JTAP - Vol 5 No 3 - Sep 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena
Issue Date: September 1988
Volume: 5, No. 3
Publisher: The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA Ltd)
Country: UK
Language: English
ISSN: 0143-8840

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena is devoted to the scientific study of unusual aerial phenomena. The cover features the journal's title above a stylized depiction of Earth, with a dark, swirling pattern on the illuminated portion.

Editorial

Steve Gamble, Director of Research, reflects on the upcoming year, 1989, which marks the tenth anniversary of the journal's production and the International Committee for UFO Research (ICUR). He notes that the First London International UFO Congress in 1979 was instrumental in the formation of ICUR. Gamble also announces that he will be stepping down as editor with the end of Volume 5 in March 1989. He mentions that BUFORA's Council is re-evaluating the future of its publications. Gamble touches upon the progress in UFOlogy, comparing it to the Medical Research Council's initial goal to eliminate the common cold within two years, suggesting that slow progress is not a reason for discouragement for part-time researchers.

The Mystery Circles - Status Report Part 2

This article, authored by Paul Fuller, continues the investigation into the Vortex Theory of Circle Formation. The first part appeared in the previous issue, and the final part will be in the next.

The Vortex Theory of Circle Formation

Since 1986, BUFORA has collaborated with the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) in exchanging information about "mystery circles." TORRO, a group of independent meteorologists, conducts professional consultancy and data analysis. Dr. Terence Meaden, Director of TORRO, has visited and documented over 200 circle formations in southern England since 1980. His evidence supports the hypothesis that a previously unrecognized stationary, descending atmospheric vortex is responsible for producing these circles. This theory was first presented at the Second TORRO Conference on Tornadoes and Storms in June 1988, where it was well-received by experts.

What Are Vortices?

Natural atmospheric vortices transport heat energy to achieve uniform distribution. Meaden distinguishes between two main classes:

• Major Whirlwinds: These typify bad-weather conditions and originate within clouds (cumulonimbus or cumulus). They are characterized by ascending columns of warm air, often extending up to 10 km in height. They can cause widespread destruction.
• Minor Whirlwinds: These occur in fair-weather conditions, often without a parent cloud, originating from rising thermals. They form at ground level, typically on windless days, and are set spinning by wind shears or micro-fronts. They are usually invisible unless they pick up water vapor or debris.

The article references Ingrid Holford's "The Guinness Book of Weather Facts and Feats" and William R. Corliss's "Tornadoes, Dark Days, Anomalous Precipitation and Related Weather Phenomena" for further information on vortices and anomalies associated with them.

Anomalies Associated with Vortices

Some relevant anomalies described include:

• Vortices developing in "swarms," with over 100 forming in a single day.
• Vortices leaving large, semi-circular "suction marks" in soft ground due to pressure gradients.
• The appearance of luminous phenomena (e.g., "tornado lights," small balls of light) and thunder/lightning during vortex events, which can be reported as UFOs.
• The occasional appearance of a vortex without warning on a fair day, accompanied by an explosive retort.
• Vortices capable of depluming poultry and birds in flight.
• Vortices leaving burn marks on humans, charring vegetation, and being accompanied by unusual sounds and smells.

Evidence for the Vortex Theory of Circle Formation

• Vortices over surfaces: Vortices appearing over water or desert frequently produce spiral patterns on the surface due to the inward flow of air. These patterns are similar to those found in crop circles.
• "Dust-devils" and "Steam devils": These are rotating columns of sand or vapor that travel rapidly. The article describes a dust-devil observed to be 5 ft high and less than a foot in diameter, moving at least 15 mph.
• Stationary Vortices: Vortices can remain stationary under certain conditions, influenced by local topography acting as a blocking agent. One account describes a vortex remaining in a field for 45 minutes.
• Vortex Funnels: Close-up photographs reveal a precisely-defined vortex funnel at the core of a vortex, which is believed to be responsible for creating the crop circles. This is supported by accounts of vortices that lack severe atmospheric turbulence.
• Waterspouts: These vortices, forming over water, often exhibit thin, concentric outer sheaths that rotate and can ascend or descend. These sheaths can pulsate rhythmically, creating wave-like patterns, and their effects can pass through the atmosphere. Examples include a "pulsating outer sheath of condensation" and undulating sheaths.
• Complex Patterns: Vortices can form in multiples, creating complex geometrical patterns. An observation from a commercial airliner on January 30th, 1971, described steam devils forming quasi-hexagonal cells elongated along the surface wind direction.
• Swirl Patterns: Contrary to some assumptions, there is no bias towards clockwise or anti-clockwise swirl patterns in mystery circles. In 1987, 66 circles were measured, with 30 exhibiting clockwise swirls and 36 exhibiting anti-clockwise swirls. Minor vortices do not necessarily follow Buy Ballot's Law.
• Fluctuating Rotation: Vortices do not usually rotate at a constant rate, fluctuating according to air supply. This fluctuation can account for the "banding" of affected crops, where the crop is laid down in bands during temporary declines in rotation.
• Moving Vortices: Variations in angular momentum can cause the vortex funnel to migrate around a central point, scouring out a larger zone and potentially creating elliptical patterns with repeated movements.
• Leeslope Eddies: The majority of mystery circles appear near steeply inclined hillslopes. "Trailing Vortices" are known to be created by leeside eddies where wind flows over a slope. The positioning of five circles near Cley Hill between 1982 and 1987 is cited as supporting this hypothesis, as they formed on the eastern side of the hill, where prevailing westerly winds create leeslope eddies.

