Awareness - 1996-97 - Vol 21 No 4

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS: The Journal of Contact International UFO Research, Volume 21, Number 4, dated February 1997. This issue is dedicated to 'UK SIGHTINGS' and features a collection of reports from 1995-1997, alongside astronomical notes for 1997 and an editorial reflecting on predictions for the year 1999.

Editorial

The editorial, titled '1999', discusses the widespread predictions of doom associated with the year 1999, referencing Nostradamus's prophecy of a 'Great King of Terror'. It explores potential interpretations, including alien invasion, and contrasts this with historical events like Saddam Hussein's Scud missile attacks. The piece also touches upon the possibility of cosmic collisions, referencing the Hale-Bopp comet and the Tunguska event, and notes the unprecedented interest in the paranormal and UFOs, suggesting a 'subliminal indoctrination' preparing humanity for new horizons.

The editorial also critiques the use of 'faction' in TV dramas and films, which it believes capitalizes on public interest in UFO events without offering genuine insight. It highlights the 50th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sightings and the Roswell Crash as significant historical markers.

News in Brief

This section covers several notable events:

• TWA Flight 800: The explosion of TWA flight 800 in July 1996 is discussed, with theories ranging from a terrorist bomb to static electricity causing fuel vapor to explode. Eyewitnesses reported missile or laser-like objects, and a military exercise was underway. The article suggests a potential 'friendly fire' incident and subsequent cover-up.
• Newbury Leukaemia Scare: An independent survey suggests leukaemia cases in Newbury are four times the national average, with suspicion falling on the former USAF nuclear base at Greenham Common. However, scientists have rejected this, citing national figures and normal radiation levels.
• Mini Alien in Israel: Reports detail the capture of a 15 cm alien in Israel around December 22nd, 1996. A witness described a dark green corpse that rapidly shrank, with an exoskeleton. Further reports mention animal mutilations and 'luminescent blue discs' in the area.
• High Energy UFO in Oxford House: A paranormal consultant reported seeing a brilliant red ball of energy, preceded by a loud fizzing sound, move in a jerky motion before vanishing.

Sighting Summaries

This section details numerous UFO sightings across the UK:

• May 21, 1996 - Abingdon, Oxon: Over 70 reports of a laser-like beam shooting into the sky were received. While initially attributed to a laser display by Oxford Lasers, the exact source for all reports, particularly those seen near the road, remained unclear.
• May 21, 1996 - Nuneham Courtnay, Oxon: Four witnesses saw a bright green beam shining into the sky just above the road, which could not be explained by the Abingdon laser event.
• May 21, 1996 - Abingdon, Oxon: John Glover reported a diffuse light with an apparent blue 'vapour trail', described as a 'solid object' by witnesses, which differed from the laser event.
• April 1995 - Brackley, Northants: James Smart witnessed a silent, metallic grey, cigar-shaped object with no wings and a row of lights moving swiftly.
• August 13, 1996 - Great Rollright, Oxon: A family saw a glowing yellow/orange 'flying hat' object with creamy dots and black dots on its base, spinning as it moved west to east.
• July 1996 - Didcot, Oxon: Five apparent lights merged and vanished above a power station, possibly attributable to light shows.
• July 22, 1996 - Wheatley, Oxon: Four dark, triangular objects with rounded corners flew in a perfectly straight, tight formation, described by an aviation enthusiast as highly disciplined.
• April 1995 - Rothley, Leics: A retired engineer saw a bright light overhead that resolved into a triangular object with a yellow 'boomerang' shape and black 'portholes'.
• November 1985 - Cardiff, S Wales: Six round lights in two triangular formations flew together, silently and low over rooftops.
• August 6, 1995 - Vale of Clwyd, N Wales: Two brothers observed a semi-circular object descend, turn sharply, ascend, dive, and climb near a commercial airliner.
• October 22, 1995 - Manchester Airport: An object was seen by passengers on an inbound aircraft, pacing it as it approached the airport.
• January 6, 1995 - Llandudno, N Wales: A large triangle with many lights remained stationary over the bay for 45 minutes before ascending rapidly.
• November 23, 1982 - Newark, Notts: An old sighting described a bright blinking light that resolved into an object with eight lights on its edge and a spike at the front.
• 1989 - Yorkshire coast: A witness reported a strange, black delta-shaped aircraft, identified as possibly a Handley-Page H-P.115, during military exercises.
• August 28, 1996 - Henley-in-Arden, Warks: A triangular object with a yellow 'boomerang' shape and black 'portholes' was observed.

