Awareness - 2003-04 - Vol 25 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Awareness
Issue: 25.4
Volume: 25
Date: Spring 2003
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Awareness magazine, the journal of Contact International UFO Research (CIUFOR), covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and unexplained events.

Editorial: Clones, Illusions, Deceptions

The editorial addresses the announcement by the 'Raelian Movement' and its scientific wing, 'Clonaid,' of cloning a human baby named 'Eve.' The editor expresses skepticism, questioning the lack of verifiable evidence and suggesting it might be a publicity stunt, drawing parallels to the 'Raelian Movement's' origins and beliefs about 'Elohim.' The editorial then pivots to the 'real Iraq crisis,' criticizing the decision for 'regime change' and the justification based on 'weapons of mass destruction,' noting the role of misinformation. Finally, it discusses the 'Euroseti' presentation of alleged UFO images from the SOHO satellite, questioning whether these are genuine spacecraft or wishful thinking, likening it to the 'Martian Face' hoax.

News in Brief

• French UFO Research Thrives: France maintains a state-run 'National Centre for Space Studies' (CNES) with a department for analyzing UFO reports ('OVNIS'). Despite budget pressures, a panel of scientists voted to continue the research, which produces objective work. Sepra, the UFO department, has received around 6000 reports since 1977, with 12.5% (approx. 750 cases) remaining unexplained. Scientist Jean-Jacques Valesco states that UFOs exist and should be taken more seriously.
• Clarke and Roberts Visit Archives: CIUFOR representatives met with researchers David Clarke and Andy Roberts, who have uncovered information about UFO history and government cover-ups in Britain. They are researching figures like Lord Clancarty and Anthony Davies from the MOD.
• Malcolm Robinson Spooked!: Contributor Malcolm Robinson reports experiencing strong paranormal activity, including temperature drops, knockings, and apparent possession, at a recent séance.
• Shuttle Disaster: The disintegration of the Columbia space shuttle is attributed to heat shield tile failure. Investigators noted a small object tracking the shuttle before it split up.
• Alien Graffiti Artists?: The article notes the proliferation of strange graffiti symbols, possibly related to crop circle designs, questioning the motivation and methods of the artists who create them in dangerous locations.

Stop Press - Strange Disappearance of Berkshire Youth

Nick Carter, a 20-year-old from Thatcham, Berkshire, disappeared after chasing off intruders. He reappeared 18 hours later, disoriented and with no memory of the intervening time. CIUFOR is investigating this as a potential 'abduction' scenario.

Agony Corner: Iraq Misinformation

This section critiques the misinformation and disinformation surrounding the Iraq War, questioning the justification for the conflict and highlighting the role of governments in manipulating events. It contrasts the official narrative with the reality seen on television and notes the potential for misinformation to persist post-conflict.

Alien Broadcasts, Screen Memories and Strategic Illusions on the A685

By Michael Soper

This article examines cases that illustrate the illusory nature of the UFO phenomenon.

• DATELINE 26th NOVEMBER 1977: A TV signal hijack occurred, broadcasting a message from 'Gramah of Azkah' containing predictions about the nuclear arms race, global stability, animal feed policies (BSE), the ozone layer, and the rise of a 'false prophet.' The message was dismissed as a 'student prank,' but the author questions how students could achieve such a feat and notes the similarity to channeled material.

• DATELINE 1964: A report from 'Strange Encounter' details a UFO crash near Hanbury, Staffordshire, with recovered artifacts and dead personnel. The article mentions a large, mysterious crater in Hanbury, possibly the result of a nuclear-like explosion, and eyewitness accounts of RAF Police shooting animals while humans were trapped.

• Screen Memory for the Village: The author connects the Hanbury incident with a UFO crash report and a mysterious crater, suggesting a possible cover-up and alien deception.

News in Brief (Continued)

• DATELINE 22nd September 1988: Near Kendal, a road was blocked by vanishing boulders, followed by the sighting of a landed disc with two seven-foot aliens. A disc was also reported erratically flying over Middleshaw.

• STRANGE ENCOUNTERS: A book by Parragon Press is recommended.

• SIGHTINGS:
• Wheatley, Oxfordshire (Early February 2002): A witness reported seeing three white lights in a line with a red light underneath, moving at aircraft speed.
• Oxfordshire (4th May 2002): Mrs P.E. saw a stationary, white, round object in the sky for 11 seconds before it disappeared.
• Dulwich Village, London (12th January 2003): Ms I.L. observed a stationary, oval-shaped object with windows and beams of light for 15 minutes.

