Awareness - 1983-84 - Vol 12 No 3

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, Journal of Contact International, Volume 12, Issue 3, dated 1983-4, is a publication from Contact (UK). The cover features a prominent illustration of a flying saucer against a stylized landscape, with the title "AWARENESS JOURNAL OF CONTACT INTERNATIONAL" and issue details.

Editorial

The editorial section apologizes for the lateness of the issue, attributing it to the preparation of a UFO register. It reports on the recovery of Derek Mansell's mother and welcomes Sandie Robb back to the team. The editorial highlights the need to cover rental costs for the Canon duplicator through advertising and announces a reduced subscription rate for the 1984-5 season (£4.95) to encourage new members. It also mentions Contact International's participation in a UFO program on the Jimmy Mack Show, featuring Alan Godfrey's 1980 encounter, and notes that information of special interest will be reprinted in a future issue. Appearances by John Sear and Geoff Ambler on Radio Oxford have generated inquiries, but the organization is seeking volunteers for research. Kevin J. Campbell is named "Investigator of the Year" for 1983-4. The cancellation of the Leeds conference is regretted, with a focus on ensuring future events are well-organized. The editorial also notes a lack of response to an ESP test in the previous edition and the establishment of a Western Australia UFO Information Centre as an overseas branch.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, "Historical Sightings from Original Sources. Part 2" by Data Research, "Yugoslavia Sightings" by Milos Krmelj, "Australian Views" by Waufoic, "International Congress" by Edward Lockwood, "Flying Machines in the Bible" by David Medina, "Reviews" by Derek Mansell, and "Classic UFO Cases" and "Ufological Illusions" by Geoff Ambler. Advertisements and details of the Contact International Council are also present.

Historical Sightings from Original Sources: Part 2

This section delves into pre-1947 UFO incidents, presenting five cases from 1948-1953.

U.S. Air Incident 1948

On July 24, 1948, at 2:45 a.m., an Eastern Airlines DC3 piloted by Capt. Clarence Shipe Chiles and co-pilot John B. Whitted encountered a mysterious object near Montgomery, Alabama. Described as a "rocket-like ship" about 100 feet long with a huge, two-decker fuselage and two rows of windows, it emitted a bright glow and a ghostly white light from its sides. The object moved alongside the DC3, then ascended rapidly with a burst of flame. The pilots estimated its speed at 700-900 m.p.h. The craft was described as wingless with a cigar-shaped fuselage, a brightly lit cabin, and a brilliance like a magnesium flare. A dark blue glow emanated from the fuselage, and the exhaust was a red-orange flame. The observation lasted about 10 seconds. C.L. McKelvie, a passenger, also witnessed the event, describing the light as "much redder in colour than lightning."

"Flying Saucers in all Directions over Mediterranean"

Reported on March 30, 1950, flying saucers were sighted over the Mediterranean, northern Israel, Acre, and various parts of Italy. Descriptions included "full moons, moons with wakes of fire, or strange bodies emitting smoke trails." In Carrare, Italy, four saucers were seen three miles up. In Calabria, a disc was described as "like a moon with a wake of fire." In Cagliari, Sardinia, a saucer remained suspended over the city for 20 seconds before moving south.

SURINAM Sighting (15th June 1950)

A large number of residents in Paramaribo, Surinam, observed a strange object on June 15, 1950. Mr. Wilfred Coronel described it as a peculiar ovoid object with a ridge and a flat underside, silvery metallic in color. It moved at an estimated altitude of 19,000 feet, drifting slowly northeast. The object made abrupt descents and ascents, and its pulsating blue-white light became very bright. The event was witnessed by the majority of the city's population (80,000) and covered in local newspapers.

900 MPH "DISC" Chased over New Jersey (11/9/51)

On September 11, 1951, an Air Force jet pilot, Lt. Wilbert S. Rogers, reported chasing a mysterious round object over New Jersey. The object, described as white or silvery and circular, was moving inland at about 12,000 feet and was estimated to be traveling at 900 m.p.h. Rogers stated it was "too fast" to catch, even for an F 86 sabre jet. The object descended from 20,000 feet to chase at 450 mph before dropping to about 2,000 feet and heading southeast. Rogers dismissed the possibility of it being a balloon, citing its speed and descending motion.

