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Gosford NSW multiple witness UFO sightings Dec 30/31 1995;
quote;
"The Gosford UFO incident from 1994 where several upstanding, credible townsfolk (including business owners, policemen, retired academics etc..) witnessed an unknown object taking up water from a lake".
"They describe a brightly lit object hovering over the lake "emitting five shafts of light whilst the water was frothing and bubbling beneath it".
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Physical Influences of a UFO on Water;
quote;
"This page is dedicated to Lucius Farish and Dale Titler who, as pioneers in this field, began to recognize the physical effects of unidentified objects on water.
Physical Affects on Water - Tying It Together
By Carl Feindt © 2005
The following proposes a possible explanation for the observed interaction between unidentified flying objects and water. Wrested from seemingly divergent eyewitness accounts, it posits that the reaction of the water around an emerging craft implies the existence of a displacement field, one that exhibits electromagnetic tendencies. What at first seems like a series of unrelated accounts is shown to illustrate consistent behavior when the distance between the object and the body of water is considered.
My interest in water-related UFO sightings came long ago while reading the books that have interested all of us. However, those books usually had only one water-related case in them. The mystery to me was: How something so profound could be neglected? Why was there no book – or even a chapter – exploring the UFO’s ability to operate in and out of water? As time went by, books were published with short chapters on the subject.
Finally in 1970, Ivan T. Sanderson published Invisible Residents, which described water UFO cases from front to back. However, the idea of how they accomplished their penetration and emergence from water was once again overlooked in favor of the concept of another civilization residing underwater on our planet.
Scientists use repetitive results as proof of the conclusions of their experiments. Ted Phillips’ investigation into trace cases does a similar service to UFOs. Water, unfortunately, dissipates any physical evidence due to motion of the liquid or dilution of residual traces. However, could there be solid evidence in the form of repetitive verbal testimony? On starting the collection process of UFO cases I had no concept of what I might find. I only wanted to gather all the cases I could to see if they fit any physical pattern;
Why should we get excited about a few water-related reports scattered amongst our ever-popular UFO cases? Because in these cases we can see the path of what we must accomplish in order to actually travel to the stars. A new propulsion system… and a field surrounding the craft protecting it from micrometeorite hits, acidic climates, hostile gunfire, and whatever else the craft encounters. If we wanted to send men to Venus, material would have to be developed to withstand the heat and the acidic atmosphere of the planet. However, if we could design a vessel based on the “alien” craft we have experienced over the past fifty-plus years, no further modifications would be necessary.
An analogy to a light bulb can be drawn here: If we think of the filament as the functioning craft and the glass bulb representing the UFO field, we can see that this bulb protects the fragile filament from atmospheric intrusion and other damage. In the majority of UFO cases it is undoubtedly the function of the field to protect the UFO; the speeds that are recorded would cause a tremendous heating of the surface of the vehicle due to atmospheric friction, not to mention the possible collision with other aerial craft or life forms. The function of the field may not be limited to protection.
The field might also be a part of the propulsion source, although nothing has been proven or observed along this line. Paul Hill’s book Unconventional Flying Objects just about cinched the idea of how this craft could do what it does in water. In Chapter 13, “Silent Supersonic Operation,” he explains that the field moves the molecules of atmosphere it contacts to its rear. A molecule of water could be moved in the same way; in physics, our atmosphere and water are both governed by the one physical principal, that of “Fluid Dynamics.”
As I continued my collection of reports, the major problem was not the lack of incidents, but the lack of text on what the water was doing during those incidents. For the most part, the cases report UFOs going into or coming out of water and then go into detail about the craft or its travel. This is understandable as the craft is the unusual thing, not the water.
I eventually became frustrated that there was no clear correlation between what was occurring with the water in the different reports and began to think that perhaps all these disjointed cases were leading me nowhere. One night I sat at my drafting board and decided to draw each case group as a filament surrounded by a bulb. The resultant drafting work came as quite a shock to me.
It should be noted that this hypothesis is based on what could be considered a small percentage of the more than 850 cases contained on this site, and does not take into consideration any testimony concerning UFOs entering bodies of water.
The following sections will illustrate the various phases of UFO reaction with water.
The drawing at the beginning of each section represents a simplified idea of the UFO field -- which has many times been referred to as “electromagnetic,” and to that end I show the UFO as if a bar magnet had been inserted into its center. This concept was inspired by a sketch of a UFO with a surrounding magnetic field from an older addition of UFOs and Anti-Gravity by Leonard G. Cramp (See the full case with sketch at: 04-??-1958 on this website).
(Put a bar magnet into the water and it will NOT produce the results shown. So while it may have a similar flow of the surrounding field, it is not a simple magnet. )
Each drawing is followed by a description of that phase, along with a demonstrative excerpt from published eyewitness case testimony. (Additional supportive cases are mentioned at the head of each section; and full text can be found by clicking on the dates shown in blue.)
[Note: All of the text in green was highlighted by me for emphasis]
UFO COMING UP – “WATER BULGES”
Terms used in relevant cases:
09-LL-1954 “Elevated turmoil” and “the water had formed into a plateau”
03-LL-1959 “Water swelled”
06-03-1961 “the surface of the sea was bulging like an enormous ball”
09-24-1961 “The surface was rising in one spot”, “Looked like a round hill”
08-08-1967 “Wrinkled up or stirred up”
09-??-1971 “Producing the normal rise of water”
http://www.waterufo.net/images/image001.png
Figure 1 (Underwater)
Notice how if this idea is correct, the force is pushing upwards, causing a bulge.
****Description****
In this section we should visualize ourselves in a boat, leisurely enjoying the ocean view, when suddenly we notice a strange sight. A section of the water within our view appears disturbed. At first it is like the water is boiling, with bubbles coming to the surface, but within seconds the surface becomes more agitated and appears to be rising and flowing violently. Suddenly all this ceases as we are faced with a “craft.”
The following cases display this scenario with greater elegance:
09-LL-1954;
ENCOUNTER IN THE GULFSTREAM by Neil Deane as told to George Earley;
Some morning, I’ve forgotten which one, because I have long since lost the log book, I was rudely awakened in that dark, cold hour before dawn, realizing that my forward progress had stopped and that I was taking water. Great sheets of water flung over her forward deck, screaming down the sides of her cockpit foaming, some of it coming aboard. So in under shorts and barefoot, and the rest of me bare, I came suddenly awake, went into the cockpit and discovered she was dead on course, sails drawing. But she was not making any progress while over her forward deck was considerable depth of solid water and a great thrashing up ahead.
Looking in the direction of the thrashing, I perceived a great glow, like a big school of herring coming near the surface and disturbing luminous bacteria . . . only it was not the right Color. It was more deeply orange. In color it was like the annelids, which are common off Bermuda in certain seasons, but this was one continuous glow and not a collection of nickel-sized blobs of light. The glow seemed to come from a plateau of water, which was causing solid water to flow over my decks, hence impeding my forward progress.
So, thinking I had gone ashore, even though nothing was
grating under the keel, I charged up her auxiliary engine, slapped in reverse gear, and backed away. In a few yards astern I was in dead calm water so I took in her sails and when I was squared away with power-plant running nicely, I put her into forward gear and went back towards this plateau of glowing water and light...
On seeing this "windjammer" apparently bearing down on me, l had gone into reverse gear again, backing off once more into calm water . . . perhaps a hundred yards from the disturbance. Even as I realized my "windjammer" was something else, the splashing and sloshing of water stopped, and this vessel, or whatever it was, rose out of the water and the glow surrounding it subsided so that her running lights were much more highly visible. She had lifted off the water and was heading towards the now dimly visible continent of North America in a long, upward slant and going at what seemed to be a tremendous speed.
This reference (Original): BEYOND REALITY #18, January 1976, “Encounter in the Gulfstream” by Neil Deane as told to George Earley.
UFO JUST ABOVE THE SURFACE – “WATER DEPRESSION”
Terms used in relevant cases:
Indentation of waters surface
06-12-1958 France “see the water being whipped up all around it”, “making waves”
09-24-1961 Poland “hole in the waves”
03-29-1974 Africa “sea not flat but dug in the form of a depression.”
http://www.waterufo.net/images/image004.jpg
Figure 2
Notice that in this position the force upon the water is pushing downward.
****Description*****
In these cases the UFO is seen “just” above the water, its field acting as a plow while it invisibly moves water in the direction of the witness. In several cases where the UFO did not move in the direction of the witness, but simply continued upward, we find the terms “tunnel” or “hole” used to describe what was observed below the UFO. Indeed this tunnel idea was expressed in a story of an abduction where the witness saw “strange walls of the tunnel” as he traveled below an ocean (UFO Contact from Undersea by Dr. Sanchez-Ocejo and W. Stevens).
03-29-1974
A DEPRESSION AND A MINI-TIDAL WAVE
...They then were afraid of being dragged away in the water and not being able to regain the shore. A.W. succeeded in grabbing the trunk of a coconut palm. He held on with his right arm, holding on to the woman with the other. At their feet was now a continuous barrage of strong waves, so that one instant before the sea came within 50 m of the dune!
Suddenly, three bright lights showed on the object blinding the witnesses. It was like three projections pointed in their direction, other luminous beams coming from the sides of the object, perhaps also from its upper side or from the unseen side of it. Certain of the beams seemed oriented upward, but A.W. could not confirm this, so much did the three beams pointed toward shore blind him.
In all the light it was white that dominated, but there was also yellow, pink and blue-green. A.W. wore glasses that were lightly tinted. He was struck by the blue and green colors of the waves lighted by the object. The most interesting detail of his recount concerned the surface of the sea under the object. It was not flat but dug in the form of a depression. A.W. estimated its depth at a few meters, 5 or 6 perhaps. Its diameter was comparable to the length of the object, on the order of 25-30 meters.
SEA SURFACE DISRUPTION;
Two elements in the account of A.W. present an import interest for those who try to imagine the physical phenomena accompanying eventually, the UFO sightings:
These are the descriptions he made, on one hand, the depression dug in the sea under it and on the other hand, of the advancing waves on the beach up to the dune. It is not possible, given the condition of the observations to obtain a very precise description of the profile of the depression (cup), in particular of the bottom of it.
This reference: Phēnomēnes Spatiaux (Space Phenomena) a publication of GEPA, GROUPEMENT D’ĒTUDE PHĒNOMĒNES AĒRIENS (Group for the Study of Airborne Phenomena). Dated March 1976.
ABOVE THE SURFACE BUT CLOSE – “WATER MOUNDING”
Terms used in the text that follows:
04-??-1958 “beneath the saucer the sea water was turned up.
http://www.waterufo.net/images/image006.jpg
Figure 3
Notice here the water, assuming the shape of the upward flow of the field apparently entering the UFO.
****Description*****
This is probably the single most important witness sighting in terms of understanding the total effect of the UFO upon water. There have been similar descriptions in other accounts, but they are usually tempered by terms like “upward swelling” or “raised water,” language that does not clearly show a mounding or mountainous form. We have here a fixed view of an effect, but also the beginning of what might occur when the craft moves farther up vertically.
04-??-1958
Between Maceió and Parapueira, Brasil, April 1958.
On the north-east Atlantic coast a business man and several fishers were witnesses of a saucer-shaped-object, which came down from the sky and hovered above the water in about 40 meters distance from them. Beneath the saucer the seawater was turned up (see picture) and bubbled, as if it was cooking or drawn up by an invisible power. The object was as big as the tent of a touring circus and was about 15 meters above the water's surface. (Cramp 1966)
This reference: Piece For a Jig-Saw, by Leonard G. Cramp, p. 133, London, 1966.
ABOVE THE SURFACE – “WATER SPOUT”
Terms used in relevant cases:
08-LL-1914 “then rose from the bay surface sucking with it a heavy upsurge of water”
08-27-1917 “it was as if the water was being drawn up to it”
02-??-1955 “a huge geyser of water”
09-24-1961 “a whirlpool of water rushing upward with a loud sucking and gurgling noise”
??-??-1964 “it was like a funnel sucking up water” “It brought the water up with it due to
the fact that it was whirling so fast”
08-??-1965 “ a gigantic pillar of water rose as the sphere emerged” “Collapsed – later”
03-26-1966 “greenish volume of light, water or vapor, extended from the underside of the
object down to the surface of the water”
08-04-1971 “Three vortexes came out from the sea and from inside them an object
appeared”
07-??-1977 “could see the water of the lake surging upward” “as if being sucked into the
machine”
10-23-1978a Column of water “hovered 100 feet high by 15 feet wide before falling fanlike
into the sea”
07-17-1992 same as 10-23-1978a “sucking up a column of water almost as wide as the
UFO”
04-26-1994 A center plume of water shot up to the bottom of the UFO
http://www.waterufo.net/images/image008.jpg
****Description*****
This type of case involves a UFO hovering over water. The witness describes a column of fog, mist, haze or water reaching from the surface to the object. The terminology generally used in the description is “sucking up water”. This column, I believe, is caused by the rotation of a field in a vertical plane that encompasses of the UFO. This is best visualized by going back to Physics 101: Imagine a bar magnet running vertically through the center of the UFO, iron filings sprinkled on it so as to observe the magnetic lines of force going up from the top (North Pole), arcing to the sides and down, then back up through the bottom (South Pole) – see figure 4.
As this field rotates it causes a friction on the abutting atmosphere, causing an updraft at the bottom. This, in addition to an oft-observed horizontal rotation of one part of the UFO, causes a swirling vortex to be formed below the UFO. This can be similar to a person rotating a finger through still waters in a pot of water at a rapid rate – eventually causing a maelstrom to occur. Could this not be the cause of waterspouts?
Waterspout: 1. a moving, whirling column of spray and mist, with masses of water in the lower parts, accumulated because of a tornado at sea or on other large bodies of water.
Definition – New Illustrated Webster’s Dictionary, 1992
In Ted Phillips’ book Delphos he presents the following from a case from October 10, 1957:
“Witness heard a whistling sound and saw a circular object descend to within 6 feet of the ground. It hovered 2 minutes, sucking up leaves, grass, and dirt. White material was found at the site, covering the grass in the disturbed area.”
Let’s get heavier:
From IUR Winter 2002-2003, p. 9, “Timmermania: A step too far into the Timmerman Files?” by Michael D. Swords; a case in the early 1970s:
After four or five minutes of waiting, the ball backed away. Across the road, it began creating a vortex at the base of the mountain.
The rocks started rising into the air.... They would shake from side to side. There were hundreds of them [the largest about the size of melons]. They started going around in a circle, like it had complete control over them... Then the thing went way up in the air and it looked kind of like a tornado and it was all red.... The only noise you could hear was this clickety-clack, clickety-clack when the rocks hit together. Then the light blinked out, and everything crashed down the mountainside and onto the road. The ball blinked back on again at the top of the mountain and meandered away.
And heavier yet:
In Bob Pratt’s book UFO Danger Zone the dresses of a few women are pulled up and over their heads; also in another case, a man dangles below the UFO, without the aid of the usual truncated beam of light that is so prominent in abductee literature.
And more non-water cases:
08-13-1947
Snake River Canyon at Twin Falls, Idaho... On each side there was a tubular-shaped fiery glow, like some sort of exhaust. He said that when it went over trees, they didn't sway back and forth but rather the treetops twisted around, which suggests that the air under the object was being swirled into a vortex.
This reference: UFO FBI Connection by Bruce Maccabee, pp. 13-14, © 2000
02-01-1948
He noticed what seemed to be propeller-like lights running around the concave bottom of the saucer.
"One detail in connection with the silver-bottom section I noticed very clearly. There was something whirling around the bottom section, sort of like a big propeller or a series of propellers might do. The movement was clear; the bottom part did not turn. Something kept whirling around the whole thing," he told, the Circleville Herald.
This reference: MUFON Journal #432, April 2004, “Farmer’s report of UFO hovering over buildings still believed 56 years later” By Joel Barrett The Circleville, OH, Herald, 02/02/2004 plus many UFOCAT references.
06-??-1963
Costa Rica... The second object moved towards the far side of the crater and, having crossed the column of ashes, performed similar manoeuvres before disappearing behind the volcano, in full view of the principal engineer, who was some distance away from Castillo and his colleague. Both craft seemed to induce a kind of whirlwind effect, as though 'produced by a propeller rotating at high speed', Castillo reported.
This reference: Unearthly Disclosure by Timothy Good, pp. 58-59, © 2000
05-20-1967
The Steven Michalak Incident at Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada.
Paragraph 6. The attached photographs were taken at the site.
No 1. Taken from approximately 12 feet up in a tree facing in a south-westerly direction, showing the outline of an approximate 15 foot diameter circle on the rock surface where the moss and earth covering has been cleared to the rock surface by a force such as made by air at very high velocity. For comparison, the prospectors ax and Beta counter were left in the approximate circle center.
This reference: From documents of the Canadian Department of National Defence, Training Command Headquarters, Westwin, Manitoba. Dated: 1 Sep 1967. With Thanks to researcher Don Ledger, for forwarding to me.
09-02-1967
England. Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, bentilee... it flew low overhead and apparently landed in a field about 400 yards away. No sound was heard, but one witness felt "wind" as it passed overhead.
Reference: Alien Invasion or Human Fantasy? The 1966-67 UFO Wave by Richard H Hall, p. 107 © 2004
This “suction” on the surface of the water is exactly the same as if a tornado was to pass from land over a body of water. The bottom part would be viewed as a mounding of water; as we look vertically up the column, the water is more molecular and appears as fog, mist or a continuation of the water itself. The vertical movement of this water or water vapor gives the impression of water being sucked into the UFO. An example of this column can be seen in a photo by Ed Walters from Gulf Breeze, Florida, which was published in a book by him and Dr. Bruce Maccabee, entitled UFOs Are Real and Here’s the Proof.
One has to look closely to see the column, but it is there, silhouetted against the darker water (See 04-26-1994 on my website for sketch and photo kindly provided by Dr. Maccabee).
As the UFO gains altitude, the column of water is seen to collapse, or in the case of night sightings – disappear.
Separation of this column is almost predictable, as the height of the UFO above the water and the size of the UFO (governing the width of the field) itself, probably determines how much water weight the vortex can sustain. It would be interesting to compose a table with these figures, however due to fright or awe on the part of witnesses, most of the time these details are lost:
07-17-1992
Taking on Water
They pulled their sail down to slow their boat to avoid a collision, but when the ship approached their boat they realized it wasn't a ship. It was a UFO with a lot of lights on it. It was sucking water up into it and passed slowly within twenty meters of the boat, but the fishermen don't think the UFO saw them. It just went by them about six meters above the water, sucking up a column of water almost as wide as the UFO. The water didn't fall back into the ocean. The UFO went past them and disappeared in the distance.”
This reference: UFO Danger Zone, by Bob Pratt, Published 1996, pp. 231-232.
04-26-1994
UFO "TAKES A DRINK
Below the UFO the water began to chum. Mist swirled into the air. A center plume of water shot up to the bottom of the UFO. It was a waterspout. The UFO moved slowly to the left and I aimed the camera and took Photo 49. (See case 04-26-1994 –CF-) Ten to fifteen seconds passed while I stared at this amazing scene. Suddenly the waterspout collapsed. The UFO angled off to the left, climbed at a sharp angle, and disappeared into the hazy sky.
This reference: UFOs Are Real And Here's The Proof by Edward Walters and Bruce Maccabee, Ph.D., pp 56-57, 100-105 © 1997. Reprinted on my website with Dr. Maccabee’s permission.
A FUNCTION OF HEIGHT?
http://www.waterufo.net/images/image010.jpg
Figure 5
These cases of witnessed effects on water inspired the idea that these effects might be tied together in relation to each other. Some of the cases are of a UFO apparently “taking on water” not by means of tubes, pipes or hoses (as is the case in several reports), but by a column of water lifted by an unseen force directly to the craft. In the other scenario the UFO causes an observed “indentation” of the water. It would appear that these reports are contradictory of each other because of the differences in the effects; however, I believe that the differences are only the result of distances between the field of the UFO and the water.
In figure 5, we have what could be an illustration of the complete steps of the UFO’s exit from a body of water, and the water’s reaction as it does so.
These craft operate by physical principles! Though the details behind their operations are unknown to us, they should not be considered beyond our understanding. Excusing the craft’s functions as paranormal, or that of holographic projections, or the result of some other impenetrable obfuscation is not the way to understand the physical principles governing its technology. We should concentrate on the craft’s mechanics – because it is clearly a machine.
source link for all above info and diagrams; http://www.waterufo.net/PIufoW.php
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UFO w/official 911 tapes. Centerville, OH, 2004;
Explosive Visitation or Uncanny Abnormality?
QUESTIONS LINGER AFTER STRANGE EPISODE;
CONCERNS FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY SQUASHED;
By Kenny Young;
"Those few residents of Centerville, Ohio who were up and about around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 6, 2004 were going about their normal routines, waiting for daylight to break. Activity at police dispatch headquarters, meanwhile, was anything but routine.
Phone lines began to light up with citizen complaints of bizarre 'flashing in the sky' and electrical disruptions that seized a large area from Lakeview Drive to Bethel Road, Stone Lake and Linden. One after another the calls came in.
"Centerville Police?" said the flustered police dispatcher to yet another caller.
"Has the whole street called?" came the voice on the other line.
"Oh my God…" the caller could be heard exclaiming. "I saw it, it was right over my house and it hovered down… I can't believe I'm saying this! It looked like an ALIEN SHIP…!"
SOURCE; http://kenny.anomalyresponse.org/centervillereport.html
911 calls with a map to the callers locations;
A cleaned up version of the 911 calls (basically the same);
Media coverage;
05-08-04
Centerville couple convinced UFO appeared in sky
DP&L, neighbor say transformer exploded
By Katherine Ullmer
CENTERVILLE -- A full moon shone over Centerville when a young
mother nursing her 3-week-old baby at 5:30 a.m. saw the
electricity go off and on, the tops of trees glow, and bright
lights arcing outside.
Numerous 911 calls streamed into the Centerville Police
Department from Lakeview Drive residents near Stingley
Elementary School about explosions and electrical disruptions.
The couple, who asked that only their first names be used, said
they saw an alien spacecraft hovering in the sky.
The March 8 event has an area UFO researcher claiming a cover-up
by city officials who have shown disinterest in investigating.
SOURCE; http://www.ufoevidence.org/news/article72.htm
quote;
"Telephone greetings to the Centerville Fire Department's "Station 41" about this issue were not warmly received, and the simple phone call requesting some basic information on the March 6 dispatch was rejected".
"Lieutenant Sarah Lee, handling the inquiry to her department, advised that (oh joy!) she could not be of any help. To the contrary, the wagons were circling, the mote was being filled and hatches were being battened down as it was announced that any incoming inquiry must be made via "written request."
"Why don't you call Wright Patterson Air Force Base?" she said after listening briefly to the weird 9-1-1 tape by telephone."
"Wright Pat can help you more than I can. Unfortunately, I cannot answer any of your questions," then advised Lt. Lee of the Centerville Fire Department. "It is routine procedure and policy for us to not 'give out' information without proper authorization." 7
"Like sheesh, you'd think this was an inquiry to Ft. Knox about their security methods".
"Suddenly the operations and practices of this basic public agency seemed to be operating like the Freedom of Information Office of the super-secret "Blue Room" of Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the very base the inquiry was referred to. 8"
"A friendly letter was then penned to Fire Chief Parks, basically begging to be put in contact with the emergency responders who were on the scene of the UFO incident on March 6."
"I am not sure who gave you your information but it appears they were aware of something we did not see or share in," said Fire Chief Kenneth C. Parks in response to the plea. 9
"Apparently, The Chief also did not take kindly to the request for contact info with the emergency responders who were dispatched to the scene on March 6: "Our people are required by policy to refrain from discussing fire department actions without proper authorization. By policy, their reports are their response to any questions, outside of court action."
"Chief Parks speaks and the specter of court action is now vocalized. Courtesy, begging and pleading did no good, it seems, as the firemen at the scene will continue to remain anonymous and, interestingly, a friendly chat with a UFO investigator has been averted. One for officialdom".
"But before the curious reader might find refreshing the idea of friendly openness and neighborly cooperation from the City of Centerville and her hirelings, there is also the attitude of Centerville's Assistant City Manager, Judy Gilleland".
"Gilleland was unaware of the mass confusion of March 6 despite assuring that she 'would be' aware of any such report as was described to her. This assistant City Manager seemed to take little interest or concern in the report of an object hovering over Stingley Elementary School. 10 "
"I believe I would know about downed power lines and trees and again, have heard nothing of the sort.
"Good news for us," she said before curiously adding: "perhaps bad news for you?"
"Assistant City Manager Gilleland, Fire Chief Parks and Lietenant Lee were all advised that there should be some concern of radioactivity near the site of Stingley Elementary School. These public employees clearly expressed a lethargic lack of motivation for the nature of the event described by witness on March 6. Is this a dangerous complacency that reeks of ultimate disregard for public safety in an uncertain time? Could Homeland Security be any more proud? 11"
source; http://kenny.anomalyresponse.org/centervillereport.html
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...7d332b7648.jpg
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UFO involving NORAD North American Air Defence;
Tue Jan 04 2011 07:10;
quote;
"A west bound America West B-757 airliner encountered a UFO with flashing lights along its length on May 25, 1995. The passenger jet was flying over the panhandle of Texas when it observed the unknown object. Thanks be to investigator Walter N. Webb, of the UFO Research Coalition for his thorough investigation of the case. Webb was able to get copies of the FAA voice tapes of chatter between the plane and ground. He also interviewed the crew and air traffic controllers".
"Row of White Lights: The plane was designated as America West Flight 564, and was at 39,000 feet near Bovina, Texas, when First Officer John J. Waller and a flight attendant observed a row of white lights which flashed from left to right. The lights were below their flying altitude. Waller immediately made radio contact with the Albuquerque FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center during the observation. Nothing could be found that should be flying in that space at that time".
"NORAD Confirms UFO:
The next day, the controller made another check with NORAD, and he was told that they had indeed tracked another unknown target the night before that was at first stationary, then accelerated and stopped again very rapidly. These quick darts were estimated at somewhere between 1,000 and 1,400 mph".
Conclusions:"
There was nothing that could explain the sighting of America West Flight 564, and until another explanation can be found for the unusual object, we must assume that a UFO was seen that night.
The case of America West 564 is a good example of a confirmed UFO by an experienced crew, with confirmation by radar".
http://beforeitsnews.com/story/338/6...r_Defense.html
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The Lubbock lights.
Photographs;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...4bffab86b4.jpg
quotes;
"If a group had been hand-picked to observe a UFO, we couldn't have picked a more technically qualified group of people. They were":
Dr. W. I. Robinson, Professor of Geology.
Dr. A. G. Oberg, Professor of Chemical Engineering.
Professor W. L. Ducker, Head of the Petroleum Engineering Department.
Dr. George, Professor of Physics.
quote;
"On the evening of August 25 the four men were sitting in Dr. Robinson's back yard. They were discussing micrometeorites and drinking tea. They jokingly stressed this point. At nine-twenty a formation of lights streaked across the sky directly over their heads. It all happened so fast that none of them had a chance to get a good look."
"One of the men mentioned that he had always admonished his students for not being more observant; now he was in that spot. He and his colleagues realized they could remember only a few details of what they had seen.
The lights were a weird bluish-green color and they were in a semicircular formation. They estimated that there were from fifteen to thirty separate lights and that they were moving from north to south".
"Their one wish at this time was that the lights would reappear. They did; about an hour later the lights went over again.
This time the professors were a little better prepared. With the initial shock worn off, they had time to get a better look. The details they had remembered from the first flight checked. There was one difference; in this flight the lights were not in any orderly formation, they were just in a group".
"The professors reasoned that if the UFO's appeared twice they might come back. Come back they did. The next night and apparently many times later, as the professors made twelve more observations during the next few weeks. For these later sightings they added two more people to their observing team".
"Being methodical, as college professors are, they made every attempt to get a good set of data. They measured the angle through which the objects traveled and timed them. The several flights they checked traveled through 90 degrees of sky in three seconds, or 30 degrees per second. The lights usually suddenly appeared 45 degrees above the northern horizon, and abruptly went out 45 degrees above the southern horizon".
"They always traveled in this north-to-south direction. Outside of the first flight, in which the objects were in a roughly semicircular formation, in none of the rest of the flights did they note any regular pattern. Two or three flights were often seen in one night".
Other witnesses:
"Armed with a list of names of other observers of the mysterious lights, an intelligence officer started out to try to get a cross-section account of the other UFO sightings in the Lubbock area. All the stories about the UFO's were the same; various types of formations of dull bluish-green lights, generally moving north to south".
"We talked to observers in nearby towns. Their stories were the same.
Two of them, tower operators at an airport, reported that they had seen the lights on several occasions".
August 31st:
"Two ladies, a mother and her daughter, had left their home in Matador, Texas, 70 miles northeast of Lubbock, about twelve-thirty P.M. on August 31.
They were driving along in their car when they suddenly noticed "a pear-shaped" object about 150 yards ahead of them".
"It was just off the side of the road, about 120 feet in the air. It was drifting slowly to the east, "less than the speed required to take off in a Cub airplane.
"They drove on down the road about 50 more yards, stopped, and got out of the car. The object, which they estimated to be the size of a B-29 fuselage, was still drifting along slowly. There was no sign of any exhaust blast and they heard no noise, but they did see a "porthole" in the side of the object. In a few seconds the object began to pick up speed and rapidly climb out of sight. As it climbed it seemed to have a tight spiraling motion".
"The investigation showed that the two ladies were "solid citizens," with absolutely no talents, or reasons, for fabricating such a story. The daughter was fairly familiar with aircraft. Her husband was an Air Force officer then in Korea, and she had been living near air bases for several years. The ladies had said that the object was "drifting" to the east, which possibly indicated that it was moving with the wind, but on further investigation it was found that it was moving into the wind".
Radar:
"Did a huge flying wing pass over Albuquerque and travel 250 miles to Lubbock in about fifteen minutes? This would be about 900 miles per hour. Did the radar station in Washington pick up the same thing? I'd checked the distances on the big wall map in flight operations just before leaving Reese AFB. It was 1,300 miles from Lubbock to the radar site".
"From talking to people, we decided that the lights were apparently still around Lubbock at 11:20 P.M. and the radar picked them up just after midnight. They would have had to be traveling about 780 miles per hour. This was fairly close to the 900-mile-per-hour speed clocked by the two radars. The photos of the Lubbock Lights checked with the description of what the AEC employee and his wife had seen in Albuquerque".
Other reports:
"Witnesses said they saw "dots" of lights flying in "U" and "V" shapes, passing in two and three-second intervals. The number of dots reported in the formations ranged from eight to nine to 20 to 30. The lights appeared in the northeastern part of the sky and proceeded in a straight line to the southwest".
"The color of the lights was "about like the stars, only brighter," while others said they were either a blue or white with a slight yellow tinge to them. Others described them as appearing "as a string of beads," moving roughly in a semi-circle, and were "soft, glowing, bluish-green."
"Dr. J.C. Cross, head of Tech’s Department of Biology, examined the 35mm photographs, and asserted, "It definitely wasn’t caused by birds."
In Matador, reports were made of a "noiseless aircraft flying at a low altitude, without aid of propellers or wings." They said it was different from any aircraft they had ever seen".
Links:
http://www.ufocasebook.com/lubbocklights.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubbock_Lights
First report from Grudge is this one BELOW;
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scan of one them BELOW;
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Professors at Texas Tech who saw Lubbock Lights (left to right):
Dr. Oberg, Prof. Ducker, and Dr. Robinson, discuss them with Dr. E. L. George
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quote;
"The observations have been too numerous and too similar to be doubted. In addition the Air Force, after the closest examination, has found nothing fraudulent about Hart's pictures. The lights are much too bright to be reflections, and therefore bodies containing sources of light. Since Professors Ducker, Oberg, and Robinson could not measure the size and distance of the formations, they could form no precise estimate of their speed. However they calculated that if the lights were flying at an altitude of 5,000 feet they must then have been traveling about 1,800 mph".
"The professors, along with other scientists, agree that in order to explain the silence of the objects, it must be assumed that they were at 50,000 feet in the air; in which case they were going not 1,800 but 18,000 mph."
Link; http://roswellproof.com/life_1952.html
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Unknown object tracked on radar same time as Lubbock lights.
"This incident is of interest because it was observed during the same period as the objects over Lubbock, Texas".
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LARSON AFB. WASHINGTON - 26 August 1951
"On 26 August 1951 at O836 PST, an unidentified flying object was detected
by an AN/CPS-4 and AN/CPS-l radar sets. The object was tracked continuously for a period of six minutes and made a timed ground speed of 950 mph. The object was on a course of 340 degrees with only slight deviations enroute. An altitude reading of 13,000 feet was obtained but the accuracy of the measurement is questionable due to brief length of time the object was detected".
"The F-86 aircraft were scrambled but radar contact with the object was
lost before the aircraft were airborne, A visual search was conducted from
17,000 to 25,000 feet with negative results".
"The operator of the radar set, an Air Force Captain, is considered to
be an expert operator".
Interference;
Status of Investigation.
"Review of this incident by the Electronics Section of ATIC concludes
that the return was possibly due to interference. This was concluded be-
cause of the apparent path of the object, directly approaching the station,
and the fact that the target was observed on only the low beam of the AN/CPS-l radar set".
Brad Sparks:
"If it was tracked on two different radars, a CPS-4 as well as the CPS-1, then it couldn't be interference because they are on two different radio frequencies, interference could only affect one radar and could not possibly affect two radars and coordinate an identical target blip on both".
Link; http://www.nicap.org/docs/lubbock/510825ufois.htm
Article below published in 'The Lubbock Morning Avalanche' newspaper, September 1, 1951.
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'Strange Aircraft' Seen at Matador.
quote from article;
"MATADOR, Aug. 31. (Special) -- A "noiseless aircraft, flying at low altitude without aid of propellers and wings," was reported seen early this afternoon by two Matador district women and a 5-year-old child".
"Mrs. Tom Tilsom, her daughter Mrs. M. G. Bethard and little Noilene Bethard were driving on State Highway 70, one and one half-miles north of here about 12:45 p.m. when the wingless craft passed 150 feet in front of their car".
"The slow-moving machine "shaped somewhat like a helicopter," began circling as Mrs. Bethard stopped the car. As the craft rose "it gained speed and was out of sight within a few minutes."
"The women were near enough to spot one door, or porthole, in the side of the gleaming metal, they said. When first seen, it was moving at the rate of a commercial airliner taking off, they said. It had no exhaust showing".
"Mrs Bethard, whose husband sailed for Korea recently, has lived near several Air Force bases, and reported the machine she saw today was different from any she had seen before".
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quote;
"On 31 August 1951 at approximately 1245 CST two ladies were driving in an automobile several miles north of Matador, Texas. The object was described as a pear-shaped object, aluminum or silver in color, which readily reflected the sunlight. The object had a port or some type of aperture in the side. It moved through the air with the small end forward. They judged the size to be about that of a B-29 fuselage. There was no sign of any axhaust and no nois was heard".
"As the two ladies were driving north from Matadir, Texas, the driver of the automobile first noticed the object about 150 yards ahead of the automobile. They stopped and both ladies got out to observe the object. It was drifting slowly in an eastward direction at a speed they judged to be "less than the speed required to take off in a cub aircraft" and an altitude of abot 120 ft. Seconds later the object began to ascend rapidly and in a few seconds it moved out of sight to the east in a circular ascent. (The wind at this time was from the NE at about 5-7 knots.)"
"A background investigation showed that both women were of excellent character".
"This incident is of interest because it was observed during the same period as the objects over Lubbock, Texas.
Link; http://ufologie.net/bb/grudgesr01-16.htm
-
“UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS”
A SEARCH THROUGH THE
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S
RECORDS SYSTEMS;
Introduction;
Between Jun 2003 and Jun 2008 a major search was undertaken to locate and examine Australian Government files relating to “Unusual Aerial Sightings” (otherwise known as “Unidentified Flying Objects” - UFOs.) Although the search was as thorough as possible, there is no doubt it is incomplete. To begin with, the electronic RecordSearch system of the National Archives of Australia (NAA) indexes only about 10% of their collection.
Secondly, the search was undertaken using both the Archives Act and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, where the expense of the latter precluded broad spectrum requests such as “for all material held on UFOs.” In addition, unlike the detailed and indexed UFO fact sheet available for the UK Government Archives which guides researchers through file numbers; searching the NAA’s RecordSearch is a very hit and miss affair. Quite often, a slight adjustment of words, or even letters, would reveal yet other files.
Nomenclature;
The first issue was one of nomenclature. Was the search simply for files on “UAS?” Various key word searches eventually lead not only to such files, but also files where the title included the terms “flying saucers,” “aerial objects,” “unidentified flying objects,” “unusual sighting,” “strange sky lights,” “unusual occurrences,” and “strange occurrences.”
A second issue arose because the search was utilising both the Archive and FOI Acts. At times it was not clear which Act applied. For example, at one time, it was found that the Department of Defence held files inside the time frame of the Archive Act; and the NAA held files which could only be made available under the FOI! This meant asking Government authorities to transfer files to other authorities in order that they could be accessed under the correct Act.
In addition, the status of some files held by the NAA was shown as “not yet examined.” This meant that the file had to go from the NAA back to the controlling authority who originated the file, to be examined and cleared for release. This clearance could take quite some time; in fact over twelve months in some instances.
Despite the issues related above, the staff of the NAA could not have been more helpful in their efforts to assist. Thanks must also go to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)’s FOI staff, and staff at Edinburgh RAAF base, for their professional approach to what, to them, must have seemed a trivial topic of enquiry.
In the end, it is believed that a representative collection of files has been uncovered which allows researchers to gain insight into how the Australian Government viewed the UFO phenomenon.
Government agencies with files on UAS;
The search eventually found records of 151 files which are, or were, in whole or part, about UAS/UFOs or UFO organisations, originating with:
The former Department of Supply
The former Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the current Department of Transport & Regional Services (DOTRS)
The former Department of Territories (DOT)
The former Department of External Affairs
The Attorney General’s Department – Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
The current Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
The current Department of Defence (DOD):
- Australian Army
- Royal Australian Navy
- Royal Australian Air Force
- Former areas such as the Air Board; Department of Air (DOA) (1939-1973); and the Joint Intelligence Bureau/Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIB/JIO); Joint Intelligence Committee
- Ministerial files.
- Office of Air Force History.
Questions
The main questions which arose before examination of Government files were:
“What did these Government Departments do with the material they gathered, and why?”
“Did any Government Agency conduct scientific research into the subject?”
Were there any interesting “unknowns” found in Government files?
Firstly though, a look at each area of the Government where files were located.
Former Department of Supply 1952-1972
According to the “Agency notes for agency CA 57” on the NAA web site, the Department of Supply came into being on 17 Mar 1950. The Department was responsible for a diverse range of functions which included:
The control of materials used in producing atomic energy (1950-1953)
Building of merchant ships (1950-1951)
Promotion and production of liquid fuels
Manufacture, acquisition, provision and supply of war materials
Responsibility for operation and management of space tracking stations (from 1959)
Participation in firing of European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) rockets at Woomera (from 1962)
The operation of the Joint United Kingdom-Australia Weapons Research project;
Operation and management of space tracking stations and certain other facilities on behalf of the Government of the USA.
The Department’s Central Office was located in Melbourne between 1950 and 1969, and then moved to Canberra. The Department was abolished on 12 Jun 1974. Most of its functions passed to the Department of Manufacturing Industry.
File search;
To date, three Department of Supply files dealing with the topic of “flying saucers” or UFOs have been located. Two files were commenced in the year 1952. The earliest file so far located is from series D174, control symbol SA5281 titled “Unusual Occurrences Flying Saucer at Woomera” with a date range of 1952-1955. It was originally classified “Secret.”
It is a 25 page file, located at the Adelaide Office of the NAA and belonged to the Long Range Weapons Establishment (LRWE), Salisbury, South Australia. NAA agency notes for agency 3038 indicate that the LRWE was established in 1947 with the object of building a test range at Woomera, South Australia. The file contained details of a number of interesting observations from this early period. A summary of each report follows.
28 Apr 1952 Woomera West SA 0345hrs 15secs 3 wits;
Three men waiting for transport, noticed at 45 degrees SE, a light in the sky. This light was moving WNW parallel to the ground, lighting up clouds and the surrounding terrain. It was visible through breaks in the clouds. The bus driver remarked, “They are firing rockets early today.” One witness replied: “It was not a rocket.” The light had an estimated size of one third that of the full Moon.
27 Sep 1952 Woomera SA ca2050hrs 5 secs 5 wits;
Five witnesses were at the Woomera West Open Air Theatre. They sighted an object, variously described as a “cigar,” an “airship,” and “cylindrical” with an “exhaust” at the rear. It travelled horizontally from west to east, possibly NW to SE. One witness reported “…two portholes with internal lighting.” It was moving quickly, with no noise noted.
8 Oct 1952 Woomera SA 1345hrs 44 minutes 1 wit 3;
While tracking an aircraft, a target was acquired by radar. However, no visual object could be seen by the radar operator. “The signal to noise ratio was at least 5 to 1 which is similar to that obtained from a large aircraft.” At one stage between 1345 and 1400hrs the target approached to within one mile. Between 1405 and 1429hrs the operator tracked the invisible target at heights between 1500 and 5600 feet.
“At times during the movement of the target smaller targets seemed to detach themselves from the main target and drift away.” Weather was fine, 5/8 high cloud at 25000 feet-84 degrees F, north wind at 25-30 mph. Comments by the Security Officer included (note it snowed briefly at 0900hrs the next day): “…it was most probably that the snow cloud had some connection. However, the possibility of a neutron cloud is not ruled out…” (1) A ground plot of the radar target was located on the file.
14 Nov 1953 Woomera SA 0145hrs 1 wit;
Sighting of a “glare” believed to be an aircraft.
5 May 1954 Woomera SA app1630hrs 5 mins 3 wits;
Three relevant documents were found, being statements by the two men involved and a covering letter forwarding the statements, from the Superintendent Long Range Weapons Establishment Range, Woomera, to the “Chief Superintendent”. This letter included the statement: “The persons reporting were separated by a distance of approximately three hundred yards and give corroborative accounts of what each observed.” (2)
One statement, dated 6 May 1954, read:
Post “R”
RE: UNIDENTIFIED TARGET OBSERVED ON RADAR 5TH MAY, 1954
Sir,
At about 1600 on 5th May, an unidentified Target was observed on radar AA Number 4 Mk. 6.
The target appeared on High Beam at a range of about 60,000 yards Brg 355degrees approaching ‘R’, described a Hyperbols (sic) over ‘R’ and went out at a bearing of approx. 90 degrees. On its way out it passed behind Spotting Tower, “S2”. I timed it over 15,000 yards 10 seconds which would make its speed approximately 3600 M.P.H. Cfn. KEANE observed this occurrence with me. Since the target was followed to 70,000 yards on High Beam the height would be greater than 60,000 feet. See Diagram on next page.
The diagram referred to was not located in the file examined.
The other statement, dated 7 May 1954, which under the man’s name had an entry: “Vickers-Armstrong,” read:
REPORT ON A FLYING OBJECT SIGHTED ON 5TH MAY, 1954;
I was at Range R1 (Post R1), the Radar Post, standing by the Security Officer’s Hut, and looking towards the radar Post at approximately 1645 hours, observing one of our trials through binoculars.
This object appeared to be travelling towards me or directly across a path of the approaching Canberra. When it got to the path of the Canberra it turned to my right and was going in the direction from which the Canberra had just come.
When it got directly over the Canberra it slowed down. During this time I found it very hard to believe what I was seeing, so I shut my eyes and then looked again through the binoculars and the object was still stationary over the flight path of the Canberra.
Since it appeared to be the same relative size as the Canberra through the binoculars, I thought it would be possible to see it with the naked eye. However, when I looked over the top of the binoculars the object had either gone or I could not see it with the naked eye, and when I looked again through the binoculars I could not pick it up.
The object appeared to be travelling about three times as fast as the Canberra, but of course it is impossible to estimate, since I did not know what height it was. It was perfectly circular all the time and a dark grey colour, and gave the appearance of being translucent. It did not glisten at all when it turned or was it shiny.
21 Oct 1954 Woomera SA 2125hrs 6 mins 3 wits;
Observations of what witnesses described as a “dancing light,” from adjacent to launcher apron number 1 range. Azimuth 215 degrees T at approximately 3 degrees elevation. The light’s colour varied from deep orange to a deep yellow. Described as three times the size of Venus. The planet Venus was at 238 degrees T 1 degree elevation at the time. The light was seen to move around in a small area. Weather 70F, wind NNE 10 mph. 3/8 cloud at 15000 feet. Scattered ice crystals at 30000 feet. No noise heard from light. Interestingly, a copy of this report was forwarded to the University of Adelaide, and a copy was actually located and obtained from that University for this Project.
Missing from the first file;
There were at least four other 1953-1954 observations from Woomera on RAAF files.
24 Jul 1953 Woomera. 0145hrs. A white oval light detected by Doppler seen by one witness overhead. Moving NW then SE at a speed greater than 80 degrees per minute. Estimated to be 10-12 feet in size. (3)
29 Jul 1953. Woomera. 1030-1530hrs at intervals. White round objects seen through 10x binoculars and said to have been thistles. (4)
22 Nov1953SE of Woomera. Green & red lights were reported on four separate occasions. The green lights were travelling north. (5)
6 Oct 1954 Woomera. The Wing Commander Provost Marshal wrote to DAFI on 28 Oct 1954 “Enclosed is a report…observed by…Gnr WILLIS, R J kinetheodolite observer at Woomera…Gnr Willis claims to have photographed the object for approximately three seconds with a kinetheodolite…this photograph has been handed to the Director.” (6)
The enclosed report form stated that Willis had been at site K5 on range A1 at the time. A 1952 map showing K1 to K5 indicates this placed the observation near “Shell Lagoon.” The object had been first sighted overhead while Willis was looking at a Jindivik pilotless aircraft. The object was silver white in colour and of a half Moon shape. No sound had been heard and there had been no vapour trail. The structure less object had travelled from SW to NW in a straight line. The weather at the time was described as very clear.
Second file;
The previous file’s date range was 1952 to 1955. The second file found had a date range of 1952-1968. File series D250 control symbol 56/483 “Reports on unidentified aircraft, strange occurrences etc” was found in the Sydney office of the NAA and came from the Weapons Research Establishment (WRE) area of Supply. According to NAA agency notes for agency CA3039, the WRE was created in 1955 by the amalgamation of the LRWE and two laboratories. The file is 139 folios in length and contains copies of documents relating to observations dated 28 Apr 52; 27 Sep 52; 8 Oct 52; 14 Nov 53 & 5 May 54.
It also contains the tracking plot of the object on 5 May 1954 which was not on file SA5281. An undated Memo from Group Captain Superintendent LRWE Range was sent to the Chief Superintendent with copies of various papers on recent “strange occurrences” at Woomera. The originals were forwarded by the Security organisation in Melbourne to the RAAF’s Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI.)
On 29 Jul 1953 a number of unusual objects were reported over the range and were seen by the Range Operations Security Officer himself. At 1400 hrs using binoculars he saw spherical objects moving rapidly across the sky. One earlier observer thought he had seen a round or flattened disc. Elsewhere a round object was mistaken for a bomb being released and a series of photos were taken. The official explanation was “…It is believed that the objects seen were balls of thistle seeds and vegetation…” (7)
Other papers on this file relate to a number of instances where unidentified aircraft had been reported over the Woomera prohibited area. Sometimes identifications were later made, but others remained unknown and were of concern to security staff.
The rest of the file from 1957-1968 consists of reports from the general public of what are regarded on the file as satellites. Any reported UFO observations from Woomera, between 1958 and 1966, were not on this file.
Missing from this second file;
There are two high profile reports made to UFO organisations which are not mentioned on this file.
At 2130hrs on the 28 Jun 1963 at Sandy Creek, near Gawler, South Australia a man was travelling on the Lyndoch-Gawler road going to Gawler, when upon rounding a corner, in his vehicle, the anonymous Willaston man came upon a blood-red coloured object extending across the roadway. This was close to the Sandy Creek Hotel. The man applied the vehicle’s brakes and was within three metres of the object when it rose suddenly from the road.
After rising one hundred meters or so, it turned on its side and sped off, streaming vapour. Described as eight metres across and four high, with a concave top and a flat base, it glowed blood-red when close to the ground and appeared to change to a light red yellow as it gathered speed and flew off towards Two Wells. Hervey (8) (cites the date as during the period 1955-1958) states that the sighting was reported to police and that a CIB Special Branch officer interviewed the witness.
The Adelaide Advertiser Newspaper reports “…He later reported the incident to the Weapons Research Establishment which arranged for him to be interviewed by a member of the CIB Special Branch.” (9) An inquiry directed to the South Australian Police failed to provide any leads to any such Special Branch report.
The UFO literature provides us with details of a purported photograph of a UFO taken at Woomera on 5 Jun 1964. The English UFO magazine, Flying Saucer Review in its Sep/Oct 1964 issue on page 4 shows a photograph taken at the launching of a Blue Streak rocket, which shows an oval blob of light near the rocket. This black and white print in the FSR was apparently from a colour movie. There is nothing concerning this photograph on the second file. Efforts were made to track down this picture.
On the NAA web site we located “Series notes for series D897 Unknown objects –DSTO WRE{A-K 1948-1957] –Australian Archives.” The notes state that the “…series contains approximately 4800 colour and black and white slides. Controlling records for this series (D896) indicate there are some 6220 slides registered between 1947 and 1971. The whereabouts of the missing 1400 slides is currently unknown…
There are slides of Skylark launches, Jindivik trials, Blue Streak movements and some unidentified objects…” We located a register for some of these slides in the Adelaide Office of the NAA. NAA staff produced two bound volumes which contained dates, reference numbers and details of the photographs. A close examination of the details of hundreds of pictures listed there revealed none of an unidentified or unknown nature.
Third file;
File number SA5644/2/1 is a Department of Supply file “Sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects” registered to the WRE, Salisbury with a date range of 1966 -1974. This file contains a number of inquiries from the general public and other quarters about unidentified objects in the sky. As an example, the file actually opens in Jul 1966 with an inquiry from a person living in Victor Harbor, South Australia, concerning an object which traversed the sky. Interestingly, the letter commences with “I understand that you have a section on unidentified objects etc…” The WRE response advised that they had a “…satellite tracking section…” but was “…unable to identify the object…” (10) even though they suspected it was a satellite.
Other requests for assistance with identification came from the RAAF. For example, in Oct 1966 RAAF Richmond requested the Department to identify an object seen at Kurrajong NSW on 20 Jul 1966. An internal Departmental Minute headed “UFO Policy” states that inquiries of this nature would be referred directly to S/APD (Superintendent, American Projects Division) for reply by the PRO (Public Relations Officer). In this instance the Satellite Tracking Operations Group was “…unable to correlate the sighting reported on folio 4a with transits of the brighter satellites…” (11)
A 23 Jun 1967 Memo from Director WRE M W Woods to the DD/Trials advised Trials that the Director had, through Security channels, learnt that “…kine operators at Woomera sighted an alleged UFO during a Skylark firing on Apr 27th…” (12) and called for a report. A follow-up telex dated 18 Jul 1967 from Dep. Sec/R & Supply Melbourne asked why no report had yet been forthcoming and stated that the report involved positions K9, K12, K8, site 3, site 4 and X11 and asked “…Have you had the films examined as discussed…” (13) The subsequent investigation revealed two series of observations, the first on 27 Apr 1967 (some forms showed the date as 28 Apr 1967) and the second on 30 Jun 1967. Details follow:
27 Apr 1967
1. 28 Apr 67 1402hrs About 0.5-1secs K Simmons. Optical tracker. “Object appeared round and white, as large as the Moon and passed to the right of the Skylark at approx +55s in sequence, no elevations angle noted-no further details.”
2. 27 Apr 67. 1402hrs 2 secs Position K8 L. Davis. Optical instrument – tracking telescope. Skylark in sky. “Between +55s and 60s a dull white object appeared high in the tracking telescope for approx 2 secs. Being high in the telescope the object was distorted but appeared to be long and wider in the centre than at the ends, the top piece being a slightly darker shade.”
3. 28 Apr 67. 1402hrs +60s. 2/5 secs. I J Davis Site 4. Watch Skylark. Trial 23 A3. “85 degree el. The object appeared to be moving very fast, was white in colour and saucer shaped sighted in FOV for approx 2/5 secs. Flying in roughly the opposite direction to the vehicle-object appeared to be twice the size of the vehicle.”
4. 27 Apr 67. Site K12 A2 operator. ¾ sec at +55 and =60 1402hrs. Using optical instrument watching Skylark. Sky-fine, slight wispy cloud. White object passed below vehicle in camera FOV.
5. 27 Apr 67. Site K9. 1402hrs 6mins. Through kino theodelite. Az 220 degrees el 70 degrees. “Object acquired at +1m30s in sequence and lost at +8 to +9m in sequence. Bright object fell away from dull white object. Two objects kept coming back to larger object and flashing past. “ “Large object was fast moving in az when picked up then slowed down in az and gained speed in el. Small objects were fast in az.” Larger object dull white. 2 smaller were bright yellowish white.
6. 28 Apr 67. L Fox at site 3. +60s in sequence. 1402hrs. Kinetheodelite. Watching sky saw a silver white coloured object.
7. 28 Apr 67. Site 3. 1402hrs. 6 mins. Optical-kine. Object acquired at approx +1m30s in sequence at 90 degrees elevation. Lost at +8m10s to+8m30s at an az of 220.2 and el of 7-10. Moved from 90 degrees el to 7/10 degrees el. And at 15 degrees el was at 220.2 az. Watching Skylark. The object flashed past the Skylark-was dull in colour. Dull round object with two (undecipherable) 2 small shot past and buzzing round elongated. Disappeared 8m10 to 8m30. Round just moved out and others with it and went away 220.2az 15 degrees el when lost 7-10 degrees.
30 Jun 1967
1. “Report on Aerial Object Observed” form. R Hodge Photographer. 3 secs. Overhead. One white round object. 60 to 90 degree very fast NNW to SSE straight line. Lost in mid-air. Blue sky. Target aircraft on dummy run.
2. Harvey. Asst Photog. Approx 1100 till 1200. Tracked at K12. Operator V34 drew attention. White objects. “No definite formation but most appeared to be within 10 degrees az of each other at times.” White. “Most were spherical while others were appeared similar to meteorites.” Lost. “Mostly due size, distance and haze.” L D East. Asst Photog. 1100hrs to 1140hrs intermittent. 165 degrees az 45 degrees el. Crossing path of missile in trail EC 23. Overhead. Silver white like aircraft without wings. 45 degrees el slightly arced path. “Did not track long as trial imminent.” Clear blue sky.
3. P Howard. Asst Photog. 1135hrs Fraction of a sec. Through 12x tracking scope of Congreves camera from site 6 K35. Travelling across path of a Jindivik aircraft. Ap 40-45 degree el very fast. Northerly direction gaining height. Went out of FOV. Clear blue sky. Object appeared to be closer to K35 than Jindivik.
4. M Randel. Asst Photog. 11 to 1140 Intermittent. 165az 45 degree el at 1100 cross path of missile in trial. Overhead. Intercom talk alerted. 45 degree slow to very fast. Went towards range head. Trial EC23.
5. M Wallbanks. Asst Photog. 1100-1145hrs. Site 2. Congreaves K14 kinetheodelite. App in tracking telescope. 40 degrees el. Travelling to 145 degrees az. Path on curve, others circled and disappeared. Disappeared over horizon. Clear blue sky. Jindivick trial.
6. I Neill. Asst Photog. 1100-1130hrs. Site 4. K16. Kinetheodelite. Overhead. Six objects white some appeared to have red others are rocket shaped. First sighted 80 degrees el. Lost over horizon. Jindivick trial,
7. Asst Photog. 1100-1115hrs. 10-15mins. K15. Overhead. Six to 12 objects white. All shaped. Travelled in all directions. Straight path. First sighted 80 degrees el. Faded into distance. Photographed at K15 for approx 5 seconds.
8. 1100-1130hrs. 10-15mins. K15. J Windner. Asst Photog. 6-12 objects in no apparent formation. White. First seen at 80 degrees el. Irregular cigar shapes-oblong. Appeared to fade in distance.
9. P Ratcliffe. Assist Photog. 1105-1130hrs. V34 at site 3. Gooney Bird. Approx 55 degree el az 120 degrees. Several white objects through binoculars. Some circular some cylindrical .NW to SE. Went over horizon. Jindivick dummy trial. Tracked three objects to just on horizon. Az 155-165 degrees.
What did “the powers that be” think caused these observations?
Given that the Woomera range was heavily instrumented and “secret”, observations of unusual objects at this location should have received critical analysis.
In a Memo dated 17 Jul 67 to Supt Trials from PO/Ranges it is noted that three to four such sightings occur each year usually in late autumn months. “The “objects” are almost certainly wind-borne spider webs…The fact that attempts to photograph these “objects” have always been unsuccessful tend to support the theory that they are in fact extremely tenuous body at no great distance from the observer.” (14) A file note of 19 Jul 67 from the D/D Trials to S/TRD adds “I wouldn’t give the operators very high marks as observers.” (15)
A further Memo two days later to the Supt Trials Division from the PO Ranges re the UFO sightings of 27 Apr 67 enclosed the original reports from various operators and concludes that “It is however, quite possible that multiple sightings of wind carried webs could provide reasonable explanation.” (16)
Finally, in a teleprinter message of the 25 Jul 67 from Woods Weapons to DS/R&E Supply Melbourne. Re alleged UFO sighting. “No, repeat, no films were exposed.” (17) Reports came from kine operators and “…did not correlate with each other except in time.” “Sightings of wind carried webs are possible explanations.” (18) An amended teleprinter message on the next day from Woods Director Weapons to DS/R&E Supply Melbourne stated “Further to my W8476 about alleged UFO sightings.
The sentence in my message saying no films were exposed may be misleading. In fact the normal trial kinetheodelite films were exposed during the trial. These should have shown the UFO crossing the field of view close to Skylark but nothing was recorded.” (19)
Project Moon Dust?
The USAF had a Project called “Moon Dust.” A check with the authoritative “The UFO Encyclopaedia” written by US Researcher Jerry Clark, indicated that “In 1961 the U.S. Air Force established the classified Project Moon Dust to “locate, recover and deliver descended foreign space vehicles.”” (20)
A Memo on this file, originally from file SA5492/1/1 Part 1 and originally dated 16 Aug 1962 was to the Supt/Woomera from Controller WRE re identification of space vehicle fragments. It reported that a letter received from the Department of External Affairs relayed that the US Embassy was informally seeking assistance in “…obtaining information which might be used in the identification of space vehicle fragments.” (21) It asked for details of sightings of “luminous objects” and “Observations of Impact(s) and/or recovery of fragment(s).” Observations were requested from members of staff.
In a Memo dated 4 Sep 67 the American Projects Division asked the Assistant Sec (Projects) if the 1962 processes regarding the reporting of space vehicle fragments were still needed? This was followed up in a minute from APD to S/APD, reporting that two avenues of reporting UFOs existed. Firstly, one for sightings at the ranges had the steps PO/Ranges to Supt/Trials to DD/Trials to Regional Security Officer Adelaide to Chief Security Officer to Dept of Air to? The second was for all other sightings. The route was observer to Supt/APD to Head Office to Dept of External Affairs to US Embassy. The Memo was trying to delete input to US Embassy.
A further Memo dated 13 Dec 67 from a/g Supt American Projects Division to Asst Sec Projects again asked for clarification if instructions contained in memo of 8 Aug 62 were still in effect. The 1962 memo stated that the US Embassy. “…had informally sought the assistance of the Department of External Affairs in obtaining information which might be used in the identification of space vehicle fragments…” (22) Subsequently, arrangements were made for Woomera staff to report sightings in that area. Reports outside Woomera details were sent to Head Office for transmission through Dept of External Affairs to the US Embassy as per memo of 8 Aug 62. Reports from WRE would go to the RAAF. It suggested changes to refer all reports to RAAF.
Scientific, Technical & Astronomical Research Society (STARS);
The powers that be were upset that the observations of the 27 Apr had been reported using an unofficial report form designed by a Woomera UFO group titled the Scientific, Technical & Astronomical Research Society (STARS). A Memo dated 7 Aug 67 to Director WRE Salisbury and WRE Woomera from the Superintendent about the UFO club, set out conditions under which STARS was officially allowed to operate. STARS created its own report form but the reports system was ordered to be discontinued.
A further Memo dated 10 Aug 67 to Captain F E Irvine (RAN) Supt/Woomera from M W Woods, Director, WRE Salisbury again concerned the UFO club and stated in part “I am glad to hear that the “sighting report” to the STARS organisation have been discontinued. There are obviously security dangers in permitting unofficial reports of this kind.” (23)
Finally, a Minute dated 18 Sep 67 to the Director from the Trials Wing HQ., subject: UFO club at Woomera includes the words “I have noted that the activities of the Woomera club have declined markedly in recent months…” (24)
This is where the matter rested until 2008 when a re-check of the NAA Record Search for any recently released UFO files led to the discovery of a 100 page file, series D250, control symbol 56/3568 Part 1, titled “Scientific, Technical and Astronomical Research Society.” This file covers the period 1966-1968. (See appendix ten.)
Entries during the period 1968 to 1974 on file SA5644/2/1 refer to queries about sightings and their possible explanations, although almost all seem to have been satellites. The last active entry was dated 5 Aug 74.
More Department of Supply UFO papers on other Government files
An examination of RAAF files reveals several items which are not on any of the three files located and examined. The first four relate to raw reports and are summarised below.
(1) 30 Jul 1965 70mls W of Cook SA 0835hrs 10mins 5Men
A gang of railway workers looking to the south of the railway line reported watching for ten minutes, a hovering silver coloured object apparently reflecting the rays of the Sun. It disappeared with a flash. (25)
(2) 20 Jul 1967 Karoonda SA 1537hrs 1M Seeholm
Object reported falling to earth. Seen travelling E to S. (26)
(3) 28 Oct 1971. Woomera SA 1315hrs 15secs 1M Murphy
Murphy was tracking a pre-launch meteorological balloon through an optical theodolite. Balloon was situated almost due East of range E (? Difficult to read document) at 6900m and bearing 088.4 True and 37.7 deg el. The balloon and its attached target were backgrounded by thin lines of cloud. As the balloon moved slowly to the left side of the lens Murphy noted an object moving away from the balloon to the right of the lens.
He initially thought that the target had separated from the balloon. He then tracked this object for 15 seconds. It was moving at a constant speed in a shallow upward curve. It was shaped like a cross. He concluded it was an aircraft. Light bluish grey in colour. Outline was reasonably well defined. Small image size. Image was twice the size of the balloon target and similar in size to the balloon (which was 10-15 feet diameter). Its ‘fuselage’ and “wings” appeared to be of uniform thickness and length. No evidence of engines or tail. DCA reported there was a BOAC 707 at 37000 feet at 150-200 miles SE of Leigh Creek at the time. (27)
“Further to telephoned advice forwarded herewith is a copy of report 5/126/5 of 8th Nov 1971, together with attachment, from the ESO Woomera reporting the alleged sighting of an unidentified aircraft over the Woomera Prohibited Area at 1315hrs on 28.10.71 25 minutes prior to the launch of the Black Arrow missile.” (28) Range instrumentation at Parakylia Station 20 miles SE of range and Red Lake radar post R38 did not sight or hear an aircraft, nor at Roxby Downs 15 miles East, or Purple Downs (20 miles SE).
In respect of R38 any object within 100,000 feet and height of no more than 5-10,000 feet should have been registered. “In spite of all enquiries no confirmation of the alleged sighting has been obtained and the possibility that the object was a bird of the eagle variety, wedge tailed eagles are plentiful at Woomera cannot be entirely discounted without any prejudice to Murphy.” (29)
“Two most likely explanations of this incident are:
(a) A mistaken identification of the object seen by Murphy through his theodolite
(b) A flight across the prohibited area by an aircraft for which a flight plan had not been submitted to DCA” (30)
A telex dated 21 Dec 71 to DOA SUPDEP Canberra read “For Morrison CSO. Reference your Y10/5/1 dated 20 Dec, no military aircraft in vicinity of Nurrungar prohibited area within one hour of 200659. DAFI unable to provide any assessment of sighting on 28 Oct 71 at this time.” (31)
(4) 20 Dec 71 Woomera 0650hrs 1M Sketcher
A meteorological observer at Woomera reported seeing an aircraft with the naked eye as a tiny silver dot ahead of a vapour trail. It was heading NE, and checks revealed that there were no known aircraft in the area. A Memo dated 7 Jan 72 from the Dept of Supply to DAFI ( Ref Y10/5/1. Unidentified Aircraft –Woomera) in part read “This sighting appears to be sufficiently authenticated, yet there is no official knowledge of any military or civil aircraft that could have intruded into the Woomera air space.”
(32) DAFI responded to the Chief Security Oficer, Dept of Supply on 13 Jan 1972 “Although the known facts concerning this incident could lend themselves to speculation regarding the presence of a foreign aircraft in Woomera airspace on the 20th Dec, the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence considers this most unlikely. The Directorate believes that a more plausible explanation involves the re-entry of space debris into the earth’s atmosphere but is unable to confirm this possibility.” (33)
(5) In a Memo dated 6 Sep 72 the Defence Standards Laboratories, Dept of Supply, wrote to the Department of Air re an Unidentified Fallen Object. The Memo stated that a preliminary exam revealed that the object submitted was probably a bit off a satellite. (34)
(6) However, perhaps the most interesting piece of paper in the RAAF files relating to the Department of Supply was a short Memo dated 27 Jul 1971 from DAFI to S/AIR/SS (whoever this is!) which stated in part “You spoke to me recently on the matter of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and you mentioned that the Department of Supply may be interested in investigating this subject. This minute provides a brief historical sketch of this subject and my reaction to the proposal.” (35) This issue will be reported upon later.
Missing at the moment;
Looking at Department of Supply file reference numbers on various files, there are some files not yet located. For example there would appear to be UAS related correspondence on files numbered Y111/12/1 Part 4; Y121/1/1; Y123/3/17; YA26/9/2, Y10/5/1, A12/3/2. and A12/3/3. Some of these would appear to be Department of Supply Head Office files which have not surfaced on RecordSearch. Further research indicates the possibility that these files might be located at the Melbourne office of the NAA under series B6136.
The former Department of Civil Aviation 1952-1973 and the current Department of Transport and Regional Services 1973-2005
The Department of Civil Aviation;
On 16 Jan 1951 the Federal Government Air Board issued a standard pro forma titled “Report on Aerial Object Observed’ for the reporting of ‘flying saucers’ within Australia. (1) This form was replaced in Jan 1952, and again in Nov 1953. (2) These pro formas were utilised by all RAAF units and were part of one reporting system. However, there was at least one other Government agency, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), which was active in collecting and collating reports.
As will be seen below, yet other more secretive agencies seemed to also want to get into the act. How interested was the DCA in this era? Two references were found which bear on this question.
Firstly, in one of the earliest Australian books written about Flying Saucers:
“Officers of the Civil Aviation Department wanted to establish a special bureau to collect and collate facts about flying saucers. From Cabinet itself, however, came instructions that it was more properly a matter for the security services.” (3).
Secondly, a May 1952 news paper report titled “Hush ban on saucers” advised that:
“Australian Security Intelligence Officers have refused the Civil Aviation Department permission to investigate reports of ‘flying saucers’ Mr R M Seymour said tonight. Mr Seymour is Superintendent of Air Traffic Control. He said his department had planned to set up a special section to collate facts on “flying saucer” reports. Intelligence officials had told him that “flying saucers” were “security matters.” Mr Seymour said “saucer” reports which he had collected followed the pattern of similar reports in the United States.” (4)
In 1953, one of the Department’s own high level staff filmed an unknown object. At 1200hrs on 23 Aug 1953 Mr T. Drury, the then Deputy Director of the DCA for Papua New Guinea, was in Port Moresby. In the cloudless south-western sky he noticed what seemed to be “cloud building up” which grew in intensity for several minutes. Suddenly, an object appeared from one side of this cloud and climbed fast in a north-west direction. In size Drury said it seemed “slightly bigger than a pin head.”
The soundless object left a clearly defined vapour trail. It “finally disappeared with a rapid gain of altitude.” Drury had a movie camera with him and filmed using a telephoto lens. The film was examined both in Australia by the RAAF and in the USA. (5)
The Victorian UFO Research Society published a research document in Sep 1978 titled “A compilation of reports from the Victorian Press” which gave an insight into the DCA’s interest in 1954. (6)
The Melbourne Herald of 5 Jan 1954 reported that Mr R M Seymour, DCA Superintendent of Air Traffic Control said “People who believe they have seen unusual objects in the sky should not keep the information to themselves for fear of ridicule…we do not regard this business as a joke. People are definitely seeing objects, some of which have not been explained.”
Mr Seymour was also quoted the next day in The Melbourne Sun as saying that
“The best we can do at the moment is try to establish that an aircraft was in the vicinity when
the saucer was sighted. If we are unable to do that, then the report becomes inexplicable…” (7)
The exposure the DCA received from media items resulted in it receiving 24 reports on the 6 Jan alone! (8) By the 12 Jan, it was being reported that the DCA had received about 50 reports. (9)
The Melbourne Sun (13 Jan) newspaper reported that these reports to the DCA spanned nearly 30 years and that the DCA were checking the reports before forwarding them to the RAAF. A DCA official was quoted as saying that “Some highly qualified engineers in our department are convinced that there is something in the saucer mystery.”
Only one DCA file has been located which contains raw reports from this era. This is file series C273/227 control symbol 1957/619 which contains reports commencing on 14 Jun 1953 and extending to 24 Feb 1960. There are a total of 15 reports on this file, with eight being reported in 1954. Many are of the lights in the sky variety.
One interesting case on the file was that of the Mena Murtee Station photographs. Claims were made that a large saucer shaped object had been seen at the Station, and that three photographs were taken showing this object. The DCA conducted an investigation as demonstrated by various piece of correspondence on the file.
The story as given was that at 4pm Tuesday last before 4 Nov 1954, a Mr Keith Weston of Mena Murtee Station, 18 miles NW of Wilcannia NSW had sighted an object. It was 500 feet from the ground, with an estimated size of 80-90 yards across. It came from the direction of Netalia and hovered over a wool shed on the Station. It was said that when it departed there was a sound like a loud explosion and a clanking sound. Three photographs were taken and developed at the homestead.
It was the DCA who conducted the investigation, not the RAAF. Eventually, a Mrs Weston advised the Department (internal memo dated 10 Nov 1954) that: “…ask your Department to drop the matter, as it is a faked snapshot which was taken to have a joke with someone in Wilcannia and the matter has gone too far.” Thus the incident was stated to have been a hoax. Interestingly, in an internal memo dated 23 Nov 1954 the DCA Head Office stated: “If the photographs are genuine, they will be of considerable interest and a request has been received from American “Service” source for copies.” One wonders who these “Service” interests were?
Throughout the period 1954-1957, the DCA was regularly forwarding reports it received on to the Department of Air. It utilised its own internal form labelled “Air Safety Incident”
At 1944hrs on 27 Sep 1957 L. Stinson, an Air Traffic Controller reported seeing a white light bearing 025 degrees from the Launceston Tasmania Control Tower. The light was travelling southwards, at the speed of a DC3 aircraft. After 90 seconds, the light was abeam of the field and viewed through binoculars. Checks with area control revealed that there was no known air traffic or meteorological balloons.
After 3 minutes it was lost to view from Launceston. The cloud base was at 4000 feet and the sky was overcast. Ground wind was from 300 degrees at 10 knots. At 1950hrs staff at Hobart airport received a request from Launceston to undertake a radar search. At 2024hrs an echo was detected bearing 356 degrees at 34000 yards slant range at 5 degrees elevation, which moved at a fast speed. It was lost at 354 degrees at 17 miles, height 9-10,000 feet. (10)
RAAF files indicate that the DCA continued to refer reports, including ones from its own staff, throughout the period 1959-1963.
The subject of “unusual occurrences,” as the DCA sometimes referred to reports of “flying saucers” or “UFOs” made its way on to the agenda of a meeting on Air Safety investigations held between26-29 Nov 1963. The minutes of agenda item 21 read:
“Reporting Unusual Occurrences. When a report of an unusual occurrence is received, and investigation indicates that it is not associated with any known aircraft, the report should still be communicated to Head Office in case it may be of interest to some other Authority.” (11)
Departmental staff themselves continued to report ‘unusual occurrences. On Thursday 15 Jul 1965 six members of the Canberra Air Traffic control, employed by the DCA were involved in a UFO incident. At 10.50am T. Lindsay, an Air Traffic Controller, was looking for an aircraft, and reported seeing to the north-east “…a large yellow luminous balloon…It wasn’t Venus…I’m sure of that from the position.” Another controller, Tony Frodsham reported “…in colour it looked like a metallic object…After all that time-nearly forty minutes-it was gone, just like that.” (12) Officer-in-charge A.B. Lindeman said that the object was visible to the naked eye and was stationary at 020 degrees for 20 minutes. Binoculars revealed no further details. (13)
By the following year, 1966, the Department of Air was concerned at the publicity still surrounding the topic. Indeed, the Secretary of the Department of Air wrote to the Director-General of the DCA on 12 Oct 1966 as follows:
“Sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects have during recent months been receiving considerable publicity…Royal Australian Air Force is responsible for the investigation of reports…it is now considered that all authorities that could throw any light on these incidents should be officially associated with the investigation…Your agreement is therefore sought to the proposal that whenever the UFO investigation suggests that your department might be able to provide some assistance a copy of the ufo report should be sent for your comment.” (14)
The DCA responded on 26 Oct 66 that “We will be pleased to provide any assistance you require in connection with the investigation of reports on unidentified flying objects.” The DCA suggested using the same system as previously proposed for RAAF/DCA air safety incident reports.(15). The RAAF agreed, noting that the idea of RAAF bases liaising directly with the appropriate DCA Regional office was supported.
In a memorandum dated 14 Mar 1967 (ref 21/1/387) the DCA Head Office in Melbourne wrote to regional offices. The memo advised regions that the RAAF investigated UFO reports and that “…all authorities that could provide any information should be officially associated with the investigation system.” DCA has agreed to participate and this memo sets out procedures.
If it wasn’t for the reporting system via the DCA, researchers would still not know about an interesting South Australian Jul 1967 CE2 case. A witness named Langsford of Robby’s Aerial Services was travelling by motor vehicle five miles NNE of Murray Bridge one clear night with thick ground fog. Suddenly, the car radio experienced interference. Within 100-150 yards the vehicle’s engine stopped by itself. Although the ignition was on, the dash warning lights came on.
Looking up he saw a “large dark shadow” at an estimated height of 20 feet. Above the shadow was a greyish-blue glow. He stopped the vehicle but shadow and light had gone. Returning to the car he started the engine; switched on the radio and found there was no interference. (16)
Two years later, a radar visual event occurred on the 23 May 1969 which involved a DCA radar operator at Kalamunda WA. At 1835hrs two civilian witnesses saw a moving light which travelled from 10 degrees S, through the SE to the E then to the N of them. It appeared as a steady red light on top of a blue-white light. Finally it settled in a stationary position 10-15 degrees bearing 015 degrees.
It was described as circular, half the size of the full Moon. It was there for 15-20 minutes before, at 1900 hours it moved off at high speed to the N/NE. The female witness at 1901hrs telephoned Kalamundra radar. On checking the radar screen the operator saw a large echo 9 miles distance at 300 degrees. This meant it was some 2.5 miles N of the civilian witnesses. Contact was held for 30-40 seconds.
The echo appeared for short instances on five occasions and finally disappeared at 1942hrs. Interestingly, despite the radar having Moving Target Indicator which meant that it suppressed targets moving less than 6 knots. The target had no noticeable displacement. (17)
Other 1969 events involving airline pilots:
18 Jan 69 on a flight between Singapore and Perth airline Captain Morris travelling 350 degrees tracking 157 degrees True. The plane was at 35000 feet in a Boeing 707. He reported a yellow/white light which descended from 0 degrees to minus 2 degrees. The object gradually fell behind the aircraft. The duration of the event was 5-10 minutes (18)
5 Feb 69. An airline pilot Tillotson was at Ferny Creek, Vic at 2350hrs. He reported seeing a bright white point source travelling 5 degrees/minute soundlessly W to E. It was lost behind a hill (19).
22 Apr 69. A pilot named Hill was over Bass Strait at 1991hrs. A green light was initially seen at 60 degrees elevation and lost in mid-air at 30 degrees at 240 degrees T. Another pilot Rayment at the same time over Bass Strait reported a bright white wound balls in the sky with 2-3 very small incandescent balls trailing (20).
5 Aug 69. While 18nm NW of Melbourne, an airline pilot , first officer and 2 hostesses at 18000 feet saw a green fluorescent light 30 degree to port at 20-30 degrees elevation. It was 2-3 times the size of the full Moon (21)
More airline crew reports continued in 1970:
On 23 May at 1810hrs Captain Knott of an ANA DC9 flight 200nm SE of Townsville reported a beam of light in the direction of Alice Springs. It was pale yellow in colour. It was vertical and stationary. The pilot of a nearby TAA DC9 also saw it. (22).
On 29 Jun Keog, the pilot of a F27 aircraft on descent from 12500 feet noted echoes on radar 60 degrees abeam. The echo appeared to be 60nm from his aircraft and keeping station with him. These were five cigar shaped objects. DCA advised there were no aircraft in the area. (23)
A pilot Harrington was at 8500 feet 40nm SE of Katherine NT on 22 Jul at 2130hrs. He sighted two objects for two minutes, one vertically above the other at 270 degrees relative. In colour they were red and green and level with the aircraft. It moved through 10 degrees in 20 seconds. (24).
After at least 20 years of involvement in processing and investigations into “Unusual occurrences”, the DCA was abolished in 1973 and its function taken up by the Air Transport Group of the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOT).
The Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTRS)
As mentioned above, the Department of Transport and Regional Services took over the role of the former Department of Civil Aviation. An FOI request was submitted and the Departmental decision maker for the request, Rob Graham, Director, Safety Investigations, stated that:
“A thorough search has been made and to the best of my knowledge this decision covers all documents relevant to the Freedom of Information application made…This FOI request seeks access to documents concerning unidentified flying objects held by the Department of Transport and Regional services including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The relevant documents from a search of the ATSB’s OASIS aviation occurrence database are listed below with a decision on access under the Act.
link source; http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org/
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A SEARCH THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S UFO RECORDS PART 2;
The Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTRS);
Nine cases were located in the database and these are listed below.
Occurrence number 196901691;
Occurrence id 129813. 2 Jul 1969 “Burn marks rep on 2 golf courses. Reported as poss UFO landing. RAAF notified.
Occurrence number 196902473
Occurrence id. 130595. 31 Jan 1969. Diamond Creek Vic. Rep sighting a UFO white in colour moving very fast in a straight line.
Occurrence number 197502943;
Occurrence id 91062. 12 Jan 1975. Albury NSW. UFO sighted on radar at 20000ft in CTA. Not possible to identify.
Occurrence number 197703195;
Occurrence id 77512. 16 Apr 1977. Near King island Tas. UFO report from pilot. Passed to RAAF for study. CFT beacon abeam VH-KRY. Cessna 401.
Occurrence number 197802563;
Occurrence id 70857. 21 Oct 1978. Near cape Otway Vic. Plt reported UFO then rough running eng. TX ceased-ACFT missing. Cessna 182L.
Occurrence number 197904600;
Occurrence id 66734. 22 Sep 1979. near Banka Banka NT. Object in area. Search ACFT found burnt trees and white ash but no object. (Sneaky Martians?) Misc UFO consisting of white light trailing smoke. Sighted by three witnesses. F27 Plt reported white.
Occurrence number 197904657;
Occurrence id 66791. 19 Oct 1979. Near Broken Hill NSW. Acft, however no known aircraft in area. Misc F27 crew sighted UFO whilst on climb out. Flashing white light similar to strobe on high flying Fokker. B.V. F27 Mk 200.
Occurrence number 198300234;
Occurrence id 40550. 7 Apr 1983. Near Manly West Qld. No known acft or balloon activity in area. Inside radar coverage but no radar return. UFO reported silvery object size of Cessna without wings flying from east to west at 2000ft.
Occurrence number 199804923;
Occurrence id 164236. 8 Nov 1998. 28km NW Perth, Aerodrome. WA. The pilot reported an unidentified flying object, bright red/orange in colour 100ft below and travelling very fast as the aircraft passed 9,000ft. Then object was approximately 2 metres across and the pilot believed that it may have been a model aircraft.
The former Department of Territories 1959-1965
At 1200hrs on 23 Aug 1953 Mr T. Drury, the then Deputy Director of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) for Papua New Guinea, was in Port Moresby. In the cloudless south-western sky he noticed what seemed to be “cloud building up” which grew in intensity for several minutes. Suddenly, an object appeared from one side of this cloud and climbed fast in a north-west direction. In size Drury said it seemed “slightly bigger than a pin head.” The soundless object left a clearly defined vapour trail. It “finally disappeared with a rapid gain of altitude.” Drury had a movie camera with him and filmed using a telephoto lens. The film was examined both in Australia by the RAAF and in the USA.
The dramatic events of the reported Jun 1959 CE3 events at Boianai, Papua New Guinea are well documented in the UFO literature. What is far less known is the flow of UFO reports from that region as documented in Federal Government files.
