UFO Review - Issue 03

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO REVIEW
Issue Date: July 2004
Issue Number: 3
Price: £2.50 printed

This issue of UFO REVIEW, with the tagline "The Truth is, no one's got a clue what the hell is going on," presents a diverse collection of articles focused on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the headline "Crop Circles Created by Hostile Aliens!" accompanied by an image of a crop circle.

Editorial and Welcome

The "Welcome" section, penned by the editor, details significant changes in the magazine's presentation, including a more robust web presence and the daily updating of "News Leads" online. The magazine will now be primarily distributed as a PDF download, a format the editor has come to accept despite initial reservations. An "interesting new offer" is introduced, allowing UK and European readers to purchase magazines not easily available locally, with profits intended to fund future magazine ideas. The editor also laments the negative and often inaccurate portrayal of ufology in the national press, citing an example of a journalist's perspective that viewed ufologists as "loonies" and prone to "wild exaggeration." The editorial touches upon the need for individuals to act more responsibly and mentions a humorous response to a critical article in The Guardian, inquiring about a story on "alien shit."

The editor announces a pre-booked holiday, casting doubt on the August issue, with a return expected in September. A cartoon by Brian Zaikowski is included, humorously depicting a car and a UFO.

Featured Articles and Interviews

Mars Tonic: Interview with Mac Tonnies

This extensive interview with Mac Tonnies, author of a book published by Simon and Schuster, delves into the "Face on Mars" and other potential artefacts on the planet. Tonnies, who runs the website mactonnies.com/cydonia.html, is described as offering "considered and insightful opinion" and possessing "soundness and common sense." The interview, conducted on June 17th, 2004, begins by discussing the "Face" as a catalyst for his interest. Tonnies explains that while the Face is attention-grabbing, there are other massive objects in the Cydonia region with similar orientation and symmetry, suggesting a pattern beyond mere geology. He recounts starting his website in 1998 after encountering hostility towards discussing Mars anomalies in scientific contexts. Despite having an English degree, Tonnies expresses a strong interest in popular science and technology, noting that the establishment's disdain for the subject has deterred many scientists. He believes the attitude towards Mars anomalies has not significantly mellowed, though more objective scientific study is emerging.

Tonnies criticizes NASA's handling of imagery of the "Face," suggesting deliberate attempts to obscure its features. He points to the use of a high-pass filter in early images, which suppressed detail and made the feature appear flat, and the subsequent orthorectification process, which distorted the image, making it look "lop-sided" and less like a human representation. He questions whether this was disingenuous or part of a cover-up.

The discussion then moves to the possibility of a conspiracy to hide evidence. Tonnies references the "Brookings Report," which allegedly discusses the discovery of extraterrestrial artefacts and suggests they should be hidden. He argues that the discovery of advanced ET artefacts would invigorate the scientific community, contrary to the report's fears of apathy. He also discusses John Brandenburg's "Cydonian Hypothesis," which proposes that Martian artefacts might be built by an indigenous civilization and not necessarily be technologically advanced, comparing them to the Egyptian pyramids. Tonnies notes similarities between Martian features like the "Tholus" and terrestrial earthworks such as Silbury Hill.

Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus: So Where Does That Leave Ufology?

This article by Sheryl Gottschall examines gender differences in relation to ufology.

Ufology Dead!

An article by reporter Dam Acne declares that ufology is dead.

UFO Review Publication Service

An offer for a U.S. magazine from UFO Review is presented.

Faded Discs

An interview with Wendy Connors focuses on her mission to preserve Ufological historical recordings.

Bigfoot Seen In Yellowstone National Park

Reporter Dam Acne follows up on a strange encounter with Bigfoot in Yellowstone National Park.

Does NASA Deliberately Alter SOHO Data?

This article features Kithra presenting an argument about NASA potentially altering SOHO data.

Alien Excrement On E-Bay

A brief, humorous piece about an "idiot" selling alien excrement on eBay.

Relativity and The Lakes Of Titan

Andrew Pike explores topics related to relativity and Titan.

Net Review

This section reviews seven articles from the Internet that caught the author's eye.

Other Content

The issue also includes a cartoon by Brian Zaikowski and a mention of the magazine containing "97 pages of fun filled, frolicsome, wholesome entertainment."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFO sightings, extraterrestrial life, potential cover-ups, and the anomalies found on Mars, particularly the "Face on Mars." There is a clear critical stance towards the mainstream media's portrayal of ufology, which the editor views as negative and dismissive. The publication aims to present alternative perspectives and encourage deeper investigation into unexplained phenomena, even when facing skepticism from the scientific establishment. The shift towards a digital format and enhanced online presence indicates an adaptation to modern media consumption while maintaining a commitment to its subject matter.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated '11' and likely from the early 2000s, features a cover story titled 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus: So Where Does That Leave Ufology?' by Sheryl Gottschall. The magazine explores various facets of ufology, including Mars exploration, potential extraterrestrial artifacts, and the gender dynamics within the field.

Mars Exploration and Anomalies

The issue includes an interview with Mac Tonnies, author of 'The Martian Apocalypse,' who discusses the 'Face on Mars' and other anomalies. Tonnies argues that the 'Face' exhibits a high statistical signature for fractality, suggesting it is artificial and potentially half a million years old. He counters the argument that it is merely a natural landform shaped by erosion, noting that its appearance is consistent from multiple angles, unlike features like the 'Old Man on the Mountain' in New Hampshire. Tonnies also touches upon other formations in the Cydonia region, including the 'City' and various pyramidal structures, suggesting they might be intelligently manufactured.

Regarding the possibility of life on Mars, Tonnies expresses a belief that Mars is more alive than the mainstream view allows. He mentions Arthur C. Clarke's concept of 'banyan trees' and 'Spiders' as potential vegetation or organic-looking features. A Russian team's detection of organic pigments, suggesting chlorophyll, further supports the idea of plant life. Tonnies speculates that the presence of plants could indicate the existence of herbivores or other forms of animal life, though he acknowledges Mars is a harsh planet.