MYSTERY at 60,000 feet (Daily Express 19/11/53)

An official report from the War Office on November 3, 1953, detailed a "strange object" tracked by an army radar set in East London. The object was initially seen by Flying Officers T. Johnson and C. Smythe at 20,000 feet in a Vampire jet. Radar tracked the object, which appeared circular or spherical and white, at an altitude of 60,000 feet (11.5 miles up). It moved very slowly initially, then passed beyond radar tracking range. The report indicates the object lost height to 43,000 feet as it flew away. Sergeant Harry Waller also reported radar trackings of "strange objects" between September 14th and 22nd, at altitudes of 70,000, 50,000, and 60,000 feet.

Yugoslavia Sightings

On the evening of October 3, 1983, nine amateur astronomers from Split, Yugoslavia, observed a flying UFO through telescopes for ten minutes. The object was described as oval and oblong with a twinkling blue-white light. It was later joined by a smaller object emitting orange light that circled the original UFO. While newspapers suggested atmospheric phenomena, the astronomers believed it was a genuine UFO.

Contact International Council

The issue lists the council members, including Founder President Lord Clancarty, Vice President Geoffrey E. Ambler, National Chairman (UK) John Sear, Hon. Treasurer Derek Mansell, Hon. Membership Secretary Ms. Sandie Robb, Investigations Co-ordinator Edward Lockwood, Research Eng. & Editor Geoff Ambler, and Librarian Bernard Delair. Adrian W. Miller is credited with Cover Design & Artist, and Ruth Rees is listed as President.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently focuses on UFO sightings, historical cases, and eyewitness accounts from around the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging member participation and the sharing of information. There is an emphasis on research and the collection of data, as evidenced by the "Data Research" section and the "Investigator of the Year" award. The organization, Contact (UK), actively seeks to publicize its work through media appearances and aims to foster a community of interest in UFOlogy.

Title: Australian Views
Issue: 9
Date: October 18, 1983
Cover Headline: CONFIRMED UFO'S., TERRESTRIAL OR EXTRATERRESTRIAL?

This issue of Australian Views presents a collection of articles and reviews centered around the UFO phenomenon, exploring sightings, investigations, potential explanations, and historical interpretations.

Astronomical Observations and Analysis

The issue begins with an account of a UFO sighting by nine astronomers near Split, Croatia, on October 3rd, 1983. The object, initially described as orange-colored, fused with a blue-white one, turned red, and headed north at high speed. The astronomers, impressed by the sighting, documented it as an 'unusual phenomenon' and ruled out conventional aircraft. They calculated the object's course across the sky, noting its movement relative to constellations. Later that evening, Goran Ergovic also reported seeing an orange-colored object with a strong light. While some suggested atmospheric phenomena like ball lightning as explanations, the astronomers from Split were convinced of the object's ufological nature, citing its dimensions, blue-white twinkling light, and duration as evidence against atmospheric explanations.

These amateur astronomers planned to publish a detailed report and sought help from experts to identify the object. They estimated its speed at 257 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 60.641 meters during its flight between Cape Marjan and the island Ciovo.

UFO Investigation Methods

The article "What are confirmed UFOs" describes the investigative process of WAUFOIC (Western Australian UFO Investigation Centre). When a sighting is reported, details are recorded, and a UFO Report Form is sent to the witness. The sightings co-ordinator then contacts various authorities, including RAAF PEIRCE AIR BASE, DEPT of AVIATION, and the BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY, to identify any known aircraft or celestial bodies. In 70% of cases, sightings are identified as aircraft, military helicopters, or celestial objects like planets. If a sighting remains unidentified after these checks, two investigators conduct a personal interview with the witnesses.

The article categorizes confirmed UFOs into Unexplained Natural Phenomena, Terrestrial craft (man-made), and Extraterrestrial craft (from other worlds or parallel dimensions). It also mentions the possibility of extraterrestrial travelers from other solar systems.