The Vortex Theory is considered valid because it successfully accounts for the lack of suspicious markings around genuine formations and uses a common meteorological mechanism rather than relying on hypothetical forces or unidentified phenomena like UFOs. The theory is supported by relatively few eyewitness accounts because many circles appear overnight, are found in isolated rural locations, and minor vortex events have short durations.

Four possible eyewitness accounts of vortices creating circles are mentioned:

1. Mr. Melvyn Bell of Keevil, Wiltshire, recounted observing a whirlwind flattening wheat on July 2nd, 1984.
2. An account describes a circular spot, about 16 feet across, where stones were seen flying upward, with the ground swept clean.
3. A description of a "double walled waterspout over Lake Victoria" (taken from Corliss, 1983).
4. A map showing sites of circles around Cley Hill, 1982-1987.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically crop circles, through meteorological explanations. The editorial stance, as articulated by Steve Gamble, emphasizes perseverance in research despite slow progress and advocates for a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding these phenomena. The journal aims to provide a platform for detailed research and discussion within the UFOlogy community.

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (JTAP), dated September 1988, focuses on the phenomenon of crop circles and presents a theoretical framework for understanding UFO activity. The magazine features eyewitness accounts, scientific discussions, and announcements for upcoming events.

Circles and Atmospheric Vortices

The issue delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, presenting several eyewitness accounts of their formation. One account from Littleton Down in 1983 describes a whirlwind creating a circle in wheat. Another from Salisbury Road reports fifty sky-watchers observing grass flattening into a spiral, forming a perfect circle accompanied by a humming sound. A correspondent to the 'Daily Telegraph' in 1986 described a 'bouncing' whirlwind creating two circles. The discoverers of the 1985 Tolymare Farm incident described a 'hazy mist' forming a 'series of fountains' in a quintuplet of circles. Mr Roy Lucas of Yatesbury reported observing a large puff of white 'smoke' rising and spinning, forming a vortex in a wheatfield.

The journal explores the 'Vortex Theory' of circle formation, suggesting that conditions like those described are conducive to the condensation of water droplets within a rotating vortex due to reduced air pressure. The article references 'steam devils' as a similar phenomenon, where vapour over a lake forms rotating columns of mist. The text highlights that these vortices are often accompanied by humming, buzzing, and screaming sounds.

T.R. Dutton's Orbital Theory and Global Observatories

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to T.R. (Roy) Dutton's 'Orbital Theory' for Close Encounters (CE). Dutton, an aeronautical engineer, proposes that CE activity is linked to the behaviour of extremely artificial Earth-satellites, which he terms Terrestrial Excursion Modules (TEMs). These objects, he suggests, circulate the planet with orbital periods of 65 minutes in retrograde motion, generated by 66 equally-spaced generators on the Equator. He claims this theory replaces the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) with a verifiable one, based on physical maxims and testable through data synthesis and direct observation.

To test this theory, Dutton proposes the creation of an integrated network of dedicated observatories. The paper outlines the foreseen operational duties and minimum staffing levels for such observatories. Dutton's research spans twenty years, beginning with an analysis of UFO reports from 1967. He has previously presented his work at BUFORA National Conferences and a BUFORA Lecture.

Fifth London International UFO Congress '89

An announcement details the Fifth London International UFO Congress, scheduled to take place from July 14th to 16th, 1989, at the London Business School. The congress is organized by the International Committee for UFO Research (ICUR) with assistance from its member organizations. While a full list of speakers is not yet available, preliminary attendees include Walter Andrus (MUFON), Bertil Kuhlemann (ICUR), and Cynthia Hind (MUFON). Major Sir Patrick Wall is expected to open the event.

Airship Mystery Solved!

