Awareness - 1976 - Vol 05 No 1 - Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 5, No. 1
Date: Spring 1976
Publisher: Contact (UK)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Awareness magazine, published by Contact (UK), presents a deep dive into the complexities of the UFO phenomenon, with a particular focus on historical accounts and potential explanations for their origins. The editorial board, led by Editor J.B. Delair, addresses the state of ufology, highlighting deficiencies and the need for a more rigorous methodology. The magazine features articles that connect historical events and unexplained phenomena to the broader UFO subject.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by The Editor (J.B. Delair), expresses surprise at the lack of awareness regarding the magnitude of the UFO subject even among seasoned ufologists. It points out the vast amount of recorded material available for study and the difficulties faced by researchers. The editorial emphasizes the erratic nature of UFO sightings, their appearance across all altitudes, latitudes, and conditions, and the diverse backgrounds of witnesses. It discusses the common interpretation of UFOs as intelligently controlled machines from extraterrestrial cultures, while noting that this is not definitively proven. The editorial also touches upon reports of UFOs landing, disgorging occupants, and the phenomenon of objects falling from UFOs or the sky. It stresses the anecdotal nature of UFO evidence and the need for ufologists to establish a reliable method for coding the reliability of individual reports, advocating for a more organized approach by "putting our house in order."

Articles

UFOs Fought For Charlemagne, by W.Raymond Drake

This article explores historical accounts that might be interpreted as UFO sightings. Drake examines the concept of God in various religions and how simple concepts are personified for the general public. He posits that many baffling historical incidents could be better explained by the intervention of UFOs. The central case is an event in AD 776, chronicled in the "Annales Laurissenses" and "Annales Eginhardi," concerning Charlemagne's campaign against the Saxons. The account describes a manifestation of two large, reddish, flaming "shields" appearing above a church within a besieged fortress. This event caused the Saxon army to panic and flee. Drake suggests that these "shields" were likely UFOs, similar to those reported in modern times, and that their appearance aligns with a pattern of UFO sightings throughout history. He also references other historical accounts, such as those from Northumbria in AD 793, describing fiery dragons and lightning, and Cicero's accounts of fire globes, suggesting a long history of such phenomena.

UFOs: Whence and Why?, by J.B.Delair

J.B. Delair's article delves into the persistent questions surrounding the origin and purpose of UFOs since their public awareness began in 1947. He acknowledges the confusion and apparent contradictions within the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that some of the record might be misreported or misinterpreted. Delair proposes to construct a working framework to account for these discrepancies. The article outlines several areas of investigation: the falls of organic substances and living creatures from the sky; mysterious fleets of unknown bodies observed between Earth and Moon or Earth and Sun; claimed origins of UFOs and their occupants from those who claim communication; reported activities of ufonauts and low-flying UFOs; unexpected appearances and disappearances of creatures near UFOs; and sudden disappearances of crops, animals, and humans, along with inexplicable deaths of farm livestock.

The article then presents a chronological selection of "Fortean phenomena"—enigmatic falls of strange organic substances and animals, catalogued by Charles Fort. Examples include blood-like fluid, flesh, jelly-like matter, various species of animals (worms, crabs, fish, frogs, snakes), and even unusual powders and shredded matter. These events are often associated with the appearance of unidentified lights or moving bodies, leading Delair to consider them part of the overall UFO problem. He notes the peculiar circumstances surrounding these falls, such as their restricted distribution and selective nature, questioning conventional explanations like whirlwinds or waterspouts. Delair suggests that the association of these falls with mists and storms, the arrival of unknown species, and specific repetitive dates point towards unnatural or alien agencies. He discusses Maurice K. Jessup's hypothesis that such falls might originate from deliberate dumpings from hydroponic tanks located outside Earth's atmosphere, implying alien intelligence directing these events. The high reproductive rate of the involved creatures and their suitability for controlled breeding experiments are also highlighted.

Other Content

The Contact (UK) Directory

The issue includes a directory for Contact (UK), listing key personnel and their contact information. This includes the National Chairman (F.W.Fassey), General Secretary (J.B.Delair), Treasurer & Membership Secretary (D.N.Mansell), Public Relations Officer (J.Longhorn), Research Enquiries Officers (J.Sears and L.Dudley), Senior Research Officer (D.N.Mansell), Research Programme Co-ordinator (J.B.Delair), Librarian (J.Loveridge), and Archivist (E.Cox). Addresses are primarily in the Oxford area.

