus.

Call for Papers

Authors are invited to submit manuscripts for consideration. All submissions must be received by December 31 of each year. A careful reading of the Instructions to Authors is strongly recommended, as it is a basic principle for final approval. Review articles, original papers, case histories, book reviews, letters to the editors, and contributions for debates are welcomed. Long and detailed manuscripts are preferred over short communications.

Digital UFO Picture Analysis (Lead Article)

This article by Francois Louange, published in "Upiar, Vol. IV, No. 1, 1980 (19/48)", is intended for UFO investigators who have heard of picture processing by computers but have a vague idea of its application. It provides an overview of digital techniques for enhancing and analyzing pictures, with emphasis on features relevant to UFO photographs, such as edge enhancement and deblurring. While mathematical developments are avoided, some background in mathematical analysis, particularly Fourier analysis, is required for full comprehension.

The investigation of an alleged UFO picture is carried out in two steps: establishing or rejecting authenticity, and extracting information about the phenomenon. Digital means are presented as efficient for detecting hoaxes based on small artifacts and enhancing picture quality. The article notes that digital picture processing is a powerful tool, especially when used with optical or chemical film analysis.

Key words for this article include: deblurring, densitometry, digital processing, edge enhancement, hoax, image, photograph, picture, restoration, sharpening.

The introduction highlights that photographic hoaxes are common and profitable, and natural optical effects can also lead to false UFO photos. While testimony is often more reliable, a picture, when available with testimony, becomes extremely useful for confirming quantitative elements and deriving additional information.

UFO picture analysis is divided into two types of work: attempts to establish authenticity (proving it is not a hoax or spurious effect, though authenticity can never be absolutely demonstrated) and attempts to extract positive information (shape, size, distance). The article contrasts "analog" and "digital" approaches to studying UFO pictures, citing an independent analysis of the San Jose de Valderas pictures by C. Poher (analog) and Ground Saucer Watch (digital) in 1976, both reaching negative conclusions.

The paper aims to provide an overview of digital image processing for UFO investigators without prior background, focusing on concepts and results rather than lengthy mathematical developments. Section 2 will review general aspects and applications of digital image processing, with subsequent sections focusing on features relevant to UFO picture analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the establishment and advancement of UFO research as a scientific discipline. This is evident in the emphasis on rigorous manuscript submission guidelines, the call for uniform terminology, and the focus on analytical techniques like digital image processing. The editorial stance is one of seeking to professionalize UFO research by encouraging high-quality, peer-reviewed contributions and fostering a structured approach to data collection and analysis. The journal actively solicits papers that contribute to a deeper understanding of UFO phenomena, whether through experimental results, theoretical models, or detailed case histories. The publication also positions itself as a vital communication channel for the UFO research community, as indicated by the need for fund-raising and the introduction of a new supplement for rapid communications.

This document, comprising pages 22 through 31, focuses on the technical aspects of digital image processing, specifically detailing the processes of picture digitization and enhancement. It explains the fundamental concepts behind converting analog images into digital formats and the various methods used to improve image quality.

Picture Digitization

The process of digitizing a black and white picture begins with representing it as a function of two spatial variables, f(x,y), where each point's value corresponds to its brightness or gray level. For color pictures, three such functions are required, corresponding to the color film emulsion layers. Digitization involves two successive operations:

Sampling

Sampling extracts a discrete set of values from the picture. This can be done by taking values at regularly spaced points or by averaging values over small neighborhoods. For processing, these samples are typically represented as a rectangular array of real numbers.

Quantization

Quantization rounds the sampled values to yield a discrete set of intensity levels, representing the relative brightness of the picture. The result of digitization is an array of integers, where each element is called a "pixel" (picture element).

Sampling is usually performed using a regularly spaced square array of points, though a hexagonal array is an alternative. The justification for sampling lies in the ability to reconstruct the original image mathematically from the samples, as defined by the generalized Shannon theorem. If this condition is not met, the picture is undersampled, leading to "aliasing" effects, where high-frequency details are misrepresented.

The document also introduces the concept of the spatial frequency spectrum, F(u,v), which is the bidimensional Fourier transform of the picture function f(x,y). It explains how sampling on a lattice in the (x,y) plane corresponds to a reciprocal lattice in the (u,v) plane. The Shannon theorem states that if the spectrum F(u,v) is band-limited and the sample points are close enough, the original picture can be reproduced without overlap of the spectrum with its images on the reciprocal lattice.

In practice, if the picture function is bandwidth-limited to spatial frequencies not exceeding W, the sampling interval 'd' is defined as d = 1/(2W).

An alternative to using gray levels for sampling is to expand f(x,y) in terms of orthonormal functions and use their coefficients as samples. Quantization must be done carefully to avoid "false contours" when gray levels change slowly, especially if the number of quantization levels is too small.

Extended Shannon Theorem (Figure 1)

Figure 1 illustrates the Extended Shannon Theorem. Part (a) shows the spectrum F(u,v) of a band-limited image to be sampled on a lattice of equidistant points 'd' apart. Part (b) depicts non-overlapping copies of F(u,v) on the reciprocal lattice, indicating no aliasing. Part (c) shows overlapping copies of F(u,v) resulting from undersampling, which leads to aliasing.

Required Equipment

The primary advantage of digital analysis over analog methods is its high flexibility. All image operations can be expressed as successive transforms. While some transforms, like the Fourier transform, can be done with analog methods (e.g., a lens), they require dedicated hardware. Digital computation, however, is limited mainly by memory size and computing time, which are rarely restrictive for occasional investigations.

Digital image processing requires specific hardware and software. A typical configuration includes three functional blocks:

1. Special Equipment: Interfaces between photographs and digitized pictures. This includes:
* A scanner that reads a photograph and produces a digitized picture on a computer-compatible magnetic tape.
* A film writing system that performs the reverse operation, reading a digitized picture from magnetic tape and creating a photographic negative.
2. Main Frame Computer: Equipped with magnetic tape units for reading and writing digitized images and sufficient memory for processing.
3. Interactive Display Facility: Connected to the main frame, allowing images to be displayed in their digitized form. This is crucial for monitoring processing steps and experimenting with different methods.

In a typical system, a minicomputer might drive basic operations, while the main frame handles time-consuming computations. The input is a low-quality photo, and the output is an enhanced photo. Processing programs are chosen and activated interactively via the display console.

Picture Enhancement

Picture enhancement aims to suppress or emphasize specific features to increase an image's usefulness, particularly for low-quality pictures where the degradation process is not estimated. Common corrections include:

• Increasing contrast: Counteracting degradation that typically erodes contrast.
• Deblurring: Correcting blurriness, assuming the original image was sharp.
• Smoothing: Reducing noise, assuming the original scene was noiseless.

Picture Quality

The fidelity of a picture g(x,y) to its ideal original f(x,y) can be evaluated. Degradation is often modeled as a linear shift-invariant operation (convolution) combined with signal-independent noise: g(x,y) = h(x,y)*f(x,y) + n(x,y). The function h(x,y) represents the degradation, and if it's a sharp point, it's called the "point spread function". Other measures include the "line spread function" and "edge spread function".

Gray Scale Modification

This is a powerful class of enhancement operations that modifies the gray scale of a picture. Types include:

1. Exposure Mapping: If an "exposure mapping" function e(x,y) is known (e.g., from calibrating with a uniform field), the original picture f(x,y) can be reconstructed using g(x,y) = e(x,y) * f(x,y).
2. Gray Scale Transform: Applied equally to all points, this can stretch or compress the gray scale to occupy the full range or a specific fraction of it, improving contrast. Computers offer unlimited choices for such transforms.
3. Histogram Modification: Quantizing f(x,y) into K gray levels creates a histogram. By redefining the discrete set of gray levels to achieve a predefined histogram shape (e.g., a flat histogram where all gray levels occur equally often), image normalization and contrast enhancement can be achieved.

Geometric Correction

Pictures can be geometrically distorted due to optical or electronic limitations. If a distorted image of a known pattern (like a grid) is available, a distortion model can approximate the original undistorted picture through piecewise reconstruction using linear or bilinear transforms.

Sharpening

Blurring is equivalent to averaging or integration. Sharpening can be achieved through differentiation operations, provided the picture signal is stronger than noise. Noise often involves high rates of change, so reducing noise before sharpening is advisable. Derivative operators that are isotropic (rotation-invariant) are preferred for sharpening edges and lines regardless of their direction. Two important isotropic operators are the gradient's magnitude (∇f) and the Laplacian (∇²f).

For a digitized picture f(i,j), these operators are used in discrete forms. The Laplacian, ∇²f(i,j), is proportional to the difference between a gray level and its neighbors. Subtracting the Laplacian from a picture can have a strong deblurring effect.

More generally, edge enhancement can be achieved with operators of the type f - kV²f.

"High emphasis filtering" compensates for blurring by strengthening high spatial frequencies more than low ones, up to the point where noise becomes dominant. This can be combined with non-linear gray scale transformations. For instance, to remove shading effects due to uneven illumination, one can transform gray levels logarithmically (log b(x,y) = log i(x,y) + log r(x,y)) and then use a high-pass filter in the frequency domain to deemphasize the illumination effects.

Smoothing

Smoothing is used to remove noise, but must be applied carefully as it can blur pictures. If noise is in known positions or distinguishable, it can be removed locally by interpolation or frequency domain subtraction. If multiple noisy copies of the same picture are available, pointwise averaging can reduce noise. For a single picture, local averaging can be used, but edges and lines should be detected first to avoid averaging over them. This method is useful for removing quantization noise and "false contours".

Restoration

Restoration deals with pictures recorded in the presence of a specific source of degradation, assuming the model g(x,y) = h(x,y)*f(x,y) + n(x,y). In the absence of noise, g(x,y) = h(x,y)*f(x,y). After Fourier transformation, this becomes G(u,v) = H(u,v)F(u,v), where H(u,v) is the "transfer function" of the degrading operation. Restoration requires knowledge of the degradation function h(x,y) or the transfer function H(u,v).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document consistently emphasizes the technical and mathematical underpinnings of digital image processing. It presents a systematic approach to understanding image digitization, enhancement, and restoration, grounded in signal processing theory, particularly Fourier analysis and the Shannon theorem. The editorial stance is objective and instructional, aiming to educate the reader on the principles and practical considerations of these techniques. There is a clear focus on the computational aspects and the hardware required for these processes. The text is dense with technical terms and mathematical formulations, suggesting an audience with a background in engineering or computer science.

This document, likely an excerpt from a technical journal or magazine focused on image processing and its applications, delves into the sophisticated methods of digital image processing, with a particular emphasis on their utility in analyzing alleged UFO photographs. The content is highly technical, discussing various algorithms and their mathematical underpinnings. The publication appears to be from the late 1970s, given the references cited.

Image Degradation and Restoration

The initial sections lay the groundwork for understanding image processing by explaining common forms of image degradation and methods for their restoration. Degradation can arise from physical phenomena, such as motion blur in photography, which can be characterized by a transfer function H(u,v). When the nature of the degradation is unknown, the point spread function (x,y) can sometimes be estimated from the degraded image itself, for instance, by analyzing sharp lines or edges.

Noise is another significant factor. The common assumption is that noise is 'white,' meaning it has constant spectral density and is uncorrelated with the picture. However, the text acknowledges that this is not always true, and more advanced methods account for a priori information about the noise.

Inverse Filtering

In the absence of noise, the original picture's spectrum F(u,v) can be recovered from the degraded picture's spectrum G(u,v) and the degradation transfer function H(u,v) using the formula F(u,v) = G(u,v)/H(u,v). However, this method is problematic when H(u,v) has zeroes, as these rarely coincide with the zeroes of G(u,v), leading to 'spurious spikes' in the restored image. To circumvent this, an arbitrary 'processing transfer function' M(u,v) is introduced, modifying the estimated spectrum of the restored picture f(x,y) to F(u,v) = H(u,v)M(u,v)F(u,v). Various processing transfer functions are discussed in the literature.

Least Squares Filtering

To avoid the arbitrariness of inverse filtering, least squares filtering (also known as Wiener filtering) aims to find a restoration f(x,y) that minimizes the mean squared error between the original and restored images. This method requires a priori statistical knowledge of the noise field and is achieved by setting the estimated spectrum to zero at frequencies where no power exists. The calculations for this are noted as lengthy and are not reproduced.

Alternative Methods

Other techniques mentioned include 'constrained deconvolution,' which is used when only the nature of the degradation and the variance of the noise are known, and 'recursive filtering,' applicable when a picture can be modeled as a Markov process corrupted by white noise. The text notes that these techniques are still under development, with numerous papers published annually.

Image Analysis: Segmentation and Description

The document then shifts focus to 'image analysis,' where the goal is to produce a 'description' of the input picture, rather than just an improved version. Examples include converting handwritten text into a sequence of characters or creating a terrain map from an aerial photograph.

Segmentation Techniques

Segmentation, the process of dividing a picture into meaningful parts, is a prerequisite for description. Several techniques are discussed:

• Thresholding: The simplest method to extract objects by setting a threshold value. Pixels above the threshold are assigned one value (e.g., 1), and those below are assigned another (e.g., 0). More refined techniques aim to minimize misclassification errors.
• Edge Detection: Based on identifying discontinuities in gray levels (edges). Derivative operators like the gradient and Laplacian highlight areas of rapid gray level change. The 'best-fit edge detection' method fits a plane to local pixel neighborhoods, using the plane's gradient as a noise-insensitive approximation of the image gradient.
• Matching: This technique finds locations in a picture where a given pattern matches. The degree of match can be measured using cross-correlation or matched filters. More complex methods are needed when the pattern can undergo rotation or scaling.
• Tracking: A class of sequential segmentation methods that use information from previously processed points. An example is tracking vertical lines by processing row by row, using gray level thresholds to identify points and their neighbors.

Geometry and Description

Once segmented, geometrical properties of the parts and their relationships are established to form a description. 'Classification' is a special case where the picture is assigned to a predefined class using pattern recognition techniques. This branch is deemed of limited interest for the paper's context.

UFO: Photographic Hoaxes

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to the application of digital image processing in analyzing alleged UFO photographs, specifically to identify hoaxes.

Evidence for a Supporting Thread

Many UFO hoaxes involve small objects suspended by thin threads or thrown into the air. Digital picture processing can be a powerful tool to detect such tricks. Techniques like edge enhancement can reveal nearly vertical threads that are otherwise invisible. Derivative operators are useful for detecting these vertical features, and linear combinations of the picture and its derivatives can enhance the visibility of the object and its supporting thread.

Evidence for a Small Object

Analyzing alleged UFO pictures can help determine if an object was small and close or large and far away. This can be done by comparing the blurring at the object's edges with the blurring of landscape elements, which is caused by atmospheric scattering. Sharper edges suggest the object is closer. Quantitative comparisons with known distances can help calculate the object's distance and actual size. Visualizing gray level values along lines perpendicular to edges can aid this analysis. Additionally, geometrical distortions caused by camera lenses near the limit of the depth of field can indicate if an object was very close.

Digital Analysis of UFO Photographs

If a photograph passes initial authenticity checks, digital techniques can extract maximum information. This includes assessing object size and distance from atmospheric scattering effects. Other applications include:

Digital Densitometry

Densitometry measurements, directly related to gray levels after digitization, allow quantitative studies of scene illumination, reflectance, and object luminosity. This is particularly useful for determining if an alleged UFO was radiating its own energy.

Picture Enhancement/Restoration

This is a primary application for UFO photo analysis, improving picture quality. Enhancement techniques increase contrast and recover details, often involving gray scale adjustments and sharpening. Noise must be removed before sharpening. Restoration techniques are used to suppress blurring caused by relative motion between the object and camera, provided the motion conditions can be assessed.

Conclusions

Digital image processing is presented as a powerful and flexible tool for analyzing alleged UFO pictures, aiding in the disclosure of hoaxes. While the paper focuses on black and white images, the techniques can be extended to color pictures (by decomposing them into color layers), movies (by analyzing successive frames), and video tapes. Frame averaging can improve signal-to-noise ratio. Matching techniques can compare multiple images of the same supposed UFO. However, the document emphasizes that digital processing cannot do everything; analysis of the film grain and detection of double exposures using a microscope are still necessary.

Bibliography and Annex

The document includes a bibliography with references to works on image processing and pattern classification, primarily from the 1970s. An annex provides an illustrative example of processing a false UFO photograph taken under bad conditions. This example details the defects of the 'raw picture' (underexposure, blur, noise, dropouts) and the steps taken to enhance it, including removing dropouts, stretching the gray scale, and using differentiation and cross-correlation to reveal a supporting thread. An 'ideal picture' taken in good conditions is also mentioned for comparison.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the application of advanced digital image processing techniques to a specific, controversial field: UFO photography analysis. The editorial stance is objective and technical, presenting digital processing as a scientific tool capable of revealing evidence of hoaxes and extracting objective data from photographic evidence. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific rigor and analytical power of these methods, positioning them as essential for discerning truth from deception in visual evidence.

This issue of Upiar, Vol. IV, No. 1, 1980, features a significant technical analysis of the "New Zealand UFO Film: The Ampersand Image" by Bruce S. Maccabee. The magazine also includes articles on the digital analysis of UFO photos in French, German, Italian, and Spanish, translated by various individuals.

Technical Analysis of the New Zealand UFO Film: The Ampersand Image

This is the first of two papers presenting the results of technical analyses of a frame from the New Zealand UFO film, obtained by cameraman David Crockett on December 31, 1978. The paper provides a summarized version of the New Zealand sightings and an analysis of the "ampersand image." This image is described as being smeared by relative motion between the light source and the camera, creating a complex loop in the form of an ampersand (&).

Bruce S. Maccabee, affiliated with the Fund for UFO Research Inc., concludes that the image might have been generated if the camera bumped into something. The subsequent paper by Richard Haines will discuss experimental results testing this "bump theory," noting that Haines was unable to create a similar loop image even when intentionally vibrating his camera in a less heavy plane with a less heavy camera.

The investigation into the New Zealand sightings was initiated after Australian TV reporter Quentin Fogarty and a film crew claimed to have captured the world's first film of UFOs. While skeptics offered instantaneous explanations, the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) offered Maccabee the opportunity to investigate. The results have been published in various UFO organization journals, magazines, and newspapers.

The paper assumes the reader is familiar with the narrative of the events, referencing several publications, including "What Really Happened in New Zealand" by Bruce Maccabee and "The Kaikoura UFOs" by Captain William Startup, the pilot of the plane on which the film crew was riding. The film crew was aboard Startup's plane on December 31st due to earlier sightings on December 21, 1978.

Three other references are cited, making the New Zealand film case notable in open scientific literature, presenting technical data related to the ampersand image.

