JTAP - Vol 2 No 5 - Aug 1983 Intended as Vol 3 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue: Volume 2, Number 5
Date: August 1983
Publisher: British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association Ltd. (BUFORA)
Country: UK
ISSN: 0143-8840

The Great Dumfries UFO

This article, written by Steuart Campbell, investigates a widely publicized UFO incident that occurred in Dumfries, Southern Scotland, on August 30, 1980. Approximately 20 people, including four police officers, reported seeing strange lights in the sky. Despite an official explanation being offered, the article argues it was inadequate.

Introduction

The investigation was challenging for BUFORA due to the lack of an investigator in the region. Tom Straiton, a BUFORA member and chemistry teacher, along with Dr. Alan Robertson, conducted the investigation, making two visits. Assistance was also received from Frank Ryan, a local reporter.

The Sightings

Graham Brockie was the first to report seeing 4-5 lights moving slowly in a northerly direction over low hills west of Lochside. The lights later became stationary near Riddings Fill. He contacted the police, leading to PC James Smith and WPC Pamela Brown responding. By the time they arrived, about 15 people had gathered. Sergeant Bill McDavid and PC Kerr Fenry also arrived later.

Sergeant McDavid and PC Smith reported the objects were initially to the northeast, but later moved towards the west. They drove to Terregles village to get a closer look, observing the lights for several minutes. They then proceeded towards Riddings Fill, where the object(s) appeared stationary, hovering over a forested area near the British Telecom microwave relay station. PC Fenry became apprehensive. Sergeant McDavid stated they approached to within about 450m before losing sight of the object(s) as the road entered an inclined valley.

Meanwhile, PC Smith and WPC Brown were called to Dumfries Royal Infirmary, located about 3km from Lochside. There, they joined hospital staff in observing the same aerial lights, which remained visible for about an hour before vanishing around 2 am.

A potentially related event occurred later that night when Mary Blyth and her friend Amber Brockie reported seeing an object hovering over Lochside Primary School. The object appeared to hover over the roof, then above it, before dropping behind the building.

Description of the Objects

Witness descriptions were generally consistent regarding the large size of the lights. However, there were discrepancies in color and motion. PC Smith provided a sketch of the lights, describing them as five sharply defined white lights, steady and not diffuse, resembling illuminated railway carriage windows. He estimated their angular size as that of a golf ball held at arm's length.

Sergeant McDavid described a very large object with no distinct outline, but estimated the angular size of the lights as much larger than a tennis ball at arm's length.

Hugh Macgregor, a porter at the hospital, described four oblong white lights at the top and orange at the bottom, each with the angular dimensions of a twopence piece held at arm's length.

The object seen by Amber Brockie and Mary Blyth was described as 'egg-like or elliptical,' illuminated by red and white or red and yellow lights around its perimeter. Amber Brockie recalled the lights flashing on and off. No sound was reported from any object.

Weather Conditions

On the night of the sightings (August 29-30), the weather was overcast with low cloud, mist, moderate to strong winds, and rain, with temperatures around 12-15°C.

Electromagnetic Effects

PC Smith reported that police receivers malfunctioned during the sighting, though he noted this was not uncommon. Mary Blyth stated her transistor radio failed. Reports of TV interference were unfounded.

Publicity

The incident received significant publicity, appearing in Saturday, Sunday, and Monday newspapers across the UK. The Dumfries police held a press conference on August 30, and the event was more widely publicized than the Livingston incident in November 1979.

Explanations?

On Sunday, August 31, British Telecom engineers reported that work had been conducted at the Riddings Hill station between 11 pm and 3 am on the night of the incident, offering a likely explanation. This was reported in the press on September 1, and public interest waned.

However, several witnesses claimed that British Telecom turned on lights at the station on a subsequent Tuesday or Wednesday, possibly to support their explanation, though BT did not confirm or deny this. Witnesses, including the Blythes and Brockies, strongly repudiated any similarity between the station lights and what they saw.

Sergeant McDavid initially accepted the BT explanation, but PC Smith, after taking bearings, estimated the object was about 1 km north of the tower. The police, however, remained convinced that the later Blyth/Brockie report was caused by car lights.

Aircraft

Press reports indicated an aircraft was sent from Prestwick Airport to investigate, but NATS at Prestwick stated the matter was not reported to them. No one reported hearing an aircraft, and an aircraft above the cloud would not have seen anything below it.

