AI Magazine Summary
Awareness - 1972 - Vol 01 No 3 - December
AI-Generated Summary
Title: AWARENESS Issue Date: December 1972 Volume: 1, No. 3 (New Series) Publisher: A CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (U.K.) PUBLICATION Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Magazine Overview
Title: AWARENESS
Issue Date: December 1972
Volume: 1, No. 3 (New Series)
Publisher: A CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (U.K.) PUBLICATION
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
This issue of "Awareness" magazine, published by CONTACT (U.K.), delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, ancient mysteries, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine aims to increase public awareness and encourage reporting of sightings, positioning itself as a key organization for UFO research in the UK.
Editorial and Organizational Matters
The editorial section, "Tell it like it is," by the Editor, reflects on the challenges and progress of the magazine and the CONTACT organization. The Editor uses the analogy of building a castle to describe the process of developing the magazine and the organization, emphasizing the need for rebuilding and refinement. The issue was delayed due to postal situations and printing time, but the response from members to proposed changes was largely positive, with only a few opting to withdraw their support. The next issue is slated for March, promising high quality content from well-known writers. The UFO REGISTER, an annual report from Data Research, will be included. The editorial also hints at exciting future developments, including top-level discussions on international involvement and a separate, exciting venture related to UFOs.
David Baxter, Public Relations Officer for CONTACT (UK), in his article "Let's Find An Audience!", stresses the importance of increasing the organization's public acceptance. He notes that while many people are genuinely interested in UFOs and have seen unexplained phenomena, they are often unaware of CONTACT's existence. Efforts are underway to raise awareness through radio programs and interviews, with a lecture unit also being developed to give talks to various clubs and organizations. The goal is to ensure that UFO sightings are taken seriously and reported to Data Research, thereby aiding in the investigation and potential solution of the UFO mystery.
The magazine also announces the results of a competition to rename the magazine. While several suggestions were received, the name "Awareness" was retained due to the ongoing re-appraisal of CONTACT. Mr. John Healey was awarded a free subscription for his outstanding suggestion.
The "International Advisory Council meeting" recommendations suggest a more closely knit organization under the title "CONTACT INTERNATIONAL," with CONTACT (UK) becoming "CONTACT INTERNATIONAL (UNITED KINGDOM)." Brinsley Le Poer Trench is proposed as President, with Ivor McKay and Frank Van Vloten as Vice Presidents.
Articles and Features
"You and Me" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench
This article discusses the search for extraterrestrial life, referencing an article by Kenneth Gatland in The Daily Telegraph and the views of Professor Zdenek Kopal. Professor Kopal expresses skepticism about the likelihood of encountering extraterrestrial civilizations at a similar developmental stage, warning of potential dangers and the vast differences in evolutionary timelines. In contrast, Dr. Krafft A. Ehricke suggests that encounters could be either elevating or dangerous but not degrading, challenging the notion of human uniqueness. Le Poer Trench posits that humanity might have been 'planted' on Earth and that advanced galactic civilizations, having overcome conflict, would not pose a threat.
"Powers Of The Past" by John G. Williams
John G. Williams, a solicitor and researcher of prehistoric stone monuments, explores the connection between these ancient sites and UFO phenomena. He suggests that ancient races possessed specialized knowledge, now lost, which could be relevant to understanding UFO propulsion. His research indicates that prehistoric standing stones are often aligned with other ancient sites, forming geometric patterns with recurring angles that defy statistical probability. Williams also discusses the concept of "Power Bands" associated with these stones, some of which are linked to anti-gravity and ultra-violet light, potentially offering clues to UFO mechanics. He draws parallels between these findings and theories suggesting a connection between ancient civilizations and UFO manipulators, noting that many UFO reports involve objects appearing to emanate from the constellation Ursa Major.
"Selected U.F.O. Reports" compiled by John Howse
This section provides a compilation of UFO sighting reports from various locations, including Cumnor, Corby, Wheatley, Market Deeping (UK), South Africa, Normandy (France), British Columbia and Willow Point (Canada), Lebanon (USA), and Gstaad (Switzerland). The reports describe a range of phenomena, from star-like objects and red/orange globular lights to disc-shaped objects and triangle formations. Some reports mention unusual behavior, such as pulsing lights and erratic movements, while others note physical effects like car and power failures. The Data Research comment highlights an increasing number of reports describing red/orange or pink/orange globular light type objects.
"The Story Behind The Picture"
This feature discusses a photograph taken in May 1956 over Malaya, showing a flying object. Colonel W.H. Johns, who was in the aircraft when the picture was taken, has loaned the print to Data Research. Photographic consultants have confirmed the authenticity of the picture and the object, and Data Research is seeking the original negative for further analysis.
"U-N-U-F-O-I-C?"
This news item reports on Professor J. Allen Hynek's efforts to persuade the United Nations Organisation to undertake a study of unidentified flying objects. It also notes that Derek Mansell of Data Research had previously made a similar proposal to the UN. The article speculates on the possibility of a UN committee being formed to investigate UFOs.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the potential connection between UFOs and ancient civilizations, and the importance of public engagement and data collection. The editorial stance is one of active research and advocacy for the serious study of UFOs, aiming to increase public awareness and understanding while fostering a sense of community among those interested in the subject. The magazine emphasizes that CONTACT is more than just a publisher, but an active organization involved in research, international discussions, and future projects.
This issue of AWARENESS magazine, Volume 1, Issue 9, dated March 1973, is published by Contact International and focuses on UFOs and related scientific investigations, alongside data on satellite decay.
