|
| | Editorial |
| R. FARABONE, F. IZZO, R. CABASSI | We Are Not Alone | 3-12 |
|
| | GATHERING and PROCESSING of DATA |
| François LOUANGE | Digital UFO Picture Analysis | 19-48 |
| | Abstract: This paper is intended for those UFO investigators who have heard of picture processing by computers, but only have a vague idea of what this actually means. An overview of available digital techniques to enhance and analyze pictures in general is presented, with more emphasis on those features which are of direct interest for analysis of alleged UFO photographs, such as edge enhancement and deblurring. Although mathematical developments have been avoided, some background in mathematical analysis, is required to understand the concepts underlying the techniques presented.
Investigations on an alleged UFO picture are carried out in two steps: establish or reject authenticity, and extract information on the phenomenon. For both steps, specific types of work performed efficiently by digital means are presented; in particular, searching for evidence of hoaxes based on small artifacts, and enhancement of picture quality are considered.
Digital picture processing proves to be a powerful tool for research into photographic evidence of the UFO phenomena, especially when used in conjunction with other means, e.g. optical or chemical analysis of the films. |
|
| | PHYSICAL ASPECTS |
| Bruce S. MACCABEE | Technical Analysis of the New Zeland UFO Film: the Ampersand Image | 51-74 |
| | Abstract: This is the first of two papers which present results of technical analyses of one frame of the New Zealand film obtained by cameraman David Crockett during the early morning of Dec. 31, 1978. A highly summarized version of the New Zealand sightings and an analysis of the ampersand image is presented in this paper. The ampersand image is an image that was smeared by relative motion between the light source and the camera in such a way to produce a complex loop in the form of an ampersand, "&". This paper contains my conclusion that the image might have been generated if the camera bumped into something. In the following paper Richard Haines discusses the experimental results of his test of the 'bump theory'. Flying in a less heavy plane and using a less heavy camera he was unable to create any loop image, even though he intentionally vibrated his camera. |
| Richard F. HAINES | Comments on Selected Aspects of the New Zeland UFO of Dec. 31, 1978 | 75-84 |
| | Abstract: Experiments were done to determine whether or not a loop image such as is found in frame 1766 of the Crockett film could be duplicated by intentionally vibrating a camera with a telephoto lens. Non loop images were created in these experiments. Results of an analysis of the color changing/oscillating sequence in the Crockett film are also presented, along with some observations on the witnesses with whom I had the opportunity to speak (Startup, Fogarty, Crockett). |
|
| | PSYCHOLOGICAL and PERCEPTIVE ASPECTS |
| Alexander G. KEUL | The Dark Side of the UFO | 91-111 |
| | Abstract: By surveying 30 years of UFO literature and studying 100 Austrian UFO reports in the field, Luis Sch�nherr and Ernst Berger have found a 'dark side', i.e. A force field of psychosocial and pathological influences in UFO experiences. In this paper , the latter shows how these influences can be traced in published, old cases and studied experimentally by means of clinical psychology and psychiatry in recent events. Detection of the 'dark side' should result in a new, witness-centered investigation technique particularly for 'close encounters' and through the application of a different scientific attitude towards the whole UFO phenomenology. A review of papers including 'dark side' viewpoints is given. The material generated in the behavioral sciences lends support to the author's opinion that the UFO problem is primarily linked to the 'human-self-portrait' of our time, which is the degree of scientifically-based awareness the UFO researcher has of himself and of the witness. It is hypothesized that progress in the psychosocial disciplines will gradually brighten the 'dark side' of the UFO, if no a priori reductions are made. |
| Luis SCHÖNHERR | Perciepient-Dependent Components in the UFO Experiences | 113-165 |
| | Abstract: This paper demonstrates that in general UFO literature cases can be found which display details, that are strangely related to the percipient's memory, his psychic and physical situation.
I have called them 'percipient-dependent-components' abbreviated 'PDCs'. It is recommended that PDCs found in UFO experiences should be considered as essential, integral parts of the phenomenon and not as random, in the final analysis non-significant distortions.
Consequently a working hypothesis concerning the inherent dualistic nature of the UFO phenomenon is proposed. Finally the perception structure of and a possible primary cause for UFO experiences are discussed from various aspects. |
|
| | Book Reviews |
| Francesco IZZO | Richard F. HAINES, OBSERVING UFOs | 169-176 |
| | Review: Richard F. HAINES,OBSERVING UFOs - 1980 | |
| | Pedro REDÓN (ed.), ACTAS DEL PRIMER CONGRESO NACIONAL DE UFOLOGÍA: Ponencias técnicas | 177-180 |
| | Review: Pedro REDÓN (ed.),ACTAS DEL PRIMER CONGRESO NACIONAL DE UFOLOGÍA: Ponencias técnicas - 1978 | |
| Francesco IZZO | Richard F. HAINES (ed.), UFO PHENOMENA AND THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST | 181-189 |
| | Review: Richard F. HAINES (ed.),UFO PHENOMENA AND THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST - 1979 | |
|
| | In Short |
| | THE FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH | 187-191 |
|
| | UPIAR Forum | 192-197 |
|
| Alexander G. KEUL | State of Art | 198-203 |
|
| | Books and Journals Received | 204-206 |
|
| | Subject Index | |
|
| | Abstracts | |
Collection: Libriufo
