LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 3 No 03 - May Jun 1962

Magazine Overview

The LUFORO Bulletin, May-June 1962 issue, Volume III, Number 3, is published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation. The cover features an illustration of two jet aircraft and the magazine's title.

Organization and Activities

The London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation (LUFORO) is a non-profit society founded on July 11th, 1959. Its Reference Library, located at 106, South Hill Park (off Parliament Hill), Hampstead, is open to members on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The library houses numerous books and magazines. An announcement notes the resignation of Mr. F.B. Andreas from the Executive Committee due to hospitalization, with Mr. B. Kell co-opted to fill the vacancy.

The "Contact Investigation Section" has been renamed the "Contact Section." Its primary objective is to communicate directly with beings who pilot UFOs and to investigate reports of contacts and UFO appearances, aiming to experience such phenomena itself. Members are invited to a meeting of the Contact Section at 106 South Hill Park on Saturday, August 11th, at 4 p.m.

The bulletin seeks volunteers to contribute to UFO research by undertaking tasks such as international correspondence, regional organization, local investigations, starting local groups, and arranging public meetings. Interested individuals are asked to write to the Chairman, Mr. G.N.P. Stephenson, at 12 Dorset Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey.

Readers are also reminded that they can subscribe to the American magazine "Flying Saucers," edited by Ray Palmer, through LUFORO. Copies are 2/10d. each, or 17/-d. for a year's subscription. The March-April and May-June issues are available for purchase. Subscriptions should be addressed to LUFORO's Librarian, Mr. R.G. Wyld, 69 Cranbourne Road, Northwood, Middlesex.

New Visits to Dumfriesshire Skies

This section details an observation by Mr. James McGill of Cresswell, Dumfriesshire, an amateur astronomer and TV installation engineer. On May 19th, 1962, at 10:45 p.m., while observing from near High Mains Farm, Bankend, he witnessed a "strange reddish thing" moving towards Annan. Later, he observed it again, approaching him, displaying blue and red lights around its rim and within the inner rim. He described the object as a dimly lit circular horseshoe shape with a "ball of fire" midway between the ends. Using binoculars and a telescope, he estimated its height at 1,800 feet. Mr. McGill reported hearing a faint hum, "not unlike that of an electric cleaner," and stated it was "certainly not an aircraft." He noted its ability to move in any direction with ease and avoid clouds. The object travelled over the Solway Firth, hovered, moved past Criffell, hovered above Loch Kinder, and then proceeded towards Drungans, Dumfries, and crossed the river Nith, disappearing at 12:15 a.m.

Mr. McGill speculated the object might be photographing or map-making, or a satellite out of control, but did not consider it to be from another planet. On the same night, he observed small flashes of light on the moon. He is seeking information on obtaining star maps and equipment for UFO detection and observation.

Birds in the area were reportedly disturbed. Mr. McGill had moved his viewing point to Bankend after reading a letter in the Dumfries Standard appealing for information on sightings.

Sighting from Bankend

On April 27th, 1962, Mrs. Betty McKeown of Merkland Farm, Bankend, reported seeing a strange object flashing red and green and sweeping back and forth. She described it as moving very quickly, and she was convinced it was not a star or aircraft. After nearly an hour, she called Dumfries police. Constable John Williamson arrived and also saw the mysterious object. Farmer John McKeown, her husband, also witnessed it, describing it as a bright light. They initially thought it might be the new British satellite but realized it was moving erratically. Mrs. McKeown stated that before this sighting, she did not believe in flying saucers but now had doubts.

An oblong orange light was also reported by Mrs. Mary Watson of Moffat, seen over the east soon after 11:30 p.m. the previous night, when the Echo satellite was visible.

On the Road from Liverpool

Mr. Aubrey C. Fishel, a Decorator's Merchant, reported an incident on December 11th, 1961, while driving north from Liverpool. He noticed an object ahead at about 45 degrees above the horizon, described as elliptical, reflecting like aluminium beneath and "fluorescent green" on top. He estimated its size as coverable by a sixpence held at arm's length. Almost immediately, he observed a similar object to his right at a higher angle. The first object departed northwards in a "slow sweeping paraboloid path" at an "incredible speed," leaving a thin trail of black smoke that dispersed quickly. Mr. Fishel, who has radio and electrical qualifications and experience observing airborne objects, suggested the objects were either extra-terrestrial or produced by a technologically advanced government. He contacted the local press but found no other witnesses.