Digital Analysis of UFO Photos (Multilingual)

Several articles discuss the digital analysis of UFO photographs, aimed at researchers who may have heard of computer image analysis but have a vague understanding of its application. These articles provide an overview of available digital techniques for enhancing and analyzing images, with a focus on characteristics relevant to UFO photographs, such as contour enhancement and blur removal.

French Article (Translated by Jacques Scornaux):
This article emphasizes that while mathematical developments are avoided, a basic understanding of mathematical analysis, particularly Fourier analysis, is necessary to grasp the principles. The study of an alleged UFO photograph involves two steps: establishing or rejecting authenticity, and extracting information about the phenomenon. Digital methods are presented for both stages, including detecting signs of fakery (small artifacts) and improving image quality. Digital processing is deemed a powerful tool for researching photographic UFO data, especially when combined with optical or chemical film analysis.

German Article (Translated by Adolf Schneider):
This work is for UFO researchers who have heard of computer image analysis but have only a vague idea of what it entails. It offers an overview of current digital image enhancement and analysis methods, focusing on aspects relevant to alleged UFO photos, such as contour enhancement and blur removal. While mathematical derivations are omitted, a basic knowledge of analytical methods, especially Fourier analysis, is required. The investigation of alleged UFO photos is conducted in two steps: first, proving or disproving authenticity, and second, extracting information about the phenomenon. Digital methods are described for both, including detecting evidence of fakes (small objects or models) and improving image quality. The author believes digital image analysis is an effective instrument for examining photographic evidence of the UFO phenomenon, particularly when used with other methods like optical or chemical film analysis.

Italian Article (Translated by Rosalba Viano):
This article addresses UFO investigators who have heard of computer analysis of photographs but have only a vague idea of its meaning. It presents an overview of generally applicable digital techniques for highlighting and analyzing images, with particular regard to characteristics of interest for analyzing alleged UFO photographs, such as edge enhancement and image brightening.

Spanish Article (Translated by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos):
This work is directed at UFO researchers who have heard of computer-based photograph analysis but only have a vague idea of what it truly means. It presents an overview of available digital techniques for enhancing and analyzing photographs, emphasizing characteristics most interesting for the analysis of supposed UFO photographs, such as edge improvement and blur elimination. Although mathematical developments have been avoided, a basic understanding of mathematical analysis is required to grasp the concepts behind the presented techniques (particularly Fourier analysis). Investigations into a supposed UFO photograph are carried out in two stages: establishing or rejecting the phenomenon's authenticity, and extracting information from it. Specific types of work efficiently performed by digital means are presented for both stages; in particular, the search for evidence of hoaxes or small models and the improvement of photograph quality are considered. Digital photograph processing is a powerful research tool for photographic evidence of the UFO phenomenon, especially when used in conjunction with other media, such as optical or chemical film analysis.

Physical Aspects

This section title appears on page 8, but no content is provided for it in the scanned pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the application of scientific and technical methods, particularly digital image analysis, to the study of UFO phenomena. The magazine appears to advocate for rigorous investigation and analysis of photographic evidence, moving beyond anecdotal accounts or simplistic explanations. The editorial stance seems to favor a methodical, evidence-based approach to understanding UFOs, acknowledging the potential for both genuine phenomena and hoaxes, and highlighting the utility of advanced analytical tools in discerning between them. The multilingual presentation of the digital analysis article suggests an international scope and interest in the subject matter.

This document details the UFO sightings that occurred on December 31, 1978, off the coast of New Zealand. It focuses on an incident involving an Argosy aircraft carrying a news crew, which experienced a series of visual and radar observations of unidentified lights. The primary objective of the article is to present a technical analysis of the events, particularly a famous film frame known as the 'ampersand image'.

Synopsis of the December 31st Sightings

The article begins by recounting the events of December 31, 1978, which gained front-page attention in New Zealand and Australia. These sightings were associated with aircraft pilots and radar targets. A producer from TV Channel 0 in Melbourne, Australia, decided to create a news story about the sightings, partly due to the recent disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich under circumstances with 'UFO overtones'. Reporter Quentin Fogarty was tasked with interviewing people involved. Fogarty managed to get himself and a film crew, David and Ngaire Crockett, aboard an Argosy aircraft similar to the one involved in the initial sightings, for a flight on December 31.

The initial plan was for the plane to fly from Blenheim to Wellington and then to Christchurch, where the news crew would disembark. However, due to combined radar and visual sightings during the trip from Wellington to Christchurch, the news crew decided to stay on for the return trip to Blenheim. This extended their time on the plane from 11:45 P.M. on December 30 through 3:10 A.M. on December 31. During this period, visual and radar sightings occurred at several intervals: from approximately 12:10 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. (landing at Christchurch), from 2:19 A.M. to 2:33 A.M. (flying northeast out of Christchurch), and from 2:45 A.M. to 3:00 A.M. (flying toward Cape Campbell).

Brief Synopsis of Events and Figures

Figures 1, 2, and 3 provide timelines and synopses of the events. The flight originated from Blenheim, with cameraman David Crockett filming the plane on the ground and during takeoff. At Wellington, Crockett filmed the landing. During the flight, the air crew noticed unusual lights appearing and disappearing, seemingly sending light beams downward, in the direction of Kaikoura. Reporter Quentin Fogarty began taping messages for his news stories.

The air crew contacted the Wellington Air Traffic Control Center (WATCC) regarding targets near Kaikoura, and WATCC confirmed targets in that direction, closer to the plane. Flashing lights were observed generally in the direction of Kaikoura and occasionally ahead of the aircraft. WATCC reported several radar targets, some correlated with visual sightings. Crockett filmed a bright blue-white light and other distant lights.

WATCC reported targets behind and beside the plane, with one target merging with the plane on the radar screen. Passengers saw a flashing light on the right side of the plane. Christchurch radar detected a target to the right of the plane, which appeared to travel along with it before continuing southward after the plane landed. Fogarty taped a message indicating WATCC still had targets around the Clarence River.

Upon takeoff from Christchurch, the aircrew and passengers observed a bright yellow/orangish-white light ahead and to the right, which later moved to the right side. A strong radar target was detected, agreeing with the light's azimuth. The radar distance decreased significantly, and the target eventually went off the screen. Crockett filmed this with a zoom lens, obtaining footage that included the widely publicized 'ampersand' image. The plane turned toward the light, and Crockett filmed with a misadjusted lens, resulting in defocused images.

During the return flight near Kaikoura, WATCC and the airplane radars detected targets off the coast, possibly in the same location as previous Wellington targets. The air crew and passengers saw pulsating and flashing lights toward Cape Campbell and Blenheim, with WATCC reporting a strong target ahead of the aircraft. Crockett filmed a series of about 32 cycles of a flashing light exhibiting color and brightness changes, with WATCC reporting targets possibly correlated with ships in Cook Strait.

The plane landed at Blenheim, with Crockett filming the landing field.

Analysis of the Crockett Film and the Ampersand Image

Out of 16,440 frames in the Crockett film, approximately 4500 contain images of unidentified lights. Several thousand frames of known light sources, such as landing lights, were also captured, serving as calibration for film sensitivity and camera optics. The paper focuses on frame N-1766, a widely publicized image of unidentified lights.

Figure 4 presents a magnified view of the 'ampersand' image from frame N-1766. The analysis of this image aims to determine if it was caused by camera motion or object motion. If the light source moved, the frame would contain evidence of a UFO.

Technical data for the film and camera are provided: a Bolex H16RX, EBM electric camera with a 16-100 mm zoom lens, operated at 100 mm focal length and f/1.9. The camera's rotating shutter was open for 0.044 seconds at 10 frames per second. The film used was Fujicolor 8425, a high-speed (400 ASA) color reversal film.

At the time frame N-1766 was shot, the plane was climbing out of Christchurch at an altitude of 2000 to 3000 meters, approximately 25 to 45 km from the city. The aircraft's ground speed was around 180-190 knots.

The line of sight to the bright light was initially in the range of 20° to 60° to the right of straight ahead. Coincidentally, the airplane radar picked up a strong target. The air crew and passengers were certain the radar target and the light were the same object. The radar target was initially about 35 km away and moved closer, reaching 18-20 km before disappearing off the radar scope. The radar azimuth indicated the target moved toward the aircraft's flight path.

The 'ampersand' image is highly overexposed. Film density measurements show variations, and the color is described as bright golden yellow or bright pale orange/yellow, with overexposed portions appearing white. Using estimated exposure and radar distances, the luminous intensity of the source is estimated to be in the range of 2 x 10^5 to 2 x 10^6 candelas, significantly brighter than a 10,000-watt bulb.

Creation of the Ampersand Image

The 'ampersand' image, like all smeared images, resulted from relative motion between the camera and the light source while the shutter was open. Since the camera was shoulder-mounted, it experienced random motion, creating normal image smears. However, the 'ampersand' image is significantly longer (4.1 mm) than normal smears (0.3-0.6 mm), suggesting either a 12-fold increase in relative motion speed for that frame or a 12-fold increase in shutter open duration.

Figure 5 illustrates normal motion smears and the 'ampersand' image, showing the relative motion indicated by arrows. The lengths of streaks in frames preceding N-1766 are short, representing normal camera motion. In contrast, the 'ampersand' image is about 12 times longer. The frames following N-1766 show minimal motion, indicating the relative motion between the camera and light nearly stopped immediately after.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the detailed investigation of a specific UFO sighting event through eyewitness accounts, radar data, and photographic evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective analysis, focusing on technical details and scientific interpretation of the available data, particularly the film evidence. The paper aims to explore explanations for the observed phenomena, including potential camera artifacts versus genuine anomalous aerial objects.

This issue of UFOlogist, Volume 4, Issue 13, dated July 1979, published by CUFOS, focuses on a detailed technical analysis of photographic evidence from a UFO sighting off the coast of New Zealand. The primary subject is a film captured by cameraman David Crockett on December 31, 1978, which exhibits an unusual ampersand-shaped image, potentially created by relative motion between a light source and the camera.

Analysis of Film Frames 1765 and 1766

The article begins by examining densitometric measurements of background film density in frames 1765 and 1766. Figure 6 illustrates these measurements, showing scans along the film with and without a neutral density wedge. The data indicates no significant difference in background density between the two frames. This finding suggests that the camera shutter did not stop for an extended period, ruling out explanations that rely on a long exposure to background light. The slight tilt observed in the density measurement points is attributed to non-uniform illumination by the densitometer, not a variation in film density.

Camera Motion vs. Light Source Motion

A key question addressed is whether the ampersand image was caused by camera motion or the motion of the light source itself. The analysis considers the possibility of the camera stopping for many seconds, but this is deemed unlikely due to the lack of a longer smear and the consistent background film density. The absence of a measurable density difference between frames 1765 and 1766 supports the conclusion that the shutter did not stop for an appreciable time. Furthermore, the alignment of the image in frame 1767 suggests no significant time lag between the closing of the shutter in frame 1766 and its opening for frame 1767.

Photometric and Kinematic Analysis

The article explores the implications of the image's brightness and length. If the image in frame 1766 were as bright as preceding images, it would imply a longer exposure time (around 0.55 sec). However, the observed lower brightness suggests the shutter was open for the usual duration of 0.044 sec. This leads to the conclusion that the relative motion indicated by the ampersand image occurred at an unusually high rate of speed.

Calculations are performed to estimate the motion of the light source, assuming it is responsible for the image. If the light source is at a distance comparable to the radar target (18 km), the projected motion on a plane 18 km away represents a path length of 4.1 mm on the film, corresponding to 740 m. This implies an average speed of approximately 16770 m/sec, described as a "meteoric" speed. The radial acceleration at the top of the loop is calculated to be extremely high, around 6.3 x 10^6 m/sec^2, or 640,000 "g's".

Shape and Size of the Light Source

The shape and size of the light source are inferred from the film image. The image in frame 1768, taken when the camera was apparently stationary, is nearly elliptical. By comparing the width of the vertical portions of the loop image in frame 1766 with its horizontal portion, and comparing this to the ellipticity of the image in frame 1768, the source is concluded to be elliptical with a major/minor axis ratio of about 1.4-1.5. Based on a focal length of 100 mm and an estimated distance of 18 km, the source's dimensions are estimated to be approximately 22 m wide and 15 m high.

Possible Explanations and Conclusion

Two main hypotheses are considered: camera motion and light source motion. The possibility of camera motion is explored, including a "bump" that could cause a structural oscillation. This proposal is based on observations of image motion before frame 1766, suggesting the camera was moving rapidly. However, the author notes that there is no experimental evidence that bumping a camera could create such a loop image, and Crockett's testimony does not clearly indicate a bump. Richard Haines' experiments, using a lighter camera and aircraft, failed to produce a similar loop image even with intentional vibration, suggesting that creating such a complex image by camera manipulation alone is extremely difficult or impossible.

The article also considers the visual and photographic evidence of the light source itself. The color is described as bright yellow/white or bright pale orange, and no known light source in the area matches these characteristics. The possibility of a squid boat is dismissed due to color and the inability of a boat to pace an aircraft.

Ultimately, the author concludes that the ampersand image was created during a time period of 0.044 sec, and the camera was likely moved upward just before the image, possibly bumping into something. However, this conclusion is qualified as "weak" due to the lack of supporting experimental evidence and clear testimony. The question of how the ampersand image was created is left unanswered.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography listing 10 references, primarily from UFO journals and publications, related to unidentified bright objects, photometric properties, and UFOs in New Zealand.

French Abstract

A technical analysis of the UFO film from New Zealand is presented in French, titled "ANALYSE TECHNIQUE DU FILM UFOLOGIQUE DE LA NOUVELLE ZELANDE: L'IMAGE '&'". This abstract summarizes the analysis of David Crockett's film, noting that the diffuse image was produced by relative motion between the light source and the camera, creating a complex loop. The author's conclusion in this text is that the image may have been created by a camera shock. The following text by Richard Haines discusses experimental results from his test regarding the "shock theory", where he was unable to create a loop image even by intentionally vibrating his camera.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the rigorous scientific analysis of UFO photographic evidence, employing methods such as densitometry and kinematic calculations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to explain phenomena through physical principles while acknowledging the limitations of current evidence and experimental capabilities. The issue highlights the complexity of analyzing anomalous aerial phenomena and the challenges in definitively attributing causes, whether to natural phenomena, equipment malfunction, or unknown objects.

This document contains a technical analysis of a UFO film taken on December 31, 1978, off the coast of New Zealand's South Island. The analysis is presented in multiple languages, including Italian, German, Spanish, and English, reflecting its international interest.

Technical Analysis of the New Zealand UFO Film: The Ampersand Loop

The primary focus of the article is the technical examination of a frame from a UFO film obtained by cameraman David Crockett. The film captures an unidentified light source, and a specific image on the film has been described as an 'ampersand' (&) or 'figure eight' shape. The Italian section, translated by Roberto Farabone, explains that this image was obtained due to relative motion between the light source and the camera, creating a "braided line in the shape of an ampersand." The author concludes that this image could have been generated if the camera bumped into something. The subsequent work by Richard Haines discusses experimental results related to this "impact theory."

The German section, translated by Adolf Schneider, reiterates that the "ampersand loop" was created by relative movement between the camera and light source. The author's conclusion is that the loop might have been caused by the camera being bumped during the recording. Richard Haines' experimental tests, using a lighter aircraft and camera, failed to reproduce the loop image, even when intentionally vibrating the camera.

The Spanish section, translated by V.-J. Ballester Olmos, also describes the "ampersand image" appearing due to relative movement between the light source and camera, forming a "complex loop in the shape of an ampersand." The conclusion is that the image could have been generated if the camera hit something.

The English section, authored by Richard F. Haines, provides a more detailed account. It states that experiments were conducted to determine if a loop image, found in frame 1766 of the Crockett film, could be duplicated by intentionally vibrating a camera with a telephoto lens. No loop images were created in these experiments. The analysis also covers color changing/oscillating sequences and observations on witnesses.

The "Figure Eight" Image

Frame N-1766 is highlighted due to early microdensitometry analysis that showed consistent optical density across background regions. The possibility of a stuck rotary shutter causing the smear was investigated and dismissed, as it would have decreased optical density, which was not the case. An alternative explanation is that the UFO source was stationary, and the camera underwent an extremely fast and complex movement during the 0.044-second exposure, possibly due to the cameraman being jarred or the lens striking the aircraft structure.

Experiments were conducted to duplicate the blurred image by flying in a Cessna aircraft and using comparable photographic conditions. The camera was hand-held, stabilized, and purposely vibrated. The telephoto lens was also held touching the vibrating window. The results showed that the most complex image blur produced was L-shaped or J-shaped, with the long part being 10 to 15 times the length of the short part. No complex or closed figures were produced. Figure 1 illustrates the largest blur pattern obtained.

The author notes that the cameraman (Crockett) stated he did not touch the camera body or lens to the aircraft's window. While camera motion likely contributed to some of the figure eight smear, the author suggests the distant object may have undergone high-speed translation, possibly in a vertical plane. The figure eight pattern, being centered in the frame and appearing to end where it started, is consistent with a point source moved through a 360° circle with a stationary axis of revolution. This could be reproduced by fixing a light on a spinning wagon wheel and photographing it with a small oscillatory horizontal camera motion during a single exposure.

On-Off Sequence of Images

A series of 280 frames (N-4581 through 4860) near the end of the Crockett film shows a point source alternately appearing and disappearing or fading in intensity. The author determined that there is a regular change in the image area of the light source, reaching a maximum 33 times per cycle of approximately 0.85 seconds. The source was likely not a capacitor discharge type due to variations in the cyclic sequences. The measured variation in period could be due to the camera's rotating shutter being open for 160° (44.4%) of the time, and the maximum image size occurring when the shutter was closed (0.055 sec. between exposures).

These frames were projected and traced to illustrate spatial location changes. The images generally move along a nearly vertical trajectory, inclined slightly to the right. Within each on-off cycle, the image begins as a reddish point source, expands to maximum size and brightness for four to six frames (becoming yellowish white and hotdog-shaped), and then decreases to another red image. Superimposing these images reveals that the majority of the first 50 or so images are approximately vertically oriented blurs. Tear drop and circular shaped images are also found. Frame-to-frame changes in image size are possibly a result of the change in received luminous radiation, suggesting that smaller images correspond more closely to the color, shape, and size of the UFO source.

Some Observations on the Witnesses of the UFO Events

The author had the opportunity to speak with three of the five eyewitnesses on board the aircraft.

Captain W.E. (Bill) Startup: Described as a highly credible and experienced eyewitness. At 46 years old, he had 23 years of flying experience, including 14 years with Safe Air Ltd. The author was impressed by his detailed knowledge of flight systems and his cockpit discipline. It is noted that Startup and his co-pilot Robert Guard had much to lose professionally if the event were a hoax, and indications are that they genuinely saw the anomalous light(s) described in his book, "The Kaikoura UFOs."

