BUFORA Bulletin - No 05 - Sep 1982

Magazine Overview

This is the September 1982 issue, number 005, of the BUFORA BULLETIN, published by the British UFO Research Association. The cover features a striking image of a dark, hat-like object hovering over a landscape, with the title 'BUFORA BULLETIN' prominently displayed. The issue includes papers by Jenny Randles, Quentin Fogarty, Nigel Watson, and John Paynter, along with letters and book reviews.

Organizational Information

The issue provides a comprehensive list of BUFORA's council members for 1981-82, including the President, Vice Presidents, Council Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Council Members. It also details the administrators, including the Secretary, Membership Secretary, and Treasurer. Key roles such as Editor (John Barrett), Director of Publications (Arnold West), Librarian (Robin Lindsay), Director of Research (Peter A. Hill), and Director of Investigations (Miss Jenny Randles) are listed with their contact details. Information about the BUFORA Edinburgh Branch and a member society, BFSB, is also included. The organizational structure of BUFORA LTD is outlined, noting its founding in 1964, registered office, and incorporation of earlier UFO associations. The aims of BUFORA are clearly stated: to promote scientific research, collect and disseminate data, and co-ordinate UFO research globally. Membership is open to those who support these aims.

Editorial and Contributions

In the 'COMMENT' section, Editor John Barrett solicits reader input on desired articles for the Bulletin, aiming to develop new topics and encourage contributions from the membership. He outlines editorial guidelines for manuscripts, emphasizing typed, double-spaced submissions, short autobiographical notes, and proper referencing. Contributors are reminded that published material cannot be retained for more than two months.

Conference Announcement

BUFORA announces its third National Conference, scheduled for the August Bank Holiday weekend of 1983 (August 27th-29th) at the Lorch Foundation Conference Centre in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Details on the venue's location relative to London and Oxford are provided, with further information to be published later.

Diary Dates and Events

A 'DIARY DATES' section lists upcoming events. These include an afternoon seminar in Manchester on October 9th, 1982, titled 'The UFO Investigator and the Witness,' focusing on perception and ethics. It also mentions BUFORA lectures at Kensington Central Library, with specific talks on 'More to UFOs Than Meets The Eye' (Peter Warrington, September 4th, 1982), 'The Aveley Abduction - A New Look' (Andy Collins, October 2nd, 1982), and 'UFOS. A Scientific Enigma or a Modern Myth?' (Robert Morrell, November 6th, 1982). Information is also provided about NUFOIS meetings in Nottingham and Derbyshire.

Case Studies and Investigations

The core of the bulletin features 'BUFORA CASE SUMMARIES' by Jenny Randles, detailing the transformation of the investigation system. The focus is on publishing summaries of incoming cases, including IFOs (potentially explained cases), to provide examples of misidentification. The aim is to help investigators improve their skills.

Several cases are presented:

• CASE 73-XX (IFO): An unknown date in 1973, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Eire. A report consistent with ball lightning, observed as a hovering ball of white light beside a church spire, which dropped two small blobs and then vanished.
• CASE 79-268 (Insuff): November 9th, 1979, Edinburgh, West Lothian. Two unusual blue/silvery/white lights were observed flashing and moving towards and then away from each other in a park for over an hour. This case is noted for its timing, occurring only 14 hours before a classic landing with traces nearby.
• CASE 81-034 (IFO): June 15th, 1981, Hornchurch, Essex. A witness observed a parachute-like object, silver in colour, drifting slowly east to west, disappearing behind trees.
• CASE 81-038 (IFO): October 4th, 1981, Hastings, Sussex. Mrs M. Antell reported a large, bright yellow object described as 'like two blobs of golden jelly wobbling and pulsating.' The object changed shape, generated its own 'camouflage' cloud, and hid from aircraft. It later appeared as a red disc and then a brilliant golden colour. The witness and her daughter-in-law claimed to suffer headaches and a 'blackout' following the event. The investigator, Philip Taylor, concludes it was likely the moon, despite the witnesses' strong rejection of this explanation.
• CASE 82-001 (UFO): January 9th, 1982, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. During a lunar eclipse, two pinkish twinkling lights approached, moving silently and at speed. One moved linearly, the other undulated. Fifteen minutes later, a second set of five lights in a cross-shaped array passed by. The investigator, Ken Phillips, questions why other witnesses to the eclipse did not report similar phenomena and suggests street-lighting reflection as a possibility.

UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION

An article discusses the process of investigating UFO sightings. It explains that most sightings (around 90%) are eventually explained as IFOs through methodical investigation, including site surveys, witness interviews, and analysis of meteorological and aircraft data. A 44-page booklet from SCUFORI is recommended for detailed case histories.

One of Those Days

Jenny Randles contributes an article titled 'ONE OF THOSE DAYS,' discussing the phenomenon of 'crazy days' when multiple significant UFO events occur simultaneously in different locations. She argues against the mass psychosis theory, suggesting these independent events warrant attention. The article details a case from April 17th, 1982, in Surrey, involving Peter Mackiell and Chris, who reported a massive, dark, oval-shaped object with spotlights and green window lights hovering over a field. The object was described as 'zeppelin-like' and emitted light. The encounter lasted about 30 seconds, and the object disappeared suddenly. The article also notes a similar sighting near the M53 motorway in Wirral on May 15th, 1980. The author discusses the possibility of these being Harrier jump jets but notes improbable aspects like the afterburners and sudden disappearance. The 'OZ Factor' (absence of traffic) is mentioned as a common close encounter symptom.

Classification System

Page 8 explains the classification codes used by the investigator, which are modifications of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's system. These include 'LOW' (Low Definition Reports), 'MED' (Medium Definition Reports), and 'CEI' (Close Encounters of the First Kind, CE2, CE3). It also defines 'LEVELS' (A-E) indicating the depth of investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently emphasizes a scientific and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, prioritizing the identification of misidentified objects (IFOs). While acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases, the editorial stance leans towards rational explanations and rigorous analysis. The publication encourages reader participation and aims to educate its membership on investigative techniques and the nature of UFO reports. There is a clear effort to present a balanced view, acknowledging the value of witness testimony while critically assessing the evidence.

This issue of the "PRE-1947 UFO BULLETIN", titled "THE NEW ZEALAND SIGHTING - And Its Aftermath", dated December 1978, delves into a significant UFO encounter and the subsequent efforts to explain or debunk it. The publication is from the United Kingdom and is in English.

The New Zealand Sighting and Its Aftermath

The article begins by describing the common experience of UFO witnesses being labeled as hoaxers or liars, and how skepticism can wear down those who report encounters. However, it highlights a case that stood up to scientific scrutiny: a sighting on December 31, 1978, off New Zealand's South Island, where a television crew filmed bright airborne lights. This case was investigated by American optical physicist Dr. Bruce Maccabee, who consulted with 20 fellow scientists and experts. They agreed that the lights defied logical explanation, and the film was declared the first verified movie footage of a UFO.

The author, Quentin Fogarty, was a passenger on the flight and recounts his own experiences with debunkers, being called a "hoaxer, liar, fool" and the "George Adamski of the 1980s." He admits to naivety in not anticipating disbelief. The objects were tracked on radar, and the pilot, with 24 years of flying experience, also witnessed them. The author's collapse two days later, admitted to hospital, was met with further skepticism, with one critic suggesting the UFO was Jupiter and that the author's collapse was a result of work pressure.

In the following months, Sydney amateur astronomer Robert Lanigan-O'Keefe became a vocal critic, joined by New Zealand government scientists from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Their theories ranged from Jupiter to Venus, and later to a Japanese squid fishing boat. Dr. Maccabee later released a scientific response that refuted the fishing boat theory.

Dr. Maccabee initially kept his findings private due to the high stakes involved. He traveled to Australia and New Zealand to interview witnesses and studied the footage. He presented his findings to a scientific panel that included Professor J. Allen Hynek. Despite the evidence, a press conference in New York on March 26, 1979, was overshadowed by other events. The scientific community's silence and the critics' lack of response were deafening.

The author notes that while some people sought genuine explanations, others tried to tie the event into vague scientific equations or suggested the channel had staged it for ratings. He also encountered true believers who viewed him with awe.

His interest shifted from the nature of UFOs to the lengths people would go to argue away facts, citing Lanigan-O'Keefe and the DSIR scientists as prime examples. He observed that they clung to their explanations with tenacity but offered no challenge to Maccabee's findings.