Bluish Light Swoops Over Southampton

On January 18th, 1962, Mr. H.J.B. House, a driver, observed a bright bluish light travelling south very fast at 10 p.m. It swooped down and up again, disappearing quickly. He noted the moon was behind clouds at the time. He informed the local press, who asked if it was a shooting star, which he denied. The next morning, January 19th, 1962, while driving in Southampton Docks, he noticed a bright sun-coloured object. It remained still for 15 seconds before speeding away, leaving a slight smoky trail. Mr. House found the previous night's sighting "remarkable" and was "slightly frightened." He reported this to the local press, who did not publish an account. He suggests the sightings might be due to "One Major Power (including England) conducting certain experiments."

Fireballs

On January 13th, 1962, at 4:35 p.m., a bright greenish light, similar to the one seen by Mr. House, was observed in the Southampton area and by residents in Stow-on-Wold and Pannington. The bulletin questions whether these were ordinary meteorites or the perplexing "green fireballs." On the same Saturday morning, particularly at 12:15 a.m., people across the British Isles reported seeing fireballs, some with red tails. Mr. T. Thompson, Northern Ireland Representative, investigated and is sure several different objects were seen, making flight path calculation difficult.

Fireballs have been observed for centuries and appear sporadically, not always associated with meteor showers. LUFORO has collected more reports of bright fireballs from Britain in the last two years than British astronomical societies. The bulletin notes that fireballs are not strictly "UFOs" but will be referred to when associated with UFO activity.

The Shape of a Whale

On February 9th, 1962, at 11:45 p.m., Mrs. James Manley of Carryduff, near Belfast, observed a "thing" appear from the east. She described it as "in shape like a Whale, with the Head glowing red and the rest yellow." It disappeared with a flash of light, travelling towards the North West. The phenomenon was bright enough to light up the room. Her grandson, Samuel Manley, also saw it from Castlereach. This sighting occurred on the same night as a sighting by Mr. Page in Belfast and Mr. Wildman in Buckinghamshire.

References

The bulletin mentions a good response to a request for references and states a full list will be printed in the next issue. Suggestions for suitable subjects for future 'reference hunts' are also requested, to be sent to Charles A. Strickland, 22 Roseberry St., London, S.E.16.

"UAO" Over Leicester

On November 3rd, 1962, at 4:28 p.m., Mr. Eric Adkins, a Draughtsman and Engineer, observed a "blinding yellow light with orange centre" flying overhead at an estimated height of 16,000 feet and a speed of 600 m.p.h. He described the object as "elliptical, flat on three edges as a triangle," with an estimated size of 450 feet. The object "flipped" and drifted at right angles to its course, presenting a side view. It reached the south-east, stopped and hovered, then disappeared flying north-east at 4:44 p.m. Mr. Adkins, who prefers the term "UAO" (Unidentified Aerial Object), noted that at least 24 people saw the object. He classifies it as "Carrier Class" due to its large size, referencing Major Donald Keyhoe's books.

A Compliment?

An election address by Mr. Diefenbaker, Prime Minister of Canada, described the Liberals as "the flying saucers of politics" for their elusiveness.

Activity in the Firmament

Cigar-shaped Lights North of Nottingham

Miss Celia Fox, a dental nurse, reported seeing "several quite large cigar-shaped clouds darting across the sky" on September 1st, 1961, at about 10:10 p.m. Her sketch showed an oval shape. The lights were described as whitish, without apparent substance, darting in all directions. They were visible in the north of the sky from 30° to 75° elevation for ten minutes before being obscured by clouds. Miss Fox initially considered atomic radiation but now suggests "the Northern Lights," though the description more closely resembles other UFO reports.

