JTAP - Vol 5 No 1 - Sep 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue Date: September 1987
Volume: 5, No. 1
Publisher: British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA Ltd)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0143-8840

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (JTAP) is dedicated to the scientific study of unusual aerial phenomena. It is published biannually by BUFORA Ltd.

Editorial: Forty Years On

In his editorial, S.J. Gamble, Director of Research, reflects on the 40th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the 25th anniversary of BUFORA, coinciding with the Fourth London International UFO Congress. He questions what has been learned in forty years of UFO research, noting that while the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) still has supporters, definitive proof remains elusive. Gamble highlights the evolution of investigative methods and the consideration of alternative theories. He specifically mentions Steuart Campbell's shift from a ball lightning hypothesis to a mirage hypothesis for explaining UFO cases, presenting an abstract of Campbell's work in this issue. Gamble emphasizes that the views expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily BUFORA's. He invites well-argued cases against the mirage hypothesis for publication, stressing the importance of fact-based objections.

The editorial also touches upon the progress made in UFO research, including the formation of BUFORA and its international contacts, which facilitate the exchange of ideas and case histories. The establishment of ICUR in 1979 is noted for extending international cooperation. The birth of JTAP is linked to ICUR, with the journal aiming to be an international scientific vehicle. The editorial announces the inclusion of abstracts from recent International Congress papers, underscoring the role of journals in publishing research and facilitating future work.

Abstracts from the Fourth International UFO Congress

This section presents abstracts of papers presented at the Fourth International UFO Congress held in London from July 10-12, 1987. The abstracts cover a range of topics within UFO research:

UFOS A Yorkshire Viewpoint

• Speaker: Phillip Mantle (UK)
• Abstract: This paper discusses the prevalence of unidentified flying object sightings in Yorkshire over the past ten years, ranging from simple lights to alleged landings of solid craft with occupants. It suggests that something unique may be happening in the region.

Cash-Landrum Case

• Speaker: Walter H. Andrus Jr.
• Abstract: A slide-illustrated lecture on the significant 'Cash-Landrum Case' that occurred in Huffman, Texas, on December 29th, 1980. The case received exposure in England through articles by John F. Schuessler.

UNICAT Project

• Speaker: Dr. Willy Smith
• Abstract: The UNICAT Project, initiated in 1987, aims to create a database of 600 UFO cases with detailed parameters for statistical analysis. The database is designed to be accessible to qualified researchers, and efforts are underway to expand it with new cases and updated information. Criteria for case selection include witness reliability and the presence of specific characteristics.

The ET Hypothesis: Current Status and Next Steps

• Speaker: Dr. Allen Tough
• Abstract: This paper examines the current status of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, exploring evidence and scientific beliefs that support or refute the idea of extraterrestrial visitation over the past 40 years. It organizes and briefly mentions major facts and evidence for both sides of the argument and suggests future research projects and strategies.

Proposal for the creation of an integrated global network of UFO observatories

• Speaker: T.R. Dutton
• Abstract: This presentation proposes the creation of a global network of dedicated UFO observatories to test the 'Orbital Theory,' which links Close Encounter activity with the behavior of artificial Earth-satellites. The theory suggests that UFOs are a verifiable phenomenon that can be tested through data synthesis and direct observation.

Earthlights: The Geophysical Option

• Speaker: Paul Devereux
• Abstract: This talk explores the 'earthlights' theory, proposing that many UFOs are energy phenomena originating from Earth. It reviews various lights in the landscape, laboratory production of earthlight phenomena, and their potential relationship to prehistoric sites and psychic effects. The presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of earthlights research.

Rendlesham Forest New Evidence

• Speakers: Harry Harris and Mike Sacks
• Abstract: This presentation reveals new evidence and details concerning the involvement of Harry Harris and Mike Sacks in the Rendlesham Forest incidents. It promises to disclose information that has not been previously made public.

UFOs Can Seriously Damage Your Health

• Speaker: Jenny Randles
• Abstract: This paper examines the potential medical and physiological effects on close encounter witnesses. It presents a statistical analysis of 3052 British cases between 1947 and 1987, detailing the incidence of physiological effects, common phenomena, and correlations with case types, including landings and alien contact (CE4).

UFOs Exist

• Speaker: Bertil Kuhlemann
• Abstract: This presentation challenges the common dismissal of UFO phenomena and argues for their existence based on a deep analysis of accumulated information and screened reports. It proposes a scientific approach to assessing the characteristics of reported phenomena.