Book Reviews

Book reviews are provided by F.W.Passey and J.B.Delair.

Advertisements and Recommended UFO Book List

The magazine contains advertisements and a recommended UFO book list.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, the search for their origins and purpose, and the critical examination of evidence within ufology. The editorial stance, as expressed by J.B. Delair, is one of advocating for a more organized, logical, and evidence-based approach to the study of UFOs. There is a clear inclination to consider extraterrestrial or alien intelligence as a plausible explanation for many unexplained phenomena, particularly those with historical or unusual characteristics. The magazine aims to inform and educate its readers on these complex subjects, encouraging a more informed and critical perspective on UFO reports and related mysteries.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (Volume 13, Issue 10, dated 1967) presents a comprehensive examination of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on historical sightings and potential origins. The content is primarily text-based, detailing numerous observations and theoretical discussions.

UFO Sightings Near Geographical Features

The publication begins by highlighting the numerous visits to swampy regions, lakes, rivers, and the open sea by UFOs and ufonauts. It suggests that an in-depth review of UFO reports centered on such physical features is urgently required and should be investigated in light of current possibilities. This section implies a pattern of UFO activity linked to specific environments.

Historical Sightings and Observations

The issue meticulously documents historical sightings, often citing astronomical journals and other publications. A prominent case is the 1883 sighting by Jose Bonilla at Zacatecas Observatory, Mexico, where hundreds of unknown aerial bodies were seen streaming through space, with one oval object being photographed. The journal "L'Astronomie" reproduced this photograph in 1885.

Comparable events are noted earlier than 1883. One of the earliest mentioned occurred on August 7th, 1566, when black round "flies" were seen crossing the Sun from Fasilia with incredible velocity. In June 1770, Charles Messier observed a group of discoidal objects crossing the Sun. In 1808, "millions" of small spheres and other objects resembling hat-crowns were seen over Biskopsberga and Skeninge, with some objects reportedly landing and drying up or leaving a residue of unknown composition.

Other historical observations include:

• June 26th, 1819: Astronomer Gruthusien observed a group of five unknown bodies crossing the Sun's disc.
• July 26th, 1819: The same observer saw two more bodies cross the solar face.
• October 1822: Astronomer Pasteroff watched several unknown bodies crossing the Sun's face.
• August 8th, 1849: Mr. Inglis and another observer saw thousands of luminous discoidal objects at immense height over Gais, Switzerland.
• 11:00 a.m. (date unspecified): Astronomer Bird watched several luminous bodies, blue in color, positioned near the planet Venus.
• May 30th or 31st, 1867: Complimentary observations of similar objects were made from Manchester and Birmingham.
• August 7th, 1869: Several objects moving in parallel lines were seen by Prof. Swift and others crossing the Moon's face.
• October 17th-18th, 1869: Astronomer Herschel observed numerous objects and "shadows" crossing the solar disc.
• August 29th-31st: Astronomer Trouvelot watched many opaque bodies cross the face of the Sun.
• 1874 (unnoted date): Numerous black bodies crossing the Moon's disc.
• November 30th, 1880: Prof. Ricco saw unknown objects parade across the solar orb from Palermo, Sicily.
• April 15th and April 25th, 1883: Many unknown objects were seen streaming through space across the face of the Sun.
• May 10th, 1902: Col. Markwick reported seeing small colored suns near the Moon.

UFOs in Space and Interplanetary Space

The journal discusses the concept of UFOs originating from or operating in interplanetary space. It notes that observations of groups or armadas of unknown bodies outside Earth's atmosphere seem to have decreased after Jose Bonilla's sighting, though single and pairs of objects were still seen. The text suggests that with the turn of the 20th century, such observations became rarer.

Seasonal Patterns and Notable Sightings

A significant proportion of the observed phenomena occurred in the summer months (May, June, July, August). August is highlighted as the month when the arguably most important observation of an unknown interplanetary body was made in the 18th century: on August 9th, 1762, astronomer De Rostan observed a vast spindle-shaped body on the face of the Sun, which moved across the solar disc over several days. This sighting is presented as strong evidence for UFOs being of extraterrestrial origin.

Other notable incidents include Professor Colbert observing a small object resembling a comet near Zeta, in Cassiopeia, in August 1886, and Sir John Herschel's observation of a star near a nebula in August 1835, which raised questions about celestial movement.

