1973 - Jan - Research Bulletin Vol.4 No.1

Magazine Overview

This issue of The British U.F.O. Research Association's RESEARCH BULLETIN, dated January 1973, marks the return of the periodical after an eighteen-month interval. The Director, Anthony R. Pace, expresses his satisfaction that the Committee has endorsed the continuation of the Bulletin, which aims to complement the quarterly BUFORA Journal and improve communication with the membership, particularly those living far from London. He notes that the formation of local branches, such as the new one in Staffordshire, is to be encouraged to provide a focal point for research and social exchange. Additionally, a newswheet for investigators is planned.

Renumbering the Files

A significant administrative task being undertaken is the renumbering of all UFO reports. The original numbering system, which started at 1 and had reached over 1,300, is being replaced with a new system where each report is assigned a number starting from 1 at the beginning of each year. This new Reference Number will consist of the Year and a Serial Number, making it unique and allowing for immediate identification of the report's year. A sample of the new Report Analysis Card is shown, which will be used to facilitate data transfer and microfilming.

The Cerenkov Effect

This section explores the Cerenkov Effect, a phenomenon where particles exceeding the velocity of light in a medium create a shock wave of light, often appearing as a pale blue glow. While known since 1934, its potential connection to UFOs is discussed. The article notes that the frequencies of Cerenkov radiation are limited to certain bands (ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, radio) and cannot produce X-rays. The author speculates that UFO incidents involving sunburn, internal heating, or radio interference might be related to this effect. The theory is further elaborated by mentioning Veksler's work on how plasma in a magnetic field could enable this effect, potentially suggesting a propulsion system for UFOs. The article references J.V. Jelley's book "Cerenkov Radiation and its applications" and notes that a photograph of Cerenkov radiation around a nuclear reactor at Harwell was shown.

Wartime Sighting?

This section recounts a potential UFO sighting from October 1942, described by Mr. Toft, a retired man who attended a lecture by Roger Stanway. Mr. Toft's letter details an experience near the Ordnance Factory at Radway Green, Cheshire, during an air raid. He and other workers observed a large object described as a "double parachute" on top of a "cigar shaped object with a light on the two ends," which floated and then shot upwards at incredible speed. Another witness, Mr. A. Bradshaw, observed an aircraft spiraling down into a field, but noted its speed made it difficult to track. Children in Alsager reported a scorched patch of earth. Mr. Toft's own investigation of the site revealed a large circle of discolouration and footmarks, but he concluded it might have been a natural explanation at the time due to the war.

Check on "probe from outer space."

This article discusses a theory presented by Mr. Duncan Lunan, a Glasgow University graduate, regarding a potential probe from another civilization that may have arrived in the Solar System 13,000 years ago. The theory is based on the analysis of curious long-delayed echoes in radio signals broadcast from Earth, which have no scientific explanation. These echoes, recorded by radio pioneers and researchers like Störmer and Van der Pol, take several seconds to return, suggesting a reflector at least as far as the moon's orbit. Lunan proposes that these delayed transmissions form a pattern, possibly a message or a test of Earth's intelligence. His analysis of charts, presented at the British Interplanetary Society, suggests the probe's origin might be the double star Epsilon Boötis, 103 light years away, and that it arrived in the solar system around 11,000 B.C. The theory has generated controversy, and the British Interplanetary Society is calling for a full investigation into natural explanations. The article also mentions R.N. Bracewell's earlier suggestion in 1960 that long-delayed echoes could indicate an alien probe attempting contact.

Northern Regional Conference

Details are provided for the 1973 Northern Regional Conference, scheduled to be held at the Wakefield Albion Hotel. Further information can be obtained from the organiser, Mr. Trevor Whitaker.

Projects Meeting

A meeting of the Research Section was held on January 14th, attended by members including the new Projects Officer, Charles Lockwood, and the Research Director. The meeting aimed to formulate short and long-term research projects. The agenda included topics such as UFO detection instrumentation, investigation techniques, photographic analysis, data transmission, microfilming, re-investigation of classic cases, monitoring non-British UFO events, developing an investigation field kit and an "identikit" of UFO shapes, fund-raising, establishing consultants, improving sky-watching procedures, general data analysis, computer applications, and evaluation procedures. The initial short-term projects chosen were the development of a standard investigation field kit and an "identikit" of UFO shapes. For the longer term, the group decided to study environmental effects, specifically vehicle ignition failure in close encounter cases.

I.S.R. - Interstellar Research - A Brief Introduction

This section introduces Interstellar Research (I.S.R.), a group of individuals interested in the experimental investigation of the concept that human civilization is not unique. Their primary focus is on the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations possessing interstellar space transport capabilities. To test this hypothesis, I.S.R. has established a prototype automatic monitoring system in Wiltshire, designed to detect side effects from high-technology spacecraft. The system uses passive sensors to measure energies in various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and geophysical parameters. The goal is to identify variations that could indicate a non-terrestrial energy source. The system has been operating continuously since May 1971, recording about twelve parameters. The article mentions that the group's principal engineer, Mr. Robin J. Lindsey, handles enquiries.

Clue to Space Evolution

This article reports on new findings by American astronomer Dr. Jerome Kristian of the Hale Observatories. He has located Quasars, which are immensely bright sources of light and radio waves, at the heart of six galaxies. This suggests that Quasars may be part of galactic evolution, potentially representing the very start of galaxies. Although tiny compared to galaxies, Quasars are up to 1,000 times brighter than a normal galaxy.

Kidsgrove "Ice" Fall

This report details an incident on September 29th, 1972, in Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, where a piece of "ice" fell from the sky, narrowly missing a pedestrian. The object, estimated to weigh about 2lbs, was described as compacted snow and shattered into pieces. One fragment, weighing 41b, had a clean groove. The weather was dry and cloudy. The reporter, M.F. Pace, a BUFORA member, suggested it might have fallen from an aircraft due to the proximity of a busy air route.

Letter to the Editor/Director's Closing Remarks

Anthony R. Pace, Director of Research, expresses his belief in continuous improvement and welcomes comments, suggestions, and positive criticism for future issues of the Research Bulletin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advancement of UFO research and communication within the BUFORA organization. There is a strong emphasis on systematic investigation, data collection, and the development of standardized procedures and equipment. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, exploring both conventional scientific phenomena like the Cerenkov Effect and more speculative theories such as extraterrestrial probes, while maintaining a commitment to scientific rigor and evidence-based conclusions. The bulletin also highlights the importance of member participation and the establishment of regional branches to foster a more connected and active research community.