TO CATCH A FLYING STAR, A SCIENTIFIC THEORY OF UFOs,
by John Ackerman

We are pleased to offer this extraordinary book on UFOs:

To Catch a Flying Star, A Scientific Theory of UFOs, by John Ackerman, Foreword by Walter H. Andrus, Jr., 150p., illustrated. ISBN 0-912183-03-9, List price $15 (Price to individual members of UFO or space societies $9.95)

This book reasons, by virtue of the mass of detailed sightings, that UFOs are alien spacecraft from other worlds. So far the ruling on UFOs has been that they are not real. But this is not the primary thrust. It then proceeds to construct a theory of how they fly, using the scientific method. As a result of deduction based on a multitude of observations combined with induction based on our current knowledge of physics, the theory that evolves results in a fascinating design of a space ship, including the methodology for levitation, stabilization, and power source. This theory is presented in terms that any college graduate can comprehend.

It provides the means of its own verification, by suggesting specific observations, both at short and long ranges. It also suggests fields in which we can direct our experimental and theoretical work here on earth to bring us closer to building our own advanced spacecraft.

“To Catch a Flying Star: A Scientific Theory of UFOs constitutes John Ackerman’s contribution to the resolution of the perplexing mystery of the power source for Unidentified Flying Objects. Even though present-day science has been unable to produce a craft that simulates the flight characteristics of a UFO, the hypothetical theory herewith presented may be the key to unlocking the secret or motivating other scientists to combine their talent and expertise to discover the solution.”
Walter H. Andrus, Jr., International Director, Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (MUFON).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author, John Ackerman, has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Drexel University and a master’s degree also in physics from Johns Hopkins University. His experience includes many years in electro-optical systems, automation of airborne surveys of the magnetic and radiometric fields of the earth and classified ASW programs. He is currently with General Electric as an aerospace engineer.

Mr. Ackerman’s interest in UFOs spans some twenty years over which time the ideas presented in this book evolved. The decision to publish the theory was prompted by the lack of any published theory that would form the basis for a rational dialogue on UFOs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Foreword by Walter H. Andrus, Jr. v

Preface vii

Introduction 1

1. The Evidence 5

The Scientific Method 5

Observational Data 8
     Organizing the Data 9
     Observed UFO Features 11

FIRST HYPOTHESIS - Reality of UFOs 14

Summary 15

2. Angels on High 17

On the Possibility of Extraterrestrial life 17

SECOND HYPOTHESIS - Origin 19

Seeding of the Planet Earth 20

Pros and Cons 22

Contact? 26

3. The Physical Theory 29

Flight Mechanisms 29
     Aerodynamics 30
     Rocketry 31

The Principle of Magnetic Field Interactions 32

THIRD HYPOTHESIS - Flight 34

     Flight Near the Earth 37
     The Superconductor Revolution 39
     Solid State Superconducting Torus 40
     The Plasma Superconducting Loop - A New Concept 43

Magnetic Field Generation - Summary 45

The Control System 46
     Magnetic Interaction Torques 47
     Gyroscopic Torques 50
     The Magnetic Helicopter 51

Control System Summary 52

FOURTH HYPOTHESIS - Stability and Control 53

The Power Source 54

FIFTH HYPOTHESIS - Power Source 55

     The Fusion Reaction 55

     The Engine 59

A Design Summary 62

4. Explanations Based on the Theory 65

Common UFO Characteristics 65
     Size and Shape 66
     UFO Lights 71
     UFO Photographs 71
     Spectral Properties 74
     Cigar Shape 74
     Flight Characteristics 75
     Magnetic Field Effects 83
     Electromagnetic Effects 86
     Electromagnetically Induced Optical Effects 91
     Radar Characteristics 93
     UFO Affinities for Reservoirs 97
     A Notable Sighting Report 101
     Angel Hair 104

5. UFOs, Quasars and Pulsars 107

Interstellar Travel 108
     The Clock Paradox 108

Predicted Spectral Signature 110
     Blackbody Radiation from the Fusion Furnace 110
     Synchrotron Radiation 111
     Recombination Radiation 111
     Relativistic Effects on Emitted Light 112
     Vehicle Aspect 113
     Summary of UFO Emissions 114

Quasars and Pulsars 116
     Pulsars 116
     Quasars 117
     Discrimination Between Astronomical Objects & UFOs 119

A Fundamental Natural Process 122
     Spiral Galaxies 123
     The Geomagnetic Field 123

6. Verifying the Theory 125

Detection of UFOs 126
     Magnetometer 128
     Cameras 128
     Spectrometer 129
     Sonic/Ultrasonic Detectors 129
     Range Finder 129
     Data Collection 130
     UFO Electromagnetic Signature 130

The Experimental Approach 130
     Explosive Pumping of Current Loop 131
     Current Circulating Modes -Superconducting Toroid 133
     Computer Simulation of Proposed UFO Flight 133
     Lightning Experiments 134

Conclusion 137

References 139

List of Illustrations 141