Awareness - 1997-98 - Vol 22 No 3

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, Volume 22, No. 3, published by Contact International UFO Research, is dated March 1998, with the cover indicating 'Spring 1998'. The magazine's subtitle is 'The Journal Of Contact International UFO Research', and it features 'Sighting Reports', 'News & Views', 'Astronomy', and 'Encounters'.

Editorial: BIG BROTHER IS DEFINITELY WATCHING US!

The editorial draws a parallel between George Orwell's novel "1984" and the current technological landscape, warning of increased intrusion into private life through vast computer storage of personal details. It notes the decline of Communist states but the rise of technological surveillance. The editor expresses personal shock at receiving unsolicited contact from a US operator claiming him to be an 'adventurous' investor, and mentions offers of socio-class A-B doctor lists, suggesting data mining for marketing purposes. The editorial speculates that prominent ufologists might be on file with security departments, potentially due to their association with large publishing groups. It also notes a regrettable decrease in UFO events during the latter half of 1997 and the winter months, though signs of improvement are emerging. The editor invites readers to fill in a questionnaire to help understand if UFOs are still plentiful and to explore links to the metaphysical side.

Contents

The table of contents lists articles on various UFO-related topics, including an editorial, news in brief, sighting summaries, specific case studies like the Berwyn Mountains 1974 incident and the 'True or False' analysis of the 'Day After Roswell' book, encounters at Avebury, gyronometric relations of planets, astronomy notes, letters, poems, and announcements.

Contact International Council

The issue lists the officers and members of the Contact International Council, including Founder President 8th Lord Clancarty, President J. Bernard Delair, Vice President Geoffrey Ambler, and Chairperson Brian P. James. It also lists editors, administrators, and representatives.

News In Brief

UFO DISPLAY OR METEORITE

A massive display of fast-moving UFOs was reported over Devon and neighbouring counties on March 15th, 1998. Witnesses described red distress flares, explosions, and smoke trails. The official explanation cited the return of the 'Virginid' meteor shower, an event that had not previously made headlines. The report notes a similar event five years prior on March 30-31, 1993, which was explained as a satellite or rocket re-entry.

MOON LANDING TRICKERY

A movement claims the American Moon landings were faked, citing classic Apollo 11 photographs with excessively bright areas that could be studio spotlights. Detractors argue the Moon's background should be evenly lit. A comparison of a souvenir cover from Sept 1969 with a debunked version shows differences in illumination, raising questions about potential tampering with NASA pictures. An alternative theory suggests astronauts found extraterrestrial evidence on the Moon, and NASA may be using a smokescreen. The report mentions Armstrong's response that faking such an event would be more difficult than the real thing.

ASTEROID DOOMSDAY

The Earth is threatened by a mile-wide asteroid, 1997 XF11, projected to pass close on Oct 28th, 2028. Initially estimated to pass within 30,000 miles, this has been revised to 500,000 miles. A collision is rated at 1000-1. The report notes the media's tendency to create panic over astronomical events and suggests modern technology could nudge the asteroid off course. The Tunguska event in 1908 is mentioned as an example of an unpredicted impact.

ROSWELL ROCK ANALYSIS

A rock sample allegedly from the Roswell crash site in 1947 was analyzed by Dr. Russell Vernon Clark. The analysis found isotopes of nickel, zinc, silver, silicon, and germanium. Michael Soper notes that the silver found had a ratio of 33:67, which is not terrestrial. Similar irregular ratios were found for other elements, linking them to geometry, star constellations, and crop circles.

"BLOBSTER" DISCOVERY

A four-ton, six-tentacled carcass was found on a Tasmanian beach in January, resembling other finds in Scotland, Russia, South Africa, and New Zealand. The smell suggests an animal origin, and its size is comparable to a whale.

SIGHTING SUMMARIES (by Data Research)

This section details several UFO sightings:

• November 18, 1996; Whitley Bay, Tyneside: A witness saw an 'enormous' triangular object moving slowly overhead, possibly explained as military air-to-air refuelling.
• April 24, 1997; Seaton, Cornwall: A witness heard unusual 'bangs' circling overhead for 45 minutes without engine noise.
• September 24, 1996; Bath, Avon: Two bright lights were observed moving together, with no noise, and the MOD provided no satisfactory explanation.
• May 25, 1997; Torquay, Devon: A bright object was seen, followed by two aircraft approaching the area.
• May 24, 1997; Gravesend: Two police officers reported a bright green meteor-like object below low cloud, possibly a small aircraft in trouble, but no wreckage was found.
• December 4, 1996; M54, nr Wolverhampton: Witnesses saw multiple star-like objects moving fast, a 'pencil-like' object, and a triangular object with lights, passing overhead at 50ft, causing illness.
• October 5, 1996; Swindon: A witness observed two parallel lines in the sky that ascended as an aircraft approached.
• January 8, 1996; Loughborough: A witness saw a bright green object with sparkling white lights, described as 'airship-like'.
• February 1997; Seaton, Cornwall: A witness saw a large object with a trail perform a high-speed U-turn.
• October 1995; Eynsham, Oxon: A witness saw an 'aircraft' with no lights hovering motionless over Witney.
• October 27, 1997; West Moors, Dorset: Two schoolboys saw an orangey-red light flying faster than an aircraft, which stopped and started multiple times before vanishing in a flash.
• July 22, 1996; Bicester, Oxon: A witness saw a bright star-like light, then a pulsing red light, followed by a bright flash moving rapidly.
• October 5, 1996; Bicester, Oxon: A witness reported an unidentified sound, like wind and rumbling, with bumps and cracking noises, followed by a loud humming.