Family Watches Family (A Report from California)

This report, sent by Mr. D.J. Tate, concerns a sighting in America. The George H. Fisher family of Sylmar saw "five odd-looking lights" performing tricks that no aircraft could manage, including zig-zagging and stopping dead in the sky. The report is undated but refers to a period between late February and early June 1962.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO sightings from various locations in the UK and a brief mention of a sighting in California. The bulletin emphasizes witness testimonies and factual reporting, encouraging readers to submit their own observations. There is a clear focus on documenting and investigating unexplained aerial phenomena. The organization, LUFORO, actively seeks to engage its members and the public in its research efforts, including the establishment of a 'Contact Section' for direct communication with potential UFO pilots. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting sightings and encouraging further investigation, while also providing practical information for subscribers and potential volunteers.

Title: LUFORO Bulletin
Issue: May-June, 1962
Publisher: LUFORO
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin focuses on UFO sightings, analysis of photographic evidence, and the methodology of UFO research. It presents several witness accounts and encourages members to contribute to a more systematic understanding of the phenomenon.

Reports on UFO Sightings

They Changed Colour This section details a sighting by a Mr. Fisher and his family who observed lights changing from blue to red and sometimes flashing white over consecutive nights. They also noted the objects moved in a specific pattern, stopping, circling, and jumping back and forth. The report humorously questions if this is a new trend in UFO movements.

Calling Civil Air Patrol! In an attempt to identify the lights, the Fishers contacted the San Fernando Civil Air Patrol. Chief Master Sgt. Donald Ramsden confirmed they also saw the objects, describing them as looking like bright stars but moving, and stated they had no explanation.

SILVER "ZEPPELIN" AT MIDNIGHT Reported by the Belfast Telegraph on May 9th, 1962, residents in the Dundonald-Newtownards area witnessed a strange object described as "like a Zeppelin, shining silver," which moved in the sky for over an hour around midnight before drifting away. An Aldergrove Met. spokesman suggested it could have been a weather testing balloon, but the bulletin questions this explanation due to the object's description, size, and movement, noting that radio-sonde balloons are round and ascend at a specific rate.

The Sun At Night This section recalls a sighting from October 28th, 1960, of a sausage-shaped object over Hazel Grove, Cheshire. The Manchester Airport Meteorological Office suggested it might have been a balloon reflecting the sun, a theory the bulletin dismisses as requiring an implausibly high altitude.

No Conspiracy A cautionary note is included, advising readers not to assume that official explanations for UFOs are part of a conspiracy. Instead, it suggests these explanations are often given in good faith by individuals lacking specialized UFO investigation experience.

PILOT PENDLETON REPORTS Captain Gordon Pendleton of Aer Lingus, flying a Viscount Airliner at 17,000 feet over Taunton on May 21st, 1962, reported sighting an object he initially thought was an aircraft, then a balloon. Described as brown and round with projections resembling antennae, the object was observed to be closing at an estimated 1,000 knots. First Officer Peter Murphay also saw the object. The bulletin notes that the object's distance and speed calculations are not fully explained and suggests that the observer's naked eye could have overestimated the distance, making the object's speed comparable to that of a large research balloon. The object did not exhibit typical UFO behavior but was noted to be brown.

MYSTERY SKY CRAFT OVER VISTA This is presented as a remarkable account from Mrs. Rosemary Decker of Fallbrook, California, concerning a UFO sighting on January 11th, 1958, in Vista, California. Nearly a hundred members of the Teeners Club witnessed a brightly lighted object hovering overhead during a dance. P.K. Rothermel, a retired general contractor, used a 40-power telescope and described the object as a cigar-shaped craft with smaller, luminous discs emerging from its bottom, which then flipped into formation and departed in various directions. Dr. George Hunt Williamson, an anthropologist and saucer authority, noted that such sightings often followed his lectures. Mrs. Decker also recounts her own observation of three lights (red, white, and yellowish) moving in formation. The object was estimated to be between eight and ten miles high.

