BUFORA Journal - Volume 02 No 05 - Summer 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 2, No. 5
Date: Summer 1968
Publisher: British U.F.O. Research Association (BUFORA)

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by the British UFO Research Association, provides a comprehensive look at the organization's activities and the broader UFO phenomenon in the summer of 1968. The cover prominently displays the BUFORA logo and title, setting the tone for the contents within.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

The editorial, titled "The UFO Secret: Answers are on the Way," reflects a critical and self-reliant stance on UFO research. The author expresses disillusionment with official bodies like the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Condon Committee, suggesting that external authorities and traditional science are unlikely to solve the UFO enigma. The piece argues that UFO researchers must take responsibility for their own investigations, moving beyond wishful thinking and intellectual dishonesty. It critiques the immaturity and shallow thinking prevalent in some UFO groups, advocating for a more rigorous and scientific approach, potentially inspired by intelligence agency methods.

Another significant article, "BUFORA Field Unit Goes on Tour," details the Vice-Chairman, Lionel Beer's, journey through Scotland. The tour included visits to UFO research groups in Batley, Yorkshire, and Edinburgh, where they met with members of the Scottish UFO Society. The report highlights discussions about UFO matters, visits to areas with reported sightings like the Pentland Hills, and an investigation at the Loch Ness Investigation Centre. The article also mentions the financial support received by the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau Ltd. and the publishers of the World Book Encyclopaedia's donations. The tour concluded with meetings in Glasgow and Bramhall, and a discussion with Roger Stanway, co-author of the "Flying Saucer Report."

"The Summer Skies" offers an astronomical perspective, describing the Milky Way and its constellations visible during the summer months. It delves into historical beliefs about the Milky Way and provides details on galaxies like the Great Nebula in Andromeda, discussing their immense distances and the concept of receding galaxies. The article also touches upon nebulae and star clusters, offering a celestial backdrop to the UFO discussions.

Society News and Activities

The journal includes details about the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of BUFORA, scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, 1968, at the Kensington Central Library. Information regarding nominations for officer positions and the deadline for resolutions is provided. The formation of the South Herts. UFO Investigation Group is welcomed, with details on their monthly meetings in Watford.

Other Content

"Notes & Quotes" features a correction regarding an article in "Spacelink," commendations for the new "Spacelink" publication, and a discussion on the value of skywatches. It also includes a quote from Mahatma Gandhi on consistency with truth, a note on the asteroid Icarus, observations on phenomena at Warminster, and a somber reflection on the deaths of prominent UFO figures Frank Edwards and E. A. Bryant on the twentieth anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting. A piece titled "A Watch at Imber" recounts a skywatch experience in the deserted village of Imber.

An article reprinted from "Saucer News" titled "The UFO Secret: Answers are on the Way" discusses the concept of "silent contactees" and suggests that the true nature of the UFO phenomenon is closer to being understood, involving complex conspiracies and experiments beyond conventional scientific comprehension. It posits that traditional scientific methods may not be adequate for understanding UFOs, suggesting a need for approaches similar to those used by intelligence agencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the need for independent, rigorous, and scientific UFO research, urging researchers to rely on their own efforts rather than external authorities. There is a recurring theme of disillusionment with official explanations and a call for a more mature and intellectually honest approach to the UFO enigma. The journal also highlights the importance of astronomical knowledge as a context for understanding UFO reports and showcases the activities and organizational structure of BUFORA and its affiliated groups.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated Spring '68 (Vol. 14 No. 3), delves into unconventional approaches to UFO research and explores various theories regarding the origin and nature of UFO phenomena. The magazine critiques existing research methods, advocates for 'spy-like' intelligence techniques, and discusses alleged government secrecy and the 'silencing' of researchers.

Article: The Secret Under Our Noses

Authored by John A. Keel, this article argues that conventional scientific approaches to UFOs are flawed and that researchers should adopt methods similar to those used by intelligence agencies. Keel criticizes the focus on 'extra-terrestrial' or 'fourth dimensional' explanations, suggesting that the real truth is being obscured by focusing on side issues and ineffective 'attacks' against government agencies. He notes that the Air Force and government have maintained anti-UFO policies since 1965, largely ignoring the efforts of amateur UFO groups. Keel laments that despite decades of investigation, little progress has been made in understanding the phenomenon, and that the 'truth' about UFOs requires personal experience to be fully grasped, often involving significant personal risks for those who uncover it.

