Art begins by welcoming listeners and introducing Peter Davenport, the Director of the National UFO Reporting Center. Peter’s interest in UFOs began in his boyhood, with his first sighting in 1954 at the Saint Louis Municipal Airport. He has since been involved in several UFO-related events, including a significant sighting in Baja California in 1990 and multiple sightings in Washington State in 1992. Art also mentions a video related to a UFO sighting by Mr. Kim Schaefer, urging listeners to watch it on their website. Art reflects on his own UFO sighting experience and the regret of not having a camera to capture it. Later, he talks about meeting a group of people from various states who visited him. The show then proceeds with Peter Davenport discussing the significance of the video on their website, which he considers one of the best in nine and a half years. They discuss the characteristics of the UFO in the video, noting its disc shape and unusual maneuvers that don’t align with conventional aircraft movements.
Art introduces Mr. Kim Schaffer, a resident of Bristol, Tennessee, who had a life-changing UFO sighting. Kim, who has been interested in ufology his entire life, recounts the incident that occurred on August 2nd while he was working on a car with his son. He describes seeing a reflective copper-colored disc in the sky, which he initially thought was a balloon. Upon closer inspection with binoculars, he realized it was a perfectly symmetrical UFO with no distinguishable features.
Kim explains that it took him around five minutes to decide to film the UFO, and he was fortunate to have a camcorder with a hot battery and an empty tape ready. His family got involved in the sighting, with his son and wife watching through binoculars while he recorded the event. He emphasizes the clarity and detail he observed through the binoculars compared to what is captured in the video, describing the UFO as an object of absolute perfection.
After the sighting, Kim’s first reaction was to report it to Peter Davenport’s National UFO Reporting Center. He reflects on the uncertainty of what he witnessed, stating he would like to believe it was something withheld by the government. He also mentions contacting a nearby airport, which responded ambiguously due to the UFO not having a transponder to register on FAA radar.
Kim clarifies that the UFO appeared to lower in altitude, estimating it to have been at its lowest point around 8,000 to 10,000 feet. He and his family were left with no definitive explanation for what they saw, but they now believe there are phenomena that can’t be explained.
Peter Davenport then delves into the intricacies of FAA radar systems. He explains that the radar data air traffic controllers see is not raw data but processed by computers, which can filter out objects deemed irrelevant, like stationary objects or those moving extremely fast. This processing might cause some UFOs not to appear on the controllers’ screens, despite being present in the sky. Davenport cites examples where UFOs were observed by air traffic controllers, like an incident in Rhode Island where an object reversed course to follow an aircraft, and another case where pilots saw an object near their plane, but the air traffic controller saw nothing on the radar.
Art acknowledges Kim Schaffer’s contribution to ufology by capturing the UFO on video, which is a rare and valuable piece of evidence. The video, available on the show’s website, provides a visual representation of the UFO sighting, offering more than just verbal descriptions. Bell encourages listeners to view the video to see for themselves what Kim and his family experienced.
Art acknowledges the inherent difficulty in fully understanding or proving UFO phenomena, despite their undeniable presence. Peter echoes this sentiment, expressing his frustration with the limitations of ufology, which has largely been about accumulating eyewitness accounts since its inception.
Peter highlights the importance of tangible evidence, like the video footage captured by Kim Schaffer and another individual in Vancouver, British Columbia, who recorded a similar UFO sighting. These rare instances of physical evidence provide a significant contrast to mere eyewitness accounts.
The conversation then shifts to a recent sighting in Fort Myers, Florida. Peter describes a highly credible witness, an investigator with over 30 years of experience, who saw a disc-shaped UFO but declined to appear on the show due to concerns about being recognized and jeopardizing his professional reputation. This situation underscores a common dilemma in UFO reporting, where individuals hesitate to come forward due to potential personal and professional repercussions.
Peter encourages listeners to visit their website to see a graphic representation of the Fort Myers sighting, which he describes as a classic UFO sighting with a high aspect ratio, thin and coin-like, observed under clear skies. Art reflects on the reluctance of professionals, like pilots and officials, to report UFO sightings for fear of jeopardizing their careers. He empathizes with their situation, understanding the risk of being stigmatized or discredited in their professional communities for reporting such experiences.
