UFO Times - No 15 - Sep 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: Number 15
Date: September 1991
Publisher: A BUFORA PUBLICATION
Country: UK
ISSN: 0958-4846

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA, features a prominent cover story titled "Bluebook Reminisced," offering a look behind the scenes of Project Bluebook through the eyes of Jennie Zeidman, who served as J. Allen Hynek's assistant. The magazine also includes articles on UFO activity in Gwent, Wales, a continuation of cases from the Belgian UFO flap, and an exploration of ufology in Iran by Darush Bagheri. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the crop circle phenomenon, detailing the confessions of hoaxers Douglas Bower and Dave Chorley and discussing the implications for the field. The editorial section addresses skepticism, while news items cover the folding of Whitley Strieber's Communion Foundation and developments in aerospace technology.

Editorial: Skeptical Flim Flam

The editorial, "Skeptical Flim Flam," discusses the role of skeptics in paranormal research, acknowledging their importance in balancing belief with critical examination. However, it argues that some skeptics exhibit a fundamental flaw by refusing to accept phenomena that cannot be explained by current scientific understanding. The author uses James Randi's television series as an example, suggesting that Randi dismissed evidence of genuine psychic ability, such as dowsing, too readily. The piece posits that science is still evolving and that unexplained phenomena, particularly in the subatomic universe, may require new theoretical frameworks, possibly involving quantum-level interactions like psi.

Congress Conquest

This section reports on the success of the 6th International UFO Congress held in Britain, highlighting its sell-out status and the positive media coverage it received. The event fostered greater co-operation and respect for BUFORA and the IUN. The article notes that the Sheffield venue's economic location and reduced ticket prices contributed to its success.

News

Strieber Foundation Folds

Whitley Strieber has announced the closure of his Communion Foundation after two years. The decision has sparked speculation among ufologists, with some suggesting Strieber aimed to profit from his abduction experiences and is now moving on. Strieber himself stated he is not a UFO researcher and wishes to avoid media attacks, describing UFO-logists as "cruellest, nastiest and craziest people." He believes abduction reports are artifacts of hypnosis and cultural conditioning, not real experiences.

Spencer UFO Shock

John Spencer, author of "The UFO Encyclopedia" and "The UFO Casebook," has entered the world of personalized number plates with "J5 UFO."

German Circles

Manfred Cassirer reports on the debut of crop circles in the German newspaper "Die Welt." These circles are located in northern Germany and have attracted public attention. The article speculates on the delay in Martians choosing Germany as a landing site and suggests Central Europe might not be their preferred location.

Corn Fakes

Mike Wootten reports on the end of the crop circle season, dominated by the confessions of Douglas Bower and Dave Chorley, who claimed to have hoaxed hundreds of crop circles since 1978. The article details the embarrassment this caused researchers like Pat Delgado, Colin Andrews, and George Wingfield. Wingfield suggested Bower and Chorley were government agents involved in a disinformation plot. The article questions how many other 'experts' have been fooled and how much of Terence Meaden's plasma vortex theory has been adapted to accommodate these hoaxes. It notes that Bower and Chorley are now on an "all expenses paid world tour." The piece concludes that while BUFORA commentators were right about hoax circles from the early 1980s, the existence of over 2000 circles since 1980, along with eyewitness accounts, suggests a genuine phenomenon still requires explanation.

Member Meeting

An announcement for members in South Wales to connect with Kerry Blower for informal meetings. It also invites members in other areas to contact the UFO Times news desk to help organize similar meetings.

Aerospace to Develop Saucer

British Aerospace is researching the development of a saucer-shaped passenger aircraft. The design features a conventional fuselage with a saucer-shaped wing for lift, potentially allowing the aircraft to hover on a cushion of air.