FROM SHIPS AT SEA This section compiles extracts from log-books of British ships at sea:

• M.V. Queensland Star (September 18th, 1961): An unidentified white object was sighted in the Indian Ocean, disappearing into and reappearing from cloud layers before dropping towards the sea, causing the water to become intensely illuminated.
• Unidentified Ship (April 11th, 1962): An unknown celestial body with a glowing tail was observed in the North Atlantic, also seen the previous evening.
• S.S. British Engineer (May 24th, 1962): Objects described as spots of light, each followed by a faint glow, were sighted in the North Indian Ocean. They travelled at great speed and rose to a maximum altitude.

Editorial and Research Focus

EDITORIAL: OUR GREAT OPPORTUNITY The editorial emphasizes the current opportunity to advance UFO research by applying logical methods of comparative analysis to the existing volume of reports. It highlights the need for members to develop intelligible patterns and reliable methods for evaluating reports, distinguishing between 'knowns' and 'unknowns'. The editor encourages members to submit their ideas and suggestions to the Research Co-ordinator, E.R. Smith, or to the Editor, G.N.P. Stephenson. The bulletin also offers assistance for those having difficulty explaining themselves in writing and mentions LUFORO's library in Hampstead as a resource.

UFO RESEARCH EQUIPMENT This section poses a question to members regarding the necessary equipment for investigating UFO phenomena, considering different scenarios: an investigating team at a sighting location versus a permanent base, and situations with limited versus unlimited funds. Members are asked to contribute their ideas on what equipment would be valuable and why.

UFO PHOTOGRAPHS

by Basil Nubel This article by Basil Nubel, Secretary of the Photograph Analysis Section, discusses the challenges and methods of analyzing UFO photographs. Nubel emphasizes that while cameras cannot lie about what they see, photographs can be misleading if the subject is a model or if the image has been manipulated. He outlines two primary categories for querying UFO photographs: 'Natural laws' (perspective, light, shade, tone, scale, texture) and 'Chemically' (retouching).

Nubel explains that retouching, often done to enhance faint details, can be detected through variations in tones, especially in the 'fuz' or intermediate tones that appear at the edges of objects due to atmospheric effects or radiation. He details two common retouching techniques: darkening negatives with cochineal dye and etching or reducing with Ferricyanide. He notes that even skilled retouching can leave traces.

The article uses the example of a photograph from Adamski's 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' to illustrate how retouching might create a 'ghost' image. Nubel suggests that a thorough analysis requires an accredited original negative, which is often unavailable. He proposes that examining the 'triple granular effect' on a final negative, using a microscope, might reveal patterns indicative of manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous, logical, and scientific methods in UFO research, moving beyond mere collection of reports to pattern recognition and analysis. The editorial stance is one of encouraging active participation from members, valuing their contributions, and promoting a systematic approach to understanding UFOs. The bulletin also critically examines official explanations and the potential for photographic evidence to be misleading, advocating for careful analysis and skepticism.

Title: LUFORO Bulletin
Issue: May-June, 1962
Publisher: LUFORO
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin focuses on recent UFO sightings and their analysis, featuring reports from Holland and Argentina, as well as a detailed examination of a UK-based incident.

Jet Pilot Encounters UFO Over Holland

The Netherlands Studygroup for Ufology reports on an incident that occurred on Monday, January 29, 1962. A jet pilot of the Royal Dutch Airforce, flying a Sabre F 86-K armed with four 20mm guns and a sidewinder, was on a practice flight over eastern Holland when a blip appeared on his radar screen. After confirming he was the only aircraft airborne, the pilot attempted to contact the object via radio, but was unsuccessful. Ground radar was then activated and tracked the UFO, estimating its speed at 3500 kilometers per hour. Despite repeated warnings, the object did not respond. The pilot, suspecting hostile or espionage activities, decided to fire his sidewinder. However, the object suddenly disappeared at very high speed in an easterly direction, vanishing from the radar screen before the pilot could aim the missile. The ground radar had tracked the object for approximately six minutes. It was estimated to be 15 meters in diameter and silverwhite in color.

