Art opens by greeting listeners across various time zones, highlighting the global reach of the program. He then introduces Peter Davenport from the UFO Reporting Center in Seattle, hinting at a simple yet potentially controversial method for UFO detection that might reveal much more than expected. Art shares an email from an American Airlines pilot explaining the mysterious lights in the Sea of Japan as the Japanese fishing fleet, noting the brightness and magnitude of these lights. Art reflects on the implications of overfishing and the potential environmental impact.
He transitions to discussing rogue waves, traditionally considered myths, but now confirmed by European satellite data. Art shares a personal account from a retired seafarer friend, emphasizing the danger of these massive waves and the challenges faced by sailors. Additionally, Art mentions an ongoing solar storm, advising listeners in northern latitudes to watch for auroras and share photographs. He concludes by discussing the potential effects of a pole shift on Earth’s magnetic shield, comparing it to Mars’s past, which was heavily impacted by solar storms, stripping away its oceans and life.
Art discusses the potential consequences of a pole shift on Earth, including the weakening of the magnetic field that protects us from solar radiation. He mentions scientists’ hopes that the solar wind might create a temporary magnetic field during this period. Art reads a letter from Steve of Walton, New York, who describes observing an unusual sunspot. Art also notes the extreme weather patterns worldwide, such as the hottest summer in South Korea and the unusually cold summer in Paris.
Art shares an intriguing story about a peahen undergoing a rare and unnatural sex change, transforming into a peacock with changing feather colors and growing tail feathers. This phenomenon is extremely rare and is being researched. He reflects on the many unusual occurrences happening in the world, calling it “the quickening.”
Art reads a humorous list highlighting the quirks and experiences of aging radio DJs, reflecting on the industry’s past. He then shares a fictional diary of someone who moved to Nevada, initially enamored with the state but quickly becoming frustrated by the extreme heat and various misadventures, including third-degree burns from falling asleep by the pool, a pet dying in a hot car, and expensive air conditioning repairs. The diary humorously concludes with the author contemplating the trials of living in such a harsh climate and the absurdity of it all.
Marcus from Sonora describes seeing various anomalous objects in the sky, including cylindrical and triangular shapes, and glowing objects since July 6th, which have been recorded on videotape. He emphasizes how people often don’t look up, missing significant events in the sky. Another caller, John from Atlanta, discusses a previous interview with Dean and the predictions of Dr. Doom, Mr. Adams, about potential cataclysmic events based on remote viewing. John notes that while Adams’s predictions are controversial and not corroborated by other remote viewers, he has been consistent over the years. They also discuss an interesting finding about random number generators showing less randomness prior to significant events like September 11th, suggesting a possible connection to psychic phenomena.
Art continues taking calls from listeners. One caller discusses the possibility of a collective disturbance in the collective mind, suggesting that a decrease in psychic abilities before significant events like September 11th could indicate some form of premonition. Another caller, Douglas from Cedar Rapids, mentions a professor working on communicating via gravity waves faster than the speed of light and speculates about advanced civilizations using even faster methods.
Mark from Victoria, British Columbia, calls in to talk about unusual weather patterns and their potential impact. He asks about the effect of changing ocean currents on the climate, similar to the Gulf Stream’s influence on Europe. Art emphasizes the importance of monitoring global weather conditions as changes could have significant and rapid consequences.
The show transitions to another caller sharing an anecdote about seeing strange lights in the sky over Long Island, New York, and contacting local airports for explanations. Art mentions an incident involving Curtis Sliwa, a WABC talk show host, who was the target of a failed mafia hit in 1992. He shares the details of the attack and the recent indictment of John Gotti Jr. and other reputed mafia members for their involvement.
Art continues his discussions with listeners. One caller comments on the consistency and monitoring of psychic abilities, while another from Oklahoma reflects on the complexities and potential of stem cell research. They discuss how stem cells can be sourced from umbilical cords, not just aborted fetuses, and the legal restrictions around their use.
Another caller mentions the discovery of radioactive materials in Iraq, speculating on the potential dangers, while Art notes the need for more information. A first-time caller, Anthony, shares a poignant dream about his deceased grandmother, which Art interprets as a possible protective mechanism of the mind to cope with loss.
A different listener reports seeing black helicopters in Los Angeles, mirrored by his wife’s sighting on the East Coast, leading to a discussion about the ubiquitous presence of these helicopters. Art acknowledges the frequency of such sightings and the mysterious activities they might be involved in.