It all started with a memo from the Secretary, Department of Territories (DOT) (1) to the Secretary, Department of Defence (DOD) dated 17 Jun 1959 informing Defence of a “Reported sighting of falling object.” At 1900 hours on 24 May 1959 a UFO was reported to the west of Baniara, which descended erratically to the south-west. Brilliant blue in colour, alternating to red, it disappeared at 2015 hours.
The DOT again wrote to the DOD on 4 Aug 1959 (2) recording a number of other sightings in Papua. Copies of the memo were also sent to the Department of Air (DOA); DCA; Department of National Development and the CSIRO. Two internal DOT memos were attached.
It is understandable why copies should have gone to DOA and DCA, but why CSIRO? Two previously located CSIRO files were cross-checked. A copy of the 4 Aug 1959 DOT memo was found on CSIRO file series A8520 control symbol HM1/30. The copy had simply been filed on the CSIRO file titled “Miscellaneous Enquiries – General - UFOs” with no apparent action or further analysis/comment undertaken. Also on the file were copies of six other DOT memos containing reports from PNG; no action noted on the file.
Who was the Department of National Development, and why was the DOT forwarding them copies of UFO reports? NAA “agency notes” on that Department indicated it was created on 16 Mar 1950 for the planning and co ordinating the development of national resources on a national basis. It was abolished in 1972.
Back to the reports. In the 4 Aug 1959 DOT memos Bishop Doyle of Sideia reported that in Jun 1958 a round, pale blue object the size of the Moon, was seen and emitted brighter light than moonlight. It approached and hovered over the Mission. After five minutes it moved north and disappeared in mid-sky.
In late Oct/early Nov 1958 at about 1900 hours a white light travelled from north-west to south-east on two evenings. On the second evening the light flashed on and off at two second intervals.
In May 1959, nine school boys reported seeing a large, green elliptical object moving rapidly across the sky.
On 13 Jun 1959 at 1815 hours, twenty boys reported a fast, green, elliptical object travelling east to north-east.
Mr E Evenett of Samarai was at Giwa, 8 miles from Baniara in Goodenough Bay on 26 Jun 1959. Some time between 1915 and 1930 hours he went outside to see an object approaching from the north or north-east. It descended then hovered an estimated 500 feet above the ground at an angular elevation of 45 degrees. He estimated it to be 60 feet long and in shape was described as like a “rugger football.” It had a “kind of ring around it with about four semi-domed portholes.” A glow came from the ‘portholes.” After hovering for four minutes it disappeared rapidly to the south.
Finally, on 27 Jun 1959 at 2030h hours, two men noted a half-Moon sized object, in the western sky which moved slowly over a ten minute period.
One of the accompanying memos went on to discuss the possibility that Venus was unlikely to be the cause of the events. It closed by stating that “The Regional Director, Attorney General’s Department has been kept fully informed of these reports.” From the phrasing, this suggests ASIO was the agency informed. We do know that other agencies were keeping files on “unidentified aircraft” over PNG. For example:
File series MT1131/1 control symbol A31/1/133 is titled “Unidentified aircraft Papua & New Guinea.” The date range is 1958-1959. The controlling agency at the time was The Department of Army
File series A452 control symbol 1969/1630 is titled “Flights by unidentified aircraft over Papua New Guinea.” The date range is 1958-1970. The controlling agency was the Department of Territories 1958-1968; then the Department of External Territories 1968-1970.
It could simply be that ASIO, like other Government Departments, was keeping an eye on “unidentified aircraft” over PNG.
Another of the attached memos told of yet more sightings:
27 Jun 1959. Baniara. At 1940 hours Mr R Smith and two others saw a bright, white spherical light. It was initially stationary and then slowly moved to the west. Red and green lights were seen on the object. It cast light on the water. At 2025 hours a “bronze coloured disc” was seen below and to the right of the light. It was lost at 2045 hours below low cloud low in the west
28 Jun 1959. Baniara. 1820 hours. Mr and Mrs Orwin saw the same light as on the 27th. At 2001 hours it traversed a distance in one minute which took 30 minutes the previous night. It was in the western sky where it disappeared low down at 2115 hours
7 Jul 1959. At 0500 hours Mr R Smith noted a very bright light. After 15 minutes an object like a falling star came from near the object and shot earthward at speed. Five minutes later another falling star was seen. After a total of an hour it moved westwards.
What is absent from these reported observations is any mention of the 26 and 27 Jun 1959 Boianai CE3 events which do not feature at all in the reports from the DOT.
It appears that it wasn’t until 12 Sep 1959 when Peter Norris of the Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society (VFSRS) wrote to DAFI (3) that DAFI became aware of the Father Gill sightings. Norris wrote “My society has been undertaking investigations into the alleged sightings of unidentified flying objects reported by the Reverend W B Gill of Boianai Anglican Mission, Papua, New Guinea.” Norris wrote that Gill et al had reported humanoid beings on the object and “…these sightings, once established as authentic, appear to furnish the much-coveted proof that the UFOs are intelligently guided machines.” Norris asked DAFI if they had inquired into the Gill sightings and if so what were their conclusions?
In an undated response letter, Squadron Leader Gilson from DAFI replied “We have no official information on any sightings by Gill in New Guinea, but we are now making inquiries into the matter.” (4)
By replies dated 20 Oct 1959 VFSRS gave DAFI Gill’s current Victorian address (5) and on 16 Nov 59 (6) VFSRS forwarded a copy of their 15 page report (7) on not only the Gill sightings but others from PNG. VFSRS again asked DAFI if they had received official information and could DAFI please respond to their letter of 12 Sep 59 with questions re DAFI’s conclusions?
On the 25 Nov 1959 five of the main Australian UFO groups sent a joint letter to the Right Honourable R G Menzies-providing a copy of the VFSRS Gill report. The groups wrote that one possible explanation was that the Gill sightings were caused by a secret weapon of a foreign power. “We feel strongly that an investigation should be made…” (8)
On the 26 Nov 59 DAFI responded to VFSRS that “We have initiated enquiry into Father Gill’s claims, but it is too early to have reached any conclusions.” (9) Despite two statements by DAFI that they had initiated enquiries into Gill’s account, there is no evidence on their files of any such enquiries.
Interestingly, out of all the time which DAFI could have chosen to undertake their next action, DAFI chose 26 Nov to also write to the DOD’s RAAF liaison in both London and Washington with a question. The question was for the liaison staff in each country to ascertain the latest views of the respective governments on the issue of UFOs. (10)
Politics entered the scene at this point, on the 15 Dec 59 when the Secretary for the DOD advised the Secretary of the DOA that the Minister for Defence had received a letter from VFSRS. The Secretary DOD asked for a report on the subject of Papuan UFO reports which were received some months ago. (11)
On the 16 Dec 59 the DOD forwarded the PNG reports contained in the 4 Aug 59 DOT memo to the Australian Embassy in Washington. These reports were then forwarded to the “Aerospace Technical Intelligence Centre” for evaluation (USAF).
The question arises as to whether DAFI in the DOD or some other area in the DOD requested the evaluation? There are no copies of correspondence from DAFI on this topic in the files we have seen. The memo reference involved was W.183/59 and this isn’t the style used by DAFI. It does appear that while DAFI was dealing with questions re Father Gill’s report; someone else in the DOD was dealing with the other PNG reports, seeking an evaluation of their cause in the USA.
Although they had had Gill’s Australian address since Oct, it wasn’t until 18 Dec 1959 that DAFI wrote to Father Gill, who was by then in Victoria, asking if a Squadron leader Lang could interview him. (12)
On the day before Christmas, a reply came back from London to the effect that 90 % of all UK UFO reports could be explained and that the remaining 10% “…only remain unexplained because of lack of reliable information about them.” (13)
Following the Secretary DOD’s request for a report, Squadron Leader Lang interviewed Father Gill. On 8 Jan 1960 Sec DOA forwarded a copy of this two page report to the Sec DOD. The report, solely based on the interview, and lacking any attempt to check with PNG sources, concluded “It seems probably that the lights observed by Mr Gill were natural phenomena.”
With a Defence orientation the memo concluded “In the light of our own and overseas military experience, the reported sights by Reverend Gill do not contain sufficient additional evidence to warrant any firm opinion that illegal flights by alien countries are being made over Australian Territory.” (14) A copy of this report was also sent to the Prime Minister’s Department on 8 Jan 1960. (15)
The Australian Embassy in Washington responded on 12 Jan 60 advising the latest position on UFOs of the US Government. They referred to “Air Technical Intelligence Centre” Special report No 14.” (16)
The VFSRS asked, once again (17) on 25 Jan 60 if DAFI had reached any conclusion on the Gill sightings? DAFI replied on 22 Feb 60 “…although it is not possible to reach any positive conclusion, we do not believe that the phenomena observed by the Reverend Gill and his party were manned space vehicles.” (18)
A memo dated 16 Feb. 60 (19) from the Office of the High Commission for Australia in London revealed that it wasn’t only the US Government who had been asked for an evaluation of the 58/59 Papuan reports. This memo from London referred to a DOD letter of 16 Dec 59 ref 128.1.21 and advised “…the reports have been studied by the Air Ministry, the representative of the British Astronomical Association and the Royal Greenwich Observatory.” The Air Ministry’ statement included “I am directed to regret that the investigations, except in two instances, were inconclusive.”
The BAA suggested the reports of May 59 and 13 Jun 59 were of meteors. Of other reports they said “In fact I cannot reconcile the descriptions with any known celestial phenomenon, and can only assume that they are either wildly inaccurate, deliberately falsified, or are bona-fide reports of known or unknown objects of terrestrial origin.” Greenwich observed “The only possible astronomical explanation of these various reports would be that they were of the planet Venus. However, some of the observers at least appear to have been aware of this possibility and so this seems an unlikely explanation.”
The USAF response to what could have caused the Papuan reports (in the 4 Aug 59 DOT memo) came in Mar 1960. Firstly, dated 4 Mar 60 (20) is a memo from the Washington RAAF Intelligence Representative to DAFI. Secondly, dated 24 Mar 60 (21) is a memo from the Sec DOD to the Sec DOA. Attached to both memos was a two page report from ATIC, Dayton, Ohio, USA. Table one presents their conclusions:
-
PART 3
“UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS”
A SEARCH THROUGH THE
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S
RECORDS SYSTEMS;
Table one
Date
Reporter
Location
Conclusion
Jun 1958
Doyle
Sideia
Insufficient information
Oct/Nov 58
Doyle
Poss aircraft
May 1959
Doyle
Prob meteor
24 May 1959
Orwin/Smith
Baniara
Prob Sirius
13 Jun 59
Doyle
Prob meteor
26 Jun 1959
Evenett
Samarai
Prob search light
27 Jun 1959
Doyle
Prob Venus
27/28 Jun 1959
Smith/Orwin
Prob Venus
On the 8 Mar 1960 the sec DOD forwarded a memo (22) to the Sec DOA attaching the memo of 4 Aug 1959 from DOT. DOD advised DOA that they had forwarded the matter to Head of Australian Joint Services Staff (AJSS) in London and Washington for comment. This is actually the first time details of these reports appears in a DAFI referenced file as opposed to a DOD referenced file. This supports the view that DAFI was dealing only with the Gill sightings while someone else in the DOD was dealing with the other 1958/59 Papuan reports. Why this should be so, when DAFI was recognised as the lead area for the Government’s UFO investigation, is not known from reading the files.
Finally, on 14 Mar 1960 the Sec DOD forwarded to the Sec DOA an additional piece of correspondence from the AJSS in London. This included a reply from Bristol University advising that although one of their projects was flying large plastic balloons they knew of no agency flying such balloons in the area of Port Moresby PNG. (23).
Later reports
In total, 49 distinct UFO reports from PNG for the period Jun 1958 to Aug 1971 were extracted from these files. The 1970 Sepik River radar case stands out from the rest as one of interest to us. On 29 Jun 1970 the pilot of F27 aircraft VH-FNK reported a radar observation. On descent from 12,500 feet he noted echoes on radar 60 deg abeam his plane. Radar scale set at 180nm and echoes appeared to be 60nm from plane and keeping station with him. There were five cigar shaped objects. With the radar scanner on maximum depression or elevation the echoes disappeared. DCA advised there were no aircraft in the area. The DAFI file has a single page reporting this event, with no analysis and no follow up, yet it is written off in the Annual Summary as “electro-meteorological” what ever that means!
The former Department of External Affairs 1954
The Federal Minister for this Department, the Rt Hon R G Casey, took a personal interest in the subject in 1954-1955 according to the single Departmental file (M1148 “Flying Saucers 1954 to 1955”) located. Casey corresponded with various overseas Australian Embassies collecting information on the topic. He also engaged in correspondence with CSIRO staff.
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation 1952-1972
Commonwealth Investigation Service
One of the files which is digitally available from the NAA, is 56/2773 titled: “The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society.” Interestingly, the file cover indicates it was a file of the “Commonwealth Investigation Service Canberra.” The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society was a civilian UFO group. The Commonwealth Investigation Service’s functions included, according to NAA “Agency notes for agency CA 650, “…maintenance of liaison with customs, postal, taxation and state police services; security at Government factories, dockyards and facilities; and provision of personnel as required for special investigations…” In 1949 some of the roles of CIS passed to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), while the rest of the CIS role went to the Commonwealth Police Force in 1960.
The archive file currently holds a single document, a copy of a newspaper article. The article is headlined: “Men from Mars!” and concerns a close approach of the planet Mars to Earth in 1956, and notes in part that: “The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (AFSR) will have its telescopes trained on the planet…”
ASIO
There are indications that ASIO was involved from at least 1952. One of the earliest Australian books written about Flying Saucers:
“Officers of the Civil Aviation Department wanted to establish a special bureau to collect and collate facts about flying saucers. From Cabinet itself, however, came instructions that it was more properly a matter for the security services.”(1)
Secondly, a May 1952 news paper report titled “Hush ban on saucers” advised that:
“Australian Security Intelligence Officers have refused the Civil Aviation Department permission to investigate reports of ‘flying saucers’ Mr R M Seymour said tonight. Mr Seymour is Superintendent of Air Traffic Control. He said his department had planned to set up a special section to collate facts on “flying saucer” reports. Intelligence officials had told him that “flying saucers” were “security matters.” Mr Seymour said “saucer” reports which he had collected followed the pattern of similar reports in the United States.” (2)
On 23 Aug 1953 Mr T. Drury, the then Deputy Director of the DCA for Papua New Guinea, was in Port Moresby and viewed and filmed an unusual object. All was quiet on the file until 1958 when an American citizen Max B Miller wrote to DCA asking to have a copy of the film or borrow the original to copy. The expressed intent was to photogrammetrically analyse the film. The response letter, signed by one T P Drury, (who identified himself as the photographer of the film) of DCA Melbourne, dated 19 Feb 1958, included: “ Immediately after taking this film it was handed over to the Commonwealth Security Branch for processing and investigation, and it has not been sighted by me since.”(3)
In 1959 there were a number of reports originating from the Department of Territories, from Papua. Oneof their memos closed by stating that “The Regional Director, Attorney General’s Department has been kept fully informed of these reports.” (4) This implies ASIO.
Requests were made to ASIO in 2005, via the National Australia Archives, to search their files to see if they held any records on the following Australian UFO research groups:
Australian Flying Saucer Bureau; Australian Flying Saucer Club; Australian Flying Saucer Investigation Committee; Australian Flying Saucer Research Society; UFO Investigation Centre; Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society; Victorian UFO Research Society; Perth UFO Research Group; Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau; UFO Research Queensland.
Responses (one per group) were received from ASIO via the NAA, stating that: “A check of our indices has failed to locate any open or closed period records with respect to the above named subject.”
Later however, a search of RecordSearch did in fact reveal that ASIOI had released one file to the NAA. File series A6122, control symbol 2155 has a date range of 1959-1973 and is “open with exception.” It is titled “Queensland Flying Saucer Bureau Volume 1.” The file cover, as shown on the released copy, carries the original ASIO file number 3/2/979 vol 1 and is titled “Flying Saucer Research Bureau (Qld.)”
Two pages of the file are a “Statement of reasons under section 40 of the Archives Act 1983” why exemptions are claimed for not releasing the entire file. The next page is titled “Access application title” and indicates that of the original 36 pages:
Total exemption was sought and given for 15 folios
Leaving 21 pages to be released.
The main body of the file
There is a four page Aug 1959 “secret” report and covering letter, on the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau which indicates the reason for ASIO’s interest in the organisation. The author of the reports states “There is some communist influence in the Bureau…” naming a committee member, whose wife’s parents are stated to be “…pacifists and communists.” Concerning another committee member, the report says “He is a fanatic in matters relating to U.F.Os and all attempts to prove their validity and would resort to any means to obtain information concerning them.” The report concludes:
“At present the Queensland Bureau does not appear to constitute any serious concern…but its activities will be constantly watched as there is the ever present possibility that…together with Soviet contact and any increased Communist Party of Australia membership, the Bureau could become of far greater interest.”
This report was forwarded by ASIO Qld to ASIO HQ.
The next two documents are a report dated 12 Aug 1959 on a “Play Reading” evening of the “New Theatre Club” listing those who attended. One attendee is said to be “…a member of a writers’ group; also of the Flying Saucer Research Group.”
A memo dated 5 Jul 1960 from the Regional Director ASIO ACT to ASIO HQ forwarded a letter, from one Fred Stone of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, which Stone had sent to the RAAF. In this letter Stone referring to a Sydney based UFO group wrote “…the Sydney one which has some folk in its control who have ‘pink’ tendencies…” The ASIO memo says “The writer (STONE) may have some potential value for Regional Director, S.A., and Regional Director N.S.W. may be interested in the reference to the Sydney Society.”
The next folio, dated 17 Jul 1961, is from the Regional Security Officer SA to the Chief Security Officer Melbourne cc Regional Director ASIO Adelaide, concerning one Donald Frederick Stone who commenced employment at the WRE Salisbury.
A “secret” 9 Jan 1962 memo from Regional Director ASIO SA to ASIO HQ forwarded a report from the (blanked out) about the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. The report is not on the file released to us.
The next two Department of Supply folios (dated 14 and 19 Jun 1963) are about Donald Frederick Stone’s involvement with the subject of Scientology.
There are then no papers on the released file until 17 Feb 1971 when the acting Establishment Investigations Officer WRE Salisbury wrote to the Establishment Security Officer Salisbury. This memo advised that Donald Frederick Stone ceased employment with the WRE on 29 Jan 1971. It also advised that Stone was off to the United Kingdom to Scientology headquarters. The covering memo dated 23 Feb 1971 from the RSO(SA) Department of Supply advised that “Stone has been kept under notice since 1961…”
A 3 Nov 1972 ASIO SA memo headed “Australian Flying Saucer Research Society” refers to a 13 Oct 1972 report concerning Colin Norris who the report says“…claims to be in correspondence with Soviet academicians on the subject of unidentified flying objects…Norris spoke to members of the Young Socialists League in South Australia about UFOs…” This report refers to an earlier 1969 report, which is not on the file.
Finally, a 15 Aug 1973 “Telephone message” from “Supervisor (Intelligence)” concerned Donald Frederick Stone, and posed questions re his connection to Scientology.
There was a prominent South Australian UFO researcher named Fred Stone, but his name was Frederick Phillip Stone.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 1952-1989
The Science and Industry Research Act 1949 established the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Included in its powers and functions:
· The initiation and carrying out of scientific researches and investigations in connection with, or for the promotion of, primary or secondary industries
· The training of scientific research workers
· The collection and dissemination of information relating to scientific and technical matters.
The early days
In May 1952, the Department of Civil Aviation was thinking of setting up its own investigation unit into “flying saucers,” but that Security agencies were said to have told them that they could not do so:
“Shortly afterwards a security spokesman confirmed they had investigators working on the reports with the aid of scientists from the radio-physics division of the CSIRO.” (1)
It was therefore with some interest that a CSIRO file was located dealing with “Flying saucers” in the NAA. This CSIRO file was from file series A9778 control symbol M1/F/31, date range 1952-1957, and was simply titled “Flying saucers.”
The initial piece of correspondence was dated 26 Aug 1952 and was from a Mr May of Grenfell NSW, who at 3.40am on the 22 Aug 1952 was awoken by his son to “come and see the flying saucer.” Looking into the sky they saw a “misty phosphorescent phenomenon” moving from the NW to NE, which disappeared after several minutes. It then re-appeared in the NW, moving again to the NE. It was last seen about 4am. It transpired that the son had been watching since 3am and the light travelled along the same course each time.
The Secretary of the Industrial and Physical Sciences area of the CSIRO replied on the 10 Sep 1952. “It is difficult, on the basis of the information you have given, for us to make any attempt at a detailed explanation of your observations.” (2) He went on to advise that searchlights can illuminate clouds without the beam being visible from the ground.
In a letter dated 9 Sep 1952 the Australian representative of The Chicago Daily News Foreign Service advised that the paper was doing a piece on “flying saucers” and asked a number of questions of the CSIRO. These were:
“1. Do you know of any evidence in Australian tending to prove or disprove ‘flying saucers’ as mysterious aircraft?
2. Do you know of any cases which defy scientific explanation of the phenomena Australians have reported seeing in their skies?
3. Have you made any discoveries or formed any theories about these phenomena?” (3)
The Chairman of the CSIRO, Dr Clunies-Ross, responded on 18 Sep 1952:
“I am afraid it is not possible for this organisation to make any useful contributions to the survey, since we know of few, if any, reports of the observations of ‘flying saucers’ in this country and certainly none which deserve serious consideration.” (4)
Government Minister R G Casey wrote a letter to the Editor of a number of Australian newspapers and on 5 Feb 1954 sent a copy of a press clipping to Dr Clunies-Ross. The clipping included:
“I have lists of the dates over the last several years on which people have reported having seen ‘flying saucers’ in Australia and have compared them with the dates on which the earth passes through the principal meteoric showers. There appears to be a noticeable relationship between these two sets of dates.” (5)
Minister Casey, as then Minister in charge of the CSIRO, wrote to Dr Clunies-Ross on 22 Feb 1954 advising that he (Casey) had sent a copy of his meteor article to Dr Bowen, Chief of the Division of Radio physics, who said “This is the first time such a relationship has been suggested and it might well be the complete answer.”
On another Government file there is an exchange of correspondence between Casey and Bowen. At one point Casey asked Bowen for his views on a book by Keyhoe “Flying Saucers from Outer Space.” Bowen responded “I must say, however, that I am far from convinced by any of the anecdotes or arguments. “ (7) The earlier reporting that security agencies were “…working on the reports with the aid of scientists from the radio-physics division of the CSIRO” must be seen in the light of this statement by the Chief of the Division of Radio physics.
Finally, the file contains a letter from a person in Esperance WA to the CSIRO asking for the identity of a “luminous egg” shaped object seen travelling from SW to E at 8.15pm on 16 Aug 1957. Dr Clunies-Ross wrote back on 17 Oct 1957 “I am afraid I can offer no explanation of this object…I shall, however, refer your letter to others more competent in this field…” (8)
Comments from elsewhere than this file
In Feb 1958 at Tarcutta NSW a witness reported hearing an unusual noise and observing the tops of trees unnaturally waving around. Chunks of a clinker type of material were discovered. “Specimens of the material were sent to the CSIRO in Sydney but no analysis was forthcoming.” (9)
Also, in 1958 a CSIRO physicist, Mr R Taylor of Adelaide reported observing an object in the sky with a cone shaped rear flame. This object, which travelled SW to NE was associated with a low pitched droning sound. (10)
Another CSIRO file
A second CSIRO file located was in file series A8520 control symbol HM1/30, titled “Miscellaneous Enquiries-General-UFO’s – Unidentified Flying Objects.” with a date range of 1959-1989. The NAA have a digital copy of this file which is currently open between 1959 and 1969.
In the 1959 to 1961 period there are a number of pieces of correspondence from the Department of Territories on file. The originals were forwarded to the Department of Defence, with copies to the CSIRO. The CSIRO appeared to have simply filed the papers on this miscellaneous file.
An aside
In the early 1960’s USAF U-2 aircraft flew missions out of RAAF East Sale. Details of these missions under the High Altitude Sampling Program, Operation “Crow flight,” are only just now being released in Government files under the Archives Act. Reading one recently available “Crow flight” file revealed that CSIRO equipment was flown on USAF U-2 aircraft. The CSIRO used these flights “…for observations connected with its experimental programme in cloud physics and rain making.” (11) An irony of this situation is that the CSIRO may have been involved in U-2 flights which ended up being reported as UFOs!
In May 1963, a letter came in from a Phillip Mayall, of the “UFO Research Centre” in Blackwood, South Australia. In part it read:
“It has recently been drawn to my attention that in recent months certain members of your organisation have been in attendance at places where Unidentified Flying Objects had been recently observed.” (12)
Myall offered his assistance to the CSIRIO in investigations. In a response dated 10 May 1963 the CSIRO replied “CSIRIO has not carried out any work in this field although, of course, some of its officers may have a private interest in it.”(13) The letter continued that it was possible one CSIRO member may have been involved, and on the same day a letter went from the CSIRO to a Dr G F Bornsmissza of Boolara, Vic:
“I do not know whether you have been interrogating anyone in Moe lately, concerning flying saucers, but if you have, and your interest in them is more than a casual one, you might care to write to Mayall.” (14)
This reference to Moe, concerns the Willow Grove, via Moe, Victoria CE1 case of 15 Feb 1963 where a Mr Brew reported seeing an extraordinary object at close range. The RAAF sent two officers to interview Brew. These officers also interviewed a Dr Berson and a Mr Clark of the CSIRO about the possibility of the Moe object being a meteorological phenomenon, possibly a tornado. The RAAF report does not say that any CSIRO staff members interviewed Brew. (15) However, Bill Chalker states:
“Dr Berson and an associate visited Charles Brew at the Willow Grove property. According to Brew, Dr Berson was interested in the headache that he had, and indicated that Berson had said that it tied in with their theory of a possible electromagnetic nature of the incident. The CSIRO’s field investigation had in fact preceded the RAAF by about a week.” (16)
Clyde Cameron MHR for Hindmarsh in South Australia wrote to Senator the Hon J G Gorton, then Minister in charge of the CSIRO on 13 Jul 1964 regarding one Colin Norris of Adelaide asking “… whether you could give him a job watching for flying saucers…” (17)
Answering a 1964 query from a Mr Hennessey of London in the United Kingdom, the CSIRO advised “…it [the CSIRO] has not been specifically concerned with unidentified flying objects.” (18) Interestingly, the CSIRO made no mention of the fact that the Department of Air was the central Australian agency collating UFO reports on behalf of the Government. It turns out that Julian Hennessey was a British UFO researcher who was behind the later (1967) attempt at lobbying the British Government to release copies of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) most impressive cases. However, this request for access was rejected. (19)
During 1965, more Department of Territories’ reports were copied to the CSIRO. Internally, copies were forwarded to both the Radio physics and the Upper Atmosphere sections.
Sylvia Sutton of the Commonwealth Aerial Phenomena Investigation Organisation (CAPIO) the national level UFO organisation forwarded a list of CAPIO officers to the CSIRO in Oct 1966. A hand written note on the file read “Records. UFOs are Mr Wilson’s worry-as from Exec meeting today.” (20) Other papers on the file revealed Mr L G Wilson was the Secretary, Administration, CSIRO.
Co-operation sought between Government Departments
The Department of Air wrote to the CSIRO on 12 Oct 1966 advising that “…Sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects have during recent months been receiving considerable publicity.” (21) The DOA invited the CSIRO to comment on specific UFO cases to be sent to them by the RAAF. The minutes of the 92nd meeting of the CSIRO executive committee on 25 Oct 1966 para 10, on file, revealed that the CSIRO agreed to the DOA’s request. They responded on 7 Nov 1966 when Mr L G Wilson replied “The organisation is quite happy to assist in this way...” (22)
As in 1963, a piece of 1968 correspondence suggested that the CSIRO was in fact interested enough in UFOs to investigate a case. A memo dated 28 Nov 1968 from the DOA said in part:
“During the course of an investigation into the unusual sightings made by Mr A S Ricketts of Bacchus marsh, Victoria, it was learned that a ‘team of CSIRO scientists’ had visited him on 7th Jul 1966.” (23)
It then asked the CSIRO for any information on this matter. By way of reply on 5 Dec 1968 the CSIRO commented “I have made enquiries…but with negative results.” (24) An inspection of the report of the RAAF interviewing officer located a paragraph:
“Mr Ricketts had a visit from a team of CSIRO scientists who saw something but would not confirm that this was a UFO. Mr Ricketts would not divulge the names of the CSIRO scientists.” (25)
Enter Dr Michael J Duggin
As foreshadowed in a comment in 1963 that some CSIRO staff members might have a private interest in UFOs, came a memo from the DOA dated 5 Jan 1967. It provided a copy of a letter from one Dr M J Duggin on CSIRO letterhead (National Standards Laboratory) to the DOA. Duggin referred to a previous telephone call, then described work on the UFO phenomenon being undertaken by Vallee and Hynek in the USA. Advising that several scientists in different countries were gathering UFO data he wrote “I would like to investigate cases myself where possible and would be very willing to be of any help which I can.” (26) Also attached was a “To whom in may concern” letter from J Allen Hynek introducing Duggin. Duggin had met Hynek and Vallee when Duggin visited Chicago in Nov 1966. (27)
The DOA memo stated, re Duggin’s letter:
“It is understood that this scientific investigation is quite unofficial…This department has no objection additionally to passing reports of all ufo sightings to Dr Duggin provided that this would not cause you any embarrassment.” (28)
A hand written CSIRO note on the file read “Discussions with Colin Harper (at Chippendale)-has no objections to Duggin’s extra-curricular activity.”
An examination of RAAF file 554/1/30 (their policy file at this stage) reveals the original of Duggin’s letter to Squadron Leader Baxter in DAFI. Folio 115 of 554/1/30 dated 29 Dec 1966 is an internal memo from D/DAFI (Ops) to DAFI which included:
“You will note that these scientists are mainly interested in the unexplained UFO’s, but as far as I can make out they would like information on all sightings…These scientists, with all the documents and facilities available to them, are obviously in a position to assist us in this matter, and though I am not too keen on releasing the details of the RAAF investigations or anything which may increase the interest of the general public in this field, I think we should give these scientists the information they require.”
On file, DAFI do not discuss what assistance it was felt Duggin et al could provide.
Dr Duggin conducted an investigation of a report from Sydney on 8 Mar 1967 where a dull grey-black object emitting a low humming sound was observed. Duggin forwarded the details of the case to Hynek in the USA and a copy of the report appears on a RAAF file (29)
When the Project interviewed former Government employee Harry Turner (see appendix three) he was asked about a proposal for a rapid investigation team within the DSTI area of the Joint Intelligence Bureau, Department of Defence. Turner told us he was the instigator of the idea. A request was made to the Secretary of Defence, who referred it on to DAFI. DAFI reacted badly against it and it was rejected. Mike Duggin was the other main player with Turner. Together they had investigated a reported UFO landing on a Sydney golf course.
They took samples and looked at what temperature would have been required to make the marks/holes. From memory Turner thought hotter than an oxy-acetylene torch would have been needed. Turner and Duggin went there privately to investigate and interviewed the green keeper who had found the marks. Turner thought it was quite a convincing case.
In 1970 Duggin investigated a trace case at Boggabri NSW. A year later he presented a paper titled “The analysis of UFO Reports” at a symposium held on 30 Oct 1971, in Adelaide. The symposium, on UFOs, was organised by the SA Division of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science.
In Aug 1973 Hynek was in Australia and together with Duggin and Harry Turner, Hynek attended a Department of Defence DAFI meeting on the 24th. A DAFI file note (30) called it “An unofficial meeting…in an endeavour to expand the scientific relationship to the problem.” In the meeting, Duggin was described as “…a member of the CSIRO and is currently based in Sydney (North Ryde) and heading the Australian research aspects of ERSAT.” Paragraph 5 of the note read:
“DAFI suggested that CSIRO or the Dept of Science (but preferably the former) seemed to be logical agencies to conduct greater in depth investigation in Australia. DAFI agreed that a selection of reports (mainly those which were unanswerable and scientific in context) could possibly be made available to CSIRO for further study and computerization.”
A biography located on a United States Air Force web site indicates Duggin left Australia in 1979 and became an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, Division of Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, USA. The biography goes on to say that in 2002 Duggin left that position and became Senior Scientist, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, USA.
Back to the second CSIRO UFO files
The Journal “Science” in its 14 Oct 1966 issue wrote about the establishment of the Condon investigation into UFOs in the USA. Someone at CSIRO was interested enough in it to forward a copy of the article to the DOA. (31)
A 19 Apr 1967 letter from Peter Norris of CAPIO referred to the University of Colorado’s USA UFO study and stated “The purpose of my letter is to enquire whether the CSIRO would consider establishing a similar investigation in Australia…” (32) There is no evidence on file that this request received any in-depth attention. The CSIRO’s reply went out five days later, on 24 Apr 1967-“I am sorry to tell you that it is felt it would not be appropriate in Australia at this time for CSIRO to embark on such an investigation…” (33) CSIRO then referred Norris to the DOA, and forwarded a copy of Norris’s letter and their reply to the DOA (copy sighted on RAAF file 554/1/30.)
The CSIRO Division of Fisheries and Oceanography referred a UFO report to the Royal Australian Navy from the M S Seaway on 27 Apr 1967. The report referred to an observation of three comet-like objects seen at 2130hrs EST on 5 Apr, travelling to the NNE over a 25 second period. (34)
It wasn’t until late 1967 that the DOA/RAAF took up the CSIRO’s offer to look at an individual UFO case. On 20 Dec 1967 RAAF Pearce forwarded a report from Derby WA for comment. It was an unusual report involving a strange vehicle and a human-like figure. CSIRO despatched a reply on 4 Jan 1968 “The nature of the report attached to your letter is such that CSIRO cannot usefully comment on it.” (35)
Jun 1968 brought in two more reports from RAAF Pearce to the CSIRO for comment. They were referred internally to Dr E G Bowen, Chief of the Division of Radio physics and to Dr D F Martyn, Chief of the Upper Atmosphere area. Martyn responded that there was too little data. Bowen wrote “…We are not very good at UFO’s and I find it difficult to comment…” (36)
Jun 1968 also saw a copy of a letter on file from the Department of External Affairs to the Secretary Prime Minister’s Department concerning another letter from UK Ufologist Hennessey. In part it read: “…the history of this subject reveals that the more time and effort that is spent by experienced scientists in investigating the smaller becomes the residue of unexplained phenomena…in spite of these difficulties the Australian Government continue to keep records of all “sightings” and associated phenomena reported within Australian and associated territories.” (37)
As we have previously seen, raw reports were made to the CSIRO from time to time. In Mar 1969, a Mrs Gibbs of Kyogle NSW reported finding a twenty foot diameter “scorched grass” area and toadstools. The CSIRO sent the toadstool to the Government Botanist who identified it and suggested the cause of the “scorched grass” was in fact a “fairy ring” fungus. The CSIRO forwarded a copy of this correspondence to the DOA. (38)
The last relevant item concerning the CSIRO is from 1972 where the main RAAF DAFI policy file contains a cryptic file note dated 14 Sep 1972. “CSIRO has a very high resolution radar which is mobile and which we could possibly utilise at some future date.” (39) Looking at DAFI files to see what was occurring at that time we found that there were a number of UFO reports generated in Victoria around Maffra, Morwell, Stratfield and Sale since 14 Sep 72. (40)
The Department of Defence 1951-2007
Royal Australian Navy
Four Navy files have been located, of which two of these dealt with the 1954 Nowra Navy pilot incident. Of the other two, file series E499/18 control symbol C21/4/41 was located at the Darwin office of the National Australia Archives and was titled “Unidentified flying object sightings.” The file was from Defence Establishment Berrimah (Formerly HMAS Coonawarra) and consisted of 41 pages. Its date range was 1959-1974 and although no analysis was present on the file, someone, for some reason was keeping a file on the subject. The final file A6826 control symbol 1361/1/1-3 titled “Earth satellites, space vehicles, Unidentified Flying Objects-general” is a mere three pages and mentions one report of low level interest.
Australian Army
Three Army files were located and examined:
MP742/1 control symbol 177/1/2356 titled: “Flying saucers re O L Alwin” contained a letter from Mrs O L Alwin of North Manly to “Army inventions etc(?)” dated 4 Jan 1951
File AWM 288 control symbol R723/1/1 titled “Reports-General-Flying Objects” located in the Australian War Memorial contained a Memo dated 23 May 1966 from Brigadier Commander HQ Puckapunyal Area to S Comd. Reference S Comd 109-S1-3 dated 17 May 66. It said that enquiries have failed to locate any info on the reporting of a UFO
MT1131/1, A31/1/102 of 9 pages deals with correspondence from one R Baudish to the Department of Army in 1957. Baudish asked if there had been UFO reports in association with military exercises. The combined reply from the Department of Army, Navy and Air was there had been none.
LINK; http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org/
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PART 4;“UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS”
A SEARCH THROUGH THE
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S
RECORDS SYSTEMS
The former Air Board/Department of Air/current RAAF
The Air Board, in a memorandum dated 16 Jan 1951, issued a pro forma to be used to gather information on sightings of “flying saucers.” (file PP474/1 control symbol 5/5/ Air p2) Given that some of the earliest memos are from the “Air Board,” a search was undertaken of series A7668 controls symbols 8, 9 & 10 which were the “Air Board’s Executive Council Minutes 1947-1950. However, no reference could be found to the topic of ‘flying saucers.”
The Air Board was still receiving reports up until at least Nov 1953 when it issued a revised pro forma for reports.
The Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI) of the former DOA (1939-1973) then took the lead in collecting and examining reports of UASs from around 1953. How and why the DOA was tasked with this role is not yet clear from any documents so far examined. The search continues to look for early (1947-1951) material, including an apparently lost internal DAFI file numbered SEC.CD2/2 which may throw light on this topic.
One file was located which carried six folios dated earlier that 1953. This was file series number B5758, control symbol 5/6/AIR part 1 titled “Training Command Headquarters. Reports on unusual activity and Aerial Phenomenon.” The front cover indicates the Unit which held it as “Headquarters Training Command.” It also carries a rubber stamped number 80/3/105. There are six folios earlier than Oct 1953. These are:
Confidential memo from RAAF East Sale to HQ Southern Area dated 15 Aug 1950. Relates to a report of light flashes seen from Perry Bridge on Lake Wellington.
Memo dated 24 Aug 1950 forwarding report at folio 1 from Southern Area RAAF to DAFI.
RAAF telegram dated 20 Aug 1950 from Wing Commander SASO to RAAF HQ giving details of aircraft navigation exercises in vicinity of Port Albert re reported flares and lights in that area.
Memo. 14 Feb 1951. From RAAF East Sale to HQ Southern Command. Report that Captain of RAAF aircraft on 7 Feb 1951 observed at 2330hrs a brilliant light. The pilot believed it to be either a flare on the ground or one at very low altitude.
Memo. 16 Jan 1951. From Chief of Air Staff to HQs Southern Area; Eastern Area; North Eastern Area; North Western Area and Western Area. “A number of reports have been made by Areas regarding unusual sightings which have been brought to the notice of various authorities. In order to standardise the reports made about these occurrences, the attached pro-forma has been drafted…It would obviously be unwise to draw any publicity towards Service interest in these reports, and persons making the reports should be asked to treat Service interest as Confidential.”
Memo. 13 May 1952. From Air Officer Commanding HQ Southern Area to DAFI. Details of a sighting. 3 May 1952 0545hrs Kew. Bullet nosed object travelling at high speed leaving a vapour trail.
File A703 control symbol 554/1/30 is titled “Investigations of Flying Saucers-policy.” The earliest folio on the file is dated 20 Jul 1953 and is from the Office of the Air Attaché of the American Embassy in Melbourne and addressed to DAFI. The letter thanks DAFI for copies of previous correspondence and refers to a meeting on 18 May 1953 between the author and DAFI. The author writes “…my headquarters is very interested in receiving reports of all unusual sightings…” and seeks DAFI’s input of data on sightings.
On 16 Nov 1953 an internal memo from the Chief of the Air Staff went out to various RAAF Headquarters forwarding a revised pro-forma for the gathering of information on “unusual sightings.” The memo advised that this new form replaced one initially distributed on 16 Jan 1951. It closed by stating “These new instructions do not emanate from any renewed interest in “Flying Saucers” or any new intelligence on the subject, but are merely intended to improve the standard of reporting.”
A 20 Nov 1953 “Note of Action” was a reply to a Ministerial question on the subject and noted that “…all reports are still being investigated closely and recorded as an aid to further research into future reports of this nature.” Later folios revealed that the information sent was to answer a question from Mr Downer MP.
Folio 7A is a draft statement of RAAF policy, but has a written note to the effect that it was approved by DCAS (presumably Deputy Chief of Air Staff) and issued in Apr 1954. It is the earliest statement of policy and read:
“1. The RAAF accepts reports on flying saucers and attempts an allocation of reliability. Those that fall in the reliable class are then subjected to further investigation as and when the opportunity occurs. As a result of this further investigation, a smaller number of reports are followed up and investigations are made with the Meteorological Services, the Government Astronomer and the Civil Aviation Authorities in an attempt to fit the original occurrences in with any normal flying activity or meteorological phenomena.
2. As a result of investigations in the past, there is no doubt that reliable observers have reported sightings which today are inexplicable within the resources available to the RAAF. Reports of this type are continuously filed in an attempt to develop sufficient depth of evidence for accurate analysis to be made. It may however, be several years before the required depth of evidence is available.”
On 16 Dec 1954 a telegram was sent from Athol Townley, who had the Government portfolios of air and civil aviation, to Mr E W Hicks, Secretary Department of Air, asking if any factual information had been received on an “aircraft phenomenon Canberra Nowra” as there were constant enquiries from journalists. It went on to joke “Trust no mermaid is associated with this sighting.”
Instant action came from DAFI who, on the same day, wrote a minute to the Secretary, Department of Air titled “Ministerial enquiry-radar sightings of unidentified flying objects.” The minute attached a copy of a report (not on the file) from the Department of the Navy. It also stated that “Since the beginning of Aug until quite recently, all reports on unidentified flying objects were referred to Mr O H Turner of the Physics Department of the University of Melbourne, who had offered to carry out a statistical analysis of such report.”
Harry Turner tabled his report by way of a letter dated 26 Dec 1954 which he sent from London to the Secretary, Department of Air in Melbourne. In it he stated that DAFI had given him two files of reports to examine. He had also read books by Keyhoe, Menzel and Leslie & Adamski, and had discussions with other staff members of the Physics Department of the University of Melbourne, plus had personally investigated some local sightings.
Under the heading of conclusions he remarked that: “If one assumes these Intelligence reports are authentic, then the evidence presented is such that it is difficult to assume any interpretation other than that unidentified flying objects are being observed….Indeed, the superiority is such that it is highly improbable that such objects have a terrestrial origin…the evidence presented by the reports held by the RAAF tend to support the above conclusion-namely that certain strange aircraft have been observed to behave in a manner suggestive of an extra-terrestrial origin.”
Turner went on to make a number of recommendations including at least one full time investigator; publicity to encourage more people to report; an liaison with the USAF to exchange information and verify Keyhoe’s claim; liaison with the RAF and the possibility of forming a panel to assist analyse reports.
On 24 Feb 1955, D/DAFI Ops wrote a minute to the D/CAS to accompany Turner’s report to him including Turner’s suggestion of at least one full time investigator. The DCAS on 15 Mar 1955 noted the minute but stated “I am not prepared to afford a full time investigator.”
On 30 Jul 1955 the first of an extensive range of correspondence commenced between DAFI and Fred Stone from Adelaide, of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. Stone arranged an appointment to visit DAFI in Melbourne.
Further DAFI response to the Turner report, in Sep 1955, included writing to RAAF liaison in Washington in the USA seeking any information on the subject that the USAF may hold and for the USAF’s assessment of Keyhoe’s work. The reply from Washington came dated 19 Oct 1955 and included a part re Keyhoe which read “He has, however, no official status whatsoever and a dim view is taken officially of both him and his works.”
On 2 Nov 1955 A/DAFI wrote to D.Ops which included the statement “A Ministerial statement in the House on 19 Nov 53 to the effect that the RAAF make detailed investigations of every report received (which in truth we are not yet doing)” It went on to say “To honour the Minister’s statement and the Press release, some effort should be made to investigate any reported “sightings.” This could only be done by a panel including operations, technical, navigation and meteorological staff.”
Feb 1957 saw a letter from Peter Norris to DAFI which requested clarification of the attitude of the Department of Air towards investigations of reports. The reply stated “All reports received by this Department area investigated within the limits of our capability.”
In Apr 1957 DAFI sought assistance with the task of investigation and evaluation of reports, from the Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB.) Noting that the JIB had established a Scientific Intelligence Section, it suggested the JIB would be better placed to look at the material. No response from JIB has been found on any file, despite the JIB UFO file having been located (see appendix eight.)
Correspondence continued to flow from civilian research societies to DAFI; for example the Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society wrote in Sep 1959 to inquire about the Department’s knowledge of the Father Gill case. DAFI’s responded by citing the five year old RAAF policy statement that reports are “continuously filed” and it “may, however, be some time before the required depth of evidence is available.”
These communications triggered a minute from DAFI to their Australian representative at the UK Air Ministry. “Would you be good enough to let us have the latest official views of the United Kingdom government.” A similar request went to Washington.
The UK response was that questions had been asked in the House but Parliament had not debated the topic. Sighting reports were being processed “through Air Ministry intelligence.”
Stimulated by the letter from the Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society DAFI interviewed Rev Gill and tabled their report in Jan 1960. DAFI found “It seems probable that the lights observed by Mr Gill were natural phenomena.” and concluded “In the light of our own and overseas military experience, the reported sights of UFOs by Reverend Gill do not contain sufficient additional evidence to warrant any firm opinion that illegal flights by alien countries are being made over Australian Territory.”
The Australian Embassy’s RAAF Intelligence representative wrote to DAFI dated 12 Jan 1960 responding to their earlier request for an update of USAF conclusions and included a copy of a “News Release” from the Department of Defense, Office of Public Affairs, Washington dated 15 Jul 1959 which started off “Over twelve years of investigating and evaluating unidentified flying object sightings has provided no evidence to confirm the existence of the popularly termed “flying saucers”, as interplanetary or interstellar space ships.” The US and UK responses were then given to the Minister on 7 Mar 1960.
Similarly, the 14 Oct 1960 sighting at Cressy, Tasmania, was also followed up by the Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society. A memo dated 27 Jan 1961 from DAFI stated “We are of the opinion that the phenomena was the result of the moon rise associated with meteorological conditions…could have produced the impression of flying objects.”
Interestingly, some one hand crossed out the words “could have” in the memo so that a letter dated 7 Mar 1961 from DAFI to VFSRS read “produced the impression of flying objects.”
A little light hearted banter occurred in a letter from the Public Relations Officer of the Department of Civil Aviation to the Director of Public Relations, (DPR) Department of Air (DOA), dated 20 Feb 1963. “Our Embassy in Washington has sent us the attached letter…You know how we feel about saucers-we prefer to concentrate on cups…” This was followed by a minute from DPR DOA to DAFI “Without being saucy (pardon the pun) do you think you could accept the chore of replying to the attached enclosures…”
One of these DAFI responses included part of the text of the statement of the Minister for Air dated 29 Oct 1960 in Parliament. In part it stated:
Although reports of this sort have been investigated very carefully for some years, nearly all of them are explainable on a perfectly normal basis…of all these reports, only three or four percent cannot be explained on the basis of some natural phenomena, and nothing that has arisen from that three or four per cent of unexplained cases gives any firm support for the belief that interlopers from other places in this world or outside it have been visiting g us.”
A 22 Apr 1965 report from the Secretary of Air to a private US citizen included:
“The RAAF has to date neither received nor discovers in Australia or overseas any evidence to support the belief that the earth is being observed, visited or threatened by machines from other planets; nor is there any evidence to prove the existence of flying saucers.”
Apr 1966 saw the preparation of a “Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings reported to Department of Air, Canberra ACT from 1960” by the DOA DPR, which sent them to DAFI for comment. DAFI’s response, dated 18 May 1966, argued that as there was renewed interest “in the UFO question” DAFI would prefer that the summary not be passed to the public as it “will only whet their appetite rather than satisfy them.” This was followed by “Also I believe that the SAAB challenge some of the causes-could this be checked please.”
A 12 Oct 1966 memo from the Secretary DOA, which went to the CSIRO; Bureau of Meteorology; Dept of Civil Aviation; Mt Stromlo observatory, and Supervisor of United States Projects Tidbinbilla, sought their co-operation. “Your agreement is therefore sought that whenever the UFO investigation suggests that your organisation might be able to provide some assistance a copy of the UFO report should be sent to you for your comment.”
A minuted dated 12 Oct 1966 from EO(Air) to DAFI, DPR, SAAB and (unreadable) discussed apparent confusion within Departmental UFO policy. A Ministerial statement had advised that “…Anyone…interested in the sightings of UFOs…is welcome to a synopsis of UFO sightings, which includes a very brief assessment of the probable cause.” This conflicted with the 18 May 1966 DAFI view that the synopsis should not be given out to the public. The EO also suggested rationalisation of the Department’s UFO files, there being at least four different files at that time. “Three of these files are classified – two of which are secret, although there appears to be nothing on these files consistent with this classification.” File numbers given were 2/25/1; 580/1/1; 554/1/30. DPR opened file 574/3/88.
The question of the synopsis was resolved in a minute dated 10 Oct 1966 from DAFI:
“In view of the Minister’s statement…the synopsis of UFO sightings at F95 may be released to the public…I see no reason why files on this subject should not be UNCLASSIFIED; this Directorate will close off any classified files on this subject.”
1966 also brought the USAF announcement that Dr E U Condon would head a USAF funded inquiry into UFOs.
Dr M J Duggin of the CSIRO – National Standards Laboratory – wrote to Sqd Ldr Baxter on 20 Dec 1966, following their telephone discussion. Duggin had met Dr J Vallee and Prof J A Hynek in Chicago and he (Duggin) was interested in the scientific investigation of UFOs. Duggin told DAFI that he was interested in investigating cases himself and offered his assistance to DAFI.
Wing Commander Marshall, D/DAFI(ops) wrote to DAFI on 29 Dec 1966 and in part
“ These scientists, with all the documents and facilities available to them, are obviously in a position to assist us in this matter, and although I am not too keen on releasing the details of the RAAF investigations or anything which may increase the interest of the general public in this field, I think we should give these scientists the information they require.”
A memo dated 6 Jan 1967 went from the Secretary DOA to the Secretary CSIRO “…this Department has no objection additionally to passing reports of all UFO sightings to Dr Duggin provided that this will not caused you any embarrassment…” CSIRO responded on 12 Jan 1967 “the organisation has no objection to you passing reports of UFO sightings to Dr Duggin…”
The Commonwealth Aerial Phenomena Investigations Organisation was quick to seize on the USAF study and wrote to the CSIRO requesting it to consider a similar study. A copy of the CSIRO’s response dated 28 Apr 1967 was found on 554/1/30 part 1. “I am sorry to tell you that it would not be appropriate in Australia at this time for CSIRO to embark on such an investigation.” File 554/1/30 part 1 ended here and part 2 commenced on 23 Nov 1967.
On 1 Mar 1968 Wing Commander Pembridge for Chief of the Air Staff, wrote to HQ Op Cmd and HQ Supt Cmd:
“The investigation of unidentified flying objects is understandably a tedious task and one in which the investigator may frequently have little faith or interest. Whilst this Department has every sympathy with this point of view it is nevertheless necessary to obtain a comprehensive as record as possible. The main RAAF object in investigating these reports is to determine whether Australian airspace has been violated.”
A letter dated 16 Mar 1968 from Judith Magee, then Secretary of VUFORS, to Chief of Air Force Intelligence requested “…a conference, for the purpose of discussing current investigations carried out by the Air Force, into Unidentified Flying Objects.” A file note stated that the original letter had been transferred to file 574/3/88 and actioned there.
Later, CAPIO requested a RAAF officer to attend the third conference in Canberra to provide a synopsis of UFO sightings. This caused concern in that to send an officer from DAFI “…underlines that our interest in this subject is that associated with Air Defence/Intelligence aspects, and this could cause some problems and lead to some unwanted publicity.” The memo, from A Sec A to the Minister dated 3 Jun 1968 also stated that DOA intended to see if any other Commonwealth Department e.g. Defence, Supply, Education & Science, Prime Ministers may be better placed to investigate reports.
A 2 Jun 1969 memo from Wing Commander Murphy, DAFI, to HQ Supt Cmd and HQ Ops Cmd read in part:
“In an attempt to obtain slightly more scientific date on sightings, the Defence Science Section has requested that the following report form be used...as Defence Science are the advisors on the reports…”
The file contains a copy of a summary of UAS sightings between 23 Jan 1960 and 30 Nov 1968 at this point. Of the 400 or so reports listed there, are 7 (or 1.75%) labelled “unknown.”
Later, on 11 Nov 1969, Wing Commander Murphy for the Chief of Air Staff asked for better attention to detail when completing UFO report forms “…the public is becoming more and more susceptible to the UFO syndrome, and the press and radio thrive on it. This in turn generates questions in Parliament which require answers sometimes at ministerial level, and unless effort is put into the investigations then the correct answers cannot be given.”
At this point in the file there is an undated summary document titled “UFO Investigation in the RAAF” prepared by Flt Lt K Jordan AI-4. It consists of two pages plus 24 pages of annexes.
“Research into this subject has come up with some unrewarding answers; firstly the inquiry can not go back any further than the 11th Nov 1953. The cause of this blockage is the loss of Part 1 of 114/1/197 (ex SEC CD2/2) in the move of the Department from Melbourne to Canberra.”
The document goes on to summarise “Australian Government policy.” “RAAF Investigation Policy,” “Overseas observations” and “Mr O Turner’s interests.”
A memo from Flt Lt K Jordan, DAFI AI-4 to D/DAFI (Ops) dated 2 Jan 1970 revealed that “One of the secondary duties of AI-4 has been the handling of all UFO reports submitted to the RAAF. This involves making a final decision on the nature of the observed phenomenon in each case…”
In Dec 1969 the USAF terminated Project Blue Book and a copy of the relevant News Release arrived with DAFI. Wind Commander Murphy wrote, on 15 Jan 1970, to D/D(CIV)JIO “In view of this conclusion and decision by the USAF, we are investigating the possibility of reducing the RAAF effort in investigating UFO reports in Australia.”
There was a sighting on 15 Jul 1965 in Canberra which became the subject of a 6 Jun 1970 letter from a member of the public. In preparation of a reply someone included on the file a copy of a Ministerial press release dated 30 Jul 1965. This stated that there were several possible explanations for the event, ranging from a condensation trail of an aircraft, to Venus to a meteorological balloon.
Dated 1 Apr 1970 is an “Operational Command, Air Staff Instruction No 3/A/5 Intelligence – report on Unusual Aerial Sightings.” It set out the then current action to be taken with reports.
The Committee of the South Australian Division of Australian and New Zealand Association of the Advancement of Science convened a one day symposium on “The Unidentified Flying Object problem” on 30 Oct 1971, and requested a RAAF officer attend and explain the processing of reports. DAFI recommended no one be made available and a negative response was sent, but included “There is no evidence that UFOS have landed in Australia…”
LINK; http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org/
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PART 5;“UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS”
A SEARCH THROUGH THE
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S
RECORDS SYSTEMS;
This report was forwarded by ASIO Qld to ASIO HQ.
The next two documents are a report dated 12 Aug 1959 on a “Play Reading” evening of the “New Theatre Club” listing those who attended. One attendee is said to be “…a member of a writers’ group; also of the Flying Saucer Research Group.”
A memo dated 5 Jul 1960 from the Regional Director ASIO ACT to ASIO HQ forwarded a letter, from one Fred Stone of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, which Stone had sent to the RAAF. In this letter Stone referring to a Sydney based UFO group wrote “…the Sydney one which has some folk in its control who have ‘pink’ tendencies…” The ASIO memo says “The writer (STONE) may have some potential value for Regional Director, S.A., and Regional Director N.S.W. may be interested in the reference to the Sydney Society.”
The next folio, dated 17 Jul 1961, is from the Regional Security Officer SA to the Chief Security Officer Melbourne cc Regional Director ASIO Adelaide, concerning one Donald Frederick Stone who commenced employment at the WRE Salisbury.
A “secret” 9 Jan 1962 memo from Regional Director ASIO SA to ASIO HQ forwarded a report from the (blanked out) about the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. The report is not on the file released to us.
The next two Department of Supply folios (dated 14 and 19 Jun 1963) are about Donald Frederick Stone’s involvement with the subject of Scientology.
There are then no papers on the released file until 17 Feb 1971 when the acting Establishment Investigations Officer WRE Salisbury wrote to the Establishment Security Officer Salisbury. This memo advised that Donald Frederick Stone ceased employment with the WRE on 29 Jan 1971. It also advised that Stone was off to the United Kingdom to Scientology headquarters. The covering memo dated 23 Feb 1971 from the RSO(SA) Department of Supply advised that “Stone has been kept under notice since 1961…”
A 3 Nov 1972 ASIO SA memo headed “Australian Flying Saucer Research Society” refers to a 13 Oct 1972 report concerning Colin Norris who the report says“…claims to be in correspondence with Soviet academicians on the subject of unidentified flying objects…Norris spoke to members of the Young Socialists League in South Australia about UFOs…” This report refers to an earlier 1969 report, which is not on the file.
Finally, a 15 Aug 1973 “Telephone message” from “Supervisor (Intelligence)” concerned Donald Frederick Stone, and posed questions re his connection to Scientology.
There was a prominent South Australian UFO researcher named Fred Stone, but his name was Frederick Phillip Stone.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 1952-1989
The Science and Industry Research Act 1949 established the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Included in its powers and functions:
· The initiation and carrying out of scientific researches and investigations in connection with, or for the promotion of, primary or secondary industries
· The training of scientific research workers
· The collection and dissemination of information relating to scientific and technical matters.
The early days
In May 1952, the Department of Civil Aviation was thinking of setting up its own investigation unit into “flying saucers,” but that Security agencies were said to have told them that they could not do so:
“Shortly afterwards a security spokesman confirmed they had investigators working on the reports with the aid of scientists from the radio-physics division of the CSIRO.” (1)
It was therefore with some interest that a CSIRO file was located dealing with “Flying saucers” in the NAA. This CSIRO file was from file series A9778 control symbol M1/F/31, date range 1952-1957, and was simply titled “Flying saucers.”
The initial piece of correspondence was dated 26 Aug 1952 and was from a Mr May of Grenfell NSW, who at 3.40am on the 22 Aug 1952 was awoken by his son to “come and see the flying saucer.” Looking into the sky they saw a “misty phosphorescent phenomenon” moving from the NW to NE, which disappeared after several minutes. It then re-appeared in the NW, moving again to the NE. It was last seen about 4am. It transpired that the son had been watching since 3am and the light travelled along the same course each time.
The Secretary of the Industrial and Physical Sciences area of the CSIRO replied on the 10 Sep 1952. “It is difficult, on the basis of the information you have given, for us to make any attempt at a detailed explanation of your observations.” (2) He went on to advise that searchlights can illuminate clouds without the beam being visible from the ground.
In a letter dated 9 Sep 1952 the Australian representative of The Chicago Daily News Foreign Service advised that the paper was doing a piece on “flying saucers” and asked a number of questions of the CSIRO. These were:
“1. Do you know of any evidence in Australian tending to prove or disprove ‘flying saucers’ as mysterious aircraft?
2. Do you know of any cases which defy scientific explanation of the phenomena Australians have reported seeing in their skies?
3. Have you made any discoveries or formed any theories about these phenomena?” (3)
The Chairman of the CSIRO, Dr Clunies-Ross, responded on 18 Sep 1952:
“I am afraid it is not possible for this organisation to make any useful contributions to the survey, since we know of few, if any, reports of the observations of ‘flying saucers’ in this country and certainly none which deserve serious consideration.” (4)
Government Minister R G Casey wrote a letter to the Editor of a number of Australian newspapers and on 5 Feb 1954 sent a copy of a press clipping to Dr Clunies-Ross. The clipping included:
“I have lists of the dates over the last several years on which people have reported having seen ‘flying saucers’ in Australia and have compared them with the dates on which the earth passes through the principal meteoric showers. There appears to be a noticeable relationship between these two sets of dates.” (5)
Minister Casey, as then Minister in charge of the CSIRO, wrote to Dr Clunies-Ross on 22 Feb 1954 advising that he (Casey) had sent a copy of his meteor article to Dr Bowen, Chief of the Division of Radio physics, who said “This is the first time such a relationship has been suggested and it might well be the complete answer.”
In the 1959 to 1961 period there are a number of pieces of correspondence from the Department of Territories on file. The originals were forwarded to the Department of Defence, with copies to the CSIRO. The CSIRO appeared to have simply filed the papers on this miscellaneous file.
An aside
In the early 1960’s USAF U-2 aircraft flew missions out of RAAF East Sale. Details of these missions under the High Altitude Sampling Program, Operation “Crow flight,” are only just now being released in Government files under the Archives Act. Reading one recently available “Crow flight” file revealed that CSIRO equipment was flown on USAF U-2 aircraft. The CSIRO used these flights “…for observations connected with its experimental programme in cloud physics and rain making.” (11) An irony of this situation is that the CSIRO may have been involved in U-2 flights which ended up being reported as UFOs!
In May 1963, a letter came in from a Phillip Mayall, of the “UFO Research Centre” in Blackwood, South Australia. In part it read:
“It has recently been drawn to my attention that in recent months certain members of your organisation have been in attendance at places where Unidentified Flying Objects had been recently observed.” (12)
Myall offered his assistance to the CSIRIO in investigations. In a response dated 10 May 1963 the CSIRO replied “CSIRIO has not carried out any work in this field although, of course, some of its officers may have a private interest in it.”(13) The letter continued that it was possible one CSIRO member may have been involved, and on the same day a letter went from the CSIRO to a Dr G F Bornsmissza of Boolara, Vic:
“I do not know whether you have been interrogating anyone in Moe lately, concerning flying saucers, but if you have, and your interest in them is more than a casual one, you might care to write to Mayall.” (14)
This reference to Moe, concerns the Willow Grove, via Moe, Victoria CE1 case of 15 Feb 1963 where a Mr Brew reported seeing an extraordinary object at close range. The RAAF sent two officers to interview Brew. These officers also interviewed a Dr Berson and a Mr Clark of the CSIRO about the possibility of the Moe object being a meteorological phenomenon, possibly a tornado. The RAAF report does not say that any CSIRO staff members interviewed Brew. (15) However, Bill Chalker states:
“Dr Berson and an associate visited Charles Brew at the Willow Grove property. According to Brew, Dr Berson was interested in the headache that he had, and indicated that Berson had said that it tied in with their theory of a possible electromagnetic nature of the incident. The CSIRO’s field investigation had in fact preceded the RAAF by about a week.” (16)
Clyde Cameron MHR for Hindmarsh in South Australia wrote to Senator the Hon J G Gorton, then Minister in charge of the CSIRO on 13 Jul 1964 regarding one Colin Norris of Adelaide asking “… whether you could give him a job watching for flying saucers…” (17)
Answering a 1964 query from a Mr Hennessey of London in the United Kingdom, the CSIRO advised “…it [the CSIRO] has not been specifically concerned with unidentified flying objects.” (18) Interestingly, the CSIRO made no mention of the fact that the Department of Air was the central Australian agency collating UFO reports on behalf of the Government. It turns out that Julian Hennessey was a British UFO researcher who was behind the later (1967) attempt at lobbying the British Government to release copies of the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) most impressive cases. However, this request for access was rejected. (19)
During 1965, more Department of Territories’ reports were copied to the CSIRO. Internally, copies were forwarded to both the Radio physics and the Upper Atmosphere sections.
Sylvia Sutton of the Commonwealth Aerial Phenomena Investigation Organisation (CAPIO) the national level UFO organisation forwarded a list of CAPIO officers to the CSIRO in Oct 1966. A hand written note on the file read “Records. UFOs are Mr Wilson’s worry-as from Exec meeting today.” (20) Other papers on the file revealed Mr L G Wilson was the Secretary, Administration, CSIRO.
Co-operation sought between Government Departments
The Department of Air wrote to the CSIRO on 12 Oct 1966 advising that “…Sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects have during recent months been receiving considerable publicity.” (21) The DOA invited the CSIRO to comment on specific UFO cases to be sent to them by the RAAF. The minutes of the 92nd meeting of the CSIRO executive committee on 25 Oct 1966 para 10, on file, revealed that the CSIRO agreed to the DOA’s request. They responded on 7 Nov 1966 when Mr L G Wilson replied “The organisation is quite happy to assist in this way...” (22)
As in 1963, a piece of 1968 correspondence suggested that the CSIRO was in fact interested enough in UFOs to investigate a case. A memo dated 28 Nov 1968 from the DOA said in part:
“During the course of an investigation into the unusual sightings made by Mr A S Ricketts of Bacchus marsh, Victoria, it was learned that a ‘team of CSIRO scientists’ had visited him on 7th Jul 1966.” (23)
It then asked the CSIRO for any information on this matter. By way of reply on 5 Dec 1968 the CSIRO commented “I have made enquiries…but with negative results.” (24) An inspection of the report of the RAAF interviewing officer located a paragraph:
“Mr Ricketts had a visit from a team of CSIRO scientists who saw something but would not confirm that this was a UFO. Mr Ricketts would not divulge the names of the CSIRO scientists.” (25)
Enter Dr Michael J Duggin
As foreshadowed in a comment in 1963 that some CSIRO staff members might have a private interest in UFOs, came a memo from the DOA dated 5 Jan 1967. It provided a copy of a letter from one Dr M J Duggin on CSIRO letterhead (National Standards Laboratory) to the DOA. Duggin referred to a previous telephone call, then described work on the UFO phenomenon being undertaken by Vallee and Hynek in the USA. Advising that several scientists in different countries were gathering UFO data he wrote “I would like to investigate cases myself where possible and would be very willing to be of any help which I can.” (26) Also attached was a “To whom in may concern” letter from J Allen Hynek introducing Duggin. Duggin had met Hynek and Vallee when Duggin visited Chicago in Nov 1966. (27)
The DOA memo stated, re Duggin’s letter:
“It is understood that this scientific investigation is quite unofficial…This department has no objection additionally to passing reports of all ufo sightings to Dr Duggin provided that this would not cause you any embarrassment.” (28)
A hand written CSIRO note on the file read “Discussions with Colin Harper (at Chippendale)-has no objections to Duggin’s extra-curricular activity.”
An examination of RAAF file 554/1/30 (their policy file at this stage) reveals the original of Duggin’s letter to Squadron Leader Baxter in DAFI. Folio 115 of 554/1/30 dated 29 Dec 1966 is an internal memo from D/DAFI (Ops) to DAFI which included:
“You will note that these scientists are mainly interested in the unexplained UFO’s, but as far as I can make out they would like information on all sightings…These scientists, with all the documents and facilities available to them, are obviously in a position to assist us in this matter, and though I am not too keen on releasing the details of the RAAF investigations or anything which may increase the interest of the general public in this field, I think we should give these scientists the information they require.”
On file, DAFI do not discuss what assistance it was felt Duggin et al could provide.
Dr Duggin conducted an investigation of a report from Sydney on 8 Mar 1967 where a dull grey-black object emitting a low humming sound was observed. Duggin forwarded the details of the case to Hynek in the USA and a copy of the report appears on a RAAF file (29)
When the Project interviewed former Government employee Harry Turner (see appendix three) he was asked about a proposal for a rapid investigation team within the DSTI area of the Joint Intelligence Bureau, Department of Defence. Turner told us he was the instigator of the idea. A request was made to the Secretary of Defence, who referred it on to DAFI. DAFI reacted badly against it and it was rejected. Mike Duggin was the other main player with Turner. Together they had investigated a reported UFO landing on a Sydney golf course. They took samples and looked at what temperature would have been required to make the marks/holes.
From memory Turner thought hotter than an oxy-acetylene torch would have been needed. Turner and Duggin went there privately to investigate and interviewed the green keeper who had found the marks. Turner thought it was quite a convincing case.
In 1970 Duggin investigated a trace case at Boggabri NSW. A year later he presented a paper titled “The analysis of UFO Reports” at a symposium held on 30 Oct 1971, in Adelaide. The symposium, on UFOs, was organised by the SA Division of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science.
In Aug 1973 Hynek was in Australia and together with Duggin and Harry Turner, Hynek attended a Department of Defence DAFI meeting on the 24th. A DAFI file note (30) called it “An unofficial meeting…in an endeavour to expand the scientific relationship to the problem.” In the meeting, Duggin was described as “…a member of the CSIRO and is currently based in Sydney (North Ryde) and heading the Australian research aspects of ERSAT.” Paragraph 5 of the note read:
“DAFI suggested that CSIRO or the Dept of Science (but preferably the former) seemed to be logical agencies to conduct greater in depth investigation in Australia. DAFI agreed that a selection of reports (mainly those which were unanswerable and scientific in context) could possibly be made available to CSIRO for further study and computerization.”
A biography located on a United States Air Force web site indicates Duggin left Australia in 1979 and became an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, Division of Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, USA. The biography goes on to say that in 2002 Duggin left that position and became Senior Scientist, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, USA.
Back to the second CSIRO UFO files
The Journal “Science” in its 14 Oct 1966 issue wrote about the establishment of the Condon investigation into UFOs in the USA. Someone at CSIRO was interested enough in it to forward a copy of the article to the DOA. (31)
A 19 Apr 1967 letter from Peter Norris of CAPIO referred to the University of Colorado’s USA UFO study and stated “The purpose of my letter is to enquire whether the CSIRO would consider establishing a similar investigation in Australia…” (32) There is no evidence on file that this request received any in-depth attention. The CSIRO’s reply went out five days later, on 24 Apr 1967-“I am sorry to tell you that it is felt it would not be appropriate in Australia at this time for CSIRO to embark on such an investigation…” (33) CSIRO then referred Norris to the DOA, and forwarded a copy of Norris’s letter and their reply to the DOA (copy sighted on RAAF file 554/1/30.)
The CSIRO Division of Fisheries and Oceanography referred a UFO report to the Royal Australian Navy from the M S Seaway on 27 Apr 1967. The report referred to an observation of three comet-like objects seen at 2130hrs EST on 5 Apr, travelling to the NNE over a 25 second period. (34)
It wasn’t until late 1967 that the DOA/RAAF took up the CSIRO’s offer to look at an individual UFO case. On 20 Dec 1967 RAAF Pearce forwarded a report from Derby WA for comment. It was an unusual report involving a strange vehicle and a human-like figure. CSIRO despatched a reply on 4 Jan 1968 “The nature of the report attached to your letter is such that CSIRO cannot usefully comment on it.” (35)
Jun 1968 brought in two more reports from RAAF Pearce to the CSIRO for comment. They were referred internally to Dr E G Bowen, Chief of the Division of Radio physics and to Dr D F Martyn, Chief of the Upper Atmosphere area. Martyn responded that there was too little data. Bowen wrote “…We are not very good at UFO’s and I find it difficult to comment…” (36)
Jun 1968 also saw a copy of a letter on file from the Department of External Affairs to the Secretary Prime Minister’s Department concerning another letter from UK Ufologist Hennessey. In part it read: “…the history of this subject reveals that the more time and effort that is spent by experienced scientists in investigating the smaller becomes the residue of unexplained phenomena…in spite of these difficulties the Australian Government continue to keep records of all “sightings” and associated phenomena reported within Australian and associated territories.” (37)
As we have previously seen, raw reports were made to the CSIRO from time to time. In Mar 1969, a Mrs Gibbs of Kyogle NSW reported finding a twenty foot diameter “scorched grass” area and toadstools. The CSIRO sent the toadstool to the Government Botanist who identified it and suggested the cause of the “scorched grass” was in fact a “fairy ring” fungus. The CSIRO forwarded a copy of this correspondence to the DOA. (38)
The last relevant item concerning the CSIRO is from 1972 where the main RAAF DAFI policy file contains a cryptic file note dated 14 Sep 1972. “CSIRO has a very high resolution radar which is mobile and which we could possibly utilise at some future date.” (39) Looking at DAFI files to see what was occurring at that time we found that there were a number of UFO reports generated in Victoria around Maffra, Morwell, Stratfield and Sale since 14 Sep 72. (40)
The Department of Defence 1951-2007
Royal Australian Navy
Four Navy files have been located, of which two of these dealt with the 1954 Nowra Navy pilot incident. Of the other two, file series E499/18 control symbol C21/4/41 was located at the Darwin office of the National Australia Archives and was titled “Unidentified flying object sightings.” The file was from Defence Establishment Berrimah (Formerly HMAS Coonawarra) and consisted of 41 pages. Its date range was 1959-1974 and although no analysis was present on the file, someone, for some reason was keeping a file on the subject. The final file A6826 control symbol 1361/1/1-3 titled “Earth satellites, space vehicles, Unidentified Flying Objects-general” is a mere three pages and mentions one report of low level interest.
Australian Army
Three Army files were located and examined:
MP742/1 control symbol 177/1/2356 titled: “Flying saucers re O L Alwin” contained a letter from Mrs O L Alwin of North Manly to “Army inventions etc(?)” dated 4 Jan 1951
File AWM 288 control symbol R723/1/1 titled “Reports-General-Flying Objects” located in the Australian War Memorial contained a Memo dated 23 May 1966 from Brigadier Commander HQ Puckapunyal Area to S Comd. Reference S Comd 109-S1-3 dated 17 May 66. It said that enquiries have failed to locate any info on the reporting of a UFO
MT1131/1, A31/1/102 of 9 pages deals with correspondence from one R Baudish to the Department of Army in 1957. Baudish asked if there had been UFO reports in association with military exercises. The combined reply from the Department of Army, Navy and Air was there had been none.
The former Air Board/Department of Air/current RAAF
The Air Board, in a memorandum dated 16 Jan 1951, issued a pro forma to be used to gather information on sightings of “flying saucers.” (file PP474/1 control symbol 5/5/ Air p2) Given that some of the earliest memos are from the “Air Board,” a search was undertaken of series A7668 controls symbols 8, 9 & 10 which were the “Air Board’s Executive Council Minutes 1947-1950. However, no reference could be found to the topic of ‘flying saucers.”
The Air Board was still receiving reports up until at least Nov 1953 when it issued a revised pro forma for reports.
The Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI) of the former DOA (1939-1973) then took the lead in collecting and examining reports of UASs from around 1953. How and why the DOA was tasked with this role is not yet clear from any documents so far examined. The search continues to look for early (1947-1951) material, including an apparently lost internal DAFI file numbered SEC.CD2/2 which may throw light on this topic.
One file was located which carried six folios dated earlier that 1953. This was file series number B5758, control symbol 5/6/AIR part 1 titled “Training Command Headquarters. Reports on unusual activity and Aerial Phenomenon.” The front cover indicates the Unit which held it as “Headquarters Training Command.” It also carries a rubber stamped number 80/3/105. There are six folios earlier than Oct 1953. These are:
Confidential memo from RAAF East Sale to HQ Southern Area dated 15 Aug 1950. Relates to a report of light flashes seen from Perry Bridge on Lake Wellington.
Memo dated 24 Aug 1950 forwarding report at folio 1 from Southern Area RAAF to DAFI.
RAAF telegram dated 20 Aug 1950 from Wing Commander SASO to RAAF HQ giving details of aircraft navigation exercises in vicinity of Port Albert re reported flares and lights in that area.
Memo. 14 Feb 1951. From RAAF East Sale to HQ Southern Command. Report that Captain of RAAF aircraft on 7 Feb 1951 observed at 2330hrs a brilliant light. The pilot believed it to be either a flare on the ground or one at very low altitude.
Memo. 16 Jan 1951. From Chief of Air Staff to HQs Southern Area; Eastern Area; North Eastern Area; North Western Area and Western Area. “A number of reports have been made by Areas regarding unusual sightings which have been brought to the notice of various authorities. In order to standardise the reports made about these occurrences, the attached pro-forma has been drafted…It would obviously be unwise to draw any publicity towards Service interest in these reports, and persons making the reports should be asked to treat Service interest as Confidential.”
Memo. 13 May 1952. From Air Officer Commanding HQ Southern Area to DAFI. Details of a sighting. 3 May 1952 0545hrs Kew. Bullet nosed object travelling at high speed leaving a vapour trail.
File A703 control symbol 554/1/30 is titled “Investigations of Flying Saucers-policy.” The earliest folio on the file is dated 20 Jul 1953 and is from the Office of the Air Attaché of the American Embassy in Melbourne and addressed to DAFI. The letter thanks DAFI for copies of previous correspondence and refers to a meeting on 18 May 1953 between the author and DAFI. The author writes “…my headquarters is very interested in receiving reports of all unusual sightings…” and seeks DAFI’s input of data on sightings.
On 16 Nov 1953 an internal memo from the Chief of the Air Staff went out to various RAAF Headquarters forwarding a revised pro-forma for the gathering of information on “unusual sightings.” The memo advised that this new form replaced one initially distributed on 16 Jan 1951. It closed by stating “These new instructions do not emanate from any renewed interest in “Flying Saucers” or any new intelligence on the subject, but are merely intended to improve the standard of reporting.”
A 20 Nov 1953 “Note of Action” was a reply to a Ministerial question on the subject and noted that “…all reports are still being investigated closely and recorded as an aid to further research into future reports of this nature.” Later folios revealed that the information sent was to answer a question from Mr Downer MP.
Folio 7A is a draft statement of RAAF policy, but has a written note to the effect that it was approved by DCAS (presumably Deputy Chief of Air Staff) and issued in Apr 1954. It is the earliest statement of policy and read:
“1. The RAAF accepts reports on flying saucers and attempts an allocation of reliability. Those that fall in the reliable class are then subjected to further investigation as and when the opportunity occurs. As a result of this further investigation, a smaller number of reports are followed up and investigations are made with the Meteorological Services, the Government Astronomer and the Civil Aviation Authorities in an attempt to fit the original occurrences in with any normal flying activity or meteorological phenomena.
2. As a result of investigations in the past, there is no doubt that reliable observers have reported sightings which today are inexplicable within the resources available to the RAAF. Reports of this type are continuously filed in an attempt to develop sufficient depth of evidence for accurate analysis to be made. It may however, be several years before the required depth of evidence is available.”
On 16 Dec 1954 a telegram was sent from Athol Townley, who had the Government portfolios of air and civil aviation, to Mr E W Hicks, Secretary Department of Air, asking if any factual information had been received on an “aircraft phenomenon Canberra Nowra” as there were constant enquiries from journalists. It went on to joke “Trust no mermaid is associated with this sighting.”
Instant action came from DAFI who, on the same day, wrote a minute to the Secretary, Department of Air titled “Ministerial enquiry-radar sightings of unidentified flying objects.” The minute attached a copy of a report (not on the file) from the Department of the Navy. It also stated that “Since the beginning of Aug until quite recently, all reports on unidentified flying objects were referred to Mr O H Turner of the Physics Department of the University of Melbourne, who had offered to carry out a statistical analysis of such report.”
Harry Turner tabled his report by way of a letter dated 26 Dec 1954 which he sent from London to the Secretary, Department of Air in Melbourne. In it he stated that DAFI had given him two files of reports to examine. He had also read books by Keyhoe, Menzel and Leslie & Adamski, and had discussions with other staff members of the Physics Department of the University of Melbourne, plus had personally investigated some local sightings.
Under the heading of conclusions he remarked that: “If one assumes these Intelligence reports are authentic, then the evidence presented is such that it is difficult to assume any interpretation other than that unidentified flying objects are being observed….Indeed, the superiority is such that it is highly improbable that such objects have a terrestrial origin…the evidence presented by the reports held by the RAAF tend to support the above conclusion-namely that certain strange aircraft have been observed to behave in a manner suggestive of an extra-terrestrial origin.”
Turner went on to make a number of recommendations including at least one full time investigator; publicity to encourage more people to report; an liaison with the USAF to exchange information and verify Keyhoe’s claim; liaison with the RAF and the possibility of forming a panel to assist analyse reports.
On 24 Feb 1955, D/DAFI Ops wrote a minute to the D/CAS to accompany Turner’s report to him including Turner’s suggestion of at least one full time investigator. The DCAS on 15 Mar 1955 noted the minute but stated “I am not prepared to afford a full time investigator.”
On 30 Jul 1955 the first of an extensive range of correspondence commenced between DAFI and Fred Stone from Adelaide, of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. Stone arranged an appointment to visit DAFI in Melbourne.
A 2 Jun 1969 memo from Wing Commander Murphy, DAFI, to HQ Supt Cmd and HQ Ops Cmd read in part:
“In an attempt to obtain slightly more scientific date on sightings, the Defence Science Section has requested that the following report form be used...as Defence Science are the advisors on the reports…”
The file contains a copy of a summary of UAS sightings between 23 Jan 1960 and 30 Nov 1968 at this point. Of the 400 or so reports listed there, are 7 (or 1.75%) labelled “unknown.”
Later, on 11 Nov 1969, Wing Commander Murphy for the Chief of Air Staff asked for better attention to detail when completing UFO report forms “…the public is becoming more and more susceptible to the UFO syndrome, and the press and radio thrive on it. This in turn generates questions in Parliament which require answers sometimes at ministerial level, and unless effort is put into the investigations then the correct answers cannot be given.”
At this point in the file there is an undated summary document titled “UFO Investigation in the RAAF” prepared by Flt Lt K Jordan AI-4. It consists of two pages plus 24 pages of annexes.
