BUFORA Journal - Volume 04 No 012- March April 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 4, Number 12
Date: March/April 1976
Publisher: The British U.F.O. Research Association
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial

The editorial, written by Richard Beet, discusses the positive response to a publication survey within BUFORA, highlighting the constructive comments received. Beet emphasizes the unique nature of the survey and the importance of feedback from members. He acknowledges the journal's production on a minimal budget and with limited spare time, often in competition with personal commitments. The editorial expresses confidence that by addressing communication problems and fostering cooperation, members can contribute to the advancement of UFO science.

Features

• Isle of Wight low-level sighting: This article details a sighting by Mr. Riddell on January 14, 1976, at 00:40, of a bright, glowing object moving at approximately 30 mph. The object, estimated to be 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, passed directly overhead and then accelerated rapidly. The witness reported the incident to the RAF and the coastguard, subsequently receiving a standard non-committal letter from the Ministry of Defence. The article also notes an independent report from a Meteorological Officer at RAF Thorney Island of a similar object occurring about two hours earlier. A further connected report describes a sighting by a quantity surveyor and his wife on January 14, 1976, of a glowing orange-gold object resembling an aircraft fuselage.
• Venusian Tiddlywinks: Written by Norman Oliver, this article presents a humorous and speculative dialogue with a self-proclaimed Venusian. The Venusian dismisses the idea of intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy, claims their scientists have ruled it out, and discusses the concept of a 'twin' Earth. The dialogue also touches on the idea of 'Ultra-coexistent Terrathingamejigs' and the Venusians' belief that they are the only beings travelling between planets. The Venusian explains that their atmosphere was altered by 'blue algae' introduced by humans in the 1970s, leading to their development and time-travelling efforts to prevent it. The article concludes with a humorous note about solving the UFO enigma and acknowledgements to Margaret Wilton.
• A 'classic' from Belgium: This section, written by Jenny Randles, summarizes a report on the state of ufology in Europe, with France leading research due to government statements and the work of Dr. Claude Poher. The article notes the importance of European publications like 'Lumieres Dans La Nuit' and 'Phenomenes Spatieux'. It highlights language barriers as a major problem in European ufology. The report mentions landing cases, including one where an entity was seen on high-tension cables, and stresses the urgent need for international cooperation.
• MOD tracks UFO on radar: This case report details an incident on June 23, 1975, where a qualified radar operator on a ship in the Atlantic picked up an echo that disappeared at an 'impossible' velocity. The operator, experienced with natural phenomena, classified the object as an unidentified flying object. The report was submitted to the Ministry of Defence, and the sighting lasted for one minute.

Regular Contributions

• Research: A report on a well-attended Kensington meeting chaired by Tony Pace, featuring speakers Charles Lockwood on EM detection and Vehicle Interference projects, Ken Phillips on a new sighting account form, and Mark Rodiquez on a catalogue of EM cases. David Viewing presented a paper on the future of ufology, suggesting a research programme and publication in scientific journals.
• Lecture summaries: A summary of a talk by Ivor Grattan-Guinness on 'Ufology as a fringe science,' which explored the relationship between science and ufology, highlighting the historical tendency to reduce complex phenomena to simpler explanations and the current shift towards recognizing more peripheral factors.
• Uforum: This section appears to be a forum for member contributions, with a mention of 'Nufon News' and 'People' in the table of contents.
• Sighting summaries: A section dedicated to summarizing reported sightings.

Administration and Organisation

• Council and officers 1975/76: A comprehensive list of BUFORA's council members and officers, including their roles and contact details.
• Administration Department: Details for general correspondence, membership, treasurer, and media relations.
• Group liaison officers: Contact information for regional liaison officers.
• Publications Department: Details for the journal editor, advertisement manager, and publications co-ordinator.
• Research and Investigations Department: Information on the research director, research projects officer, national investigations co-ordinator, and training officer.
• New identity for Bufora: The Council has accepted a recommendation for a new visual identity for BUFORA Ltd, starting with a new letterhead, to project a better image to the scientific community, potential members, and the press.