Article: UFOs - Where Do They Come From?

Authored by Janet Gregory, this piece explores alternative theories for the origin of UFOs beyond the common extraterrestrial hypothesis. Gregory proposes that UFOs could be terrestrial, originating from unexplored land areas, vast oceans (suggesting underwater bases), or even from within a hollow Earth. She also considers the possibility that UFOs are vehicles from another time or dimension, suggesting that time might not be as linear as commonly perceived. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mind and considering all theories, however unconventional, as the answer might be closer than expected.

Book Reviews

"Uninvited Visitors" by Ivan T. Sanderson

Reviewed by J. C-B., this book is presented as a significant contribution to UFO literature, examining the phenomenon from a biological perspective. Sanderson, a scientist with degrees in Botany, Geology, and Zoology, suggests that UFOs could be life-forms or machines created by life-forms. The review highlights Sanderson's exploration of various UFO categories, his investigation of incidents like the 'Flatwoods' sighting, and his theory that space itself might be the natural habitat for unintelligible life-forms. The reviewer notes that while Sanderson's ideas are unconventional, they are presented as scientifically plausible and could stimulate open-mindedness.

"Spacemen in the Ancient East" by W. Raymond Drake

This review, also by J. C-B., expresses dissent with the conclusions of Drake's book, which posits that ancient civilizations were visited by technologically superior beings. While acknowledging Drake's extensive research into ancient texts and inscriptions, the reviewer questions the interpretation of these as evidence for extraterrestrial visitations. The review contrasts Drake's work with John Michell's more restrained hypotheses and criticizes Drake for allowing an 'idée fixe' to warp his judgment. The reviewer finds Drake's praise for the 'heretic Pharaoh' Akhnaton particularly strange, given Akhnaton's conflict with the Egyptian priesthood.

Association Jottings

This section provides updates from various UFO organizations. S.I.G.A.P. successfully organized a UFO exhibition in Guildford. The Membership Secretary role for BUFORA is being handed over to Mrs. Anne Harcourt. S.A.P.R.A. has gained access to facilities through the Town's Youth Educational System. The Research Bulletin, a new publication, is mentioned, with an invitation for comments. The Bristol Convention is noted as successful, and members are reminded to renew their subscriptions.

Personal Column

This section includes a "WANTED" advertisement for UFO books and journals, and a description of the book "UFOs UNIDENTIFIED, UNDENIABLE," a 60,000-word report on UFO sightings in the North Midlands of England during 1967.

BUFORA Lectures

Announcements are made for upcoming BUFORA lectures in London, covering topics such as the significance of UFOs in our lives, the Warminster "Thing," and new vistas in UFO research. Speakers include Johan Quanjer, Arthur Shuttlewood, and J. Cleary-Baker.

Other Events and Articles

An Annual General Meeting for BUFORA is scheduled, including discussions on policy and research. A talk by Bryan Winder on "OUR SUBJECT IS THE U.F.O...." is also announced. A separate article, "MAKING AND USING SIMPLE SPECTROSCOPES," provides a technical explanation of how to build and use simple spectroscopes for analyzing light, likely intended for practical scientific investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and origin of UFOs, the perceived inadequacy of conventional scientific research methods in this field, and the idea of a deliberate suppression of information or 'silencing' of researchers. The editorial stance appears to favor open-mindedness, unconventional research approaches, and a critical examination of established narratives, while also acknowledging the potential dangers and personal risks involved in pursuing such research.

This document, identified as issue 19 of "UFO Research," focuses on the practical application of spectroscopy for amateur skywatchers and UFO investigators. It provides detailed instructions on how to construct and use simple spectroscopes, discusses the interpretation of spectral data, and lists numerous affiliated research societies.

