1997-06-19 – Open Lines – Phoenix Lights

Show: Coast To Coast AM

Air Date: June 19, 1997

Guest(s): Open Lines, Whitley Strieber

Topic(s): Phoenix Lights

Art begins the show by welcoming listeners to another episode of “Coast to Coast AM,” mentioning that he’s been in talk radio for 13 years and has never encountered such high strangeness as what is about to be discussed. He introduces councilwoman Frances Marwood, who requested an investigation into the Phoenix Lights documented by Bill Hamilton and others. Art also mentions Richard Hoagland, who predicted the event 24 hours before it occurred, and Whitley Strieber. Art advises listeners to buckle in and have tape recorders ready.

Bill Hamilton, a UFO investigator, is introduced. He captured footage of the Phoenix Lights, an event that occurred on March 13, 1997. Art describes how Arizona Governor Fife Symington initially ordered an investigation into the lights but later dismissed it as a joke during a press conference. Bill shares his background, noting he’s been investigating UFOs for 21 years. On March 13th, he received a call about strange lights near the Estrella Mountains and videotaped them with his friend Tom King. The lights formed a triangular pattern and were seen by others that night.

Bill explains that several different events might have occurred over the Valley of the Sun that night, with new reports still coming in. He mentions that one of the objects, a large black triangle, was seen reversing its path near Tucson. CNN and other media outlets have been running the story, with witnesses describing solid objects and boomerang-shaped crafts. Bill’s footage, along with Mike Kristens’ footage from Moon Valley, shows dramatic arcs of lights above the city. Art notes that the story went national suddenly, with major news outlets covering it after Richard Hoagland’s appearance on the show.

Art discusses the unexpected national media coverage of the Phoenix Lights, expressing skepticism about the coordination among major networks. He then recounts a call from Paul, who was initially uplifted by Governor Symington’s serious announcement of an investigation but was later dismayed when the governor’s assistant, dressed as an alien, turned it into a joke. Art highlights that Symington’s behavior is out of character, especially given his serious demeanor during the initial announcement. He also mentions the ongoing serious investigation led by Frances Marwood and the FOIA request filed with the FAA for any relevant records. Additionally, Art notes the unusual presence of FBI personnel in Phoenix and reports of a large army convoy heading to the city, indicating the gravity of the situation.

Art continues to explore the strange events in Phoenix, noting the military convoy reports and a high-tech convoy heading to the city for routine communications. He discusses this with Bill Hamilton, who remains baffled by the bizarre activity and continued sightings since March 13th. Despite conflicting stories about military operations and F-16s, Art thanks Bill and introduces Councilwoman Frances Marwood. Frances describes her bewilderment at Governor Symington’s behavior, noting his usual common sense and seriousness, making his sudden shift to calling the investigation a joke very out of character. Frances shares the excitement and subsequent disappointment felt by the public and herself after the governor’s contradictory announcements.

Frances Marwood continues to express her confusion over Governor Symington’s behavior, highlighting the seriousness with which his initial announcement was taken by both the public and the media. She recounts how people were excited and supportive of the governor’s decision to investigate the Phoenix Lights, only to feel betrayed and disappointed when he later dismissed it as a joke. Frances speculates about possible motivations, such as diverting attention from his court appearances, but finds no substantial reason for his actions. She describes how even the governor’s staff seemed genuinely unaware of any joke, indicating that the initial announcement was taken seriously internally as well. The sudden shift to humor left many, including DPS staff, feeling their efforts were wasted. Frances remains perplexed, noting that the governor is typically serious and not prone to such pranks, suggesting that the incident may have been an attempt to trivialize the entire matter further.

Frances Marwood discusses how the governor’s behavior remains perplexing, with no apparent motivation and completely out of character. She mentions reports of an unusual number of FBI agents in Phoenix and even hears of KGB agents, which she finds baffling. She notes the heightened attention on Phoenix and the anticipation that something significant might happen soon. Art transitions to discussing the strange timing of the media’s extensive coverage of the March 13th event, suggesting it couldn’t have been prepared so quickly. Frances talks about her recall process, despite her term ending soon, which she finds ridiculous and attributes to some people’s desire to see her gone. She expresses the surreal and accelerated nature of recent events in Phoenix, pondering the sudden national media focus and synchronicity. Finally, she encourages people to contact city hall, the mayor, or state representatives to support her and ensure a thorough investigation.