Conclusions

The press and public readily accepted the British Telecom explanation, but the article questions why residents were puzzled by a lighted building that had presumably been lit before. It asks why car headlights would cause such unusual reflections.

Several arguments are raised against the BT explanation: witnesses saw the lights moving, police officers first saw them to the north (away from the station), and the UFO appeared to approach from the south, heading west and then north, eventually settling near Riddings Fill or Ingleston Fill.

There is a significant disparity between the reported size of the lights and the size of the BT building's windows. PC Smith estimated the lights' angular size at 3.4°, Sergeant McDavid at 6°, and Hugh Macgregor at 2.1°. These are vastly larger than the angular size of windows (0.017° from Lochside, 0.009° from the hospital). The article notes that while brightness can exaggerate perceived size, it's unlikely to account for such a vast difference.

Tom Straiton was unable to determine the type of lighting used at the BT station, but noted that lights from station buildings would appear as 'pin-pricks.' The article concludes that the BT explanation is inadequate and fails to explain the sighting, leaving the object unidentified.

References

1. "Riddingshill" is the name of a farm, with Morris Hill (240m OOD) above it.
2. From Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary headquarters.
3. Refers to the British Telecom mast and communications station.

Correspondence

Sir - An Institute of Ufology?

Steuart Campbell writes in response to a previous discussion, questioning the existence of a formal 'Institute of Ufology' and the definition of UFOs. He argues that 'Ufology' is not a new science but rather a phenomenon that was once explained superstitiously, like lightning being attributed to Jupiter. He advocates for a more scientific attitude and the involvement of competent scientists, noting that those who have shown interest have often lacked objectivity.

Campbell's research into Ball Lightning is acknowledged, but the author of the correspondence points out that Campbell sometimes labels events as Ball Lightning prematurely. An example is given of an event in Innerleithen, Scotland, in 1981, which is believed to be space debris or a meteor, not Ball Lightning. The correspondence mentions David Clarke's reports on Yorkshire sightings and Mark Brown's contributions.

Towards An Ideal Investigation Network

This paper, presented by Jenny Randles at the 1982 BUFORA National Conference, explores the foundation of an idealized UFO investigation network. It considers the requirements for good investigation in the complex field of ufology, assesses the 'raw material' (witnesses and data), and examines past attempts to organize investigations in Britain. The paper proposes new structures and ground rules for the future.

Investigating An Anomaly

Randles suggests 'mind exercises' to understand UFO investigation problems, using the analogy of a caveman trying to comprehend a rainbow. The investigator must recognize their limitations and preserve data for future researchers.

The Influence of Mental Set

Both investigators and witnesses are affected by 'Mental Set,' a psychological process where individuals interpret what they see based on expectations. Because UFOs are culturally perceived, even familiar phenomena can be interpreted as UFOs. Investigators must be aware of this bias and adopt 'Lateral Thinking' to find explanations based on the true nature of the stimulus.

The Importance of IFOS

It is stated that at least 90% of UFO investigations have a natural explanation, a fact often overlooked. Investigators tend to acknowledge this but continue as if it were not true. In every UFO case, it is essential to consider:

• The true nature of the stimulus.
• The witness's interpretation of the stimulus.
• The investigator's interpretation of the witness's interpretation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue focuses heavily on a specific UFO incident in Dumfries, Scotland, providing detailed witness accounts, police involvement, and a critical analysis of the official explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a commitment to thorough, objective investigation. The correspondence section and the article on investigation networks further emphasize the need for scientific rigor, critical thinking, and an awareness of psychological biases in the study of anomalous aerial phenomena. The journal also touches upon the potential for misidentification of natural phenomena like ball lightning and the challenges in establishing a formal 'ufology' as a distinct science.

This issue of THE JOURNAL OF TRANSIENT AERIAL PHENOMENA, dated August 1983, features several articles addressing the structure, standards, and demographics within the field of ufology, particularly in Britain.

The Building Blocks Of A Network

This section discusses the ideal composition of an investigation network. The author argues against populating it solely with scientists, emphasizing that while science is specialized, ufology is multi-disciplined. Open-minded, inquisitive scientists are valuable for data feedback, but the investigation itself requires individuals with broader skills, who may or may not be scientists. The author notes the presence of individuals seeking thrills or fame, alongside those genuinely wanting to learn the truth. To elevate the perception of serious investigators, a new name is suggested to move away from the popular image of 'ufologist.' A call is made for an international standard in UFO investigation, possibly through an International Council akin to PICUR, to establish minimum criteria for data collectors and researchers. The author suggests BUFORA and The Center for UFO studies pioneer this initiative.