Other Articles and Features

• Crop Circle Film Not "Doctored": The video of a crop circle forming at Olivers Castle in 1996 was shown on the Discovery Channel, with American experts deeming it genuine, suggesting a paranormal event or a display of lights accompanying crop circle faking.
• Signs of the Cosmic Joker: This section discusses how logical events can be confused by the unknown, citing the Abingdon laser display and the 'airship flap' of October 22nd as examples where misidentification may have occurred.
• Notices: Information on submitting newsclippings for investigation and details of upcoming open meetings for Contact International.
• The Reading Tapes: A transcript from a trance channeling session involving a family discusses spiritual entities, 'Arages', and the concept of 'the Mother'. The conversation touches on the end of life, reincarnation, and a struggle between good and evil.
• Astronomical Notes 1997: This section provides detailed monthly notes on planetary and star positions for observers in the British Isles, aiming to help distinguish celestial objects from potential UFOs. It covers Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn throughout the year, along with notes on meteors and comets like Hale-Bopp.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed reporting of UFO sightings, with a focus on UK incidents, and the investigation of potential misidentifications. The magazine also explores broader topics such as predictions of future events (particularly 1999), the nature of consciousness and spirituality (as seen in 'The Reading Tapes'), and astronomical phenomena that might be mistaken for UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also attempting to provide rational explanations or identify potential misidentifications where possible. There is a clear emphasis on data research and investigation by the organization 'Contact International'. The magazine also expresses a critical view of media portrayals of UFOs.

This issue of Awareness magazine, dated February 1997, features a prominent article titled "MYSTERY LIGHTS OVER THE WASH." by Data Research, detailing a significant UFO sighting. The magazine also includes articles on 'black aircraft' and red herrings, a review of UFOs, off-earth life and humanoids, and a section on vehicle statistics and radioactivity in the environment. It also contains letters to the editor, advertisements for UFO-related books and videos, and announcements for conferences and UFO societies.

Mystery Lights Over The Wash

The main article details a case reported on October 7th, 1996, concerning two "lights" seen over The Wash (North Sea Inlet) near Boston, Lincolnshire, in the early hours of October 5th. The report, collected by Ian Read of Norfolk UFO Society, includes a transcription of events between police, RAF stations, coastguards, and a tanker crew. Radar contact was established at Northwood base and other points, but no transponders were identified on the man-made aerial objects. The transmission ended at 19:20 the following evening, with Anglia radar concluding it was the "Boston Stump," a conclusion the article dismisses as ridiculous given the 7-hour tracking period.

The crew of the Conocoast tanker provided direct visuals, describing the objects as having green, red, white, and blue revolving lights, visible even in daylight through binoculars. They tracked the lights for 4-5 hours, noting they were stationary and silent, unlike any known man-made object. The article questions why the RAF did not scramble jets, drawing parallels to past military oversights.

A press report from October 7th, 1996, confirms the Ministry of Defence (MOD) was investigating the sightings of two large unexplained objects. Mystified personnel at RAF Neatishead spent hours tracking the lights, and coastguards at Great Yarmouth coordinated reports. Nigel Sergeant, MOD spokesman, stated they were "investigating to see whether they are a threat to our security." Skegness police also reported seeing objects and took video footage. Flt Lt Keith Sweatman of RAF Neatishead noted the number of independent reports suggested something to follow up.

Witnesses described the UFOs as large, a mile high, with flashing lights. Skegness police mentioned calls about a large bright object, but noted past sightings were often explained as planes or weather balloons. However, Yarmouth Coastguard records indicated a force 4 wind, and the objects were monitored for at least 7 hours in the same positions. The objects lacked transponponders, and military radar reported no aircraft in the area. A military jet was seen heading up the Norfolk coast later that morning.

