Awareness - 2010-11 - Vol 31 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: Volume 31, No 3
Date: March 2011
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research
Country: UK

This issue of 'Awareness' magazine, published by Contact International UFO Research, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and related mysteries. The cover features a drawing of a UFO and highlights key articles such as 'GREAT UFO HOAX 1967', 'MISSING OR ABDUCTED?', and 'RUDLOE MANOR EXPOSED'.

Editorial: Life As You Know It?

The editorial discusses recent planetary discoveries and the challenges of detecting extraterrestrial life. It touches upon the possibility of fossilized bacteria in meteorites, suggesting life's origins might be extraterrestrial. The editor reflects on the rapid surge in human creativity and intelligence over the last 5,000 years, contrasting it with the apparent lack of intellectual advancement in other species. The piece also briefly mentions the extinction of dinosaurs and the unique conditions on Earth that support life, posing questions about how life might evolve on other planets.

Contents

The magazine includes a variety of articles, news items, and reports:

• Editorial/Latest News Items (1-10): Covers general news and editorial content.
• "Alien Life" by Frances Copeland (11-14): Explores the possibility of alien life, including research into artificial chemical systems and potential extraterrestrial biochemistries.
• Sighting Reports - Data Research (14-18): Presents a collection of UFO sighting reports with dates, locations, and witness statements.
• Missing or Abducted - Geoff Ambler (18-20): Discusses cases of missing persons or alleged abductions.
• UFO Behaviour and Ancient Texts - Mike Soper (21-23): Investigates potential links between UFO phenomena and ancient texts.
• Book Reviews (24-26): Reviews of relevant books.
• Astronomy Notes 2011 (27): Updates on astronomical findings.
• Advertisements (28-29): Commercial advertisements.

Key Articles and Reports

Mass Wildlife Deaths

This section reports on a series of unusual mass deaths of birds and fish occurring in late December 2010 and early January 2011 across various locations, including New Zealand, USA, Sweden, Italy, and Vietnam. Specific incidents include 85,000 drum fish washed ashore in Arkansas, USA; 5,000 red-winged blackbirds falling in Beake, Arkansas; two million dead fish on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland; and large numbers of dead crabs and fish in England and Brazil. The article questions whether these events point to something hostile in the atmosphere, suggesting possibilities like death rays, magnetic pole shifts, or UFOs. It notes that the internet's efficiency in reporting such events contributes to the perception of a 'mass hysteria', with the United States Geographical Society recording an average of 163 such events annually.

The Great 1967 UFO Hoax

This report details an elaborate hoax orchestrated by students from Farnborough, Royal Aircraft Establishment, in January 1967. The prank involved constructing six fibreglass 'saucers' (54ins long, 30ins wide, 20ins deep) laced with graphite for an otherworldly sheen and filled with a jelly-like goo. A loudspeaker was installed to emit a wailing sound if disturbed. The saucers, weighing about 112 lbs each, were placed at equidistant points across Southern England. The hoax aimed to raise money for charity and test authorities' reactions to an alleged alien invasion. The objects were found by the public and taken seriously by the MOD, leading to an investigation. The students' cover was blown by a local reporter, and the event raised £2,000 for charity, with one saucer displayed in a West End restaurant.

Alien Life Found in Meteorite?

This article discusses claims by NASA scientist Dr. Richard Hoover, who asserts he has discovered microscopic fossils of alien life, identified as 'cyanobacteria', within nine rare meteorites. Hoover's research, using high-powered scanning electron microscopes, suggests that meteors could spread organisms, supporting the 'panspermia' theory. While other scientists are skeptical, Hoover's findings, if confirmed, would represent life as it existed on Earth 3 billion years ago, with the leap to intelligence being a more recent development.