Book Reviews
'THE UFO EXPERIENCE' by Dr. J. Allen Hynek
The review, written by Brinsley Le Foer Trench, highlights Dr. J. Allen Hynek's new book, 'THE UFO EXPERIENCE'. Hynek, a distinguished scientist and Director of the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, is noted for his previous work with the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book. Unlike Dr. Donald H. Menzel's anti-UFO stance, Hynek acknowledges the phenomenon and expresses curiosity, recognizing that the subject warrants further investigation despite the Condon Report's conclusions. The book is described as well-written, with passages of humor, and scientifically compiled yet accessible to the layman. Hynek's work is praised for his role in advocating for a scientific investigation of UFOs, leading to the formation of the University of Colorado Committee. The review mentions Hynek's proposed 'invisible college' of scientists dedicated to studying UFOs, emphasizing that a genuine phenomenon exists that is worthy of rigorous study.
One particular sighting from the book, involving two observers noting revolving 'stars' in the Big Dipper that moved in an anti-clockwise direction, is highlighted as especially interesting due to its similarity to reports received by J.E. Delair of 'The UFO Register'. John Magor of 'Canadian UFO Report' is quoted on the potential for such observations to communicate with extraterrestrial intelligence.
The second part of Hynek's book is noted as delving into serious business, with chapters on 'close encounters' categorized into those with no physical effects, those with measurable physical effects, and those involving animated entities or 'Humanoids'. The final section, 'Where do we go from here?', is considered the most absorbing, where Hynek critiques the Condon Report and discusses the importance of continued scientific study.
'THE ETERNAL MAN' by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier
Reviewed by J.B. Delair, this book is presented as a follow-up to 'The Morning of the Magicians'. It explores alleged technologically advanced prehistoric civilizations and offers alternative interpretations of historical anomalies. The authors encourage a re-examination of early human history, suggesting that sophisticated knowledge might have originated from alien intelligences. The book is described as thoroughly absorbing and relevant for ufologists interested in potential contacts between early humans and extraterrestrial intelligences. While it draws on scientific evidence, its aim is to provoke thought and discussion rather than to scientifically prove its propositions.
Other Mentions
The review of 'The Eternal Man' notes that it contains typographical errors and is published by Souvenir Press at £2.50.
Readers' Mail
Phobos - Is There Anything In It?
Mr. S.P. Fox of Luton, Beds, writes regarding an article in AWARENESS concerning Mars' moon, Phobos. He suggests that while Phobos may not be artificial, it could be used for inter-stellar travel, with a hollowed-out asteroid providing sufficient space. He also notes that size and shape are largely irrelevant in space, and that the unusual orbit of Phobos remains unexplained. He concludes that while Mariner 9 photographs may suggest Phobos is natural, they do not disprove the theory of an artificially induced orbit.
Editor's Response
The editor acknowledges Mr. Fox's letter, stating that no new information has come to light to invalidate his arguments and that comments on his points would be welcomed.
News Item
Mr. Paul Crowther has taken over as the official spokesman on U.F.O.s for the Ministry of Defence, succeeding Mr. Anthony Davis. The magazine expresses hope that Crowther will continue the interest and cooperation shown by his predecessor.
Satellites — Decay Dates and Re-entry Predictions
This section provides a list of satellite decay dates and re-entry predictions, supplied by an official source to the Data Research Division. The data includes catalog numbers, satellite names, sources (USSR or USA), and estimated decay dates, primarily for January and February 1973, with some extending into March 1973. This information is intended to give readers an accurate indication of known Earth-Space activity.
Advertisement Section
Advertisements include:
- PERCEPTION newsletter: Described as an open forum for news, views, and discussion on the UFO phenomenon, edited by Graham Cowell. Cowell's editorial stance emphasizes the importance of considering multiple theories and not excluding the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis without evidence.
- 'THE UFO EXPERIENCE' by Dr. J. Allen Hynek: A scientific approach and analysis of the UFO problem, available in hardcover.
- 'MAN AND HIS UNIVERSE' by Prof. Zdenek Kopal: Discusses stars, life, and conditions in the universe, with speculation on dangers and beings, illustrated and available in hardcover.
- 'THE MORNING OF THE MAGICIANS' by Pauwels and Bergier: Covers contact with space intelligences, secret societies, Atlantis, reincarnation, Hollow Earth, and Charles Fort. Over 1,000,000 copies sold, available in paperback.
- 'FLYING SAUCER ENERGETICS' by Dr. Stanton I. Friedman: A paper explaining the author's reasons for believing in UFOs and why they might visit Earth, available for 30p.
- A general mention of "Many other publications, both recent and well-known."
Orders and enquiries for these publications should be directed to Miss Susan Stebbing.
Contact International Advisory Council
This section lists the members of the Contact International Advisory Council, with The Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench as President, Captain Ivor Mackay as Vice-President, and several members including Dr. John Cleary-Baker, J. B. Delair, F. W. Passey, Derek Mansell, David Guyatt, and Ricky W. Roebuck. Consulting Members include International Committee Members and Frank Van Vloten (South Africa) as Vice-President.
The magazine is "Made and Printed in Great Britain by TRUExpress Oxford."
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFOs, the critical analysis of official reports like the Condon Report, and the exploration of alternative historical and scientific interpretations. The magazine appears to support a more open-minded and rigorous approach to the UFO phenomenon, encouraging scientific inquiry and discussion among its readers. The editorial stance, as suggested by the PERCEPTION advertisement and the content of the reviews, is one of intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore various hypotheses, particularly the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based perspective. The inclusion of satellite data also indicates an interest in space-related activities and phenomena.