Awareness - 1971 - 12 - December

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS MAGAZINE, December 1971. This issue, subtitled 'THE JOURNAL OF CONTACT (U.K.)', presents a collection of articles exploring various unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on astronomical anomalies, UFO sightings, and potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine is published by Contact (UK) and is priced at £2.00.

Features

Vulcan Rediscovered?

This article by Prof. J. Eidelberger revisits the theory of the planet Vulcan, first proposed in 1860 by Le Verrier of the Paris Observatory to explain discrepancies in Mercury's orbit. Lescarbault, a French doctor, claimed to have witnessed its transit. Le Verrier concluded Vulcan was a 10th planet, 1,000 miles in diameter, orbiting at 13 million miles with a period of 19.75 days. Despite subsequent observations failing to confirm its existence, interest persisted. The article highlights a 1971 report by Dr. Henry Courtein about a small planet, initially thought to be beyond Neptune but later identified as an asteroid. Further reports from Cambridge observers, combined with Courtein's findings, revived the Vulcan theory. Recent observations by Huverman and Polynski in the Urals in March 1971 suggested the presence of three small planetoids between the Sun and Mercury, the largest estimated at 900 km in diameter with very low reflectivity. The low reflectivity is attributed to proximity to the Sun and harmful radiation. The article concludes that radio observations are needed to confirm Vulcan's existence and reinstate it as a planet.

Peripheral Ufology No. 2: Flying Blocks of Ice from Outer Space

Authored by Michael Hervey, this article explores the phenomenon of 'flying blocks of ice' descending from clear skies. The term 'peripheral ufology' is attributed to J.B. Delair, encompassing bizarre unexplained events. The earliest recorded case involves Roy Kellett in New York, whose car was damaged by a block of ice. In late 1950, Britain experienced a shower of large ice blocks. Theories included bombardment from another planet or ice falling from flying saucers. During November and December 1950, at least twelve cases were reported, with ice blocks ranging from one to three feet across and weighing up to several hundred pounds. Specific incidents include blocks falling in Loudwater, Vigo Village, and London, where one struck a woman. A large piece damaged a garage roof in Wandsworth. On November 9th, blocks weighing over 14lb were found scattered over Exmoor, one killing a sheep. Another incident involved a large lump landing near Braughing. Reports also came from Chelmsford and Wandsworth, and a 100-lb chunk fell in Helensburgh, Scotland. Investigations by police and meteorological experts found no weather conditions conducive to large hailstones. An Air Ministry explanation suggested ice forming on the underside of aircraft fuselages and then falling, but this was questioned due to the lack of similar occurrences in previous years and the localized nature of the events. The matter was raised in the House of Commons by Sir John Mellor, with the Parliamentary Secretary admitting no proof for the aircraft theory. The article concludes that the icy bombardment remains a mystery, noting other strange phenomena that have fallen from the sky, such as frogs, fish, reptiles, blood, and even a butter-like substance.

"Maldek", Fact or Fiction?

This article is listed in the contents but not present in the provided pages.

News

World-Wise: International News & Events

This section covers international news and events from the past three months.

U.K. Review: British UFO Reports & Trends

Authored by David Baxter, this review examines British UFO reports and trends.

Abduction (Brazil)

Two separate incidents of UFO abductions in Brazil are reported. The first involves Paulo Caetano Silveira, a commercial traveller, who was driving home from Itaperuna on September 25, 1971, when he was followed by a low-flying aircraft. His car lost steering control due to a blinding light from the UFO. Small humanoids, 40-50 cm tall, emerged and abducted him into the disc. He experienced temporary blindness from bright lights and an infernal noise. Upon regaining consciousness, he was found by Dr. Disnei and taken to the police. The second incident, reported by Snr. Benedicto Miranda in Cataguases, Minas Gerais State, on September 26th, describes a similar experience of being followed, overtaken, and forced into a disc-shaped craft by small humanoids, where a flashlight held by one humanoid took away his will to resist.

Scientists Search for Advanced Alien Civilizations

Soviet and American scientists held a symposium at the Byurakan astrophysical observatory in Armenia, USSR, to discuss establishing contact with extra-terrestrial civilizations (ETCs). Academician Victor Ambartsumyan stated that advances in astronomy, communication technology, and cybernetics have created possibilities for contact. Prof. Vsevold Troitsky presented findings from a three-year study on powerful impulse radiations possibly from astro-engineering by advanced life forms. The American "Cyclop programme" for contacting ETCs was also mentioned.

