The Ufologist - vol 1 no 3-4

Magazine Overview

Title: the Ufologist
Issue: Vol. 1 Nos. 3 & 4
Date: July-August 1992
Publisher: Formerly St. Johns River MUFON UFO Newsletter
Location: Palatka, Florida

This double issue of "the Ufologist" delves into several prominent UFO-related topics, including a startling close encounter experienced by a Florida policeman, a report from the 1992 MUFON Symposium in Albuquerque, an analysis of photographic evidence by Bruce Maccabee, and news concerning the Roswell Crash. The publication also features a "Readers' Forum" and an editorial that questions the direction and priorities of the ufological community.

Editorial: Something wicked this way hums

The editorial, penned by FAE (Frances Anne Ecker), opens by describing a mysterious, pulsing hum reported by residents in New Mexico, likened to a high-voltage transformer or reverberating tin pans. This phenomenon has reportedly caused people to sell their homes and even led to a divorce. While the editors did not personally experience this hum, they note a similar "pulsing, irritating disturbance in the current ufological scene." The editorial then outlines several current issues within ufology:

• Gulf Breeze and the Walters photos: Debates continue regarding the interpretation of these photos, specifically how many concrete blocks would be needed to prevent a reflection.
• Shoreline Park watchers: Regular observations of unexplained lights at Shoreline park are noted, with skepticism due to the presence of military installations and radio-controlled drones.
• Jacques Vallee's stance: Vallee announced at the MUFON conference his intention to divorce himself from "organized ufology" to study the phenomenon independently.
• Budd Hopkins's abduction case: Hopkins presented an abduction case so unusual that he concluded it appeared to have been staged.
• The Corona event: This significant case is described as being bogged down by side issues, such as the anthropological background of a witness and the provenance of documents related to a diary.

The editorial questions whether these activities represent the "highest use of the time, talent and money" in ufology, suggesting that much effort is spent "putting out fires of undetermined origin." It posits that these side issues may be intentionally diverting attention from major cases like Corona and Roswell. The controversy surrounding the Walters/Gulf Breeze case and the Gerald Anderson situation are seen as overshadowing recent books on the Roswell crash. The editorial concludes by stating that the cover-up of the crash at Corona is ongoing, and organized ufology might be unwittingly participating in its latest manifestations.

Close Encounter leaves Florida policeman shaking and crying

This article by Fearon L. Hicks, a MUFON field investigator, details an incident involving Haines City Patrolman Luis Delgado on March 19, 1992. Delgado, a former Naval intelligence officer, reported seeing a green light in his rear-view mirror while on patrol. He initially thought it was a small plane about to crash. The light approached his cruiser, and the interior of his vehicle became bright green, even changing the color of his uniform to purplish. Delgado described the object as a "domed object approximately fifteen feet wide and three and a half to four feet thick at the center." The object moved around his vehicle, and then stopped in front of him. During the encounter, his vehicle's motor, lights, and radio ceased to function. He attempted to contact dispatch using his walkie-talkie, but it also failed. He noted that his breath was fogging despite the sixty-degree temperature, suggesting an unusual atmospheric condition. The object then shot off toward the northeast at treetop level, and Delgado felt a wind-like effect. He stated, "I don't think I'll ever forget this." He admitted he had been "on the fence" about UFOs before but now had "no doubt." Three police officers responded to his distress call and found him shaking and crying. A physical examination and psychological evaluation found nothing wrong with Delgado, with the psychologist concluding he had seen something unexplainable. The Polk County Sheriff's office and the FAA confirmed no airborne units or aircraft were in the vicinity at the time.

Reflections on the lack of a reflection

Authored by Bruce Maccabee, a research physicist, this article examines Ed Walters's nineteenth UFO photograph (photo 19) from the Gulf Breeze sightings. Skeptics, notably photo expert William Hyzer, claim the photo is a fake because it lacks a reflection of the UFO's "top light" in the truck's hood. Maccabee argues that Hyzer's conclusion is flawed because it fails to consider two key factors.

First, Maccabee explains that the truck's hood was damaged in a collision in 1987, causing a bend that altered the reflection cutoff angle. Second, and more importantly, the truck was carrying a load of cement blocks and roof shingles in the back, which tilted the front of the truck upward. Maccabee cites experiments showing that such a load could tilt the truck hood enough to raise the cutoff angle above the elevation of the UFO's top light, thus explaining the absence of its reflection. He notes that the skyline *was* reflected, indicating the cutoff angle was not excessively high. Maccabee concludes that the lack of reflection is not conclusive proof of a hoax, as Hyzer suggested, but can be explained by the physical condition of the truck and its load.

