In Alien lore, what causes the witness's car to die during a close
encounter with a space craft? I am looking for the scientific
explanation, the pop culture explanation or even a science fiction
explanation. I need something detailed that sounds logical, believable
and "sciency" to be used as an important detail in a story.

Hello blondevenus,

Thanks for your fascinating question!

The general consensus on this issue, at least among alien/UFO buffs,
posits that such engine failures are the result of electromagnetic
fields emitted by the spacecraft. This from Thomas M. Sipose, L.A.
Bureau Chief of "Weekly Universe":

"The functioning of starcraft ionic-microwave engines (aka
antigravitation or electromagnetic engines) is accompanied by
electromagnetic field phenomena, i.e. plasma, which can cause air mass
movements.

"...When real true-life starships descend, says [ufologist] Voron,
"ionic-microwave streams interact with the environment.

"...Even more shockingly, starship electromagnetic fields can impact
our environment in still other ways -- some of them potentially
deadly! UFO sightings have been accompanied by dangerous engine
failures in planes, boats, cars -- as well as failures in other
mechanical, electronics, communication devices."
(http://www.weeklyuniverse.com/2003/voron-2.htm)

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Clarification of Answer by emjay-ga on 03 Apr 2004 09:02 PST

Hello blondevenus,

Thanks for your fascinating question!

The general consensus on this issue, at least among alien/UFO buffs,
is that UFO-induced vehicle engine failures are the result of electromagnetic
fields emitted by the spacecraft. This from Thomas M. Sipose, L.A.
Bureau Chief of "Weekly Universe":

"The functioning of starcraft ionic-microwave engines (aka
antigravitation or electromagnetic engines) is accompanied by
electromagnetic field phenomena, i.e. plasma, which can cause air mass
movements....When real true-life starships descend, says [ufologist] Voron,
"ionic-microwave streams interact with the environment."

"...Even more shockingly, starship electromagnetic fields can impact
our environment in still other ways -- some of them potentially
deadly! UFO sightings have been accompanied by dangerous engine
failures in planes, boats, cars -- as well as failures in other
mechanical, electronics, communication devices."
( http://www.weeklyuniverse.com/2003/voron-2.htm )

Tim Swartz, in the UFO Database, offers these comments:

"One of the many mysteries surrounding the UFO phenomenon is the
debilitating effect on electrical systems in many close encounters.
Odd physical effects are often reported in association with UFO
sightings. The most frequently claimed effects are electric or
electromagnetic in nature. They include unexplained stoppage of
automobile motors; failure of automobile headlights; interference with
radio, TV; power failures; magnetic field disturbances; and sudden
temporary increases in gamma radiation levels."
( http://www.beyondinfinitymagazine.com/FW23/fw23ufodata.htm )

James M. McCampbell, in "UFO Interference with Vehicles and
Self-Starting Engines," suggests that engine interference results from
"ionization of atmospheric gases," i.e. electromagnetic activity.
( http://www.nicap.dabsol.co.uk/ufointerf.htm )

Edward U. Condon, in his take on a Santa Ana UFO sighting, has a
somewhat different explanation:

"I theorize that the UFOs time warping fields generates this type of
engine failure. In affect [sic], this causes the engine to die for
lack of spark, as many of the electrons become frozen in their orbits,
being induced by this waveform. We could compare this to a form of
suspended animation, literally."
( http://www.angelfire.com/wa/UFORC/page65.html )

By and large, then, most UFO buffs stick with the simple explanation
of electromagnetic interference. If you?d like to do some heavier
reading, here are a couple of sites with a more academic approach:

Ufo Reports Involving Vehicle Interference: A Catalogue and Data Analysis 
Mark Rodeghier, Center for UFO Studies 
http://www.scientificexploration.org/jse/articles/ufo_reports/rodeghier/toc.html
UFO Evidence: Electromagnetic Effects
< http://www.ufoevidence.org/topics/emeffects.htm >

Finally, you might want to peruse the "UFOs/Aliens" site hosted by Loy
Lawhon on about.com:
< http://ufos.about.com/library/weekly/aa070698.htm >

I used the following search combinations to find your answer:

alien spacecraft car engines
alien spacecraft engines stop
alien spacecraft magnetic field
car engine dies alien spacecraft
car engine dying alien spacecraft
car engine failure ufo
ufo interference with vehicles

I hope this has been of assistance to you ? please let me know if you
require clarification. All the best!

Emjay-ga

Thanks! Just what I was looking for!

Sorry blondevenus, accidently posted your answer prematurely. Will
post entire answer shortly!
-Emjay

There we go - second time's a charm! :)
Emjay

emjay gave a good answer. Most of the car stalling incidents occured
more than 30 years ago. A possible explanation is the aliens have
retired the early propulsion system for a propulsion system of
improved design. My guess is humans assist the aliens with technology
advances, but hardly anyone else buys this theory. Further evidence is
the gamma radiation, microwave radiation and   radio iterferance has
rarely been noticed the last 30 years.  Neil

Hi Emjay and Hi again, Neilzero. If aliens existed, their very
existence would nullify the whole Bible. Everyone knows that the Bible
simply states that God CREATED the Earth and the UNIVERSE, which
includes evry galaxy we can see and all those we have still to see. If
aliens existed, they would have to come from some planet in some
galaxy. If they have to use spaceships, then they have limitations,
e.g. living conditions, atmospheric requirements. God sent his ONLY
begotten son for our benefit. And what about the spiritual needs of
the aliens???If they existed, a loving God who made their world would
not ignore them surely. No, the answer is in the Bible. It is Satan,
the Devil, who is able to transform himself into and "Angel of Light",
or more accurately, an angel of knowledge, who is behind all alien
phenomena. And his purpose is to take our minds off God`s purpose for
us. To improve ourself to the point of ceasing wars, to treat everyone
on the whole earth with respect, and then when God thinks our standard
is good enough, He may then allow us to roam the stars. He did not
create them for nothing. Isaiah 45;18.." For this is what Jehovah
[God`s name ] has said, the creator of the heavens. He the true God,
the former of the earth and the maker of it. He the one who firmly
established it WHO DID NOT CREATE IT SIMPLY FOR NOTHING, WHO FORMED IT
EVEN TO BE INHABITED. I AM JEHOVAH AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE. Makes you
think Eh!.

Hi pugwashjw: The existance of extra terestrials remains unproven.
When and if proof appears, the effect on the Bible will be minor in my
opinion. Much of what modern humans accept as reality is not mentioned
in the Bible. The computer you typed on does not disprove the Bible,
so why should ET?
 Other planets enjoy the redemption by Jesus vicariously. Only this
Earth was so wicked that the Savor needed to die here in person. To
catch a less limited view of God's work watch The annual Conference of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on TV in many cities
world wide today.   Neil