Awareness - 2003-04 - Vol 26 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Awareness
Issue: Volume 26 No 2
Date: Winter 2004 (Cover Date)
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of Awareness, the journal of Contact International UFO Research (CIUFOR), provides a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, crop circles, and paranormal events. The cover highlights key articles on 'Crop Circles 2003', 'Paranormal Oxford', and 'Betty Hill Revisited'. The magazine is affiliated with IUFOPRA and OCCCS.

Editorial: Gone But Not Forgotten

The editorial section pays tribute to two prominent figures in the ufology community who passed away: Graham Birdsall, editor of 'UFO Magazine', who died at the age of 49 after a brain hemorrhage, and Gordon Creighton, former editor of 'Flying Saucer Review', who died at the age of 95. The editor reflects on their contributions and the difficulty of replacing them. The piece also touches upon the periodic 'bickering' within UFO organizations, attributing it to differing viewpoints and the lack of a single authoritative doctrine. It contrasts the historical persecution of those discussing 'flying saucers' with the current era of free speech, while noting the challenges of discerning credible information on the internet.

The editorial also notes a recent drop in UFO reports following a surge during the July/August heatwaves, suggesting a correlation with increased outdoor activity. It mentions extreme solar flaring in late October and November 2003 as a potential factor for UFO sightings and notes that Britain received much-needed rainfall after a drought.

News In Brief

Graham Birdsall 1954-2003

This section provides an in-depth obituary for Graham Birdsall, detailing his significant impact on the UFO community. Birdsall began as an investigator for Contact International (UK) and rose to become the editor of 'UFO Magazine'. He was instrumental in forming YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society) and later transformed its journal into the successful 'UFO Magazine', which achieved distribution in major outlets like W.H. Smith. His marketing skills and drive made him a notable figure at international UFO conferences. The report also touches on his more controversial research, citing the 'Cracoe Fell' photographs as an example of a disputed UFO claim.

Violent Solar Storm Reported

Astronomers reported extremely large sunspots in late October 2003, emitting electrified gas that may have reached Earth. Solar flares were expected to cause interference with satellites, power systems, and mobile phones, though this did not seem to be a significant problem. A particularly powerful X28 magnitude flare occurred on November 4th. The article notes the historical link between sunspot cycles and UFO sightings.

Power Failures Link?

Major power failures in the USA/Canada, London, and Italy in the latter half of 2003 are highlighted. The reasons for these failures are described as vague, with the Italian collapse blamed on imported grid supplies. The possibility of terrorism is ruled out, and the question is raised whether external forces are drawing power from these systems.

"A Very British UFO Hoax"

A TV Channel 4 program is discussed, where a team built a convincing saucer-type UFO to test public reaction. The program documented the construction and trials, culminating in a flight near the Avebury stone circles, chosen for its association with crop circle enthusiasts. The timing of the flight, likely late August or early September, is noted as being after the last crop circle of the year appeared.

Articles and Reports

Sightings Reports - Data Research

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports from the UK:

• July 2003, Hanbury Worcestershire: Linda Longbottom reported an article from 'The Standard' about glowing orbs spotted by a BBC cameraman, which were taken seriously by CONTACT UFO Research.
• circa 1998/1999, Bromsgrove: Ms LL reported seeing two iridescent lights that appeared above her car, disappearing quickly with no noise.
• Circa July/August 2003, High Wycombe, Buckingham: Mr & Mrs D. observed objects during the day and night, including a triangular black craft with five domed lights.
• August 3rd, 2003: A witness described a triangular craft, similar to an F117 stealth fighter, performing complex maneuvers.
• August 14th, 2003, Witney, Oxfordshire: Mrs P.O. saw a blue round shaped object described as fuzzy around the edges.
• August 20th, 2003, Streathley on Thames, Berkshire: A silver pencil-shaped object was observed suspended in the sky.
• August 2nd, 2003, Sheldon, Birmingham: An elongated silver pendulum with a rotating spherical device was seen.
• October 14th, 2003, Probus, Cornwall: A brightly lit box-shaped object with a dome on top, translucent with yellow lights, was observed.

"X-Ray Vision" Reality

This article discusses the development of a 'Millimetre Wave Camera' that can 'undress' individuals to detect hidden weapons or explosives. It operates differently from X-ray machines and emits no radiation. The article raises ethical concerns about its potential misuse by police and security services, likening it to the widespread availability of 'Viagra' and suggesting it could become a 'Peeping Tom's paradise'.

Coincidences - Latest

The editor shares a personal anecdote about calling the wrong address in Wandsworth, London, and later noticing a similar coincidence in the film 'Love Actually', where the Prime Minister also mistakenly goes to the wrong house.