Frances Marwood and Art Bell continue to discuss the perplexing behavior of Governor Symington and the strange events in Phoenix. Art addresses a fax criticizing his question about the governor’s stability, explaining that under the circumstances, it was a reasonable inquiry. He highlights the seriousness of the situation, with many people, including councilwoman Frances Marwood, being unfairly ridiculed. Art also mentions that both Frances and Bill Hamilton have confirmed reports of increased FBI presence and military convoys moving towards Phoenix, adding to the mystery.

Art introduces Richard Hoagland, who had predicted the events in Phoenix 24 hours before they began. He refers to Hoagland’s prediction as something a psychic would do, although Hoagland claims there is scientific reasoning behind it. Art encourages listeners to support Frances Marwood by contacting city hall to insist on a proper investigation into the Phoenix Lights. He then sets the stage for Richard Hoagland to explain how he arrived at his prediction, despite accusations that his methods are convoluted and defy conventional science.

Richard Hoagland explains his method of predicting the events in Phoenix, emphasizing that his approach is based on science, not conspiracy or insider information. He mentions using a well-known computer program called Redshift to analyze the positions of celestial bodies from various locations, including the moon and Mars. By inputting coordinates and times from official records, Hoagland observed a recurring pattern involving Osiris, Sirius, and Leo, which he connected to Egyptian mythology. This pattern, he argues, has influenced NASA’s agenda for both manned and unmanned missions. Hoagland mentions that even the Apollo mission patch featured Orion, suggesting that NASA’s activities have been guided by this ancient symbolism. He underscores that science begins with recognizing patterns and making predictions based on them.

Art encourages listeners to support Councilwoman Frances Marwood by contacting city hall and insisting on a proper investigation into the Phoenix Lights. He transitions to discussing how Hoagland’s predictions, though seemingly obscure, are grounded in detailed analysis and pattern recognition. Despite the complexity of his methods, Hoagland insists that his predictions are based on rigorous scientific principles.

Richard Hoagland continues to explain how he used the Redshift computer program to analyze celestial patterns and predict the events in Phoenix. He describes running simulations for the Mars Pathfinder’s landing, noting that the originally stated date of July 4th didn’t fit the usual Egyptian mythological patterns he had observed in previous NASA missions. Instead, the patterns aligned perfectly with July 20th, suggesting that this date was more significant. Hoagland emphasizes that these celestial alignments, including Orion and Leo, are not random but part of a larger, consistent pattern influenced by Egyptian mythology.

He draws connections between the Phoenix Lights and these mythological patterns, explaining that Phoenix, like Memphis, Tennessee, is tied to Egyptian mythos. The Phoenix represents rebirth, aligning with the idea of reincarnation associated with Osiris and Orion. By analyzing the stars over Phoenix, Hoagland found that they fit the pattern for both the upcoming July 20th and the historic first moon landing date.

Art Bell emphasizes the significance of these findings and hints at more revelations to come, with Whitley Strieber expected to share additional insights. The conversation underscores the mysterious and complex nature of the events in Phoenix and their potential connections to ancient mythology and modern scientific exploration.

Richard Hoagland elaborates on the connection between celestial patterns and NASA missions. He predicts that the Mars Pathfinder would land on July 20th, not the 4th, and possibly at Cydonia. He explains that this prediction is based on a long-standing pattern influenced by Egyptian mythology. Hoagland insists his findings are rooted in science, not conspiracy theories, and supported by sophisticated computer programs like Redshift.

Art Bell raises concerns about recent strange events, including the inexplicable actions of the governor and increased federal presence in Phoenix. Hoagland suggests these might be linked to the upcoming Pathfinder mission. Art then shares disturbing news about two NASA scientists’ deaths: Herbert “Bert” Kay, a computer scientist at NASA Ames, was beaten to death, and Jurgen Rahe, the science director for NASA’s Solar System Exploration program, was killed when a tree fell on his car. Both were involved in significant NASA projects, including the Mars Pathfinder.

Hoagland notes the pattern of mysterious deaths among NASA personnel, emphasizing the high stakes and potential risks associated with these missions. He recalls visiting the new press center at Cape Canaveral and seeing a memorial for a young Mars Pathfinder program manager who died suddenly, underscoring the ongoing strangeness surrounding the mission.