“Research into this subject has come up with some unrewarding answers; firstly the inquiry can not go back any further than the 11th Nov 1953. The cause of this blockage is the loss of Part 1 of 114/1/197 (ex SEC CD2/2) in the move of the Department from Melbourne to Canberra.”
The document goes on to summarise “Australian Government policy.” “RAAF Investigation Policy,” “Overseas observations” and “Mr O Turner’s interests.”
A memo from Flt Lt K Jordan, DAFI AI-4 to D/DAFI (Ops) dated 2 Jan 1970 revealed that “One of the secondary duties of AI-4 has been the handling of all UFO reports submitted to the RAAF. This involves making a final decision on the nature of the observed phenomenon in each case…”
In Dec 1969 the USAF terminated Project Blue Book and a copy of the relevant News Release arrived with DAFI. Wind Commander Murphy wrote, on 15 Jan 1970, to D/D(CIV)JIO “In view of this conclusion and decision by the USAF, we are investigating the possibility of reducing the RAAF effort in investigating UFO reports in Australia.”
There was a sighting on 15 Jul 1965 in Canberra which became the subject of a 6 Jun 1970 letter from a member of the public. In preparation of a reply someone included on the file a copy of a Ministerial press release dated 30 Jul 1965. This stated that there were several possible explanations for the event, ranging from a condensation trail of an aircraft, to Venus to a meteorological balloon.
Dated 1 Apr 1970 is an “Operational Command, Air Staff Instruction No 3/A/5 Intelligence – report on Unusual Aerial Sightings.” It set out the then current action to be taken with reports.
The Committee of the South Australian Division of Australian and New Zealand Association of the Advancement of Science convened a one day symposium on “The Unidentified Flying Object problem” on 30 Oct 1971, and requested a RAAF officer attend and explain the processing of reports. DAFI recommended no one be made available and a negative response was sent, but included “There is no evidence that UFOS have landed in Australia…”
The question of the numbers of DOA files again arose in Jul 1971. It was then stated that there were only two files 580/1/1 and 554/1/30. A third was created “Correspondence from individuals and organisations re UFOs.”
As mentioned previously, DAFI was looking for someone else to take over the reins of UFO investigations. A memo dated 27 Jul 1971 from Group Captain Royston, DAFI to S/Air/SS wrote
“You spoke to me recently on the matter of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and you mentioned that the Department of Supply may be interested in investigating this subject…As I advised you, although I am directly concerned with any possible threat to Australian security, I am not particularly interested in the subject of UFOs, even though my directorate devotes valuable time to the problem. I accept the US assessments without question and consider that it would be a complete waste for we here in Australia to spend valuable time and money in further detailed investigations…”
Sep 1971 saw DAFI draft a general pro forma reply to anyone who inquired/reported UFOs. This was brought in because “Observers have in the past seldom been informed of subsequent investigation of their sighting and this has, no doubt, created bad publicity for the RAAF.”
RAAF Edinburgh wrote to DOA on 12 Apr 1972 regarding the increased public interest in UFOs and the re-organisation of UFO research groups in South Australia, stating that it “…is straining parameters for UFO reporting in this state” and asked about a new policy on UFOs being issued. A further communication from RAAF Edinburgh to DOA dated 10 May 1972 “Several airmen at this base are active members of one or other of the flying saucer quote research unquote societies which are competing with each other in South Australia in similar fashion to tow-truck operators.”
554/1/30 part 3 was opened 28 May 1972. The first undated memo was from Chief of Air Staff to HQ Op Cmd and Spt Cmd “Changes to investigation of UFO policy.” “The main purpose of the …changes is to eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort and to streamline the process of investigations.” The DOA would henceforth deal directly with bases.
A DAFI memo dated 30 Jan 1973 to A/EXECO A referred to Ministerial Correspondence. It provided a summary of RAAF involvement then “Paras 3,4 and 5, and the comparatively low volume of reports necessitating investigation (623 in 12 years) would seem to indicate that a central research body as advocated by (blanked out) and (blanked out) is unnecessary…”
May 1973 again saw a revised report pro forma issued.
A single page “Record of discussion” dated 24 Aug 1973 revealed that “An unofficial meeting” was held attended by Prof J A Hynek, Dr M Duggin, Mr O Turner and DAFI. “Each member was present in a private capacity to discuss certain procedures of investigation into unusual aerial Sightings in Australian and throughout the world, in an endeavour to expand the scientific relationship to the problem.”
The meeting notes revealed that “All present agreed that the scientific aspects were of prime importance. DAFI suggested that CSIRO or the Department of Science…seemed to be logical agencies to conduct greater in depth investigation in Australia…Any such study should be low key and not known to the lunatic fringe of ufologists.”
One week after this meeting, a memo from HQ Supt Cmd to DAFI stated “…unidentified flying objects are not a defence threat. It is therefore suggested that UFO investigation be discontinued.”
A HQ Supt Cmd memo dated 16 Oct 1974 to DAFI sought approval to
“…issue the contents of Reference A and all previous unusual aerial sightings (UAS) policy as revised ‘Support Command Air staff Instruction No 3/3.” At present UAS policy is spread over a number of policy letters…The proposed Air Staff Instruction contains relevant information that has not previously been incorporated in UAS policy but which will help promote a clearer understanding of a subject which has suffered from pseudo-scientific reports and speculation in the past.” CAS granted approval.
In 1977 the file contained papers relating to a letter from Harry Griesberg of the ACOS and a request for RAAF co-operation.
There are then no papers on the file until 1981, a four year gap. The fading photocopy appears to be a response to an article in the Australian newspaper dated 9-10 May and sets out that each reported sighting takes 3 hours, and completed reports are forwarded to DAFIS for filing and “…used by the Foreign Liaison Officer to produce a yearly sightings summary.” “Whilst it is therefore true to say from the foregoing that UFO investigations are a part-time occupation for fourteen RAAF officers and one senior RAAF intelligence officer.” The memo contains a hand written note “It seems to me that the newspaper article basically supports our contention that we should not be doing this! Perhaps we can use that fact!”
DAFIS on 26 May 1981 wrote a memo to DCAS titled “Investigation of Unusual Aerial Sightings (UAS).
“My Directorate is charged with the responsibility for UAS investigation and reporting. It has been a contentious issue for many years with opinion varying from a questioning of the need for monitoring such sightings, to the organisational area most appropriately placed to deal with them…The only advantage I see in retaining UAS investigation responsibilities are:
a .it allows a security oversight of unusual events which, on the odd occasion, may bear some military implication
b. it provides ‘cover’ if we wish to investigate some incident, not necessarily related, in more details, and…
…I seek your views on whether the RAAF should continue to carry the responsibility for the investigation of UAS…”
The response was “We spoke. While I agree with you in principle, the practicalities suggest we will continue to wear the responsibility. You should, however, ensure that the impact of this chore does not unduly impede our normal business.”
The file then contains an 8 Sep 1983 request for information from overseas to Pearce AFB re a 1980 Ogilve trace case.
The file ends with a copy of a blank VUFORS report form.
The top paper indicates the file was closed in 1984 and subsequent correspondence placed on file AF 84/3508. A Freedom of Information request to the Department of Defence by this author resulted in their advice that they were unable to locate this file.
Summary so far
All the material examined indicates that DAFI was, for the main, not really interested in conducting any scientific research into the phenomenon. The impression gained from comments on the RAAF’s UAS policy file series (control symbol 554/1/30) was that, for the most part, examining UAS reports was merely a job that had to be done:
“The investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects is understandably a tedious task and one in which the investigator may frequently have little faith or interest.” (1)
“As you are probably aware the Department of Air is concerned solely with any possible threat to Australian security and does not go into detailed scientific investigation of UFO reports.” (2)
· “We spoke. While I agree with you in principle, the practicalities suggest we will continue to wear the responsibility. You should, however, ensure that the impact of this chore does not unduly impede our normal business.” (3)
There were however, indications at times of a softening of this attitude. For example an examination of file 554/1/30 reveals the original of a letter from Dr M J Duggin employed by the CSIRO to Squadron Leader Baxter of DAFI. Folio 115 of 554/1/30 dated 29 Dec 1966 is an internal memo from D/DAFI (Ops) to DAFI which included:
“You will note that these scientists are mainly interested in the unexplained UFO’s, but as far as I can make out they would like information on all sightings…These scientists, with all the documents and facilities available to them, are obviously in a position to assist us in this matter, and though I am not too keen on releasing the details of the RAAF investigations or anything which may increase the interest of the general public in this field, I think we should give these scientists the information they require.” (4)
What is interesting here is the comment “…the unexplained UFO’s…” This is an internal memo, way before the FOI Act allowed outsiders to see it. Here are DAFI staff writing of “unexplained UFO’s.” It is realised that this is in the context of what Duggin was interested in. However, the author does not dispute the fact that there were some UAS reports which remain unexplained after investigation.
Pass the buck
DAFI tried on a number of occasions to pass off at least part of the task to other agencies:
1. The Joint Intelligence Bureau of the DOD in 1957. A letter dated 1 Apr 1957 from DAFI to the JIB, said in part “…reports could best be investigated and evaluated by one of your scientific research officers…” (5) See the later sections on the Joint Intelligence Bureau/Joint Intelligence Committee.
2. The Department of Supply in 1971. A Memo dated 27 Jul 1971 from DAFI to S/AIR/SS stated in part:
“You spoke to me recently on the matter of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and you mentioned that the Department of Supply may be interested in investigating this subject. This minute provides a brief historical sketch of this subject and my reaction to the proposal.” (6)
The possible Department of Supply interest also came up within the Joint Intelligence Organisation when the then Director R W Furlonger wrote on 27 May 1971 to Deputy Secretary B as follows:
“The Department of Supply has personnel with an appropriate range of scientific and technical expertise and laboratory and field facilities that suitably be employed on UFO investigations.
(a) I suggest that Department of defence should consider passing responsibility for investigation of Australian UFO sightings from the RAAF top the Department of Supply under the following general conditions.
(1) That a limited number of selected reports, say six per year, be thoroughly investigated by Department of Supply;
(2) That at the end of two or three years (or earlier if suggested by the investigators) the results of Supply investigations be examined by interested parties; eg Defence, RAAF and Supply, with a view to determining whether there is any defence interest in UFO sightings that could justify further investigation.”
3. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in 1973. In Aug 1973 Prof J Allen Hynek was out here in Australia and together with Dr Michael Duggin and Harry Turner of the JIB, attended a DAFI meeting on the 24th. A DAFI file note (7) called it “An unofficial meeting…in an endeavour to expand the scientific relationship to the problem.” In the meeting, Duggin was described as “…a member of the CSIRO and is currently based in Sydney (North Ryde) and heading the Australian research aspects of ERSAT.” Paragraph 5 of the note read:
“DAFI suggested that CSIRO or the Dept of Science (but preferably the former) seemed to be logical agencies to conduct greater in depth investigation in Australia. DAFI agreed that a selection of reports (mainly those which were unanswerable and scientific in context) could possibly be made available to CSIRO for further study and computerization.”
However, nothing officially came from any of these three approaches by DAFI to shift the “UAS problem” from them to somewhere else in the Government. DAFI remained the “Official” Government UAS agency.
1984 onwards
A major change of policy was announced in the media on 2 May 1984:
“UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS - RAAF CHANGE IN POLICY
The RAAF in future will investigate fully only those Unusual Aerial Sightings (UAS) which suggest a defence or national security implication. The Minister for Defence, Mr Gordon Scholes, said today that while the RAAF would continue to be the first point of contact,
UAS reports not considered to have a defence or security implication would not be further investigated.
Instead they would be recorded and the UAS observer would be given the address of civilian UAS research organisations if the observer wished to pursue the matter further. Mr Scholes said that in the past the RAAF's investigation of all UAS reports had often proved time consuming, unproductive and had led to many man-hours of follow-up action by the RAAF and other agencies such as the Department of Aviation and the Bureau of Meteorology.
He said that procedures for investigating UAS reports had remained unchanged for many years. The vast majority of reports submitted by the public had proven not to have a national security significance.”
A deduction from the last paragraph of the announcement is that some reports in fact had a “national security implication.” It is generally understood just what a “defence implication” is, e.g. an unauthorised intrusion into Australian air space by an unidentified man-made aircraft. However, just what constitutes a “national security implication” as opposed to a “defence implication” remains unclear.
Nothing was known previously of the inside deliberations behind this policy shift. However, when examining files at RAAF Base Edinburgh a file was located with a draft Support Command Air Staff Instruction no 3/A/3 ( AF 84/3508 part 1 of 12 Apr 1984.) This said that the RAAF is the first point of contact and that most UAS from the public are found to be natural or man-made.
“The RAAF accepts reports on UAS and attempts an allocation of reliability. However, few reports are of any direct interest to the RAAF.”
This was followed by a piece about the Condon report conclusions, then:
“Experience in the RAAF since the early 1950s supports the Condon report conclusion…The RAAF is responsible for the acceptance and evaluation of UAS reports. Those which suggest a defence or national security implication are further investigated and a probable cause determined…”
The draft went on to say that DAFI is to assess such reports. Reports considered not having defence or national security implications are not investigated further and are filed at Command HQ’s:
“On return of part 2, the report is to be examined in terms of defence or national security implications, to assess whether further investigation is warranted. In general terms, further investigation is to be confined to sightings of a terrestrial, rather than an extra-terrestrial nature. Sightings of interest to the RAAF would involve incursions into Australian airspace by man-made objects, and particularly include sightings near defence or other sensitive establishments. The traditional “lights in the sky” are no longer cause for RAAF investigation.”
The sentence “…further investigation is to be confined to sightings of a terrestrial, rather than an extra-terrestrial nature.” is very intriguing! This seems to be saying that although the RAAF knew some sightings were of an extra-terrestrial nature, it wasn’t interested in these! A very rare admission indeed for the RAAF. The document goes on:
“Command intelligence staff are to be made aware immediately of any report warranting further investigation. On receipt of such a report, CINTO is to:
a. inform DAFIS and the Chief of Staff (COFS)
b. commence an immediate investigation and instruct the UAS investigator at the reporting unit to complete Annex A part 3 (Unit report).
c. complete Annex A part 4 on receipt of completed parts 1-3 and report the findings of his investigation to COFS and DAFIS.” (8)
Note that the 2 May 1984 media release didn’t contain the reference to “extra-terrestrial
nature.”
This new policy lasted ten years, and then in 1994 the DOD policy again changed:
“Unidentified Aerial Sightings. Revised policy.
“Consideration of the scientific record suggests that, whilst not all UAS have a ready explanation, there is no compelling reason for the RAAF to continue to devote resources to recording, investigating and attempting to explain UAS. The RAAF no longer accepts reports on UAS…”
“Some UAS may relate to events that could have a defence, security or public safety implications, such as man-made debris falling from space, a burning aircraft or an aircraft making an unauthorised incursion into Australian air space. Where members of the community may have witnessed an event of this type they are encouraged to contact the police, civilian aviation authorities or coast watch.”
“2. The change in policy will not be publicised by press release. Known UFO groups will be contacted individually by mail and provided with a copy of the new policy together with a brief explanations of the implications for them.” (9)
Three points of the above, call for comment:
The use of the phrase “Consideration of the scientific record…” when it is clear from the DOA’s own statements that it “…does not go into detailed scientific investigation.”
The statement “… not all UAS have a ready explanation…” indicates that the DOD recognised that some reports were puzzling (indeed their own investigations sometimes labelled a report as “unidentified” or “unknown.”)
That “The change in policy will not be publicised by press release.” After 45 years it was to be a quiet exit.
The Joint Intelligence Bureau/Joint Intelligence Organisation
File 3092/2/000 whose title is “Scientific Intelligence – General – Unidentified Flying Objects” was originally classified “Secret.” In bold letters on the cover is “JIO” with a sticky label stating “Box 2738 JIO Archived file no. 3390P. The words “Retain permanently RDA 1040 class S.1” are stamped on the cover.
Papers on the file commence on 1 Apr 1957 with a memo from the Department of Air, Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI) to the Director, Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB). DAFI advised that the Department of Air receive UFO reports and:
“As your Branch has now established a Scientific Intelligence Section, it would appear that these reports could best be investigated and evaluated by one of your Scientific Research Officers, who will have a broader background of knowledge that anyone in this Directorate.”
DAFI asked if JIB would take on the commitment.
D T Forsyth the Acting Director of JIB wrote on 3 Apr 1957 to Sc I O “What do you think about this?” R H Mathams, the then Scientific Intelligence Officer, replied;
“As DAFI points out these reports cover a number of subjects…and hence would, I suggest be an appropriate study for the STISC…”
The STISC was the Scientific and Technical Intelligence sub-committee of the Joint Intelligence Committee.
On 9 Apr 1957 Forsyth sent a memo to the Controller, Joint Services Organisations suggesting that the UFO subject:
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LINK; http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org/
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PART 6;“UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS”
A SEARCH THROUGH THE
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S
RECORDS SYSTEMS;
On 9 Apr 1957 Forsyth sent a memo to the Controller, Joint Services Organisations suggesting that the UFO subject:
“…would be an appropriate study for the STISC, when formed…I would suggest that we ask DAFI to continue to hold the papers they have acquired and bring the subject forward again preferably for JIC discussion, when the STISC has been formed and in operation.”
Subsequently on 18 Oct 1957, agendum item 71/1957 of the Joint Intelligence Committee was headed “Investigations into reports of Unidentified Flying Objects” and scheduled for a later meeting of that Committee. See below for more on this.
At this time, 1957-1958, UFO reports were being sent to a number of Federal Government agencies both from the public and from other Government agencies. Recipient agencies included the CSIRO; the Department of Territories; and the Department of Air (DAFI).
The JIB file contains a Minute dated 24 Feb 1958 from the Controller, Joint Service Organisations to the Director JIB. The Minute covers a report from the Department of Territories concerning a UFO report from the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, dated 6 Dec 1957. Here, two servicemen had reported seeing a bright white light at 2130hrs which was seen to fall over the SE horizon. A bright glow lasted for 5 seconds after the light disappeared from view. A muffled impact was heard as if something had hit the ground. The Controller’s Minute asks that the report be passed to the JIB Bureau in London and the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington. This was done as shown by referral letters on the file.
Next on the file is a report from the captain of the ship “Woomera” which had sighted an unusual object while on passage between Port Lincoln, South Australia and Melbourne, Victoria. At 1400hrs EST 8 Feb 1958 a contrail had formed in the sky at 50 degrees elevation, 290 degrees form the ship and travelled to 40 degrees elevation, then disappeared only to reform at 30 degrees elevation finally disappearing from view at 15 degrees elevation, bearing 110 degrees. It lasted for some 30 minutes before finally fading. Again copies of this observation were sent to JIB London, and JIB Washington to pass to the CIA.
On 7 Aug 1961 a teleprinter message arrived at JIB reporting that that day’s “Melbourne Sun” newspaper carried details of an observation of 12 flying objects leaving a white trail of streamers which floated to the ground. DAFI was asked by JIB for a copy of the report but later RAAF Pearce advised they had not investigated the sighting.
There were no papers on the file between 1962 and 1966, then a Nov 1967 letter from a Swedish citizen, addressed to the Department of National defence, Intelligence Section made it to the JIB file. However, it was promptly despatched to DAFI to handle.
In Dec 1969 the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense Public Affairs released a News Release which informed that the US Air Force was to terminate their UFO research project “Project Blue Book.” A copy was forwarded by the RAAF Intelligence Representative in Washington to DAFI. This led to Wing Commander T W Murphey, A/DAFI to send a minute dated 15 Jan 1970 to D/D (CIV) JIO which read
“Further to teletalk Mr McMichael/Wg Cdr T W Murphy on Thursday 8 Jan 70, a copy of the USAF news release on UFO Investigation is attached. In view of this conclusion and decision by the USAF, we are investigating the possibility of reducing the RAAF effort in investigating UFO reports in Australia.”
On 28 Jan 1970 the JIO DD(c) Mr McMichael, wrote to the DSTI:
“May I have your advice and comments…I have received a number of papers from Mr Turner on UFOs in the last year …should we maintain an incipient capacity in this field?”
Mathams, DSTI replied to the DD(C) on 2 Feb 1970.
“I have discussed the paper (loosely enclosed ) with Mr Turner and have told him that my views on the subject of UFOs, from a scientific point of view, are as follows:
(a) The present establishment of DSTI has been designed to meet the research demands arising from our studies of defence science in countries in the Far East and South East Asia, and to keep abreast of major developments in defence science in the Soviet bloc. There is no surplus research capacity within the establishment that could be diverted to problems such as the investigation of UFO reports.
(b) I am not convinced that there is a sufficient scientific intelligence component in the UFO problem such as to warrant any diversion of Australia’s very limited resources for scientific intelligence research.
(c) It is evident that there is still considerable controversy concerning UFOs and this will undoubtable continue until the subject is fully examined by some competent authority. Such an examination, however, would require a considerable effort to collect information on UFO sightings, to investigate reports of such sightings and to examine all information in an objective, scientific manner. It is for consideration as to whether the Department of Defence could (or would) approve such an effort.”
On 3 Feb 1970 the DD(C) McMichael, wrote to DSTI
“I have by now read a considerable amount of material on this subject. I am sure that there is an area for investigation that should be pursued by some authority. That authority, however, would need very considerable resources indeed.
I have considered carefully whether a part of the subject might be undertaken by us, but this approach doesn’t seem practicable I am forced, therefore, whilst agreeing that the subject should be studied somewhere, to decide that JIO cannot be that somewhere. Without considerable back-up we would be wasting our time and the RAAF have apparently cancelled out the little they were doing. I would be obliged if you would show this minute to Mr Turner.”
By 1971 the JIB had become the Joint Intelligence organisation (JIO.) The then Director R W Furlonger wrote on 27 May 1971 to Deputy Secretary B as follows:
“Further to our discussions on the question of investigation of Australian reports on unidentified flying object, I would summarize my attitude as follows:
(b) There appears to be sufficient evidence from RAAF and US reports of investigations of UFO sightings to indicate that some reports cannot readily be explained by natural phenomena or man-made activities. Thorough investigation of selected Australian reports of UFO sightings seems to be warranted, but the effort should be restricted to those occurrences that cannot easily be explained.
(c) The Department of Supply has personnel with an appropriate range of scientific and technical expertise and laboratory and field facilities that suitably be employed on UFO investigations.
(d) I suggest that Department of defence should consider passing responsibility for investigation of Australian UFO sightings from the RAAF top the Department of Supply under the following general conditions.
(3) That a limited number of selected reports, say six per year, be thoroughly investigated by Department of Supply;
(4) That at the end of two or three years (or earlier if suggested by the investigators) the results of Supply investigations be examined by interested parties; eg Defence, RAAF and Supply, with a view to determining whether there is any defence interest in UFO sightings that could justify further investigation.
(e) I believe that, although Defence should have general oversight and broad direction of the UFO investigation, significant JIO resources should not be devoted to this until it can clearly be shown from the results of the investigation that a strategic intelligence interest exists. Even then, the matter would have to be related to other priorities; there are many things that it would be desirable for us to do but which cannot be tackled because of higher priorities.”
The final set of papers on the file were attached to a Minute dated 27 May 1971 written by O H Turner, Head of the Nuclear Branch of JIO to the JIO Director through DSTI. Attached to the Minute were the following pages headed:
1. “US Official attitude to UFOs” 7 pages
2. “RAAF attitude to UFOs” 2 pages
3. Chronology of US Investigations into UFO phenomena 13 pages
4. Summary 2 pages.
There was a handwritten note on the minute “Director after you have read the attachments, I would like to discuss this matter with you, please.” R A Mathams DSTI. 27/5/71.
Turner’s minute titled “Scientific and Intelligence aspects of the UFO problem” argued that there were genuine intelligence aspects to the UFO issue:
“Intelligence aspects include assessment of real from false reporting, capabilities of propulsion methods and possible weapons used, motivation of operations (harmful or not, defensive, offensive, scientific etc) for both short-term and long-term and whether there are more effective ways to detect these operations or defend them if necessary.”
In the two page summary, Turner argued that:
“The RAAF…give credence only to the USAF public façade and appear to have uncritically accepted the associated information….Project BLUE BOOK was terminated, but presumably this would have little effect on the main programme. It would appear wrong for Australia to remain ignorant of the true situation. We lack an intelligence viewpoint that can assess the nature and possible consequences of the problem, a scientific viewpoint that could derive scientifically valid data from the reports and public relations viewpoint that can honestly satisfy public interest.
To overcome these deficiencies in the Australian investigation of UFOs, it would seem that strong case exists for the acceptance of the RAAF suggestion that another government department assume responsibility for the investigation and analysis of UFO reports.”
In the pages titled “RAAF attitude to UFO’s he wrote:
“In general, the RAAF attitude has been guided by the USAF public releases which were aimed at allaying public interest by denying the reality of UFOs. Consequently, most of the Australian reports were given identifications without a great concern for rational correlation. …as a result there has been a negligible scientific analysis of the data….If Australia is to follow the US lead, then instead of following the public USAF attitude, it would be preferable to follow the USAF/CIA role of concentrating on gaining a knowledge of the power sources involved. However, it may be preferable to act independently of the US and initiate a programme that is scientifically sound and intellectually honest towards unravelling the UFO mystery.”
It is at this point that the next document on the file is simply a “File closed” one.
The Joint Intelligence Committee
As noted above, the JIB file stated that “The matter will be listed for consideration by the Joint Intelligence Committee at an early date” agendum no. 71/1957.
Who was the Joint Intelligence Committee? Folio 88 of file series A1838, control symbol TS663/4 Part 3 (in 1957) states that:
“The Joint Intelligence Committee formed part of the Australian Joint Service machinery, and is responsible to the Defence Committee. It comprises the Director of Naval Intelligence, the Director of Military Intelligence, The Director of Intelligence RAAF, a representative of the Department of External Affairs, and the Controller Joint Services organizations who also represents the Department of Defence..
“The function of the Committee includes all matters of Joint Intelligence Policy, control through the Controller of Joint Services Organisations of intelligence policy of the Joint Intelligence machinery; propagation of reports, appreciations etc as may be required; liaison with the Joint Planning Committee and the appropriate scientific advisory body.”
The attendees list for the 10 October 2007 meeting was:
Group Captain A D Henderson, Director of Air Force intelligence
A P Fleming, Controller, Joint Services Organisation
W H King, Director Joint Intelligence Bureau
Colonel T F B MacAdie, Director of Military Intelligence
T W Cutts, Representing Department of External Affairs
Commander D J Beckley, Representing Director of Naval intelligence.
Agendum item 71/1957 went to the Joint Intelligence Committee on Tuesday 22 October 1957. A copy of the agenda was found on file series A1838 control symbol 663/4/1/ Part 1 titled “Australian Defence Organisation Joint Intelligence Committee Business papers.” Item 5 was “Investigations into Reports of Unidentified Flying Objects”. The meeting was held in room 108 ‘A’ block (New wing) at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. The distribution list on the agenda shows copies of the agenda went to “List ‘B’; ASIO & E L D White Esq.”
Unfortunately a search of this file and also two other files:
A1838 TS652/3/2 Part 2 “Australian Defence Organisation Joint Intelligence committee Minutes”
A1838 TS663/4 Part 3 “Australian Defence Organisation Joint Intelligence Committee”
failed to locate a copy of the minutes of the meeting, so no record of the discussions or outcomes are available from these files.
However, on the front cover of file series JIO63, control symbol 3092/2/000, there is a notation to the effect that the matter “Will be put on agenda of next STISC meeting.” This note is dated 1 November 1957 and is signed “Sc I O” presumably short hand for Scientific Intelligence Officer. R H Mathams was the JIB Scientific Intelligence Officer at the time.
What was the STISC? The STISC was the Scientific and Technical Intelligence sub-committee of the Joint Intelligence Committee. No mention of STISC agenda, business papers or minutes can be found on any file so far examined. However, a 1960 list of STISC members showed the following:
R H Mathams (Chairman) Head, Scientific Intelligence Branch, JIB
Lt Cdr K J Price, Naval Representative, Joint Intelligence Branch
Major K Whyte, GSO2 M.18 Directorate of Military Intelligence
Sqn Ldr P T V Jessop, Guided Weapons Section, Department of Air, Melbourne.
G C Shaefer, Aeronautical Research Laboratory, Department of Supply.
No record of any files relating to the STISC can be found in the National Archives of Australia Recordsearch, so for now the trail goes cold.
A check of the above mentioned three files failed to locate any other JIC agenda items relating to UFOs between the years 1955 and 1961.
Other areas of the DOD since 1977
A check of other areas of the DOD, namely the Army, the Navy, the DSTO and the DOD intelligence areas by way of an FOI request in 2004 was met with a response that they were unable to locate any files originating in these areas dealing with the topic of UASs for the period 1977 to 2004.
Post 1994
With the latest change of policy, came a call for all areas of the RAAF to close off their files dealing with UAS. Twenty three such files were collected and lodged with the NAA in 1994. These files were examined at the Edinburgh RAAF Base in 2004.
So, since 1994 the DOD has referred all sighting reports from the general public to civilian UAS groups, and there has been no evidence that the RAAF has investigated any UAS reports in the period 1994 to date.
Courtesy of Adrian Ross of Canberra, the Project acquired a copy of a previously unknown “Defence Instructions (General) ADMIN 55-1,” dated 13 Jun 1996. ADMIN 55-1 concerns “Unusual Aerial Sightings Policy”.
Interestingly, as a DOD document, it has “Single service filing instructions,” namely “This instruction should be filed as NAVY ADMIN 65-7; ARMY ADMIN 77-1 and AIR FORCE ADMIN 13-7.”
It sets out the Department’s interest, or rather lack thereof, in UAS reports and advises callers should be directed to civilian UFO organisations and provides a listing of known Australian civilian groups.
Does the DOD have a position in 2008? It certainly does. The current Department web site has the following statement regarding UAS sightings:
“Unidentified Aerials Sightings (UAS)
Sightings of unusual or unidentified aerial objects or UFO's.
Provided by: Directorate of Concepts and Capability Development Royal Australian Air Force
Postal: Russell Offices Department of Defence Canberra ACT 2600
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) formerly had a responsibility for investigating and assessing the validity of UAS. After careful examination of the factual data and historical records that had been gathered over many years, it was determined that the collective evidence did not warrant the continued allocation of resources by the RAAF to investigate and report on UAS. Subsequently, the RAAF ceased this function.
Current Defence policy on UAS where members of the public may have questions on, or seek to report sightings, is to direct them to their local police authorities or civil Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) research organisations, through the relevant state telephone directory.” (10)
Answers to the first two questions;
The answers to the first two questions posed at the beginning of this work are:
Australian Government Departments, who received UAS reports, ultimately passed them on to the RAAF, which was the official repository for such reports within the Government. They did so because it was Government policy
From examination of Australian Government UAS documents, no evidence has been uncovered so far that any Government Department ever admitted conducting any “official” scientific research in to the UAS phenomenon.
However, the line of inquiry re the JIB/JIO suggests that “unofficial” research was conducted by O Harry Turner who was a JIB/JIO staff member, within the Department of Defence. This interest commenced in 1954 when DAFI asked Turner to examine UFO reports it held as at that date, and continued through to 1982 when Turner left the JIB/JIO.
A detour to the United Kingdom;
The RAAF’s early policy files reveal that from time to time (1955 (11); 1959 (12) ) the RAAF inquired as to the British Government’s position on the UAS phenomenon. It is therefore pertinent to ask did the UK Government ever conduct any scientific research into the UAS phenomenon?
Dr David Clarke and Andy Roberts in their 2002 book titled “Out of the Shadows” (13) reported upon their examination of hundreds of files generated by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD); the Royal Air Force and other Government bodies.
Clarke and Roberts found that the MoD’s Directorate of Scientific and Technical Intelligence (DSTI), its predecessors and later counterpart, had indeed studied UAS reports:
“The documentary evidence we have presented demonstrates that DSTI…has indeed played a significant role in UFO research and investigation, dating back to the first “flying saucer” waves of the 1950’s…” (p251)
What was the purpose of DSTI’s interest in looking at UAS reports? In 1967, the Deputy Director of Intelligence wrote:
“In our case, we have tailored our efforts to meet the minimum requirement of protecting UK airspace from any incursions which might pose a threat or a hazard.” (p179)
Consideration was given to the creation of a scientific post with DSTI for UAS investigations (p184). At that time, responsibility for investigation of interesting reports which had survived initial screening was the province of a scientist in DI55, Dr John Dickison (p182). Dickison was a space weapons expert (p172.)
However, by 2001 DSTI (now retitled DIST) decided to cease reviewing UAS reports made to the MoD as it had determined that UFOs were of no defence interest (p252.) That same year the MoD stated:
“The Ministry does not question the existence, or otherwise, of extraterrestrial life forms, about which it remains open minded. To date we are, however, unaware of any evidence which proves that these phenomena exist.” (p256)
Subsequent to this, a MoD analysis, published in the year 2000, became public knowledge. The Executive Summary contained the words: “…the information studied…leads to the conclusion that it does not have any significant Defence Intelligence value…” (14)
Answer to question three
Question three at the start of this article was “Were there any interesting “unknowns” found in Government files?” Appendix nine lists such cases. There are multiple cases which cried out for further intensive examination. Unfortunately, based on the evidence available on the Government’s own files, they did not receive the scientific attention they deserved.
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LINK; http://disclosureaustralia.freewebpages.org/
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1954 Caldbeck UFO Incident;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...a7b4de679a.jpg
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Country: New York, US
Subject: Marilyn Monroe
Date: 3 August 1962
Report No.: Blocked out
No. Pages: Blocked Out
References: [ROCK DUST?] Project 54 ;
TEXT:
Wiretap of telephone conversation between reporter Dorothy Kilgallen and
[illegible] alone (?) friend Howard Rothberg (A) from wiretap of
telephone conversation [gap] of Marilyn Monroe and Attorney General
Robert Kennedy (B).
Appraisal of Contents: [Blocked Out]
1. Rothberg discussed the apparent [illegible] of subject with Kilgallen
and the [illegible] breakup with the Kennedys. Rothberg told Kilgallen
that she was attending [illegible] Hollywood parties hosted by the
“inner circle” among Hollywood elite and [illegible] and was becoming
the talk of the town again. Rothberg indicated in so many words, that
she had secrets to tell, no doubt, arising from her trists [sic] the
President and the Attorney General.
One such [Illegible] mentions visit
by the President at a secret air base for the purpose of Inspecting
things from outer space. Kilgallen replied that she knew what might be
the source of the visit. In the mid-fifties, Kilgallen learned of secret
effort [sic] by US and UK governments to identify [illegible] origins of
crashed spacecraft and dead bodies, from a British government official.
Kilgallen believed the story may have come from the [Illegible] in the
late forties. Kilgallen said if that the story is true, it would
[Illegible] terrible embarrassment [Illegible] Jack and his plans to
have NASA put man on the moon.
2. Subject repeatedly called the Attorney General and complained about
the way she was being ignored by the President and his brother.
3. Subject threatened to hold a press conference and would tell all.
4. Subject made references to “bases” in Cuba and [knew?] [Illegible] of
the President’s plan to kill Castro
5. Subject made reference to her “diary of secrets” and what the
newspapers would do with such disclosures.
On the 4th MARCH 1954, A UFO crash at a crystal minefield at Caldbeck Cumberland England. A gamekeeper and his grandson had witnessed the crash and were detained by the military for two weeks until the wreckage and event was covered up. There was also a poacher name Dyker who came in contact with the spaceship and two alien with the face of the devil and reported it the local vicar at St Kentigerns (he was left alone because of his apparent non-recovery from his mental breakdown due to his close encounter, making him a non-threat.
UFO activity was monitored after this day under Operation Mariner on the Irish coast and a near miss was report by a pilot on the Magna Flux Exercise. But until this day hardly anything could be found about this, since the new FOIA by MOD release of new information has still to be seen.
source; http://www.book-of-thoth.com/article1789.html
http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/q...hirephoto1.jpg
Behind the scenes, the editor of the Sunday Dispatch, Charles Eade, was quietly encouraged to promote ‘flying saucer’ stories by his friend Lord Mountbatten whom he had served as Press officer during the Second World War (3). Mountbatten, who was at that time a personal believer in the ET origin of the saucers, felt the subject should be taken seriously and wanted to make the public aware of the “evidence.” The Sunday Dispatch played an influential role in creating the first real flying saucer invasion of Britain.
Source; http://www.uk-ufo.org/condign/casehoax2.htm
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Minnesota Vehicle Interference and Physical Traces Event, 1979:
quote;
"On August 27, 1979 a close encounter of the second kind occurred in the Red River Valley area of far northwestern Minnesota that is one of the most evidential UFO cases on record, and one of the best investigated".
TABLE OF CONTENT:
The events.
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshallcounty79.htm#doc
Encounter of the Decade, by Chris Rutkowski.
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshallcounty79.htm#cr
The confidential police report on the events.
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshall...report.htm#doc
The map of the location and the path of the witness and object.
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshallcounty79map.htm#doc
The photographs of the location.
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshall...79path.htm#doc
References.
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshallcounty79.htm#ref
THE EVENTS:
All external quotes below;
quote;
"Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson of Marshall County was on duty that night, driving not far from the North Dakota border, when at around 1:40 a.m. he saw a light through his side window. It was obviously not on a road and looked too glaring to be a car headlight. He first thought it might be a small plane on or very near the ground. He turned left on another road to try to get closer to the light to identify it. Suddenly, the light moved toward him, travelling so fast that it almost instantaneously was upon his car (covering an estimated mile and a half). Johnson was blinded by the brilliance of the light and heard glass breaking, then lost consciousness".
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...0fd6773309.jpg
1979,Minnesota-Sheriff Blinded by Light from UFO;
"When he returned to consciousness, the car was stalled and had skidded across the highway. He felt sluggish and shaky. He radioed headquarters, at 2:19 a.m., to request assistance. Soon another deputy arrived, who called an ambulance. The doctor who examined Johnson found him to be in a mild state of shock. His eyes were irritated as if Johnson had suffered "mild welder's burns," and Johnson couldn't stand to be exposed to any bright lights".
"The patrol car had very peculiar damage. The inside headlight on the driver's side was smashed but not the one to its immediate left. There was a flat-bottomed circular dent on the left side of the front hood, about a half inch in diameter, close to the windshield. There was a crack in the windshield on the driver's side, that ran from top to bottom, with four apparent impacts. The electric clock was running 14 minutes slow, as was Johnson's wristwatch. The shaft of the roof antenna was bent over at a 60-degree angle, starting about 6 inches above its base. The trunk antenna was bent over at 90 degrees, but only near the top. No damage occurred to the car's regular antenna on the front hood. Essentially, all the damage to the car occurred on the left, or driver's side".
"Investigations occurred immediately, both by the sheriff's department and by investigators from the Center for UFO Studies. The police determined that Johnson's car travelled about 950 feet after the first damage occurred. No cause could be found for the event, including collision with another vehicle or a low-flying plane, a hoax on the part of Johnson, or anything else. In addition, experts from Ford Motors (the vehicle was a 1977 Ford LTD) and a team of engineers from Honeywell examined various portions of the damage".
"A windshield expert, Meridan French, from Ford, noted after examining the windshield fractures that "Even after several days of reflection on the crack patterns and apparent sequence of fractures, I still have no explanation for what seem to be inward and outward forces acting almost simultaneously. I can only [conclude]... that all cracks were from mechanical forces of unknown origin." No cause could be found for the clock running slow, the peculiar antenna damage, or other physical traces".
"Fortunately, Johnson's eyes healed quickly, and he suffered no lasting effect from the close encounter".
ENCOUNTER OF THE DECADE:
quote;
"This is the article "Val Johnson's Encounter of the Decade," from The Swamp Gas Journal, Volume 1, No. 6, January, 1980, and No.7, April, 1980, by scientist and ufologist Chris Rutkowski".
Val Johnson's Encounter of the Decade;
"I first heard about Val Johnson's UFO experience on the WDAZ late news one night, several days after it had occurred. I called the station and was told that as far as they knew, it had already been investigated by CUFOS. Since it was just within UFOROM's investigation range, I would have left to check out the site, were it not that I figured it would by then have been adequately looked into by Allan Hendry of CUFOS. But by chance, a close associate, Guy Westcott, was vacationing in Minnesota around that time, and he took time out to visit the area on his own. Not only did he come back with a rather detailed investigation report, he reported that Hendry had not been there by the time he had left. Westcott went back to verify a few things on September 16, 1979, and obtained a taped report from Deputy Johnson, in his own words":
"This is Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson ... I report in connection with an incident which happened August 27th, 1979, at approximately 1:40 a.m., western section of Marshall County, approximately ten miles west of Stephen, Minnesota. This officer was on routine patrol, westbound down Marshall County Road #5. I got to the intersection of #5 and Minnesota State #220. When I looked down south #220 to check for traffic, I noticed a very bright, brilliant light, 8 to 12 inches in diameter, 3 to 4 feet off the ground. The edges were very defined. I thought perhaps at first that it could be an aircraft in trouble, as it appeared to be a landing light from an aircraft. I proceeded south on #220.
I proceeded about a mile and three tenths or a mile and four tenths when the light intercepted my vehicle causing damage to a headlight, putting a dent in the hood, breaking the windshield and bending antennas on top of the vehicle. At this point. at the interception of the light, I was rendered either unconscious, neutralized or unknowing for a period of approximately 39 minutes. From the point of intersection, my Police vehicle proceeded south in a straight line 854 feet, at which point the brakes were engaged by forces unknown to myself, as I do not remember doing this, and I left about approximately 99 feet of black marks on the highway before coming to rest sideways in the road with the grille of my hood facing in an easterly direction. At 2:19 a.m.,
I radioed a 10-88 (Officer Needs Assistance) to my dispatcher in Warren. He dispatched an officer from Stephen who came out, ascertained the situation as best he could, called for the Stephen Ambulance to transport me to Warren Hospital for further tests, x-rays and observation. At the time the officer arrived, I complained about having very sore eyes. At Warren Hospital, it was diagnosed that I had a mild case of welder's burns to my eyes. My eyes were treated with some salve and adhesive bandages put over and instructed to keep them on for the remainder of the day, or approximately 24 hours. At 11:00 a.m.,
Sheriff Dennis Breckie, my employer, picked me up at my residence in Oslo, and transported me to an ophthalmologist in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He examined my eyes and said I had some irritation to the inner portions of the eye which could have been caused by seeing a bright light after dark. That is all I have to add except to say that my timepiece in the Police vehicle and my mechanical wrist watch were both lacking 14 minutes of time to the minute."
A fascinating account of a very close encounter.
What's more, the UFO incident was thoroughly investigated by police immediately after it had occurred. Westcott's interpretation was that the ball of light was ball lightning. He makes an interesting case in that the previous evening had been hot and humid and could possibly have created a charge in the atmosphere during that day. Another supporting point is that Johnson estimated the object to have been 5 kilometres away near some trees, which just happen to be along a power line.
If we can assume that the plasma carried a large charge of some sort, upon contact with the leading edge of the car (the grille and headlights), it discharged some or all of its energy through the electrical system. This is quite amenable to effects noted for some theories of the creation of ball lightning. It has been proposed that the power output from a ball lightning plasma may be between 103 and 107 joules, nothing to sneeze at in any case. However, to explain all the EV effects, we have to allow the plasma ball to have mass in order to create a tangible and definite dent in the hood, or at least possess some sort of force, let us say, in newtons?
The bending of the antennas, in Westcott's opinion, is not due to an object traveling at high speed and striking the two aerials. Allen Hendry was widely quoted as saying that the bends occurred from an impact with an object. Westcott suggests that the aerials bent after whipping forward when the brakes were applied and struck the red outside dome light on the roof.
In support of this, Westcott noted two melted indentations in the rear of the dome light that could have been caused in that manner, and the bends are at what were appropriate heights in the antennas, each with "discoloration" of the metal. The aerials were taken to the Honeywell Labs in Minneapolis, which concluded that they were bent "by force" and "not heat." The magnetic pattern scan done on the car showed it was not subjected to a strong magnetic field.
These details come from various sources, and cover the salient points of the investigation. A UFORUM consultant in physics questioned the mechanism of the cause, but not the actual cause itself. Was it, therefore, a true case of ball lightning? Or was it something non-terrestrial?
UFOROM's investigation continued, and reached a major stage when all Johnson and the investigating officers were invited to Winnipeg to address the first Manitoba Conference on Ufology on March 16, 1980. Johnson's experience was the main focus of the meeting.
Frankly, it is one of the most puzzling incidents in the history of ufology. This strong statement is partly because of the fact that the case involves a man who has been described as "the perfect witness." At the time, Johnson was a Deputy Sheriff in Marshall County, Minnesota, and is a trained observer as well as an experienced police officer. The physical evidence suggests that something very strange happened to him in the early morning on a lonely stretch of road near the Red River.
The time sequence of events is very firmly established by both tape recorded and written logs of his actions that morning. The physical traces were examined and measurements were made immediately after the encounter by trained police investigators, and Johnson was taken to a hospital by ambulance directly from the site.
At MCU, the case was discussed and reviewed in detail by all participants, as presented by guests Val Johnson, Everett Doolittle and Greg Winskowski. Doolittle was the first individual to reach the site after Johnson radioed for help, and Winskowski conducted the initial police investigation. Many fascinating points were noted, as follows:
The Physiological Effects:
When Val Johnson was found by Everett Doolittle, he was slumped forward over the steering wheel and in mild shock. A bruise later appeared on Johnson's forehead, presumably caused by impact with the steering wheel. He was dazed, and said that "everything was in slow motion." He had an intense pain ("excruciating") in his eyes, and, having done some welding in his career, knew what welders' burn was like, comparing his pain to this.
"It was as if someone had hit me in the face with a 400 pound pillow," he said of the sensation of his head. However, he stated repeatedly that the only pain he experienced was from his eyes. This is extremely interesting in the light of dental examinations he had one week previous and one week after his experience. At the first, he had an extensive series of x-rays taken, in preparation for major dental work. His bridgework, including the caps on his front teeth, was intact. At the second examination, the dentist found that Johnson's bridgework was broken at the gums. Yet, no swelling or pain was felt.
The Physical Evidence:
When Everett Doolittle arrived on the scene, Val Johnson's police car was front-end-first in the left-hand ditch, with the other end sticking out into the left-hand lane of the road. The "impact point" was determined by the location of the broken glass of the headlight on the road, 953 feet from where the car was found. From that point, "yaw marks" (described as faint skid marks caused by putting a car out of gear without applying the brakes) travelled in a straight line for 854 feet down the road. These became dark skid marks from there to where the car stopped moving, going in a straight line for most of the remaining length, turning abruptly at the end toward the ditch.
The right member of the left pair of headlights was broken. There was a round dent, approximately one inch in diameter, directly over the master brake cylinder, on the hood. This dent appeared as if a hammer had struck the hood at an angle between 45 and 75 degrees from the horizontal. A photograph taken with a UV filter showed that there was a deposit left on the flat bottom surface of the dent.
The windshield of the car had an interesting pattern of breakage, In the shape of a teardrop (point up). This was located on the driver's side. There were three main impact points visible, though the lowest of the three was largest and most complex. Testing of the glass by the Ford Motor Company suggested that there were signs of both inward and outward motion of the windshield.
They were apparently unfamiliar with the breakage pattern. It is fairly obvious, though, that even a small stone would have been driven through the windshield, even at relatively low speed, so it is hard to interpret the shattering as an actual impact. However, it was noted at the Conference that the analytical findings bear some resemblance to those of a shock-wave-induced breakage.
The roof light which was affected had its glass knocked out. The police radio antenna on the center of the roof was bent about 5 inches up from the roof, at about a 45 degree angle. The CB antenna on the trunk was bent near its tip, at an angle near 90 degrees, 3 inches from the top.
An interesting observation. made by the police investigators was that all the damage on the vehicle occurred in a straight path no wider than twelve inches in diameter. Because of this "linear" formation, it was suggested that an object had struck a glancing blow to the car, initially impacting the headlight, rolling over the hood, up the window and over the roof. However, at the Conference, it was realized that this scenario could not account for all the damage in the form it was observed. An object hitting the car at the front would not have the capability to redirect its force downward further up the hood, graze the window and still have enough force to bend the antennas.
The antennas are spring loaded, so anything bending them would have to have been traveling extremely fast to create the shape they are now in. It was also proposed that the antennas were bent by a strong deceleration, causing them to whip forward. But the design of the antennas is such that they can withstand a strong deceleration without acute bending. Any deceleration of sufficient strength to bend them backwards as they moved forward might have killed the occupant. Most curiously, the insects adhered to the antennas were not wiped off from the impact, as might be expected.
The battery of the car can no longer hold a charge. It has been proposed that the headlight-and roof light were imploded by a high-energy electrical source. Ball lightning was suggested as a cause, but it could not have created the dent in the hood, nor the impacts on the window, let alone the bending of the antennas. The electric clock in the car was found to be missing 14 minutes. Strangely, Val Johnson's mechanical wristwatch was also lacking 14 minutes. This is indeed odd, because both were synchronized with the clocks in the police station earlier in the night, and all time checks after that agreed, as late as 01:00, only a short while before the incident.
Finally, the CB radio in the car, although It was said not to have been In the best working order before the incident, was described as being "even worse" after it.
Allan Hendry, of the Center for UFO Studies, sent a gauss-meter to the police investigator, in order for them to test for changes in the car's magnetic pattern. These results were, apparently, negative.
There was evidence of dust particles in the shattered glass, and it was suggested that this dust was the residue found in the round dent in the hood.
The Psychological Effects
When Val Johnson called for help, his voice was described as being "weak," and like "someone coming out of a daze." He had been, apparently, unconscious for 39 minutes, from the time he heard glass breaking and felt the light "hit" him, to the time he woke up, opening one eye to see the red ENGINE light on his dashboard. During that period, the car had travelled in a straight line for 953 feet, before veering to the left over the left lane into the ditch. He does not remember applying the brakes, yet the skid marks belie the fact that they were definitely applied.
At MCU, Johnson was asked what he thought had happened to him that morning. He said that he believed he "had seen something (he) wasn't supposed to see." Questioned on this, he could only speculate that he had stumbled upon somebody doing something that wasn't meant to be observed, and that his powers of observation had been effectively neutralized.
He also was asked if the procedure of regressive hypnosis had ever been suggested to him. He replied that the National Enquirer had asked him to submit to a regression, and offered to pay him for the exclusive rights of the results. He had rejected their offer. He was then asked if he would agree to a hypnotic regression with a clinical hypnotist, for research purposes, and not for publication. He said no, and added that he was "not curious" about what had happened to him that morning.
Everett Doolittle said after this that their file on the case is now closed, and that their investigation is now terminated, after reaching no conclusions. They stated that their investigation was over, and that the matter is now in the hands of the ufologists. They will not subject Johnson to either a polygraph or a regressive hypnosis, as they feel it is not necessary for their investigation. All three were asked if the Air Force, CIA or FBI had approached them, and they all answered to the negative.
Val Johnson was asked if he had since experienced any other unusual incidents such as extremely vivid dreams, MIB or psi phenomena. In response, he revealed a highly interesting thing; from time to time, he said, he will find himself thinking three words, which somehow stick in his mind. The words stay with him "like a McDonald's commercial," and he can find no reason for thinking them. The three words are: "I AM COMMITTED." He concluded by noting that if he ever saw that light again, he'd stop the car and "yell for help!"
Discussion:
This case was reviewed in detail at the conference, and photographs of the car were examined closely. Addition evidence was brought forth and theories were presented to try to account for all the evidence. Guy Westcott, a NOAP investigator, stated that he had found a "burn mark" in the field beside the road, while he was examining the site.
This mark, about 6-7 feet in diameter, had no vegetation on its surface and bore some resemblance to a fertilizer burn. Val Johnson said that a representative from the USDA (Agriculture Rep) expressed a personal interest in the case and had taken infrared aerial photographs of the site. These showed that the ditches on either side of the site had a "different" chlorophyll absorption than the surrounding fields.
After much debate, it eventually was concluded by the MCU participants that the incident was inconsistent with the theory of the car having been struck by an object of some sort, including ball lightning. The idea of hits by multiple objects was considered and found marginally tenable. However, there are 39 minutes to account for, a complex sequence of impacts by several objects and some effects caused at a short distance that still need satisfactory explanations. Actions by unknown individuals can be included in the list of possibilities. It is easily demonstrable that something very unusual happened that morning.
At the present time, there is no adequate explanation for the effects noted in the case, based on the proposed theories. Many questions still remain unanswered, and they may remain unanswered for some time to come. The Stephen, Minnesota, incident is listed in UFOROM files as "unknown."
Chris Rutkowski
August, 1996
REFERENCES:
In addition to the references reproduced at the top of this page, other references include:
"The UFO Encyclopedia: The Phenomenon from the Beginning," book by Jerome Clark (1998), Omnigraphics.
"Minnesota CEII: The Val Johnson Story," by Allan Hendry, International UFO Reporter Pt. I, 4 (Sept./Oct. 1979):4-9, and Pt II, 4 (November 1979): 4-10.
"Val Johnson's Encounter of the Decade," by Chris Rutkowski, The Swamp Gas Journal, Volume 1, No. 6, January, 1980, and No.7, April, 1980,
THE SHERIFF OFFICE'S INVESTIGATION REPORT:
This confidential report is from the Marshall County Department of the Sheriff, Minesotta, USA.
source quote;
"August 27, 1979-Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson of Marshall County was on duty that night, driving not far from the North Dakota border, when at around 1:40 a.m. he saw a light through his side window. It was obviously not on a road and looked too glaring to be a car headlight.
He first thought it might be a small plane on or very near the ground. He turned left on another road to try to get closer to the light to identify it. Suddenly, the light moved toward him, travelling so fast that it almost instantaneously was upon his car (covering an estimated mile and a half)".
"Johnson was blinded by the brilliance of the light and heard glass breaking, then lost consciousness".
"When he returned to consciousness, the car was stalled and had skidded across the highway. He felt sluggish and shaky. He radioed headquarters, at 2:19 a.m., to request assistance. Soon another deputy arrived, who called an ambulance".
"The doctor who examined Johnson found him to be in a mild state of shock".
"His eyes were irritated as if Johnson had suffered "mild welder's burns," and Johnson couldn't stand to be exposed to any bright lights.
The patrol car had very peculiar damage. The inside headlight on the driver's side was smashed but not the one to its immediate left. There was a flat-bottomed circular dent on the left side of the front hood, about a half inch in diameter, close to the windshield.
There was a crack in the windshield on the driver's side, that ran from top to bottom, with four apparent impacts. The electric clock was running 14 minutes slow, as was Johnson's wristwatch.
The shaft of the roof antenna was bent over at a 60-degree angle, starting about 6 inches above its base.
The trunk antenna was bent over at 90 degrees, but only near the top. No damage occurred to the car's regular antenna on the front hood. Essentially, all the damage to the car occurred on the left, or driver's side.
Investigations occurred immediately, both by the sheriff's department and by investigators from the Center for UFO Studies. The police determined that Johnson's car traveled about 950 feet after the first damage occurred.
No cause could be found for the event, including collision with another vehicle or a low-flying plane, a hoax on the part of Johnson, or anything else. In addition, experts from Ford Motors (the vehicle was a 1977 Ford LTD) and a team of engineers from Honeywell examined various portions of the damage.
A windshield expert, Meridan French, from Ford, noted after examining the windshield fractures that "Even after several days of reflection on the crack patterns and apparent sequence of fractures, I still have no explanation for what seem to be inward and outward forces acting almost simultaneously. I can only [conclude]... that all cracks were from mechanical forces of unknown origin."
No cause could be found for the clock running slow, the peculiar antenna damage, or other physical traces".
link;
THE EVENTS OF A MAP;
link; http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshallcounty79.htm
related links;
http://www.ufologie.net/htm/marshallcounty79.htm
http://www.ufoskeptic.org/marshall.html
http://www.ufocasebook.com/minnesotasheriff1979.html
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Thought i would add this material here to give some perspective on what some scientific academics perceptions are on this subject;This was also covered by the UK news paper "The guardian".
quote;
"The comments are part of an extraterrestrial-themed edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A published today. In it, scientists examine all aspects of the search for extraterrestrial life, from astronomy and biology to the political and religious fallout that would result from alien contact".
link source for above quote; http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...raterrestrials
The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society;
Martin Dominik1,* and John C. Zarnecki2
+ Author Affiliations;
1SUPA, University of St Andrews, School of Physics and Astronomy, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK;
2Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute (PSSRI), The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
*Author for correspondence ([email protected]).
Next Section;
Abstract;
"Astronomers are now able to detect planets orbiting stars other than the Sun where life may exist, and living generations could see the signatures of extra-terrestrial life being detected. Should it turn out that we are not alone in the Universe, it will fundamentally affect how humanity understands itself—and we need to be prepared for the consequences. A Discussion Meeting held at the Royal Society in London, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, on 25–26 January 2010, addressed not only the scientific but also the societal agenda, with presentations covering a large diversity of topics".
origin and evolution of life;http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.o...ulltext=phrase
extra-terrestrial life;http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.o...ulltext=phrase
extra-solar planets;http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.o...ulltext=phrase
astrobiology;http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.o...ulltext=phrase
search for extra-terrestrial intelligence;http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.o...ulltext=phrase
science and society; http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.o...ulltext=phrase
Previous Section;
Next Section;
1. The quest for exploration
"A thin layer around the surface of Earth is teeming with life of huge diversity: from micro-organisms to plants and animals, and even intelligent species. Up to now, this forms the only known sample of life in the Universe. However, observing the pinpoints of light on the night sky has probably always inspired humans to speculate about the existence of other worlds. It is, therefore, not surprising that there is a long history of thoughts about such a proposition (e.g. [1–5]). Despite the fact that it is straightforward to imagine that stars other than the Sun would also host planets, speculations turned into evidence only fairly recently: in 1992, the first planet around a special type of stellar remnant, namely pulsars, was found [6], and in 1995, the first detection of a planet around a star of similar composition to the Sun, namely 51 Peg b, was reported [7].
"The enormous progress in this field is reflected by the fact that, as of 1 June 2010, more than 450 extra-solar planets1 are known. While most of these are gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, some spectacular discoveries of about 20 planets of less than 10 Earth masses (e.g. [8–13]) have already indicated that rocky planets with conditions considered suitable to harbour life are probably rather common. The discovery of a true sibling of our home planet, therefore, seems to remain only a question of time "(cf. [14,15]).
"The active quest for extra-solar planets has opened a new chapter in the book of the search for extra-terrestrial life. This was already an active field of science with the exploration of the Solar System by means of space probes, which gave rise to a ‘space age’ from 1957 when Sputnik-1, the first Earth-orbiting artificial satellite, was launched. Current technology allows us to land a robotic chemistry laboratory on other Solar System bodies, or return samples to Earth, the latter coming with the advantage of being able to adapt analysis strategies to unexpected findings".
"Based on our current understanding, Mars, Europa, Enceladus and, if we consider life based on a liquid other than water, Titan are the most promising places for finding life signatures (cf. [16]). A direct search for life on Mars, rather than searching for evidence from fossils, was carried out as early as 1976 with the two Viking landers. However, the outcome of these experiments is still subject to an unresolved controversy (cf. [16,17]). A further opportunity to find alien life forms is given by the study of meteorites found on Earth (cf. [17]), where it is now well established that some of them originate from Mars [18]. However, the exchange of biological material between Solar System bodies might also mean that such life is not distinct from ours, but rather shares a common origin".
"Only shortly after the advent of the space age, it was proposed to use radio telescopes to search for signals arising from extra-terrestrial civilizations [19], while independently preparations for such an experiment, ‘Project Ozma’, were already under way [20]. This marked the birth of a scientific venture known as the ‘Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence’ or ‘SETI’ for short (e.g. [21])".
"Exploration of the unknown, making use of previously unavailable technology, led to ‘ages of wonder’ [22], where prevailing concepts have been challenged and new ideas and insight emerged. The study of the origins, evolution, distribution and future of life in the Universe, for which the term ‘astrobiology’ has been coined (following up on the earlier used ‘exobiology’), plays a critical role in a continuing era of enlightenment".
Previous Section;
Next Section;
2. Universality or uniqueness?
"We readily accept that the concepts of physics and chemistry apply throughout the cosmos and are valid for all time, but should this not make us wonder whether biology is universal as well [22], and not just a special feature that only applies to planet Earth"?
"There is actually no lack of the building blocks of life; the number of molecules fundamental to Earth’s biochemistry that have already been found in the interstellar medium, planetary atmospheres and on the surfaces of comets, asteroids, meteorites and interplanetary dust particles is surprisingly rather large. Giant ‘factories’, where complex molecules are being synthesized, appear to make carbonaceous compounds ubiquitous in the Universe" (cf. [23]).
"We are however left with a fundamental gap in understanding just at the point where molecules become ‘alive’. Nevertheless, it has been conjectured that life resembling that on Earth in its biochemistry is a cosmic imperative [24,25], following from the deterministic and reproducible nature of chemistry under given environment conditions, and the reproducibility of optimization by selection [26] from a large number of variants.
"The latter is strongly supported by the observed evolutionary convergence in the biological history on Earth, but it cannot be ruled out with certainty that our existence is a fluke arising from a highly improbable chance event" (cf. [27]).
"A strong case for the genesis of life being a ‘cosmic imperative’ would arise from the detection of a ‘shadow biosphere’ on Earth with a distinct ‘tree of life’ [28–30].
"So if there are alien civilizations at a comparable stage of evolution, one might expect that they do not differ that much from our own (cf. [27]). However, with the Sun just about half-way through its lifetime as a main-sequence star, with about 4.5 billion years remaining, that ‘comparable stage’ might constitute a rather short transient episode, and advanced extra-terrestrial life might be inconceivable to us in its complexity, just as human life is to amoebae".
Previous Section;
Next Section;
3. Our lack of knowledge and the arising challenges;
"The current state of the study of life in the Universe sees us being confronted with many questions cutting across various traditional fields of science, while leaving us with almost no answers. The inherent interdisciplinarity does not come as a surprise when realizing that we are investigating ourselves,2 our origins and future, and our role in the cosmos".
Our ignorance is most famously quantified by the Drake equation [30–32]
3.1
"which describes the number of civilizations N that are detectable by means of electromagnetic emissions (more particularly, radio signals) as a product of various factors, namely the rate of formation of suitable stars, the fraction fp of those with planetary systems, the number ne of planets per such system with conditions suitable for life, the fraction fl of such planets on which life actually develops, the fraction fi of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges, the fraction fc of emerged civilizations that develop technologies for propagating detectable signals and finally the time span L over which these civilizations disseminate such signals."
" Rather than as a product of numbers, the Drake equation should more appropriately be seen as a product of random variables with their respective distribution functions [33–35]. Interestingly, the uncertainty among the different factors in the Drake equation increases from left to right. The ‘astronomical factors’ , fp and ne are rather well determined as compared with the ‘biological factors’ fl and fi, while the ‘technological factor’ fc and even more the ‘societal factor’ L are the great unknowns. Despite the fact that the Drake equation has been devised for SETI, only the last three factors are specific to intelligent life or its detection by means of electromagnetic signals, whereas the others are relevant to any astrobiological context".
Let us suppose that life beyond Earth does exist. In order to detect it, we encounter substantial difficulties when aiming to define its characteristics, and in selecting signatures that are certainly incompatible with an abiogenic origin. Organic molecules with a carbon skeleton that are stable on geological time-scales form ‘chemical fossils’ that constitute an early record of life on Earth. Moreover, measured carbon isotope ratios in sedimentary rocks suggest the presence of microbial life already 3.8 billion years ago ([36]; cf. [17]).
It, however, requires biological material to determine whether life is truly ‘alien’, i.e. belonging to a ‘tree of life’ distinct from that of life on Earth. Evolutionary selection is likely to result in the use of a set of basic organic molecules, but it is a subject of debate whether there is a strong evolutionary convergence either to the one and only optimum or in such a way that the process of natural selection always leads to the same global optimum for all environments under which life can evolve, or whether a weak evolutionary convergence accounts for the possibility of ending up with different optima for the realization of life or its features.
Strikingly, a system of life based on molecules just of opposite chirality but otherwise identical to those that form the building blocks for life known on Earth appears to be a viable distinctive alternative (cf. [16,17,27]).
Out of the vast number of places in the Universe to look for life, what should guide our search? With no other account for life other than that on Earth and a lack of understanding of the properties and preferred environments of life as we do not know it, one readily tends to accept the null hypothesis that an efficient search should be oriented towards the set of conditions that is defined by the variety of terrestrial life forms.
Therefore, a widely adopted strategy is to search for liquid-water habitats, given that terrestrial biochemistry relies on liquid water as solvent (cf. [16,27]). Moreover, given the requirements of metabolism, energy is a more universal imperative for life, providing a further criterion to narrow down searches, and opening an opportunity to go far beyond characteristics that might be specific to life as we know it [37].
While it was the porphyrin nucleus, central to the structure of chlorophyll, that paved the way for using chemical fossils as biomarkers ([38]; cf. [17]), even before the age of photosynthesis life may have been living on energy sources bound within rocks, such as iron. Rather than just the presence of water or energy, it is the kinetics of water flows that constitute the crucial criterion for such processes to succeed (cf. [39]).
Not only has Earth initially provided an environment for life to develop, but also the resulting living organisms have subsequently shaped the planet. In particular, the large abundance of oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere is the result of biogenic photosynthesis. Such feedback mechanisms gave rise to the idea of describing the Earth’s biosphere, atmosphere, oceans and soil as a complex entity in what is referred to as the ‘Gaia theory’ [40,41].
In fact, it emerged from thoughts about simple signatures of life on another planet [42], and given that planets outside the Solar System cannot be explored by spacecraft, measurements of the abundance of molecules in the planetary atmosphere from related spectral features in order to construct a biosignature are the very limited ‘bits and pieces’ of information upon which we can draw conclusions about life. Such efforts mark one of the greatest challenges ever undertaken in observational astronomy (cf. [15]).
Previous Section
Next Section
4. Societal relevance and political action
The detection and further study of extra-terrestrial life will fundamentally challenge our view of nature, including ourselves, and therefore the field of astrobiology can hardly be isolated from its societal context, including philosophical, ethical and theological perspectives (cf. [43]).
With the detection of extra-terrestrial life being technically feasible, one needs to address whether perceived societal benefits command us to search for it, or whether such an endeavour may rather turn out to be a threat to our own existence (cf. [44]).
Modelled after the Torino Scale for asteroid/comet impact predictions [45] and the Rio Scale for a putative discovery of extra-terrestrial intelligence [46], the London Scale index (LSI) with values ranging from 0 to 10 together with an independently evaluated level of risk or biohazard [47] provides an assessment of the scientific importance, validity and potential risks associated with putative evidence of extra-terrestrial life discovered on Earth, on nearby bodies in the Solar System, or in our Galaxy.
Various scenarios of encounters with extra-terrestrial life have already been portrayed in the science-fiction literature and films, some of these being more scientific, others more fictional (cf. [48]). Imagination, however, must not be underestimated as a valuable means to advance knowledge towards new frontiers, and is not at all an unscientific concept. It is also valuable that a broad public has been given the opportunity to reflect on this topic.
Similarly, scientists involved in relevant research themselves should engage with journalists and the public (cf. [49]). Media reports and weblogs debating extra-terrestrial life, including those that relate to this very Royal Society Discussion Meeting, also provide some evidence on public opinion and reactions that can be expected.
If data are absent or ambiguous, we tend to argue by retreating to analogies or theories about universalities. Historical examples, however, need to be well understood before these can serve as a guide, which is demonstrated by the fact that history is full of misinterpretations and misconceptions of itself (cf. [48,49]). Rather than aliens invading Earth, most likely detection scenarios will involve microbial organisms and/or extra-terrestrial life at a safe distance that prevents physical contact.
As far as exploring other life forms is concerned, any strategy applied must exclude biological contamination—not only to protect ourselves, but also to preserve any alien life discovered as part of an overall commitment to enhancing the richness and the diversity of life in the Universe [16]. For such scenarios with well-contained risks, the dominant human response is unlikely to be one of fear and pandemonium [48].
Human perceptions and representations of alien life will not only derive from science, but, given that humanity is more than just a collection of logic and facts, they will be highly influenced by cultural and psychological factors. Therefore, reactions will not necessarily be homogeneous, and reality may defy common myths [49].
It is believed by some that establishing the presence of extra-terrestrial life as a fact will cause a crisis for certain religious faiths. A survey, however, shows that followers of all the main religious denominations as well as atheists declare that it will not be a problem for their own beliefs [50].
While scientists are obliged to assess benefits and risks that relate to their research, the political responsibility for decisions arising following the detection of extra-terrestrial life cannot and should not rest with them. Any such decision will require a broad societal dialogue and a proper political mandate. If extra-terrestrial life happens to be detected, a coordinated response that takes into account all the related sensitivities should already be in place.
In 1989, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) approved a SETI post-detection protocol [51], which was developed by one of its committees. Despite the fact that it has subsequently been endorsed by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) of the International Council for Science (ICSU), the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the International Union of Radio Science (URSI), the procedures laid out in that document are not legally enforcible.
If it remains a voluntary code of practice, it will probably be ignored in the event to which it should apply. Will a suitable process based on expert advice from proper and responsible scientists arise at all, or will interests of power and opportunism more probably set the scene (cf. [52])? A lack of coordination can be avoided by creating an overarching framework in a truly global effort governed by an international politically legitimated body.
The United Nations fora constitute a ready-made mechanism for coordination. Member States of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) will need to place ‘supra-Earth affairs’ on the agenda in order to take it further to the General Assembly, with the goal of establishing structures similar to those created for dealing with threats arising from potentially impacting near-Earth objects [53].
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5. Outlook
So far, there is no scientific evidence for or against the existence of life beyond Earth. All arguments about whether life is common and universal or whether we live in a unique place in the cosmos are rather based on philosophical beliefs and assumptions. Consequently, there is no way of predicting the outcomes of searches for extra-terrestrial life. This, however, surely drives the scientific imperative to test the hypothesis.
The year 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the first search for radio signals originating from other civilizations, a remarkably optimistic endeavour in 1960, particularly bearing in mind that up to now all SETI experiments have provided a negative result. One, however, has to realize that these have probed only our neighbourhood, up to about 200 light-years distant, whereas the centre of the Milky Way is 25 000 light-years away from us. And even if there is no other intelligent life in the Milky Way, it could still be hosted in another of the remaining hundreds of billions of other galaxies.
Advanced efforts are now on the drawing board or already under way for the further exploration of the Solar System and the search for biomarkers in the atmospheres of extra-solar planets, while searches for signals of extra-terrestrial intelligence are entering a new era with the deployment of the next generation of radio telescopes.
The study and understanding of life in the Universe encompasses many, if not all, of the fundamental questions in biology, physics and chemistry, but also in philosophy, psychology, religion and the way in which humans interact with their environment and each other. While we cannot be prepared for the unpredictable, the careful development of a societal agenda alongside a scientific agenda for the search for life elsewhere becomes mandatory.
Frequently, things are only seen in the proper context if observed from a far enough distance. The image of Earth taken by Voyager 1 from as near as about 40 AU, i.e. still within the outer regions of the Solar System, which depicts just a ‘pale blue dot’, proves insightful. As Carl Sagan [54] (p. 9) worded it: ‘Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light.’
For the first time in human history, living generations are now given a realistic chance to find out whether we are alone in the Universe. Should an answer be found one day, we will still be left with deeper questions to be answered: where do we come from, why are we here and where will we be going?
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Acknowledgements
We would like to express our thanks to the session chairs of the meeting, namely Steven Rose, Catherine Cesarsky, Jocelyn Bell-Burnell and Martin Rees, the reviewers of the papers in this issue, Uffe G. Jørgensen for a careful reading of this manuscript, Paul Browne and Christine Liebig for handling the microphones, and finally the event managers of the Royal Society, as well as the IT, catering and other staff without whom the meeting would not have been as enjoyable as it was.
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Footnotes
One contribution of 17 to a Discussion Meeting Issue ‘The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society’.
↵1 This number is likely to be out of date already by the time this paper is published, but the reader is referred to the ‘Extrasolar Planets Encyclopedia’ at http://exoplanet.eu.
↵2 As Frank Drake likes to point out.
This journal is © 2011 The Royal Society
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References
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Crowe M. J. (1986) The extraterrestrial life debate, 1750–1900 (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK).
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Drake F. 2011 The search for extra-terrestrial intelligence Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 369 633 643 (doi:10.1098/rsta.2010.0282) Abstract/FREE Full Text
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Maccone C. In press The living Drake equation of the Tau Zero Foundation Acta Astron. (doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2010.03.016) CrossRef
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↵ Bertka C. M., ed (2009) Exploring the origin, extent, and future of life—philosophical, ethical and theological perspectives (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK).
↵ Michaud M. A. G. (2006) Contact with alien civilizations—our hopes and fears about encountering extraterrestrials (Springer, Berlin, Germany).
↵ Binzel R. P. 1997 A near-Earth object hazard index Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 822 545 551 (doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb48366.x)
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link for all quotes and source references; http://rsta.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/current/
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Statements From Credible Sources on UFOs;1
While there are statements below in this list that have been read before there are some that i thought needed included;
"According to worthy information of faith, in our atmosphere objects arrive at high speed. No aircraft, neither in the United States, either in the Soviet Union is currently able to achieve the speed attributed to these objects from the radars and from the observatories. These objects appear to be driven by an intelligence the way in which they fly. According to reports from scientists and technical personnel, these objects fly in formation and finish manoeuvres that seem to point out that are not completely driven from an automatic equipment. These objects are in incontestable mode the result of long investigations and highly technological and exceptional knowledge."
Admiral S. Fahrney,head of missile testing for the American Navy
"It is impossible for any man-made machine to make a sudden appearance in front of a jumbo jet that is flying 910 kilometers per hour and to remain in steady formation paralleling our aircraft. ... Honestly, we were simply breathtaken."
Japan Airlines pilot Kenju Terauchi in 1986
"This is the first sighting in Zimbabwe where airborne pilots have tried to intercept a UFO. As far as my Air Staff is concerned, we believe implicitly that the unexplained UFOs are from civilizations beyond our planet."
Air Commodore David Thorne, Director of General Operations for the Zimbabwe Air Force in 1985.
"I have frequently been asked why a person of my background 'a former Chief of the Defence Staff, a former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee' why I think there is a cover-up (of) the facts about UFOs. I believe governments fear that if they did disclose those facts, people would panic. I don't believe that at all. There is a serious possibility that we are being visited by people from outer space. It behoves us to find out who they are, where they come from, and what they want."
Lord Admiral Hill-Norton (GCB), Chief of Defense Staff, Ministry of Defense, Britain; Chairman, Military Committee of NATO; Admiral of the Fleet; Member of House of Lords.
"It is time for the truth to be brought out in open Congressional hearings. Behind the scenes high ranking Air Force officers are soberly concerned about the UFOs. But through official secrecy and ridicule, many citizens are led to believe the unknown flying objects are nonsense."
Admiral Hillenkoetter-the first Director of the CIA, 1947-50.
February 27, 1960.
"Headquarters wouldn't let us go after it and we played around a little bit. We got to watching how it made 90 degree turns at this high speed and everything. We knew it wasn't a missile of any type, so then we confirmed it with the radar control station, and they kept following it, and then it crashed somewhere off between Texas and the Mexico border."
Colonel Robert Willingham, USAF from an Sworn Affidavit in the 1970's when discussing a sighting of a UFO whilst he was navigating an F94 jet on September 6th 1950.
"Flying saucers are real. Too many good men have seen them, that don't have hallucinations."
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker. World War I air ace.
"UFOs sighted in Indonesia are identical with those sighted in other countries. Sometimes they pose a problem for our Air Defence and once we were obliged to open fire on them."
Air Marshall Nurjadin Roesmin, Commander in Chief of the Indonesian Air Force in 1967.
"The most spectacular UFO incident in Indonesia occurred when during the height of President Sukarno's confrontation in Malaysia, UFOs penetrated a well defended area in Java for two weeks at a stretch, and each time were welcomed with perhaps the heaviest anti-aircraft barrage in history."
Air Commodore J. Salutun, National Aerospace Council of Indonesia, and a Member of the Indonesian Parliament in 1967.
"And don't tell me they were reflections, I know they were solid objects."
Lieutenant D. A Swimley, USAF in 1953 following the sighting of 8 UFOs that were confirmed on radar and witnessed numerous other people including commercial pilots and police officers.
"Something is going on in the skies that we do not understand. If all the airline pilots and Air Force pilots who have seen UFOs and sometimes chased them have been the victims of hallucinations, then an awful lot of pilots should be taken off and forbidden to fly."
Captain Kervendal, French Gendarmerie.
"The Air Force had put out a secret order for its pilots to capture UFOs. For the last six months we have been working with a congressional committee investigating official secrecy concerning proof that UFOs are real machines under intelligent..."
Major Donald Keyhoe,during a live TV broadcast on CBS in 1958 in which he was pulled from the air when he began to deviate from the prepared format of the programme.
"It appears to be a metallic object...tremendous in size, directly ahead and slightly above.I am trying to close for a better look."
Captain Thomas Mantell, USAF. These were his last words as he closed in on a UFO in 1948. Minutes later his plane was to crash and he was to lose his life.
"This was no ordinary UFO. Scores of people saw it. It was no illusion, no deception, no imagination."
Air Marshall Azim Daudpota, Zimbabwe speaking about a UFO sighting over the country in 1985.
"More than 10,000 sightings have been reported, the majority of which cannot be accounted for by any scientific explanation, eg that they are hallucinations, the effects of light refraction, meteors, wheels falling from aeroplanes, and the like. They have been tracked on radar screens and the observed speeds have been as great as 9,000 mph. I am convinced that these objects do exist and they are not manufactured by any nation on earth. I can therefore see no alternative to accepting the theory that they come from an extraterrestrial source."
Air Chief Marshall Lord Dowding, Commanding Officer of the RAF during WWII.
"I am convinced there was thought behind the thing's manoeuvres."
Lieutenant George Gorman, F51 pilot after being in a 30 minute dogfight with a small UFO in 1948.
"UFOs are real and they may come from outer space."
General Kanshi Ishikawa, Chief of Air Staff, 1967.
"Air Force interceptors still pursue UFOs as a matter of national security to this country and to determine technical aspects involved."
Major General Joe W. Kelly, 1957.
"Congressional investigations...are still being held on the problem of unidentified flying objects and the problem is one in which there is quite a bit of interest.
Since most of the material presented to the committee is classified, the hearings are never printed."
Congressman William H. Ayres, 1958.
"Saucers exist (I saw two). They were intelligently flown or operated (evasive tactics, formation flight, hovering). They were mechanisms, not United States weapons, nor Russian. I presume they are extraterrestrial."
Lt. Colonel Richard Headrick, radar bombing expert, 1959.
"My own present opinion, based on two years of careful study, is that UFOs are probably extraterrestrial devices engaged in something that might very tentatively be termed 'surveillance'."
Dr James McDonald before Congress, 1968.
"These UFOs are interplanetary devices systematically observing the Earth, either manned or under remote control, or both.Information on UFOs, including sighting reports, has been and is still being officially withheld."
Colonel Joseph J. Bryan III, founder member of the CIAs psychological warfare staff, advisor to NATO
"Before we could do anymore, the army, after conferring with (US) officials, ordered the investigation stopped."
Dr Paul Santorini regarding UFOs seen over Greece in 1946.
"Maximum security exists concerning the subject of UFOs."
CIA Director, Allen Dulles, 1955.
"I have discussed this matter with the effected agencies of the government, and they are of the opinion that is it not wise to publicize this matter at this time."
Senator Richard Russell, head of the Armed Services Committee, following his sighting of a UFO during an official trip to the Soviet Union in 1955.
"Every time I get skeptical, I think of the other reports made by experienced pilots and radar operators, scientists, and other people who know what they are looking at. These reports were thoroughly investigated and they are still unknowns.
We have no aircraft on this earth that can at will so handily outdistance our latest jets... The pilots, radar specialists, generals, industrialists, scientists, and the man on the street who have told me, I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't seen it myself, knew what they were talking about. Maybe the Earth is being visited by interplanetary space ships."
Captain Edward J. Ruppelt
Chief of Project Blue Book, from his book, The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, 1956.
"From their maneuvers and their terrific speed I am certain their flight performance was greater than any aircraft known today."
Colonel Carl Sanderson
USAF, commenting on his sighting of two circular silver UFOs in close proximity to his plane over Hermanas, New Mexico. The UFOs were said to make a series of seemingly impossible maneuvers before disappearing at an astonishing speed and showing up again over El Paso, Texas.
"We had a number of reports from reputable individuals (well-educated serious-minded folks, scientists and fliers) who surely saw something."
As Air Force Chief of Staff, in his 1965 autobiography, Mission With LeMay, stated that although the bulk of UFO reports could be explained as conventional or natural phenomena, some could not.
"Many of the mysteries might be explained away as weather balloons, stars, reflected lights, all sorts of odds and ends. I don't mean to say that, in the unclosed and unexplained or unexplainable instances, those were actually flying objects. All I can say is that no natural phenomena could be found to account for them... Repeat again: There were some cases we could not explain. Never could."
General Curtis LeMay
Statement from 1965 autobiography Mission With LeMay, with MacKinlay Kantor, New York: Doubleday, 1965.
"Sightings of unexplained objects at great altitude and traveling at high speeds in the vicinity of major US defense installations are of such nature that they are not attributable to natural phenomena or known types of aerial vehicles."
Dr .H Marshall Chadwell, former assistant director of the CIA's Office of Scientific Intelligence, in a December, 1952 memo to then-director of the CIA, General Walter B. Smith.
