UFO Times - No 01 - May 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 1
Date: May 1989
Publisher: BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association)

This is the inaugural issue of UFO Times, a new periodical intended to be published six times a year. The magazine aims to provide a platform for UFO news, views, and current affairs, featuring articles from investigators and researchers both within the UK and internationally. A key objective is to foster co-operation between different UFO groups and individuals.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes readers to the first edition, noting that it has taken over a year to plan and develop. It emphasizes that UFO Times will serve as an open forum for groups and individuals to present their work and encourages co-operation. While a letters page is not included in this issue due to space constraints, correspondence is warmly encouraged. The editorial also addresses the issue of 'Chequebook Ufology,' where money changes hands for sensational UFO stories, expressing disapproval of practices that disrespect witnesses' wishes. A more concerning development is the allegation of researchers asking witnesses to keep cases secret or offering money to keep quiet, which the editorial condemns as underhanded and unjustifiable, potentially breaching witness confidentiality and being a fraud.

The editorial also reports the sad news of the death of veteran US ufologist Donald Keyhoe, who wrote the first UFO best-seller in 1950.

President's Address

Major Sir Patrick Wall, a former Member of Parliament with 30 years of experience in UFO research, congratulates BUFORA on its recent achievements. He highlights BUFORA's position as Britain's leading UFO research organization and commends its publications, 'UFOs 1947-1987' and 'Phenomenon,' noting the latter's significant sales. Sir Patrick expresses confidence in BUFORA's future and its readiness to meet the challenges of UFO research. He mentions BUFORA's active participation in the International UFO Congress in London, organized by the International Committee for UFO Research (ICUR) with sponsorship from BUFORA and MUFON.

Co-operation; Swedish Style

By John Spencer

This article details the author's experience investigating an abduction case in Sweden and the exceptional co-operation received from the Swedish investigation team. John Spencer, BUFORA's Secretary and financial adviser, describes how a chance remark led him to this case. He emphasizes that the article is not about the case itself but about the unprecedented level of international co-operation experienced, which he believes could significantly advance British ufology and serve as a model for international collaboration.

Spencer recounts meeting Swedish ufologist Bertil Kuhleman, who introduced him to the case. He spent three days in Sweden, working with local investigators like Arne Groth. The co-operation extended to practical assistance, such as Arne Groth providing video documentation of the abduction site and relevant materials, all designed to benefit Spencer's research.

The article also touches upon 'Earth Mysteries' and dowsing, with Arne Groth providing instruction and a personal gift of a dowsing rod. Spencer notes that the Swedish investigation team's openness, helpfulness, and efforts were instrumental in his understanding.

Two particular aspects of the visit are highlighted: the understanding of local Swedish life, such as the process of oil deliveries, and the involvement of the Home Guard in skywatches. Spencer explains that the Home Guard, respected in Sweden, played a significant role due to its position as local representatives of law and order. He also discusses the language barrier, emphasizing the crucial role of interpreters like Bertil in conducting interviews and ensuring politeness and accuracy.

Spencer concludes that the experience was a case of deliberate effort in international co-operation of a very pleasing nature. He contrasts this with situations in the UK that he feels are less conducive to collaboration and suggests that ICUR should promote the need for a more unified effort in ufology.

Newsclipping Reference Library Opens

A new, comprehensive 3500 newsclipping reference library has been launched, produced by Canterbury member Michael Hudson. It includes a detailed index with over 5000 references and is available on request.

UFOCALL

'UFOCALL' is introduced as the first regularly updated national UFO news and information service, available by telephone seven days a week. It reports on the latest sightings, discusses current research, and features general UFO news, book reviews, and information on planned events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of international co-operation in UFO research, as exemplified by the Swedish case study. Witness confidentiality is presented as a paramount ethical concern, with BUFORA and UFO Times committed to protecting personal details. The magazine positions itself as an open forum for researchers and groups, aiming to foster a more unified approach to ufology. There is a clear stance against unethical practices like 'chequebook ufology' and the manipulation of information for financial gain. The editorial also acknowledges the role of new physics in ufology and the need for rigorous investigation and dissemination of evidence.