Flying Saucers at Edwards Air Force Base 1954

By Frances Copeland

This article recounts events surrounding Edwards Air Force Base in 1954, a period of significant UFO activity and government mystery. It mentions George Adamski and the 'Saucer Flap' at Muroc Dry Lake. President Eisenhower reportedly took a vacation to Palm Springs to confirm the reality of visitors from outer space, disappearing for four hours, leading to speculation about his involvement in observing UFOs at the base. The author suggests Eisenhower remained loyal to the establishment and did not break security regarding the landing.

The article includes an extract from a letter by Gerald Light to Meade Layne dated April 16, 1954, describing a visit to Muroc (now Edwards AFB). Light reports seeing five distinct types of aircraft being studied with the assistance of 'The Etherians.' He describes the event as a 'matter of history' and suggests Eisenhower would address the nation. Light conveys the 'mental and emotional pandemonium' among scientific authorities struggling to rationalize the events, noting the dematerialization of 'solid' objects and the presence of 'etheric or spirit bodies.' The letter concludes with a sense of profound realization about 'otherplane' aeroforms.

Meade Layne's Personal Bulletin from April 16, 1954, is also cited, stating that a 'great historical event' was unfolding and that 'Mankind can and will win through into a better world.' The article questions why, after 50 years, nothing has been revealed about the Edwards landing, suggesting a continued cover-up and the difficulty of researching such events due to freedom of information limitations.

UFOs ----The Truth----The Proof!! Or Was It?

By Geoff Ambler

This article critically examines a presentation by an organization called 'Euroseti' at the National Space Centre, Leicester, in January 2003. The presentation purported to show images of 'UFOs' taken from the SOHO Observatory.

• Presentation Details: The event cost £20 for entry and included a CD-ROM of the images. The author notes organizational issues with Euroseti and the Space Centre providing disclaimers.
• 'UFO Images': The first part of the presentation covered Earth-orbiting objects and other UFO-related tales. The SOHO images, gathered over three years, are from an observatory orbiting 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. The images show objects near the Sun, which Euroseti investigators claim are 'anomalous' and move along specific routes as if intelligently controlled.
• Analysis of Images: The author explains that the Sun is 93 million miles away, and SOHO is about 1 million miles closer, meaning objects in focus are likely 80-100 million miles distant. He compares this to the difficulty of seeing vehicle-sized objects on the Moon. Scaling the anomalous images suggests they are possibly 20-30 miles across. The presentation involved magnifying 'blobs,' computer enhancement, and filtering. The presenter admitted 'pixel bleed' caused some 'wings' or 'fins' appearances. The author suggests most 'UFOs' are likely white-hot ejecta from the Sun or asteroid-sized rocks reflecting intense light. He concludes there is a 'very slim chance' that anything seen was an intelligently controlled spaceship.
• Categorization: The CD-ROM contained 436 images categorized into 11 groupings, including 'ANGELS,' 'CRUISER,' 'DISCS,' 'SPINNER,' 'TRAILS,' 'CROSS,' 'CRUZE,' 'DIVE,' and 'SPACERODS.'
• Conclusion: The author suggests NASA footage has been 'been hi-jacked' and questions if technology is being abused to generate myths, similar to the 'face on Mars' saga. He acknowledges that unusual phenomena might occur near the Sun but doubts the 'Euroseti' findings represent intelligently controlled spacecraft.

MOD Rendlesham/UFO Working Party Files Revealed

By Data Research

This article discusses the release of files related to the UFO activities of late December 1980 in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, under the 'Freedom of Information Act 2000.'

• File Access: The files are available on the MOD website, under 'Freedom of Information' and 'Search.' The Rendlesham file is titled 'Correspondence' and contains approximately 178 pages, mostly letters from the public and MOD replies.
• Content: The majority of the file dates from 1980-84, with some entries into the 1990s, including correspondence from Nick Pope. The MOD did not consider the incidents a threat to British airspace. The article notes that the 'News of the World' published an article around 1983, generating more letters.
• Limitations: The author finds the file largely 'dross and very repetitive' and believes it adds little to existing knowledge about Rendlesham unless crucial pages were missed.
• Flying Saucer Working Party Report No 7: This report, dated 1951, is also available online and formed the basis of the 'Men in Black' operation. It presents a negative view of the UFO scene and would have led to the disbandment of the working party had it not been for Winston Churchill's interest in 1952 following the 'Washington Flypast.' The report's 15 points are marked 'SECRET' and should have been released in 1981 but are now available due to the efforts of Dr David Clarke and Andy Roberts.