IUFOPRA Disbands

An email from Anne Griffin and Pat Delaney announces the disbandment of IUFOPRA, Dublin, after 10 years. Reasons cited include personal commitments, caring for sick relatives, and the loss of files and property due to a flood. They express gratitude to members and friends, particularly Kathy Crinion.

National Skywatch at Rendlesham

A second skywatch event at Rendlesham Forest on August 30-31st, 2003, organized by Strange Phenomena Investigations, is reported. While 'orbs' and strange mists were captured on digital cameras, no visible phenomena were observed. The event was generally enjoyed but yielded no outstanding breakthroughs.

Agony Corner: The Silent Menace

This section addresses the phenomenon of 'silent' telephone calls, which are common and often unanswered. The article explains that these calls are likely from powerful computers linked to call centres, possibly in India, engaged in market research or sales, and are considered a form of fraud.

Concerning Vivisection

This brief note mentions Hans Ruesch's exposé on animal 'research', arguing that extrapolation from animals to humans is impossible and advocating for the abolition of vivisection.

McCarthyism Returning?

This late news item draws a parallel between the 1950s McCarthy era in the USA, characterized by a purge of communist sympathizers, and current security measures, such as grounding flights and increased surveillance, in response to the threat of terrorism.

Signs in the Fields - 24th Year, Crop Circle Report 2003

Geoff Ambler reports on the 2003 crop circle season, noting it was less prolific than previous years, possibly due to the extreme summer heat causing an early harvest. A total of 68 formations were considered genuine from aerial photographs, with the phenomenon ceasing abruptly after August 10th. Wiltshire (35 formations) and Sussex (10 formations) were the most active counties. The report details specific formations, including a 'yin-yang' design and a large 'petal' formation. It also mentions the lack of a 'grand finale' formation in 2003 and discusses potential hoaxes. The article concludes that the year 2003 provided no additional clues to the nature of the phenomenon.

Field Visits

This section describes visits to crop circle sites, primarily around Avebury, Wiltshire. It notes the difficulty in accessing some formations and the damage caused by visitors. The article mentions the worldwide appeal of crop circles, with a notable contingent of American ladies visiting the sites.

Local Oxford Paranormal Nexus

Michael Soper explores the idea of Oxford being a 'paranormal parallel', questioning if the location itself contributes to hauntings, apports, and sightings. He notes a concentration of paranormal activity within specific latitudes in Great Britain and discusses potential geological factors like methane saturation. The article also touches upon a perceived conflict between 'uniformity' and 'individuality' forces influencing events in the British Isles.

Events in the Haunted Belt

This section details several paranormal events in the Oxford region and surrounding areas, including sightings of yellow-suited humanoids at Port Meadow, spontaneous levitation and missing time at Rollright Stones, and the mysterious 'X' stone at Oxford Airport. It also mentions a homicide in Old Marston and a haunted stile.

Local Abduction

This report recounts the experience of the Armstrong family in 1978, who encountered a brilliant white light and a landed circular craft. They reported being taken aboard and experiencing missing time, with the family developing heat rashes and nightmares. Hypnotherapy was used to try and unblock their memories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and paranormal events, often with a critical or investigative approach. There is a strong emphasis on reporting firsthand accounts and data from researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and controversies within the field, while also mourning the loss of key figures and advocating for the credibility of ufology. The magazine also touches upon broader societal issues, such as media influence, technological advancements, and historical parallels to current events.

This issue of Awareness magazine, identified as issue 27 and volume 24, published in 2004, focuses on UFO phenomena and their implications for humanity, alongside discussions on innovation and astronomy. The cover headline, "ARE UFOS EMANCIPATING US FROM KEPT STATUS OF HUMANKIND," by Michael Soper, sets a critical tone regarding societal structures and individual potential.

Betty Hill - The Grandmother of Ufology

The lead article by Avis Ruffu details the life and experiences of Betty Hill, a pivotal figure in UFO research. It recounts her famous 1961 abduction experience with her husband, Barney, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. During the encounter, they were taken aboard a craft, examined, and Betty was shown a star map. The article emphasizes the extraordinary nature of their testimony, which defied existing beliefs and gained global attention. It highlights Betty's background as a child welfare worker and her dedication to social causes, noting that her interracial marriage was accepted within her community. The piece also touches upon her post-abduction activities, including extensive travel and lecturing about UFOs, and her eventual retirement from public UFO engagement in 1991. The article stresses Betty's unwavering consistency in her story over 42 years and her grounded, truthful persona. It also mentions her continued belief in the peaceful nature of alien visitors and the existence of a galactic federation, while expressing concern about humanity's potential self-destruction.

