Awareness - 1970 - 12 - December

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, The Journal of Contact (U.K.), December 1970 issue.

Articles and Content

UFOs and the Scientific Approach This editorial discusses a growing movement within the 'Contact' community to adopt a more scientific approach to UFO research. The author expresses concern that this approach may aim to exclude non-material aspects and inexplicable physical phenomena, potentially to avoid ridicule. The editorial contrasts this with the 'frantic ridicule' and 'sweeping under the carpet' attitude of some scientists, citing Patrick Moore and Dr. Glyn Daniels as examples. The author asserts that 'Contact' organizations have a responsibility to be pioneers and investigate all avenues, rather than adopting dogmatic attitudes or trying to appease official science. The article suggests that subjects like the ley system, dowsing, telepathy, and astrology, along with the concept of Earth as a living being, are important areas of research that science currently cannot overcome. It posits that an intuitive faculty, tempered with logic, is necessary to solve the UFO mystery and make contact with UFO intelligences possible.

Optimism in '68 This section reprints an article from the Daily Mirror dated May 14th, 1968, discussing the study being undertaken by Dr. Edward Condon in Colorado, funded by the U.S. Air Force. The article notes the significant industry that has grown around the UFO myth and the 'great Conspiracy' theory propagated by American authors, suggesting the Air Force and government are hiding information to avoid panic. The Condon Committee, comprising astronomers, physicists, engineers, and psychologists, was tasked with examining UFO sightings using modern scientific techniques. A note references an article in 'Flying Saucer Review' that may invalidate the Condon Committee's findings.

Understanding - the Key to Contact By Richard Garton. This article explores the question of why UFOs haven't made direct contact, suggesting that a fundamental difference in understanding between humans and 'space people' might be the reason. The author posits that the 'space people' may refrain from interfering due to concerns about causing harm. Garton suggests that achieving contact requires a shift in human understanding, moving beyond individual perspectives to a group understanding and expression that is relative to all and allows free expression. The article advocates for seeking commonalities rather than differences and suggests that children, being more open to new ideas, might hold the key to fostering a new brotherhood and sisterhood on Earth. This understanding, it is proposed, could be the bridge to contact with space people.

Physiological Effects Provoked by UFOs By Kiril Terziev. This article examines the physiological effects of ionised air, suggesting that UFO propulsion might involve ionised air, which could explain their glow and intensity. The author details how atmospheric ions (aeroions) affect living organisms, noting that an imbalance of positive ions can lead to morbid and difficult subjective feelings. The article explains that ionisation of air can be caused by various factors, including radioactivity, cosmic rays, and electrical discharges. It describes how aeroions interact with the body, causing changes in skin sensitivity, blood circulation, heart rate, and breathing. The effects can include slowing of the pulse, collapse of blood pressure, and changes in breathing patterns. The article also touches upon the potential for ionised air to cause luminescence and suggests the need to consider protective clothing for UFO crews, drawing a parallel to the shining faces of Moses and Jesus Christ.

Correspondence An excerpt from a letter dated September 11th, 1970, from D.G. Guyatt of the Aerial Phenomena Research Association and Contact (U.K.) Essex Branch, regarding an exhibition and conference in the Southend area. The final date is set for January 23rd, 1971, and the venue is Clifftown Church Hall.

Notice Board This section lists forthcoming meetings and events for various UFO organizations: * London Meetings: Monthly meetings at the Alliance Hall, Westminster, featuring speakers like David Lloyd on 'Photography and Flying Saucers' and Norman Oliver on 'No time for Saucers'. * BUFORA Meetings: Meetings at Kensington Central Library, with speakers on 'The Logic of UFOlogy' and 'UFOs and the Bible'. * COS-MOS Meetings: Meetings at Kensington Central Library, including a panel discussion on UFOs and a talk on 'Chariots of Destiny'.

Other Contact Magazines Lists of other UFO-related magazines from different countries: * SKYWATCH (South Africa) * TOPSIDE (Canada) * CONTACT (U.S.A.)

