UFO Times - No 10 - Nov 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 10
Date: November 1990
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA, is dedicated to exploring significant events and research within the UFO community. The cover prominently features the Rendlesham Forest incident, marking its 10th anniversary, with the headline "RENDLESHAM". The "INSIDE" section highlights a special feature on Rendlesham Forest with reflections from Jenny Randles and Ralph Noyes, an in-depth review of the 'Phantoms of the Sky' conference by Onay Faiz, and perception research findings from Germany by Hans-Werner Peiniger. It also promises news, Congress '91 updates, and other regular features.

Editorial: Beware, the Satanist

The editorial addresses the growing media reports of alleged ritual sexual abuse of children, and the claims by Christian fundamentalists linking such abuse to satanism and occult practices. The editor criticizes the fundamentalists for overzealousness and for tarnishing innocent individuals and practices like tarot, palmistry, and ghost research with the label of satanism. The editorial argues that these claims often lack proof and are based on ignorance of occult subjects, differentiating between 'satanists' and genuine occultists who practice alternative religions. It draws a parallel to ufology, expressing concern that fundamentalists might eventually label UFO phenomena as satanic, causing confusion and distress to witnesses, particularly those involved in high strangeness cases. The editor asserts that individuals should be free to choose their own faith and criticizes the use of children to uphold a flagging Christian following by attacking other religious orders.

Feature Articles

Rendlesham Forest: 10 Years On - Skycrash?

By Jenny Randles, this article revisits the events of December 1980 in Rendlesham Forest, near the twin NATO bases of Woodbridge and Bentwaters. Randles focuses on the puzzling aspects of what was officially revealed versus what secrets might still be hidden. She recounts hearing about the incident via an acquaintance who relayed a report from a radar officer. This officer claimed his base (RAF Watton) tracked an anomalous target, reported it, and was then visited by USAF intelligence officers who wanted to view the radar tapes. The story suggested a UFO landing and an alien contact. Randles expresses suspicion about the rapid spread of this story, questioning why USAF intelligence would share such sensitive information with junior personnel. She also touches upon the possibility of "disinformation" being deliberately spread to discredit the case, suggesting that attempts were made to make UFOlogists believe in extreme alien contact scenarios as a smokescreen. While acknowledging that witnesses likely saw something they didn't understand, Randles is convinced that the widely publicized alien contact narrative never actually happened.

Rendlesham Forest: 10 Years On - A Property Still Secret

By Ralph Noyes, this article details his personal involvement and perspective on the Rendlesham Forest incident. Noyes explains that the case was crucial for him, prompting him to join BUFORA after leaving the Ministry of Defence (MOD). He recounts teasing former MOD colleagues about the incident and encouraging Lord Hill-Norton to raise the issue with Defence Ministers. Noyes admits to having been convinced for decades of the existence of a mysterious 'something' that could leave traces on film and radar, evade aircraft, and act with intelligence, yet he had done nothing about it except stonewall public inquiries. He describes how Colonel Charles Halt reported his encounter to the British MOD, who reportedly smothered the report despite inquiries. The MOD later released the information casually in 1983. Noyes discusses the book "Skycrash" (co-authored with Brenda and Dot), which he feels became part of the mythology rather than a solution, written early with contradictory evidence. He believes that governmental powers used and abused those involved, including himself, by allowing them to manipulate the situation. Noyes raises critical questions about whether a UFO landing truly happened, if participants knew the truth, or if they were misled. He expresses concern that the case might remain lost in myth and mystique, and that UFOlogy may struggle to clear its name. He also mentions his decision to join the Society for Psychical Research due to its sober study of the borderland between the material and the imaginary.

Phantoms: Fiction or Reality - Part 1

By Onay Faiz, this is the first part of a series presenting an in-depth review of the 'Phantoms of the Sky' conference. The article is not fully detailed in the provided scan, but it indicates a review of a conference related to UFO phenomena.

Reliability of Magnitude Estimation

By Hans-Werner Peiniger, this article presents his perception research findings from Germany. The content is not detailed in the provided scan.

Skywatcher

Edited by Gary Anthony, this section likely contains news, observations, or reader contributions related to UFO sightings and related phenomena.

Letters

This section contains correspondence from readers, offering their views and feedback on topics discussed in the magazine.