The Present Situation in Britain

In the absence of an international council, the focus shifts to organizing within Britain. Serious ufologists are described as existing in three modes: 'loners' who prefer to work independently, 'local groups' which vary from social clubs to dedicated investigation teams, and 'national groups' like BUFORA and CONTACT UK, which are considered serious forces. CONTACT UK requires an examination for investigators but is more secretive, while BUFORA has historically been less selective due to a high volume of cases.

The BUFORA Position

Historically, BUFORA has accepted anyone willing to investigate due to a shortage of members and an abundance of cases, resulting in many reports being of poor standard. The author, taking on the role of BUFORA Director of Investigations, outlines intentions to improve this. The old system of Regional Investigation Co-ordinators (RICs) is being replaced by "Accredited Investigators" (AIs) selected by a National Investigation Committee. AI status will require proof of ability and be subject to renewal. This committee will include local group representation to foster liaison. The aim is to create an elite team of investigative ufologists. AIs will receive financial support through reduced BUFORA subscriptions and discounts. This initiative is seen as a way to ensure that active members subsidize a nationwide team.

The Need For Co-operation

Past efforts by different UFO groups have often been isolated and competitive, leading to difficulties such as multiple societies contacting the same witness. Co-operation is seen as valuable, enabling investigators with specialist knowledge to contribute significantly to case data. The article advocates for a National Federation of UFO Groups to establish standards, principles, and a national register of specialist knowledge and abilities, contacts, and equipment to maximize resource utilization.

Past Attempts To Overcome The Problems

Several pilot attempts at co-operation have been made since 1974. NUFON (Northern UFO Network), formed in 1974, functions as a communication center and focal point, producing a monthly newsletter. It has adopted a central FAQ coordinated by NUFOIS, which stores group files centrally. Scotland has formed the Scottish UFO Network on a similar basis. NUFON's success is attributed to its modest aims. In 1977, UFOIN (The UFO Investigators' Network) emerged from NUFON members seeking to do more. UFOIN operates as a team of investigators without formal structures, where all members have equal status. It has no committee, finance, or meetings. UFOIN developed a standard report format in 1979 and focuses on high strangeness cases to manage its workload. UFOIN members are willing to merge with BUFORA if it serves the interests of British ufology.

The Code of Practice

The proof that co-operation can work is demonstrated by the Code of Practice, initially mooted by Geoff Bird and the author on behalf of NUFON groups. This legally vetted code, similar to the Hippocratic Oath, regulates investigators' conduct with witnesses and the public. It is to be administered by a new body comprising BUFORA, NUFON, UFOIN, and several local groups, potentially forming a British Federation. An ideal network is described as a skilled, dedicated team working in co-operation, mobilizing nationwide resources and special skills with local knowledge.

Editor's Note

The editor notes that several proposals from Miss Randles' paper have been implemented. Copies of the Code of Practice are available from BUFORA's Director of Publications.

BALL LIGHTNING UPDATE

By Steuart Campbell, this article examines the authenticity of photographs of Ball Lightning (BL). The author focuses on a photograph taken in 1961 at Castleford, Yorkshire, by Roy Jennings, which is often presented as definitive evidence of BL. Jennings was attempting to photograph lightning flashes during a storm and did not see the event himself.

Investigation revealed that the 'anomalous trace' in the photograph coincided with the position of a sodium street lamp. The pulsed nature of the trace and its color were consistent with a sodium vapor discharge lamp. The author concludes that after making a time exposure, Jennings swung the camera, capturing the image of the lamp. The trace was not reflected in the wet roadway, further indicating it was not a flying object. The article dismisses the photograph as evidence of Ball Lightning, citing a full account published in The British Journal of Photography.

FIGURE 1 & FIGURE 2

Figure 1 is a monochromatic copy of Roy Jenning's photograph, with annotations identifying the lowest light as a street lamp reflection and the light in a telephone kiosk. Figure 2 shows the scene in 1980, illustrating the location of the lamp standard responsible for the pulsed trace.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE JOIN A UFO GROUP?