"Much evidence tells us UFOs have been tracked by radar; so, UFOs are real and they may come from outer space."
General Kanshi Ishikawa,Commander Chief of Air Staff of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force,1967.
"The evidence that there are objects which have been seen in our atmosphere, and even on terra firma, that cannot be accounted for either as man-made objects or as any physical force or effect known to our scientists seems to me to be overwhelming... A very large number of sightings have been vouched for by persons whose credentials seem to me unimpeachable. It is striking that so many have been trained observers, such as police officers and airline or military pilots. Their observations have in many instances... been supported either by technical means such as radar or, even more convincingly, by... interference with electrical apparatus of one sort or another..."
Admiral Lord Hill-Norton (GCB), Chief of Defense Staff, Ministry of Defense, Britain; Chairman, Military Committee of NATO; Admiral of the Fleet; Member of House of Lords.
"The phenomenon of UFOs does exist, and it must be treated seriously."
Mikhail Gorbachev,
Premiere of the Soviet Union.
Interview as reported in 'Soviet Youth',May 4th,1990.
"There are many reasons to beleive that they(UFOs)do exist:there is so much evidence from reliable witnessess."
Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh,
London sunday Dispatch,March 28th,1954.
"For the government to continue to maintain that UFOs are non-existent in the face of the documents already released and of other cogent evidence presented in this book is puerile and ,in a sense, an insult to the American people."
Dr J Allen Hyneck,Phd,
Former scientist with Project Bluebook.
"We have stacks of reports about flying saucers.We take them seriously when you consider we have lost many men and planes trying to intercept them."
General Benjamin Chidlaw,
Air Defense Command.
"The number of thoughtful,intelligent,educated people in full possession of their faculties who have 'seen something' and described it grows every day.We can say catergoricaly that mysterious objects have indeed appeared and continue to appear in the sky that surrounds us."
General Lionel M Chassin,
French Air Forces,
Air Defense Coodinator of the allied forces of NATO.
"UFO sightings are now so common,the military doesn't have time to worry about them....When a UFO appears,they simply ignore it.Unconventional targets are ignored because apparently we are only interested in the Russian targets,possible enemy targets.Something that hovers in the air ,then shoots off at 5000 miles per hour doesn't interest us because it can't be the enemy.
UFOs are picked up by ground and air radar and they have been photographed by gun camera all along.There are so many UFOs in the sky that the airforce has had to employ special radar networks to screen them out."
Lee Katchen,
NASA atmospheric physicist,June 7th,1968
"More than 10,000 sightings have been reported, the majority of which cannot be accounted for by any scientific explanation... I am convinced that these objects do exist and that they are not manufactured by any nation on Earth." "I can therefore see no alternative to accepting the theory that they come from some extraterrestrial source."
Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Air Force Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, printed in Sunday Dispatch, London, July 11, 1954.
"I've been convinced for a long time that the flying saucers are real and interplanetary. Another words we are being watched by beings from outer space."
Albert M. Chop, deputy public relations director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration,(NASA) and former United States Air Force spokesman for Project Blue Book.
"It is my thesis that flying saucers are real and that they are space ships from another solar system.There is no doubt in my mind that these objects are interplanetary craft of some sort. I and my colleagues are confident that they do not originate in our solar system."
Dr. Herman Oberth (The father of modern rockerty)
"I am completely convinced that UFOs have an out-of-world basis."
Dr. Walther Riedel (Once chief designer and research director at the German rocket center in Peenemunde)
"The possibility of reduced-time interstellar travel either by advanced extraterrestrial civilizations at present or ourselves in the future, is not fundamentally constrained by physical principles."
Dr. Harold Puthoff (Director, Institute for advanced studies at Austin, Author of fundamentals of Quantum Electronics)
"The least improbable explanation is that these things are artificial and controlled ... My opinion for some time has been that they have an extraterrestrial origin."
Dr. Maurice Biot (leading aerodynamicists and mathematical physicist)
"I feel that the Air Force has not been giving out all the available information on the Unidentified Flying Objects. You cannot disregard so many unimpeachable sources."
John W. McCormack, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States. January (1965)
"I certainly believe in aliens in space, and that they are indeed visiting our planet. They may not look like us, but I have very strong feelings that they have advanced beyond our mental capabilities."
Senator Barry Goldwater (1965)
(Retired Air Force Brigadier General and pilot with many decades of flying experience)
"I strongly recommend that there be a committee investigation of the UFO phenomena. I think we owe it to the people to establish credibility regarding UFOs and to produce the greatest possible enlightenment on this subject."
President Gerald Ford (1966)
"I looked out the window and saw this white light.It was zigzagging around. I went up to the pilot and said,Have you ever seen anything like that? He was shocked and he said, "Nope." And I said to him: "Let's follow it!" We followed it for several minutes. It was a bright white light.We followed it to Bakersfield, and all of a sudden to our utter amazement it went straight up into the heavens. When I got off the plane I told Nancy all about it."
President Ronald Reagan (Describing his 1974 UFO encounter to veteran newsman Norman C. Miller, then Washington bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal.)
"The Air Force has arrived at the conclusion that a certain number of anomalous phenomena has been produced in Belgian airspace.
The numerous testimonies of ground observations reinforced by the reports of the night March 30-31 (1990) have led us to face the hypothesis that a certain number of unauthorised aerial activities have taken place.
The day will undoubtedly come when the phenomenon will be observed with the technological means of detection and collection that won't leave a single doubt about its origin.
This should lift a part of the veil that has covered the mystery for a long time; a mystery that continues to be present.
But it exists, it is real, and that in itself is an important conclusion."
Colonel Wilfred De Brouwer, Chief of Operations for the Belgian Air Force in 1990 following a spate of sightings over the country witnessed by hundreds of people. Many of the sightings were confirmed on radar.
"I must say that if listeners could see for themselves the mass of reports coming in from the airborne gendarmerie, from the mobile gendarmerie, and from the gendarmerie charged with the job of conducting investigations, all of which reports are forwarded by us to the National Center for Space Studies, then they would see that it is all pretty disturbing."
"I believe that the attitude of spirit that we must adopt vis-à-vis this phenomena is an open one, that is to say that it doesn't consist in denying apriori, as our ancestors of previous centuries did deny many things that seem nowadays perfectly elementary."
M. Robert Galley - French Minister of Defense. From an interview by Jean-Claude Bourret, on February 21, 1974.
"I have been over the years very skeptical like many others. But in the last ten years or so, I have known the late Dr. Alan Hynek - who I highly admire. I know and currently work with Dr. Jacques Vallee. I've come to realize that the evidence is building up to make this a valid and researchable question.
Further, because my personal motivation has always been to understand our universe better, and my own theoretical work has convinced me that life is everywhere in the universe that has been permitted to evolve, I consider this a very timely question... By becoming more involved with the serious research field, I've seen the evidence mount towards the truth of these matters. I rely upon the testimony of contacts that I have had - old timers - who were involved in official positions in government and intelligence and militiary over the last 50 years. We cannot say that today's government is really covering it up - I think that most of them don't know what is going on anymore than the public..."
Dr. Ed Mitchell Apollo 14 Astronaut, MSN Interview 10/98
"...I've been asked about UFOs and I've said publicly I thought they were somebody else, some other civilization."
Commander Eugene Cernan, Commanded the Apollo 17 Mission - quote from a 1973 article in the Los Angeles Times.
"I concentrate on the science. I'm interested in the UFOs seen by the police and military witnesses. I'm interested in the near misses that pilots report, where their aircraft nearly collide with these things. I'm interested in the visual sightings backed up by radar. I'm interested in the military bases that are overflown by these things. I'm interested in the cases where you have radiation readings on the ground.
These are no lights in the sky. These are not misidentifications of fantasy prone individuals. This is a cutting-edge technology being reported by reliable, trained observers, and it is something that goes beyond what we can do.
That to me suggests that if it is not ours, it belongs to someone else. If that technology is better than ours, then the extraterrestrial hypothesis seems to me the best explanation."
Nick Pope
Head of the "UFO desk" at Air Secretariat 2-A, British Ministry of Defence from 1991-1994.
"I shall be very glad to accept appointment as a member of the (NICAP) Board of Governors and be listed as a 'believer' in the reality of UFO's, with the understanding that I shall resign if it appears at any time that your big group is being used to cover up for the top brass.
I know that there is a real need to break through the official Washington brush-off and get the truth home to the people. There seems to be a great fear among the powers that be that the American people will panic if told the truth. How little they know and understand their countrymen.
I feel that millions of our people already believe in the reality of the UFO's."
Admiral M Herbert B Knowles
US Navy
"First of all, I told a magazine this past January that, as an underdeveloped country with regards to the UFO problem, Japan had to take into account what should be done about the UFO question, and that we had to spend more time on these matters. In addition, I said that someone had to solve the UFO problem with far reaching vision at the same time. Secondly, I believe it is a reasonable time to take the UFO problem seriously as a reality...
I hope that this Symposium will contribute to peace on earth from the point of view of outer space, and take the first step toward the international cooperation in the field of UFOs. From the point of view of 'people' in outer space, all human beings on earth are the same people, regardless of whether they are American, Russian, Japanese, or whoever."
Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu - From an interview with students of Waseda University in Tokyo in November 1989.
"This craft was 50 to 60 feet long with a grey metallic structure. On the front of this craft was a large steady bright red light. I could delineate where the red stopped on the structure of this craft because red was reflecting off the grey structure. The design of this craft was symmetrical in shape with a prominent aft indentation on the undercarriage. From this portion of the undercarriage, a green light, pyramid-shaped, emerged with the light initially in the trail position.
This green light then swung 90 degrees, coming directly into the front windshield and lighting up the entire cockpit of the aircraft. All colors inside the cabin of the helicopter were absorbed by this green light. That includes the instrument panel lights on the aircraft."
"As a result of my experience, I am convinced this object was real and that these types of incidents should require a thorough investigation."
Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence J. Coyne describing UFO encounter he witnessed with three other airmen over Mansfield Ohio,October 18, 1973.
Quote taken from United Nations UFO hearing in 1978
"Everything is in a process of investigation both in the United States and in Spain, as well as in the rest of the world... Look, as a General, as a military man, I have the same position as the one officially held by the Ministry [of Defense]. Now, from a personal position, as Carlos Castro Cavero, I believe that UFOs are spaceships or extraterrestrial craft...
The nations of the world are currently working together in the investigation of the UFO phenomenon. There is an international exchange of data. Maybe when this group of nations acquire more precise and definite information, it will be possible to release the news to the world."
"I myself have observed one [UFO] for more than an hour... It was an extremely bright object, which remained stationary there for that length of time and then shot off towards Egea de los Caballeros, covering the distance of twenty kilometers in less than two seconds. No human device is capable of such a speed."
General Carlos Castro Cavero ,Spanish Air Force - From a 1976 interview with journalist J.J. Benítez.
"The opposite conclusion could have been drawn from The Condon Report's content, namely, that a phenomenon with such a high ratio of unexplained cases (about 30 percent) should arouse sufficient scientific curiosity to continue its study."
"From a scientific and engineering standpoint, it is unacceptable to simply ignore substantial numbers of unexplained observations... the only promising approach is a continuing moderate-level effort with emphasis on improved data collection by objective means... involving available remote sensing capabilities and certain software changes."
Ronald D Story - American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics UFO Subcommittee -New York: Doubleday, 1980
"We had many adventures flying under primitive conditions in the frozen north, but none compared with this." "I looked back and saw something that didn't make sense," "It was nothing like flying machines of that period," "It was hexagonal, flat, and seemingly made of aluminum or some other metal, with no breaks in the surface and no rivets." "At the time, I had a spooky feeling. I can't explain it. It was as if I 'felt' the presence of whoever was inside that craft--and the feeling was hostile."
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Grunnet-Royal Danish Air force, describing incident in H. E. 8 seaplane over Greenland,1932.
"UFOs are impossible to deny....It is very strange that we have never been able to find out the source for over two decades."
Colonel Fuijo Hayashi - Commander of the Air Transport Wing of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force , statement made in 1960.
“For six hours ... there were at least ten unidentifiable objects moving above Washington. They were not ordinary aircraft."
Harry G. Barnes-Senior Air Traffic Controller for the C.A.A. discussing Washington sightings 1952.
"We have, indeed, been contacted - perhaps even visited - by extraterrestrial beings, and the U.S. government, in collusion with the other national powers of the earth, is determined to keep this information from the general public.”
"The purpose of the international conspiracy is to maintain a workable stability among the nations of the world and for them, in turn, to retain institutional control over their respective populations.
Thus, for these governments to admit that there are beings from outer space... with mentalities and technological capabilities obviously far superior to ours, could, once fully perceived by the average person, erode the foundations of the earth's traditional power structure. Political and legal systems, religions, economic and social institutions could all soon become meaningless in the mind of the public.
The national oligarchical establishments, even civilization as we now know it, could collapse into anarchy.”
"Such extreme conclusions are not necessarily valid, but they probably accurately reflect the fears of the 'ruling classes' of the major nations, whose leaders (particularly those in the intelligence business) have always advocated excessive governmental secrecy as being necessary to preserve 'national security."
Victor Marchetti - Former Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the CIA, May 1979.
"I doubt that the phenomenon was any terrestrial reflection, because... nothing of the kind has ever appeared before or since... I was so unprepared for such a strange sight that I was really petrified with astonishment."
Dr. Clyde W. Tombaugh, American astronomer who discovered the planet Pluto. On August 20, 1949, he observed a UFO that appeared as a geometrically arranged group of six-to-eight rectangles of light, window-like in appearance and yellowish-green in color, which moved from northwest to southeast over Las Cruces, New Mexico.
"I must admit that any favorable mention of the flying saucers by a scientist amounts to extreme heresy and places the one making the statement in danger of excommunication by the scientific theocracy. Nevertheless, in recent years I have investigated the story of the unidentified flying object (UFO), and I am no longer able to dismiss the idea lightly." (Paper on "Exobiology" presented at the First Annual Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium, held at the United States Air Force Academy, in May 1964).
Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, Professor of Plant Physiology at Utah State University
"We watched it for quite a few minutes. We could see it was larger than the headlights of the cars below. And we could see it was not attached to anything. And there was no sound. I became frightened actually, because it wasn't anything I could understand... from a personal viewpoint, I am pretty well convinced that we are being surveyed." (Look magazine, 1967.)
Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Professor of psychology at the University of Wyoming had his first UFO sighting in 1951 when he and a friend saw "something in the sky, round and metallic looking."
"There are unidentified flying objects. That is, there are a hard core of cases - perhaps 20 to 30 percent in different studies - for which there is no explanation... We can only imagine what purpose lies behind the activities of these quiet, harmlessly cruising objects that time and again approach the earth. The most likely explanation, it seems to me, is that they are simply watching what we are up to." (Redbook, vol. 143, September 1974.)
Dr. Margaret Mead, world-renowned Anthropologist.
"Reports of anomalous aerial objects (AAO) appearing in the atmosphere continue to be made by pilots of almost every airline and air force of the world in addition to private and experimental test pilots..
We're not dealing with mental projections or hallucinations on the part of the witness but with a real physical phenomenon."
Dr. Richard Haines, Psychologist specializing in pilot and astronaut "human factors" research for the Ames NASA Research Center in California-Chief of the Space Human Factors Office.
"Skeptics, who flatly deny the existence of any unexplained phenomenon in the name of 'rationalism,' are among the primary contributors to the rejection of science by the public. People are not stupid and they know very well when they have seen something out of the ordinary. When a so-called expert tells them the object must have been the moon or a mirage, he is really teaching the public that science is impotent or unwilling to pursue the study of the unknown."
Dr. Jacques Vallee, astrophysicist
"There are too many independent eyewitness reports to ignore. Too many of the reports describe coherent physical effects, and there is an agreement among the accounts concerning what was observed... But of course there are also physical effects. The Air Force report [of the F-16 jet scramble incident on the night of March 30-31, 1990] allows us to approach the problem in a rational and scientific way. The simplest hypothesis is that the reports are caused by extraterrestrial visitors, but that hypothesis carries with it other problems. We are not in a rush to form a conclusion, but continue to study the mystery."
Dr. Auguste Meessen, Professor of physics at the Catholic University in Louvain.
"The phenomenon seems to be real... The general coherence of sighting reports worldwide should not leave researchers indifferent. One does not conceive objective arguments to justify an attitude that would avoid at all cost these observations... The risk is, at worst, to confirm the existence of unknown vehicles appearing erratically into our atmosphere - a hypothesis that seems to explain nearly all reported aspects of the phenomenon and could be linked to the current (1970) exobiology branch of space research." (1971 Statistical Study prepared for the CNES and French officials.)
Dr. Claude Poher, expert on aeronautics, astronomy and astronautics, engineer at the French Space Agency (CNES) for thirty years
"Unidentified flying objects are a very serious subject which we must study fully. We appeal to all viewers to send us details of strange flying craft seen over the territories of the Soviet Union. This is a serious challenge to science and we need the help of all Soviet citizens."
"Observations show that UFOs behave 'sensibly.' In a group formation flight, they maintain a pattern. They are most often spotted over airfields, atomic stations and other very new engineering installations. On encountering aircraft, they always maneuver so as to avoid direct contact. A considerable list of these seemingly intelligent actions gives the impression that UFOs are investigating, perhaps even reconnoitering...
The important thing now is for us to discard any preconceived notions about UFOs and to organize on a global scale a calm, sensation-free and strictly scientific study of this strange phenomenon. The subject and aims of the investigation are so serious that they justify all efforts. It goes without saying that international cooperation is vital."
Dr. Felix Y. Zigel, Professor of mathematics and astronomy at the Moscow Aviation Institute
"The Central Intelligence Agency has reviewed the current situation concerning unidentified flying objects which have created extensive speculation in the press and have been the subject of concern to Government organizations... Since 1947, approximately 2,000 official reports of sightings have been received and of these, about 20% are as yet unexplained."
"It is my view that this situation has possible implications for our national security which transcend the interests of a single service. A broader, coordinated effort should be initiated to develop a firm scientific understanding of the several phenomena which apparently are involved in these reports..." (1952 memorandum to the National Security Council.)
General Walter Bedell Smith, Director of the CIA from 1950-53
"I wish to give you a summary of what is known in the world about 'flying discs,' of what is known about the opinion of qualified experts who have dealt with this matter. The problem of 'flying discs' has polarized the attention of the whole world, but it's serious and it deserves to be treated seriously. Almost all the governments of the great powers are interested in it, dealing with it in a serious and confidential manner, due to its military interest." (O'Cruzeiro magazine, Rio de Janeiro, December 11, 1954)
Colonel Brigadier General João Adil Oliveira, Chief of the Air Force General Staff Information Service,Brazil
"The type of UFO reports that are most intriguing are close-range sightings of machine-like objects of unconventional nature and unconventional performance characteristics, seen at low altitudes, and sometimes even on the ground. The general public is entirely unaware of the large number of such reports that are coming from credible witnesses... When one starts searching for such cases, their number are quite astonishing. Also, such sightings appear to be occurring all over the globe." (Hearings before the Committee on Science and Astronautics, U.S. House of Representatives, July 29, 1968.)
Dr. James E. McDonald, Senior Physicist at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Robert M. L. Baker, Jr., President of West Coast University; author of two astrodynamics textbooks; head of Lockheed's Astrodynamics Research Center (1961-64); member of the faculty of Astronomy and Engineering at UCLA (1959-71).
In 1968, he made the following statement concerning the one U.S. radar system in operation at that time that, to his knowledge, exhibited sufficient continuous coverage to reveal UFOs operating above the earth's atmosphere:
"The system is partially classified and, hence, I cannot go into great detail... Since this particular sensor system has been in operation, there have been a number of anomalistic alarms. Alarms that, as of this date, have not been explained on the basis of natural phenomena interference, equipment malfunction or inadequacy, or man-made space objects."
(1968 Congressional Hearings)
Dr. Robert M. L. Baker, Jr.
"We've got no conclusions, except after this, do not give us the old routine of Venus, weather balloons, aircraft and the like which has been given as a general panacea for almost every case of UFOs."
Captain Jose Lemos Ferreira, with Sergeants Alberto Covas, Salvador Oliviera, and Manuel Marcilino, after an alleged encounter with a UFO on a flight out of Ota Air Base, Portugal
"The real danger to the U.S. and perhaps this whole planet is the government has placed such a heavy blanket of secrecy upon this issue. So much secrecy, those in government who have knowledge showing UFOs are identifiable feel the subject cannot be discussed by those in the know without serious repercussions. Others are afraid their friends and co-workers will think they are crazy if they even so much as insinuate that UFOs are identifiable as manned craft from outside the earth.
This particularly applies to newspaper editors and publishers, reporters and analysts. Thus the U.S. is denying itself the chance to learn more about UFOs or to encourage research despite the fact the U. S. stands to gain from such discussions. . . "
Sarah McClendon, White House Correspondent, and Dean of the White House Press Corps--exerpts from a press release by McClendon on March 30, 1998
"I think it’s time to open the books on questions that have remained in the dark; on the question of government investigations of UFOs. It’s time to find out what the truth really is that’s out there. We ought to do it because it’s right; we ought to do it because the American people quite frankly can handle the truth; and we ought to do it because it’s the law."
John Podesta - Bill Clinton White House Chief of Staff ,News Conference October 22, 2004
"I don't know whether this story has ever been told or not. They weren't called UFOs. They were called enemy helicopters. And they were only seen at night and they were only seen in certain places. They were seen up around the DMZ in the early summer of '68. And this resulted in quite a little battle. And in the course of this, an Australian destroyer took a hit and we never found any enemy, we only found ourselves when this had all been sorted out. And this caused some shooting there, and there was no enemy at all involved but we always reacted. Always after dark. The same thing happened up at Pleiku at the Highlands in '69."
USAF Chief of Staff General George S. Brown
DoD Transcript of Press Conference in Illinois (10/16/1973).
"As a member of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, I, of course, have had contact with high Air Force officers and have had opportunity to hear their comments on and off the record on the subject of unidentified flying objects. Despite being confronted with seemingly unimpeachable evidence that such phenomena exist, these officers give little credence to the many reports on the matter.
When pressed on specific details the experts refuse to answer on grounds that they are involved in the nation's security and cannot be discussed publicly ...I will continue to seek a definite answer to this most important question."
Congressman Joseph E. Karth - Aug 24, 1960
"I feel that the Air Force has not been giving out all the available information on the Unidentified Flying Objects. You cannot disregard so many unimpeachable sources."
John McCormack, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States; Jan 1965
"Many of the reports that cannot be explained have come from intelligent and technically well-qualified individuals whose integrity cannot be doubted."
Major General E.B. LeBaily, USAF Director of Information -Sept 28, 1965 letter to USAF Scientific Advisory Board.
"The trick would be to describe the project so that, to the public, it would appear a totally objective study, but to the scientific community would present the image of a group of nonbelievers trying their best to be objective but having an almost zero expectation of finding a saucer."
Robert Low, University of Colorado senior administrator, former intelligence officer, and assistant director of the Condon Committee, in a confidential 1966 memo suggesting the approach of the Condon UFO study.
"My study of past official Air Force investigations (Project Blue Book) leads me to describe them as completely superficial. Officially released 'explanations' of important UFO sightings have been almost absurdly erroneous."
James McDonald, speech to American Meteorological Society 1966.
"UFOs defy worldly logic... The human mind cannot begin to comprehend UFO characteristics: their propulsion, their sudden appearance, their disappearance, their great speeds, their silence, their manoeuvre, their apparent anti-gravity, their changing shapes."
Earl of Kimberly, House of Lords Debate on Unidentified Flying Objects, Jan. 18, 1979.
"Many men have seen them [UFOs] and have not been mistaken. Who are we to doubt their word?... Only a few weeks ago a Palermo policeman photographed one, and four Italian Navy officers saw a 300-foot long fiery craft rising from the sea and disappearing into the sky... Why should these men of law enforcement and defense lie?"
Lord Rankeillour, Member of the House of Lords
"I still do not know why the high order of classification has been given and why the denial of the existence of these objects [has been perpetuated]."
Dr. Robert Sarbacher,Nov. 29, 1983.
"Most scientists have never had the occasion to confront evidence concerning the UFO phenomenon. To a scientist, the main source of hard information (other than his own experiments' observations) is provided by the scientific journals. With rare exceptions, scientific journals do not publish reports of UFO observations. The decision not to publish is made by the editor acting on the advice of reviewers. This process is self-reinforcing: the apparent lack of data confirms the view that there is nothing to the UFO phenomenon, and this view (prejudice) works against the presentation of relevant data."
Peter A. Sturrock, "An Analysis of the Condon Report on the Colorado UFO Project," Journal of Scientific Exploration, Vol.1, No.1, 1987
"What I found was compelling evidence to claim that most of these aerial objects far exceeded the terrestrial technology of the era in which they were seen. I was forced to conclude that there is a great likelihood that Earth is being visited by highly advanced aerospace vehicles under highly 'intelligent' control indeed."
Dr Richard F. Haines-Retired NASA senior research scientist,Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science,1998.
“Having spent a great deal of my life in the air, as a pilot... I know that many pilots... have seen phenomena that they could not explain. These men, most of whom have talked to me, have been very reticent to talk about this publicly, because of the ridicule that they were afraid would be heaped upon them... However, there is a phenomena here that isn't explained.”
Congressman Jerry L. Pettis - House Committee on Science and Astronautics hearing on UFOs,Ninetieth Congress, Second Sesson,July 29, 1968.
"Three objects appeared beneath the clouds, their color a rather bright red. As they approached the ship they appeared to soar, passing above the broken clouds. After rising above the clouds they appeared to be moving directly away from the earth. The largest had an apparent area of about six suns. It was egg-shaped, the larger end forward.
The second was about twice the size of the sun, and the third, about the size of the sun. Their near approach to the surface appeared to be most remarkable. That they did come below the clouds and soar instead of continuing their southeasterly course is also curious. The lights were in sight for over two minutes and were carefully observed by three people whose accounts agree as to the details."
Lt. Frank Schofield - Later Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet.
Aboard the U.S.S. Supply,Eastern Coast of Korea,February 28, 1904.
"Scientifically we eliminate the simple hypotheses: It's not a plane. It's not a helicopter. It's not a natural phenomenon because the descriptions don't match. Therefore this global phenomenon resists any other explanation. The only remaining hypothesis is the hypothesis of extraterrestrial origin."
L. Clerebaut -Secretary General, Belgian Government.
"If one human being out of tens of thousands who allege to have seen these phenomena is telling the truth, then there is a dire need for us to look into the matter."
Lord Davies of Leek-Member of the House of Lords.
"An object 'like an oblong pearl' drew steadily closer until perhaps a mile away when, right under my gaze as it were, it suddenly vanished. . . .But it reappeared close to where it had vanished. . . .It drew closer. I could see the dull gleam of light on nose and back. It came on, but instead of increasing in size, it diminished as it approached! When quite near, it suddenly became its own ghost. For one second I could see clear through it and the next. . .it had vanished."
Sir Francis Chichester -June 10, 1931 ,Flying in the Gypsy Moth over the Tasman Sea.
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Statements From Credible Sources on UFOs;2
"There are some definite flight type characteristics that are seen now that I would say represent genuine UFOs...ie: instant acceleration; instant stop; vertical acceleration -up into the air and down to the ground; reverses in direction; right angle turns -all in silence -multiple objects sometimes separating and then going back into each other.
They are classic,what I would call,genuine UFO characteristics -things that we can not do in a conventional sense."
British Detective Constable Gary Heseltine - Police UFO reporting organisation, PRUFOS
"This thing had to be going double-digit mach making turns that I didn’t think were possible, breaking all the rules of physics,
The man that visited me later told me in no uncertain terms to keep quiet. He told me I would lose my pilot’s license and it would be the end of my flying days, so for 30 years I've said nothing.”
Retired Air Force pilot Milton Torres discussing his F-86D Sabre fighter jet UFO incident in 1957 in which he was ordered to shoot down a UFO hovering over the British countryside.
Air Force Times Interview, Oct 22nd, 2008.
"I uttered something that brought us to the attention of Dr. Gilruth and the others. "What the crap is that? What caused me to utter that phrase was, the object took off straight up and went out of sight in less than a second. It may have been longer, but seemed like it was gone in the blink of an eye, but I was still aware that it had actually gone straight up. One of the men there, I still think it was Everette Shafer, turned and asked us what we were doing in the room, and we told them that we were there to inspect the fire alarm panel at the rear of the room and to take our smoke break. And to ask a question of our own. What in hell was that about?"
Dayne Hatten -NASA Fireman Apollo 15
"From 1969 to 1972, the ufological activities of this organization, were most varied, including the elaboration of information bulletins, a draft of SIOANI regulations, contacts with interested parties, panels, catalogs of contacts and others, always attempting to contribute in this field of research that was already well known in Brazil."
Colonel João Glaser
Colonel João Glasera was with a specialized UFO bureau called System of Investigation of Unidentified Aerial Objects
"The story I put out was very simple, to the effect that we had, in our possession a flying saucer. It was found on a ranch up north of Roswell. It was being flown to General Ramey’s office. The information was given to me, almost verbatim, by Colonel Blanchard. He said, “I want you to give it to the local newspapers and radio stations, and do it post haste” … The cover-up was pretty well orchestrated. I think the thought of handling it that way came down from Washington, through channels. We were told that we were all wrong, that it was just a weather balloon."
Lieutenant Walter Hatup, Roswell Army Air Base Public Information Officer
"I know that flying saucers exist because I myself saw one three years ago, and U.N. diplomats will not think I am crazy for saying so. I am convinced that persons from outer space are studying us, or perhaps living among us as earthlings."
Prime Minister Eric Gairy of Grenada - Addressing the 1977-1978 General Assembly meeting of the United Nations.
"Project Blue Book was ballyhooed by the Air Force as a full-fledged top-priority operation. It was no such thing. The staff, in a sense, was a joke. In terms of scientific training and numbers, it was highly inadequate to the task. And the methods used were positively archaic. And that is the crack operation that the general public believes looked adequately into the UFO phenomenon."
Dr Allen J Hyneck,astronomer, professor and scientific adviser to UFO studies undertaken by the U.S. Air Force.
"The object came low over the harbor. It hovered over a moored ship 465 feet in length. A comparison to the size of the ship would place the UFO at about 350 feet in diameter. After a while, a smaller object separated from the main body and fell straight down, disappearing under the water. At that moment, the main part suddenly accelerated and disappeared.
In my opinion,what was seen over Petrozavodsk was either a UFO, a carrier of high intelligence with crew and passengers, or it was a field of energy created by one."
Vladimir Azhazha, a Moscow Physicist and Oceanographer.
"The study of UFOs is a necessity for the sake of world security in the event we have to prepare for the worst in the space age, irrespective of whether we become Columbus or the Indians."
Air Commodore J. Salutun, National Aerospace Council of Indonesia, and Indonesian Parliament Member.
“In 1950 I was attending a rather slow-moving broadcasting conference in Washington D.C. and having some free time on my hands, I circulated around asking a few questions about flying saucers, which stirred up a hornet’s nest. I found that the U.S. government had a highly classified project set up to study them, so I reasoned that with so much smoke maybe I should look for the fire.”
Wilbert Smith, Official Director of the Canadian Government’s UFO Investigation - 1950-1954.
"That it could be an aircraft constructed on this earth, I do not believe possible."
Commander Juan Barrera, in command of Aquirre Cerda airbase
"The UFOs are no figment of the imagination."
Lieutenant-Colonel Lou Corbin, Army Intelligence
"It was made and flown by intelligent beings."
Major Shiro Kubuta, of Japan's Air Self-Defence Force. Kubuta and his pilot, Lt. Colonel Toshio Nakamura, were scrambled in an F-4EJ to intercept what they were told was a Soviet Bomber.Once Airborne they were informed that their target was actually a UFO which had been sighted by ground and was being tracked on radar.
When they closed upon the red, disk-like UFO, it began to manoeuvre around the plane, causing Nakamura to take evasive action.
"It seemed fantastic that there could be any such thing. At first, the temptation was to say it was all nonsense, a series of optical illusions. But there have been so many reports from responsible observers that they cannot be ignored. It seems hardly possible that all these reports could be due to optical illusions."
Dr. J. C. MacKenzie, Chairman of the Canadian Atomic Energy Control Board and former president of the National Research Council.January, 1952
"The facts about saucers were long tracked down and results have long been known in top secret defense circles of more countries than one."
Dr. Harry Messel, Professor of Physics at Sydney University, Australia, in a 1965 statement.
"Based on the descriptions, I can definitely rule this out. There wasn't a balloon in 1947 or today that could account for this incident."
C. B. Moore, General Mills Meteorologist and expert on weather balloons, when asked whether he believed the Roswell Incident could be explained by a Mogul balloon.
"Three objects appeared beneath the clouds, their color a rather bright red. As they approached the ship they appeared to soar, passing above the broken clouds. After rising above the clouds they appeared to be moving directly away from the earth. The largest had an apparent area of about six suns. It was egg-shaped, the larger end forward.
The second was about twice the size of the sun, and the third, about the size of the sun. Their near approach to the surface appeared to be most remarkable. That they did come below the clouds and soar instead of continuing their southeasterly course is also curious. The lights were in sight for over two minutes and were carefully observed by three people whose accounts agree as to the details."
A sighting by the U.S.S. Supply off of the eastern coast of Korea,February 28, 1904, Korea -as reported by then Lt. Frank H. Schofield, later to become Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet.
"There was something definite in the sky...If it had proved to be hostile we would have destroyed it."
Major Gerald Smith, USAF--One of the F-106 pilots scrambled under orders from NORAD (North American Air Defense Command) to investigate a UFO over West Palm Beach, Florida on September 14, 1972. The UFO was viewed through binoculars by the FAA supervisor, George Morales, sighted by an Eastern Airlines captain, police and several civilians, as well as being tracked on radar by Miami International Airport and Homestead AFB
"I was the pilot of the plane when we saw the UFO. Also on board were Governor Reagan and a couple of his security people. We were flying a Cessna Citation. It was maybe 9 or 10 o'clock at night. We were near Bakersfield, California when Governor Reagan and the others called my attention to a big light flying a bit behind my plane. It appeared to be several hundred yards away. It was a fairly steady light until it began to accelerate, then it appeared to elongate. Then the light took off.
It went up at a 45-degree angle-at a high rate of speed. Everyone on the plane was surprised. Governor Reagan expressed amazement. I told the others I didn't know what it was...The UFO went from a normal cruise speed to a fantastic speed instantly...If you give an airplane power it will accelerate-but not like a hot rod, and that's what this was like."
Bull Paynter, a pilot with thousands of logged hours, in Sacremento California
"Certainly when I socialized with my RAF colleagues, I would find that they were a little bit more receptive to the idea of UFOs--and by that I mean perhaps even an extraterrestrial explanation for this -- than you might have supposed. One of the reasons for that was that so many RAF pilots had actually seen things themselves. Many of them have never made an official report. I had one chap tell me that he had seen something over the North Sea. I asked him why he hadn't reported it, and he said, 'I don't want to be known as Flying Saucer Fred for the rest of my career.'"
Nick Pope, headed up the "UFO desk" at Air Secretariat 2-A, British Ministry of Defense from 1991-1994.
"We were asking the Americans, 'Are you operating a prototype aircraft in our airspace?' That, of course, was nonsense. You simply would not do that from a diplomatic and political point of view. It would undermine the entire structure of NATO if you were putting things through someone else's airspace, particularly a close ally, without seeking the proper diplomatic clearance. But we had to ask. And the Americans, having had similar reports, I guess, since the Hudson Valley wave [New York state, mid-1980s], had been quietly asking us if we had some large, triangular shaped object that could go from 0 to Mach 5 in a second. Our response was that we wished we did. This was the bizarre situation: that we were chasing the Americans, and the Americans were chasing us.
The official line from the Ministry of Defense is, 'Yes, this happened. No, we don't know what it is, but we say that it is of no defense significance.' How can it possibly be of no defense significance when your best jet is left for standing by a UFO? And, again, how can it be of no defense significance when your air defense region is routinely penetrated by structured craft?"
Nick Pope, headed up the "UFO desk" at Air Secretariat 2-A, British Ministry of Defense from 1991-1994
"What was especially important was that, at a distance of 180 kilometers apart, the records about the direction of movement of the strange aerial body in space, made independently by at least two different observers was basically the same. . . .To the present time this strange phenomenon has not been satisfactorily explained, yet there were thousands of good observers who had seen it."
Zhang Zhousheng, astronomer at the Yunnan Observatory in Chengdu City, China--Zhousheng and others nearby watched a strange glowing, spiral object moving steadily across the sky for about five minutes on the evening of July 26, 1977.
"In concealing the evidence of UFO operations, the Air Force is making a serious mistake."
Lt. Colonel James McAshan, USAF
"I was there at [Project] Bluebook and I know the job they had. They were told not to excite the public, not to rock the boat... Whenever a case happened that they coud explain--which was quite a few--they made a point of that, and let that out to the media. . .Cases that were very difficult to explain, they would jump handsprings to keep the media away from them. They had a job to do, rightfully or wrongfully, to keep the public from getting excited."
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former Chairman of the Dept. of Astronomy at North Western University and scientific advisor to Project Bluebook from 1952-1969
"Flying saucers are probably real extra-terrestrial spacecraft."
From Project Sign's "Estimate of the Situation"--the final report issued by Project Sign which began in 1948 under the auspices of the Air Technical Intelligence Center in an effort to solve the UFO mystery. They studied 243 cases before issuing this final statement to the Pentagon.
"There are in excess of 200 reports of the type that we had from down in Louisiana, from people claiming that they have had direct contact with a spacecraft full of aliens. I mean 200 reports from witnesses who are as reliable or more so than these people. I'm not counting the reports from the obvious crackpots that have an axe to grind....If you accept them at face value then you're forced to accept that we have been visited."
Dr. John Sathco, an Astronomer at the University of Southern California, 1973
"There are of course many phenomena in this world which are not explained and it is possible to say that the orthodox scientist is the last person to accept that something new (or old) may exist which cannot be explained in accordance with his understanding of natural laws."
Earl Alexander of Tunis, British Minister of Defense
"Of these UFO reports,the radar/visual reports are the most convincing. When a ground radar picks up a UFO target and a ground observer sees a light where the radar target is located,then a jet interceptor is scrambled to intercept the UFO and the pilot also sees the lights and gets a radar lock only to have the UFO almost impudently outdistance him,there is no simple answer."
Edward J Ruppelt USAF Capt 1956
“The undeniable reality is that there are a substantial number of multi-sensor UFO cases backed by thousands of credible witnesses. In the physical domain there are many photos, videos, radar tracking, satellite sensor reports, landing traces including depressions and anomalous residual radiation, electromagnetic interference, and confirmed physiological effects. Personal observations have been made both day and night, often under excellent visibility with some at close range. Included are reports from multiple independent witnesses to the same event. Psychological testing of some observers has confirmed their mentally competence. Why is none of this considered evidence?"
John B. Alexander,Ph.D.
"The fact that since 1946 numerous persons in all countries have made detailed reports of events they regard as strange, mysterious, sometimes even terrifying, deserves attention. While many of the reports can be traced to natural events, we intend to demonstrate that, after the inevitable errors and the obvious hoaxes are eliminated, the reports reveal common characterstics, possess a high degree of internal coherence, and appear to be the result of the witnesses’ exposure to a set of unusual circumstances."
Dr. Jacques Vallee, Astrophysicist
from the introduction to ‘Challenge to Science: The UFO Enigma’, 1966
"I will stress once again that we do not know the source from which the UFOs or the alien beings come (whether or not, for example, they originate in the physical universe as modern astrophysics has described it). But they manifest in the physical world and bring about definable consequences in that domain."
John E. Mack, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard University, Pulitzer Prize winning author
“Over the past eighteen years I have acted as a scientific consultant to the U.S. Air Force on the subject of unidentified flying objects – UFO’s. As a consequence of my work on the voluminous air force files and, to a greater extent, of personal investigation of many puzzling cases and interviews with witnesses of good repute, I have long been aware that the subject of UFO’s could not be dismissed as mere nonsense."
Dr J Allen Hynek, Chairman of the Department of Astronomy at Northwestern University and scientific consultant for Air Force investigations of UFOs from 1948 until 1969 (Projects Sign, Grudge and Blue Book).
“For nearly 40 years, the science establishment has ignored the UFO problem, relegating it to the domain of “true believers and mental imcompetents” (a.k.a. "kooks and nuts" [according to the former editor of Applied Optics magazine]).
Scientists have participated in a "self-cover-up" by refusing to look at the credible and well-reported data.
Furthermore, some of those few scientists who have studied UFO data have published explanations which are unconvincing or just plain wrong and have "gotten away with it" because most of the rest of the scientific community has not cared enough to analyze these explanations. The general rejection of the scientific validity of UFO sightings has made it difficult to publish analyses of good sightings in refereed journals of establishment science.”
Bruce Maccabee, optical physicist
"During my long investigation of these strange objects, I have seen many reports verified by Air Force Intelligence, detailed accounts by Air Force pilots, radar operators, and other trained observers proving the UFOs are high-speed craft superior to anything built on Earth.”
U.S. Major Donald Keyhoe
"I have been studying now for about 2 years, on a rather intensive basis, the UFO problem. I have interviewed several hundred witnesses in selected cases, and I am astonished at what I have found."
Dr James McDonald -Senior physicist at the Institute for Atmospheric Physics and professor in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Arizona - Oral statement to House Committee on Science and Astronautics at July 29, 1968
“On the basis of my offical research and investigation into UFO sightings and reports of alien contact, I am personally convinced that intelligent extraterrestrial are visiting Earth. I say this on the basis of the data available to me at the Ministry of Defense, both in terms of the historic records and the several hundred new cases that I investigated each year.
…There was a hard core of cases that defied any conventional explanation and involved craft capable of speeds and maneuvers beyond the capabilities of our own technology. I was particularly interested in UFO sightings that could be correlated by radar and in reports where the witnesses were military personnel; such cases were directly responsible for my gradual conversion from skeptic to believer.”
Nick Pope - Head of the "UFO desk" at Air Secretariat 2-A, British Ministry of Defence from 1991-1994
"Cut through the ridicule and search for factual information in most of the skeptical commentary and one is usually left with nothing. This is not surprising. After all, how can one rationally object to a call for scientific examination of evidence? Be skeptical of the "skeptics."
Bernard Haisch, Astrophysicist.
"From the earliest days of the modern outbreak of sightings some forty years ago, there is a quite remarkable similarity between the descriptions given by observers of the flying vehicles. It is the more remarkable that there have been tens of thousands of these reports, from observers who range who range from illiterate peasants in Argentina and Spain to people with Ph.D.s in other countries and they have all been given spontaneously—which has led to the generic term “flying saucer.”
"There have been thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of sightings and encounters, physical results and of the latter, by people all over the world whose evidence on any other subject would be accepted without question. There have been major investigations lasting thirty or forty years by the governments of the USA, Russia and France, for certain, and probably Britain and other countries."
Lord Admiral Hill-Norton (GCB), Chief of Defense Staff, Ministry of Defense, Britain; Chairman, Military Committee of NATO; Admiral of the Fleet; Member of House of Lords.
"The definitive resolution of the UFO enigma will not come about unless and until the problem is subjected to open and extensive scientific study by the normal procedures of established science.
In their public statements (but not necessarily in their private statements), scientists express a generally negative attitude towards the UFO problem, and it is interesting to try to understand this attitude. Most scientists have never had the occasion to confront evidence concerning the UFO phenomenon.”
Dr. Peter A. Sturrock, Professor of Space Science and Astrophysics and Deputy Director of the Center for Space Sciences and Astrophysics at Stanford University (Survey of American Astronomical Society)
"This can't be laughed off.We have over three hundred reports which haven't been publicized in the papers from very competent personnel,in many instances.
...We are running down every report.I can't tell you how much we would give to have one of those crash in an area so that we could recover whatever they are".
Colonel McCoy - March 17th 1948.
Air Force Scientific Advisory Board meeting at the Pentagon.
"Army intelligence has recently said that "the matter of 'Unidentified Aircraft' or 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena',otherwise known as 'Flying Discs','Flying Saucers', and 'Balls of fire' is considered top secret by intelligence officers of both the army and the air forces."
FBI issued memo on UFOs entitled "Protection of Vital Installations"
-Memo sent to the Office of Naval Intelligence and the Office of Special Investigations.
"It is my belief that one of the objectives of your organization [Air Research Group] is the public dissemination of data on unidentified flying objects... this is contrary to Air Force policy and regulations."
Captain Gregory H. Oldenburgh,USAF, Information Services Officer, Langley AFB, Va., to Larry W. Bryant, 1-23-58.
"All over the world credible witnesses are reporting experiences similar to mine. Holding these people up to ridicule does not alter the existing facts. The time is long overdue for accepting the presence of these things, whatever they are and dealing with them and the public on a basis of realism."
Frank Halstead, Former Curator of Darling Observatory, University of Minnesota
"We use the best equipment to detect objects in our skies...even strange ones, with great results. We can distinguish between a commercial plane or other objects with our modern equipment. Concretely,from the United States,that are highly qualified sources of information,that we are inside an environment in which we have unidentified objects. Concretely, they are extraterrestrial objects,of that I am sure.We share the universe with other beings."
Colonel Wilson Salgado. Commandant FAE-COS-1, Ecuadorian Military.
"The one thing about these briefings that never failed to amaze me, although it happened time and time again, was the interest in UFOs within scientific circles. As soon as the word spread that Project Blue Book was giving official briefings to groups with the proper security clearances, we had no trouble in getting scientists to swap free advice for a briefing.
I might add that we briefed only groups who were engaged in government work and who had the proper security clearances solely because we could discuss any government project that might be of help to us in pinning down the UFO. Our briefings weren't just squeezed in either; in many instances we would arrive at a place to find that a whole day had been set aside to talk about UFOs.
And never once did I meet anyone who laughed off the whole subject of flying saucers even though publicly these same people had jovially sloughed off the press with answers of 'hallucinations,' 'absurd', or 'a waste of time and money.' They weren't wild-eyed fans but they were certainly interested."
Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt -Chief of Project Bluebook
"A 1977 poll of American astronomers, published in JSE, showed the following. Out of 2611 questionnaires 1356 were returned. In response to whether the UFO problem deserved further study the replies were: 23% certainly, 30% probably, 27% percent possibly, 17% probably not, 3% certainly not.
Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between the amount of reading done on the subject and the opinion that further study was in order…”
Bernard Haisch, Astrophysicist
“On August fifth [1929] - something remarkable! We were in our camp in the Kukunor district not far from the Humboldt Chain. In the morning about half-past nine some of our caravaneers noticed a remarkably big black eagle flying over us. Seven of us began to watch this unusual bird. At this same moment another of our caravaneers remarked,
‘There is something far above the bird’. And he shouted in his astonishment. We all saw, in a direction from north to south, something big and shiny reflecting the sun, like a huge oval moving at great speed. Crossing our camp the thing changed in its direction from south to southwest. And we saw how it disappeared in the intense blue sky. We even had time to take our field glasses and saw quite distinctly an oval form with shiny surface, one side of which was brilliant from the sun.”
Nicholas Roerich, Altai-Himalaya
Roerich Museum,N.Y.
"When you have the view of the airspace and the radar screen and you see the UFOs go around twenty or thirty miles a second – that is very real. They can turn suddenly almost 90 degrees in a second or half a second. The UFOs can go vertically straight up very quickly."
Mexico City Senior Air Traffic Controller, Enrique Kolbeck -DP p. 129.
"Air Catalogue is a rather extensive library I’ve been collecting for almost 30 years from commercial, private, and test pilots. I have over 3,000 cases. My estimate is that for every pilot who does come forward, and makes a confidential or a public report, there are 20, 30 other pilots who don’t."
NASA Research Scientist (Gemini, Apollo, Skylab), Dr. Richard Haines -DP p. 131
"I was a top secret control officer. I happened to see a classified message go through my com [communications] center which said, “A UFO has crashed on the Island of Spitsbergen, Norway, and a team of scientists are coming to investigate it.”
US Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Dwynne Arneson DP p. 176
"The UFO incident occurred on the USS John F. Kennedy in the summer of 1971. We observed a large, glowing sphere over the ship. It looked huge. I would say it was anywhere from three or four hundred feet to a quarter of a mile depending on how high it was. A few days later, the Commanding Officer looked at the camera – and I will never forget this – and he said, “I would like to remind the crew that certain events that take place on board a major combat vessel are considered classified and should not be discussed with anyone without a need to know.”
US Navy, National Security Agency, James Kopf -DP p. 203
"We had contact with an unidentified flying object that had entered our air space. The order was given by Admiral Trane to get this object forced down out of the sky if at all possible, by whatever means possible….Two gentlemen began to question me about this event. They were being pretty rough. I remember literally putting my hands up and saying, “Wait a minute fellows. I’m on your side.” My logbook, I never did see that again."
US Navy Atlantic Command, Merle Shane McDow- DP p.241
"I had access to special libraries, so we could go up to the library that the Air Force ran and sort of paw through top-secret material. Since I was interested in UFOs, I’d look to see what they had. For about a year, I was getting quite a few hits. Then, all of a sudden, the whole subject material vanished. The entire classification for the subject just vanished."
McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Engineer, Dr. Robert Wood - DP p. 434
"We had objects with four-way confirmation – ground visual, ground radar, airborne visual, airborne radar. It doesn’t get any better than that. In my following of unusual aerial phenomena for the past 50 years, there seems to be some reason to discredit very viable and very reputable witnesses when they say something is unidentified."
US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Brown -DP p. 247
"50,000 virtually reliable people have reported sighting unidentified flying objects… From available information, the UFO phenomenon appears to have been global in nature for almost 50,000 years. This leaves us with the unpleasant possibility of alien visitors to our planet, or at least of alien controlled UFO's. The best thing to do is to keep an open and skeptical mind, and not take an extreme position on any side of the question"
USAF "Introductory Space Science", Volume II - Deparment of Physics, USAF
"There were eight of us, including me and the farm owner. We had three military men, including my son, then a lieutenant and now a major, and a friend of his, a major in the air force, a professor of physics, a professor of law and others in different professions.
There were eight of us, all friends, and we saw the object clearly in front of us, radiating an intense bluish-whitish light. Then quickly the object disappeared and immediately appeared to the right at a higher point in the mountains."
General Alfredo Moacyr Uchôa, former deputy director of the Military Academy of Brazil
"Here we had a number of object seen coming in across the North Sea on coastal radar. It looked like a Russian mistake. Jet aircraft were scrambled. The objects were travelling at quite impossible speeds like 4-5000 mph and then came to an abrupt halt near to one of these stations not very high up. Jet aircraft picked them up on aircraft radar. The objects then simply made rings round them."
"Inevitably this led to the sort of enquiry which you would put in hand if you had any military responsibilities. Had something gone wrong with ground radar or with aircraft radar? We experienced pilots going out of their minds? Were people having fantasies? We *had* to investigate cases of that kind. Over the years - although there were not an enormous number of such cases - there were a sufficient number to persuade me, and a number of air staff friends with whom I had to work, that something was going on, sporadically, in British airspace which we could not explain."
"But we did not particularly want to make public statements about that. Not for something that we had no explanation."
Ralph Noyes,Senior Official with British Air Ministry - retired as Under Secretary of State in 1977
"At about 02:00,I saw the first of many strange lights in the sky. The vast majority were in formation, usually quarter line, and all appeared on the port side.Many were in groups of three, some in groups of five or six. They appeared and disappeared instantly at the same speed a computer screen operates.
Suddenly one of these objects appeared at close range on our port bow at a low elevation. It was disc-shaped and consisted of a very bright light with black windows running around the whole side which was visible to us. It maintained perfect station on us for at least fifteen minutes. I scanned the object with binoculars attempting to see into the windows but saw nothing. I counted the windows and recall there were about two dozen. They were very large and close together and completely black.
Although the body of the object glowed very brightly, it did not prevent me from looking directly at it. The object appeared more oval in shape than round. And then suddenly it was gone. There was no sound made at any time."
George R. MacFarlane, Commander Royal Canadian Navy
Canadian Destroyer H.M.C.S. Iroquois ,May 1952.
"My background is a Naval Aviator with approximately 4000 hours. At the time of the incident, I was deployed with an Anti-Submarine Squadron aboard a CVE-class carrier. I was assigned Air Crew Training Officer and prior to deployment had attended CIC Air Controller School at Point Loma, also Airborne Air Controller School and Airborne Early Warning School both located at NAS, San Diego.
It was at night. I was riding with a radar operator which I often did to check on their proficiency. We were flying at 5000 feet, solid instruments, with our wingman flying a radar position about 3 miles astern and slightly to our right or left. The target, which was slightly larger than our wingman, I picked up on our scope, had been circling the fleet; it left the fleet and joined up on us a position behind our wingman, approximately the same position he held on us.
I reported the target to the ship and was informed that the target was also held on the ship's radars, 14 in number, and for us to get a visual sighting if possible. This was impossible because of the clouds.
The target retained his relative position for approximately 5 minutes and then departed in excess of one thousand miles per hour. He departed on a straight course and was observed to the maximum distance of my radar which was two hundred miles.
Upon completion of my flight, an unidentified flying object report was completed, at which time I was informed that the object was held on ship's radars for approximately seven hours."
Lieutenantt Commander M. C. Davies, U.S. Navy -Korean waters,1951.
"One night in 1968 while on an operation in the Caribbean, I went up to the open bridge to relieve the watch. At 23:45, the other watch section wouldn't leave – this is really unusual because typically they want to get what’s left of the mid-rats (sandwiches and soup served on the mess deck) and hit the rack However, they stayed to observe two UFO’s that were being tracked on radar by CIC.
They were tracking two bright lights, that didn't answer up to IFF – they weren't enemy, friend, foe or commercial aircraft. And were flying at speeds in excess of 400 knots and making turns at right angles. Nothing we knew of could do this but they did.
We saw them hover over the water within eyesight at about a few thousand yards, one submerging and the other as if standing guard above, waiting for the other to resurface. When it emerged, they buzzed off in formation at about a 45-degree angle to exit our planet. As they became distant, turned color from a bright white to a burning amber, and disappearing within about 10 seconds."
Bridgewatchman G M Brinkman aboard the USS Waldron,1968-Near Puerto Rico
"I was standing the mid watch sounding security watch and always went to the fantail on my rounds to talk to the seaman who stood watch there. It was around midnight and we were just talking, looking up at the stars when this UFO just lite up in the sky about 1000 feet high and a quarter a mile away aft of the ship so the bridge could not see it. It did not come from anywhere that we could see.
We don't know if it came out of the ocean or what but all we saw was it just turned on it lights and was just sitting there. It did not make one sound and it had a few different color lights on it, red, blue and white I believe. I said to the seaman on watch, "do you see what I see" and he said yes so I told him to call up to the bridge and see if they can see anything on their radar.
They replied that nothing was showing up on the screen and as soon as they told us that, this UFO took off like nothing I have ever seen. It looked like it traveled a 1000 miles in just a split second in a zig zag motion not making any noise or even a sight of smoke."
Jonathan Beaston,Machinist Repairman First Class U. S. Navy aboard the USS Comte De Grasse DD-974- Puerto Rico, Dec. 1995
"During the cruise from Pearl to Seattle five of the crew had a very unusual experience. During one late afternoon the sub was cruising on the surface at approx. 10 knots when the port lookout reported a strange contact at a range of 2 miles bearing 315 degrees relative.
The lookout refused to tell the OOD what it was that he had seen and instead insisted that the starboard lookout and the OOD both look at that area.
The three men looked through their binoculars toward the area reported and were astounded to see a metal craft larger than a football field tumble from the clouds into the ocean.
It actually tumbled end over end and when it hit the water and sank beneath the ocean huge geysers of water rose into the air. When the port lookout was sure that the others had seen it he then told the OOD that he had seen it tumble from the ocean up into the clouds.
The OOD and the starboard lookout were speechless. Within a few minutes, however, they all became excited when it again rose from the water and tumbled up into the cloud layer.
At about the same time a crew member below queried the bridge about a radar contact at the same range and bearing. Sonar also reported strange echos. The OOD called for the Captain to come to the bridge at that time.He also called for the camera to be sent to the bridge. The Captain arrived on the bridge within 2 minutes and the Chief Quartermaster was right behind him with the camera.
At about the same time the object emerged from the clouds and fell down into the ocean. All five men witnessed this. The QMC took pictures as it rose up into the clouds and then back down into the ocean once again.
The five men watched for quite a while longer but nothing else happened. Soon the sub had moved out of visual range and the Captain told all witnesses that they were never to discuss what they had seen with anyone under any circumstances."
William Cooper - Naval Port Lookout aboard the submarine USS Tiru,1966.
"As we approached this glow it turned to a monstrous circle of white lights on the water. Then we saw a yellow halo, small, much smaller than whatever it was launched from, about 15 miles away. As the UFO approached my plane and flew alongside it, we could see the domed craft which had a corona discharge."
Commander Graham Bethune, U.S. Navy -sighting from military flying from Iceland to Newfoundland,February 10, 1951.
"I slammed on some power, hauled the nose up and prayed we'd go over top of that thing. Just as we started to climb, this thing swept straight up, did an impossible right angle turn and begins to pace us. I don't see how ANYTHING could have executed a maneuver like that -- I mean almost a simultaneous two-directional turn -- up and to the right, not to mention coming to damned near a dead stop"
"Now comes, the wacky part of the whole thing. While we were watching the UFO, suddenly this other glowing thing drops out from underneath it. The damned thing drops out from underneath it. The damned thing looked a neon-green smoke ring. It dropped away from the larger UFO down toward the water … and submerged! We saw the glowing green circle of water where it went in, and then the glow disappeared!
“Seconds later, two more green rings dropped out. The second one dropped away and submerged like the first one, but the third one dropped down and then shot straight ahead to disappear toward the coast."
Captain Hammel, TWA pilot over Atlantic ocean - object(s) also witnessed by Co Pilot Dickson, December 22, 1977
"I called the front end crew, the aircraft commander, and as I pressed the intercom button, I heard a conversation between the navigator, pilot and co-pilot. They were obviously seeing something out of the front cockpit window of the aircraft, and I think the remark at the time was, 'God damn, look at that thing go!'
Without telling the rest of the members of my crew, because I did not want them to leave station, I put my assistant in charge and stepped out into the corridor and looked out the window towards the front of the aircraft, which at this time was beginning its mission turn from almost due south to a westerly course off the southern tip of Gotland Island and turning on a heading more or less towards Copenhagen.
And at that time I saw three bright glowing objects flying in a triangular formation. Our mission aircraft at the time was doing approximately four hundred fifty or five hundred knots, and these appeared to be closing extremely rapidly on a parallel course to the aircraft.
They appeared as round, glowing red fireballs. The nearest thing I can describe to it is an old fashioned cook stove lid that's been overheated and is just glowing red, or like something you'd see on an anvil in a blacksmith's shop, the glowing red of metal.
The one thing that astounded me was the colossal speed. Even after compensating for our forward direction and they were moving in the opposite direction paralleling the aircraft, they would appear on the horizon and had swept across my complete range of vision from the front of the aircraft to the rear and going over the horizon towards the Arctic regions, it was just a matter of two or three seconds.
And just as I was sitting there open-mouthed astonished watching this phenomenon flash by, there on the horizon appeared three more identical objects, and I watched no less than five or six groups of these things appear suddenly on the horizon at great speed, pass the aircraft and disappear in the Arctic regions to the rear of the aircraft.
It was just incredible. I have never seen anything move like that in my life."
George Lynn Guthrie -Master Sergeant/Crew chief of Airbourne Intelligence Crew/Russian Voice Intercept Processing Supervisor for the Air Force Security Service Command -
Witnessed UFOs flying a mission over the Baltic Sea,November 1970.
"Cape Race bearing west by north, distant ten miles, wind strong south by east, a large ball of fire appeared to rise out of the sea to a height of about fifty feet and come right against the wind close up to the ship. It then altered its course and ran along with the ship to a distance of about one and one-half miles. In about two minutes it again altered its course and went away to the south-east against the wind. It lasted, in all, not over five minutes."
Captain Moore,Captain of the British steamship Siberian -Nov 12th ,1887.
"On looking toward the east, the appearance was that of a revolving wheel with a center on that bearing, and whose spokes were illuminated, and, looking toward the west, a similar wheel appeared to be revolving, but in the opposite direction.These waves of light extended from the surface well under the water."
Captain Evans,Hydrographer to the British Navy-HMS Vulture , 05-15-1879
"It was May 24, and we were lying drifting on a leisurely swell in exactly 95°west by 7° south. We saw the shine of phosphorescent eyes drifting on the surface on dark nights, and on one single occasion, we saw the sea boil and bubble while something like a big wheel came up and rotated in the air, while some of our dolphins tried to escape by hurling themselves desperately through space."
Thor Heyerdahl (Kon-Tiki Raft) May,1947.
"Suddenly, the lights went out. There appeared a yellow halo on the water. It turned to an orange, to a fiery red, and then started movement toward us at a fantastic speed, turning to a bluish red around the perimeter. Due to its high speed, its direction of travel, and its size, it looked as though we were going to be engulfed.
It stopped its movement toward us and began moving along with us about 45 degrees off the bow to the right, about 100 feet or so below us and about 200 to 300 feet in front of us. It was not in a level position; it was tilted about 25 degrees.
It stayed in this position for a minute or so. It appeared to be from 200 to 300 feet in diameter, translucent or metallic, shaped like a saucer, a purple-red fiery ring around the perimeter and a frosted white glow around the entire object. The purple-red glow around the perimeter was the same type of glow you get around the commutator of an auto generator when you observe it at night.
When we landed at Argentia (Newfoundland), we were met by intelligence officers. The types of questions they asked us were like Henry Ford asking about the Model T.
You got the feeling that they were putting words in your mouth.
It was obvious that there had been many sightings in the same area, and most of the observers did not let the cat out of the bag openly. When we arrived in the United States, we had to make a full report to Navy Intelligence.
I found out a few months later that Gander radar did track the object in excess of 1800 mph."
Captain of Navy R5D aircraft,February 8,1951.
Captain,crew members and passengers on a Navy R5D aircraft witness UFO whilst flying over the North Atlantic ocean,February 8, 1951.
"The ship reported, emerging out of the ocean, near port bow, a brightly glowing, reddish-orange elliptical object approximately 70 feet in diameter. It shot out of the water traveling at about 700 mph. This event was tracked on the ships radar and substantiated."
Dan Willis, Naval Code Room Operator, US Navy Communication station,San Francisco.
Speaking about receiving a priority message, classified as Secret, from a military ship near Alaska.
"There were bright objects hanging over the sea.The closest object was luminous, round and four to five times larger than a Whirlwind helicopter.
The objects separated. Then one went west of the other, as it manoeuvred it changed shape to become body-shaped with projections like arms and legs."
Flight Leiutennant A.M. Wood. - RAF Boulmer,Northumberland.
UFO also correlated on multiple radar and witnessed by two RAF personnel
"It was about 10 o'clock and we had just set up our equipment after the helicopter left,when we saw a silvery object, shining in the sun, appear over a small ridge below us. It had a flattened-out look and our first reaction was that it was some kind of delta-wing aircraft. We soon realized it was not.The object was about 50 ft. in diameter,on top of its dome there was a little knob, and around the base of the dome there were circular markings. They might have been some kind of riveting, or even windows. They were a bit too small to tell.
Below these, on the face of the disc itself, there were larger rectangular markings which could have been glass or metallic. Our impression was that they were windows. As far as we could see, there were three of them.
It climbed slowly, then all of a sudden it was off- it shot over the ridge, made a sharp turn without skidding and was out of sight in about 20 seconds. We figured it had gone 20 or 25 miles by the time it disappeared."
John Hembling - Chief Geologist and Mining Exploration Manager - witnessed object with another geologist on reconnaissance survey of British Columbia,July 1965
After about 2 minutes and maybe a thousand meter from where we first noticed it, a grey/white craft broke out of the water right were the white wave was and it continued to move in the same direction except this time it was flying in the air.
From what I could see, I could not make out any conventional means of propulsion that I know of, no propeller, no rotors, no jet exhaust and completely silent from where I was.
I have no explaination whatsoever,I am Catholic Lay Minister and a Catechist. An educator of Faith. I do not lie."
George Gregory Matanjun,Catholic Lay Minister.
Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia-October 8, 2005
"At first I though we were seeing a ship on fire on the horizon towards Ilfracombe. But then it rose out of the water like a blood-red sun, a good deal larger than a full-sized harvest moon.It remained at sea level, then suddenly took off at a fantastic speed towards the Atlantic."
Chief-Inspector Reginald Jones, of "D" Division, Glamorgan Police - object also witnessed by another officer,09-01-1957.
"I saw something in the sky that I didn't know what it was,it was over Highway Two about fifteen hundred feet, a large, lighted ball about six feet in diameter. It was going toward the beach very slowly.I was in the parking lot of the Hilton when they called me from the police department.They told me to go to the beach because a great many people were watching this object.
When I got there, the object was already hovering over the water about two or three miles off the beach.
There were about five hundred people watching. There are about four public housing areas right there and all the people from the housing areas were there. I saw one light coming down but when I got to the beach I noticed there were two objects in the water, not together but about a mile away from each other. They were hovering over the water, right about at the water level.
Because of the distance I couldn’t tell if it was a few feet over the water or if they were actually touching the water. The first object stayed about an hour but the second one lasted at least four hours.
People came out of their houses to see the view and people came in cars, parked on the side of the street and went to the beach to see what was happening. I stayed until midnight, mostly keeping an eye on the group so there wouldn’t be any problems.
It was pretty high, like an orange-yellow light. I don't know exactly the size. As it came down it got larger. It was pretty good sized.
The police got many, many phone calls, all night. We called the Coast Guard but they didn’t come. They said it wasn't an emergency.
I think they were mystery objects. I was impressed by what I saw.There were many other officers who saw this."
Mayagüez Police Lieutenant Cesar Grácia -1977, Mayaquez, Puerto Rico - on witnessing two Large Glowing UFOs Enter & Emerge from Ocean.
"It was a real big triangular object,completely engulfed in a bright yellow light ... It seemed to be at an altitude of about 500 feet above the ground, over property belonging to Camp García. I calculated the altitude based on the height of some trees in the area. What intrigued me the most was that the thing was suspended right over the area where the US Navy has an airstrip or runway for their planes to land and take off ... And that it was an unidentified flying object.
There were no military exercises at the time, so what was that object, that triangle of light, doing there over the runway? Thinking that I was observing something I shouldn’t be seeing, I left the site at once. But from that moment on, I realized something very strange is taking place on the land controlled by the US Navy.
This has happened on many occasions, sometimes between 9 and 11 PM, and sometimes around 2 or 3 in the morning.They come out from the sea at a spot right in the middle of Punta Arenas and Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba."
Wilfredo Feliciano- Director of the Vieques Municipal Police Department,Puerto Rico.
"It had a dome with ports all around it. The bottom was surrounded by colored lights like neon lights in blue, red, green and white which blinked in a sequence as if they were rotating, and in the middle there were three spheres or hemispheres.
It was a huge thing, about 100 feet in diameter, and it made no noise whatsoever. What fascinated me even more was that the object was enveloped in a kind of halo which made its entire metallic structure glow white. It flew slowly over our heads and seemed to land at a place behind a group of trees. But we couldn 't see or check that out because at that point it was too far away and in the middle of the moor."
Police Constable Anthony Dodd Skipton, North Yorkshire,December 12, 1978
Object also witnessed by Police Constable Dale
"This object came at us from the west. At first it looked like a red hot piece of coal about the size of a quarter held at arm's length. In a matter of seconds it was as large as a ruler held at arm's length. That is when it came to a complete stop.
"The shape of the object was distinct. The body of the object was solid bright red and it gave off a pulsating red glow completely around the object. The object hovered a few seconds, then made a left turn and again hovered for a few seconds, then went straight up like a shot. We watched it until it completely faded beyond the stars."
Patrolman LeRoy A. Arboreen - Dunellen, New Jersey, United States December 20, 1958
Object also witnessed by Patrolman B. Talada.
"The bulk of the object was plainly visible at this time and appeared to be triangular shaped with a bright purple light on the left end and the smaller, less bright, blue light on the right end. The bulk of the object appeared to be dark gray in color with no other distinguishing features.
It appeared to be about 200 feet wide and 40-50 feet thick in the middle, tapering off toward both ends. There was no noise or any trail. The bright purple light illuminated the ground directly underneath it and the area in front of it, including the highway and the interior of our patrol car.
After arriving at approximately its original position,it went straight up in the air and disappeared at 25-30 degrees above the horizon."
Deputy Sheriff Bob Goode Damon, Texas, United States September 3, 1965.
Object also witnessed by Chief Deputy Billy McCoy
"I know I'm not crazy .. I've always said I didn't believe in this stuff,I don't know what I saw, but I know I saw something . . It's just hard to describe what happened. It looked like an evening star or something,but it kept getting brighter and bigger.
I heard a whirring noise—like a blender . . Like it was straining, when you first put ice in it—and then the UFO started coming closer.
The thing came right over the car,It came right to us, like it was being piloted - the thing just hovered over us, about 20 or 30 feet up, for more than a minute.
There was light coming out from little windows and light changed colors several times, from soft blue to red to green and other colors. It didn't spin or anything. It just hovered around there -then the thing just picked up and took off, north west, toward Satartia."
Madison County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Creel - Flora, Mississippi, United States,February 10, 1977
Object also witnessed by Highway Patrolman Louis Younger.
"I always look behind me so no one can come up behind me. And when I looked in this wooded area behind us, I saw this thing. At this time it was coming up...to about tree top level. I'd say about one hundred feet. it started moving toward us....
As it came over the trees, I looked at Barney and he was still watching the car...and he didn't say nothing and the thing kept getting brighter and the area started to get light...I told him to look over his shoulder, and he did.
He just stood there with his mouth open for a minute, as bright as it was, and he looked down.
And I started looking down and I looked at my hands and my clothes weren't burning or anything, when it stopped right over on top of us.The only thing, the only sound in the whole area was a hum...like a transformer being loaded or an overloaded transformer when it changes....
.... it went PSSSSSHHEW, straight up; and I mean when it went up, friend, it didn't play no games; it went straight up."
Deputy Sheriff Dale Spaur Portage County,Ohio,April 17, 1966
Also witnessed by Deputy Wilbur Neff.
"The light would throb with an increased intensity prior to each change of colour and hover in the sky for some time and then dart and cover large distances, doing a number of right-angled turns at high speed."
Senior Constable Andrew Luhrs -Gladstone,Southern Australia,May 22, 1996
link;http://kenny.anomalyresponse.org/WAVE73.htm
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Statements From Credible Sources on UFOs;3;
"The discs use a means of propulsion different from ours. There is no other possible explanation. Flying saucers come from another world."
Louis Breguet -French aircraft designer and manufacturer.
"Contact between U.S. citizens and extra-terrestrials or their vehicles is strictly illegal."
Dr. Brian T. Clifford,Pentagon official -New York press conference,Oct. 5, 1982.
"When [the mysterious light] first appeared it was seen moving rapidly from the northeast and heading in a southwesterly direction. As it neared the southern boundary of the city [of Sacramento] it turned directly toward the west and after passing the city went south, being distinctly visible for upward of 20 minutes."
Deputy Secretary of State, California George A. McCalvy -the San Francisco Call, November 25,1896.
"Raising my eyes...I observed a torpedo-shaped body, some 300 feet away, stationary in appearance, and suspended in the air about 50 feet above the tops of the buildings. In size it was about 6 feet long by 8 inches in diameter, the shell, or covering, having a dark appearance, with here and there tongues of fire issuing from spots on the surface, resembling red-hot unburnished copper....this object began to move, rather slowly, and disappeared over Dolan Brother's store, southward. As it moved, the covering seemed rupturing in places, and through these the intensely red flames issued."
Bishop Michaud of Burlington, Vermont -letter to the Monthly Weather Review July 2, 1907.
"So this thing [UFO] fires a beam of light at the warhead, hits it and then it moves to the other side and fires another beam of light. And the warhead tumbles out of space. What message would I interpret from that? [The UFOs were telling us] don't mess with nuclear warheads. Major Mannsman said, "You are never to speak of this again." After an article [about the incident years later], people would call and start screaming at me. One night somebody blew up my mailbox."
US Air Force Lieutenant, Professor Robert Jacobs-Disclosure, pp. 184, 187.
"I was arrested [by an Air Force officer]. He was saying, "Do you like the Constitution?" I'm like, "Yeah." He said, "We don't obey. We just do what we want. And if you tell anybody [about us or the UFO], you will just come up missing."
Marine Corps, Corporal Jonathan Weygandt
"As a rule, [places where UFOs appear] are objects of strategic significance... [The Air Force] came up with a table with pictures of all the shapes of UFOs that had ever been recorded-about fifty-ranging from ellipses and spheres to something resembling spaceships...The study of UFOs may reveal some new forms of energy to us, or at least bring us closer to a solution."
Major General Vasily Alexeyev -Russian Space Communications Center,Disclosure, pp. 345-347.
"Colonel Holomon brought out a piece of what appeared to be metallic debris. He went on to explain that this was material that had come from a New Mexico crash in 1947 of an extraterrestrial craft, and that was discussed at length...I got an opportunity to travel with the President [Eisenhower].
He was very, very interested in what made [the UFOs] go. But what happened was that Eisenhower got sold out. He realized that he was losing control of the UFO subject. He realized that the [study of these technologies] was not going to be in the best hands. That was a real concern."
General Stephen Lovekin,US Army -Disclosure, pp. 230 - 236.
"In my view and in that of millions like me, there is no question as to the existence in multiple of these advanced machines and in diverse forms-discs, crosses, wedges, triangles, boomerangs, cigars, and their respective occupants in various manifestations-greys, blues, humanoids, reptilians, and Mothmen, etc. The question is not whether they exist but rather are some of them here to do our species harm or good?"
Dan Aykroyd
"If you look into the sky in the early morning you see them playing tag between the stars."
Muhammad Ali -witnessed UFOs on at least two occasions
"They came over so regularly we could time them. Sometimes they stood still, other times they moved so fast it was hard to keep a steady eye on them."
David Bowie.
"Based upon unreliable and unscientific surmises as data, the Air Force develops elaborate statistical findings which seem impressive to the uninitiated public unschooled in the fallacies of the statistical method. One must conclude that the highly publicized Air Force pronouncements based upon unsound statistics serve merely to misrepresent the true character of the UFO phenomena."
Yale Scientific Magazine (Yale University) Volume XXXVII, Number 7, April 1963.
"It must be accepted that some type of flying objects have been observed, although their identification and origin are not discernible."
U.S. Air Intelligence Report # 100-203-79, ANALYSIS OF FLYING OBJECTS IN THE U.S., Dec. 10, 1948
"This "flying saucer" situation is not all imaginary or seeing too much in some natural phenomena. Something is really flying around."
Air Force Base Intelligence Report, FLYING DISCS, July 30, 1947
"This is the most puzzling case in the radar/visual files. The apparently rational, intelligent behavior of the UFO suggests a mechanical device of unknown origin as the most probable explaination."
Air Force Project Blue Book, SPECIAL REPORT NO. 14, May 5, 1955
"When the team was about ten miles from the landing site, static disrupted radio contact with them. Five to eight minutes later the glow diminished, and the UFO took off. Another UFO was visually sighted and confirmed by radar."
Classified report by an Air Force Strike Team at Minot AFB, 1966.
"Pilot of helicopters wished to stress fact that object was of a saucer like nature, was stationary at 2000 ft. And would be glad to be called upon to verify any statements and act as witness."
Emergency Report from Maxwell Air Force Base on air space violation by UFO, 1954.
"In view of the wide interest within the Agency ... outside knowledge of Agency interest in Flying Saucers carries the risk of making the problem even more serious in the public mind than it already is."
CIA memo, 1952
"Based on my experience in fighter tactics, it is my opinion that the object was controlled by something having visual contact with us. The power and acceleration were beyond the capability of any known U.S. aircraft."
F-94 pilot, after encountering a UFO, 1952.
"Some military officials are seriously considering the possibility of interplanetary ships."
FBI memo on UFOs, 1952.
"From their questions, I could tell they had a good idea of what the saucers are. One officer admitted they did, but he wouldn't say any more."
Commercial pilot, after questioning by intelligence officer, 1950.
"[Object] described as flat on top and bottom and appearing from a front view to have round edges and slightly beveled ... No vapor trails or exhaust or visible means of propulsion. Described as traveling at tremendous speed.... Pilot considered by associates to be highly reliable, of mature judgment and a creditable observer."
"It was cigar shaped and yellow in colour.It travelled along slowly for a few seconds, then shot off into the night at a fantastic speed. We didn’t know what it was, nor had we ever seen anything like it but many reports have been made at the police station of strange lights and objects."
Police Constable William Bryne -Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Object also witnessed by Police Constable Perry Jackson.
"It was approximately 50 feet in length. There were portholes on the side but there were no visible signs of propulsion. The ship appeared to be metallic and gave off a bright glow. There was a low whirring sound coming from it."
Police Constable Brian Earnshaw - Bacup, Lancashire,October 1969
Two other uniformed officers, PC Colin Donahoe and Malcolm Reader also witnessed the object from a different location.
"There was an eerie, greenish-grey glow in the sky. Then I picked out an object about thirty feet long and built up in three sections with the top looking like a dustbin lid. It gave off a high pitched whine. I was paralysed. I just couldn't believe it."
Police Constable Colin Perks - Wilmslow, Cheshire,March 1966
"It was a giant plate of light. It lit up the whole horizon with a glare. It was flying low over the landscape and appeared to be spinning."
Police Constable Eric Pinnock - Warminster, Wiltshire,30/11/65.
"We made several attempts to follow it, or I should say get closer to it, but the object seemed aware of us and we were more successful remaining motionless and allow it to approach us, which it did on several occasions.Each time the object neared us, we experienced radio interference.
The object was shaped like a football, the edges, or I should say outside of the object were clear to us...the glow was emitted by the object, was not a reflection of other lights."
California Highway Patrol Officer Charles A. Carson - California, United States, August 13, 1960.
Object also witnessed by Police Officer Stanley Scott
"I happened to look up and there was that UFO right above the cornfield, it was just hovering right up above the power lines. -i t was just like the ones you see on TV.
Then it took off like a bullet, just tremendously fast -if I live to be 100, I'll never forget it."
Henrico County Sheriff A.D. "Toby" Mathews Richmond , Virginia, United States August 9, 1966
"The unidentified craft appeared to take efficient controlled evasive action."
FBI Memo, describing chase of UFO over the North Sea, 1947.
"Army intelligence has recently said that the matter of ‘Unidentified Aircraft' or ‘Unidentified Aerial Phenomena,' otherwise known as ‘Flying Discs,' ‘Flying Saucers,' and ‘Balls of Fire,' is considered top secret by intelligence officers of both the Army and the Air Forces."
FBI memo on UFOs ,1949.
"Around Szolnok many UFO reports have been received from the Ministry of Defense, which obviously and logically means that they know very well where they have to land and what they have to do. It is remarkable indeed that the Hungarian newspapers, in general newspapers everywhere, reject the reports of the authorities."
Gyorgy Keleti, Minister of Defense, Hungary, in article by Attila Lenart entitled "Ask a Question to the Minister of Defense: George Keleti, Are You Afraid of a UFO Invasion?", Nepszava, Budapest, August 18, 1994.
"I am not a specialist on UFOs, and, therefore, I can only correlate the data and express my own supposition."
General Igor Maltsev, in the newspaper Rabochaya Tribune for April 19, 2005
General Igor Maltsev reported that he had reports of "more than 100 visual observations" compiled by commanders of several air defense units of the Moscow Military District of a UFO which has been seen in the area of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy in the northeast of Moscow on March 21, 1990.
Maltsev included with his report to the newspaper five testimonials, including a report by a pilot who flew over the object and a report from a ground radar tracking station. The pilot saw only two lights and a dimly perceived silhouette of the object against city lights. The radar station reported a sighting of a rapidly moving, shining object with red lights and another with white lights that followed the first. The report included times, azimuths and distances of the reported objects.
"We all know that UFOs are real. All we need to ask is where do they come from."
Captain Edgar D. Mitchell, Apollo 14 Astronaut, 1971.
"I have absolutely no idea where the UFO's come from or how they are operated, but after ten years of research, I know they are something from outside our atmosphere."
Dr. James E. McDonald, Professor of Atmospheric physics, University of Arizona. 1967.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss the governments knowledge of extraterrestrial UFO's at this time. I am still personally being briefed on the subject."
President Richard M. Nixon
"We find ourselves faced by powers which are far stronger than we had hitherto assumed, and whose base is at present unknown to us. More I cannot say at present. We are now engaged in entering into closer contact with those powers, and in six or nine months time it may be possible to speak with some precision on the matter."
Dr. Wernher von Braun, reflecting on the deflection of the US June 2 rocket from orbit in 1959.
"I can assure you the flying saucers, given that they exist, are not constructed by any power on earth."
President Harry S. Truman - Press conference, Washington DC, April 4, 1950.
"UFOs are real. I myself had an experience of this sort in 1951. It was a yellowish-silver disk with deep red edges, moving at high speed at an altitude of some 500 meters..."
Vicecommodore Oscar Bario. Argentinian Defense.
"At this state of events, and with the evidence available to us, it is hard to deny the existence of flying saucers."
Vicecommodore Dante La Roca. Argentinian Defense.
"I believe in the so-called flying saucer, and it is my understanding that the Air Force will pursue studies on this subject."
