BUFORA Journal - Volume 09 No 01 - Mar 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Vol 9 No 1
Date: Published March 1980
Publisher: British UFO Research Association

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published in March 1980, features a cover illustration of a classic flying saucer and highlights a report on a 'Stafford Saucer' incident from 1977. The journal includes a detailed table of contents covering topics from UFO probes in the Kremlin to book reviews and personal columns. It also lists the BUFORA Council and administration for 1979/80, details of various BUFORA branches and member societies, and upcoming lecture meetings in London.

Editorial: The Resurrection of ETH*

The editorial, penned by Norman Oliver, addresses the trend of dismissing the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) for UFO phenomena, or even denying UFOs have a physical origin altogether. While acknowledging that some 'unknowns' have parapsychological or psychic overtones, and that some witnesses have had psychic experiences, Oliver argues that a significant number of 'high-strangeness' accounts still exhibit purely physical characteristics. He questions the purpose of UFO investigation groups like BUFORA if the phenomenon is entirely psychic or paranormal. Oliver suggests that while parapsychological, psychic, and interdimensional possibilities should not be ignored, a substantial part of the UFO phenomenon remains physical. He posits that UFO researchers are best equipped to investigate this physical mystery, which could lead to a better understanding of paranormal phenomena. The editorial concludes by posing the question of what active steps can be taken that have not already been attempted, promising an examination in the next issue. A footnote references a previous article, 'The Death of ETH,' in Volume 4, Number 6.

Key Articles and Features

UFO-probe in the Kremlin?

This article, from a Russian correspondent, details an incident in Moscow in August 1977. A fiery spherical object, estimated to be one meter in diameter, appeared over the Great Kremlin Palace. It divided into three minor balls, two of which descended into squares, while a third, a 5cm yellow ball, entered the Arkhangelski Cathedral during heavy rain. The ball flew inside, passed between two witnesses, and exploded against the iconostasis, causing only a slightly burnt wooden volute. Dr Mikhail T Dmitriev, a Soviet chemist and ball lightning expert, reported the event in a 1979 Soviet science-fiction magazine, interpreting it as ball lightning. However, the article points out discrepancies: the phenomenon produced an ozone odor, its light intensity was high, and no heat was felt, yet witnesses later experienced hypertension, headaches, and distorted vision. Furthermore, the Kremlin complex has advanced lightning protection systems, which the fiery ball seemingly ignored. The article also mentions a similar event approximately 400 years prior in the same cathedral. It concludes that there are difficulties with both UFO and ball lightning interpretations, and investigations are ongoing.

Messengers From The Stars

Authored by W Raymond Drake, this article explores the concept of extraterrestrial visitors and their potential connection to ancient myths and human origins. Drake suggests that space exploration is leading to a revolution in human thought, challenging our understanding of the universe and our place within it. He references ancient poets who sang of 'Celestials' descending from the stars, bringing a Golden Age, and a subsequent war with 'Space-Lords.' He discusses the vastness of the universe, the possibility of other advanced civilizations, and theorizes that humans might descend from 'glorious Celestials' rather than ape-men. Drake also touches upon the theoretical possibility of parallel universes and the origins of flying saucers. He speculates on the nature of space travel, the possibility of time travelers, and the existence of subterranean civilizations like Agharta and Shamballah. The article then delves into the 'Ancient Astronaut' theory, presenting a chronological list of historical events and myths from 2400 BC to 480 BC that are interpreted as evidence of extraterrestrial contact. These include the Chinese Shan-hai-Ching mentioning the Miao and 'Lord,' the Chinese Hsui-nan-tzu describing ten suns, Japanese and Korean legends of divine men, ancient Egyptian and Cretan accounts of flying objects and divine intervention, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The article suggests that figures like the 'Lord' who appeared to Abraham, Moses, and Joshua, as well as various Gods and Goddesses in Greek, Roman, and Indian mythology, might have been 'Spacemen' or advanced beings.

BUFORA Journal Back Issues and Services

Information is provided on obtaining back issues of BUFORA Journal, with prices listed for members and non-members. Photocopies of other issues are also available at a reasonable charge. Very rare LUFORA and BUFOA publications are offered to serious collectors. Members and researchers are directed to contact Arnold West for details.