Art introduces another witness, Steve Cutler from Richland, Washington. Steve recounts his experience of witnessing a UFO during an annual race event along the Columbia River. He was watching an air show through his binoculars when he noticed a black object passing through his field of vision, initially mistaking it for a bird. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a silver metallic object, black on the bottom with a thin silver ring around it, and exhibiting a maneuverability similar to a hawk working a field.
Steve describes the object in detail, noting its silver metallic top surface reflecting sunlight and an oblong cockpit. He explains the challenges in estimating the object’s size and distance due to its unfamiliar nature, but guesses it was about six or seven miles away and above 10,000 feet. Steve observed the UFO for approximately 30 minutes, noting that it seemed to be in a holding pattern, as if waiting for something.
Initially, Steve thought the object might be part of the air show, waiting for a signal to join in. However, he observed that it remained stationary at a high altitude and distant position even after the planes had left. The UFO seemed to be practicing or exercising its flying capabilities, maneuvering in a way that alternately exposed its bottom and top surfaces to viewers. Over the course of 20 minutes, it drifted slightly to the east.
When asked about his thoughts on the object’s identity, Steve proposes three theories: it could be an actual extraterrestrial craft from another dimension, a balloon-like model with maneuvering capabilities (which he deems unlikely due to its size and the distance), or an advanced military aircraft being tested in a remote area.
Steve notes the oddity of an extraterrestrial or secret military craft appearing near an air show, where many people would be looking at the sky. However, he points out that without binoculars, the object would have been difficult to spot with the naked eye. Even when its location was known, it appeared as a black surface or a bright surface reflecting the sun.
Estimating the size of the UFO, Steve compares it to the apparent size of Venus in the sky, stating it was at least two to four times larger. He also notes the lack of thermal heat trails or any instability in its movement, highlighting its controlled and graceful motion.
Art Bell concludes this segment by suggesting that Steve has either seen a secret U.S. government project or an alien craft.
Art reflects on the significance of the discovery of gravity-defying technology, suggesting it would be a major breakthrough. Steve Cutler thanks the hosts and signs off.
Art then introduces the topic of dark energy, but the conversation quickly shifts back to UFOs. Peter Davenport, who has spent years collecting thousands of UFO reports, notes that about 30% of all adult Americans believe they have had a clear sighting of a UFO. This estimate is corroborated by international data collected from UFO investigators around the world.
The discussion then turns to one of the most famous UFO incidents: the Phoenix Lights, which occurred while Art was on the air in 1997. Peter expresses surprise that some people, including a journalist he recently spoke to, are still unaware of this event. The Phoenix Lights involved objects estimated to be 1 to 2 miles in width, hovering over the city of Phoenix for about an hour and a half. This event is considered one of the most dramatic and overt UFO events in the field of ufology.
Art recalls the influx of reports he received that night from thousands of people in the Phoenix area who witnessed the objects. He mentions that they might have a different group of listeners now compared to seven years ago and highlights the importance of revisiting significant cases like the Phoenix Lights. Peter then introduces the next guest, a woman who had a particularly dramatic view of one of the UFOs from that night, as it hovered over her and her four children for about five minutes.
A new witness named Sue shares her account of the Phoenix Lights UFO sighting. Sue describes seeing an incredibly large, boomerang-shaped vehicle with bright lights moving slowly over Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. She, along with her family, observed the UFO from their front yard, initially assuming that everyone else in the city was also watching it.
Sue details the UFO’s appearance, noting its large size, which she estimates to be several football fields in length. The craft had bright lights on the front and was surrounded by lights along its edges. As it moved over their home, they could see its structure from below, describing it as a solid piece of aircraft that was lit up around its outline.
Interestingly, Sue mentions that the UFO appeared to be ‘floating’ rather than flying, as there was no noise or rush to its movement. This observation aligns with other witnesses who have described similar characteristics in UFO sightings. The lack of sound was particularly striking to Sue and her family.
Adding to the intrigue, Sue recounts seeing a laser emanating from the front of the vehicle towards the middle of the city, a sight that startled her. Although she did not witness any military jets following the UFO, other witnesses reported seeing such activity.