Quentin Fogarty: A professional investigative journalist on an official news assignment. He was interviewed over two days and described as a warm and sincere person. When asked if he would want to repeat the experience, he stated, "...in no way would I want to, nor would I wish it upon somebody else." The presence of Fogarty and two others on the nighttime freighter flight is questioned, suggesting a possible TV news documentary assignment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the technical analysis of UFO photographic evidence, the investigation of potential causes for anomalous images (such as camera motion versus actual object behavior), and the assessment of eyewitness credibility. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry, attempting to explain phenomena through physical and mechanical principles while acknowledging the potential for genuine anomalous events. The publication, UPIAR, seems to be dedicated to the serious study of UFO phenomena, presenting detailed analyses and discussions of cases.

Title: Upiar
Issue: Vol. IV, No. 1 (91/111)
Date: 1980
Publisher: UPIAR
Country: Austria
Language: English
Cover Headline: THE DARK SIDE OF THE UFO

This issue of Upiar, published in 1980, focuses on the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO phenomena, particularly exploring the concept of the "dark side" of UFO experiences.

Article: THE DARK SIDE OF THE UFO by Alexander G. Keul

Alexander G. Keul's article, based on 30 years of UFO literature and 100 Austrian UFO reports, introduces the concept of a "dark side" in UFO experiences. This "dark side" is described as a force field of psychosocial and pathological influences. The author, Ernst Berger, demonstrates how these influences can be traced in historical cases and studied experimentally through clinical psychology and psychiatry. Keul suggests that identifying this "dark side" should lead to a new, witness-centered investigation technique, especially for "close encounters," and advocates for a different scientific attitude towards UFO phenomenology.

The article posits that progress in psychosocial disciplines will gradually illuminate the "dark side" of the UFO, provided no a priori reductions are made. The author hypothesizes that this progress is linked to the "human self-portrait" of our time, which reflects the degree of scientifically-based awareness the UFO researcher has of themselves and the witness.

Keywords: Close encounters, dark side, hallucinations, hypnotic regression, illusions, mirror-effect, parapsychology, psychosocial influences, spiritualistic views, subconscious material, social situation, UFO experience, UFO symptomatology, visions, witness-centered UFO investigation.

Introduction: The introduction quotes a passage emphasizing that answers to profound questions often transcend available information, placing researchers on a frontier of challenge. It suggests focusing on UFO reports rather than UFOs themselves, as reports are made by people who can be mistaken.

Question of Reality: The article delves into Schönherr's "question of reality" in UFO investigations, questioning the possibility of documenting transitory phenomena with instrumentation. It notes that many details about UFO witnesses lend a "subjective reality" to their experience, but the core question remains: "What level of objective reality?" The "police approach" to investigations, contrasting with "acceptance at face value," yields two levels of reality: the psychosocial reality of the reporter and the subjective reality of the witnessed incident, which is shaped by its psychosocial context.

Material and Methods: Over 100 Austrian field investigations, including "local flap" studies, suggest that standard investigation procedures are inadequate. The author agrees with Grattan-Guinness's complaint that much information is lost due to ufologists not asking relevant questions or not carrying out appropriate procedures.

Analysis of a New Zealand UFO Sighting (December 31, 1978)

The issue includes an analysis of a specific UFO sighting that occurred on December 31, 1978, between Blenheim and Christchurch, New Zealand. This event involved a bright flashing object and radar contact, and was filmed by cameraman David Crockett. The article discusses the earlier encounter on December 21, 1978, between the same locations, which also involved radar contact with a bright flashing object but did not receive the same publicity.

Witness Testimony: Quentin Fogarty, who assigned the task of filming the aircraft's interior and exterior for a documentary about the UFO encounter, is interviewed. The reliability of the story is enhanced by statements that the cameraman, David Crockett, was not prepared to photograph lights at night and had to make educated guesses about camera settings. Fogarty's emotional tenor recorded on voice tapes also supports the reliability of the events. The author's meeting with Fogarty reinforced the belief that he was telling the truth as he perceived it, and he downplayed journalistic license.

David Crockett's Testimony: Cameraman David Crockett was interviewed in San Francisco on July 7, 1979. His personality and professional background were assessed for credibility. Crockett takes his work seriously and did his best under hectic circumstances, making good judgments about filming speed but possibly making some bad lens focus settings. His description of his psychological and mental condition weeks after the event conforms to a typical eyewitness syndrome.

Overall Assessment of Witnesses: The author found the three eyewitnesses (Startup, Fogarty, and Crockett) to be clear-headed and forthright people who had more to lose than gain by perpetrating a hoax. Captain Startup is considered the best (most objective) witness for establishing basic details.

Experimental Analysis of Film Footage: The issue includes commentary in French, German, and Italian regarding experiments conducted to determine if a looped image (like one found in frame 1766 of Crockett's film) could be reproduced by intentionally vibrating a camera with a telephoto lens. These experiments did not produce similar looped images. The results of an analysis of color changes and oscillations in Crockett's film are also presented, along with observations on the witnesses interviewed.

Psychological and Perceptive Aspects

A section titled "PSYCHOLOGICAL and PERCEPTIVE ASPECTS" is present, followed by a heading "The 'CE III'" (Close Encounter of the Third Kind). However, it is noted that no contributions were received for this section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and perceptual dimensions of UFO experiences, the credibility of witness testimony, and the challenges of objective investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, witness-centered approach that acknowledges the potential for psychosocial and pathological influences while striving to understand the phenomenon's subjective and objective realities. The publication, Upiar, seems to be an academic or research-oriented journal, indicated by its scholarly tone, references, and the inclusion of translated articles from different languages.

This issue of "UFO Nachrichten" from 1981 delves into the psychological and psychosocial aspects of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of a witness-centered approach to investigation. It critiques traditional methods for their potential oversight of the witness's subjective experience and mental state.

Witness-Centered Investigation

The articles argue that the interview of witnesses is often treated merely as a search for information, with no attempt to recreate the witness's psychic state. Figures like IZZO are cited for articulating the need to consider the roles of both the percipient and the perceived, with the witness being the true independent variable. HYNEK's suggestion to rate single-witness events lower than multiple-witness events is discussed, but BLAKE's counterpoint is raised: multiple witness sightings are often social situations, and this aspect deserves as much attention as the content of the report. The importance of understanding human communication and 'reality' as constructed through it, as illustrated by WATZLAWICK's work, is highlighted. Neglecting the psychosocial dimension and focusing solely on UFO phenomenology is deemed risky.

Case Studies and Psychiatric Interpretations

Several case studies from Austria are presented to illustrate the witness-centered approach and psychiatric interpretations:

• May 29, 1977, Lower Austria: A radio mechanic apprentice reported a "hollow globe" with "red bars" in his room. While a traditional investigation found no traces, a witness-centered approach at Vienna's Medical School for Psychiatry involved psychological tests and an EEG. The witness showed normal intelligence and memory but a somewhat abnormal personality profile, with a disrhythmic EEG. The conclusion was that it was not a simple psychotic product.
• Northeast of Vienna: Another case involved a full clinical exploration that revealed an emotionally disturbed personality with primitive neurotic repression mechanisms, possibly explained by a descending airliner. This case remains unpublished.
• August/September 1955, Arbesthal, Lower Austria: A witness claimed to have encountered a landed object and spoken with "occupants." He provided a detailed personal biography indicating problems under the Nazi regime and feelings of persecution. A psychiatric expert rated the report a delusional product of an abnormal personality.
• January 1975, Traunstein, Lower Austria: An old man described seeing "sky clocks."
• 1954, Vienna: The interpretation of UFO effects as "Z-rays" decreased as X-ray equipment became more common, with "nuclear spirals and rays" appearing, paralleling an evolution in UFO descriptions from "airships" to "paranormal appearances."
• Trip Pond, Maine: This case involved sightings of "snow flakes," "black cubes and spheres," and "silver spheres." One witness saw a "red face-like outline" and a "beak of a giant bird." Another saw a "black cube-shaped object 'tumbling'" disappear through a wall, followed by "golden wires."

The issue questions whether these are reality, illusion, or hallucinations, noting that if they were pathological, there would be many "UFO witnesses" in psychiatric hospitals. Conversely, if psychiatrists overlook symptoms caused by UFO experiences, the epistemology of UFO research is flawed.

Psychological and Phenomenological Perspectives

The classification of "strangeness" is critiqued from a psychiatric viewpoint, as hallucinative pictures are inherently vivid and intrapsychic. The role of the unconscious in generating hallucinations is emphasized, with the possibility that it works creatively through "inspiration." Hypnotic sessions with "imaginary abductees" have revealed structural parallels between "real" and induced "abductions," suggesting the human brain reacts similarly regardless of the stimulus.

Experimental studies by KLÜVER and SIEGEL found similar hallucinated shapes for different reactions, including electric brain stimulation. These shapes include bars, filigranes, honeycombs, chess boards, spider webs, tunnels, funnels, corridors, cones, vessels, and spirals with intensive colors and symmetrical arrangements. A "local flap" witness in Graz, Austria, reported bars, cones, spirals, and other symmetric forms with "psychedelic colors."

Discussion and The "Mirror Effect"

BESSLER's description of "phantom ships" highlights their sudden appearance and disappearance, challenging physical laws and appearing flat and unspatial. GUERIN's assertion that psychiatry knows nothing about UFO symptomatology is challenged, with the argument that the unconscious is not limited to symbolic material but can produce solutions through "inspiration."

The "mirror effect" is proposed as a hypothesis where psychic elements, thoughts, wishes, experiences, and everyday surroundings of the witness flow into the UFO experience. This is supported by "imaginary UFO encounter" experiences and studies of European religious visions. A case of a Brazilian Waika Indian tribe member who saw angels instead of ancestral ghosts during a drug rite illustrates the cultural-mythological dependence of hallucinatory material.

An evaluation by ARNOLD on hallucinated body sensations in schizophrenic patients from 1880 to 1980 showed a shift in explanations from "electricity" to "Marconi waves" and later "radio and radar waves," demonstrating how perceived physical phenomena influence interpretations.

BRAND-SCHNEIDER of MUFON-CES details a Rorschach test and hypnotic regression from a CE III case in Langenargen, Bavaria, indicating neurotic problems and trauma. The hypnotic session was rated hallucinatory, with "beings" resembling the frog Kermit from "Muppets Show." SCHNEIDER compiled contributions on electromagnetic field effects and hallucinatory components in UFO reports.

The issue recommends asking relatives about the witness's mental state before, during, and after the experience, and suggests full psychiatric exploration for "stranger" cases rather than dilettante labeling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the psychological interpretation of UFO phenomena, the limitations of purely physical explanations, and the crucial role of the witness's subjective experience. The editorial stance appears to favor a more interdisciplinary approach, integrating psychology and psychiatry into UFO research, and critically examining the reliability and nature of witness testimony. There is a clear emphasis on understanding UFO reports not just as accounts of physical objects but as complex psychological and cultural phenomena.

This issue of UPIAR, Vol. IV, No. 1, 1980, titled "PERCIPIENT - DEPENDENT COMPONENTS IN UFO EXPERIENCES" by Luis Schönherr, delves into the psychological and psychosocial aspects of UFO sightings. The publication date is March 10, 1980, and it originates from Austria.

Percipient-Dependent Components in UFO Experiences

Luis Schönherr's paper argues that details in UFO literature cases are often strangely related to the percipient's memory, psychic, and physical situation. These 'percipient-dependent components' (PDCs) are proposed as essential, integral parts of the phenomenon, not random distortions. A working hypothesis concerning the inherent dualistic nature of the UFO phenomenon is presented, with discussions on perception structure and possible primary causes for UFO experiences.

Abstract

The abstract highlights that UFO cases often display details linked to the observer's state. Schönherr has termed these 'percipient-dependent components' (PDCs) and recommends considering them as essential to the phenomenon. The paper proposes a hypothesis about the dualistic nature of UFOs and discusses perception structure and potential causes.

Key-Words

The key-words listed include: Apparitions, Extra-Dimensional Phenom., Extra-Sensory Perception, Hallucination, Ideoplasty, Memory Pattern, Parallel Space, Percipient-Dependent Component, Perception Structure, UFO Definition, UFO Experience, Working Hypothesis, Reality, and Syntrometry.

Introduction

The introduction emphasizes that in UFO phenomenology, many details suggest percipient-dependent components (PDCs). Examples include the diversity in size, appearance, dress, and behavior of alleged UFO occupants, as well as biological impossibilities of some humanoid creatures. The paper aims to analyze these PDCs.

Psychosocial Variables and the 'Dark Side' of UFOs

Pages 105-106 discuss the role of psychosocial variables in UFO reports. Acceptance or refusal of reports is linked to culture and technology, creating a paradox where scientific authorities reject bizarre UFO reports, yet they are accepted by many due to a desire to believe. The text suggests that the physical approach cannot solve central human problems, leading to dissatisfaction and anti-scientific movements. The 'UFOlogy' is seen as a manifestation of the old conflict between spiritualism and animism. The 'new age of darkness' feared by some UFO proponents is interpreted as a projection of their own fearful thinking. The conclusion is that a 'UFO intelligence' is not needed to enter a 'new dark age'; human beings' unconscious feelings and wishes are the 'dark side' of the UFO mystery.

Case Examples and the 'Mirror Effect'

Page 105 presents several case examples. One describes a man with alcoholic hallucinosis who saw 'clockhands' on Jupiter. Another details a July 11, 1979 sighting by an old lady near Preßbaum, Austria, of 'Skylab' in a lit-up cloud with four bright balls, noting the case occurred 24 hours before Skylab's expected reentry and that media coverage likely influenced emotions. The 'mirror effect' is discussed, where a witness recognizes an object in a second, different location. An example from August 1972 in Hollabrunn describes three red globes with a roaring sound, which the witness later claimed to have seen again near Güssing in February 1973. The sound was similar to an earthquake witnessed in Neunkirchen in April 1972. The connection between these observations is attributed to the witness, not the surroundings.

Investigator's Approach

For intelligent witnesses, investigators are advised to ask cautiously about everyday objects that resemble the seen phenomenon and if this resemblance has a special meaning. 'Mirror effect' questions should be indirect, acting as association stimuli.

International Perspectives on the 'Dark Side' of UFOs

Pages 109-111 present the concept of the 'dark side' of UFOs in French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The articles, by Luis Schönherr, Ernst Berger, and Alexander Keul, review UFO literature and field investigations in Austria. They identify a 'dark side' characterized by psychosocial and pathological influences in UFO experiences. The authors propose that these influences can be studied using clinical psychology and psychiatry, leading to a new investigation technique focused on the witness, especially in 'close encounter' cases. The 'dark side' is linked to the human self-image and the scientific awareness of the UFO investigator regarding themselves and the witness. Progress in psychosocial disciplines is expected to clarify this 'dark side' without a priori reductions.

Alexander G. Keul's Announcement

Alexander G. Keul (Ernst Berger) announced that his MUFON liaison would end in June 1981, and he would no longer use his pseudonym in cooperation with 'serious minded people'.

References

Pages 107-108 contain an extensive list of references, spanning from 1953 to 1979, covering various publications on UFO statistics, parapsychology, psychiatry, and specific UFO reports from different countries and journals. Notable authors cited include ACOS, Arnold, Bender, Berger, Bessler, Blake, Grattan-Guinness, Guerin, Haines, Hynek, Jung, Lawson, La Tourette, Mufon-Ces, Rofer, Rames, Rifat, Seargent, Schallenberg, Schmidbauer, Schönherr, Schwarz, Sprinkle, Thalmar, Tyrrell, Vogt, Walker, W.J., and Watzlawick, and Westrum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the psychological and psychosocial dimension of UFO experiences. The editorial stance, as presented by Schönherr and Berger, is that UFO phenomena are deeply intertwined with the witness's internal state, memory, and psychological makeup. The focus shifts from purely physical explanations to the subjective experience of the observer. The 'dark side' of UFOs is attributed not to alien intelligence but to human psychology itself. The issue advocates for a more nuanced, witness-centered approach to UFO research, integrating insights from psychology and psychiatry.

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, Volume 10, Issue 115, dated November 1979, published by the Deutsche UFO-Studiengesellschaft e.V., explores the psychological and technological aspects of UFO experiences. The cover headline, 'Die UFO-Erlebnisse: Psychologie oder Technik?' (UFO Experiences: Psychology or Technology?), sets the tone for an in-depth analysis that moves beyond the traditional extraterrestrial hypothesis.

The Weakness of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The editorial begins by acknowledging the difficulty in refuting the extraterrestrial hypothesis due to our limited knowledge of the universe. However, it argues that this hypothesis offers little in terms of understanding the UFO experience itself. The paper proposes a different approach: to investigate whether UFO experiences contain demonstrable elements of human intelligence (PDCs) within their phenomenology, rather than simply attributing all inexplicable aspects to hypothetical non-human intelligence.

Material and Methods

A survey of old and recent published cases was conducted to find data demonstrating the presence of PDCs in UFO experiences. The resulting sample is noted as small but significant. The paper outlines tentative subdivisions for symptoms indicative of PDCs:

1. PDC Symptoms:
* Identification of Memory Patterns: This involves identifying statistically significant details, particularly visual ones, that the witness had stored in their memory before the UFO experience. The paper likens human memory to a stratified storage with different degrees of accessibility. Two categories are considered:
* Individual Memory: Stores images and patterns acquired during a person's individual life.
* Collective Memory: Stores patterns common to all individuals, independent of personal experiences, such as Jung's archetypes in the collective unconscious.
* Physical Impossibilities: Identification of occurrences alleged to have taken place during the experience that are physically impossible. The paper notes that distinguishing between true hallucinations and physically impossible events can be difficult, especially when the phenomenon appears physically real. It cautions against a priori exclusion of possibilities like unusual conditions producing physical levitations.
* Witness/UFO Synchronicities: Reports of synchronicities in the UFO scenario and the psychic/physical state of the percipient, described as 'telepathy' or 'strange coincidence'.
* Inconsistent Descriptions: Demonstrable differences in descriptions given by different percipients that cannot be accounted for by normal divergencies in multi-witness reports of conventional events. Theoretically, these could prove that subjective memory patterns were triggered.
* Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP): ESP and other paranormal phenomena occurring during or in connection with a UFO experience, indicating a psychic predisposition or the ability of the primary cause to trigger such phenomena.

2. PDC Patterns:
* Visual Patterns: Subdivided into static (immobile images) and dynamic (moving or 'acting' images with varying complexity).
* Acoustic Patterns.
* Olfactory Patterns.
* Taste Patterns.
* Touch Patterns.
The paper emphasizes visual patterns due to their prevalence in published reports and their potential for drawing reasonable conclusions. It suggests that complex visual patterns are more conclusive than reported smells, which might indicate olfactory hallucinations rather than exhaust from a physical craft.

