Awareness - 1998-99 - Vol 23 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Awareness
Issue: 23.3
Volume: 23
Date: Autumn 1999
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research
Country: England
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial: Totally Eclipsed!

The editorial for this issue, dated Autumn 1999, reflects on the media's portrayal of the August 11th, 1999 total solar eclipse in Britain. The editor criticizes the 'false prospectus' built up by the media, particularly regarding the expected crowds in Cornwall, and contrasts this with the reality of lower-than-expected attendance and financial losses for some businesses. The editor laments the current age of 'spin doctoring' and 'false imagery,' where distinguishing reality from manufactured narratives is becoming difficult. The piece also touches upon the upcoming Millennium event and the widespread 'fantasy reporting' that seems to be prevalent, urging CIUFOR's commitment to 'coal face' work to establish truth.

Contents Overview

The magazine's contents are detailed, covering a range of topics including editorials, news in brief, UFO sightings, a visit to MUFON, total eclipse reports, crop circle reports, and articles on UFOs and the Official Secrets Act, alien activity, and 'melted mountaintop stones.'

News in Brief

• Several brief reports are presented:
• Black Triangle Developments: A civil servant reported a black triangle emerging from cloud and disappearing rapidly in Huntingdonshire. Similar reports are noted as being concentrated north of London.
• Contactee News: Updates on three 'contactees,' including one who previously reported a significant event at Stonehenge and another whose unexplained skin rashes have not returned.
• Salisbury Plain Incident: A claimant named JS has been investigated for appearing at sites of animal mutilations and 'events,' with a homing instinct leading him to Salisbury Plain, where he encountered army warning signs.
• Depleted Uranium Scare: The use of depleted uranium shells in the Gulf War and potentially the Kosovo conflict is linked to severe illness and birth defects, with suggestions of cover-ups.
• Blushing Moon: An observation from the lunar probe Clementine noted a darkening and reddening of a small area of the Moon with mystery flashes and dust clouds.
• Oxford Laboratory Laser Show: Oxford University's laser demonstrations generated UFO reports in previous years, but warning notices were issued this year to manage public inquiries.

Sightings Incidents

• The journal features numerous detailed reports of UFO sightings from various locations:
• Falmouth, England (July 24, 1999): Witnesses observed a bright light moving erratically and then a light that flared and shot upwards.
• Kwiathowski, USA (March 11, 1997): A black pyramid-shaped object with white lights was observed hovering, emitting a hum, before rapidly ascending.
• Fremont, Ohio, USA (March 14, 1999): A deputy observed colored lights hovering high in the sky.
• Highworth, Wiltshire, England (May 10, 1999): A round silver object was seen travelling at high altitude and disappeared.
• Didcot, Oxon, England (May 1999): A bright white orb-shaped light moved at speed and disappeared.
• Polton, Bedfordshire, England (May 27, 1999): An inverted triangle object with an iridescent glow was observed.
• Northway, Oxford, England (April 1997): A large red object was seen stationary in the sky, with a similar green object later reported.
• Headington, Oxford, England (March 27, 1999): An object resembling a star moved slowly, stopped, and changed direction multiple times.
• Kingsbury, London, England (June 30, 1999): A matt black ellipsoid craft with no lights was observed moving parallel to a road.
• Woodcote, Oxon, England (July 10, 1999): A bright ball-shaped object was seen moving across the sky.

MUFON Visit

A group member visited the MUFON office in Texas in April 1999, interviewed Walt Andrus, and was shown around the facility, including photographs and a piece of a rocket. The visit aimed to understand the operations of a full-time UFO investigation office.