A year later, the author contacted experts for a magazine article. He did not contact DSIR scientists as their stance was clear. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) dismissed the December 31st events and other sightings as "natural but unusual atmospheric phenomena." An official spokesman suggested the object was Venus. However, 11 months later, Bill Ireland of DSIR released a report suggesting a "brightly lit squid boat," a theory later refuted by Dr. Maccabee. The author publicly challenged Ireland's findings without response, suggesting an official government cover-up.

Sir Martin Ryle, The Astronomer Royal, initially suggested the film could be a hoax. He wrote that without information on radar measurements of speed and height, it was difficult to determine the object's movement. He speculated about a practical joker dropping a corner reflector from a light aircraft. The author, however, points out that the traditional day for practical jokes is April 1st, not New Year's Eve, and assures that it was no joke.

Debunking Efforts and Criticisms

Philip Klass, an American skeptic, suggested the film might have been doctored. He stated that after 13 years of investigating UFO cases, he was not surprised that people could be caught up in the excitement and believe they were photographing "EFOs" (Extraordinary Flying Objects). Klass suggested the radar returns were spurious targets called 'angels' and that conditions in New Zealand were conducive to anomalous propagation. He also criticized the inaction of Geoff Causer and Captain Startup, suggesting Causer was "derelict in his responsibilities" and Startup had "suicidal tendencies." Klass proposed that the operator and Startup might have been "playing games" for the author's benefit.

Klass implied that the lights filmed were ships or Blenheim airport's rotary aircraft beacon. However, due to his unfamiliarity with the locale, he could not offer definitive explanations for all lights, suggesting some might have been "bright celestial bodies."

Klass offered $10,000 for proof of extraterrestrial life. In response, Dr. Maccabee stated that the duty radar technician found no evidence of anomalous propagation. The article criticizes Klass and other critics for attacking the integrity of participants like Causer and Startup, calling it a "not so subtle art of debunking." It defends Startup as a well-respected pilot with 24 years of experience and Causer as a highly-trained government radar operator. The author clarifies that he has never claimed the sighting was extraterrestrial.

Where Have All the UFOs Gone?

This section addresses a noticeable decline in UFO sightings reported to BUFORA and other UK UFO organizations since 1979. BUFORA typically handles 300-400 cases annually, but totals dropped to 110 in 1980 and 60 in 1981. The first six months of 1982 yielded only five cases. The editor seeks theories for this fall-off.

Two potential explanations are offered: first, the "super-saturating" effect of massive publicity from "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters" in 1978-79 may have bored the public about UFOs in the long term. Second, investigators have become more adept at identifying and discarding obvious misidentifications without filing reports, leading to the current "drought."

The article lists the names and addresses of Regional Investigation Controllers (RICs) across Scotland, the North, Midlands, Central England, East Anglia, West and South Wales, South West, London, South East, and the Channel Isles, urging investigators to report cases to their local controllers to avoid duplication.

Human Society and UFO Waves (Nigel Watson)

Nigel Watson's article, "PRE-1947 UFO BULLETIN No.4", discusses psychological tensions in human society that can manifest as UFO waves. He references Peter Rogerson's article, which suggests that people tend to fit random, disturbing events into convenient patterns to avoid the anxiety of having no explanation. This can lead to seeing "meanings" behind world events or attributing them to malevolent conspiracies.

However, Watson notes that this "social panic" hypothesis doesn't fully explain invariant factors across different UFO waves, such as the appearance of rapid acceleration, right-angle turns, zig-zag descents, and extremely bright lights. He also mentions the puzzling appearance of "Men In Black," vehicle stoppage incidents, and other recurring factors in sighting reports.

Watson suggests that historical research can help determine if these "invariant" factors are substantiated or if they are overemphasized. He also proposes exploring the hypothetical stimuli for these observations to better understand contemporary incidents.

The article briefly mentions the short novel "The Variable Mar" by Philip K. Dick, which features a character who travels through time via a tornado-like device.

Racial Hatred: Are We Aliens to One Another? (John Paynter)

John Paynter's article explores the concept of racial differences, suggesting that there are only four basic human specimens: white, red, black, and yellow, with others being hybrids. He references C. Sigaud's classification into Bronchopulmonary, Gastroidtestinal, Muscular-articular, and Cerebro-spinal types. Paynter relates these to racial groups and hypothetical ancient civilizations like Atlantis, Sumeria, Nubia, and Hyperborea.