The editorial stance is one of promoting scientific inquiry, ethical conduct, and collaborative efforts within the UFO research community, while also acknowledging significant figures and developments in the field, such as the passing of Donald Keyhoe.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Volume: 14
Date: January - February 1989
Publisher: UFO Times
Country: UK
Price: £1.50
ISSN: 0265-2728

This issue of UFO Times delves into the intersection of ufology and new physics, featuring a philosophical perspective by Bill Dillon. It also presents a detailed 'Investigations Diary' of recent UFO cases in Britain and discusses various related topics.

Aspects of New Physics Within Ufology by Bill Dillon

Bill Dillon, a member of BUFORA, argues that civilian ufology's primary handicap has been its inability to fit UFO events into the existing scientific paradigm. He suggests that the advent of 'new physics,' with concepts like 'inter-connectedness' and 'instantaneous transfer,' is replacing the old 'Newtonian Universe' and providing a framework to explain phenomena that have previously mystified science.

Dillon proposes a working hypothesis that UFO delivery is an 'intimidatory exercise,' akin to a tutor teaching pupils. He believes that by being intelligent and perceptive, humans can learn the lessons propagated by the UFO stimulus. He uses the case of Professor Harley Rutledge's investigation into 'lights in the sky' near Piedmont, USA, as an example. Rutledge's team found that UFOs would alter their behavior when within measurement range, almost as if detecting intentions or thoughts. Dillon interprets this as the UFO stimulus purposefully indicating the need to understand the 'subjective' (mental) aspect alongside the 'objective' (physical) processes.

He emphasizes that the term 'physical' is a paradox at the sub-atomic level, and that psychic elements, now compatible with modern physics, should be researched. He urges UFO researchers to track developments in theoretical physics for connections to UFO characteristics.

Investigations Diary

This section, edited by Dave Clarke, presents a series of regular feature articles detailing recent UFO cases investigated by the BUFORA NIC team and cooperating groups like IUN and SKYSCAN. The diary covers sightings across Britain, with a noted lack of coverage in the southwest, Wales, northeast, and Scotland.

Sources of Sightings

The author, Dave Clarke, notes that sightings come from various sources: witnesses keeping experiences private, reporting to local police, the RAF, or the Ministry of Defence, and accounts appearing in local and national newspapers, often sensationalized.

Case Investigations (January - May 1988)

• January-May 1988: Hundreds of people across northern England and the Midlands reported seeing UFOs. While some were explained as misinterpretations of stars or planets, others described unusual low-flying aircraft.
• December 18, 1987: Silkstone, South Yorkshire: Three witnesses reported a large structured object with multi-coloured lights hovering at ground level near a colliery.
• January 23, 1988: North Wingfield, Derbyshire: A witness saw a large 'footprint' shaped UFO with coloured lights that disappeared at high speed. Investigation was complicated by actions of a YUFOS member.
• February 10, 1988: South Yorkshire: Over 15 witnesses reported a large, diamond-shaped object with multi-coloured lights moving at low altitude from Barnsley towards Penistone Moors.
• April 11, 1988: Yardly Gobion, Northants: A witness saw a 'huge' orange/red pyramid-shaped object stationary in the sky.
• April 20, 1988: Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Over twenty witnesses reported a large elongated object with coloured lights and spotlights. Two women experienced a 'close encounter' with a searchlight beam.
• July 27, 1988: Hathersage Moor, Derbyshire: A guide saw a brilliant orange-red object moving across the moors; other witnesses reported low-level lights.
• August 14, 1988: Little Hayward, Staffordshire: Two witnesses saw a glowing red light surrounded by cloud, and traces of damage to roadside bushes were found.
• September 6, 1988: Yardly Gobion, Northants: A witness saw a rectangular mass of orange lights moving east to west.
• September 12, 1988: Knaresborough, North Yorkshire: Two women observed a large object, described as round from underneath and saucer-shaped from the side, coloured red with an orange top. The case was confirmed as 'unidentified' by the RAF.
• November 14, 1988: York, North Yorkshire: A TV engineer reported a brilliant light in the sky, with information received from MOD and RAF.
• December 21, 1988: North of England: Reports of a 'blinding light with a blue vapour trail' moving rapidly, possibly a re-entry of space debris or a bright bolide.
• January 6, 1989: Askern, West Yorkshire: A family observed a 'bell-shaped' object at close range, with possible 'OZ factor' effects.
• January 12, 1989: Stacksteads, Lancashire: A man saw lights inside a 'cloud' on a skyline, which lit up multi-coloured and then vanished.
• February 10, 1989: Rawtenstall, Lancashire: A taxi-driver saw a 'domed disc' flying low over a valley, estimated height about 200ft, described as 'big as three jumbo-jets'.