Total Eclipse Reports - August 11th 1999

• This section provides detailed accounts from three locations during the total solar eclipse:
• Seaton, Cornwall (Howard Ambler and friends): Despite initial concerns about traffic, the viewing conditions were initially good but became overcast. Observers noted a significant drop in temperature and a peculiar 'draining' of light. The approach of totality was marked by an exponential dimming of light, a surge in camera flashes, and a brief period of darkness. The experience was described as awe-inspiring.
• Bodmin Moor, Cornwall (Michael Soper and family): Observers gathered on Bodmin Moor, dealing with cloud cover. They noted the dimming of light and a chill wind. The monochrome scene during totality was described, with no apparent color changes in their immediate vicinity.
• "P.O Box 23" Oxford (Geoff Ambler): In Oxford, where the eclipse was about 95% total, initial cloud cover dispersed, allowing for a good viewing period. Observers noted a strange eerie half-light and a slight temperature drop. The power of the Sun was emphasized, with many people unaware of the event.
• Uffington White Horse Hill (Ellis Taylor): Reports from this location included observations of strange dark lines in photographs and a white cross in the cloud, along with a black object elsewhere.

Overall, the eclipse reports suggest that while many in Cornwall saw something, those seeking financial gain from the event were largely unsuccessful.

Melted Mountaintop Stones and Ancient Records

This article by Michael Soper explores the phenomenon of melted or vitrified stones on mountaintops in Scotland, correlating with a lack of early settlements in these areas and the proximity of North Sea oil deposits. The author links this to worldwide reports of falling naphtha and bitumen around 2400BC, suggesting a possible close approach by Venus around that time. The article examines evidence from ancient civilizations, including Egyptians and Mayans, and speculates on Martian features and the Giza pyramids' alignment. The author proposes that Venus, a 'newcomer' to its current orbit, may have caused significant geological and atmospheric events, including firestorms and the formation of oil deposits. The article also touches on the instability of planetary systems and the possibility of planets being cast out of solar systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, unexplained aerial phenomena, and ancient mysteries. There is a consistent focus on eyewitness accounts and investigative reporting, with a stated commitment to uncovering the truth ('coal face' work) in contrast to what the editorial perceives as sensationalized or inaccurate media reporting. The magazine appears to maintain a critical stance towards conventional explanations and embraces the possibility of unconventional phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges of distinguishing genuine events from hoaxes or misidentifications. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards mainstream narratives and a dedication to exploring the more esoteric aspects of Ufology and related subjects.

Title: CROP CIRCLE REPORT 1999
Issue Date: September 2nd, 1999
Publisher: CONTACT INTERNATIONAL UFO RESEARCH

This issue of the magazine provides a comprehensive overview of the 1999 crop circle season in Britain, alongside in-depth investigations into government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena and discussions on psychic abilities and extraterrestrial contact.

Crop Circle Report 1999

The 1999 crop circle season was extensive, running from April 5th to September 2nd, with the Crop Circle Connector website logging 143 formations, suggesting over 200 in total. The season saw a record broken for the number of single circles used in a design, with 238 small circles forming a square pattern at Windmill Hill, Avebury on July 16th. The most typical designs were 300ft wide circles enclosing complex motifs, often found in Wiltshire, such as at Barbury Castle, Chiseldon, Cherhill White Horse, and the Devil's Den. Other designs included coiled serpents and geometric patterns, with one notable formation featuring a latticed array of hexagons resembling 'Buckyballs'.

Distribution of events showed a concentration in north Wiltshire near Avebury, but also significant activity in Hampshire, Somerset/Avon hills (between Bristol and Bath), Oxfordshire, and Sussex. Kent and Yorkshire also reported formations. The article questions whether the lack of observers in other vast crop-growing areas means fewer formations or if specific terrain features are necessary.

An 'Oxfordshire Investigation' by the writer and other CIUFOR staff documented 11 events, more than double the previous two years. Locations included Garsington, general Burford area, Oxford Airport, Playhatch, and Faringdon. No common link with sacred sites or ley-lines was established, but tests indicated energy above normal levels at nine sites.

