BUFORA Journal - Volume 01 No 01 - Summer 1964

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of the BUFORA Journal and Bulletin, published in Summer 1964 by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association. It represents the amalgamation of the British UFO Association and the London UFO Research Organisation. The magazine aims to foster unbiased scientific investigation into Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) phenomena, collect and disseminate related evidence, and coordinate research efforts globally. Membership is available for one guinea annually, entitling members to four consecutive quarterly issues.

Editorial: The Problems Facing Us

The editorial highlights the primary challenge of convincing the public and the scientific community that UFO study is a serious subject. It emphasizes that the association's credibility depends on its members' behavior and the quality of their investigations. The editorial acknowledges the generally low standard of UFO literature, often characterized by unsubstantiated assertions and a lack of references, and expresses a desire for the journal to improve this by focusing on factual data and scientific rigor. It also stresses the importance of reader participation, urging members to submit reports, views, and suggestions to ensure the magazine's success and to help organize the flow of information and the investigation of incidents. The editor notes that initial difficulties are expected in any new venture but expresses confidence that persistence and goodwill will overcome them.

External

This section discusses the internal and external challenges of UFO research, particularly the need to present the subject seriously to the public. It argues that the only way to achieve this is by improving the internal situation and the quality of research, moving away from sensationalism towards factual reporting and scientific methodology. The author laments the lack of references in UFO literature and the tendency for magazines to prioritize sensational content over intrinsic value, which leads intelligent persons to treat the subject as amusing but not serious. The hope is that future issues will help redress this balance, and contributors are encouraged to share new ideas, even if imperfectly expressed.

The UFO Electromagnetic Frequency

Authored by A. C. Purton, this article delves into the 'electromagnetic (E-M) effect' associated with UFO sightings. The most significant phenomena include the failure of ground vehicle and aircraft engines, failure of lights, radio and television interference, and temporary paralysis. Citing a NICAP report of 81 cases between 1945 and 1960, the article suggests that these effects can be explained by UFOs producing a powerful, alternating magnetic field. The author proposes that if these fields are strong enough to interfere with car engines at a distance, they should be detectable with suitable apparatus. The article explores two approaches to determining the likely frequency range of this field: analyzing the frequency needed to produce observed effects and considering which frequencies might go undetected by existing equipment. It suggests that effects like engine stalling and light failure point to a low frequency, possibly around 50 c/s for house lighting and 100 c/s for car engines. The noise often reported (low hum, purr, buzz) also corresponds to this low-frequency range. The article considers that existing equipment covers a wide spectrum, but short periods of UFO-induced interference might go undetected. It also raises the possibility of static or near-static fields, which would likely be detected by magnetic observatories. The remaining frequency range, between 20 c/s and 10 Kc/s (the audio region), is considered the most probable, despite natural atmospheric activity. The author concludes that UFO E-M frequencies are likely in the audio region, between 20-100 c/s, and suggests that developing sensitive audio amplifiers with aerials could help detect these signals. A correlation between sightings and unexplained signals would have significant implications, while a lack of correlation would necessitate looking elsewhere for explanations.

Food for Thought

This section features a quote from a letter by Freeman J. Dyson to Scientific American in April 1964. Dyson emphasizes the scientific imperative to search the universe without imposing human moral judgments on potential remote intelligences. He warns against assuming remote intelligences are either benign or malevolent, stating that it is equally unscientific to impute wisdom and serenity as it is to impute irrational and murderous impulses. Dyson suggests that intelligence could manifest as isolated groups of philosopher-beings or as a 'cancer of purposeless technological exploitation' sweeping across the galaxy. He concludes that humanity might have a greater chance of discovering 'technology run wild' than technology under rational control.

Home Reports: The Epping Sightings

Dr. G. G. Doel reports on two sightings in the Epping area from late 1963, which were not widely reported until March 1964 due to the association not subscribing to a press cutting agency and initial delays in reporting. The first sighting on December 26th, 1963, involved Miss Carol Foster and Robert Ewing, who saw a long, flat, silent object with a dome-like protuberance. They described it as silvery-white and possibly self-luminous. The object vanished when they looked away. Based on estimations of arm's length and distance, the object could have been around 100 feet across. The second sighting on December 27th, 1963, by Miss Pauline Abbott, described a bright, white object about eight feet long, tapering at the ends, with a glowing feature. It accelerated and left the ground, but its view was obscured by a straw stack. Miss Abbott sketched the object. Dr. Doel also investigated a previous incident from 1958 near the same location, involving a loud tearing sound, a green light, and bushes catching fire, which he attributes to lightning striking an object on the ground. For the Epping sightings, Dr. Doel's evaluation suggests the December 26th sighting was likely an airplane, the December 27th sighting was probably a light reflection, and the 1958 incident was likely lightning, concluding there was no evidence of UFO activity in these Epping reports.

