UFO Times - No 04 - Nov 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 4
Date: November 1989
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association), focuses on critical analysis of prominent UFO cases and investigation methodologies within the ufology community. It highlights the importance of responsible reporting, witness confidentiality, and maintaining the credibility of the field.

Key Articles and Content

Editorial: "Lessons of Ilkley"

The editorial, likely written by the editor Mike Wootten, discusses the challenges faced by ufologists in accepting new hypotheses, particularly referencing the book "Earth Lights Revelation." It critiques the tendency for some ufologists to start with a theory and then seek supporting evidence, rather than objectively analyzing data. The editorial also addresses the Tass report of a Soviet UFO encounter on October 10th, expressing skepticism about its veracity and the media's handling of the story. It questions whether the Soviet Union is supplying sensationalism to a bored public and notes that the story is being taken more seriously in the USA.

"To Believe or Not to Believe: The lessons of Gulf Breeze and Ilkley Moor" by Jenny Randles

This extensive article examines two major UFO cases: Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Ilkley Moor, UK. Randles contrasts the public and investigator reactions to these cases, noting the rapid endorsement of Gulf Breeze by groups like MUFON and researchers such as Budd Hopkins, despite questionable photographic evidence and similarities to Whitley Strieber's "Communion." The article highlights the 'cinnamon smell' as a recurring detail in some cases. Randles criticizes the media's role in sensationalizing these events and the potential for investigators to be swayed by public interest. She discusses the Barnsley photographs, noting that while investigators like Dr. Bruce Maccabee found no definitive hoax, the resemblance to known hoaxes was striking. The article emphasizes the importance of a cautious and critical approach, especially when cases gain media traction before thorough investigation.

Regarding the Ilkley Moor case, Randles details how it was initially reported via a letter from a former police officer who claimed to have photographed a landed UFO and an entity. The investigation, conducted by BUFORA and DIGAP, involved extensive photo analysis, computer enhancement, and scientific site surveys. A key aspect was the witness's desire for anonymity, which was initially respected. However, the case became controversial when DIGAP member Steve Balon allegedly sold the photograph to tabloid newspapers, which Randles deems "grossly irresponsible" and damaging to the case's integrity.

Randles argues that while investigating, the priority should be to find non-UFO explanations first. She stresses that mistakes born of zeal can be damaging to the field's credibility. The article concludes by stating that witnesses in both the Barnsley and Ilkley Moor cases appreciated the critical investigative approach.

"Ufonauts - Imps from the Astral?" by Captain G. Millington, BA, RAEC (Retd.)

This article explores the phenomenon of abductions and close encounters of the fourth kind, suggesting a connection to 'Out of the Body Experiences' (OOBEs) and 'astral travel.' Millington references historical accounts of fairies and elemental spirits, drawing parallels to modern abduction narratives. He cites cases investigated by Jenny Randles involving Maureen Puddy and Jose Alvaro, where witnesses described subjective experiences or were found in unusual states. The article discusses how occultists claim to be able to evoke OOBEs intentionally, transferring consciousness to an 'astral body.' It questions the nature of the consciousness during such experiences and the body it might occupy.

Investigations Diary, Skywatcher, Reviews, Letters, and Stop Press

The issue includes regular sections such as the Investigations Diary (edited by Dave Clarke), Skywatcher (edited by Gary Anthony), Reviews, Letters, and Stop Press, providing updates on ongoing investigations, reader contributions, and news items within the UFO community.

BUFORA Information

Page 2 provides detailed information about BUFORA's structure, including its President, Vice President, Council members, and key administrative roles like Director of Research, Director of Investigations, Secretary to NIC, Director of Publications, and Press Officer. It outlines BUFORA's aims, emphasizing unbiased scientific research, data collection, and international cooperation. Membership details and a list of associated groups are also provided. The "Witness Confidentiality" section underscores BUFORA's commitment to protecting witness privacy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the methodology of UFO investigations, the impact of media sensationalism, and the importance of maintaining scientific rigor and credibility within ufology. The editorial stance, particularly evident in Jenny Randles' article and the editorial itself, is one of cautious skepticism, advocating for thorough investigation, a focus on finding mundane explanations first, and a measured response to extraordinary claims. There is a clear emphasis on responsible reporting and protecting witness anonymity, contrasting with what is perceived as irresponsible media exploitation of cases.

Title: UFO Times
Issue Date: November 1989
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of UFO Times, a publication by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association), focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including alleged government cover-ups, theories on astral projection, and detailed accounts of recent sightings and investigations.