Commander Adolfo Alvarez, 1968. Argentinian Defense.
"While working under President Eisenhower,I discovered that Eisenhower had a keen interest in UFOs, but that he came to realise that he had lost control of the subject."
Brigadier General Steven Lovekin
"After the plane from Roswell arrived with the material I asked the base commander to personaly transport it in a B-26 to Major General Mc Mullen in Washington DC.
The entire operation was conducted under strictest secrey.The weather balloon explanation for the material was a cover story to divert the attention of the press."
Brigadier General Thomas Dubose.
Commanding Officer of Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Affadavit 09/16/01
"We heard the material was coming to Wright Field. It was brought into our material evaluation labs. I don't know how it arrived but the boys who tested it said it was very unusual."
Brigadier General Arthur E. Exon
"I speak from three years of detailed,personal research involving interviews with more than five hundred witnessess in selected UFO cases,chiefly in the United States.
In my opinion the UFO problem,far from being the 'nonsense problem' it has been labelled by many scientists,constitutes an area of extraordinary scientific interest."
Dr James McDonald. Professor of Atmospheric Sciences-
Senior Physicist. Quoted in 'UFOs - a Scientific debate'
"Blue Book was now under direct orders to debunk...I remember the conversations around the conference table in which it was suggested that Walt Disney or some other educational cartoon producer be enlisted in the debunking process."
Dr J Allen Hyneck
Scientific Consultant to Blue Book. (USAF SPONSORED INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE SET UP BY THE THEN USA GOVERNMENT);
"The Air Force has never denied the possiblity that interplanetary spacecraft exist.There are many people in the Air Force who beleive in UFOs."
Albert M Chop -USAF Press Liason
"It isn't a question of whether or not flying saucers exist.The question is what are they and who do they belong to?"
George Flier
Air Force Intelligence Officer 1958 -1978
link; http://kenny.anomalyresponse.org/WAVE73.htm
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UFO Communicated by Thomas Jefferson;
Report Concerning an Unidentified Flying Object Communicated by Thomas Jefferson;
This one page notice appeared in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society vol. 6 Part 1 (Philadelphia, 1804), p. 25. At the time it was written, Thomas Jefferson was president of the Society and also Vice President of the United States.
Apparently it was written and submitted by the naturalist William Dunbar, and communicated or presented to the society by Jefferson. Unfortunately, the plate referred to is missing. The entire volume (21 MB), which is in the public domain, may be downloaded from rbedrosian.com. Though only one page, this is an invaluable and historic document.
"No. III. Description of a singular Phenomenon seen at Baton Rouge, by William Dunbar, Esq. communicated by Thomas Jefferson, President A. P. S.
Natchez, June 30th, 1800.
Read 16th January 1801.
A PHENOMENON was seen to pass Baton Rouge on the night of the 5th April 1800, of which the following is the best description I have been able to obtain.
It was first seen in the South West, and moved so rapidly, passing over the heads of the spectators, as to disappear in the North East in about a quarter of a minute. It appeared to be of the size of a large house, 70 or 80 feet long and of a form nearly resembling Fig. 5. in Plate, iv.
It appeared to be about 200 yards above the surface of the earth, wholly luminous, but not emitting sparks; of a colour resembling the sun near the horizon in a cold frosty evening, which may be called crimson red. When passing right over the heads of the spectators, the light on the surface of the earth, was little short of the effect of sun-beams, though at the same time, looking another way, the stars were visible, which appears to be a confirmation of the opinion formed of its moderate elevation.
In passing, a considerable degree of heat was felt but no electric sensation. Immediately after it disappeared in the North East, a violent rushing noise was heard, as if the phenomenon was bearing down the forest before it, and in a few seconds a tremendous crash was heard similar to that of the largest piece of ordnance, causing a very sensible earthquake.
I have been informed, that search has been made in the place where the burning body fell, and that a considerable portion of the surface of the earth was found broken up, and every vegetable body burned or greatly scorched. I have not yet received answers to a number of queries I have sent on, which may perhaps bring to light more particulars.
link; http://www.ufodigest.com/article/rep...omas-jefferson
actual document containing UFO report;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...2b66634f5d.jpg
http://rbedrosian.com/Downloads/TAPS...ferson_Ufo.pdf
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Thought i would add this here on a one very interesting man by the name of Dr Christopher (Kit) Green , a once CIA's 'keeper of the weird' at the Office for Science and Technology.He was a senior science analyst;
Dr Christopher (Kit) Green - part one;
The below is from a book called "Mirage Men: A Journey in Disinformation, Paranoia and UFOs," author ; Mark Pilkington. credit for the below information is here; http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogspot.com/
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quotes;
"Pilkington says "Kit Green is a formidable, immediately likable character...He's
also fascinated by UFOs, an interest that goes back some three decades to his time as the CIA's 'keeper of the weird' at the Office for Science and Technology. Really he was a senior science analyst, but a small part of his work involved intelligence to do with remote viewing (RV,) UFOs and other hot paranormal topics of the 1970s." (p.277.)
"Kit, John and I spoke for some hours, initially about the Serpo material, which, to our surprise, Kit took more seriously than we had expected. 'There are certain facts in there,' he told us, 'certain references, that prevent me from being able to reject the material out of hand, even if the story that it's telling is patently not true.'
The Serpo material, or at least some of it, Kit suggested, might have served a purpose to someone, somewhere, perhaps conveying information in heavily codified form. One of the ways you can assess the value of information is to watch who is drawn to it, and Serpo had caught the attention of some senior players in the defence intelligence field..." (p.278.)
An aside:
The Serpo material was reported to have been initially released by an anonymous informant, in November 2005 to Victor Martinez, in the USA. Over time, by 2008, some of the contents of the alleged DIA report were released to the Internet.
It is said to provide the history of ETs interacting with the Earth and the subsequent visit by a team of humans to Serpo, a planet in the Zeta Reticuli star system. (Mirage Men pp48-50.)
Whether or not the Serpo material had any validity at all was hotly debated by part of the online UFO research community. It was however, widely seen to be a hoax.
Rick Doty:
"Kit is also a close and long-standing friend of Rick Doty, who he talked about with unguarded warmth and respect, though he was forced to admit that sometimes Rick's actions could be both puzzling and frustrating." (p.278.)
"We talked about the use of quiet helicopters 'disguised' as UFOs to probe security and nuclear installations. 'I'm pretty sure that it happened' said Kit, following up by hinting that he may have met a man who claimed to have flown similar missions." (p.278.)
"...at a Denny's restaurant back in 1986 he, along with physicist Hal Puthoff and computer scientist and ufologist Jacques Vallee, distilled what they knew about the subject into what has become known as the 'core story.' Simply put, the core story, according to Kit, is this: "The ETs came here, maybe once, maybe a few times. Either through accident or design, the US Government acquired one of their craft. The only problem was that the physics that powered the craft were so advanced that for decades we humans have struggled to understand it or to replicate it." (p.279.)
"This man was serious. And, as he sees it, so is the situation. We are not alone and probably never have been. They may even be here now. The problem is, what are we supposed to do about it?" (p.280.)
An aside:The 'core story':
One site which provides discussion of the 'core story' is (click here.)
Hypothesis:
Kit then put forward an hypothesis which involved "If something really strange in the area of UFOs is true, then what do we do about conveying that information to the public? First we concede what may be the basic facts: maybe there are civilized lifeforms elsewhere in the universe; maybe they visited us in their spaceships a couple of times, and then went back home...And there may be people in the Government who believe that this did happen, and believe that the information needs to be public knowledge...But then there's another group of people in power who say, 'No, it will make them sick to know all this, we can't let the story out, it's too dangerous." (p.281.)
Kit continued the hypothesis. "The way to do it is to construct a framework whereby they can parse out the things they've heard that are not true, and you whittle it down to a manageable story. A story like this. ' There were three spaceships that came here over thirty years, and we've got one of them. We can't figure out how it works, we've crashed it because..." (pp281-282.)
The hypothesis continues, that you feed stories out "Over ten or twenty years. You put out a bunch of movies, a bunch of books...Then one day you say, "Hey, all that stuff is nonsense, relax, it's not that bad...the reality is this..." (p.282.)
"Here was a very suave, very intelligent man, a man who had been close to the secret machinations of government than anyone we were ever likely to meet. And he appeared to be telling us that the aliens were real..." (p.283.)
The interview:
The introduction to the interview states:
"Dr Christopher C Green, known to friends and colleagues as "Kit," currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Clinical Research, China for the Wayne State School of Medicine, in Detroit Michigan. He served in the CIA from 1969 through 1985. In the early 1970's, Dr Green's work included involvement in the start of the 20-year government research project into ESP and psychic ability." Click here to see current faculty directory with a Christopher Green listed.); http://directory.med.wayne.edu/users...ayne,%20DC=edu
"I was an "open" employee and able to generally discuss this question for my entire career. My position was as an analyst in the Life Sciences Division, later to become a Science and technology Division, in the part of the agency that examined intelligence data that may affect national security. Most of the data was unclassified.
What analyst's "did" was called "All source" intelligence...My primary responsibility was in Physiology and Medicine, life support systems for foreign space and underseas platforms, and a wide range of biological and chemical threat analysis. My speciality was Forensic Medicine; this means trying to figure out diagnoses from very little and often highly incomplete data."
Green estimated that "Overall, I never spent more than 10% of my time on the subjects across any given period of weeks or a month..."
The rest of the interview dealt with the CIA's remote viewing research and not UFOs apart from:
"LTK: Have your views regarding phenomenon such as UFOs, ghosts or ESP changes at all from the time you started with the CIA to the day you left in 1985? If so why?
"CG: Yes. I now believe the phenomenon is much less common that I used to think."
LINK FOR INTERVIEW; http://paranormal.lovetoknow.com/Tru...the_Paranormal
Green's part in the CIA remote viewing program:
"On June 27, 1972 Puthoff wrote concerning the magnetometer experiment to CIA scientist Kit Green, who occupied the Life Science Desk in the agency's Office of Strategic Intelligence (OSI), starting a long-term relationship with one of the most important figures in the CIA to support the SRI remote viewing program." (Smith, P.H.2005. "Reading the Enemy's Mind." Tom Doherty Associates. New York. ISBN 0-312-87515-0 page 64.)Click here for Smith's website. http://readingtheenemysmind.com/
Bruce Maccabee:
UFOlogist Bruce Maccabee investigated the New Zealand UFO sightings of December 1978. It is reported that Maccabee met with Kit Green at the CIA in 1979 when he briefed a number of CIA personnel on the New Zealand events. (Source: click here.); http://servv89pn0aj.sn.sourcedns.com.../maccabee.html
Vallee on Green:
"Hal's contact is a boyish fellow, Dr Christopher Green nicknamed Kit, a dynamic bespectacled young man of medium build with alert brown eyes. He holds a doctorate in biology, exudes optimism and refreshing humor.
"Dr Green wasted no time in getting into our first topic of conversation, the Pascagoula case. He knew more about it than the "experts" who had claimed to analyze it. Hynek had interviewed both witnesses with Jim Harder, who made a big show of hypnotizing them. But Dr Green told me that a fortnight after the supposed abduction two other men fishing from a boat in the same river had seen an oblong, torpedo-like craft in the water. It was about one metre long and emitted a cone of light. They touched it with an oar. The light went off, and then came back, suggesting inner control.The coast Guard was called up and confirmed the observation, after which everybody was debriefed by Naval Intelligence and all hell broke loose. Green was alerted by the Navy. 'Nobody has pointed out that Pascagoula is a strategic site,' he said, 'it's the place where most of the U.S. nuclear subs are built. So the Navy surmised the object was a Soviet spying device. But why did it have a light, if it was designed to spy? Furthermore it's difficult to make a robot device that swims under water."
"We went on to discuss computer catalogues. But when I asked if they had any data about the lead mask case in Brazil he had never heard about it. The most important thing I learned was that Green has counterparts in every branch of the Executive. Like Howell McConnell, they mainly operated "out of personal interest," with the blessing of higher-level managers. They occasionally exchanged data, but he claimed little was done with it.
"In my case, I have a perfect excuse for doing this, out of my office at the Central Intelligence Agency:If there are Aliens around, dead or alive, they come under the mission of my group, which is biological intelligence. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't keep my mind open to this possibility."
"Are you involved in longer-term research, looking for patterns?"
"Not the agency. Not until there's clear proof that the problem is real. My bosses have read the same reports you have. They've even read your books, but they simply have never been scared by the problem to the point of setting up a serious project."
"I pushed him a little more: 'Don't you agree there must be a secret effort somewhere?'
"He thought about it for a while. 'Yes,' he finally said, 'I do agree with that statement. In my group we've wondered if it wasn't being run within private industry.'"
Comments:
1.For more on the Pascagoula case click here.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascagoula_Abduction There is no mention of the sighting related by Green. However there are some details on another site (click here) http://www.ufocasebook.com/Pascagoula.html which fits in with Green's comments.
26 February 1974:
"A temporary clearance is being set up to enable me to visit Kit next month in hopes to better understand the chessboard."
18 May 1974:
Vallee visited the NSA."On the way back I met with Kit at the Dulles airport restaurant. His team remains interested in tracking down rumours but long-term research is simply not their mission, he said in response to my tirades stressing the urgency for science work. If they stumbled on hard evidence, of course they would pursue it and bring their analytical expertise upon it, but he confessed that's unlikely to happen.
"'Damm it,'he told me, 'I've got my people looking deep within the Air Force and we can't find anybody who'll talk to us! I've spent three days with Winebrenner, and brought up the subject as part of our work. He swore to me that FTD wasn't doing anything on UFOs any more. He said they had neither hardware or biological data.'...'The Air Force has unfocused objectives,' Kit went on. 'They have a shortage of scientific brains and they are weakened by the fact that their personnel rotates every two years. So where do they hide the fucking project, if there's one?'"
2 June 1974:
"...we got a call from Hal. He didn't want to talk over the phone, so I invited him over for coffee. "I don't know why Kit hasn't called you himself, except that technically the line of communication goes through me," he began. "He thinks you ought to know there's a group of 12 highly placed people in the Government who've decided to create a focus for the study of UFOs, with full access and funding for researchers like you. One of these people is at the deputy secretary level. He agrees with you that Hynek should be invited.""
16 June 1974:
"Wearing a colorful shirt and a vibrant tie, Kit met me at Dulles last Friday in his little yellow sports car...Kit and I drove over to the Marriott to meet David M and "Sams," who was introduced to me as a member of the new "Group of twelve," which sounded exciting until we sat down in the bar area and I realised they were all space cadets, talking about pedestrian research worthy of the old NICAP.
"Sams is a 20-year veteran of the agency, manager of a project that flies "secret vehicles often confused with UFOs." A solid fellow with brown hair and thick glasses, he said i should write a proposal with him for an ambitious effort with a big budget, but he had no answers to my questions about scientific objectives...We went over to Kit's pleasant house int he woods where I met his cheerful wife and their two sons, who made me feel at home. We spent all of Friday evening arguing, all Of Saturday morning as well. I failed to convince him that UFOs were real."
21 July 1974:
"Kit just left, along with Hal, Russell and two of his kids. We had a long discussion after a demo of my landing catalogue. Kit has dropped out of Sam's covert "Group of Twelve."
10 December 1974:
"Over lunch kit told me he'd been able to reconstruct all the data alluded to by Emenegger. "Everything checks out, but I can't find out if the Holloman movies actually exists."
"...Kit reluctantly confirmed there was a group of 15 engineers in the Midwest (I assumed it was McDonnell in St Louis) secretly doing UFO research for CIA under cover of "aeronautical research." They're getting data through leaks from CUFOs and other amateurs. I congratulated myself for working alone, keeping my own counsel."
19 February 1975
"Kit came over for a long talk about Lopez Rega, the cults of California and my theories of control systems. He was flying up from Los Angeles where he'd met Sandler and was thrilled."
23 March 1975
"A couple of weeks ago Kit met in Virginia with Russell in Hal's hotel room. They had started to discuss a case in which a mysterious mechanical arm appeared out of thin air int he bedroom of a Livermore engineer when the four of them suddenly heard a key turn in the door. Hal and Kit positioned themselves on either side and jumped on the intruder as soon as he pushed the door in, grabbing a little fellow with only one arm! The poor man swore he had been given the wrong key. They called the front desk. Indeed he had gone to the wrong room, but why did his key open Hal's door?"
26 April 1975
"Kit is now talking to every ufologist worth his salt. Last night he told me that the Holloman film that Sandler was trying so hard to locate had been withdrawn from the library by a Captain Harner who has since been transferred! But he can't find any trace of any Harner, or any such film at the Pentagon."
1 June 1975
"Over lunch Kit said that a friend of his recently attended a witchcraft session in San Francisco, where he actually saw the devil. Later he was shown a tiny pipe connected to the central cauldron. It gave off a gas which made the participants susceptible to suggestion...some of their adepts swear they have received communications from higher beings."
26 March 1975
An entry about animal mutilations. "From my own analysis, which runs contrary top Kit's conclusions, only a small number of cattle mutilations can be attributed to cults or predators."
Continuing with Vallee's diary entries re Green.
20 March 1977
"I plan to come home through El Paso where I'll meet with Dr Green, still in medical school. I expect we will argue again about the reality of UFOs and mutilations, both of which he keeps denying."
24 March 1977
"When I saw him in El Paso Kit was bothered by John Wilhelm, the Time Magazine journalist who wrote Search for Superman and is now hot on his trail. Kit has started to study cases of unexplained deaths and comas that have struck parapsychology researchers..." Click here for some of Wilhelm's work.
11 August 1977
"Kit and I spent two hours arguing yesterday at The Little Store in Woodside, closed for the afternoon. Alain gave us two Napoleons, a pot of coffee and left us alone. I proposed to attack the UFO system by moving upstream along its own feedback loop. I explained to kit how the topology of a control system worked and why we could try and affect it, even if we didn't yet know the nature of the actual agent (extraterrestrial, ultra-dimensional, collective unconscious, human manipulation etc..."
"Something bothered me about such conversations with kit. We speak past each other. I try to make him see the reality of the phenomenon, because he's one of the few people in a position to bring the subject up before decision-makers, but he continues to deny it, in academic terms that son';t take the facts into account."
HERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT QUOTE;
why was Vallee spending so much time with Kit? The answer seems to be "because he's one of the few people in a position to bring the subject up before decision-makers."
30 September 1977
"I spoke to Kit at Dulles. We ended up at the coffee shop of the Marriott, where we had once met with "Smith."
"Whatever happened to that guy, anyway?" I asked, "And his Group of Twelve?"
"We never found out why he wanted to know you, did we?" he said, evading me. I have my own idea that "Smith" wanted to make his own assessment, for whatever purpose. Kit was sceptical that NASA could study UFOs."
"They don't have the resources to do a good job," he argued. "They don't have the right psychologists, medical experts, analysts. We're the only ones with these resources,"
"What are you waiting for, then" I challenged him.
"We can't do it until the Executive tells us to study the problem."
"Yet Schneider had just told me he'd never trust the CIA to do a reliable study...I think Kit is a bright scientist with an open mind but he is the exception in a bureaucratic empire that smothers research. Even if he did know something, he couldn't use it, so what good is that?"
17 November 1977
"Kit keeps explaining away the sightings by a combination of witness unreliability, fugue states, paraphrenia, or unspecified "anthropological" factors; none of which accounts for the hard core data. As for cattle mutilation cases, which may or may not be related to UFOs at all, he dismisses them as the simple work of predators.
The final part of entries from Vallee's diaries re Green.
11 December 1977
"When Kit got back to his office after his stay in Texas he was annoyed to discover that the UFO files he had collected had been scattered by Agency attorneys in answer to FOIA requests. he had difficulty gathering them again. His boss called him on the carpet: "You're supposed to cover life sciences," he told him, "this stuff has nothing to do with it."
"The Agency allowed him to pursue the topic privately. He told me that something curious was happening in Mexico, with rumours of multiple UFOs seen on the ground and mysterious deaths of animals...Unfortunately we don;t have any real facts."
Comments:
21 January 1978
"Some of the theoretical papers I'd sent Kit have disappeared from his home study, just like Poher's photographs vanished from Bourret's apartment."
28 January 1978
"Kit and I met at Dulles airport on Thursday. Again we spent the evening arguing. I asked him what he thought of the Soviet psychotronic work..,"We began our first really serious analysis of Soviet parapsychology work about 1970," he said..."
29 January 1978
"A similar situation exists in Washington. Kit has been told that the Agency didn't have a mission to monitor the subject. His personal notes and files have been returned to him with instructions to take them home. Which brings us back to the big question: If those guys actually know nothing, who the hell is in charge?"
16 April 1978
"Some brave researchers are trying to extract UFO data from the government through the FOIA. "All they'll get is a lot of garbage," Kit told me. "The government no longer files anything under the UFO label. All personnel have been told to drop any research, direct or indirect, about the subject. I got mad at this. I told them they had no right to tell analysts what they could and couldn't, look at...what do you know about Wilbur Franklin?" Kit asked...The poor guy died last week in rather strange circumstances," he told me..."
"We spent the rest of the evening arguing about close encounters. When we spoke again the next morning after breakfast Kit told me he had spent most of the night reading my analyses.
"I've drawn a number of lessons from this," he said. "For me, all the physiological effects you describe appear to belong to the autonomous sympathetic nervous system which relates to the rhinencephalon in terms of smells and feelings of nausea. Those are tow features often noted by your witnesses."
"Does that lead you to look for psychiatric explanations, then?" I asked, already on the defensive. "Psychiatric explanations won't explain these cases you know."
"No, I've become skeptical about psychiatric hypotheses," he announced to my relief. "Psychiatric effects are present , but there may be a physiological cause that triggers them."
18 May 1978
"I finally took Kit over to Jim Irish's lab. As we drove through the L.A. traffic Kit told me about his meetings with Bob Beck, who researches brainwave entraining. I think beck managed to convince him that entraining was possible, but he remains skeptical of Bearden's notion that the Russians are using it as a weapon."
About Jim Irish. "I think the fellow is exactly who he says he is." Kit told me once we were back int he car, driving along Sunset. "He must have worked as a private contractor for ASA and later for NSA...I suspect NSA wanted to find out if it was possible to detect specific systems aboard satellites. If Jim Irish could pick them up with his Polaroid plates, it's likely the Russians do it to...We finally discussed cattle mutilations, which left him fairly stumped. Kit leans towards the theory that witches are responsible."
23 May 1978
"Kit is in close contact with most of the UFO groups, so his interest is only confidential among the uninformed. Right now he is on his way to Houston where Valerie Ransone and a group of contactees have promised he would witness materialization. But what are his true intentions? He belongs to a small cadre of very bright intelligence types who are looking for elements of truth...It is becoming obvious to both of us that some of the rumours about extraterrestrials have been planted, perhaps as a cover to esoteric weapons systems, or as part of psychological warfare exercises in which ufologists are a convenient test bed."
Comment:
14 June 1978
"Evidently the CIA had a contact inside CUFOs, as it does among most UFO groups. Someone close to Allen in Chicago has leaked a pile of internal documents to Dave M. Another curious episode as soon as Dave got the CUFOS papers his secure phone rang: a Colonel requested to see them. Now Kit himself is wondering who could be watching them..."
12 July 1978
"Kit was waiting for me at Dulles, driving a Volvo full of kids, so we were not able to talk seriously until after dinner. Once we were alone I brought up my concerns..."You may be right," Kit finally said "about a secret project."
5 January 1979
"I've confronted kt with the fact that, according to the top-level Spanish officials I met in Mexico, the Spanish Air Force reported all their UFO data to "the Americans" - yet another indicator that a secret channel does exist. Kit denied knowledge of the sightings I recounted for him. He recently had the same conversation with John Schuessler, who thinks the secret project isn't at CIA but at NRO..."
5 March 1979
"I won' see Kit on this trip. Sadly, in spite of my admiration for his sharp intellect, there's a barrier between us. He's cleared for all kinds of secrets to which I share no access. It's pointless to talk, and I can't trust his bosses with my information."
8 October 1979
"In the meantime Kit has hired Rommell, a retired FBI agent charged with a formal study. H is spending his time and much CIA money in New Mexico."
22 November 1979
"Kit has come to the absurd conclusion that those mutilation reports that are not simply misinterpretations of predator actions are the product of schizophrenia in witnesses... I have cured myself of the fascination I once felt for the Intelligence Community."
LINKS;
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogspot.com/
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogs...-part-one.html
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogs...-part-two.html
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogs...art-three.html
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogs...part-four.html
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogs...part-five.html
http://ufos-scientificresearch.blogs...-part-six.html
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General / Mass Sightings;
http://www.ufoevidence.org/images4/ALLUSA1b.gif
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...b383476609.jpg
The first plots every sighting as a small yellow dot, with lighter colors representing a higher density of reports.
The number of documented general sightings in the modern age numbers approximately 120,000, of which 20,000 have been described as landings. Numerous surveys and opinions polls conducted over the last 50 years consistently report that between 5%-10% of the US population has seen what they consider to be a UFO. According to the United Nations, since 1947, approximately 150 million people have been witnesses to UFO sightings throughout the world.
SAMPLE UFO SIGHTINGS
Mar., 1945 Belfast (Maine). A man out hunting observed an elongated object flying very slowly, tilted toward the earth. It crashed into some trees at the end of a clear- ing. The enormous craft seemed undamaged as it rested briefly on the ground, then lifted again with a humming sound, started to spin, released a shower of fine silvery threads, and rose straight up, disap- pearing in seconds. (FS May., 59) (Magonia Catalog)
Apr. 21, 1967 South Hill (Virginia). Mr. Crowder was driving home 2100 when he saw an object on the road 70 m away. Sup- ported by four legs, it was a vertical cylinder, 5 m in diameter, with a half-sphere on top. It was gray and its base was 1 m above the pavement. When the witness turned his high beams on, the craft gave off a vertical light and vanished. The road burned for 15 min. Mr. Martin, who lived nearby, also observed the light. Holes, traces of burns, and calcined matches were noted at the site. (Atic) (Magonia)
Nov. 05, 1967 Fordingbridge (Great Britain). Lorry driver Karl 2330 Farlow told police that as his lights and radio blacked out, although his diesel engine continued to work, he saw an egg-shaped object, 3 m long, 15 m away. Moments later, a white Jaguar coming in the opposite direction also stopped. The object, emitting a green light and showing a whitish dome under its lower surface, hovered between the two vehicles for 2 min and left at high speed. (FSR 67, 6; 68, 3) (Magonia)
Feb. 20, 1963 Lecce (Italy). A young man saw from a window ,a 1730 slowly spinning object, almost stationary, 500 m away. It appeared as a disk having a central upper dome, with a total diameter of 3 m. The object had a brilliant yellow red halo, but its dome was much more brilliant. The witness observed it through binoculars, reported seeing a "particle" leave the object, after which it stopped spinning, gained altitude with a vertical shift- ing, and left toward the northeast. (144) (Magonia)
Dec. 14, 1963 Vereeniging (South Africa). Messrs. Muller and 0100 Immelman suddenly found the countryside illumi- nated and saw an object, 15 m in diameter, with in- tense orange and blue lights, emitting sparks, flying toward their car. They stopped and jumped out as it dived five or six times, at one point hovering for two min 15 m above them, making a humming sound, be- fore flying away. (146; FSR 64, 3) (Magonia)
Oct. 19, 1954 Gorizia (Italy). Filippo Corridoni saw a half-empty 1920 balloon at ground level near the Isonzo River. Near it, a disk 10 m in diameter was resting on a strange frame. The upper part was white with a black dome- like turret, around which was a series of portholes, some illuminated with a very bright, bluish-white light, which suddenly went out as the object took off spinning and rising vertically, pulling the balloon with it. (86) (Magonia)
DATABASES & CATALOGUES
*U* UFO Database
Compiled and developed by Larry Hatch;
The *U* UFO DATABASE is a serious 16+ year effort to catalog, map, and perform statistical functions on a filtered set of UFO sightings throughout history. As of January, 2001 *U* holds over 17,750 carefully filtered UFO events distilled from hundreds of books, major journals, catalogs, downloads and other sources. "Junk" sightings ( night-lights, fireballs, discovered hoaxes etc.) are systematically filtered out. Otherwise, *U* would hold several times the present number of listings. Scope is world-wide, for all dates from antiquity to the present.
*U* UFO Map Displays
White dots indicate location of reported UFO sighting
North America - all dates;
http://www.ufoevidence.org/images2/ALLUSA%5B1%5D.gif
Europe - all dates;
http://www.ufoevidence.org/images2/EURALL%5B1%5D.gif
"Sightings densities for each country are a direct function of the activities of their respective UFO groups, journals and investigators. An unbiased sampling would probably show a much more even distribution of events. Sightings in France and Britain are well represented due to diligent investigation, open discussion and wealth of UFO related materials there."
UFOCAT Database
From CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies)
UFOCAT99 refers to a computer database of over 109,000 UFO reports and related information released in May 1999. It is theresult of a 30-year effort that began during the Air Force sponsored Colorado UFO Project, also known as the “Condon Committee.” UFOCAT was begun by Dr. David R. Saunders, who at the time was a co-Principal Investigator on the Colorado UFO study andprofessor of Psychology at the University of Colorado. Dr. Jacques Vallee contributed a large computer catalogue of approximately 6,000 cases at the project’s inception.
The UFOCAT database has existed in some form or another since the spring of 1967 but went through an eight-year hiatusrom 1982 to 1990 when it was neither updated nor utilized. In 1976 Dr. Saunders gave his version of UFOCAT to the Center forUFO Studies (CUFOS). From then until 1982 it was maintained and updated by Fred Merritt at the Chicago office of CUFOS.
Available for order from CUFOS, on CD-ROM - Not available online;
> Introduction; http://www.cufos.org/UFOCAT.html
National UFO Reporting Center
Peter Davenport, Director
The National UFO Reporting Center, located in Seattle, WA, was founded in 1974 by noted UFO investigator Robert J. Gribble. The Center's primary function over the past two decades has been to receive, record, and to the greatest degree possible, corroborate and document reports from individuals who have been witness to unusual, possibly UFO-related events.
The principal means used by the Center to receive sighting reports is its telephone hotline, which has operated almost continuously since 1974. During that period, the hotline has processed many tens of thousands of calls, and the Center has distributed its information to thousands of individuals.
The hotline is well known by law enforcement agencies, FAA ARTCC's and flight service stations, National Weather Services offices, military facilities, NASA, and many 911 emergency dispatch centers all across the United States and in many parts of Canada. Those entities routinely direct the calls they receive regarding possible UFO sightings to the Center.
> Online Database; http://www.msatech.com/nuforc/webreports.html
> Index by EVENT DATE http://www.msatech.com/nuforc/webreports/ndxevent.html > Index by STATE http://www.msatech.com/nuforc/webreports/ndxloc.html
> Index by SHAPE OF UFO > http://www.msatech.com/nuforc/webreports/ndxshape.html Index by DATE POSTED; http://www.msatech.com/nuforc/webreports/ndxpost.html
> NUFORC Home Page; http://www.ufocenter.com/
> Information, Overview & Policies; http://www.msatech.com/nuforc/General.html
The Magonia Catalog / Database
Compiled by Jacques Vallee
A Century of UFO Landings (1868-1968) Compiled by Jacques Vallee The Magonia Database was compiled by Jacques Vallee and published in his book "Passport to Magonia."
Over two decades ago, eminent scientist Vallee wrote a provocative book about alleged UFO landings, folklore, and certain unexplained phenomena. That long-out-of-print book--which discussed the most interesting reports of more than 1,000 apparently reliable witnessess--has become a classic.
> Click here to go ; http://www.ufoevidence.org/Other/MagoniaCatalog.htm
Public Opinion Surveys and Unidentified Flying Objects
John F. Schuessler, MUFON; NIDS Science Advisory Board
Numerous surveys and opinions polls conducted over the last last 50 years consistently report that between 5%-10% of US population has seen what they consider to be a UFO. (2000);
> Click here to go (PDF); http://www.nidsci.org/articles/pdf/schuessler2.pdf
MUFON Skywatch Investigations (Filer's Files)
Editor: George A. Filer - MUFON Eastern Director
Filer's Files is a weekly compilation of UFO related events and stories. Three years of full archives since 1998 are available in complete form online. George Filer is a field investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) a nonprofit UFO investigative and research organization started in 1969. George Filer is the New Jersey State Director and the Eastern Regional Director for the 21 Eastern States as well as Puerto Rico and US Caribbean Islands.
> Click here to go (UFOINFO)http://www.ufoinfo.com/filer/index.html
> 2000 >http://www.ufoinfo.com/filer/index.html 1999 > http://www.ufoinfo.com/filer/1999/index.html 1998 http://www.ufoinfo.com/filer/1998/index.html
http://www.filersfiles.com/
UFO Roundup
by Joseph Trainor
UFO Roundup is a weekly compilation of UFO related events and stories. Five years of full archives since 1996 are available in complete form online. Together, they form an extensive collection of UFO reports and sightings from around the world.
http://www.ufoinfo.com/roundup/index.shtml
According to the United Nations, since 1947, approximately 150 million people have been witnesses to UFO sightings throughout the world.
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Sweden and its UFO Encounters;Clas Svahn;
quote;
"BoA:Audio once again goes global as we welcome Clas Svahn, head of UFO Sweden, for his first-ever American radio interview. We'll be discussing, in amazing detail, the world of Swedish Ufology. We'll find out about some of the key UFO cases in Sweden's rich history such as the 1808 mass UFO sighting, the 1933 phantom lights flap, the famous Gosta Karlsson case, the ghost lights of 1946, the 1958 Domsten close encounter case, Project Argus of the 1970's, the 1984 Minsk case, the 1999 UFO "crash" in Sweden, and many others".
"Clas will also give us his first hand perspective on the birth & evolution of UFO studies in Sweden, including how Sweden was a major player in the very early days of the modern UFO phenomenon, the reaction of the Swedish military and government to UFOs, how the media coverage of the phenomenon has changed over the years, and what the everyday Swede thinks of UFOs."
link; http://www.binnallofamerica.com/boaa6.9.9.html
UFO Sweden releases 18,000 Swedish UFO reports to the public domain.
A Swedish UFO-organisation will make it easier for the public to look through their files. A 250 square meter archive will open its doors to the public during the weekend of May 9-10 2009. It is located in Norrköping and contains approx. 18000 files from Sweden and several thousand documents related to Denmark, Norway and the US. Clas Svahn from "UFO-Sweden" has allegedly stated that the reason why the documents have not been shown before is due to the lack of personnel. But now the organisation has hired a part-time employee. Clas Svahn has highlighted a case where a couple saw a cigar-shaped object land and sink in a lake in 1980 in Norrbotten. The incident was apparently reported to the Swedish military.
"Besides the 18,000 Swedish cases are thousands of cases from Denmark and other Nordic countries. Thousands of US cases on micro film are too included. The archive (Norrkoping) will be open to the public domain starting with May 9-10, 2009.
The chairman of UFO Sweden Clas Svahn mentions one case of special interest, a case from 1980. A cigar shaped UFO submerged itself into a mountain lake and never came up again according to witnesses. Svahn comments, "it may still be there, since the lake never been monitored by divers."
"There was a great interest," said Clas Svahn at UFO Sweden.
A Swedish pilot in a Draken plane was flying over Småland in a training exercise in the 1970s. He received the order to break the exercise and fly towards an unidentified object lying still on the water.
As he approached the object suddenly shoots straight up - and the pilot takes up the chase. Despite full speed the pilot soon loses the object and it is never identified.
The event which confounded the pilot, is just one of the reports recorded in the world's largest UFO archive in Norrköping in eastern Sweden.
related links;
http://www.thelocal.se/19370/20090511/
http://www.exopolitics.dk/content/view/122/48/
http://www.examiner.com/x-2024-Denve...-public-domain
interview with Clas Svahn at UFO Sweden head of UFOs Sweden;
Claus Svahn is head of UFOs Sweden , his interview is an eye opener;
Archives for UFO Research ~ founded in Sweden in 1973,here; http://www.afu.info/
UFO Sweden; http://www.ufo.se/english/
Welcome to AFU; http://www.afu.info/
quote;
"The archive is now closed once more, as the association works on a voluntary basis and does not have the time to do more than show the archive to, for example, researchers".
http://www.thelocal.se/19370/20090511/
Interestingly the USAF visited the Swedish Air Intelligence Service as shown below in this document;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...3c4a829ac7.gif
Then we have this revelation below;
quote;
"When officers of this Directorate recently visited the Swedish Air Intelligence Service. This question was put to the Swedes. Their answer was that some reliable and fully technically qualified people have reached the conclusion that "these phenomena are obviously the result of a high technical skill which can not be credited to any presently known culture on Earth." They are therefore assuming that these objects originate from some previously unknown or unidentified technology,possibly outside the Earth".
USAF Document describing unknown object 'making crater' in Swedish lake:
Document;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...3c4a829ac7.gif
quote;
"While the Swedes,Norweigans and Danes investigated and clamped down ,Britain and America provided some assistance. On August 23rd,British radar experts,back from Sweden, submitted secret reports to the British Government on the origin of the rockets".
"Their conclusion: the objects were not of Soviet origin.
The scientific advisor to MI6, Prof R.V. Jones found it doubtful that "the Russians were supposedly cruising their flying bombs at more than twice the range that the Germans had acheived".
On September 9th the British Air Ministry's Directorate of Intelligence (Research) summarized the main features of the ghost rocket phenomenon and included eight types of sightings".
link; http://keyholepublishing.com/Volume%201%20-%20Info.html
Clas Svahn;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...26b898a5ce.jpg
quote;
"In the middle of the 1960s, numerous articles about UFOs and flying saucers could be found in American magazines, many of them being just as interesting today as when they were written. Then the UFO phenomenon was taken seriously and no self-respecting magazine could avoid discussing it.
The collection contains lots of fascinating reading, and it’s hard not to get stuck for hours with them. Most comes from the Ohio-based magazines Cleveland Free Press and Cleveland Plain Dealer, but there are also hundreds of other sources from all over the U.S".
http://www.afu.info/clipsus.htm
"Many sightings were of elongated, cigar-shaped, objects. On May 24, 1946 at 2 a.m., for example, several Swedish witnesses saw a wingless cigar shaped object, a scant 300 feet above the ground, spurting "bunches of sparks" from its tail. The object moved at the speed of an ordinary airplane. On the 31st, just before noon, a wingless huge metallic cigar was seen moving rapidly at about 1,000 feet altitude. From these kinds of descriptions, the objects acquired the name of "ghost rockets." It soon became clear, however, that these could not be conventional rockets.
In the first place, they left no exhaust trail. Secondly, they were almost always silent. Thirdly, many of them moved too slowly to be rockets. Fourthly, they were often seen in formation, breaking formation, maneuvering, or hovering. Finally, the longest trajectory recorded by observers was 1,000 kilometers: this was three times the range of the German V rockets. Strange rockets, for sure.
Still, the Swedes, Americans, British, and other interested parties (which included just about everybody) looked into the possibility that these were Soviet missiles of some sort, constructed with the help of their cache of German scientists from Peenemunde, the home of the V rockets. Many investigators realized even at the time that this was so unlikely as to be nearly impossible.
Still, few could rule it out completely. To this day, however, there is no evidence whatsoever that the objects were of Soviet origin".
link; http://keyholepublishing.com/toc.htm
"On 14, August,1946 at 10 a.m. a Swedish Air Force pilot was flying at 650 feet over central Sweden when he saw a dark, cigar-shaped object about 50 feet above and approximately 6,500 feet away from him travelling at an estimated 400 mph. The missile had no visible wings, rudder or other projecting part; and there was no indication of any fuel exhaust (flame or light), as had been reported in the majority of other sightings.
"The missile was maintaining a constant altitude over the ground and, consequently, was following the large features of the terrain. This statement casts doubt on the reliability of the entire report because a missile, without wings, is unable to maintain a constant altitude over hilly terrain".
quote;
"I would like to say that everyone on the committee, as well as the chairman himself, was sure that the observed phenomena didn't originate from the Soviet Union. Nothing pointed to that solution.
"On the other hand, if the observations are correct, many details suggest that it was some kind of a cruise missile that was fired on Sweden. But nobody had that kind of sophisticated technology in 1946."
Air Engineer Eric Malmberg - Secretary of Sweden's Defence Staff committee"
link; http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ci...ument/1946.htm
UFOs over Sweden;
quote;
"In May 1954, Mutual news commentator Frank Edwards (now a NICAP Board Member) reported an item from Stockholm:
"Swedish military authorities sent special crews into north Sweden where scores of residents have reported strange glowing objects maneuvering over forests at low altitude during the week of May 10... Military men who have seen the things say they were not planes of any type."
After the crew of a Swedish airliner reported a wingless circular UFO over southern Sweden December 17, 1953, the defense department ordered a full scale investigation. Capt. Ulf Christiernsson, former RAF pilot, said: "It was an entirely unorthodox, metallic, symmetrical and circular object." The UFO was seen speeding over the town of Haessleholm in the main commercial air lane between Stockholm and Copenhagen.
In 1961 Mr. Sven Schalin, aeronautical engineer in Linkoping, became NICAP Adviser for Sweden. In his acceptance letter, Mr. Schalin stated: "UFOs very definitely have been sighted also in this country. A 'flap' seemed to occur around January 1959, the whole period starting perhaps in July 1958 and ending about June 1959. Obviously the Swedish Intelligence Center in Stockholm knows what is going on but the usual debunking policy is strictly followed."
During Operation Mainbrace, extensive naval maneuvers in the North Sea on and about September 20, 1952, UFOs were sighted in the vicinity on several occasions. On the 20th, a silvery disc of metallic appearance was observed passing swiftly over the Allied fleet. Wallace Litwin, an American newsman onboard the aircraft carrier "Franklin Roosevelt," took three color photographs of the UFO. As far as is known, the pictures have never been published and no explanation of the incident was offered".
Link; http://www.nicap.org/ufoe/section_10.htm
Translation into English from above video;
quote;
"The archive is 220 sq.meters, has around 11000 books, tens of thousands of journals, 18000 reports, newspaper clippings, tapes and videos".
Q: How come the worlds largest archive is here in Norrköping?
A: That's because there are so many idealists who have decided to build a giant archive. We work towards giving the world as a whole good information.
Guy number two: We're kind of in between the total skeptics and the naive believers. We talk about the third way of ufology where we thoroughly investigate and research this phenomena.
Reporter:
Claus thinks the interest around UFO's is big, but there are still many who don't dare to step forward and talk about things they've seen.
Claus: I think it's a little bit stigmatized still, a little shameful maybe to talk about things you might not understand yourself.
Reporter:
The archive of ufology was started in '73 and is run entirely on a volunteer basis.
She goes on to say over a hundred people have worked on it via some programs by government...stuff, I guess Sorry, I'm not Swedish so some things are hard to translate, but this doesn't sound too important anyway.
Woman at desk:
I'm registering a magazine called "UFO magasinet" (The UFO magazine) from USA. I've become even more interested and read a lot about these phenomena right now.
Reporter:
How many people do you think you will continue to give work to?
A: That depends on time and money, of course. We could have 20 full time employees here if we had the funds. There is so much to do.
Reporter:
Within a year, all the reports, all 18000, will be on a free database online
Claus:
It will result in us finding more answers, but there will always be a small percentage we will not find the answers to.
Reporter:
Can you be happy with that?
Claus:
No, I always want to find the answers.
How UFO Secrecy Has Damaged American Society;
-
Thought i would add this article here for the simple reason that it adds a bit of a different perception on what are known of high strangeness occurring in some UFO cases and the controversial evidence it seems to show up amongst different UFO investigators;
Curiouser and Curiouser: ‘High Strangeness’ UFO Encounters.
Gareth J. Medway
Nov 29th 2010
From Magonia 97, April 2008;
The term ‘High Strangeness’ refers to those UFO cases where the witnesses do not merely claim to have sighted a mysterious light or unknown object which might have been an alien spacecraft, but also say that a variety of unusual things happened to them afterwards, such as poltergeist outbreaks in their homes, strange telephone calls, and visits from the ‘Men In Black’. You won’t find much about this in mainstream UFO books, but there is plenty of detail in the works of such writers as John Keel and Jacques Vallee. The question which is not often addressed is, are these cases aberrations, or typical?
If high strangeness cases are exceptional, it would have to be asked, why do this particular minority of witnesses choose to report their experiences to one of just a few investigators, such as John Keel? Surely it is more likely that, since most witness reports reach us at second hand by way of the investigators, most of the latter tend to edit out unwelcome details like MIBs as detracting from the credibility of the story. If so, then we ought to be able to find some evidence for this censorship.
In the first place, there is no reason to think that the above authors deliberately select the oddest cases for publication. On the contrary, in an interview during the October 1973 wave, Keel remarked: “A few years ago I talked with two young men who had seen an object in a field that resembled exactly one of our space modules and had “US Air Force” printed on the sides. But, of course, one of our space modules isn’t going to be hovering over a field in New Jersey. I never wrote it up because even the UFO buffs wouldn’t believe it.”
Imbrogno and Horrigan’s Contact of the Fifth Kind, which is about high strangeness in the Hudson Valley, mentions that in an earlier book that Imbrogno had co-authored with Allen Hynek, they had avoided mention of abductions: “Only to a handful of people did we admit that there were abduction cases, and plenty of them … Dr. Hynek felt that UFO reports are hard enough to believe without adding the subject of abductions to the discussion.”
Whilst driving home in the early hours of 8 March 1997 journalist Sarah Hall, of the Folkestone Herald, saw a mysterious flying triangle. This event gained some national publicity simply because it occurred near to the home of Tory politician Michael Howard. It later the subject of a long article by Stuart Miller and Chris Rolfe in the penultimate issue of the now defunct [British] UFO Magazine. Among, the illustrations was a reproduction of Hall’s original ‘Witness Statement’, which says that, for about fifteen minutes before the sighting: “I was coming down the road and I felt, I said afterwards to other people since, that I felt really weird. I was really looking over my shoulder on the way home. I was a bit scared, a weird feeling anyway.”
Yet this detail is nowhere mentioned in the article itself. The authors’ hypothesis, the reasoning behind which I am unable to follow, was that what she saw was of terrestrial manufacture, though based upon ‘back-engineered’ alien technology of unspecified origin.
Now, there is no reason why someone who happens to see a secret experimental aeroplane should feel ‘really weird’ before the sighting. One suspects that they ignored this precisely because it did not fit with their hypothesis. Had not her statement been incidentally included in the layout by a subeditor, we would never have known of it, and remember, in the vast majority of UFO cases we do not get the witness’s own words, only the interpretations of investigators.
According to Richard Thompson: “…after the Hills’ close encounter on a lonely New Hampshire road, they began to experience poltergeist phenomena in their home. Betty would find her coats unaccountably dumped on the living room floor, even though she had left them in the closet. Clocks would stop and start mysteriously, or their time settings would change. Water faucets [taps] would turn on when nobody was there, and electrical appliances would break down and then work perfectly without repair. On a more prosaic level, Betty Hill also reported that after her UFO experience she was repeatedly followed, her apartment was broken into, and her phone was tapped.”
Of wurse, nothing is said about these things in Fuller’s The Interrupted Journey, nor in any of the other innumerable discussions of the case that I have seen. Even sceptical writers pass over them – I suppose that, if you are going to maintain that everything that happened to the Hills had a straightforward mundane explanation, you are only making it difficult for yourself if you introduce things like poltergeists.
In April 1952 Albert K. Bender of Bridgeport, Connecticut, set up the International Flying Saucer Bureau. This grandiose title proved to be justified, as they soon had representatives not only in more than a dozen states of the Union, but also Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand. Yet after just eighteen months Bender shut the organisation down, stating in the final issue of the quarterly newsletter Space Review that “The mystery of the flying saucers is no longer a mystery. The source is already known, but any information about this is being withheld by orders from a higher source.”
Three years later, Gray Barker revealed in They Knew Too Mutch About Flying Saucers that Bender had stated that he had been visited by three men in darks suits, from which we derive the now familiar term ‘Men In Black’. But, when interviewed by two puzzled colleagues, he said little more, replying to most of their questions only with the words:
“I can’t answer that”. The implication was that he had been silenced because he had discovered ‘The Truth’. I suspect that most ufologists assumed that the Truth that Bender had discovered corresponded exactly with their own pet theories. These need not have been too sensational: the story, as told so far, was broadly consistent with the hypothesis that flying saucers were a secret U.S. invention, and that the authorities had requested Bender to keep silent for reasons of national security.
Yet at about the same time, on the other side of the world, the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau was closed down by Edgar Jarrold, who had also had a mysterious visitor. A New Zealand investigator, John Stuart, received a telephone call from a voice who claimed to be ‘from another planet’, and told him to “stop interfering in matters that do not concern you!” Soon afterwards his house developed the classic signs of haunting, with the sound of footsteps when no-one was there, and objects moving by themselves. Finally, he said later, his secretary was physically assaulted by a giant hairy monster, after which he abandoned UFO research.
In 1962 Bender broke his silence with a book, Flying Saucers and the Three Men, of which it is fairly safe to say that it can have matched no-one’s pet theory. He wrote that he had begun to experience poltergeist activity in his home, such as a radio switching itself on, accompanied by an odour of burning sulphur. Then, on 15 March 1953, he attempted to contact the ‘occupants of interplanetary craft’ by telepathy.
The result was not the “We come in peace” message he perhaps expected; instead, a voice said “Please be advised to discontinue delving into the mysteries of the universe. We will make an appearance if you disobey.” He wrote this experience up at the time, but his report mysteriously vanished from the box in which he had locked it.
In July he had the first of a series of visits from the three men, who “looked like clergymen” except that their eyes glowed “like flashlight bulbs”, and who materialised in his bedroom, making it clear that they were not from the government, but aliens themselves. Though they had taken on human bodies so that they could pass among us unnoticed (apart from the glowing eyes!), their real forms were hideous monsters. On several occasions they teleported him to a secret underground base in Antarctica, where they told him that came from a planet many light years away. They were visiting earth for the purpose of extracting a certain chemical from our seawater, and did not wish to be interfered with, but after they had left he~would be free to reveal the truth to the world. Indeed, to ensure that he remained in good health, on his last visit to the base he was given a special all-over body massage by three beautiful women, who were presumably in reality hideous monsters.
Though Bender stated that he was able to speak because the saucerians had departed in 1960, UFOs did not cease to be sighted. It was probably not for this reason, however, that his book was almost totally ignored, but because it did not tell anyone what they wanted to hear. Typical of those who noticed it at all was Rex Dutta, who said that it was “often attributed to the hush-hush bag”, i.e. it was itself a part of the continuing cover-up, and that “Not many took the trouble to notice that the book was obviously ‘ghost-written’ – its style was totally unlike that of Bender’s own phraseology in his magazine.”
Where the story is cited at all, it is usually in the more credible version of Barker. For instance in 1974 Brinsley Le Poer Trench argued in Secret of the Ages that the earth is hollow, and that UFOs come from the inside; he suggested that what Bender had discovered is that the earto is hollow, and that UFOs come from the inside.
Reports of the Men In Black, often known as MIBs, became more common, and provoked the interest of the Pentagon, since some of them were said to have falsely claimed to be Air Force officers, which is a federal offence. Yet no prosecution has ever resulted. It might be possible to explain at least some of these cases as being the result of acute paranoia, but it is easier just to pass over them in silence.
A young woman named Maria spoke at BUFORA a couple of times in the early 1990s. I have lost my notes on what she said, but from memory, she had attended a convent boarding school in the Midlands. One night, she woke up in the small hours and looked out of the window to see a glowing object next to the tennis courts. Various other things happened to her in the following days which seemed to be acausally linked to the first: she had a dream, so vivid that it could not be distinguished from reality, that she was on board a spaceship;
one lunchtime she stirred a cup of coffee with a metal spoon which, when she took it out, had bent in Uri Geller fashion; she spontaneously levitated into the air in front of a group of other girls; on a country walk she passed a dead and mutilated body of a deer; finally, of course, she was visited by two men dressed in black, who said that they had been sent by her psychiatrist, whose name, coincidentally, was Mrs. Black. After interviewing her for an hour, they departed in a mysterious black car which made no sound as it crossed the gravel forecourt. Maria spoke twice to BUFORA, and was I believe interviewed by several people, yet so far as I can discover her tale has never appeared in print anywhere.
One Man In Black report that has been printed a few times, e.g. in The Unexplained, is that of Dr. Herbert Hopkins, who in 1976 hypnotised a UFO witness to help him recall his experience. He was then visited by a hairless (not even eyebrows) man in a black suit claiming to be from the New Jersey UFO Research Organisation (there was no such institution), who made a coin disappear, asked him pointedly if he had heard of a local UFO witness who had recently died, and demanded that he destroy the tapes of the sessions. Perhaps fearing that if he did not he would go the way of the coin, Hopkins complied.
Not so many authors relate the encounter which Hopkins had been investigating. The witness was David Stephens of Norway, Maine, who with a friend named Glen Gray went for a drive at three a.m. one morning in October 1975. After a mile Gray, who was driving, lost control of the car, which went down a rough trackway, but, incredibly, at unbelievable speed, so that they travelled five miles in two minutes.
It came to rest in a field, where they saw a hovering cylindrical object with bright lights on it. Gray now regained control of the car and hastily drove off, but the object followed them, and soon they fell unconscious, reawakening a mile further down the road. Unable to start the engine, they sat and watched as further glowing objects flew about. From a nearby pond, which seemed to have ‘grown to the size of an ocean’, a thick fog arose and engulfed the car. Then, surprisingly, the motor restarted, and the two men were able to leave. [Read further about Herbert Hopkins HERE]
A few days later, when two local ufologists spoke to them: “Stephen and Gray reported that several peculiar incidents had happened since their encounter: someone (or something) had walked across the roof of their trailer home; both men had suffered sudden bouts of extreme tiredness; both had seen snowflakes and black cubes and spheres flying from the sky and through a wall; ‘golden wires’ appeared in the air above their TV set; and a disembodied voice, audible only to Gray, had intoned the letters ‘U-F-O’.”
Mike Dash, one author who was prepared to relate this story, noted that “the case is not often discussed, even in ufological circles, and is certainly too strange to be included among the handful of ‘classic cases’ that most researchers would cite as evidence of UFOs. Yet this one incident includes almost all of the key elements that distinguish such classics from run-of-the-mill reports.” In other words, though seeming highly bizarre to the average person, once one has been studying the matter for years, it “may be considered fairly representative of the more detailed hard core of UFO reports.”
I should like to repeat a matter I raised some years ago, that, as was pointed out in Helmut and Marion Lammer’s MILABS: Military Mind Control and Alien Abduction, which has the kind of content that you would expect of that title, most books by abductees who have written their own books state that they were followed and watched by unmarked black helicopters, whereas in Thomas Bullard’s study of 270 abductions, black helicopters only feature in four cases. The reason is surely that Bullard’s data was derived from abduction researchers rather than the abductees themselves, and that black helicopters seem important to the latter but not to the former
An exception is David Jacobs, who does mention them briefly in The Threat, stating that most are ordinary helicopters that happen to circle abductees’ houses by chance, but that a few are piloted by hybrids (human-alien cross-breeds), and others are screen memories for UFOs. Budd Hopkins, though thinking it normal for people to be picked up by aliens and genetically experimented upon, evidently felt black helicopters to be a little too outré, and omitted them in Intruders, his account of the misadventures of ‘Kathie Davis’ (Debbie Jordan), yet Jordan herself said that they were, at one time, “almost daily around our houses”.
Even so, he did include a few high strangeness events, such as a visit from three mystery men (though dressed in blue), and that when Debbie was pregnant with her second child, she would get a telephone call from an incomprehensible alien voice every Wednesday afternoon.
Sometimes, but not always, these choppers are said to make no sound, for which reason they are known as phantom helicopters. Beckley reproduces a photograph of one that was taken by Betty Andreasson’s husband, though it is obviously impossible to tell from a picture whether it was silent or noisy, or indeed to distinguish it in any way from a real helicopter.
John Keel often refers to mysterious beeping. Usually these occur over the telephone, which is not odd in itself, since beeping is the standard ‘engaged’ tone, though something has clearly gone wrong when the phone rings and you answer it to hear only beeps. (I had two calls of this sort myself one Wednesday afternoon – presumably it was coincidence that at the time I was transcribing a tape of an interview with a UFO witness.) But a fault in the phone network cannot explain the case of the woman who, after seeing a strange object fly overhead, “suddenly heard a loud radio signal … a series of dots and dashes” which however was inaudible to her sister and brother in law.
When Phil Klass interviewed Lonnie Zamora, the police officer in the Socorro, New Mexico case, he told him that the object’s sound was a “Beep … beep … beep … beep”, though a couple who lived nearby heard nothing. Klass mentioned this in his first book (in which he maintained that UFOs were a rare natural phenomenon, and was written before he had reached the conclusion that this affair was a hoax), but so far as I can discover no-one else ever has, not even Ray Stanford in his book on the sighting.
Sometimes high strangeness occurs when there has not been a UFO incident as such, for instance in a case cited by Alex Constantine, conspiracy theorist author of Psychic Dictatorship in the U.S.A., who considers all unexplained phenomena to be the by-product of CIA mind-control experimentation. In 1994 a California journalist named Dave Gardetta interviewed Richard Ofshe, a psychologist who maintained that so-called recovered memories are actually false memories, and that this was the real cause of supposed alien abduction.
A few days later, however, Gardetta awoke “to find a triangular rash on the palm of his hand. This is commonly thought to be a symptom of abduction (though it also happened to Michelle Smith, the classic Satanic Child Abuse victim, and was explained by her psychiatrist and future husband Lawrence Pazder as a ‘body memory’ of her ordeal: “…whenever she relived the moments when Satan had his burning tail wrapped around her neck, a sharply defined rash appeared in the shape of the spade-like tip of his tail.”) Gardetta wrote:
“It didn’t surprise me. Things around the house – which sits on a hilltop in a semi-rural area – had been getting weird. A jet-wash noise buzzed some afternoons around the house, its origin impossible to discern. Lights were turning themselves on, and the alarm system’s motion sensor was tripping itself every morning between five and six. One early evening, small footsteps crossed the roof. I ran outside to find the electrical wires leading to a nearby telephone pole swaying in the windless dusk.” I am not sure what conclusion he drew from this. (Constantine, of course, blamed CIA mind-control experimentation.)
At the end of 1966, True magazine commissioned a set of illustrations for a forthcoming article, by John Keel, on unidentified flying objects. The artist drew a number of odd shaped craft purely from his own imagination. One was spherical, featureless except for a single porthole and, underneath, four legs and a propeller. Though no such thing had ever been reported, what one might term ‘the Looking Glass effect’ apparently kicked in. On 19 January 1967, an appliance store manager named Tad Jones was driving to work near Charleston, West Virginia, when he was obliged to stop because the road was blocked by a sphere exactly matching the above description. He watched it for two minutes, after which it rose up into the sky and disappeared. He reported what had happened to the police, and it got written up in local papers.
In the following days, two threatening notes were slipped under Jones’s door warning him to ‘keep your mouth shut’. A local UFO authority, Ralph Jarrett, received one of those ‘beep beep’ phone calls immediately before opening his copy of The Charleston Gazette, where he first learnt of the sighting. Jarrett conducted his own investigation, and learned that the object had been hovering directly over a major gas line. When Keel himself visited the spot, he found a number of strange footprints in the mud beside the road. One set resembled huge dog tracks, but Jones took plaster casts, and no local zoologist could identify them.
There were also some prints made by ripple-soled shoes with a ridge around the edge. Keel noted that prints of just this type had frequently turned up at UFO sites around the country. Years later came another ‘Looking Glass’ sequel: when the first astronauts walked on the moon, they wore boots which made identical ripple prints in the lunar dust.
This story, at least as it is narrated in The Mothman Prophecies, appears totally inexplicable. But that did not daunt Steuart Campbell when he wrote The UFO Mystery Solved, which argued that UFO reports are caused by mirages of stars. Weirdly, he even claimed that mirages of stars explained daytime sightings, though most people would suppose that it would be impossible to see a mirage, which is simply a reflection, of a light source that was itself invisible.
Anyway, he explained the Tad Jones sighting as having been a mirage of Venus, failing also to explain how a mirage, which necessarily must be near the horizon, could appear to rise up into the sky. Of the threatening notes, the mysterious footprints, and the resemblance of the ‘mirage’ to a piece of imaginative artwork, he had not a word to say.
David Haisell’s The Missing Seven Hours is not (as one would expect from the title) another of those tedious abduction tales, but concerns a British family settled in Canada, who not only claimed to have experienced UFO sightings in both the old and new worlds, but also poltergeists in their home, disembodied voices, inexplicable beeping sounds, low flying unmarked black helicopters, psychic healing, appearances of doppelgangers, enigmatic telephone calls, automatic writing, and that Fortean rarity, a mysterious Woman In Black.
In his account of how he went to interview the ‘Armstrong’ (a pseudonym) family, Haisell remarks: “Much good advice has been written about interviewing techniques and the psychological factors affecting UFO witnesses. Perhaps the best approach if dealing with an intelligent and articulate individual is to let him or her talk freely about the event or events. In this way the investigator’s own biases don’t affect the interview, even though they may interfere with the subsequent analysis of the material … I discovered that they had been disappointed in the past with several UFO investigators who had talked to
them about their experiences. Many of them had been interested merely in the physical aspects of the phenomena.”
I take this to mean that the earlier investigators were solely concerned to collect evidence that UFOs are nuts-and-bolts alien spacecraft from Zeta Reticuli (or the Pleiades, or wherever), and ignored the high strangeness material as not supporting this viewpoint. By contrast, Haisell repeated whatever the Armstrongs told him, often quoting them verbatim from taped interviews, and so produced a totally different picture. Of course, it is the solid interstellar visitors that the book-buying public wants to read about, hence the fact that works promoting this hypothesis are often bestsellers, whereas few people have heard of Haisell.
Now consider the alien encounter of Bruce Lee – not the Kung Fu star, but an editor at Morrow publishers in New York, who had formerly been a ‘respected’ Newsweek reporter – as narrated by Jim Schnabel in Dark White:
“It had been a cold Saturday in February 1987, just after Communion [a Morrow book] had been released, and Lee and his wife had been walking along Lexington Avenue and had gone into the bookshop to see how some of the books he had edited were being displayed for buyers. He had been standing there towards the back of the store when a couple came in and headed straight for the rack where Communion was displayed. The couple were both quite short, and were heavily bundled up against the cold, with wool hats and long scarves and gloves and boots.
They each grabbed a copy of Communion and, despite the encumbrances of their gloves, began flipping through the book rapidly. It didn’t seem possible that they could be reading so quickly, and yet they were shaking their heads and saying such things as ‘Oh, he’s got this wrong, and ’Oh, he’s got that wrong.’ Perhaps strangest of all, their accents sounded upper East Side Jewish.
“Lee walked over and introduced himself, explaining that he worked for Communion‘s publisher, and was interested to know what errors might be contained in the book, and the woman looked up at him: ‘She had on large sunglasses which, with her scarf and hat, obscured virtually all of her face’. And yet through the sunglasses Lee could see a pair of enormous dark eyes. Jesus! Lee had been raised on a farm, and those eyes reminded him of the eyes of a rabid dog. They seemed to be telling him to get the hell out of there. The hair on Lee’s neck stood up, and he said a hasty goodbye. He grabbed his wife and went off to a bar and soaked his shock in Margaritas.”
This story seems to admit of three explanations: 1) The aliens learned to speak English from Upper East Side Jews. 2) Lee mistook a diminutive Upper East Side Jewish couple for aliens. 3) It was a hoax. The first possibility clearly raises more questions than it answers. The second pre-supposes that the witness was mentally defective or paranoiac, but there is no warrant for such an assumption. Hoaxes are common in ufology, yet they usually succeed because the hoaxer knows what people want to hear, and supplies it, whereas no-one expects aliens to turn up in New York bookstores. Nor is any motive apparent – if it was a publicity stunt for Communion, it was exceedingly ill thought out.
It is surely significant that the story has appeared only (so far as I am aware) in Dark White, for Schnabel is one of the very few UFO writers who could genuinely be described as impartial. There are, of course, a number of recent books, particularly on the history of ufology, which give the superficial impression of academic disinterest, but if you read more than a few pages, you generally find that they are one of two types, which may be termed A and B: a Type A author will typically conclude a case summary with some such phrase as “Professor Hynek considered that the witness was highly credible”;
Type B, by contrast, will end on the lines of “Donald Menzel concluded that the affair was an elaborate hoax”. Even a plethora of proper source references cannot disguise the pro- or anti-ETH agenda. Yet Dark White recounts the various arguments and alleged incidents without trying to judge whether alien abductions are real or not.
In the same way, his account of the experiences of ‘Lucy’ seem to be no more or less than a summary of what she told him in a series of interviews. These did not, initially, concern alien abduction, but non-paranormal misfortunes of her early life, having been born with various health problems attributable to her mother having contracted measles during her pregnancy, and then, at age eight, having witnessed her father’s death in a gun accident. Soon afterwards, she reported, a young man named Steven took her to a remote cabin and raped her.
He continued to visit her over the years, and frequently raped her again. Yet he never seemed to age, suggesting that he was not a real person in the way that most of us understand reality. This is also hinted by the statement that “when Lucy was in her late teens she noticed that her first sexual experience hadn’t been at all painful”, which seems to reflect an unconscious recognition that her earlier sexual experiences, with Steven, had not actually happened; she added that her mother had told her that her hymen had broken in an accident when she was a toddler. Other oddities in her life included electrical equipment malfunctioning in her presence, sleepwalking, and inexplicable memory lapses.
Whilst at university she came across a copy of Communion, and guessed that regular abduction could explain her periods of memory loss. Not long afterwards she was in New York, getting her first regression from Budd Hopkins. Later, she moved to a Washington suburb. “Steven still visited her, as did the greys, and her wristwatches never worked, and the phone would ring and no one would be there, and one night the doorbell rang and she opened it and stepped out to see who was there and she saw her father, her dead father, standing in the bushes.” On a later encounter with the aliens, in the Blue Ridge mountains, her father was amongst a group of (otherwise presumably living) abductees.
The dead feature in UFO reports more often than one might expect. The day after his demise, George Adamski turned up in Devon in a flying saucer to converse with a handyman named Arthur Bryant. Whitley Strieber reports the case of a boy of seventeen who was killed in a road accident. A week later his parents were sitting in their living room, about ten o’clock at night, when their dog became nervous and began to pace. Though he had already been walked that evening, the wife decided to take him out again.
“As she opened the front door, two things happened simultaneously. The first was that an orange ball of light swept away from the house, disappearing across a nearby line of trees. The next second, the couple’s ten-year old son came running downstairs yelling excitedly that “little blue men” had brought his older brother into the bedroom, and the older boy had a message: tell his mom and dad that he was okay.”
The dead have, of course, been appearing to the living all throughout history, the motive, if any, usually being to provide evidence that there is indeed an afterlife. This, in fact, would seem to have been the purpose in the above instances. But they are of no value to someone who wishes to prove the existence of spacecraft from Andromeda.
Enthusiasts of ‘Ancient Astronauts’ likewise make surreptitious alterations in their source materials. Erich von Daniken referred to this South American legend: “It tells of a golden space-ship that came from the stars; in it came a woman, whose name was Oryana, to fulfil the task of becoming the Great Mother of the earth. Oryana had only four fingers, which were webbed. Great Mother Oryana gave birth to seventy earth children, then she returned to the stars.”
Von Daniken’s source was certainly Robert Charroux’s One Thousand Years of Man’s Unknown History, since the story was one that Charroux had collected orally: it specified that Orejona gave birth to the human race by mating with a tapir. This story has been suspected of being a modern invention, but in fact it is probably genuine, since surely no twentieth century author would have had a woman interbreed with an animal. Be that as it may, Von Daniken omitted the tapir, also the statement that Orejona came from Venus (as opposed to the stars), since this too was no longer believable by the 1960s.
The vision of Ezekiel has been widely discussed in UFO literature. It is unclearly written, but the gist is to the effect that, sitting by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans (modern Iraq) some time in the sixth century BC, he saw a glowing whirlwind in the north, out of which came creatures with four wings and four faces, those of a man, bull, lion and eagle. (Statues of composite creatures of this sort were common in Chaldean temples.) Then he saw four flying wheels “full of eyes round about them”. Above them was “the likeness of a throne”, on which sat “the appearance of a man”, whom Ezekiel took to be God. He then heard a voice which gave him a lengthy lecture upon the sins of the children of Israel.
As early as the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the four wheels had been interpreted as belonging to a celestial chariot which bore aloft the throne of the Lord, somewhat in the manner of the wagons which were used by Pagans to transport the images of their Gods in procession. Though this is not implicit in the text, in the Middle Ages a great deal of Jewish mystical literature was devoted to “the work of the chariot”. This ‘chariot of Ezekiel’ came to be illustrated in a number of Renaissance engravings.
The first modern UFO author to draw attention to the passage was Dr. Donald Menzel, who wrote: “Occasionally a sundog makes a complete circle of light surrounding the sun with four bright patches, one above, one below, and one on either side. Sometimes two circles will appear, one within the other, surmounted by an inverted arc and traversed by a cross, like the spokes of a wheel whose centre is the sun. The complicated structure of a fully developed mock sun – which is extremely rare – can suggest to the imaginative an enormous chariot in the sky and can terrify the superstitious. There is little doubt that this phenomenon inspired the two visions of Ezekiel described in the Bible.”
It will be observed that Dr. Menzel omits to mention the glowing whirlwind, the four creatures, the throne, the figure seated on the throne, and the voice explaining what was wrong with the nation of Israel: no doubt because none of these things can readily be explained as a sundog.
Others, needless to say, think that Ezekiel was the witness to an extraterrestrial visitation, and a vaguely plausible case can be made out for it. Pleiadians, for all we know, may have four wings and four faces, whilst wheels with ‘eyes’ around them could be flying saucers with portholes. Though the ‘voice’ did not proceed to a technical exposition of UFO propulsion systems, but complained about the Israelites worshipping idols, it is conceivable that aliens might be as obsessive about this point as many human religious bigots are.
The figure of God is difficult to fit in, however, which explains why Von Daniken ignores it, and Josef Blumrich described him as ‘the pilot’. Alan Cole commented: “…the few details … that might fit a hypothetical spacecraft, are not the whole of the description: it culminates, not in wheels or in chariot, but in a great throne set above the chariot (Ezek. 1:26), and God, in human form enthroned there. If we take the chariot literally, then all of this, too, must be taken literally.”
The Rev. Cole goes on to use the word ‘chariot’ seven times in all, having failed to notice that it is nowhere found in the text itself, but only in commentaries written many centuries later. Nevertheless, his argument is perfectly sound: an interpretation based upon only those facts that happen to fit it is likely to be worthless.
To Ezekiel, and no doubt to his contemporaries, the creatures and the wheels were not so important as the divine prophecy which followed them, and quite likely he only mentioned the former in order to lend credibility to the latter. The same was true of two flying disc reports from the mid seventeenth century: in 1646, in Gravenhage, Holland, a flying round plate was seen “about the bigness of a table-board, like gray paper”, followed by visions supposed to be prophetic.
Similarly, in 1651, a Mrs Holt of Cheshire was sitting in her doorway when she “perceived the Sun to shine exceeding red, and casting her eyes upwards, she beheld a dark body over the sun, about the bigness of a half moon, and in a short space, the said body divided into several parts, seeming numberless other view, about the bigness of small Pewter dishes, which came swiftly towards her …” This was followed by visions of fighting men and horses in the air, and mysterious birds. In those unsettled times, people looked for signs and wonders in the sky which might presage the future, but flying dishes in themselves were not news and would quite likely have been ignored but for the subsequent visions.
It might be thought that modern UFO reports do not include prophetic visions, but in fact a few of them do, e.g. in 1973, it is said, three people “watched a flying craft cavort through the sky, and then it transformed into a giant image of a bearded man dressed in a long, belted, robe, with his arms outstretched.” Similarly, at Cradle Hill outside Warminster in the 1960s: “there was the time when a Saucer, coming into the copse from the south-west, produced a perfect arch of brilliant silvery light, in the midst of which appeared two giant forms: silhouetted figures, long hair waving as though in the wind, with no visible features, but with fingers and robes well defined.” Once again, I suspect that there is bias in reporting, and that such sightings are quite common, but seldom published.
We should remind ourselves that what may be ‘extraordinary’ to most of us may be quite normal to others. For example, to some people it is an everyday thing to communicate with the dead. A spiritualist friend of mine, a semi-disabled lady who lives alone except for two cats, has told me how her son will help her fix things that are broken in her home, anything from a jammed kitchen drawer to a malfunctioning computer. This would not be remarkable in itself, but her son has been deceased for some years. Significantly, she has mentioned these incidents in the course of informing me about otherwise mundane matters concerning her domestic problems, without any change in the tone of her voice.
This, however, is slightly different from UFO witnesses such as the Armstrongs, who do consider their experiences unusual: the point is that they regard them as a totality, the poltergeist activity and strange phone calls being as important to them as their sightings of mysterious craft. On the other hand, there may be high strangeness UFO cases which have never been reported to anyone, because the experiencers have not thought them in any way out of the ordinary.
To evaluate facts, you have to know what they are. Though people have often accused the government or the Air Force of concealing the truth about UFOs, I think the ufologists themselves have been partially suppressing it. I do not propose to try and explain the causes behind poltergeists or beeping telephone calls from the Men In Black, only to observe that they can hardly have an easily comprehensible explanation in terms of spaceships from Orion.
link; http://magonia.haaan.com/2010/curiouser/
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The Cowichan Hospital UFO Events of 1970 Revisited
UFO Piracy:
The Cowichan Hospital
Mill Bay UFO Sightings
New Year's Day 1970;
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Inspired by a UFO BC article (in Canadian UFO Report Vol. 1 No. 7) sent to her by UFO Digest editor, Robert Morningstar, and in the light of recent UFO sightings at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in November 2006, and those seen in Stephenville, Texas in January 2008, investigator Leanne Jones, a Canadian detective from Victoria, B.C. felt compelled to look in on the UFO sightings seen at Mill Bay and near the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, close to where she lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Jones thought it would be interesting to portray a "then and now story" that using much same methods used in solving a criminal case could validate the story of the past UFO incident(s), proving them in the present. With the assistance of Robert Morningstar, Jones decided to track down and to interview witnesses who had previously come forward with their own stories of what they saw during the rash of sightings in the Cowichan District of Duncan/Mill Bay in 1970, and, if possible, to find new ones.
To recapitulate the original stories, we will refer to two articles originally appearing in the Cowichan Leader newspaper. The first appeared on January 7, 1970, another on January 14th 1970 along with other articles with accounts about other witnesses. We will refer to the UFO BC report but rely on current information to present the information from then and now, demonstrating that, there was indeed a rash of sighting of UFOs in that area at that time according to the collaborative stories and witnessed by many more people who were reticent to speak then for fear of ridicule or of being classified mentally unbalanced (aka, "a nut").
Now, let's go back to the beginning of the Cowichan UFO story as it began on New Year's Day morning in 1970.
Cowichan District Hospital;
Site of 1970 New Year's Night UFO Visitation;
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/i...n-hospital.jpg
In the early morning hours of New Year's Day 1970, a Canadian nurse, Doreen Kendall, pulled open the curtain in a patient's room in the Cowichan District hospital, and according to a newspaper article (in the Cowichan Leader), she later reported what saw was during her night schedule at the hospital like this:
"At 5 a.m. I saw a flying saucer as low as the third floor of the hospital. There were two figures in the dome flying towards Victoria way. The bottom of the saucer was brilliantly lit and also the dome….New Year's morning."
The Monday after the flying saucer sighting, Doreen Kendall said that the experience had left her with a placid feeling and, regardless of what people said, she would never change her story about what she saw.
When she got to Duncan, Jones began by researching the original reports in the local newspaper, The Cowichan Leader.
This is what Kendall told the newspaper:
"There was a brilliantly lighted dome, occupied by two human-like men, which was stationary in the air about 60 feet away from CDH, above the second floor where I was working in the extended care unit. I was so taken with the flying saucer that I didn't call anyone. I felt mummified and fascinated and stood there for about five minutes watching before I called another nurse, Mrs. Freda Wilson.
The craft, which was slightly tipped downwards toward her was about 50 feet in diameter, or about the width of five hospital windows. While the craft hovered above her, she could see only the upper half of the figures, but when the vehicle tilted she saw their full profile. They had nice physiques, more than six-feet tall, and their hands were the same color and shape as ours. Their faces were covered and they wore dark suits, like a pilot's uniform, of soft-looking material.
Maybe because I'm so mechanically minded, but I suspect they were having mechanical trouble and had stopped to make repairs. She said one man stood over an instrument panel made of chrome, and the other stood behind him. There were stools for them to sit on. She described the saucer-shaped craft as silvery, metallic with a necklace of lights around the middle. It made no sound while it hovered above her or even later when it took off southward. While watching, one man turned and looked directly and put his hand on the back of the man sitting down.
The other man then pulled back 'a joystick' similar to those in a big airplane and the object tilted sideways giving her an even better view of the instrument panel and interior. She noticed that the dome seemed to be lit from below rather than from above. When it started to pull away, I realized no one would believe me and I ran and called Mrs. Wilson to come and look.
She asked 'What on earth it that?' and I said "It's a flying saucer."
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By this time five other nurses ran to the window and watched as the craft circled about five times and then slowly disappeared in a southeasterly direction. I was completely oblivious to anything else and felt no fear. In fact I would have loved to have gone for a ride and, if the men had spoken to me, I would have answered quite naturally. The reason I was so terrifically interested was because I always believed there were unidentified flying objects but now I am absolutely convinced."
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/u...acy-print.html
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The Mill Bay UFO Sightings:
Jim Drummond's UFO Account;
Following the end of that article in the Cowichan Leader was yet another small article entitled "SECOND SIGHTING":
On New Year's Day, 1970, Jim Drummond, age 22, and his wife Dianne, 18, reported studying a bright light in the sky at Mill Bay, through a telescope.
"It was brighter in the middle and I could see four distinct lights of the same color that looked like tips of candles only a bit bigger." The couple said they observed the object for about five minutes before it disappeared. Drummond said he had no idea what the object could have been but believed it was not an aircraft because there were no colored navigation lights. "I have never heard of anything that could manoeuvre that slow and fast without making some sort of noise," he said.
Drummond's mother, Mrs. B. Drummond, said she also spotted the bright orange and yellow object in the sky about 7 p.m."
Prior to her trip to Duncan, Leanne spoke to Fran Drummond by telephone in Mill Bay. Fran Drummond told her that her mother and brother had seen the UFO on January 1st 1970. Fran said her mother had passed away last year in 2007, but she had seen the UFO and kept closed-mouthed about it, as in those days she did not want to appear to be "a nut."
However Fran said her brother, Jim Drummond, had had an intense UFO sighting along with his wife who lived together with him on a boat in Mill Bay and so she gave her Jim's telephone number to the investigator.
When the investigator spoke to him on April 14th, 2008, he told her the reason he had such a good sighting was he and his wife Dianne were on the boat at the time and looked at it through a telescope.
In the Cowichan Leader article, he said, the object was a very bright light, brighter in the middle, and he could see four distinct lights of the same color that looked like tips of candles only bigger. They looked at it for about five minutes before it disappeared. There were no navigational lights like on an airplane it moved very fast without noise.
He told the investigator he was a pilot and a shipwright and was used to taking bearings he thought it was at 500 feet, and one very interesting thing was that a stream like a neon tube thing carrying bits of flashing light in pieces like Morse code coming out from the object. Refer to Canada UFO drawing for further reference.
Later, Jim Drummond told the investigator that he was visited by a military man from Nevada. The investigator wondered if that man could have been from hanger 51 or Norad.
Later, Jones called and left a message for him to call her. She had read the January 7th, 1970 article from the Cowichan Leader and on April 17th 2008, Leanne Jones talked again with Jim Drummond.
Jones asked him if the article was accurate and Jim replied:
"Yes, but the part about the neon tube-like thing that came out of the object, carrying along the tube flashing 'pieces of light' much like a Morse code was not in it."
Then Drummond said that that element of the story was particularly interesting to the military man who visited him after the sighting. The investigator asked Drummond if the milirary man might have been from Area 51 or NORAD. Drummond replied:
"No. He was from something 'blue'."
The investigator asked Drummond if it was the "Blue Book Project" and he replied, "That's it."
(Editor's note: Project Blue Book had officially ended in December 1969 after the release of the Condon Committee Report, but continued "unofficially" through January 1970, indicating that although "officially" closed in December, Project Blue continued "unofficially" for another month, making the Cowichan UFO investigation one of the last "Blue Book" UFO investigations or the FIRST ONE in the continuation of Project Blue Book unofficially, i.e. sub rosa, "behind closed doors."
It is also possible that Mr. Drummond's "USAF military man" was using Project Blue Book as a cover for his true association, most likely, AFOSI, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, which was then beginning another UFO investigation project, as many UFOlogists suspect, but under a code name that we still do not know.)
Jim Drummond's UFO Sighting and The Guardian UFO Video;
While Leanne Jones was investigating the case, Morningstar sent her a link to the famous "Guardian" UFO video tape of a purported saucer landing in Canada released sometime in the early 1990s:
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...6ef8b78869.jpg
Jim Drummond's email reply after seeing the tape is noteworthy:
"Yes, that is very similar to what we viewed, even to the lights at the rear. Certainly was not a helicopter.