Unexplained Lights

This section presents a detailed report from the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters 81st Combat Support Group, APO New York, dated January 13, 1981, concerning an incident at RAF Woodbridge.

• Incident Summary: Early on December 27, 1980, two USAF security police patrolmen saw unusual lights outside the back gate at RAF Woodbridge. They investigated and reported seeing a strange, metallic, triangular object in the forest, approximately 2-3 meters across the base and 2 meters high, illuminated by a white light, with a pulsing red light on top and blue lights underneath. The object hovered or was on legs and disappeared through the trees. Animals on a nearby farm went into a frenzy. The object was briefly sighted again an hour later.
• Physical Traces: The next day, three depressions (1 1/2" deep, 7" diameter) were found where the object was sighted. Beta/gamma readings of 0.1 milliroentgens were recorded, with higher readings in the depressions and a nearby tree.
• Subsequent Sightings: Later that night, a red sun-like light was seen through the trees, moving and pulsing, throwing off glowing particles, and breaking into five white objects before disappearing. Immediately after, three star-like objects were seen in the sky, moving rapidly with red, green, and blue lights. The objects to the north appeared elliptical and later turned to full circles. The object to the south beamed a stream of light for several hours. Numerous individuals witnessed these activities.

This report was investigated by Lt Col Charles I. Halt, Deputy Base Commander.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include government secrecy and cover-ups, the potential for misinformation and deception (both by governments and potentially by UFO proponents), and the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning extraordinary claims while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and the importance of investigating them seriously. The magazine actively promotes the release of government files and encourages reader participation in research.

This issue of DISCREET, identified as issue number 19 and dated July 2, 1992, is published by CONTACT INTERNATIONAL UFO RESEARCH. The cover headline proclaims 'UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS', and the document type is a magazine issue. The publication appears to be primarily focused on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and related conspiracy theories.

Content Analysis

Correspondence and Official Reports

The issue begins with a letter dated July 2, 1992, from N. Fope to Sqn Ldr P. Rooney of RAF Bentwaters, concerning the background to a UFO sighting near RAF Woodbridge on December 27, 1980, and the report made by USAF Deputy Base Commander Lt Col Halt. The author requests a copy of the original covering letter (BENT/19/76/Air dated January 15, 1981) and confirmation that Lt Col Halt's report is a genuine USAF report, citing concerns about hoax documents. The letter notes the enduring public interest in the alleged incident, which has become a well-known UFO story in the UK.

Following this is a report by the 'Flying Saucer' Working Party, marked 'DISCREET SECRET'. The report's introduction provides historical context, noting the first 'flying saucer' reports emerged in Sweden in 1946, followed by a surge in the US in June 1947. It describes the objects as varied in shape and often brightly lit, but emphasizes that reports are almost exclusively visual, with little tangible evidence. The report details investigations conducted by the USAF between 1948 and 1950, including work with the Rand Corporation and astronomer Dr. Hynek. It cites the 'Grudge' report's conclusions that most phenomena could be explained by astronomical factors, conventional aircraft, balloons, optical illusions, or hoaxes.

Investigation of Incidents in the United Kingdom

Section 10 discusses the 1950 publicity surrounding luminous bodies in the UK, with the Air Ministry receiving reports, one of which was identified as a meteorite. Section 11 mentions three incidents reported by experienced RAF officers. Incident 12 describes a Meteor pilot's sighting on June 1, 1950, of a circular, metallic object travelling at high speed over Portsmouth, with a corresponding radar anomaly at Wartling. The report concludes this was likely a meteorological balloon and an optical illusion, or interference, rather than a connection between the visual and radar observations.

Incident 13 details an event on August 14, 1950, where F/Lt. Hubbard reported seeing a flat, light pearl grey disc, about 50 feet in diameter, at 5,000 feet, executing S-turns at high speed over Farnborough. The report suggests this was likely an optical illusion or misidentification of a normal aircraft, given the lack of other witnesses in a populated area.

Incident 14 describes F/Lt. Hubbard and five other officers observing a similar flat disc on September 5, 1950, over the Guildford-Farnham area, which followed a rectangular flight path. While acknowledging they saw a flying object, the report dismisses the identification as the same object as the previous sighting, again suggesting misidentification of a normal aircraft due to the prior report.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Section 15 presents the conclusions and recommendations of the 'Grudge' report. It states that while proof of extraterrestrial origin is impossible with subjective evidence, most observations can be explained by simpler causes: astronomical/meteorological phenomena, mistaken identification of conventional objects, optical illusions/psychological delusions, or deliberate hoaxes. The report recommends against further investigation of unco-ordinated subjective evidence unless material evidence becomes available, deeming a continuous, co-ordinated observation network a 'singularly profitless enterprise' based on current evidence.

