BUFORA Journal - Volume 04 No 08 - July August 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 4, Number 8
Date: July/August 1975
Publisher: The British U.F.O. Research Association

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, published by The British U.F.O. Research Association, focuses on the organization's progress and various UFO-related topics. The cover prominently features the magazine title and a striking image of a UFO over Earth, with headlines highlighting a successful conference in Hanley and discussions on UFOs versus 'Fringe Phenomena' (FFPs).

Editorial: One Small Step for BUFORA

Richard Beet's editorial, "One small step for BUFORA," reflects on the success of the National Research and Investigations Conference held in Hanley. While acknowledging the delegates' positive impressions of the organization and the quality of the presentations, Beet emphasizes that this is only a small step towards BUFORA's goal of becoming a leading scientific organization. He draws parallels with developing nations, stating that achieving recognition requires time, money, scientific and technological know-how, and diplomacy. Beet stresses the importance of building on experiences and learning from failures for BUFORA's acceptance within the scientific community.

He outlines four qualities required for a developing nation that can be applied to BUFORA's situation: money (though acknowledging limitations for in-depth research), know-how (highlighting the competent Research Department and specialists), diplomacy (admitting past shortcomings in relationships with other organizations), and time (recognizing its unknown but potentially vital role in UFO study).

London Lecture Dates

Announcements are made for the 1975/76 season of lectures at the Kensington Central Library. The first lecture on September 6, 1975, will feature Bernard Delair, Secretary of Contact UK and editor of Awareness, who will share his expertise. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for October 4, 1975, with further details to be provided later.

Remember the flying crosses?

This section briefly discusses a futuristic aircraft design concept: an 'X' shaped plane with a movable wing that crosses the fuselage at an angle. It explains that this design is more efficient at high speeds (500-900 mph) than traditional straight-wing designs, citing Robert T. Jones from NASA's Ames Research Centre as a key proponent. The article notes that this design develops less drag at the wing tips and fuselage junction.

Laser to UFO TV communication demonstrated in US

This article reports on a demonstration at Project Starlight, a research division of the Association for the Understanding of Man, near Austin, Texas. A laser transmitting and receiving system was shown to the press on June 12. The system was used to detect, video monitor, and record a laser TV programme beamed from the ground to a helicopter equipped with light-detecting components similar to those hypothesized to be aboard UFOs. The experiment is highlighted as a technological first, with potential implications for communication with UFO intelligences. It also mentions that magnetic and electrostatic disturbances observed around UFOs might interfere with normal TV signals, and the 'UFO/Vector' system is designed to overcome this. The system's acronym stands for 'UFO/Video Experiment Console for Transitional-Overt Response.' The article also notes the system's capacity to detect laser beam bending, a phenomenon reported in UFO sightings, and introduces a magnetometer designed for UFO field-effect research.

Review: Ufology-New insights from Science and Common-sense

Mike Dean reviews J.M. McCampbell's book "Ufology." He describes it as a surprising and well-presented book that avoids the typical 'they're-coming-to-get-us' tone. The book is praised for bringing together a wide range of scientifically based subjects relevant to UFO study, with ample facts and figures. Dean notes that the book is well-organized into short sections, making it a good reference work, although it lacks an index. His main criticism is the author's tendency to not name specific cases or witnesses, which can make the book difficult to follow. Despite an apparent bias towards the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), Dean considers the book a valuable contribution and grades it alongside UFO 'classics' by Hynek and Vallee. He mentions that the book is currently only available in the USA, with contact details provided for obtaining information.

Vice-Chairman's Column: The Tungus saga

Lionel Beer discusses the mystery of the Tungus explosion in Siberia in 1908. He references the book "UFOs Behind the Iron Curtain" by Ion Hobana and Julien Weverbergh. Beer notes that orthodox Soviet scientists are unhappy with speculative theories, such as alien spaceship disintegration. He presents a recent official Soviet press release confirming that the Tungus meteorite was the nucleus of a small comet. Evidence cited includes glass spheres found in a peat bog, containing carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulphide, with silicates high in silicon and alkaline metals. The bright nights and sky glow after the event are attributed to the scattering of the comet's tail. The article suggests the comet's material may have liquefied or vaporized, forming an aerosol cloud carried by stratospheric winds, potentially settling in a different direction from the impact site.

Vice-Chairman's Column: Jeane, Jeane...