Controversy!

This section, written by Jenny Randles, discusses the future of British ufology and the critical reaction BUFORA has faced. It emphasizes the need for integration of major UFO investigation bodies, such as BUFORA and Contact (UK), and the importance of providing training and support for individual investigators. The article suggests that local investigation groups are not a threat but can be valuable partners, drawing parallels with successful working relationships within Nufon. It calls for a more unified approach to UFO investigation in Britain and the establishment of an international network.

Personal Column

This section includes information on a science paper available for purchase and a note from Lionel Beer regarding the potential restarting of the BUFORA Lending Library, seeking member input.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing efforts to professionalize UFO research, the challenges of integrating disparate investigation groups, and the need for scientific rigor and broader acceptance. The editorial stance, as stated, is that BUFORA does not hold corporate views, and contributions represent the authors' opinions, emphasizing a commitment to evidence-based investigation and open discussion within the UFO community.

Title: Radar UFO
Issue: 9
Date: November/December 1975
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Radar UFO focuses on a significant radar detection, a mysterious lunar event, and a variety of UFO sighting reports, alongside organizational news and advice for investigators.

Radar Investigation

The lead article details an investigation into a radar trace recorded on approximately 30 seconds, showing an object with an initial bearing of 105 degrees true and constant elevation of 1½ degrees. The object was initially at a range of seven nautical miles, closing at approximately six knots, and disappeared within 15 seconds with a terminal velocity of at least 6000 knots. The investigators estimated its acceleration, if constant, to be at least 18G.s.

The witness, interviewed multiple times, was found to be consistent, knowledgeable in radar and electronics, level-headed, and open-minded. The possibility of misinterpretation was considered virtually nil, with no temperature inversions or surface turbulence recorded. The ship was stationary during the observation. A key detail noted was that the witness did not wind up the vertical aerial as the object disappeared, leaving uncertainty whether it was lost over the 22-mile horizon or ascended. The conclusion was that the witness was sincere and believed he had seen a UFO, with the possibility of a hoax deemed remote due to the witness's character and insistence on anonymity.

Conclusions on Radar Case

A second report, dated 4 December 1975, addresses the possibility of a hoax. Slight inconsistencies in the witness's quoted figures were noted, as was the fact that the witness was known to one investigator and sometimes derided for his UFO involvements. The witness himself felt there was a risk of a hoax being perpetrated on him. The inconsistencies arose from figures for distance, elevation, and altitude. For example, a distance of 7 miles with an elevation of 1½ degrees suggested a height of 1115 feet, while an altitude of 220 feet with an elevation of 1½ degrees suggested a distance of only 1.38 miles.

Consultation with electronics engineer Jeff Porter suggested the error might be due to the ship's pitch if the radar was not corrected for a shifting horizon. The witness was disturbed by these discrepancies and agreed that revised figures were correct. He stated the radar set was gyroscopically compensated, but that in foggy conditions, there was no wind, thus no shifting horizon. The true acceleration was determined to be 25Gs and the terminal velocity 7194 knots. The investigators concluded that the report was genuine and concerned the detection of an object performing feats totally outside the capabilities of current aircraft.

Lunar Mystery Deepens

An unexplained occurrence on 18 January 1976, led to the cessation of performance for one of five remote scientific stations transmitting data from the moon. The station, established in February 1971 during the Apollo 14 mission, had an estimated remaining life of two to three years. It had previously lost its receiver in March 1975, rendering ground controls useless. When the transmitter failed in January, scientists and engineers were perplexed.