Theories on UFO Origins

The publication explores various theories regarding the origin of UFOs and their occupants:

• Extraterrestrial Origin: This is presented as a strong possibility, supported by numerous sightings and the nature of the objects observed.
• Contactees' Claims: The journal acknowledges claims from "contactees" who report UFOs originating from diverse sources, including planets in our solar system (Moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, etc.) and hypothetical or invisible planets like "Clarion" and "Lanulos." It also mentions claims of origins from constellations and star systems (Ganymede, Pleiades, Proxima Centauri, Orion, Sirius, Tau Ceti, Epsilon Bootes, Zeta Reticulae, Coma Berenices).
• Smokescreen Theory: It is suggested that UFO occupants might deliberately create a smokescreen of untruths to mask their true origin, especially if their purpose is secretive.
• "Last Port of Call" Theory: Ufonauts might be reporting their "last port of call" rather than their true origin, especially if they are engaged in exploratory programs visiting multiple worlds.
• Artificial Mobile Worlds: Maurice Jessup's idea of UFOs originating from one or more artificially constructed giant mobile worlds is discussed as a potential explanation that eliminates the need for headquarters on a natural planet.
• Space-Time Continuum: The theory that UFOs come from another space-time continuum, contemporary but invisible to us, is mentioned, though evidence is deemed intangible.
• Time Travelers: The possibility that UFOs and ufonauts are time-travelers from Earth's future is considered, but with scant evidence.
• Inner Earth or Undersea Civilizations: Hypotheses suggesting origins from ancient cultures with advanced technology in an inner Earth realm or undersea civilizations are mentioned but have gained few adherents.

Betty Hill's Map

The three-dimensional map allegedly viewed by Betty Hill during her abduction is presented as promising information. Reconstructed from her recollections, the map features communication lines between stars and orbiting worlds, with the center appearing near Zeta Reticulae. However, astronomers have not yet detected a world in that position, leaving the origin uncertain.

Ufonaut Activities on Earth

The issue details various activities attributed to ufonauts:

• Specimen Collection: Reports of gathering rock and soil specimens are common, with an instance of ufonauts inquiring about fertilizers from a farmer named Gary Wilcox.
• Inspection of Crops: Ufonauts show interest in domestic and commercial food crops, inspecting cultivated plants and orchards.
• Animal and Plant Disturbances: Several cases describe dead or dying plants in fields after UFO landings. There are also numerous accounts of animal mutilations, including cows, horses, dogs, sheep, and calves, often with vital organs removed and blood drained. No footprints are typically found at these sites.
• Interests in Cemeteries: UFOs are reported to show a preoccupation with human cemeteries, with sightings of luminous objects hovering over or ascending from them.
• Interaction with Humans: Cases include the attempted capture of a blood-mobile and encounters with creatures resembling Yetis or "Big Foot."

Strange Creatures Associated with UFOs

The publication links UFO activity with sightings of strange animals, including "black dogs," fuzzy-haired creatures, a giant hairy creature resembling Yeti or "Big Foot," the Surrey "Puma," and the "Mothman." These creatures are often reported in remote localities and are described as vanishing into thin air.

Biological Experiments and Water Collection

A theory is proposed that UFOs might be involved in a vast biological experiment, collecting terrestrial organisms and water. The siphoning-off of water from reservoirs, ponds, and lakes is placed in this context, suggesting a need for terrestrial water to breed aquatic terrestrial species. The occasional showers of small creatures are hypothesized as "excess stock" being dumped or introduced for study.

Artificial Worlds and Resource Management

The concept of advanced cultures developing interplanetary or interstellar travel due to resource depletion is discussed. It is argued that such cultures might eventually develop plans for colonizing and exploiting other worlds. Ultimately, the idea of constructing artificial mobile worlds capable of moving between planetary systems is presented as a solution for long-term survival and resource management.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical documentation of UFO sightings, the exploration of diverse and often speculative theories regarding their origins, and the detailed accounts of ufonaut activities on Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various hypotheses and evidence without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while consistently leaning towards the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement and advanced, possibly artificial, origins for the phenomena.

This issue of UFO DATA, identified as issue number 24, published by Contact (UK), delves into a variety of UFO-related phenomena, focusing on human-like entities, mysterious disappearances, and detailed accounts of sightings and investigations. The content suggests a broader scope of UFO activity beyond simple aerial observations, encompassing potential interactions with human beings and the environment.