Cheers
Jim"
Detective Jones knew that Project Blue Book had been designed by the U.S. Air Force to study particularly interesting UFO sightings. Ms. Jones inquired of Drummond whether or not he would let her take a picture of him and Jim said "Yes, but not until the following week."
The day before the phone conversation with Jim Drummond, on April 16th, she drove to Duncan and met with the curator manager of the museum, Kathryn Gagnon, who in turn sent her to the archivist Priscilla Lowe, at one time a curator who now worked at the archives kept in the Duncan City hall.
The investigator prior to going to Duncan had sent the UFO BC article to Kathryn Gagnon who in turn sent it to Priscilla Lowe.
Priscilla Lowe said she was grateful for the news article because when she went into her file entitled "Natural Disasters and Strange Phenomena," where the UFO articles had been filed, she found that they had disappeared. The only thing to do was to go on the Microfische machine where the original newspaper article had appeared in the January 7th, 1970 edition of the Cowichan Leader Newspaper, written by Sharon Currie, entitled:
"Another Saucer Sighted This Time Within 60 feet"
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/images/article.jpg
Jones noted that it contained extra details not reported in previous articles, which is one of the beauties of articles written as close to the event as possible. Following the end of the article, there appeared another smaller one (previously mentioned) entitled "Second Sighting"
When the investigator spoke personally to Jim she read that article asking him if it was a true account of the UFO events, to which he answered, "Yes."
When they go to the Duncan City Hall, the investigator and Priscilla went through the obituaries and found that the teacher at the Alexander Elementary School, Edith Bieling (McLennon), who was mentioned in the UFO BC as also having seen the UFO sighting at the same time period, was now deceased.
The investigator received copies of the obituaries of Edith Bieling (McLennan) and also Freda Wilson, and another couple Judge and Mrs. Hallett who lived just behind Jim Drummond in Mill Bay, also reported seeing the same UFO that the Drummonds had seen (and this was verified by Jim).
An interesting detail that was disclosed in the UFO BC report was the fact that Mayor of Duncan at the time, James Quaife, said that he and his wife and other neighbors watched a light much brighter than a star perform manoeuvres in the sky, including dead stops and reversals of direction, as reported in the UFO Canada review. The investigator copied down the telephone number of the ex-mayor and made plans to call him. Below is a picture she took of James Quaife's photo on "The Duncan Roster of Mayors."
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/images/portraits.jpg
Jones then she drove to the Cowichan District Hospital to get a picture of the hospital as it looked then…
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/i...pital-1970.jpg
Picture of Cowichan District Hospital circa 1970
Note windows…
Doreen Kendall stated UFO was 5-6 windows in length.
Cowichan District Hospital Today;
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/i...ital-today.jpg
Vernon Stanley-Jones UFO Sighting;
Next, Jones drove to the Alexander Elementary School whereupon she realized that the timeline, the sequence and directional flow of sightings, would indicate that the UFO followed a northeasterly direction toward the Mill Bay area.
Alexander Elementary School Now, all of the pieces of the original story were proving themselves and fitting into place. The archivist also told her about a man named Vernon Stanley-Jones, found in an article from the Jan.14th local paper titled "Local Witnesses Claim U.F.O.'s Eject Fireballs".
Vernon Stanley-Jones, now interred in the local graveyard, had apparently built a tower from which to view the skies.
The archivist sent a copy of that story to the investigator and was able to reach his son who said he would send pictures later.
Vernon Stanley-Jones' Story
Since the Stanley-Jones' house still stands, the investigator telephoned her friend Wilma Wood an ex-curator living in Cowichan Lake, who offered to go with her to track down Mr. Stanley-Jones' house once the archivist could obtain the correct address.
The investigator spoke again with Fran Drummond, April 16th 2008, she said she thought her brother was starting boating season and was away but that he would get the message for a request to meet with him.
In the meantime, she gave several other names of people who had seen the sightings at the time. At this point the investigator realized how all of this important information had been buried for many years and she felt the excitement of any detective finding the supporting evidence of credible proof of an event.
Now the missing piece of the puzzle was to find out about Doreen Kendall, the nurse who had seen the UFO in such close proximity and in good detail.
So next Jones telephoned the hospital foundation and was given a name of Myrtle Haslam who told the investigator that the Alumni nurses where having a dinner in May and asked if she would consider coming to speak to them since they were the ones who had worked with Doreen at the time.
How could the investigator resist such an invitation?
Perhaps the piece of this puzzle would be answered then. While the detective had been visiting Priscilla at the city hall, they also gave her his telephone number.
Leanne Jones next decided to telephone Duncan's ex-Mayor, Jim Quaife, and arrange to take a picture of him.
On April 19, 2008 she spoke to ex-Mayor Quaife and he told a story that was fascinating, and touched on only briefly in the previous articles.
Duncan Mayor Jim Quaife's UFO Sighting;
[img][/http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/images/saucer-sighted.jpg[/img]
Jim Quaife's UFO account went like this:
It was sometime just before 1969 that, one night, he heard a turbine sound and got up and looked out the window of his house on Coronation Street, in Duncan. Jim said that his whole back yard was bathed in pure white light and there was a doe in his orchard staring and standing still like a statue. He said he grabbed his rifle (he didn't know why) and went out side.
As soon as he stepped out into the yard, he said the light went off but he could see a large UFO craft that sped off silently at a terrific speed toward the Victoria area!
Then Mr. Quaife told her that one night in 1969 (or 1970), when he arrived home after a city council meeting in Duncan, he saw his neighbor staring at something in the sky. Then Quaife noticed a large unknown craft above, pulsating a purplish, reddish glow.
Jim Quaife immediately went and got his binoculars and he and his now ex-wife and the neighbor watched it for at least 10 minutes.
After the 10 minutes of watching it, the craft took off at high speed toward Mt. Provost to the North and then turned at a 90-degree angle and went straight up. Jim said that the next day an article had come out about Vernon Stanley-Jones, who had seen the UFO from a tower he had built to watch the stars.
At that time Vernon Stanley-Jones lived on Richard's Trail road in Duncan.
Jim Quaife;
Ex-Mayor of Duncan, BC;
There is a large power station in the Duncan area, and Mayor Quaife felt that the UFO was refueling by sucking up the power from that power grid, and Stanley-Jones figured that this was what caused the pulsations of light around the craft.
"Why Duncan"?
Searching for the Duncan Power Grid UFO Site;
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/0508/i...ards-trail.jpg
The time came for the investigator Leanne Jones' meeting with her friend, "Wilma," who had offered to search for Richards Trail road and help Jones look for the power grid.
So, as agreed, she met her friend on April 26th at the Dog House Restaurant in Duncan and they set off to look for the power grid UFO site and take pictures of one more part of a still developing mystery.
The investigator felt it was important to highlight the work of Stanley-Vernon Jones, who was ahead of his time in gathering scientific evidence of the rash of UFO sightings taking place in the area during the 1970s.
This begs the questions:
Why Duncan?
What did UFOs want in Duncan, BC?
For reference further to Jim Quaife's account, she turned to an article that appeared on January 14, 1970 (entitled "Local Witnesses Claim U.F.O.'s Eject Fireballs") written by the same reporter, Sharon Currie. Sharon's story went like this:
"Fire-balls ejected from an UFO hovering over Maple Bay and Crofton area last week could mark the return of "the beepers." Vern Stanley-Jones, President of the Cowichan-Chemainus UFO Club, advocated. Stanley-Jones considered an expert on UFOs for more than a decade, mooted such a possibility after he, his wife and several other people in the area witnessed a large bright, yellow-orange craft cruising over the area Tuesday January 6th 1970.
Many of the individual reports made at the time substantiated his theory that the vehicle appeared to drop off a number of "fireballs" as it continued on a northerly course from Genoa Bay towards Crofton.
Stanley-Jones and wife of Richards Trail road, Duncan, said they watched the craft for eight minutes about 11 p.m. after stopping their car on Lakes Road.
He turned off the headlights and shut off the motor and saw this bright yellow-orange object at 500 to 1,000 feet above the ground. He said the craft looked like a disc and was the biggest thing he'd ever seen. It made no sound as it slowly travelled over Lakes Road hill.
'When it reached the bottom of the hill, it paused briefly and then turned right and flew over Duncan. When it was over the centre of Duncan it stopped again and we watched it just hanging there for awhile and then it moved off due west more rapidly.'
The couple rushed to a friend's home on Lakes road and borrowed a pair of binoculars but by that time the object was disappearing.
Stanley-Jones who has sighted several UFOs said it could not have been a plane because of its peculiar maneuvers. "Why it made me wonder if we were going to hear the beepers again" he said and explained that two years before in the area people heard a "beeping sounds but couldn't see anything," he said the noise had also occurred in other parts of the world.
Stanley-Jones said the beepers were heard around the Cowichan Lake Road area and were picked up on an 80-meter band by a ham radio operator.
< Editor note: For details, read Regan Lee's "Beeping Creatures"
The area of Cowichan Lake Road, and Richards Trail where Stanley-Jones lived was only 3 kilometers from the giant power grid mentioned by Jim Quaife in his account, proposing that the spacecraft was possibly "sucking up energy" from the grid.
"Beware of Snakes!"
The investigator found the site of the power grid, slipped in close to the restricted areas, climbed over ditches and had a snake run over her shoe, in order to take pictures of the area where the UFO was seen by the Mayor of Duncan, apparently tapping the electrical energy grid for power.
Jones returned to Duncan, copied down the address and found the telephone number of the neighbor living directly opposite Stanley-Jones, now deceased, and decided that along with the invitation to the nurses dinner, and taking an up to date picture of Jim Drummond, she would telephone that number, but already she had enough proof in articles, obituaries and living interviews to prove the existence of the phenomena appearing at that time. Jones felt elated with the help she had received in looking in on a very interesting time in the Cowichan District for a story that is as exciting now as it was then.
Hard Detective Work Leads to a Final Conclusion
The authors earlier asked the question "Why Duncan?"
We posed the question, not facetiously, but in earnest. Every UFO or Flying Saucer has a purpose and a reason for its actions. Studying enough cases and comparing them, we may have discovered one of the purposes underlying their activities and what reason is revealed by their actions.
In the Duncan UFO events, we have encountered a pattern once again that we have heard about for many years, i.e. Flying Saucers and UFOs repeatedly appear around hydroelectric and atomic power plants around the world. Single craft, as well as, fleets of UFOs have regularly caused blackouts in areas of their apparitions and activities. Dr. James McDonald testified before the US Congress that on the evening of November 9 hundreds of UFO sightings were reported throughout the northeast. In New York State luminous objects were seen hovering over 3 very significant locations.
• A Niagara Falls power plant
• A [Syracuse] relay station
• and in the heart of New York City
The great New York City Blackout of 1965 was immediately preceded by a UFO event near a power station near Niagara, New York and a relay station near Syracuse, NY. Immediately, the Federal Power Commission announced that the problem had been caused by a broken relay in a Canadian power plant. This answer was accepted by the press and public and the UFO angle was quickly forgotten. But, the official explanation was untrue.
Major Donald Keyhoe (NICAP) reported that a private investigation by the utilities industry concluded later that the relay had NOT broken, but had been triggereded by a huge, unexplainable surge of power.
That night, over a totally blacked out Gotham City, a huge UFO was photographed and the photo appeared in New York Daily Newsthe next day. It was a stunning photograph, which showed the silhouette of the blacked out metropolis with only the Moon and a large luminous object floating over the city.
In November-December 1978, before, during and after the Great National Blackout in France, an extremely high number of UFO incidents occurred in and around Fountainbleu Forest, as recorded in UFO Digest by French UFOlogist, Christian Macé.
Read: The Great French Blackout of December 1978
http://www.ufodigest.com/news/1106/fontainbleau2.html
On July 24th, 1984, as reported by Dr. Allen j. Hynek, Philip Imbrogno and Bob Pratt in "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings", a black triangular craft of immense size (between 900 and 1,000 feet long) hovered for 10 minutes over the Indian Point Nuclear Facility on the Hudson River, NY and was captured on video by the plant's surveillance cameras.
The craft was so large that no one camera could capture the entire craft. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) investigation has never been released and the surveillance tapes of the craft confiscated by the NRC have never been seen publicly. The event was reported to Dr. Hynek and his team by 6 brave technicians of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Station.
What would be of greater importance in understanding the purpose behind the Indian Point UFO event lies the data regarding the operational status of the nuclear power station and power production during the UFO's 10-minute long hover to determine what nuclear or electromagnetic effects (if any) the Black Triangle UFO had on energy levels in the nuclear plant, nuclear reactor, or on its electrical output during that period that night of July 24th, 1984.
Indian Point Nuclear Reactor Facility provides a large proportion of New York City's electrical power, as well as supplying Westchester and the surrounding region, including New Jersey and Connecticut.
As we can see from the Duncan, BC incident, these activities are in no way limited to large cities. Many rural areas across the United States and Canada have experienced "tapping" of their electrical energy by UFOs, sometimes causing power slumps and/or local blackouts. The following is one of the most significant cases in memory for the many details that it revealed.
Ashland, Nebraska, United States
December 3, 1967
Ashland Deputy Sheriff, Herbert Schirmer, was cruising on a night patrol through Nebraska when he encountered what he thought was a broken down truck on a rural road around 2:30 in the morning.
As he drew closer he was shocked to see that it was UFO hovering 6-8 feet about above the roadbed. Schrimer flashed his high beams at the dull silver object, which shot up and away rapidly. Schirmer noted it in his police log, but there was a temporal anomaly. Schirmer logged the time as 3 a.m. but only recalled seeing the craft for about 10 minutes. 20 minutes were missing from Schirmer's memory of the event that would later be recalled.
Later, Herb Schirmer realized he had experienced "missing time", and a red welt appeared on his neck. Furthermore, he showed signs of sunburn on his left arm and the left side of his face, but not his right arm or right side of his face.
Hypnotic regression sessions, conducted by Dr. Leo Sprinkle and Brad Steiger, revealed that the occupants of the landed craft had abducted him and taken Schirmer aboard, while communicated with him through some form of mental telepathy. They told him that they would visit him twice more and that some day he would "see the universe".
Ralph Blum's "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact with UFOs" contained many details revealed by the aliens to Schirmer. The alien leader, who literally seized the policeman from his car by the neck after the shocked Schirmer asked him:
"Are you for real?'
That was Schirmer's answer to the alien's question:
"Are you the watchman over this place?"
The grey-white alien told Schirmer telepathically that they occasionally stopped to take water or replenish their energy source by tapping electrical energy. Furthermore, he informed Schirmer that they had bases, underground and undersea, with large bases off the coasts of Florida and California. The alien said a rather unusual thing to Schirmer:
"We want you to believe in us, but only a little."
Finally, applying Grey Alien Mind-Control (MK-Grey), the alien leader sought to silence Schirmer by embedding a verbal posthypnotic command subliminally (Neurolinguistic Programming) by sternly warning him ("We will visit you twice more") and admonishing the stricken Deputy Scheriff:
"YOU Will NOT speak wisely of this night!"
How eloquently the alien expressed his threat.
Permit me to translate the threat:
"We're coming back to see you. Play dumb until then."
This brings to the fore one of the great secrets of the alien presence:
The alien presence may be affecting world events by leeching our electrical energy globally and stealing our most valuable resource, water, in huge quantities worldwide.
Since the 1950s, UFOs have been seen around the world tapping electricity from electric utility poles, antennas, cables, electrical relays, around dams, power-generating stations, both hydroelectric and nuclear, particularly in Canada, the United States, France, Russia and many other countries around the world.
Question: Who is paying for it?
The Final Question:
Is Geopolitics Being Driven by "UFO Piracy"?
As noted above, throughout the history of UFOlogy there have been repeated instances of what has been described as electronic interference from UFOs around the world. This disruption has been assumed to be an inadvertent event or a consequence of electromagnetic anomalies resulting from UFO power sources.
However, this is simply an assumption, speculation. It has occurred to the authors that the draining of electricity from power sources and power lines would be indistinguishable from "interference" or "brownouts." History shows that UFOs have been seen taking not only electricity out of power lines but also stealing water from reservoirs. A 30-foot lake disappeared in Argentina overnight after a UFO event there recently. Electrical sparks and vorticular colums of water rising up into UFOs have been reported around the world.
Perhaps, we have been too naïve to realized until now that this pirating, i.e. theft of Earth's energy resources may be one of the major reasons for UFO activities around Earth. The possibility that an Alien Presence is leeching energy (as well as human and animal biological material) may be one of the most closely guarded secrets of the world's governments.
Imagine for a moment, if a large proportion of the electrical power losses, power surges, blackouts and brownouts, "power cuts" as they are called in England, are the result of UFO piracy, a leeching of the power produced by industrialized nations as well as 3rd World countries global on global scale. The rolling power blackouts associated with UFO overflights could well be refueling or re-charging operations for their crafts, stealing energy resources, which, of course, must be paid for by "the consumer." Are Californians alone really to blame for the power crises that they are experiencing and which are growing worse and worse every year?
We cannot be sure yet, but officialdom's maintenance of UFO denial and UFO secrecy, thus, very easily shifts the burden of the cost for such power resource exploitation from the UFO pirates to the private citizen.
Are we secretly paying an "energy tax" to and unseen alien presence?
It could very well be that such a strategy, an instrument of energy exploitation, is being employed by the "Overlords of the UFOs" to manipulate world events in order to drive world affairs to maintain humanity in conflict, thereby, controlling human affairs and human behavior. Are UFOs tapping the world's electrical output to their advantage by driving the clash of civilizations and international competition (including wars) for control of oil, coal, nuclear fuels and water, the main resources of terrestrial, electrical energy production?
As the world edges toward the brink of an apparent Armageddon over oil in the Middle East, should we not pause to consider whether or not mankind is being duped, driven toward cataclysmic events and self-destruction by design?
Is it possible that the trend towards greater warfare and depopulation of mankind may be directed by intentions of a often glimpsed but veiled presence, driving world affairs from the shadows of concealment and by a race of beings who are more concerned with Earth's water and energy resources than its inhabitants, whom they view merely as a source of biological material for their breeding purposes?
One of the most important insights to emerge from the reopening and reinvestigation of the Cowichan District Hospital and Mill Bay UFO events of New Year's morning 1970 is to be found in the testimony of Mayor Jim Quaife and his insight into the purpose and activities of the UFOs that he sighted on their "fuel stops" in Duncan, BC.
Mayor Quaife told Vernon Stanley-Jones about this after reading the newspaper article. Jim Quaife clarified this in an email to investigator Leanne Jones:
"Actually I didn't talk with Vern until after I spotted his report about the event in the Times Colonist a day or so later.
When I called and advised him that I thought the craft was over his neck of the woods he stated that he thought it was over Duncan.
At this point I suggested that it was neither, it had to be somewhere in-between which would have placed it over or near, the AC/DC substation on the Island Highway, I then suggested that the craft may have been "refueling" by tapping into the energy field of the substation.
Vernon immediately questioned why I thought they needed to draw on electric energy and I related the story of my first incident on Riverside Road a few years earlier, that I distinctly heard a "turbine like" sound.
He then agreed, saying that they have to refuel somewhere, and maybe that is how and where! … Jim"
This is precisely what we would call "UFO Piracy."
Important links:
http://www.ufobc.ca/History/1970/ufooccupants.htm
www.ufoevidence.org/cases/case659.htm
http://www.ufoevidence.org/cases/case659.htm
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Coyne Helicopter Incident Nr. Mansfield, Ohio;
http://www.nicap.org/images/coyne.jpg
Jennie Zeidman, CUFOS:
The Coyne case (or "Army helicopter incident") stands out as, perhaps the most credible (in the "high strangeness" category) of the 1973 wave. An Army Reserve helicopter crew of four men encountered a gray, metallic-looking, cigar-shaped object, with unusual lights and maneuvers, as they were airborne between Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio. The crew won the NATIONAL ENQUIRER Blue Ribbon Panel's $ 5,000 award for "the most scientifically valuable report of 1973."
On October 18, 1973, at approximately 10:30 PM a UH-1H helicopter of the United States Army Reserve left Port Columbus, Ohio, for its home base of Cleveland Hopkins airport, ninety-six nautical miles to the north-northeast. In command, in the right-front seat, was Captain Lawrence J. Coyne, thirty-six, with nineteen years of flying experience. At the controls, in the left-front seat, sat First Lieutenant Arrigo Jezzi, twenty-six, a chemical engineer. Behind Jezzi sat Sergeant John Healey, thirty-five, a Cleveland policeman who was the flight medic, and Coyne was the Crew Chief, Sergeant Robert Yanacsek, twenty-three, a computer technician.
The helicopter was cruising at 2,500 feet above sea level at an indicated airspeed of ninety knots, above mixed hills, woods, and rolling farmland, averaging 1,200 elevation. The night was totally clear, calm, and starry. The last quarter moon was just rising.
About ten miles south of Mansfield, Healey noticed a single red light off to the west, flying south. It seemed brighter than a standard aircraft port-wing light, but it was not considered relevant traffic, and he does not recall mentioning it. An estimated two minutes later, at approximately 11:02 PM, Yanacsek noted a single red light on the south-east horizon.
He assumed it was either a radio-tower beacon or an aircraft port-wing light - most likely an aircraft, since it was not flashing - and he watched it "for a long time, a minute to ninety seconds" before calling it to Coyne's attention. Coyne, smoking, relaxing, glanced over, noted the light, assumed it was distant traffic, and told told Yanacsek casually to "keep an eye on it."
After an estimated additional thirty seconds, Yanacsek announced that the light had turned toward the helicopter and appeared to be on a converging flight path. Coyne verified Yanacsek's assessment, grabbed the controls from Jezzi, and put the UH-1H into a powered descent of approximately 500 feet per minute. Almost simultaneously, Coyne established radio contact with Mansfield control tower, ten miles to the northwest. Coyne thought the flight was an Air National Guard F-100 from Mansfield.
After an initial acknowledgment ("This is Mansfield Tower, go ahead Army 1-5-triple-4"), radio contact failed. Jezzi then attempted transmission on both UHF and VHF frequencies without success. Although the channel and keying tones were both heard, there was no response from Mansfield; and a subsequent check by Coyne revealed that Mansfield had no tape of even the initial transmission, the the last F-100 had landed at 10:47 P.M.
The red light continued its radial bearing and increased greatly in intensity. Coyne increased his rate of descent to 2,000 feet per minute and his airspeed to 100 knots. The last altitude he noted was 1,700 feet. Just as a collision appeared imminent, the unknown light halted in its westward course and assumed a hovering relationship above and in front of the helicopter. "It wasn't cruising, it was stopped. For maybe ten to twelve seconds - just stopped," Yanacsek reported. Coyne, Healey, and Yanacsek agree that a cigar-shaped, slightly domed object substended an angle of nearly the width of the front windshield.
A featureless, gray, metallic-looking structure was precisely delineated against the background stars. Yanacsek reported "a suggestion of windows" along the top dome section. The red light emanated from the bow, a white light became visible at a slightly indented stern, and then, from aft/below, a green 'pyramid shaped" beam equated to a directional spotlight became visible. The green beam passed upward over the helicopter nose, swung up through the windshield, continued upward and entered the tinted upper window panels.
At that point (and not before), the cockpit was enveloped in green light. Jezzi reported only a bright white light, comparable to the leading light of a small aircraft, visible through the top "greenhouse' panels of the windshield. After the estimated ten seconds of "hovering," the object began to accelerate off to the west, now with only the white "tail" light visible. The white light maintained its intensity even as its distance appeared to increase, and finally (according to Coyne and Healey), it appeared to execute a decisive 45 degree turn to the right, head out toward Lake Erie, and then "snap out" over the horizon.
Healey reported that he watched the object moving westward "for a couple of minutes." Jezzi said it moved faster than the 250-knot limit for aircraft below 10,000 feet, but not as fast as the 600-knot approach speed reported by the others. There was no noise from the object or turbulence during the encounter, except for one "bump" as the object moved away to the west. After the object had broken off its hovering relationship, Jezzi and Coyne noted that the magnetic compass disk was rotating approximately four times per minute and that the altimeter read approximately 3,500 feet; a 1,000 foot-per-minute climb was in progress.
Coyne insists that the collective was still bottomed from his evasive descent. Since the collective could not be lowered further, he had no alternative but to lift it, whatever the results, and after a few seconds of gingerly maneuvering controls (during which the helicopter reached nearly 3,800 feet), positive control was achieved. By that time the white light had already moved into the Mansfield area.
Coyne had been subliminally aware of the climb; the others not at all, yet they had all been acutely aware of the g-forces of the dive. The helicopter was brought back to the flight plan altitude of 2,500 feet, radio contact was achieved with Canton/Akron, the night proceeded uneventfully to Cleveland.
Apparent ground witnesses to this event have been found by William E. Jones and Warren Nicholson, independent UFO researchers from Columbus, Ohio.
Mrs. E. C. and four adolescents were driving south from Mansfield to their rural home on October 18, 1973, at approximately 11 P.M., when they were attracted to a single steady bright red light. flying south "at medium altitude." They watched for perhaps half a minute until it disappeared to the south over the trees.
Approximately five minutes later, now driving east on Route 430, approaching the Charles Mill Reservoir, the family became aware of two bright lights - red and green - descending rapidly toward them from the southeast. When first seen, the angular distance between the lights was about 2 degrees; the red light appeared to be leading. Mrs. C. pulled over to the shoulder of the deserted road and kept the engine and car lights running.
The lights - bigger than point sources - slowed and moved as a unit to the right of the car and the family became aware of yet another group of lights - some of these flashing - and "a beating sound, a lot of racket" approaching from the southwest. Two of the children (cousins, both age thirteen) jumped from the car and observed both a helicopter and the object, which they described as "like a blimp," "as big as a school bus," "sort of pear shaped." The object at that point subtended an angle equivalent to "a 100-mm cigarette box held at arm's length."
The object assumed a hovering position over the helicopter, an estimated 500 feet back from the road and 500 feet above the trees. (The ground elevation at the site is almost exactly 1,000 feet above sea level; thus at the noted 1,700-foot altimeter reading, the helicopter was actually about 650 feet above the trees.) The object's green light then flared up. "It was like rays coming down," the witnesses said. The helicopter, the trees, the road, the car - everything turned green." The kids scrambled with fright back into the car and Mrs. C. proceeded apace.
Their estimated total time outside the car was "about a minute." Neither ground witnesses nor aircrew are sure at what point the two aircraft disengaged; the ground witnesses reported that the unidentified object crossed to the north side of the road behind the car, appeared to move eastward for a few seconds, then reversed its direction and climbed toward the northwest towards Mansfield - a flight path which correlates perfectly the motion of the object established through analysis of the aircrew's report.
Any theory of the object's being a meteor (UFO skeptic Philip Klass maintains that the object was a "fireball of the Orionid meteor shower") can readily be rejected on the basis of: (1) the duration of the event (an estimated 300 seconds); (2) the marked deceleration and hard-angle maneuver of the object at closest approach; (3) the precisely defined shape of the object; and (4) the horizon-to-horizon flight path.
The possibility of a high-performance aircraft likewise is untenable when one examines the positions and colors of the lights with respect to the flight path of the object. To have presented the reported configurations, and been in accordance with FAA regulations, an aircraft would have had to be flying sideways, either standing on its tail, tail-to to the helicopter, or upside-down head-on.
Other arguments against aircraft hypothesis are: (1) a fixed-wing aircraft moving across the line of sight would appear to move most rapidly when passing directly in front of the observer; (2) a fixed-wing aircraft would not have the capability of decelerating from high velocity to "hover" within a few seconds time; (3) a helicopter would have the capability of hovering, but would not be capable of the high forward speeds reported; (4) a conventional aircraft, if within 500 to 1,000 feet, would have produced noise audible inside the helicopter;
(5) the FAA requires either a strobe or a rotating beacon on either the top or bottom of the fuselage, (6) FAA requires that no aircraft shall fly below 10,000 feet msl at speeds above 250 knots; (7) some of the features of a conventional aircraft would have been seen, e.g., wings, engine pods, windows, empennage, numbers, logo.
Coyne reported that the Magnaflux/Zygio method of nondestructive testing was applied to the rotors the following day and that there was no indication that they had been subjected to fatigue-producing stresses. Comparable times/distances/directions support the possibility that the red light first seen by the C. family, Healey's red light, and the object of the encounter were all one and the same. Yanacsek's red light on the eastern horizon was under continuous observation and was unequivocally the object of the encounter.
The case has maintained its high "strangeness-credibility" rating after extended investigation and analysis.
Jennie Zeidman
CUFOS
http://www.nicap.org/index.htm
figure shows the places of the four helicopter crew members
http://www.budoniambiente.org/intern...isposition.jpg
http://www.budoniambiente.org/internos/coyne/01.jpg
http://www.budoniambiente.org/intern...ne/drawing.jpg
Drawing of the object made under Captain Coyne and Sergeant Yanacsek direction;
http://www.budoniambiente.org/intern...oyneground.jpg
http://www.budoniambiente.org/intern...e/curtdraw.jpg
Drawing by Curt, aged 10, who saw the object from the ground
http://www.budoniambiente.org/intern...amilledraw.jpg
Drawing by Camille, aged 11, who saw the object from the ground
http://www.budoniambiente.org/internos/coyne/path.jpg
Flightpath;
DISPOSITION FORM/ official report;
AR 340-15: the proponent agency is The Adjutant General's Office.
Near Midair Collision with UFO Report;
To: Commander Flight Operations Office;
DATE 23 Nov 73 Cmt 1;
83D USARCOM USAR Flight Facility;
ATTN: AHRCCG Cleveland Hopkins Airport Columbus Support Facility Cleveland, Ohio 44135;
1. On 18 October 1973 at 2305 hours in the vicinity of Mansfield, Ohio, Army Helicopter 68-15444 assigned to Cleveland USAR/FFAC encountered a near midair collision with a unidentified flying object. Four crewmembers assigned to the Cleveland USARFFAC for flying proficiency were on AFTP
status when this incident occurred.
The flight crew assigned was CPT Lawrence J. Coyne, Pilot in Command,1LT Arrigo Jozzi, Copilot, SSG Robert Yanacsek, Crew Chief, SSG John Healey,Flight Medio.
All the above personnel are member of the 316th MED DET(HEL AMB). a tenant reserve unit of the Cleveland USAR/FFAC.
2. The reported incident happened as follows: Army Helicopter 68-15444 was returning from Columbus, Ohio to Cleveland, Ohio and at 2305 hours east, south east of Mansfield Airport in the vicinity of Mansfield, Ohio while flying at an altitude of 2500 feet and on a heading of 030 degrees, SSG
Yanacsek observed a red light on the east horizon,90 drgrees to the flight path of the helicopter.
Approximately 30 seconds later, SSG Yanacsek indicated the object was converging on the helicopter at the same altitude at a airspeed in excess of 600 knots and on a midair collision heading.
Cpt Coyne observed the converging object, took over the controls of the aircraft and initiated a power descent from 2500 feet to 1700 feet to avoid impact with the object. A radio call was initiated to Mansfield Tower who acknowledged the helicopter and was asked by CPT Coyne if there were any high performance aircraft flying in the vicinity of Mansfield Airport however there was no response received from the tower.
The crew expected impact from the object instead, the object was observed to hesistate momontarily over the helicopter and then slowly continued on a westerly course accelerating at a high rate of speed, clear west of Mansfield Airport then turn 45 degree heading to the Northwest. Cpt Coyne indicated the altimeter read a 1000 fpm olimp and read 3500 feet with the collective in the full down position.
The aircraft was returned to 2500 feet by CPT Coyne and flown back to Cleveland, Ohio. The flight plan was closed and the FAA Flight Service Station notified of the incident. The FSS told CPT Coyne to report the incident to the FAA GADO office a Cleveland Hopkins Airport Mr. Porter, 83d USARCOM was notified of the incident at 1530 hours on 19 Oct 73.
3. This report has been read and attested to by the crewmembers of the aircraft with signatures acknowledgeing this report.
Lawrence J. Coyne [Signature]
Arrigo Jozzi [Signature]
Robert Yanacsek [Signature]
John Healey [Signature]
DA FORM 2496;
The Mansfield News Journal on November 4, 1973;
CLEVELAND -
- Army Reserve helicopter pilot Capt. Lawrence Coyne is a military commander who doesn't believe in unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or little green spacemen. But after a near miss two weeks ago between his helicopter and a "big, gray, metallic-looking" object in the sky over Mansfield, he doesn't know what to think.
I had to file an official report in detail to the Army on this thing,
he said.
Coyne is a member of the 316th Medical Detachment stationed at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. He was returning from Columbus at 11:10 p.m., Oct. 18, when the UFO showed up near where the Air National Guard has a squadron of jet fighters based. He said a check turned up that none of the unit's F-100 Super Saber Jets were in the air when the UFO appeared. Coyne said when he first encountered the UFO, his helicopter was cruising at 2,500 feet. He had the controls set for a 20-degree dive, but the craft climbed to 3,500 feet with no power.
I had made no attempt to pull up,he said.
There was no noise or turbulence, either.
Coyne said a red light appeared on the eastern horizon, and was first spotted by his crew chief, Sgt. Robert Yanacsek.
The light was traveling in excess of 600 knots,Coyne said.
It came from the horizon to our aircraft in about 10 seconds. We were on a collision course.
The pilot said he put his helicopter into a dive.
At 1,700 feet I braced myself for the impact with the other craft,
he said.
It was coming from our right side. I was scared. There had been so little time to respond. The thing was terrifically fast.
There was no crash.
We looked up and saw it stopped right over us: it had a big, gray metallic-looking hull about 60 feet long. It was shaped like an airfoil or a streamlined fat cigar. There was a red light on the front. The leading edge glowed red a short distance back from the nose. There was a center dome. A green light at the rear reflected on the hull.
I had made no attempt to pull up: all controls were set for a 20-degree dive. Yet we had climbed from 1,700 to 3,500 feet with no power in a couple of seconds with no g-forces or other noticeable strain;
Sources:
www.nicap.org...
www.fufor.com...
www.freerepublic.com...
www.youtube.com...
www.ufologie.net...
/5juuzt
www.cosmicparadigm.com...
/5b4guy
www.ufocasebook.com...
www.nicap.dabsol.co.uk...
www.cufon.org...
References:
Cincinnati Enquirer, October 22, 1973.
The Mansfield News Journal, November 4, 1973.
Jennie Zeidman, "Helicopter-UFO Encounter Over Ohio", Center for UFO Studies, Chicago, 1979.
Army Disposition Form incident report on case reproduced in Larry Fawcett and Barry Greenwood, Clear Intent, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, p. 239, 1984.
MUFON 1989 International UFO Symposium Proceedings, Seguin, Texas, pp. 13-30.
UFO-Helicopter Close Encounter Over Ohio, Flying Saucer Review 22 (4), pp. 15-19.
International UFO Reporter, pp. 13-14, November-December 1988.
International UFO Reporter, pp. 17-18, March-April 1989.
News Journal, october 18, 2003.
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The Canadian UFO Report: The Best Cases Revealed By Chris Rutkowski, Geoff Dittman;
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...7b0d0d7787.jpg
http://books.google.com/books?id=wet...%20ufo&f=false
UFOs over Canada: personal accounts of sightings and close encounters
By John Robert Colombo:
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...6bac527d98.jpg
http://books.google.com/books?id=l0K...%20ufo&f=false
these two books are free to read in pdf format, click on links for viewing;
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/u...29-mmb01-e.gif
Introduction;
Within the vault of Library and Archives Canada there exist files from four government departments that were involved with collecting data and conducting investigations on unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
The Department of Transport, Department of National Defence, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the National Research Council all dealt with reports, sightings and investigations of UFOs across Canada. Each department had different interests and goals. The truth about their investigations is found in files held by Library and Archives Canada. A selection of these files have been digitized and made available on this site.
Conduct your own UFO investigations using the following resources:
The Timeline
Find information on the files of the four government agencies and view examples of their work. Browse through the timeline to learn when each department became involved in investigating UFOs.
The Map
Investigate selected UFO sightings in Canada, some of which, according to the Department of National Defence, have not been solved.
The Search
Investigate the files of all four agencies through the search tool. Type in a keyword such as a place or date, and view all government documents related to that keyword.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/d...o/index-e.html
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ufo/index-e.html
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ufo/index-e.html
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Canadian Government’s UFO Website;
Our neighbor to the north’s UFO interests have paralleled those here in the United States, and at one point there was a joint effort to collect reports and send them to North American Aerospace Command (NORAD) headquarters in Colorado. Canada’s official UFO research history can be found on an interactive website administered by the Canadian government’s Library and Archives.
The beginning of Canadian UFO interest is documented in a memo on their website, it states that “sightings of unidentified objects have been recorded in the Canadian Press since the turn of the Century.” It goes on to explain that their military really had not taken the matter seriously until 1947 when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Department of National Defence began taking reports. It wasn’t until 1952 that an organized effort to review these reports was established.
Project Second Story, sponsored by the Defence Research Board of Canada held its first meeting on April 22nd, 1952. Members from several government agencies made up this board, whose mission was to “collect, catalogue and correlate data from UFO sighting reports.”
In the minutes of their first meeting, the U.S. Air Force’s efforts were brought up. They were briefed that the U.S. Air Force had a project, which as far as the public was concerned, was “discontinued”, however the project was re-opened as classified. Although the memo does not specify, it must have been referring to the closure of the U.S. Air Force’s Project Grudge, and the opening of Project Blue Book. There were public facing as well as classified portions of Project Blue Book.
The meeting also included presentations on the possible origins of UFOs. The extraterrestrial possibility was presented by Wilbert Smith, a senior engineer with the Department of Transportation. Smith was also the head of Project Magnet, a study that started in 1950 focused on potentially using the earth’s magnetic field as a method of propulsion. Smith believed that if they are real, UFOs must be using this type of technology, he stated “the correlation between our basic theory and the available information on saucers checks too closely to be mere coincidence.” Project Magnet lost its government funding in 1954, but Smith continued the project using his own funds until his death in 1962.
Evidence that UFOs are not technological devices was also presented, a representative of the A.V. Roe Company participated in the discussion speculating that UFOs may be secret airplane designs of the Russians. A.V. Roe Company, later to be known as AVRO, is famous for being one of the first airplane manufacturers, and later testing saucer shaped aircraft.
The Russian’s successful launch of the Sputnik satellite, in 1957, raised alarms in the west. Soon after, NORAD was established so that the U.S. and Canada could jointly monitor North American air space. NORAD headquarters were house under Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado. With fifteen buildings inside the complex, it has been likened to an underground city. Canada’s headquarters were also underground at the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAG) Station North Bay in Ontario. The entire three story installation was buried 600 feet below the surface for protection.
According to a poster released on the Canadian UFO website, Russian technology was not the only thing NORAD was looking out for. The poster outlines the importance of reporting “immediately all airborne and waterborne objects which appear to be hostile, are unidentified or are acting suspiciously.” The poster includes images representing the types of objects to be reported, including an image of a jet and a saucer flying in the clouds, labeled “Unidentified Flying Objects or unidentified objects in the water.”
Canada’s UFO interests continued into the 60’s. In a letter from 1967 to the National Research Council regarding the transferring of UFO files from the Department of National Defence, the status of the findings was noted. They found many sighting to be fireballs and meteorites, these cases were sent to the National Research Council Meteorite Centre for scientific study, the others were either regarded as unimportant or investigated by a military officer.
The memo notes that they agreed with their U.S. counterparts that none of their research demonstrated a threat to National Security. However, they did find that some of the cases “suggest the possibility of UFOs exhibiting some unique scientific information or technical research.”
More information can be found at their website on this period of time for Canadian UFO research, including some of the more incredible cases that helped fuel official interest.http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ufo/index-e.html
link; http://www.openminds.tv/canadian-ufo-website/
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Argentinean Military's Role in UFO Research;
Air Misses:
AIRMISS IN BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA, 1995:
Argentinean Air Force, pressured indirectly by the media regarding the incident, stepped forth with the tired excuse that "no investigation of the case would take place, since there is no official agency in charge of looking into UFOs..."
The most childish and laughable of all the explanations ventilated on the subject was the one pinning the blame on the Moon as the source of what Captain Polanco and other pilots in Bariloche had seen. This is not the first nor the last time that an attempt to justify a case is made: if it cannot be explained as a weather baloon, there is an infinity of objects that can be used to explain it.
Therefore, we have heard that "Jupiter" wanders below the cloud cover in the skies over Mar del Plata on some occasions. Faced with a case such as Bariloche (qualified witnesses, multiple effects) it was undoubtable that the naysayers should try to "explain" what had happened. When they were unable to resort to their usual "chesnuts": alcoholism or hallucinations among the rural population.
On October 6, 1995, the news was circulated that four members of the Air Gendarmerie had died in an aviation accident. One of the victims was Cmdr. Juan Domingo Gaitán, who alongside Aerolíneas Argentinas pilot Jorge Polanco, had witnessed the Bariloche UFO on July 31. No details were made available as to the reasons behind this tragic accident, although many followers of the South American UFO scene believe that an effort to "silence" the witnesses of the Bariloche UFO had been set in motion.
AUTRES INCIDENTS SIGNIFICATIFS:
August 11, 1964: In Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego) a Beechcraft 5G2 aircraft had just requested permission from the local airport control tower to land at 1700 hrs, when a glowing UFO suddenly followed the small plane for a number of minutes. Captain Raul Salgado (an experienced pilot) decided to direct his aircraft toward the intruder, but the UFO outdistanced him at a prodigious speed.
August 1965: Punta Indio Aeronaval Base. As a result of the large amount of sightings which had taken place, the Argentinean Navy decided to track UFOs with radar and by means of chase planes. The operation was under the command of Captain Omar Pagani and other naval officers. During one event, a strange echo was picked up on the radar screen. A Navy jet was scrambled after the intruder, but the UFO managed to elude its pursuer repeatedly. The pilot reported that the objec t had an "ellipsoid" configuration, being some 12 meters in diameter and as close to his interceptor as 200 meters, at one point.
September 23, 1984: In the vicinity of Reconquista (province of Santa Fé), pilot Carlos Sorini was flying a Piper LV Mee carrying seven passengers. At 2100 hours, both pilot and passenger observed the evolutions of a UFO which interfered with the small plane's instrumentation. The radiocompass oscillated between 0.05 degrees and 270 degrees. The UFO was also detected by Flight 760 of Aerolíneas Argentinas and by Flight 61 of Austral Airlines. The witnesses stated that this odyssey lasted 45 minutes.
August 18, 1985: In the vicinity of Ceres (Santa Fé), 2 UFOs were sighted by a number of journalists aboard a Boeing 737. One of them, Roberto Ruiz, of Buenos Aires' Clarin was able to take a sequence of 36 photographs of the object. The UFO changed colors and performed an array of maneuvers. The event took place at 2100 hrs. that day.
August 20, 1985: Town of Charata, Resistencia (Chaco Province), from 0700 to 1600 hours. A UFO was reported in a number of communities throughout the day. Hugo Weschbilling (Air Traffic Controller at Resistencia) witnessed the object. At 0755 hrs., the captain of an Aerolíneas Argentinas 747 reported the object at 90 degrees to his aircraft, and that it was performing a series of rising and descending maneuvers. The bizarre object was also reported by other aircraft.
July 26, 1995 A similarly impressive event transpired on in San José, Costa Rica: a colossal UFO was detected on the radar screens of the Tobías Bolaños Airport. Pilot Everardo Carmona was conducting a training mission when he sighted the UFO, which he later described as "enormous, ovoidal and brilliant." Tower Controllers Gerardo Giménez and Javier Mayorga confirmed that their instruments suffered magnetic alterations for a few seconds.
A RECENT INCIDENT IN BARILOCHE:
A very large multicolored UFO appeared early on Easter Sunday morning, April 23, 2000, over the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, in the foothills of the Andes about 800 kilometers (500 miles) southwest of Buenos Aires. The craft, which appeared at 2 a.m., was seen by television newswoman Noemi Molina, who attempted to capture its image on her camcorder. But after five seconds of shooting, her camcorder's battery suddenly lost all of its power.
REFERENCES:
France Soir France, August 3, 1995 "Ufo against plane: It was close to a crash!", the Bariloche Argentina classic case.
http://www.ufologie.net/press/francesoir3aug1995.htm
Le Courrier de l'Ouest France, August 3, 1995 "Argentina: Flying saucers fly", the Bariloche Argentina classic case.
http://www.ufologie.net/press/courri...st3aug1995.htm
Clarin Argentina, August 2, 1995 "A strange phenomenon complicated the flight of a plane in Bariloche", the Bariloche Argentina classic case.
San Francisco Chronicle, August 12, 1995, page C1.
http://www.ufologie.net/press/clarin2aug1995.htm
Teletext on Swiss Romande TV.
TV reports:
"Almorzando con Mirtha Legrand", Canal 9, Buenos Aires, August 4, 1995.
News items, Suisse Romande, August 3, 1995.
"Telenoche", Canal 13, Buenos Aires, August 2, 1995.
"Telefé Noticias", Canal 11, Buenos Aires, August 2, 1995.
"Memoria", Canal 9, Buenos Aires, August 2, 1995.
"Hola Susana", Canal 11, Buenos Aires, August 2, 1995.
source;http://www.ufologie.net/htm/airmiss.htm
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The Air Force of Argentina on Dec. 23, 2010 formally announced the formation of a committee to study the UFO phenomenon.
The Argentinean Air Force’s action to form a UFO investigation unit was confirmed by Sylvia Perez Simondini of the CEFORA (Argentinean Republic Committee for UFO Phenomena Studies), "an organization formed by various UFOlogy groups in Argentina. The main purpose is the declassification of all related UFO phenomena in Argentina. It was formed by serious Argentinean UFOlogists in Victoria, Entre Rios during a conference.”
In a public statement, Ms. Perez Simondini says,
"The Argentinean Air Force has just announced the formation of a commission to investigate the UFO phenomenon.
"The Director of Institutional Relations of the Argentinean Air Force confirmed on Telefe Newscast that it has recorded two UFO sightings it cannot account for by normal explanations. The Argentinean Air Force further stated that the mission of the Air Force is to guard the security of Argentinean air space.
"This is a message that all UFO researchers hoped for, filling us with satisfaction to hear that this will occur.
"In our last congress, especially in the Uruguay, which was conducted fairly by the Uruguayan Air Force, at that time, I received greetings from Commodore Robert Muller, Head of the Unit II Air Brigade Paraná, from Colonel Ariel Rios Sanchez, Head of Ricardo Bermúdez CRIDOVNI of CEFAA, the sister republic of Chile, from Ademar Gevaerd Director of the Brazilian UFO Magazine, who is the coordinator of the declassification of UFO phenomenon in Brazil, in order to urge the Air Force of Argentina toward a common goal of UFO disclosure.
link; http://www.examiner.com/exopolitics-...o-phenomenon-1
"UFOs are real. I myself had an experience of this sort in 1951. It was a yellowish-silver disk with deep red edges, moving at high speed at an altitude of some 500 meters..."
Vicecommodore Oscar Bario. Argentinian Defense.
"At this state of events, and with the evidence available to us, it is hard to deny the existence of flying saucers."
Vicecommodore Dante La Roca. Argentinian Defense.
"I believe in the so-called flying saucer, and it is my understanding that the Air Force will pursue studies on this subject."
Commander Adolfo Alvarez, 1968. Argentinian Defense.
Link; http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread457637/pg1
The Seven Official declarations made by the Argentinian Government
Argentinian Military/Government communique:
1962: At 19:20 hrs on May 22, a squadron of fighters in the vicinity of Bahía Blanca's Comandante Espora Naval Base, reports the presence of UFOs along its flight path. The interception lasted 35 minutes. Direct eyewitnesses to this incident were Lt. Rodolfo César Galdós and his student, Roberto Wilkinson. Report No. 02779 causes the first official acknowledgment by an Argentinean government.
1965: Between the months of June and July, a succession of UFO incidents occur in the Antarctic region, some of them producing electromagnetic disturbances, and witnessed by personnel from the British, Chilean and Argentine bases. A phenomenon on July 3rd at the Deception Island Naval Station generates the second official acknowledgment.
1973: On November 2nd, six members of the Comandante Espora Naval Air Base, close to Bahía Blanca, witness the maneuvers of a UFO, immediately producing the third official acknowledgment.
1978: On the evening of February 4 at the La Florida dam in San Luis, six persons report the presence of a UFO and the descent of an occupant from within, leaving ground marks. The Police Precinct of San Luis, through its chief, Lt.Col. Raul Benjamín López, issues a document which constitutes the fourth official acknowledgment.
1978: Toward midnight on July 12, a low-level UFO sighting causes a commotion in the Estación Ramblón region, located between the limits of San Juan and Mendoza. It was witnessed by police officers among many others. The San Juan chief of police, Col. Guillermo Voguel, prepares the fifth official acknowledgment.
1982: In the evening of August 13, a UFO causes a disturbance in the town of Londres, Catamarca, and its flyover produces strong winds and starts a conflagration. A police patrolman attests to the intruder's presence. The provincial police emits the sixth official acknowledgment.
1986: The appearance of a nocturnal UFO and the subsequent discovery of a gigantic indentation on El Pajarillo hill, Córdoba, on January 9th, prompt this city's municipal authorities to issue the seventh and final official acknowledgment
Argentinean Military's Role in UFO Research; http://www.ufologie.net/htm/offiarg.htm
On Thursday, May 13, 2010, Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez opened the bicentennial festivities in the city of Victoria. Researcher Silvia Perez Simondini took advantage of this opportunity to present the first executive with an envelope containing CEFORA documentation regarding UFO declassification efforts in other countries, as well as the list of researchers struggling for the declassification of the UFO archives.The President approached Ms. Simondini, who asked her to please read the contents of the envelope, which she promised to do.
Two days later, during communications with Casa Rosada, it was confirmed that this documentation had been read and a promise of a reply was also confirmed. This is the first formal contact with Argentinean authorities regarding a request for declassification, in the hope that the desired goal can be achieved. Posted by Inexplicata.
link; http://www.nationalufocenter.com/art...rticle_336.php
Argentine Navy.
In the 1960s, the Argentine Navy was charged with the official investigation of UFO sightings, particularly those reported by its own personnel. A 1965 "Official UFO Report" prepared by Captain Sánchez Moreno from the Naval Air Station Comandante Espora in Bahía Blanca, revealed that:
"Between 1950 and 1965, personnel of Argentina's Navy alone made 22 sightings of unidentified flying objects that were not airplanes, satellites, weather balloons or any type of known (aerial) vehicles. These 22 cases served as precedents for intensifying that investigation of the subject by the Navy. In the past two years, nine incidents have been recorded that are being studied by Captain Pagani and a team of military and civilian scientists and collaborators. Likewise, a meticulous questionnaire was drafted, printed and distributed to different bases.
In a short time, the Service of Naval Intelligence was in possession of a stack of highly significant reports of testimonies. On the basis of this important documentation, it was possible to obtain a coherent overview of the problem." (Captain Sánchez Moreno, Informe Oficial O.V.N.I., Sumario S# A. 02778-DTO. OVNI, Naval Air Station Comandante Espora, in ICUFON Project World Authority for Spatial Affairs (W.A.S.A.), New York, 1979.)
Link;http://www.greatdreams.com/ufos/kids_abducted.htm
http://files.abovetopsecret.com/imag...b37e05593f.jpg
The Open Minds radio program discussed this spike in UFO activity in Argentina on the July 12 program.
http://www.datelinezero.com/2010/07/...sightings-map/
Translation:
On Thursday May 13th (2010), the President of Argentina Cristina Fernandez, led the Bicentennial event for the city of Victoria in San Martín Plaza. UFO researcher Simondini Silvia Perez waited for hours to take this opportunity to deliver an envelope to President Fernandez with documentation from the UFO organization, CEFORA, on the history of declassified UFO files in other countries along with a list of the researchers in the (CEFORA) organization. They are pushing for the declassification of UFO records in Argentina. This is the first formal contact with Argentinean authorities to request the declassification of UFO files.
link; http://www.openminds.tv/argentina-disclosure-081210/
After another military man remarked only a few days ago behind closed doors, the official verbal communiqué has been issued.
According to the AFP and Terra news agencies, a spokesperson for the Argentinean Air Force (AAF) has confirmed today (Dec. 29) the decision to create a commission to record and investigate claims of unidentified flying objects in that country’s air space.
“The Commission for the Research of Aerospatial Phenomena is in the process of being formed,” said Captain Mariano Mohaupt, the AAF’s media consultant. The officer disclosed that the Air Force has already recorded the unexplained experiences of some of its pilots, “and now things will be perceived from the formal, professional standpoint, contributing toward our mission, which is to control our air space.”
The team would be multidisciplinary in nature, including meteorologists, flight controllers, pilots and radar specialists, and shall receive reports made by citizens regarding phenomena seen in space. “There are many reports that are later investigated, and they turn out not involve unconventional events,” explained Mohaupt.
link; http://www.ufodigest.com/article/dec...sion-confirmed
Translation:
Tealdi: The airspace is the responsibility, is under the control of the air force through the available operative means which are the radars installed in different parts of the country.
Hendel: If there was some type of unidentified craft or a UFO, could you tell?
Tealdi: Radars have the capacity of identifying, according to the surface of a celestial phenomenon or object in space there is a bounce in the radar which is identified as an echo; starting from that which appears as an echo the air force has the responsibility of investigating to see what it is, in other words, what are we talking about with regards to that echo.
Hendel: Could we say that they are UFOs?
Tealdi: The air force does not speculate with regards to the existence of manned or craft sent here, that is something that people deal with in a personal way, what the air force does is to try to identify what we are talking about in terms of the security of the air traffic which is our responsibility.
Hendel: What amount of registered echoes are archived?
Tealdi: There are really very few, there about two or three cases but there was not enough time or motive to intercept them [scramble fighters] because they were very brief situations in terms of time.
Hendel: And until now you have not been able to identify an extraterrestrial existence?
Tealdi: Correct.
quote;
"Following this brief exchange, the reporter told the anchorman about the impending announcement of the creation of an official commission “to investigate celestial phenomena.” Capt. Mohaupt’s announcement a few days later officially confirmed her scoop".
link; http://www.openminds.tv/argentinean-ufo-commission/
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http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Av2goqtc53...0/atalanti.jpg
The events of Atalanta in 1990 is one of the most important and mysterious appearances of unknown flying boats in Greece worth your present.
On Sunday, September 2, 1990 a series of strange events occurred in Greece and became one of the strangest occurrences alien on this planet. Atalanta is the name of a city located in central Greece, the prefecture of Fthiotida. Initial reports speak of not one, but 12 to 17 flying objects, which first appeared on the mountain Penteli in Athens. The UFO flew south to the Peloponnese and changed course again in central Greece.
In the second pass over central Greece, at about 9:30 pm, one of the UFO, seemed to have glitches and a few minutes later the object crashed outside the small village of Great Tree, a few kilometers from Atalanta. Many local residents reported the strange event to local authorities but the inaccessibility of the area did not allow access evening at the crash.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Av2goqtc53.../atalanth2.jpg
According to testimony from a family very close area, found at 21:30 the sky thirteen bright objects moving at high speed with lights as possible (they said) eskizan lights the sky, which passed over them and left. After 15 minutes, they heard three consecutive explosions in the sky and a red object appeared much larger than the previous ones, which seemed to have taken fire. While looking at, that fell to the ground in the adjacent hill, who abstained from a mile.
The testimony continues: "After a while they came, flying at high speed, but smaller and surrounded the big one. landed in a circle around the original, highly illuminating the area. It seemed, according to witnesses, have formed a protective wall, which prevent the fire spread to the surrounding reeds, and then trees. From that appeared in the morning, it seems that something had been thrown, because the place was wet and sticking reeds. We stand and watched. My husband feared came to us .
He grabbed his double-barreled and moved towards them to see them better. In front of the burning object seemed to spend some shadows, but could not tell whether people were or anything else. something was in the bright circle they had formed around the large object. remained there from about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday by three in the morning Monday. This morning there was only a little smoke, and the territory where the landing took place and the surrounding undergrowth had been burnt ..
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Av2goqtc53.../atalanth3.jpg
Witnesses who went to the landing area, found some parts facility and a spongy material. Near this were a pine tree, the trunk of the burnt at a low altitude. When the witness tried to catch the pine in his hand appeared small bubbles, like it was burned.
In the area of landing there were also circular holes in the ground, Knoll soil around the opening of each hole. There, the witness identified and turned over to authorities a strange object: a circular piece with two diametrically opposite antennas etched on it a shape reminiscent of lightning. Since it appeared in the morning, something seems to have dropped, because the place was wet and sticking reeds ..
This morning there was only a little smoke, and the territory where the landing took place and the surrounding undergrowth had been burnt. Another witness who went to the landing area, found some parts facility and a spongy material. Near here was a pine tree, the trunk of burnt at low altitude. When the witness tried to catch the pine in his hand appeared small bubbles, like it was burned.
On October 19, 1990 the Centre for Research and Technology of the Greek Air Force, issued a statement on the matter to Atalanta. According to this statement, found on the premises:
Pieces of a female connector with 11 cm diameter, made of copper with Arabic numerals in the center of;
A series of a multipin cable made of copper, connected with the above plug.;
The insulator of these cables was a silky fabric;
A burnt rubber circular cap;
A ring of steel;
Three bars of steel 10 cm each;
The bottom two controllers with the Greek letter P on the basis of
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Av2goqtc53.../atalanth4.jpg
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Makis Podotas is probably one of the best credible UFO researchers in Greece just now, so i thought it fitting to included some info o him in this post;
MAKIS PODOTAS;
http://sites.google.com/site/makispo...ze-156-195.jpg
UFO RESEARCH - GREECE;
Makis Podotas - UFO and Paranormal Phenomena Researcher - Greece, European Union;
HOME;
BIOGRAPHY; http://sites.google.com/site/makispodotas/biography
TV APPEARANCES; http://makispodotas.googlepages.com/biography2
UFO AIRWAYS OVER GREECE;http://makispodotas.googlepages.com/maps
BOOKS / PUBLICATIONS;http://sites.google.com/site/makispodotas/books
CONTACT; [email protected]
Mr. Makis Podotas is the oldest, most active and well known UFO Researcher in Greece.
His 43 years (since 1964) of active research, findings and publicity have helped to create an enormous understanding and interest about the UFO Phenomenon among the Greek public.
The report confirms that the debris found was land-based sources, since there were alphabetical and numerical information. It was old technology, based on the materials used. They are probably pieces of an old satellite. This conclusion was based on measurements of the wiring and construction. The satellite must be from Europe or the former Soviet Union. Regarding the letter F, it is reported that the Soviet Union since that country uses this Greek letter in the Cyrillic alphabet and also has the technology for such a device.
This is a good report. Why after a little stay in the center of research and technology in the Greek airforce, debris transferred to NASA;
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Dalnegorsk.UFO crash/landing?
January 29, 1986p;
quote;
"Evening at about 20.00 hours over twenty random eyewitnesses have seen the ball flying object which was moving parallel to the ground. UFO glowed red, and walked at a speed of about 15 meters per second. But after a few seconds, disaster struck.
The object fell at an angle of 60-70 degrees on limestone mountain, located in the city and known as the " height of 611 ". According to a survey of witnesses, the machine before it crashed into a mountain a few times jerked up and down. After which the UFO silently exploded and burned for an hour.
Five days later, on February 3, arrived in Dalnegorsk field expedition of the Far Eastern Branch of the Research Committee of the anomalous air events at the Academy of Sciences, headed by doctors and well-known seaside UFO Valery Brier. Expeditionary Unit, surveyed the area and found a 2x2 meter area with traces of high impact.
Fragments of rocks on it were covered with black film with traces of discoloration, and she ground - black ash. Found the remains of burnt wood, transformed into porous carbons that are not characteristic for a typical forest fire. Ha wall eave and ash were found metal drops, black glassy particles up to 30 mg, as well as unusual loose scaly particles as a kind of mesh. Riddle became more intriguing ...
The study samples were in the Tomsk Polytechnic Institute and the Leningrad branch of the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation, USSR Academy of Sciences.
Analysis of the pellets showed that the isotopic composition of lead evidence of his earthly origin. Moreover, this composition is identical to specimens from Holodchenskogo deposits of northern Baikal.
Copies of the "iron" bulbs have a very high degree of hardness. They could not be cut with steel tools, but they yielded only to diamond. According to experts, the sample was a drop of alpha-iron. In addition, the composition of beads includes almost the entire periodic table: iron, manganese, nickel, molybdenum, silicon dioxide, cobalt, chromium. And with the vacuum melting, at temperatures above 1300 degrees, the ball turned into a melt rastekshiysya on tantalum substrate. The resulting film, the scientists unexpectedly discovered elements and "mesh" and "marbles."
The most mysterious discovery in the "height of 611 was a fine mesh, examples of which are made of inert metal fibers, a complex alloy. Chemists clutched his head: mesh consisting of amorphous carbon materials with a separate metal atoms. It was composed of carbon, zinc, silver, gold, lanthanum, praseodymium, silicon, sodium, potassium, cobalt, nickel, yttrium, alpha-titanium, and many other items. It's funny that at 2800 degrees Celsius, some elements disappear, but instead there were new.
For example, during vacuum heating of gold, silver and nickel are gone, but nowhere climbs molybdenum sulfide and beryllium. Incidentally, the last five months later still has disappeared.
In one sample, "mesh" found "pieces of very thin, 17 microns, silica fibers, which, in turn, consist of more delicate fibers twisted into braids. Recently found that in these fibers are woven into the same thin ... gold wire. Specialists conclude: this technology is not possible even at the current level of technology. Doctor of Chemical Sciences Vladimir Vysotsky confirmed: "There is no doubt that this is a sign of high technology, rather than a sample of natural or terrestrial origin."
Completely unknown to researchers material proved to be "glass" - translucent yellow beads
Since then, it took many years. But the crash is still having an impact on people. Observed that the "height of 611 adverse effects on the blood - causes a decrease in the level of white blood cells and an increase in bacteria. Besides, the limy raises blood pressure, pulse quickens, there is an inexplicable fear. The accident site also acts on the photos - illuminates the film and photographic paper.
Perhaps the reason for this effect on the soil of ultrahigh temperature (from 4000 to 25000 degrees Celsius) and the radiation of unknown nature. .
And yet another mystery of "UFO Dalnegorsk. Collected on Mount Si samples have magnetism. But magnetize silicon - the same as that magnetize a brick!
Dalnegorsk. November 28, 1987;
Nearly two years after the disaster in the Dalnegorsk noted unusually high activity of unidentified flying objects. Only one day in the five administrative districts of Primorye were recorded 33 sites.
They had different forms - cigar-shaped, cylindrical, spherical - and moved absolutely silently. Forgery in this situation is impossible, because the mass invasion of UFO witnesses were more than 100 people - workers, intellectuals, policemen, military men. Flight of objects accompanied by a powerful 2-minute interference and malfunctions in TVs, on the telegraph lines and other equipment. Clini computers: Keep them in files and programs are hopelessly spoiled. According to experts, the cause of failure was the most powerful electromagnetic field that emerged in the area of UFOs.
13 of 33 UFO flew directly over the Dalnegorsk. Surprisingly, the objects it is interested in the crash - they hang over the hill and covered it with powerful searchlights. And in January 1989 local ufologists and casual observers have recorded a UFO landing just 200 meters from the crash site. Actions mysterious objects suggest that they searched wrecked vehicle or its "investigation" by the incident.
Since then, now thirteen years, and the skeptics and the optimists are making many attempts to explain the "Dalnegorsk UFOs." It was suggested a lot of assumptions - from the frankly stupid to science-based. But no one person could not convincingly prove the terrestrial origin of the object that crashed Jan. 29, 1986 at the "height of 611. And it is doubtful that even the intervention of the Federal Security Service or the FBI will be able to give a concrete answer.
A chemical analysis of the drops showed they were mostly composed of lead, silicon, and iron. Some of the drops contained significant amounts of zinc, bismuth, and rare earth elements. An analysis of the soil, rocks, and burnt wood taken from the landing ground was also performed.
It was noted that the chemical composition was similar to the composition of similar samples taken from the site of the Tunguska event.
The mesh particles were also analyzed.
The material of which the particles were composed did not dissolve in potent acids and organic solvents even when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. It was discovered that one of the mesh particles was composed of scandium, gold, lanthanum, sodium, and samarium. A different analysis of another mesh particle showed gold, silver, and nickel, but after that particle was heated in a vacuum, the analysis no longer showed these elements; however, molybdenum and rhenium were detected.
The quantity of gold detected in one of the mesh particles translates to 1,100 g per one metric ton of ore. Normally, gold deposits start getting developed when the quantity reaches 4 per one metric ton. There are no gold mines in Dalnegorsk as none of the ores contain this amount of gold.
In general, the truth still out there somewhere" ...
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/30...area611_r.html
area of crash;
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8848/v6111pr2.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/7453/place8ti2.jpg
crash;landing site;
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3003/placeiv4.jpg
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9796/place2ms9.jpg
Cut rhododendron branches from the area.
The death of tissue was caused by some unknown type of radiation.
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4024/place3hy1.jpg
area sample from crash site;
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9393/place4ne7.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8448/place9ja2.jpg
landing/crash area;
Some plants were buried internally, with no external traces of darkening. The depth of destruction is up to 60-70 per cent, with destruction of cellular structures thta was detected with the microscope: in according to AP Kulikova, of Institute of Chemistry FEB USSR Academy of Sciences, it was determined by ultrahigh temperatures.
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4509/place11be9.jpg
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9053/place13vw1.jpg
Totally, were found scattered across the site a little more than 30 g. of glass-like drops. They ranged from 3 to 6 mm. Weight of up to 80 mgr largest conglomerate, consisting of 4 sintered, weighing 850 mgr.
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The RAND Corporation/ "UFOs: What to Do? part1.
This a very interesting article covered byhttp://www.nicap.org/images/title.jpg
The whole information below is from the link provided , nothing is added by myself and the whole article , quotes and all are credited to NICAP; This will be covered in several parts;
The RAND Corporation published a paper titled;
"UFOs: What to Do?,
Here is the actual RAND Document in pdf format; http://www.nicap.org/docs/rand/randdoc681127.pdf
Fran Ridge:
Originally, the RAND Corporation, a high level research group that had nothing to do with the business-machine firms and one of the most unpublicized yet highly competent contractors to the Air Force, stated in a letter dated June 25, 1969 that they were unable to identify any RAND publication on UFOs "available for external distribution." http://www.nicap.org/docs/rand/rand_690625.htm
Then, in another letter dated August 8th,http://www.nicap.org/docs/rand/rand_690808.htm 1969 RAND stated, "RAND has done very little on the subject of UFOs: therefore, no publications have been written on the subject."
I also have a copy of a letter dated October ?
1969http://www.nicap.org/docs/rand/rand_aikman.htm from the Department of the Air Force, to Mr. William Laub, of Northfield, Illinois. The letter was written by Lt. Col. James H. Aikman, Chief, Civil Branch, Community Relations Division, Office of Information. It states, "The Rand Corporation has never made any reports on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) for the United States Air Force. If any reports were made by this corporation they were made on their own."
RAND finally had to admit the existence of this paper and later stated that it was originally produced as an internal document and not prepared for or delivered to any of RAND's clients. RAND decided to make this paper available to the public if they asked for it.
This document, which crops up for discussion every once in a while, is placed here, with commentary at the end of this page, for the record. In regard to the commentary I have made a request to CUFOS (Nov. 2006) to locate a copy of a letter from George Kocher to Dr. J. Allen Hynek to document the contents mentioned by Jan Aldrich and confirm the date of same.
Below is the text version of the Rand Document;
The RAND Corporation;
RAND DOCUMENT;
UFOs: What to Do?
George Kocher;
27 November 1968;
For RAND Use Only;
DO NOT QUOTE OR CITE IN EXTERNAL RAND PUBLICATIONS OR CORRESPONDENCE;
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INTRODUCTION;
Common sense is the quintessence of the experiences and prejudices of its time. It is a most unreliable advisor when one is confronted with a perfectly new situation. Gustav Naan
UFOs -- unidentified flying objects, or flying saucers as they are often called -- have been on the mind of the public for at least the last 22 years. For a number of reasons, we know little more about them now than we did at the outset. There exists a great amount of misinformation about the phenomenon not only in the minds of the public, but among educated groups such as scientists as well. It is the purpose of this series of essays to describe various aspects of the phenomenon, make clear my prejudices and the reasons for them, and to suggest a means of proceeding on this interesting and potentially very significant problem.
But first, a few words about the term UFO. J. A. Hynek, an astronomer having continuous involvement with UFO study for over 20 years, defines UFOs as "any reported aerial or surface visual sighting or radar return which remains unexplained by conventional means even after examination by competent persons. This definition ... specifies neither flying nor objects." (1) I would agree, but would prefer to replace "or radar return" with "or instrumental observation" and "even after examination by competent persons" to "even after competent examination by qualified persons." This, then, is the definition I have adopted in the five essays that follow.
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CONTENTS;
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1
Part 1: UFO's: Historical Aspects . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Part 2: UFO's: Astronomical Aspects . . . . . . . . 8
Part 3: UFO's: The Character of Reports . . .. . 12
Part 4: UFO's: Phenomenological Aspects . .... 24
Part 5: UFO's: How to Proceed and Why . . . . 29
A REPORT FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
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PART 1: UFOs -- HISTORICAL ASPECTS;
Those familiar with the UFO literature are aware that reports of sightings did not begin with Arnold's sighting in 1947, but that phenomenology much the same as is reported today can be found in documents going back to the earliest times. Vallee (2) gives a sampling of this; B.L.P. Trench (3) has made a more thorough study and reports on the research of others able to study the original documents.
What was reported? Luminous discs, shields, globes and elongated objects in the sky, sometimes alone, sometimes in large numbers. Occasional descriptions of interactions with the observers are also mentioned, including landings, and seeing and communicating with occupants. The latter events especially were almost always interpreted in a religious context. A recent example is the repeated appearance of a typical UFO phenomenology at Fatima, Portugal on six successive months in 1917.
The October 13 phenomenon was the best reported and was witnessed by a crowd of about 70,000 persons, including a number of scientists, reporters, atheists, and agnostics, as wel as faithful Catholics. One of the scientifically curious was Dr. A Garrett of the University of Coimbra. Rain, which had been falling that day, ceased and the crowd looked up to see the "sun" now visible through the heavy clouds. Professor Garrett wrote, "...I turned toward this (sun) which was attracting all eyes and I could see it like a disk with a clear cut edge, with a vivid rim, luminous and shining, but without hurting one. The comparison I have heard at Fatima with a disk of dull silver, does
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not seem to me exact. It was a clearer, more vivid, richer color and with shifting tints like the luster of a pearl. It was not at all like the moon on a clear transparent night, for one saw and felt it like a living star. Nor was it spherical like the moon, nor did it have the same quality of lighter and less light. It looked like a burnished wheel cut out of mother-of-pearl. Nor could it be confused with the sun seen through a fog -- there was no fog... This disc spun dizzily round. It was not the twinkling of a star: it whirled round upon itself with mad rapidity...
The sun, preserving the celerity of its rotation, detached itself from the firmament and advanced, blood-red, towards the earth, threatening to crush us with the weight of its vast and fiery mass. These moments made a terrifying impression." (4) The relationship of the old phenomenology to religion are discussed by Thomas. (5)
An example of earlier celestial displays of interest is illustrated in Figs 1 and 2. These are broadsheets from Nuremberg (1561) and Basel (1566), respectively. The psychologist, C. G. Jung; provides an analysis of the contents of the woodcuts in his interesting book. (6) Reference 7 has a very interesting reproduction of a fourteenth century fresco in a Yugoslavian church.
The modern period of the phenomenon began with a widely publicized sighting made by Kenneth Arnold in Washington state in 1947. A study by Bloecher of North American reports over the four week period bracketing the Arnold sighting lists 853 events, including 38 sightings made before Arnold's heavily publicized Sighting. (8)
Because the early reports seemed to suggest airborne craft of unusual appearance and kinematics, the problem came to rest with the newly organized U.S. Air Force. Initial fears were that the country was being over flown by advanced foreign aircraft, possibly on intelligence missions. The latter was suggested by the large number of sightings from the White Sands, New Mexico area and from the vicinity of the Hanford, Washington atomic plant.
Serious inquiry proceeded for a few years without any positive results. A number of supposedly knowledgeable people spoke out pointing out the sporadic nature of the sightings, and that since the reported
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Both Broadsheets from the Wickiana Collection, Zurich Central Library;
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kinematics were inconsistent with current physical theory, the UFOs were not likely to be from a foreign power. Further, they argued, no other planets in our solar system were believed to support life -- certainly not intelligent life -- and since even the nearest star was over four light years away, the hypothesis of extraterrestrial origin was simply unacceptable from a scientific point of view. (9)
The Air Force investigative effort worked as follows: (10) Whenever a sighting was made, a report was to be made out and turned in to the Air Force at base level. The report was forwarded to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio for study. If the report was interesting enough, follow up inquiry was made. By 1952 the number of reports coming in was so large that the CIA was concerned that an actual attack on the country might not be immediately recognized. A panel of scientists was then convened in January 1953 to study the available evidence and see what conclusion could be reached about UFOs. After seven days of hearing evidence and discussing the matter it was concluded that there was only circumstantial evidence of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The panel recommended a broadened study effort with full disclosure of investigations. In order to unplug the military intelligence channels, however, the CIA recommended that, since the UFOs apparently posed no threat, the Air Force should debunk UFO reports and try generally to discourage public interest in them, in the hope that they would go away. (11)
It was the CIA's recommendation, apparently, that was made policy, for the investigative procedures used since 1953 have been vestigial and the handling of the subject by the authorities tended to make witnesses look ridiculous. In spite of the unfavorable publicity accorded witnesses, reports persisted, and no doubt in response to official behavior several civilian study groups were formed to receive reports and investigate sightings.
The most successful of these groups is the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). NICAP's membership is well dispersed geographically and acts to learn as much as possible from sightings. The large number of scientific and technical personnel in the NICAP membership aids the quality of their evaluations. A summary of characteristics of the UFO phenomenology published by NICAP
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in 1964 (12) contains 575 reports that were extensively checked by NICAP for accuracy.
A series of sightings in 1965 and 1966 received considerable public attention arid after the poor public reception given the official explanations, the Air Force felt compelled to contract for a 15 month (later stretched to l8 months) scientific study to be performed at the University of Colorado under the leadership of E. U. Condon, a highly respected physicist.
The Condon Committee is due to complete investigations at the end of June 1968; its report will be reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences (presumably to validate that the study was indeed the objective pearl of the scientific method that was desired), and is expected to be made public in October 1968. Unfortunately, the dismissal of two members of the Committee in February 1968 resulted in publicity suggesting that the study was not, in fact, objective. It remains, therefore, to see the final report to determine the worth of the study.
In the meantime, the respectability accorded UFOs by the $500,000 study contract permitted a considerable amount of scientific interest to surface. Astronomer Hynek has made a number of public statements on the basis of his long involvement as a consultant to the Air Force; atmospheric physicist James F. McDonald has turned his attention full time to the subject, and a number of scientific and technical journals have printed some dialogue - notably Science, the AIAA Journal, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the Journal of the Astronautical Sciences. It is also noteworthy that the University of Toronto has recently formed a UFO study group.
Even the Soviets, who previously refused even to discuss the subject now admit to having a study group with good qualifications. The USSR Academy of Sciences still holds to the orthodox scientific view that UFOs are a nonproblem, however, using the same arguments we heard so long. These arguments are just as invalid in the USSR as in the USA.
It therefore appears that the subject is slowly and finally being regarded as a fit subject of scientific inquiry. It is hoped that enough scientists will acquaint themselves with the subject so that progress can finally be made.
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(Reference 13 is a good account of how the UFO phenomenon was treated in the U.S. and is recommended to those wondering how science came to consciously ignore the subject.)
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PART 2: UFOs -- ASTRONOMICAL ASPECTS;
The astonishing thing would be if they did not exist.
Jean Cocteau;
We saw in Part 1 that the historical aspects suggest an extraterrestrial explanation to UFOs. While it has not been established that the contemporary phenomena are extensions of the historical, there does seem to be a continuity in the descriptions of the phenomena described. We shall therefore look at contemporary astronomical knowledge and theories and ascertain the likelihood of the existence of other highly developed life forms.
To begin with, the observable universe -- that is, the distance to which we can observe luminous objects -- is several billion light years in radius (a light year is the distance light travels in a year at a rate of 186,300 miles per second. The sun is 8 light minutes from the earth. The next-nearest star is 4.2 light years away). Within this vast volume we find hundreds of millions of galaxies. Our own (Milky Way) galaxy is similar to many of those we see at great distances. It is a lens-shaped assemblage of some 100 billion stars having a diameter of about 100,000 light years. The sun is but one of its component stars and lies about 30,000 light years from the center, close to the plane of symmetry.
Now let us just consider the stars in our own galaxy -- specifically excluding those in neighboring or distant galaxies. We would like to estimate the number of stars having planets roughly similar to the Earth. From the statistics of stars within 15 light years of the sun we find that only about one-third are single, the rest binary or multiple.
Since planetary orbits are often unstable in multiple systems (depending on the details of the configuration) we will say that only 30 billion stars in our galaxy now have a dynamical environment that permits planets to exist around them. Will these stars have planets? We cannot state with assurance that they will; however, current knowledge supports the theory that planetary formation is a natural adjunct to formation of the star itself from the interstellar gas cloud.
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We would therefore expect about 30 billion stars to have one or more planets. Now, we can reject certain classes of stars as candidates or habitable planets, because their lifetimes are too short (these are stars of high mass). Others can be rejected because of variability in light output, a characteristic that would make evolutionary development of life much more difficult.
In fact if we select only those stars similar to the sun (whose peak of radiation energy coincides with a region of terrestrial atmospheric transparency) we have only a few percent of the total -- about one in 30. Therefore, we would expect about 1000 million suitable solar type stars exist. Of these, it is estimated by various astronomers that 200-600 million have planets at about the right distance and have been around long enough that life forms as developed as our own could exist. Implicit in further discussion are the assumptions that:
1. Planets and/or life evolves to a mutual compatibility;
2. The life force, whether spontaneous or otherwise, is such that whenever the environment is favorable, life will exist;
3. Our own history of past evolution and development is neither slow nor fast, but average and typical for life forms. (Ours is the only example available and no one has yet demonstrated that the "average" galactic life form should be any different.)
Now let us turn momentarily to time scales. The sun and earth are on the order of 5 billion years old. We might define modern man as being about 5000 years old (Stonehenge is 4000 years old) -- just one millionth of the earth's age. The age of science is certainly not more than 500 years, so our scientific and technical development has thus far occupied only one ten-millionth of the earth's life span. We expect the sun will burn another 5 billion years before significant changes in its brightness occur.
Now the age of the galaxy is between 5 and 10 billion years; therefore among the 200-600 million stars we would expect to have acceptable planets, some would be older than the sun, some younger (for star formation is still continuing, even though at a lesser rate than in the galaxy's early history) and some the same age. It should be clear from assumption (3) and the example of our own;
source link ; http://www.nicap.org/papers/randdoc.htm
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The Rand Corporation on UFOs What to do? part 2;
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The example of our own development, that among the populated planets those younger than the sun would be peopled by beings very much behind us technologically, while those on older planets would be extraordinarily advanced (remember our progress of 500 years and note that some planets could be as much as a few billion years older). Indeed, we would be surprised to find someone else at just our stage of technological development.
For the purposes of this paper, we can ignore both the multitude younger than ourselves and those at our point of development. Even so, we are left with the possibility of 100,000,000 planets in the galaxy having life forms very much advanced from us. (This number would be reduced significantly if life forms destroyed themselves soon after reaching our age of development. This is a philosophical point on which I am optimistic -- I believe the majority of races will learn to survive.) If these stars are uniformly distributed in the galactic disk, the average separation will be about 10 light years.
The usual scientist's reaction at this point is, well, even if the assumptions are correct and this number of advanced civilizations does exist, contact is still impossible because of the speed of light limitation of the theory of relativity. An excellent example of this kind of reasoning can be found in Ref. 14. My reply is that such a statement would appear to be shortsighted. For the moment, let us ignore the possibilities of overcoming the long time of travel by suspended animation and the like.
Recall that our own physical theory has been developed in only 500 years. What can we expect in the next 500? Or 1000 or million or even billion years? I suggest that _if_ a way to circumvent the speed of light restriction is possible, it has already been found by someone in our galaxy. (I haven't the faintest idea how this might be done and I fully agree that our own experimental data appear to accurately confirm the existence of this limitation.)
If it has been discovered by one, we certainly would expect it to be used; if no other planet's inhabitants independently discovered the means, it makes little difference for such a thing could be taught by the discoverer. Thus we may conclude that it is very likely that at least one, and probably many of the 100 million advanced planetary populations is capable of interstellar travel.
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The next question is, of course, have any of them been here? That question cannot yet be answered definitively. Without knowing what kind of phenomenology extraterrestrial visitors might exhibit, I will fall back on my scientific, mechanistic attitudes and say it makes sense to look for some kind of vehicle or spaceship. It appears that the class of phenomenology called UFO reports may contain, as a subset, actual observations of such craft. We shall now turn to the reports to see when and where things are seen and by whom and what phenomenology, if any) is revealed by the reports.
(Further information about the astronomical and biological possibilities are in Ref. 15, whose principal defects are (1) the authors uninformed rejection of UFO phenomenology as being relevant to the subject under discussion, and (2) their meek acceptance of the speed-of-light restriction as a universal truth. References 16 and 17 provide more detailed and more technical discussions of some aspects of the problem.)