I Remember Bluebook

By Jennie Zeidman, this article details her experiences as J. Allen Hynek's assistant between 1953 and 1956, working on Project Blue Book. She describes the process of analyzing UFO reports, the challenges of classifying unknowns, and the role of the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). Zeidman discusses "Project Stork," a top-secret initiative at Battelle Memorial Institute that was linked to Project Blue Book Special Report 14, suggesting a possible government interest in UFOs as Soviet technology or a pre-existing knowledge of their nature. She recounts the difficulties in obtaining information and the unofficial nature of some investigations. The article also touches upon the secrecy surrounding Battelle's involvement and the humorous naming of "Project Henry" after the insecticide "Flit."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical analysis of UFO research projects like Bluebook, the ongoing investigation of UFO sightings and phenomena in various regions (UK, Belgium, Iran), and a critical examination of skepticism versus belief in the UFO field. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of scientific rigor while also acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The magazine also highlights the role of organizations like BUFORA in coordinating research and disseminating information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims and the potential for hoaxes, as demonstrated by the crop circle articles.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Volume: 13
Date: March 1993
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1.50
Cover Headline: UFOs Over Gwent 1980-1982

This issue of UFO Times, published by BUFORA, focuses on UFO activity in the Gwent region of the UK between 1980 and 1982, alongside personal accounts and reflections from prominent figures in UFO research.

UFOs Over Gwent 1980-1982 by J.C. Brogan

The article details a sudden surge of UFO activity in Gwent starting in July 1980 with sightings of objects with red and white lights over Newport and Blackwood. Subsequent reports include unusual lights seen by two women near Cross Keys, initially thought to be aircraft landing lights. A more significant sighting occurred on September 16th, 1980, when workers at the Avana factory witnessed a massive white object, described as oval-shaped with a dome, resting on the ground near Twm Barlym.

By December 1980, 'UFO fever' was prevalent, with a local newspaper article in the South Wales Argus detailing many aspects of the subject, including the potential for 'Men-in-Black' encounters. This led to a period of silence for over a year.

Activity renewed in September 1981 when a Gwent policeman, P.C. Stephen Gamlin, reported a circular pattern of flashing blue and white lights over Blackwood, which later turned red and moved towards Oakdale. Similar objects were sighted in Croesyceiliog and Cwmbran, described as having revolving red, blue, and white lights. Mrs. Monica Joyce described a bright light over Beechwood Park that grew larger, shaped like a cone with multiple flashing lights.

By the end of March 1982, eight confirmed sightings had been reported in Gwent. On March 31st, an object described as white, cigar-shaped, and emitting flashing lights that burst into fragments was seen over Caerleon.

In April 1982, a star-shaped object with red lights was seen over the Little and Big Skirrid. Later that year, in September 1982, two policemen, Constables David Holder and Graham Banks, reported seeing a UFO land near Monmouth. They described it as a pulsating object, the size of a star, flickering blue and white with occasional red flashes, which split into three white lights before reforming into a single light and rising rapidly. Two red lights separated and fell to the ground, followed by a bright blue light soaring into the air.

The period concluded with three separate sightings on the evening of September 30th, 1982, between eight-thirty and nine-thirty, in the New Inn-Pontypool-Cwmbran area. These included flashing discs and a bright-blue light. A narrow green band of light was also reported.

In October 1982, a British Transport Police Officer observed two pulsating bright lights over Newport, one of which turned red and green before disappearing. The climax of this period was an end-of-October 1982 sighting by John Clarke of Bettws, Newport, of a two-hundred-foot aerial disc.

Personal Accounts and Research Reflections

The issue includes reflections from a researcher involved with the Blue Book project, detailing interactions with key figures and the nature of government involvement.

Early Encounters and Government Contracts: The author recounts an incident involving a car with vanity plates, leading to an encounter with an individual from Battelle. He also describes a field trip arranged by Hynek, highlighting security issues. A significant experience was a visit to astronomer Clyde Tombaugh at White Sands, who shared his 1949 sighting of a transparent, lighted fuselage. The author notes the lack of security checks during this period.

Meeting Lincoln LaPaz: The author met with Lincoln LaPaz, a meteoriticist consulted by the Air Force. LaPaz, known for his interest in UFOs, described UFOs as 'the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse,' implying significant government knowledge.