Human-like Entities and Abductions

The magazine explores the possibility that descriptions of 'Big Foot' and 'Sasquatch' might reflect successive 'improved' specimens of a creature, drawing parallels to similar features reported on entities encountered during UFO investigations. It raises the question of abducted human beings, recalling cases with human cadavers and suggesting that while some disappearances might be voluntary, others, particularly involving children, may have aerial agencies involved. Specific cases mentioned include the disappearances from Cork, Brussels, and Belfast, as well as the Oliver Larch affair and the cases of Charles Ashmore and David Lang.

Incidents of Disappearance and Strange Phenomena

Several incidents are detailed where individuals or groups disappeared under unusual circumstances. One notable case involved a farmer and his sons in Missouri in 1886, where a lightning-like flash from the sky resulted in the death of one son and the disappearance of another. Another account describes James Greer being lifted bodily into the air by an invisible force near Zanesville, Ohio. The magazine also highlights a case in Manitoba, Canada, where a young girl was reportedly prevented from being drawn into the sky by a cube-shaped object, noting the gender selection in some abduction cases. Furthermore, it mentions fishermen's wives being kidnapped by ufonauts in Brazil in 1974, and the case of Wing-Commander J.Baldwin, who disappeared into a cloud with his jet aeroplane over Korea in 1952.

UFO Activity and Characteristics

The issue discusses how UFOs have been observed entering and not emerging from clouds, suggesting these might not be conventional clouds but artificial ones created by UFOs. It also notes events like mussels falling from a yellow cloud in Germany. The overarching conclusion is that UFO fly-overs and landings are only part of the phenomenon, and that the effects and activities of UFOs and their occupants are of greater significance. A framework for future research is proposed, suggesting advanced cultures operating from artificial worlds near Zeta Reticulae, with recent activity in our Solar System involving sample collection and human specimen collection since around 1973.

UFO Activity in Northern England (July-October 1975)

This section provides a detailed report on UFO sightings in Northern England during the specified period, compiled by Jenny Randles. Investigations by MUFORA (Manchester UFO Research Association) are highlighted:

• July 11th: An off-duty policeman in Rochdale photographed a clearly defined domed disc.
• August 16th: A policeman near Bury reported a brilliant white bulb-shaped object moving silently across the hills, described as the size of the full Moon. Other witnesses in Bury and Rochdale corroborated sightings of a similar object, with one witness describing it as 'triangular in shape'.
• August 15th: In Blackburn, a man and his wife reported a domed oval object moving slowly, rotating, and pulsing with lights, under a low cloud ceiling and heavy rain.
• Late October: Reports included a shiny cylindrical object with a pointed nose seen over Irlam, and a brilliant silver sphere over Birmingham.
• Autumn: A 'mystery helicopter' was again active over the Pennine moorlands, with theories suggesting it was involved in illegal traffic.
• October 17th: Twelve photographs were taken from Preston showing a white flare-like 'mass of gas' moving in the western sky.

The report notes that while some sightings were eventually identified as conventional aircraft (like a flight from Glasgow to Manchester), the silence and precise timing of some reports make conventional explanations unlikely.

Contact (UK) Annual General Meeting and Publications

The report on the 1975 Annual General Meeting of Contact (UK), held in London, details attendance, the passing of a resolution to increase the annual subscription fee, and the incapacitation of the founder president, Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench. Mark Rodeghier, an associate of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, stepped in to give a talk on the electromagnetic effects of UFOs, which was well-received.

The magazine also features sections on UFOs and Space Age Publications, listing numerous books for sale, including works by Richard E. Mooney ('Gods of Air and Darkness') and Robert Emenegger ('UFOs: Past, Present, and Future'). It also provides contact information for obtaining stock lists and details about BUFORA (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association) and its activities, including its journal and liaison officers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the potential connection between cryptid sightings (like 'Big Foot') and UFOs, and the serious implications of human disappearances possibly linked to extraterrestrial activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, encouraging detailed cataloguing of events and a focus on the less conventional aspects of UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry and the need to understand the broader implications of UFO activity, moving beyond simple sightings to examine the effects and potential motivations of the occupants. The concluding statement, "It is exceedingly important that we find out just what is going on.......SOON," underscores the urgency and importance the publication places on these investigations.