UFO Flashes Woman Astronomer

This incident, reported in a letter to Contact UK and interviewed by Derek Mansell, involves Mrs. W., an amateur astronomer in Buckinghamshire. On August 22nd, around 3 a.m., she observed a brightly glowing object at low altitude. The object, described as part sphere and part disc with a golden cupola, hovered with heavy vibration. Mrs. W. flashed a light and sound transmitter at the UFO. After a pause, a strong beam of light emerged, followed by symbols. The object then moved off at high speed, assuming a cigar shape. During the event, her compass spun wildly, and local animals reacted with agitation. Mrs. W. attempted to contact an organization without success and finally phoned the Ministry of Defence, who took note and arranged for a policewoman to take a statement and sketch the symbols. The symbols themselves are depicted in sketches.

World UFO Flap

Reports indicate a current UFO flap not limited to the United Kingdom, with high levels of activity observed in the United States, Brazil, Australia, Yugoslavia, and elsewhere. The magazine hopes to publish more details in the next issue.

Australian Flying Disc Patented

The July issue of New Scientist reported on an Australian, Mr. Duan Phillips, who patented an aircraft resembling a flying saucer. The design involves fluid directed radially over a rotating disc for lift, with an undercarriage and a stabilized cabin. Linear movement is achieved via lateral jet nozzles.

Miscellanea

Book Reviews

Reviews are provided by the Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench and J.B. Delair.

Contact Directory

Information about Contact personnel is provided.

Readers Mail

This section is open for letters from readers, offering critical feedback, suggestions, or interesting details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to UFOs, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and contact. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing them, as indicated by the disclaimer that "Material appearing in this magazine does not necessarily reflect Contact (UK) policy and is published without prejudice."

This issue of CONTACT magazine, identified by the number '10' on its cover, focuses on UFO activity in the United Kingdom under the headline 'BIG BRITISH FLAP PERIOD'. The content is primarily in English and appears to be from the early 1970s, with specific references to 1971, 1972, 1969, and 1970.

U.K. REVIEW by David R. Baxter

The lead article, 'U.K. REVIEW' by David R. Baxter, details a significant increase in UFO reports received by Data Research in the latter part of July 1971, continuing through August, September, and October. This period is described as a 'BIG BRITISH FLAP PERIOD'.

Half of these sightings originated from the Midlands, with Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Northamptonshire being key counties. Banbury in Oxfordshire was a focal point, recording fourteen sightings. South-East England was another region with a high concentration, accounting for twenty-five percent of the total sightings, with Essex and Kent being particularly prominent.

Of the eighty reports received, fifty percent were fully investigated by Data Research, B.U.F.O.R.A., and B.S.I.G., and were considered genuine UFOs. The remaining reports were still under investigation.

The article notes that the provisional total for July to October 1971 exceeded that of the same months in 1969 and 1970. It suggests a possible four-year cycle for UFO activity, referencing major increases in 1963 and 1967 during similar months. Based on the high number of sightings in 1968, the article predicts that 1972 may be another especially active year.

Members are requested to inform Data Research of any reports they hear of and to continue sending newspaper clippings to aid in a full analysis. Due to the volume of reports, individual sighting details could not be printed in this issue.

Figure 1 on page 2 is a graph showing monthly UFO statistics for 1969, 1970, and a provisional line for 1971, illustrating the increase in the latter half of the year. Figure 2 shows the distribution of UFO sightings in the U.K.

FLYING BLOCKS OF ICE (cont. from page 4)

This section, continuing from page 4, recounts an incident in Shenandoah, USA, where a large chunk of dark blue ice, emitting a gaseous odour similar to formaldehyde, fell from the sky and crashed into the roof of the Frank Kuzma residence. John Prybolsky witnessed the object fall, stating it bounced off the roof into the street. Mrs. Kuzma described the sound as prompting thoughts of 'the end of the world'. The object shattered into over twenty pieces upon hitting the ground, according to witness Cal Demmi, and then appeared to melt or disintegrate. Some fragments were taken to Bereschak's Distributors and refrigerated at the home of Albeta Lewczyk.