A brief note addresses a previous JTAP article that was an extract from the Northamptonshire UFO Centre Newsletter concerning an 'Airship Mystery'. The note clarifies that the original extract failed to mention that investigations were carried out by Ernest Still, Susan Pollock, Ray Shaw, Paul Edwards, Harry Williams, and David Pearson, with special mention of David Pearson's follow-up work with Airship Industries.

Book Review/Advertisement

The issue includes an advertisement for Budd Hopkins' book 'Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods', described as a chilling account of alien abductions and experimentation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly crop circles and their potential causes, and the development of theoretical frameworks to explain UFO sightings. The journal appears to favour scientific and evidence-based approaches, as seen in T.R. Dutton's proposal for a testable theory and a global observatory network. The editorial stance supports rigorous research and the sharing of eyewitness accounts and scientific findings within the UFO community.

This issue of the Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, dated September 1988, focuses on the continuation of the "Global Observatories" series, presenting detailed analysis and figures related to hypothetical orbital tracks of alien spacecraft.

Orbital Tracks and Surveillance Strategy

The article explores the concept of an "Orbital Theory" for UFO phenomena, suggesting that alien vehicles utilize a sophisticated "super-orbital track network." This network is designed to provide maximum coverage of the Earth's surface with great flexibility. The author posits that a mothership can complete an orbit in approximately 65.4 minutes, during which the Earth rotates significantly, allowing for varied surveillance angles on subsequent passes. The theory identifies multiple "generator points" on the Equator and numerous distinct orbit inclinations, leading to a vast number of potential tracks available for alien "astronauts."

TEM Deployment and Behavior

The text details the potential deployment of "scout vehicles" (TEMs) from motherships. For instance, a TEM might be deposited during an east-to-west transit over East Anglia, Britain. These TEMs are described as capable of operating independently for periods, potentially "nos[ing] about for a period of several hours before retrieval." The article notes that TEMs are designed to be "stealthy," flying close to the ground and exhibiting low radar reflectivity, except when creating decoys like "insubstantial plasma-balls."

Orbital Mechanics and Track Analysis

The analysis involves examining orbital sequences and inclination angles. The text explains how a subsequent pass over Britain might occur on a different track, even if the inclination angle remains the same. The author presents a method for analyzing these tracks, illustrated by Figure 6, which shows various orbital tracks across Britain with specific inclination and longitude data. The theory suggests that close encounters and landings would likely occur near these tracks.

Favored Orientations and Sightings

Figures 7 and 8 present data on favored orientations of sightings relative to the starfield. Figure 7, a histogram, indicates the presence of specific orientations based on a limited study of UFO data, correlating them with Right Ascension (RA) at the point of Maximum Declination. Figure 8, a star map, visually represents "favoured tracks" in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, highlighting specific constellations and celestial points like Sirius and Reticulum in relation to these tracks. Certain ranges of RA are identified as being associated with Close Encounter sightings.

Proposed Observatories and Monitoring

The article includes a proposal (Section 3) for the creation of "properly equipped observatories" staffed by experienced and qualified personnel. These observatories would be linked via modern communication technologies (telephone, telex, radio) and utilize computers for data analysis. The primary tasks would include regular nightly observations and the receipt and computerization of reports from the public and police, coordinating investigations of reported incidents. The author emphasizes the need for such facilities to test and potentially prove the "Orbital Theory."

Key Features of the Orbital Theory

Figure 9 summarizes the main features of the Orbital Theory for Close Encounters:

• A "super-orbital track network."
• Hypothetical spacecraft in retrograde motion.
• Close encounters occurring under these tracks.
• Fireballs created by atmospheric-entry vehicles.
• Atmospheric vehicles possessing directional freedom.
• Track intersections being favored for close encounters.
• Sites with historical connections being favored.
• Limited surveillance time periods within a 24-hour cycle.
• Pre-determined delivery and rendezvous times.
• Specialized and 'stealthy' scout craft deployed.
• Quantum-mechanical propulsion systems for vehicles.
• High-'g' near-vertical departures prior to rendezvous with orbiting spacecraft.

Data Analysis Methods

Figure 10 illustrates a method for determining the predicted directions of travel for super-satellite objects. This involves plotting location latitude against relative time and using track inclination data. The process can be modeled by computer to expedite track recognition. The tasks of each observatory would include regular nightly observations and the computerization of reports from the public and police.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this section is the systematic, scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena through orbital mechanics and observational data. The author advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based methodology, proposing the establishment of dedicated observatories and the use of advanced analytical tools. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unconventional aerial phenomena, treating them as potentially technologically driven events that can be studied through established scientific principles, albeit applied to a novel context. The article implicitly critiques existing approaches, such as those focused solely on radio signals (referencing Carl Sagan and SETI), suggesting that UFO activity might occur in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum or through other means.

