San Diego, Calif  Triton Times  (UNIV. of Calif.)

May 15, 1973

CS JUN 73 -  4

UFO Instrumentation

Instruments designed to detect and monitor possible unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been developed by a newly formed UCSD group.

J.F. Herr, spokesman for the organization, says that the eighteen scientists and engineers who make up the group have no conclusion as to the nature UFOs.  Although reports of unidentified flying objects continue to come in from the world, often from highly qualified observers, quantitative data on the objects is scant.

To make possible the collection of hard data which correlates with UFO sightings, a series of instruments capable of detecting and measuring certain effect reportedly produced by the objects is being developed.

One of the design concepts, Herr explained, is a is a central processing unit where the signals from several instruments will be simultaneously recorded on magnetic tape cassettes.  Each instrument is designed to be built by persons without specialized technical knowledge, and is restricted to a component cost limit of $100.  Herr says that the group has perfected a state-of-the-art magnetometer with a sensitivity of 0.05 gamma at a frequency of 1 Hertz.  The instrument is thus capable of measuring changes in the ambient magnetic field less than the natural geomagnetic variations.  The magnetometer, which has a frequency range 0.1 to 10 hertz, uses a highly sensitive induction coil senor.  Five solid-state integrated circuits give the instrument a gain of 400, 000, a rejection of 60 Hertz interference by 110 decibels and an extremely low noise figure.  Other current developmental projects include an electrometer, an automatic camera system, and three channel radio frequency interference detection system.  The organization welcomes interested scientists and engineers, especially those with background in electronics. The design effort is voluntary and there are no salaried positions.  A fund exists to cover the cost of experimental prototypes.

For further information contact J.F. Herr at 583-8247.