Awareness - 2010-11 - Vol 32 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue Date: December 2011
Volume: 32, No 1
Publisher: Contact International UFO Research
Country of Publication: UK

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, published by Contact International UFO Research, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, crop circles, and related topics. The cover prominently features the title "AWARENESS" and highlights key articles such as "16 NEW REPORTS", "SPACESHIP EARTH", and "CROP CIRCLES 2011". The magazine also includes an editorial titled "IT MAKES YOU WONDER!" and a "LATEST NEWS STORIES" section.

Editorial: It Makes You Wonder!

The editorial recounts a visit to the "Aven Armand" cave in France, described as a giant underground natural space discovered in 1897. The cave features numerous stalactites and stalagmites, with natural formations resembling various figures, which the editor relates to the concept of "PAREIDOLIA" (the animation of inanimate objects). The editor then poses a question about the reality of paranormal figures if they can be found naturally in rock formations. The editorial also touches upon recent scientific experiments suggesting subatomic particles might travel faster than the speed of light, linking this to the possibility of alien movement in the universe and questioning the implications for human travel to stars.

Contents and Key Articles

The table of contents lists several articles, including:

• Editorial/Latest News Stories: Covering recent developments and news.
• Sighting Reports - Data Research: Detailed accounts of UFO sightings.
• Crop Circle Report 2011 - Geoff Ambler: A comprehensive review of crop circle formations globally.
• The Spaceship Earth - John A. Keel: An archival piece exploring theories about Earth's origins and potential alien colonization.
• UFO Reports and Military Programmes - Michael Soper: An examination of official UFO reports and military involvement.
• Missionaries From Outer Space - Clement Freud: A piece on extraterrestrial contact narratives.
• Letters to the Editor: Reader correspondence.
• Advertisements: Commercial notices.

Latest News Stories

• White House Denies Existence of Aliens: The US government, via spokesman Phil Larson, denied any evidence of extraterrestrial contact or visitation on November 7th, 2011, in response to public petitions. This statement did not rule out the possibility of alien life elsewhere in the universe.
• Faster Than Light Neutrinos: Experiments at CERN involving neutrinos sent to Gran Sasso, Italy, claimed particles arrived microseconds faster than the speed of light, challenging Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity. This has implications for the likelihood of alien travel.
• Largest Mars Rover Launched: NASA launched its "Curiosity" rover on November 26th, 2011, a sophisticated mission to explore the Martian surface, with a planned landing in August 2012.
• Tony Broad Celebrates 90 Years: Congratulations are extended to Tony Broad, former custodian of the Clancarty book collection, who celebrated his 90th birthday.
• Contact Files Now Computerised: UFO sighting reports from 1950-2009, previously filed by CIUFOR and Contact UK, have been computerised by AFU in Sweden.

Sighting Reports

The magazine includes several detailed sighting reports:

• May 12th, 2011, Cam Peak Nr Dursley, UK: A witness observed a pulsating object that appeared to hide a light aircraft, noting its consistency in shape and brightness.
• October 2011, Phoenix, Arizona, USA: A witness reported a large UFO of a boomerang or triangle shape appearing over the city, which was allegedly suppressed by authorities.
• Mid September 1983, Cambs., Norfolk Area, UK: A driver observed an unusual, bright cage-shaped object emanating blue, red, and green light, which rose and disappeared.
• March 19th, 2011, Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK: A silver disc, described as saucer or rugby ball shaped, was seen travelling at high speed, changing colour, and disappearing.
• November 19th, 2011, Pembroke, Malta: Approximately 20 objects were observed floating, some flickering like anti-collision beacons, moving in a line.
• September 30th, 2011, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK: A large orange-yellow sphere was seen moving rapidly, making a turn and fading out of view, with a second, faster object also observed.