BERWYN MOUNTAIN 23RD JANUARY 1974 INCIDENTS (by Margaret Fry)

This article investigates the Berwyn Mountain incident, which involved an earthquake, an explosion, and sightings of strange objects. Margaret Fry recounts receiving reports from local people who saw a large orange globe or an egg-shaped craft glowing pinky-red on the ridge. She notes that the earthquake registered 3.5 on the Richter scale. 'Suited strangers' were reportedly seen on the mountain the following week. Mrs. Pat Evans and her daughters also experienced the earthquake and explosion and saw the craft. The article mentions a possible abduction of two lorry drivers that night. It details information from a military informant, James Prescott, who claimed military authorities knew about a UFO landing three days prior and were deployed to the area. He also alleged that oblong boxes containing 5-6ft tall, thin, skeleton-like beings were transported to Porton Down. The article questions the informant's name and motives, and mentions Nick Redfern's contact with a similar informant. Terry Hooper also shared information about oblong boxes and dead/alive aliens being taken to Porton Down. The article highlights the insular nature of Welsh rural communities and the challenges of investigation. It suggests the Berwyn case is as important as Roswell and Brentwater.

TRUE OR FALSE (by Frances Copeland)

This section examines the book "The Day After Roswell" by retired Army intelligence officer Col. Philip J. Corso. Corso claims that Roswell was real and that he was involved in back-engineering alien technology. He describes seeing a bizarre alien body in a glass structure during his service. The article questions the veracity of Corso's claims, asking why such a significant story has not been widely debated. It also touches upon the US government's alleged openness on UFOs, noting that presidents often pledge to reveal truths but little is disclosed. The section includes an anecdote from the internet about a Special Forces team encountering aliens in Cambodia, with memory suppression used on the soldiers. The author notes that the retrieved alien bodies were described as 5-6ft tall, thin, and skeleton-like.

ENCOUNTERS AT AVEBURY

This account details experiences of two members of CIUFOR's data research team in Avebury, Wiltshire. During a visit on December 29th, 1997, while filming, they recorded a curious Indian-like chanting in the background, which was not visually apparent at the time. Peter fleetingly saw an amber bar of light and later a yellow zig-zag of light resembling a lightning fork. The area is known for crop formations and UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, military involvement in UFO incidents, analysis of alien technology, and the importance of witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official explanations and highlighting concerns about privacy and surveillance, while also acknowledging the ongoing mystery and potential significance of UFO phenomena. The magazine encourages reader participation through questionnaires and emphasizes the value of firsthand accounts in UFO research.

AWARENESS, Spring 1998, Volume 22, published by SPACELINK BOOKS, is an English-language magazine focusing on UFO phenomena, paranormal research, and related scientific and astronomical topics. The issue features articles on personal UFO encounters, the influence of Earth energies and planetary alignments on sightings, and the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Personal Encounters and Earth Energies

The issue details an encounter at Avebury involving witnesses Peter and John who reported hearing an unseen voice and seeing a bright red light in the sky. The article connects these experiences to the 'earth energies' of the Avebury complex, particularly the 'Michael' and 'Mary' energy lines, and suggests that the witnesses were 'tuned into the frequency of the natural energies'. The possibility of a parallel dimension or an 'astral world' encounter is raised, questioning the legitimacy of such sightings compared to physical ones.

Planetary Alignments and Solar Weather

An article by Michael Soper explores 'Gyronometric Relations of Planets', suggesting a link between planetary positions, solar flares, sunspots, and UFO sightings. It highlights the work of J.H Nelson, who found correlations between specific planetary angles (trines and 60-degree angles) and solar weather patterns, which in turn affect the ionosphere and communication. The article notes that UFO waves often coincide with periods of rapid change in sunspot counts, particularly during the decrease phase of the sunspot cycle.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis and Space Life

Edward Ashpole, a Science Writer, contributes to the extraterrestrial hypothesis, referencing the DARWIN project which aims to detect the spectral line of ozone to identify planets with life-supporting atmospheres. He argues that advanced civilizations could detect Earth's ozone layer and thus find us. The concept of 'Lifecloud Hypothesis' by Professors Hoyle and Wickramasinghe is discussed, suggesting that life could exist in space, potentially in advanced forms inhabiting 'machines of extreme light weight' or even as 'space animals' that navigate using solar winds. The article also touches upon the possibility of life evolving in extreme environments, such as suboceanic thermal vents, and the potential for ancient human civilizations to have bioengineered species or even originated from space.

Astronomy Notes

'Astronomy Notes - Spring 1998' by B P James provides observational guidance for skywatchers in Britain and Western Europe. It details planetary visibility, including Mercury in March and Venus and Jupiter in April. The notes also mention prominent constellations like Leo and Orion, and upcoming astronomical events such as meteor showers (Lyrid and Eta Aquarid) and the spring equinox.

Letters to the Editor and Other Contributions

Edward Ashpole clarifies points made in a previous issue regarding the age of life on Earth and the significance of the ozone layer for detecting extraterrestrial life. A poem titled 'TIME WITHOUT THOUGHT' by Bobby Dickins is included, offering a reflective piece. The issue also announces the passing of Ray Hunt, a data research member and former Vice-Chairman. A 'STOP PRESS' section reports on giant UFO sightings near Horspath, Oxford, involving red and yellow objects with satellite-like formations, possibly related to 'ASTROGRAMS'. Announcements for UFO-related meetings and advertisements for books, publications, and services are also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena through scientific and observational methods. There is a strong emphasis on the extraterrestrial hypothesis, supported by discussions of astronomical observations, planetary influences, and the potential for life beyond Earth. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet analytical stance, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations while grounding discussions in scientific evidence and research. The editorial stance promotes the use of scientific methods to investigate UFO phenomena and related topics.