Awareness - 1985-86 - Vol 14 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Subtitle: JOURNAL OF CONTACT INTERNATIONAL
Issue: 4
Volume: 14
Date: 1985-6

This issue of Awareness, published by Contact (UK) Publication, is dated 1985-6 and is Volume 14, Issue 4. The cover features an illustration of a flying saucer above rock formations. The magazine is in English and published in England.

Editorial

The editorial, written by The Editor, marks the last editorial of Volume 14 and notes the late publication due to the inclusion of the UFO Register, which stretched the resources of the unpaid volunteer team. Special thanks are extended to Frances Copeland for typing and editing. The editorial announces a modest increase in subscription charges from £4.95 to £6.00 per year, citing increased costs for copying and paper. It mentions that the subscription rate has been held at £4.95 for some time and is still considered the lowest in the UK for a UFO publication. A subscription renewal form is enclosed, and donations are welcomed.

The past year is described as lacking in significant UFO cases, with only the Brazil interception and a sighting reported by a Japanese Airliner being notable. The editorial references the sun-spot cycle theory, suggesting that high UFO activity occurs at sunspot maxima every eleven years, and anticipates a major increase in sightings around 1988, correlating with the high level of sightings in 1977-8.

Concerns are raised about UFO investigation groups in the UK focusing on a few cases and employing crude investigation techniques. The 'Cracoe Case' in Yorkshire (1981) is highlighted as a subject of extreme controversy, with sets of photographs sent to Contact headquarters shortly after the events. An investigation team was sent from Oxford to visit the Cracoe area on March 29th, 1987.

A recent sighting near Oxford is used to illustrate the inconsistent public and press reaction to UFO cases. A witness reported a flaming object, but Contact's survey was uncertain of the exact position. A free newspaper reporter from the Oxford Journal interviewed another lady who saw a similar object, giving her a prominent write-up and claiming the case was solved. The editorial notes that Derek Mansell, acting for Contact, had little idea what the object was, other than a possible meteor. The lady witness also reported unusual bald patches on her grass. Despite this, Contact received no further information, though the newspaper coverage was significant.

The editorial concludes with a reminder to "Please Don't Forget Your Subscription."

Cause For Concern - Opinion by THE EDITOR

This section elaborates on the "Cause for Concern" mentioned in the editorial, focusing on the behavior of UFO investigation groups rather than the phenomena themselves. The editor discusses disturbing incidents related to a Cheshire case and a long-standing Yorkshire case. The concern is that witnesses are being accused of being "hoaxers" in the media, and conclusions are reached with little investigation and a "we are always right" attitude.

The Thelwall, Cheshire case involved Contact International and the Manchester UFO Research Association (MUFORA). Contact's investigator established rapport with the witness, who subsequently joined the organization. MUFORA's approach is contrasted, with a letter sent to the press after a "rapid and inept investigation." The editor includes a letter from Peter A. Hough, Chairman of MUFORA, to The Warrington Messenger regarding a photograph published on November 7th, which appeared to show a moon eclipse with a diffused ellipsoid of light. Hough questions the witness's photographic knowledge and claims the photographs were likely a hoax, with the moon being too clear and white, and the object added during enlargement. Hough states that MUFORA decided to send the photos to their expert, Tony Marshall, who concluded it was 99% a hoax.

Peter A. Hough's letter to the Warrington Messenger, dated December 1st, 1986, details MUFORA's investigation into a photograph submitted by a witness identified as "Mr. L." The photograph, taken on October 17th, allegedly shows a bright area of light approaching while photographing the moon. Hough expresses suspicion about Mr. L.'s lack of photographic knowledge and his use of an ordinary box camera with a one-second exposure, braced against a wall. Mr. L. refused to release the negatives but sent prints and enlargements. MUFORA's examination suggested a hoax, with the moon being too clear and white, and the object appearing to be added during enlargement. Hough criticizes Mr. L. for wasting their time and states that while Mr. L. did not claim it was a UFO, MUFORA felt compelled to investigate. They request that their reply be published alongside the original print and letter.