BUFORA Information

Page 2 provides detailed information about BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association Limited). It lists the organization's structure, including President, Vice President, Council Members, and key officers like the Director of Research, Director of Investigations, Secretary to NIC, and Press Officer. It outlines the aims of BUFORA, which include encouraging scientific research, collecting and disseminating UFO data, and coordinating research efforts. The section also details the importance BUFORA places on witness confidentiality, outlining its Code of Practice to protect witness details. Information on membership and associate groups is also provided.

Colonel Halt's Official Report

Page 9 includes a declassified report from the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters USAFE, dated January 13, 1981, concerning "Unexplained Lights" near RAF Woodbridge. The report, signed by Lt Col Charles I. Halt, Deputy Base Commander, details the events of December 27-29, 1980. It describes two USAF security police patrolmen seeing unusual lights and a triangular, metallic object with pulsing lights hovering in the forest. The object reportedly maneuvered through trees and disappeared. The report notes the discovery of three depressions in the ground and radiation readings. It also describes a red sun-like light and subsequent sightings of elliptical and circular objects in the sky, with some individuals, including Lt Col Halt, witnessing these activities. The report mentions that animals on a nearby farm went into a frenzy and that the object was briefly sighted again. It also notes that the craft was not damaged and landed deliberately as part of a series of visits to SAC bases.

Personal Anecdote: DD

On page 9 and 10, the author (likely Ralph Noyes or a similar figure) recounts a personal encounter with an individual referred to as "DD." DD conveyed mysterious messages and claimed a mission to influence people of importance. He presented a notebook filled with symbols and planetary signs. DD directed the author to contact a specific celebrated author. Subsequently, the author witnessed a triangular UFO with white lights hovering silently above the author's apartment in Chelsea. This experience led the author to decide against further contact with DD and to discard his UFO research papers for a period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the Rendlesham Forest incident, exploring its complexities, potential cover-ups, and the role of disinformation. There is a clear stance on the importance of scientific research and witness confidentiality, as represented by BUFORA's mission and policies. The editorial expresses a critical view of religious fundamentalism and its tendency to label unfamiliar phenomena or practices as satanic, highlighting the potential negative impact on the UFO community. The recurring theme is the investigation of unexplained phenomena, the challenges of obtaining credible information, and the struggle to distinguish fact from myth and disinformation within ufology.

This issue of UFO Times, dated August 16th-18th 1991, focuses on the "CONGRESS '91 UFOs - A Global View" held in Sheffield. The magazine presents a collection of articles and reports from the conference, exploring various facets of ufology, from its interpretation as modern mythology to the physical and psychological aspects of abduction experiences.

Unsolved Classics

The issue begins with a brief reflection on the Rendlesham Forest incident, now considered a 'closed case' by the author, who suggests that UFOs and quasi-material entities are more connected to human interaction with the world than to government departments or alien visitations.

News Lines

This section provides brief updates. BUFORA is offering magazine binders for sale. A "METEORITE SENSATION" reports a bright meteor seen over the English countryside, which BUFORA will pass to the British Astronomical Association for analysis. The "CONGRESS '91 UFOs - A Global View" is announced as the biggest UFO conference in Britain, featuring speakers like Betty Cash, Vicky Landrum, Budd Hopkins, and Jenny Randles, with tickets available for purchase.

Phantoms: Fact or Fantasy? Report by Onay Faiz

Onay Faiz reports on the 1990 international UFO conference in Sheffield, hosted by the Independent UFO Network. The conference featured talks on various UFO-related topics, including extraterrestrial hypotheses, corn circles, abductions, and earth lights. Faiz notes the presence of speakers like Budd Hopkins from the USA, and the absence of others due to red tape. The conference offered a bookstall and information services, with a special investigation room for delegates to make reports. The value for money was highlighted, though the food provision was minimal.

Modern View of UFOs

Faiz observes that the conference presented a range of ideas, from ufology as a science to modern interpretations of UFOs. The bookstall and information services were well-received, though space was limited. The special investigation room was a valuable addition for both the public and the press.

Room for Investigations

The Independent UFO Network organized a special investigation room, which proved popular for delegates to make reports and for the press to conduct interviews.

UFO'S, PHANTOMS OF THE SKY by ANDY ROBERTS

Andy Roberts, co-author of the book "Phantoms of the Sky," presented his view that ufology is a modern mythology. He stated that there is no concrete proof of alien visitors and that historical accounts of mysteries and stories, such as H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds," predate modern UFO phenomena. Roberts suggested that current experiences are interpreted through cultural, psychological, or sociological factors, forming a modern mythology. He drew parallels between historical accounts of missing time and modern abduction reports, noting that fairy lore, often ignored by UFO investigators, shares similar underlying features.