Blue Book and Beyond: The author discusses his removal from Blue Book business but continued communication with Hynek. A notable event was Hynek's compromise of scientific integrity when forced to suggest 'swamp gas' as an explanation for a sighting, distressing him greatly.

Hynek's Post-Blue Book Work: The article touches upon Hynek's move to Harvard and his ongoing consultancy with the Air Force's Foreign Technology Division from 1970 to 1974, questioning whether this work was related to UFOs.

A Profound Statement: In 1976, Hynek stated, "It's very definitely connected with intelligence somewhere," expressing acceptance and resignation rather than awe.

The 'Nutty CIA Man' Analogy: During a visit to Hynek at Wright-Patterson, the author describes an encounter with a lieutenant and a sergeant, likening the latter to a paranoid CIA operative from M.A.S.H.

Hynek's Government UFO Work: The author questions whether Hynek's government UFO work truly ended, referencing a 1973 meeting where Hynek was reluctant to discuss his activities at Wright-Patterson.

Bob Olsson's Role: The author expresses fondness for Bob Olsson, who was in charge of Blue Book for a period, noting his genuine interest and conscientiousness.

Reviews

Portraits of Alien Encounters by Nigel Watson: This review expresses a strong negative bias due to perceived inaccuracies and a lack of direct engagement with witnesses. The reviewer criticizes Watson's use of psychology and his claim that cases are 'fair game,' deeming his research base shaky and the work akin to tabloid journalism.

The Unexplained is Back: This section notes the return of a 13-volume partwork after an 11-year break, criticizing the lack of updates and the increased cost of current issues compared to the original.

New Catalogues from Atlantis: The Atlantis Bookshop is preparing catalogues of esoteric books, focusing on topics like UFOs, Earth mysteries, and magick.

Reprint: Timothy Good's book 'Alien Liaisons' has reached its second reprint.

Other Sections

EURUFON Congress of Namur Collapses: The planned EURUFON congress in Belgium was cancelled due to sponsor withdrawal, with negotiations underway for an alternative event.

Belgian Casebook: Over the Motorway: This section details a sighting by a witness named MV on December 1st, 1989, of a circular object with red glows and lights, observed over a motorway restaurant near Liege. The object was described as immense and was also witnessed by two lorry drivers.

Enigma in the Low Countries: This article recounts an incident involving two Dutch gendarmes who observed two white lights that became a flickering light-source. They followed the silent object but had to break off pursuit due to a burglary call. The incident was corroborated by other witnesses, including a woman who saw a large, black machine emitting smoke. Contact with the Aerienne base at Volkel revealed their radar was not operational.

Places of Power?: This section speculates on the significance of place names associated with UFO sightings in Gwent, such as 'Holy Mountain' (Skirrid Hill) and 'The Mountain of Light' (Cefn Gola), and the historical associations of Twm Barlym with unusual phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of UFO sightings, particularly focusing on a period of heightened activity in Gwent, UK. The magazine emphasizes witness testimonies and police reports, while also exploring the scientific and governmental aspects of UFO research through the experiences of key figures like J. Allen Hynek and Lincoln LaPaz. There is a critical stance towards sensationalist or poorly researched UFO literature, as evidenced by the review of Nigel Watson's book. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, balancing anecdotal evidence with scientific skepticism and an awareness of potential government involvement.

Title: UFO Research in Iran
Author: Darush Bagheri
Publication: UFO Times
Date: September 18, 1976 (cover date, with articles referencing later dates)

This issue of UFO Times, authored by Darush Bagheri, delves into the landscape of UFO research within Iran, highlighting specific incidents, historical context, and the challenges faced by investigators and the public.