Building a Simple Spectroscope The article begins by explaining that a simple spectroscope can be constructed from readily available materials. A basic model involves a cardboard tube (20-25 cm long) with a diffraction grating at one end and a slit at the other. The inside of the tube should be painted black to minimize internal reflections. The slit is crucial for obtaining a clear spectrum and is best made from a stainless steel razor blade, taped to a lantern slide glass to create a parallel-sided gap. The ideal width for this slit is around 0.2 mm, though experimenting with different widths is encouraged, as a narrower slit yields a sharper spectrum while a wider one allows more light and a brighter image.

To use the spectroscope, it should be pointed at a light source so that the slit is illuminated. A spectrum will then appear on either side of the slit. The grating may need to be rotated to position the spectra correctly. A more compact version incorporates a lens, typically an achromat with an 8-10 cm focal length and 2 cm diameter. This lens is set at an angle, allowing the spectrum to be viewed ahead while the slit is to the side. A narrower slit, about 0.1 mm, is recommended for this design. The components are housed in an opaque box, with the distance between the slit and the lens determined by the focal length to ensure the slit is seen sharply.

Using the Spectroscope When using the spectroscope, one must look to the side of the illuminated slit, as the direct image of the slit is much brighter and can obscure the spectrum. It is advised to let the eye adapt to the dark interior of the instrument. Pointing the spectroscope at the daylight sky is recommended for preliminary experiments. Crucially, the instrument must NEVER be pointed directly at the sun. To view the sun's spectrum, a piece of white card should be held in sunlight, and the spectroscope pointed at the card.

While night observations of faint celestial bodies like the moon and stars are difficult, artificial light sources such as street lamps and indoor lamps can provide visible spectra. For very small light sources at night, where aiming the spectroscope is challenging, using just the grating held in front of the eye may be more practical. Some users find the direct light from the slit distracting; this can be mitigated by moving the eye across the lens or using an eye-cup.

Interpretation of Spectra The article distinguishes between two main types of spectra: continuous spectra from heated bodies (like filament lamps or skylight) and line spectra from low-pressure electric discharges. Fluorescent lamps, for example, show a continuous spectrum overlaid with lines characteristic of mercury discharge. Comparing a filament lamp with a yellow filter to a sodium street lamp highlights this difference: the filtered filament lamp shows a continuous spectrum with blue missing, while the sodium lamp emits only a yellow line. The article notes that at high temperatures and pressures, spectral lines broaden, and a continuous spectrum may appear. It also mentions that dark lines, like those found in the sun's spectrum, can be observed with higher-resolution spectroscopes.

Conclusion and UFO Implications In conclusion, a simple spectroscope is presented as a valuable tool for skywatchers. The article emphasizes that spectra are only visible with sufficiently bright light. However, it highlights the significant potential of spectroscopy in UFO research: if a UFO's light were observed to have a line spectrum, this would be a crucial observation. Noting the colours of these lines could help infer the substances involved in producing the light, offering a scientific avenue for investigation.

Notes and Resources The article includes practical notes for obtaining equipment. Plastic transmission gratings are available from Proops Brothers Ltd. in London. Achromatic lenses can be sourced from United Technical Supplies Ltd., also in London. Complete portable spectroscopes are manufactured by R. & J. Beck Ltd. For further reading, the article recommends textbooks on optics and specialized texts on spectroscopy, citing "Experimental Spectroscopy" by R. A. Sawyer and "The Encyclopedia of Spectroscopy" edited by G. L. Clark.

Member Societies A significant portion of the document is dedicated to listing member societies of a UFO research organization. These societies are spread across the United Kingdom, with contact persons and addresses provided for each. Examples include the Birmingham University UFO Research Group, the British Flying Saucer Bureau, the Cambridge University Group for Investigation of UFOs, and numerous regional groups such as the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society, Merseyside UFO Research Group, and Scottish UFO Research Society. The list also includes branches of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) in Cheltenham, Halifax, and Northern Ireland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring theme is the promotion of scientific methodology and practical investigation in the field of UFO research. The editorial stance is one of encouraging detailed observation and data collection, particularly through the use of accessible scientific tools like spectroscopes. The document advocates for a rigorous approach, suggesting that spectral analysis could provide tangible evidence and insights into the nature of unexplained aerial phenomena. The extensive list of member societies underscores a commitment to community building and collaborative research within the UFO investigation field.