Art Bell introduces Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center, who has been involved in UFO research since the 1950s. Davenport shares his background, including several significant UFO sightings he has witnessed. He hints at a groundbreaking idea for UFO detection that could cause controversy due to its simplicity. Art and Peter discuss the increase in UFO reports and the challenges of collecting consistent data for statistical analysis. They highlight an incident on the Fourth of July, where multiple independent reports suggested something unusual flew across the United States. Art points out that while people might dismiss these sightings as fireworks, the increased attention to the sky on such a night makes it an ideal time for spotting anomalies. Peter recalls a similar event on July 4th, 1997, reported by an FAA air traffic controller in Paducah, Illinois.
Art Bell and Peter Davenport continue their discussion with Peter recalling a dramatic fireball sighting reported by an FAA air traffic controller in Paducah, Illinois. This fireball leveled out close to the ground and streaked across multiple states, generating numerous reports. They discuss the lack of media coverage on UFO sightings, despite the frequent occurrences and compelling eyewitness accounts.
Peter takes a moment to recognize his colleague, Kenny Young, a dedicated UFO investigator from Ohio who is facing severe health issues due to leukemia. Art and Peter express their support and admiration for Kenny’s contributions to UFO research.
They introduce Jim, a witness from Seattle, who recounts his sighting of a triangular craft on June 20th. Jim describes the clear, illuminated sky and the stunning detail of the black triangular craft with dim white lights, moving silently and effortlessly. Jim asserts that this was not a conventional aircraft like a B2 bomber due to the absence of sound and its perfect triangular shape. Art relates to Jim’s experience, mentioning his own similar sighting in Nevada.
Jim, a witness from Seattle, continues describing his UFO sighting. He emphasizes the incredible detail and silent movement of the triangular craft he observed, which he compares to the famous Belgian UFO sightings in the 1990s. Jim is certain the craft was not a conventional aircraft, as it moved effortlessly without any sound, unlike any known jet or aircraft. He describes the interior gray area of the triangle as having a fluidic appearance, like a swimming pool lit at night.
Peter Davenport adds that another witness, just south of Seattle near Boeing Field, reported seeing a bright object making a right-angle turn in the sky around the same time as Jim’s sighting. There was also a sighting in Oregon, suggesting the object covered a substantial distance quickly. Jim reflects on how the sighting has changed his perspective, confirming his belief that something not of this world was involved. He is now more aware and thoughtful about the existence of otherworldly phenomena.
Art thanks Jim for sharing his experience and emphasizes the reality of such sightings, acknowledging that there are many more like it.
Art Bell sets the stage for Peter Davenport to introduce a potentially dangerous but groundbreaking idea for identifying UFOs. Peter acknowledges the abundance of eyewitness accounts over the years but emphasizes the need to advance beyond just collecting sightings. He proposes using existing technology, particularly passive radar, to detect UFOs. Peter explains that the concept of bouncing radio beams off objects in the atmosphere isn’t new, citing examples like meteor scatter communications used by ham radio operators.
Peter recounts his earlier article on this topic, admitting its primitiveness compared to his current understanding. He recalls his epiphany in January 1995 about the limitations of eyewitness reports in progressing UFO research. He believes the U.S. government must have extensive technology capable of detecting UFOs and suggests leveraging this technology for more effective identification.
Peter Davenport elaborates on his idea of using passive radar to detect UFOs. He explains that traditional active radar, which transmits high-powered signals and detects their reflections, has been the standard for decades. However, passive radar, which does not emit any signals, instead relies on existing radio and TV broadcasts that are already permeating the atmosphere. These signals propagate through the air and can reflect off objects, including those in the atmosphere or in low Earth orbit.
Peter suggests that by tuning into these reflected signals using a receiver and an antenna, one can detect objects that are otherwise invisible. He emphasizes the simplicity of the concept, which leverages the abundance of existing broadcasts. For example, an antenna in Seattle pointed towards San Francisco could potentially pick up signals bounced off unidentified objects, despite the distance normally making direct reception impossible.
This method, he argues, can identify objects that do not fit into the conventional categories of aircraft or satellites, thus potentially uncovering UFOs. The key is to detect these anomalous reflections amidst the regular signals, using the computational power of modern computers to process the data.
Peter Davenport explains the mechanics of passive radar and its potential to detect UFOs. He describes how a high-gain antenna tuned to a distant radio station can momentarily pick up reflections of the signal off objects in the atmosphere, like aircraft. The challenge, however, is distinguishing between various sources of these reflections, such as aircraft, meteors, or UFOs.