UFO Sightings and Investigations in Iran

The article begins by detailing a significant UFO sighting in Tehran on September 18, 1976, at 11:00 PM. Several citizens contacted Tehran Mehrabad Airport tower control about an unidentified, bright object. An F4 fighter plane was dispatched to investigate. The pilot reported that the object was changing its position rapidly at high speed and altering its color, shape, and profile. The object eventually moved south of Tehran and reportedly landed in the southern desert of Shahr Ray. The fighter pilot also noted that the aircraft's gunnery system experienced disturbances.

This incident is noted as the first and only UFO report investigated and compiled in Iran in the year 1355 (1976). However, the article acknowledges that many other reports of people seeing UFOs, including close approaches, occurred before and after this date.

• Further incidents are mentioned:
• In February 1356 (1977), another UFO was detected by a commercial pilot en route from Tehran to Shiraz, moving from south to north of Tehran.
• On June 15, 1978 (24th Tir, 1357), the same pilot reported another unidentified object in the Tehran sky, changing color from pink, blue, and yellow to white, and moving erratically.
• A report in the Kihan newspaper on May 16, 1986 (26th Ordibehesht, 1356) described a bright object seen above the western mountains north of Tehran, an occurrence witnessed by the author.

A separate account describes a large, bright object appearing about 3,000 meters from the author's house in Shahr Ziba. The object was visible for about 10 minutes, disappeared, and then reappeared at an elevation of 20 degrees in the northwest. It was described as bright, enormous, and changing color from red to yellow and white. After another 15 minutes, it disappeared. The author speculates that this disappearance might have been due to the war situation between Iran and Iraq, leading the airforce to mistake it for an enemy plane and order it to be fired upon.

The issue also includes a graphic titled "Configuration of some UFOs which was reported by pilots, the report of which has been printed in the Kihan Newspaper."

Revolutionary Disruption and Media Coverage

Before the Islamic Revolution, UFO phenomena were reported in newspapers and other media, though research was not commonplace. A TV program called 'Danesh', directed by Mr. Mirfaghratti, featured two commercial pilots discussing UFOs, stating they are a fact. Djavanan Magazine also ran a series of documented reports and stories about UFOs, many of which were translations from foreign sources and considered baseless or imaginary.

During that period, there were no committees or organizations dedicated to investigating the UFO phenomenon, and the subject was often treated as an international joke. The article notes that the UFOIN (UFO Investigators Network) was formed by a group of investigators aiming to improve standards by working on high strangeness cases in detail.

After the Islamic Revolution, the subject of UFOs was largely forgotten. However, a TV broadcast on Channel 1 on December 5, 1988 (14th Azar, 1367), stated that research on UFOs was a waste of time, labeling UFO stories as untrue. The broadcast also criticized the 'Danesh Group' on Channel 1 for promoting propaganda on behalf of the USA and USSR. The article questions the change in stance of Mr. Mirfaghartti, who previously encouraged research but later distanced himself from the subject.

Crop Circles and the Vortex Theory

Several letters and editorial comments discuss the controversy surrounding crop circles and the atmospheric vortex theory. Paul Fuller defends the theory, citing numerous accounts of witnesses seeing wind vortices creating crop circles and noting that a high percentage of British close encounter cases fit Meaden's theory. He criticizes Manfred Cassirer for alleging that the theory's proponent refuses to debate it, explaining that this refusal was due to libellous claims made against him and the disgraceful behavior of certain researchers.

Fuller also addresses Cassirer's claim that crop circles are a "1980's plus phenomenon of the West Country," pointing to older reports, including those from Australia in 1973 and a potential sighting at Pepperbox Hill dating back 28 years. He questions why proponents of alien intelligence theories claim the phenomenon began in 1980 and spread globally, despite published evidence of older cases.

Manfred Cassirer, in response, expresses dissatisfaction with the Vortex Theory's applicability to complex configurations. He acknowledges hoaxes but believes they are not the general rule. He also defends his position regarding Meaden's refusal to lecture, stating it was due to libellous claims and researcher behavior. Cassirer also points out that the editorial misperceived his stance, and suggests more careful editing of the magazine.