Actual transcripts detail the coordination between coastguard, RAF, police, and the Conocoast tanker. At 03:14, Skegness police reported a strange red and green rotating light. At 03:26, RAF Kinloss reported a radar contact at 16 miles, stationary, of considerable size. Throughout the early morning, various agencies reported visual and radar contacts, with the objects described as stationary, flashing multi-coloured lights, and at a significant altitude. Despite attempts to explain the phenomena as weather or aircraft, the persistent and unusual nature of the sightings led to continued investigation.

By 19:20, Anglia Radar concluded there was nothing there, attributing it to the "Boston Stump."

Unmarked Black Aircraft or Red Herrings?

Brian P. James discusses the increasing reports of "black" and/or "unmarked" aircraft, distinguishing them from known 'Black Project' aircraft like the B-2 Spirit. He argues that many such sightings are likely misidentifications due to military aircraft using low-visibility schemes ('lo-viz') or even gloss black paint. He suggests that under common lighting conditions, aircraft can appear silhouetted and dark, and at a distance, surface details are obscured, leading to false reports. James recounts an instance near Alton Barnes where two Lynx AH-3 helicopters were mistaken for "black and unmarked" craft. He also points out that witnesses may not be familiar with common aircraft types, and that areas near military bases will naturally have more low-flying helicopters on exercises.

The article touches upon the 'airship' flap in Oxfordshire in October 1996, where "black, unmarked helicopters" were reported following a UFO. It also notes claims of "Tornado fighters" chasing UFOs, suggesting that witnesses may confuse different aircraft variants like the Tornado and F-111. James includes a test with aircraft silhouettes to challenge readers' identification skills, emphasizing the need for accurate identification in UFO reports.

UFOs, Off Earth Life and Humanoids

Michael C. Soper explores the evolving scientific and public understanding of extraterrestrial life, from early beliefs of a barren universe to the current consideration of intelligent life elsewhere. He references the SETI program and the possibility of ET probes. Soper discusses Edward Ashpole's book, which suggests that cases like Rendlesham, Betty Cash, and Roswell might be important for SETI researchers. He notes the ongoing debate about life on Mars and the Moon, and the ambiguity surrounding the question of whether alien civilizations are researching us.

The article then presents five examples to illustrate how UFO phenomena can be viewed sociologically, including a 1996 Pretoria case of a UFO chased by a police helicopter, a 1996 Dover sighting of a zigzagging white object, the MOD's admission of 'Q' aircraft investigating UFOs, and two cases from Port Meadow, Oxford, involving strange lights and figures, and a 1964 Woomera case with a figure in a spacesuit appearing in a photograph.

Soper also touches upon the potential for alien civilizations to influence human development and technology, and the idea that wars might be a means for humans to learn the unacceptability of evil, preparing them for potential immortality offered by aliens. He speculates on the role of aliens in building civilizations and their potential departure, leading to societal collapse, and questions whether modern society could face a similar fate if alien support were withdrawn.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various UFO-related topics. Cleve Edmonston from Chingford discusses the phenomenon of "misinformation" and "debunking" in the UFO field, questioning whether figures like Nick Pope might be presenting a curated version of information. Carl Wildon from Botswana writes about "second kind encounters" and abductions, and a local myth called "Tokoloshi." Triantafillos Ross Tokatlidis from Victoria, Australia, proposes a theory that Jesus was an alien and that aliens have influenced human history and religion, suggesting that wars are a mechanism for humans to learn and become suitable recruits for alien civilizations.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on "Vehicle Statistics and Radioactivity in the Environment" by Michael C. Soper, analyzing electromagnetic UFO cases and vehicle interference. Advertisements feature "Midnight Books" specializing in secondhand books on the unexplained, "Contact International" audio tapes and publications, and various UFO-related video tapes for sale from "Lionell Beer (Spacelink Books)" and other sources. There is also information on the "Hull UFO Society (HUFOS)" and an announcement for the "1997 Conference: EVIDENCE FOR ET LIFE?" organized by Contact International UFO Research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, with a focus on detailed case studies, witness testimony, and official investigations. There is a critical stance towards simplistic debunking and a questioning of official explanations when evidence suggests otherwise, as seen in the "Mystery Lights Over The Wash" article. The magazine also highlights the role of media and popular culture in shaping public perception of UFOs and the paranormal, often expressing concern about the trivialization of these subjects. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate observation and identification to avoid misinterpretations. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and related phenomena, and the ongoing efforts by researchers and organizations to understand them.