Peter proposes using multiple synchronized receivers to triangulate the position of reflected signals. By analyzing the timing of when the signals strike each antenna, it’s possible to calculate the object’s location, velocity, and possibly size. This method enables discrimination between different objects based on their movement patterns and speeds. For example, an object moving at 10,000 to 20,000 miles per hour is unlikely to be a bird or a conventional aircraft.
Peter notes that many major governments are transitioning to passive radar due to its advantages, such as being undetectable and not revealing the radar’s location. Art Bell adds that the energy transmitted by radio and TV stations can be used actively in this passive detection method. They discuss how this innovative approach can help identify previously unidentifiable UFOs.
Art shares an anecdote about ham radio and false distress calls, highlighting the advanced monitoring capabilities of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and setting the stage for further discussion on passive radar’s practical applications.
Art Bell shares insights about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) using sophisticated technology to pinpoint the source of radio transmissions, even those bouncing off the ionosphere. He mentions that the FCC can now identify the location of a signal to within a few feet, thanks to advanced computerization, highlighting the progress in signal detection.
Peter Davenport adds that during his time with the U.S. Army Security Agency in Germany, they used direction-finding techniques to locate radio signal sources, similar to what the FCC is doing now. He then discusses how the U.S. Navy uses passive radar to track numerous objects orbiting the Earth through a system known as “the fence.” This system consists of transmitters along a straight line from San Diego to Fort Stewart, Georgia, which broadcast signals straight up. These signals are reflected back down by objects in space, allowing the Navy to monitor them.
Peter emphasizes that this system, although primarily active radar, also incorporates passive radar elements and can detect objects as small as a grapefruit at distances up to 15,000 nautical miles. This capability is crucial for national security to prevent unauthorized objects from entering U.S. airspace. The system’s sensitivity and accuracy support Peter’s belief that the government is aware of the UFO phenomenon through such monitoring.
Peter Davenport continues to discuss the U.S. government’s knowledge of UFOs, suggesting that the advanced detection systems like “the fence” make it nearly impossible for the government not to be aware of these phenomena. Peter recounts a humorous yet revealing conversation he had with a lieutenant commander at the U.S. Navy facility controlling the fence. Despite his straightforward approach, the commander was uncomfortable and quickly terminated the conversation, implying that the fence likely detects UFOs among other objects.
Art Bell notes the potential issues with Peter’s proposal to create a civilian version of the fence, suggesting that it might reveal classified objects the government doesn’t want the public to know about. Peter acknowledges this risk, pointing out that the fence would indeed be capable of detecting a wide range of objects, including classified military assets. He mentions that this broadcast acts as his “dead man’s switch,” ensuring the idea is public and thus harder to suppress.
Art and Peter discuss the technical feasibility and potential resolution of such a system, highlighting that while Peter has a strong understanding of the biology and biochemistry aspects, he defers to Art’s expertise in radio and electronics. Art, in turn, admits that while he has some knowledge, he isn’t an expert in every technical detail, emphasizing the collaborative nature needed to bring this idea to fruition.
Peter Davenport and Art Bell delve deeper into the technical aspects of using passive radar to detect UFOs. Peter highlights the impressive capabilities of the U.S. Navy, which can detect objects as small as a grapefruit from tens of thousands of miles away using active radar. He proposes using the Navy’s transmitted signals, specifically the continuous wave (CW) signal at 216.98 MHz, as the basis for civilian detection efforts.
Art explains that by leveraging these powerful existing signals and modern computer processing power, it could be possible to resolve the reflections and identify various objects in the atmosphere. This method would involve setting up receivers to listen for reflections from objects passing through the transmitted signal. Peter mentions that this concept isn’t technically difficult; it requires connecting a receiver to an antenna and pointing it upwards.
The challenge lies in distinguishing between different types of reflections, such as those from aircraft, meteors, or other objects. By comparing the reflected signal to the original transmitted signal, and using multiple synchronized receivers, detailed information about the object’s location, velocity, and possibly even its size could be extracted.
Art emphasizes the potential trouble this idea could cause, noting that it might reveal classified objects the government prefers to keep secret. Peter acknowledges this risk but points out that this broadcast serves as his “dead man’s switch,” ensuring the idea is public knowledge and harder to suppress.
During the break, Art tunes into 216.98 MHz and hears a signal, suggesting that the fence is indeed active.