RAF Rudloe Manor Revealed

As part of a batch of MOD files released to the National Archive, information about RAF Rudloe Manor, a base believed to be involved in covert UFO research since the 1980s, is revealed. A parliamentary question by Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor sought details on the functions and organizations based there. The background note clarifies that Rudloe Manor is a defence installation for communications and stores, and while it attracts UFO speculation, the existence of an underground facility is not officially acknowledged. The note also mentions the proximity of the Corsham Computer Centre and the closure of some RAF Rudloe Manor sites by March 1999.

Mayan Calendar and 2012 Doomsday

This section addresses common questions about the Mayan calendar and the prediction of the world ending on December 21, 2012. It clarifies that the date signifies the end of a Mayan long-count period, not the end of the calendar itself, with a new cycle beginning afterward. NASA scientists dismiss claims of a pending doomsday, stating there is no credible scientific evidence for any assertions of disaster or dramatic changes in 2012.

Sighting Reports

The magazine includes several witness accounts of UFO sightings:

• Wantage, Oxfordshire, UK (January 9, 2011): Witnesses observed a bright white light moving rapidly and silently, appearing to be an aircraft or helicopter.
• Tooting, London, UK (February 12, 2010): Two balloon-like objects with lights underneath were seen rising into the clouds.
• Burghfield, Reading, UK (September 11, 2004): Witnesses reported a black object with a single bright light underneath that disappeared into the clouds.
• Tasmania, Australia (Summer 1966-67): A group of friends witnessed hovering bright white pulsating lights over a beach.
• North Moreton, Oxfordshire, UK (August 1965): Two children saw a small car-sized object descend rapidly with bright light and sound, then ascend at incredible speed.
• Marston, Oxford, UK (February 9, 2011): A witness observed a round orange pulsating light moving rapidly and silently.

"Alien Life" by Frances Copeland

This article explores the concept of alien life, referencing research into artificial chemical systems that mimic DNA and the possibility of life existing in environments vastly different from Earth. It discusses NASA's search for extraterrestrial life and the discovery of arsenic-based DNA in bacteria in Mono Lake, California, suggesting that alien life might not conform to Earth's biochemical norms. The article also touches upon abduction experiences and the potential for DNA analysis to provide answers.

The Uralien Alien

This section details a case from 2007 involving Russian geneticists investigating a mysterious creature found near Kyshtym, Russia, dubbed the "Uralien alien." DNA analysis revealed a gene not corresponding to human or anthropoid ape genes. The creature, found in 1996, was initially alive and named Alioshenka. After its death, the body reportedly disappeared. The investigation into the phenomenon led to illness and death for some involved, including researcher Mark Milkhiker.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and unexplained events. There is a clear interest in investigating alleged hoaxes, analyzing witness testimonies, and exploring scientific and governmental involvement (or lack thereof) in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and reports while maintaining a critical eye, as seen in the discussion of the 2012 doomsday predictions and the scientific assessment of films. The magazine also highlights the importance of DNA research in understanding life and potential extraterrestrial origins.

This issue of Awareness magazine, dated 2011 and identified as issue 29 of volume 30, delves into a range of topics related to UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and ancient mysteries. The magazine features articles on witness testimonies, historical cases, book reviews, and astronomical observations relevant to UFO research.

Missing or Abducted?

Geoff Ambler's article, "MISSING OR ABDUCTED?", explores the concept of alien abduction and the phenomenon of 'missing time'. He contrasts this with the general issue of missing persons, citing statistics for Britain, the USA, and Australia. Ambler discusses the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and its fictional portrayal of abductees being exchanged for volunteers, noting that the film was reportedly based on true facts and consulted ufologist Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The article then analyzes data from www.missingpeople.org.uk, focusing on a sample of 100 cases, and highlights that a significant percentage (24%) of these individuals were described as behaving 'entirely out of character' before their disappearance. The article also touches upon cases of murder and disappearance, suggesting that 'dark forces' of a human kind are also at work.