Sue describes the object as a very large, slow-moving vehicle that took about five minutes to travel across two miles. Initially, she and her family were not fearful, just amazed by the sight. Sue recalls the lack of immediate news coverage about the event and the disbelief and joking manner in which it was later reported by local media.
Sue dismisses various explanations offered for the sighting, such as it being Venus, military flares, or the Canadian aerobatic team the Snowbirds. She emphasizes that what she and her family saw was a large, solid, and close vehicle, not separate entities like flares. Sue expresses frustration that the event was not taken seriously and was even mocked by some, causing her children to feel embarrassed about discussing it.
Peter Davenport, also present in the discussion, comments on the strange delay in media coverage of the Phoenix Lights and mentions the overwhelming number of calls he received about the event. He acknowledges Sue as one of the best witnesses of the incident. Sue mentions that her family, which includes seven children, drew the object they saw to document their experience. This drawing was the first written report received by Davenport’s organization from the witnesses of the Phoenix Lights. Sue mentions that she and her family drew the UFO they observed to document their experience, which was then faxed to Davenport.
Art and Peter Davenport discuss the unusual media response to the Phoenix Lights. Despite the significance of the event, there was a notable delay in national news coverage. Art recalls that something “gigantic” passed over Phoenix, but it was initially met with silence from national media. It wasn’t until months later that major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS reported on the event, as if it had just happened.
Davenport notes the peculiar timing of the media coverage, with a major article appearing in USA Today more than two months after the event. This sudden burst of attention coincided with Arizona Governor Symington’s staging of a press conference featuring an employee in an alien suit, purportedly offering an explanation for the Phoenix Lights.
The discussion shifts to the broader societal response to UFO phenomena. Davenport observes that the most interesting part of his job is not the UFOs themselves, but the human psychology and societal reactions to these events. He expresses frustration with the press’s reluctance to address UFO sightings seriously, contrasting the current media landscape with the more open reporting on UFOs in the past.
Local and regional newspapers, however, often show interest in UFO events in their areas, indicating a discrepancy between local and national media in covering these stories. Davenport stresses that while local sightings are important, they should be seen in the context of a global phenomenon involving objects capable of high-speed travel.
Art and Peter Davenport discuss the difficulties in controlling and influencing media coverage, especially regarding UFO phenomena. They consider the possibility that the national press might be controlled or manipulated, leading to a lack of coverage on significant UFO events like the Phoenix Lights. Art Bell suggests that this control could happen at the level of wire services like the Associated Press, as they are primary news sources for many media outlets.
Peter Davenport agrees and draws a parallel between the situation of journalists and astronomers, where both professions have shifted from active fieldwork to relying heavily on technology and distant observation. He laments the transformation of the press into a business focused more on infotainment rather than delivering hard news. Art Bell expresses surprise that even in an era where sensational stories are sought after, incidents like the Phoenix Lights are ignored or trivialized by the media.
Davenport recalls his efforts to get national newspapers interested in the Phoenix Lights event the day after it happened, but he found no takers. He highlights the enormity of the UFO witnessed by Sue Swanson and her family, emphasizing its massive size compared to the full moon. The discussion then turns to the detailed descriptions of the object’s size and movement by various witnesses, including those who saw it spanning the width of a highway.
Both Bell and Davenport express frustration and disbelief at the lack of journalistic interest and coverage of such a significant event, noting that many journalists profess ignorance about the Phoenix Lights case even when presented with data and eyewitness accounts. They question the reasons behind this apparent media apathy or avoidance of UFO-related stories.
Art and Peter Davenport continue their discussion on UFOs and the media’s handling of such incidents. They speculate on possible control mechanisms for the national press and the contrast with local media coverage. Bell notes that UFO stories should be more prevalent in the era of infotainment, yet they are often ignored or trivialized.
Davenport talks about an incident in 2000 when F-16 fighters were deployed from Andrews Air Force Base, responding to an unidentified object over Washington D.C. He mentions an investigator, Joan Woodward, who found anomalies in military and FAA records from that day, suggesting a possible cover-up or omission of data.
