Art Bell introduces the night’s theme focusing on UFOs and near-death experiences. The show is supported by the Bigelow Foundation, and listeners are encouraged to contact Angela Thompson for more information. Art announces that the episode will feature guests George Knapp, Linda Howe, and Bud Hopkins, known for his bestseller books “Missing Time” and “Intruders.”
George Knapp, returning from a UFO conference in Connecticut, shares his observations. He mentions that while many predictions at such events often don’t materialize, there’s a growing sense of unease among respected researchers. These researchers, usually reserved, are now visibly disturbed by a looming, unidentified event.
The conversation shifts to an impending astronomical occurrence involving several asteroids impacting Jupiter in July. Despite the distance between Earth and Jupiter, there’s speculation about potential effects on Earth. Richard Hoagland, a researcher known for his work on the “Face on Mars,” expresses a sense of foreboding about this event and its possible consequences.
The segment concludes with mentions of other researchers like Colin Andrews, who, despite a generally optimistic view of alien-human interactions, shares the sentiment of an impending significant event. Richard Hoagland’s theories on the Mars Observer spacecraft, which he believes was lost intentionally and might become active again, are also discussed.
George Knapp discusses the failed predictions made by former government psychics about a significant event in New Mexico. They now claim that the Mars Observer incident was related to their prediction and that the expected event in New Mexico has been delayed.
The conversation shifts to a Las Vegas library UFO lecture series that concluded successfully, drawing full houses and planning a repeat next year. George praises the library for its courage in hosting such a controversial topic and notes the public’s hunger for credible information on UFOs.
Art and George then discuss the general public’s perception of an imminent, undefined event. While George admits he doesn’t personally feel this sense of immediacy, he’s influenced by the pervasive sentiment among respected figures in the UFO research community.
The segment takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of photographic evidence related to Area 51 and alien technology. A California company purchased photos from a Soviet satellite, taken in 1988, showing what appears to be a large metallic disc-shaped craft flying above Papoose Lake, Nevada. This area is where Bob Lazar claimed to have seen alien technology. Former NASA imagery specialists have analyzed the photo, and it’s described as a “big fat flying saucer on film.” George mentions that this photo and additional images showing roads leading to the alleged hangar area are under analysis and have sparked interest for potential publication and further investigation.
Art shows interest in viewing these photos himself, and George notes that corporate interests, including a movie company, are involved in funding the photo analysis. The segment ends with George revealing that two congressional sources have flown over the Papoose Lake area recently, finding no evidence of hangars or programs, suggesting a cover-up.
The discussion transitions towards the night’s guest, Bud Hopkins. Art Bell and George Knapp express high regard for Hopkins, considering him one of the most important figures in ufology. George, having interviewed Hopkins numerous times, looks forward to the insights he will share.
The show then connects with Linda Howe in Boulder, Colorado, who brings a different perspective to the ongoing conversation. She shares her recent interaction with astronomers at a University of Colorado conference. The astronomers discussed the upcoming event where a comet-like body, followed by asteroids, is expected to plunge into Jupiter. They analogize this event to throwing something into a huge feather pillow, indicating no expected significant impact on the solar system due to Jupiter’s massive size.
Linda also touches upon the growing sense of a major impending event, a theme recurrent throughout the program. While she doesn’t feel a sense of foreboding per se, she acknowledges that many in the ufology and abduction research community sense that something significant might happen in the near future. This could range from a catastrophic global event to a breakthrough in the acknowledgment of extraterrestrial intelligence.
The discussion returns to the topic of the Soviet photos of the Papoose Lake area, as mentioned by George Knapp. Linda expresses skepticism due to the ease with which photographs can be manipulated, especially with the advent of virtual reality technologies. She emphasizes the need for substantial proof regarding the legitimacy of such photographs.
Art and Linda then segue into discussing a friend of Linda’s in Boulder, who has been researching Martian anomalies for a decade and worked with Richard Hoagland. This research includes studying the mile-long, 1500-foot high “Face on Mars” feature, further expanding the conversation about extraterrestrial life and potential evidence of its existence.
