UT002: Analysis of Purported “Angel Hair” Collected October 19-20, 1977 (Los Gatos, California)
From The Black Vault Encyclopedia Project
Contents |
Background/Objective
Three stored “angel hair” samples were found November 1998 in the carport attic of John Timmerman, Lakeview, Ohio. They were preserved there for a number of years after closure of the CUFOS Chicago Office. All three samples seem to be from the same event, though documentation does not indicate any details of the event.
One sample is clearly identified as originating from the late Paul Cerney and has a handwritten note from him. This handwriting matches that from two other samples. And the information indicates all three samples were obtained at the same time (October 19–20, 1977) and location (Los Gatos, California).
Two samples were very tightly sealed in glass jars and other was in an envelope. For many years this analyst has read tales of mysterious “angel hair” falls all over the globe and its purported unusual properties such as an ability to turn gelatinous and vanish (though not universally reported). John’s discovery of these samples provided my first opportunity for analysis of this material.
Budinger Analysis Report
Phyllis Budinger's Post Analysis Notes
The purported “angel hair” samples discussed in this analytical report were the first that I examined. Unfortunately they were from an event that occurred 25 years prior to the analysis, and scant background information was provided.
I have changed the conclusions from the original report. The original report suggests the samples are not spider silk. At the time I was on a learning curve regarding both caterpillar silk and spider silk. While I did consult with an entomologist, I did not ask the right questions.
So far, I have not been able to differentiate spider silk from the purported angel hair samples that I have received. There is no question that the samples I have examined to date (April 22, 2009) are of a biological origin.
Statistics show that UFOs have been sighted along with over 50% of the angel hair drops (Brian Boldman, IUR (International UFO reporter), Fall 2001, Volume 25, Number 3). This suggests a definite link between the two. This is justification to examine more angel hair drops specifically related to UFO sightings. And, clearly consultation with people skilled in entomology and arachnology would be beneficial.
One could ask the questions: Are the few samples I have examined just silk from ballooning spiders? “Or, is there a reason UFO occupants are interested in spider silk?” There is certainly a lot of research currently being done on this “biosteel”. (See http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090423/sc_nm/us_spider_silk)
Pertinent related Angel Hair publications are:
- Brian Boldman, IUR (International UFO Reporter), Fall 2001, Volume 26, Number 3, Page 10. Article: “An Analysis of Angel Hair, 1947-2000”
- Brian Boldman, Journal of UFO Studies, New Series, Vol. 9, 2006, Page 99. Article: “Angel Hair Physical Analyses: A Review”
- Phyllis Budinger, Journal of UFO Studies, New Series, Vol. 9, 2006, Page 111. Article: “Analysis of angel Hair Samples”.