The article also briefly mentions Jeffrey Sainio's analysis, which found the bright spot below the UFO inconsistent with a double exposure hoax and noted a faint glow consistent with a light source. Maccabee also addresses the "flare on a balloon" hypothesis for the Gulf Breeze sightings, dismissing it as unaware of the facts. He asserts that "structures of some substantial size are passing over populated areas," citing triangulated sightings of pairs of lights. He also references a video analysis of two red lights moving over Gulf Breeze.

Budd Hopkins steals the show: Bizarre abduction highlights Symposium

This report by Anne Ecker covers the 1992 MUFON Symposium in Albuquerque. While several speakers presented interesting papers, Jacques Vallee and Budd Hopkins were considered the "show stealers." Vallee criticized ufologists for substituting dogma for scientific investigation and suggested that researchers with integrity might consider leaving organized ufology.

Budd Hopkins presented a case involving the abduction of a young Manhattan woman, witnessed by an unidentified politico and bodyguards. The abductee denied her abductors were elves. Hopkins himself found the case so strange, including the witnesses' behavior, that he concluded it "appears to have been staged." The article also touches upon a controversy regarding Gerald Anderson's telephone bill, involving Stanton Friedman and Kevin Randle.

The article also addresses the credibility of Bob Oeschler, reporting on a Pensacola MUFON meeting. Editor Whit Wise questioned Oeschler's ability to gain candid interviews with high-level officials while maintaining a "sweetheart relationship" with intelligence personnel. Oeschler explained he was being used as a "mouthpiece" for spreading UFO information without official government ties, making him a "safe voice."

Readers' Forum

This section contains several letters and responses addressing ongoing UFO debates:

• Maccabee disputes report: Bruce Maccabee reiterates his arguments from his article about the Gulf Breeze photos, refuting William Hyzer's conclusion that they are fakes. He emphasizes the importance of the truck's damaged hood and its cargo in explaining the lack of reflection. He also mentions Jeffrey Sainio's independent analysis supporting the photo's authenticity.
• Flannigan fires a falseillade: Charles D. Flannigan, a retired navy chief petty officer and Florida MUFON director, addresses "untruths" published in the June 1992 newsletter. He disputes claims about the Salisberrys' leadership and their handling of the Ed Walters case, stating the membership revolted due to ineffective leadership. He defends the Salisberrys' investigation skills but suggests they had a "hidden agenda." Flannigan also refutes claims about Art Hufford's sketch of the Pensacola water tower and the number of Florida MUFON members, stating the organization has gained new members. He also criticizes the description of road flares in Pensacola as a "New Age nonsense."
• Editor's Reply: The editor responds to Flannigan's points, disagreeing with his characterization of the Salisberrys' actions and standing by their previous reporting. They also defend their use of CUFOS for information regarding the Pensacola water tower sketch and question the source of Flannigan's claim about Florida MUFON membership numbers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate over the authenticity of UFO photographic evidence, particularly the Gulf Breeze sightings, and the internal dynamics and controversies within ufological organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance, as expressed by FAE, is one of concern over the direction of ufology, suggesting a tendency to get sidetracked by minor issues and internal disputes rather than focusing on significant cases. There is a critical view of "organized ufology" and a call for more rigorous scientific investigation, echoing sentiments expressed by Jacques Vallee. The issue also highlights the challenges of investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena, as seen in the detailed account of Patrolman Delgado's encounter and the complex disputes within the Readers' Forum.

Title: UFO Newsletter
Issue: Vol 1. Nos. 3 & 4
Date: 1992
Publisher: UFO Newsletter
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the UFO Newsletter delves into internal disputes within MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), examines the Roswell crash controversy through a book review, and addresses various UFO sighting reports and explanations.

MUFON Internal Disputes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter features a significant exchange of letters and replies concerning the editorial direction and practices of MUFON, particularly regarding the FL MUFON News and the MUFON UFO Journal. Charles Flannigan, writing as a freelance writer, accuses MUFON of promoting 'New Age' material and ridiculing skepticism. He criticizes the organization for pushing subjects like channelling and psychic reports, which he believes alienates members and compromises the quality of research. Flannigan also disputes the claims and standing of speakers like the Salisberrys, whom he labels as part of the 'New Age nonsense' coming from Pensacola and Florida MUFON.

