Awareness - 1979 - Vol 08 No 2 - Summer

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Subtitle: The quarterly journal of Contact (UK)
Issue Date: Summer 1979
Volume: 8, No. 2

This issue of Awareness magazine, published by Contact (UK), presents a comprehensive exploration of UFO terminology, classification, and investigative methods. It addresses the need for a standardized scientific approach to ufology and features articles on specific cases and reports.

Contents

The issue opens with an editorial apology from the editor regarding the lateness of publication due to "extraordinary time-consuming pressures" and space limitations. The contents include:

• "DOES A CRIPPLED SPACE CRAFT ORBIT EARTH?" by Pablo F.Fenjves and Henry Gris.
• "TOWARDS AN IMPROVED UFO TERMINOLOGY: SOME SUGGESTIONS" by Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington.
• "REPORT FROM CONTACT INTERNATIONAL MEXICO" by Ian C.M.Norrie.
• "THE FIRST LONDON INTERNATIONAL UFO CONGRESS" by J.B.Delair.
• Readers' Letters.
• Book Reviews, by J.B.Delair.
• Advertisements.

It also features The Contact (UK) Directory, listing key personnel and their contact information.

"DOES A CRIPPLED SPACE CRAFT ORBIT EARTH?"

This article reports on claims by leading Russian scientists, Prof. Sergei Bozhich and Dr Vladimir Azhazha, that a damaged alien spacecraft is orbiting Earth. They believe the craft broke into ten pieces from a powerful explosion on December 18th, 1955, with the largest sections being about 100 feet in diameter. Sophisticated computers were used to track the debris. Prof. Aleksandr Kazantsev suggests the craft was at least 200 feet in length and 100 feet in width, possibly with multiple floors. American specialists, including Dr Lee Rickard, have ruled out meteors. Dr Azhazha speculates that the lifeless bodies of alien crew members might still be aboard. Astronomer John P.Bagby's 1969 article in *Icarus* is cited, which discussed "at least 10 close natural moonlets" breaking off from a larger parent body, also dating the event to December 18th, 1955. Dr Myron Malkin of NASA indicated a willingness to consider salvaging the pieces if approached by the Russians.

"TOWARDS AN IMPROVED UFO TERMINOLOGY: SOME SUGGESTIONS"

Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington argue that for ufology to be accepted as a science, a standardized terminology is essential. They propose replacing the term "UFO" with "UAP" (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon) to avoid presupposing a material existence. They also suggest distinguishing between "UFO EVENT" (the stimulus), "UFO SIGHTING" (the eyewitness perception), and "UFO REPORT" (the written or taped statement). The article introduces a modified version of the Hynek classification system, defining seven categories:

1. Low Definition (LOW): Phenomenon with color, luminosity, motion, or sound, but no clearly defined shape.
2. Medium Definition (MED): Similar to LOW, but with a distinguishable shape.
3. Instrumentally Detected (INST): Detected by radar or film, with subdivisions for simultaneous visual and instrumental detection (INSTa) or instrumental detection only (INSTb).
4. Close Encounters of the First Kind (CE I): Involves an "experience" with the phenomenon, such as electromagnetic effects or psychological reactions, but with transient effects detectable only by the witness.
5. Close Encounters of the Second Kind (CE II): Similar to CE I, but with semi-permanent effects detectable by non-witnesses, such as ground traces or lasting physiological changes.
6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE III): Involves the standard definition of the phenomenon plus associated animate entities, with further subdivisions (CE IIIa-IIId) based on the nature of the entity and its connection to the UFO.
7. Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind (CE IV): Interaction that interferes with the witness's normal life, including abductions and psychic contacts, further subdivided into physical (CE IVa) and telepathic/psychic (CE IVb) interactions.

They also propose codifying other case features with abbreviations like An (Animal disturbance), EM (electromagnetic interference), Ph (physiological effects), Ps (psychological effects), and Tr (physical traces).

Furthermore, they introduce a system for Investigative Treatment using suffixes A-E to denote the level of investigation, from experienced on-site investigation (A) to second-hand reports (E). They illustrate the full system with a case from Oakenholt, Clwyd, involving a landing with entities, physiological effects, and physical traces, classified as CE IIIC (L) (TR, Ph, Ps) Level A (52 M, P, S).