London Lectures

Announcements for upcoming lecture meetings at Kensington Central Library are included, featuring talks on 'Satellites and UFOs,' a special guest from France, and 'Teaching Ufology.' A note indicates that summaries of these meetings will appear in future issues, starting with a talk on 'The Dyfed Enigma' on October 6, 1979.

UFO Newsclipping Service

An advertisement for the UFO Newsclipping Service, run by Lucius Farish, offers monthly 20-page reports on UFO accounts from around the world, including the US, England, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the debate between physical and psychic explanations, and the 'Ancient Astronaut' theory connecting UFOs to ancient history and mythology. The editorial stance, as articulated by Norman Oliver, strongly advocates for the continued investigation of the physical aspects of UFOs, asserting that this is the most fruitful avenue for understanding the phenomenon, while not entirely dismissing psychic or paranormal elements. The journal positions itself as a platform for rigorous research into UFOs, encouraging a balanced approach that acknowledges both the unexplained and the potential for scientific inquiry.

This issue of the magazine features a book review titled 'Psychic Archaeology' by Jeffrey Goodman, with a price of £1.50. The review, written by Malcolm Bull, discusses Goodman's work which applies psychic methods to archaeological research. The magazine also includes several reports of UFO sightings from various locations in the United Kingdom.

Book Review: Psychic Archaeology

The review begins by detailing the work of Frederick Bligh Bond, Director of Excavations for Glastonbury Abbey in 1901. Bond reportedly received information through automatic writings from monks and abbots, which guided him to unearth the Edgar Chapel and other parts of the abbey. Further experiments with Bond enabled the reconstruction of the refectory, dormitory, chapter house, towers, and chapels.

The review then moves to a 1941 incident where the Polish medium Stefan Ossowiecki provided a detailed description of an Old Stone Age dwelling from 15,000 years ago, based on handling a palaeolithic spearhead during a psychic experiment.

Jeffrey Goodman, the author of the reviewed book, is presented as a former marketing manager for Standard Oil of New Jersey. Goodman's own experience involved a vision of an ancient site in Arizona, which led him to use a medium. The medium provided detailed predictions about the site's location, geology, and potential finds. Despite initial rejection by the archaeological establishment, Goodman proceeded to find the evidence exactly as predicted.

The reviewer, Malcolm Bull, states that the book is fascinating for anyone, whether archaeologist or psychic, highlighting Goodman's struggles with university archaeologists and his subsequent ostracism. Bull draws a parallel between Goodman's situation and Bond's need to conceal the source of his information 70 years prior.

Bull then poses the question of whether psychic methods, successful in archaeology, can be applied to UFO research. He notes that hypnotism has already been used to gain insights from witnesses' perspectives and suggests that psychic methods might offer a way to gain information from the 'other side' of sightings.

He anticipates that this suggestion will face similar resistance to that encountered by Bond and Goodman, referencing a review of Goodman's book in 'Popular Archaeology' magazine that described Bond as a 'well-known loonie.' Bull leaves the reader to consider iconoclasm versus conservatism but emphasizes the potential of psychic methods in other fields, including UFO research.

UFO Sightings Reports

UFO in colour

This section, presented by Norman Oliver, details a sighting by a 41-year-old woman in north-east Scotland in mid-August 1964 or 1965. The witness, fearing ridicule, requested anonymity. She saw an orange globe rise over a wood and travel slowly SE at treetop height. The object descended to within two metres of the ground and hovered. A yellow-blue cloud of light around its waist seemed to take on a more definite form, giving off red and green flashes. This cloud resolved into a revolving pewter-grey ring with bright lights like car headlights at regular intervals. The object, estimated to be the size of an average living room, had a bright luminous orange, metallic, and highly polished surface. Below the ring was a dark-grey projection, and on top, something like glass or clear plastic. After about a minute, the UFO tipped, rose to treetop height, wobbled, and moved away SW, disappearing over a cottage 600m away. No sound was heard. The investigator found no evidence for or against the account but saw no reason to doubt it, noting similarities to ball lightning.