Beer also comments on a book titled "A Grain of Mustard," co-authored by clairvoyant Jeane Gardner. The book details Gardner's prophecies, including the death of Robert Kennedy, and her compulsion to build a 'Cathedral of Prayer.' Beer focuses on Gardner's answers regarding flying saucers, where she states they are real and piloted by creatures from other planets with high intellect, who are curious rather than warlike. Beer recalls his own previous writings from 1967 about Jeane Dixon's predictions concerning UFOs.

UFORUM: Some advice for Liaison Officers

Jenny Randles offers advice to BUFORA's newly appointed Group Liaison Officers. She emphasizes the importance of forging strong links with regional UFO investigators (RICs) and local groups. Randles identifies the divergence of information as a key problem and suggests that Liaison Officers should help integrate information from local groups into the RICs' investigative teams. She believes this co-operation can lead to larger, more comprehensive projects, such as compiling a report on major British UFO cases. Randles stresses that this development should be viewed as co-operation, not amalgamation, and expresses confidence that groups, particularly those in NUFON, will contribute positively.

Support for the Loch Ness 'football'

This letter to the editor, from G.P. Hughes, refers to a previous article about a 'red/orange football-shaped object' seen near Loch Ness. Hughes also mentions an article from 'The Sun' about a similar 'flying football' landing and taking off near Dartmouth, Devon. He suggests that the Loch Ness sighting could be a weather balloon, but questions if weather balloons can travel at 200 mph. Hughes also notes that the object was travelling parallel to the loch and mentions a geological fault extending across Scotland near Loch Ness, linking it to theories that UFOs are monitoring earthquake-prone areas.

The Marchant Sighting

David Strickland writes to comment on a previous article about the Marchant sighting at Bournemouth. He criticizes the SCAN report for its "rash credulity" and sensationalism, arguing that it damages BUFORA's cause by promoting uncritical gullibility. Strickland calls for a search for alternative explanations and dismisses comparisons between the Marchant UFO and the 'Adamski' UFO, citing Christopher Evans' skepticism about Adamski's craft. He asserts that BUFORA has built its reputation on cold, logical evidence and that sensationalizing cases does not help the public.

The editor appends a note explaining that he condensed the original SCAN feature at the request of the authors, but they insisted no editorial alterations be made. He defends the article by stating that they must learn to accept the enthusiasm of less experienced colleagues and that "Somewhere, among the noise, there is a signal."

Conference praise

Omar Fowler writes to praise the recent two-day conference at Hanley, commending the high calibre of speakers, the hotel, and the smooth organization. He finds it difficult to fault the conference and believes it compares favorably with professional conferences he regularly attends. Fowler notes that BUFORA appears to be becoming more professional and hopes these standards are maintained.

A CHALLENGE TO SCIENCE

This section announces BUFORA's first scientific report, "A Challenge to Science." It is a 42-page preliminary report detailing a UFO event recorded on 16mm cine film on October 26, 1971, near Banbury, Oxfordshire. The report includes recorded interviews and investigations by BUFORA investigators, Charles Bowen, and Julien Hennessey. It compiles known facts about the sighting, which was observed and filmed by a television outside broadcast team. The report also contains correspondence with the Ministry of Defence, the USAF, and the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Antony (Lord) Lambton. Information on how to purchase the report is provided, with different prices for BUFORA members and non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the professionalization of BUFORA, the importance of scientific rigor and evidence-based research, and the need for better inter-organizational cooperation. The editorial stance, as articulated by Richard Beet, emphasizes a cautious yet determined approach to UFO research, advocating for a step-by-step methodology, critical analysis of evidence, and a commitment to scientific standards. There is a clear effort to distance BUFORA from sensationalism and uncritical acceptance of claims, while still acknowledging the genuine enthusiasm of researchers and the potential for significant findings within the UFO phenomenon.

This document is a collection of articles and reports from a National Research and Investigations Conference held from May 10 to 11, 1975. The conference was organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) and focused on advancing the scientific study of UFOs.

BUFORA's Research Approach

The introductory section outlines BUFORA's shift in focus from proving the existence of UFOs to quantifying their characteristics. The research areas identified are: the UFO itself and any occupants, temporary environmental changes during sightings, permanent traces or residues, and data obtained from witnesses. The article acknowledges BUFORA's modest progress due to financial constraints, lack of full-time workers, and the need for guidance from qualified scientists. It notes that UFO societies in other countries have been more successful.

Speakers and Their Subjects

Professor John Taylor, known for his television appearances concerning Uri Geller, was a key speaker. His lecture aimed to explore whether research techniques used for the Geller Effect could be applied to UFO research. Professor Taylor, a physicist and mathematician with extensive publications, was also noted for his background in acting and directing.

