UFO Times - No 07 - May 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 7
Date: May 1990
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION
Country: UK
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, a publication of BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association Limited), presents a critical examination of an alleged UFO crash in Botswana, suggesting it is a hoax. It also includes sections on space news and upcoming events.

The Crash Retrieval That Never Was: Investigators Probe Probable Hoax

This lengthy article delves into the details of an alleged UFO crash that supposedly occurred in the Kalahari desert, Botswana, on May 7, 1989. The report, originating from South African intelligence documents, describes a silver disc-shaped object travelling at 5746 nautical mph, which was tracked by a naval frigate and engaged by a fighter jet's experimental laser cannon. The object then crashed, creating a crater and fusing the surrounding area. Inside, a silver-coloured disc was found, emitting a magnetic field that disabled equipment. Two 'entities' reportedly emerged from the craft.

The article, however, systematically deconstructs the official account, presenting criticisms from a South African correspondent and the IUN (presumably the magazine's investigative body). Key points of skepticism include:

• Grammatical and spelling errors in the official documents.
• The implausibility of the Thor Two Laser cannon being used on aircraft or UFOs.
• The contradictory information about naval frigates in South Africa.
• The unconventional use of 'Squadron Leader' as a rank in South Africa.
• The unlikely cooperation between South Africa and the USA given the political climate and past intelligence conflicts.
• The logistical challenges of a rapid retrieval operation in the desert without detection.
• The lack of damage to the craft despite high-speed impact and laser fire, contrasting with the Roswell incident.
• The ease with which the 'secret' was allegedly leaked to amateur ufologists.

The article also notes that the Nevada Aerial Newsletter (NAR) presented a similar story, but claimed the emerging figures were US military personnel and that the UFO was American-made, possibly an 'Alien Reproduction Vehicle' (ARV).

The IUN concludes that the case is a hoax, carefully designed to create a 'classic case' for unknown purposes, and urges readers to be critical of such narratives entering ufological literature.

Editorial

The editor, Mike Wootten, explains the reduced page count and design changes in this issue are due to his impending marriage. He discusses the evolving landscape of ufology, noting that some US ufology is moving beyond a purely 'nuts and bolts' approach. He highlights essays that challenge the MJ12 documents, citing inconsistencies pointed out by Robert G. Todd and Barry Greenwood, and suggesting the MJ12 saga may be nearing its end. The editor also quotes Rima E. Laibow M.D. on the ethical responsibilities of investigators dealing with abduction experiencers, emphasizing the need for psychological referral.

Wootten acknowledges criticisms of his editorials being biased but defends them as reflections of his personal beliefs formed through study. He states the magazine is open to publishing critiques of his opinions and others' work, aiming for a democratic approach. He also announces an extension for a prize draw questionnaire to May 23rd, 1990.

Space News

This section covers developments in European and space exploration:

• European Astronaut Centre (EAC): The ESA Council approved an agreement for the construction of an EAC in Cologne, Germany, to select, recruit, and train European astronauts for programs like 'Columbus' and 'Hermes'.
• Giotto Probe: After four years of inactivity, ESA's Giotto probe was reactivated in February 1990. It previously encountered Halley's Comet in 1986 and is now on a new mission to rendezvous with Comet Grigg-Skjellerup on July 10, 1992. Giotto will use Earth's gravity for a slingshot maneuver on July 2, 1990.
• Information Source: All space news is courtesy of ESA and NASA.
• Investigator Information: Gary Anthony of BUFORA ARP is available for astronomical information requests.

Skywatcher

Edited by Gary Anthony, this section provides astronomical highlights:

• Introduction: Mentions new features and space news, including the 'European Astronauts' centre and the 'Giotto The Sequel' mission to study a cometary nucleus.
• The Planets: Details the visibility and positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn for May and June 1990.
• SkydData: Provides lunar phases (First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter, New Moon) for May and June 1990, and astronomical coordinates for Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
• Meteor Showers: Lists the Eta Aquarids (April 21-May 12) and Lyrids (April 19-24) meteor showers, including their peak times and radiant coordinates.

