1996-05-10 – Jerry Pournelle – Comets Colliding with Earth

Show: Coast To Coast AM

Air Date: May 10, 1996

Guest(s): Jerry Pournelle

Topic(s): Comets Colliding with Earth

The episode begins with an exciting announcement about an upcoming debate scheduled for May 15th. The debate features Richard Hoagland, known for his theories about large glass structures on the moon, and Dr. Edgar Mitchell, an Apollo 14 astronaut who has previously dismissed Hoagland’s theories. Art shares the backstory of how this debate came to be, highlighting the initial reluctance and eventual agreement of Dr. Mitchell to participate.

The show also touches on serious topics like the tragic helicopter collision at Camp Lejeune, resulting in the death of 14 marines. Art, recalling his own experiences as a naval corpsman, reflects on the crash’s impact and the ongoing investigations into military aircraft safety standards.

The segment covers diverse topics such as adoption benefits, the U.S. government’s decision not to sanction China over nuclear technology exports to Pakistan, and a declassified U.S. intelligence document revealing Nazi leaders’ post-WWII plans.

Art delves into the intriguing story of the Chupacabra, a creature capturing the imagination of many in Mexico and now reportedly sighted in Tucson, Arizona. This mysterious, vampire-like creature is described as having fur, big bulbous eyes, and a penchant for sucking the blood of goats and other animals. Art discusses how this phenomenon has sparked both fear and commercial interest, with trinket sellers and tour operators capitalizing on the craze.

Art then switches to a more serious topic, discussing a dangerous drug combination called “homicide” wreaking havoc in Philadelphia. This concoction, a mix of heroin, cocaine, and other substances, has caused overdoses and fatalities, prompting hospitalizations and concern among health officials.

The show takes another dark turn with the bizarre case of Rodney Hinds, a Californian arrested for stealing and consuming cremated remains. Hinds believed that eating these ashes would grant him immortality, a belief that led to his arrest after the disappearance of several urns from a local cemetery.

Art returns to the upcoming debate between Richard Hoagland and Dr. Edgar Mitchell, emphasizing its significance and reminding listeners of the date and time. He also touches on the topic of militias in the U.S., hinting at plans for an impending conflict and promising to delve deeper into this topic in future segments.

Art Bell continues to explore the realms of science fiction and real-world astronomical events. The focus is on the science fiction novel “Lucifer’s Hammer,” co-authored by Larry Niven and Dr. Jerry Purnell. Art expresses his admiration for the book, which initially sparked his interest in space and related topics. He eagerly anticipates Dr. Purnell’s appearance on the show to discuss his work and get his perspective on recent near-Earth encounters with comets, asteroids, and meteorites.

Art then engages in a conversation with Dr. Purnell, discussing “Lucifer’s Hammer” and its premise. The book begins with the discovery of a comet at a Hollywood party, eventually revealing that the comet is on a collision course with Earth. The first half of the novel details the comet’s approach, while the second half delves into the aftermath of its impact. Art and Dr. Purnell discuss how the novel was strangely prophetic, considering recent close calls Earth has had with celestial objects.

The conversation shifts to discussing the potential risks of such celestial events in real life. They talk about the Tunguska event of 1908 in Siberia, where a stony asteroid exploded with significant force. This leads to a broader discussion about whether humanity currently has the capability to stop a comet or asteroid from colliding with Earth. Dr. Purnell opines that while we don’t have the immediate means to stop such an event, it’s possible in the near future with technological advancements. However, he notes that most people are unaware that Earth has no missile defenses to speak of, highlighting a significant gap in our preparedness for such scenarios.

Art Bell and Dr. Jerry Purnell discuss the practicalities and challenges of deflecting an asteroid or comet on a collision course with our planet. Dr. Purnell, an unofficial advisor to NASA, reveals that while we have the theoretical knowledge to develop such defenses, we currently lack the deployed technology to do so effectively. He emphasizes the need for space-based radars to detect potential threats, especially those composed of iron, which are harder to detect.

The conversation shifts to the real-life implications of a catastrophic impact, similar to what is depicted in “Lucifer’s Hammer.” They discuss the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet, which impacted Jupiter, and speculate on the disastrous consequences if such an event were to happen on Earth. The discussion touches on the Tunguska event in Siberia and the importance of space observation for early detection of dangerous objects.