Home Reports: The Walthamstow "Flying Cigar"

Dr. G. G. Doel investigates a report from April 1964 concerning a cylindrical or cigar-shaped object seen by bus driver Mr. Bob Fall. The object narrowly missed his bus, hit telephone wires, and plunged into the River Lea. Mr. Fall reported a loud fizzling sound and saw the object flying rather than falling. Police investigated but claimed to find nothing, suggesting ducks might have caused the disturbance. Mr. Fall estimated the object's length at about nine feet and its width as uncertain, describing it as silvery and possibly glowing. Dr. Doel suggests a possible explanation involving Voodoo fighters from the American Air Combat Base at Bentwaters, Suffolk, which carry cylindrical objects (extra fuel tanks or dummy aerial torpedoes) that could have been jettisoned. He notes that the police instructed Mr. Fall not to discuss the incident, which he finds potentially significant. The broken telephone wires are considered concrete evidence. Dr. Doel believes Mr. Fall is not imaginative and likely did not fabricate the incident.

Overseas Reports: America

This section compiles several UFO reports from the United States. A policeman in Socorro, New Mexico, reported an egg-shaped object on the desert, about the height of a car, with four girder-like legs, which rose and flew away, leaving scorched grass and indentations. Investigating officers and Dr. Hynek from the Air Force were involved. Similarities to the Charlton incident are noted. Other reports include a glowing, egg-shaped object landing in Montana, leaving holes and scorched ground, and a smooth, brownish, dome-shaped object seen on a hilltop in California that disappeared, leaving a depression. A family in Wyoming reported a shining, round light hovering in the sky. The reports are credited to various sources, including the Salt Lake UFO Council and local newspapers. The Wyoming sighting is noted as possibly being a balloon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of UFO research, the importance of scientific methodology, and the reporting of specific sightings. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO investigation, aiming to elevate the subject's credibility. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and sensationalism or misinterpretation. The journal serves as a platform for members to share their findings and for the association to coordinate and evaluate these reports. The inclusion of both 'Home Reports' and 'Overseas Reports' indicates a broad scope of interest, while the 'Food for Thought' section introduces philosophical considerations relevant to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The 'External' section explicitly addresses the need to change public perception through improved internal standards and honest reporting.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (Vol. 10, No. 3, May-June 1964) is a compilation of reports, analyses, and discussions related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It includes eyewitness accounts from various locations, critical reviews of books on the subject, and correspondence debating the interpretation of evidence.

Reports of Sightings

North Carolina, U.S.A.

A report from Smithfield, North Carolina, dated 12/5/64, describes a "monster" seen by at least 10 people. It was said to be about seven feet tall with 16-inch-long footprints. Farmers reported finding two pigs, a goat, and a cow killed and partially eaten. The credit is given to Mr. Bleach of the Evening Standard.

Oregon, U.S.A.

On 18/5/1964, near Hubbard, Oregon, a 10-year-old boy named Mike Bizon reported seeing a bright silver object in a wheat field. The object was described as 6 by 8 feet, with four legs, and made of bright metal. It emitted a beeping noise and rose vertically before disappearing. The wheat field was flattened in a way that suggested a large object had rested there, leaving three distinct spots. The boy was very frightened, and a deputy sheriff and Air Force investigators were called to the scene.

Australia

On 20/2/64, a grazier near Tilley Swamp, South Australia, reported hearing a high-pitched whine and seeing a large, silvery shadow, estimated to be at least 198 feet across, moving alongside his car. The object then took off at incredible speed. The following day, 21/2/64, six reports from South Australia were noted, including a "bright light" seen by two policemen in Elizabeth and "bright flying discs" observed by four men at Mile End railway yards.

Atlantic Ocean

On 15/2/64, Captain R. B. Truter, a South African Airways Boeing Commander, observed an object at 37,000 feet. Initially appearing as a circular, bluish-white glow about half an inch in diameter from the aircraft's perspective, it later became elliptical and disappeared before sunrise. The object's apparent change in position relative to the stars indicated it was not in space. Reports from Cape Times and Evening News are cited.