He posits that these four basic species may have originated on four different planets, explaining the differences in physical adaptations, such as the Negro's strength and the Mongoloid's light skeletal structure. Paynter believes that if humans evolved from apes on Earth, apes would not exist today. He suggests that humans evolved on different planets and came to Earth, possibly from Mars, Uranus, Venus, and Jupiter, inhabiting them on an "astral level."

Paynter also touches upon the rapid advancement of civilization, suggesting it may have been due to a "galactic traveller" introducing instant technology. He questions the vast differences in cultures and languages if humans share a recent common origin, as suggested by Darwin. He concludes that racial hatred might stem from the idea that humans are fundamentally alien to one another.

Much Ado (JB)

This section summarizes a phone-in on UFOs broadcast by LBC (London Broadcasting Company) on July 13, 1982. The presenter was Dan Damon, and participants included Lord Clancarty, Gordon Creighton, Ian Ridpath, and Jim Oberg (NASA Flight Controller). The discussion covered various UFO topics, including Adamski, Hynek, Leslie, cover-ups, and differing viewpoints on UFO reports.

Lord Clancarty was impressed by a force field article, while Mr. Creighton found the premise nonsensical. Ian Ridpath argued that there was no cover-up, citing the existence of books and films about UFOs. Others suggested that governments were interested in UFO reports because they might reveal military or space operations. Jim Oberg, described as a "friendly skeptic," mentioned a case that was later proven to be a satellite launch. Ridpath criticized second-hand reports and stated that after 35 years, there was still no positive scientific evidence for UFOs.

The segment concludes by mentioning three callers who added little to the debate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent efforts to debunk UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of alleged UFO phenomena, and the psychological and societal factors that may influence UFO belief and reporting. The magazine appears to present a balanced view, featuring both detailed accounts of sightings and the scientific scrutiny they undergo, as well as exploring more speculative theories about human origins and extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging investigation and critical thinking, while also acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding the UFO phenomenon. The decline in reported sightings is a notable concern, prompting a call for more active investigation and theoretical contributions from readers.

This issue of UFO DATA, Volume 4, dated May 1982, is titled 'Letters to the Editor' and features reader correspondence and short reports on UFO phenomena. The publication is from BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association).

Letters to the Editor

The section begins with a letter from Manfred Cassirer of London, who humorously congratulates Romeo Ferraro on his 'take-off' regarding 'Force Field Craft,' sarcastically referring to the 'Terrestrial Theory' and its claims of dematerializing warships.

Lorna Miles of Wrexham expresses sadness and distress, posing several critical questions to Mr. Ferraro regarding his assertions about flying saucers seen near Mount Rainier being man-made, the existence of a secret factory producing force field craft, the cause of Captain Mantell's death, the alleged kidnapping of Barney and Betty Hill, and the supposed plans for military bases on Mars. Miles questions how Ferraro knows these details if such plans are secret.

The editor acknowledges that attempts to locate the author of the paper have failed, humorously suggesting he may have 'taken-off in a force field craft.' The editor defends the publication of these letters, stating it is important to discuss and comment on all UFO theories, however outrageous.

The Heidelberg Sighting

Ms C.E. Binns of Heidelberg, West Germany, provides a belated report of a UFO sighting on Friday, November 14th, 1980, at 1431 in Heidelberg. She and her friend observed a bright white light hovering over the Sporstcentre, which then moved towards Kirchheim. Binns describes the object as a 'huge machine,' larger than any aircraft she had seen or heard of, with two large 'headlights' at the front illuminating the sky. It had a red light on the left and a blue light on the right. As it passed overhead, she noticed two yellowy-white lights shining from cylinders at the end. The craft was flying low and made no noise, which was notable given the deserted area at night.

After writing down their observations, they contacted the American Air Traffic Control, who stated their radar did not cover that district but found no other reports. They suggested it might have been a helicopter or a weather balloon, but Binns argued that a craft of that size would have been heard if it were a helicopter, and a weather balloon would not have had such a distinctive form or lights.

A diagram illustrates the observed lights: yellow lights at the front, a red light on the left, a blue light on the right, and white front 'headlights.'