The Daily Mail Hoax

In August 1999, the Daily Mail commissioned hoaxers known as 'Team Satan' to create a major crop formation near Avebury. This formation was a large c400 ft flattened circle containing 30 small (about 10 ft diam) raised circles in a triangular array, with paths crossing over them. The reporter, Sam Taylor, attempted to present this as a genuine event. However, upon inspection, the formation showed defects such as variations in area and definition of the standing circles and poorly defined hexagons. The writer inspected the site on August 15th and noted spilled grains, indicating a hoax. Energy detection tests (using rods and pendulums) on this formation yielded negative results, unlike genuine formations which are said to retain a large energy field.

UFOs, The Official Secrets Act, And The Joint Intelligence Committee - A Breakthrough

Nick Redfern presents evidence suggesting the British Government has used the Official Secrets Act (OSA) to suppress information about UFOs. He references a file from the Public Record Office (PRO) titled "UFO Policy" (1958-1963), which includes a 'Secret' level document from November 1960. This document detailed procedures for investigating UFO sightings, including diverting military aircraft to investigate and a strong desire to prevent media disclosure. It explicitly stated: "The Press are never to be given information about unusual radar sightings. Unauthorised disclosures of this type will be viewed as offences under the Official Secrets Act."

The file also references a pre-1959 study of the UFO mystery by the British Government's Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC). The JIC's membership includes high-ranking officials from the MoD, Treasury, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, M15, M16, and GCHQ. The lack of any public knowledge about this JIC investigation indicates a high level of secrecy.

Alien Activity In The Tendring Peninsula, Essex

Michael Joyce reports on an unusual sighting in the Tendring Peninsula, Essex. During 1994 and 1996, several hours of UFO footage were captured on camcorder, primarily during darkness. The footage shows a cone-shaped object, appearing to be made of weathered, pitted stones of grey hue, associated with hundreds of white lights that move and distort. The article discusses the possibility of these lights causing ionisation of the surrounding air. The footage also appears to show occupants with large heads and narrow shoulders, and windows on the craft, potentially representing the first photographic evidence of extraterrestrial beings.

Is Earth Contaminated? - Enquiry

Michael Soper addresses the question of why aliens do not make themselves known publicly. He suggests that advanced cultures might consider humans 'contaminated' and that 'thought contagion' is an apt description of human cultures. He posits that aliens might avoid direct contact due to experimental procedures or anthropological considerations. The concept of 'thought bacteria' is introduced as a possible reason for alien non-disclosure.

No Defence Significance!

Malcolm Robinson discusses the repeated use of the phrase "Of No Defence Significance" by the British Ministry of Defence in response to requests for information on UFO sightings. He argues that this phrase implies the MoD knows more than it is letting on and that there is no real threat from UFOs or aliens. Robinson believes this is a deliberate deception and urges UFOlogists to pressure the MoD to 'come clean'.

Reviews and Reports

The issue includes a review of the Southampton UFO Group Conference held on 24/10/99, highlighting speakers like Russel Callaghan, Kenneth Arnold (via interview), Alan Tanner, Chris Rolfe, Malcolm Robinson, Graham Birdsall, and Lionel Beer. The conference covered topics ranging from crop circles and UFO sightings to animal mutilations and the Y2K syndrome.

Minutes from the AGM of CIUFOR on 30/6/99 are also included, detailing financial reports, membership concerns, media activities, and library updates. A debate regarding an agreement for members possessing CIUFOR property was held.

Letters and Advertisements

A letter to the editor discusses the limitations of the scientific method in investigating psychic phenomena and the emotional resistance to UFOs. Advertisements include UFO and Space Age publications, back issues of Awareness magazine, and BUFORA London lectures for the year 2000, featuring speakers like Professor Arthur J. Ellison, Len Farra, and Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe. Special book bargains on UFO-related titles are also advertised.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and documentation of crop circle phenomena, the persistent efforts to uncover government secrecy regarding UFOs, and the exploration of the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, urging for transparency from authorities and encouraging collective action from the UFO community to demand access to information. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based investigation, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and the limitations of conventional scientific approaches when dealing with the unexplained.