Cover Story: Evidence of a Cover-Up? Pilot Tells of UFO Intercept

The main feature details an alleged UFO intercept incident on May 20, 1957, involving two United States Air Force fighter planes scrambled from RAF Manston to intercept a UFO over the UK. The lead pilot, Milton Torres, recounts being ordered to fire a salvo of 24 live rockets at the object, which reportedly out-ran him at high speed. Torres, a former USAF fighter pilot and now a Professor of Industrial Engineering, claims he was debriefed by a US civilian and threatened with a national security breach if he spoke about the event. Both the Ministry of Defence and the USAF state they have no record of this incident, leading the article to question the nature of the event and the alleged cover-up. The article also includes the perspective of the other pilot, Dave Robertson, whose recollection of the events varies slightly regarding the interception's starting point but confirms the chase. Robertson's evidence is notable for recalling the name of an RAF ground controller, Dick Neville, who is the father of Clive Neville, an employee of the Ministry of Defence dealing with UFO reports. An alternative explanation suggested is that the event was staged as a radar exercise.

Astral Projection and UFOs

Another significant section explores the concept of astral projection and its potential link to UFO encounters. It discusses the idea that the astral body can leave the physical body and exist independently, with the astral plane being contiguous with the material realm. This is used to potentially explain seemingly lost time in abduction cases, such as those of Corporal Valdes and Travis Walton. The article suggests that entities encountered in UFOs might be 'astral imps' and that a certain psychic sensitivity might be a prerequisite for shifting to the astral plane. It references Betty Andreasson's account of abduction, where her family was frozen into animation, and Budd Hopkins' report of similar immobilization. The text also quotes Alistair Crowley on the nature of astral perception and warns against deception by 'spirits,' cautioning that mishandling the return to the physical body can lead to serious psychological and physical problems.

Investigations Diary

This section presents a collection of recent UFO case investigations, primarily from the UK, compiled by various investigators associated with IUN and BUFORA.

• The Withens Moor Lights: Andy Walmsley investigated a report of anomalous lights in West Yorkshire in September 1989. The witness described multiple lights that oscillated, changed colour, and moved instantaneously. Walmsley's own investigation involved a skywatch, but the lights did not reappear. Photographs taken during the sighting were inexplicably blank.
• Burbage, Leicestershire (November 8, 1979): A mother and her three children reported a bright light following them, which stopped and hovered before disappearing.
• Sibsey, Boston, Lincolnshire (May 23, 1988): A retired RAF Flight Lieutenant observed a yellowish light with trailing reddish lights that maintained a fixed pattern and moved across the sky.
• Hull, North Humberside (December 6, 1987): A witness saw two flashing lights (red and blue) that travelled together and then merged into a single white light.
• Pitch Hill, Surrey (November 5, 1988): Two witnesses reported a silent, bright white light that approached their car, stopped, revealed red lights on an oval craft, and then departed rapidly.
• Rivington, Lancashire (October 31, 1970): Two witnesses saw an elongated cylindrical luminous shape emerge from trees and disappear into the ground.
• Dore Moor, Derbyshire (March 1988): A couple saw a large 'spinning top' shaped object with brilliant white and red lights that passed close to their car and disappeared into trees.

Skywatcher: Astronomy News

This section provides astronomical information for November and December 1989, including planetary positions (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), moon phases, and meteor showers (Leonids, Geminids, Ursids). It also highlights the upcoming launch of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in December 1989, detailing its purpose as a joint NASA/ESA mission to place an astronomical observatory in low Earth orbit for advanced astronomical observation.

BUFORA Publications

A list of available BUFORA publications is provided, including titles on UFO phenomena, historical UFO cases, and a UFO lexicon.

Errata

A correction is noted for a previous article by Paul Fuller regarding the statistical treatment of UFO reports, with a section reprinted due to a printing error.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the possibility of government secrecy and cover-ups, and the exploration of unconventional explanations such as astral projection. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging the submission of investigative material and highlighting the need for thorough research into high-strangeness reports. The magazine aims to document and analyze UFO events, presenting evidence and theories to its readership while acknowledging the challenges in obtaining official confirmation or explanation for many cases. The inclusion of astronomical news also suggests a broader interest in space and the unknown.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 2
Date: September 1989
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Conference Review: Yorkshire UFO Society Conference, Ossett

The eighth annual UFO conference, held by the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS) at Ossett Town Hall, is reviewed critically. Despite an announcement of a 'new professional approach', the conference is described as lacking in substance regarding UFO phenomena. Speakers presented 'yarns about crashed flying saucers, dark government plots to withhold information about alien presence on earth and strange 'invisible force fields' which are allegedly creating the mysterious cornfield circles'.

