UFO Times - No 13 - May 1991

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Times, Number 13, dated May 1991, is a publication of BUFORA Ltd. The cover prominently features 'The UFO Encyclopedia', compiled and edited by John Spencer for the British UFO Research Association. The issue includes articles on Italian abduction cases, crop circles, and updates on BUFORA's organizational plans.

Editorial: Psychology: The Misused Toy of Ufology

The editorial, written by Mike Wootten, addresses the ongoing debate between 'ETHers' (belief in extraterrestrial origins) and psychologists regarding UFO phenomena. Wootten argues that psychology plays a crucial role in understanding witness reports but cautions against amateur 'pseudo-theorising' that can harm witnesses. He emphasizes the need for a balance between publishing credible information and protecting witness privacy. The editorial criticizes Nigel Watson's book for making psychological assessments based solely on secondhand information, deeming it 'shabby research' and an injustice to the witnesses.

Inside Features

• Abductions in Italy by Paolo Fiorino: This article details the abduction phenomenon in Italy, noting 34 known reports out of 382 CE-III cases in CISU files. It distinguishes between different types of cases and highlights the Zanfretta case. Historical precedents from 1933 and 1954 are discussed, along with typical CE-III cases from the 1978-79 wave, including encounters with humanoids.
• A Farmer's Tale by Lazlo Kiss: This report describes an incident in Hencida, Hungary, in November 1989, where a tractor driver named Sandor Gyorke encountered a strange red light that descended and encircled his tractor, causing a crawling sensation on his skin.
• A Ufologist's View of the Crop Circles Phenomena by Ken Phillips: Phillips examines the mysterious crop circles appearing in Britain, discussing various hypotheses such as stationary whirlwinds, helicopter down-wash, genetically engineered crops, hoaxes, and the 'Meaden Vortex' theory. He notes the progressive complexity of the patterns and the lack of a definitive explanation.
• The Shadows of Reality by Anthony North: This article is not detailed in the provided scan.
• Investigations Diary edited by Jenny Randles: This section likely contains summaries of recent UFO investigations.
• Congress 1991 News edited by Gary Anthony: This article provides updates on an upcoming UFO congress.
• Skywatcher edited by Gary Anthony: This section might be a regular column or feature.
• New Searchlight UFO Wave on Horizon? Report by Mike Wootten: This report investigates potential new waves of UFO sightings.
• Letters: This section contains correspondence from readers.

BUFORA News

• BUFORA to open Staffed HQ: BUFORA is finalizing plans to establish a central office with permanent weekday staff. This move aims to streamline administration, centralize operations, and enhance investigation and research efforts. The office will be located alongside John Spencer's business premises in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. The benefits include prompt responses to inquiries, professional handling of media requests, and improved case filing and administration.
• Cost Effective: BUFORA Council believes the new headquarters will be self-financing through increased efficiency, marketing strategies, and membership growth, without increasing subscription fees.
• Fulltime staff: The new office will necessitate the employment of full-time staff to manage administrative duties.

Organization Details

The issue provides details about The British UFO Research Association Limited (BUFORA), founded in 1964. Its aims include encouraging unbiased scientific research of UFO phenomena, collecting and disseminating evidence, and coordinating research efforts globally. Membership is open to those who support these aims. The organization also lists its council members, officers, and consultants.

Witness Confidentiality

BUFORA emphasizes its commitment to treating witness cases confidentially, employing a Code of Practice to protect personal details and case reports. UFO Times policy is not to publish names or addresses of witnesses unless they are in the 'public domain'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of specific cases (abductions, crop circles), and the organizational development of BUFORA. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mike Wootten, is one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing the importance of psychological factors in witness accounts while strongly advocating for ethical research practices that prioritize witness well-being and avoid sensationalism. There is a clear push towards professionalizing UFO research and organization.

This issue of UFO Times, with the cover headline "The Shadows of Reality" by Anthony North, explores profound questions about perception, reality, and the nature of belief. It challenges the common dismissal of phenomena like ghosts and UFOs as mere disbelief, arguing that such statements are often born of ignorance unless specific hypotheses are addressed.

Hallucinatory Reality

Anthony North's lead article, "The Shadows of Reality," posits that reality is not an objective constant but is relative to the observer. He suggests that individual beliefs and prejudices shape our perception, leading to the idea that reality itself can be a 'hallucination.' This is further explored by drawing a parallel with the 'observer effect' in particle physics, where the act of observation influences the outcome, and the concept that at its most fundamental level, the 'physical' is merely stable energy patterns. This leads to the provocative conclusion that reality, as we understand it, might be an hallucination in itself.

North also touches upon psychological illnesses, noting how conditions like hysterical blindness or paralysis can manifest without a clear physical cause, suggesting that the mind's perception can significantly impact the body and our experience of the world. He questions whether our understanding of 'physical' is too limited and proposes that 'mind' energy might interact with other energies to create what we perceive as physical reality.