Richard Hoagland and Art Bell discuss the disturbing pattern of deaths among key NASA personnel involved with the Mars Pathfinder mission. Hoagland highlights that final instructions for the Pathfinder were uploaded on the morning of June 19th, meaning it could now operate autonomously. He emphasizes the significance of the recent murders and suspicious deaths of key NASA scientists, suggesting these events could be connected to their knowledge or involvement in the mission.

Art recounts the timeline: a computer scientist at NASA Ames, Herbert “Bert” Kay, was murdered, and Jurgen Rahe, the science director for NASA’s Solar System Exploration program, died in a suspicious accident. Hoagland points out the unusual nature of these deaths within such a small and specialized group, emphasizing the need for investigation. He also mentions the strange media surge around the Phoenix Lights, questioning why a March 13th event suddenly gained mass media attention in mid-June without a triggering event.

Art and Hoagland agree that the sudden focus on Phoenix and the deaths of key NASA personnel are deeply troubling. Hoagland suggests listeners contact Ted Koppel, who is considering an investigation into the Phoenix Lights, to urge him to pursue the story. Hoagland provides fax numbers for Koppel’s production team, encouraging public support for a thorough investigation.

Richard Hoagland continues to emphasize the importance of an investigation into the Phoenix Lights and the surrounding events. He urges listeners to contact Ted Koppel, providing fax numbers to send messages encouraging an in-depth investigation. Hoagland stresses that Koppel is a trustworthy journalist who has previously credited Hoagland’s work and is considering looking into the Phoenix Lights seriously.

Hoagland then hints at further research into the founding of Phoenix and its connections to historical figures and Masonic patterns, promising to share more details in the future. Art Bell appreciates Hoagland’s contributions and transitions to introduce Whitley Strieber as the next guest.

Art recaps the show’s events so far, including Bill Hamilton’s investigation into the Phoenix Lights, Governor Symington’s contradictory actions, Frances Marwood’s reactions, and Hoagland’s predictions. He also addresses a controversial cartoon by Steve Benson, expressing outrage over its insensitivity and calling for a campaign against Benson.

Art Bell expresses his frustration with Steve Benson’s insensitive cartoon and calls for a campaign to have him removed from the Arizona Republic. He shares that Benson’s work has caused significant outrage, including his depiction of Art in connection with the Oklahoma City bombing. Art then transitions to introducing Whitley Strieber, who has been patiently listening and is ready to share his insights on the recent events.

Whitley Strieber discusses the implications of the national media’s sudden focus on the Phoenix Lights, suggesting that such coordinated coverage indicates the presence of an unseen structure or orchestration behind the events. He points out that the Phoenix Lights, while significant, are not the most extraordinary UFO sighting in history. Strieber recalls the collision between a UFO and a commercial Mexican aircraft, noting the high frequency of UFO encounters in Mexico compared to the U.S.

Strieber also shares a personal anecdote about how Parade Magazine falsely claimed he had temporal lobe epilepsy just before the publication of his book “Breakthrough,” which he believes was an orchestrated effort to undermine his work. This experience has led him to be skeptical of coincidences and to look for underlying structures or motivations behind such events.

Whitley Strieber discusses the possible orchestration behind the sudden media focus on the Phoenix Lights, suggesting that such coordination indicates a deliberate effort, though the motive remains unclear. He praises Richard Hoagland’s insights and considers the possibility that the events might be built up to be torn down, similar to how crop circles were dismissed by mainstream media through the Doug and Dave story.

Strieber reflects on past experiences where orchestrated efforts undermined his work, like the false claim that he had temporal lobe epilepsy, and sees parallels in the current situation. He finds the deaths of key NASA personnel and the sudden intense media coverage of the Phoenix Lights suspicious, suggesting that it might be an attempt to control the narrative or prevent public understanding of significant discoveries.

Strieber speculates that the government might be mishandling the situation, trying to keep a cap on things while disclosing limited information about events like Roswell. He emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding UFOs and close encounters, highlighting the need for open-minded investigation. The coordinated media coverage, coupled with the governor’s bizarre actions, suggests a level of incompetence or deliberate manipulation, which Strieber finds deeply troubling.

The conversation underscores the challenges in understanding and handling such complex phenomena, stressing the importance of questioning official narratives and seeking truth in an environment that often seems orchestrated to obscure it.