The conversation then shifts to the broader issues in ufology. Davenport expresses frustration with the lack of progress in UFO research and the continuous dismissal of sighting reports by the government and media. Bell and Davenport discuss the potential for more aggressive approaches toward the press and the need for government transparency. They recall the case of Representative Schiff and the missing Roswell records, illustrating the government’s longstanding evasion on the UFO topic.
Art Bell emphasizes the danger in the government treating the public like children, not sharing information about UFOs, and the public’s resigned acceptance of this lack of transparency. The segment concludes with Bell reaffirming his commitment to discussing ufology and encouraging a more open dialogue on these issues.
Davenport expresses a sense of weariness with hearing UFO reports, noting the redundancy in the stories and the need for a new approach to make meaningful progress in understanding UFOs.
Art Bell shifts the conversation to question how government decisions are made, drawing a parallel with the current controversy over the invasion and occupation of Iraq. He wonders about the decision-making processes in government, including those related to UFO phenomena.
Davenport reveals that despite having heard thousands of UFO reports, he now prefers written accounts, partly because they reach a wider audience when posted online. Interestingly, he notes that many visitors to their website come from government domains (dot gov addresses), suggesting a high level of interest in UFO cases within the government.
Both Bell and Davenport agree that the mere presence of UFOs is no longer the question. Instead, the challenge lies in understanding their significance and the intentions behind their appearances on Earth. Davenport questions the logic of extraterrestrial beings traveling vast distances just to make brief appearances in our skies, implying a deeper purpose behind these visitations.
Davenport ponders the nature of extraterrestrial logic and its potential divergence from human understanding. He expresses a need to rethink conventional assumptions about alien motivations and behaviors, hinting at the complexity and depth of the UFO phenomenon.
Art and Peter Davenport delve deeper into the implications of UFO phenomena on government actions and societal norms. They discuss the inevitability of alien existence due to the numerous UFO sightings and speculate about the government’s level of awareness and involvement.
Davenport asserts that every U.S. president since Truman has likely been aware of UFOs, citing Jimmy Carter’s own sighting. He questions why a series of presidents have consented to remain silent on this topic. Davenport expresses his greatest concern: the advanced technological capabilities of aliens and their potential to participate in human society undetected. He refers to the work of ufologists like Dr. David Jacobs and Bud Hopkins, who focus on alien abductions, highlighting the real and profound effects of these phenomena on humans.
Davenport raises the issue of government actions post-9/11, including the implementation of the Patriot Act and its impact on personal freedoms. He worries about the potential influence of extraterrestrial beings on government decisions and policies, fearing a mild form of societal control or slavery.
The conversation shifts to discuss the balance between upholding constitutional rights and ensuring national security. Davenport emphasizes the importance of being cautious with federal power and the constitution, especially in the face of external threats. Art Bell comments on the terrorists’ understanding of this dynamic, suggesting that their actions force Americans to impose restrictions on themselves.
Davenport, who has experience in politics and ran for public office, shares his insights into government and political processes. He emphasizes his background in politics and ufology to lend credibility to his concerns about the government’s response to UFO phenomena and the impact on civil liberties.
Peter Davenport recalls being approached by individuals from the U.S. government in 1997, who expressed interest in the UFO cases posted on his website, particularly those involving commercial airliners.
During a meeting with these officials, Davenport was asked if any data had given him the suspicion that someone within the U.S. government was working in an “extra-constitutional” manner concerning UFOs. Davenport was momentarily stunned by this question, contemplating its implications. He pondered whether these government representatives were testing him for conspiracy theory beliefs or genuinely seeking information.
Davenport expresses his conviction that the government is not honest with the public about UFOs. He believes that while conspiracy theories should be approached with skepticism, it is evident that the government withholds information from its citizens, particularly regarding UFOs.
Art Bell and Davenport speculate about the extent of the government’s knowledge of UFOs, including the possibility of having met with alien races. Davenport can only conjecture on this matter, emphasizing that his meeting with the government officials was primarily focused on UFOs and commercial airliners. Bell wonders why these officials sought out Davenport, suggesting they may have thought he possessed undisclosed evidence about UFOs.
Davenport talks about his 1997 meeting with high-ranking government officials who expressed interest in UFO cases related to commercial airliners. This meeting suggests that the government is more informed about UFO activities than it publicly admits.