Linda Howe introduces Dan Drayson, editor of the book “The Martian Enigmas” by Mark Parlato, which focuses on digital imaging and unusual Martian features. They discuss the famous “Face on Mars,” first captured in the 1970s by a Mars orbiter. This feature, along with other odd formations, has led to speculation about an ancient civilization on Mars.
Drayson addresses the speculation about secret imaging from the Mars Observer, a spacecraft that was thought to be lost. He notes that while there is no definitive public evidence of secret signals, the circumstantial evidence raises intriguing questions. He mentions the “McDaniel Report” by Professor Stan McDaniel, which criticizes NASA for false statements to the public and Congress regarding Mars investigations. This report suggests a pattern of deception by NASA over many years.
Drayson elaborates on NASA’s contradictory claims about the Martian features. NASA has repeatedly claimed to have photographs confirming the existence of the Martian Face and other objects, yet these photographs have never been produced. Additionally, NASA’s assertions of exhaustive studies concluding these features are mere illusions are challenged, as these were merely the opinions of a few NASA geologists, not the result of thorough investigations.
The discussion then delves into the psychology of belief, disbelief, and propaganda surrounding these Martian anomalies. Drayson highlights the extensive independent investigation that has evolved from subjective impressions of the Face on Mars to detailed analyses using mathematical and fractal techniques. He points out that NASA does not acknowledge these independent investigations and has expended considerable effort on propaganda rather than science.
Drayson discusses the timing of the Mars Observer’s loss, which coincided with NASA receiving a copy of the McDaniel Report. This report exposed NASA’s strategy regarding the Mars Observer, which was supposed to start photography in late 1993. Drayson and others speculate whether the Mars Observer truly lost its signal or whether it could still be transmitting secret images from Mars.
Drayson suggests that NASA may have already known what’s on Mars and that the Mars Observer was meant to provide a closer look. The timing of NASA receiving the McDaniel Report, which criticized their strategy, and the subsequent loss of the Mars Observer is noted as suspicious.
Drayson shares his belief, aligning with Stan McDaniel’s view, that the objects on Mars could either be alien artifacts or an extraordinary geological coincidence. He speculates that NASA might think the public couldn’t handle the truth about extraterrestrial evidence, hence the secrecy. This is in line with a 1960 report suggesting the investigation of the social consequences of discovering extraterrestrial intelligence and the possibility of keeping such discoveries from the public.
The conversation then shifts to the intertwining of science and politics. Drayson questions the motivations behind government silence on potential extraterrestrial findings, wondering if it’s to prevent public panic or maintain the status quo. He ponders the broader implications of our place in the universe, suggesting that we might be part of a larger network of life and that our history might have been purposefully obscured.
Drayson also addresses the philosophical and existential questions raised by the possibility of not being alone in the universe. He discusses theories suggesting that the belief in our uniqueness might have been purposeful, with human institutions evolved to keep us in ignorance of a broader cosmic context.
Drayson ponders why NASA would spend billions on the Mars Observer if they didn’t want the public to see its findings. He suggests that there are varying opinions within government institutions about revealing the truth, indicating a complex interplay of forces at work. Drayson expresses his belief that the truth about these matters will eventually be revealed.
The focus shifts to Bud Hopkins, a leading figure in UFOlogy and the author of “Intruders” and “Missing Time.” Hopkins, who founded the Intruders Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to UFO abduction research, discusses his views on the abduction phenomenon and its implications.
Hopkins shares his perspective on the sense of foreboding discussed earlier in the show. He emphasizes the enormity of what’s happening on Earth, referencing the frequency of abductions and the increasing public realization that these events are occurring. Hopkins suggests that the evidence of alien intelligence and its profound impact on human lives, including ongoing genetic experiments and the creation of hybrid life forms, is becoming too significant to remain hidden.