Correspondence

A note indicates that correspondence on all papers and articles is welcomed, but the editor reserves the right to shorten lengthy submissions.

An extract from a letter received by the editor, described as 'totally genuine' and from an 'ex member of the Association,' expresses a belief that the government has UFOs under control and that BUFORA is part of an international cover-up. The writer also states that any past or future claims of contact with Extraterrestrials, or of being one, are false.

Award for Arthur C. Clarke

Arthur C. Clarke, the science fiction writer and scientific research worker, won the Marconi International Fellowship Award for 1982. The award was presented by HRH Prince Claus of the Netherlands on June 11th, 1982, in The Hague. Clarke, aged 65, was recognized for his pioneering ideas in satellite communication, including the concept of geostationary satellites for intercontinental communication and the use of space platforms for earth observation and interplanetary travel. He is currently the Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.

Book Reviews

THE UFO VERDICT. Examining The Evidence by Robert Sheaffer

This book by Robert Sheaffer is reviewed as being likely to infuriate ufologists. Sheaffer's position is unequivocally that UFOs do not exist. He analyzes classic UFO cases, attributing them to hallucination or fraud, and dismisses even the Trent photographs from McMinnville, Oregon, as trickery. Sheaffer calls for a scientific approach to the phenomena and accuses UFO societies of lacking it, stating there is no convincing proof of UFO existence, only unreliable testimony and vague specks of light on film. The reviewer suggests the book, while potentially dismissible as the work of a confirmed skeptic, is important and should be read by those interested in the subject to understand the opposition and potentially rethink their own views.

ARE WE BEING WATCHED? by Janet and Colin Bord

This book is described as a departure for the Bords, who are known for their books on 'Mysterious Britain' and 'Alien Animals.' While Colin is a professional photographer, UFOs are noted as not lending themselves to professional pictures. The main difference highlighted is that 'Are We Being Watched?' is entirely devoted to reports from children. The reviewer finds the content very readable and ideal for children. The sub-title 'True UFO Sightings By Children Around The World' is considered justified. The book is praised for concisely covering the UFO range in under 100 pages, including drawings and artists' impressions, and is recommended for adults and children. It is noted as a unique source for collated reports from under-16s.

BUFORA Publications

A list of BUFORA publications is provided, including 'UFO Investigation,' 'Congress 1979,' and 'Vehicle Interference,' with their prices and trade availability. Postage and packing costs are also listed. Information on BUFORA Periodicals, including 'BUFORA Journal' and 'Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena (J-TAP),' is also available.

Details on the availability of publications are provided, with contact information for Arnold West in Burgess Hill, Sussex, England.

Terms of sale are 'Cash with order,' and 'Trade official order.' Members are asked to quote their membership number.

Wanted

A researcher named Greg Lang is seeking data and correspondence concerning 'unknown underground sounds' not related to earthquakes. Contact details are provided.

Brian (or Barry) Woodgate, a 1965 member of the Fleet Street UFO Club, is sought by Eric Herr, who requests his address. Herr is also looking for a detailed description of mice killed during the 1965 Warminster Sightings, referencing page 26 of 'The Warminster Mystery.'

Editorial Note

UFO researcher J.E. Herr is offering $50 for a copy of a published description of mice killed or injured due to proximity to a UFO. The note explains that mice are commonly used in laboratory experiments and that correlating past results, such as the effects of microwave radiation, might be possible.

STOP PRESS

An investigation is underway into a sighting by the pilot and first officer, along with two passengers, on board a Dan Air Boeing 737 on June 21st, 1982. The aircraft was flying between Gatwick and Corfu at 23,000ft over southern Italy when the object was observed. It was described as a dark 'doughnut' with a flat base. The first officer reported seeing a window in the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO claims, the skepticism towards extraordinary assertions, and the reporting of specific sightings. The editor's stance, as stated in the 'Letters to the Editor' section, is to encourage open discussion and commentary on all UFO theories, regardless of how outrageous they may seem. The inclusion of book reviews that present both skeptical and more open-minded perspectives, alongside reader reports and 'Stop Press' news, indicates a commitment to presenting a range of views within the UFO community. The offer of a reward for information on the effects of UFOs on mice highlights a specific area of research interest. The magazine also serves as a platform for BUFORA's publications and research interests.