Dr. Purnell then provides a startling comparison: the likelihood of dying due to an asteroid impact is similar to the odds of dying in a plane crash. While it’s a low probability for an individual, the impact of a large celestial object would be catastrophic on a global scale. He mentions that such an event could potentially lead to years of winter, devastating global agriculture and economies.

Art and Dr. Purnell also touch upon the discovery of comets and asteroids, noting that amateur astronomers often play a significant role in these discoveries. They discuss the military’s capabilities and limitations in detecting and responding to space threats, highlighting the bureaucratic and treaty-related challenges that impede the development of effective space defenses.

Art Bell and Dr. Jerry Purnell discuss the limitations imposed by the adherence to a treaty with a now non-existent entity, which has restricted the development of strategic defenses. This lack of defense is not only applicable to missile attacks but also to large space objects such as asteroids or comets. Dr. Purnell points out the irony that if something were to hit Earth, there would be nowhere to run, and the lack of preparedness would become painfully apparent.

The conversation then shifts to Dr. Purnell’s work in science fiction. He talks about his upcoming young adult book in the Jupiter series and a novel he’s co-writing with Larry Niven, set 12,000 years ago in a universe where magic works. He also mentions “Star Swarm,” another project he’s particularly proud of, which involves an alien life form and faster-than-light travel.

Art introduces the topic of the Chupacabra, a mysterious creature reported in various parts of the Americas. Described as a vampire-like animal about four feet tall with red eyes and a lizard-like appearance, it supposedly sucks the blood from goats, leaving behind two puncture marks. Dr. Purnell expresses his unfamiliarity with the Chupacabra, showing surprise at the strange nature of the phenomenon.

The conversation then turns to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Dr. Purnell references Enrico Fermi’s famous paradox, questioning why, given the vast number of potentially habitable planets, we have not encountered alien life. They discuss various theories, including the idea that aliens could remain hidden if they wished, leading to speculation about why we haven’t seen clear evidence of their existence. Dr. Purnell suggests that if extraterrestrials have visited Earth and chosen not to reveal themselves, it’s likely because they don’t want to be known.

Art Bell and Dr. Jerry Purnell continue their discussion, touching on various intriguing topics. They delve into the concept of extraterrestrial life, contemplating scenarios where alien beings, disguised as anthropologists, might be secretly observing humanity. Dr. Purnell humorously suggests that graduate students from another planet might occasionally reveal themselves, accounting for some UFO sightings.

Art then moves to the topic of the Brookings Report, which suggests that the American public might not be ready to accept the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. This leads to a broader discussion about public readiness for such revelations, with Art wondering whether the report’s assessments are accurate.

The show takes a brief intermission, and Art reminds listeners of the upcoming debate between Richard Hoagland and Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell. This debate, scheduled for Wednesday morning, is anticipated to be a significant event, potentially even explosive in its revelations about space and extraterrestrial life.

Shifting gears, Art reports a recent 5.4 magnitude earthquake in the Virgin Islands and opens a dedicated phone line for listeners in the region to share their experiences. He also invites listeners to join a chat session on America Online, where they can interact with his wife, Ramona, in the “Grassy Knoll” chat room.

The discussion then circles back to the Chupacabra, with Art mentioning a recent Reuters story about the creature. This story has brought the Chupacabra into the mainstream press, sparking widespread interest and curiosity.

Art Bell engages with callers on various topics. The discussion opens with a humorous exchange where a caller, listening to country music, shares an experience of hearing a mysterious sound, likened to Gabriel’s trumpet. The conversation then shifts to a caller’s thoughts on polls and predictions about the future, expressing skepticism about their accuracy.

Art addresses the topic of the presidential campaign, expressing disappointment at the lack of real campaigning and meaningful debate. He hopes for more substantial discourse in the future that would be worth discussing on the show.

A caller from Portland, Oregon, inquires about the Chupacabra sightings in the state. Art doesn’t have specific details but suggests that city dwellers like the caller are probably safe from such creatures. He humorously advises taking a tape recorder on a stroll in the woods to capture any potential encounters with the Chupacabra.