The Committee Lists the members of 'The Committee' for Awareness magazine, including the Chairman (Mr. F. Passey), Research Officer and Membership Secretary (Derek Mansell), and Secretary (Jimmy Goddard). It also lists Anne Patterson and Doris Goddard as committee members, and Michael Matson as Publicity Officer.

Subscriptions and Membership Information on subscriptions and the UFO register, directing members to contact Jimmy Goddard. The committee also extends Christmas and New Year wishes to all members.

Awareness Submission and Car Badges Readers are invited to submit articles, points of interest, and diagrams for publication in Awareness. Information is also provided about purchasing enamel 'Contact (U.K.)' car badges, with pricing dependent on the number of interested members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine advocates for a broad and inclusive approach to UFO research, encouraging the investigation of non-traditional and 'heretical' subjects alongside direct sightings. There is a clear stance against dogmatism and a push for intuitive and logical exploration of the UFO mystery. The editorial emphasizes the importance of understanding, both individually and collectively, as a pathway to potential contact. The publication also serves as a hub for the UFO community, listing meetings, other magazines, and encouraging member participation through submissions and the purchase of merchandise like car badges.

This issue of Awareness magazine, dated 1970, features a prominent notice from the Treasurer and Membership Secretary regarding an increase in subscription rates. The magazine also includes a section on 'Data Research' and a detailed list of 'U.F.O. Reports' from various locations in the UK during 1970.

Subscription and Membership

The Treasurer and Membership Secretary announce a further increase in subscription rates, citing rising costs for printing and postage. The new rates are £2 for individuals aged 16 and over, and £1 for those under 16, with these rates applying to overseas members as well. The magazine aims to provide four issues of Awareness Magazines and two UFO registers annually, with efforts to improve the magazine's quality. The increase is intended to place the organization in a sound financial position and is hoped to be the last for at least three years.

Data Research

Data Research announces the upcoming second edition of the UFO register, scheduled for release in mid-January 1971. This edition will extensively cover 1967 reports, featuring 32 pages of maps, graphs, and data tables. While the initial hope was to include 1968 reports, the volume of 1967 data makes this impossible. The June 1971 issue will contain all 1970 reports, with potential inclusion of remaining 1969 reports if space allows. A separate issue for 1968 and the remainder of 1969 might be published. The importance of purchasing each register issue is emphasized for understanding emerging patterns. The first issue (Vol. 1) is still available at 3/- or 15np for UK members and 3/6d or 17½np for overseas members. The new issue (Vol. 2) is priced at 7/6d or 37½np, including postage for UK and overseas members, with an additional charge for airmail. Only 300 copies of Vol. 2 have been printed, and stocks for Vol. 1 are limited. Data Research also expresses gratitude for newspaper cuttings received, assuring that each report is thoroughly checked.

U.F.O. Reports

The magazine presents a series of UFO sightings reported throughout 1970:

• July 28th, 1970 (Folkestone, Kent): A round, white object, pea-sized at arm's length, was seen for 3 minutes travelling North to Southeast at high speed, estimated at 3,000 ft., before vanishing. Data Research suggests it could have been a satellite, though not a listed one.
• August 1st, 1970 (Folkestone, Kent): A meteor-shaped object, bright yellow, travelling West to East at high speed, described as pea-sized at arm's length, was seen briefly.
• August 12th, 1970 (Oldham, Lancs): An almost round object with a hanging tail, described as 'goldy-yellow' and the size of a full moon, was seen drifting slowly East to South at approximately 15 mph, at an altitude comparable to an aircraft landing.
• August 12th, 1970 (Folkestone, Kent): An egg-shaped, yellow object, pea-sized at arm's length, was observed hovering over the sea, estimated to be 60 ft. in diameter and about 1/3 of a mile away. The witness observed it for 5 minutes.
• August 28th, 1970 (Folkestone, Kent): An elongated egg-shaped, yellow object, pea-sized at arm's length, emitted a low hum and moved very slowly, estimated to be 70 ft. in diameter and 5/8ths of a mile away.
• August 28th, 1970 (Folkestone, Kent): Two bright objects, resembling stars, stopped and then proceeded in different directions at very high speeds, one moving North to South, the other South East to South West.
• September 8th, 1970 (Kit Hill, Cornwall): During a skywatch, two sightings occurred: one possibly a meteor lasting 35 seconds, and a second, a pinpoint of greenish light travelling fast.
• September 8th, 1970 (Kettering, N. Hants): A witness observed an object in the sky from their garden.
• September 8th or 9th, 1970 (Drakelow, Derbyshire): A newspaper report details a UFO with red and white flashing lights seen over Drakelow Power station, coinciding with a two-hour electricity failure in nearby areas.
• September 11th, 1970 (Folkestone, Kent): Three witnesses saw a white triangular-shaped object, pea-sized at arm's length, heading Northwards at high speed. It was visible for about 7 seconds and also hovered.
• September 12th, 1970 (Boscombe, Hants): A star-like object appeared, later described as cigar-shaped with a red flashing nose. It moved, stopped, and changed direction multiple times before moving towards the witness.
• September 22nd, 1970 (Worthing, Sussex): An object was observed.
• September 29th, 1970 (Upminster, Essex): A star-shaped, bright orange object, half a sixpence in size at arm's length, hovered and changed brightness while travelling West to Northwest for about 10 minutes, estimated at 100 ft. altitude.
• September 29th, 1970 (Kettering, N. Hants): A yellowish-white object was observed through a telescope, moving and then stopping.
• September 29th, 1970 (Kettering, N. Hants): Two white lights were seen moving towards the South at an assumed gliding speed.
• September 29th, 1970 (Bournemouth, Hants): A silver globe, spinning and glowing orange, was heard with a droning noise, moving fast, then disappeared and reappeared.
• October 4th, 1970 (Rhuddlan, Flintshire): A shiny metal object, oval in shape, was seen stationary at cloud level, then disappeared and reappeared heading rapidly Northwest.
• October 4th, 1970 (Cuddington, Surrey): A very bright star-like object, with eight smaller stars beneath it forming a reversed pendant shape, was observed.
• October 29th, 1970 (Newington, Kent): Three to four bright white lights changed direction and intersected, eventually forming seven circling bright lights. One red light approached the witnesses.
• November 1st, 1970 (Mansfield, Notts): An extremely bright star, stationary beneath a cloud, moved upwards slowly and was obscured by clouds. It was white, pea-sized at arm's length, and moved very slowly.
• November 5th, 1970 (Chipstone near Mansfield): A round, orange and silver object, pea-sized at arm's length, stopped, hovered, and moved in a circle before disappearing and reappearing in straight flight.
• November 21st, 1970 (Hackney, London): A large circular object with red pulsating lights was seen.
• November 21st, 1970 (Nottingham): Two police officers reported a round object with red flashing lights, about forty feet above the ground.
• November 21st, 1970 (Matlock, Derbyshire): A dish-shaped object, spinning with red and white lights, was seen for about 15 seconds before disappearing behind a cloud.
• November 21st, 1970 (Matlock, Derbyshire): A round object with a white or pale green light was observed moving towards Ambergate, appearing to be landing.
• November 21st, 1970 (Sutton, Derbyshire): A greenish light was seen travelling at terrific speed in a Northerly direction.

Satellite Re-Entries

The magazine includes two pages listing satellite re-entries, detailing catalog numbers, satellite sources, names (e.g., Cosmos, Meteor, Titan, Intelsat), and estimated decay dates throughout 1970. This section appears to be a data compilation rather than a narrative article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the financial management of the organization, the ongoing research into UFO phenomena, and the reporting of numerous UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent research and information dissemination, encouraging member participation through subscriptions and the submission of reports. The inclusion of satellite re-entry data suggests a broad interest in aerial phenomena, encompassing both unexplained sightings and known space objects.

SPACE NO. 1 MAGAZINE is presented as Britain's number one magazine covering UFO news and the flying saucer scene. Despite appearing irregularly, it promises quality content with "down to earth satisfying material backed up with interesting photos and illustrations at a very competitive price."