Leonard Cramp, a BUFORA Vice-President and aeronautical engineer, presented an entertaining lecture, though he faced challenges with demonstration models. His work includes analyzing UFO characteristics from photographs and witness accounts.

Dr. Joachim P. Kuettner, formerly of ESSA Research Laboratories and a meteorologist with the World Meteorological Organisation, was appointed Chairman of the UFO Subcommittee of the AIAA. His committee concluded in 1968 that the UFO issue required further quantitative scientific study and deserved the attention of the scientific community. The article highlights that his committee's findings were overlooked due to the Condon Report. Dr. Kuettner's experience in analyzing UFO reports and witness accounts is described as unrivalled.

CAE O'Brien, a BUFORA Vice-President, presented thorough analyses of the UFO Phenomenon. He is also a geologist and author, with experience studying ancient monoliths and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Trevor Whitaker, an ophthalmic optician and BUFORA investigator, shared insights into the art and science of obtaining information from witnesses, emphasizing techniques for extracting data even in difficult cases.

Conference Impressions

Carol Godsell reports on the conference, describing it as a success with great enthusiasm. She highlights Professor John Taylor's lecture as excellent and captivating, particularly his connection to Uri Geller. She suggests that more time could have been allocated for questions. Leonard Cramp's lecture was entertaining, as was Dr. Kuettner's, though his final conclusion on statistics versus unbiased research was perplexing. The incident with the slide operator struggling to focus a slide added a moment of amusement. The film 'Mars-the search begins' was informative, and Tim O'Brien presented evidence suggesting UFOs might originate within the Solar System, with Venus being a likely planet. Charles Lockwood, Tony Pace, and the Staffs Branch of BUFORA were congratulated for organizing the program.

Carol Godsell also reflects on two lessons learned: the need for BUFORA to move beyond talk to constructive research for greater status, and the importance of a united front to exchange and improve ideas. She also praised the hotel choice for its ample space and comfortable amenities.

Media Coverage

An article titled 'What the papers said!' notes that press coverage was generally good, helping to spread awareness, though some outlets treated the subject less seriously. 'The Guardian' used a punny headline, while 'The Daily Mail' ran a more sensational headline, 'Stand by for Invaders from Space!'. 'The Daily Telegraph' offered a sensible synopsis, and local newspapers, including the 'Staffs Evening Sentinel,' 'Wolverhampton Express and Star,' and 'Birmingham Post,' provided good reporting.

International UFO Congress in France

Bryan Jeffery reports on the 'International Public Information Conference on Flying Saucers' held in Morlaix, France, for six days in April. The event attracted 5000 visitors and featured a large exhibition of UFO-related materials, audio-visual montages, and documentary films. Representatives from various international UFO organizations attended. The article notes that the 'colourful' elements of the saucer scene were excluded, presenting objective and serious information. The press, radio, and television coverage was refreshingly devoid of ridicule.

The report concludes that the conference was a success, demonstrating public interest in a serious presentation of the UFO phenomenon and the media's willingness to cover the subject if presented with interesting cases. However, it criticizes individual UFO societies for petty jealousies and bureaucracy, and scientists for being too concerned with their status to participate in public information efforts. The article also highlights that the conference was initiated by just two people, Bryan Jeffery and Mlle Marie-Francoise Lepeltier, with minimal support from established organizations. BUFORA's contribution was noted as zero despite ample notice.

BUFORA Criticised

Bryan Jeffery criticizes BUFORA's lack of contribution to the French conference, stating their promises were specious and their efforts amounted to zero. He argues that major UFO research must be funded and 'respectable,' questioning how this can be achieved when pulp literature and biased media presentations are the primary sources of information. He advocates for altering the general climate of opinion on the subject.

Northern News

Jenny Randles reports on a week-long publicity campaign coordinated by NUFON groups, timed to coincide with the BUFORA Conference. The campaign aimed to inform local media about the existence of a sensible investigation body. WUFOS and RIGAP were interviewed by radio, and MUFORA participated in a phone-in show. Several sighting reports were discussed, with some receiving possible explanations. Misconceptions about UFOs, such as the percentage of unidentified cases and the history of sightings, were addressed. The report distinguishes between the proven existence of unknown phenomena and the proven existence of extraterrestrial vehicles. Interesting reports included an alleged 'telepathic' communication and a 1956 report of a hovering object over Catterick Army Camp. The phone-in shows were popular, with switchboards becoming overburdened.