The mystery deepened on 19 February when the Apollo 14 ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Scientific Experiment Package) reactivated, with its transmitter, receiver, and experiments functioning extremely well. For one experiment, the Charged Particle Lunar Environment Experiment (CPLEE), performance improved significantly, as it could now operate during lunar daylight without temperature variations degrading the power supply. The ALSEP team at Johnson Space Center had no immediate explanation for the reactivation. They were proceeding cautiously with troubleshooting to avoid overloading the station. Extreme temperature variations, up to 220 degrees C in two hours, were cited as a possible cause for the initial cessation.

Investigator Training

A training program is being prepared to assist less experienced investigators. The training officer, Trevor Whitaker, is seeking input from experienced investigators regarding the program's requirements. Views from former investigators are also welcome.

Uforum - Letters to the Editor

Advice for Investigators: Barry M King emphasizes the crucial role of the investigator as the link between BUFORA and the witness. He stresses the need for a professional approach, thorough reading of available material, common sense, and a working knowledge of associated sciences such as photography, astronomy, biology, geology, aerodynamics, radiology, physics, psychology, and electronics, including radar techniques, satellites, and aircraft.

Farnborough Entity: Nicholas Maloret of WATSUP responds to a query about an entity with no pupils in its eyes. He recalls a similar description of an entity named 'Karne' from Arthur Shuttlewood's book 'Warnings from Flying Friends,' whose eyes were 'brilliant blue or grey-green' and appeared to lack pupils.

A Question of Why?: Thomas Higgins responds to a previous comment by J.E. Scarry, strongly indicating that many UFOs, or at least the vast majority, rarely show hostility. Higgins argues that there is overwhelming evidence that at least some UFOs pose a danger to humans and that the concept of UFOs being entirely peaceful is naive. He cites a case from 'The New UFO Breakthrough' detailing a young girl who received severe burns administered purposely by UFO occupants.

Horsham Flap

At the time of going to press, there was intense activity in the Horsham, Sussex area, with more details to follow.

A 'classic' from Belgium

This section details a sighting on 5 June 1955, near Namur, Belgium, by Mr. Muyldermans. He observed a bright glow moving at high speed and without sound. The object slowed down and appeared to be landing. It was described as disc-shaped with a dark bottle-green color, luminous brightness, and what resembled landing spheres. Muyldermans, a photographer, took a photograph of the stationary object. The object then descended, producing a white trail, moved horizontally, and ascended into the trail. It then accelerated, dropping luminous particles, and disappeared towards the western horizon at 500 km/h. The total observation duration was approximately 11 minutes. The object was reportedly observed from Namur and Brussels. The documents were published in several newspapers and specialized reviews. The French newspaper Radar offered a large sum for authentic photos of a 'flying saucer,' but when Muyldermans submitted his negatives, the editors claimed they had been sent back by mail, and the negatives remain undiscovered. The photographs are believed to be authentic, with analysis suggesting the object was at least twelve meters in diameter and behind a condensation trail formed at an altitude of over 1500 meters.

Alan Fossey Resigns

Alan Fossey, Media relations director and southern liaison officer, announced his resignation from the Bufora Council due to increased professional responsibilities and an Open University degree course. He intends to continue his interest from the sidelines and remain a member of Bufora.

Official UFO

A brief mention of 'Official UFO,' an American newsstand magazine, described as being in its seventh issue, full of US articles, eyewitness accounts, and photographs.

Sighting Summaries

This section presents a selection of UFO sightings from the Investigation Department files:

• IN THE PINK (75-064/065): 23 February 1975, Orpington. A young man and his fiancée observed a huge, pink, circular object hovering and descending. Later, a small bright light appeared and moved towards them, increasing in luminosity, before dimming and disappearing. Military aircraft circled the area afterward.
• RED AND WHITE LITS (75-058): 12 June 1975, Belfast. Children reported two white lights and a red one flying swiftly in a triangular formation.
• SCHOOLBOYS SEE MAGNESIUM UFO (75-057): 16 June 1975, Belfast. Schoolboys witnessed a hazy, round object, like burning magnesium, moving against the dark sky.
• UFO OR NOT? (75-056): 24 June 1975, Belfast. A schoolboy and friends reported a silvery oval shape surrounded in haze, moving west to east.
• SPARKING PEAR (75-067): 24 June 1975, Dublin. Two schoolboys saw a pear-shaped, silvery white object hover briefly before disappearing, discharging sparks from its right side.
• SILVER CIGAR (75-055): 23 July 1975, Belfast. A baker and his wife viewed a silvery cigar-shaped object hovering between clouds.
• CLOCK FACE UFO (75-068): 2 August 1975, Biddenden, Kent. A witness observed a clock face UFO with hands at five to five, which remained stationary for two hours before resolving into a solid, bright light. Small pinpoints of light were seemingly discharged from the object.
• UNDULATING TENNIS BALL (75-066): 2 August 1975, Dartford, Kent. Two witnesses observed an orange ball of light moving northwards in an up and down path, then veering eastwards and vanishing.
• SAILS ALOFT (75-060): 3 August 1975, Cambridge. Witnesses described an object resembling two bright stars close together with two 'sail-like' projections. It was yellow/orange and vanished after 30 seconds. The object was estimated to be 2000 feet up and 150 feet in size.
• GOLDEN SAUCER (75-062): 7/8 August 1975, Soundwell, Bristol. A retired BAC worker observed a saucer-shaped object with a rotating golden edge, making a purring sound. A trap door opened, and a small shape emerged and moved slowly before returning.
• SHIMMERING RED CROSS: Uncoded 1964-1970, Belfast. A nurse saw a brightly shimmering silver cross hovering overhead.
• BASCOTE DISCS: Whit Monday 1959, Bascote, Warwicks. A housewife and her daughter saw a silvery disc shape fly overhead, followed by a second similar object. Four identical discs were seen in a matter of minutes.

Advisers Still Required

BUFORA is seeking advisers with an understanding or knowledge of various subjects to assist in investigation work. They aim to compile a detailed list of advisers to showcase the expertise within the organization. Assistance is needed in fields such as soil analysis, photographic analysis, and psychology.

People

This section lists new members admitted to BUFORA in December 1975 and February 1976, categorized by location (London, Home Counties, National, Overseas) and including a listing for the Edinburgh University UFO Research Society.

Nufon News

Sighting Activity: Three local groups (Mufora, Digap, and Rigap) are cooperating on investigations in central Lancashire, coordinated through Nufon. Ufosis in Birmingham is also active and operates an information service.

Administration: Nufon is now organized by a Governing Committee with equal representation from associate groups. An executive committee handles day-to-day administration, consisting of Jenny Randles (secretarial), Peter Warrington (Finance), and Trevor Whitaker (Chairman). A new organization, Ufora (Staffs), has emerged from the former Bufora Staffordshire branch. Nufon has strengthened links with other associates, including the Northern Ireland branch and the Edinburgh University UFO Society.

Events: A conference is scheduled for 22 May 1976, in Sheffield, hosted by the Sheffield, Dinnington & Rotherham UFO Research Association. The event will include research-orientated lectures and seminars in the afternoon and a presentation for the general public in the evening.

Bufora Publications

This section lists available publications from BUFORA:

• The use of analytical instruments in the search for extra-terrestrial spacecraft: Illustrated paper from the Research and Investigation Conference.
• Guide to the UFO Phenomenon: Essential background information for ufologists.
• Bufora Journal: Back issues are available.
• A Challenge to Science: An in-depth investigation of events around Banbury 1971, including analysis of film footage. Available only from Roger Stanway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and evidence-based reporting, as seen in the detailed analysis of the radar UFO case and the call for qualified advisers. There is a clear concern for the potential dangers associated with UFO encounters, countering the notion that all UFOs are benign. The publication also highlights the collaborative efforts within the ufology community through organizations like BUFORA and Nufon, and the ongoing need for trained investigators. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both the unexplained and the potential risks involved.