UFOs Over Argentine

This section, credited to the "Southern Daily Echo" (June 19, 1962), reports on the increasing number of unidentified flying objects, known locally as "Ovnis," sighted in Argentina. A recent sighting occurred in Olavarria, a rural town in the Province of Buenos Aires. A local farmer, Senor Jose Nuro, reported an unusual object through a small telescope. Reporters, neighbors, and photographers observed the object hovering overhead for about 20 minutes with minimal movement. Witnesses claimed it then vanished upwards and reappeared closer. The object's light reportedly changed hue from red to blue, then to green, and back to red. Other residents in Olavarria also reported seeing similar objects. Buenos Aires news agencies stated that a confidential report was compiled for the authorities.

The report continues on the back cover, mentioning that officers from the naval base of Puerto Belgrano, near Bahia Blanca, had confirmed the presence of unidentified objects over Argentina. They cross-examined witnesses, including sailors, farmers, ranchers, businessmen, lorry drivers, and local officials, who reported unusual "Ovni" activity on the night of May 14 in the vicinity of the base.

Comments on the Analysis of the Buckinghamshire Sighting

This article, by Geoffrey G. Doel, provides comments on an analysis by Mr. Thomas Thompson regarding a sighting reported in the LUFORO Bulletin of January-February 1962. The original report stated that on February 9, 1962, Mr. Ronald Wildman's vehicle was slowed down by a 30-foot UFO flying 20 feet above the road.

Mr. Doel, an investigator for LUFORO, discusses Mr. Thompson's conclusion that a 'force field' acting on the ignition system or carburation caused the slowing. Doel emphasizes that Mr. Wildman, an experienced driver, did not brake voluntarily and his primary desire was to accelerate away from the object. The car failed to respond, maintaining the same speed as the object. Mr. Wildman downshifted without noticing any abnormal engine behavior. The engine was accelerated in neutral gear, ruling out fuel supply or carburation issues. Ignition trouble was also absent, and the headlights did not dim; in fact, they seemed brighter, possibly due to higher engine revolutions.

Doel concludes that the engine was not directly affected, but the vehicle's mass was acted upon by a repulsion force, similar to going uphill or against a strong wind. He considers two forces suggested by Mr. Thompson: (A) Magnetism and (B) Electrostatic repulsion. Magnetism is deemed unlikely due to the absence of residual magnetism in nearby metal objects. Electrostatic repulsion would likely cause visible discharges like sparks or St. Elmo's fire, which were not observed, and the buds on trees were not disturbed.

Other possibilities considered include jet propulsion (no jet blast evident) and fast ions or radioactivity (no residual radioactivity detected). Anti-gravity is also discussed; if it accounts for the UFO's behavior, it might also cause side effects repelling nearby objects based on their mass. Water droplets on trees were repelled, but tree buds were not damaged. The car's metal mass was similarly repulsed. The author notes that without understanding gravity, space flight will remain crude.

Letters to the Editor

Alan Watts, B.Sc., of Colchester, congratulates Thomas Thompson on his analysis of the Buckinghamshire sighting. Watts stresses the importance of such investigations, arguing from terrestrial phenomena to understand UFOs. He suggests testing Thompson's conclusions about the ignition coil saturation by subjecting it to a magnetic field or obtaining coil constants. Watts proposes that measuring the magnetic field of the UFO and the required current would be a significant step towards understanding it.

An announcement is made regarding Italian sightings, with the second part to be published in the next issue, along with a report from Roberto Pinotti.

British U.F.O. Association Inauguration

The seven main UFO societies in the British Isles, including LUFORO, have agreed to inaugurate the British U.F.O. Association. A convention will be held on Saturday, September 22, 1962, at 2:30 PM in the Theatre of Kensington Central Library, London. The program includes a speaker, slides, and films, with some color motion films of UFOs expected. Non-members are invited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently covers UFO sightings and investigations, encouraging scientific analysis and the application of terrestrial principles to understand aerial phenomena. The publication promotes itself as a factual source for UFO news and encourages subscriptions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the unexplained nature of many sightings. The magazine also serves as a platform for discussion and analysis within the UFO research community, as evidenced by the letters to the editor and the upcoming inauguration of the British U.F.O. Association.