Manoeuvring Disc at Mickleover

Reported by Inv M Keatman, this sighting occurred when a witness was watching the sky from his garden at Mickleover, Derby. He saw a localized explosion of very bright white light, which faded. Almost immediately, a craft appeared 15° below, dropping incredibly fast (estimated 2,000 mph). It pulled out of its dive about 150 feet above the ground. A glowing pink band, interspersed with green and red, extended around the craft's outermost rim, possibly due to heat. The craft was disc-shaped, dull metallic silver, estimated at 150 feet in diameter, and less than 1,000 feet away. It swept upwards in an S-shape, its underside glowing. At around 2,000 feet, the glow faded, and it swooped earthwards again, reaching 1,000 feet on its upward climb. On its final swoop, it disappeared behind a garage, having slowed to an estimated 150 mph. The UFO reappeared with small metallic 'wings' that tapered like flimsy butterfly wings. It moved across the witness's view, curving up to 30° elevation, with the right wing flexing upwards. It then swept left, the left wing flexing upwards. It wobbled four times before flying away horizontally, still decelerating. The wings disappeared with the first wobble. The only noise heard was a slight swish when it pulled out of its dive. The incident lasted about 30 seconds.

Anglesey yet again!

Reported by Inv K Babb, this sighting involved seven witnesses. The chief witness was driving on the Penysarn by-pass, Anglesey, on 8 October 1978, when he noticed a strange light high up to his left. As he reached the bottom of the bank, he saw a triangular-shaped object with a bright white light at its leading edge traverse the road slowly. The object hovered for 30 to 40 seconds over the Seven Stars Public House. The leading bright light extinguished, and the peripheral light disappeared, leaving two rear lights, one green and one red. These remained visible as the object departed into the distance. The woman at the bus stop, who saw the object after the main light went out, was quoted as saying, 'never mind, they weren't going your way.' The object did not rotate or change speed while moving but hovered for a while. It was first seen at about 45° elevation, gaining height as it moved away, last seen at about 60° elevation. No reflection was noted, and the shape was hazy when the aural light was present, becoming impossible to visualize when it went out. No sound was heard. The witness was unnerved by the way the object switched off its leading light.

Stafford UFO and Light Beam

Reported by Inv A Pace M Keatman, this occurrence on 14 October 1978 involved a witness who requested anonymity. The witness was walking to work at 06:30 in a deserted street when he noticed a large sphere of light in the sky at 30° elevation. After two seconds, a line of light appeared beneath the object, like a torch being switched on, shining vertically downwards. This beam grew into a cone of about 30° angle, swinging back and forth like a pendulum, changing diameter. After about 8 seconds, the object disappeared as if switched off. During the last 4 seconds, the witness began walking again. The main light source was described as having the apparent size of the sun, translucent, uniform, with a glow around its edge, and appearing two-dimensional. It remained stationary, did not rotate, wobble, or vibrate. The light beam was initially a line, then conical, appearing two-dimensional but felt three-dimensional. It was dimmer than the main light source, and the witness thought he saw a star through it. The beam came from the bottom-most point of the sphere, did not glow around the edges, and did not rotate, wobble, or vibrate. It was thought to be a hollow beam with a largest spread angle of about thirty degrees. The witness did not see it illuminate anything and thought it was brighter around its edges than in the centre. It moved like a pendulum, changing diameter, and seemed to be assuming the width of objects it was touching. The witness thought it was a laser beam scanning the ground and felt it was under intelligent control, describing the experience as 'eerie' and feeling he might be 'drawn up.'

Moorland Landing?

Reported by Inv T Whitaker, this sighting occurred on 17 August 1978, at 8:30 pm, in East Ayton, Yorks. Mrs Kathleen Elliott saw a large bright-almost dazzling-white object descending horizontally towards the distant moors. She, along with her neighbour's children, watched the object. As the UFO, described as shaped like an upside-down saucer, disappeared behind trees, a very low droning noise was heard. The object was sharply defined and the episode lasted between 10 and 15 minutes.