3. Role of Percipient:
* Non-Involvement: The witness experiences himself as a mere observer, not interfering with or being influenced by the scenario.
* Involvement: The witness experiences himself as a person who interferes actively or passively, such as speaking with or fighting against 'ufonauts', or undergoing a physical examination.
The paper suggests that the capacity of the unconscious in staging a PDC scenario may be greater when the percipient feels more involved.

Case Histories

The issue presents case histories demonstrating the presence of PDCs, noting that their separation in time and space, and collection by different investigators, precludes manipulation. The author argues it's unlikely witnesses could invent such details to add extravagance, as they are often aware such claims might cast doubt on their sanity.

Kearney, Nebraska, USA, November 5th, 1957

A grain buyer reported encountering a UFO that stopped his car and paralyzed him. A sliding door opened, and two men emerged. The witness was permitted to visit the interior of the UFO. His account reportedly contains outright and suspected instances of PDCs. He described one man as looking exactly like someone he had seen on TV the previous evening, relating this to the Doppelgänger phenomenon or autoscopic vision. The author suggests that reporting such a detail indicates the witness made his report in good faith. The paper also discusses phenomena where perception extends beyond the visible field. The language used by the UFO occupants is analyzed: they addressed the witness in English but spoke German amongst themselves. The author finds this detail curious, suggesting it's too complex for a simple hoaxer and potentially linked to the contactee's German ancestry.

The departure of the UFO is described as rising about three meters, becoming pitch black, then taking on a bluish-green color at 30 meters, and disappearing suddenly at 50 meters above the ground in a bright flash, below a cloud ceiling of 250 meters. The author questions why a hoaxer would include such details that might invite contradiction or skepticism, arguing that a simpler fabrication would have been less risky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical analysis of UFO experiences, moving beyond simplistic explanations. The editorial stance is to investigate the psychological and cognitive elements that may contribute to the phenomenology of UFO sightings. The paper advocates for the recognition of PDCs as integral parts of UFO experiences, aiming to remove the prejudice that individuals reporting psychic experiences within UFO events are necessarily 'pathological'. The emphasis is on a rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding these complex phenomena.

This issue of UFO DATA MAGAZINE, identified by page number 125, delves into several intriguing UFO cases, focusing on physical traces, potential psychological influences, and the interpretation of witness accounts. The content spans multiple pages, suggesting a detailed exploration of the subject matter.

The Kearney Case and Soviet Nuclear Disaster

The issue begins by revisiting the Kearney case, noting the witness's sincere belief in the event and his eagerness to find other witnesses. Physical traces, including imprints and an oily substance, were reportedly found at the landing site. During the US Air Force investigation, a tractor engine in the vicinity coincidentally stopped due to a distributor defect. The author suggests the Kearney report, while seemingly absurd, has a 'ring of truth,' potentially identifying elements of Psychological-Dependent Contact (PDC). The US Air Force and many UFO researchers evaluated the incident as 'hoax and engine failure.' In 1960, the witness claimed to have been taken aboard a UFO and shown an area in the Soviet Union devastated by a nuclear explosion. This claim, along with others, led to disbelief. Sixteen years later, hints of a nuclear disaster in the Sverdlovsk region of the USSR in 1957/58 emerged, with US intelligence reportedly aware since 1959. The article questions the witness's access to such secret information and suggests the explosion was not a controlled test. The author posits two explanations for the Kearney case: a spiritualistic one from the witness and an animistic interpretation involving spatial clairvoyance or a UFO episode.

Itaperuna, Brazil Encounter (November 17th, 1971)

This section details encounters experienced by a typewriter mechanic in Itaperuna, Brazil, between September 22nd and December 19th, 1971. The first encounter involved a luminous body circling his car. He later experienced an abduction with lasting physical effects. During a third contact on November 17th, he was aboard a UFO and underwent a physical examination. He was shown two panels, one interpreted as an atomic explosion and the other resembling a plan of Itaperuna. The author identifies this as a PDC, suggesting a symbolic hallucinatory expression of the witness's unconscious fears. Significantly, the witness was accompanied by a friend who provided a different account, describing the mechanic becoming nervous and speaking of a flying saucer, though only a bus was behind them. The mechanic was later found semi-conscious behind the car. The author questions the friend's account, noting he couldn't explain how the door opened or how the mechanic fell out. Drowsiness at the onset of a UFO experience is noted as a common ufological phenomenon, suggesting the friend might have been more susceptible to the 'UFO' cause, with the bus and saucer possibly being hallucinations.

Sydney/Melbourne, Australia Sighting (August 24th, 1967)

Mr. Hunter, riding his motorcycle between Sydney and Melbourne, reported a complex UFO experience. He was engulfed by a bluish-white light, forcing him to stop. He then saw a metallic object hovering nearby. While distracted by a perceived passing car, he saw two silver-clad figures near the UFO. Frightened, he sped away at 100-120 mph, with the UFO allegedly following him. He attempted to flag down passing cars, but they did not react. The UFO then changed color from pink to deep red and disappeared. The author notes that while these events seem explainable by everyday logic, Hunter's claims of driving fast yet observing the UFO and flagging cars present inconsistencies. The argument for the UFO being an acoustic event (humming) is strengthened by the noise of his motorbike, yet passing cars did not stop. The author suggests a 'break' in the sequence of events, possibly when the hallucinatory experience began, and that the chase and occupants might have been hallucinations. A reader's letter published in the periodical questioned the report's inconsistencies.

Hanbury, England Encounter (November 20th, 1968)

A married couple and their child, working in the scrap business, were looking for houses in Hanbury when they witnessed a brilliantly-lit UFO rising from a field. The UFO moved towards a solitary house and stopped above it. They observed several humanoid silhouettes within a lighted dome. The witnesses became frightened and drove away. Upon reaching the locality, they found no house, despite one witness being sure it was the correct place. The author notes that people preoccupied with buying a house experiencing such visions suggests a PDC. The case also features the appearance of animals (rabbits) preceding the UFO, a common element in other UFO cases, raising questions about whether they were real or part of an unconscious hallucination.

Yugoslavian and French Reports

A witness from Yugoslavia described a green frog and a scorpion appearing before encountering a strange light. A businessman in France saw bizarre animals with bird heads sucked into a luminous dark blue object. While these instances may not be irrefutable PDC evidence, their patterns and recurrence suggest a tentative interpretation in terms of PDCs, especially given the frequent occurrence of animal imagery in dreams and hallucinations.

Langenhoe, England Case (September 14th, 1965)

An engineer, age 29, encountered a luminous UFO the size of a gasometer. His motorbike engine and lights stopped. The UFO had a flashing blue light that fluctuated in rhythm with his heartbeat. The article also references a similar phenomenon described by RINGGER quoting ILLIG, where a young man perceived a pocket watch tick with the same rhythm as his pulse, a phenomenon witnessed by his father and brother but unlocatable. This occurrence was reportedly an omen for the young man's death a year later in World War I.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on the concept of Psychological-Dependent Contact (PDC) and the potential for hallucinations to shape witness experiences. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, analyzing cases for inconsistencies and exploring alternative explanations beyond literal interpretations. The articles highlight the importance of considering psychological factors when evaluating UFO reports and caution against dismissing potentially valuable data due to misinterpretation or skepticism. The editorial stance seems to favor a nuanced approach, acknowledging the strangeness of some reported phenomena while rigorously examining the evidence and the subjective nature of perception.

This document, likely an issue of the "International UFO Reporter," focuses on detailed accounts of UFO sightings and their potential psychological interpretations. It presents several case studies from different locations and time periods, analyzing witness testimonies and exploring theories about the nature of these phenomena.

Case Studies

Aldeburgh, England, 1916 or 1917 A woman reported seeing a platform-like object flying at a height of 10 meters. Approximately twelve men were on the platform, which moved and then disappeared behind trees or houses. The observation lasted about five minutes.

West Hampstead Viaduct, England, October 18th, 1955 A West London clergyman witnessed a slowly flying platform, described as the size of a small bus, at an altitude of about 40 meters. The platform had approximately 30 immobile, helmeted figures on it, resembling robots. This phenomenon was observed for three to four minutes.

The reports from Aldeburgh and West Hampstead are noted for lacking statements about the witnesses' psychic states. However, the text draws a parallel to a dream described by JUNG in his book on UFOs, where a subject saw an elliptical flying platform with human figures. JUNG suggested the dreamer, an academically educated lady, had no direct relation to the UFO phenomenon, and she later painted the scene from her dream.

A common denominator suggested for these experiences is fear. The witnesses in Aldeburgh and West Hampstead were reminded of a 'German troop carrier,' and the figures on the platforms had a military appearance. The dreaming lady interpreted her dream as a premonition of death, experiencing an 'unearthly, cosmic space.' JUNG interpreted the occupant motif as a symbol for the human fear of death.

The text also mentions conjectures by DRUFFEL about 'mimicking' UFOs and TYRRELL's emphasis on the imitative nature of apparitions. It cautions that recurring patterns in observations, even if identical, do not necessarily prove objective reality.

Oakenholt, England, July 1976 An 8-year-old boy observed a UFO standing on four tall legs in a field. He saw occupants outside and one inside the UFO looking at a picture that resembled 'the man who lived next door.' The boy described the occupants' clothing as similar to actors in the Star Trek TV series. He also perceived a 'phantastically looking animal' emerging from and re-entering the UFO.

Temple, Oklahoma, USA, March 23rd, 1966 A Government employee from Sheppard Air Force Base saw a UFO sitting on a highway. A human in green fatigues and a mechanic's cap was kneeling below it. The witness described the figure as looking like a 'pure old G.I.' with three stripes on his shoulder. When the witness slammed his car door, the figure climbed a ladder and disappeared into the craft. The UFO then lifted off rapidly, ascending to about 17 meters and moving over a mile away in about five seconds.

The witness reported seeing the letters 'TL' and numbers '4168' or '4768' on the craft. He interpreted 'TL' as potentially meaning 'test lab.' The article notes that other UFOs with inscriptions have been reported from Provencal, Louisiana ('UN' and numbers) and Wolin, Poland (allegedly Russian inscriptions).

The text questions why extraterrestrial craft would be marked with earthly signs or have features like flashing lights synchronized with heartbeats or pictures of neighbors. It suggests that such inscriptions, if intended as camouflage, would be poor and ridiculous. The interior of the witness' car reportedly became very hot when the UFO approached, forcing him to hide in a ditch, and shortly after, the car caught fire.

Puy-de-Dome Region, France, April or May 1960 A baker observed a UFO that had landed on an old fairground. A small humanoid creature, described as a dwarf wearing boots, tight-fitting trousers, a greyish green jacket, and a helmet, descended a ladder. The creature carried what looked like a curved sword scabbard and a belt with four boxes resembling cartridge pouches. It paralyzed the baker with a 'tube like a fireman's torch' before returning to the UFO, which then ascended at great speed.

This encounter is also linked to the witness' psychological profile, described as a fearless man with military experience who had aggressive emotions during the encounter, wanting to 'catch the little chap.'

Results and Analysis

Significance The significance of the sample cases cannot be judged by size alone, as PDC data must pass through effective filters before publication.

Repression Psychoanalysis suggests that data inducing dreams and psychic experiences are often repressed. Recovering this information requires considerable analytical effort.

Self-Reflection Witnesses aware of correlations may conceal them, especially if they have time for self-reflection, or share them confidentially. Otherwise, such details are only reported if the witness is still upset or ignorant of psychopathological interpretations.

Investigation Procedures UFO organizations dedicate significant effort to investigations, often motivated by the emotional appeal of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. However, the desire for 'hard fact' can lead to overlooking PDC data. The author hopes this will change as PDCs are accepted as clues to understanding UFO phenomena.

Semantics Report wording is often ambiguous and inaccurate, a fact seldom recognized by casual readers. Computer analysis of UFO reports reveals inherent vagueness in verbal descriptions, making precise interpretation difficult, as exemplified by the Temple case's description of stripes.

Conclusions

21) UFO experiences can contain identifiable percipient-dependent components (PDCs).
22) PDC phenomenology is related to known psychic experiences.
23) Sensory channels during UFO experiences may not reliably reproduce objective reality.
24) Well-documented physical trace cases prove the presence of a massive physical component.
25) Most UFO reporters are sane and responsible, described as 'credible observers of relatively incredible things.'
26) Only one case in the sample involved both PDCs and physical traces.
27) Every UFO experience is potentially dualistic, consisting of psychic and physical components.
28) The primary cause of UFO experiences is likely external to the witness, not psychopathological.

It is a mistake to separate cases with manifest PDCs or to categorize UFOs as purely psychic or physical. UFO experiences with PDCs offer opportunities to understand the interplay between psychic and physical components.

Working Hypothesis

For true UFO experiences (where the primary cause is not a known conventional factor), the working hypothesis is:

31) The primary cause is a hitherto unknown, probably physical component independent of the witness, acting as a trigger or throughout the experience.
32) The percipient-dependent component (PDC) is an effect of the percipient's response to this primary cause.
33) The primary cause is not necessarily an intelligence, as patterns in UFO experiences can originate from the percipient.
34) Due to filtering effects and limited knowledge of the human psyche, the true ratio of psychic and physical components is currently unknown.
35) A reasonable methodology is to regard all experienced phenomena during a UFO event as PDCs, while lasting physical traces are direct manifestations of the unknown primary cause.

The UFO Definition

Defining UFOs is challenging. The article proposes three classifications:

41) The Phenomenalistic Definition: Defines UFOs by their phenomenology and required descriptors.
42) The Definition by the Degree of Investigation: Defines UFOs by the amount of investigation dedicated to a case, citing the International UFO Reporter's definition of anomalous aerial phenomena.
43) The Process-Oriented Definition: Defines the phenomenon for scientific approach, with the proposed working hypothesis serving as an example.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of UFO sightings, emphasizing the psychological and perceptual aspects of witness accounts. There is a clear inclination towards exploring the percipient-dependent components (PDCs) of UFO experiences, suggesting that subjective factors play a significant role. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand UFO phenomena through a dualistic lens that acknowledges both potential physical reality and psychological influences. The publication advocates for a more integrated approach to studying UFOs, moving beyond simplistic categorizations and embracing the complexity of these events. The importance of rigorous investigation procedures and careful semantic analysis of reports is also highlighted.

This issue of UFO DATA MAGAZINE, Volume 3, Issue 12, published in 1979, is titled "The UFO Experience: A New Approach." It delves into the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO phenomena, questioning the nature of reality and how human consciousness processes extraordinary events. The magazine explores theories that attempt to explain the subjective and objective elements of UFO sightings.

The Coordination of Perception

The issue begins by examining how data from sensory and memory channels are coordinated during a UFO event. It posits that experiences occur in a twofold manner: as a sequence and as an arrangement of elements in space. The text suggests that the witness's perceptive system might execute a 'switch-over' between sensory input and memory data. Cases from Sydney/Melbourne and Itaperuna are mentioned as examples. A particularly intriguing scenario is described from Casa Blanca, California, where percipients could see through the 'body' of a ufonaut, suggesting a superposition of sensory and memory data, akin to radio interference.

The article proposes the existence of a 'perception channel mixer,' a neurological mechanism that operates on both temporal and spatial levels to coordinate these inputs. It acknowledges that the software governing this mixer might not always be flawless, leading to inconsistencies in UFO scenarios. The work of Tyrrell on Victorian ghost stories is referenced, suggesting a mid-level constituent of human personality as a coordinating factor.

Physical PDCs and Ideoplasty

The concept of 'Physical PDCs' (Perceptual Dependent Components) is introduced. While some PDCs are considered hallucinations, the issue explores the hypothesis of 'ideoplasty,' where the human psyche might create a physical reality that occupies space and can be perceived through normal sensory channels. This concept is linked to spiritualist claims of tangible reproductions during séances. For ufology, this implies that PDCs could appear as objective, physical elements, even if their origin is psychic and subjective. However, the article notes a lack of demonstrable direct connection between a PDC and a lasting physical trace, citing the Kearney occupant as an example of a PDC without physical traces.

The difficulties with the ideoplasty concept are discussed, particularly regarding who or what controls the behavior of such ideoplastic creations. The question is raised whether it is the witness's psyche or if these beings act independently.

Perception Structure Diagrams

Several diagrams (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) are presented to illustrate possible perception modes during a UFO experience. These diagrams differentiate between physical and psychic primary causes and various 'percipient-dependent components,' including 'sensory objective,' 'sensory subjective,' 'psychic subjective,' and 'psychic objective.' The diagrams explore combinations of these modes, such as //1// (physical cause, sensory objective), //2// (ideoplastic reproduction), //3// (psychic cause, psychic subjective), and //4// (psychic cause, psychic objective). The presence or absence of lasting physical traces is discussed in relation to distinguishing between physical and psychic primary causes, especially if ideoplasty is applicable.

The Question of Reality

The issue tackles the fundamental question of reality, noting that the human brain's ability to distinguish between imagination and real experience can be impaired during UFO events, leading to memory and sensory data having the same perceptual level. The text suggests that individuals with self-control and critical attitudes might recognize hallucinations, but others struggle against prolonged assaults. The effectiveness of hypnotic regression as a tool to distinguish reality from non-reality in UFO experiences is questioned, as perceptions of mode //1// and //4// are stored only once, making internal comparison difficult.

Modes //2// and //3//, however, are stored twice, implying a prior storage of a normal event. The article raises a more profound question about reality, referencing a Chinese legend of a mandarin dreaming he was a butterfly, highlighting the potential confusion between dream and reality. It suggests that the only detectable difference between a hallucination and real environment might be the continuity of the latter, while hallucinations appear as singularities. The conclusion is drawn that significant progress in understanding UFO phenomena may require a radical shift in our concepts of reality and consciousness, potentially abandoning the idea of a material world existing independently of the observer.

Possible Nature of the Primary Cause

The author reflects on early interests in the UFO problem, dismissing typical space travel models. Instead, the focus shifts to extra-dimensional phenomena, force field projections, parallel spaces, and manipulation of the space-time continuum. These interpretations are viewed as different aspects of a single primary cause. Two suggestions from 1965 and 1970 are cited: one proposing a UFO creates a local four-dimensional deformation of space, and another suggesting hallucinations are a side effect of conditions (force field) near the UFO affecting the human brain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the subjective and psychological dimensions of UFO experiences, moving beyond simple physical explanations. The magazine emphasizes the complexity of perception, the potential for the mind to influence or create perceived reality (ideoplasty), and the philosophical implications for our understanding of reality itself. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these complex, often counter-intuitive, aspects of the UFO phenomenon, utilizing theoretical frameworks from psychology, parapsychology, and even modern physics.