Project Hessdalen Update

• Speakers: Odd-Gunnar Roed and Erling Strand
• Abstract: This presentation provides an update on the Project Hessdalen in Norway, a valley known for unexplained lights observed since 1981. It includes details from a book by Leif Havik and scientific reports on the project, discussing instrumentation, computer analysis of photographs, and cooperation with other institutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate and investigation into unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). The editorial stance, as articulated by S.J. Gamble, is one of open inquiry, encouraging the submission of well-argued theories and evidence-based research. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology, the consideration of multiple hypotheses, and the importance of rigorous investigation. The journal serves as a platform for disseminating research findings, case studies, and abstracts from conferences, aiming to foster international cooperation and advance the scientific study of UAP. The issue highlights the evolution from simplistic explanations to more complex and nuanced theories, reflecting a maturing field of research.

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, dated September 1987, features a cover story analyzing the Todmorden UFO incident, alongside news and updates from UFO research organizations.

The Todmorden UFO Explained

Steuart Campbell's article "The Todmorden UFO Explained" revisits the case of PC Alan Godfrey's sighting on Burnley Road, Todmorden, on November 28, 1980. Campbell argues that the incident, as described in Jenny Randles' book "The Pennine UFO Mystery," was likely stimulated by a mirage of the planet Venus. He notes that Venus, at magnitude -3.8, would have been visible low on the horizon around 0515 GMT. The article suggests that atmospheric conditions, possibly a temperature inversion in the valley, could have enlarged and distorted Venus, making it appear as a spacecraft.

Campbell critically examines the account, particularly the part obtained under hypnosis. He points out inconsistencies in Godfrey's statements and argues that hypnosis can be unreliable, leading to the conflation of memories. The article dismisses the abduction and examination claims as having no basis in fact, attributing the entire event to the misinterpretation of Venus as a UFO.

The article includes a map of the area (Figure One) and a sketch by PC Godfrey (Figure Two) of the object he saw, described as dome-shaped, about 6 meters in diameter, with fluorescent lights and dark windows, hovering 1.5 meters above the road. A photograph (Figure Three) shows PC Godfrey at the location where he stopped his car, which Campbell uses to argue that Godfrey was already facing the correct direction towards Todmorden police station, thus questioning his claim of intending to turn onto Ferney Lee Road.

Campbell also references other similar sightings and atmospheric phenomena, including reports from Halifax and the Vale of York, suggesting that mirages of Venus might account for several unusual aerial phenomena.

Abstracts cont...

An abstract by Ken Phillips and Alex Keul discusses a paper looking at fifteen close encounter reporters and ten control subjects, examining their personality traits, religious beliefs, and mystical experiences. The study suggests that close encounter witnesses tend to have fantasy-prone personalities. The abstract also mentions the use of Rorschach and EPI tests to assess creativity and sensibilities.

Another abstract notes that press abstracts were not available for remaining papers presented at a congress at the time of closing, but they would be presented if space allowed. It also announces plans for another congress in the summer of 1989.

I.C.U.R. News

Steve Gamble reports on the activities of ICUR (International Committee for UFO Research). ICUR is an association of UFO groups, with membership by invitation. The news section explains why ICUR news is appearing in this journal, as a trial to spread awareness of ICUR's work.

Two ICUR meetings were held in London in July 1987, in association with the Fourth London International UFO Congress. The meetings addressed the death of Dr. Allen Hynek, the President of ICUR, and discussed ongoing projects. One project, chaired by Stanton Friedman, aims to produce a standardized UFO manual. Another, led by Robert Digby, focuses on standardizing terminology and computerization of UFO case classification. The need for a common classification scheme was emphasized, as many groups had added to Hynek's original six-point scheme, leading to confusion.

The election of officers took place, with Bertil Kuhlemann and his colleagues from URD stepping down from administration. Robert Digby (BUFORA, UK) was appointed Chairman, Walter H. Andrus (MUFON, USA) as Vice-chairman, Stephen Gamble (BUFORA, UK) as Secretary, and John Spencer (BUFORA, UK) as Treasurer. Project Unicat was elected to full membership.

Membership fees were discussed, and it was decided not to raise them for the next period. The need for a distinctive logo and letterhead to promote ICUR's image was also agreed upon.

Members attending the July 1987 meeting included representatives from BUFORA (UK), MUFON (USA), Project URD (Sweden), and Project UNICAT (USA). Apologies were received from VUFOS (Australia) and SUFOI (Denmark).

What Do Extraterrestrials Plan for Our Future?