Editors Notes are appended to Hough's letter:
1. Criticism is leveled at Jenny Randles (MUFORA) for potentially judging a witness based on a telephonic conversation, suggesting that a face-to-face meeting is necessary.
2. It is suggested that photographing a UFO requires a "masters degree."
3. The same pictures were shown to three photographic specialists at Oxford University, with two satisfied with their genuineness and one having no firm opinion.
4. A remark by the Warrington Messenger, "More than this he has wasted our time," is quoted as summing up the mentality of the investigation group, who did not meet the witness and made assumptions.

An additional note from Contact International Investigator Kathleen Waldron defends "Mr. L.," stating he was upset by MUFORA's attitude. She criticizes their non-existent investigation method, lack of face-to-face meeting, and failure to provide a report form. She notes that Jenny Randles rang him while he was attending a meeting about a sewerage problem, leading to his remark about not seeming interested. Waldron questions why he would try to hoodwink the public if he wasn't seeking glory.

The section then discusses the "Cracoe Fell UFO" case from March 1981. A glowing object was photographed by a policeman in Yorkshire. A set of six photographs were supplied to Contact International by the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS), who had conducted extensive investigations. The basic photograph appears as a sliver of light or reflection, but enlargements suggest a saucer-shaped object. While there is doubt if it's a UFO, YUFOS believes it is an actual UFO. Other UFO groups are accused of debunking the case with vilification and witch-hunts, leading to tension and attempted physical assaults. The author questions how an investigation of a single event after six years could result in such a "pitiful mess."

Contact International has considered both sides, acknowledging the object could be a UFO or a light reflection (IFO). They are keeping their conclusions confidential, stating only that they have "Cause for Concern."

A SERIES OF UNKNOWN SIGHTINGS FROM EASTERN EUROPE

By D.N. Mansell

This article reports on sightings gathered verbally by Derek Mansell during visits to friends and colleagues in Poland and Czechoslovakia, spanning the period 1943-1977. The author notes the difficulty in obtaining official information from Eastern European states.

Case 1: February or March 1943, Kharkov, USSR. During the German retreat, soldiers from the Panzer Division L.A.H of the Waffen SS witnessed a brilliant glow followed by a large metallic sphere, described as a huge cannon ball, shooting across the sky at approximately 4000ft, moving like a fighter aircraft and climbing higher.

Case 2: May 7th, 1966, Gydnia, Poland. Dockers unloading a Soviet freighter heard a loud screeching sound and saw a brilliant, multi-colored light in the sky for two minutes. The phenomenon was also heard and seen by people at the nearby railway station and flats.

Case 3: April 10th, 1969, between Gdansk and Starogard, Poland. Thirty-five people, including two militia men, observed two large discs, metallic grey or silver, emitting a bright blue glow underneath. The objects were stationary for 35 minutes before shooting upwards and disappearing.

Case 4: August 16th, 1970, Brzesko, Poland. A militia man on traffic patrol encountered a truck driver whose truck had broken down. The policeman was told that an object had swooped down on the truck, causing its engine to stall. The craft, described as brown, barge-shaped, about 50ft long and 8-10ft thick, with four powerful headlights, returned and hovered for 3-5 minutes before heading south.

Case 5: August 21st, 1972, North of Gorkij to Rostov, USSR. A military convoy of at least 45 heavy vehicles was attacked by a craft resembling an aircraft. The craft circled at 1000ft, dived down, made a whining noise, and then reappeared at the rear of the convoy. It attacked two tractor vehicles with fire, causing slight damage, and the next day destroyed another truck at Kalac. The craft was fired at but not hit, and air force jets arrived too late.