Another caller, Jeff from Tucson, Arizona, discusses his plans to work on fishing boats in Alaska. He seeks advice from Art, who has lived in Alaska, about working in the fishing industry and the realities of life there. Art recommends Kodiak, Alaska, as a good location for commercial fishing and canning, and offers to put Jeff in contact with someone in Kodiak for more information.

The conversation then shifts to militia and firearms, with a caller asking Art about his own firearms ownership. Art confirms he owns a variety of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, handguns, and an AK-47, which he has collected over the years.

The segment concludes with Art expressing his desire to hear from listeners in the Virgin Islands about a recent earthquake, reminding listeners that he’s looking for first-hand reports from the region.

One caller from Tijuana, Mexico, discusses the Chupacabra, a creature that has been a hot topic in Latin American media. The caller shares that the creature is allegedly a mix between an iguana and a vampire bat, with photographs of it appearing in a local newspaper. There’s speculation about what the Chupacabra might be, ranging from a mutated vampire bat to a government distraction from economic difficulties. The caller also touches on the political climate in Mexico, discussing the potential for a revolution due to the long-standing rule of the PRI party and growing public dissatisfaction.

Art emphasizes the widespread interest in the Chupacabra, noting that it’s not only a topic in Mexican media but also in American press, particularly in Los Angeles. He ponders the possibility of the creature being a government invention to divert public attention from other issues.

Returning to a previous topic, Art reminds listeners from the Virgin Islands to call in and share their experiences of the recent earthquake. He’s keen to hear firsthand reports about the shaking and any impacts it may have caused in the Caribbean region.

Art also mentions that his wife, Ramona, is currently participating in an online chat on America Online in the “Grassy Knoll” chat room, part of the “Periscope” section. He invites listeners to join the chat and interact with her, noting that she might be answering some potentially embarrassing questions about him.

A caller from Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands reports on the 5.4 earthquake, stating that he did not feel any shaking and was unaware of the event until hearing it on the radio. He provides an update on the recovery efforts in Saint Thomas following Hurricane Marilyn, indicating that the situation is improving with ongoing reconstruction.

Art then inquires about the Chupacabra, but the caller from Saint Thomas has only heard about the creature through the radio show and is not aware of its presence in the Caribbean islands.

The conversation shifts to a caller who asks about the Tacit Blue stealth aircraft, which Art describes as looking like a “flying bus.” They discuss the advancement of technology, particularly in aviation and defense.

Another caller from South Dakota recommends a book titled “Rogue Asteroids and Doomsday Comets” by Duncan Steele, with a foreword by Arthur C. Clarke. The book discusses the scientific and existential implications of celestial threats to Earth.

Art then receives a call from Southern California about the Chupacabra. The caller wonders if the creature makes any noise and suggests using a call to lure it in, though Art expresses doubts about the wisdom of attracting a potentially dangerous creature. The caller also inquires about electric vehicles, prompting a discussion on the practicality and future of electric transportation.

A caller from Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands reports on the recent 5.4 earthquake, noting that he didn’t feel any shaking and was unaware of it until hearing about it on the radio. This leads to a discussion about the island’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Marilyn.

Art also discusses the Chupacabra phenomenon, with the caller from Saint Thomas indicating that he’s only heard about it on the radio show and hasn’t witnessed it on the island. The conversation then shifts to a caller who inquires about the Tacit Blue stealth aircraft, describing its unusual appearance. This sparks a dialogue about the rapid progression of technology and its manifestations in military equipment.

A caller from South Dakota recommends a book titled “Rogue Asteroids and Doomsday Comets” by Duncan Steele, highlighting its scientific exploration of celestial threats. Another caller questions whether the Chupacabra makes any noise, pondering the idea of using a call to attract the creature for observation or capture.

The discussion then turns to electric vehicles, with a caller expressing interest in their practicality and future potential. Art shares his fascination with electric vehicles and the advancements in this field.

A caller from Duluth, Minnesota reports on a peculiar incident involving a five-foot egg that washed up on the lake shore. The caller claims that vital signs were detected in the egg, sparking curiosity and skepticism.