Dr. Allen Tough, a futurist and MUFON consultant on future studies, presents a paper exploring the potential plans of advanced extraterrestrial beings for humanity's future. Tough outlines five possibilities: no plans, educating or preparing humanity, interbreeding, providing significant help, or causing severe harm. He acknowledges that current evidence is not convincing but suggests that continued inquiry into extraterrestrial intentions could be beneficial. Tough's paper is based on a "what if" exercise, assuming that some UFO reports might provide valid information about advanced extraterrestrials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly the Todmorden case, emphasizing scientific explanations like mirages over sensational interpretations. There is a strong focus on the unreliability of certain investigative methods, such as hypnosis. The issue also highlights the importance of organized research, as evidenced by the detailed reports from ICUR, showcasing efforts towards standardization, collaboration, and professionalization within the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a skeptical, evidence-based approach to UFO phenomena.

This issue of the *Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena* from September 1987, published by BUFORA, features a prominent cover story titled "Extraterrestrial Plans," exploring various hypotheses about alien intentions towards humanity. The issue also includes several research reports and updates from BUFORA's departments, covering topics such as witness reliability, physical evidence of UFOs, and the phenomenon of crop circles.

Extraterrestrial Plans

The lead article, "Extraterrestrial Plans," discusses the possibility of interbreeding between extraterrestrials and humans, citing Budd Hopkins' research on UFO abductions. It posits that this experimentation might be a central purpose of UFO activity, with potential implications for human evolution over the next 2000 years. The article explores whether such interbreeding would be beneficial, disastrous, or neutral for humankind, noting that much of the data comes from abduction cases elicited under hypnosis, a source some find convincing while others are skeptical.

Beyond interbreeding, the article considers other potential extraterrestrial plans. One possibility is that some extraterrestrials are planning to foster human progress and evolution, offering significant positive help. This could involve guiding humanity away from nuclear holocausts or other catastrophes, and benevolently influencing goals, strategies, morals, and spiritual development. The author suggests that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations are likely peaceful and helpful, and that such aid might already be occurring.

Conversely, the article does not omit the possibility of "Devastating Intentions." This scenario includes extraterrestrials planning to conquer, rule, annihilate, or manipulate humanity into initiating World War III. However, it notes that while the UFO field contains reports of harm to individuals and aircraft, there is little indication of more significant malevolent plans.

The article concludes by summarizing four possible extraterrestrial plans: highly positive help, fostering progress, conquest, or extermination. While the evidence for any single plan is not yet convincing, all are presented as worth considering as UFO phenomena continue to be explored.

Research News

This section, edited by Stephen Gamble, Director of Research, provides updates on BUFORA's ongoing projects.

Witness Centred Study Current Status

Ken Phillips reports on the progress of the Witness Centred Study after three and a half years. The study has investigated some one hundred cases, including UFO and paranormal reports, through interviews and three protocols: Anamnesis, Rorschach, and EPI (Eysenck Personality Inventory). The EPI and Rorschach protocols yielded inconclusive results, with the control group showing a higher content of fantasy description than the percipient group. The Anamnesis protocol, however, provided significant results, enabling investigators to proceed to a narrower, more pertinent analysis. The study suggests that UFO percipients are often highly creative individuals who may be "different" from an evolutionary standpoint. The MICIS (Memory, Imagination, Creativity Interview Schedule) developed by Barber and Wilson is expected to provide valuable data for future research.

Physical Effects of UFOs

This section details BUFORA's work on examining physical evidence of UFOs. The photographic section, formed in 1974, examines UFO photographs, while the Traces group (later combined into the Physical Evidence group) investigated alleged ground traces. The group is now headed by Nigel Smith. Previous research by Anthony Pace included the Vehicle Interference Project, which cataloged cases of vehicle interference, and a similar group investigating radar cases. The article notes an upturn in reports of effects on cars and invites interested members to contribute to reactivating the Vehicle Interference Project.

Great Circles Project

This project, assisted by Roy Dutton, investigates his "Great Circles theory." Roy produced a paper outlining investigation methods, which is under consideration. The theory aims to show that artificial craft orbit Earth for short periods, distinct from circular damage to fields of crops. An extensive paper on this theory was published in September 1986 JTAP and presented at various meetings.

Corn Field Circles

Under the direction of Paul Fuller, this project continues to investigate the incidence of circular crop damage. A survey of cereal farmers in Wiltshire and Hampshire has been conducted, and new formations are being investigated. The year 1987 has seen a significant increase in reported formations compared to previous years. The survey produced interesting results, and a detailed technical and statistical report is being prepared, jointly funded by TORRO and BUFORA. Future plans include further surveys in other regions and a concluding report.