Hopkins then speculates on how the truth about alien abductions and UFOs might be revealed. He shares an intriguing case he’s working on involving a high-profile political figure who witnessed an abduction in New York City. If such individuals come forward with their experiences, it could significantly impact public awareness and acceptance of alien encounters.
Hopkins also notes that numerous individuals in military, government, and scientific circles are likely privy to information about UFOs and alien encounters but are bound by secrecy. He believes that as more people decide to come forward with what they know, the truth will inevitably emerge. This could happen through various channels, including high-ranking officials or those who have played a role in secret projects related to UFOs.
Hopkins emphasizes that the revelation of the UFO phenomenon’s reality could happen at any moment due to the sheer number of people involved and the increasing difficulty in maintaining secrecy.
Bud Hopkins discusses various aspects of alien abductions, emphasizing the high frequency and often hasty nature of these events. He shares anecdotes indicating that abductions are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, possibly frantic alien agenda.
Hopkins provides examples of abduction cases where abductees find themselves wearing different clothes or find unfamiliar items upon returning, suggesting that mistakes occur during abductions due to the large number of such events. He recounts cases where individuals woke up wearing different clothes, including instances where women found men’s clothing or other women’s underwear. These scenarios provide physical evidence that these are not just out-of-body experiences but actual physical abductions.
He also speaks about the procedures followed during abductions, such as physical examinations and interaction with alien hybrids. Hopkins notes the aliens’ undue haste in these procedures, leading to errors like returning abductees in the wrong clothes or locations.
Hopkins then discusses group abductions, where multiple people are taken simultaneously and remember similar experiences. He mentions the work of John Carpenter and his lecture on group abductions. In one remarkable case, a woman in Boston remembered being abducted along with an elderly lady, with whom she had a conversation. Through hypnotic regression, she recalled the old lady’s name and hometown, and subsequent investigation confirmed the existence of such a person.
Hopkins emphasizes the growing body of evidence supporting the reality of alien abductions. He mentions a conference in Houston where a medical professional presented an X-ray as evidence of alien abduction, highlighting the increasing flow of credible evidence supporting these phenomena.
Bud Hopkins discusses an intriguing case related to a possible alien implant. He describes an X-ray of a man who attempted suicide, revealing a spring-like object near the pituitary gland, a completely foreign object that could potentially be an alien implant. This man, a Mexican, was in terrible shape and had been moved to a hospital in Mexico. The X-ray was taken to locate the bullet but accidentally revealed this unusual object.
Hopkins explains the difficulties in obtaining such evidence due to medical ethics and proprieties, but notes the importance of this accidental discovery. He points out that head X-rays are not routinely done like other body parts, so finding implants in this way is rare.
He then discusses the increasing rate of abduction cases and the growing evidence supporting the existence of non-human intelligence. Hopkins estimates that there could be as many as five million abduction cases in the United States. He shares a letter from a woman describing her terrifying experience of paralysis and deep dread, typical of post-traumatic stress disorder, which she associates with a possible abduction experience at the age of 11 or 12.
The woman’s account includes details of seeing light through her window shutters, hearing barely audible voices, and feeling total paralysis. She also recalls an image of silhouetted heads and being outside her house near an oak tree. Her ongoing fear and trauma, including her reaction to a TV special about abductions and implants, suggest a very real traumatic experience.
Hopkins discusses the severe psychological impact alien abductions have on individuals, including cases leading to suicide. He describes how, in some cases, people have not been able to cope with their terrifying UFO experiences, leading to tragic outcomes.
Hopkins shares a recent letter he received from a woman in Florida, detailing her abduction experience. She describes intense fear, paralysis, and a deep sense of dread that has persisted for years. Her experience exemplifies the traumatic effects many abductees suffer, often leading to symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hopkins explains the therapeutic process for helping abductees, emphasizing the importance of a support system and the use of hypnotic regression. He likens the process to removing a splinter – painful but necessary for healing. He notes that many abduction experiences start in childhood, and children’s reports are often dismissed as bad dreams, leading to unresolved trauma.