Government Cover-ups and Man-Made UFOs

The author contends that a significant percentage of confirmed UFOs over the past thirty years are man-made. The issue touches upon alleged government cover-ups by the USA, Britain, Australia, China, and Russia, suggesting that these agencies are hiding something related to superior technology. The article speculates that governments have been trying to learn and understand this new technology, possibly to gain a military advantage. It also mentions the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' (MIBs) as security agents tasked with silencing witnesses and researchers, citing instances of alleged suicides and disappearances.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Intelligence

The article "Some Thoughts About UFOs, ETI And Other Murky Matters" by D.A.J. Seargent explores two opposing schools of thought regarding intelligent life in the universe: Carl Sagan's view of abundant civilizations and Frank Tipler's argument that intelligent life is rare. Notably, both proponents dismiss UFO sightings as irrelevant to the broader question of extraterrestrial intelligence. Seargent, however, posits that if advanced civilizations exist, they might possess powerful telescopes capable of detecting life on distant planets, potentially even through 'biological radiation'. He concludes that either there are very few other races, or they are indeed visiting us, leading back to the UFO phenomenon.

Contact (UK) International Congress

An account of the Third International Congress held at High Wycombe in August 1983 details presentations by various UFO researchers, including Dr. Allen Hynek, Dr. Stanton Friedman, and Paul Devereux. Topics covered included 'A Modern Estimate of the Situation', 'Flying Saucers ARE Real', and explanations for UFOs such as 'Earthlight'. The congress highlighted differing viewpoints on UFO phenomena, with some attendees finding conventional explanations unsatisfactory.

Biblical Interpretations of UFOs

David Medina's article, "Flying Machines in the Bible," reinterprets biblical accounts as evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. It suggests that the Middle East was visited by extraterrestrials due to crude petroleum deposits. References from Genesis, Exodus, and other biblical texts are analyzed as potential descriptions of spacecraft, including the 'smoking furnace and a burning lamp,' 'pillar of cloud,' and 'fiery chariot.' The article also discusses the Ark of the Covenant as a device capable of electrical discharges and radiation, and the 'sea' in Solomon's Temple as a parabolic dish.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of two books:

• "The Evidence for Alien Abductions" by John Kimmer: This book is praised for its lucid style and in-depth analysis of abduction cases, investigating the hallucination theory and messages received by abductees. It is recommended for its investigative techniques and hypnotism in investigations.
• "The Evidence for Bigfoot and Other Man Beasts" by Janet and Colin Bord: This book explores the Bigfoot phenomenon and its potential UFO connections, tracing sightings of creatures like the Yeti and Sasquatch across continents. It is presented as an interesting read for those interested in cryptozoology and anomalous phenomena.

Another book, "UFO's AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS" by Cynthia Hind, is also mentioned as worthwhile reading, featuring extraordinary cases and people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges in identifying their origin (whether terrestrial, extraterrestrial, or natural phenomena), and the role of government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities and to maintain a critical yet receptive attitude towards the subject matter. The publication highlights the ongoing efforts of researchers and organizations to gather and analyze evidence, while acknowledging the controversial nature of the topic and the skepticism it often encounters.

This issue of "Classic UFO Cases" (Volume 11, Issue 19, dated 1984) presents detailed accounts of significant UFO sightings, primarily focusing on incidents involving aircraft. The magazine also includes a guide to planetary visibility for 1984 and reader contributions.

Case 9: Oradea, Hungarian Border (17th August 1968)

The issue details a sighting by the crew of an Ilyushin airliner flying at 7,000 meters near the Hungarian border. They observed an oval-shaped object approximately 1 km away, emitting a very bright green light, similar to a mercury light. The object was traveling in the opposite direction. The captain noted the time as 20:21, and after about 12 seconds, the object accelerated rapidly towards the west and disappeared. The crew estimated its size to be between 2.5 and 3 meters. They contacted Vienna, but no other aircraft were reported in the area. The crew ruled out a meteor due to its vertical descent and lack of a tail, believing the light originated from the object's own system. After reporting to Vienna, Budapest radioed the aircraft, informing them that a Hungarian plane had reported the same object two minutes later. This allowed the crew to estimate the object's speed at 12,000-13,000 km per hour. The report highlights that the object reportedly slowed down to match the airliner's speed, suggesting it was for inspection purposes and not a natural phenomenon, as it flew parallel to the aircraft for a short period. The article notes that similar incidents have been reported by many airliners worldwide and that this report was published in "UFO's from behind the Iron Curtain" and several contemporary newspapers.