BUFORA Publications

This section lists new and available publications from BUFORA, including "UFO World '87," "UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation," "Mystery of the Circles," and "Congress 79 papers." Contact details for ordering are provided.

Correspondence

Due to space limitations, several items of correspondence have been held over until the next issue. These include discussions on Roy Dutton's Great Circle Theory and Steuart Campbell's Mirage Hypothesis. The journal emphasizes that views expressed in correspondence are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent BUFORA or the Editor's views. The editor reserves the right to edit letters.

Time Estimation of Simulated UFO Events

This paper by S.J. Gamble, R.S. Digby, and K. Phillips examines the reliability of witness reports by analyzing the time estimation of simulated UFO sightings. The study used control subjects (male and female) and a group of UFOlogists (percipients and investigators). The experiment involved projecting a slide of a UFO event and asking participants to estimate the duration and draw the object. The data suggests that the accuracy of witness accounts can vary significantly, and that sophisticated data processing cannot compensate for deficient input data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and intentions of extraterrestrial intelligence, the challenges of gathering reliable data on UFO phenomena, and the scientific investigation of related topics like crop circles and witness psychology. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the notes on correspondence, appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging research and the sharing of data, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach to the evidence presented. The journal actively promotes BUFORA's research activities and publications.

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue Date: September 1987
Publisher: N/A
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena delves into various aspects of ufological research, with a significant focus on the accuracy of witness testimony, particularly concerning time estimation.

Time Estimation of Simulated UFO Events

The primary article, "Time Estimation of Simulated UFO Events" by S.J. Gamble, R.S. Digby, and K. Phillips, investigates the ability of individuals to estimate the duration of an event. The study involved control groups and a group of UFOlogists, all of whom were exposed to the same 'UFO event' for the same period. The results, presented in Tables One and Two and Figures One, Two, and Three, indicate a significant variability in duration estimates. The study found that witnesses are generally poor at estimating durations, with males tending to estimate longer durations than females. The data also suggests that the UFOlogist group, while larger, showed a similar distribution to the control groups when analyzed by sex. The article highlights the potential for fundamental questions about UFO events, such as 'When did it occur?' and 'How long did it last?', to be misleading due to this inherent inaccuracy in temporal measurement.

The research utilized statistical analysis and employed duration time bands as used in the BUFORA Case Index System. The authors discuss the importance of considering individual variations and the need for statistical analyses to mitigate their effects. They also reference previous work by Haines and Wootten regarding the classification of durations.

Other Articles and Sections

Editorial: Written by Stephen Gamble.

Abstracts from the Fourth International UFO Congress: This section likely summarizes presentations or findings from a major UFO conference.

The Todmorden UFO Explained: Steuart Campbell provides an analysis or explanation of a specific UFO case in Todmorden.

I.C.U.R. News: Steve Gamble reports on news from the International Compilation of UFO Reports (I.C.U.R.).

What Do Extraterrestrials Plan for Our Future: Allen Tough explores speculative ideas about the intentions or plans of extraterrestrial beings.

Research News: Stephen Gamble presents updates or findings from ongoing UFO research.

Dates for Your Diary: This section provides a schedule of upcoming meetings and lectures organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). These events are held at the London Business School and feature various speakers discussing topics like "Mind and Magic," "UFOs and Astronomy," and "The Reality of the UFO Phenomenon." The section also lists the 1988 AGM details and a talk on "Abductions" by John Rimmer. A book, "UFOs 1947-1987," edited by Hilary Evans and John Spencer, is also advertised.

Journal Information and Contributor Guidelines

The journal's aims and scope are outlined, emphasizing research and investigation into UFO phenomena with a scientific and analytical approach. It seeks to be an international forum for presenting ideas, results, and statistics. Notes for contributors detail manuscript submission requirements, including preferred language (English), formatting (double-spaced, A4 paper), and the need for clear illustrations and properly formatted references. The journal uses a photo-offset method for reproduction, requiring tables to be submitted in a camera-ready format. The editorial board reserves the right to accept, revise, or reject manuscripts, and may forward unsuitable submissions to the BUFORA Journal. The journal also considers book reviews and letters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the reliability of witness testimony, and the analysis of UFO cases. The journal adopts a rigorous, analytical, and scientific stance, encouraging detailed research and statistical evaluation. There is a clear emphasis on presenting data and findings in a structured, evidence-based manner, as demonstrated by the detailed time estimation study. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating news and information within the UFO research community, including conference abstracts and upcoming events.