Black Mountains ‘Caravan’

Reported by Inv C R Rowlands, this incident occurred on 9 April 1977, in the Black Mountains, South Wales. Mr P J Martin, visiting friends, was wandering several miles from their car when he heard a loud humming sound. He looked up to see an object that 'could not have been an aeroplane, helicopter or any other man-made craft.' It had numerous lights, was the shape of 'a caravan or small flat,' quite large, silver in colour, and sharply defined. It remained in view for more than 10 seconds before 'fading away.'

Rugeley Hovering Disc

Reported by Inv S W Banks, this case, despite being 'dated' and the witness requesting anonymity, is noted for similarities to the Roestenberg case of 1954. In the late 1950s, a witness living in a converted farmhouse in Rugeley saw a grey object, described as 'just like a child's humming top,' with a thick black band containing red lights, hovering above houses. The object rotated clockwise, and the witness had the impression it could see her. The buzzing ceased, and the object suddenly 'blinked out' and disappeared. The sighting lasted around 20 seconds.

Gravelley Bank 'Triangle'

Reported by Inv S W Banks, this sighting occurred on 5 October 1978, near Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent. Mrs Joan Price saw an exceedingly bright, white, stationary light through her window. After about 20 seconds, she saw a triangular-shaped object of large proportions with the same bright white light at its leading edge traverse the road slowly. The object hovered for 30 to 40 seconds over the Seven Stars Public House. The leading bright light extinguished, and the peripheral light disappeared, leaving two rear lights, one green and one red. The object then departed into the distance. The witness noted that the object did not rotate or change speed while moving but hovered for a while. It was first seen at about 45° elevation, gaining height as it moved away, last seen at about 60° elevation. The shape was hazy when the aural light was present and impossible to visualize when it went out. No sound was heard.

Audlem Octagon

Reported by Inv M A & P Clarke (FUFOR), this incident occurred between 6/18 March 1978, at Audlem, near Crewe. Mrs Anne Findley noticed a bright light travelling from right to left across her garage door and heard a buzzing noise behind her. She saw a grey object, described as 'just like a child's humming top,' with a thick black band containing red lights, hovering above houses. The object rotated clockwise. The buzzing ceased, and the object suddenly 'blinked out' and disappeared. The sighting lasted around 20 seconds.

Clayton 'Humming Top'

Reported by Inv M Keatman, this sighting occurred on 4 January 1979, at Clayton (Staffs). A housewife closing her garage door saw a bright light travelling from right to left and heard a buzzing noise. She saw a grey object, described as 'just like a child's humming top,' with a thick black band containing red lights, hovering above houses. The object rotated clockwise. The buzzing ceased, and the object suddenly 'blinked out' and disappeared. The sighting lasted around 20 seconds.

Blythe Bridge 'Banana'

Reported by Inv S W Banks, this sighting occurred on 9 January 1979, at Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent. A 9-year-old schoolgirl, Rachel Harvey, noticed a strange object moving along above the road. Progressing in an undulating manner, it was silvery in colour, and its rays were reflected brilliantly as the sun broke through the cloud.

Oval Craft over Clwyd

Reported by Inv Colin Bord, this incident occurred on 16 June 1978, involving Keith Jones, a chef. While walking in the Black Mountains, he heard a loud humming sound and saw an object that was not man-made. It had numerous lights, was the shape of 'a caravan or small flat,' silver, and sharply defined. It remained in view for over 10 seconds before fading away.

New Year Visitant

Reported by Inv A Collins, this sighting occurred on New Year's Day 1979, between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm, in Tilbury, Essex. Mrs Palmer looked out of her kitchen window to see a huge blazing star. For about a minute, it remained bright yellow/gold, estimated to be about 4 feet in diameter, as bright as the moon, noiseless, with sharp outlines, hovering about 15° or less above the ground. When she decided to open the window for a closer look, the object disappeared.

Workington Silver Ball

Reported by Inv R Hall, this sighting occurred on 17 January 1979, at 8:30 am, near the British Steel Works in Workington, Cumbria. Charles Wadsworth and four other witnesses observed a UFO in an easterly direction at an estimated height of above 5,000 feet. It was stationary, then moved NW, halted, retraced its path, and stopped again. Moving off at considerable speed, it suddenly vanished, leaving a small vapour-like trail. The object was compared in shape to a ball, with a flat underside. The upper part was brilliant silvery, with a halo, while the underside was reddish/pink.