Bell and Davenport then shift to a broader discussion about government transparency and fiscal responsibility. They express concerns about the growing national debt and deficits, comparing current budgetary practices to those of previous administrations. The conversation touches on the idea of individuals opting out of standard social security funds, raising questions about the government’s motives and knowledge.
The topic of the “black budget,” or undisclosed government spending, is also discussed, with Bell highlighting the difficulty in tracking such secretive expenditures. Davenport mentions the work of Peter Drucker, an expert on organizational behavior, to draw parallels between the growth and decline of companies and governments. They discuss Drucker’s insights into leadership, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in effective leaders.
Art and Peter Davenport discuss the challenges of achieving meaningful change in government and ufology. They explore the cynicism and lack of accountability that can develop in large governments and organizations, where power and bureaucracy often overshadow the needs and interests of the people.
Davenport highlights the issue with the congressional retirement fund as an example of government self-interest and suggests that a small group of like-minded individuals in Congress could significantly influence national policy. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of rallying support around issues like UFO transparency, especially given the divisive nature of the ufology community.
Art Bell points out the challenges in motivating grassroots political movements, particularly within a ufology community riddled with disagreements and conflicts. Davenport agrees that ufology alone may not be a strong enough issue to mobilize significant political change. He emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting candidates for public office to avoid those with ulterior motives, drawing a parallel with the selection process for law enforcement officers and prison guards.
The conversation then turns to voter apathy and disillusionment with the political process. Both Bell and Davenport express a lack of excitement and hope for real change in the political arena, whether in local elections or presidential races. They share a sense of skepticism about the potential for any significant policy shifts, regardless of who holds office.
Davenport suggests that drastic measures, such as cutting a significant portion of the national budget, could be necessary to effect change. However, he acknowledges the unlikelihood of such actions being taken by current political leaders. They discuss the rapid technological advancements of the past century and speculate about the direction technology might take in the future.
Davenport, expressing a pragmatic approach, questions the priority of space exploration programs like missions to Mars, considering the pressing issues facing humanity such as overpopulation, energy crises, and wealth disparity. He suggests that advancements in technology could eventually offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions to these problems.
The conversation then touches on historical perspectives, with Bell proposing that future generations might view the current era as a time of unprecedented and inexplicable technological growth, possibly hinting at external intervention. Davenport agrees, noting the unpredictability of technological evolution and its impact on society.
The discussion shifts to more philosophical topics, including the distribution of wealth and the role of government in capital punishment. Davenport shares his evolving views on these subjects, indicating a shift in his attitudes and beliefs over the years.
Art Bell then refocuses the conversation on ufology, stating his intention to discuss the general state of UFO research and the government’s knowledge about UFOs, rather than individual sighting reports. He invites listeners to call in and share their thoughts on these broader issues, aiming to explore the public’s perspective on ufology and government transparency in this field.
Davenport talks about his upcoming talks in Friday Harbor, Washington, where he will present on UFOs, focusing on some of the most dramatic reports received during his tenure. He also mentions a forthcoming meeting with the Seattle Times, intending to discuss how the press often overlooks significant UFO events.
The conversation then shifts to how ufology intersects with religion. A caller inquires about the handling of ufology within religious contexts and how a major, undeniable UFO event might be interpreted by religious communities. Davenport notes that he has been approached by many people involved in religious groups who express a significant interest in UFOs. He observes that opinions are varied, with some interpreting UFO phenomena as demonic, while others consider the possibility of both benevolent and malevolent extraterrestrial entities. This diversity of views within religious circles highlights the complexity of integrating ufology with established belief systems.
Davenport acknowledges the high level of interest in UFOs among religious individuals, but also noting that many interpret such phenomena in a negative, possibly demonic light.
A caller poses a question about how ufology addresses religion, leading to a discussion about the philosophical and moral implications of UFO phenomena. Davenport shares an abduction scenario where the issue of the soul was allegedly raised by extraterrestrials, highlighting his growing interest in the deeper questions surrounding UFOs and their implications for human understanding of life and existence.