Sighting Reports

NAPRA discovered a sighting by a farmer and his wife on an isolated farm in Anglesey on January 19, 1975. They observed a huge cartwheel of flame, visible for six minutes, rotating and emitting smoke. RIGAP is investigating a case from February 20, 1975, near Haslingden, where schoolboys reported a silver elongated cigar-shaped object with a bright white light, moving silently and low to the ground. The report notes that a similar aircraft was seen shortly after, but its characteristics were easily distinguishable.

Unidentified Flying Objects or Future Flying Projections

Carol Godsell presents a new theory suggesting UFOs might be projections from the future. She posits that if ghosts are accepted as phenomena outside the physical world, then visits from the future, possibly via time travel, could also be possible. She suggests that in the future, man might create a form of time travel limited to Earth, allowing unobserved visits to the past. This could explain the varied shapes and sizes of reported UFOs, as future transport might be saucer-shaped. She also suggests that UFOs might suddenly appear and disappear due to slight faults in equipment or Earth's movement. The theory proposes that our descendants could invent the power to project themselves and their vehicles into the past. She also touches on the possibility of contact attempts, with phrases like 'pray for peace,' and suggests that what we see might be projections rather than physical objects, though she acknowledges the Extra-terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) might also be correct.

Contact!

The National Executive Committee of BUFORA has ratified a proposal to forge new links with Contact UK, a national UFO organization. The proposed liaison will focus on policy matters, studying investigation methods to create a national network, establishing information flow on research, and informing members of each organization's activities. This move is part of an effort to improve BUFORA's image.

MUFORA Stage Lecture Programme

The Manchester UFO Research Association held its second Annual Ufology Lectures, featuring a talk by Arthur Tomlinson on 'A general appraisal of the UFO phenomenon.' Norman Oliver, a BUFORA Committee member, also presented a lecture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advancement of UFO research from anecdotal evidence to more scientific and quantitative methods. There's a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, collaboration between organizations, and a more serious approach from both the scientific community and the media. The issue also explores alternative hypotheses for UFOs, particularly the intriguing theory of future projections. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, is one of advocating for a more professional, evidence-based, and unified approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond sensationalism and internal disputes.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 4, Number 19, dated Winter 1974/75, features a 'Liaison Officer's Report' and an in-depth 'Research Department News' section analyzing Marjorie Fish's work on the Betty Hill star map.

Liaison Officer's Report

Alan Fossey-South, the Liaison Officer, details his efforts to improve contact and collaboration between BUFORA (the British UFO Research Association) and other UFO research groups. He acknowledges that progress has been slow due to barriers created by a lack of contact, which he attributes to a 'closed community syndrome' rather than differing philosophies. Fossey-South has been working to gently remove these barriers and has established open channels with groups like the Leicester Aerial Phenomena Research Group and the Essex UFO Research Group. He notes that many groups have developed 'frightful ideas' about BUFORA, particularly a fear of absorption, which he explicitly denies. He states that BUFORA has no intention of taking over other groups and hopes groups will affiliate voluntarily. Fossey-South highlights the BUFORA weekend conference in Hanley as a particularly effective event for resolving differences. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of working together to collect sufficient data for scientific analysis.

BUFORA Library

The National Executive Committee regrets that it can no longer offer a comprehensive library service. In tribute to Ivar Mackay, who managed the library for many years, an appeal was made to members to find a suitable and accessible location. Until such a location is found, the library's material is to be stored by Treasurer Arnold West at his home in Sussex.

Research Department News: An Analysis of the Fish Model

This section, continued from a previous issue of the BUFORA Journal, delves into Marjorie Fish's analysis of Betty Hill's star map, which was allegedly received from an extraterrestrial during a UFO encounter. The analysis focuses on identifying stars that fit specific criteria for supporting life, particularly intelligent life.