Bignor 'Bicycle Wheel'

Reported by Inv D Stonard, this sighting occurred on 10 October 1978, at 9 pm, in Bignor, W Sussex. Mrs Thelma Brown saw a circle of light about 8 inches in diameter, resembling a small bicycle wheel with spokes coming from a solid centre light. The outer ring was solid, with an inner 'fuzzy light.' It descended quite fast, then more slowly, apparently landing behind trees. There was no sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of psychic phenomena and empirical investigation, particularly in archaeology and UFO research. The magazine appears to support the exploration of unconventional methods, such as psychic archaeology, while acknowledging the skepticism from mainstream scientific communities. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The numerous UFO reports suggest a focus on documenting and presenting unexplained aerial phenomena, often with detailed witness accounts and investigator notes, implying a belief in the significance of these events.

Title: STRANGE PHENOMENA
Issue: 25
Date: March 1979
Publisher: Strange Phenomena Publications
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of STRANGE PHENOMENA explores various mysteries, focusing heavily on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings and related topics. It includes detailed reports, witness accounts, and discussions on the scientific and paranormal aspects of these phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

'Crescent and Dome' - Werrington

This report details a sighting on March 5, 1979, by Mr. Stanley Austin and his step-brother near Moorside School, Cellarhead. They observed two lights, a yellow dome above a larger orange segment, which approached obliquely. The object then accelerated rapidly, prompting the witnesses to follow. It appeared to be heading for a crash but then flipped over houses and disappeared. Witnesses estimated its size to be comparable to a barrage balloon and noted the absence of noise.

UFO over Ward's Field

On December 12, 1977, four young girls reported seeing an object while riding a pony in Ward's Field, Clifton Campville. Described as a 'plane' or 'flying saucer,' it emitted a faint humming sound. The object, spinning anti-clockwise, was observed to have a 'crescent and dome' shape, with red and blue lights and 'L' shaped landing legs. It hovered for a short period before descending into a copse and then shooting off vertically. The observation time was about half a minute.

The Harston Affair

This section details four incidents investigated around Harston, near Cambridge, centered on the landlord of the Old English Gentleman Inn, Michael Bradford.

• Incident A (December 1978): Mr. Bradford observed a 'star' grow brighter, hover, and descend behind trees. Investigating, he found two pulsating orange lights in a stubble field. A bright white light then jumped from the ground, zigzagged, and disappeared between the orange lights, followed by other white balls.
• Incident B (October 1, 1979): Mr. and Mrs. Bradford reported seeing a 'two-coach train' moving along the B1368 towards Barley, appearing to cross a bridge where no railway existed. The object moved at about 30 mph and had large 'windows.'
• Incident C (November 29, 1979): Several people outside the Old English Gentleman observed a 'steady shape' that appeared like a plane but was silent and slow-moving, described as having a 'boomerang shape' with illuminated lights.
• Incident D (November 29, 1979): Shortly after Incident C, a 'railway carriage' or 'double-decker bus' shaped object with illuminated windows was seen. It was also noiseless and slow-moving.

Investigations with Cambridge police and USAF units indicated no local flying activity that could explain the sightings, though some military exercises were underway.

Exe UFOs

Two reports from the Exe estuary in December 1979 are mentioned. One involved a giant UFO hovering above a gas-holder, described as brilliantly lit with flashing lights. The second report concerned a car engine cutting out when a brightly coloured dart-like object was seen moving across the sky.

Houston engineer wins Cutty Sark £1,000

James Oberg, an engineer at NASA's Mission Control Center and a self-described 'gentle sceptic,' won a £1,000 prize for a scientific paper titled 'The Failure of the 'science' of ufology.' The paper, published in the New Scientist, drew criticism from ufologists for its focus on arguments against UFO phenomena.

WASA

This section introduces the World Authority for Spatial Affairs (WASA), founded by Major Colman S. Von Keviczky, who advocates for international action against 'homo cosmicus' and considers UFOs an increasing threat.