Another caller discusses a recent report in Time magazine contradicting earlier findings about declining sperm counts. This caller refers to a study conducted in New York City indicating stable or rising sperm counts, challenging previous concerns about a general decline.

Art then talks about Roy Masters, a radio personality with a unique perspective on life. A caller expresses his admiration for Masters, who has significantly impacted his life. The conversation touches on Masters’ controversial approach to addressing life’s challenges and the difficulties of broadcasting his unconventional message to a wider audience.

The discussion shifts back to the mysterious five-foot egg, with a caller from San Diego expressing his belief that it’s likely a hoax. Art humorously invites listeners to imagine what might hatch from such an egg.

A caller from Fort Smith, Arkansas, brings up the upcoming debate between Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Richard Hoagland, expressing excitement about the event. He inquires about radio stations that might broadcast the debate live.

The discussion continues with a fax from a listener named Diane, who reports that the Chupacabra has been sighted close to the US border, attacking sheep and goats in Rosarito and Ensenada, Mexico. This report fuels the ongoing speculation about the creature being connected to UFO sightings.

Shane from Texas then calls in to discuss the Chupacabra and references Dr. Jack Vallée’s book “Confrontations,” which explores similar mysterious creatures known as ‘troopers’ in Brazil. Shane intends to keep Art updated on his research related to this topic.

The conversation takes a bizarre turn with a caller from Minnesota claiming to have found a five-foot egg with vital signs, leading to speculation about what kind of creature could lay such an egg. This report stirs a mix of skepticism and curiosity among listeners and Art himself.

A caller from Vancouver, Washington, inquires about the fate of the tethered satellite, which Art clarifies as having burned up upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.

The topic of large, unusual creatures continues with a humorous suggestion from a caller about a “20-foot chicken” that could lay a five-foot egg. This lighthearted speculation adds to the show’s theme of exploring the unknown and unexplained.

Eric from Pullman shares his thoughts on the National Security Agency (NSA) and some findings about rats reproducing in space, but the call is plagued by technical issues typical of portable phones at the time.

The segment concludes with a caller from North Dakota asking about a letter Art received regarding Roswell parts. Art reads a follow-up letter from the sender, discussing the three segments of the retrieval team involved in the Roswell crash and his grandfather’s affiliation with the event.

A caller describes the involvement of various experts and consultants from organizations like the University of Colorado, the Office of Naval Research, and the Atomic Energy Commission in the Roswell crash investigation. The caller’s grandfather, allegedly part of the retrieval team, claimed the craft’s propulsion system used pure extract aluminum and that the occupant of the crashed UFO had the ability to read minds. The discussion also touches on the military’s concern about the ability of aliens to enter Earth’s atmosphere undetected, which supposedly led to the recommendation for a space program and a satellite system for UFO detection.

A caller from California then shifts the conversation to a critique of Bill Clinton’s presidency and a defense of liberalism. The caller argues that liberalism is about compassion and supporting issues like the environment and education. He suggests that conservatives often misunderstand liberalism, particularly when it comes to fiscal responsibility and the use of government funds.

A caller provides detailed information about the teams involved in the Roswell UFO incident, including individuals from various prestigious institutions and consultants from different countries. The caller describes the alien technology found in the UFO, such as a propulsion system using pure extract aluminum and control devices shaped for alien hands, resembling fiber optic technology.

The conversation then shifts to a political debate between a liberal caller, Charlie, and Art Bell. They discuss the differences in conservative and liberal approaches to welfare and government spending. Charlie argues that liberals are people-oriented and not afraid to spend money for positive results, while conservatives are seen as less compassionate and more fiscally conservative. Art counters that conservatives advocate for local-level administration of welfare to reduce bureaucracy and fraud, ensuring that funds reach those in need more effectively.

The segment then takes a lighter turn with a caller from Vallejo, California, humorously suggesting that the reported five-foot egg could be related to the movie “Aliens,” proposing it might be from a queen bee of an alien colony. This prompts Art to joke about the size of an omelet one could make with such a large egg.

A caller discusses a news release stating that Bob Dole has chosen Phil Gramm as his vice-presidential nominee, which Art suspects might be a hoax. This leads to a brief discussion about potential political developments.