Case 10: Kilimanjaro, Africa (19th February 1951)

This case describes a sighting by the crew of a Lodestar airliner belonging to East African Airways. The flight departed Nairobi West at approximately 7:00 a.m. At 7:20 a.m., the Radio Officer drew the Captain's attention to a bright object, resembling a large white star, stationary at about 10,000 feet above Kilimanjaro. The Captain, Jack Bicknell, and his crew observed the object for three minutes and reported it to the passengers. One passenger with powerful binoculars studied the object. Meanwhile, the object was reported to control, who inquired if it could be a weather balloon. The Captain then examined the object through binoculars and described it as metallic, bullet-shaped, and over 200 feet long. It had a square-cut vertical fin, and vertical dark bands were visible at regular intervals along the fuselage. The object remained stationary for 17 minutes before moving eastwards, rising continuously until it disappeared at 40,000 feet, leaving a vapor trail and with no visible means of propulsion. The Captain's impression was that it was a flying machine of some sort.

The magazine includes a form for readers to assess these cases and return to Wheatley. It mentions that Cases 7 and 8 are still being assessed. Respondents so far indicate that the sightings were genuine UFOs or probable UFOs. The article emphasizes that incidents witnessed from aircraft tend to be more reliable than ground sightings, attributing this to the general assessment of pilots as intelligent, alert, keen-visioned, and rational.

Ufological Musions - Planetary Guide 1984

Authored by G.E. Ambler, this section provides a guide to the positions of planets and stars for 1984, noting that they will differ from 1983. It highlights that Venus, Jupiter, and Mars are bright enough to be confused with UFOs, and Mercury can also be bright at certain times. Saturn might occasionally be confused but is unlikely. The guide details the visibility periods for each planet throughout the year, including their brightest appearances and positions in the sky (morning or evening).

• Mercury: Seen low in the sky at sunset or sunrise, visible from late March to mid-April and early September.
• Venus: Visible as a morning star from January to mid-April (brightest in January), and as an evening star from August to December (very bright by December).
• Mars: Visible most nights in 1984, becoming bright from April to June, seen later in the night until April, then most of the night until June.
• Jupiter: Visible as a morning star until May, then an evening star to October, partially seen in November and December.
• Saturn: Visible as a morning star to April, then an evening star to September, reappearing in December. Brightest in May.

The section also includes "Hypothetical Cases" where common celestial objects are explained as potential misidentifications of UFOs, such as a glowing red object on May 1st being likely Mars, or a brilliant white object on January 15th being likely Venus. It also suggests that a brilliant flashing white light on November 20th might be a stroboscopic light from an aircraft, and a bright red object on October 1st, while possibly Mars, had incorrect timing and position, suggesting it could be a genuine UFO.

Letters to the Editor

Milos Krmelj from Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, writes to correct a factual error in a previous issue of "Awareness." He points out that the witness in question did not read UFO books but only newspaper articles, and that there are very few UFO books published in Slovenia and the Serbo-Croatian language.

Advertisements

The magazine features several advertisements:

• The Yufos Journal: A bi-monthly publication from the Yorkshire UFO Society, available by subscription.
• UFO Education Course: A lecture course by Lionel Beer FRAS in South London.
• UFO and Space Age Publications: A selection of titles available from Ms S.k. Stebbing, including "George Adamski, the Untold Story."
• UFO Newsclipping Service: A service providing up-to-date reports on UFOs, Bigfoot, and related topics.
• Books and Magazines for Sale: A selection of over 300 titles on UFOs and mysteries from Lionel Beer.
• World UFO Directory 1983: A guide to UFOs, Fortean and Paranormal Groups, societies, and publications.
• Photocopying Service: Available from CONTACT headquarters.

Facts Facts Facts

This section discusses personal finance, highlighting the erosion of savings due to inflation. It emphasizes the importance of reviewing asset performance and tailoring financial plans to individual needs, mentioning possibilities like Building Society performance, retirement plans, portfolio valuation, and specialized investments. It directs readers to contact Avon Bard Brokers for an initial discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on detailed UFO case reports, particularly those involving credible witnesses like airline crews, suggesting a leaning towards the validity of such sightings. The inclusion of a planetary guide and hypothetical cases indicates an effort to educate readers on potential misidentifications while still leaving room for genuine unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO reports, encouraging reader participation and providing resources for further study. The emphasis on aircraft sightings suggests a belief in their higher reliability. The magazine also promotes UFO literature and related services through its advertisements and letters section.