By Shirley McIver, this section presents the statistical results of a questionnaire survey on ufology in Britain. Key findings include:

• Sex: 175 males (80.3%) and 43 females (19.7%).
• Age: The largest age group is 31-40 (24.8%), followed by 51-60 (29.4%).
• Marital Status: 94 single (43.1%) and 105 married (48.2%).
• Birth Position: 76 oldest, 65 youngest, 42 only children.
• Length of Interest in UFOs: The largest groups have an interest of 5-15 years (39%) and over 15 years (44%).
• How Interested in UFOs: The primary drivers are books (35.3%), impersonal events like newspaper articles (21.1%), and personal sightings (19.3%).
• Organizations Belonged To: BUFORA is dominant (94.5%), followed by CONTACT UK (6.9%), UFOIN (7.3%), and local UFO groups (11%).
• Main Activities Connected with UFOs: The most common primary activity is reading UFO literature (49.5%), followed by skywatching (20.2%) and research (17.4%).
• Most Important Aspect of UFology: Collecting data and formulating hypotheses (26.1%) and getting the research procedure correct (26.1%) are considered most important.
• Most Likely Theory of UFOs: Physical ETs travelling in vehicles is the most popular theory (44%), followed by 'as yet unknown natural phenomena' (19.3%).
• Special Interests: Space research (59.6%), Psychic Research (49.5%), and Astronomy (43.1%) are the most common interests.

HOW MANY BOOKS DO YOU READ A WEEK?

Most respondents read one or two books a week (64.2%).

STATEMENTS

The survey also gauged opinions on various statements:

• Government Contact: A significant portion believes governments are in contact with extraterrestrials and withholding information (Strongly Agree: 42.7%).
• Cattle Mutilations: A majority disagree that cattle mutilations are associated with UFOs (Disagree: 15.1%, Strongly Disagree: 23.6%).
• Men In Black: 39.9% agree that some interested in UFOs have been visited by Men In Black.
• Aliens Among Us: A majority believe aliens are walking among us (Agree: 18.8%, Not Sure: 38.5%).
• Homo Sapiens Origin: Many believe Homo Sapiens was created by extraterrestrials (Agree: 17.4%, Not Sure: 39.4%).
• Atlantis: A significant number believe humans once inhabited Atlantis with advanced knowledge (Agree: 23.9%, Not Sure: 31.2%).
• UFO Mystery Revolution: A strong majority believe solving the UFO mystery will cause a revolution in understanding (Strongly Agree: 42.7%).
• Spiritual Evolution: A majority believe in spiritual evolution ending in union with God (Agree: 17.9%, Not Sure: 31.7%).

DO YOU THINK THAT SCIENCE WILL EVENTUALLY SOLVES ALL OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES?

Overwhelmingly, respondents believe science will never explain it all (71.1%).

DO YOU BELIEVE IN A GOD?

61% believe in God, 17% do not, 14.2% are sometimes, and 6% don't know.

WHAT KIND OF GOD?

Impersonal gods are most common (44.5%), followed by personal gods (25.7%).

DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE DEVIL?

41.7% do not believe in the devil, while 27.5% do.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

Life after death (68.3%), Hell (13.8%), Heaven (22%), and Reincarnation (45%) are believed in by varying percentages.

DO YOU CONSIDER JESUS CHRIST TO BE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

31.2% consider Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, while 23.9% see him as a spiritually evolved human being.

DO YOU CONSIDER THAT YOU BELONG TO A RELIGION?

The largest group (39.9%) does not belong to any religion, followed by Church of England (35.8%).

HOW OFTEN DO YOU ATTEND RELIGIOUS MEETINGS?

Most respondents never attend religious meetings (58.3%).

DO YOU SUPPORT A POLITICAL PARTY?

Nearly half of respondents (49.1%) do not support a political party.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN WHAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE A UFO?

38.1% have never seen a UFO, while 26.6% have seen one once, and 24.3% have seen two or three times.

WHAT TYPE OF UFO EXPERIENCE DID YOU HAVE?

The most common experience is 'Light in the sky' (48.2%).

HAVE YOU EVER HAD WHAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE A PSYCHIC EXPERIENCE?

41.3% have never had a psychic experience.

EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The majority of respondents are employed full-time (66.5%).

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASS (from occupation)

The largest group falls into Socio-economic Class Three (33.9%).

EDUCATION

Secondary modern education is most common (33.9%), followed by Grammar school (26.6%).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization and organization of UFO investigation, the critical examination of evidence, and the demographic and belief profiles of individuals involved in ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor a more rigorous, scientific approach to investigation, emphasizing the need for standards, co-operation, and evidence-based conclusions, as seen in the debunking of the Ball Lightning photograph and the call for a national federation. The survey results highlight a diverse range of beliefs and interests among UFO enthusiasts, with a strong leaning towards the idea of extraterrestrial contact and a skepticism towards science's ability to solve all mysteries.