A caller from California expresses his opinions on previous calls and inquires about a radio station in Houston to continue listening to the show during his trip. He also asks about the visibility of a comet, with Art mentioning that it should be quite visible in the sky by the next year.

The conversation then shifts back to the mysterious five-foot egg, with another caller humorously suggesting that the movie “Aliens” might be a documentary rather than fiction. Art jokes about the possibility of such an egg belonging to a 30-foot “Chupacabra.”

Art addresses a fax from Cheyenne, Wyoming, reporting that the bacteria responsible for deaths in Milwaukee has been found in Cheyenne’s water supply, leading to a shortage of bottled water. He calls for listeners in Cheyenne to confirm this news.

Another topic discussed is a poisonous heroin problem in Philadelphia now affecting Baltimore, highlighting the spread of drug-related emergencies.

A caller asks about Gordon Cooper’s statements on “Paranormal Borderline.” Art recounts Cooper’s story about witnessing a flying saucer landing at Edwards Air Force Base and being filmed by a military crew, with the footage sent to Washington and never seen again.

The segment also touches on the Philadelphia Experiment and sex in space, with a listener recalling a previous show where Art discussed these topics.

A caller from Louisiana inquires about thermal image maps related to Michael Scallion’s predictions. Art clarifies that Scallion’s future world maps are not available on websites due to copyright but mentions that Stan Deyo’s thermal maps are online and contain worrisome data.

The segment starts with a discussion about a news release stating that Phil Gramm has been chosen as Bob Dole’s vice-presidential nominee, which Art suspects might be a hoax. This leads to speculation about the upcoming political race.

A caller from California shares his opinions on various topics, including criticizing a previous caller, Charlie, and joking about Robin Williams emerging from the five-foot egg. He also asks for the Houston radio station number to tune into the show and inquires about a comet’s visibility in the night sky.

The conversation then shifts back to the mysterious five-foot egg, with another caller suggesting that the movie “Aliens” might have some truth to it in light of this discovery. Art humorously contemplates the possibility of such a large egg belonging to a Chupacabra or similar creature.

A caller from Minneapolis raises the topic of the Chupacabra and its method of attack, comparing it to a fishhook with a barb. He also mentions a crater on the moon with a glass dome, hinting at Richard Hoagland’s theories and asking for more information about it.

The discussion then takes a serious turn with a caller from Cheyenne, Wyoming, confirming a report about contamination in the local water supply. The Wyoming Health Department issued a warning due to high levels of cryptosporidium, a microscopic organism, in the water. This news is particularly concerning for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Art reflects on the increasing number of such health scares and the vulnerability of people with suppressed immune systems. He suggests that it might be nature’s way of implementing the survival of the fittest.

A caller from Vancouver discusses the Chupacabra and its possible origins. The caller references a book from the 1800s about an advanced race worshiping a pterodactyl-like creature, drawing parallels with the Chupacabra. Art and the caller speculate whether the Chupacabra is a new creature from a laboratory or something ancient and potentially more dangerous.

Art then discusses his upcoming plans to visit an internet chat channel, emphasizing the show’s engagement with its online audience.

A caller from Louisiana inquires about the sender of the Roswell debris, wondering if there will be further updates. Art reads the last letter he received from the sender, indicating that the individual will likely not communicate again due to concerns about potential legal consequences.

Another caller from Houston asks about the progress of getting the show on shortwave radio. Art explains the complex logistics involved, including establishing a transatlantic satellite link.

The conversation shifts back to the Chupacabra when a news report from Fox News is mentioned, detailing an attack in Sylmar, California, where 20 chickens were drained of blood. The incident fuels further speculation about the mysterious creature.

Art shares personal information about his birth in response to a caller’s question, and they discuss the recent news about contaminated water in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The caller also humorously suggests that the five-foot egg might be related to the Chupacabra.

A caller from Odessa, Texas, joins the conversation, joking about the size of the mysterious egg and its potential origins.

A caller named Elizabeth discusses her ban from a local talk station, revealing a humorous story about the ownership of the station by two politically opposite brothers.