This document consists of several pages from a publication, likely a magazine or journal, focusing on UFO phenomena. The content is primarily in German, with some sections translated into English. The pages include discussions on theoretical physics applied to UFOs, the psychological and social implications of ufology, and extensive reference lists.

Syntrometry and Extra-Dimensional Phenomena

One section, translated into English, introduces the theory of syntrometry, developed by HEIM, as a potential explanation for UFO manifestations. This theory, which describes the evolution of a six-dimensional universe, predicts structures extending into a fifth dimension capable of conveying energy, substance, and information. The author suggests that if these structures intersect with our physical space, they could account for luminous phenomena, physical traces, hallucinations, and other paranormal effects. The text notes that only the fundamental part of HEIM's work on elementary structures of matter has been published, and that HEIM's motivation was modern physics, not the UFO problem itself. The author of the paper takes responsibility for applying syntrometry to the UFO phenomenon.

Speculations about Non-Human Intelligence and their Dangers

Another section, titled "On Speculations about Non-Human Intelligence," explores the potential social consequences of ufology. The author argues that due to the spontaneous and often unrepeatable nature of UFO phenomena, interest has shifted towards interpreting their meaning rather than studying their process. Speculation, while a tool for creativity, can lead to concerning trends. The author expresses unease about the general mindset created by thinking about non-human intelligence, especially in a world threatened by the misuse of science and technology. Two extreme views are presented: one of escapism, where 'cosmic brothers' are expected to save humanity, and another where a non-human intelligence seeks to manipulate mankind for sinister purposes. The author warns that both beliefs can be misused by earthly powers. The ambiguity in UFO phenomenology might simply indicate a lack of understanding in formulating questions, but from an anthropocentric viewpoint, it can suggest deliberate deception by an evil non-human intelligence. The psychic component of UFO experiences is particularly susceptible to interpretations of evil or the demonic, potentially leading to a dominance of magical thinking and self-delusion over scientific methodology.

The article draws parallels between the current ufological discourse and historical phenomena like the witchcraft trials. It highlights how pseudo-scientific theories, even with little or no evidence, have historically justified inhuman actions. The belief in witchcraft, far from being confined to the 'dark' Middle Ages, is presented as a universal phenomenon. The author compares the impact of geographic discoveries and the printing press in the 15th century to modern space programs and the explosion of mass communication. The fear and uncertainty of the nuclear age are compared to the fears of earlier times, suggesting that repression can make people susceptible to delusions of persecution or salvation. The spread of such delusional systems through new communication mediums, like printing, created a disastrous feedback circuit, where public interest and official occupation lent more credit to the delusion.

The author notes that the witchcraft trials became big business, sustained by human properties like jealousy, zeal, vanity, and fear, and served to distract the public and demonstrate official power. Ambitious scholars gained publicity and honors by writing on such topics. While acknowledging that ufology has not yet reached this extreme, the author points out striking parallels. The article concludes by stating that today, there is a better chance to recognize the presence of human intelligence in the UFO phenomenon and to form a sober judgment. However, the social dangers of non-human intelligence speculations have not been compensated by their poor heuristic value. Therefore, the author urges ufologists to handle this aspect of the phenomenon with utmost reserve and responsibility, lest they be regarded as 'messengers of deception'.

Perceptual Components in UFO Experiences

Two translated sections, one in French and one in German, discuss "Percipient-Dependent Components" (PDCs) in UFO experiences. These are described as details in UFO literature that are strangely linked to the observer's memories and psychological/physical state. The authors recommend considering PDCs as essential, integral elements of the phenomenon, rather than mere random distortions. A working hypothesis is proposed for the inherently dualistic nature of the UFO phenomenon, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects. The perception structure of UFO experiences and a possible primary cause are examined from various angles.

References and Abbreviations

The document includes extensive reference lists (pages 7-9) citing numerous articles, books, and reports related to UFOs, parapsychology, and related fields, spanning from 1954 to 1979. Abbreviations for various journals and publications (FSR, MUFOJ, UPIAR, WB) are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the theoretical explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly the application of advanced physics concepts like syntrometry. A significant portion of the content is dedicated to a critical examination of the psychological and social dangers associated with speculating about non-human intelligence behind UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution and a call for scientific rigor, urging ufologists to avoid unsubstantiated speculation and to approach the subject with responsibility, drawing lessons from historical parallels where belief systems have led to negative societal consequences. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific inquiry and potentially harmful delusion or magical thinking.

This issue of "UFO" (identified by page number 165) features content primarily in Italian and Spanish, with a significant portion dedicated to a book review. The cover headline, "COMPONENTI DIPENDENTI DAL PERCIPIENTE NELLE ESPERIENZE UFO" (Perceptual Components Dependent on the Perceiver in UFO Experiences), introduces a key theme.

Perceptual Components Dependent on the Perceiver in UFO Experiences

This article, presented in both Italian and Spanish translations, explores the idea that details in UFO experiences are often linked to the perceiver's memory, psychological state, and physical condition. These "Perceptual Components Dependent on the Perceiver" (PDC) or "componentes dependientes del perceptor" (CDP) are argued to be essential and integral parts of the UFO phenomenon itself, rather than mere random distortions. The text proposes a working hypothesis about the dualistic nature of the UFO phenomenon and discusses the structure of perception and potential primary causes for UFO experiences.

Epistemology of the Research

A section titled "EPISTEMOLOGY of the RESEARCH" indicates that papers submitted for this section did not meet the requested standards, suggesting a focus on the methodology and philosophical underpinnings of UFO research.

Book Review: Observing UFOs by Richard F. Haines

The majority of the content is a detailed review of Richard F. Haines' book, "Observing UFOs," published by Nelson-Hall Publishers in 1980. The reviewer, while acknowledging Haines' scientific background (NASA research scientist), expresses a critical stance towards the broader UFOlogy field.

Critique of UFO-Lore

The reviewer begins by characterizing much of the literature on UFOs as repetitive and focused on "mystery," using the Italian idiom "aria fritta" (fried air) to describe the sameness of these publications. Despite this, the reviewer notes the continued existence of a customer base for such books.

Haines' Approach and the Role of Perception

Haines, according to the review, proposes that understanding our own perceptual capabilities and limitations is key to learning more about unidentified flying objects and anomalous aerial phenomena. The book is described as a long, detailed, and enlightening work that should be studied rather than just read, with a rich glossary and references.

The Three-Stage Process of Perception

The review highlights Haines' analysis of the three-stage process of human perception: acquisition, retention, and retrieval. Each stage is influenced by both the percipient and the investigator, and memories are noted as being easily distorted, especially through leading questions.

Investigator's Influence and Witness Reliability

A significant point made is the investigator's crucial role in information retrieval from a witness's brain. The review discusses how the wording of questions can affect witness reports, making the interrogator a key factor. Haines suggests that the witness, field-investigator, and specialist form an interrelated team, each with different expectations but a shared goal of understanding what happened.

UFO Identification and Recognition Tests

Haines suggests improving witnesses' accuracy in shape identification through practice. The book details a seven-step UFO Appearance Recognition and Identification Test, designed to help witnesses discriminate "genuine" UFO phenomena from conventional ones and assist investigators in retrieving details.

Caution Against Errors

Despite the advantages of such techniques, the reviewer, echoing Haines, warns against "errors of commission" often made by UFOlogists in the field. The review also touches upon the unreliability of hypnotic regression and polygraph testing.

Disagreement on Building UFO Research

The reviewer expresses disagreement with Haines' suggestion that UFO research should "begin with the people available and build upon that base." The reviewer argues that over thirty years of UFOlogy have yielded little meaningful progress in standardization, measurement, or cooperation, attributing this to the motivations of many involved (beliefs, mystery, commercial interests) clashing with the pursuit of truth.

Advocating for a Scientific Generation

The reviewer strongly advocates for training a new generation of researchers who are grounded in scientific methods at a university or post-doctoral level. This is seen as essential for improving the quality and reliability of basic sighting data.

Analysis of Visual Phenomena

The book review also covers Haines' analysis of visual factors in UFO sightings, including visual acuity, the role of after-images, and the appearance of jet aircraft lights, which are often mistaken for UFOs. Haines emphasizes that each UFO encounter is unique and visual perception is personal and variable, cautioning against premature labeling of phenomena as anomalous without proper training.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of human perception in the study of UFO phenomena. There is a clear critique of the existing UFOlogy field, which is seen as lacking progress due to a focus on mystery and unreliable methods. The editorial stance appears to favor a more disciplined, evidence-based approach, advocating for the training of a new generation of researchers equipped with scientific methodology. The role of the witness's psychology and the investigator's influence are highlighted as critical factors in understanding UFO reports.

This document comprises the "Actas del Primero Congreso Nacional de Ufologia" (Proceedings of the First National UFO Congress), specifically the "Ponencias Tecnicas" (Technical Papers) section, edited by STENDEK-CEI in Barcelona, Spain, and published in 1978. The publication, with 100 pages and priced at 300 Ptas., covers papers presented at a 1977 UFO congress. The editor notes that while 1977 saw several UFO congresses globally, many papers lacked substance, with important contributions being few and far between. However, the Barcelona congress was noted for the presence of serious Iberian UFO researchers, which elevated its quality.

"Ponencias Tecnicas" - Overview

The collection of technical papers aims to provide a comprehensive view of serious ufology in Spain. The papers cover a range of topics, from historical reviews of UFO research to detailed case analyses and methodological approaches.

"La Ufologia en la decade de los Setenta" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

This paper reviews the key steps taken in UFO research during the 1970s and outlines the state of scientific UFO research, including future prospects and directions for action. It highlights important papers that indicate further development in the field, referencing basic reports by Poher and Vallee on the physical reality of UFO phenomena, and the work by Phillips on the correlation between estimated UFO dimensions and actual dimensions observed in CE II cases. The paper also discusses initiatives in instrument observation by Project Starlight International (PSI) and analysis by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), which led to the debunking of the "perfect case" of San Jose de Valderas. It includes information on statistics of landing data by Guasp and comparisons with studies by Poher and Vallee, as well as features of globular lightning and its behavioral differences from reported UFOs. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for quantitative data and methods in scientific ufology.

"Una herramienta para La ufologia cientifica: Las tecnicas estadisticas" by Jose-Tomas Ramirez Barbero

This paper introduces the basic concepts of statistics and their utility in processing UFO data. It explains the types of variables used in analyses (intervals, nominals, ordinals) and meaningful parameters like chi square, r, rho, and tau. It covers various analytical methods such as correlation analysis, multiple or simple regression, and factorial analysis, with examples applied to UFO data. The paper concludes by discussing the use of scientific analysis, including statistical methods, for treating UFO-related problems.

"Nuevos aspectos tecnicos sobre el caso de Javier Bosque" by Alberto Adell Sabates

This paper details the 1972 incident at the Logrono Seminary, involving a small, ovoid UFO approximately half a meter in size. A signal recorded on magnetic tape was analyzed, revealing modulated impulses on a 50 Hz carrying frequency. The analysis, conducted independently by a Spanish university professor and a Brazilian electronic expert, suggested the signal was not a result of normal recording and was very strong. The paper notes the possibility of using such synchronized signals for television images, but acknowledges the current lack of financial resources for such projects. The author's scientific honesty is praised for conducting laboratory experiments prior to writing.

"Posibilidad e imposibilidad del paradigma procesal" by Miguel Guasp

This paper confirms statements made in Guasp's book "Teoria de Procesos de los OVNI" (Theory of UFO Processes). It analyzes UFO apparitions across different waves, periods, and locations, focusing on their elaboratable behavior. The author proposes a framework for a worldwide study of UFO appearance times, locations, and movement directions, suggesting a possible functional dependency of basic observation data (place, time, duration, direction). Guasp compares his findings with those of other researchers and concludes that the relationship between these basic facts is likely real and not casual.

"Bases para una modelacion teorica del fenomeno OVNI" by David G. Lopez, Felix Ares de Blas, and Angel Salaverria Garnacho

This extensive paper reviews subjects related to the construction of theoretical models for the UFO phenomenon. It discusses predictability and contradictability features of models, their validation or rejection, and collateral information associated with UFO phenomena. The authors present a 28-year analysis of Spanish observations, examining data codification, distribution based on time, location, magnetic anomalies, and population density. Their conclusion suggests that the experimental distribution of Type I cases aligns with a model predicting a physical phenomenon occurring randomly in the atmosphere.

Book Review: "UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist" edited by Richard F. Haines

This section reviews a book edited by Richard F. Haines, published in 1979 by The Scarecrow Press, Inc. The book, comprising 450 pages plus xix introductory pages, is priced at $18.50. It is described as a timely, four-part work that links behavioral sciences with UFO phenomena, covering cultural factors, eyewitness factors, and reporting factors. Nine well-documented contributions are organized under these headings, blending theory, data, anecdote, and exposition.

Key Contributions and Themes

Part four of the book features papers by Leo Sprinkle, Michael Persinger, and Haines himself, discussing UFO research data and theory. The reviewer commends Haines for assembling a composite picture, resulting in a readable introduction to the nascent field of UFO studies. The review highlights the book's exploration of the psychological component of UFO phenomena and questions why human and social sciences have not been more engaged. It notes that the book allows readers to explore UFO phenomena without "unreasonable editorial policies," featuring exhaustive papers by PhDs eager to share their views.

Perspectives on UFO Belief and Perception

Phillis Fox, a sociologist, examines why people believe UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecrafts, proposing psychological, socio-psychological, and cultural explanations. She suggests the cultural explanation is most reasonable, citing aspects like a lack of astronomical and psychological information and a belief in extraterrestrial intelligent life. Armando Simon, an experimental psychologist, investigates the effect of science-fiction films on the "Zeitgeist" (intellectual, moral, and cultural climate) and its influence on UFO phenomena, questioning whether films are causes or effects of the Zeitgeist and if they act as behavior catalysts.

Witness Perception and Classification

Ronald Westrum, a sociologist, discusses how the adjective "anomalous" varies with cultural background and expectancy. He classifies UFO experiences as "low-threshold" (cognitively prepared witnesses) and "high-threshold" (witnesses critically matching perceptions to mental categories). Westrum cautions against the rising rate of UFO observations, suggesting it's due to increased public awareness of what UFOs look like, and advocates for greater "critical ability" from both witnesses and investigators.

Visual Recognition and Naturalistic Hypotheses

Roger Shepard, a research psychologist, focuses on visual recognition procedures for identifying UFO shapes, emphasizing the importance of the human witness as a recording and measuring instrument. He recommends providing witnesses with systematically organized recognition arrays. Michael Persinger, another experimental psychologist, proposes a "naturalistic" hypothesis for UFO phenomena, linking them to geophysical processes similar to earthquake-related phenomena (EQL), involving intense electromagnetic forces and piezoelectric effects in rock crystals. The reviewer praises Haines' collection for asking good questions rather than providing simple answers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this collection is the rigorous, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on methodological approaches, particularly statistical analysis, and on exploring the psychological and sociological factors influencing UFO perception and belief. The editorial stance, as reflected in the review of Haines' book, favors seeking naturalistic explanations and encourages a critical, open-minded approach to the subject, moving beyond preconceived notions and "pet" hypotheses. The collection champions scientific honesty and the use of empirical data and systematic analysis in understanding UFOs.

This issue of the UFO Phenomena International Annual Review (UPIAR) from May 1981, published by the Fund for UFO Research Inc., focuses on the financial and editorial challenges within the field of ufology. It highlights the establishment of The Fund for UFO Research, its mission to support scientific investigation, and its recognition of UPIAR's contributions through an award. The issue also critically examines the editorial policies of other scientific journals that appear hesitant to engage with UFO-related topics.

The Fund for UFO Research

The article "THE FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH" by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, Chairman, addresses the critical need for funding in UFO research. He notes that unlike government-funded agencies, civilian UFO research has historically relied on volunteers working in their spare time, leading to a slower pace of advancement compared to other scientific fields. To remedy this, a group of scientists and researchers in the Washington, D.C. area founded The Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR) on August 1, 1979. The fund aims to dispense funds for UFO-related work, sourced from donors who wish to support such research.

The structure of the Fund includes an Executive Committee responsible for daily operations and a National Board that acts as a reviewing panel for proposals. Contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible in the USA. The primary purpose of the Fund is to evaluate proposals and provide monetary grants to investigators. Proposals are evaluated by the Executive Committee and then by the National Board; approval requires a 2/3 majority. The Fund provides money for specific projects with defined time periods and does not support the ongoing expenses of UFO organizations.

Request for Information

A "REQUEST FOR INFORMATION" section details Dr. Richard F. Haines, a scientific consultant to the Center for UFO Studies and Advisor to UFO Phenomena. He is studying UFO sighting reports from pilots of commercial, military, and private aircraft. Readers are asked to send any available information directly to him for his scientific analyses, with correspondence kept confidential. His address is provided as 325 Langton Avenue, Los Altos, Calif. 94022, USA.

UPIAR and the Fund for UFO Research Award

The section "SOMETIMES A CHEQUE IS BETTER THAN THOUSANDS WORDS...." reflects on UPIAR's five years of activity, noting challenges in finding quality contributions and consistent financial support. It acknowledges an improvement in submitted papers but highlights that the budget remains insufficient. A fund-raising campaign initiated in July 1980 has received a good response. The article announces an unexpected award to UPIAR from the Fund for UFO Research, stating it provides necessary encouragement.

A formal announcement from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., dated April 9, 1981, states that the first International Science Achievement Award will be presented to the editors and publisher of UPIAR. This award recognizes UPIAR as the only international refereed journal of Ufology, commending the high quality of its papers and publication style. The award includes $500.00 U.S. and is part of the Fund's effort to improve research quality. The presentation is suggested to occur at an International Conference in London around May 24-25, with a coordinated publicity effort planned. The Fund requests a prompt response from UPIAR regarding presentation details.

UPIAR Forum: Editorial Policies and Speculation

The "UPIAR Forum" section discusses the reluctance of established scientific reviews to accept contributions on UFO phenomena. It notes that the arrival of "SPECULATIONS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY" (SST) initially suggested a potential opening for such topics. However, an advertising leaflet for SST clearly stated that papers on extra-sensory perception or unidentified flying objects would not be considered. A correspondence exchange between Dr. Honig (SST Editor-in-Chief) and F. Izzo revealed that SST intended to focus on speculations strictly within actual scientific orthodoxy.

The article expresses a dislike for the silence and ignorance surrounding the UFO problem, even while respecting individual freedom of thought. It presents contributions from Alexander G. Keul (Ernst Berger) and UCLA psychiatrist Ronald K. Siegel as the only significant responses received regarding this issue. The forum explicitly invites further contributions for future UPIAR issues.