Peter Davenport discusses the technical requirements and existing systems that can support his passive radar proposal for detecting UFOs. He explains that while detecting signals is part of the challenge, interpreting them requires sophisticated software. Fortunately, such systems already exist, like the one at the University of Washington’s Electrical Engineering Department, which uses reflected signals to image the ionosphere.
Peter mentions that although the professors at the University of Washington have no interest in UFOs, they have shared information with him to help build a similar system. He recalls a significant phone call on July 6th from a technical expert working for an intelligence agency, who found Peter’s proposal intriguing. This expert’s son had even built a primitive version of a passive radar system while still in high school. The expert provided Peter with valuable information and directed him to others who have worked on passive radar for decades.
Interestingly, the first patent for a passive radar system dates back to 1927 in England, showing that this concept has been around for a long time. Peter outlines the next steps for his project, including the need for volunteers, software developers, and those with relevant experience. He invites anyone working on similar technology to contact him, aiming to build a specialized system with a small team of electrical engineers and physicists already interested in the project.
Art and Peter discuss the feasibility of using the Navy’s existing transmissions and how the project would require specialized algorithms and code to process the vast amounts of data collected.
Peter Davenport and Art Bell delve further into the implications and potential consequences of developing a passive radar system to detect UFOs. Peter emphasizes that if successful, this project would break the U.S. government’s long-held monopoly on UFO detection, allowing the public to identify and track these objects independently. He acknowledges that the government might find this threatening and could react negatively.
Art highlights that such a system would also detect military experimental aircraft, adding another layer of complexity and potential government resistance. They discuss the legal challenges that could arise, such as the government attempting to regulate or restrict the use of FM receivers or similar technology to maintain control over information.
Peter recounts a phone call from an intelligence expert who expressed interest in his proposal and provided valuable insights. This expert indicated that passive radar technology has been a subject of interest for decades, reinforcing the feasibility of Peter’s idea. Art and Peter agree that the project’s success could lead to a significant scientific awakening, revealing truths that have been hidden for over half a century.
They speculate on the government’s reaction and the potential legal and logistical hurdles they might face. Peter asserts that the government’s response will be a litmus test for transparency and the free flow of information. He expresses hope that they still live in a country where innovative and potentially disruptive ideas can be freely explored.
Art notes that while the government might challenge their efforts, the existence of satellite imaging services provided by other countries, like Russia, indicates a broader trend towards transparency and access to information.
Art Bell and Peter Davenport continue discussing the feasibility and implications of using passive radar to detect UFOs by leveraging the military’s powerful fence signals. They contemplate the potential reactions from the government and listeners, inviting feedback and criticism from the audience. Art expresses his confidence in the technical viability of the idea but acknowledges the legal and ethical questions it raises.
Art mentions that while the idea is currently legal, it could reveal not only UFOs but also military and civilian aircraft, which might cause significant government concern. Peter reiterates that the project would provide enough data to distinguish between different types of aircraft, even identifying unique characteristics based on reflected signals.
The conversation shifts to audience participation as Art opens the phone lines to hear what listeners think of the proposal. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the technical and legal aspects of the idea and encourages listeners to voice their opinions.
A caller named Susan raises a concern about stealth technology, asking how the passive radar system would detect objects with stealth covers, which are designed to evade detection by traditional radar systems.
Peter explains that some UFOs are known to reflect radio signals based on radar-visual cases he has received from the FAA. He acknowledges the challenge posed by active stealth technology but highlights that with passive radar, UFOs wouldn’t know which frequencies to avoid or squelch due to the myriad of radio signals emanating from the Earth.
Another caller, Jay, raises the point that other countries, including rogue nations, likely have similar detection systems and could potentially expose the U.S. government’s knowledge of UFOs. Peter agrees, noting that the competitive nature of international intelligence might lead other countries to reveal their findings once passive radar technology becomes more widely recognized. However, many countries might hesitate to reveal their use of passive radar due to the sensitive nature of this information in an air defense context.
Steve from San Diego calls in, commending the show and expressing confidence in the existing technology to detect these objects. He notes that the U.S. Navy already uses such systems for undersea detection, implying that similar technology could be applied to detecting UFOs.
Art Bell and Peter discuss the potential risks of proceeding with this project. Peter downplays the risks, comparing them to those faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, or professional drivers, suggesting that while there is always some risk, it is manageable and worth pursuing for the potential benefits of the project.