The discussion also addresses NASA's handling of evidence, particularly the Viking mission's results, where positive tests for microbes were reportedly ignored and rationalized as soil chemistry. Tonnies suggests an 'anti-life bias' within NASA, leading to a reluctance to accept findings that support the existence of life.

The Role of Gender in Ufology

Sheryl Gottschall's article, 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus: So Where Does That Leave Ufology?', critically examines the male-dominated nature of the UFO research field. Gottschall, a UFO researcher and clinical hypnotherapist, argues that the field has historically been influenced by a male mindset, focusing on 'nuts and bolts' and scientific credibility, often at the expense of 'soft evidence' and esoteric aspects. She suggests that a greater involvement of women could bring a different perspective, focusing more on people, feelings, intuition, and insight, leading to a more balanced understanding of the phenomenon.

Gottschall points out the disproportionate number of men in leadership roles, speaking at conferences, and authoring articles within ufology. She advocates for creating an environment that encourages female participation and for combining the strengths of both genders to achieve a more comprehensive approach to researching the enigmatic UFO phenomenon. She draws a parallel to John Gray's book 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus,' suggesting that men's focus on objects and activity (Martian) and women's focus on people and feelings (Venusian) are complementary and could enrich ufological inquiry.

Other Topics

The issue also includes a humorous anecdote about two aliens landing in the Arizona desert and their misinterpretation of gas pumps as sentient beings. Additionally, there's a discussion about the Hubble Space Telescope, its potential de-orbiting, and the public outcry that led to reconsideration for repairs. The magazine also touches upon the broader implications of extraterrestrial intelligence and the need for radical interpretations in understanding the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages open-minded inquiry into UFO phenomena, particularly concerning Mars anomalies and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. It challenges mainstream skepticism while also cautioning against 'wild-eyed belief.' The magazine promotes a 'testable science' approach, advocating for direct exploration and investigation. A significant theme is the critique of institutional biases, particularly within NASA, and the call for a more inclusive and balanced approach to research, as highlighted by the discussion on gender in ufology. The editorial stance seems to favor exploring unconventional ideas and pushing the boundaries of current understanding regarding UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact.

This issue of UFO Review, dated July 2004, presents a provocative cover story titled "UFOLOGY DEAD !!!!!!!!!", accompanied by a satirical news report about a body found behind a Tesco in London, suggesting the field has been 'smothered' by 'Lazy Journalism'. The magazine also details its new publication service for FATE magazine in the UK, offering direct subscriptions and back issues. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the history of FATE magazine, from its 1948 origins to its current status. The issue concludes with an in-depth interview with Wendy Connors, creator of the 'Faded Discs' audio archive, who discusses her research into early UFO investigations and the loss of historical documentation.

UFOLOGY DEAD !!!!!!!!!

The lead article, attributed to "Dam Acne" (also identified as the Science correspondent), presents a fictionalized account of a post-mortem behind a London Tesco, where a police spokesman suggests the victim, possibly involved with ufology, might have been a victim of "Lazy Journalism". The article includes a note found near the body expressing feelings of being ignored and losing credibility. Professor Dam Acne further defines "Lazy Journalism" as a "virulent form of mental disease" affecting writers.

UFO Review Publication Service

This section announces a new service offering FATE magazine to readers in the UK. UFO Review has arranged with the publishers of FATE to provide direct sales, allowing customers to buy issues individually without a subscription. This service aims to be competitive with US prices, with UK delivery included. The magazine highlights its commitment to offering quality and reliable publications, and invites suggestions via email. The UK price for FATE Magazine is stated as £3.65 per issue, with options for three or six issues at discounted rates. European pricing is also provided in Euros. Payment methods for UK residents include cheques or postal orders to UFO Review, or PayPal. European residents can use PayPal.

History of FATE Magazine (1948-2004)

This historical overview traces the lineage of FATE magazine, which began in 1948. Co-founded by Ray Palmer and Curtis Fuller, its inaugural issue featured Kenneth Arnold's account of his 1947 UFO sighting, which helped launch the modern UFO era. Curtis and Mary Fuller took full control in 1955, expanding the magazine's focus and readership. They sold it to Llewellyn Publications in 1988. Curtis Fuller's farewell column emphasized exploring "the strangest facts of this strange world". In 1994, Llewellyn transformed FATE into a full-size, full-color magazine. By 1998, it celebrated its 50th anniversary, with Carl Llewellyn Weschcke noting its longevity was due to meeting a need and exploring the unknown. In September 2001, Phyllis Galde became Editor-in-Chief, continuing the tradition of objective reporting. In May 2003, FATE returned to its original digest size. The magazine's purpose remains honest reporting and open discussion of psychic phenomena, earth mysteries, and UFO occurrences.

Interview with Wendy Connors: Faded Discs

The issue features an extensive interview with Wendy Connors, creator of "Faded Discs", an audio archive of UFO history. Connors, who has been involved in ufology for many years and specializes in early UFO investigations, particularly Project Sign, discusses her research. She believes that early UFO investigations by the military were taken very seriously, with individuals like Colonel McCoy and Alfred C. Loedding putting their careers on the line. However, she notes that after initial serious investigations, projects like Grudge were initiated to dismiss the phenomena as nonsense. Connors suggests that while overt military investigation may have ceased, a "real government" or a select group within the government likely continues to monitor the phenomena, though she is skeptical about the authenticity of the MJ12 documents. She criticizes the scientific community for its reluctance to seriously engage with the subject. Connors also highlights the significant loss of historical UFO documentation, citing the example of approximately 120 metric tonnes of material being buried in a landfill at Wright Patterson AFB. She likens this destruction of records to the burning of the Library of Alexandria. Connors explains that her "Faded Discs" project aims to create an audio history of ufology, complementing the existing written records by collecting and preserving historical audio recordings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a critical and somewhat satirical stance towards the current state of ufology, as evidenced by the "UFOLOGY DEAD" cover story and the critique of "Lazy Journalism". There is a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and the importance of preserving documentation, particularly in the interview with Wendy Connors. The publication service for FATE magazine suggests an effort to provide reliable resources to readers interested in the strange and unknown. The overall tone suggests a desire for rigorous investigation and a skepticism towards sensationalism, while still acknowledging the enduring fascination with unexplained phenomena.