Case Report Breakdown (January - February 1989)

The NIC received 20 cases during this period. A pie chart shows the breakdown: Lits (45%), DD (30%), CE4 (10%), Psycho (10%), and CE2 (5%).

Evaluation Breakdown (January - February 1989)

A bar chart illustrates the evaluation of these cases: UFO (highest category), Insufficient explanation, Aircraft, Psycho, Hoax, Meteor, and Balloon.

Reviews

• What You Need to Know by John Paul Oswald: Reviewed by Alex Gardner. This privately published US booklet links UFO activity to the Second Coming of Christ, identifying UFO-Aliens with angels. The reviewer notes Oswald's two chemistry degrees but criticizes his linking of UFO phenomena with Christian essentials, calling his views 'myth-enshrouded dogma.' Oswald accuses US agencies of indoctrinating the public to ridicule UFO reports.
• Parapsychology and the UFO by Manfred Cassirer: Reviewed by Mike Wootten. This 62-page booklet compares aspects of the UFO phenomenon with parapsychology. The reviewer praises its extensive referencing but notes the author's authority in parapsychological matters.
• 'Earthlights' by Paul Devereux: Reviewed by Mike Wootten. This 1982 book is credited with awakening interest in the possible origin of UFOs. Devereux is working on a new title, 'Earthlight Revelations,' due in September.
• The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence by Edward Ashpole: Reviewed by Mike Wootten. This book covers the background to SETI searches. While discussing UFOs, the author is criticized for a 'lacking of understanding' of the subject, questioning the probability of extraterrestrial contact despite the universe likely teeming with life.

Book News

• Quest Publishing Limited: Timothy Good, Mark and Graham Birdsall are working on a UFO year book.
• BUFORA Year Book 'UFO World 89': Jenny Randles confirms this will be published for the ICUR Congress in July.
• 'Phenomenon' by BUFORA: This successful book has been published in the US and Canada, with expectations of exceeding its UK sales of 35,000.
• Intrigue from Quest Magazine: A letter from Shirley Coyne (MUFON) to Greg Long alleges that Whitley Strieber exploited UFO experiences for money and planned to use letters from 'innocent people' in a new book.

Latest News

• Northern Lights Seen Down South: A rare and colourful Aurora Borealis was seen across Britain on March 14th and 15th, lasting approximately two hours. The event was caused by high levels of electrified particles from the Sun, leading to a significant change in magnetic north. Solar experts predict more frequent auroras due to sunspot activity peaking in 1991.
• Ministry of Defence Releases Case Report Figures: The MOD has released figures for UFO reports received between 1978 and 1988, totalling 3200. This is significantly higher than BUFORA's total, and the MOD is reportedly not acting on these cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the inadequacy of current scientific paradigms to address UFO phenomena, the potential role of new physics, and the need for a more open-minded approach to investigation. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case reporting and analysis, with a focus on UK sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation, encouraging researchers to connect with emerging scientific theories, and highlighting the perceived inaction of official bodies like the MOD regarding UFO data. The issue also touches upon the controversial intersection of ufology with religious beliefs, particularly Christianity, and the potential for misinterpretation or exploitation of the subject for personal gain.

Title: UFO Times
Issue Date: May 1989
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times introduces a new regular feature called 'Skywatcher,' dedicated to providing current news in astronomy and spaceflight. The magazine also covers planetary movements, meteor showers, space news, UFO investigations, and upcoming events.

Skywatcher: Astronomy and Spaceflight News

Planetary Positions (May & June 1989)

The 'Skywatcher' section provides detailed information on the visibility and positions of planets in the night sky for May and June 1989.