She believes her successful defense of liberalism led to the ban. Elizabeth also expresses her desire to debate Art on the concept of the ‘quickening’ and discusses the difference between false conservatism and true conservatism, which she feels is missing in contemporary culture.

Art then talks about his philosophy of talk radio, emphasizing the importance of an open forum where hosts are willing to take on any topic. He criticizes the practice of banning callers for reasons other than bad language or libelous statements, stating that hosts should be open to diverse viewpoints and debates. Art believes that limiting conversations and not reflecting the varied interests of people can lead to the downfall of talk radio.

A caller from Aberdeen, Washington, brings up the topic of right-wing groups and mentions a sacred name in Hebrew theology. This leads to a brief discussion about the name of the creator in different religious contexts.

A caller discusses the importance of a sacred name to right-wing groups and their belief in being untouchable due to their association with this name. The caller expresses concern about the potential for these groups to evade responsibility for their actions.

Art shifts the topic to a discussion about militias and their plans for war, citing a specific article about a militia’s legal representative in Oregon ready to declare war against the military. He decides not to delve further into this topic for the remainder of the weekend show.

A caller inquires about the difference between false and true conservatism, leading to a discussion about the misconceptions and stereotypes associated with political ideologies. Art expresses his frustration with the loud voices of false liberals and conservatives driving the political process and wishes for more genuine discourse.

Another caller suggests the idea of having a listener co-host the show for a segment, and Art finds the idea intriguing. He also discusses the challenges of integrating amateur radio into his commercial broadcast, noting the difficulty in obtaining a clear ruling from the FCC on this matter.

A caller urges skepticism towards polls, arguing that they can be manipulated to say anything depending on how they are conducted. This skepticism is particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming election and the reported popularity of certain candidates.

A caller proposes the idea of letting one of the regular liberal callers host the show for an hour, suggesting it could be an interesting change of pace. Art appears open to the idea, though he doesn’t commit to it.

The discussion shifts to an upcoming radio event involving Apollo 14 astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell and researcher Richard Hoagland. A caller predicts that Hoagland might struggle in the debate, but both he and Art appreciate the importance and excitement of such a debate.

Another caller inquires about a prototype craft mentioned in an earlier interview with Dr. Purnell, seeking more information. Art promises to look into it and provide updates on his website.

Art then discusses his website, emphasizing its wealth of information and fun content related to the show. He invites listeners to visit the site for additional content, including wave files of his famous cat screech and stories about the Chupacabra.

A caller from Las Vegas discusses the excitement around the upcoming debate between Dr. Edgar Mitchell and Richard Hoagland, expressing his personal interest in the event. He also shares a recent paranormal experience he had with a drawing of the typical alien gray, comparing it to the creatures in the movie “Gremlins.”

The conversation then shifts to a discussion about Roswell and UFOs. A caller shares his unique perspective on the Roswell incident, suggesting that most UFO enthusiasts have misunderstood the enormity of space and the difficulty of traversing it. He theorizes that if aliens visited Earth, they might be more interested in our planet as an oasis in the vast desert of space.

Another caller poses the idea that if aliens were to visit Earth, they might mistake ATM machines as the dominant life form due to their interactive nature. This humorous hypothesis highlights the caller’s view of the absurdity of some alien encounter stories.

The topic changes to lake monsters when a caller expresses his fascination with creatures like the Loch Ness Monster. He shares his personal experience of feeling a mysterious presence while looking out over Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, where a legendary lake monster is said to reside.

A caller from Oregon inquires about a previous show guest who claimed to be involved in a lab that created the Chupacabra. Art Bell confirms he has not yet received further information from that guest but is open to having him on the air if he provides more details.

Another caller humorously comments that they wouldn’t get pregnant for a million dollars, possibly referencing a previous topic on the show. The same caller asks about “Mad Man Marcum,” an individual known for his experiments and stories. Art Bell reveals that he knows Markham’s whereabouts and plans to have him on the show again in the future.

The conversation then turns back to the Chupacabra, with a caller from Honolulu discussing a recent report about a cowboy in Mexico who allegedly killed one of the creatures. Art Bell mentions that there have been reports of a drowned Chupacabra, with photographs appearing in Mexican newspapers. However, the caller expresses skepticism, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence in many of these stories.