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ParaNet BBS/cufospr
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ParaNet File Number: 00119



J. ALLEN HYNEK CENTTER FOR UFO STUDIES
2457 W. Peterson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1989

                        NEW JOURNAL OF UFO STUDIES
                            JUST PUBLISHED


        Are UFO abductions real? Are people actually getting abducted by
        aliens? Or are these stories all fantasies, hoaxes, or confabulations?

        In Volume One of the new Journal of UFO Studies, published in March by
        the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), seven commentators
        in a special "UFO abduction forum" debate the issue and enumerate the
        various arguments in favor of fantasy and reality. Editor Michael D.
        Swords, professor of natural sciences at Western Michigan University,
        summarizes: "Although the forum participants disagreed over the cause
        of abductions, they all concur that the phenomenon is not well
        understood -- yet it is sufficiently widespread to call for scientific
        study."

        Also in this issue, folklorist Thomas E. Bullard examines the
        relationship between hypnosis and UFO abductions. Critics have charged
        that abduction stories amount to nothing more than fantasy, raised to
        an unusual height of vividness by hypnotic investigation itself. But
        according to Bullard, who has compared stories obtained through
        hypnosis with stories obtained by natural recall, the form and content
        of abduction narratives seem independent of hypnosis.

        In addition, the beliefs and personalities of the investigating
        hupnotists do not influence the stories, and "real" abductees actually
        tell more coherent stories than non-abductees who have been asked to
        make up a story under hypnosis.

        The conclusion? Although hypnosis is flawed, it cannot be solely
        responsible for the claims UFO abductees have made.

        CUFOS first published the Journal of UFO Studies in 1978. This latest
        series, to be published annually, marks the beginning of a new
        enterprise under its original title. The journal will publish only
        refereed articles of quality, issues forums of expert opinion and
        professionalism, and literature reviews of intelligence and insight.

        Editor Swords said, "We hope to be objective, disciplined and
        rigorous. We welcome all viewpoints which can meet these standards,
        and in fact, will actively attempt to recruit valued scholars in
        various disciplines for forums and research articles. Without
        objectivity and rigor, nothing scientific is worth the name."

        Other articles in this issue include:

        o   a chemical analysis of the physical traces left by a UFO near
            Delphos, Kansas in 1972, by biochemist Erol A. Faruk -- perhaps
            the most complete analysis ever undertaken of a physical-trace
            case in the United States;

        o   a study of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs and the
            likelihood of intelligent life in the universe, by editor Michael
            D. Swords;

        o   and a special hypnotic regression technique, developed by aviation
            psychologist Richard F. Haines, that reduces the possibility of
            biasing witnesses under hypnosis.

        CUFOS is an international group of scientists, academics,
        investigators, and volunteers dedicated to the continuing examination
        and analysis of the UFO phenomenon. Its purpose is to be a
        clearinghouse for a two-way exchange of information: where UFO
        experiences can be reported and UFO events can be researched. CUFOS
        promotes a general public understanding of the UFO phenomenon through
        various activities and projects. The International UFO Reporter,
        published bi-monthly, reviews current sightings and news and includes
        articles on many different UFO topics.

        The Center for UFO Studies was founded in 1973 by astronomer J. Allen
        Hynek, who became involved with UFOs as scientific consultant to the
        US Air Force from 1948 to 1968. In the 1970's Hynek coined the phrase,
        "close encounters of the third kind," and acted as technical advisor
        to director Steven Spielberg on the movie of the same name. Dr. Hynek
        was scioentific diurector of CUFOS until his death in 1986.

        The 176-page 1989 volume of the Journal of UFO Studies (ISSN
        0730-5748) may be ordered for $15.00 (plus $3.00 shipping for orders
        outside the United States) from CUFOS at 2457 W. Peterson Ave.,
        Chicago, IL 60659.