'The first 21 years'

This refers to a book by Julian Popescu detailing the first 21 years of Soviet space exploration, from Sputnik to the achievements of cosmonauts Valery Ryumin and Lt Col Vladimir Lyakov. It mentions controversy surrounding the identity of the first man in space, suggesting Sergey Iliyushin preceded Yuri Gagarin.

Velikovsky dies

This is a brief obituary noting the death of Immanuel Velikovsky, author of 'Ages of Chaos' and 'Worlds in Collision,' who had successfully predicted Venus would be a hot planet.

Radio London 'phone-in'

Lionel Beer (then Chairman of Bufora) and Ian Ridpath participated in a UFO phone-in. The case of missing Frenchman M. Franck Fontaine was discussed, with Beer suggesting most UFO abductions are temporary. Fontaine later reappeared.

Stand back, Miss World!

A letter from the Kenyan Standard describes a mysterious object with an ultra-bright light seen flying at high speed, which descended like a hawk before changing direction and shooting south.

"The First Professor of Aerospace History"

Betty Wood, Eve Demuth, and Lionel Beer attended a lecture by Charles Gibbs-Smith, described as the First Professor of Aerospace History at the Smithsonian Institute. Gibbs-Smith affirmed that UFOs are real and criticized official attitudes, while viewing George Adamski as an honest man.

UFOs-Yes

Quotes from astronaut Gordon Cooper express his conviction that humanity is not alone in space and that UFOs are likely friendly.

Kuwait Oil Alert

Reports from Kuwait detail sightings of a landed UFO at an oil pumping station, causing a computer blackout, and another large cylindrical object with a flashing red light. A third incident involved a UFO filmed over water tankers.

A China Basin?

A 1977 report from Peking describes a UFO seen by a student in Hubei, described as a round basin with white and yellow lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents reports of UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena, often with a critical yet open-minded approach. It aims to explore these mysteries, providing witness accounts and investigative details. The editorial stance appears to favor the open discussion of various hypotheses, as indicated by the welcome given to the Journal's policy of allowing expression of all UFO hypotheses, regardless of the editor's personal preference. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, investigating potential explanations, and engaging with the scientific community's perspectives, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding in this field.

FAQ

• Q: What was the shape of the UFO reported in Werrington? A: The UFO was described as having a yellow dome on top, not visibly affixed to a much larger 'orange segment' shaped light of the same colour and intensity, likened to 'a banana with a dome on top.'
• Q: What was the duration of the UFO sighting in Ward's Field? A: The duration of the sighting in Ward's Field was approximately half a minute, with the object observed for about 30 seconds.
• Q: What was the nature of the 'train' sighting in Harston? A: The 'train' sighting in Harston involved a two-coach train-like object observed moving without any visible railway or bridge, at about 30 mph.
• Q: What did James Oberg win a prize for? A: James Oberg won the £1,000 Cutty Sark Whisky prize for his scientific paper judged to contribute most to the understanding of the UFO phenomena, titled 'The Failure of the 'science' of ufology.'
• Q: Where can one obtain 'Strange Phenomena' cassettes? A: Cassettes can be obtained from Robin J Lindsey, Montague Villas, 87 Station Road, Peterborough PE7 1UE, by enclosing 2 x C90 cassettes and £1 for postage and packing.

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: 10
Volume: 1
Date: April 1979

This issue of UFO TIMES delves into a variety of topics within the realm of UFO phenomena, including a new solar-powered aircraft, speculative theories about the nature and origin of UFOs, and personal accounts and research efforts.

"And now-a UFM!"

The lead story introduces the "Solar Riser," a solar-powered manned aircraft developed by Larry Mauro of Santa Clara, California. Christened the Solar Riser, its first flight was scheduled for the Chino Air Show on April 28, 1979, but was aborted because the FAA grounded the plane. Mauro described the reaction as one of disbelief, as if he had arrived in a Flying Saucer. The following day, the craft successfully completed its initial aerial baptism at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. It covered half a mile in one-and-a-half minutes, reaching an altitude of 30 to 40 feet and a maximum speed of around 24 mph.