Key Points of the Fish Model Analysis:

• Single Stars: Single stars are considered more likely to host habitable planets than binary systems, as close binaries can create unstable orbits.
• Star Types: Massive O to early F stars tend to have high rotational speeds, with a significant slowdown occurring between F2 and F5. This slowdown might indicate planets absorbing angular momentum, coinciding with the emergence of planetary systems suitable for life.
• Marjorie Fish's Selection: Ms. Fish focused on single, non-fluctuating, main-sequence stars between F8 and K1, termed 'Group 1' stars, as these have the best chance of producing terrestrial planets with intelligent life. She reasoned that if extraterrestrials visited Earth, their home star might be similar to our sun.
• Proximity: Within 22 parsecs (72 light years) of the sun, Marjorie Fish identified approximately 200 stars in the F8 to K1 spectral range.
• Betty Hill's Star Map: Fish's six-year search yielded only one unique three-dimensional duplicate of Betty Hill's star map. Subsequent inspections have not revealed any other patterns remotely resembling it. The match includes 12 stars connected by lines, plus three background stars forming a triangle.
• Main Sequence Dwarfs: The stars in the Fish model meet the criteria for exobiological suitability. They are single, non-fluctuating, slowly rotating dwarfs with life spans of 7 to 40 billion years, providing ample time for life's evolution.
• Tau Ceti and Eridani: Tau Ceti is noted as a borderline case, sometimes listed as between main-sequence dwarfs and subdwarfs. Tau Eridani is identified as a 'Group 0' star, potentially possessing terrestrial planets with non-intelligent life, suitable for colonization or bases.
• G-Type Stars: Eight of the 12 stars are G-type, considered the optimum range for intelligent life. 'Base stars' Zeta¹ and Zeta² Reticuli are included in this category.
• Pattern Consistency: The analysis highlights that the pattern fills a volume of space approximately 48 light years wide, 48 light years deep, and 32 light years high. This volume contains over 100 stars, yet all stars compatible with life are included in Betty Hill's drawing, which is considered highly significant.
• Trade Routes: The solid and broken lines on the map allegedly represent regular trade routes and space expeditions.

Evidence Supporting the Fish Model:

• Plausible Differences: Residual differences between the drawing and the model are attributed to Betty Hill's recall and sketching ability, or minor inaccuracies in known parallaxes.
• Improbable Hoax: It is considered improbable that Mrs. Hill could have devised such a pattern of 12 life-candidate stars without access to proper astronomical catalogues and knowledge of how to interpret them. Betty Hill's knowledge of astronomy is described as severely limited.
• Star Catalogue Verification: A crucial piece of evidence is that the background triangle (Gliese 86.1, 95, and Kappa Fornacis) could not have been drawn prior to the 1969 edition of Gliese's 'Catalogue of Nearby Stars.' Gliese 86.1 was not listed in any known star catalogue in 1964 when Betty drew her map. Furthermore, the parallaxes of Gliese 95 and Kappa Fornacis were imperfectly known in 1964, making it unlikely they would have formed the triangle as depicted.
• Naked Eye Visibility: Nine, and possibly 11, of the 12 stars are detectable with the naked eye, suggesting a possible reason for their selection.

Subscriptions to go up on 1 September

The standard membership subscription rate for BUFORA members is set to increase from £2.40 to £4.00 per year on September 1, 1975. Students under 18 and senior citizens will pay £3.00 per year. This is the first increase since September 1972 and was authorized by the Annual General Meeting in October 1974. An 'Inflation Note' highlights that the £2.40 subscription from 1972 is now worth only 63% of its value, requiring £3.81 in today's terms.

People

The magazine extends a welcome to new members admitted to BUFORA, listing their names and addresses across London, Home Counties, National, and Overseas categories.

Advertisements and Public Relations

Information is provided on advertising rates (personal column, display rates), correspondence addresses for the Honorary Secretary, Subscription Secretary, Publications Department, Librarian, Research Director, National Investigations Co-ordinator, and Group Liaison Officers. Contact details for BUFORA Branches in Yorkshire and Staffordshire are also listed.

Flying Saucer Review Advertisement

An advertisement promotes Flying Saucer Review as 'the best in the world!' and 'the international UFO journal,' highlighting its 20 years of presenting UFO facts and promoting serious discussion. It offers a subscription rate of £3.25 per year (plus airmail extra for US and Canada) and provides contact details for The Editor.

Featured in your next Journal

A preview of the next issue's content includes articles on 'Satellite searches stars for signals' and 'From Zeppelins to UFOs,' along with regular contributions like the Vice-Chairman's Column, Research Department News, Sighting Summaries, and 'Uforum' (letters).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes the importance of collaboration and open communication within the UFO research community, as articulated by the Liaison Officer. The Research Department News section demonstrates a commitment to rigorous, evidence-based analysis, particularly concerning astronomical data related to potential extraterrestrial origins. The magazine also serves as a platform for organizational updates, membership drives, and promotion of its own publication, Flying Saucer Review, positioning itself as a leading authority in the field.