"REPORT FROM CONTACT INTERNATIONAL MEXICO"

Ian C.M.Norrie reflects on the state of ufology, noting that despite advancements in methodology and technology, the field has not progressed significantly in thirty years. He critiques the "positivist" approach and suggests a move towards "Ufosophy," which integrates intellectual understanding with intuitive methods. Norrie observes that investigative groups often engage in "disagreement and mud-slinging" and that the solution to the UFO enigma is unlikely to be found in cults or flamboyant attempts to attract UFOs. He emphasizes that "other intelligence" has demonstrated its power to monitor humanity and is unlikely to be impressed by ingenuous efforts.

"THE FIRST LONDON INTERNATIONAL UFO CONGRESS"

This section by J.B.Delair is not fully transcribed in the provided OCR, but it is listed as a content item.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical need for scientific rigor and standardization in ufology, the development of precise terminology and classification systems, and the reporting of significant UFO cases. The editorial stance, as indicated by the proposed terminology and classification, is towards a more systematic, objective, and scientifically acceptable approach to the study of UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to enhance the credibility of UFO reports and researchers by adopting such rigorous methods.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, dated August 1979, focuses heavily on the "First London International UFO Congress" and includes several book reviews. The magazine adopts an empirical approach to ufology, as explained in the "Readers' Letters" section.

The First London International UFO Congress

The congress, held on August 26th and 27th, 1979, at the Grand Metropolitan's Mount Royal Hotel in London, was organized by the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association (BUFORA) and Contact International (UK). It was described as a resounding success, attracting ufologists from around the world and filling the auditorium to capacity. The aims of the congress were twofold: to provide an opportunity for active ufologists to meet and to establish an internationally agreed code for field investigation, case classification, and data storage/retrieval systems. The congress was considered enormously successful in the first aim and partially successful in the second.

Key speakers included Dr. J.Allen Hynek and Dr. Leo Sprinkle from the USA, Dr. David Haisell from Canada, Prof. Antonio Ribeira and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos from Spain, Dr. Erol Faruk from the UK, and numerous others from Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, and France. The event also featured a bookstall with UFO literature and an exhibition on investigative methodology. The program included lectures on various UFO-related topics such as "Current BUFORA Investigations," "Models of UFO Evidence," "From Data to Information," "The Italian UFO Wave of 1978," "UFOs," "Processing UFO Data," "Project UFO Data," "Towards a Working Classification of the UFO Phenomenon," "Soil Analysis - The Delphos Case," and "The Landing Phenomena in Spain."

A "working party," chaired by Peter Hill, convened to review methodology, classification systems, and data storage/retrieval systems. Although definite resolutions were not reached due to the limited time, significant preliminary work was completed, and participants agreed that further similar sessions should be arranged. The general attitude was positive, with an emphasis on comparing and collating viewpoints for mutual advantage.

Readers' Letters

This section features correspondence from readers, including:

• A. Goldsmith expresses enthusiasm for Contact (UK) and hopes to witness a UFO sighting.
• L.L. Grubb praises the magazine for being factual, unbiased, and informative.
• F.B. Sprowle inquires about the lack of pictures in the magazine, to which the editorial staff explains that illustrations are costly but will be included in future issues.
• Christopher Webber questions the magazine's empirical approach, suggesting that a few well-chosen cases might be more effective than a broad collection of data. The editorial response emphasizes the need for a global and temporal perspective, arguing that isolated cases are insufficient to understand the phenomenon's full scope and that empirical data reveals trends.
• C.W. Morgan asks about the shift in interpretation from friendly to potentially evil UFOs in earlier literature and seeks opinions.
• Marcelo M. Romano from Brazil seeks correspondence to improve his English and offers information on Brazilian UFO groups and cases.
• Pia Berish Hansen from Denmark requests contact with others interested in UFOs and offers information on Danish cases.

Book Reviews

J.B. Delair reviews several UFO-related books:

• "UFOs and the Christian" by Rev. Eric Inglesby: This book is noted for its unusual approach by a Church of England clergyman. It concludes that most UFOs are occult and of probable satanic origin, supported by scriptural evidence. The reviewer finds it thought-provoking, suggesting it may touch upon an aspect of the phenomenon that is not fully understood or is related to evil forces.

• "The Philadelphia Experiment" by Charles Berlitz and William Moore: This book is described as only marginally touching on the UFO theme but connects the Philadelphia Experiment with the UFO mystery. It details the experiment, the alleged involvement of alien technology, and the suspicious death of Morris K. Jessup. The reviewer finds the book compelling and well-documented, suggesting it provides much food for thought.

• "UFOs: What on Earth is Happening?" by John Weldon and Zola Levitt: This volume also argues that UFOs are essentially satanic. While the reviewer finds the authors' approach somewhat naive, they provide numerous references. The reviewer suggests that much of the material interpreted as satanic may be due to ignorance and a lack of understanding, influenced by the authors' backgrounds in biblical training and Christian research.