On 19/3/1964, two Pan American pilots and 42 passengers reported seeing a mysterious object about 200 miles west of Land's End. Piloting a Boeing 707 at 31,000 feet, the object turned from blue to a red-hot-flame-like color, leaving a white trail. It then reportedly exploded at high altitude with a big flash, scattering parts into the atmosphere.

Japan

A report from Osaka, Japan, details an incident on 19/11/1963, where a car driven by Mr. Kinoshita, accompanied by Mr. Saito and a customer, vanished on the Fujishiro by-pass. While driving behind another car, a puff of gaseous substance appeared, and the car in front disappeared. The witnesses stated that in an interval of five seconds, the Toyopet New Crown had vanished, and they were certain it was not a hallucination.

Special Features and Analysis

The Moon Within Reach?

This section discusses a development in lunar research reported by the Observer on May 24. Mr. Richard Gregory of Cambridge University has invented a device that can detect brief moments when the Earth's atmosphere clears, allowing for sharp images. The claim is that this device, used with the 200-inch telescope at Mount Palomar, could discriminate objects as small as a foot across. The article speculates that if UFOs have bases on the moon, this technology might reveal them.

Correspondence: The Saltwood Sightings

This section features correspondence between A. Cecil Harper and C. A. Stickland regarding UFO sightings. Harper expresses skepticism about several reported incidents, offering natural explanations such as temperature changes, airfield lights, and reflections from school buildings. He emphasizes the importance of prompt and consistent interrogation of witnesses. Stickland, while agreeing on the importance of interviewing methods, defends the potential validity of sightings and expresses a belief in the existence of UFOs, though he criticizes the handling of "contact" cases.

In Lighter Vein: An Angel's Robe?

This short piece recounts an experience of Mr. K. J. Southey, who reported seeing a glowing, white sheet draped over bushes on his lawn at 3 a.m. The material, described as "whiter than white," descended to the ground and stretched across the lawn. The next morning, the material had disappeared, and the neighbors denied having put it there or having hung out washing.

Book Reviews

"The World of Flying Saucers" by Donald H. Menzel and Lyle G. Boyd

This review describes the book as "good in parts" and a more thorough study than Menzel's earlier work. It notes that the book explains UFO reports through conventional means like balloons, mirages, and radar anomalies. However, the reviewer criticizes the book for its "dogmatic pronouncements unsupported by evidence," particularly questioning the author's assertion about "experts" and the certainty with which radar interpretations are presented. The review suggests that the authors' own methods could be seen as a form of "bootstrap" process. Despite these criticisms, the book is considered useful for its sections on meteors, fireballs, and radar background information.

"Interstellar Communication" edited by A. G. W. Cameron

This book is "unreservedly recommended." It is a collection of reprints of papers and original articles concerning extraterrestrial intelligence and interstellar communication, providing essential background for UFO students. Chapter headings cover topics such as the possibility of communication, planetary sizes, space travel limits, optical masers, and future research.

Report on Meeting with Miss Lou Zinsstag

This report by Lionel Beer details a meeting with Miss Lou Zinsstag, a UFO researcher from Switzerland and a cousin of Dr. Carl Jung. Miss Zinsstag shared UFO photographs, including the Monguzzi collection, some of which allegedly show a "suited spaceman." She expressed a strong belief in the truth of the Monguzzi story. The report also mentions unpublished Adamski photos and other images discussed during the meeting. The meeting was considered a valuable contact for BUFORA.

Other Sections

Any Linguists?

The editor is seeking members who can summarize UFO incidents reported in German, Japanese, or Finnish.

UFO Handbook No. 1

This is advertised as the first in a series of UFO Booklets dealing with factual aspects of aerial phenomena, considered invaluable to investigators. It covers observational methods, essential details in reports, investigating reports, and sighting expeditions. It can be obtained from BUFORA.

In the Next Issue

An upcoming article titled "An Experiment on the Effect of an External Magnetic Field on the Ignition Coil of a Car" by Alan Watts is announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, with a particular emphasis on providing detailed accounts and exploring potential explanations, both conventional and unconventional. There is a clear division between those who interpret sightings as evidence of extraterrestrial visitation and those who seek more mundane explanations, as highlighted in the correspondence section. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and analyses while also encouraging critical thinking and rigorous investigation methods, as advocated by A. Cecil Harper and C. A. Stickland. The inclusion of book reviews and discussions on topics like interstellar communication and lunar bases suggests a broad interest in the scientific and speculative aspects of UFO phenomena and humanity's place in the cosmos.