Another caller, who claims to have worked in defense, asks Davenport if he believes that some of the greatest minds are working on UFO phenomena for the government. Davenport agrees, speculating that the government would likely recruit top scientists and technicians to study UFO technology and propulsion methods.
The conversation then shifts to societal attitudes, with a caller suggesting that people are no longer fascinated or free-thinking, leading to a general apathy towards government actions and UFOs. Davenport and Bell discuss the challenges of navigating complex societal responsibilities and the impact of the entertainment industry on public consciousness. They reflect on the potential desensitization of society to shocking or unconventional topics, including UFOs, and the struggle to engage with these issues amid the distractions of modern life.
Davenport agrees that the caller has a valid point about societal desensitization and overload, and Bell ponders the implications of this for how society processes and reacts to extraordinary phenomena like UFOs.
Art and Peter Davenport discuss the possibility of intelligent life in the galaxy, the challenge of government manipulation of society, and the technological advancements that may be kept secret from the public.
One caller in Anchorage, Alaska, suggests that UFO sightings are not taken seriously because they are categorized similarly to sensationalist topics like those on “The Jerry Springer Show.” Another caller from Texas expresses skepticism about alien visitations, proposing that UFOs might be either spiritual beings or highly advanced technology developed by the U.S. government. This caller also questions the feasibility of interstellar travel given the current understanding of physics.
Davenport and Bell also discuss the possibility of life beyond Earth. Davenport expresses his belief, based on the diversity of reported UFOs and aliens, that our galaxy is likely teeming with intelligent life. He acknowledges, however, that this is a suspicion without concrete proof.
The conversation shifts to a discussion about societal desensitization and the ease of manipulation in a society where people are inundated with information and responsibilities. Davenport shares his desire to move to a quieter place, away from the city, where he can enjoy a simpler life and a clearer view of the stars.
A caller asks for Davenport’s website address (www.ufocenter.com) and inquiring about his thoughts on published UFO stories.
One caller discusses the idea that UFO sightings are often dismissed as fringe or sensationalist topics, similar to “Jerry Springer” show material. Another caller from Anchorage questions the reality of secret advanced technology, comparing current known aircraft to historical secret projects and speculating that the government may have far more advanced technology hidden from the public.
Davenport addresses the challenges in ufology related to discerning genuine research from misinformation and personal motivations. He emphasizes the importance of not overstepping available data and the difficulty of maintaining discipline and integrity within the ufology community.
A discussion arises about recent high-resolution photographs from Mars and whether any of them show evidence of past civilizations or artifacts. Davenport expresses skepticism, stating he hasn’t seen anything convincing yet, although he remains open to the possibility.
A caller from Boise, Idaho, brings up the issue of societal apathy and control. He suggests that people who are comfortable and have something to lose are less likely to challenge the status quo or seek the truth about controversial topics like UFOs. This caller implies that the government exploits this tendency to maintain control and keep secrets, such as UFO phenomena, hidden from the public.
A caller from Connecticut raises questions about the potential significance of specific dates in relation to UFO sightings and major events, like the Waco siege anniversary and the Hale-Bopp comet. Davenport acknowledges that while people often ask about fluctuations in UFO reports, correlating these with specific dates or events is difficult due to the lack of comprehensive data.
Art and Peter Davenport discuss the significant influence of religion on ufology and the government’s handling of UFO phenomena. They acknowledge that religious convictions play a crucial role in how UFO sightings and evidence are perceived and managed.
Davenport agrees with Bell’s observation that many of the night’s calls had religious overtones, suggesting a deep connection between religious beliefs and ufology. He believes that the resolution of the UFO phenomenon will profoundly impact religious understanding and that this could be a reason why the government might prefer to maintain secrecy.
Bell suggests that complete disclosure of UFO evidence could be so unsettling to many people’s faith systems that it might cause widespread disruption, a concern that might lead the government to withhold information. However, Davenport argues that, regardless of the consequences, the government has a responsibility to disclose the truth to its citizens. He emphasizes the potential for someone in the population to offer solutions if they are aware of the full scope of the phenomenon.
Davenport expresses his candid opinions on the show and Bell thanking him for his contributions. They both look forward to future discussions and collaborations on the topic.