Crop Circle Report 2011

Geoff Ambler reports on the 32nd consecutive season of crop circles. The phenomenon remains continuous worldwide, with formations appearing from January in Indonesia to November in Brazil. The main season in the northern hemisphere saw approximately 62 formations in the UK between April and mid-August. Wiltshire accounted for 48 formations (77% of the UK total), with other significant locations including Hants, Lincs, Oxon, Glos, Gwent, Cheshire, and Northumb'land. Overseas, Italy (12), Holland (10), and Czech Republic (7) were prominent. The report notes the persistence of formations even outside the main crop season, such as circles found in residual wheat or barley. The article also discusses the "Smoking Alien" crop circle at Cherhill, which was inferred to be a hoax but was protected by mesh fencing and barbed wire, leading the writer to question the choice of location for a hoax.

The Spaceship Earth

This archival article by John A. Keel revisits theories about Earth's origins. It contrasts the scientific theory of Earth forming from flaming matter with the alternative of supernatural creation. A third theory, gaining attention, suggests that humans are descendants of "SPACEMEN" who colonized Earth from distant worlds, acting as overseers and guiding human progress. The article posits that these "Sky People" have remained in contact, viewing Earth as a farm and intervening during major catastrophes. It also addresses the question of where flying saucers originate, discussing Mars and Venus as potential candidates based on early space probe data, noting that while Mars showed evidence of water, neither planet is currently considered habitable.

"Doug and Dave" - 20th Anniversary

This section commemorates the 20th anniversary of the claims made by Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who in 1991 asserted they were the creators of crop circles since 1978. Their claims, initially sensationalized by the tabloid "Today", are presented as a "scam" that set back objective research. The article describes their method of "planking" with a plank of wood and notes that their claims were questioned due to formations appearing far from their alleged base. The impact of their confession is discussed, including how it fooled researchers like Pat Delgado and led scientist Terence Meaden to retire from public view. The article mentions that Doug was reportedly still involved in faking circles with other hoaxers, while Dave had passed away. The "Today" newspaper folded within two years of the revelation.

Other Mentions

• Agony Corner: A section for anti-establishment comments.
• Windfarms Royal Ufologist Hits Out!: The Duke of Edinburgh is quoted criticizing windfarms as "absolutely useless" and a "disgrace."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, crop circle phenomena, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. There is a critical stance towards hoaxes and sensationalism, particularly regarding the "Doug and Dave" crop circle claims. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into unexplained phenomena while acknowledging the need for rigorous research and data. The publication also highlights the work of researchers and organizations in the field, such as CIUFOR and AFU.

This issue of AWARENESS magazine, identified as issue 29 and part of Volume 30, with an 'Autumn Promotions: 2011' date, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs and their potential connection to ancient history and extraterrestrial visitation. The cover prominently features the book "REAL ALIENS, SPACE BEINGS, AND CREATURES FROM OTHER WORLDS" by Brad & Sherry Steiger, suggesting a broad exploration of alien encounters.

The Pleiades Connection: Ancient Myths and Extraterrestrial Origins

The lead article, "DYING WORLDS," by an unnamed author, posits that the Pleiades star cluster may be the origin of the 'Sky People' who have been visiting Earth for thousands of years. The author draws parallels between ancient myths and legends from various cultures (Australia, Babylon, Africa, South America, the Middle East, Pacific islands) and biblical passages, all of which allegedly pinpoint the Pleiades as the source of these visitors. The article highlights the careful alignment of the Great Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge with the Pleiades. It suggests that the 'doomed' nature of the Pleiades star cluster, with its disintegration rate and gas clouds, could have prompted a super race to undertake a massive project for migration and colonization of other planets, including Earth.

This theory extends to the idea of "COLONIES IN SPACE," where Earth might have been seeded by these 'colonists' from the Pleiades. The author challenges the conventional scientific explanation for Earth's formation, calling it "a lot of rubbish" and questioning the Sun's role in producing a planet like Earth. The article also touches upon the possibility of manipulating entire planets and suggests that human memories of the "Garden of Eden" might be recollections of being transported from another world.