• "The Ufonauts" by Prof. Hans Holzer: This book details UFO occupants. The reviewer notes that Holzer assumes UFOs and their occupants are extraterrestrial, which has drawbacks. However, the book is praised for its readability and detailed discussion of ufonaut activities, despite lacking an index.

Space Age Publications

A list of available UFO-related books and their prices is provided, along with ordering information. A quarterly journal called "LANTERN" is also advertised.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Awareness" consistently promotes an empirical and investigative approach to ufology, emphasizing the collection and analysis of data from a wide range of sources. The editorial stance, as seen in the responses to reader letters, is to encourage detailed reporting, scientific inquiry, and open discussion. There is a clear interest in exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including its potential origins, the nature of alleged occupants, and the implications of UFO sightings. The emerging theme of satanic or demonic origins for UFOs is noted as a new trend requiring further investigation, contrasting with earlier "space brother" theories. The magazine also acknowledges the practical challenges of publication, such as the cost of illustrations, while striving to provide informative content.

This document is page 20 of a magazine, primarily functioning as a sales and services advertisement section. It lists "BOOKS FOR SALE (Direct from Stock)" with prices that include postage. The section is divided into "Hardbacks" and "Paperbacks," featuring titles related to UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and notable figures in the field.

Books for Sale

Hardbacks:

• GODS OF AIR AND DARKNESS by Richard Mooney. 200 pages. Priced at £2.00p.
• PIECE FOR A JIG-SAW by Leonard Cramp. 238 pages, illustrated. Priced at £4.05p.
• URI: BIOGRAPHY OF URI GELLER by Andrija Puharich. 285 pages. Priced at £3.00p.

Paperbacks:

• BEYOND EARTH by Ralph and Judy Blum. 248 pages, illustrated (recommended). Priced at £0.90p.
• CELESTIAL PASSENGERS: UFOS AND SPACE TRAVEL by M. Sachs. 220 pages. Priced at £1.00p.
• GODS AND SPACEMEN IN THE ANCIENT EAST by Raymond Drake. 240 pages. Priced at £0.50p.
• GODS AND SPACEMEN IN THE ANCIENT WEST by Raymond Drake. 240 pages. Priced at £0.60p.
• OMENS OF AWARENESS by David Tansley. 210 pages, illustrated. Priced at £1.90p.
• STRANGER THAN SCIENCE by Frank Edwards. (First published 1959). 180 pages. Priced at £0.55p.
• Strange Worlds by Frank Edwards (First published 1964). 238 pages. Priced at £0.60p.
• THE UFONAUTS by Prof. Hans Holzer. (Contactee cases). 300 pages. Priced at £1.10p.
• THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY by Stephen Jenkins. 265 pages, 8 plates. Priced at £1.90p.

Also in stock:

• Flying Saucer Review: per copy, 80p.
• True (USA) magazine: per copy, 65p.
• Search magazine: per copy, 85p.
• Alpha magazine: per copy, 70p.

To order books, customers are instructed to send 9" x 5" s.a.e. for lists and to send remittances with their orders to Lionel Beer at 15 Freshwater court, Crawford Street, London, WIH 1HS.

UFO Services and Information

Albert Onori offers extensive world-wide UFO newspaper clipping collections, comprising over 1,000 separate items, all in English, dating from 1950–1977. Later years are in preparation. For further details, send a stamped addressed envelope (S.A.E.) or three international postal coupons for an airmail reply to Mr Albert Onori, 71 St. Andrew's Blvd., Clifton, New Jersey, USA.

UFO NETWORK is described as a comprehensive Information Service on UFOs. For details, send an S.A.E. to UFO NETWORK, 2 St. Ivian Court, Colney Hatch Lane, London, N.10.

UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE is presented as a premier regular newsclipping service covering ufos, Bigfoot, and related topics. It provides up-to-date reports on a world-wide basis, including translated foreign press accounts. Subscribers receive a 20-page report each month, reproduced by photo-offset. For subscription information and sample pages, send a stamped addressed envelope to: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, at Route 1, Box 220, Plumerville, Arkansas 72127, USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content of this page strongly indicates a focus on UFOs, paranormal subjects, and related literature within the magazine's scope. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and facilitating access to information and resources for enthusiasts in these fields, evidenced by the extensive book listings and specialized service advertisements. The inclusion of publications like "Flying Saucer Review" and "Search magazine" further reinforces this focus.