Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects (the Condon Report, complete, three volumes)

Chapter 4
Tndirect Physical Evidence
Roy Craig
1. Introduction
Reports of unidentified flying objects, particulaTly those reported
to have come quite close to the observer, frequently describe physical
effects due to the presence of the UFO. The most frequently claimed
effects are electric or electromagnetic in nature. They include unexplained
stoppage of automobile motors; failure of automobile headlights; inter-
ference with radio, T.V., and electric clock operation; power failures;
magnetic field disturbances; and sudden temporary increases in ganuna
radiation levels. One publication (Hall, 1964) lists 106 UFO cases in
which electromagnetic effects are a significant feature of the UFO report.
Forty-five of these involve stalled automobile motors, generally accompanied
by headlight failurel
Physiological effects of UFOs are also frequent!y r~ported. They
include strange reactions of animals, feelings of pressure, heat, or
"prickly sensations," and, occasionally, lapse of consciousness by a
hllll\an observer.
While such physical or physiological effects are frequently reported,
they are not invariably a part of UFO reports. Some report stoppage of
the observer'9 automobile, while others chase the UFOs in their cars, the
operation of which is unimpaired. Our field teams also have noted that
strange anima: reactions, and even interference with telephone operation,
have been claimed in case~ in which the uro was later identified as a
bird or a plastic balloon. Such instances confuse the issue, but do not
prove that in other cases there is no relation between claimed unusual
physical and psychological effects and uro sightings.
146
1. Introduction
Chapter 4
Tndirect Physical Evidenc~
Roy Craig
\{epol:'ts of unidentified flying obj ects, particulaj:ly those }'eported
to have come quite close to the observer, frequently describe physical
effects due tD t~e presence of the UFO. The most frequently claimed
effects are electric or electromagnetic in nature. They include unexplained
stoppage of automobile motors; failure of automobile headlights; inter-
ference with ra.dio, T.V., and electric clock operation; power failures;
magnetic fi eld di s turbances; and sudden temporary increa!' es in gamma
radiation levels. One publication (Hall, 1964) lists 106 UFO cases in
which electromagnetic effects arc a significant feature of the UFO report,
Forty- five of these hlVol ve stalled automobi1~ motors, genera.lly accompanied
by headlight failure,
Ph>'s iological effects of UFOs are also frequent.f y r'ported. They
include strange reactions of animals, feelings of pressure, heat, or
"prickly sensations," and, occasionally, lapse of consciousness by a
hl\lllan observer.
While such phySical or phYSiological effects are frequently reported,
they are not invariably a part of UFO reports. Some report stoppage of
the observer I a automobile , whil e others chase the UFOs ill thei r cars, the
operation of which is unimpaired. Our field teamS also have noted that
strange al\illla~ reae-.tions, and even interference with telephone operation,
have beDn claimed in case~ in which the UFO was later identifIed as u
bied or a plastic balloon. Such instances confuse the issue, but do not
prove that in other cases there is no relation between claimed unusual
physical and psychological effect:> and uro sighting:;.
146