Awareness - 1987-88 - Vol 15 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Subtitle: JOURNAL OF CONTACT INTERNATIONAL
Issue: 2
Volume: 15
Date: 1987-8
Publisher: Contact (UK) Publication
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Awareness, the Journal of Contact International, marks a transition with administrative changes and features in-depth articles on theoretical and observational aspects of UFO phenomena and related scientific concepts.

Editorial

The editorial announces the departure of Derek Mansell from Oxford to Cornwall, which necessitated a relocation of Contact International's headquarters and the redistribution of records and literature. It confirms that Derek Mansell will continue to be involved in national UFO investigations and is setting up a local group. The editorial also notes a welcome increase in new membership applications and an improved financial position for the group, thanks to generous donations.

A significant event reported is the visit of a Mr. D. from Australia on February 18th, who presented photographs and a video film of what he believed to be an alien entity. The video showed a vaguely humanoid shape with brilliant light sources for its head and abdomen. Mr. D. claimed to have captured the footage while sky-watching, experiencing a period of missing time. The film was reportedly checked by two Australian organizations and Kodak, who declared it genuine. The editor expresses puzzlement as to why Mr. D. chose to show this evidence to Contact International, noting that Mr. D. possesses advanced photography skills that could potentially be used to fake such a film.

Changes in Administration

This section details the administrative changes resulting from Derek Mansell's move to Cornwall. New contact addresses and responsibilities are listed for various roles within Contact International (UK), including:

• Administration Headquarters: 11 Ouseley Close, New Marston, Oxford. OX3 OJS.
• U.K. Chairman: Mr. Michael Soper, responsible for data collection and local investigations.
• Administrative and Membership Secretary: Mrs. Frances Copeland and Louise Copeland, responsible for master catalogues and the UFO Register.
• Vice-President, Editor (Awareness), Treasurer (Acting): Mr. Geoffrey E. Ambler.
• Chief Investigations Officer (UK): Mr. Derek Mansell, coordinating national investigations from Cornwall.
• Newspaper Clipping Custodian: Mr. David Ridge.

Enquiries are to be directed to the appropriate addresses, with the hope of eventually channeling all correspondence through the Group Administration Headquarters.

A Theory on Flying Saucers

By Adam J.R. Bedford B.Sc. C. Eng. M.I. Mech E.

This article questions the prevalence of 'saucer-shaped' UFO sightings, arguing that if UFOs were the result of hallucinations or auto-suggestion, observers might report more imaginative shapes. The author posits that the saucer shape is likely a deliberate design choice for an advanced space vehicle. He explores the physics of flight and stabilization, suggesting that a gyroscopic disc design could provide angular stability at all speeds, including zero speed, allowing for hovering, vertical ascent, and controlled gliding. The article proposes a design featuring a central cabin, a spinning disc, a reactor jet for vertical lift and hover, and secondary gyroscopes and motors for directional control and canting. The author speculates that such a machine, powered by a controlled nuclear source, could potentially travel in atmosphere and space, and even be used for interstellar travel by harnessing radiation pressure and gravitational fields.

Hypothesis on Origin/Nature of UFOs

By Yael Ruth Dragwyla

This two-part article presents a hypothesis concerning the origin and nature of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), unidentified marine objects (UMOs), and unidentified aerial objects (UAOs). The author explicitly states that the hypothesis does not aim to debunk reports but offers an explanation based on Earth and systems sciences, rather than conventional theories like extraterrestrial origin, mass hypnosis, or conspiracy.

Part I: An Outline of Observations from Several Disciplines

• Ecological Consideration: The article introduces the concept of Earth as a living organism ('Gaia'), which maintains internal steady-state equilibrium through processes like nutrient ingestion, waste excretion, and self-regulation. It draws parallels between Gaia's regulatory mechanisms and those of individual living organisms, such as the immune system and developmental processes. The 'Law of the Minimum' is highlighted as a key principle governing population sizes and ecosystem dynamics. The author suggests that Gaia might be on the verge of reproducing, potentially through human space exploration or the migration of microbial life to other star systems.
• Religious Awareness: The article notes that major religions often implicitly or explicitly acknowledge biological and ecological processes, including human reproduction and its societal impact, as well as the consequences of population changes. It also mentions the use of auguries and omens in 'pagan' religions as a means of randomizing resource exploitation.

Part II: Summary of the Hypothesis (This part is not fully detailed in the provided pages but is mentioned as containing the statement of the hypothesis itself).

The hypothesis predicts empirical observations that support its claims, suggesting that events and phenomena tend to align with this systems-science-based explanation.

Ufological Illusions

By G.E. Ambler

This section is not fully transcribed in the provided pages, but the title suggests it will explore misinterpretations or psychological factors contributing to UFO sightings.

Letters to the Editor

This section contains correspondence from readers, offering diverse perspectives and comments on previous articles or UFO-related topics. Specific content is not detailed in the provided pages.