This issue of UFO Magazine delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring an in-depth interview about the preservation of historical audio archives, a reported encounter with Bigfoot, and an investigation into alleged NASA data manipulation.

Audio Archives and Ufology Preservation The magazine highlights the work of an individual dedicated to collecting, digitizing, and restoring old Ufology audio recordings. This project, dubbed 'Faded Discs', aims to preserve the voices and firsthand accounts of Ufologists and witnesses from the past. The interviewee explains the importance of hearing the inflection and personal context in these recordings, which he believes makes the written word more meaningful. He has amassed a vast collection, estimating that he has only processed about 15% of the available material. The process involves cleaning up audio, editing out pops and long pauses, and organizing the recordings into thematic groups. The interviewee expresses a hope that this work will be appreciated by future generations as a historical audio record.

He discusses his belief in the eventual reality of 'First Contact' with extraterrestrial beings, not necessarily initiated by governments, but a universal awareness. He also touches upon the potential societal impact of such an event, suggesting that while initial chaos might occur, humanity, especially younger generations, would adapt. He contrasts this with the idea of government cover-ups, believing that a public announcement would be beneficial.

Regarding the nature of potential alien visitors, he posits that beings capable of interstellar travel would likely be more interested in learning and exploration than conquest, having evolved beyond aggressive tendencies. He also offers a perspective on why UFOs might crash, suggesting they are likely advanced technology rather than living beings, and thus prone to malfunction.

Bigfoot Encounter in Yellowstone National Park A separate article details a reported encounter with a Bigfoot-type creature in Yellowstone National Park. Park rangers Brendan Bringiton and Darius Doollaley recount their experience. While camping, they were approached by a large, hairy humanoid creature. The creature, described as about 8 feet tall with long arms and claw-like fingernails, spoke to them, initially asking for a can opener and then for something to smoke. The rangers' initial fear turned to surprise and a sense of the surreal. The creature's dialogue, presented in a dialect, suggests a family outing and a humorous interaction, even requesting that a lock of its hair not fall into the hands of Loren Coleman.

NASA and SOHO Data Anomalies The issue also investigates claims that NASA deliberately alters satellite images to conceal UFO sightings. The article focuses on the SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) LASCO C3 images. It references a claim made by Donna Tietze Hare, a former NASA technical artist, who alleged NASA airbrushed UFOs out of images. While James Oberg is cited as refuting these claims, the article points to specific incidents where SOHO images were temporarily unavailable or appeared to have been tampered with. Notably, an object was seen on SOHO images in May 2002, after which NASA stopped posting images for a week. The article suggests that these un-posted images might have been used to track this unidentified object. Furthermore, speculation arose in February 2003 that NASA doctored images of Comet NEAT (C/2002 V1), showing it altering its flight path. The article provides links to relevant websites and NASA's own image archives for further investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, from historical Ufology to cryptozoology and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and claims from various perspectives while also critically examining them, particularly in the case of alleged government cover-ups. The emphasis on audio archives highlights a commitment to preserving primary source material in the study of Ufology. The Bigfoot story adds a touch of the bizarre and humorous, while the NASA section reflects a skepticism towards official explanations and a focus on scrutinizing data for anomalies.

This document consists of a series of emails exchanged between 'kithra' and 'D' (and others) discussing images of comets NEAT (C/2002 V1) and Bradfield, as captured by the SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) spacecraft. The emails, dated from March 2003, delve into accusations of image manipulation by NASA, technical issues with SOHO image data, and the nature of cometary observations.

Comet NEAT Images and Accusations

The initial exchange addresses claims made by Dr. Tom Van Flandern, a former Chief of the Celestial Mechanics Branch at the U.S. Naval Observatory and NASA consultant, regarding Comet NEAT images. Van Flandern suggested that NASA might have super-imposed an image to highlight the comet and its path, implying a form of manipulation. The recipient, 'D', expresses strong skepticism about this claim, referring to it as "obvious rubbish" and doubting that a "real scientist" would make such a statement. 'D' explains that raw images from telescopes are unintelligible and require "background subtraction" to enhance objects against the background noise. This process, 'D' asserts, is standard practice and not a form of "superimposing."

'D' also defends the comet itself, stating that Comet C/2002 V1 was "spectacular," "brightest and largest" observed by SOHO, and had an orbit nearly perpendicular to the Sun-SOHO vector, allowing for "exceptionally accurate observations." The idea that the comet was "not unusual" is deemed "absurd."

Further emails clarify that the image in question, which was attributed to a "grad-student" and accused of having an "upside-down and the wrong year," was actually created by 'D' personally. It was an illustration designed to show the "estimated TRAJECTORY that comet NEAT will follow in the telescope's field of view." 'D' explains that to represent the star field accurately, an image from one year prior was used, as the star field would be similar. The "wrong date" was a prediction, not a record of an event that had already occurred. The image was not of the comet itself but an illustration of its expected path.

Comet Bradfield and Technical Issues

The discussion then shifts to Comet Bradfield, discovered in April 2003. NASA faced similar accusations of "faking" images. These accusations stemmed from a large data gap in LASCO C3 images and the observation that Comet Bradfield's tail did not appear to point away from the Sun, as is typical. It was suggested that the images were foreshortened due to the comet traveling directly towards the camera, or that NASA was using old images and overlaying them.