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue: Vol. 1, Issue 1/2
Date: August 1983

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (Journal TAP) outlines its aims and scope, emphasizing a shift from speculation to scientific analysis and evaluation methods in the study of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) phenomena. It serves as a platform for scientists and researchers globally to present findings, investigations, and statistical analyses, striving for a broad scope, clear commentary, and scientific rigor.

Key Articles and Content

Aims and Scope of the Journal The editorial explicitly states that ufological research has progressed to a point where scientific analysis is applicable. The journal aims to provide a forum for presenting ideas, results, and statistical information, encouraging a rigorous and international approach to the study of UFO phenomena. It seeks to contribute to the knowledge of the cosmos and benefit mankind.

Notes for Contributors

Detailed guidelines are provided for submitting manuscripts. Contributions, preferably in English, should be double-spaced, typed on one side of A4 paper with wide margins, and submitted in duplicate. Authors are encouraged to be concise. An abstract of approximately 100 words is required, summarizing the main conclusions. Mathematical symbols should be clear, and illustrations should be kept to a minimum, drawn in black ink on white paper. Photographs should be glossy prints. Tables should be suitable for direct reproduction, with specific width requirements. References should be formatted numerically and grouped at the end of the paper, following a specific style. Dates should use the astronomical convention (YYYY Month DD), and times should be in 24-hour format with Universal Time (UT) specified. The Editorial Board reserves the right to accept, revise, or reject manuscripts, and may forward unsuitable submissions to the editor of 'B BULLETIN'. Book reviews and letters are also welcome.

3rd International UFO Congress Announcement

The issue prominently announces the "United Kingdom 3rd International UFO CONGRESS" to be held from August 27th to 29th, 1983, at the Lorch Foundation in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The congress promises presentations from leading ufologists worldwide, offering an opportunity for discussion and networking. Notable speakers listed include Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. Hartley Rutledge, Per Anderson, Peter Warrington, Stanton T. Friedman, Paul Norman, Bertil Kuhlemann, Alec Keul, Hilary Evans, Paul Devereux, and Jenny Randles. Booking forms and further details are available from John Shaw, the Congress Secretary, at 5 Vardens Road, London, SW11 1RQ.

Statistical Data

Page 95 presents statistical data categorized into three sections:

• (b) Age full-time education ceased: This section details the age distribution of individuals who stopped full-time education. The data shows that the largest groups ceased education at age 15 (19.7%) and 18 (19.7%), followed by age 16 (24.2%). A smaller group, 17 individuals (7.8%), were still receiving full-time education. Two respondents did not provide a response.
• (c) Kind of further education: This data outlines the types of further education pursued. 'None' was the most common response (61 individuals, 28%), followed by 'University' (40 individuals, 18.3%) and 'Technical' (41 individuals, 18.8%). Other categories include Commercial (15, 6.9%), Polytechnic (24, 11%), Teacher training (4, 1.8%), and Other (19, 8.7%). 14 respondents did not provide a response.
• (d) Qualifications: This section details the qualifications obtained. 'None' was the most frequent response (95 individuals, 43.6%). 'Professional qualifications' were held by 62 individuals (28.4%). 'Examinations to be taken' were indicated by 16 individuals (7.3%), and 'No Response' was also given by 16 individuals. Specific degrees were also listed: 'Degree (Science)' by 14 individuals (6.4%) and 'Degree (Other)' by 15 individuals (6.9%).

Mentions of UFO Events and Researchers

The text mentions a "superb dossier of 30 reports" compiled by Graham Fall, including a physical trace event that was later determined to be unrelated to UFOs after investigation by Leicester University. A "bolide" was also observed by a Manchester investigative team. The text notes that Steuart Campbell may have been unaware of this data, suggesting a tendency to attribute events resembling "BL" to a specific phenomenon. Jenny Randles is mentioned in relation to Wallasey and Wirral.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance clearly advocates for a more scientific and analytical approach to UFO research, moving away from pure speculation. The journal positions itself as a serious academic platform for presenting evidence and data. The announcement of the UFO Congress reinforces the theme of bringing together researchers and experts to discuss and advance the field. The inclusion of statistical data on education suggests an interest in demographic or sociological aspects that might be related to the broader context of the population's engagement with or perception of phenomena, or simply as a standard survey component of the publication's readership.