Case 6: April 15th or 16th, 1974, at sea off Hiddensee, East Germany. The crew of an East German salvage tug saw four large white lights approaching, which grew into a huge craft, estimated at several hundred feet in diameter, with a bright violet light underneath. It passed directly overhead. Two crewmen became sick afterwards.

Case 7: June 15th, 1975, Puck, Poland. A witness met two strangely dressed men (grey close-fitting gear, black top piece, dark grey belts, 5ft 11ins tall, fairish to blonde) near fields. They entered a field and disappeared. The witness found nothing.

Case 8: May 21st, 1977, Soviet and Polish territory. An object was spotted by Soviet radar heading down the Baltic coast, tracked at Liepaza, Klaipēda, and by a Soviet destroyer. It was at 25000ft, producing a red vapor trail, and moving at 1,300 m.p.h. The destroyer launched four missiles without hits. Two Polish fighters intercepted and fired cannons, also without hits. The craft was half-moon shaped, 300-400 ft in diameter, white, producing a red vapor trail, and headed for Sweden.

UFOLOGICAL ILLUSIONS - Planetary Guide 1987

By G.E. Ambler

This article discusses the disappointment of Halley's Comet's non-appearance in 1986 and shifts focus to the regular movements of planets and constellations for 1987. It notes that Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are often confused with UFOs.

• Key planetary information for 1987:
• Mars: Will be a feeble object in 1987.
• Jupiter: Will reach "opposition" (nearest point to Earth) on October 18th, reaching its most brilliant magnitude of -2.9.
• Saturn: Will reach "opposition" on June 9th, with its ring system open and visible through a telescope.

• Individual Movements:
• Mercury: If visible, it is bright and close to the sun at dawn or sunset. February 12th and July 25th are suggested as good viewing times.

The article includes a "PLANETARY CHART UK 1987" illustrating the visibility of Venus, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and Orion/Sirius throughout the year, indicating times of day and light/dark periods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the challenges and controversies in UFO investigation, and the potential for misidentification of celestial objects. The editorial stance is critical of hasty or biased investigation methods and emphasizes the need for thorough, evidence-based analysis. There is a clear concern for the accuracy of reporting and the treatment of witnesses. The inclusion of a planetary guide suggests an effort to provide explanations for sightings that might be attributed to misidentified astronomical phenomena. The magazine aims to document and analyze UFO reports, particularly those from Eastern Europe, while also addressing the internal dynamics and disputes within the UFO research community.

This issue of Awareness magazine, Volume 12, Number 4, dated November 1987, focuses on the theme of "On the Mimed Behaviour of UFOs and Ufonauts" by M. Soper. The magazine explores the idea that extraterrestrial visitors might communicate through mime, offering messages of peace and advanced societal structures. The issue also includes astronomical information about planetary visibility in 1987 and references to astronomical guides.

Articles and Content

Astronomical Observations for 1987

The issue begins with a section detailing the visibility of planets and stars in 1987. Mercury is noted for its evening and morning appearances in February and July. Venus starts as a morning star in January, transitioning to an evening star in November. Mars is described as a weakening evening star from January to May, reappearing as a morning object from October to December. Jupiter's visibility is charted, showing it appearing in the early evening until March, becoming invisible from April to June, and then reappearing to be visible all night from September to November. A graph illustrates Jupiter's magnitude (brightness) throughout the year. Saturn is visible after midnight from January to April and all night from May to July, becoming fainter and disappearing by November. The brightest stars and constellations are best seen in winter months from November to March, with Sirius, the Pleiades, and the Orion Nebula mentioned as potential sources of confusion for observers in the U.K.

On the Mimed Behaviour of UFOs and Ufonauts by M. Soper

This central article posits that UFOs and Ufonauts may be conveying messages through their movements and mimed reactions, suggesting a hope for a "New Age." The author argues that to achieve real progress, humanity needs to change its education and values, and that the deepest messages are expressed in mime.