• Venus: Visible low in the evening sky after sunset in May, and for a short time after sunset in the west in June. It passes south of Castor and Pollux around the 15th of June.
• Mercury: Near Venus in May, visible between Gemini and Auriga on the 31st.
• Mars: Visible in the western sky in May at magnitude +1.7, moving eastwards through Gemini and setting around 23:00-24:00hrs. By the end of May, it is 40° from the Sun. In June, it remains visible in the western sky, passing south of Castor and Pollux early in the month, setting by 22:00hrs by the end of June. A crescent moon is near on the 6th and 7th of June.
• Jupiter: On May 1st, Jupiter sets at 22:00hrs at magnitude -2.0 and moves closer to the Sun, becoming low in the evening twilight by mid-May, setting shortly after the Sun by the 31st. A thin crescent moon is near on the 6th and 7th, and Venus is near on the 23rd. In June, Jupiter is in conjunction with the Sun on the 9th, becoming a morning object but too close to the Sun for observation.
• Saturn: Rises in the southeast at midnight in early May, and at 22:00hrs by the 31st. It is at magnitude +0.3, with the moon near on the 23rd. In June, Saturn rises at 22:00hrs on the 1st and is visible for most of the night. It is at magnitude +0.1, moving westwards, and the Moon is near on the 20th.

Meteor Showers

• Aquarids: Begins May 2, Maximum May 4, Ends May 20. Radiant Coordinates: 22h 20m RA +00° Dec.
• Ophiuchids: Begins June 17, Maximum June 20, Ends June 26. Radiant Coordinates: 17h 20m RA -20° Dec.

*Note: Sky co-ordinates are given using the equatorial system. For meteor showers, exact radiant co-ordinates are stipulated. For planetary positions, quadrant co-ordinates are stipulated, and the planet's position is within the specified quadrant.*

Space News

• ERS-1 Satellite: The First European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) is scheduled for launch in September 1990 by Ariane. It is part of a new generation of international missions aimed at predicting and understanding weather phenomena. ERS-1 will provide an overview of macro-features related to geology and oceanography, complementing existing satellites but pioneering a payload of high-tech radar for monitoring oceans, ice, and land, capable of seeing through clouds day and night. Data will be processed by the Earth Observation Data Centre (EODC) for the British National Space Centre, a major part of the UK's commitment to the European Space Agency.
• Voyager Mission: The USA's Voyager 2 mission is due to pass close to Neptune in August 1989. The probe was launched in 1977 and has sent back spectacular images from Jupiter (1979), Saturn (1981), and Uranus (1986). The mission is described as an incredible achievement, with its data expected to occupy astronomers for years to come.

Cheshire Case History

This article, by Eric Morris, BUFORA Accredited Investigation Co-ordinator for Cheshire, details a recent UFO sighting case.

The Event

On Friday, September 16th, 1988, the Cheshire UFO Study Centre was alerted to an alleged UFO sighting reported in the Crewe Chronicle. The primary witness, Brian (pseudonym), reported seeing an object on Tuesday, September 13th, 1988, at approximately 9:25 pm while travelling in Crewe. He described it as a white light, possibly two lights with a red light in the center, moving slowly and silently. His cousin also witnessed the object. They lost sight of it, but later saw it again travelling towards Crewe. Approximately 15 minutes later, they lost it again. Brian then saw it again, higher in the sky, and also observed a red ball object. The white light object reportedly 'flew' over the red ball, which then chased the white light. After about five seconds, they parted company and disappeared.

Case Points

• No photographs or measurements were taken.
• Both objects were apparently silent.
• No drawings were made, but a recorded conversation described the first object as a white light with a red light in the center.
• Brian did not state if either object was sharply defined.
• Both objects were bright.
• Local weather conditions were clear, cool, no wind, dry precipitation, and stars were visible.

The Investigation

Eric Morris questioned Brian about the sighting. The initial sighting occurred as Brian was driving towards Crewe Town Centre, with his cousin Billy as the passenger. The second sighting occurred later when Brian parked his car. He observed the red ball object in a SWW direction, which appeared stationary before the white lights 'flew over' it. The red ball then 'chased' the white lights towards Stoke-on-Trent before they parted and disappeared. Neither object made noise. Brian stated the white light appeared to gain height as it crossed the red ball.