'D' (identified as Joe Gurman, US project scientist for SOHO) provides a detailed explanation of the technical issues that led to the perceived anomalies. The primary reasons were:

1. Reformatter Breakdown: The software at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) responsible for processing LASCO coronagraph data into images malfunctioned. While SOHO normally uses reformatted images from NASA Goddard, an effort to prevent overexposure led to poor images, prompting the use of NRL's reformatted images instead.
2. Electronics Box (LEB) Issues: The electronics box controlling LASCO and EIT started dropping "normal" images and only capturing images related to mechanism rotation, a recurring issue that required rebooting.

Kevin Schenk, from the LASCO/EIT ops team, worked to resolve these issues, including optimizing exposure times and restarting the reformatter. The document notes that some images might appear smaller or have shorter exposure times for detailed movie creation and research purposes.

Other SOHO Anomalies

The emails also touch upon other perceived anomalies with SOHO images:

• Vanishing NASA Logo: In April 2003, the NASA logo appeared on SOHO images for a period before mysteriously disappearing.
• Upside-Down Images: In mid-2003, LASCO C3 images appeared upside down. NASA explained this was due to a software change affecting data display, which was subsequently fixed.

'D' (Joe Gurman) states that he cannot comment on images not provided by the SOHO website and advises checking the official SOHO and LASCO websites for authentic images. He also mentions that Comet NEAT was in the field of view from February 16-20 and that determining the comet's nucleus size is impossible due to the surrounding coma.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this exchange are the public's skepticism towards official scientific explanations, particularly concerning space phenomena, and the tendency to interpret technical glitches or standard scientific procedures as evidence of conspiracy or manipulation. The document highlights the importance of understanding image processing techniques like background subtraction and the challenges of observing celestial bodies. The editorial stance, as represented by 'D' (Joe Gurman), is one of clear, factual explanation, debunking unsubstantiated claims, and emphasizing the scientific integrity of the SOHO mission and its data. There is a strong defense against accusations of "faking" images, attributing discrepancies to technical issues and standard observational practices. The tone is generally patient but firm in correcting misinformation.

This issue of Punch magazine, spanning pages 51-60 and likely from June 2004, covers a diverse range of topics including solar anomalies, space exploration, and a satirical take on ufology.

Solar Anomalies and NASA Scrutiny

The issue begins by questioning the data presented by NASA, particularly concerning images from the SOHO LASCO instrument. The author notes that stars and planets appear to move from right to left, contrary to normal observation, and suggests that NASA's explanations are confusing, possibly deliberately so. This confusion is speculated to be a tactic to distract from the Sun's heightened activity, hide solar anomalies, or conceal extra-solar objects.

The article highlights a significant increase in comet sightings and meteorite reports in the current year, with some scientists suggesting Earth is passing through a debris field from a comet. Statistics indicate an above-average number of significant meteors (over one meter in diameter) in June, with some likely impacting Earth.

The Venus Transit Anomaly

A central focus is the transit of Venus across the Sun in June 2004. The author, while observing SOHO LASCO C3 images, noticed Venus seemingly disappear for short durations. Specifically, Venus was visible in an image taken at 03:42 on June 4th but absent in an image taken at 04:18, reappearing in one at 04:42. Further investigation revealed a similar anomaly on June 3rd, where Venus was present at 23:18 but gone at 23:42. The author notes that the 04:18 image appeared 'adulterated' and possibly a doctored version of an earlier image.

When the author emailed NASA about these 'disappearances,' the response cited 'processing of the telemetry,' including missing data due to radio interference or connection dropouts, leading to partial or 'stale' images. NASA stated that final telemetry products might lead to reprocessed, corrected versions. However, the author's knowledgeable friend dismissed this explanation as 'razzle, dazzle, double-talk' and 'deceptive nonsense,' pointing out that NASA had not adequately addressed the June 3rd anomaly.

The article also notes that during the Venus transit, large Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) were occurring. Venus also 'disappeared' from some SOHO images, including EIT images, and there was a 13-hour gap in data from C2 and C3 images while Venus was behind the disk. An image from June 4th at 08:26 shows Venus absent, yet images taken around the same time (08:18 and 09:18) show Venus present. The author concludes with 'Hmm! NASA = Never A Straight Answer.'

Kithra's Krystal Kave and Online Presence

Page 56 features 'KITHRA'S KRYSTAL KAVE,' a website offering links to 'UFOS,' 'Planet X,' 'Mysteries,' 'Computer,' 'Life Philosophy,' 'Poetry,' 'Conspiracies,' 'Site Tools,' and 'Archives.' It also includes an advertisement for 'XPONA PC Tuition,' offering basic computer training and website design services.

Alien Excrement on eBay

A significant portion of the magazine (pages 57-59) details a bizarre personal encounter and subsequent eBay listing. The author recounts meeting a man named 'Gerry' during a three-month secondment to a classified branch of the American military in Idaho. Gerry, initially appearing as an ordinary civil servant, was later revealed by two colleagues to be an alien scientist from the planet Trauts Rellim, located in the Skcollob Galaxy, seven thousand light years away. Gerry explained that on his planet, it is customary to give a phial of one's excrement as a keepsake when parting from a close friend, as its aroma is pleasant and serves as a reminder.

The author, needing money after leaving the Civil Service, decided to sell 100 grams of Gerry's 'excrement' on eBay for £100,000.00. The substance had reportedly been tested by an independent laboratory and confirmed as not being of earthly origin. The seller offered to allow the buyer to test a small sample before finalizing the sale.