Interpretation

Roberts argued that abduction symptoms like trance-like states and altered consciousness are not new, appearing in folklore texts from various countries. He proposed that these experiences are interpreted within individuals' belief systems and that the human mind is susceptible to misperceptions, citing highway hypnosis as an example. He questioned whether modern ufology is merely relabelling older folklore and whether there is a societal need for a modern mythology.

BVM or Bust

Roberts discussed how experiences are interpreted based on cultural and social beliefs. He noted that in highly religious Catholic countries, reports of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs) are more common than alien abductions, suggesting that experiences are filtered through existing belief systems. He asserted that if one is exposed to UFO mythology, a different state of consciousness might lead to a UFO experience. He also raised the question of why abduction experiences seem more real than dreams, and whether the prevalence of UFO reports in the UK and USA is coincidental with their saturation with 'extraterrestrial visitation' narratives.

Roberts concluded that the human mind is the common factor in all these experiences, and that misperceptions can occur. He suggested that abductees might be experiencing a more intense version of phenomena like highway hypnosis. He acknowledged that abductions are real in that they take place, but the interpretation of the experience is what needs to be worked out, involving belief, culture, and society.

THE ILKLEY ALIEN by PETER HOUGH

Peter Hough, chairman of the Manchester UFO Research Association, provided an update on the Ilkley Moor case involving Philip Spencer. He discussed an unusual photograph and Spencer's abduction experience, expressing satisfaction with the witness's account. Despite attempts to enhance the photograph, two companies suggested it might be a hoax involving a foam rubber model. An interesting aspect was the reversal of Philip Spencer's compass polarity, which Dr. Spooner of Manchester University later demonstrated could be replicated through electrical currents, though it seemed unlikely Spencer would have had the knowledge to do so.

MIBS form the MoD

Following Spencer's experience, individuals claiming to be Men In Black (MIBs) from the Ministry of Defence allegedly inquired about the photograph. However, subsequent checks revealed no connection to the MoD, which denied any involvement. The press coverage, particularly 'The Star's' "Man from the Pru" explanation, was dismissed.

UFO ABDUCTIONS by BUDD HOPKINS

Budd Hopkins, author of "Missing Time" and "Intruders," gave a well-received presentation on his abduction research. He presented slides of cases, including the Kathie Davies (Debbie Tomey) case, highlighting convincing pictures of body scars and unusual scoop marks that appeared overnight. Hopkins avoided drawing strong conclusions but proposed that these experiences are intensely physical and cause significant psychic injury. He countered Andy Roberts' theory by stating that psychologists he has worked with find these experiences do not fit any psychological model, suggesting something new is occurring.

Hopkins noted similarities in abduction accounts, including the appearance of the beings described (enlarged cranium, almond-shaped eyes, thin mouth, slim neck), which he contrasted with the Ilkley Moor green alien. He questioned if abduction experiences are area-specific. He also highlighted that abductees often have their stories confirmed by others, citing an example where Kathie Davies recognized another abductee's drawing of an alien as strikingly similar to her own.

Hopkins believes that abductees experience an upsetting realization when their stories are confirmed, rather than a calming one. He expressed concern about the increasing number of reports from young children. He described his own empathy for abductees and his belief that their experiences are real and deeply impactful.

AETHERIUS SOCIETY by PAUL WHITE

Paul White presented the Aetherius Society's perspective, which focuses on the spiritual side of ufology. He argued against a purely 'nuts and bolts' explanation, suggesting that science, spiritualism, and religion should be embraced. White mentioned that the Society has predicted world events through extraterrestrial messages and believes that many abductees experience enhanced psychic abilities. He stated that the Society is interested in getting official bodies to 'come clean' about UFOs, believing there is a cover-up.

Intervention

White discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial intervention, questioning if figures like Christ or events like the Ark of the Covenant could be interpreted through an advanced technological or extraterrestrial lens. He suggested that the roots of all religions might be extraterrestrial.