Several case studies are presented to support this thesis:

• Cordoba, Argentina (April 1957): A motorcyclist experienced a large, bluish-green metallic disc descending. A humanoid emerged, calmed him, and gave him a tour of the craft, showing him other men working at panels. The encounter ended with the stranger stroking his forehead and the disc vanishing. The article suggests the message was about overcoming fear, as the motorcyclist was initially overcome by the phenomenon.
• Kelly-Hopkinsville, USA (August 22, 1955): The Sutton family reported a close encounter with a four-foot tall biped with pointed ears and fingers. When two men fired at it, the creature somersaulted away. Over three hours, more creatures appeared, and the family and a visitor, Bill Taylor, fled to the sheriff. The author interprets this encounter as the Ufonauts mocking human fears, with the message being "HOW SILLY TO BE SO FRIGHTENED." The article suggests it would have been better if the family had not had weapons.
• Jackson's Point, Canada (date unspecified): Gary Sedore saw a dark UFO parked in a field, beaming two beams into the sky that crossed to form a solid image. This is presented as an example of projections by UFOs, demonstrating the freedom of a system that can materialize craft, opening up the galaxy.
• Kent, UK (November 16, 1963): Four young people, including John Flaxton (17), saw a bright star descend. They then witnessed an oval golden light and a dark, black, headless, winged figure. The author suggests a deep message here, contrasting the fear-based approach of some religions with the perfection sought by advanced cultures, which replaces fear with curiosity.
• Aston, UK (November 18, 1957): Mrs. Cynthia Appleton felt a sudden oppressiveness and saw a man appear who claimed to be looking for titanium and came from a world of peace. The message was partially conveyed by mime, and the article notes the surprising, unexpected element in these encounters.
• Portage County, USA (April 16, 1966): Deputy Sheriff Dale F. Spaur and Deputy Sheriff Wilbur Neff pursued a bright, humming craft that moved at high speed. The craft was described as a shallow cone. The author interprets the "fun chase" as a message to enjoy oneself even when scared, emphasizing freedom and daring.
• Cracoe Fell, Yorkshire, UK (March 16, 1981): A policeman and his wife observed five brightly lit spheres. The article presents an investigation by Data Research, which concluded the phenomenon was likely a light reflection from a gritstone rock. However, the magazine leaves the interpretation open, inviting readers to decide if it was a UFO or IFO.
• Nha Trang, Vietnam (date unspecified): The American army's missile batteries were rendered inoperative for minutes by a saucer, without harm to anyone, suggesting a lesson in freedom from fear, conflict, and cruelty.

The article emphasizes that Ufonauts seem to come from a better world, are altruistic, loathe cruelty, and mock while helping. It suggests learning from them is sensible, as humanity's current path, involving cruelty and weapon use, may not lead to a desirable future.

Historical Sightings from Original Sources - Part 5

This section provides extracts from microfilm collections:

• BOACs Flying Jellyfish (1954): Seven black objects followed a BOAC Stratocruiser named 'Centaurus' for 80 miles over Labrador. The objects changed shape and formation but kept pace with the airliner. The crew of 11 and 51 passengers witnessed the event. Captain James Howard, a former bomber squadron leader, reported the sighting. He described the objects as dark silhouettes, no more than 5 miles away, and not like any known aircraft. The objects grew indistinct and vanished when a Sabre jet fighter approached. The article notes that the objects were not seen on radar by Fighter Control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for non-verbal communication (mime) from extraterrestrial intelligences, the concept of advanced civilizations possessing superior ethics and societal structures, and the importance of overcoming fear and cruelty. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, presenting various UFO cases and interpretations while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, particularly regarding the "Cracoe Phenomenon."

This issue of the "UFO NEWSLETTER" (NL 9), published by Contact International, covers the period of April-May 1957. It delves into several UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily focusing on incidents in France and a sighting over Labrador.