The author reflects on this incident, noting that while he found it amusing, it likely fell flat with serious ufologists. He contrasts this 'joke' with other 'dodgy alien film and dodgy alien rocks' sold online, suggesting his offering was a satirical response to people selling 'crap for sale.'

Space and Astronomy: Relativity and Titan

An article by Andrew Pike titled 'Relativity and the Lakes of Titan' (pages 60) discusses the Cassini probe's mission. It highlights how the probe's data was used in an experiment by Italian scientists to confirm Einstein's theory of general relativity with remarkable accuracy (20 parts per million). The experiment measured subtle changes in radio signals passing near the Sun, confirming that massive objects curve space-time.

The article also mentions that Cassini is en route to Saturn and will deploy the ESA's Huygens landing probe onto Titan, Saturn's largest moon. The author expresses hope that Huygens' landing will be successful, unlike the Beagle 2 mission to Mars. Upon arrival at Saturn, Cassini will also encounter Phoebe, a moon described as a very red object, possibly a captured asteroid or a dead comet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Punch magazine exhibits a critical and often satirical stance towards official explanations, particularly from NASA regarding space phenomena. There's a clear interest in UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena, but the magazine also uses these topics to poke fun at the seriousness with which some aspects of ufology are treated, as exemplified by the 'Alien Excrement' story. The inclusion of scientific articles on space exploration, such as the Cassini mission, provides a contrast, grounding some of the more speculative content. The editorial tone appears to be one of skepticism towards authority and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas, often with a humorous or satirical undertone.

This issue of UFO Universe, dated July 2004, delves into two primary subjects: the enduring mystery of the Roswell incident and the scientific exploration of Saturn's moon, Titan. The magazine also includes a 'Net Review' section discussing a recent Navy disclosure regarding a secret jamming operation.

Roswell: 52 Years of Unanswered Questions

The lead article, "ROSWELL: 52 YEARS OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS" by Donald R. Schmitt and Thomas J. Carey, revisits the 1947 Roswell incident, questioning the official explanation that the recovered debris was from a weather balloon. The authors argue that the government has a history of keeping secrets and that the measures taken to conceal the Roswell event suggest its significance. They cite instances of government secrecy, such as the F-117 Stealth fighter and Project Ultra, to establish a precedent for classified operations. The article highlights the testimony of individuals like Col. Edwin Easley, the Provost Marshal at the Roswell base, who maintained his oath of secrecy for decades, and Lt. Colonel Sheridan Cavitt, an intelligence agent who initially denied his involvement. The authors point out the lack of documentation in the official Air Force UFO investigation file for Roswell compared to similar incidents, and the disappearance of historical records. They emphasize the difficulty in reconstructing events due to the passage of time and the age of witnesses, but maintain that the general pattern of witness accounts consistently points to a UFO crash. The article questions why such extreme security measures were necessary for a supposed weather balloon, including armed guards, cordons, and MPs, and why the rancher Mac Brazel was held in detention for seven days after reporting the debris. It also raises questions about the military's actions, such as removing Bud Payne from the ranch and the numerous flights used to transport the wreckage. The authors contrast the Roswell incident with the recovery of an identical weather balloon in Circleville, Ohio, where documentation was readily available. They also scrutinize the displayed debris in General Ramey's office, suggesting it differs from a Mogul balloon device and that the hieroglyphic-like characters on I-beam structures were not evident under magnification. The article concludes by stating that if the Roswell incident was indeed a UFO event, it would elevate the study of UFOs from a fringe topic to a verifiable phenomenon, and that undeniable proof is being withheld.

Keeping an Eye on Titan

This section focuses on the exploration of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided 14 images of Titan, revealing a landmass the size of Australia that rotates every 16 days, suggesting a genuine surface feature rather than atmospheric formations. The Cassini mission, with its Huygens probe, is expected to map Titan's surface in greater detail, potentially to a resolution of 100 meters. Astronomers are using Earth-based instruments to gather clues about Titan's environment. Images from the Keck II telescope in 2001-2002 have provided insights into Titan's dense, smoggy atmosphere, which has mystified scientists since the Voyager 1 flyby in 1980. Titan receives only one percent of the Sun's heat but retains a thick, nitrogen-rich atmosphere along with hydrocarbons. Its atmospheric pressure is about 50 percent greater than Earth's, and it may experience rain, though not of water, which would be frozen solid at its estimated surface temperature of minus 180 degrees Celsius. Methane and ethane are believed to form the precipitation, possibly as hydrocarbon droplets. In 1999, Dr. Caitlin Griffith and colleagues at the University of Arizona analyzed infrared spectra, attributing variations to methane evaporation and condensation, similar to Earth's hydrological cycles. Further research using adaptive optics on the Keck telescope by Dr. Michael E. Brown has searched for signs of tropospheric clouds. Subsequent analysis of images from December 2001 and February 2002 revealed a bright spot near Titan's south pole, believed to be an extensive methane cloud layer. These findings suggest that methane cloud formation is influenced by seasonal temperature changes and that clouds move seasonally. This increases the likelihood of large deposits of liquid hydrocarbons on Titan's surface. Early conclusions about Titan's atmosphere indicate the presence of nitrogen, argon, and methane, with solar radiation breaking down methane into hydrogen and free radicals, which then form larger hydrocarbons and particulates, creating the moon's characteristic orange haze. The surface remains a mystery, with early theories suggesting a partly solid state with possible liquid ethane oceans and an underlying acetylene layer. The extreme cold means water is frozen solid, and oxygen is primarily from water. The "Slime of Titan" section discusses Carl Sagan's experiments, which reproduced conditions in Titan's atmosphere and subjected them to irradiation, producing a dark brown organic sludge called tholin. Sagan suggested that Titan's surface might be covered in this tholin slime, and that when exposed to liquid water, amino acids and nucleotide bases could form, creating an environment potentially suitable for life, a concept he termed the "Frankenstein Factor." This factor, a 'kick' to spark inanimate material into life, could be provided by lightning strikes or asteroid/comet impacts. The article notes that Titan is the only moon in the Solar System with a decent atmosphere, primarily nitrogen, and is compared to early Earth. Latest radar work suggests the Huygens probe might land in a liquid hydrocarbon lake. Radar echoes from the Arecibo Observatory in 2001-2002 indicate dark and light patches, not a global ocean, and strong echoes from Titan's leading edge are of uncertain significance. Cornell University scientists have observed mirror-like glints from smooth, dark areas, possibly indicating liquid hydrocarbons. Ralph Lorenz suggests these areas might be impact craters filled with liquid ethane and methane. The origin of hydrocarbons is attributed to the interaction of sunlight with methane in the upper atmosphere, producing photochemical reactions that build up hydrocarbons, leading to hydrocarbon rain and frozen lakes. The Huygens probe's landing success is crucial for confirming these surface conditions.