Reliability of Magnitude Estimation by Hans-Werner Peiniger

This section summarizes a statistical examination of UFO object size estimation. The study, involving 238 people, aimed to ascertain the apparent size of observed flying objects. The findings indicated that estimations of size can be inaccurate. A key finding was that people tend to overestimate the size of bright objects more than dark objects, a phenomenon termed "astraydiations appearance" in psychology. The study revealed that the apparent diameter of celestial bodies like the sun and moon is overestimated by more than 15 times. The author concluded that dimensions of objects given by witnesses tend to be unreliable, especially if the object is at a shorter distance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Times strongly leans towards exploring the psychological and mythological aspects of UFO phenomena, as presented by speakers like Andy Roberts and Budd Hopkins. While acknowledging the physical reality of some abduction experiences, the emphasis is on interpretation, belief systems, and the human mind's role in shaping these encounters. The Aetherius Society's spiritual angle and the scientific study on size estimation provide further dimensions to the complex and often subjective nature of ufology. The magazine appears to encourage a critical yet open-minded approach, questioning conventional explanations and exploring alternative perspectives on UFO sightings and experiences.

Title: UFO Times
Issue Date: December 1990 (implied by content and page numbering)
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO Times, dated December 1990, features a diverse range of articles covering astronomical observations, UFO phenomena, and scientific investigations. The cover story highlights the achievements of the Faint Object Camera (FOC) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, which has provided new insights into stellar anomalies like the symbiotic nova R Aquarii. The magazine also includes a significant debate on crop circles, a section on planetary movements and meteor showers, and discussions on the controversial topic of UFO abductions.

Space News

FOC Redeems Hubble Trouble

The lead article in the 'Space News' section reports on the success of the ESA's Faint Object Camera (FOC) on the Hubble Space Telescope. Despite major setbacks with the telescope, the FOC has captured detailed images of stellar anomalies. Specifically, it has examined the inner core of the 'symbiotic nova' R Aquarii, revealing new features of this exploding star. R Aquarii is described as one of the nearest stars to undergo violent eruptions, expelling vast quantities of processed nuclear material. The star was studied by Edwin Hubble and colleagues in the 1930s and 40s, who sought to understand its power source. The article notes that while R Aquarii's explosion might have originated 600 years ago, it has likely undergone a series of eruptions, with the latest possibly occurring in the late 1970s. The FOC's findings suggest that heavier elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, crucial for life, are produced by such stars, making them significant focal points for scientific study.

White Dwarf

This section explains that symbiotic novas are a class of double stars where an outburst occurs near or on the surface of a hot, compact, old star that has shed its outer layers to become a white dwarf. This white dwarf can be reactivated by fresh material falling from a nearby stellar companion, leading to rapid bursts of nuclear energy. This process ejects stellar material at high speeds, releasing chemical elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.

Skywatcher

Introduction

The 'Skywatcher' section, edited by Gary Anthony, focuses on images from the Hubble Space Telescope's Faint Object Camera, specifically highlighting the symbiotic nova R Aquarii. It also promises to include regular features.

The Planets

Detailed astronomical information is provided for November and December 1990:

• Venus: In November, Venus reaches superior conjunction on the 1st, becoming an evening object low in the south-west. By December, it is visible as an evening object at magnitude -3.9, setting about an hour after sunset.
• Mars: Mars reaches opposition on November 27th, visible all night and at magnitude -2.4, north of Aldebaran in Taurus. In December, it is a prominent feature south of the Pleiades, setting before 05hrs.
• Jupiter: In November, Jupiter is at magnitude -2.2 in Cancer, rising late at night. In December, it is in retrograde in Cancer, rising by 19hrs.
• Saturn: In November, Saturn sets by 19hrs, visible in the south-western sky. In December, it is nearing conjunction, visible for an hour and a half after sunset.

skydATA

A table provides precise timings for celestial events in November and December 1990, including Full Moon, Last Quarter, New Moon, and First Quarter phases, along with Right Ascension (RA) data and directional information (South-West). It also lists meteor showers (Leonids, Geminids, Ursids) with their peak times and maximum ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate), and radiant coordinates.

Letters

The Challenge of the Crop Circles

This section features a letter from Stan Conway, who adopts a cautious stance on meteorological theories for crop circles. The author of the letter, responding to Conway, expresses a strong commitment to the meteorological solution, alongside Paul Fuller. The author defends their approach, arguing that personalities should not overshadow scientific investigation. They challenge critics to produce similar detailed case studies to refute their findings. The author emphasizes that their interpretation of crop circle data, particularly in conjunction with the 'Meaden vortex' theory, has revealed natural causes for many phenomena, including vehicle interference and physiological effects on witnesses.