The discussion also touches on how specific phobias can be linked to abduction experiences. Hopkins shares an anecdote about an individual with a shark phobia, which, upon reflection, was more related to the eyes and skin of the shark, reminiscent of the alien beings encountered during an abduction.
Bud Hopkins discusses his current focus on how parents can handle their children being abducted by aliens. He emphasizes the significance of this issue and talks about a projective test he has developed to help children talk about their experiences.
Hopkins explains that the test is presented as a game to make the child comfortable. It involves showing the child ten cards with images such as Santa Claus, Batman, a clown, and an alien head, among others. The child’s reaction to the alien image is particularly telling. Hopkins shares a moving instance captured on a videotape sent by a father who used the test on his six-year-old daughter. The girl burst into tears upon seeing the alien head, indicating her terror.
The test also involves asking the child to divide the images into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ piles and then discussing their choices. This helps in understanding the child’s perception and fears related to the alien image. In the case of the girl on the videotape, she was unable to even look at the alien picture, turning it over and crying.
Hopkins also asks the child to make up stories based on the images, which is another way to elicit real events and insights into the child’s experiences. This approach helps in coping with these experiences.
The segment concludes with Hopkins taking calls from listeners. A caller from Nye County shares his experience of becoming a “walk-in” at the age of 17. He expresses frustration with the government’s lack of support for individuals who have had UFO experiences. Hopkins agrees, noting that the official government stance often ridicules or dismisses such experiences, labeling individuals as lying, mistaken, or psychologically deluded.
Bud Hopkins addresses the risks associated with going public about abduction experiences. He shares an instance where a woman involved in a messy divorce faced accusations of insanity from her husband due to her belief in being abducted. Hopkins advises abductees not to go public because of such risks.
Despite the progress made in UFO research, Hopkins points out that the climate of ridicule created by skeptics makes witnesses afraid to come forward. He estimates that only a tiny percentage of those who have experienced abductions actually speak out about it.
The program then takes a call from a listener in Tucson, Arizona, who describes witnessing a ball of light entering his living room when he was about six or seven years old. Hopkins suggests this could either be related to UFO phenomena or ball lightning. The caller also recounts two other incidents: one where he experienced a shift in the environment while walking in the desert, and another involving a bright flash of light in his room. Hopkins notes these could be associated with the abduction phenomenon but advises against drawing conclusions without further investigation.
Hopkins discusses his work with children who have experienced alien abductions. He elaborates on the projective test he uses, where children are shown images of various characters, including an alien, to gauge their reactions. Hopkins describes a case where a little girl, upon seeing the alien image, became visibly terrified, indicating a strong emotional response linked to her abduction experiences.
Hopkins also shares examples of children being given objects, like rare geodes or marbles with inscriptions, as rewards during abductions. These objects often have emotional significance for the children, being both frightening and appealing. This suggests the aliens’ knowledge of how to control children through rewards.
The conversation then shifts to whether individuals should explore their uneasy feelings about potential abduction experiences. Hopkins believes each case is unique and the decision to delve into these experiences should be made jointly with the individual, taking into account their personal context and the impact of uncovering potentially traumatic events.
The program takes calls from listeners, including one who suggests that claims of alien abduction might actually be government mind control experiments involving technology that induces hypnotic trances. Hopkins acknowledges the possibility but finds it unlikely.
Another caller shares a mysterious encounter he had in the desert near Edwards Air Force Base in 1959. He describes seeing a round object land near where he and a friend were hiding. After the object left, they discovered that their motorcycles had been moved and positioned side by side. The caller also mentions collecting chunks of an unidentified material from the site, which he still possesses.
Art Bell suggests that the caller shares his contact information off-air so Bud Hopkins can follow up on this potential physical evidence. Hopkins expresses interest in investigating the material, noting he has access to a chemist who could analyze it in a well-equipped commercial laboratory.