Net Review: Navy Comes Clean After ECTV Disclosure

This section reports on a disclosure by the Department of Defense (DoD) regarding a top-secret testing operation in the Atlantic called "Operation Northern Edge." This operation utilized HAARP technology for a new combat system, the Improved Capabilities System III (ICAP III), designed for "jamming" hostile communication bandwidths and causing temporary service loss. Cmdr. Joe Murphy of the U.S. Alaskan Command stated that the system overloads specific bandwidths, affecting everything from telephones to sophisticated electronic equipment. VX-9's EA-6B Prowlers were used to test the system, providing protection for strike aircraft, ground troops, and ships by jamming enemy radar, data links, and communications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and scientific investigations into extraterrestrial environments. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination of official explanations, particularly concerning government secrecy and alleged cover-ups, as exemplified by the extensive coverage of the Roswell incident. There is also a strong interest in the scientific pursuit of understanding other celestial bodies, such as Titan, and the potential for life beyond Earth. The inclusion of the 'Net Review' suggests an awareness of contemporary technological developments and their potential implications for national security and information control.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as issue number 71, delves deeply into the unresolved questions and persistent mysteries surrounding the Roswell incident of 1947. It critically examines the official explanations provided by the U.S. military, particularly the weather balloon theory, and presents a case for a more complex and potentially extraterrestrial event.

The Roswell Incident: Unanswered Questions

The article begins by posing a series of critical questions that challenge the official narrative. It questions why the FBI refuted the military's weather balloon explanation on July 8, 1947, with a telex indicating that the recovered material was being transported for examination. The presence of a special photo team from Washington, D.C., under Colonel Anton Hansen, and two Secret Service agents, McCann and Devinnes, dispatched to represent the president, is highlighted as unusual for a mere weather balloon recovery.

Further inconsistencies are noted, such as the presence of unknown doctors and nurses at the Roswell base hospital, and the military's retrieval of Walter Haut's press release copies and radio station KGFL materials, suggesting an effort to control the narrative. The retrieval of a small box of debris from the Sheriff's Office by military personnel, described as a scene from a 1950s sci-fi movie, is also questioned.

The article brings up the Pentagon's inquiry to Muroc (Edwards) Army Air Field about missing Northrop flying wings shortly after the crash, despite Muroc's response that none were operational. Eyewitnesses reported the recovered craft as wing-shaped, not saucer-shaped. Rumors of "bodies" involved in the crash circulated, and the military's subsequent efforts to "shut down the rumours" are scrutinized, especially given the Air Force's current denial of any such talk.

The necessity of secrecy oaths for a weather balloon recovery is questioned, implying a highly classified subject was involved. The article notes that Mac Brazel, the rancher who found the debris, returned from detention with a new pickup truck and subsequently purchased a new house, a meat locker, and property, suggesting he may have been paid for his discovery.

Melvin Brown's daughter reported that her father, who saw the bodies, and the MPs at the crash site were paid off, with a special trust account allegedly established. The existence of multiple crash sites is discussed, including the debris field and a second site where the remains of the craft and crew were located, as well as a possible touchdown point of baked soil and fused sand.

Pieces of wreckage collected by Brazel's son were confiscated by the military in 1949, raising questions about why the military was still monitoring the situation years after Project Mogul was declassified. The involvement of Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, an expert in meteorites and the Manhattan Project, in determining the speed and trajectory of the downed device is also highlighted as unusual for a mere balloon.

In 1952, a section of debris with extraordinary characteristics was discovered locked in a safe at Roswell, displaying memory capabilities and uninterpretable symbology, which were not common materials from a weather balloon. The article questions why these witnesses were not interviewed by the Air Force for their 1994 Roswell Report.

Witness Testimony and Government Secrecy

The issue emphasizes deathbed testimonies from witnesses, including Melvin E. Brown, who insisted it was not a weather balloon, and an archaeologist/geologist who spoke of seeing bodies and warned of government reprisal. Roswell base Provost Marshal Edwin Easley, base Adjutant Patrick Saunders, and pilot O.W. "Pappy" Henderson also provided deathbed accounts confirming a "flying saucer" crash and body recovery.

The article criticizes the Air Force's 1994 Roswell Report for not interviewing these witnesses and questions why Secretary of Defense Les Aspin refused to release Roswell files in 1993, with similar denials from the Air Force, Pentagon, and National Security Council.

Project Mogul and Skyhook Programs

The article explores the classified nature of Project Mogul and its potential role as a cover-up. It questions why the military invited the press to photograph a "missing, top-secret balloon" and promoted its publication, while also questioning the "crash dummy" explanation offered in the 1997 Air Force book, given that such tests occurred years after the Roswell incident.

The Skyhook program, a classified Cold War initiative involving large, high-altitude balloons, is presented as a likely progenitor of UFO mythology. These balloons, with their large size and stratospheric cruising, could create phenomena easily mistaken for UFOs. The article details various Skyhook projects, including Moby Dick and WS-119L, and their connection to UFO reports and government investigations like Project Blue Book.