Egos

The author dismisses commentary about 'outrageous egos' and 'all encompassing theories,' asserting that facts and evidence have been paramount to their work. They recount facing abuse and being called 'monumental and egregious liars' by other UFO publications. The author questions why their acceptance of science as a potential answer to crop circles elicits such a response, contrasting it with supernatural explanations.

In Abundance

The author states that their interpretation of data, particularly through the lens of a rotating atmospheric vortex, has made sense of numerous cases without special selection. They highlight evidence related to vehicle interference, physiological effects, and ground traces as particularly revealing.

Sad Testament

The author expresses concern that arguing for natural explanations for some UFO phenomena is perceived as 'debunking.' They clarify that they believe in UFOs and abductions, but advocate for scientific explanations that extend the boundaries of knowledge within scientifically acceptable limits, rather than resorting to exotic solutions.

Provocative. Yes!

The author defends their paper at Sheffield, which suggested UFOlogy might need to 'liquidate itself as a movement.' They clarify that this does not mean researchers are redundant but rather that the old school of thought, viewing UFOs as products of alien intelligence, can be discarded. They propose disassociating from the 'nutters chasing alien spacecraft' image to gain credibility within mainstream science. The author outlines their current viewpoint: 95% of UFO reports are misidentifications, while the remaining 5% represent significant close encounters and anomalous phenomena that require scientific investigation. They specifically mention the 'Meaden vortex' as a powerful discovery that helps explain physically real cases.

Dear Editor

Letter from Michael Buhler, London

Michael Buhler writes to recommend Brian Ingles' book 'Trance: A Natural History of Altered States of Mind,' suggesting it is relevant to abduction research, particularly regarding hypnosis. He argues that hypnosis can make witnesses receptive to telepathic communication, potentially contaminating abduction research. He questions whether abduction researchers can ensure their methods are free from leading questions and contamination from existing case knowledge. He also raises the point of third-party witnesses observing abductions, asking if aliens are always careful enough to avoid detection.

Editor's Comment

The editor acknowledges Michael Buhler's reservations about hypnosis in abduction research, agreeing that it should not be solely relied upon for retrieving 'lost' memories. The editor emphasizes the importance of understanding human consciousness for comprehending the UFO experience, especially high-strangeness cases, and believes unlocking consciousness will lead to understanding many unexplained phenomena.

Letter from Jenny Randles, Stockport, Cheshire

Jenny Randles comments on the editor's reply to Stan Conway's article. She expresses reservations about Meaden's meteorological explanation for crop circles, particularly regarding the evolution of patterns and the exponential increase in circle numbers. She acknowledges the difficulty in distinguishing hoaxes from genuine phenomena due to media hype and lack of expertise. Randles notes that Meaden's theory might be overextended by attempting to explain all circles, including hoaxes. She rates the vortex theory as a 5 out of 10, while other 'mumbo-jumbo' theories score lower.

Editor's Comment

The editor thanks Jenny Randles for her detailed reply. They agree that Meaden's explanation might be debatable, especially concerning hoaxes and the sheer volume of crop circle reports. The editor also touches upon the complexity of abduction research and the need to understand human consciousness.

Diary

This section lists upcoming events and lectures related to UFOlogy and astronomy in December 1990 and early 1991. Events include BUFORA lectures in London and a regional meeting in Northampton, as well as the 'Centre for Crop Circles Studies Lecture Circle' and the '6th International UFO Congress' in August 1991.

UFOCALL

This is an advertisement for UFOCALL, a telephone service presented by Jenny Randles, offering the latest UFO cases, research news, event details, and book reviews. It is described as a way to stay ahead of UFO headlines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles. There is a clear editorial stance favoring naturalistic and scientific explanations over purely exotic or supernatural ones, while still acknowledging the existence and importance of UFO phenomena. The magazine encourages rigorous research, critical evaluation of evidence, and the integration of UFO studies into mainstream scientific disciplines. The debate between natural causes (like atmospheric vortices) and alien hypotheses for phenomena like crop circles is a central point of discussion. The role of media hype and public perception in shaping UFOlogy is also a significant concern, with a call for researchers to present their findings in a more scientifically credible manner. The issue also highlights the ongoing exploration of space through astronomical observations and the potential for new discoveries about the universe and human consciousness.