Advertisements

This section includes advertising rates for the journal, with prices listed per page and per line for different issue frequencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs from a perspective that is open to investigation but critical of unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear interest in scientific and theoretical explanations, as evidenced by the detailed articles on flying machines and the Gaia hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the nature of these phenomena through rigorous examination and discussion, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. The emphasis on Earth-based explanations over purely extraterrestrial ones is a notable aspect of the journal's approach, as seen in Yael Ruth Dragwyla's article.

Title: Awareness
Issue: Vol.15 No.1
Date: 1988
Publisher: Contact International
Country: UK

This issue of Awareness explores the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, integrating perspectives from sociology, psychology, occult studies, and ecological analysis. It challenges purely extraterrestrial explanations and emphasizes the importance of considering the phenomenon's intraterrestrial aspects and its connection to ecological reality.

Ecological and Religious Connections

The issue posits that many "fringe" religions and cults, such as Ceremonial Magick and Wicca, exhibit a strong ecological orientation. These practices, along with astrology, are presented as holistic disciplines that relate the organism to its environment and the universe. Astrology, in particular, is described as a language of ecological awareness, reflecting celestial and atmospheric cycles that influence life on Earth.

Alchemical practices are also linked to ecological cycles, mirroring the transformation of waste into new life and symbolizing psychological and spiritual change. The Four Elements (Fire, Water, Air, Earth) and their corresponding Elementals are seen as ways of perceiving ecological forces.

Furthermore, the issue draws a parallel between UFO contactees and religious visionaries, noting that many UFO cults and contactees consistently advocate for environmental protection and nuclear disarmament. This connection suggests a shared concern for the planet's well-being.

UFO Phenomena and Ecological Reality

The core hypothesis presented is that an ecological analysis of UFO/UMOs might yield valuable new insights. The author argues that a purely extraterrestrial explanation is insufficient, and that the phenomena are largely intraterrestrial. Moreover, the issue suggests that understanding UFOs requires looking beyond human species alone, proposing that the phenomena are part of a larger ecological context.

Jacques Vallee's hypothesis of the UFO phenomenon as a sociological reality and a potential control system is discussed. Vallee suggests that UFO appearances may follow a cyclical pattern, acting as a homeostatic regulating system that provokes excitement and then subsides. The timing of peak UAO activity on Wednesdays in the US is noted as an interesting observation.

Planetary Guide and Misidentification

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a "Planetary Guide 1988" by G.E. Ambler, which aims to help investigators eliminate misidentifications of planets as UFOs. The guide details the positions, brightness (magnitude), and visibility of the brightest planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) throughout the year. Specific events, such as Mars' closest approach to Earth on September 28th, and the bright appearances of Venus and Jupiter, are highlighted as potential sources of confusion.

The guide includes graphs illustrating the magnitude of these planets over time, providing visual data for comparison. It also lists other celestial objects like Sirius and the Orion Nebula that might be mistaken for UFOs.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Response

The "Letters to the Editor" section features several contributions:

• D. Hunter expresses concern about the inclusion of "ravings" and "heavy mathematics" in the magazine, arguing that it undermines the publication's purpose and misrepresents organizations. He emphasizes the need for cautious, scientific criticism of UFO reports and questions the feasibility of extraterrestrial aliens traveling faster than light.
• Mike Soper's article is mentioned as being interesting but mathematically challenging for many readers. The editor acknowledges this feedback and asks if future articles should contain less advanced mathematics.
• Terry Johnson's article is noted as having been poorly received, with some readers finding it "over the top" and "cultist."
• Adam J.R. Belford comments on Kiril Terziev's hypothesis, focusing on the physics of rotation and centrifugal force, particularly in the context of a pilot experiencing no such force.
• Graham Birdsall expresses sadness over Derek Mansell's potential departure from Contact International due to personal problems, highlighting Mansell's significant contributions to UFO research.
• Lindsey Booth, an eleven-year-old reader, shares her fascination with UFOs and her mother's and sister's sightings.
• F. Passey relays a request from a girl in Italy seeking a pen-friend within Contact U.K.

The editor responds to D. Hunter's critique by defending the magazine's policy of expressing diverse opinions and stating that not all opinions necessarily reflect those of the editor or staff.

Advertisements

The latter part of the magazine includes advertisements for various UFO-related publications and services, including:

• QUEST: The Journal of UFO Investigation.
• UFO Spotters Guide.
• 1987 UFO Bestsellers (books).
• UFO Newsclipping Service.
• Books and Magazines for Sale.
• Photocopying Service.
• UFO Brigantia: The Journal of the Independent UFO Network.
• UFO Correspondence Course.
• UFO and Space Age Publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interconnectedness of UFO phenomena with broader ecological concerns, religious and spiritual experiences, and psychological interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging diverse viewpoints and research methodologies, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and clear communication. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious researchers and enthusiasts to explore the UFO enigma from various angles, including those that challenge conventional scientific paradigms.