It is suggested that the military's strategy of generating UFO outbreaks over the USA and USSR using Skyhooks, and the subsequent interception of some of these balloons, contributed to the UFO narrative. The article also touches upon other classified reconnaissance programs and incidents that may have fueled UFO stories.

Conclusion and Call for Truth

The issue concludes by stating that until definitive proof is forthcoming, the authors will continue to present the facts as discovered, believing that Roswell represents the recovery of an unidentified flying object by the U.S. government, supported by a "preponderance of evidence" and "Occam's Law." The military's policy of stall and delay is criticized, with the assertion that the true physical evidence remains with the military.

The article calls for public support to demand a complete account of the Roswell incident, emphasizing that public apathy can hinder progress on important issues. It argues that the Roswell event has profound implications for humanity's understanding of the universe and its place within it, and that the whole story must be revealed before the last witnesses pass away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, the questioning of official narratives, the importance of eyewitness testimony, and the exploration of classified military projects that may have contributed to UFO mythology. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations and advocates for transparency and the full disclosure of information regarding the Roswell incident. The authors express a strong belief that the Roswell event was more than a weather balloon and that the truth is being deliberately withheld.

This issue of Phenomena magazine, dated June 20, 2004, spans pages 81-90 and focuses on a variety of intriguing topics, including classified government projects, UFO sightings, crop circle mysteries, and apocalyptic prophecies. The magazine explores the intersection of these subjects, often highlighting how government secrecy and unusual events contribute to folklore and public fascination.

Project Grab Bag and UFOs

The article details Project Grab Bag, also known as Sky Dipper or Cold Ash, a highly classified USAF program that operated from 1956 into the 1970s. Its primary purpose was to sample radioactive fallout debris in the stratosphere, with a secondary objective of detailing Soviet plutonium production. The program's operations, often conducted at night, led to numerous detailed UFO sightings. These included descriptions of "conical shaped objects" descending from the sky, hovering, and smaller UFOs landing nearby. The process involved releasing lifting gas from a Skyhook balloon, lowering the ensemble to a few thousand feet, and then releasing a parachute with the payload while the balloon ascended rapidly. The recovery process, involving helicopters and the transfer of samples, also generated reports of "floating red lights" and "radiation fields," which were sometimes misinterpreted as UFO activity.

One specific incident described involved project tracking with three helicopters. When winds were light, the entire ensemble would be valved to the surface. UFO reports described "floating red lights" moving over a highway and into a field, appearing like a "two-story building, with other lights grouped around it." The payload itself had red lights, and the hovering lights were the helicopters. The noise from the powerful centrifugal blower used to transfer samples amplified the mystery, sometimes leading to reports of "strange noises in the dark" and "radiation fields" connected to hovering or landed UFOs, stemming from the radioactivity of the sample itself.

The program's classified nature meant that personnel could not disclose their mission, leading to mystery and contributing to UFO folklore. The article notes that even skeptical individuals might have wondered about the sightings generated by Project Grab Bag, finding them too complex to dismiss.

Crop Circle Mystery

The magazine features a "Crop Circle News" segment by Nick Redfern, discussing an early crop circle account from Britain in 1955. Redfern reveals that British intelligence service MI5 investigated crop circle-style formations during World War II, initially suspecting them to be "coded messages" created by Nazi spies. However, the files also demonstrated that the crop circle mystery is not a new phenomenon.

Alec Randall of Wiltshire, England, contacted the magazine to share his experience from the summer of 1955. While walking with his girlfriend Sheila near Devizes, they heard a humming noise and observed a square-shaped "distortion of the air, like a thick haze of heat" about 15 feet into a cornfield, at a height of about 20 feet. After about two minutes, a loud "cracking noise" was heard, and the haze disappeared, leaving a small, 8-foot diameter circle in the corn. The corn was laid down in a "beautiful swirl," and there was a "smell of burning metal in the air."

Randall's reason for sharing his story was the publicity surrounding the MI5 files, wanting to highlight that others had seen similar phenomena before the 1980s.

Apocalyptic Prophecies and Theories

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "Apocalypse now and forever," an article by Dennis Roddy exploring various apocalyptic prophecies and theories. It begins with the dreams of David Booth, who described a stray planet wedging between the South Pole and the moon, followed by a massive explosion on the North American continent and a ripple across the Earth. Booth had previously gained attention for a dream in 1979 that seemingly predicted an American Airlines flight crash.

Booth's recent prophecies, shared with magazine publisher Wayne Green, led to the creation of a book and appearances on alternative-science talk shows. However, he faced skepticism and accusations of plagiarism. The article mentions the "Coast to Coast" radio program as a platform for such discussions, featuring seers, UFO aficionados, and psychics.

Several theories are explored, including the "Planet X" theory, which posits a rogue planet causing global havoc. James McCanney, a former physics instructor, is mentioned for his theories about faked moon landings and comets turning into planets. Red Elk, a Native American time traveler, predicts massive volcanic eruptions and an Earth flip. Yellowstone National Park is highlighted as a focus of prediction due to its "supervolcano."

The article also touches on the theories of Immanuel Velikovsky, who linked ancient plagues to astronomical events, suggesting a comet grazed Earth, causing a cataclysm and joining the solar system as Venus.

David Booth, described as a reluctant prophet, expresses regret over sharing his prophecies, finding the community of apocalyptics to be a "brutal space." He has returned to his organic farm in New Hampshire, preparing underground shelters for storage and mushroom growing.

Cult expert David Frankfurter explains that for many disenfranchised individuals, anticipating cataclysm provides emotional nourishment and a sense of "higher truth."