The Solar Riser weighs 125 pounds and features over 500 solar cells in its upper wing, covered by clear plastic. Manufactured by UFM (ULTRA-light Flying Machines) in Santa Clara, California, the aircraft cost $50,000. Larry Mauro is credited as the designer, builder, and pilot. The aircraft has a wing span of 30 feet and a wing area of 175 sq. feet. It is a bi-plane powered by a 3 horsepower electric motor spinning a 41-inch diameter propeller, with electrical energy generated by the solar cells.

"What don't you believe?"

This section presents contributions from readers supporting hypotheses that differ from their own viewpoints. Two main articles are featured:

UFOs-Spaceships or Time Machines?

This article proposes a theory that UFOs are not extraterrestrial spaceships but rather time machines originating from Earth's future, possibly the 21st or 22nd century. The author suggests that scientists and historians from that future era are using these 'Time Ships' to study Earth's past history firsthand. The theory posits the existence of a 'Time Door' in an area known as 'The Triangle' or 'The Devil's Triangle,' through which contemporary aircraft and ships might inadvertently be drawn, explaining historical disappearances. The author draws parallels with technological advancements like computers, submarines, and rockets, which were once considered fantasy but are now reality, arguing that time travel is a plausible future development.

The Himalaya Hypothesis

This contribution argues for a terrestrial origin for UFOs, specifically suggesting the Himalayas as the source. The author dismisses extraterrestrial explanations due to the improbability of alien life being so similar to Earth life. Instead, the hypothesis focuses on the unique environment and potential advanced technology within the largely unexplored Himalayan region. The author references reports of mysterious radiant beings guiding people to safety and mentions the possibility of 'tulpas'—thought-forms with humanoid appearance and autonomous action—as a potential explanation for some UFO entities. The article also notes a correlation between reports of ufonauts and the people of the Himalayas, including both the native peasantry and the ascetic lamas. It suggests that the remoteness of the region and the limited native population make it a logical place for advanced beings to maintain a low profile. The author cites the Roerich sighting of 1926 and the Gill/Baird sightings in Nepal as evidence supporting this hypothesis and calls for further investigation of the Himalayas.

Personal Accounts and Contributions

"Upside Downside"

A letter from "H Urth" describes a peculiar UFO experience involving metallic objects with long bodies and protrusions that have been appearing and causing trouble. The writer expresses urgency, asking for help to understand these UFOs and prevent their Sun from going "Omega." The letter also mentions a larger UFO calling out, "Why don't you five b----rs get back to Fort Lauderdale?"

Personal Column

This section includes various notices:

• A request for a mature investigator in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, to gather information on a 1969 sighting.
• An advertisement for RAPPORT, an introduction service for making new friendships and attending informal gatherings.
• Information about the Christian UFO Research Association, which aims to help those who are troubled.
• A listing for the Warminster-Ley and UFO Centre, offering accommodation for UFO researchers and ley hunters.
• A mention of a "UFO Directory of UFO Societies, groups and publications worldwide."

Books and Leaflets

This section lists various publications available for purchase from Arnold West, Bufora Publications. Titles include "An Engineer's Look at UFOs," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Guide to the UFO Phenomenon," "Investigation Procedures," and "The Use of Analytical Instruments in the Search for Extra-terrestrial Spacecraft."

Upcoming Events and Next Issue

• The Second London International UFO Congress is scheduled for the 1981 Spring Bank Holiday (May 24-25, 1981).
• The next issue will feature an analysis of the "Frank Fontaine Affair," a report on "Living microbe found in 'Angel Hair'," and the continuation of "Messengers from the Stars."

The British UFO Research Association

This section provides details about The British UFO Research Association (Bufora), founded in 1964. Its aims include promoting scientific research into UFO phenomena, collecting and disseminating evidence, and coordinating research efforts. Annual membership is £5.00 in the UK and $12 in the USA and Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of new technologies in aviation (the Solar Riser), speculative theories about the nature and origin of UFOs (time machines, Himalayan origin), and the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations and individuals. The editorial stance, as indicated by the "NB" note under "H Urth's" letter, is to present various viewpoints and contributions without necessarily endorsing them as the actual opinions of the contributors or the publication itself. The inclusion of reader submissions and personal accounts suggests an open approach to exploring diverse hypotheses within the UFO field.