UFO Reports and Military Programmes

Michael Soper's article, "UFO REPORTS AND MILITARY PROGRAMMES FOR THEM," examines the government's interest in UFO data, particularly concerning astronautic techniques and crowd control. It notes the existence of cases involving "MIND CONTROL by UFOs" and discusses Pavlovian conditioning experiments that led to concepts like "Manchurian Candidates." The article points out that UFOs have demonstrated aeronautic techniques far superior to contemporary aircraft, with radar returns indicating speeds of 12,000 mph and the detection of high-speed submarine UFOs. It suggests that military interest is also driven by the desire to time secret plane tests and that the Soviet Union organized national skywatches.

Missionaries From Outer Space

Clement Freud's piece, "MISSIONARIES FROM OUTER SPACE," recounts interviews with individuals involved in UFO research groups like the "International Sky Scouts." The Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench, Chairman of the International Sky Scouts, believes UFO pilots are missionaries from an advanced race who are hesitant to make open contact due to their wisdom in not interfering with lesser peoples' development. Their interest in Earth was reportedly awakened by the Atom Bombs in 1945. The article mentions various unexplained phenomena and ancient sites, including Lake Titicaca and the High Andes. It also introduces Ken Rogers of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), emphasizing the organization's aim to be a scientific group excluding 'nuts.'

Personal Sightings and Investigations

The issue includes several personal accounts and investigations. Arthur Shuttlewood of Warminster, a reporter and author, is presented as a former skeptic who became a believer after seeing numerous UFOs. He believes UFOs are a force for good, noting increased kindness among those who report sightings in his town. The article describes a UFO vigil at Cradle Hill, involving telescopes and a tape recorder, and mentions Arthur's classification of satellites as 'matronly dowagers' compared to UFOs.

Ray Martin from Modder River, South Africa, contributes a letter detailing his sightings of a "Mothership" in 1937 over South London and in 1974 over Cape Town, where discs emerged from the ship. He also reports a sighting in 1995 over Kimberley. Martin's account highlights the advanced technology of these craft, including their ability to make sharp turns and accelerate rapidly, evading fighter jets.

Margaret-Ellen Fry, author of "LINK TO THE STARS," shares her experiences investigating UFOs since the 1960s, including a significant landing event in Bexleyheath, Kent, in 1955 witnessed by over 130 people. She also co-founded the Welsh Fellowship of Independent Ufologists and has researched the Berwyn Incident.

UFOs and the Scientific Perspective

An article titled "WHERE DID THE EARTH COME FROM?" questions the scientific explanation for Earth's creation, suggesting it is flawed. It posits that a chunk of the Sun would dissipate and questions the composition of Earth's atmosphere. The article notes that Moon rocks suggest the Moon is older than Earth, and that Earth appears different from other planets in the Solar System. It also raises the possibility that Mars may have supported life in the distant past.

Final Thoughts and Editorial Notes

The "SOME FINAL THOUGHTS" section acknowledges that the case for extraterrestrial life is built on "very flimsy premises" and that myths and legends are distorted over time. The author, referencing his book "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse" (1970), suggests that the source of UFOs is occupied with deceiving and confusing humanity, making the 'Pleiadeans' allegorical. The editor adds a note reflecting on the text 37 years later, stating that Keel's obsession with the Pleiades remains unproven, and that more recent focus has shifted to mysteries like the Sirius star and the Dogon tribe. The editor also updates information on the age of the Earth and the number of planets in the Solar System.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential for extraterrestrial visitation, the interpretation of ancient myths as evidence of past alien contact, and the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena by various organizations and individuals. There is a clear leaning towards exploring unconventional theories, linking historical accounts with modern sightings, and questioning established scientific explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while acknowledging the speculative nature of some of the presented theories, particularly in the "Final Thoughts" section which suggests a deliberate element of deception in UFO reports.