Art Hufford, identified as a State Section Director, defends MUFON's position. He clarifies that while private research into New Age topics is acceptable, they should not be openly presented in newsletters. Hufford acknowledges that his editor, Whit Wise, may have been too harsh in his criticism of the MUFON UFO Journal, but he defends the right to criticize. He argues that the 'New Age' elements are not representative of the entire organization and that the criticism of the Journal for printing criticism is unwarranted. Hufford also addresses the 'UNTRUTH' claims made by Flannigan, refuting specific points about the Salisberrys' involvement and the handling of the Walters case report.

Anne Ecker, in her summary reply, emphasizes accountability as the core issue. She expresses disappointment with some aspects of Florida MUFON and states her commitment as a journalist to report what she sees, even if it's unpleasant. She views MUFON as an investigative body, not a church or service club.

Book Review: 'Crash at Corona' by Stanton Friedman and Don Berliner

Anne Ecker reviews 'Crash at Corona,' a book by UFO researcher Stanton Friedman and aviation writer Don Berliner. The book explores the possibility of an off-earth technology crash in New Mexico in July 1947, focusing on the Roswell incident. Ecker describes the book as well-written and persuasive, establishing a strong case for a UFO crash on the Foster ranch. She credits Stanton Friedman with bringing the Roswell/Corona story to light by locating and interviewing Major Jesse Marcel. However, Ecker expresses reservations about the book's inclusion of disputed and unsubstantiated material, such as the MJ-12 documents and the alleged San Agustin crash.

The San Agustin Crash Controversy

The newsletter details the disputed San Agustin crash claim, which is also discussed in 'Crash at Corona.' Stanton Friedman and Don Berliner support the claim, while Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt dispute it. A conference summary report is mentioned as essential reading for understanding the conflicting allegations. The arguments for the San Agustin crash are based on three witnesses: Gerald Anderson, Robert Drake, and Barney Barnett. However, Ecker notes significant weaknesses in these testimonies, including Anderson's diary being written post-1974, Barnett's story being second-hand and uncorroborated, and Drake's claims lacking independent support. Ecker concludes that the San Agustin case, unlike the Corona crash, feels like a 'kaleidoscope' of shifting and meaningless information.

UFO Sightings and Explanations

The Water Tower Ruse

Art Hufford addresses the explanation that UFO sightings are merely water towers. He asserts his capability to distinguish between the two, citing his personal sighting in November 1987. He describes the UFO as having a white lighted dome and a flat base that glowed bright white, characteristics he states water towers in his area do not possess. He also notes that no water towers are visible near where the sighting occurred.

Road Flare Worship

This section directly counters the debunkers' explanation that UFO sightings are road flares. Hufford presents evidence from over 150 sightings, detailing various light formations (rings, elliptical shapes, balls of light) and their behaviors (pulsing, oscillating, independent movement against wind). He provides measurements of object size (1.5-2.0 feet in diameter) and altitude (1,000 to 7,000 feet). He contrasts the spectral analysis of these UFO lights with road flares, noting that UFOs lacked the green color band found in flares and instead had a strong blue band. Photo analysts Bruce Maccabee and Jeff Sainio reportedly concur with this conclusion.

New Agers

Hufford expresses amusement and disappointment at being labeled a 'New Ager.' He states that his local MUFON chapter actively separates itself from channeling and psychic phenomena, focusing on topics like crop circles, abductions, and government cover-ups. He highlights the active membership (49 members, 17 field investigators) and public engagement (60-130 attendees per meeting, monthly radio show, 15-20 speaker bureau engagements annually) of the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON organization.

Roswell UFO Museum Planned

This section reports on plans to establish a UFO museum in Roswell, New Mexico. Former army officer Walter Haut, mortician Glenn Dennis, and real estate man Max Littell are involved. Haut, who issued the original press release about a 'flying saucer' in 1947, stated the museum would preserve a significant part of New Mexico's history. Dennis claims military officers consulted him about small caskets and bodies related to the crash.

Closing Remarks

Art Hufford concludes by expressing hope that his letter was not wasted and that the recipient is open to new information. He attaches his resume to demonstrate his personal integrity and respect within his community, church, and occupation, suggesting it serves as a credential for his public presentations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the internal conflicts and differing philosophies within the UFO research community, particularly within MUFON. There is a clear division between those who prioritize rigorous, evidence-based investigation and those who are more open to or involved with 'New Age' or less substantiated phenomena. The newsletter also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Roswell incident and the challenges of establishing credible evidence for UFO events. The editorial stance appears to be one of defending a more skeptical, investigative approach while acknowledging the complexity and controversial nature of the UFO subject, as evidenced by Anne Ecker's emphasis on accountability and the detailed critique of disputed cases.