An editor's comment highlights the debate, noting that pictograms are a challenge to the plasma vortex theory if they are not hoaxes, and that eyewitness accounts and laboratory studies support the hypothesis.

UFOIN Files and Organizational Dynamics

Jenny Randles writes to clarify the situation regarding the UFOIN files and their reproduction by the IUN. She explains that UFOIN was formed in 1977-1981 as a self-governing team to work on high strangeness cases. Their liaison with FSR (Flying Saucer Review) involved providing case histories for publication in exchange for an honorarium to offset costs. Randles states that UFOIN investigators were free to sell articles elsewhere or write books.

Initially, UFOIN planned to operate through BUFORA, but circumstances, including Roger Stanway's departure from ufology due to religious beliefs, prevented this. UFOIN had to operate independently, though many members were also BUFORA members. A group in Nottingham, affiliated with NUFON (Northern UFO Network), housed the UFOIN and NUFON files. However, when the Nottingham group quit NUFON, the files were rehoused at Manchester University. Despite efforts, the UFOIN files were refused permission to be taken, leading to a decision to not pursue a legal battle.

Later, the Nottingham group split and handed the files over to the IUN, who accepted them despite having no role in the original UFOIN team. Randles asserts that BUFORA has a stronger claim to the files, as many former UFOIN investigators are still active within BUFORA.

Randles expresses hope that the IUN will fulfill its promise to house the files at an accessible location, emphasizing that marketing the files for profit raises ethical concerns. She stresses the importance of considering the views of the original investigators, particularly Andy Collins.

Circles and Altered States

Another letter discusses the connection between crop circles and altered states of consciousness (ASCs). The writer criticizes Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles for being late to the theory that ASCs might be induced by strong micro-wave energy fields within plasma vortices, a hypothesis they claim to have been promoting for a decade, with support from Michael Persinger's work.

The letter also points to evidence of geophysical causes for ASCs, such as zones of enhanced natural radiation and natural magnetic fields, suggesting these might be the ASC-inducers in plasma vortices, rather than hypothetical microwave components. The writer cautions against assuming that everything must be explained by plasma vortices, acknowledging that while the theory is accepted, vortices are only one form of potentially light-producing phenomena.

Congress and Publications

The issue includes a thank-you note from the organizers of a Congress, expressing gratitude to speakers, the band CEIV, and numerous individuals who contributed to its success. They also thank the staff of the Rutland Hotel, Sharrow View Hotel, and the Central Library Theatre, as well as all attendees.

A "STOP PRESS" section reports that Terence Meaden has conceded that most recent crop circle pictograms are hoaxes. It also mentions a near-altercation between Dave Chorley and George Wingfield after a TV program.

The "DIARY" section lists upcoming BUFORA London lectures on topics such as Crop Circles, Pie in the Sky, and Esoteric UFO Story. It provides details on lecture venues, times, and costs, and offers information on how to publicize events.

"BUFORA PUBLICATIONS" lists several available items for sale, including "Congress 1991 Proceedings," "UFO World 1989," and "Fire in the Sky," along with their prices. "UFO Lexicon" is also listed as a necessary communication tool for ufologists.

An advertisement for "UFOCALL" is featured, described as a telephone service edited by Jenny Randles, providing the latest cases, research news, and event details from around the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and investigations, particularly within Iran, and the ongoing debate surrounding crop circles and their potential causes. There is a clear emphasis on the historical development of ufology, both internationally and within Iran, highlighting the impact of political and social changes on the subject's public perception and research efforts. The magazine also showcases the organizational dynamics within the ufology community, including the formation, operation, and eventual fragmentation of groups like UFOIN and their interactions with larger organizations such as BUFORA and FSR. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious research, encouraging debate, and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, while also acknowledging the challenges of public skepticism and the need for evidence-based conclusions. The magazine also seems to advocate for the importance of studying phenomena like crop circles and their potential connection to altered states of consciousness, suggesting that these may be naturally occurring phenomena rather than solely attributable to alien intelligence.