The Labrador Sighting and Chapman Pincher's Theory

The issue opens with an account of a sighting by Captain Howard and his crew over Labrador. Captain Howard is quoted by the Daily Sketch stating the RAF was very interested and that he wished he had his camera. The Daily Express published an article by Chapman Pincher, who proposed that the 'flying saucers' were merely reflections of the aircraft from a wavy layer of air, or 'inversions'. Pincher explained that these inversions create boundaries between warm and cold air that act as mirrors, causing mirages. He suggested that the saucers could only be seen in the direction of the sun's rays through the aircraft's windows, as the aircraft was travelling northeast while the sun was setting in the northwest.

Captain Howard discussed this theory with Chapman Pincher and agreed it was a possibility, though he felt the saucers looked too solid. The objects followed the plane for 80 miles before disappearing as a fighter approached. Pincher speculated that the reflection might seem to travel with the plane due to the extent of inversions and that the disappearance could be due to a change in light or the inversion petering out.

However, Captain Howard strongly disagreed with Pincher's explanation. In a letter to the Daily Express, he challenged Pincher, stating that while inversions can act as mirrors, they could not produce the observed phenomena. He described the objects as six small black dots and one large variable shaped thing, not a reflection of his own aircraft. He also questioned the possibility of seeing a shadow thrown towards the light source. Sketches made by Captain Howard showed the objects appearing between the plane and the setting sun, not directly opposite, and the sun had set before the objects vanished.

Captain Howard was also interviewed by John Ellison for the BBC's "In Town Tonight" programme. He described the object as a three-dimensional object, not a mirage, and expressed skepticism about flying saucer theories or extraterrestrial craft, stating he would only believe what he and his crew saw. BOAC's London Press Relations office confirmed that they referred to the phenomena as 'objects' or 'unidentified flying objects' rather than 'saucers'. Arthur C. Clarke, author of 'The Exploration of Space', commented that the sighting was one of the finest recorded, but suggested that if the explanation of mirages could be established, it would clear up much of the 'flying saucer' mystery. He also noted that many 'authenticated' saucer photographs were likely caused by light refractions in camera lenses.

The editor's note acknowledges the thoroughness of the account but questions its American source. While vindicating the mirage possibility due to non-appearance on radar, the editor finds Captain Howard's denials convincing. Arthur C. Clarke's conclusion that the objects were 'obviously not solid bodies' is deemed to have been made without much calculation. The sudden disappearance upon the fighter's approach is seen as potentially indicating intelligent control or the break-up of the inversion layer. The editor also notes the shift from the term 'flying saucer' to the more scientific 'unidentified flying object' around 1954.

Landing or Near-Landing Cases in France

Vins-sur-Caramy - April 1957

This section reports on an incident at Vins-sur-Caramy, France, based on an account from the Nice-Matin newspaper, as reprinted in the Courrier Interplanetaire. The object, described as a "metallic construction, circular in form, 3ft high, about 6ft. in diameter, with a swelling on the upper surface; the witnesses spoke of a 'giant top'; surmounted by antennas resembling radar apparatus." A sketch shows it as conical with a convex top, resting on its point, about 5 ft high. Little rods projected from its surface and vibrated rapidly. The object made no sound, but a deafening noise came from a nearby metal road sign as it settled, causing the sign to shake violently. Two women, Mme. Rami and her friend Mme. Garcin, were about 100 yards away and heard the noise. Jules Boglio, on a hill 300 yards north, also heard the racket, thinking it was cars colliding.

The object took off, swerving eastward and travelling only 15 or 20 feet before hopping above another road sign, which also vibrated. It then flew southeast at moderate speed, the entire affair lasting about one minute. The ground at the landing spots was examined, showing areas that appeared violently 'swept' as if by a blast of air, with conspicuous 'scoured away' circular spots on a dirt road.