UFO Behaviour and Ancient Texts

Michael Soper's article, "UFO BEHAVIOUR AND ANCIENT TEXTS", examines ancient writings, particularly those found on the base of coffins in the Great Pyramid, which speak of 'shining otherworld forms' appearing in chosen forms and entering a 'hidden gate in power'. Soper relates these to the Egyptian god Horus and suggests that ancient civilizations may have had psychic or actual meetings with extraterrestrial forces. He also references the Babylonian interest in Sirius and Orion. The article then recounts Captain Jim Howard's sighting of seven unidentified objects while flying on a BOAC flight in 1954. It further explores ancient texts like the 'Book of the Two Paths' and their descriptions of celestial phenomena and journeys. The article also details a 1976 incident in Tehran where two F4 fighter jets experienced electronic failures when approaching a large, multicoloured object. Another case involves a 1966 sighting by Deputy Sheriffs in Ohio of a bright humming object that they pursued for 70 miles. The article notes that power supply failures are common during UFO overflights, citing examples near Niagara Falls. It references NICAP's 1964 report on vehicle overflights and concludes that there is 'incontrovertible technical proof' of phenomena causing electrical failures, suggesting these objects are electrically charged.

Book Reviews

'MIRAGE MEN' by Mark Pilkington: Reviewed by Geoff Ambler, this book is described as delving into the 'inner secrets of the UFO world' and suggesting that CIA-connected groups and the airforce special investigations unit (AFOSI) deliberately created UFO myths to distract from secret weaponry development during the Cold War. Pilkington, a former chairman of Norfolk UFO Society (NUFOS), is noted for his skepticism and involvement with crop circle faking. The review mentions the concept of SERPO, a planet from which ETs allegedly arrived, and the author's attendance at the 2006 Laughlin conference. It highlights an account of Pilkington being shown a 'gleaming flying saucer' at Kirtland Air Force Base. The review also discusses a story about an alleged alien artifact from Roswell and suggests a possible disinformation campaign. The reviewer finds the book to be a good read but notes an excess of names and places, leaving the author's stance on UFOs unclear.

'HAUNTED SKIES', The Encyclopaedia of British UFOs VOLUME 1, 1940-1959 by John Hanson and Dawn Holloway: This review praises the meticulous research of the authors and the quality of the book's production, particularly the illustrations by David Sankey. It covers the period from WWII through the austerity years, noting that while UFOs seem low on publication priorities, CFZ publications offers a long list of Fortean subject books. The review highlights specific cases, including a landing near Meriden in 1940 with tall humanoids, the strong conviction of Lord Dowding regarding UFOs, and the Bexleyheath landing in 1955. It also mentions contactee Cynthia Appleton and the Berwyn Incident. The reviewer notes that the authors have investigated UFO reports for 46 years.

Astronomical Notes 2011

This section, compiled by Data Research, provides information on celestial bodies that can be mistaken for UFOs, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Sirius, and the Moon. It explains the concept of 'magnitude' for brightness comparison. The article details the visibility of these planets throughout 2011 and lists the dates for new moons and full moons, advising that skywatches are best undertaken on dark nights. A 'Stop Press' notes that the full Moon of March 19th was the largest disc seen in 19 years and coincided with the closest approach to Earth, causing low tides and potentially linking to earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand.

Advertisements and Appeals

The magazine includes advertisements for UFO/ET/Sci-Fi World Penfriends Club, UFO and Space Age Publications, and Awareness back issues. It also features a new book, "LINK TO THE STARS" by Margaret-Ellen Fry. A section titled "NEW BARGAINS and OFFERS 2011" lists various books for sale, including titles on paranormal subjects, history, and UFOs. There is also a request for members looking for UFO sightings in the Shipston-on-Stour area. Finally, an "APPEAL" section addresses rising postal charges and requests donations to support the magazine's finances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Awareness magazine are UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, missing persons, and the interpretation of ancient texts as potential evidence of extraterrestrial contact. The magazine also explores the possibility of government disinformation campaigns and the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes or misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various cases and viewpoints while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties involved. The inclusion of book reviews and astronomical notes suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive resource for those interested in the paranormal and UFO phenomena.