This issue of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, dated September 1988, features a cover story proposing the creation of an integrated global network of UFO observatories. It also includes an editorial on mystery circles, a report on the I.C.U.R. Congress, and extensive correspondence debating UFO investigation methodologies and specific cases.

Editorial: The Mystery Circles – A Status Report – Part 2

This section, authored by Stephen Gamble, is not detailed in the provided text, but its title suggests a continuation of a report on the phenomenon of mystery circles.

I.C.U.R. Congress

This section, authored by Paul Fuller, is not detailed in the provided text, but its title indicates a report or discussion related to the I.C.U.R. Congress.

Proposal for the Creation of an Integrated Global Network of UFO Observatories

Authored by T.R. Dutton, this article outlines a comprehensive plan for a global network of UFO observatories. The proposal details the operational steps involved in investigating UFO incidents, starting with immediate comparison of the incident's location with a proposed track network and in-the-field interrogation of witnesses. A crucial element is the rapid communication of occurrences to neighboring observatories, beginning with those to the west and closest to the object's anticipated track. This information would then be processed immediately by computer to predict where and when subsequent events might occur. Figure 11 illustrates this network communication principle, emphasizing the need for speed, as alien spacecraft are described as covering 400 nautical miles per minute. The author estimates that a minimum of seven personnel are required to staff an observatory effectively, including experienced observers, a computer analyst/operator, internal and external investigators, and two communicators (one for reception and one for transmission). Dutton concludes by stating that such a task is more difficult than NATO's task of monitoring spy satellites. He suggests that a Northern Hemisphere network would be ideal but would likely be hidden under military secrecy, highlighting the essential need for a civilian network. He argues that while UFOs of the 'truly unidentifiable kind' may not pose a defense threat, they do threaten preconceptions about our history and destiny. Dutton believes this enterprise could be the most exciting and rewarding scientific quest of all time and poses questions about who will take up the challenge. He expresses hope that answers will become clearer during the Congress.

Correspondence

This section features a lengthy exchange, primarily a reply from Steuart Campbell to Jenny Randles regarding the Todmorden UFO case. Campbell defends his interpretation against Randles's, who had previously explained the case in the March 1988 issue. Campbell criticizes relying on statements made by a hypnotized witness, referencing Randles's own account in 'The Penine UFO Mystery'. He argues that Godfrey's account, particularly his forgetting he turned the car around, suggests he was headed ESE, not WSW as Randles proposed. Campbell offers an alternative scenario where Godfrey turned right into Ferney Lea Road, then later emerged onto Burnley Road and turned left towards Todmorden, seeing a mirage of Venus. He claims this scenario better explains the discrepancy in time between leaving and returning to the police station. Campbell also questions Randles's photographic evidence and her understanding of the scientific method, calling her arguments 'specious'.

Another correspondent, Hilary Evans, is mentioned as having a poor understanding of the scientific method, according to Campbell. Campbell also addresses his status within BUFORA, stating he was not aware his AI status was withdrawn for 'continually upsetting witnesses'.

An editor's note (ED.) clarifies that authors are frequently required to trim text and plates for publication. It also states that further correspondence on this matter should be limited to 300 words.

BUFORA Publications

This section provides details for obtaining BUFORA publications, including membership forms and meeting programs. It also highlights a publication titled 'PHENOMENON', described as a comprehensive and global overview of UFO research over 40 years, written by experts worldwide and including contributions from notable figures like Budd Hopkins, Cynthia Hind, Maurizio Verga, Dennis Stacy, and Jenny Randles. 'PHENOMENON' is published by Macdonald/Futura books.

Aims and Scope of the Journal

This section details the purpose and guidelines for The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (Journal TAP). It states that the journal aims to provide a forum for scientists and researchers to present ideas, investigation results, and statistical analysis related to UFO phenomena. The journal encourages a scientific approach, topical comment, and scientific rigor, aiming to be a truly international publication that serves to further knowledge of the cosmos. It outlines submission guidelines for manuscripts, including typing format, abstract requirements, illustration specifications, and referencing style. The journal's editorial board reserves the right to accept, revise, or reject manuscripts and may forward unsuitable submissions to the BUFORA Journal. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of BUFORA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for a structured, scientific approach to UFO research, the importance of global cooperation and data sharing (as proposed by the integrated observatory network), and the critical examination of evidence and methodologies. The journal appears to advocate for rigorous investigation, open discussion, and the application of the scientific method, while acknowledging the speculative nature of some aspects of ufology. The editorial stance is one of promoting serious, evidence-based research and providing a platform for international collaboration and debate within the field.