Another caller inquires whether abductees have described seeing Martian terrain or the atmosphere of Jupiter during their experiences. Hopkins clarifies that he doesn’t use the term “astral projection” for UFO experiences, emphasizing that these are physical abductions where individuals are taken to spacecraft. He mentions that some abductees report seeing other worlds or disaster imagery, which might be an alien way of testing human emotional responses.
A caller shares a peculiar experience of time anomalies, where the clock showed the same time even after a couple of hours had passed. Hopkins suggests placing another clock in the room to see if the same phenomenon occurs, noting that there are often anomalies with clocks in abduction cases.
Another caller from Reading, California, describes a sighting he had in the Nevada desert in 1987. He saw an object about 100 yards away, light tan in color with tiger stripes, which made no noise and moved at a slow rate of speed. The object’s appearance and behavior left the caller shaken, and subsequent events involving low-flying planes added to the mystery. Hopkins acknowledges that such stories are not uncommon and are very interesting.
A recurring theme in these calls is the profound impact these experiences have on individuals, often leaving them with lasting unease or curiosity. Hopkins provides insight into these experiences, suggesting that they could be related to UFO phenomena, but also emphasizes the importance of individual interpretation and the need for further investigation in each case.
One caller recounts an encounter in the Nevada desert where he saw a strange, silent object with tiger stripes. He was deeply affected by the experience, experiencing sweating and nightmares afterward. Hopkins suggests that the caller should write to him for further investigation.
Another caller from San Jose discusses the paper by McDonald and compares NASA’s ignorance to the Catholic Church’s historical denial of scientific facts. The caller asks Hopkins about his views on John Lear’s claims of aliens using humans as food and why he engages with skeptics like Philip Klass.
Hopkins responds that he respects Lear but does not believe there is evidence supporting the idea of aliens using humans as food. He mentions his paper, “What They’re Doing to Us,” reflecting his views on the ethical implications of UFO abductions. Regarding engaging with skeptics, Hopkins believes that one should only engage in dialogue with those who are truthful and respectful.
He also addresses the issue of belief systems, stating that he is open to the possibility that what people report (such as UFO sightings) is true, contrasting this with the rigid skepticism of some scientists. Hopkins emphasizes the importance of considering all possibilities, including the truthfulness of witnesses’ accounts.
One caller from Mohawk Valley, referencing a previous discussion, corrects the notion that humans are used as food by aliens. Instead, he mentions that John Lear spoke about aliens using human enzymes. Another caller inquires about a claim by Milton William Cooper regarding the MJ-12 group and its activities. However, the caller disconnects before completing his question.
A caller from San Diego asks Hopkins if he shares information from abductees with government officials. Hopkins responds that he does not knowingly share information with the government but hopes that government agents are listening to his talks for enlightenment on the subject. He believes that only a very few in the government are likely aware of the true extent of UFO phenomena due to the “need to know” basis on which such information is handled.
Another caller discusses the religious implications of alien encounters. Hopkins addresses the challenges faced by religious individuals who have experienced abductions. He recounts an instance where a young girl’s Christian faith was shaken after an abduction, and he discusses how religious beliefs might reconcile with the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Bud Hopkins explains that information about UFOs is likely highly restricted within government agencies, with individuals only having knowledge specific to their assignments, leading to compartmentalization of information.
One caller raises the point that many people in government might be unaware of the reality of UFOs and could be useful in promoting a more open attitude. Hopkins agrees, noting that even though he doesn’t formally or officially share information with government agents, he hopes his work reaches them. He shares that he has worked privately with a NASA scientist and an army colonel, both abductees, on a personal level.
Another caller inquires about the possibility of a high-profile political figure, previously mentioned by Hopkins, coming forward about their abduction experience. Hopkins expresses his hope that this individual will publicly share their story and acknowledges the significant implications such an event would have.
The program continues with a caller sharing an experience about sightings over an Indian reservation in North Dakota, though time constraints limit the details she can provide.
Hopkins reiterates his willingness to help those who suspect they have had abduction experiences and are seeking guidance or information. He encourages listeners to contact him if they need assistance in understanding or exploring their experiences.