It is argued that the editorial policy of SST and similar journals reflects a lack of information on UFO phenomena, suggesting that increased information leads to a more positive attitude towards the subject. The piece concludes by urging serious UFO students not to remain detached from these discussions but to actively express their ideas.

A NOTE ON THE FLIGHT OF THE SST

This article delves deeper into the editorial stance of "Speculation in Science and Technology" (SST). Launched in 1978, SST aimed to encourage speculation in various scientific fields. However, the composition of its editorial board (physics, mathematics, engineering) and its stated goals suggested a focus on conventional scientific inquiry. The article posits that while many scientific journals encourage speculation, core journals in physics and allied fields tend to be more conservative. SST's creation was seen as a bold venture, but the editors later asked that papers on ESP and UFOs not be submitted, a decision they had the privilege and duty to make to protect their editorial goals and authors.

The article likens the SST's warning against ESP-UFO broadcasts to a beacon that attracts phenomena. It suggests that editorial flight controllers wanted no responsibility for guiding uncontrolled phenomenological craft. The piece concludes by stating that it is time for those who are "alive and from this planet" to take the lead, implying a need for active engagement with the subject rather than passive observation or avoidance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the challenges of conducting and disseminating UFO research, particularly concerning funding and the willingness of mainstream scientific publications to engage with the topic. The Fund for UFO Research represents a proactive effort to address the financial gap, while the "UPIAR Forum" and "A NOTE ON THE FLIGHT OF THE SST" critique the perceived closed-mindedness and lack of openness in certain scientific circles regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of advocating for rigorous, well-funded research and open discussion within the scientific community, encouraging active participation from researchers and students in the field.

This document comprises pages from a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, specifically discussing the state of research in the early 1980s. The content includes letters to the editor, a "State of Art" review, and lists of received books, journals, and references.

Letters and Commentary

Ronald K. Siegel, from the University of California, Los Angeles, writes in response to a letter by Honig and a reply by Izzo concerning the exclusion of UFO and ESP papers from the magazine "SPECULATIONS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY". Siegel notes Honig's remark about UFOs having "a set of emotional states which did not want to take on." Siegel argues that while "SPECULATIONS" might be useful, it won't probe the core of the UFO problem if it's of a psychosocial/psychopathological nature. He suggests that Honig should announce the existence of the interdisciplinary journal "UFO PHENOMENA" to his readers and direct UFO papers to their address.

Alexander G. Keul, also contributing, comments on the debate, agreeing that he also does not want to "take on" the emotional states associated with UFOs. He attributes the ranking of UFOs as non-scientific subjects partly to amateurish "ufologists" who neglect research methodology. Keul, having been removed from an astronomical institution for "unwanted activities," notes that he and others are still labeled off with amateurs. He states that the task of "UFO PHENOMENA" will be to distinguish between quackery and multidisciplinary UFO science, thereby changing the public image of the subject.

State of Art: The UFO Phenomenon

This section, presented as the "State of Art" for 1980, is authored by Alexander G. Keul, an Austrian researcher also known as Ernst Berger. Keul, who holds a Ph.D. in meteorology and astronomy from the University of Wien, now works in experimental psychology at the University of Salzburg and is an editor of UPIAR. The article thanks him for his contribution and assistance.

Keul asserts that science requires a balanced ratio between theory and methods. He believes the UFO phenomenon, which he accepts exists, has seen thirty years of abundant hypotheses but a serious lack of methodology. He criticizes the existing methods for failing to advance the testing of hypotheses, quoting Hendry (4) who, after examining 1300 first-hand UFO reports, could not confidently distinguish between a "real" physical phenomenon and a complex misperception.

Keul outlines several complications faced by scientists approaching the UFO problem:

a. UFO reports are often singular events, making them difficult for sciences dependent on repeating phenomena.
b. The phenomenon is global with low base rates but developing temporal and local peaks, making monitoring difficult. Delays in reporting and non-reported events further complicate monitoring.
c. There is a "hard core" of physically documented events embedded in anecdotal reports, where interviews are the primary research method.
d. Data gathering is often research "per exclusionem," as indicated by the negative term "unidentified flying object."
e. UFO research is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring knowledge in meteorology, astronomy, engineering, geography, physiology, and psychology.
f. Lack of funds, due to scientific conservatism, has made UFO research an idealistic pursuit, driven by inner energy, plain curiosity, or unconscious needs.

Keul notes that political and socio-cultural conditions created a climate of exceptional interest and emotional responses, amplified by mass media. He describes the sixties and seventies as dominated by a lack of definitions, with discussions between scientists showing a pre-scientific phase. The field was led by natural scientists and engineers applying hard tools to soft reports, with the "extra-terrestrial hypothesis" serving as a unifying myth. He points out that questioning "Ufology is not a true science" was considered heresy.

In the late seventies, researchers like Randles & Warrington (9), Schonherr (10), and Seargent (12) began questioning the value of the "extra-terrestrial hypothesis" for empirical studies.

The years 1979-1980 saw two major events: the books by Richard Haines, "Observing UFOs," which outlined techniques from natural, medical sciences, and engineering for in-depth investigation, and "UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist," which gathered contributions from social scientists offering new perspectives. Haines' work suggests that UFO investigators should be more cautious about accepting reports from individuals whose credibility is unknown prior to the sighting.

Keul also mentions his own State-supported "Austrian Witness Project," which tested developments of Walker's witness screening methods. He found that while US psychiatrists claimed no UFOmania, an "UFO syndrome" with psychopathological structures often shapes initial reports, from "Nocturnal Lights" to "Close Encounters of the First Kind." Researchers have increasingly focused on the witness as the "true independent variable."

Experimental results on object drawings by UFO witnesses and non-witnesses, and "abductions" reported by hypnotized non-witnesses, promise a drastic change in established views.

Keul offers a prognosis for the eighties:

1. Empirical results from sociology, psychology, and psychopathology of UFO phenomena witnesses will reshape the field.
2. A new set of definitions will lead to more factual language.
3. Veteran promoters of the "extra-terrestrial hypothesis" (ETH) will realize it is a methodological obstacle.
4. Finer analytical tools will reduce inexplicable reports to under 50% of the 1980 figure.
5. Further research will clarify whether UFO research and parapsychology have identical aims.

He concludes by suggesting that if Hynek's classical definition of the UFO as a "reported perception of an object... (that) remains unidentified after close scrutiny of all available evidence by persons who are technically capable of making a common sense identification" is used, the road of research involves getting all available evidence, considering the witness's brain and social milieu, and consulting methodically capable people.

Books and Journals Received

The document lists several received books and journals, including:

• "Manifiesto OVNI de Puerto Rico" by Sebastian Robiou Lamarche
• "Los OVNIs y sus Ocupantes" by Roberto Enrique Banchs
• "OVNIS: El Fenomeno Aterrizaje" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos
• "The Encyclopedia of UFOs" edited by Ronald D. Story
• "UFO Phenomena and the Behavioral Scientist" edited by Richard F. Haines
• "Intelligenze Extraterrestri" by Maurizio Blondet-Roberto Pinotti

It also lists numerous other UFO-related publications and bulletins, such as "NORDIC UFO NEWSLETTER," "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW," "THE JOURNAL OF UFO STUDIES," and various reports from "CNES-GEPAN."

References

The issue provides a numbered list of references, citing works by R.F. Haines, A. Hendry, J.A. Hynek, F. Izzo, A.G. Keul, A.H. Lawson, J. Randles, P. Warrington, L. Schonherr, B.E. Schwarz, D.A.J. Seargent, and S. Walker, along with their publication details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific study of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous, interdisciplinary research that moves beyond anecdotal evidence and speculative hypotheses. The editorial stance, as represented by Keul's "State of Art" article, advocates for a more methodical and critical approach, questioning the long-standing "extra-terrestrial hypothesis" and highlighting the importance of psychosocial and psychopathological factors in understanding witness accounts. The magazine appears to be promoting a more academic and scientific engagement with the UFO subject, distinguishing it from less rigorous or purely speculative endeavors.

This issue of UPIAR, Volume I, No. 1, published in 1976, presents French language abstracts of several articles related to UFO phenomena. The content delves into statistical analysis of UFO sightings, psychological and consciousness-related aspects of UFO experiences, and methodological approaches to studying UFO data.

Article Abstracts

"ESSAI SUR LA CORRELATION POSSIBLE ENTRE LA REPARTITION GEOGRAPHIQUE ET LES TRAJECTOIRES DES OVNI, SUR LA BASE DE LA VAGUE ESPAGNOLE DE 1968-1969" by M. Guasp

This abstract details a study on the frequency and distribution of UFO flight directions during the Spanish UFO wave of 1968-1969. By considering direction, orientation, and frequency as vectors, the study identified two main information centers: one in northeast Spain for object appearances and another in southwest Spain for object disappearances. The line connecting these two centers appears to be significant in determining the geographical distribution of observations during the wave.

"L'ACTIVITE OVNI : UN CONDITIONNEMENT A LA CONSCIENCE COSMIQUE ?" by R.L. Sprinkle

This article proposes an approach to studying UFO reports by examining hypotheses that could explain the "physical," "biological," "psychosocial," and "spiritual" implications of UFO phenomena. The central hypothesis explored is that UFO experiences tend to increase the witness's cosmic consciousness. The structure of UFO reports is also compared to statements from individuals who claim to have received prophetic visions of future events.

"LES OVNI OFFISSENT-ILS A UNE DISTRIBUTION DE POISSON ?" by E. Berger

This abstract introduces a new concept for studying UFO waves, applying the Poisson distribution, which is used for rare and random events like accidents or earthquakes. The study applied this to data from the autumn 1954 wave in Austria. It suggests that there was no causal relationship between the 94 reported cases over 12 weeks, and that the "wave" structure was likely produced by strong journalistic amplification of new case disclosures, rather than an external "acting force." The abstract notes that this finding could challenge other "wave" structures and examines the broader implications and potential tests for this concept.

"UNE APPROCHE STATISTIQUE DES DONNEES DE BASE SUR LES OVNI EN VUE DE LA DEFINITION D'UN 'FILTRE DE RECONNAISSANCE'" by R. DORETTI and R. FARABONE

This article presents a new statistical method for processing UFO research data. It explains how to gather data pertaining to similar phenomena or object types from a larger set of UFO reports. This is achieved by analyzing statistical relationships and correlation coefficients between observations. The authors present a theoretical overview followed by a practical example, emphasizing that the method allows for the recognition of phenomena despite data imprecision and randomness.

Subject Index

The issue includes a subject index covering a wide range of topics related to UFO research, including: Apparitions, Close Encounters, Dark Side, Deblurring, Densitometry, Digital Processing, Edge Enhancement, Extra-Dimensional Phenomena, Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP), Eyewitness Evaluation, Hallucinations, Hoax, Hypnotic Regression, Ideoplasty, Illusions, Images, Kaikoura, Memory Pattern, Mirror-Effect, New Zealand Sightings, Parallel Space, Parapsychology, Perception Structure, Percipient-Dependent Component (PDC), Photographs, Pictures, Reality, Restoration, Sharpening, Social Situation, Syntrometry, UFO Definition, UFO Experience(s), UFO Film, Visions, Witness-Centered UFO Investigation, and Working Hypothesis. Page numbers are provided for each topic.

Abstracts Section

The latter part of the document contains a section titled "ABSTRACTS," featuring the French language abstracts detailed above, along with their respective authors and translators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and statistical analysis of UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on developing methodologies to understand and interpret UFO data, moving beyond anecdotal accounts to more rigorous, quantitative approaches. The abstracts suggest an editorial stance that favors critical examination, statistical rigor, and exploration of the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO experiences, while also being open to unconventional hypotheses regarding consciousness and the nature of reality.

This issue of UPIAR, Volume II, No. 1, published in 1977, is a collection of translated articles focusing on various aspects of UFO phenomena. The magazine presents research and analysis from different authors, covering case studies, statistical analyses, and theoretical discussions.

Articles

"UNE ANALYSE COMPARATIVE DE 62 CAS DE FAISCEAUX DE "LUMIERE SOLIDE"" by J. HEERING

This article presents a comparative analysis of 62 cases where witnesses reported UFOs emitting beams of light that appeared solid and propagated slowly, termed "solid light" beams. The study found remarkably consistent characteristics: uniform brightness, well-defined edges, slow propagation speed, conical or cylindrical shape, and sometimes curved propagation. The article examines the forces exerted by these beams, different types of emitted light, and their phenomenological and physical aspects. A distinct section is dedicated to the various uses UFOs seem to make of these beams. An appendix briefly touches upon the related topics of objects made of "solid light" and "structured light." This article is a revised version of sections from a larger reference.

"CARACTERISTIQUES DU PHENOMENE OVNI EN AUTRICHE" by E. BERGER

This study statistically compares 54 sporadic reports and 31 reports from a local wave (totaling 127 objects or phenomena), with 56 cases personally investigated by the author. The data includes cases from all of Austria reported by 89 observers over 5 years, and a specific wave in the Traunstein region of Lower Austria with 34 local witnesses over three years. Similarities were found in time of day, duration, number of objects, shape, dimensions, and movement, but deviations occurred in other characteristics. The article derives the characteristics of the UFO phenomenon in Austria and compares them with statistical studies by Hansen, Poher, and Vallee.

"DESSINS D'OVNI PAR DES TEMOINS ET PAR DES NON-TEMOINS : ONT-ILS QUELQUE CHOSE EN COMMUN ?" (Part 1) by R. HAINES

This article describes the results of two studies. The first involved a specially designed UFO drawing test given to groups of alleged UFO witnesses and non-witnesses. The second reviewed UFOlogical publications containing drawings by eyewitnesses. The studies aimed to identify differences in drawings based on characteristics like aspect ratio, surface details, environmental details, and quantifiable information. A secondary objective was to develop a testing procedure for recognizing and identifying UFO appearances. The findings indicated no easily discernible differences between the drawings of the two groups regarding the characteristics examined. Hypotheses discussed include the possibility that most people have seen UFO images from media, leading to similar drawings, or that the observed similarities might be interpreted in other ways.

"LA SITUATION ACTUELLE DE LA RECHERCHE UFOLOGIQUE" by L. SCHÖNHERR

This article compares the current state of UFO research to the development phases of scientific disciplines. It addresses problems in interpreting UFO reports and data collection, particularly concerning the possibility of unknown intelligence behind the phenomenon. The author stresses the need for a comprehensive thesaurus of UFO descriptive elements and highlights the advantages of a proposed "unlimited" machine-readable database. The article also examines the possible significance of the prevalence of the extraterrestrial hypothesis in UFO research, questioning whether it serves as a methodological tool or indicates a pre-scientific stage.

"SUR LA CHANCE D'ETRE TEMOIN DE PHENOMENES CELESTES OU AERIENS" by E. J. BETINIS

This study determines the chances of witnessing anomalous celestial or aerial phenomena by examining the accessible volume of sky, atmospheric conditions, and observation time. It considers the chances for pilots and astronomers as well. The results are applied to detecting meteors and anomalous aerial phenomena. The conclusion is that the chance of witnessing an anomalous phenomenon (UFO) is extremely low and improbable, suggesting a selectivity in reports. It is also suggested that a small number of rapidly moving anomalies could account for the total number of reports of aerial phenomena.

"LUMIERES ANORMALES DANS LE CIEL DIURNE" by B.S. MACCABEE

Several observers, including a technically competent military employee, reported seeing two very bright lights or luminous objects in the daytime sky. These lights appeared stationary and moved along different trajectories. The observation lasted 3 to 5 minutes. Despite an in-depth investigation, the objects remained unidentified.

"POURSUITE DRAMATIQUE EN ESPAGNE" by W. SMITH, M. GUASP, V.J. BALLESTER OLMOS

A family of five, driving at night on secondary roads, was followed by a bright light for approximately 40 km and nearly an hour. As they approached Cheste (near Valencia, Spain), the UFO positioned itself above and in front of the car, and arms emerged. The incident concluded with the arrival of another vehicle. One witness (15 years old) experienced severe malaise, and the car's battery failed, requiring replacement the next day.

"1954/55 LA PART DE L'AUTRICHE" by E. BERGER

Numerous UFO observations were reported in Austria during 1954/55, with 99 remaining unidentified. The core data consists of police and gendarmerie reports collected by Austrian authorities. The article presents 28 case studies in detail, using a comprehensive statistical analysis to identify the structures of the 1954/55 wave and compare them with findings by Vallee, Berger, and others.

"REFLEXIONS SUR LA NATURE DES HUMANOIDES" by J. SCORNAUX

This article discusses the controversial nature of UFO-observed humanoids. It addresses the reluctance to accept them as intelligent extraterrestrials, partly due to human fear and the resemblance to humans. The author argues that human imagination cannot fully explain their appearance, as they resemble humans both too much and too little. A key argument against their material nature is the variability of their morphology. The author proposes that these cases might involve image projections created by electromagnetic waves or parapsychological means. While some observations might correspond to projections, others suggest physical contact or imprints. The article explores various hypotheses, including one suggesting humanoids could be humans captured by entities controlling the UFO phenomenon.

"UTILISATION DE LA TECHNIQUE DU PENDULE DANS L'ETUDE DES EXPERIENCES OVNI" by R. L. SPRINKLE

This article provides information on using the pendulum technique to uncover subconscious memories for UFO investigations. It describes the technique's history and contemporary use, offering learning methods and illustrations. The article reviews UFO investigation methods, focusing on close encounters of the third kind (RR3), particularly cases involving "time loss" or partial amnesia. Two case studies using the pendulum technique are presented: one yielding preliminary information about a "time loss" experience and another about a "hidden" UFO experience. Investigators are encouraged to consult with hypnosis consultants for RR3 cases to explore witnesses' subconscious memories.

"HYPNOSE DE PERSONNES IMAGINAIREMENT ENLEVEES PAR UN OVNI" by A. H. LAWSON

To objectively evaluate claims of UFO abduction, imaginary abductions were induced via hypnosis in volunteers with no prior UFO knowledge. Eight situational questions covering typical abduction narrative elements were posed. A weighted comparison of four imaginary abduction accounts and four "real" abduction accounts revealed no significant differences, with complex motifs mirroring established details of "real" UFO reports appearing in the "naive" imagination accounts. The article notes the lack of a satisfactory explanation for these analogous motifs and similarities, but highlights parallels with "image constants" or recurring descriptions from drug-induced hallucinations and near-death experiences. This suggests that at least parts of "real" abduction accounts might reflect sensory input. However, crucial differences like alleged physical effects and multiple witnesses distinguish UFO abductions from imaginary experiences. A model is proposed where witnesses perceive real images (lights, grid-like structures, illuminated tunnels, humanoid figures) which combine with imagination, memory, and existing UFO knowledge to create a "real" encounter. The subjective reality of the hallucinatory structure convinces witnesses of the event's physical reality.