Recruitment for Covert Agencies

A post from Bob Huff, dated June 21, 2004, titled "Recruiting For Covert Agencies like MJ-12," details a personal account of recruitment into a government agency in the early 1980s. The individual, then a university student, participated in a psychological study conducted by an outside company. Following exceptional test scores, the individual was approached by a Mr. 'Adams' from the CIA for a sensitive government position. Along with 11 others, the individual underwent intensive testing at CIA headquarters, including observing events, retaining observations, and translating garbled messages. The testing took place in isolation, with no windows in the provided rooms. On the third day, the individual was offered a job with a secret government agency, operating undercover in a commercial company with a small team.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of accepted knowledge, blending documented government programs with anecdotal accounts of UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and speculative theories. There is a clear interest in government secrecy and its role in shaping public perception and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting intriguing, often controversial, information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing historical context and expert commentary on the phenomena discussed. The inclusion of references suggests a commitment to research, even when dealing with speculative topics. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in mysteries, conspiracies, and the unexplained, particularly as they intersect with historical events and government activities.

This issue of New Scientist, volume 182, issue 2451, dated 12 June 2004, features an article titled "Twisting The Light Away" by Stephen Battersby, exploring a novel physics concept with significant technological implications.

Twisting The Light Away

The lead article, "Twisting The Light Away," delves into the groundbreaking work on 'twisted light' pioneered by Miles Padgett and his team at the University of Glasgow. The article begins by describing a prototype device, a plain box about half a metre long, which exhibits seemingly magical properties. When a laser beam is directed at dust, the dust motes dance in circles. This demonstration was crucial for gaining the attention of industrialists, as Padgett noted, "If you say to people, there's a device we haven't built yet, based on untried technology, using physics you've never heard of, but I assure you it's going to work...well, it's much better to demonstrate it to them."

The core of the innovation lies in creating 'twisted light,' a phenomenon where the energy of light travels in a corkscrew path around the beam's central axis, rather than in a straight line. This is achieved using a diffraction grating, a simple set of narrow lines on a transparent film. As light passes through, it diffracts and interferes, creating a twisted beam. The twist can be varied, with possibilities for single, double, triple, or even more helical structures, and the degree of twist can be significantly altered.

From a quantum physics perspective, this twisting imparts 'orbital angular momentum' to individual photons. Unlike polarization, which has only two states, orbital angular momentum offers an unlimited number of states. This is the key to its potential for communication, as each twist state can encode information. Padgett suggests that a twist of up to 26 could encode the alphabet, and theoretically, all 60,000 Chinese characters could be encoded, though practical limits due to beam spreading exist.

The idea of using twisted light for communication was first proposed in 2002 by Gabriel Molina-Terriza. However, his team faced difficulties in receiving and detecting the twisted signal. Padgett's group, already working on an 'optical spanner' using twisted light to manipulate tiny components, realized they could adapt their expertise to communication. Their prototype uses a spatial light modulator, a high-resolution liquid-crystal display, acting as a controllable diffraction grating. This allows them to generate beams with eight different twists. The receiver uses a similar modulator programmed with a fixed pattern to direct each twist to a different detector.

This technology has significant implications for communication bandwidth. While ordinary binary channels use simple on/off pulses, twisted light can encode multiple bits per pulse. The Glasgow team's prototype sends eight twists, equivalent to three bits of information per pulse, with potential to increase to 64 twist states, six times the data of a binary channel. This could lead to extra movie channels over optical fibres or enable futuristic applications like online 3D virtual reality.

However, a major hurdle is that twisted light is not compatible with current optical fibres; bending the fibre changes the twist. Designing fibres that can safely carry twisted light, possibly multi-cored fibres, is a future challenge. A team in Ukraine is also working on physically twisting fibres.

Beyond data transmission, twisted light offers enhanced security. Its unique properties make it difficult for eavesdroppers to intercept information. Combining twisted light with quantum cryptography could create truly secure communication systems, potentially for financial institutions or military applications. A commercial organization has already approached Padgett's group for a specific, undisclosed application.

The technology is also being explored for microwave communication. While visible light beams spread significantly in free space, making them vulnerable to eavesdropping, twisted microwaves could offer a more secure point-to-point communication method.

Intriguingly, the article touches upon extraterrestrial intelligence. Martin Harwit of Cornell University suggests searching for twisted light from space, as no known natural phenomenon creates coherent beams of such radiation. A deliberate, structured twisted light signal could stand out as a deliberate call sign from an advanced civilization.

Security and Eavesdropping

The security aspect of twisted light is elaborated upon. Eavesdropping on a twisted light beam is difficult because an interceptor needs to capture a significant portion of the beam's wave fronts to determine its twist. Simply picking up one fringe of the beam provides only a fraction of the information, rendering it useless. To reliably discern the twist, an eavesdropper would need multiple listeners positioned around the beam's circumference. Even then, sophisticated methods like using lightly silvered mirrors to divert small amounts of light are described as exceptionally awkward and detectable.

The Quantum Angle

The article also addresses the quantum nature of twisted light. Initially, it was thought that twist might only apply to large beams of light. However, research by Les Allen in 1992 showed that twisted light carries angular momentum, and this 'orbital angular momentum' is a property of individual photons. Further work by Alois Mair and Anton Zeilinger's group in 2001 proved that this twist resides in each photon, even in entangled pairs.

A twisted photon travels along a helical path, and its momentum is not directed straight along the beam but partly around its axis. Detecting a photon anywhere along the beam makes it appear to come from an angle, reflecting its spread-out quantum wave function, which mirrors the corkscrew shape of classical twisted light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores cutting-edge scientific research and its potential applications. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination and optimism regarding technological advancements, particularly in physics and communication. The article highlights the innovative spirit of researchers and the transformative potential of seemingly abstract scientific concepts like twisted light, suggesting that such advancements could not only revolutionize terrestrial communication but also offer insights into the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.