SPACELINK and The Astronomer

A box on page 3 promotes 'SPACELINK', described as Britain's number one magazine covering UFO news and the flying saucer scene. It is noted for its quality material, photos, and illustrations, with a subscription price of 20p per copy or 75p for four issues, available from Miss Christine Henning.

Another advertisement is for 'The Astronomer' magazine, described as Britain's leading magazine devoted to PRACTICAL amateur astronomy, with a subscription of £1 per annum. It encourages readers to read observational reports and keep up to date with the sky. Contact details are provided for Rex Hilburn.

BOOK REVIEWS

Page 4 features book reviews:

• MYSTERIOUS WORLDS by Dennis Bardens (W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd., London 1970), priced at £1.80. The review describes it as a 'superb pot-pourri' of ghosts, dreams, witches, telepathy, premonitions, astral projections, reincarnations, and flying saucers. It highlights Mr. Bardens' personal UFO sighting with an army major over Tripoli in 1961 and mentions hitherto unpublished Russian UFO sighting material. The book also covers the race for mind control by eastern and western power blocs.
• WE ARE NOT THE FIRST: RIDDLES OF ANCIENT SCIENCE by Andrew Tomas (Souvenir Press Ltd), priced at £2.00. This review suggests the book explores the idea that the origin of advanced knowledge in ancient civilizations might be extraterrestrial. It mentions topics such as the legend of the African Dogon tribe and the 'brother star of Sirius', Babylonian astronomers' knowledge of Jupiter and Saturn's moons, Venus's appearance, the ancient Mayan calendar, and the Hindu unit of time called the Kashta (1/300 millionth of a second). The review commends the book's straightforward style and its importance for ufologists interested in ancient scientific mysteries.

"MALDEK", FACT OR FICTION? PART ONE by W. Raymond Drake

This article begins on page 5 and discusses the Murchison meteorite, which contained amino acids, leading to speculation about the planet 'Maldek'. The author, W. Raymond Drake, describes Maldek as a planet similar to Earth in size and nature, which once enjoyed peace and plenty under controlled skies. However, it succumbed to decay and boredom, leading some to explore the occult and others to dabble in black magic. The article posits that the scientists of Maldek, in their arrogance, annihilated hydrogen, destroying their world in a flaming explosion that hurled rock into space. A biblical quote from Isaiah XIV-12 is included.

Page 6 continues the discussion, equating Maldek with Lucifer, the light bearer. It explores connections to Moslem traditions regarding Lilith and the Talmud's description of her. The article links disasters in 13th century BC Egypt, including the Exodus, to cosmic cataclysm, possibly from the debris of the shattered Maldek. It suggests that fragments from Maldek caused meteor showers and immense destruction on Earth throughout history, citing events that enabled Joshua to slay the Amorites and destruction lamented by Isaiah in the 8th century BC. Part II is promised for the March 1972 issue.

EDITORIAL STAFF VACANCY

An urgent vacancy for an artist is advertised, requiring skills in sketches, cartoons, and illustrations. Interested individuals are asked to write to the Editor with examples of their work.

CONTACT DIRECTORY

Page 7 provides a detailed contact directory:

• Editorial Staff: David Guyatt (Editor), Jimmy Goddard, Anne Patterson.
• The National Committee: Fred Passey (Chairman), Derek Mansell (Data Research), David Guyatt (Awareness Editor), Jimmy Goddard (Secretary), Anne Patterson, David Baxter, Paul Harris, Maureen Russell (all listed as Executive or Public Relations).
• International Chairman: The Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench.
• International Committee Members: A list of members from various countries including Argentine, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ceylon, Colombia, Cyprus, Fiji Islands, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, N. Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rhodesia, S. Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Un. Kingdom, U.S.A., Venezuela, and Zambia. New Member Countries are Hong Kong and Yugoslavia.
• Addresses and Telephone Numbers: Editorial Address (Southend-on-Sea, Essex), Data Research (Cumnor, Oxford), and Public Relations (Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex) are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and analysis, with a particular focus on a significant wave of activity in the UK during 1971. The magazine also delves into speculative topics, including the possibility of ancient extraterrestrial knowledge and the destruction of a hypothetical planet named Maldek, linking it to biblical events and cosmic cataclysms. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena and related historical and scientific mysteries, encouraging reader participation through reporting and correspondence. The inclusion of book reviews and a detailed contact directory suggests an effort to engage and inform a dedicated readership interested in these subjects.