"DESSINS D'OVNI PAR DES TEMOINS ET PAR DES NON-TEMCINS : ONT-ILS QUELQUE CHOSE EN COMMUN ?" (Part 2) by R.F. HAINES

This second part of the study by R. Haines presents results from 458 new drawings. The "witness" group showed a higher percentage of valid (non-fantastical) drawings, more UFOs angled relative to the page, more instances of two or more UFOs, a lower percentage of side or isometric views, and fewer symmetrical drawings. Average aspect ratios for the UFO contour and dome did not differ between groups. Other main measures of contour and dome also showed no difference. Significantly, the "witness" group drew fewer diverse details like openings or insignia. These findings are compared to the previous study, examining the impact of perception on the desire or ability to reproduce UFO forms.

"LES OVNI SONT-ILS DES PHENOMENES PSYCHIQUES ?" by I. GRATTAN-GUINNESS

This article explores the relationships and possible analogies between UFOs and psychic phenomena, as most UFO researchers now consider their work a branch of psychic research.

"UNE ENQUETE STATISTIQUE AUPRES DES OBSERVATOIRES ASTRONOMIQUES ITALIENS" by M. PITTELLA

This statistical survey conducted in 1977-1978 among Italy's 14 major astronomical and astrophysical observatories aimed to gauge the opinion of the scientific community on UFOs and determine if observatory personnel had directly observed UFO-type phenomena. The survey revealed a poor level of information and awareness regarding UFOs within the scientific community. The author suggests that regular surveys across different scientific circles could help track the evolution of scientists' opinions on the UFO question.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UPIAR revolve around the empirical investigation of UFO phenomena, including detailed case analyses, statistical studies of sightings and characteristics, and explorations into the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO experiences. There is a clear emphasis on presenting research findings and encouraging further investigation, particularly in areas like the nature of humanoids and the potential psychological underpinnings of abduction accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse research perspectives without necessarily endorsing any single hypothesis, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations in the field of UFO research.

This document is a collection of German language abstracts from the journal UPIAR, Volume I, Number 1, published in 1976. It presents summaries of various articles related to UFO research, covering statistical analyses, observational data, and theoretical hypotheses.

Article Summaries

"AUFSATZ ÜBER DIE MÖGLICHE KORRELATION ZWISCHEN DER GEOGRAFISCHEN VERTEILUNG UND DEN FLUGRICETUNGEN VON UFOS AUFGRUND DER SPANISCHEN WELLE 1968 - 1969"

This article by M. Guasp analyzes the frequency and flight directions of UFOs during the Spanish UFO wave of 1968-1969. By treating direction, trajectory, and frequency as vectors, the study found that the resultant vector sum precisely points to the centers of maximum UFO information. These centers are identified as aerial observations in NE Spain (considering the direction from which objects came) and Type I cases in SW Spain (considering the direction in which they disappeared). The line connecting these two information centers, NE-SW, appears to play a significant role in the geographical distribution of sightings during this wave.

"UFO AKTIVITÄT: KOSMISCHES BEWUBTSEINSTRAINING ?"

R. Leo Sprinkle proposes a new approach to studying UFO reports by examining preliminary hypotheses that could explain the "physical," "biological," "psychosocial," and "spiritual" dimensions of UFO phenomena. The UFO experience is analyzed under the hypothesis that it aims to enhance the cosmic consciousness of UFO witnesses. The resulting patterns from UFO reports are compared with visions of future events held by individuals.

"SIND UPOS POISSON-VERTEILT ?"

E. Berger (MUFON) introduces a new concept for studying "UFO waves." The article explains the Poisson distribution, a statistical distribution for rare random events, and applies it to data from the autumn "wave" of 1954 in Austria. The study suggests that the 94 cases observed over 12 weeks were not causally linked but likely resulted from a strong public relations effect that amplified reporting, creating the "wave" structure. The article discusses the general implications of this concept for other "wave" structures and suggests further tests for its validity.

"EIN STATISTISCHER ZUGANG ZU GRUNDLEGENDEN UFO-DATEN FÜR DIE EINFÜHRUNG EINES "ERKENNUNGSFILTERS""

R. Doretti and R. Farabone (CNIFAA) present a new statistical method for processing data in UFO research. The focus is on how to collect data related to similar phenomena or objects, distinct from the broad spectrum of general UFO reports. This is achieved through statistical analysis of different datasets using correlation coefficients. The article explains the theory, provides a practical example, and concludes that this filtering method can indeed help identify phenomena despite data inaccuracies and randomness.

"EINE VERGLEICHENDE ANALYSE VON 62 FÄLLEN "FESTER LICHTSTRAHLEN""

J. Heering presents a comparative analysis of 62 cases involving "fixed light beams" emitted by anomalous objects. The characteristics of these light beams are noted as remarkably constant: uniform brightness, sharp edges, slow expansion, conical or cylindrical shape, and sometimes a curved trajectory. The forces exerted by the beams and different types of emitted light are analyzed from phenomenological and physical perspectives. Practical applications of these beams by UFOs are also discussed, with an appendix on "fixed luminous objects" and "structured light."

"ÖSTERREICHISCHE UFO-STRUKTUREN"

E. Berger statistically compares 54 sporadic and 31 "local flap" reports (totaling 127 objects/phenomena) in Austria. The first dataset covers cases across Austria reported by 89 observers over 5 years, while the second focuses on the Traunstein area, Niederösterreich, with 34 local witnesses and 3 years of observations. The data show similarities in time of day, duration, number of objects, shape, size, and movement, but differ in other characteristics. Austrian UFO structures are derived and compared with results from Hansen, Poher, and Vallée.

"IST DER LOCUS COERULEUS, EIN WICHTIGES ANATOLISCHES HIRN-ZENTRUM, AN DEN BIZARRSTEN ASPEKTEN VON UFO-BERICHTEN BETEILIGT ? DIE INDUZIERTE TRAUM-HYPOTHESE."

Cl. Rifat explores the hypothesis that the Locus Coeruleus, a part of the mammalian brain that induces dreaming, might be involved in the bizarre aspects of UFO reports, particularly "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The author suggests that close UFO encounters, especially those involving occupants, might interfere with normal brain function during wakefulness by affecting the Locus Coeruleus. This implies that such reports may not reveal the true stimulus but rather the witness's interpretation of the UFOs. These encounters are likened to LSD-like experiences, blending reality with the subconscious.

"UFO-ZEICHNUNGEN VON ZEUGEN UND NICHT-ZEUGEN: GIBT ES GELEINSANZEITEN ?"

R. Haines describes the results of two studies: (1) a UFO drawing test administered to alleged UFO witnesses and non-witnesses, and (2) a review of published UFO literature with witness drawings. The aim was to identify differences in aspect ratio, surface details, and surrounding details between the two groups. A secondary goal was to develop UFO identification and classification tests. The findings indicated no significant differences between the drawings of witnesses and non-witnesses, suggesting either that the groups originate from the same population or that non-witnesses reproduce a social stereotype of UFOs. Another hypothesis is that exposure to media depictions of UFOs explains the similarities.

"DIE GEGENWÄRTIGE SITUATION DER UFO-FORSCHUNG"

L. Schönherr compares the current state of UFO research to the developmental phases of scientific disciplines. Problems in documentation and interpretation are discussed, with particular attention to disinformation and the need for a UFO-related thesaurus. The drawbacks of a proposed "unlimited" machine-readable UFO database are demonstrated. The article concludes by examining the significance of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) in UFO research, questioning whether it is a useful tool or indicative of the field being in a pre-scientific phase.

"ÜBER DIE WAHRSCHEINLICHKEIT EREIGNISSE AM HIMMEL ODER IM LUFTRAUM BEOBACHTEN ZU KÖNNEN"

E. J. Betinis derives the probability of observing an aerial event or anomaly from the ratio of the observable sky section to the entire sky at an altitude of approximately 15 kilometers. Considering the time spent observing, the study concludes that the chance of observing an anomalous event (UFO) is extremely low. It suggests that witness reports of anomalous events may indicate a form of "selectivity," the nature of which (phenomenon or observer) is unclear. The existence of a few fast-moving anomalies could explain the global volume of reports on anomalous atmospheric phenomena.

"ANOMALE LICHTERSCHEINUNGEN AM TAGESHIMMEL"

B. S. Maccabee reports on several individuals, including a military facility technician, who observed two bright, intact lights or luminous objects in a clear midday summer sky. The objects were seen stationary and moving along various paths. The observation lasted three to five minutes, and despite thorough investigation, the objects remain unidentified.

"DRAMATISCHE VERFOLGUNGSJAGD IN SPANIEN"

W. Smith, M. Guasp, and V. J. Ballester Olmos describe an incident where a family of five was pursued by a bright light for 40 kilometers for nearly an hour while driving at night on rural roads near Cheste, Valencia, Spain. The UFO moved very close and extended a type of landing gear. The incident ended when another vehicle approached. One witness, a 15-year-old girl, experienced severe nausea during and after the event. Damage to the car's battery, which had to be replaced the next day, was linked to the incident.

"1954/55 - DER ÖSTERREICHISCHE ANTEIL"

E. Berger analyzes mass UFO experiences reported in Austria during 1954/55, with 99 cases remaining unidentified. The core material comes from Gendarmerie and police reports collected by the Austrian Ministry of the Interior. The most interesting part, consisting of 28 case studies, is presented in detail. A statistical analysis, similar to Berger's earlier study of Austrian reports from 1972-1977, identifies patterns in the 1954/55 sighting wave and compares them with findings by Vallée, Berger, and others.

"BETRACHTUNGEN ÜBER DIE NATUR DER HUMANOIDEN"

J. Scornaux discusses the controversial nature of humanoids described by UFO witnesses. While the assumption of extraterrestrial origin faces resistance, the similarity between humanoids and humans raises complex questions. The author doubts that the appearance of humanoids can be explained by human fantasy alone, as they are both too similar and too dissimilar. An objection to their material nature is the variability in their morphology. The article also addresses cases where humanoids disappear instantaneously, suggesting that these might be projected images, possibly through electromagnetic waves or parapsychically.

"DER EINSATZ DER PENDELTECHNIK BEI DER UNTERSUCHUNG VON UFO-ERLEBNISSEN"

R. L. Sprinkle presents a technique for uncovering subconscious memories that could be useful in UFO field investigations. The article describes the history and contemporary applications of dowsing (pendulum technique), offering instructions and illustrations. It reviews literature on UFO field research, focusing on "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (CE III), including reports of "time slips" or partial amnesia. Two UFO cases are presented as examples of applying dowsing to investigate possible time slips and "hidden" UFO experiences. The author recommends involving a hypnosis expert for exploring subconscious memories.

"HYPNOTISCH INDUZIERTE, IMAGINÄRE UFO-ENTFÜHRUNGSERLEBNISSE"

A.H. Lawson conducted a study using hypnosis to induce imaginary UFO abduction experiences in volunteers with no prior UFO knowledge. A comparison between these imaginary experiences and "real" abduction accounts revealed striking similarities in a wide range of details, similar to those found in "real" UFO reports. The study notes that while there are similarities, significant differences exist, such as claimed physical effects and multiple witnesses, suggesting that "real" abductions may differ from imaginary or hallucinatory experiences. A model is proposed where witnesses perceive images (lights, forms, tunnels, humanoids) that are constant elements of the abduction motif.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UPIAR's German Language Abstracts revolve around the scientific and statistical analysis of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on data collection, interpretation, and the development of methodologies to study UFO reports. Several articles explore the possibility of UFOs being extraterrestrial in origin, while others propose psychological or neurological explanations. The issue also delves into the nature of humanoids and the characteristics of reported UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, albeit sometimes speculative, scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging the application of statistical and analytical tools to understand these events.

This issue of the magazine "UFO" (Volume II, Number 1, published in 1977) is a collection of abstracts and summaries of various studies and articles related to UFO phenomena, primarily in Italian and English. The content covers a wide range of topics, including the psychological aspects of UFO sightings, statistical analyses of UFO data, the nature of UFO reports, and potential extraterrestrial communication.

Articles and Studies

UFO Drawings by Witnesses and Non-Witnesses: Are There Similarities? (Part II) by R. F. Haines

This article presents the results of further tests analyzing 458 UFO drawings. The author previously found no significant differences between drawings made by people who claimed to have seen a UFO and those who had not. The current study reinforces this finding, suggesting that while witnesses may have a higher percentage of valid drawings and certain preferred UFO shapes (e.g., angled forms), the overall characteristics like aspect ratio and dome presence are similar. The study discusses the perceptual influence of a UFO encounter on the ability to reproduce its form.

A Theoretical Framework for the Problem of Contact Between an Advanced Extraterrestrial Civilization and Humanity: Symbolic-Sequential vs. Non-Symbolic, Non-Sequential Communication by C. Rifat

This abstract proposes a general conceptual system suggesting that advanced extraterrestrial intelligence might not be interested in communicating with a primitive species like humanity. The author posits that symbolic, sequential language is the most primitive form of communication. More advanced intelligences would likely use non-symbolic, non-sequential language to transmit more information with less distortion, potentially eliminating communication problems caused by ambiguous symbolic terms. The author speculates that dolphins might represent an earthly species with a more advanced form of communication.

Are UFOs Psychic Phenomena? by I. Grattan-Guinness

The author examines the possibility of interconnections and similarities between UFOs and psychic phenomena, viewing UFO research as a branch of psychic research. The article states that it will not attempt to prove the reality of UFO phenomena but will focus on the 'evidential residue' that cannot be easily explained away as natural occurrences or witness fabrications. The author references the British "Flying Saucer Review" as a key source for case descriptions.

A Statistical Survey Among Italian Astronomical Observatories by M. Pittella

This survey conducted between 1977 and 1978 polled major astronomical and astrophysical observatories in Italy to gauge the scientific community's opinion on UFOs and whether observatory personnel had personally witnessed UFOs. The investigation yielded no new or unexpected information but clearly indicated a mediocre level of information and awareness regarding UFOs within the Italian scientific community. The author suggests that regular surveys across different scientific groups would be beneficial for tracking changes in scientific opinion.

Essay on the Possible Correlation Between the Geographical Distribution and Directions of UFOs Based on the Spanish Wave of 1968/1969 by Miguel Guasp

This study analyzes the frequency and distribution of UFO flight directions during the 1968/1969 Spanish UFO wave. By considering direction, route, and frequency as vectors, the resultant vectors pinpointed centers of maximum UFO information: one for aerial observations (NE Spain) and another for Type I cases (SW Spain). The study suggests that a line connecting these two centers plays a significant role in the geographical distribution of sightings during the wave.

UFO Activity: Conditioning of Cosmic Consciousness? (1) by R. Lec Sprinkle

This work proposes an approach to studying UFO reports by exploring hypotheses that could explain the physical, biological, psychosocial, and spiritual implications of the UFO phenomenon. The author considers UFO reports in light of the hypothesis that UFO experiences tend to increase witnesses' cosmic consciousness. The derived model is then compared with observations of individuals who claim to have visions of future events within the next twenty-five years.

Do UFOs Follow Poisson Distribution? by Ernst Berger (MUFON)

This study introduces a new concept for analyzing UFO waves. It applies the Poisson distribution, a statistical distribution for rare and random events, to data from the 1954 Austrian UFO wave. The analysis of 94 cases over 12 weeks suggests that the cases are not randomly correlated, implying the absence of an "external driving force." Instead, the "wave" structure is attributed to a significant publicity effect amplifying new case reports. The author discusses the broader implications of this finding and suggests further tests for the concept's validity.

A Statistical Approach Based on UFO Data for the Establishment of a "Recognition Filter" by Roberto Doretti and Roberto Farabone (CNIFAA)

This paper presents a new statistical method for processing UFO data. It focuses on extracting UFO reports that can be attributed to the same "phenomenon group" from heterogeneous data. The method involves analyzing statistical relationships and correlation coefficients between different data groups. A theoretical treatment is followed by a practical application using a limited dataset, demonstrating how the "filter" can recognize the type of phenomenon regardless of data inaccuracies or collection randomness.

Comparative Analysis of 62 Cases of "Solid Light" Rays by Jan Heering

This article presents a comparative analysis of 62 cases involving UFOs that emitted apparently solid light rays propagating slowly. The characteristics of these "solid light" rays are described as remarkably constant: uniform luminosity, clearly defined edges, low propagation speed, conical or cylindrical shape, and sometimes curved propagation. The study analyzes the forces exerted by these rays, the types of light emitted, and their practical uses, discussing these from both phenomenological and physical perspectives.

Basic Structure of the UFO Phenomenon by Ernst Berger (MUFON)

This study statistically compares 54 sporadic reports and 31 local flap reports (totaling 127 objects/phenomena), with 56 investigated personally by the author. The data from Austria is compared with findings from other studies. The structure of the UFO phenomenon in Austria is identified and compared with results from Hansen, Poher, and Vallee.

The Locus Coeruleus, An Important Brain Center, Is It Implicated in the Most Bizarre Aspects of UFO Reports? The Induced Dream Hypothesis by Claude Rifat

This paper explores a hypothesis, previously proposed by Guerin, to help evaluate the bizarre content of UFO reports, particularly those defined by Hynek as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The author suggests that UFOs seen at close range, especially those with occupants, may interfere with normal waking brain function by activating the Locus Coeruleus, a brain region associated with dreaming. The key conclusion is that these reports do not provide information about the actual stimulus but rather about the subject's imagination regarding UFOs. This perspective may lead to a better understanding of bizarre events associated with these encounters, likening them to LSD experiences where reality and the subconscious merge.

Drawings of UFOs by Witnesses and Non-Witnesses: Is There Something in Common? by Richard F. Haines

This article describes the results of two distinct efforts: a "test" on UFO drawings for groups of alleged witnesses and non-witnesses, and a review of published UFO literature containing drawings. The aim was to determine if differences exist between the groups' descriptions regarding UFO width/height ratio, size, surface details, and environmental factors. A secondary objective was to consider a UFO Appearance Recognition and Identification Test. The findings indicated no discernible difference between the drawings of witnesses and non-witnesses. The author suggests that this similarity might be due to participants having previously seen UFO drawings, photographs, or films, rather than having actually witnessed a UFO. The work concludes with illustrations of common UFO shapes and their corresponding form/detail codes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, exploring both external physical aspects and internal psychological interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on statistical analysis and the scientific study of UFO reports, with multiple articles employing quantitative methods. The issue also delves into the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence and communication, as well as the psychological and even spiritual implications of UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous scientific investigation into UFOs, even when dealing with subjective experiences or phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The use of translations suggests an international scope for UFO research and reporting.

