UFOs: Fact or Fiction presents the topic of UFOs and aliens from both perspectives. The first chapter of the book presents all the so called “facts” about UFOs and the existence of a higher intelligence. Several UFOs were spotted in the Cascade Mountains in Washington. A Pilot noticed a bright flash and several flying saucers “flip[ping] and flash[ing] in the sun right along their path” (O’Neill-Arnold 27). Another case was presented about the 1947 Roswell UFO crash. The crash, the artifacts and debris, and the attempted cover-up of the case were all discussed. Another case was in France where several plants were destroyed or altered and research was conducted to prove it. Another UFO report was in Tehran, Iran in 1976. A Pilot had noticed a bright light that was so intense that it lit up the ground below it from several kilometers in the air. Suddenly as they began to look closer at this mysterious light it disappeared. Another piece of evidence was presented: The Rendlesham forest sightings in England. The UFO was spotted in December of 1980 near two NATO air bases. Several strange lights were spotted in the forest and several people followed the light. There were reports of a hovering object in the woods, and three small beings were exiting the spacecraft. Several reports were received of disturbed pets and animals also. More evidence is presented about the government’s attempts to cover up UFO sightings, especially the CIA. Supposedly, the CIA has destroyed important documents about UFO sightings that would act as evidence. In1949 a CIA report that was uncovered stated that the objects were from outer-space or an advanced kind. Their excuse on investigating UFO events is that “they might be interplanetary” and it could be foreigners plotting to endanger the United States. Chapter two of this book tried to prove that UFOs are total fiction. One section of this included claims of insufficient and fake evidence. One example of fake evidence is, one man claims, the Roswell crash was a military flight testing with crash dummies inside. Also, around this time dummies had been launched from aircraft with automated parachute deployers for military testing. Many didn’t deploy and were damaged at impact, which could explain the reports of beings with missing limbs and only four fingers. Many ufologists (those that study UFOs) claim that most stories are conspiracies or made up for public interest. Another explanation for the bright lights often seen is that the earthen material near fault lines rubs together creating electromagnetic energy which can sometimes emit light for a short period of time and then instantly stop. This could explain the moving lights and sudden disappearance. Several UFO reports have been proved to be a misperception of the planet Venus. Venus has ability to cast shadows that could momentarily cause an illusion. Also, Venus’s stunning color catches the eyes of many when visible in the night sky as it revolves around the sun much quicker than earth. More explanations for so called UFO sightings include people suffering from delusions and new and unrecognized aircraft testing. Media also encourages the public to believe in alien life with reports of mysterious activities. The last counterattack is that there is no real legitimate proof of any type of alien life. All there is to go by is claims and a single man’s words. Men can never be trusted, and if their claims were true then where did all the evidence go?
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It presented information from both sides of the debate and thoroughly examined the claims of each. The first part of the book mentioned all the major UFO events that have occurred. On the other hand, the second part of the book gave several logical explanations for the mysterious phenomenon. This allowed for me to take a closer look at both sides of stories and opinions on the topic. There was nothing included that shouldn’t have been in this book. The editor did well compiling the several short works in each section. The book was a good length and extremely easy to comprehend as well as very interesting.
There were only a few things that I did not like about the book. One element is that it only presented claims of several men whom I have never heard of. No real evidence was ever presented on either side in the dispute. There were logical explanations, but there was no specific proof that the events had not occurred. It was a very interesting book, but there just was not enough visual conformation or credible proof to convince me of aliens or their nonexistence.
O’Neill, Terry (Ed.). UFOs: Fact or Fiction? Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press (Gale Group Inc.), 2003. Print.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It presented information from both sides of the debate and thoroughly examined the claims of each. The first part of the book mentioned all the major UFO events that have occurred. On the other hand, the second part of the book gave several logical explanations for the mysterious phenomenon. This allowed for me to take a closer look at both sides of stories and opinions on the topic. There was nothing included that shouldn’t have been in this book. The editor did well compiling the several short works in each section. The book was a good length and extremely easy to comprehend as well as very interesting.
There were only a few things that I did not like about the book. One element is that it only presented claims of several men whom I have never heard of. No real evidence was ever presented on either side in the dispute. There were logical explanations, but there was no specific proof that the events had not occurred. It was a very interesting book, but there just was not enough visual conformation or credible proof to convince me of aliens or their nonexistence.
O’Neill, Terry (Ed.). UFOs: Fact or Fiction? Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press (Gale Group Inc.), 2003. Print.