Investigator Jimmy Guieu, accompanied by M. Pierre Ayraud of Radio Monte-Carlo, visited the police station and later the witnesses. The police report confirmed the witnesses' credibility. Guieu tested the magnetic influence of the object. While his car's steel body deflected his compass slightly, a metal road sign near the first landing spot showed a deflection of 15°, as did a sign above which the object had flown. A third sign further away showed no deviation. A 16" iron irrigation culvert near the second landing-place also gave a 15° compass deflection, suggesting a localized magnetic effect.

Palalda - April 22, 1957

This case involves M. and Mme. Firmin Basou, farmers in Palalda. While washing dishes, Mme. Basou heard a roaring noise and saw an enormous vortex of blue and red flame approaching from the north. It descended toward their vineyard at an altitude of ten to fifteen yards, appearing as a rapidly spinning cone of flames moving slowly forward. The object hovered 15 feet from the western edge of the field and 15 feet above the ground, violently agitating vine shoots and causing the soil to spin. A deafening uproar was emitted. The vortex then resumed its flight, stopping again in a hollow near a bridge, where it whipped cherry tree branches violently. It then climbed a hill and shot away southwest at prodigious speed.

Witnesses described no solid 'machine' but a conical vortex of red and blue 'flame.' The ground where it hovered was swept and disordered, but the vines were not scorched, suggesting an ionization phenomenon rather than ordinary flames. Five yards away, a metal fencepost showed magnetism, deflecting a compass needle by 30°, an effect noticeable even a foot away. Other fenceposts did not show this magnetism. Tests were conducted in the presence of Ouranos investigators Jacques Verpillot and Paul Jaubert.

Guieu, along with Dr. Marcel Pages, visited the police station at Amelie-les-Bains. The gendarmes confirmed the Basous' excellent reputation and expressed surprise the incident hadn't been reported earlier. The fear of ridicule had been disarmed by the scientific investigation. The incident at Palalda is noted to have obvious analogies with Vins-sur-Caramy, with a cone of spinning flames masking the machine and producing loud noise, typical of ionization phenomena.

The weather was fine during both the Vins and Palalda incidents, ruling out 'ball lightning' or identification as a small tornado.

"Invisible" UFO on Photographs

By G.E. Ambler, this section discusses a photograph taken by Michael Soper of Data Research. The photo shows an apparent disc-shaped object below a cloud formation. The object was not seen at the time of photography and blends with the cloud, not showing "over contrast." The cloud formation has a pinkish hue and a slight mushrooming effect above the object. The author suggests that if a UFO emits hot exhaust gases, it could cause such cloud effects as the gases rise and condense. The article posits that UFOs may often be invisible to the human eye, but ground markings and unusual cloud formations might help in their detection. It concludes by encouraging the photographing of unusual cloud formations.

Advertisements

The final page contains advertisements for various UFO-related publications and services. These include:

• QUEST: The Journal of UFO investigation, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society.
• UFO SPOTTERS GUIDE: A guide to UFO clubs and groups worldwide.
• THE MOVING STATUE OF BALLINSPITTLE AND RELATED PHENOMENA: A book by Lionel Beer.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: A regular newsclipping service providing reports on UFOs and related topics.
• BOOKS AND MAGAZINES FOR SALE: A selection of over 300 titles.
• PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE: Available from CONTACT Headquarters.
• CAR Stickers: Available with UFO and Contact International logos.
• UFO CORRESPONDENCE COURSE: A course on Ufology.
• UFO AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS: A selection of titles, including "George Adamski the Untold Story" and "Skycrash A cosmic Cover Up."

The issue is printed and published by Contact International.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the debate between the 'mirage' theory (specifically atmospheric inversions) and the possibility of actual craft, and the presentation of witness testimony alongside scientific analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, presenting multiple viewpoints, and encouraging scientific inquiry into these phenomena, while also acknowledging the skepticism and alternative explanations offered by figures like Chapman Pincher and Arthur C. Clarke. The publication itself, Contact International, is presented as a serious platform for such research, as evidenced by the advertisements for their own courses and publications.