Amskaya - No 059 - 2004 07

Magazine Overview

AMSKAYA, issue No. 59, dated July 2004, is the newsletter of the STAR Fellowship. The cover prominently features the title 'AMSKAYA' with a star symbol, and an illustration depicting a UFO over a landscape, a road, and a cloud, with the subtitle 'Newsletter of the STAR Fellowship'. The main cover story is 'Alex Birch and Fort Belvedere Pictures'.

Alex Birch and Fort Belvedere Pictures

The lead article discusses the well-known photograph of UFOs taken by Alex Birch in Mosborough, Sheffield, which is now claimed again as genuine by the photographer on his website www.photofantasia.co.uk. The article notes that the photograph generated high-level and even royal interest at the time it was taken, but ten years later Alex stated it was a hoax. The author expresses disbelief, citing a letter from researcher Philip Rodgers from 1963 to Saucer Forum magazine.

Philip Rodgers' letter details other sightings in the Mosborough area. He mentions a sighting by Alex Birch and his family in November 1962 of a cigar-shaped object about twenty-five feet long. Another sighting in March 1963 involved Alex Birch's father seeing a saucer with a blue light, and Alex taking a photograph that resulted in a blank image, possibly due to radiation from the craft.

The article also recounts a significant sighting from two years prior to the Mosborough headlines, involving two boys, Geoffrey Green and his friend. They saw a fiery, circular object floating to earth, which landed and was touched by Geoff's friend who exclaimed it was hot. The jelly-like object then disintegrated into ashes, leaving no trace. This incident is linked to Desmond Leslie's account in 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' and George Adamski's explanation of remote-controlled discs.

Alex Birch's own account from his website is included. He states that in 1962, at age fourteen, he took the famous photograph with his Kodak Brownie Camera. He notes the photograph's continued publication worldwide and mentions that he and his family have had many other sightings, often witnessed by independent people. He advises keeping such experiences to oneself for personal peace.

Alex Birch also mentions Stuart Dixon and David Brownlow, who were present when the photograph was taken. He expresses a desire to expose those who have used his work without permission and questions their right to criticize. He humorously advises photographers to jump on their camera if they see an alien emerging from a saucer.

The article notes similarities between the Birch picture and photographs taken by Tony Wedd from Fort Belvedere on September 5th, 2003, which seemed to have a 'bubble effect' suggesting the craft was disappearing or entering another dimension.

Notes and News

Cigar in Martian sky

This section reports on a cigar-shaped object seen from Mars, as reported in the August 2004 issue of Fortean Times. The US Spirit rover captured an image of a UFO streaking across the Red Planet sky. Astronomers suggest it could be a meteor or a redundant orbiting spacecraft. Dr. Mark Lemmon from Texas A&M University is quoted stating, "We may never know, but we are still looking for clues." The article details how the rover, primarily focused on the planet's surface, incidentally captured the sky phenomenon. Mission controllers believe it was the brightest object in the sky at the time, and scientists have ruled out several known spacecraft, suggesting it might be Viking 2 due to its polar orbit.

Lancashire Pennine encounter

This section describes an encounter involving children in Littleborough who reported seeing a spacecraft hovering slowly over their houses. They described red lights around the edge and yellow lights in the middle. The object then shot off at hyper speed. Lindsey Stansfield, mother of two of the children, confirmed the sighting. A spokesman for the National Air Traffic service stated no alien activity was reported in controlled airspace, and the Ministry of Defence indicated that sightings are checked for defence significance and that rational explanations like aircraft lights or natural phenomena are usually found.

Encounter in Poland, with crop circle

Eileen Roche reports on a close encounter of the third kind in Poland, which occurred on August 11, 2003. Lech Chacinski was driving when he saw three figures standing in a triangular formation on the roadside, wearing astronaut-like uniforms. As he approached, the beings moved towards his car. Chacinski felt a telepathic command to stop. He observed one being with a darkened helmet and large black eyes. The beings communicated telepathically, stating they came to deliver a message about caring for the planet, water, and air, warning that environmental neglect would lead to destruction. Chacinski asked where they came from, and they replied 'Eight Galaxy'. The three beings then ascended into their waiting ship, which was about 100 yards away. A fog appeared around the UFO as it rose and disappeared. The area is also known for crop circles.

The Menger Motor

This section discusses the Menger Motor, mentioned in Howard Menger's book 'From Outer Space to You'. While Menger's book does not detail its specifications, Tony Wedd attempted to obtain them through thought communication. Ciro Giordano of Naples reportedly obtained the construction plans directly from Menger. The motor is described as being made from a special configuration of magnets and weights, not exotic materials. The article includes a diagram of the apparatus with detailed parts labeled A through K, and notes on construction using methyl chloride, solder, or epoxy. It also mentions that the motor's running time depends on the brass ball weights and spring adjustment.

Speculative ufology and the ghostly greys

This section critiques the current state of ufology, referring to an article in 'Pegasus' magazine that labels the author as a symbol of early misconceptions. It discusses the shift towards 'speculative ufology' and criticizes the 'academic snobbery' that relegates 'Extraterrestrial hypothesis' proponents. The article then delves into Gordon Millington's speculation on a 'Grey agenda' involving hybrid breeding programs and the spread of viruses like AIDS and Ebola. It contrasts contactee experiences with abductee experiences, suggesting contactees are deceived abductees. Major Hans Petersen's theory of psychotronic induction of hallucinations by terrestrial agencies to prevent communication with 'real space people' is also mentioned. Cases cited include Maureen Puddy's out-of-body experience and the abduction of three women near the Wrekin, where hypnosis revealed different ufonaut descriptions and raised questions about hybrid reproduction given the greys' lack of genitals.

The STAR Fellowship Video

A video is advertised containing three titles: 'The Adamski Scoutship', 'A Visit to Tony Wedd', and 'The Albury Sighting Country'. The descriptions detail content related to George Adamski's flying saucer photographs, Tony Wedd's home and research in Chiddingstone, and a sighting near Newlands Corner that matched a photograph of Mars taken by Mariner 4.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of AMSKAYA are UFO sightings, photographic evidence, close encounters, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The STAR Fellowship appears to maintain an open but critical stance, presenting various accounts and theories while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The newsletter also promotes its own publications and resources related to ufology and related topics, indicating a commitment to disseminating information within the field.