Peter Davenport and Art Bell discuss the current status and future plans for the passive radar project. Peter explains that while they are not yet ready to take on volunteers, they are already working on the project in Seattle with a small team and access to resources at the University of Washington. The initial focus is on writing the necessary code and testing the system. Peter envisions setting up a network of stations, each with multiple antennas to cover a large area.
They consider the possibility of using distributed computing, similar to the SETI@home project, to handle the vast amounts of data. However, Peter prefers real-time processing to ensure immediate detection and response to objects. He also mentions the potential use of theodolites and gimbal cameras to capture visual data of detected objects, similar to missile tracking systems from the 50s and 60s.
Art inquires about funding, and Peter shares that despite presenting the idea to several billionaires, they have not yet received any financial support. These potential investors showed interest but have not committed funds. Peter notes that the primary costs will be for hardware, software development, and system testing, estimating the project’s budget to be in the range of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Peter Davenport and Art Bell discuss the feasibility and implications of their passive radar project to detect UFOs. Peter emphasizes the relatively low cost of the project, estimating it to be in the range of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a first-class operation. This is possible because passive radar is much simpler than active radar systems, as it doesn’t require generating a transmitted signal, only receiving and processing existing signals.
Art raises the potential issue of national defense concerns and the possibility that the government might take action to stop the project. Peter acknowledges this risk but expresses hope that the government hasn’t reached a stage where it would need to suppress such efforts. If necessary, they could move the operation offshore.
Peter notes that they are already underway with the project in Seattle, working with a team and utilizing resources at the University of Washington. The focus is on writing the code and testing the system. He envisions setting up multiple stations across the United States, each capable of covering a large area with several antennas.
Art and Peter also discuss the potential use of distributed computing, similar to the SETI@home project, to handle the large amounts of data. However, Peter prefers real-time processing to ensure immediate detection and response.
Peter shares his frustration that despite presenting the idea to several billionaires, they have not yet received any financial support. He expresses excitement about the project and the potential it holds for revolutionizing UFO detection by breaking the government’s monopoly on the subject.
Art acknowledges the potential challenges and risks but also recognizes the revolutionary nature of the idea. He notes that the airing of this idea could lead to a range of reactions, from no response to government intervention.
Peter Davenport and Art Bell continue discussing the passive radar project and its implications. Peter shares that a beta test site in Shelton, Washington, has been operating since 1975, detecting unusual objects around two times per hour. This illustrates the potential success of similar passive radar systems.
A caller raises concerns about the government and agencies like the NSA potentially being worried about the project, not just because of UFOs but also because it could expose advanced military aircraft and compromise national security. Peter acknowledges this concern, noting that stealth aircraft can be detected by passive radar, which could explain why the government might be wary of such a project.
Another caller suggests that UFOs might generate a trail of ionized particles, making them detectable by RF noise. Peter agrees, noting that such ionized trails could be used to detect and draw a picture of objects moving across the sky.
A final caller asks whether passive radar could be launched into space to monitor extraterrestrial activity. Peter explains that while it is technically possible, it would require significant engineering. He finds the idea of using the military’s existing “fence” system attractive due to the strength and purity of the continuous wave signal it provides, making it an ideal candidate for detecting moving objects in the atmosphere.
Art and Peter conclude that while the project is feasible, it could raise significant concerns from the government due to its potential to reveal both UFOs and classified military operations.
Peter Davenport explains the logistics of setting up a network of passive radar stations across the United States. Each station would need a receiver, an antenna, a computer, GPS time synchronization, and internet access. Once operational, these stations would feed data to a central website, allowing anyone interested to monitor the skies.
Peter mentions that detailed information and his 16-page paper on the subject are available on the UFO Reporting Center’s website, along with links to additional resources about passive radar. He reiterates that the collected data should be public, emphasizing transparency and the significance of UFO research.
A caller suggests broadcasting the detected signals so anyone with a regular radio could pick them up. Peter agrees with the idea of sharing real-time data through a website, reinforcing the project’s open-access philosophy. However, Art raises a concern about the national security implications of sharing detailed data about military aircraft and other sensitive information.
Peter acknowledges this but suggests that a slight time delay in broadcasting the data could mitigate security risks. He envisions a scenario where government agencies might eventually come to civilian networks for information about UFOs.
Art concludes the discussion by mentioning the risks involved, such as potential government intervention. Peter expresses hope that their government would not resort to suppressing such initiatives and provides contact information for the UFO Reporting Center, encouraging listeners to report recent sightings.