Another person reportedly observed the 'red ball' object, but has not been contacted despite pleas through the Crewe Chronicle.

Air Traffic

Morris investigated the possibility of aircraft activity. He spoke to a member of the operations department at Manchester Airport, who confirmed aircraft were in the region on the evening of September 13th. Notably, two Concorde aircraft were due to land that day, leading to an area survey for safety reasons. Morris's personal opinion is that the sighting was not caused by aircraft.

Second Sighting

Brian's second sighting is considered in a different context. He described the 'red ball' as potentially triangular and deep red. This sighting was transient, rapidly deserting the sky. The Operations Department at Manchester Airport could not provide information about this second sighting. The Royal Air Force at Stafford were contacted, and the details were forwarded to the Ministry of Defence (Air). S.A.C. Davies from RAF West Drayton mentioned that several military aircraft were conducting exercises in the area on September 13th, crossing the Welsh borders and potentially over Cheshire and Shropshire. When asked if a US Stealth aircraft was involved, Davies refused to answer directly but stated, 'I could draw my own conclusions.' Given recent reports of similar sightings in South Yorkshire and Stafford, CUFOSC believes Brian's second sighting was likely the US Stealth aircraft.

Despite the initial media excitement and the investigators' handling of the case, CUFOSC believes they have reached the right conclusion. Brian, however, does not agree with their evaluation but remains cooperative.

*This report was originally published in the Cheshire UFO Studies Centre Magazine.*

Brief Reports

Ireland

A farmer's son from near Newry reported seeing a bright orange light in the south in 1987. It flew erratically, unlike helicopters. Two helicopters later flew out of the sky behind him and swooped towards it. The object was seen to be much brighter than the choppers and moving at a high speed, out-pacing them.

The Manchester UFO Research Association suggested it might be Jupiter, but other 'gliding' lights seen are likely satellites or common aerial activity.

Malaysia

In 1983, a witness in Selangor saw a classic 'saucer' high in the sky, descending towards them. It appeared impossible to be a weather balloon. The object was low, rotating rapidly, silvery, and flashed periodically. It was initially tilted but later retained a level pose. The area was surrounded by high tension cables and had a power station at its base. The witness believed this was relevant to the UFO's manifestation, referencing a TV documentary.

The case has been forwarded to researcher Ahmad Jamaludin.

Diary

• May 6th: BUFORA Lecture: The Two American Conferences of 1988 and comparison of the UK and USA experience, with speakers John Spencer and Bob Digby at the LBS.
• June 3rd: BUFORA Lecture: Abductions, with speaker Jenny Randles at the LBS.
• July 14th-16th: The Fifth London International UFO Congress, to be held at the LBS.

BUFORA lectures are held every first Saturday of the month at the London Business School, Sussex Place, Outer Circle, Regents Park, London, NW1. Lectures start at 6:30 pm.

Stop Press

Beard Photographs Latest

An extensive analysis of the Peter Beard Photographs by Ground Saucer Watch in the United States has concluded that the object photographed on August 5th, 1987, is two-dimensional and very close to the camera. BUFORA investigator Philip Mantle compiled a 130-page report, including computer enhancements. The conclusion is that the Beard Photographs are not worthy of further scientific evaluation and the case is closed. A full report will appear in a future issue of UFO Times.

Tristar's UFO Near Miss

Reports are coming in of an alleged near miss between a British Island Airways Tristar and a bright, multicoloured object on March 21st, as the Tristar flew over Sardinia. Passengers were startled, and the pilot made a diving action to avoid the object. Several other aircraft in the vicinity also saw it. BUFORA investigators are examining the evidence, with preliminary findings suggesting it could be a bright fireball meteor or satellite re-entry debris.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related astronomical phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on detailed case studies, such as the Cheshire incident, and a commitment to scientific analysis, as seen in the Beard Photographs conclusion. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating information about UFO-related events, lectures, and congresses, particularly those organized by BUFORA and ICUR. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and a desire to present factual findings, even when they contradict witness accounts or lead to controversial conclusions, as highlighted in the Cheshire case.