Timothy Good, author of 'Above Top Secret', delivered his usual 'aliens are real' diatribe, which the reviewer notes has been a standard feature of YUFOS conferences since 1985, lacking in evidence. Ralph Noyes presented on the Rendlesham Forest case. Dr. Henry Azadehdel's talk was described as 'rambling and incoherent'. George Wingfield's talk on 'mystery circles' is humorously reviewed, noting his dismissal of natural explanations and his reference to 'invisible force fields' and 'mind-reading intelligences'. The reviewer, Dave Clarke, concludes that the conference felt like 'the American brand of pop Ufology' had arrived in Britain, expressing concern for the future of ufology if this represents its direction.

BUFORA Activities and Publications

The magazine highlights BUFORA's involvement in the publishing world. BUFORA has reprinted 'Controversy of the Circles', a 112-page booklet by Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller, which is selling well. BUFORA has joined the Small Press Group (SPG) to promote small press publishing and expand its customer base. The SPG organized the National Small Press Fair at Conway Hall, where BUFORA was a prominent exhibitor.

There is also a note about a publicity error by Cassells regarding Paul Devereux's book 'Eathlights Revelations', where the page count and price were incorrectly stated. BUFORA is also assisting in correcting a wrong telephone number for UFOCALL.

International UFO News: Voronezh Landing

A 'Stop Press' section reports on a TASS (official Moscow news agency) confirmation of an alien spaceship landing on Soviet territory. The incident allegedly occurred on September 27th, 1989, in Voronezh. Witnesses reported a large, shining ball or disk hovering over a park, from which three human-like creatures, described as 9-12ft tall with small heads, emerged with a small robot. They reportedly walked near the craft and then disappeared inside. The story became more unbelievable with claims of alien rocks, ray guns, and children being rendered invisible. The landing site was reportedly confirmed by 'biolocation' (ESP) by scientists from the Voronezh Geophysical Laboratory.

British Photographic Cases Review

Nigel Smith continues his review of British photographic cases. He categorizes cases into 'Fortean', 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object), and those with insufficient evidence. Of the eighteen cases described so far, eleven are considered well-tied up, while eight require further clarification. Seven cases are deemed to have insufficient evidence for a final assessment.

Specific cases discussed include a distant LITS (Light in the Sky) photograph, a nighttime stationary LITS with camera shake and contradictory witness accounts, another nighttime LITS possibly showing a helicopter, and an anonymous Solent film of a white streak. The review also mentions the 'Stanton' film, showing a fuzzy white blob, and a polaroid with undecipherable colors and a possible vague silhouette of a building. A photo of two lights against a black background is discussed, with possibilities ranging from car headlights to unexplained phenomena like 'Eathlights'.

Smith notes the challenges of working with prints or copies rather than originals and the reliance on witness testimony. He emphasizes that the quality of most UFO photographs is insufficient for definitive judgments, and that cameras, while not lying, can be 'pretty economical with the truth'. He concludes that the ultimate value of a photograph depends on the accompanying story.

A table summarizes the cases, detailing 'Number in Total', 'Negatives/originals available', 'Evidence Accompanying Purported Sighting', 'Cases with both sighting/negatives', 'Cases since 1985', and 'Film/video'.

Newsclipping Service

BUFORA offers a Newsclipping Service, likely the largest collection of British UFO-related press cuttings in the UK, comprising over 3500 magazine and newspaper cuttings, with a reference library of over 5000 cross-references.

Letters to the Editor

Anthony North writes from North Yorkshire, questioning BUFORA's approach, particularly regarding a 'Stop Press' item about a Tornado dogfight. He states that in his 9 years in RAF administration, he never heard of UFO incidents and points out that Tornado Interceptor bases are on the east coast, not Irish, and would not carry live missiles over the west coast. He suggests that a sudden change of thrust to re-heat could explain the visual of a missile being fired.

Editors' Comments

The editor responds to Anthony North's letter, defending BUFORA's duty to investigate all cases, regardless of whether they involve the military. The editor cites the RAF Bentwaters radar/visual case from 1956 and a case by Harry Harris as examples of military-related UFO incidents. The editor also thanks Edoardo Russo of CISU for his supportive comments on the magazine's quality.

Diary of Events

The 'Diary' section lists upcoming BUFORA lectures and conferences, including events in London, Manchester, and Blackpool, featuring speakers like Maurice Grosse, Dave Clarke, Philip Mantle, Tim Good, and Harry Harris.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and investigative approach to ufology, as exemplified by BUFORA's activities. There is a clear editorial stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the critical review of the YUFOS conference and the detailed analysis of photographic evidence. The magazine aims to present developments in British ufology to a growing readership, maintaining an open mind to all cases while emphasizing the need for evidence and critical evaluation. The inclusion of international news, such as the Voronezh incident, broadens the scope of coverage.