Unusual Sighting in the Bahamas

The magazine reports on a "most unusual event" observed from the Bahamas in June 1970. At approximately 9:30 p.m. local daylight time, observers noticed a bright moving point of light. From this light, a dome-shaped cloud formed, described as "generally smoky to milky." This cloud rapidly expanded to a diameter of approximately 75 to 90 degrees in the sky and was very bright. After reaching its full size, it gradually faded and became somewhat transparent before blending into the nighttime sky over about thirty minutes.

Explanation of the Phenomenon

Investigations revealed that this unusual phenomenon was caused by a combination of circumstances related to a Poseidon rocket launch. A Poseidon rocket was launched from Cape Kennedy on June 21, 1970, at 9:31 p.m. L.D.T. As the rocket and its exhaust rose above the Earth's shadow, the reflection of the Sun on the rocket made it appear as a bright point of light. The exhaust spewing from the rocket's engine expanded in the vacuum of space, creating the large, dome-shaped cloud. The combination of the exhaust gases, the relative positions of the Sun, the cloud, the shadow line, and the observers resulted in this unique spectacle.

Satellite Debris Catalog

The issue contains extensive lists of cataloged satellite debris, detailing their catalog number, satellite designation, source (USSR or US), name (often referring to the payload or rocket body), and the date of decay. These entries span several pages and cover decay dates primarily in late 1970 and early 1971.

Notable Entries from Page 1:

• Cosmos 71 Payload (USSR): Catalog No. 1441, decayed August 11, 1970.
• Cosmos 355 R. Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4485, decayed August 14, 1970.
• Venus 7 Rocket Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4490, decayed August 18, 1970.
• Meteor Debris (USSR): Catalog No. 3870, decayed August 26, 1970.
• Cosmos 151 Debris (USSR): Catalog No. 2797, decayed October 12, 1970.
• Cosmos 357 Rocket Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4496, decayed October 23, 1970.
• Titan 30-4 Debris (US): Catalog No. 1988, decayed November 28, 1970.

Notable Entries from Page 2:

• Cosmos 359 Rocket Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4504, decayed September 11, 1970.
• Cosmos 361 Rocket Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4525, decayed September 14, 1970.
• Luna 16 Rocket Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4528, decayed September 15, 1970.
• Titan 3C-4 Debris (US): Catalog No. 1971, decayed September 22, 1970.
• Cosmos 365 Payload (USSR): Catalog No. 4556, decayed September 25, 1970.
• Intercosmos 3 Rocket (USSR): Catalog No. 4483, decayed November 20, 1970.
• Titan 3C-4 Debris (US): Catalog No. 1768, decayed December 11, 1970.

Notable Entries from Page 3:

• Meteor 1 Debris (USSR): Catalog No. 3867, decayed January 15, 1971.
• Cosmos 327 Payload (USSR): Catalog No. 4351, decayed January 25, 1971.
• Cosmos 356 R. Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4488, decayed October 1, 1970.
• Cosmos 361 Debris (USSR): Catalog No. 4545, decayed October 5, 1970.
• Cosmos 367 Rocket Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4565, decayed October 6, 1970.
• Cosmos 351 Debris (USSR): Catalog No. 2797, decayed October 12, 1970.
• Cosmos 370 R. Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4577, decayed October 13, 1970.
• Cosmos 368 Payload (USSR): Catalog No. 4571, decayed October 14, 1970.
• Molniya 15 R. Body (USSR): Catalog No. 4560, decayed October 16, 1970.

Subscriptions and Availability

Subscriptions are available, with a mention of a "D' day" after which prices will increase. The old rate was 3/6d per copy or 13/6d for 4 issues. The new rate is 20np per copy or 75np for 4 issues. Subscriptions can be received through usual distributors or by contacting Miss Christine Hennick at SK Sub Dept. 99, Mayday Gardens, London. S.E. 3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine positions itself as a source for UFO news and flying saucer information, aiming to provide "quality magazine with down to earth satisfying material." The inclusion of extensive satellite debris data suggests an interest in space-related phenomena and tracking, potentially linking to the broader field of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be factual and informative, as demonstrated by the detailed explanation of the "Unusual Sighting."