This issue of UPIAR, Volume III, Number 1, published in 1978/79, is titled "LA SITUAZIONE ATTUALE DELLA RICERCA UFO" (The Current State of UFO Research) and features contributions from various authors, with translations primarily by Rosalba Viano and Roberto Farabone.

Articles

The Current State of UFO Research (Luis Schonherr)

This study compares the current situation and development of UFO research as a scientific discipline. It addresses issues related to the documentation and interpretation of UFO reports, with special attention given to the question of information deprivation. The author emphasizes the need for comprehensive data collection on UFO characteristics and proposes a hypothetical 'unlimited' machine for accessing UFO databases. The article discusses the potential implications of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) in UFO research, questioning whether it is a methodologically viable tool or an indication that UFO research is still in a pre-scientific phase.

On the Possibility of Observing Celestial or Aerial Events (L.J.Betinis)

This article calculates the probabilities of observing aerial or anomalous celestial events. It considers the volume of sky within an observer's reach, the duration of observation, and the fraction of events occurring within the Earth's atmosphere. The study also includes considerations for pilots and astronomers. The conclusion is that the possibility of witnessing an anomalous event (UFO) is extremely low and improbable. The author suggests that rapid movement anomalies might explain the range of reports on anomalous aerial phenomena.

Anomalous Lights in the Daytime Sky (Bruce S. Maccabee)

Several observers, including a technically competent individual from a military base, reported seeing two very intense lights or luminous objects in a clear summer sky. The lights appeared stationary and moved along various trajectories. Despite a thorough investigation, the objects remained unidentified after a three to five-minute observation.

Dramatic Pursuit in Spain (M.Guasp, V-J.Ballester Olmos, 4.Smith)

A family of five, driving at night, was accompanied by an intense light that followed their car for about 40 km. The UFO, at close range, moved towards the car and emitted 'legs'. The incident was interrupted by another vehicle. One witness reported feeling unwell and experiencing subsequent indisposition. Some damage to the car's battery was attributed to the incident, and the battery had to be replaced the next day.

1954/55 The Austrian Part (Ernst Berger)

This section details UFO experiences reported in Austria during 1954/55, with 99 cases remaining unidentified. The core of the material consists of reports from the Gendarmerie/Police, collected by the Austrian government and made available to Ernst Berger. The article presents 28 cases in detail, analyzing the patterns of the Austrian UFO flap reports from 1954/55 using statistical methods and comparing them with findings by Vallee and Berger.

Considerations on the Nature of Humanoids (Jacques Scornaux)

The nature of humanoids reported by UFO witnesses remains controversial. The author discusses the reluctance to accept them as intelligent extraterrestrial entities, citing potential mental blocks due to fear. Arguments for their existence are explored, including their resemblance to humans. The variability in humanoid morphology is presented as a counter-argument to their material nature, along with their instantaneous disappearance. The author proposes that these sightings might be projections of images via electromagnetic or parapsychological means. However, some cases involve physical contact or footprints, suggesting a material aspect. The article also discusses the concept of a 'reassuring' hypothesis and proposes that some humanoids might be humans captured by entities controlling the UFO phenomenon.

The Use of the Pendulum Technique in the Study of UFO Experiences (R.Leo Sprinkle)

This article aims to provide information on using the pendulum technique to uncover unconscious memories, suggesting its potential application for UFO investigators. It describes the pendulum technique, its historical development, and contemporary use. Procedures for learning the technique are presented, along with illustrations. The article reviews literature on UFO investigations, highlighting Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE III), including reports of 'time loss' and partial amnesia. Two UFO cases are presented where the pendulum technique provided preliminary information about possible 'time loss' and 'hidden' UFO experiences, serving as examples for preliminary CE III investigations. Investigators are encouraged to consider hypnosis assistance for witnesses exploring unconscious memories.

Hypnosis of 'Imaginary' UFO Abductees (Alvin H. Lawson)

To objectively evaluate claims of UFO abductees, imaginary abductions were induced in a group of volunteers with no prior significant knowledge of UFOs. Participants were asked eight questions related to typical abduction scenarios. A comparison of four imaginary and four 'real' abduction accounts showed no substantial differences. Patterns consistent with real UFO reports emerged from the imaginary sessions of 'naive' subjects. The article notes the lack of a satisfactory explanation for the parallels between imaginary and real abductions, but highlights similarities with 'constant images' or recurring descriptions of shapes, colors, and movements reported during drug-induced hallucination experiments and near-death experiences.

Drawings by UFO Witnesses and Non-Witnesses: Is There Anything in Common? (Part II) (Richard F. Haines)

This study builds on previous research that found no significant differences in drawings of 'what could be a UFO' between people who claimed to have seen one and those who hadn't. With a larger sample size of 458 valid drawings, the results indicate that those who claimed to have seen UFOs drew a higher percentage of valid, non-ridiculous designs. They also depicted UFO shapes at various angles, multiple forms on the page, and fewer side or isometric views. The average ratio of width to height and the depiction of domes did not differ between the groups. Notably, the 'witness' group drew fewer additional details like windows, markings, or wavy lines. The findings are discussed in terms of the perceptual impact of UFO encounters on the ability to reproduce UFO forms.

A Theoretical Framework for the Problem of Non-Contact Between Evolved Extraterrestrial Civilizations and the Human Race: Symbolic Sequential Communication Compared with Non-Symbolic and Non-Sequential Communication (Claude Rifat)

This article proposes that evolved extraterrestrial intelligence might be interested in communicating with primitive species like humans. The author suggests that symbolic sequential language is the most primitive form, and evolved intelligences might use non-symbolic, non-sequential language, which can convey more information per unit of time with less distortion. This could bypass the ambiguity of human symbolic concepts. The author finds it interesting that a terrestrial species, the dolphin, may have already evolved a more advanced communication method than humans.

Are UFOs Psychic Phenomena? (Ivor Grattan-Guinness)

Scholars of UFO phenomena increasingly consider their work as a branch of psychic sciences. This article examines the possible connections and analogies between UFOs and psychic phenomena.

A Statistical Survey Among Italian Astronomical Observers (Massimo Pittella)

This statistical survey, conducted between 1977 and 1978, polled 14 major astronomical and astrophysical observatories in Italy to gauge the opinions of the Italian scientific community on the UFO phenomenon and to ascertain if any observers had directly witnessed UFO phenomena. The informative test yielded particularly new and unexpected results, demonstrating the level of information and sensitivity within the scientific community regarding UFOs. The author suggests that such surveys, if extended to other scientific circles and repeated regularly, could be a useful method for tracking the evolution of scientists' opinions on UFOs over time.

Spanish Language Abstracts: Essay on the Possible Correlation Between Geographical Distribution and Flight Directions of UFOs Based on the Spanish Wave of 1968-1969 (Miguel Guasp)

This study analyzes the frequency and distribution of UFO flight directions during the 1968-1969 Spanish UFO wave. By treating direction, course, and frequency as vectors, the study indicates that the resultant sum of these vectors points to centers of maximum UFO information: aerial observation centers (Northeast Spain) for object appearance directions, and landing case centers (Southwest Spain) for disappearance directions. The line connecting these two centers (NE-SW) appears to play a significant role in the geographical localization of the wave's observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of data interpretation, the role of psychological factors, and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from statistical analyses and theoretical frameworks to case studies and explorations of less conventional investigative techniques like hypnosis and pendulum use. The overall stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the phenomenon through scientific and analytical means, while acknowledging the complexities and persistent mysteries associated with UFO reports.

This issue of UPIAR, Volume II, Number 1, published in 1977, is a collection of research articles focused on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The articles delve into various aspects of UFO investigation, including statistical analysis, witness testimony, psychological interpretations, and case studies.

Articles

ACTIVIDAD OVNI :¿CONDICIONAMIENTO DE LA CONCIENCIACION COSMICA?

By R. Leo Sprinkle, this article presents a preliminary set of hypotheses to study UFO reports. It suggests that UFO experiences may increase a witness's cosmic awareness and compares emerging patterns with prophetic visions. The focus is on the physical, biological, psychosocial, and spiritual implications of UFO phenomena.

¿SE DISTRIBUYEN LOS OVNIS SEGUN LA LEY DE POISSON?

Ernst Berger introduces a novel concept for studying UFO waves using the Poisson distribution, a statistical model for random events. Applying this to the 1954 UFO wave in Austria, Berger suggests that the reported wave structure might be due to publicity effects rather than a causal 'external force'.

ENFOQUE ESTADISTICO A LOS DATOS BASICOS OVNI PARA EL DESARROLLO DE UN FILTRO DE RECONOCIMIENTO

Roberto Doretti and Roberto Farabone present a new statistical method for processing UFO data. Their approach aims to extract relevant information from heterogeneous reports by analyzing statistical relationships and correlation coefficients, developing a 'filter' to recognize the phenomenon despite data imprecision.

ANALISIS COMPARATIVO DE 62 CASOS DE RAYOS DE "LUZ SOLIDA"

Jan Heering analyzes 62 cases of 'solid light rays' emitted by anomalous objects. The study highlights consistent characteristics of these light beams, including uniform luminosity, defined edges, slow propagation, and conical or cylindrical shapes.

CONSTANTES OVNI EN AUSTRIA

Ernst Berger statistically compares 127 UFO phenomena/objects reported in Austria, including sporadic reports and local waves. The data, gathered over five years from 89 observers and three years from 34 local witnesses in specific areas, show similarities in time of day, duration, object number, shape, size, and movement, but also observed deviations.

PROCEDIMIENTO DE RECONOCIMIENTO DE LA APARIENCIA E IDENTIFICACION DE LOS OVNIS

Richard F. Haines discusses the importance of obtaining detailed witness information about UFO appearance for categorization and correlation. He proposes a systematic method for recognizing and categorizing UFO characteristics, which could facilitate computerized statistical analysis and aid in understanding the phenomenon's true nature.

¿ESTA EL LOCUS COERULEUS, UN IMPORTANTE CENTRO ANATOMICO DEL CEREBRO, IMPLICADO EN LOS ASPECTOS MAS EXTRAÑOS DE LOS INFORMES OVNI? LA HIPOTESIS DEL SUEÑO INDUCIDO

Claude Rifat proposes a hypothesis that the Locus Coeruleus, a brain region associated with sleep, might be involved in the strange aspects of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CEIII). The article suggests that UFO occupants might interfere with normal brain function, and that these reports reflect the subject's fantasies rather than the actual stimulus.

DIBUJOS DE OVNIS POR TESTIGOS Y NO TESTIGOS : HAY ALGO EN COMUN?

Richard F. Haines describes two studies examining drawings of UFOs made by witnesses and non-witnesses. The findings suggest no significant differences between the groups in terms of shape, size, or detail, leading to hypotheses that the similarities might stem from common cultural exposure to UFO imagery.

SITUACION ACTUAL DE LA INVESTIGACION OVNI

Luis Schönherr compares the current state of UFO research with the development of scientific disciplines. The article addresses issues of documentation, interpretation, and disinformation, highlighting the need for a UFO thesaurus and discussing the advantages of a proposed unlimited, automated UFO database. It also questions whether the prevalence of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) indicates methodological acceptance or a precientific stage.

SOBRE LA OPORTUNIDAD DE OBSERVAR SUCESOS CELESTES O AEREOS

E.J. Betinis considers the probability of observing celestial or aerial anomalous events, including UFOs. The study concludes that the opportunity to observe such events is extremely low and likely improbable, suggesting that reported sightings might involve 'selectivity' or be explained by the rapid movement of multiple anomalies.

LUCES ANOMALAS EN EL CIELO DIURNO

B.S. Maccabee reports on the observation of two bright, luminous objects by several witnesses, including a military technician, during daytime. The objects appeared stationary and moved in various trajectories before disappearing, remaining unidentified despite investigation.

DRAMATICA PERSECUCION EN ESPAÑA

W. Smith, M. Guasp, and V.J. Ballester Olmds recount a dramatic incident in Spain where a family was persistently followed by a bright light for nearly an hour and 40 km. The light reportedly extended legs, and one witness experienced illness. The car's battery was also damaged.

1954-1955: LA CASUISTICA EN AUSTRIA

E. Berger presents detailed analysis of 99 unidentified UFO experiences reported in Austria between 1954-1955, based on police reports. The study extracts constant structures from this wave and compares them with findings from other researchers.

CONSIDERACIONES SOBRE LA NATURALEZA DE LOS HUMANOIDES

J. Scornaux discusses the controversial nature of reported humanoids. He addresses the reluctance to accept them as intelligent extraterrestrials, the debate about their resemblance to humans, and proposes hypotheses such as electromagnetic projections or even captured humans.

USO DE LA TECNICA DEL PENDULO EN LA INVESTIGACION DE EXPERIENCIAS OVNI

R.L. Sprinkle describes the pendulum technique for uncovering subconscious memories, useful in UFO investigations, particularly for 'lost time' or partial amnesia experiences related to CEIII. He emphasizes the need for hypnosis consultants in evaluating such cases.

HIPNOSIS DE "SECUESTRADOS" IMAGINARIOS POR OVNIS

A.H. Lawson conducted a study inducing imaginary UFO abductions in volunteers. Comparisons with real abduction reports showed significant similarities in patterns and descriptions, suggesting a potential link between imagination, memory, and UFO experiences, though crucial differences remain.

DIBUJOS DE OVNIS POR TESTIGOS Y NO TESTIGOS : HAY ALGO EN COMUN? (Parte II)

R.F. Haines presents further results from a study on UFO drawings, analyzing a larger sample of 458 drawings. The findings reinforce previous conclusions that there are no easily discernible differences between drawings by witnesses and non-witnesses, suggesting common influences on their depictions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UPIAR revolve around the scientific and statistical investigation of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on analyzing witness testimony, exploring potential psychological explanations for sightings, and developing systematic methods for data collection and interpretation. The journal appears to adopt a rigorous, research-oriented stance, seeking to apply scientific principles to a complex and often elusive subject. The articles collectively suggest that while the physical reality of UFOs remains debated, the psychological reality of the experiences is undeniable, and further non-physical investigation is promising.

Title: UFO PHENOMENA
Issue: Vol. I, N. 1
Date: 1982
Publisher: Cooperativa Studi e Iniziative UPIAR s.r.l.
Country: Italy
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO PHENOMENA, an international annual review devoted to the scientific study of UFO phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles and columns. The editorial team includes F. Izzo, R. Farabone, and R. Cabassi, who also contribute to the 'We Are Not Alone' editorial. The review covers topics from digital UFO picture analysis to technical examinations of specific UFO cases and the psychological aspects of UFO experiences.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'We Are Not Alone,' is contributed by F. Izzo, R. Farabone, and R. Cabassi. It is followed by sections on 'Scope and Purpose' and 'Instructions to Authors,' setting the tone and guidelines for the review.

Section I: Digital UFO Picture Analysis

F. Louange presents an article on 'Digital UFO Picture Analysis,' likely delving into the methods and findings of examining photographic evidence of UFOs using digital technologies. This section appears on page 19.

Section II: New Zealand UFO Case Analysis

This section features two articles related to a specific UFO case in New Zealand. B. S. Maccabee provides a 'Technical Analysis of the New Zealand UFO Film: the Ampersand Image' (page 51), while R. F. Haines offers 'Comments on Selected Aspects of the New Zealand UFO Case of Dec. 31, 1978' (page 75). These articles suggest a detailed investigation into a particular sighting.

Section IV: Perception and UFO Experiences

Section IV explores the human element in UFO encounters. A. G. Keul's article, 'The Dark Side of the UFO' (page 91), and L. Schönherr's 'Percipient-Dependent Components in UFO Experiences' (page 113) focus on how the observer's perception and psychological state might influence the interpretation and reporting of UFO phenomena.

Columns

The review includes various columns offering supplementary content:

• Book Reviews (page 169): Critiques and summaries of relevant books.
• In Short (page 187): Brief news items or short articles.
• UPIAR Forum (page 192): A platform for discussion and exchange of ideas within the UPIAR community.
• State of Art (page 197): An overview of the current status or advancements in UFO research.
• Books and Journals Received (page 203): A list of publications received by the review.
• Subject Index (page 207): An index to help readers locate specific topics.
• Abstracts (page 213): Summaries of the articles presented in the issue.

Additional Content from Page 1 & 2

Page 1 includes a summary of a study comparing drawings of UFOs by individuals who had seen them versus those who had not. The study found that those who had seen UFOs produced drawings that were more valid, less burlesque, and showed a greater tendency to place multiple forms on the card, but fewer details like windows and more symmetrical shapes. The impact of perceptual factors on UFO reproduction is highlighted.

Following this is a theoretical framework by C. Rifat concerning the problem of non-contact between advanced extraterrestrial civilizations and humanity. Rifat proposes that advanced intelligences might not communicate using symbolic, sequential language, which he considers primitive. Instead, they might use a non-symbolic, non-sequential language capable of transmitting more information with less distortion. The article speculates that even terrestrial species, like dolphins, might possess more advanced forms of communication.

Page 2 features an article by I. Grattan-Guinnes titled '¿SON LOS OVNIS FENOMENOS PSIQUICOS?' (Are UFOs Psychic Phenomena?). This article explores the growing trend of viewing UFO research as a branch of psychic investigation and examines the potential connections and similarities between psychic phenomena and UFOs.

Another article on page 2, by M. Pittella, presents a 'ENCUESTA ESTADISTICA ENTRE OBSERVATORIOS ASTRONOMICOS ITALIANOS' (Statistical Survey Among Italian Astronomical Observatories). Conducted between 1977 and 1978 among 14 major Italian observatories, the survey aimed to gauge the scientific community's opinion on UFOs and whether any personnel had directly observed UFOs. The study concluded that it provided no new or unexpected information but clearly demonstrated the mediocre level of information and sensitivity within the scientific environment regarding the UFO question. The author suggests that disseminating such information regularly could help measure changes in scientific opinion over time.

Translations for some of these articles are provided by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos.

Copyright and Publication Information

Page 3 contains the copyright notice, stating that all rights are reserved, including translation. The publication is printed in Italy. The copyright is held by Cooperativa Studi e Iniziative UPIAR s.r.l., with an address in Milan. The publication is identified as 'UPIAR - UFO PHENOMENA - International Annual Review Supplemento a UPIAR Research in Progress Vol. I, N. 1 (1982)'. It was registered with the Tribunal of Bologna. The subscription price is listed as L. 28.000 (US $ 20.00).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of evidence (including photographic and film), the psychological aspects of witness perception, and the theoretical implications of potential extraterrestrial contact and communication. There is a clear emphasis on a rigorous, scientific approach, as indicated by the title and the inclusion of technical analyses and statistical surveys. The review also touches upon the intersection of UFOs with psychic phenomena and the challenges in communicating with potentially advanced non-human intelligences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs from a scientific perspective, while acknowledging the complexities and limitations of current understanding and research.