Appendix A: Unusual Radar Response

Appendix A, authored by Mr. G. E. G. Graham, DS.I.1, offers a technical explanation for the unusual radar response observed at Wartling on June 1, 1950. It suggests the signal was received directly from another radar transmitter, possibly ship-borne, in the Portsmouth-Isle of Wight area. The explanation involves isochronous modulation pulses and time differences, leading to the appearance of a fast-moving target on the P.P.I. display. It also notes that reflections from nearby objects could create the impression of 'shadows'.

UFOs by Ra*

This section, attributed to 'Ra*', presents a more speculative and conspiratorial view. It posits that UFOs exist and leave radar traces, but many sightings are 'stage-managed' to discredit witnesses or create chaos. The author suggests the use of telepathy machines, constructed craft, and humanoid constructs. The piece criticizes scientific institutions for mocking new ideas and obscuring results. It highlights 'Men in Black' as visitors who discourage witnesses and speculates that they might be terrestrial agencies, extraterrestrial constructs, or extraterrestrials themselves. The author further claims that the planet has long been occupied by extraterrestrials ('EST') who are not humanoid but can create human-like constructs. These EST are described as organic computers created by a vanished race, seeking the metal from planets, and subtly aiming to extinguish humanity and other lifeforms, possibly to make it look like racial suicide.

The Pyramid of Cheops

This section explores a theory linking the Pyramid of Cheops to extraterrestrial involvement. The author suggests the pyramid was constructed by 'Fed Op' (possibly related to EST) as a sentinel. It questions the pyramid's emptiness upon its 800 AD opening and proposes that 'Fed Op' or EST used advanced technology, including matter transporters and a railway system within the Grand Gallery, to access the King's Chamber. The author also links the EST to Egyptian mythology (god Set) and the name Jehovah, suggesting they influenced ancient religions and modern 'Set Intelligence' or 'SETI'. The section concludes by suggesting that the EST are interested in the metal content of planets and are subtly manipulating events on Earth.

Letters to the Editor

Phillip Duckworth of Chipstead, Surrey, expresses frustration that humanity is preventing a visitation from 'good friends, from other dimensions' who could heal the world. He believes people are too 'pin headed and blind' to accept the help readily available, remaining in their 'own cesspool'.

John Copsey of Dereham, Norfolk, shares his involvement in UFO investigations since 1977 with groups like BUFORA and BSIG. He recalls setting up an early investigation team in Norfolk and mentions the magazine 'LANTERN'. He notes the cyclical nature of UFO interest and the current lack of magazines on newsagents' shelves, but expresses hope that dedicated individuals will uncover the truth.

Other Contributions

Chris Carter of Little Hallingbury, Herts, discusses the Moon's diameter and its ratio to Earth's diameter, linking it to the Golden Section and Pi, and questioning whether the Moon was an artificial satellite or divinely created. He references 'City of Revelation' by John Michell.

Maria Sullivan of Kidlington, Oxon, seeks contact with a UFO group near Kidlington, having previously assisted ufologist Cynthia Hind in Zimbabwe.

Notices and Advertisements

Notices include a call for articles, book/film reviews, UFO sighting details, and letters for 'Awareness' magazine. Advertisements offer UFO and space age publications, books, magazines, and audio/video tapes, along with details for 'The Travel and Earth Mysteries Society' lectures and field visits.

Book Listings

A section titled 'Conspiracies, Secrecy & Cover-ups 2003' lists various books for sale from Spacelink Books, covering topics such as conspiracy theories, government UFO files, Men in Black, Roswell, Area 51, mind control, and ancient mysteries. Notable authors include Robin Ramsay, Nicholas Redfern, Philip Corso, and Nick Pope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and alleged cover-ups. There is a clear division in perspective, with one section presenting a critical, skeptical analysis of UFO evidence based on official investigations and scientific principles, concluding that most sightings are explainable by mundane causes. Conversely, other sections, particularly the 'UFOs by Ra*' and 'The Pyramid of Cheops' pieces, delve into more speculative, conspiratorial, and even metaphysical theories, suggesting extraterrestrial involvement in historical events, ancient structures, and modern cover-up operations. The 'Letters to the Editor' section reflects a mix of ongoing interest in UFO investigation and frustration with public apathy or perceived blindness to potential extraterrestrial contact. The overall stance appears to be one of exploring and documenting UFO-related claims, while acknowledging the existence of both skeptical and highly speculative viewpoints within the field.