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PART 3: UFOs -- THE CHARACTER OF REPORTS;
Any collection of reports of unknown aerial sightings by the public will include a large percent of noise - sightings of something explainable. The reports are made because the appearance falls outside the range of the observer's experience, and the observer believes it is sufficiently anomalous to warrant the attention of authorities. Thus, any large collection of reports will include descriptions of aircraft, balloons) spacecraft, astronomical objects, atmospheric effects and the like.
Often the practiced and perceptive analyst can recognize the stimulus, particularly if he has access to records of aircraft, balloon, and satellite movements, meteorological data and astronomical phenomenology. Recognition of stimulus is aided by a high quality report which is as quantitative as possible and which shows the observer to be able to differentiate between observation and interpretation. Of course a number of reports will be so lacking in details that no conclusion can be reached about what was seen.
These are of little use; they may, however, serve as corroborating evidence to another, higher quality, report and should not, therefore be rejected. The really interesting class of reports is that reporting phenomenology which is clearly extraordinary. The observer's qualifications may be such that the report is not only highly credible but is articulate and quantitative as well. It is this subclass of reports, variously estimated at 5 to 20 percent of the total, that offer hope of our learning what is going on.
Hynek considers two parameters of reports) credibility and strangeness, and suggests that the investigator really needs only to be concerned with reports having high strangeness and high credibility. The physical scientist is in a position to evaluate strangeness, the social scientist should be able to provide some measure of credibility.
Hynek also comments on a number of beliefs about UFOs and reports stating, (18) among other things, that most reports are made by people who previously never gave much thought to UFOs; that reports are not always vague; and that well educated, well trained, reliable, stable people also contribute reports. These conclusions have been reached by most people who have taken the trouble to collect and investigate reports first hand.
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To illustrate the character of reports, I will quote several narratives from the literature. (Narratives, of course, are just the beginning of any report. Quantitative information, usually not given in the narrative must be obtained by careful interview of the witness.) The first is taken from a collection of 160 reports by Olsen. (19) It was originally made to NICAP.
Date: 24 April 1962;
Place: Springfield (Delaware County), Pennsylvania
First witness, J. A. Gasslein, Jr. (Lt. Colonel, USAR Ret.) reports: "Time: Approximately 1945 hours, weather: clear, cloudless, medium blue sky, visibility good.
"My wife was driving her mother home following the latter's visit to our home. They had driven around the block to higher ground when my wife's mother looked out the car window and saw a large object. It was moving slowly and silently in an east-to-west direction at not over 50 ft. above street level. (Determined by the proximity to and relationship to the size of the Cape-Cod-type bungalows over which the object was passing.) My wife then plainly saw the object herself.
"Anxious to have me see the object, my wife quickly drove the car back to our house and attracted my attention. I had been working in the basement. I ran out of the house and up the street for a view. by the time I saw it, the object appeared to be about a quarter to a half-mile away, moving in a westerly direction. I saw it as an object smaller at the top than at the base, seemingly suspended in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees from my position, and giving off colored lights. I know that the object was not any kind of conventional aircraft of balloon.
"Having had the advantage of a closer viewing than I, my wife describes the object as follows..
" 'The UFO appeared to be about the size of one of the Cape Cod houses over which it passed, which would make it approximately 30 ft. in diameter and about the same dimension in height. It was circular, surmounted by a dome giving off flashes of green light. The center section rotated a series of square shaped "windows", each giving off a brilliant white light. The base section was somewhat saucer-shaped,
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curved upward. Shafts of white light were directed downward from the base.' Unfortunately, my wife cannot recall if the exterior was metallic in appearance. In any event, the object had a well-defined outline. Again, it moved silently. There was no evidence of occupants of the UFO.
"Approximately 20 to 25 minutes following the first sighting described above, the following sighting occurred: "Returning from taking her mother home, my wife drove the car into our driveway alongside the house, headed westward. In the rear of our home was a wooded park area. My wife walked down the driveway to enter the house. Coming up the driveway was a neighbor friend, a young lady 20 years of age.
In a tone of astonishment, she called my wife's attention to the park area, from which was emerging an object of the same description as outlined above moving easterly at low level -- not over 50 ft. above ground level, as judged by the trees in the area -- the UFO proceeded relatively slowly and without sound. It was approaching the rear of our home and adjacent properties.
"Again, my wife called me from the basement. By the time I got outside, the object had made a 90 degree turn northward and was proceeding parallel to the backs of the houses in the same line as ours. It was perhaps 150 - 200 yards distant. My observation of the characteristics of the UFO tallied with my wife's and the young lady's.
Each of them independently made a pencil sketch within a few minutes after the sighting, and the sketches were substantially alike. "All told, there were at least 15 persons in the vicinity who acknowledged seeing the object at about the same time as the sightings made by my wife and myself."
Another witness, P. T. Scattergood, reports: "Around 8 (p.m.) I stepped out the front door, facing south and saw a brilliantly lighted object low in the southern sky. At first I took it to be a jet taking off from Philadelphia Airport, which is in that general direction. But I could hear no engine noise and it was traveling too slowly to be a plane. Also it did not have the usual blinking lights.
"It appeared to have a row of yellowish lights (which I took for the windows of the "jet") with a clear green light at the top. As I
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watched, the row of lights appeared to be obscured as though a large paddle-wheel were revolving and blotting them out, beginning with the rear lights and proceeding forward. Since the object was moving west, I saw the right hand side of it. The periodic appearance and disappearance of the lights was perfectly regular. The top green light was constantly visible. I stood on the pavement and watched the object sail leisurely to the west until it disappeared behind some trees. The observation probably lasted from 5 to 10 minutes."
This report has the desirable features of the UFO being seen by a number of people (about 15) of which two actually made reports. (Hynek estimates the number of sightings to be about 10 times the number of reports turned in) . Other desirable aspects of this sighting are that it was made during daylight; that it was near enough that some details of its configuration were observable; and, it was visible long enough to allow the observers to consider "explanations" as they watched it.
The second example is reported by James F. McDonald in T. Bloecher's book on an intense period of UFO activity in 1947. The report was made 20 years after the sighting to Prof. McDonald for the reasons given at the end of the quotation.
"Mrs. Olavick was in her kitchen at 2101 East Hawthorne Street, Tucson, while Mrs. Down was out in the back-year patio. Suddenly Mrs. Down called her out excitedly, and both proceeded to observe what had caught Mrs. Down's eye. The time was just after the noon hour; Tucson's skies were completely cloudless. Somewhat north of their zenith lay an unusual, isolated, "steamy-fleecy" cloud at an altitude which Mrs. Olavick found difficult to estimate, though she recalled that it seemed lower than average for that time of year (thus, perhaps at or below 10,000 feet, say.).
No other cloud was to be seen in the sky. In and out of the cloud moved a number of dull-white disc-like objects that rose and fell in an erratic manner, occasionally disappearing into or above the unnatural cloud. She said that these objects were round in planform but were not spherical, for they frequently tipped a bit, exposing a flattened-sphere form. She estimates that they watched these objects cavorting near the cloud for perhaps five or six minutes before the entire group suddenly disappeared within the cloud or perhaps above it.
link source; http://www.nicap.org/papers/randdoc.htm
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Part 3;
"After a minute or so, as she now recalls it, a new object, perhaps three of four times as large as the little objects, came out of the cloud on its east side. After it emerged, the small objects began to emerge also, taking up a V-formation pattern behind it. The V comprised a line of four-abreast just to the rear of the large object, then a line of three-abreast behind that, and finally two-abreast in the rear.
Thus the point of the V was to the rear (in the sense of the emergent and subsequent motion). This formation permitted the first accurate count of the small objects, nine in all. No sooner had the last pair emerged than all ten objects shot off to the northeast, climbing out of sight in a time that she thought was probably two to three seconds. She does not recall what happened to the cloud after the ten objects departed.
"I (McDonald) have spoken with Mrs. Olavick several additional times, following her first call. Her account was presented in an unembellished manner, and her descriptions were carefully framed, specifying just which parts had become less distinct in her memory. But the basic vividness of her memory of this observation she stressed repeatedly. I had to explain that it was by no means clear that the objects she saw were identical with those reported by Kenneth Arnold two months later.
When I queried her as to why she had not reported them, she pointed out that she and Mrs. Down were entirely convinced that they had been fortunate enough to witness some new American military vehicles about which the general public had not yet been informed. Later she heard of the "flying saucers," and she and Mrs. Down, when they rejoined their husbands in mid-summer in Iowa, told them about their own observation. The husbands, she recalled, made such a joke of it that they ceased mentioning it.
Again we have a daytime sighting of several minutes duration, with two witnesses. As is often the case when.the phenomenon appears mechanical, it was interpreted as some secret government development. Ridicule of the sighting by family members and friends (if not by authorities) is frequently mentioned as a reason for delayed reporting of sightings.
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A third report is taken from a paper Prof. McDonald presented at the 12 March 1968 Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute Astronautics Symposium, Montreal.
"At about 5:15 am., PDT, on the morning of July 4, 1967, at least five witnesses (and reportedly others not yet locatable) saw an object of unconventional nature moving over Highway 5 on the edge of Corning, California. Hearing of the event from NICAP, I began searching for the witnesses and eventually telephone-interviewed four. Press accounts from the Corning Daily Observer and Oakland Tribune afforded further corroboration.
"Jay Munger, operator of an all-night bowling alley, was drinking coffee with two police officers, James Overton of the Corning force and Frank Rakes of the Orland force, when Munger suddenly spotted the object out the front windows of his bowling alley. In a moment all three were outside observing what they each described as a dark gray oval or disc-shaped object with a bright light shining upwards on its top and a dimmer light shining downward from the underside.
A dark gray or black band encircled the mid-section of the object. When first sighted, it lay almost due west, at a distance that they estimated at a quarter of a mile (later substantiated by independent witnesses viewing it at right angles to the line of sight of the trio at the bowling alley). It was barely moving, and seemed to be only a few hundred feet above terrain. The dawn light illuminated the object, but not so brightly as to obscure the two lights on top and bottom, they stated.
"Munger, thinking to get an independent observation from a different part of Corning, returned almost immediately to telephone his wife; but she never saw it for reasons of tree-obscuration. At my request, Munger re-enacted the telephoning process to form a rough estimate of elapsed time. He obtained a time of 1-1.5 minutes.
This time is of interest because, when he completed the call and rejoined Overton and Rakes, the object had still moved only a short distance south on Highway 5 (about a quarter of a mile: perhaps), but then quickly accelerated and passed off to the south, going out of their sight in only about 10 seconds, far to their south.
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Paul Heideman, of Fremont, California, was driving south on Highway 5 at the time of the above sighting, along with a friend, Robert King. I located Heideman and obtained from him an account of his observation made from a point on the highway north of Corning. He saw the light from the object, and had veered east (a turn not seen from the more restricted viewing point of the bowling-alley parking lot). Heideman said that, when first seen, it lay almost straight down Highway 5, serving to check the estimate of the other observers that the object lay only a few city blocks to their west.
The weather was clear, no haze, no wind, according to the witnesses. Munger's concise comment was "I've never seen anything like it before." He estimated its "diameter" at perhaps 50-100 ft, and its vertical thickness as perhaps 15-20 ft, with some kind of edge (band) perhaps 5-10 ft thick. No sound was ever heard. Overton stated to me that he had no idea what it was, but that "there was no doubt it was a craft of some sort."
The next example is from a report I personally investigated. It occurred in the area where I was reared; the observers are known to my family; I am familiar with the natural phenomenology of the area.
Date: 10 October 1966;
Place: Near Newton, Illinois;
First witnesses: Mrs. A (she prefers not to be publicly identified because of the reaction of friends and neighbors). Time: 5:20 p.m.
"Mrs. A was in her kitchen preparing supper; five of her children were playing outdoors. The children shouted to her to "come out and see the silent plane". She writes "I glanced out the south window and there it was coming into sight just south of our 72 foot silo moving very slowly from east to west. It was about 35 feet high. My first thought was that it was a plane making an emergency landing, but when I saw it in full view, I knew it was no plane, not like anything I have ever seen. I hurried outside to join the children in the yard. It
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continued to move in a straight line to the west. We could see it clearly as it drifted over a 50 by 100 foot machine shed being built at the time [the workers were, however, in the fields this day]. It appeared to be larger than our car, and was more oval. There was a bluish glow around the ends, top, and bottom of it. It (the glow) wasn't bright, since it was daylight yet, but more like a low cloud, haze, or fog; or a mixture of bluish-grey tiny bubbles floating along around it.
The object was seen clearly. It was blue in color and appeared to be made of metal. You could see [longitudinal] seam lines. There was one black window. I thought they (assuming someone was in it) could see out but we could not see them. I kept looking for someone to peep out and wave, but don't recall seeing or feeling anything at the time. There was a brownish-gold design on the lower back half. A raised part was on the top near the back which was noticed by all the children. It moved very quietly, making no sound at all except for a whirling or vibrating sound for 1 or 2 seconds as it drifted on toward the west...
We followed it down the yard and lane, continuing to watch it as it was 300 feet, then 200 feet from the north and south gravel road and the REA electric line which is on the west side of the road. We were talking together, all very excited about what it was, where it came from, if there were people in it, and if it would rise to clear the electric line. It did; it rose so quickly and was out of sight in just a few seconds. Our eyes could not follow it fast enough. This was certainly a fantastic thing."
The questionnaire, a lengthy correspondence, an interview in June 1967 and other checking produced the following details:
Meteorology: Clear, warm, dry weather, cloudless.
Astronomical: Moonset 3:51 p.m. EST;
UFO: Prolate spheroidial shape.
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The surface appeared to be non-spectacular, like dull aluminum or metal, and blue, the color probably deriving from the self-luminous halo. Longitudinal seams were apparent, but no rivets or such were seen. The black rectangle was assumed to be a window and appeared to be recessed. It was not shiny, but "like the dark of night." The surrounding glow was partly opaque, yet self luminous. It was darker than the sky and extended about 1/4 the object's length in all directions. The halo was particularly opaque at the ends: of the object, obscuring the underlying parts. The design at the lower rear looked like a pattern of crosses and dots.
Mrs. A says the glow obscured the design and in any case her attention was fixed on the "window". The only sound heard occurred when the UFO was nearest the unfinished shed, being constructed of a wooden framework covered with ferrous sheets. It is possible that some sheets were caused to vibrate. No electromagnetic effects were noted (TV was off) and no electrostatic or other effects were noted by Mrs. A or her children. As the UFO disappeared, Mrs. A was just looking along the road for a car; two of the children said the UFO pitched nose-up and as it went up a light or flame of orange color was seen at the rear.
Enough angular data was provided from building and landmark placement and sizes that it is possible to estimate the size of the metallic portion of the UFO at 16 to 20 feet in length, seen at a distance of 150 to 300 feet. Its linear speed was about 4 to 8 miles per hour, based on the above distances and timings obtained by re-enactment. It was visible for 4 minutes. Angular size was 2 3/4" at arms length. In an effort to quantify the colors somewhat, a Nickerson color fan was used by the witnesses to select the colors most nearly like those on the UFO. The color selections were made independently in direct sunlight with the color fan held in front of a white field. The colors given were
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Metallic surface
Mrs. A. 7.5 PB - 7
Child 1 2.5 PB - 8/5
Child 2 7.5 B - 3/5
Glow (The color of "grayness" was not uniform)
Mrs. A. 5 PB - 8/5
2.5 PB - 8/5
Child 1 5 PB - 7/7
Child 2 2.5 PB - 6/8
Orange flare on ascent
Child 1 5 YR - 7/11
Child 2 5 YR - 7/11
Second event: Same day, 6:30 p.m., sky is now dark. Location is in town of Newton, Illinois, about seven miles north west of first event.
Mrs. B was walking down the steps of a friend's house toward her car. "As I started down the steps my eyes were drawn by something in the south eastern sky. I stopped a moment and saw very clearly a luminous bluish object moving quite rapidly from east to west. It seemed to be rather low in the sky, but at night it is difficult to judge distance either as to how high it was or how far away it was.
It did appear larger than a full moon, but instead of being round it had a definite oval shape. I would say an elongated oval. There was no sound that I could detect, and while it appeared to be blue and purple, there was also a whitish glow in it. The outline of the object was very distinct. I watched it until it disappeared behind some trees and a house a little less than a block from me.
Further correspondence and discussion brought forth the following information: The major axis of the oval was horizontal; its path was not perfectly horizontal) but somewhat undulatory. Its color was brightest and whitest at the center, becoming more blue and darker toward the edges. Mrs. B. estimated the colors as shown below (Since the interview was conducted in the evening) the color fan was illuminated by an incandescent lamp).
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In itself, this last report, which describes a sighting of 15 to 20 seconds duration, contains insufficient information to come to any conclusion. However, when put alongside the earlier report there is the possibility of a relationship -- could these be reports of the same thing seen under differing conditions of illumination? We'll never know positively but the suggestion is quite strong.
As far as Mrs. A's sighting is concerned, we have obtained enough data from follow-up inquiry and on-site investigation to rule out known airborne craft, meteorological, and astronomical phenomenon. Yet the observations are sufficiently detailed to give us adequate confidence that some sort of machine was present, behaving in a very extraordinary way. Some parts of the object are similar to other reports (the effervescent glow, the orange color on acceleration, the very black "window" (which sounds like a block-body absorber)).
Other parts are unusual -- the UFO's prolate spheroidal shape and the pattern (although seeing the pattern would require the observer to be quite close). The original correspondence and data sheets on Mrs. A's sighting run to over 40 pages. In correspondence and interviews over a period of 8 months no substantial inconsistencies could be found. The geometric data, particularly, are so intricately related that it is most unlikely that the witness could have fabricated a story so well.
In addition, acquaintances made it clear that Mrs. A. is not prone to story telling and that "she is too busy to dream up such a tale". Mr. A, who returned from the fields that evening found the household still considerably agitated four hours after the event. He said he had no idea what it was his wife and children saw, but he obviously treated the sighting seriously for he went to considerable trouble to comply with a request to measure the sizes and locations of each building and tree on the farm.
It is this kind of sighting - the kind which is clearly inexplicable in contemporary terms, which causes me (and other interested persons) to take the whole subject so seriously. Hynek suggests that it is just this kind of sighting that often goes unreported, because the witness -- especially if his education or training are appropriate -- knows that what he saw was unambiguously extraordinary. And machine-like. A number of such reports were belatedly made after the University of
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Colorado study effort got underway. Apparently the witnesses waited for the respectability the UOC study brought to the subject. It is hoped that the scientific and intellectual climate will change to the point where witnesses, particularly those having the best qualifications, can feel free to report sightings and know that they are being taken seriously.
Not all reports are visual reports only. An example of a photographic observation studied in detail is given in reference 20. Here, a 16mn movie of two objects sighted in the daytime provided the analyst enough information to conclude that no known phenomena could have caused the images. This report is, hopefully, the first in a series of instrumented sightings carefully and adequately studied.
link; http://www.nicap.org/papers/randdoc.htm
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-24- Rand Document;
PART 4: UFO'S - PHENOMENONOLOGICAL ASPECTS;
Since I have made a first hand study of only a dozen sightings, the phenomenology described in this section will necessarily be based on descriptions of reports collected by others, particularly NICAP, APRO, UFOIRC, and Vallee. There is, unfortunately, no central file of reports accessible to the interested scientist, although large numbers of reports are in the hands of the organizations mentioned above.
(The extensive Air Force files are of very limited use, from what I can tell, because of the extremely inconsistent quality of investigation.) In an unfortunate number of cases the report consists of little more than a narrative. My experience with the Newton sightings suggests that quantitative information is available if the investigator takes the trouble to personally make an on-site study. True, it may not be the quality of an instrumented sighting, but enough quantitative data are available to permit meaningful study of sighting reports.
NICAP's document "The UFO Evidence" contains a summary of patterns in appearance and behavior as determined from cases they had studied through 1963. Regarding appearance, the most common type is a disc shape, followed by spherical, oval/elliptical, cylindrical, and triangular. The breakdown of NICAP's 575 cases goes as follows
Disc 26 % 149 cases
Round 17 % 96 cases
Oval/elliptical 13 % 77 cases
Cylindrical 8.3 % 48 cases
Triangular 2 % 11 cases
Other (Radar, light source, 33.7% 194 cases
not stated)
Obviously, there may be some mis-classification within the first three groups because of projective effects. Discs may be coin-shaped or lens shaped (double convex). The domed disk is plano-convex, (sometimes double convex) with a smaller radius bulge atop the convex side. The saturn disk is a sphere or oblate spheroid with a thin ring projecting from the equator. Similar objects are
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seen without the equatorial ring also. Another subset are the hemispheric variety, sometimes with a small protrusion at the apex and usually seen with the flat side down. All the above mentioned objects are generically oblate with the axis of symmetry usually seen oriented vertically. Another group are prolate, having the major axis horizontal, usually. This includes the elliptical (football) variety, the triangular or tear drop variety, and the cylindrical or cigar shaped species.
Reported colors depend strongly on the luminous environment. NICAP finds that of the 253 cases of daytime observations where color is stated, the results are
Silver or metallic 34.8 % 88 cases
White 32.0 % 81 cases
Specular 13.4 % 34 cases
Gray 7.5 % 19 cases
Black 12.3 % 31 cases
It should be noted that a few reports exist suggesting that the brightness of the object first thought by the observer to be reflected sunlight, was in fact self luminosity, as ascertained by the geometry, presence of clouds and the like.
In the dark-sky observations, the outline or shape of the UFO is often not seen. What is seen is a light or series of lights, sometimes extremely bright. Luminous rays are also reported, going up sometimes (particularly from domed discs) downward (from hemispheric types principally, also from discs) and from one UFO to another (spherical types). The luminous column is usually not divergent. Excluding these interesting rays, the reported colors of UFOs seen at night are, for 162 cases
Red 38.3 % 62 cases
Orange 15.4 % 25 cases
Yellow 17.3 % 28 cases
Green 13.0 % 21 cases
Blue 16.0 % 26 cases
Purple 0 0
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Brightness and color changes are also noted, and while the sample is small (82 cases) NICAP found the following: Of the 25 cases showing a change in brightness, 23 of the changes occurred at the moment of a velocity change (a change of either magnitude or direction). Concerning the change of color, 23 cases showed a color change related to acceleration. While the supporting data are not conclusive, it appears that the spectral shift is to the red upon acceleration.
It should also be noted that UFOs reported at night have only a star-like appearance unless very close. Distant UFO's sometimes turn off and on. When closer to the observer, reports often indicate a number of lights, located at the top and around the rim usually. Sometimes the lights flash on and off or change color rhythmically. Several cases have been reported of the UFO flashing its lights in response to the witness flashing hand or vehicular lights. In other cases the lights winked off with the approach of another car or an aircraft, only to turn on again when the vehicle had passed.
While practically any luminous behavior could be produced by someone with sufficient time and money, kinematic behavior at odds with experience or, preferably, at odds with Newtonian behavior are suggestive of non-terrestrial origin.
A common kind of motion is called oscillation by NICAP and is subdivided into "wobble on axis" (frequently described also as fluttering, flipping, and tipping); pendulum motion on slow ascent, hovering and decent (also called "falling leaf motion"); and occasionally a side-to-side oscillation observed as the UFO proceeds horizontally. These motions are most often performed by discs, although examples of similar behavior by other forms also exist.
The last class, that of violent and erratic maneuvers, most clearly lacks an explanation from current physical theory. Using terms like bobbing, erratic, jerky, zigzag, dark, and shot away, witnesses describe motions involving high angular accelerations and velocities. A number of radar observations appear to substantiate this anomalous behavior. Among the 40 cases showing such characteristics, NICAP finds that 28 percent were reported by scientific or other appropriately experienced personnel.
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Variation of Sightings with Time;
It appears that the UFO phenomenology has been with us from the earliest times. In the last twenty-five years, however, there seems to be a drastic increase in the number of sightings. It is practically impossible to estimate the number of world-wide sightings because of the lack of suitable data collection means. In the U.S., the principal depositories are currently the Air Force, NICAP and APRO.
It is estimated that currently these sources together receive about 2000 reports per year. Since only about one sighting in 10 is reported, the number of sightings is about 20,000. But of these, 80 to 95% are not interesting, leaving us with "only" 1000 to 4000 worthwhile sightings per year for North America.
In addition to the background of reports more or less constantly flowing in, occasional periods of intense activity are also noted. One such period was October 1954 over most of France. NICAP lists a number of these "flaps". Sometimes they are very localized, covering only a small portion of a state for a period of a few weeks.
APRO concludes, on the basis of the reports available to them, that the patterns of appearance follow phases - atomic test areas and installations in the late 1940s and early 50s, rivers, reservoirs and bodies of water in the late 50s and early 60s and now electrical distribution systems. Convincing evidence to support this hypothesis has not been published; however, if the hypothesis were true it would certainly raise a lot of question.
McDonald and others suggest that reports of the last few years show more sightings of objects at low altitude (or landed) and more sightings made from urban areas (in the 40s and 50s sightings were generally inversely correlated with population densities).
Interactions with the Environment;
Interactions of UFOs with the environment produce a kind of believability that pure visual observations will never do. Some examples of interaction are cases showing electromagnetic disturbances in practically every kind of device -- radio, TV, auto ignition, aircraft electronics, compass, magnetometer, magnetic automobile speedometer, etc. NICAP lists 106 examples. NICAP also lists 81 cases of radar
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tracking of UFOs, most of which were simultaneous with visual sightings, and a number of which involved use of interceptors. Among the physiological effects noted are burns, temporary paralysis, prickling sensation, and eyes irritated as by ultraviolet light. A number of witnesses claim to have observed landings; depressions in the ground and damaged vegetation usually result. At a landing site in France, only weeds grow in a nine foot circular area where a disc was seen to land two years ago, despite efforts to replant. (21) At another landing site, French railway officials calculated that a weight of 30 tons would be required to make the depressions found in some railroad ties where a UFO was reported to have landed.
While most UFO's are silent, some have made sounds described as hissing, rushing, swishing, humming, whirring, whining, droning, like thunder, like shotgun, and a series of staccato explosions. In the past the absence of sonic booms from supersonic UFO's bothered many scientists; it appears now that that problem might be overcome by surrounding the craft by a corona discharge (which incidentally would be a luminous blue glow around the object). (23)
I will purposely not comment much on occupants, except to say that there are a few (very few) reasonably reliable and carefully investigated reports of UFO occupants. For the time being, I would prefer to concentrate on reports of the objects, however, as the frequency of reliable occupant reports is so low. I have no bias one way or the other along these lines. If UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin, they may or may not be "manned". If manned, one should expect an occasional appearance. Readers more interested in this aspect of UFOs are referred to reference 24.
In summary, we see a wide, almost exasperating range of reported phenomenology. By careful interviews with witnesses and analysis of a large number of reports the significant patterns in phenomenonology should appear. If the UFOs are a new manifestation of nature, they should exhibit some patterns of appearance or behavior which would aid in identifying and predicting them. If of extraterrestrial origin and intelligently guided it may be possible to anticipate appearances. This will be discussed in the next and final essay.
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PART 5: UFOs -- HOW TO PROCEED AND WHY;
We are so far from knowing all the forces of Nature and the various modes of their action that it is not worthy of a philosopher to deny phenomena only because they are inexplicable in the present state of our knowledge. The harder it is to acknowledge the existence of phenomena, the more we are bound to investigate them with increasing care.
Laplace
Laplace's remarks are certainly as true and significant for us today as for his contemporaries. In the preceeding essays I have suggested that there exists a class of phenomena rather widely occuring today (and perhaps since earliest times) that is elusive, puzzling and often at variance with known scientific and technical experience. What are we going to do about it? What should we, what can we do about it?
J. E. MacDonald suggests that the UFO phenomena lie somewhere in the following categories of explanation:
1. Hoaxes, fabrications, and frauds. Report files contain examples of these; investigators believe about 5 percent of all reports made are in this category. Detailed study, however, usually uncovers such reports.
2. Hallucinations, mass hysteria, and rumor phenomena. Present understanding of psychology does not admit many of the significant reports to be explained in this way.
3. Misinterpretations of well known physical phenomena (meteorolo- gical, astronomical, optical, etc.). By far the largest percentage of reports fall in this category. Study by an experienced investigator can usually identify these.
4. Poorly understood physical phenomena (rare electrical or moteorological effects, plasmas). Certainly a distinct possibility in a number of cases, it is a category worthy of careful study. Some of the most interesting cases, however have sufficient observational datail to eliminate this possibility (I am referring to reports of unambiguously machine-like objects).
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5. Advanced technologies (test vehicles, satellites, reentry effects). Again, some reports can be attributed to this cause, but most cannot.
6. Poorly understood psychic phenomena (psychic projections, archetypal images, parapsychological phenomena, etc). It is difficult to comment on this possibility because the current lack of knowledge of parapsychology. While a (small) number of UFO reports do exhibit aspects of parapsychological phenomenology (25) general relationships have yet to be convincingly demonstrated. Reference 6 deals with this explanation.
7. Extraterrestrial probes. A possibility commonly held by the public and commonly rejected by scientists. Prof. McDonald believes a number of sightings are best explained by this hypothesis.
8. Messengers of salvation and occult truth. This explanation is listed because of the nature of certain reports (particularly "contact" reports -- reports involving communication of UFO occupants and the witnesses) and because of the historical aspects of the phenomenology. See reference 5 for elaboration.
Perhaps, to play it safe, an additional category should be listed:
9. Other;
Clearly, the explanation of UFOs will interest someone. Psychologists have an interest in 1, 2, 3 and 6; theologians in category 8, scientists in 4 and 7. Therefore, whatever the explanation, it is a problem of at least average interest. If, by chance, the explanation is 7, or even 8 (and possibly 6) the value to society would be profound and significant. In this sense, an identification of the phenomenon would be a task of highest potential urgency.
How might it be done?
Because of the transient nature of UFO's we cannot expect to have the interested scientist rush to the spot to make his own observations. Reports so far accumulated, however, show that UFO's sometimes appear frequently in certain areas for a short period of time (a so-called "flap"). One characteristic of the flap is a larger percentage of sightings of objects at low levels than one normally obtains. If the reporting and analysis system were responsive enough, men and instruments
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could be dispatched when a flap was recognized with a reasonable hope of making first hand observations. I would therefore suggest the following:
1. Organization of a central report receiving agency, staffed by a permanent group of experienced UFO investigators and having on call specialists in astronomy, physics, optics, atmospheric physics, psychology and the like for application when needed.
2. This agency should be readily and instantly accessible to the public for the purpose of reporting. (Witnesses should be able to turn to someone other than the press to make reports.) Report forms could be made available in Post Offices, for example. More urgent reports could be made by toll-free telephone lines. (Radio amateurs have recently begun cooperating with NICAP to provide an alerting system.)
Because many sightings are made at night when most services are closed, the local police office should be prepared to receive reports of sightings. Experience indicates that witnesses usually turn first to the police, particularly if the UFO was close or if the witness was frightened. Such a local "data center" would be very useful for identifying flaps and could possibly serve to dispatch personnel to an area of interest.
Care must be taken to properly inform the officers involved about the aims of the project and requests for assistance should be made in such a way as to minimize additional police work. An awareness of the problem by a dispatcher or desk sergeant might be sufficient to draw attention to a developing situation. An interested local scientist could then be notified, perhaps in time to make an observation. Hynek also suggests that the police carry cameras in their cars should they become involved as observers. This advice obviously applies to all interested persons.
3. A loose organization of interested scientists should be available to investigate reports in their local areas. A good start toward this has been made by NICAP. It is important that investigations be made rapidly and by properly qualified people.
4. The press should be encouraged to report sightings accurately and in a non-sensational manner. Suitable reporting would encourage other witnesses to come forth.
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5. Existing sensor records could be examined for anomalies, particularly if visual reports are made nearby. Since we don't know what to expect, it is difficult to say what is needed; however records of electric, magnetic and gravitational fields, radioactivity, optical and radio frequency anomalies would be a logical place to start. Radars could also contribute, if they are designed for general purpose use. As it is, most current radar detection and tracking devices are designed to ignore anomalous objects.
After a few years' operation in this mode, it should be possible to study the resulting report statistics to draw generalities about appearance and behavior (such as was done in Part IV) and most importantly to anticipate times and locations of appearances. Only when this is done will it be possible to instrument sightings and therefore obtain the objective data so badly needed If the explanation is #4, some environmental correlations are bound to occur. For #7 it is possible that appearances could be anticipated, if we are clever enough; for #6 and #8 we will likely not be able to anticipate appearances.
Certainly the conclusions drawn by NICAP from reports in their file are startling and, if valid worthy of considerable scientific effort. It would be much more convincing if data could be collected worldwide and if the most interesting reports could be intensively and completely investigated. I believe current reports justify the expanded data collection and analysis effort.
Pages 33 to 40 consist of the basic report form used by the University of Colorado UFO project which have not been included here. A copy of this reporting form is reproduced in "The Final Report of the Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects," Bantam Books, 1968, published in association with Colorado Associated University Press.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY;
1. Christian Science Monitor, May 23, 1967
2. Anatomy of a Phenomenon, J. Vallee, Ace Books, Inc H-17
3. The Sky People, B. LePoer Trench, London, Neville Spearman, 1960.
4. The Meaning of Fatima, C. C. Martindale, S. J., P. J. Kenedy & Sons, New York 1950, p. 77.
5. Flying Saucers Through the Ages, Paul Thomas, Neville Spearman, London, 1966.
6. Flying Saucers - A Modern Myth, C. C. Jung, Harcourt, Brace & World New York, 1959
7. Sputnik, January 1967 issue, p. 174
8. Report on the UFO Wave of 1947, Ted Bloecher, 1967; Available from NICAP, 1536 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20036
9. Bloecher, pp. 1-9, 10, 12
10. The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, E. J. Ruppelt, Ace Books, Inc. G-537
11. UFO's: Greatest Scientific Problem of Our Times? J. E. McDonald UFORI, Suite 311, 508 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219
12. The UFO Evidence, NICAP, 6536 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Washington D.C., 20036, 1964
13. Flying Saucers: Hoax or Reality? L. Jerome Stanton, Belmont Books B50-761
14. "The Physics and Metaphysics of Unidentified Flying Objects", William Markowitz, Science, 15 Sept. 1967
15. Intelligent Life in the Universe, J. S. Shklovskii and Carl Sagan, Holden-Day, Inc. 1966 (San Francisco)
16. Habitable Planets for Man, S. H. Dole, Blaisdell Publishing Co., New York, 1964
17. Interstellar Communication, Edited by A. C. W. Cameron, Benjamin, New York, 1963
18. Science, 21 October 1966, letter by J. A. Hynek, p. 329
19. The Reference for Outstanding UFO Sighting Reports, T. M. Olsen, UFO Information Retrieval Center, Inc., Box 57, Riderwood, Md. 21139
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20. Observations of an Anomalistic Phenomenon, R. M. L. Baker, Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, January/February, 1968
21. Flying Saucer Review, 14, 1, January/February, 1968, cover and pp. 6-12.
22. Vallee, p. 109
23. Aviation Week and Space Technology, 22 January, 1968, p. 21
24. The Humanoids, special issue of Flying Saucer Review, 49a Kings Grove, Peckham, London, S.E. 15, England (1967)
25. An interesting example appears in the July, 1968 issue of Science & Mechanics, starting on page 30
26. A highly recommended collection of recent views on this subject are contained in the Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects, Hearings Before the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, July 29, 1968
__________________________________________________ __________________________________
Short Commentaries
30 Dec 1966;
Jan Aldrich:
George Kocher worked at RAND. He was interested in the UFOs. He wrote up a short paper for circulation within RAND. It was personal. It was not an official RAND document. Kocher got little or no response to his privately circulated document. One copy of it did make its way to Wright-Patterson. LTC Quintanilla wrote RAND a blazing letter. Once again, Quinanilla's letter was not an official ATIC response, but from Quintanilla's address and his personal opinion.
Kocher's supervisor turned Quintanilla's letter over to Kocher. RAND never responded to Quintanilla. Kocher did not follow up on his paper. The matter went no further. Kocher confirmed all this in a letter to Dr. Hynek which is now at CUFOS with a copy of Quintanilla's letter. CUFOS made copies of Kocher's document available years ago. You can, I believe, still purchase copies from them.
Ruppelt, I believe in his papers, mentioned that the chief of RAND in the early 1950s was hostile towards UFOs. Prior to that RAND had done a "Spaceship" study that COL McCoy requested in 1948. Parts of the study were used in the Project Grudge report.
There were several RAND scientists who, like Kocher, had at one time or another a personal interest in UFOs. NICAP was in contact with one or two. However, over the years contact was lost with these people.
There was one request from a scientist at RAND in 1965 to the Air Force for UFO material. The Air Force forwarded the request to Hynek. Nothing seems to have come of it. Again, it may have just been a personal interest item.
16 Nov 2006;
Dick Hall:
It would be perfectly legitimate and accurate to list this document as an "internal RAND document." It is exactly the same sort of thing as the NSA think piece generated by an employee, which was not an "official" NSA document. These documents are part of the history and are revealing and important in their own right. What people in positions like theirs were thinking and trying to do is significant for historians (of which I are one).
Brad Sparks:
The hostile RAND official mentioned by Ruppelt in his papers was NOT the President and founder of RAND, Franklin Collbohm, it was James Lipp, chief of the Missile Division of RAND. Ruppelt also mentioned that RAND astronomer James Thompson was pro-UFO and used to visit him at BB.
The RAND "spaceship" UFO study was done by Lipp in Dec 1948 and included as an appendix to the Sign Report, not the Grudge Report.,
What is Jan's source for what Kocher said or did? Is it solely Kocher's letter to Hynek? Why is there no date or copy of it?
Kocher's RAND report seems to have more status as a RAND document than the NSA paper, given that it has RAND letterhead and the NSA paper has no NSA letterhead or routing.
17 Nov 2006
Jan Aldrich:
There were some UFO fans at RAND. Mary Rorig comes to mind. However, this paper is about as significant as some NICAP member writing a paper supporting contactees. It should be made clear that this was an individual effort within an organization which took no action, and had no discussion on the matter as the result of his effort other than to file it.
Dick Hall:
The agencies represented are not private, pro-UFO citizen groups. They are major Government agencies. So what they did and tried to do even on an in-house basis and the results (or non-results) is very significant for the purposes of historical analysis. The people mentioned all were highly qualified, reasonably high-level or respected employees. To simply label them as "fans" (sounds like "UFO buffs") and compare what they did to an internal NICAP paper is not a reasonable comparison. History has more to do with only what "officially" is said and done. A more apt comparison would be what Ruppelt or Fournet did and tried to do on the subject, and what had success and what didn't.
NICAP Home Page; http://www.nicap.org/index.htm
source for all parts of this article in the previous post http://www.nicap.org/papers/randdoc.htm
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Thought i would add this here as it covers the main possibilities of the THEORIES OF UFO ORIGIN AND INTENTIONALITY;ALL the below text is from an external source;
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THEORIES OF UFO ORIGIN AND INTENTIONALITY;
Quote;
"There are several basic theories of UFO origin. These theories are as follows":
NULL HYPOTHESIS;
quote;
"This is the theory advocated by Phil Klass, Paul Kurtz, and other so-called "skeptics." Essentially, it is the belief that UFOs are all misidentified IFOs (they could be identified if seen by 'experts,' of course) - stars, planets, manmade aircraft, or 'swamp gas' - or they are hallucinations produced by insanity or intoxication. Alternatively, those claiming to see UFOs may be hoaxers, liars, or fame seekers out for a buck".
Pros: saves any need for further investigation. You can spend money on more productive research, such as the mating practices of guinea pigs, etc.
Cons: Why are you in ufology if you accept this?
SUBJECTIVE/PSYCHOLOGICAL;
Subjective theories posit that UFO experiences may represent psychological abnormalities resulting from Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Fantasy-Prone Personality Syndrome, or other conditions. According to these theories, the experience should be as "real" in the mind of the percipient as any other memory, because it is an induced brain event. Persinger feels intense geomagnetic activity might stimulate the temporal lobe and have just such an effect on the brain.
While most of the theories of this kind involve neurological and biochemical explanations, some focus more on the 'psychoanalytic,' looking at the traumas and stresses within the person's life and the personality types likely to have UFO experiences.
Pros: Might explain single-witness cases where only one person in a group sees UFO.
Cons: Has trouble explaining multiple-witness UFO cases, unless one posits mechanisms of 'shared delusion.'
SUBJECTIVE PROJECTIONS;
These theories suggest that UFOs may be unreal illusionary projections of some sort of intelligence - the collective unconscious of mankind, "Gaia," or a Cosmic Coincidence Control Center, for example. Any physical effects associated with UFOs are produce psychokinetically by the percipients or by this intelligence. (Jerome Clark and Loren Coleman offered a version of this theory in their book The Unidentified.) This theory points toward the well-known observation that the UFO "reflectively" changes its form to meet the expectations of the percipient, as noted by Keel in his books. Some feel in this vein that the UFOs may be akin to the Tibetan tulpas or materialized thought forms.
Pros: Explains possible continuity between modern UFOs and earlier sightings such as the Great Airship Wave of 1897 or the flying ships of the 800s.
Cons: Difficulty explaining all cases where a clear physical object is touched and/or material traces are left behind - can all such be produced by psychokinesis alone?
PSYCHOSOCIAL/FOLKLORE;
Bertrand Meheust and other Europeans have pointed to the links between science fiction and the saucer phenomenon, especially how key elements of it were prefigured in sci-fi stories of the 30s and early 40s. Such researchers are fascinated by H.G. Wells' famous War of the Worlds broadcast and the reactions it produced in 1938 - on the eve of World War II. Thomas Bearden and others in this school see UFOs as psychosocial manifestations of the anxieties of the Cold War and possible global catastrophe.
Others, like Vallee, have noted the 'Magonia' connection, and the link between UFO behavior and the lore surrounding dragons, elementals, faeries, and other beings of folktales and myth. The belief of such researchers is that folk culture throughout history has played an extensive amount in how the phenomenon is understood, which is why in our modern scifi/Space Age we see spacesuited astronauts instead of faeries.
Pros: Explains close similarities between certain UFO phenomena and elements of earlier scifi stories. For example, the first "stopped car" story occurs in a 1944 fictional tale, followed by the first UFO account of it in "real life" in 1948. Puts UFO sightings within a sociocultural framework.
Cons: Cannot explain cases that are markedly different from science fiction or other folkloric episodes in human history - i.e. the especially absurd ones.
NATURAL/FORTEAN PHENOMENON;
UFOs may be "Earthlights," or an unusual form of ball lightning. In cases were a structured form has been observed, proponents of this thoery suggest that this is a result of either psychokinetic structuring or spontaneous hallucinations produced by EM emissions from such "energy formations," which some people feel may even be 'electro-animals,' a kind of organism in themselves, perhaps hailing from the 'Superspectrum.'
'Earth Mysteries' investigators like Paul Devereux and John Michell (who note links between UFOs and crop circles, ley lines, megaliths, and special earth zones) tend to lean toward this hypothesis as a likely possibility.
Pros: Explains proximity of UFOs to the lines of the 'World Grid' and sites of geomagnetic activity, and the ability of dowsing/biolocation to discover them.
Cons: Does not seem to explain intelligent behavior on the part of these lights, i.e. avoiding jets, etc., or some of their abilities which seem to defy the laws of physics.
All of the above theories have problems explaining UFO landings, occupants, 'close' encounters, and abductions, especially vis. the physical side-effects of such - "eyeburn," etc. If the UFOs are real objects, then it is a question of origin.
HUMAN ORIGIN;
Some unknown human civilization - Nazis hiding in Brazil, Deros or Vrillians living within the Hollow Earth, Atlanteans or Lemurians from under the sea or Mount Shasta, or a Hermetic/Rosicrucian secret society - is building and piloting the 'saucers.' Either that, or a known civilization (us, the Russians, the Chinese, etc.) possesses advanced technologies which it is not revealing to the public.
This theory would suggest that nonhumans (such as the "Grays") seen aboard the UFOs might be genetically-created lifeforms or robots or androids. Alternatively, some suggest that the Grays may be time travellers from the future, and that they represent the future evolution of humanity - bigger brains and atrophied bodies.
Pros: Explains 'aryans' and other humans seen aboard the saucers.
Cons: How well could such a civilization really conceal itself from modern technology (sattelites, geologic monitoring equipment, remote sensing, etc.)?
EXTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGIN;
The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) was pioneered by Major Donald Keyhoe, who felt the UFOs could not be of human origin. Early ETH proponents supposed that the UFOs came from Mars, Venus, or other planets in the solar system. Since these planets now appear to be uninhabitable, ETH proponents have taken to suggesting other solar systems - Zeta Reticuli, Barnard's Star, Sirius, etc.
The UFOs are then "somebody else's spacecraft," sent here for some unknown mission. Most ETH advocates feel that the UFOnauts mission may be genetic hybridization, colonization of the planet, or assistance to the human race. (The first might be considered benign, the second malevolent, the third benevolent in intention.) Others think they are on a purely exploratory or expeditionary mission, and often argue as to whether bases are maintained on the Moon, on other planets, or here on Earth.
Pros: This hypothesis seems, at first, to be the most possible to confirm (or disprove) according to the Popperian ideal of science. If true, it could save us many SETI dollars.
Cons: There are more to the ETH than are generally acknowledged.
The ETH is problematic for multiple reasons. Vallee overs five, based purely on observational evidence. 1) The unlikely similarity of many of the 'aliens' to humans. There does not seem to be anything in nature favoring a bipedal form. Why are the aliens, then, so humanoid ?
2) The frequency of sightings: too many for an expeditionary force, for sure. If they wish to be clandestine, they are doing a poor job. On the other hand, they haven't asked to see our leader yet.
3) The long history of UFO sightings before 1947.
4) The sheer diversity of reports regarding the shape and size of the craft. How many different kind of alien races could be visiting us all at once?
5) The evidence against an 'advanced' technological civilization - why kidnap humans for genetic material when robbing a sperm bank would do? Why mutilate cattle when you could just scrape off a few cells? The absurd, metalogical, and metaphysical events surrounding the UFO encounter mitigate against "nuts and bolts" explanations.
Further, we know of no means for the UFOs to beat the laws of physics (i.e. relativity) and cross the vast distances of interstellar space, unless they can somehow bend space and time as has been suggested. We also, honestly, have no other confirming evidence of the existence of inhabitable planets out in space or any type or evidence, such as radio contact from the Ozma Project, of extraterrestrial civilizations.
ULTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGIN;
Maybe UFOs are "as much a feature of life on this planet as the weather." (Keel) They don't need to come from somewhere else. Besides the possibility of coming from under the sea (Sanderson) or from under the earth(Bernard), UFOs might come from some "Supersargasso in the Sky." (Fort) UFOs may go undetected because they can become invisible, or perhaps they are only visible to those who are slightly clairvoyant.
Keel feels they may be emanations of the "Superspectrum," or that they come from other dimensions of existence. Meade Layne of Broderland Sciences felt that they were 'Etherians' coming from a plane of existence normally outside our conscious awareness, and that they can come and go as they please through a process of 'materialization' similar to what psychic mediums do with spiritual "ectoplasm." Students of parapsychology and/or the 'paranormal' lean toward this explanation.
Pros: Explains 'high weirdness' and other aspects of UFO sightings that seem to defy physical law and/or have a 'paranormal' basis.
Cons: Does not explain cases where UFOnauts express extraterrestrial origin and/or provide 'abductees' with evidence for that position.
DECEPTION;
Some of the most critical evidence pertaining to "nuts and bolts"/ETH Ufology - the possession of crashed saucers, alien cadavers, alien bases on Earth, secret alien-government treaties, etc. - is based on testimony that emerges from individuals from government and military/intelligence backgrounds. People from such backgrounds can and do operate under a rubric of 'plausible denial' - they will lie when they feel it befits the 'national security' of the U.S., or perhaps merely to save their own ass.
This theory suggests that much if not all of UFO testimony of this kind may be a plot of deliberate mis- and dis-information for a variety of motives. Advocates of deception theories disagree as to how much of the UFO phenomenon is deliberately 'staged' by geovernments or extragovernmental "rogue" agencies, and whether or not governments 'know the truth' about "real" UFOs and are hiding it through classification, deception, and disinformation.
Pros: May be the best explanation of governmental involvement. After all, we know how good governments are at deceiving.
Cons: Who is the author of deception in some of these cases - the government of the UFOnauts themselves? It's certainly hard to tell.
These last two theories have been promoted most forcefully by Vallee, who does not rule out categorically any of the other possibilities listed.
He does not shy away from suggesting that the 'Messengers of Deception' may be testing the value of UFOs for behavioral/propaganda/political warfare value, or that they may be studying UFO cults as a prime candidate for the absorbtion of irrational and/or fascistic ideas.
Be, he also feels that there is in addition a genuine phenomenon, which is probably extradimensional (#7) and is an intelligent 'thermostatic' control system of human consciousness (#2). Vallee leaves open the question as to whether the phenomenon is malevolent or benevolent, but he has chronicled examples of UFO behavior which were clearly injurious to humans in an intentional matter.
OCCULT/MAGICAL/SUPERNATURAL;
There are techniques of altering human perception that have been studied by ascetics, fakirs, mystics, and magicians. Those techniques were known collectively as "Magick," as Crowley put it, "which is the art of bringing one's will to fruition in reality."
That is the rub, of course: as Arthur C. Clarke put it, "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." But, as the authors of The Morning of the Magicians note, perhaps magic and alchemy are the remnants of lost sciences? These are difficult questions. Those who think UFOs are supernatural entities usually assume they are angels or devils, though Crowleyans posit that they are magical 'elementals,' and some Eastern scholars have weighed in that they might be daevas, djinni, or spirits. The theory most in vogue in this vein is that the UFOs are the Gentry or Evans-Wentz' mystical faerie race.
Pros: This is what some occult groups, such as the OTO or Golden Dawn factions, have been maintaining about UFOs all along.
Cons: It does not seem to require an incantation to bring our UFO friends, and precious little sorcery seems to be able to get them to leave.
Theories of UFO intentionality;
If UFOs are intelligently directed, many people feel it is of the upmost importance to discover whether their purpose is maleveolent, benevolent, or benign. Such arguments are frequently waged within the confines of the parameters of the ETH, although others have taken up the debate.
Benevolence. Betty Andreasson, Ray Fowler, Whitley Streiber, and Ida Kanonberg have all stressed this belief.
They feel the UFOnauts are here to help us take our place in the universe, save ourselves from planetary destruction, or complete our evolution. This is supported by stories of UFO contactees who receive healings, paranormal gifts, increased intelligence, etc. The problem with this hypothesis is, if they are benevolent, why are they operating with such secrecy? What are they trying to hide from us regarding their purposes? Why not tell us their beneficial aims?
Malevolence. Proponents of malevolence feel that the UFO-human relationship is exploitative and amoral at best, sinister and dangerous at worst. They feel the UFOs are out to do us grave harm, conquer the planet, or do something even worse.
They feel that examples of apparent UFO benevolence may be a means of creating fifth-column 'collaborators' within the human race to help them complete their objectives. UFO malevolence is supported by animal and human mutilation cases, the savage experiments performed on UFO abductees, the rare cases of human injury from UFO "attack," and intimidation by the MIB and so forth.
Nonetheless, the cases of direct human injury are extremely rare; in fact, much rarer than we might expect from a hostile force of invaders.
Benignness . Supporters of this theory point out that we seem to be treated by the UFOnauts in much the same way as we treat lower forms of life. Not with hostility or overt concern - we simply make sure that we go about our business with as little interference from them as possible.
The problem with the 'benignness' hypothesis is that the abduction phenomenon suggests a quite direct concern with humans - although perhaps the same concern we show lab rats, however, while we are making sure they are content and well fed before running them through our mazes. Supporters of the benign hypothesis feel that UFO-caused trauma, injury, or suffering is unintentional and that the UFOnauts are completely unaware of psychological trauma to our species that might result from their activities.
They may be here to observe or study but they have some sort of 'prime directive' of noninterference with our society and/or life on our planet.
I strongly suspect we cannot answer questions about intentionality until we know more about origin.
Steve Mizrach, aka Seeker1
link for all above text ; http://www2.fiu.edu/~mizrachs/UFOrigin.html
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The Case of the Missing Report;
Blue Book Unidentified: May 1, 1952, 9:10 A.M.,
Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona;
http://www.nicap.org/images/b36-1.jpg
B-36;
*ALL EXTERNAL QUOTES BELOW*;THIS IS DIRECTLY FROM NICAP;
QUOTE;
"This case is a classic. The late Dr. James McDonald made a valiant attempt in get details from original witnesses after discovering that a major report, submitted to Blue Book by the “UFO Officer” (who was one of the witnesses!) at Davis-Monthan, was missing. A small part of this was apparently recovered and now appears in the Blue Book microfilms. The story is as follows:"
"An Air Intelligence Officer (who had as one of his regular duties, the analysis of UFO cases reported to the local air base), a B-36 crew, and an airman on the steps of the base hospital (just coming from having his knee treated) all attested to this event.
Two shiny round objects overtook a B-36, slowed down to the speed of the B-36, stayed in formation with it for about 20 seconds, then executed a sharp no-radius 70-80-degree turn from the line of flight of the B-36, and resumed original speed and went to about one-fourth the distance to the horizon where one of the two objects made an immediate stop and hovered. There was no sound other than that of the B-36.There were no contrails from either the objects or the B-36.
Despite the detailed description (in the original report) of the maneuvers of the two shiny, silent objects, Blue Book dismissed this case as “Aircraft.” The following letter from Dr. McDonald dated July 14, 1966, was sent to Major Quintanilla, Blue Book head:
Dear Major Quintanilla:
Following our second unsuccessful effort to locate in the Blue Book files any record of the B-36 incident at Davis-Monthan AFB, I have asked Maj. Postalozzi to put down in a letter to me an account of such details as he can still remember with confidence (see Appendix).
Maj. Postalozzi has told me, in previous conversations, that he was an Air Intelligence officer from about 1950 to 1960, and was stationed at Davis-Monthan during 1951-53. Field investigation of UFO sightings was one of his routine duties, not only at Davis-Monthan but also at other duty stations. The B-36 case, which he believes occurred in 1952, was one in which he himself happened to be an observer. Although he has now made a number of efforts to run down clues to the precise date, the latter still remains uncertain, as I indicated to you in my last visit at WPAFB on June 30.
He recalls filing a rather thick report on this B-36 case, the thickest he ever filed on a UFO. It included not only his own observations and those of the B-36 crew which he personally interrogated, but also that of an airman who was standing beside him during most of the time of his own observation.The airman (whose name he has forgotten) was coming out of the base hospital just as the major was about to enter (for treatment of an injured knee)
He pointed out to me today that approximately six or seven other Air Force personnel at scattered locations around the base also reported seeing the UFOs from the ground. Because their descriptions matched closely those given by himself and the airman, he did not (at least as far as he now recalls) include them in his official report.
I have queried Maj. Postalozzi closely about the length of time during which he had the UFOs under observation. He estimates it at something like five minutes. He actually saw the two UFOs overtake the westbound B-36, and be held them under observation as the aircraft passed overhead until the objects departed.
His recollection, as of today, was that his line of sight to the B-36 at the time the UFOs moved into position was at an angle of elevation of about 50 degrees (estimated uncertainty about 5-10 degrees); and the UFOs departed when the line of sight to the aircraft was about the same angle above the western horizon. The aircraft was almost due east of the base when the objects joined it, and it lay due west when they departed. Its heading was almost due west during the entire period of observation. (In an earlier conversation, he estimated the total time of observation at perhaps 3 minutes.
The latter time would be a bit more compatible with an estimated flight altitude of 20,000 ft. and the estimated angle of line of sight. But every one of these estimates is based on recollecting of an event 14 years old, so perhaps all that is now warranted is the conclusion that the UFOs paced the B-36 for “several minutes." The latter time is compatible with the fact that all of the crew, save the pilot, were able to get back to the starboard blister to see the UFO before it left.)
As he sketched the relative positions, he recalled an important detail. The UFO near the aircraft was at a level distinctly lower than the mid-section of the fuselage (see sketch). He recalled that the crew described looking somewhat down upon it, and the blister itself is below mid-section. This may explain why there was no marked aerodynamic disturbance of the aircraft’s flight characteristics, one of the very puzzling features of this incident.
The major’s enclosed account does not directly state it, but he has mentioned to me that the B-36 crew was a bit shaken by this experience. He pointed out to me that after the UFOs departed, the B-36 radioed Davis-Monthan control tower and demanded permission to land immediately. It was just after they landed that Operations called him over to interrogate the crew. . . .
Sincerely,
James L. McDonald;
Senior Physicist;
I recall that at the time Dr. McDonald was regarded by Blue Book personnel as an outstanding nuisance. This was partly because he was interested in a scientific study of the “true” UFOs (those that completely defied simple natural explanation) and partly because he was so outspoken. He spoke his mind forcefully, and didn’t hesitate to criticize Blue Book methods whenever possible. On occasion I, too, was the target of his criticism--criticism which was entirely justified according to his very strict standards.
It is unfortunate that Dr. McDonald couldn’t understand or adjust to the political-military situation, and chose instead to act only according to strict scientific dictates. A carefully planned diplomatic approach in these military circles might have proved successful, especially if Dr. McDonald had consented to work with me in a much less antagonistic manner, as I invited him to do on several occasions. I fear, however, that he regarded me as a lost cause and that his temperament would hardly have permitted it.
It is due largely to the industry and perseverance of Dr. James McDonald that this excellent case was resurrected at all.
J. Allen Hynek;
APPENDIX B;
Major Pestalozzi's July 7 Letter to Dr. McDonald:
Dear Jim:
The information you requested several weeks ago concerning a UFO report submitted by me, as reporting officer to the USAF Project Blue Book follows:
The intervening years and a very mediocre memory do, of course, preclude my recalling the exact date, report data such as time, meteorological conditions (these obtained later from existing Blue Book records of this case are:
Weather clear, visibility 50 miles, temp. 72 deg F., dew point 50 deg. F., wind calm. sea-level pressure 143 millibars, station pressure 27.310 inches), flight altitude (which must have been about 20,000 feet), names of observers, etc. I will, however, relate the incident to you to the best of my recollection.
While standing on the front entrance steps of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Hospital, I observed the approach of two UFOs upon a B-36 flying on a general east-west heading directly over the base. The UFOs appeared, from the ground, to be round in shape and metallic in color (the same color as the B-36). The objects approached the aircraft from the northeast at a speed about three or four times that of the aircraft.
The two objects appeared to be about the same size when first observed. One object appeared to gain altitude as it approached the aircraft because it seemed to grow smaller. It stationed itself, at the B-36 speed, just behind and to the port side of the B-36.
The second stationed itself between the pusher-type prop spinners and the leading edge of the starboard elevators. The air crew, which landed the aircraft at DMAFB, and were interrogated by me, confirmed the ground-observed stationing of this object in this extremely close proximity to the aircraft.
I can no longer remember the length of time of the observation, but all of the air crew members, except one who flew the aircraft during the entire incident, were able to get to the starboard observation port to see the UFO.
The objects were reported to be symmetrically convex top and bottom, about 10 or 12 feet thick from top to bottom at the middle and quite sharp at the edge. (The crew gave an appropriate figure in inches which I cannot remember.) The object was reported by the crew, as I remember, to be about 20 or 25 feet in diameter. (It fit rather snugly between spinners and elevator.)
Some of the air crew members reported seeing a pale band of red color about halfway between the top and the edge of the object. All members did not see this color band, however. Upon questioning, the pilot denied that the objects interfered with either the flying characteristics of the B-36 or the navigation or radio equipment.
Upon departure from the aircraft the UFO lost altitude, crossed under the aircraft, joined the other object, and the two departed at extremely high speed in a southerly direction. (Aircraft altitude, air-speed, heading, UFO headings, approximate speeds and exact size estimates are in the original report, but I cannot remember them.) (What a loss not to have the original detailed report! One can only wonder how it disappeared!) During the close proximity of the object the pilots did not try evasive action.
The aircraft and crew were from Carswell AFB, Texas, and were on a flight to March AFB, Cal. It is possible that this report is filed in Blue Book archives under either of those base names. (Unfortunately, it is not).
Dr. J. Allen Hynek;
SOURCE LINKS BELOW;
Case Directory; http://www.nicap.org/acufoe.htm
NICAP Home page;http://www.nicap.org/index.htm
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Here is a list of Prominent Military and Scientific Personnel who were involved in the UFO investigation agendas;Some were directly involved with governmental stances on this UFO reality.The below list is from NICAP AND all QUOTES ARE FROM THIS SOURCE LINK AT THE END OF THIS TEXT;
Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:24:32 -0600
From: Francis Ridge <[email protected]>
Subject: The WHO WAS Series;
is written and sponsored by the NICAP Website;
QUOTES;
"The starting point for this work was the unpublished papers of Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, and many times Ruppelt is quoted in the report below, except where historical records show the information was incorrect. Many new bios have been added.
Ackerman, Brig. Gen. John B.
In a June 1952 reorganization, Ackerman became Deputy Director for Collection & Dissemination of AF Intelligence, AFOIN-1. He had no direct connection with Project Blue Book but was very much interested, according to Ruppelt, and used to stop in and visit. According to Ruppelt, he had definite ideas as to what Blue Book had and what they should be doing. "He would tend to get all excited about individual sightings. He got copies of the UFO reports and several times he was on the phone wanting to know what we planned to do even before he had time to digest what was in the report." Ackerman had a "direct channel" to the top, to the Secretary of the Air Force and people in the Department of Defense. Detailed bio
Adams, Col. William A.
Col. Adams was the Chief of the Topical Intelligence Division of AF Intelligence, AFOIN-2A, after the reorg of June 1952, and Col. Smith and Major Dewey Fournet worked for him. According to Ruppelt, Adams was pretty much sold on the UFO. Ruppelt thought that Dewey Fournet influenced Adams' thinking to a great extent and said, "he pushed Fournet's study of the motions of the UFO's and he is the one who used to be the most vocal in briefings and at meetings in regard to Blue Book's taking a 'negative' attitude."
Adams was the person who became irked in one briefing (June 1952) and asked Ruppelt if it wasn't true that "if we made a few positive assumptions we could prove that the UFO's were real". (In a 1979 interview with Brad Sparks, Col. Adams said that in Jan 1953 he had signed and approved Fournet's study concluding that UFO's were extraterrestrial and sent it up the chain of command, to the Deputy Director for Estimates, Col. Jack Morrow, who also signed and approved the study and sent it to the D/I, Maj. Gen. John A. Samford.)
Alvarez, Luis Dr.
Luis Alvarez was a physics professor from the University of California in Berkeley, developer of MEW (Microwave Early Warning) radar at MIT at the beginning of World War II. Alvarez developed the detonators for the high-explosive shaped charges in the plutonium implosion bombs, and after the war, returned to Berkeley to work on high-energy particle physics. He sat on the CIA Robertson panel that met in Washington in January 1953. (Brad Sparks: According to Ruppelt's notes, Alvarez was one of the two Robertson Panel members who was pro-UFO, Panel Chairman and CIA consultant H. P. Robertson was the other.) Alvarez won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1968.
Burgess, Brig. Gen. Woodbury M.
General Burgess was Deputy for Intelligence, Air Defense Command under General Chidlaw. Gen. Burgess, not a believer in UFOs, was firmly convinced that the Air Force should make every effort to find out what they were, even if they were all explainable. Ruppelt said that Burgess "bent over backwards to give Blue Book all the cooperation that they needed." Ruppelt also said that Gen. Burgess' ideas reflected those of General Chidlaw. Gen Burgess later became Deputy Director for Production of the NSA.
Major General Charles P. Cabell
http://www.nicap.org/images/CabellCharlesP_Gen_2002.jpg
General Cabell was the Director of Intelligence for the Air Force from May 15, 1948 to October 31, 1951. According to Ruppelt's private papers, Cabell was pretty much a "believer" in UFOs. Cabell became Director of the Joint Staff of the JCS on Nov. 1, 1951, and became the no. 2 man in the CIA, the DDCI (Deputy Director of Central Intelligence) on April 23, 1953, and held the post until Jan. 31, 1962, when he was fired for the Bay of Pigs fiasco. Cabell held the dramatic meeting in the Pentagon on October 2, 1951, when Project Grudge chief Lt. Jerry Cummings and his boss Lt. Col. Nathan Rosengarten gave the briefing on their Ft. Monmouth radar case investigation, which Cabell had ordered on Sept. 28.
According to Ruppelt's papers Cabell got angry at the anti-UFO answers he was getting from the debunkers (Watson cronies) at the briefing and said "I've been lied to, lied to, lied to. I want it to stop." Afterward Cabell ordered Project Grudge reorganized, in mid-October 1951. (Brad Sparks: According to Lt Cummings, Cabell thought that Col. Harold Watson had simply taken the UFO Project Grudge "underground" when it was publicly closed in Dec 1949 so it could quietly continue its UFO investigations. When Cabell found out that was not true, that it really was all but terminated, Cabell got upset and in July 1950 ordered his own staff in AF Intelligence to begin conducting the UFO investigations that Watson refused to do.
Cabell fired this leading UFO debunker Col. Watson as soon as he got command of the unit Watson headed, in May 1951, when Watson's AMC Intelligence Dept became the ATIC. Since a "firing" in the military is not the same as in civilian life, does not mean being booted out of the military, it meant Watson was transferred to another position, which took several months to find, at USAFE as it turned out, during which time Watson was left in limbo.) General Samford replaced Cabell as D/I on Nov. 1, 1951.
Chapman, James.
According to Ruppelt, this man was in charge of one of the photo labs at Wright Air Development Center and did all of the work on UFO photos for Project Blue Book. Although a firm "believer", Ruppelt said Chapman did do a good job of making unbiased analyses of Blue Book's photos.
Chop, Albert M. (1916-2006)
http://www.nicap.org/images/Chop.jpg
As Press Chief for the U.S. Air Force in 1952, Albert M. Chop was a direct participant in the famous July 1952 radar-visual UFO sightings around Washington, D.C. Chop attended the University of Dayton for two years, and was a newsman for the Dayton Daily News and the Associated Press from 1937-1943. During World War II he served as a combat correspondent with the U.S. Marine Corps (which might account for his cooperative relationship with Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, USMC Ret.) After several years in public relations and advertising copywriting, Chop became Press Chief for the Air Materiel Command in Dayton, Ohio, in 1951.
He was transferred to the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. in 1952 where he served as Press Chief and was public spokesman for the Air Force UFO project. From 1953 to 1962 he was a public relations representative for Douglas Aircraft Company. He then became Deputy of Public Affairs for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1962 until 1975. For two years after that he was employed by the Atomic Energy Commission in a management position. Chop was involved in providing information and writing for the 1956 Greene-Rouse Productions documentary film UFO, which included the 1950 Montana film taken by Nick Mariana and the 1952 Utah film by Delbert C. Newhouse.
The documentary also recreated the Washington sightings and other important cases, providing new, inside information to the public. Chop gave an oral history to the Sign Historical Group in November 1999 in which he talks about his relationship with Donald Keyhoe, whose dedicated and persistent interest resulted in his obtaining the good information that he did on Air Force cases.
He (Chop) also describes being present at Washington National Airport on the night in July 1952 watching on radar and hearing the communications when an Air Force F-94 pilot reported being surrounded by UFOs. (This incident is reconstructed in the movie UFO.) He quotes the pilot as saying, "They're closing in on me! What shall I do?" Chop: "There was dead silence in the radar room; no one knew what to say. I don't mind telling you this, it scared me! It was frightening! And I think everybody in the room was very apprehensive. They had to be intelligently controlled." His experience that night convinced him that UFOs probably were from another planet.
William T. Coleman;
http://www.nicap.org/images/Coleman.gif
Colonel William T. Coleman is a retired Air Force bomber pilot, former Public Information Officer for Project Blue Book, and Air Force's Chief Public Relations Officer during the early 1970s. He was also the Producer of a series called "Project UFO" that ran on NBC for two seasons. (1978-79) In June of 1978, while promoting his new TV show on the Merv Griffin show, Coleman spoke about a UFO sighting he had experienced while a bomber pilot in 1955. The plane closed to within an eighth of a mile of the disc-shaped object. "It was about 60 feet in diameter and 10 or 11 feet thick through the center," he said. "It had what looked like a titanium-type finish". (silver gray). See report.
Lt. Gen. Lawrence Cardee Craigie;
http://www.nicap.org/images/Craigie.jpg
Born in Concord, N.H., in 1902. Laurence Cardee Craigie graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in June 1923, being commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Service. In October 1942. Craigie, then a colonel, became the first pilot of the Armed Forces to fly a jet-propelled plane when he piloted the XP-59 on its initial flight at Muroc Dry Lake, Calif. In November 1944 he vas back at Wright-Patterson as deputy chief of the Air Technical Service's Engineering Division. He became chief of the division in August 1945 and was promoted to major general in July 1946.
In 1947 he became chief of the Research and Engineering Division at Headquarters Army Air Force. That October he was appointed Director of Research and Development under the deputy chief of staff for materil at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and the following September returned to Wright-Patterson as commandant the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology. Craigie became vice commander of the Far East Air Forces in Tokyo in July 1950 and returned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force in November 1951 as deputy chief of staff for development.
He was promoted to lieutenant general July 5, 1952. In April 1954 he took command of th Allied Air Forces in Southern Europe, at Naples, Italy. And his connection to Wright Field and the UFO Project SIGN, like LeMay, he had no time to waste, and especially no money to waste, on distractions like UFOs. He almost certainly didn't "hate" UFOs; he merely thought they were a valueless diversion of personnel and funds.
Deyarmond, Col. Albert B.
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Albert Deyarmond was an "old hand" with the UFO's, in on the first of Project Sign. From the old memos signed by him it could be determined that he was once a firm believer, along with Alfred Loedding, John "Red" Honaker and the rest of the veterans or Project Sign. But by the time Ruppelt got into the picture Deyarmond, at least on the surface, was lined up with the scoffers. Ruppelt had said that, "once, when I began to knock the UFO's, he raised the devil and chewed me out for not keeping an 'open mind'." Ruppelt had called him a "scoffer" because he was a "disciple" of Col. Watson's. Deyarmond later became chief of structures at Ryan Aircraft Company.
Ericksen, Col. John G.
Col Ericksen was head of the Policy and Management Group of the Directorate of Intelligence and in some way got in on all of the UFO business. (Sparks: Ericksen had previously been Fournet's boss as Chief of the Technical Capabilities Branch, Evaluation Division of AF Intelligence before the June 1952 reorganization.) Ruppelt said that Ericksen was "sort of power behind the throne on what the official policy would be." Ruppelt gave him quite a few briefings and he seemed to be a "lone wolf" in that he wanted to get the picture for himself.
Ruppelt: "He got a little hacked at Fournet quite often, because he thought that Fournet was pushing his ideas, that the UFO's were real, too hard. I think that Ericksen tended to put a lot of faith in the UFO's but he was one of those who was afraid to stick his neck out." Col. Ericksen was National Air Intelligence Commander from July to December of 1958.
Brigadier General Arthur E. Exon.
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General Exon is a pilot with 135 combat missions and over 300 hours of combat flight time during World War II. His aircraft was severely damaged by an exploding ammunition dump and he was forced to bail out over enemy territory. Captured, he spent just over a year in German prisoner of war camps. He was liberated in April, 1945. After the war he completed an industrial administration course at the Air Force Institute of Technology and was then assigned to the Air Materiel Command (AMC) Headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. (It should be noted that General Nathan F. Twining was the commander of the Air Materiel Command which controlled various intelligence functions.
Twining's letter of September 23, 1947 has been quoted by many. It was Twining's conclusion then that flying discs were real.) Over the next several years he held a variety of positions finally arriving at the Pentagon as a full colonel in 1955. In 1960 he became Chief of Ballistic Missiles and was responsible for establishing the Jupiter Ballistic Missile system for NATO in Italy and Turkey. In July, 1963, he left Europe for an assignment at Olmsted Air Force Base in Pennsylvania. In August, 1964, he was assigned as commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. On August 20, 1965, he was promoted to brigadier general.
General Exon has had a most impressive military career. Officers are not promoted to flag rank (general officer) without having proven themselves as competent. Those who make it while on active duty, who are not rewarded with the promotion on retirement, are in a small minority. Only the top officers achieve the privilege of wearing stars. General Exon, as a lieutenant colonel, was assigned to Wright Field in July of 1947. He was there when the wreckage from the Roswell crash came in and was aware of the recovery in New Mexico.
He knew that it was brought in and knew where it was sent. A few of his colleagues performed the tests on the metal, trying to determine what it was. And he learned from other colleagues that the bodies had arrived on the base. All in July, 1947. Official military bio
Fahrney, Rear Admiral Delmer S.
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Rear Admiral Fahrney was "the foremost Navy pioneer for the development of guided missiles. His vision of future weaponry, technical excellence and tireless advocacy formed the basis for the post-World War II Navy missile programs." "Admiral Fahrney's early work in guided missiles and his foresight in planning for future generations of missiles earned for him recognition by many peers as 'the father of naval air guided missiles.'" (circa 1956). On Jan 16, 1957, Admiral Fahrney held a press conference for NICAP. "Reliable reports indicate there are objects coming into our atmosphere at very high speeds.
They way they change position would indicate their motion is directed." (New York Times article) Fahrney was chairman of NICAP's Board of Governors for one week, and then, for personal reasons, had to resign. (Washington Daily News). His replacement was first CIA Director and DCI, RoscoeHillenkoetter, who was recruited in April or May 1957, and this must have infuriated the CIA.. (Richard Hall: Fahrney was a NICAP member for a long time, visited the office when I was there after early 1958, and later exchanged a lot of information with Jim McDonald. Throughout, he kept funnelling good Navy pilot and missile officer cases to us.)
Fournet, Dewey J., Major, USAF.
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Fournet served in the Technical Capabilities Branch of AF Intelligence until transfer to the new Current Intelligence Branch in the June 1952 reorganization. Fournet took over UFO duties in the TCB (liaison officer between Project Grudge/Blue Book and the Pentagon) from Lt. Col. Milton D. Willis in Feb 1952. (Ruppelt: Dewey got hot on the subject right away and helped us a great deal in getting things straightened out in the Pentagon. His job was just supposed to be part time, but within a matter of months he was working on it full time) Fournet was the most confirmed believer Ruppelt had run into in the Pentagon.
He had access to all of their reports, read them all over very carefully, and was absolutely convinced. His most notable effort was the famous "motion study" that "proved" the UFOs operated under intelligent control. (In 1979 interviews with Brad Sparks, Col. William A. Adams and Col. Weldon H. Smith said that in Jan 1953 Smith signed Fournet's study and sent it to Adams who also signed and approved Fournet's study concluding that UFO's were extraterrestrial.
Col. Adams said he sent the study up the chain of command, to the Deputy Director for Estimates, Col. Jack Morrow, who also signed and approved the study and sent it to the D/I, Maj. Gen. John A. Samford.) This study was presented to the Robertson Panel in January of 1953 and was rejected. After retiring from the Air Force, Fournet became a member of NICAP's original Board of Governors.
Garland, Brig Gen, William. M.
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General Garland was Ruppelt's boss at ATIC from Sept 1952 until Ruppelt left, and was a moderately confirmed believer, according to Ruppelt's unpublished papers. He was Gen. Samford's Assistant for Production in the Pentagon, the no. 2 man in AF Intelligence, then transferred to ATIC as Commander in September 1952. He was the inspiration behind the Life article by Robert Ginna. (Ruppelt: He gave Ginna his ideas and prompted Life to stick their necks out.) After he got out of the Air Force in September 1953, Gen. Garland became a consultant to Rand.
Gittings, Homer T.
Homer Gittings was Ruppelt's contact in Los Alamos. He was a charter member of the group that was trying to correlate recorded radiation from an unknown source with UFO reports. Ruppelt: He worked closely with a Ph.D. but I've forgotten the Ph.D.'s name (Dr. William Baker). Gittings, the Ph.D. and several other scientists would fly down to Albuquerque and we'd meet with Col. Matheny at 34th Air Division Headquarters.
If I remember correctly, Gittings had an MS degree in Physics and was an instrumentation specialist." Joel Carpenter provided the 30 Nov. 49 DOE Green Fireball doc: "A group of scientists and technicians from the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory have become extremely interested in the observations of the aerial phenomena observed at various times in this vicinity, on which reports have been rendered periodically.
This group is headed by Richard Taschek and is composed of the following additional personnel: Homer T. Gittings, Jr. George A. Jarvis Stan N. Simmons Jed [?] Nicholas Harold Agnew W. J. Masilum Howard Parsons Robert Potter All of the foregoing have been appropriately cleared under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act and therefore would have access to any and all information on this subject which might be developed by the National Military Establishment, principally the U. S. Air Forces."
Goudsmit, Samuel ;
This man, from AEC’s Brookhaven Lab on Long Island, sat on the CIA/Robertson Panel that met in Washington in January 1953. Goudsmit was probably the most violent anti-saucer man at the panel meeting, according to Ruppelt's papers. Everything was a big joke to him which brought down the wrath of the other panel members on numerous occasions. (This was actually Page who made the UFO jokes, whom Ruppelt confused with Goudsmit, as they were the two anti-saucer panel members).Goudsmit discovered electron spin in 1925. In 1944 he led the Alsos scientific intelligence mission to investigate and exploit German technological developments including atomic weapons research.
Hardin, Capt. Charles;
In January 1954, Captain Charles Hardin was appointed the head of Project, Blue Book, and he was replaced by Captain George T. Gregory in 1956. However, most UFO investigations were conducted by the 4602nd Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS). Ruppelt wrote that Hardin "thinks that anyone who is even interested (in UFOs) is crazy. They bore him." (Clark, 468). Ruppelt also wrote: "He has been the one big bottleneck in my getting anything from the Air Force because he is afraid that my book will stir things up too much."
Hayden, Father;
Father Hayden was head of the astronomy department at Georgetown University. Ruppelt said he had never met him but mentioned that Dr. Stefan Possony was always going to him with Blue Book's UFO problems, and couldn’t at all be classed as a scoffer.
Hillenkoetter, Vice-Admiral Roscoe;
Admiral Hillenkoetter served as the first "official" DCI of the CIA. Appointed first as DCI of CIG and then after the National Security Act of 1947, he was sworn in as DCI of CIA. Hillenkoetter's tenure was from May 1947 to October 1950. He believed that while the stated role of the CIA was to coordinate intelligence activities, realistically the Agency lacked the bureaucratic muscle to effect such a lofty goal. As a result of this decision Hillenkoetter urged the Agency into the area of current intelligence production.
In 1949 a group appointed by the NSC recommended that the Agency be restructured. Hillenkoetter served on the board of governors of NICAP and is on record as stating: "Unknown objects are operating under intelligent control. It is imperative that we learn where UFOs come from and what their purpose is." He resigned from NICAP in Feb 1962 and was replaced on the NICAP Board by a former covert CIA high official, Joseph Bryan III, the CIA's first Chief of Political & Psychological Warfare (Bryan never disclosed his CIA background to NICAP or Keyhoe).
Hynek, Dr. J. Allen;
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Dr. Hynek had been the consultant astronomer to Projects Sign, Grudge and Blue Book. Ruppelt said that Hynek was "darn interested" and had devoted a great deal of his valuable time to the project. Ruppelt stated Hynek had read almost every UFO report in the Air Force files, which simply was not true. Brad Sparks: "One person working very few hours part-time, like Hynek, could not possibly have read almost all of the 4,000 reports. Hynek also suspected he never got to see certain sensitive reports. Sometimes BB used the excuse that Hynek was only to analyze astronomical aspects of cases to explain them away in order to deny Hynek knowledge of or access to spectacular Unknowns."
On Oct. 11, 1952 he debated with Menzel at the American Optical Society meeting in Boston and (according to Ruppelt) "blasted Menzel right out of the hall". He sat as an associate Member on the CIA Robertson Panel in Washington in January 1953 and was cautiously pro-UFO. Dr. Hynek was Head of the Ohio State Univ. Astronomy Department, Director of the Perkins Observatory and Assistant Dean of the USU Graduate School. Hynek headed up Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Moonwatch project from 1956 to 1960 then went to Northwestern University where he was Director of the Dearborn Observatory and the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, until his retirement from Northwestern in June 1978.
Two of his most enduring efforts are the close encounters scale, a new classification system of sightings from which the term "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" became famous, and the creation in 1973 of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS).
SOURCE LINK; http://www.nicap.org/photobio.htm
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Kaliszewski, Joseph J.
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This was one of the people that Ruppelt claimed he liked to talk to at General Mills. He was one of the members of the original Skyhook balloon launching crew. He had a BS degree in aeronautical engineering and was considered to be pretty sharp. All of the people at General Mills were convinced that the UFO’s were real, as they said they had all seen the UFO’s. The boss, Charles Moore, whom Ruppelt talked to for only a few minutes, was very put out at the way the Air Force had handled many of the UFO reports and was very indignant. In the summer of 1952, Kaliszewski was quoted in the Minneapolis paper as saying that the Air Force should put forth more effort because he was convinced that the UFO’s were real.
Kaplan, Dr. Joseph
Joseph Kaplan was a geophysics professor at UCLA. His main UFO interest was the Green Fireballs. Ruppelt stated that Kaplan put a lot of stock in Dr. LaPaz’s theory that the GFB’s were man-made (Russian), although at one time he thought that they were auroral patches. Dr. Kaplan originated the grid camera idea. Dr. Kaplan later headed the satellite program for the International Geophysical Year.
