LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 1 No 08 - 15th September 1960

Magazine Overview

Title: L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin
Issue: No. 8
Date: 15th September 1960
Publisher: London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin, edited by Roy Stenman, focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on objects observed in orbit and unexplained aerial phenomena.

UFOs in Orbit and Photographed Objects

The lead story, "ASTRONOMER STATES THAT U.F.O. IN ORBIT IS NOT METEOR OR SATELLITE!", reports on a mysterious object in Earth's orbit. Mr. Robert Johnson, director of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, described the object as being about one-tenth the size of the American balloon satellite Echo I (which is approximately 100 feet in diameter) and traveling twice as fast. He stated it was neither an artificial satellite nor a meteor. This sighting was first observed by Mr. Johnson and two assistants on Friday, September 2nd, 1960.

Simultaneously, a report from New York, "SPACE OBJECT IS PHOTOGRAPHED", details a mysterious space object that had appeared in the sky five times since August 23rd. A tracking camera at the Grumman aircraft plant at Bethpage, Long Island, photographed the object. A spokesman for Grumman stated it was photographed at 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, August 25th, as it passed over the company's plant in a westerly direction. Its speed was estimated to be about three times that of the satellite Echo I. Reports also indicated similar objects had been detected over Chicago.

Further observations from the East Coast areas noted that the object seemed to glow with an intermittent reddish light and traveled from east-to-west, contrary to the path of man-made satellites.

A Mother Saw Mystery Object in the Sky

This section details a sighting over Boreham Wood, Herts, where Air Ministry officials were informed of a "giant catherine wheel" that whirred low over the area. Mrs. Evelyn Aaron, a housewife, described hearing a peculiar high-pitched noise and seeing the object flying very fast and low, giving the impression it was circular in shape. Another man walking along the street also witnessed the object. The Air Ministry commented that light often plays tricks with the shape of normal aircraft but would notify the relevant department.

Our Space Race Secret - Official

A separate article, sourced from the 'News of the World' on September 4th, 1960, discusses Britain's involvement in a top-secret space project. The Air Ministry had only recently given permission for this news to be released, classifying the project as secret, with further information deemed detrimental to national interest. Approximately 1,700 employees were reportedly engaged in advanced projects at Boreham Wood, Herts.

Flying Saucers Over Papua

A lecture announcement for the LUFORO at Caxton Hall on September 28th, 1960, features Rev. Norman Cruttwell describing sightings of unidentified flying objects over New Guinea in 1959. The lecture was to include the remarkable sighting of Father Gill at Boianai, where figures appeared on a craft that hovered for half an hour and was witnessed by thirty people.

The Mystery of the "Ring Angels"

This article explores the phenomenon of "Ring Angels," which initially interested ornithologists more than ufologists. It began with newspapers reporting that Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company Limited had been picking up unidentified radar signals at their research laboratories in Essex. Scientists were unable to identify the cause, even after checking the origin locations. The article clarifies that these UFOs appear just before sunrise, have a specific center, and spread out in a vibrating circle. The phenomenon was filmed, and a sped-up picture resembled ripples on water. The period between successive waves was between 1.5 to 12 minutes, with expansion velocity between 25-55 mph and a maximum diameter of 30 miles. The altitude did not exceed 2,000 feet, and ground wind speed was less than 15 knots. The article concludes that these are likely caused by starlings and other birds leaving their roost in groups.

Black 'Moon' Sighted - A Dawn Sky Phenomenon

This report from the Reading Mercury on June 4th, 1960, details a sighting by Mr. C.F. Coventry of Tilehurst. He observed a black sphere, the size of a football, surrounded by six very bright lights at dawn on Sunday. The object appeared to change shape to something resembling a pear, and the lights increased to nine. Mr. Coventry watched the object for almost an hour. The phenomenon was also witnessed by another man from Birmingham, who was on holiday in Tilehurst. Mr. Coventry is employed at the Royal Air Force Headquarters.

Annual General Meeting of London U.F.O. Research Organisation

Minutes from the AGM of LUFORO, held at Caxton Hall on September 10th, 1960, list the elected officials: Mr. G.F.N. Knewstub (President), Mr. G.N.P. Stephenson (Chairman), Miss S.R. Stebbing (Hon. Secretary), and Mr. G. Berrisford (Hon. Treasurer).

Letters to the Editor

A letter from Peter D. Charp (B.Sc.) of Knutsford, Cheshire, praises the society for publishing all UFO sightings received, noting its importance for the possible independent verification of Aimé Michel's discovery of 'orthoteny'. He emphasizes that only by obtaining day-by-day data can this be checked, highlighting its significance for verification or repudiation.

London Flying Saucer Convention

An announcement for a "Flying Saucer Convention" to be held at the Russell Hotel, London, on September 24th and 25th, 1960. The program included lectures such as "Scientific evidence for U.F.Os" by John Dale and "Flying Saucers throughout the ages" by D. Baker. The convention also featured tape recordings of alleged "transmissions" from space people, presented by The Aetherius Society.

Further Index of 1960 U.F.O. Sightings

The bulletin includes an extensive index of UFO sightings from January to August 1960, detailing date, time, duration, location, witnesses, description, direction, and source for each entry. This index covers sightings from various countries including Ceylon, Canada, USA, Germany, New Zealand, and Mozambique.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently aims to document and disseminate UFO sightings and related phenomena, encouraging independent verification and research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, providing a platform for detailed reports and observations. The publication also highlights the secrecy surrounding government space projects and the scientific community's engagement with or skepticism towards UFO reports. The inclusion of the "Ring Angels" article suggests an interest in exploring natural explanations for some phenomena, while still acknowledging the mystery surrounding others. The extensive index of sightings underscores the organization's commitment to cataloging data for potential analysis.