UFO Sightings in the UK

The magazine presents several UFO sighting reports from the United Kingdom:

• Horspath, Oxford (March 28th, 1998, 10:15 PM): A family's son reported a large, cherry red disc or globe hovering over fields, surrounded by six blue objects emitting yellow beams. The display lasted about 20 minutes, causing extreme fright.
• Horspath, Oxford (March 29th, 1998, 03:15 AM): Later the same night, a witness saw a yellow disc with two segmented circles rotating in opposite directions. Stars were visible through the object.
• Gloucester (November 1996): Mr. Bob Martin observed a huge black boomerang-shaped object flying silently over the area near the top-secret GCHQ, with five lights on each wing.
• Sandford, Nr Oxford (September 1st, 1990, 9:35 AM): A witness saw a silver disc oscillating and flying fast due north, featuring a black base and oscillating in the vertical plane.
• Oxford (March 22nd, 1979, 7:50 PM): Adam Curtis witnessed an object plunging out of the sky in flames, visible for only a few seconds before vanishing.

The article notes that these are typical 'brief image' cases, common in the mid-latitude regions, and contrasts them with other reported phenomena like ghosts and apparitions in Oxford.

The "Human Aphid Effect" and Innovation

Michael Soper's article, "ARE UFOS EMANCIPATING US FROM KEPT STATUS OF HUMANKIND," posits that humans are kept in a controlled state, akin to aphids in an anthill, by institutions. He argues that institutions impede creativity and innovation, maintaining a status quo that prevents significant development. Soper contrasts this with the power of individual geniuses and partnerships, which he believes are the true drivers of progress. He provides a chart illustrating how new ideas in powered flight, telegraphy, refrigeration, and computing did not originate from established institutions but from individuals or small groups. Soper criticizes institutions for their resistance to new ideas, often labeling them as "NO." He suggests that this suppression is driven by a desire for control and to prevent the population from becoming restless.

An example cited is the "OFFICIAL NUCLEAR JET PROJECT RUN BY ACCOUNTANTS" which saw only a "SLIGHT BREAKTHROUGH," contrasted with an "UNOFFICIAL: JET PROJECT (IRISH AMERICAN BRITISH & NO ACCOUNTANTS)" which achieved a "HUGE BREAKTHROUGH." Similarly, a "SPHERICAL TOKOMAK" project, with minimal funding and spare parts, discussed at a "MACHINE MAN PUB," is presented as a success, implying that institutional accountants hinder progress.

Astronomy Notes 2004

This section provides astronomical information for 2004, compiled by Data Research. It advises skywatchers to check planetary and star positions to avoid confusing them with UFOs. Venus is highlighted as a common source of confusion due to its brightness and potential to appear to wobble. Mars' reddish color and brightness are also noted. The article details the visibility of planets like Mars (receding, best visible to early May), Jupiter (bright after midnight), Saturn (visible much of the year), Venus (evening sky Jan-May), and Mercury (difficult to spot). It mentions a Venusian transit across the Sun on June 4th, the first since 1882, warning it's for professional viewing only. Eclipses for 2004 include partial solar eclipses on April 19th and October 14th (not visible from the UK) and a total lunar eclipse on May 4th and October 28th (visible from European latitudes). The article lists major meteor showers, including the Quadrantids, Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids, and advises caution regarding claims of UFOs during these periods. A light pollution map of England is included to help identify areas with dark night skies for optimal viewing.

Archives and Publications

The magazine features a section on "FROM THE ARCHIVES - CLANCARTY LIBRARY," showcasing complimentary first edition books signed by UFO writers like John A. Keel and Jacques Vallee. It also includes advertisements for UFO-related books, publications, and services, including "UFO Books @ BARGAIN Prices!" from Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books) and "UFO AND SPACE AGE PUBLICATIONS!" from Ms S.R. Stebbing. Information is provided for ordering back issues of Awareness magazine and details for TEMS (The Travel and Earth Mysteries Society).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of UFOs and alien encounters, presenting eyewitness accounts and revisiting significant historical cases like the Betty Hill abduction. A strong undercurrent is the critique of institutional resistance to innovation and truth, suggesting that established systems often suppress genuine discovery and individual insight. The magazine appears to champion individualism, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge outside of conventional channels. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief in the importance of investigating unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to think for themselves and question the status quo. The inclusion of astronomical data suggests an interest in distinguishing genuine celestial events from potential UFO sightings, while also acknowledging the broader context of space and potential extraterrestrial contact.