Whitley Strieber and Art Bell continue their discussion, touching on the potential motivations behind orchestrating media coverage and the secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. Strieber posits that orchestrated efforts might be intended to build up and then tear down public interest in UFOs, similar to how the crop circles phenomenon was handled with the Doug and Dave story.

Art and Whitley speculate about the upcoming Air Force statement on Roswell, hinting that it will be shocking. Art mentions the possibility of a cover-up, questioning why there would be an influx of federal, NASA, KGB, and military personnel in Phoenix. He reads a fax suggesting that the Roswell incident may have been a decoy for another significant event in Phoenix, potentially hinting at an upcoming landing.

Strieber recalls conversations with his uncle, Colonel Edward Steber, and General Arthur Exon, who confirmed to him that the Roswell crash involved a craft of unknown origin, acknowledged by top U.S. officials. He reflects on the secrecy surrounding these events, noting that the knowledge of their presence might enable these beings to enter our world, touching on the “physics of perception.”

Art Bell and Whitley Strieber discuss the ongoing denial and cover-up surrounding the Roswell incident, touching on how the Air Force’s explanations have evolved over the years. Initially, the Air Force claimed that the crash was a weather balloon. Later, they stated it was a balloon train designed to detect Soviet nuclear tests. Now, according to Whitley, the Air Force is rumored to introduce yet another explanation involving a “lifting body” designed by German engineers after World War II. This lifting body was supposedly carried by a balloon train and contained either dummies or a pilot for reconnaissance purposes.

Strieber finds this new explanation laughable and scientifically implausible. He explains that the upper atmosphere’s rotational winds would have made such a mission impossible, as the craft would have to travel an improbable distance before reaching Soviet airspace. He points out the absurdity of the story, suggesting that any pilot involved would not have survived the journey.

Art Bell expresses confusion over why the Air Force would risk further damaging its credibility with such an implausible story. Strieber speculates that the Air Force might be employing a “comedy cover-up tactic,” similar to the governor of Arizona’s handling of the Phoenix Lights. Both agree that if the Air Force goes through with this explanation, it will only lead to more ridicule and questions about their competence.

Art Bell and Whitley Strieber discuss the potential motives behind orchestrating narratives about UFO phenomena, such as the Roswell incident. Strieber suggests that these efforts might aim to bury the story in the public’s mind, similar to how the crop circle phenomenon was dismissed. Despite media attempts to trivialize such events, Strieber believes the true believers will persist in seeking answers, while the general public might be influenced to move on.

They touch upon the impact of the book by Colonel Philip Corso, which portrays extraterrestrial visitors negatively. Strieber mentions his cautious approach to these beings, noting that they are tough and not necessarily friendly. He references an upcoming book, “The Communion Letters,” co-written with his wife, which compiles letters from people who have experienced encounters. The book aims to reflect the complexity of these experiences and how individuals cope with them surprisingly well, contrary to the government or institutional belief.

Art receives a note indicating that Ted Koppel’s Nightline will cover the “frogs of Minnesota,” another topic he has discussed, highlighting the synchronicity in media coverage. Art attributes this to the “quickening,” a theme in his work. He then transitions to upcoming discussions with Whitley about various related topics, including recent Phoenix sightings and Steve Benson’s controversial cartoon, providing links on his website for listeners to see the cartoon.

Art Bell continues to express his disgust over Steve Benson’s cartoon, urging his listeners to call the Arizona Republic to demand Benson’s removal. He reiterates that the First Amendment protects everyone, including him, and that his call for action is his exercise of free speech.

Art introduces Keith Roland, his webmaster, who provides updates on the website. Keith has added links related to the Phoenix UFO sightings and the Benson cartoon controversy. These links include the cartoon itself, an article by an Arizona Republic reporter, and a section for readers to post their opinions. Additionally, there are links to recent articles on the Phoenix UFO sightings, including coverage of Frances Marwood’s statements and Governor Symington’s actions.

Art reiterates the Arizona Republic’s switchboard number for listeners to call and express their opinions about Benson. He transitions back to Whitley Strieber, discussing the importance of the internet in providing unrestricted information flow, despite the need for discernment.