BUFORA Lecture Special: Budd Hopkins to Speak in London

BUFORA announces that Budd Hopkins, a leading US abduction researcher, will be speaking in London on Tuesday, July 17, 1990, at 7:00 PM at the London Business School. Tickets are priced at £7.00 for non-members and £5.00 for members. Advance bookings are available.

BUFORA Lecture Recording Service

Information is provided on how to obtain recordings of BUFORA lectures and conferences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO crash retrieval cases, with a strong emphasis on identifying potential hoaxes and inconsistencies in official reports. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging rigorous investigation and questioning sensational claims. The editorial section highlights the importance of ethical conduct in UFO research and the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging personal beliefs while remaining open to critique. The inclusion of space news and astronomical data suggests an interest in the broader context of unexplained phenomena and scientific exploration. The magazine also emphasizes its role in disseminating information and coordinating research through BUFORA's various services and events.

This issue of UFO Times, dated from the scan as issue 11, focuses heavily on reviews and reader correspondence, offering a critical look at the field of ufology. The main review is of John Spencer's book 'Perspectives', which is presented as a significant, albeit controversial, contribution to the study of UFO abductions.

Review: 'Perspectives' by John Spencer

The primary review, written by Jenny Randles, examines John Spencer's book 'Perspectives'. Randles notes that the book aims to be different from the stream of UFO abduction literature since 1987. While acknowledging its thoughtful and interesting approach, she quibbles with the subtitle, finding the terms 'radical examination' and 'alien abduction phenomenon' to be more irritating than refreshing. She contrasts Spencer's work with other books that claim to have 'solved' the mystery, stating that Spencer's offering does not do that.

Randles praises Spencer for his detailed analysis, particularly of the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, which he posits as the genesis of subsequent cases. She commends his attempt to show it as a non-real experience, possibly a fantasy shared by the witnesses, though she notes he spoke at length with Betty Hill. She suggests that Spencer's psychoanalysis might be close to the mark, but questions his assertion that the 'Oz Factor' state and time-lapses are solely invented by ufologists in the wake of the Hill case. She argues that these phenomena have appeared in cases as far back as the 1954 wave and are also found in other paranormal investigations.

Randles criticizes Spencer for focusing heavily on cases provided by Budd Hopkins, suggesting this creates a selectivity of data and leads to flawed conclusions. She points out that while Hopkins often reports 'standard US aliens' (small grey men), other researchers like Dr. Leo Sprinkle have documented a wider variety of entities. She posits that Hopkins' findings might be influenced by the current American 'template' of aliens, honed by extensive publicity.

Spencer's claim that British ufology blindly follows the American lead is called into question by Randles, who deems it an 'extraordinary claim' and 'untrue in my experience'. She highlights that British ufology does not solely rely on regression hypnosis and has its own code of practice and guidelines for abduction cases.

Despite her criticisms, Randles finds 'Perspectives' to be a book that provokes thought and adds to the controversy in the field. She describes the book as 'schizophrenic', with points she applauds followed by comments that exasperate her. Ultimately, she recommends the book for readers to judge Spencer's 'radical' concept for themselves.

Review: 'Rattler's Tale'

Mike Wootten reviews 'Rattler's Tale', a bi-monthly journal edited by Anthony North. Subtitled 'A voyage of the imagination', it contains short essays, anecdotes, and stories covering various subjects, including UFOs. Wootten finds it to be a good example of 'small press' publishing, encouraging writers to participate and noting that it offers £5.00 for accepted articles.

Letters to the Editor

'Homing Pigeons' by Norman Oliver: Norman Oliver writes in response to a review by Dave Clarke of a Yorkshire UFO Society Conference. Oliver disputes Clarke's assertion that 'very little was said about UFOs themselves', arguing that the conference was about the origin and purpose of UFOs, not just the mundane 90-95% of reports. He defends the work of the South African UFO report investigation and criticizes Clarke's 'Raving Mad' remark as a false impression.