Investigations Diary

The "Investigations Diary" section provides a comprehensive list of UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the British Isles between August 1989 and August 1990. Notable entries include:

• Drumcondra, Eire (Aug 8, 1989): A silver cigar shape observed by a youngster.
• Monks Kirby, Leics. (Sept 17, 1989): A brief ball lightning-like glow reported by paranormal investigators.
• St. Albans, Herts. (Oct 6, 1989): A red ellipse performing a double loop-de-loop motion.
• Earl Shilton, Leics. (Oct 6, 1989): A circle of lights drifting across the sky.
• Chelmsford, Essex (Oct 22, 1989): Lights seen by police officers and the public, later attributed to a stolen aircraft.
• Fulham, London (Dec 14, 1989): Arc lights painting clouds, possibly lasers.
• High Wycombe, Bucks. (Dec 22, 1989): A white disc of light observed by an aviation history lecturer.
• Wibtoft, Leics. (Feb 7, 1990): A triangle of lights exhibiting hovering and silent flight.
• Cockfield, Suffolk (Mar 2, 1990): A triangle of yellowish lights that split and descended.
• Llanfair T-H, Clwyd (Apr 27, 1990): Rings found in a field, with experts suggesting fungal growth as a cause.
• Preston Brook, Cheshire (Aug 3, 1990): A crop circle with associated noise and lights.
• Weedon, Northants. (Sept 27, 1990): An abductee reported a shape-changing yellow mass.
• Barnet, Herts. (Jan 11 & Jan 31, 1990): Reports of laser lights and circling lights.
• Mitcham, Surrey (Jan 15, 1990): A black oval briefly seen by a teenager.
• Kensington, London (Feb 6, 1990): A white light likely an aircraft.
• Winsford, Cheshire (Aug 25, 1990): A silvery oval sighting attributed to a toy balloon.

Space News

This section covers two main topics:

• Satellite Summer School for Euro Students: The EUROAVIA Design Workshop successfully trained 20 aerospace students in satellite design and construction, fostering European cooperation in aerospace.
• New Weather Satellite Successfully Launched: The Meteosat MOP-2 satellite was launched on Ariane V42 and placed into geostationary orbit to serve as a backup for Meteosat-4, providing weather images.

New Searchlight UFO Wave On Horizon?

Mike Wootten reports on the development of a new, more powerful searchlight by Francis Searchlights, capable of reaching 5000 feet. This technology, intended for measuring cloud height, is being trialed by the Meteorological Office. If successful, it could lead to an increase in UFO reports, as these lights might be mistaken for unidentified aerial phenomena, especially given their current popularity at festivals and concerts.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters discuss the challenges of UFO research and data management:

• R. Moore (Somerset) proposes a networked database system for BUFORA to spread the burden of data entry and analysis across different regions of Britain. He emphasizes the need for a standardized system and the potential for PCW computers to be used effectively.
• The Editor's Comment acknowledges Moore's efforts but states that BUFORA is already using a more powerful Dbase II system on both PCW and standard PC equipment, with plans for online access.
• Manfred Cassirer (London) questions the 'natural phenomena' explanations for crop circles and criticizes writers who speculate without proven facts, referencing Guy Lambert's failed attempt to explain poltergeists by underground water.
• Michael Buhler (London) argues that ufology is not dead but desperately needs professional resources and a more rigorous, scientific approach to unravel mysteries, suggesting it needs a 'good shake-up' to shed its taboo status.
• The Editor's Comment agrees that ufology needs a shake-up and a more professional approach.

UFO Congress and Events

The magazine promotes the 6th International UFO Congress, "UFOs: The Global View," to be held in Sheffield from August 16-18, 1991. It highlights various speakers, including Dr. Thomas E. Bullard, Judith Magee, Bertrand Meheust, and Jenny Randles. Ticket prices are detailed, and information is provided on how to book. The "Diary" section also lists upcoming BUFORA London lectures on topics like "Close Encounters and Coincidence" and mentions the UFOCALL telephone service for the latest UFO news.

Skywatcher

Gary Anthony's "Skywatcher" column provides astronomical information for May and June 1991. It details planetary movements, moon phases, and meteor showers, noting a close planetary configuration in Cancer in mid-June and the launch of the Meteosat MOP-2 satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the subjective nature of reality, the challenges of UFO research and data management, and the ongoing investigation of sightings and phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous, evidence-based research while acknowledging the profound mysteries that remain in the field of ufology. There's a clear emphasis on professionalizing the study of UFOs and moving beyond mere speculation or dismissal. The magazine also highlights the importance of organized efforts, such as the proposed database network and the upcoming international congress, to advance the field.