Art Bell and Whitley Strieber discuss the absurdity of the proposed Air Force explanation involving dummies being dropped from weather balloons. Whitley finds the idea implausible and suggests it might be a disinformation campaign to obscure the original cover-up. He mentions an article in Popular Science that hints at a connection with Project Paperclip and advanced aircraft designed by the Horten brothers. However, he questions why such an old technology would still be kept secret.

Art shifts the conversation to ecological changes and phenomena he terms the “quickening,” pointing out various alarming developments such as the impending breakup of an ice shelf in Antarctica, DNA changes in single-celled organisms, and massive ozone holes. Whitley comments on the unusual El Niño developing, which is stronger and occurring at the wrong time of year. He discusses the potential for significant changes in weather patterns and severe droughts in regions like Indonesia and northern Australia.

Both express concern over the destabilizing weather patterns, particularly in Texas, where unprecedented tornadoes and violent weather have been recorded. Art emphasizes that these environmental changes are part of a broader trend leading towards a significant event affecting all aspects of human life. He hints at seeking insights from Whitley’s experiences and contacts with extraterrestrial beings.

Whitley Strieber discusses his sense of urgency regarding the state of the planet, a sentiment shared by many who have had similar experiences. He expresses a feeling of peace despite the overwhelming challenges, believing that humanity will eventually overcome these issues, though it will involve significant changes and environmental consequences. Art Bell echoes this concern, viewing the planet as a living entity reacting to human actions, and notes that many warnings are being ignored.

Art then transitions to taking calls from the audience. He mentions Whitley’s new book, “The Open Doors,” which explores possible reasons for the cover-up of extraterrestrial encounters and is included in the collection “Revelations.” He also notes Whitley’s upcoming book, “The Communion Letters,” which compiles letters from people who have experienced encounters, and another future release, “Communion Two.”

The first caller from Phoenix, Arizona, comments on Governor Symington’s hoax regarding the Phoenix Lights. The caller suggests that the governor’s prank might have been a strategy to prompt the media to take a different perspective on the event. Both Art and Whitley consider the possibility that the hoax was intended to provoke a more serious investigation by the media.

rt Bell and Whitley Strieber take calls from listeners. A caller from Phoenix discusses Governor Symington’s hoax regarding the Phoenix Lights and hypothesizes that it might have been a strategy to prompt the media to take a different direction. Whitley talks about the potential benefits and risks of hypnotic regression, advising the caller to seek a licensed, neutral practitioner to avoid the risk of creating false memories.

Another caller from Cleveland claims to have insider information about alien beings on Earth and experiments conducted on materials from a spacecraft. The caller mentions several locations, including Sandia Labs, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and Eglin Air Force Base, and describes the advanced materials supposedly retrieved from alien crafts. Whitley and Art express skepticism, emphasizing the need for documentation and verifiable sources to substantiate such claims.

Art Bell and Whitley Strieber continue to field calls from listeners. They discuss the need for evidence and verifiable sources when making claims about alien encounters and government cover-ups. Another caller from Santa Monica proposes the idea that multiple alien factions are influencing the government and media, causing confusion and disarray. Whitley finds the idea intriguing, noting that current events, including the sudden media focus on the Phoenix Lights, seem chaotic and poorly managed.

Art and Whitley emphasize the importance of discerning facts from speculation, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like the deaths of key individuals involved in NASA’s Mars Pathfinder mission. They agree that while it’s important to note these deaths, it’s also crucial to avoid jumping to conspiracy theories without solid evidence.

A caller shares a dream about witnessing entities committing murders and questions the nature of these experiences. Whitley responds by mentioning the thousands of letters he and his wife have received, noting that very few describe deaths connected to close encounters. He expresses concern about the potential negative impact of alien contact on society, as described by individuals like Colonel Corso, and stresses the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of human life despite ongoing troubles.

Whitley Strieber reflects on the persecution he has faced over the years, including financial attacks and physical intimidation. He recounts an incident where he was driven out of his home due to orchestrated acts of harassment and manipulation, feeling unsafe and unsupported by authorities. Whitley decided to move to Texas, where he feels more secure surrounded by friends and familiar faces.

Art Bell offers Whitley the option to continue the conversation or call it a night. Whitley opts to end the discussion, expressing his need for rest. He thanks Art for the opportunity to speak and mentions his interest in following the developments related to Roswell and Phoenix. Art appreciates Whitley’s participation and wraps up the show, acknowledging the diverse and intriguing topics covered throughout the night.