Editor's Comment: The editor defends Dave Clarke's right to his own opinion, stating that his views are not necessarily those of BUFORA or the magazine. He also questions Oliver's definition of UFOs as solely 'craft of unknown origin', advocating for keeping an open mind and not dismissing the 'IFO' (identified flying object) data, which he believes could be as important as the 'UFO' data.

Mickey Geisinger's Letter: Mickey Geisinger writes to Jenny Randles regarding his mother, Betty Cash, who claims to have been burned by radiation from a UFO in 1980 and subsequently developed cancer. He believes the US Government is covering it up and seeks help to sue them for medical bills and compensation. He mentions that his mother has been on 'Good Morning America' and 'UFO Live' but has received no help.

Editor's Comment on Mickey Geisinger's Letter: The editor suggests writing to Betty Cash to offer support and to the American Embassy to apply pressure, stating that the US Government is liable if the intrusion was by foreign or US government hardware.

Witness Bites Back: An anonymous witness replies to Anthony North's letter, disagreeing with his assessment of a UFO sighting involving a Tornado fighter jet. The witness, who spent nine years in the RAF, corrects details about the aircraft's location, operational status (scrambled with live weapons, not a training mission), and the nature of the visual phenomena observed, including a dull flash and a black smoke trail, refuting the idea of re-heat.

Gordon Millington's Letter: Gordon Millington writes regarding John Spencer's book, advocating for a 'non-directive, client-centred' approach to interviewing witnesses, contrasting it with what he perceives as Spencer's 'interpretative' or 'introjective' methodology. He suggests that Spencer's hypothesis about abduction cases being tainted by introjection is testable and calls for empirical validation.

Paul Fuller's Statement: Paul Fuller withdraws apologies previously made to Messrs Andrews and Delgardo, stating that no 'documentary proof' of libel was ever provided. He demands an apology and costs, and also withdraws an apology to Gordon Crighton, demanding a 'Right of Reply' to 'deeply libellous and insulting comments' in 'Flying Saucer Review'.

Fear Response in UFO Reporters by Steuart Campbell

This article discusses the physiological effects reported by UFO witnesses, such as tingling, paralysis, and muscle spasms. Campbell explains that these symptoms can be attributed to hyperventilation, a normal response to acute stress or fear. He cites research indicating that symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and feelings of unreality, often reported by UFO witnesses, are consistent with fear-induced hyperventilation. He argues that there is no need to suppose direct influence from a UFO, as these effects are explicable as a simple fear-response.

Diary

The diary section lists upcoming events:

• June 2nd: BUFORA London Lecture: Anamnesis update with Ken Phillips.
• July 7th: Northamptonshire UFO Research Centre meeting: The Corn Circles Mystery with Steve Gamble.
• July 14-15th: IUN 'Phantoms of the Sky' conference in Sheffield, featuring Dr Vladimir Rubstsov (USSR), Budd Hopkins (USA), Jenny Randles (UK), and others.
• July 17th: Special BUFORA London Lecture by Budd Hopkins on his latest abduction research.

It also provides details for BUFORA lectures held monthly at the London Business School and advertises UFOCALL, a telephone service presented by Jenny Randles for UFO news and cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a strong emphasis on critical analysis within ufology. The review of John Spencer's 'Perspectives' highlights a growing trend towards questioning established narratives and methodologies, particularly concerning abduction phenomena. The editor's comments and reader letters reveal a debate about the definition of UFOs, the importance of 'IFO' data, and the potential for bias in investigation techniques. There is a clear tension between those who advocate for a more skeptical, rational approach and those who may feel their work is being unfairly criticized. The magazine appears to foster open discussion, even when it involves challenging established figures and theories within the UFO community. The inclusion of a piece on the physiological basis of fear responses suggests an editorial interest in providing scientific explanations for reported phenomena, rather than solely accepting conventional ufological interpretations.