Lipp, Dr. James
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James Lipp was the Rand Corporation's guided missile expert and he was violently anti-saucer, according to Ruppelt's notes. Lipp wrote an analysis of UFO reports in December of 1948 for Project Sign to see if they could be space visitors, but concluded UFO's were probably not extraterrestrial. Ruppelt stated that early in 1952 Col. Don Bower and he tried to enlist the Rand Corporation's aid, on a contract basis, to try to develop some way of getting more positive answers but, at the recommendation of Lipp, Rand refused to touch it. “Too hot,” was their reason. Ruppelt: "I think controversial would have been a better word than 'hot'."
Col. William A Matheny
Col Matheny was the CO of the 34th Air Defense Division in Albuquerque. He later became a Brig. General. He was firmly convinced that the UFO’s were real and that they were interplanetary space ships. He wrote up a plan, Project Pounce, that called for a special squadron of stripped down F-94C’s to chase the UFO’s. The plan went through Western Air Defense Headquarters and to Air Defense Command Headquarters but it was rejected because of the non-availability of the aircraft. It was in the 34th that the F-86 pilot claimed that he shot at the UFO, in the disturbing incident Ruppelt wrote about in the beginning of his book, which evidently occurred in september of 1952, according to Brad Sparks' research. His official bio can be found at: http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6323
Page, Thornton
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Thornton Page of John Hopkin’s Operations Research Office, editor of the Operations Research Journal, and an astronomer, sat on the CIA Robertson Panel in Washington D.C. in January 1953. Page and Goudsmit were both anti-UFO, but it was Page who kept cracking jokes about UFOs until Robertson reprimanded him. Later his opinion changed and in 1969, after reviewing the Condon Report, he stated: "How can we logically reject this theory when we accept theories of rotating neutron stars to explain pulsars? Of course, a better theory might be devised if more data were collected and the present data examined in broader terms."
Parrish, Lt. Glen
This was the Intelligence Officer at the 34th Air Defense Division at Albuquerque where Col. Matheny was the CO. Ruppelt: "Parrish sent in some of the best reports that we had and he is the man who showed me the report on the pilot who shot at the UFO." (Sept. 1952) According to Ruppelt, with all of the good reports that Parrish had submitted, he wasn’t a confirmed believer. But he did think that the reports were important enough to warrant careful investigations. In addition to the above, Parrish was the middle man for the reports from the people who were doing the radiation work in Los Alamos.
Porter, Col Edward H.
Ruppelt: "Col Porter was the Deputy Director for Estimates of the D/I. He was violently anti-UFO. He was Fournet’s boss. At every briefing or meeting he always got his two cents worth in and he minced no words. But he never had a decent argument; he didn’t know what was being reported nor did he care, he just didn’t believe that there was anything to it. General Cabell is reported to have climbed all over him and Col Hal Watson for conspiring to get rid of the UFO project in 1950."
Possony, Dr. Stefan T.
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Ruppelt: "Steven Possony was the acting chief of the Directorate of Intelligence Special Studies Group and he had a direct channel to (Gen.) Samford." Possony was apparently pretty much sold on the UFO and did a lot of investigating on his own "book", and had Father Hayden, the astronomer, as his special consultant. Ruppelt: "Steve and his crew used to cruise all over the U.S. and Europe, and during these travels they picked up a lot of UFO data. Steve was behind Fournet 100% and tended to push him. He was smart enough to know that the UFO situation was hot so he used Fournet, who was a reserve and didn’t plan to stay in the Air Force any longer than he had to, to try out his ideas.
Possony didn’t much care what he said, however, and he used to go to battle with any or all of the more vocal skeptics. He really got teed off at Menzell and went to all ends to find out everything about the man. It turned out to be very interesting. Possony had a good reputation in the Air Force. Besides being a fairly sharp intelligence man, he is a professor at Georgetown University and he has written quite a bit on the strategy and concepts of airpower. He is considered one the of the world’s experts on this subject."
Maj. Gen. Roger Maxwell Ramey;
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Detailed military career bio herehttp://www.nicap.org/bios/ramey_detailed_bio.htm Briefly, Highly decorated during WWII, and noted for his heavy bombing campaigns against the Japanese. In charge of air operations during the post-war A-bomb tests for Operations Crossroads and Sandstone. Air Force Director of Operations and headed the 8th and 5th Air Forces. Left the service a three-star general and Director of the Air Defense Command. Ramey and UFOs: Roswell fame. Ramey was already debunking UFOs before Roswell. And in 1952 was said to be the Air Force's "saucer man" and one of their top UFO experts. He played an important role in debunking the 1952 flying saucer wave, including going on national. Issued a false press release that the Air Force never gave an order to shoot down the saucers.
Robertson, Howard Percy
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Robertson later became chief scientific advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of NATO. Ruppelt: "He first came out to ATIC in November 1952 [actually Dec. 12, 1952] with a group of other scientists [from the CIA] to review our UFO material. He and his party stayed two days [one day] and then went back to Washington and suggested to the National Security Council [actually the CIA] that a group of top scientists get together to look over the reports." (Sparks: Ruppelt has the events of Nov/Dec 1952 confused.
In fact the Chadwell-Robertson-Durant CIA group strongly recommended _against_ convening what became known as the Robertson Panel because Battelle scientist Dr. Howard Cross told them that Battelle needed more time to finish its massive statistical analysis of Blue Book's 4,000 UFO reports.)
Rosenzweig, Leslie
Ruppelt: Les Rosenzweig worked for Possony. He was sort of a dull tool and whenever Possony said or did anything Les took it as the gospel. When it came to UFO’s there was no difference. Les made quite a few studies on how the UFO’s could be powered, how they could be contacted, etc. He pushed the idea of using a huge horizontal movie screen to flash messages to the UFO’s. He, or possibly it was Possony himself, made a lot of contacts with Willy Ley. They dropped him fast however, when good old commercial Willy began to try to push himself into the act a little too fast.
It is interesting to note that those people in the U.S. who are actually considered to be tops in the fields of interplanetary travel have no use for Willy Ley or Von Braun. (Sparks: Note that this is Ruppelt's veiled reference to his CIA friend Fred Durant, a rocket expert who was soon to be proved spectacularly wrong about von Braun. Ruppelt wrote this in 1955, before von Braun proved himself by launching the US's first satellite in Jan 1958, after the Soviets beat everyone into space with Sputnik 1 in Oct 1957 and after the "experts" were humiliated by their Vanguard launch failure.)
Samford, Major General John
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General Samford was Director of Intelligence, USAF, and was neutral on the subject of UFO’s, and always very much interested and gave Ruppelt the utmost in cooperation. He took comments and suggestions at meetings but never agreed or disagreed with anyone. Ruppelt: "The only time that I ever heard him say anything was when Col Porter got real nasty about the whole thing one day and began to knock ATIC, UFO’s, me and everything associated with the project. Then the General said something to the effect that as far as he could see,
I was the first person in the history of the Air Force’s investigation that had taken a serious approach to the investigation and that he didn’t see how anyone could decide until I’d collected more data." General Samford felt like he got “burned” real bad on the press conference in July 1952. According to Ruppelt, Samford's statements were twisted around and newsreel shots of him were “cut and pieced” and quoted him out of context. (Sparks: "Gen. Samford became Director of the NSA in 1956 and held that position until 1960.")
Smith, Weldon H. Col .
Ruppelt: "This man was Dewey Fournet’s boss. He wasn’t quite as sold on the UFO’s as Col Bill Adams but he was pretty well sold. He also 'bought' Fournet’s ideas and studies. I remember specifically the case of the burned Scoutmaster: Col Smith was 'sold' that this was the real thing. He was following the whole show from the Pentagon, through my calls to Fournet and from the wires that I was sending back. Just as soon as I got back from the first trip to Florida I went in to see him and he got quite irked when I said that something about this scoutmaster just didn’t ring true. He said that I was biased and wasn’t giving the man a chance. According to Keyhoe, he is the person from the D/I that wrote the anonymous letter that Keyhoe quotes in his book. I don’t believe it, however, I think that Fournet wrote it."
Thompson, James
Ruppelt: "When I knew Jim Thompson he was an astronomer working for RAND in Santa Monica. He used to stop in at ATIC quite frequently and spend a day or two reading reports. Whenever I got out to California he used to arrange an unofficial bull session with a dozen or so of the 'believers' and we’d talk UFO’s."
Watson, Col. Harold E.
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Ruppelt wrote in his papers that Col Watson, later a Brig Gen and once again Chief of ATIC, was chief of ATIC when he arrived. (He later went to Europe for three years.) "He was violently anti-saucer but he crossed himself up too many times trying to constantly grab publicity. He was the one who made the famous remark about all UFO observers being nuts or 'fatigued airline pilots'. He continually hauled in writers who would plug him and debunk the UFO's. I've overheard him tell how he completely snowed Bob Considine."
White, Major General
Ruppelt: I think that this man’s name was White. He was from some branch of research and development in the Pentagon. He and his staff religiously attended every one of my briefings and were sold that the UFO’s were real. He had Gen Samford’s ear but I don’t think he quite convinced Samford that the UFO’s were real.
Zimmerman, Charles
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Ruppelt: Charley Zimmerman was the technical advisor to the chief of the Analysis Branch at ATIC. I never could figure out exactly where he stood on the subject of UFO’s but I think he was a bit of a believer. Several times I tried to put through an explanation that a UFO was a balloon or other known object and he’d argue like mad against it. Many times he’d come running into my office to show me “a new, red hot report”.
LeMay, Curtis Emerson, General
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LeMay was an Air Force General and the vice presidential running mate of independent candidate George C. Wallace in 1968. He is credited with designing and implementing an effective systematic strategic bombing campaign in the Pacific Theatre of Strategic Air Command. After the war, he reorganized the Strategic Air Command into an effective means of conducting nuclear war. Critics have characterized him as a belligerent warmonger (even nicknaming him "Bombs Away LeMay") whose aggressiveness threatened to inflame tense Cold War situations (such as the Cuban Missile Crisis) into open war between the United States and the Soviet Union. He was AAF Deputy C/S for R&D in 1946-1947.
He was AF Chief of Staff after SAC. In the summer of 1952 LeMay enlisted Edward Teller to do a UFO study just like many other agencies following the LIFE article and riding on the UFO wave. The April_25 1988 issue of The New Yorker carried an interview of Barry Goldwater, who said he repeatedly asked his friend Gen. LeMay if there was any truth to the rumors that UFO evidence was stored in a secret room at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and if he (Goldwater) might have access to the room.
According to Goldwater, an angry LeMay gave him "holy hell" and said, "Not only can't you get into it but don't you ever mention it to me again." Referred to as "The Blue Room.", Goldwater reported in an interview with Larry King (LARRY KING LIVE AT AREA 51) that he had felt "chewed out" by General LeMay.
Knowles, Rear Admiral H.B,, USN (Retired)
Admiral Knowles was a veteran of both World War I and World War II. He held important submarine commands and wasn a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Wilbert B. Smith (head of the Canadian government's UFO project, Project Magnet) claimed that in 1952, a time of the great UFO wave, the U.S.A.F. had recovered a piece of a UFO that had been shot at near Washington, D.C. He said that the U.S. Air Force had loaned him a piece of the recovery. He showed it to a friend, Rear Admiral H. B. Knowles. Statement by Rear Adm. M. Herbert B. Knowles:
"I shall be very glad to accept appointment as a member of the (NICAP) Board of Governors and be listed as a 'believer' in the reality of UFO's, with the understanding that I shall resign if it appears at any time that your big group is beinq used to cover up for the top brass. I know that there is a real need to break through the official Washington brush-off and get the truth home to the people. There seems to be a great fear among the powers that be that the American people will panic if told the truth. How little they know and understand their countrymen. I feel that millions of our people already believe in the reality of the UFO's."
source link; http://www.nicap.org/photobio.htm
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Here is a fascinating document from a report made by the credible "Brookings Research Institute" in Washington ,the bit i am highlighting here is the section entitled "Implications of a Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life". (Commonly referred to as "the Brookings Institute report".); All text below is from external sources;
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Subject: Brookings Report, 1960;
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 07:38:09 -0500;
From: Francis Ridge <[email protected]>
Cat: 0
Distribution: CE, SHG, NCP;
quote;
"On December 14, 1960, The Brookings Research Institute in Washington released a report prepared during 1960 for NASA entitled "Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs", including a section entitled "Implications of a Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life". (Commonly referred to as "the Brookings Institute report".)
The report discusses effects of meeting extraterrestrial life: "It is possible that if the intelligence of these creatures were sufficiently superior to ours, they would choose to have little if any contact with us. . . " (New York Times, Dec. 15, 1960);
The original site for the 219-page report and the 50-page summary is listed below. For security reasons, if the site would go down, the NICAP site also hosts the full documents, also listed below. The article in the NICAP UFO Investigator that announced the release of the report in its Dec/Jan issue is produced below. Recently added is the New York Times article transcript,
SPACE-LIFE REPORT COULD BE SHOCK;
UFOI, Vol. I, No. II (Dec 1960 - Jan 1961 issue);
quote;
"The discovery of intelligent space beings could have a severe effect on the public, according to a research report released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The report warned that America should prepare to meet the psychological impact of such a revelation.
The 190-page report was the result of a $96,000 one-year study conducted by the Brookings Institution for NASA's long-range study committee.
Public realization that intelligent beings live on other planets could bring about profound changes, or even the collapse of our civilization, the research report stated.
"Societies sure of their own place have disintegrated when confronted by a superior society," said the NASA report. "Others have survived even though changed. Clearly, the better we can come to understand the factors involved in responding to such crises the better prepared we may be."
Although the research group did not expect any immediate contact with other planet beings, it said that the discovery of intelligent space races "could nevertheless happen at any time."
Even though the UFO problem was not indicated as a reason for the study, it undoubtedly was an important factor. Fear of public reaction to an admission of UFO reality was cited as the main reason for secrecy in the early years of the AF investigation. (Confirmed to NICAP's present director in 1952-3, when the AF was planning to release important UFO reports, also the famous Utah motion-pictures of a UFO formation.)
Radio communication probably would be the first proof of other intelligent life, says the NASA report. It adds: "Evidences of its existence might also be found in artifacts left on the moon or other planets."
This report gives weight to previous thinking by scholars who have suggested that the earth already may be under close scrutiny by advanced space races. In 1958, Prof. Harold D. Lasswell of the Yale Law School stated:
"The implications of the UFOs may be that we are already viewed with suspicion by more advanced civilizations and that our attempts to gain a foothold elsewhere may be rebuffed as a threat to other systems of public order." (UFO Investigator, Dec. 1958.)
The NASA warning of a possible shock to the public, from the revelation of more advanced civilizations, support's NICAP's previous arguments against AF secrecy about UFOs. All available information about UFOs should be given to the public now, so that we will be prepared for any eventuality.<
Brookings Report - The NY Times 12/15/1960
Dateline: The New York Times, Thursday, December 15, 1960
Mankind is warned to Prepare for Discovery of Life in Space - Brookings Institution Report Says Earth's Civilization Might Topple if faced by a Race of Superior Beings
Washington. Dec 14 (UPI) -- Discovery of life on other worlds could cause the earth's civilization to collapse, a Federal report said today.
This warning was contained in a research report given to the National Aeronautical and Space Administration with the recommendation that the world prepare itself mentally for the eventuality.
The report, prepared by the Brookings Institution, said "while the discovery of intelligent life in other parts of the universe is not likely in the immediate future, it could nevertheless, happen at any time." Discovery of Intelligent beings on other planets could lead to an all-out effort by earth to contact them, or it could lead to sweeping changes or even the downfall of civilization, the report said.
Even on earth, it added, "societies sure of their own place have disintegrated when confronted by a superior society, and others have survived even though changed."
Responding to Crisis;
"Clearly, the better we can come to understanding the factors involved in responding to such crisis the better prepared we may be."
The agency's 100-page report, prepared at a cost of $86,000 was for the space agency's committee on beings-in-space studies. The members, headed by Donald M. Michael also recommended further study of other space activities, including the symptomatic and propaganda effects and the implications of communications and weather satellites.
On the question of life in outer space, the report said that if intelligent or super-intelligent beings were discovered in the next twenty years they would probably be found by radio communications with other solar systems.
Evidence of such existence "might also be found in artifacts left on the moon or other planets," it said.
An attempt already has been made to contact outer space. Government scientist at Greenbank, West Virginia used radio astronomy in an effort to pick up signals that might have been beamed by intelligent beings. They concentrated on a star about fifteen light years away.
"Signals were sent from Greenbank were of a kind that would show to anyone receiving on other planets that they were man-made and not natural phenomena".
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This for me is a mother of a speech by Astronaut Gordon Cooper when he addressed the UN panel on the subject of UFOs; All below texts are from external sources;
Astronaut Gordon Cooper addressing U.N. panel discussion on UFOs and ETs, 1985;
Summary: This message was given to the U.N. by Astronaut Gordon L. Cooper, one of America's original seven Mercury Astronauts. Cooper orbited the Earth for a record 34 hour, 22 orbit flight in the spacecraft 'Faith 7', in May of 1963. He has been outspoken about the need for an open inquiry into UFOs - based on his own personal experience of sighting UFOs in space and the testimony of other Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Astronauts.
Astronaut Gordon Cooper's Message to the UN
"I believe that these extraterrestrial vehicles and their crews are visiting this planet from other planets, which are a little more technically advanced than we are on Earth. I feel that we need to have a top level, coordinated program to scientifically collect and analyze data from all over the Earth concerning any type of encounter, and to determine how best to interfere with these visitors in a friendly fashion.
We may first have to show them that we have learned how to resolve our problems by peaceful means rather than warfare, before we are accepted as fully qualified universal team members. Their acceptance will have tremendous possibilities of advancing our world in all areas. Certainly then it would seem that the U.N. has a vested interest in handling the subject quickly and properly.
I should point out that I am not an experienced UFO professional researcher - I have not as yet had the privilege of flying a UFO nor of meeting the crew of one. However, I do feel that I am somewhat qualified to discuss them, since I have been into the fringes of the vast areas of which they travel. Also, I did have occasion in 1951 to have two days of observation of many flights of them, of different sizes flying in fighter formation, generally from west to east over Europe. They were at a higher altitude than we could reach with our jet fighters....
If the U.N. agrees to pursue this project and lend the credibility to it, perhaps many more well qualified people will agree to step forth and provide help and information."
[Astronaut Gordon Cooper addressing a U.N. panel discussion on UFOs and ETs in New York, in 1985; Panel was chaired by then U.N. Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim.
The above message was given to the U.N. by Astronaut Gordon L. Cooper, one of America's original seven Mercury Astronauts. Cooper orbited the Earth for a record 34 hour, 22 orbit flight in the spacecraft 'Faith 7', in May of 1963. He has been outspoken about the need for an open inquiry into UFOs - based on his own personal experience of sighting UFOs in space and the testimony of other Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Astronauts.
Source: Nov. 1988 issue (Vol 1, No. 3) issue of UFO Universe magazine; Condor Books 351 West 54th St., New York, N.Y. 10019]
Gordon Cooper;
http://www.thelivingmoon.com/43ancie...Cooper_002.jpg
Image Credit: NASA/JPL
Leroy Gordon Cooper, was one of the nation's first astronauts who once set a space endurance record by traveling more than 3.3 million miles aboard Gemini 5 in 1965. He died on Monday October 4th 2004. He was 77.
"As one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, Gordon Cooper was one of the faces of America's fledgling space program. He truly portrayed the right stuff, and he helped gain the backing and enthusiasm of the American public, so critical for the spirit of exploration," NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe said on the space agency's Web site.
Cooper, an Oklahoma native who entered the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1945, later became an elite Air Force test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he became fascinated with the space program.
By April 1959, Cooper was named as one of the Project Mercury astronauts, following grueling physical and mental tests each candidate had to endure.
At the news conference naming the future of America's space program, Cooper was joined by Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, M. Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra Jr. and Deke Slayton.
On May 15 and 16, 1963, Cooper piloted the Faith 7 spacecraft on a 22-orbit mission that concluded the operational phase of Project Mercury.
A little more than two years later, he would set a new space endurance record, serving as command pilot of the eight-day, 120-revolution Gemini 5 mission, which began August 21, 1965.
It was on this flight that he and Charles Conrad traveled a distance of 3,312,993 miles in 190 hours and 56 minutes. Cooper also became the first man to make a second orbital flight.
During his two space flights, Cooper logged 225 hours, 15 minutes and 3 seconds. He served as backup command pilot for Gemini 12 and as backup commander for Apollo X.
In addition to his space flights, Cooper logged more than 7,000 hours flying time in jets and commercial aircraft. He retired from the Air Force and NASA in 1970 with the rank of colonel.
Concerning UFOs;
In his post-NASA career, Cooper became known as an outspoken believer in UFOs and charged that the government was covering up its knowledge of extraterrestrial activity.
"I believe that these extraterrestrial vehicles and their crews are visiting this planet from other planets, which obviously are a little more technically advanced than we are here on Earth," he told a United Nations panel in 1985.
"I feel that we need to have a top-level, coordinated program to scientifically collect and analyze data from all over the Earth concerning any type of encounter, and to determine how best to interface with these visitors in a friendly fashion."
He added, "For many years I have lived with a secret, in a secrecy imposed on all specialists and astronauts. I can now reveal that every day, in the USA, our radar instruments capture objects of form and composition unknown to us."
"Each administration has probably tried to figure out how, with the least embarrassment, they could confess to this whole thing," he said at a recent appearance in Washington to promote his new book, Leap of Faith: An Astronaut's Journey in the Unknown
"There certainly have been too many people, very qualified people and qualified groups of people, that have had interface of one type or another with extraterrestrial craft or beings," Cooper said. "To really deny that something is going on and deny that they definitely exist…we need a little more explanation."
In his book, written with Bruce Henderson, Cooper tells how he saw his first UFO over Europe in 1951. An Air Force pilot in West Germany, Cooper and his squadron mates were scrambled in their F-86 Sabre jets to intercept what appeared to be several metallic silver and saucer-shaped craft.
Cooper also describes an incident at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in which he once looked at film of a crashed UFO in the American Southwest taken in the late 1950s. That film, he writes, was whisked away to the Pentagon never to be seen or heard of again.
Throughout the book, the former astronaut argues for the government to open up its files and come clean about alien visitations.
So convinced is Cooper that UFOs deserve serious study that he once testified before the United Nations in 1978 on the topic. His hope was that the U.N. would become a central repository for accounts of UFO sightings.
"I made the effort to get the U.N. to pick up the ball," Cooper said at the book signing. "They thought it was a great idea, but they never did anything about it."
Colonel L. Gordon Cooper, Mercury-9, Gemini-5 Astronaut, Addressing a United Nations Panel Discussion on UFOs and ETs in New York in 1985. The panel was chaired by then Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim.
"I believe that these extraterrestrial vehicles and their crews are visiting this planet from other planets which obviously are a little more technically advanced than we are here on Earth. I feel that we need to have a top level, coordinated program to scientifically collect and analyze data from all over the earth concerning any type of encounter, and to determine how best to interface with these visitors in a friendly fashion.
We may first have to show them that we have learned to resolve our problems by peaceful means, rather than warfare, before we are accepted as fully qualified universal team members. This acceptance would have tremendous possibilities of advancing our world in all areas. Certainly then it would seem that the UN has a vested interest in handling this subject properly and expeditiously.
For many years I have lived with a secret, in a secrecy imposed on all specialists and astronauts. I can now reveal that every day, in the USA, our radar instruments capture objects of form and composition unknown to us.
And there are thousands of witness reports and a quantity of documents to prove this, but nobody wants to make them public.
Why? Because the authorities are afraid that people may think of some kind of horrible invaders. So the password still is: We have to avoid panic by all means."
In another interview he said:
"As far as I am concerned, there have been too many unexplained examples of UFO sightings around this Earth for us to rule out the possibilities that some form of life exists out there beyond our own world."
And in an exclusive interview with the National Enquirer on 14 January 1997, Cooper speaks openly about alien spacecraft. He says there's been a massive government cover-up of UFOs for nearly 50 years and insists the American public has a right to know the truth.
"I know other astronauts share my feelings,"declared Cooper, 69, who went into space aboard a Mercury craft in 1963 and on a Gemini craft two years later.
"And we know the government is sitting on hard evidence of UFOs!"
Cooper said he first encountered UFOs as a military pilot in Germany in the early 1950s, when unidentified craft were spotted over an air base.
"We thought they could have been Russian. We regularly had MiG-15s overflying our base. We scrambled our Sabre jets to intercept and got to our ceiling of 45,000 feet . . . and they were still way above us traveling faster than we were.
"These vehicles were in formation like a fighter group, but they were metallic silver and saucer-shaped. Believe me, they weren't like any MiGs I'd seen before! They had to be UFOs."
In 1957, Cooper was one of an elite band of test pilots at Edwards Air Force Base in California, in charge of several advanced projects, including the installation of a precision landing system.
"I had a camera crew filming the installation when they spotted a saucer. They filmed it as it flew overhead, then hovered, extended three legs as landing gear, and slowly came down to land on a dry lake bed!
"These guys were all pro cameramen, so the picture quality was very good. "The camera crew managed to get within 20 or 30 yards of it, filming all the time. It was a classic saucer, shiny silver and smooth, about 30 feet across. It was pretty clear it was an alien craft.
"As they approached closer it took off."
When his camera crew handed over the film, Cooper followed standard procedure and contacted Washington to report the UFO and"all heck broke loose," he said.
"After a while a high-ranking officer said when the film was developed I was to put it in a pouch and send it to Washington.
"He didn't say anything about me not looking at the film. That's what I did when it came back from the lab and it was all there just like the camera crew reported."
When the Air Force later started Operation Blue Book to collate UFO evidence and reports, Cooper says he mentioned the film evidence.
"But the film was never found supposedly. Blue Book was strictly a cover-up anyway."
Cooper revealed he's convinced an alien craft crashed at Roswell, N. Mex., in 1947 and aliens were discovered in the wreckage.
"I had a good friend at Roswell, a fellow officer. He had to be careful about what he said. But it sure wasn't a weather balloon, like the Air Force cover story. He made it clear to me what crashed was a craft of alien origin, and members of the crew were recovered."
Why has the government kept its UFO secrets for so many years?
"It started in World War 2, when the government didn't want people to know about UFO reports in case they panicked," said Cooper. "They would have been fearful it was superior enemy technology that we had no defense against.
"Then it got worse in the Cold War for the same reason.
"So they told one untruth, they had to tell another to cover that one, then another, then another...it just snowballed.
"And right now I'm convinced a lot of very embarrassed government officials are sitting there in Washington trying to figure a way to bring the truth out. They know it's got to come out one day, and I'm sure it will.
"America has a right to know!"
NAME:
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr. (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)
NASA Astronaut (deceased)
PERSONAL DATA:
Born March 6, 1927 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. His interests included treasure hunting, archeology, racing, flying, skiing, boating, hunting and fishing. Gordon Cooper passed away on October 4, 2004, at his home in Ventura, California, at the age of 77.
EDUCATION:
Attended primary and secondary schools in Shawnee, Oklahoma and Murray, Kentucky; received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 1956; recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Oklahoma City University in 1967.
ORGANIZATIONS:
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots, The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The American Astronautical Society, The Blue Lodge Masons, The York Rite Masons, The Scottish Rite Masons, The Royal Order of Jesters, The Sojourners, The Rotary Club, The Daedalians, The Confederate Air Force, The Boy Scouts of America, The Girl Scouts of America.
SPECIAL HONORS:
The Air Force Legion of Merit, The Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross Cluster, The NASA Exceptional Service Medal, The NASA Distinguished Service Medal, USAF Command Astronaut Wings, The Collier Trophy, The Harmon Trophy, The Scottish Rite 33 , The York Rite Knight of the Purple Cross,
The DeMolay Legion of Honor, The John F. Kennedy Trophy, The Ivan E. Kincheloe Trophy, The Air Force Association Trophy, The Primus Trophy, The John Montgomery Trophy, The General Thomas E. White Trophy, The Association of Aviation Writers Award, The University of Hawaii Regents Medal, The Columbus Medal, The Silver Antelope, The Sport Fishing Society of Spain Award.
EXPERIENCE:
Cooper, an Air Force Colonel, received an Army commission after completing three years of schooling at the University of Hawaii. He transferred his commission to the Air Force and was placed on active duty by that service in 1949 and given flight training.
His next assignment was with the 86th Fighter Bomber Group in Munich, Germany, where he flew F-84s and F-86s for four years. While in Munich, he also attended the European Extension of the University of Maryland night school.
He returned to the United States and, after two years of study at AFIT, received his degree. He then reported to the Air Force Experimental Flight Test School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and, upon graduating in 1957, was assigned as an aeronautical engineer and test pilot in the Performance Engineering Branch of the Flight Test Division at Edwards. His responsibilities there included the flight testing of experimental fighter aircraft.
He logged more than 7,000 hours flying time--4,000 hours in jet aircraft. He had flown all types of Commercial and General aviation airplane and helicopters.
NASA EXPERIENCE:
Colonel Cooper was selected as a Mercury astronaut in April 1959.
On May 15-16, 1963, he piloted the "Faith 7" spacecraft on a 22-orbit mission which concluded the operational phase of Project Mercury. During the 34 hours and 20 minutes of flight, Faith 7 attained an apogee of 166 statue miles and a speed of 17,546 miles per hour and traveled 546,167 statue miles.
Cooper served as command pilot of the 8-day 120-revolution Gemini 5 mission which began on August 21, 1965. It was on this flight that he and pilot Charles Conrad established a new space endurance record by traveling a distance of 3,312,993 miles in an elapsed time of 190 hours and 56 minutes. Cooper also became the first man to make a second orbital flight and thus won for the United States the lead in man-hours in space by accumulating a total of 225 hours and 15 minutes.
He served as backup command pilot for Gemini 12 and as backup commander for Apollo X.
Colonel Cooper logged 222 hours in space.
He retired from the Air Force and NASA in 1970.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE:
From 1962 to 1967, he was President of Performance Unlimited, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of race and Marine engines, and fiberglass boats.
From 1963 to 1967, he was President of GCR, Inc. They designed, tested and raced championship cars at Indianapolis and other USAC tracks, conducted tire tests for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and pioneered turbine engine installation on cars.
From 1965 to 1970, he was President of Teletest, Inc. They designed, installed and tested various systems using advanced Telemetry.
From 1966 to 1969, he participated with Doubloon, Inc., on design, construction, and utilization of Treasure Hunting equipment.
From 1968 to 1969, he participated with Cosmos, Inc., on Archeology exploration projects.
From 1968 to 1970, he was part owner and race project manager of the Profile Race Team. He also designed, raced and constructed high performance boats.
From 1968 to 1970, he was a Technical Consultant for corporate acquisitions and public relations for the Republic Corp.
From 1967 to 1969, he was Technical Consultant for design and construction of various automotive production items for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Motor Companies.
From 1970 to 1972 he was Member of the Board of Directors and Technical Consultant for developing technical products and public relations in land development projects for Canaveral International, Inc.
From 1970 to 1975, he was President of the consulting firm Gordon Cooper & Associates, Inc. They specialized in technical projects ranging from airline and aerospace fields to land and hotel development.
From 1970 to 1974, he was on the Board of Directors for APECO which produced and marketed modular homes, computer systems, office systems, copy machines and boats and marine equipment.
From July 1972 to June 1973, he was a Member of Board of Directors and Technical Consultant for Campco, a corporation which built campers and mobile homes.
From August 1972 to December 1973, He was on the Board of Directors and a Technical Consultant for design and production of various advanced electronic systems for LowCom Systems, Inc.
From 1972 to 1973, he was on the Board of Directors and a Technical Consultant for design and construction of lifting, inflatable, steerable foils which could land cargo and/or personnel at a precise spot for Aerofoil Systems, Inc.
From July 1973 to January 1974, he was Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for Craftech Corporation. They specialized in the design and construction of economical homes, garages, storage buildings, and hangers of Craftboard and fiberglass.
From January 1973 to 1975, he was Chairman of the Board for Constant Energy Systems, Inc.
From January 1973 to 1975, he was Vice President for Research and Development/EPCOT for Walter E. Disney Enterprises, Inc., the research and development subsidiary of Walt Disney Productions.
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This is one hell of an interesting data base complied and brought into existence, by a one Gary Heseltine a serving police officer in the UK;
All quotes are from external sources;
THE PRUFOS POLICE DATABASE;
quote;
"My name is Gary Heseltine and I am a serving police officer. The Database is my hobby and is done in an unofficial capacity.
It was launched publicly in January 2002.
It caters for serving and retired officers who have been involved in British UFO police sightings.
Each year I publish an annual report outlining the results of my research conducted during the previous twelve months.
When I began the database I had a half dozen police reports involving approximately 10 police officers. Now after 8 years of research I have collected over 330 reports dating back to 1901 involving 800 police officers.
The database is divided into two separate categories - on and off duty police sightings.
The sighting reports derive from a number of sources, from officers themselves who contact me directly, to historical newspaper archive reports to official information reports released by the Ministry of Defence.
See the 'About Me' page for further details about the events in my life that ultimately led to the creation of this database.
Note - This website operates in an unofficial capacity and does not represent the views of my own Force".
================================================== ========
ON DUTY SIGHTINGS (1901-1972);
1901;
21/12/1901. 0045 hours. Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire. As two uniformed police officers, PS JOHN JOHNSON and PC CLARK were walking along a snow covered beat in Haworth when suddenly a green light illuminated the surrounding area. The officers looked up to the sky to see a luminous UFO shaped like a cigar pointed at both ends. The object emitted occasional flashes and sparks.
They watched the object for 15 minutes as it slowly and silently moved across the night sky before disappearing into the distance. PS JOHNSON stated that the object was seen at an altitude of 100-150 feet before gradually gaining height. Two members of the public reported seeing similar objects in Keighley and Shipley respectively. UFO CLASSIFICATION – CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND). On duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – Mr Midgley via Keighley News 02/12/94.
1950;
Monday. 02/11/50. Location – Gowerton, Wales. Following a report by a member of the public of two lights traveling across the sky, DETECTIVE SERGEANT AMBROSE DAVIES, of Gowerton Police station observed a single white ball of flame. It was much brighter than any star and after a few seconds was seen to break into two pieces. A shower of reddish sparks were seen to the rear of the objects. The officer ruled out planets and meteors stating that there were definitely two objects in the sky and that they were joined by some kind of tether. UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source – UFO Magazine Press Archive.
1952;
2115 Hours. Location - Leek, Staffordshire. A police officer on plain clothes observations and two passing civilians saw a UFO literally above their heads at the recreation ground, Burton Street, Leek, Staffordshire. The object was seen for approx 2-3 minutes at an alt of 500 feet. They described it as orange in colour prior to the object changing shape from sphere to cigar by which time it was blue. Eventually the object accelerated away at a fantastic speed in a northerly direction.
Throughout duration of the sighting the UFO made no noise whatsoever. It was a clear cold night, no wind and the stars were visible. The sighting was reported by the officer but he was told by his Superintendent to ‘keep his mouth shut’. The sighting was released to the press.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND).
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source: Irene Bott archive.
1954;
February. 0600 hours. Location – Bognor Regis, Sussex. PC WILLIAM KEATS was cycling to work for the 6am shift when he saw the road ahead suddenly illuminated from behind him. He stopped and turned to see an intense white light travelling from west to east.
Upon reaching the police station two other officers from Chichester, PC HOWARD NORTH and PC TONY COX confirmed they too had seen what they described as a ‘tadpole’ shaped UFO.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source: Daily Mail 11/02/54.
1955;
Evening. Summer. Location - Sussex coast. An on duty uniformed police officer PC JOHN L CLARKE observed a bright light flying at high altitude along the Sussex coast on a late evening summer’s sky. He estimated the size of the UFO as ¼ size of the moon. It was first seen low from the east taking ten minutes to arrive overhead and then a further ten minutes to disappear from view. No sound present at any time. He described the UFO as a distinct circular shape at the front with a broken and distorted rear.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source - John L Clarke.
1957;
September 1957. 2345 hours. Sunday. Location. Bristol Channel. Three uniformed officers observed a red disc shaped UFO rise from the Bristol Channel. One half of the disc was like a large harvest moon and moved out of sight towards the west. The officers reported the sighting to Glamorgan Police HQ.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL/USO (NOCTURNAL LIGHT/UNDERWATER SURFACE OBJECT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source: Daily Telegraph 04/09/57.
November 1957. 0235 hours. Location – Cowbridge, Glamorgan. Two uniformed officers observed a green blue UFO as it passed over South Wales. Five minutes later two other uniformed officers saw the same object as it passed over the Rhonnda Valley. The object was described as being delta shaped and travelling at high speed. Several civilian witnesses also observed the UFO.
UFO CLASSICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 4 Officers. Source – Press Archive.
1962;
Location – Dartmoor, Devon. 8. A senior police officer in a newspaper article confirmed that two officers on mobile patrol had had a UFO encounter over Dartmoor. He said that the officers had chased the object along country roads where it was seen to stop and hover before disappearing. The officers submitted a long report about the incident.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source: Sunday Mirror 19/08/1979.
1963;
July. Location - Charlton near Shaftesbury, Wiltshire. An on duty uniformed police officer, PC ANTHONY PENNY reported seeing an orange coloured UFO flash across the sky in the above location and disappear over a potato field where days later a large spherical crater measuring eight feet was found. The crater appeared from nowhere in the field and within its centre was a hole three feet deep, 5-12 inches in diameter. Radiating from the centre of the hole were four slot marks, four feet long and one foot wide.
No cause could be found for the appearance of the crater or the marks found within it. The crater was investigated by a Bomb Disposal Unit but no satisfactory explanation was ever found for it. The mystery was even mentioned in parliament on 29th July by Major Patrick Wall, Conservative MP for Haltemprice.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books. Pages 104-107.
1964;
20/02/64. 0955 hours. Location: Shoeburyness, Southend, Essex. PC 392 CROOK was on patrol when he observed three fast moving objects in the southern sky. They were spaced in a line. The colour of the objects was off-white and their shape appeared to be oval. They were seen above cloud height and travelling at great speed with no discernable sound. The officer forwarded a report to the Air Ministry who stated he may have witnessed three Lightning fighter aircraft flying in formation.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – DD (DAYLIGHT DISC)
On duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source – Irene Bott archive.
1965;
1500 hours. 30/11/65. Location – Warminster, Wiltshire. An on duty uniformed police officer, PC ERIC PINNOCK was on foot patrol of the Bishopstrow area of the town when he observed a large bright silver ball shaped UFO hurtle through the sky before it disappeared over Sutton Common. He said, “It was a giant plate of light. It lit up the whole horizon with a glare”. It was flying low over the landscape and appeared to be spinning. During the mid sixties Warminster was a haven for UFO spotters and there were literally hundreds of sightings made in that area.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – DD (DAYLIGHT DISC)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source - The Warminster Mystery by Arthur Shuttlewood. Tandem Publishing 1976. Page 139.
1954 hours. Thursday 16/12/65. Location - Chineham, Basingstoke, Hampshire. An on duty uniformed police officer, PC J HARWOOD was speaking with a member of the public outside the man’s home when they both observed a tadpole shaped UFO with a large green dome on top and a flaming red tail that was two or three times the length of the dome pass by overhead. It was seen only briefly as it sped across the sky from south to north at an incredible speed.
The object was estimated to have been four to six feet in length. PC HARWOOD said, “The colour attracted me - green. This may have been caused by low clouds. I have never seen anything like it before”. The member of the public, Basil Gibbons (aged 67), likened the object to a Gemini space capsule.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT) On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source - The Warminster Mystery by Arthur Shuttlewood. Tandem Publishing 1976. Pages 141-142.
1966;
0410 hours. March. Location - Wilmslow, Cheshire. An on duty uniformed officer, PC COLIN PERKS was on foot patrol on Alderley Road in the above town when he saw a UFO moving across the sky at an altitude of only 30 feet and that it was only 100 yards from him. He described it as being 30 feet in diameter and as bulky as a double decker bus. He said, “There was an eerie, greenish-grey glow in the sky. Then I picked out an object about thirty feet long and built up in three sections with the top looking like a dustbin lid. It gave off a high pitched whine.
I was paralysed. I just couldn’t believe it.” The duration of the sighting was five minutes before it disappeared. His police report was forwarded to the MOD who did visit him to investigate his story. When officers visited the scene a short time after the incident the area where was seen was covered in a fine glass like substance that disippated after a short period.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – CE2 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 2ND KIND)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books 1999. Page 43 and PRUFOS.
September. Location – Southampton, Hampshire. Following a report from a member of the public that a UFO was hovering motionless over the city a marked police vehicle was sent to investigate the claim. When they arrived at the man’s address on Coxford Road they were amazed to see the object where he had claimed it would be. They contacted Police HQ by radio and said, “He’s right.
There is an object in the sky to the west and remaining still. It keeps flashing red, white and blue lights and dropping flares. There’s no sound of an engine and it does not appear to be an aircraft.” Enquiries with Eastleigh Airport proved negative as did those with Southampton University Air Squadron. Calls to the Southern Meteorological Centre also proved fruitless. Eventually the UFO disappeared at high speed in the direction of Eastleigh.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books 1969. Page 43.
0300 hours. Between Potters Hill and Bristol Lulsgate Airport, Avon and Somerset. PC LESTER STENNER and a colleague were driving along a quiet road when suddenly they saw an oval shaped UFO approximately 100 feet off the ground above the road ahead. At the same time the object appeared the engine of the police vehicle died as did the headlights. Also the streetlamps lining the road went out.
The object just appeared and remained motionless for about 10 seconds when it disappeared. As soon as the object had gone the headlights, street lighting and engine came on. The officers described the object as being around 100 yards wide by 50 feet and made no noise whatsoever. The officers did not report the incident fearing ridicule. UFO CLASSIFICATION – CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND/EM). On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source: The PRUFOS Police Database.
1967;
August 1967. Location – Worthing, Sussex. Four campers reported seeing two UFOs over Rye Bay near Worthing that were later confirmed by two uniformed police officers. The objects moved quickly across the sky heading in a north easterly direction.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source: Evening News 21/08/67.
July 1967. 2110 hours. Saturday. Location – Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. A member of the public, teacher Mr Doy, reported seeing a UFO over a local school and a PC HOLMES attended the school and confirmed the object in the sky. He then reported the sighting to his duty officer, Inspector R Street. PC HOLMES stated that the object was a bright light spinning on its own axis in a stationary position above the school. The police could not offer any explanation for the UFO.
UFO CLASSICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source: Nottingham Evening Post 10/07/67.
October 1967. Location - Sussex and Oxfordshire. Following reports by several members of the public (including an RAF Wing Commander) police officers across the counties of Sussex and Oxfordshire observed a fiery cross UFO. One of them, a motor cycle officer, PC BRYAN CAWTHORNE, observed the UFO between Ringmer and Halland having initially thought the object to be a star. He pulled over to the side of the road to getter a better look at it and described its motion as slowly moving forward and backwards.
He definitely confirmed that the object was actually moving by lining it up with a telegraph pole. He reported the incident to his control and was informed that other officers had also reported seeing the object.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source: Evening News 25/10/67.
The following two sightings took place within two days of each other across the counties of Devon and Sussex at a time when sightings of fiery cross shaped UFOs were being widely reported in the media. October 1967 0445 hours. Wednesday. Location – Sussex. A uniformed police officer observed a fiery cross shaped UFO. October 1967 1600 hours. Tuesday. Location – Devon.
A uniformed police officer, PC KEITH DROUDGE observed a UFO and said of his sighting, “There is no doubt in my mind. It was a UFO. It wasn’t a plane. We’ve seen enough planes not to be fooled like that”.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source: Sunday Express 29/10/67.
0130 hours. 05/07/67. Location – Stoney Cross, New Forest, Wiltshire. Following a report by a member of the public of an orange ball shaped UFO above Stoney Cross, New Forest a uniformed officer, PC DAVID HOLLOWAY, was dispatched to the scene. He corroborated the sighting of the orange UFO that he said did a ‘loop the loop’ before heading away in the direction of Southampton.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source – FSR Vol 13 No 5.
27/08/67. Location - Between Spelsbury and Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Two on duty uniformed officers observed two dark oval shaped UFOs on the road between the above locations. They estimated the size of the objects as fifty feet in diameter each. The craft disappeared in a northerly direction at a height of 600 feet.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source - A Covert Agenda by Nick Redfern. Pocket Books 1998. Page 97.
27/08/67. Location - Glossop, Derbyshire. Six on duty uniformed police officers observed a UFO over the town from a number of different locations. They described the object’s movements as ‘swinging’ from side to side.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 6 Officers. Source - A Covert Agenda by Nick Redfern. Pocket Books 1998. Page 97.
10/08/67. 0043 hours. Location: Hindley, Wigan, Lancashire. During the early hours two uniformed police officers, PC LIONEL HAW and PC STEVE PARSONAGE, observed a round shaped object in the sky that appeared to be travelling too fast to be either a comet or plane. PC HAW made a pocket notebook entry regarding the sighting. The officers observed the object for two minutes and dismissed any notion that they had seen a trick of the light. Chief Superintendent Tom Andrews of Wigan police confirmed the officer’s report of the sighting.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – Daily Mirror 16/08/67.
October. Location – Gosport, Hampshire. Two uniformed officers PC EDNA WIELK and PC TONY CONNELL observed a red and white coloured UFO whilst on mobile patrol in the Little Anglesey area of Gosport. The UFO was seen above the HMS DOLPHIN submarine base. They got out of their vehicle to watch the object which they observed for five minutes before it moved out of sight.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – Steve Gerrard, Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG).
Evening. 21/10/67. Location – South Shields, South Tyneside. Following a report by a member of the public, a uniformed police officer visited the family and witnessed with them the sighting of three triangular shaped UFOs in the sky above Tyne Dock, South Shields. The objects appeared to fly in formation before and stopping and coming to a brief hover. They departed heading off in the direction of Newcastle. The objects were extremely bright to look at and were seen for a duration of 30 minutes.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source – FSR Vol 14 No 2.
0400 hours. 24/10/67. Location - A3072 between Okehampton and Holsworthy, Devon. Two on duty uniformed police officers, PC CLIFFORD WAYCOTT and PC ROGER WILLEY had spotted a pulsating flying cross whilst driving between the above locations. It was seen at low altitude moving above the treetops of the surrounding countryside. Intrigued they began to chase the UFO, however they were never able to significantly gain on it. At times the object slowed to 50 mph and at one point came to a stop in mid air. The pursuit involved speeds of up to 90 mph and covered a distance of 14 miles. Whenever they did gain a little ground on the object it would simply accelerate away from them.
Eventually they reduced their speed fearing an accident themselves. The closest distance they reached to the UFO was 400 yards. At one point they stopped at a farm to wake up the owner so they could gain some corroboration that they were not mistaken in their sighting. At a later press conference PC WAYCOTT said, “The light wasn’t piercing but it was very bright. It was star-spangled - just like looking through wet glass and although we reached 90 mph it accelerated away from us.” Before the object disappeared from view they saw a second UFO that was also cross-shaped, very bright and made no noise.
Both officers were impressed by the relevant speeds of the objects as they quickly departed, especially the first one. Enquiries at nearby RAF Chivenor proved negative. Within 48 hours numerous other witnesses began to report sightings of similar objects. A ‘fiery cross’ was witnessed above the skies of Glossop, Derbyshire by six police officers.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books 1969. Pages 13-15.
0500 hours. 25/10/67. Location – Okehampton, Devon. Two uniformed officers in a patrol car observed a fiery cross shaped UFO above the town. One of the officers was a police photographer but he did not have time to get a picture of the object as the duration of the sighting amounted to only a few seconds.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – FSR Vol 14 No 2.
0205 hours. 26/10/67. Location – Okehampton, Devon. Only two days after his involvement in the famous high speed police UFO chase, PC ROGER WILLEY, observed a similar star shaped UFO in the skies above Okehampton. It was seen to drop down low as if to land in the area it was originally seen. The sighting was very brief lasting only a few seconds.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source – FSR Vol 14 No 2.
0530 hours. Late October. Location - Bacup, Lancashire. An on duty uniformed police officer, PC BRIAN EARNSHAW heard a crackling sound coming over the station’s short wave radio. Curious he went outside to see what might be causing the interference. When he did so he looked up to see a cigar shaped UFO hovering 250 feet above the station. He said, “It was approximately 50 feet in length.
There were portholes on the side but there were no visible signs of propulsion. The ship appeared to be metallic and gave off a bright glow. There was a low whirring sound coming from it.” Two other uniformed officers, PC COLIN DONAHOE and MALCOLM READER also saw the same object from a different location in Lancashire, watching for several minutes before it rose vertically into the sky and disappeared. Later a statement was issued by Lancashire Police that read, “We have had UFO reports before, but nothing like this. There has been no reasonable explanation but it was something definitely seen.”
UFO CLASSIFICATION – CE1/EM (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND/ELECTROMAGNETIC EFFECTS)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books 1969. Page 19.
0520 hours. Late October. Location - Lancing, West Sussex. Three on duty uniformed police officers including PC MICHAEL SANDS spotted a silver UFO above the skies above Lancing. PC SANDS said, “It looked like a silver point of light which moved rapidly across the sky.”
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books 1969. Pages 19-20.
0445 hours. 25/10/67. Location - Lewes, Sussex. Following reports by at least five police officers the senior officer for Lewes, G .W. R. Terry called a press conference at the Lewes Police HQ to discuss their sightings. All the officers, each from different vantage points described the same object - a bright light travelling in a northerly direction in total silence. These sightings along with many others made by the public were part of a high number of similar reports in the Sussex area over a number of days.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 5 Officers. Source - A Covert Agenda by Nick Redfern. Pocket Books 1998. Page 97.
Before Midnight. October/November 1967. Location – Sharneyford near Todmorden, West Yorkshire. Two uniformed officers were parked up in a marked police vehicle when they observed a bright light between their location and Stoodly Pike (local landmark).
The light was well below cloud level. Then the object rose vertically into the sky before moving horizontally across the landscape in a side to side motion. The object itself was described as cone shaped, similar to a Gemini space capsule. Later the officers reported the sighting to the duty night shift Inspector. The reporting officer eventually spoke with an official from the War Office who asked him to submit an official report. This was duly completed and submitted. The officer never received any further communication about the incident.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – PRUFOS/CONFIDENTIAL.
1968;
Thursday 38/03/68. Evening. Location – Torquay, Devon. Two uniformed police officers saw a UFO over Torquay. Both officers reported the sighting to senior officers. A police spokesman said, ‘There appears to be something in the story.’
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source: The Sun 29/03/68.
1969;
August 1969 0430 hours. Location - Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Three uniformed police officers, two with binoculars, observed a triangular shaped UFO with concave sides over Mansfield General Hospital for one and half hours. It was first seen by PC PAGE at around 0430 hours. At 0606 hours the object was seen to change colour and disappear. A police report was sent to RAF Finningley.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source: Newspaper archive.
Dagenham, Surrey. 0630 hours 1969. Two uniformed police officers observed a UFO above the Surrey Downs minutes after it had been seen over Dagenham.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source: Researcher Roy Lake.
August 5th 1969. Location – Camarthen, Wales. Two uniformed police officers were among several civilian witnesses to a UFO seen hovering over Camarthen. Initially spotted by several members of the public a motor cycle officer turned up at the home of a farmer and confirmed the UFO through binoculars. It was described as being spherical in shape and silvery in colour. Later a second officer observed the object. Checks with the RAF proved negative.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source. Newspaper report posted 06/08/69.
Late evening. 10/11/69. Location – Withernsea, North Lincolnshire. A couple observed a triangular shaped UFO as it flew low over the sky near the above named location. The object moved closer to the vehicle they were in. Frightened they contacted the local police and were informed that a police officer had also witnessed the same thing. This information was confirmed by CHIEF INSPECTOR W BARROWCLOUGH of Withernsea police who also went on to say that checks had been made and that no aircraft had been in the area at the time of the reported sightings.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source – FSR Vol 16 No 1.
Late Evening. November 1969. Location—Werrington, Stoke on Trent, Cheshire. A uniformed officer, PC TREVOR BLOWER was driving a marked police vehicle when he was advised by radio to look for an unusual object heading in his direction. Moments later he observed a ‘V’ formation of nine UFOs. There was no sound at all and they moved at an exceptionally high speed. The officer stated the object had mother of pearl effect with colours swirling all around each other.
It was a clear night with little cloud cover. He reported his sighting over the radio and heard another officer saying he too had witnessed the lights. The next day he attended Leek police station with another five officers who had witnessed the formation. Each independently gave their descriptions to a civilian male. Senior police officers later advised all the men to keep quiet about the incident.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 6 Officers. Source—PRUFOS Police Database.
1970;
0400 hours. Tuesday 16/06/70. Location – Hampstead, London. Two Metropolitan uniformed police officers, one of whom was PC H M BISHOP, observed a bright light whilst driving on Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead. The object was seen only briefly before disappearing from view. They continued to drive in the area until they saw three separate lights low in the sky having turned onto Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead.
Two of the lights were ahead of a third one that seemed to be lagging behind the others. The officers stopped their vehicle to get a better look at the objects. After about 30 seconds and against a clear sky, each of the lights in turn disappeared from view as if they had gone behind an invisible screen. The objects were traveling at an altitude of 100-500 feet when first seen and then at 2500 feet by the time they vanished. The duration of the sighting was one to two minutes. It was a warm night with little cloud giving excellent visibility.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – DD (DAYLIGHT DISC)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – FSR Case Histories Supplement, October 1970.
1971;
Location – Tynemouth, North Tyneside. A uniformed police constable based at Tynemouth Police station was driving a marked panda car along Tynemouth Road when he noticed a bright circular disc hovering in the sky above Knot’s Flats. The officer pulled over the vehicle into Oxford Street car park to get out and take a better look at the object. He observed it for about five minutes as it hovered over the flats before suddenly rising into the air vertically in a tremendous burst of acceleration and out of sight.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source: www.wearsideonline.com
2140 hours. 27/10/71. Location – Banbury, Oxfordshire. An on duty uniformed police officer, PC PERRY JACKSON, accompanied by a Cadet, WILLIAM BRYON spotted an orange coloured UFO moving across a moonlit star filled sky near to Bratch Hill, Banbury. It was the size of a golf ball to us. It was seen for three seconds before it moved downwards to the ground at a 45 degree angle. Numerous members of the public also reported sightings of the object. All the reports were collected by Banbury police and submitted to the Ministry of Defence.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 1 Officer. Source: FSR.
0615 hours. Late February, 1971. Location – Nuneaton, Midlands. Four uniformed officers observed a UFO over the Nuneaton area during the early hours of the day. PC BRIAN HEWITT of Foleshill Police station said, “We were attending a job in Lythalls Lane when we saw a strange thing in the sky. It was not a meteorite or anything like that.” He described seeing three white lights in the sky over Nuneaton which were moving at great speed heading in a westerly direction towards Birmingham. The lights were independent of each other and appeared to be traveling in formation. He checked with Air Traffic at Birmingham Airport and drew a blank.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 4 Officers. Source – FSR Vol 17 No 2 March/April 1971.
Evening. August. Location – Aldridge, Staffordshire. Four uniformed Staffordshire police officers which included PC LESLIE LEEK observed a disc shaped UFO above the night sky over Aldridge. PC LEEK photographed the object.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 4 Officers. Source - UFO Flying Saucers over Britain by Robert Chapman. Mayflower Books 1969. Page 45.
1972;
August. Early hours. Wed. Location - Acton, Hounslow, London. Following a report by a member of the public to Hounslow Police station two officers inside the building viewed the UFO with binoculars. They saw a circular UFO with black spots and its brightness increasing. It was described as being four times brighter than Venus. A spokesman for Scotland Yard confirmed the sightings.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source: Acton Gazette 17/08/72.
December. Location: Beoley, near Redditch, London. A young couple observed three lights hovering 600 feet above the ground for four hours. They contacted the police and two police officers attended the scene. A spokesman for Henley in Arden police confirmed that two officers had seen the lights.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – Irene Bott archive.
Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire. Two on duty uniformed police officers, PC PERRY JACKSON and PC WILLIAM BRYNE saw a cigar shaped UFO that was yellow in colour. BRYNE said, “It travelled along slowly for a few seconds, then shot off into the night at a fantastic speed. We didn’t know what it was, nor had we ever seen anything like it but many reports have been made at the police station of strange lights and objects. The MoD confirmed that numerous reports had been made to them over several weeks but no conclusions had been reached as to their origin.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 2 Officers. Source – Irene Bott archive.
Late evening. Thursday 14/09/72. Location – Crumlin, Monmouthshire, Wales. Following reports by several members of the public of a UFO above the village of Crumlin, several uniformed officers were sent to the scene. There they observed the object which was described by PS CLIVE WILLIAMS as an orange circle in the sky that changed its shape to become a cone shaped UFO. The duration of the sighting was 60 minutes.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source – FSR Vol 18 No 6.
March 1972. Late Evening. Location – Liverpool, Merseyside. Three on duty uniformed officers (one sergeant and two constables) were on patrol, in a van in Liverpool city centre late one evening, when they observed a brightly lit UFO over the Pier Head that is alongside of the River Mersey.
UFO CLASSIFICATION – NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT)
On Duty sighting. 3 Officers. Source: The PRUFOS Police Database.
source link; http://www.prufospolicedatabase.co.uk/2.html
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Now we have the "DATABASE STATISTICAL EVIDENCE".
Again, ALL quotes are from external sources.
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THE DATABASE STATISTICAL EVIDENCE;
UPDATED STATISTICS TO FOLLOW SHORTLY FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE 8TH REPORT;
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BASIC STATISTICS OF THE NEW CASES LISTED IN THE 6TH REPORT
Of the 44 cases there are 4 Close Encounter of the 1st Kind.
Of the 44 cases 5 are Daylight Discs.
Of the 44 cases 35 are Nocturnal Light.
Of the 44 cases 6 involve sightings with high multiple officer corroboration.
Of the 44 cases 14 involve multiple UFOs.
ANALYSIS OF THE ENTIRE DATABASE AFTER THE 6TH REPORT;
When this year’s totals are added to last year’s tally the total number is 256 cases between 1901-2007 involving 608 British police officers.
There are 217 On Duty cases on the database involving a total of 564 British police officers.
There are 39 Off Duty cases on the database involving a total of 44 British police officers.
(NOTE: I do not claim to be a statistician so much of the following data is based on what interests me the most).
1. After six years of research 73% of the ‘on duty’ cases are multiple officer
sightings.
2. The top three multiple officer cases are:
a. April 1984. Stanmore, Middlesex, near RAF Bentley Prior. Up to 20 officers
involved.
b. March 30-31 1993 South Wales, Devon and Cornwall involving 19 officers.
c. 28/08/77 Windermere, Cumbria involving 17 officers.
3. 19 ‘on duty’ cases involve 5 or more officers.
4. The five peak years for sightings are:
1988—29 cases.
1967—20 cases.
1980—14 cases.
1978—13 cases.
1977—10 cases.
5. The county in England with the heaviest concentration of police UFO sightings is West Yorkshire with 30 cases recorded on the database. In joint second place are North Yorkshire and London with 14 cases each. Wales and Scotland have been dealt with collectively with 14 and 9 cases respectively.
6. The top five UFO Shapes are: Light 105
Sphere 26
Cigar 21
Triangular 13
Saucer 13
7. UFO Classification breakdown: Category – On Duty:
NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT) – 183
DD (DAYLIGHT DISC) – 10
CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND) – 25
CE2 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 2ND KIND) – 3
CE3 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 3RD KIND) – 1
8. UFO Classification breakdown: Category – Off Duty:
NL (NOCTURNAL LIGHT) – 22
DD (DAYLIGHT DISC) – 4
CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND) – 12
CE2 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 2ND KIND) – 0
CE3 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 3RD KIND) – 2
9. There are 34 mulitple UFO cases.
10. There are 2 cases that involve USOs (Underwater Surface Object).
11. There are 6 cases that involve radar confirmation or radar visual.
12. UFO Characteristics: I intend to do more research in this area in the form of graphical charts/spreadsheets but already some interesting aspects stand out. For example when one examines the ‘On Duty’ CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND) of the 25 cases in this category, 15 display the UFO characteristic of being silent when being observed i.e. 60%.
13. UFO Shapes breakdown in CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF 1ST KIND) category:
Cigar 7
Light 6
Oval 5
Saucer 4
Diamond 1
Bell 1
Fiery Cross 1
Shape change – Cigar/Sphere 1
14. Multple officer breakdown in CE1 (CLOSE ENCOUNTER 1ST KIND) category:
Of the 25 cases in this category 17 are mulitple police officer witness sightings i.e. 68%.
*Note – the UFO Classifications are based on Dr J Allen Hynek’s classification criteria in his book ‘The UFO Experience’ (1972). I have extended the range of CE1 cases from Hynek’s 150 metres (distance from the witness to the UFO) to
400 metres for the purpose of this analysis.
*EM = Electro Magnetic Effects
*INT = Interaction between UFO and observer
source link; http://www.prufospolicedatabase.co.uk/11.html
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GARY HESELTINE;Founder of The prufos police data;
Now the man himself describes a bit about himself;What i feel should be noted here is that Gary was a Police DETECTIVE to, in short these guys are trained to sniff out liars and those with a deceptive agenda or nature;In essence it is fitting that a man of his experience in trained interrogation methods and techniques for interviewing UFO witnesses.This i believe is the UFO site that catalogues a lot of genuine UFO sightings and is sadly a bit over looked.
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http://www.prufospolicedatabase.co.u.../garypromo.jpg
GARY HESELTINE
The Road to the Database;
It was on a warm summer evening in 1975 that an event took place in my life that was to fundamentally alter it in ways that I could never have imagined. I was to experience something that would change my perception of the universe and man's place within it. In simple terms I had a UFO encounter that sowed the seeds in an ever widening ripple effect that would eventually pull me into the field of ufology to the extent that it has become the pervading theme of my life.
That sighting was to become the catalyst for a personal journey that was to take 26 years to fully realize. As I now look back on my life I can recall five clear steps that I took before creating the PRUFOS (Police Report UFO Sightings) Database in November 2001. I believe that all five of those steps are relevant to the story of the founding of the database so I will outline each one in chronological turn.
Step 1. My sighting.
I have often tried to be more precise about the actual date of my first UFO sighting but in the end all I seem to be able to do is narrow it down to a pretty loose framework of time. That is not to say the incident that unfolded is unclear, no, much of it remains very vivid to this day. It is simply the practical things like the exact month, the actual date etc; that remain beyond my recall.
To the best of my knowledge the sighting took place during the summer months of 1975 in my home town of Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. To be more precise in a suburb of Scunthorpe called Ashby. I was 15 years old and going out with my first proper girlfriend called Dawn 'S' (I won't embarrass her by printing her surname as I have not had contact with her since we broke up at the age of 16). I went out with her for about twelve months and it must have been during the first summer we were together that our sighting took place.
I'm not sure where we'd been but all I remember is walking beside her on Grange Lane South heading in the direction of my comprehensive school (Frederick Gough). Dawn lived in another suburb of Scunthorpe called Bottesford. In order to get to her home we had to walk along a long narrow footpath that dissected the school fields of my comprehensive school and a large allotment site.
The school fields were on our left and the allotment on our right. As I recall there was little or no street lighting at that time and it was a very dark and isolated place at its quietest stretch. That spot was approximately half way down it, after you had passed by the school buildings and were walking alongside the school fields.
As we were walking along the footpath both of us suddenly became aware of what I can only describe as a large bright white light moving very slowly from our right to left. The light was set against a background of a clear night and the twinkling of numerous stars. The object was much larger than the background stars (see plate one - a photograph recreating the event taken at the actual location) and appeared to be moving in total silence at a sixty degree angle to our position.
If you can imagine the line of the footpath stretching out in front of us the object passed directly across our course. No sooner had it done so something really odd occurred. Suddenly all the electricity on the housing estate that we could see in the distance was plunged into darkness. Dawn immediately became frightened and rightly or wrongly associated the light with somehow causing the power failure.
I tried to calm her down whilst at the same time we were both transfixed by the strange object in the sky before us. It seemed to 'glide'. I remember straining to hear for any engine noise but there appeared to be none. The UFO (for want of a better word) was moving very slowly and heading in the direction of the Anchor Steel plant and indirectly towards my home. Moments later a second power cut followed in a different area of the same housing estate. Things were getting really odd.
There is a classic scene in Steven Speilberg’s film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' where the bemused Richard Dreyfuss character has his first real encounter with the UFOs and watches in awe as they appear to trigger a series of grid failures one by one (note - our sighting took place prior to the film's release and therefore at that time I had no context in my mind to associate/invent such a scene).
Significantly I realised that the power cuts had taken place once the UFO had passed by the housing i.e. behind the flight path of the object. With Dawn still visibly shaken by what we'd seen I said I would take her home. I quickly told her to get on the crossbar of the cycle (I’d been pushing it to that point) and we quickly rode to her home.
There we found it and the entire area in total darkness. I literally dropped her off and sped back through the darkened streets heading in the direction of my home. I reasoned that because of the object’s slow speed that if I raced back and took a short cut I might just be able to get ahead of the UFO before it passed over the area near my home.
I have this clear memory of taking the short cut and getting onto Grange Lane South (a long main road near to my home) and emerging into the 'light' as it were. By that I mean an area where the electricity was still on. In other words I had managed to get ahead of the UFO. Every few seconds I would glance over my right shoulder to make sure where the light was in relation to my position.
It wasn’t long before I turned the corner onto Baysdale Road where my house was. I remember jumping off the bike and running into the living room of the house to find my parents having supper. In a state of excitement and some apprehension I said to them, "Come out into the garden, there's this light and I think it's going to cause a power cut!"
Looking bemused neither said a word! Realising they weren’t going to follow me I rushed through the hall and into the kitchen before running out of the back door and into the garden. Stopping halfway down the garden I turned to look back at the house and no sooner had I done so I saw the same object appearing over the rooftop of my home (see plate 2). Now by this stage the object appeared much higher in the sky and was not as bright as earlier but I clearly remember having the belief that there would be a power cut after it had passed over the house.
Guess what? As soon as the object passed by over me at a ninety degree angle my home and the entire surrounding area was plunged into darkness! Wow! Elated I rushed back into the house to find my parents looking even more bemused as they stumbled in the gloom to find a set of candles.
I couldn’t believe it; I’d actually predicted a power cut! It was that realisation that led me to conclude that from a second geographical location the light must have been in some way involved in triggering the series of power failures.
After approximately 30 minutes of candle power the electricity was restored and whatever it was that had happened was over. Now at the time we weren't on the phone so I had to wait until the next day to speak with Dawn. She told me the power had been off for a similar period but that her parents had dismissed what we'd seen as nothing more than a plane and the power cuts as a pure coincidence.
As for my parents, they also said that it was just a coincidence but for me it was something much more. I didn’t know what the light was but it like nothing I’d seen in the sky before.
That said I did not pursue up any follow up enquiries to establish what it may have been. The reason, well who do you tell? Because we weren’t on the phone it would have meant going round to the local confectionary shop to use one and anyway my parents didn’t believe my story, so why bother to think that anyone else would. So sadly I did nothing. I didn’t ever look in the local newspaper, The Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph, the next day to see if anyone else had witnessed the strange object.
However having seen the UFO the real effect of me was pretty much instantaneous because prior to the sighting I had no interest in the subject, afterwards I was mad keen to find out anything about flying saucers and I did what most people do after having had some kind of paranormal experience... I visited local bookshops in an effort to any reading material on the subject.
Significantly the first book I came across was entitled ‘Aliens from Space’ by Major Donald Keyhoe and it was during the course of reading it that I came across references to UFOs being linked with triggering several power grid failures in the United States (most notably the 1965 New York blackout that stranded hundreds of thousands of people for several hours). When I read that my reaction was to definitely categorize what I’d seen as a 'genuine UFO'.
But the book also impressed me because of the wealth of high calibre witnesses reporting UFO experiences. After all, Keyhoe was a senior military officer who had links with people in even higher office and he was saying for certain that a proportion of sightings, especially those by military pilots, were definite proof an extraterrestrial presence on Earth. Wow! UFOs – I was hooked.
Step 2. Discovering ‘UFO Magazine’.;
So having had one genuinely puzzling UFO experience and after doing a bit of reading, my deep and lasting passion for the subject was born and so over the next year or so I built up my library of UFO related books.
But what else did I do to follow the phenomenon? Well, when I was 18 or so I became a non active associate member with BUFORA – The British UFO Research Association, a grand sounding organisation that produced a quarterly publication. It was nothing fancy, just a small A5 booklet containing news of sightings from around Britain and the world.
Was there a local club I could join? Well there were one or two people scattered around the town with an interest in the phenomena and I met with a couple of them but I never felt comfortable so never became actively involved in any investigations or the like. Having said that it would be around that time that I got involved in the organising of a local UFO event at what was then the newly opened Scunthorpe Film Theatre.
Philip Jenkinson, the presenter of the BBC Cinema programme at that time had been approached to give a presentation on the way UFOs had been depicted throughout the history of the movies. That was to take place in the evening after a full day of UFO related lectures, one of whom was from a young Jenny Randles, who has since gone on to become a prolific author on the subject.
I actually found myself opening the event and presented the first segment of the event that featured the showing of a number of classic UFO film sequences that included the famous Great Falls, Montana and Tremonton, Utah footage.
Little did I realise that the event was to mark the beginning of an extended period where I pulled back from the subject as my adult life began to take shape. By the age of 19 I was in a long term relationship, with a young daughter, a job and a mortgage. UFOs were still interesting but they were pushed back into the background. I would still read the occasional book and watch anything on television about the subject but that was about it.
After sixteen years of being away from the subject (during which time I got married, became a father again, spent six years in the RAF before eventually joining the Police in 1989) something happened to change all that.
By the spring of 1995 I had been police officer for almost six years. I had just been appointed an aide to CID and was seconded to a Major Crime Unit. Now from time to time the unit would have to go to Leeds and it was during one such visit that I found myself in W H Smiths on the main concourse of the station casually glancing through the racks of magazines.
Suddenly I came across a publication that literally stopped me in my tracks. There in front of me was this glossy A4 colour magazine called ‘UFO Magazine’ (published by Quest Publications). I picked it up and even now I remember the buzz of coming across the magazine for the first time. I immediately bought a copy of it and over the course of the next few months (it was then a bi-monthly publication) I began to gradually re-acquaint myself with the subject that I’d been away from for such a long time.
The first thing I noticed was the amount of new ‘evidence’ that had seemingly emerged in the public domain during the intervening years since I had been away from the subject. New evidence that took the form of thousands of documents obtained in the United States as a result of their Freedom of Information Act. Documents relating to UFOs had been released that had originated from all strands of the major intelligence and military services in America i.e. FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), NSA (National Security Agency), Army, Navy, Air Force not to mention the likes of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency).
This was significant in itself given the fact that according to the infamous ‘Condon Report’ (The Colorado University Report presided over by physicist Dr Edward Condon commissioned by the U.S Air Force to reach conclusions about the phenomenon published in 1969) had concluded that all sightings could be identified as misinterpretations of known objects or meteorological phenomena etc; and there was no evidence to support the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
Far from negating the subject, these documents appeared to totally contradict that stated position. Why if there was nothing to this subject were there so many documents (many classified at Top Secret and Secret level)? Several actually appeared to promote a belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
What’s more some of the documents showed that many commercial and military pilots had come forward with extraordinary reports that quite clearly seemed to me to suggest that some UFOs were real machines that performed in ways beyond our current knowledge of technology. For example objects that could make incredible right angled turns, perform reverses in flight, make instant stops, hover in total silence, had the ability to change shape or separate into multiple objects not to mention displaying incredible bursts of acceleration (to many thousands of miles per hour and often officially confirmed on radar).
Over a period of eighteen months or so I regularly bought the magazine and purchased the latest books on the subject. In particular I was drawn to the works of two British authors, Tim Good and Nick Redfern.
Tim Good had written several best selling books about UFOs including what are arguably two of the finest works ever made on the subject, ‘Above Top Secret and Beyond Top Secret’. What particularly impressed me was the amount of factual data i.e. military and commercial pilot reports, sightings by astronauts and cosmonauts, radar operators as well as those of senior military officers (including the likes of Admirals, Generals and Colonels etc).
The other book that really impressed me was by a new British author called Nick Redfern. His book, ‘A Covert Agenda’, covered much of the same ground as Tim Good’s work – in other words providing more factual testimony and documentary evidence from a whole host of credible witnesses.
Note the phrase ‘documentary evidence’. Without realising it I was not looking at this information through the eyes of just another interested reader, no, I was assessing the material through the eyes of a police officer.
To me the testimony of the pilots, the radar confirmations, the documentary evidence all pointed to the conclusion that the phenomena was real and that some of the sightings appeared to genuinely support the premise that they were of extraterrestrial origin.
Yet there was an obvious contradiction staring me in the face. If I could see the evidence then why did the media and mainstream science dismiss it virtually out of hand? For example, one day a newspaper would publish a serious fact based article about UFOs, whilst the next day the same paper would print another piece which totally belittled the subject.
As time went by and my thirst for knowledge grew, I began to feel a sense of frustration welling up within me. More and more I began to question the reasons why the media and mainstream science were ignoring what to me was glaring evidence that indicated that the subject of UFOs was worthy of serious scientific investigation.
After all I was a police officer used to dealing with ‘evidence’ everyday at work. The testimony of the high calibre witnesses alone demanded serious scientific discussion, yet there was virtually none. That sense of frustration was to suddenly manifest itself in a way that I could never have predicted.
Step 3. Writing a fictional UFO related film script!
As a teenager I had often dallied with writing stories but what always happened was that after that initial burst of enthusiasm my interest would wane and I ended up never completed the story. It was a bit of fun but no more. Now as a rule I usually can’t recall my dreams but on one particular night I went to bed and had a really vivid dream that upon waking I could still clearly remember. So much so that I quickly wrote down the premise of the story.
A respected senior U.S Senator would go on a fishing vacation with his son in the rugged wilderness region of Montana. One day as they are fishing on the lake they witness a UFO being pursued above the water by several military helicopters. Meanwhile on a hillside overlooking the lake an Oscar winning documentary filmmaker is recording a bird habitat that has the lake in the background. Moments later the helicopters take down the UFO that sinks beneath the water, all of which is captured on a state-of-the-art high definition camera.
Within minutes a military retrieval operation begins to recover the alien craft and a cordon is put in place to secure the area. Anyone witnessing the crash within the cordon is to be systematically eliminated. Will the Senator and his son survive? What happens to the cameraman and will the film ever be broadcast to the outside world?
In effect my frustration had conjured up a fictional scenario that could bring about total disclosure on the subject of UFOs. I was convinced that I had a really good story, but what would I do with it? I suppose most people would think of developing the premise into a novel but for me it was always going to be in the form of a screenplay because my first genuine passion in life (away from playing football) was the cinema or as I called it ‘the pictures’. Yet in terms of writing a screenplay I had absolutely no experience or knowledge of how to do so.
That said, over the course of several weeks I began to just write it down in a format that I thought could easily read. Seeking feedback I would print it off in segments and ask friends and family to read and review it. All the feedback I got indicated that the story was readable and enjoyable. But one thing stood out above all my previous attempts at writing. This time I knew that I would finally finish a story.
I found I really could sit down at a keyboard and produce something from nothing. I wrote every day for a period of eight weeks and the story developed before my very eyes until it was finished. I had finally made the journey from A to B and I was elated.
Now at this juncture you might be forgiven for wondering what the relevance is for highlighting the screenplay as a step toward evolvement of the database. Well it is relevant because of what writing the screenplay made me do next.
Step 4. Meeting Graham Birdsall, Editor, UFO Magazine
Now there is one thing thinking you have written a good story and another trying to actually prove it. After completing a second draft of 'Conclusive Proof' I wanted to get a professional ufologist to review it. One Sunday I drove over to Ilkley where Quest Publications were then located and nervously posted a large A4 envelope through the letterbox of their business premises. The script was addressed to Graham Birdsall, the founding editor of UFO Magazine, a magazine widely regarded as the finest publication of its kind in the world.
I wondered whether he would bother to read the script and what his reaction to it might be even if he did. Some three or four weeks later I was to find out the answer. Early one evening whilst at home, I took a call from Graham who was nothing short of gushing in praise of the script and wished me every success in trying to get it made into a film. We talked for about ten minutes and I was really flattered that he had taken the time to call me personally. He had even sent a written review of the script which I have framed and kept on my wall to this day.
Dated 23rd February 2000 he wrote,
Dear Gary,
Thanks for sending me a copy of your screenplay entitled 'Conclusive Proof'.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page and found it difficult to put down. From beginning to end, I found myself carried along in a plot full of twists and turns and was never really certain how it would all end until the final page.
Were it to become a move, I've little doubt it would be a big hit at the box office.
A UFO crash retrieval, the cover-up, murder most foul by the 'Duty, Honour, Country' brigade, the hunt, the conspiracy, the little guy coming out on top over the establishment, the truth finally dawns etc… All highly convincing and hugely entertaining.
Thanks again for allowing me the opportunity to read the screenplay and wish it, and you, every success in for the future.
Yours faithfully,
Graham W. Birdsall (Editor)
UFO Magazine
As I said earlier the relevance of the above letter is important to the story of how I became active in UFO research. Not content was I to just make contact with Graham, I found myself wanting to become involved in research.
The lure of this subject was beginning to slowly take its grip on my life.
For twenty two consecutive years between 1980-2002, Graham Birdsall and UFO Magazine hosted a UFO Conference in Leeds with guest speakers flying in from all over the world. From humble beginnings the conference had grown year by year into three day event widely regarded as the subject's principal calendar conference in Britain and Europe.
On Saturday 22nd September 2001 whilst at the 21st conference I finally met Graham Birdsall and put a face to the voice on the phone from seventeen months earlier. He remembered me and was again kind with his praise for the script.
Over three days of that conference I listened to the lectures from the likes of Dr John Mack, the esteemed Harvard Psychiatrist and expert on the 'abduction phenomena', Budd Hopkins, widely regarded as the leading abduction authority in the world and Dr Richard Haines, the world's leading expert on pilot/UFO encounters.
Listening to the various speeches I found myself more and more convinced of the reality of UFOs as a real phenomena and that there was factual material in the form of real and documentary evidence to support the ET hypothesis.
That particular conference was also memorable for me for one other reason. As was custom during the lecture breaks the various speakers would mingle with the audience to sell their respective books, sign autographs and answer questions. At one such break I noticed one of the most respected ufologists in the world, Tim Good. Seizing the unexpected opportunity I approached him, told him of my high regard for his work and asked if he would be kind enough to read the script!
I was pleasantly surprised to find that he was willing to do so. Several weeks later he too rang me unexpectedly and in enthusiastic tone praised the script saying he'd really enjoyed it. He wished me every success for the future and offered to help in any way he could. I was very flattered by his kind words of support.
Which brings me back to the relevance of the script, without it I would not have approached Graham Birdsall and without his influence and enthusiasm I would not have attended the conference, met Tim Good and thus opened myself up to the stimuli of some of the lecturers.
The result was I wanted to get involved in serious research. The question was how?
I now found myself at the point of wanting to become an active UFO researcher but the problem for me was doing it in a way that would fit around my full-time role of of being a busy police detective.
I contemplated joining one of the many UK based UFO organizations but concluded that such a move would not suit my particular circumstances and ruled it out. No, I had to find something that would suit my needs.
It would be a further two months before the final piece of the jigsaw would suddenly fall into place.
Step 5 - The creation of the PRUFOS Police Database.
Having finally realised that my destiny lay in UFO research I still had to find a solution to making it fit around my daily police life. What could I do that would cater for my set of circumstances?
Well, for perhaps only the second time in my life I went to bed and had another good idea. I woke up the following morning with an idea that seemed to fit all the necessary criteria to make it work for me. It was November 2001.
The idea? I would research British police officer UFO sightings and the more I thought about it the more I was certain there must have been literally hundreds of sightings made by officers during the modern era of UFOs (1947 onwards). Having said that, I guess the germ of the idea had been in my sub conscious mind for a while because as I’d done ongoing research for re drafts of my first script ‘Conclusive Proof’ I read more and more UFO literature in books and magazines.
Whilst reading them I had come across several references to British police officer UFO sightings, perhaps a dozen or so cases involving around 14 officers. I’d even bookmarked the references as if unwittingly preparing myself for the task ahead.
The database didn’t have a name at that point but the basic idea would be to record 'on and off' duty sightings made by serving and retired officers and in an effort to get them to come forward I would offer total confidentiality (if requested).
The database seemed to offer me the perfect solution for my particular set of circumstances. After all, I was a police officer and knew how they worked and their mindset.
That said I needed a catchy title for the database. It would have to contain the word ‘UFO’ within it. After one or two attempts I suddenly hit on the idea of the name ‘PRUFOS’ that stood for Police Reporting UFO Sightings.
Having thought of the name I now needed the oxygen of publicity.
I immediately thought of approaching Graham Birdsall at UFO Magazine. I quickly wrote down some notes about the proposed database and went to visit Graham at the magazine’s new offices at Stourton in Leeds. Once again I found him to be very accommodating and over a cup of coffee he invited me to outline my idea to him.
I asked him if I could write an article for the magazine and just a few minutes he said ‘OK’ and that was that! So by mid December 2001 I supplied Graham with my first article for the magazine. He agreed to publish it in the January 2002 issue and it would mark the public launch of the database. I will never forget the thrill of seeing that first article in print.
When the article was published I realized that I had completed a journey that had begun unknowingly 26 years earlier with my own sighting - a journey that had fundamentally changed the course of my life.
Gary Heseltine;
link source; http://www.prufospolicedatabase.co.uk/8.html
