BUFORA Newsfile - No.03

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSFILE
Issue: Number 3
Publisher: BUFORA
Date: 20.06.90
Price: £1.00

This issue of UFO Newsfile delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and the enduring mystery of crop circles. It features articles from different publications, highlighting public interest and ongoing research into these subjects.

The Men from the UFO

This section introduces Dr. Jacques Vallee, a scientist who became interested in UFOs after witnessing the destruction of tracking tapes of unknown objects at a major observatory. Vallee, who believes in UFOs, has spent over 20 years systematically investigating them. While he has not seen an alien himself, he has observed ground marks and physical effects on humans. His book, 'Confrontations', presents evidence and suggests that UFOs might be manifestations of complex technology from within our own atmosphere, rather than extraterrestrial visitors. He calls for more scientific research into what he describes as malevolent forces.

Keep up good work on UFOs

This is a letter to the editor from S. Gerrard of Southampton, who runs a UFO group. Gerrard expresses disappointment at how the subject of UFOs is treated as a joke by the media and the public. He argues that it is naive to believe life exists only on Earth and suggests that more advanced life forms could have mastered space-time travel. He references historical progress in technology and space travel as evidence of rapid advancement. Gerrard believes it is only a matter of time before humans contact extraterrestrial life, citing alleged UFO retrievals in Roswell, New Mexico, and South Africa. He also speculates on the appearance of alien life forms and the necessity of space suits.

Another letter, from J. A. Wright of Southsea, is quoted, suggesting it's 'myopic to dismiss UFO reports'. Wright alleges that the US Freedom of Information Act brought forth admissions of 14 crewmen from two alien craft being held at a top security base in Alabama, though the author of the article could not find such admissions. The article also mentions rumours of an alien craft being shot down over South Africa in 1989. It notes a £65m research project by NASA aimed at finding life elsewhere in the galaxy. The author estimates that only ten percent of sightings reach the media and shares an anecdote about a man whose life was changed for the better by a 1965 sighting.

Beadle's Day

This short piece recounts a UFO sighting in Washington D.C. on June 20, 1952, where five strange blue and white lights danced in the sky for hours. The lights reappeared a week later, with six to twelve of them reportedly engaging an F.94 jet interceptor.

Mysterious light baffles students

THREE trainee teachers from Rolle College in Exmouth reported seeing a strange, moon-sized orange ball of light moving slowly across the night sky and disappearing towards Bridgwater Bay. Checks with authorities failed to provide an explanation. The students, Lee Jones, Mark Marsden, and Stephanie Glover, described the light as unlike anything they had seen before. They went to the beach to see if anything had landed but found nothing. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening.

Nursery fun pulls galaxy of stars!

A MYSTERIOUS UFO was spotted over Cust House, apparently observing celebrations at Edith Kerrison Nursery School. A video taken in July revealed a white circular object with a ring around it, glimpsed briefly before moving out of vision. Headmistress Ann Childs found the object puzzling, with no plausible explanations offered by staff. Other guests at the school event included actors Glen Murphy and Michelle Gale.

'Orange UFO sighting star'

POLICE in Grimsby informed the Ministry of Defence after two neighbours reported seeing a star-shaped, orange, and extremely bright UFO. The object was visible for about 10 seconds around 10:40 pm, heading towards Wonderland. It held a level course but its speed was unknown. One witness, Jim Parrott, described it as a string of lights and noted it moved in a perfectly straight line, unlike an aeroplane. The object was described as four or five times bigger than a star, with a pure black centre.

UFO CAPITAL!

Blairgowrie, Scotland, is being dubbed the 'UFO capital' due to a high concentration of crop circles and UFO sightings. The Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) group is investigating reports of 'balls of fire', 'spaceships making circles in crop fields', and 'spaceships with flashing lights'. SPI believes these phenomena may be linked to high-energy 'ley-lines' running under the town. Ron Halliday of SPI notes that Blairgowrie has had an 'amazing number of sightings for such a small area'. He suggests that phenomena are linked and that the SPI magazine, 'Enigmas', aims to understand events outside scientific explanation. The article also mentions local police denying UFO reports, with one officer suggesting people might be confusing them with the Northern Lights.

It's those crop circles again

This letter from David Reynolds of TORRO corrects errors regarding crop circles. Reynolds states that explanations for linear features are being developed, and that comprehensive explanations for formations are not yet available. He argues that weather conditions, such as dry soils and lower water tables, can contribute to dust holding an electric charge. Reynolds also disputes the claim that only atmospheric phenomena can produce geometrical patterns, citing halo phenomena, rainbows, and snowflakes. He explains that windspeeds are insufficient to damage individual plants in most crop circles, but in powerfully flattened ones, plants can be pulled out of the soil. Reynolds asserts that vortex solutions account for unpredictability and that the challenge lies in understanding how vortices create the circles.

Strange lights in the sky

MYSTERY lights above Stratford have baffled police. A woman reported seeing a string of lights after hearing two explosions. Police helicopter searches and inquiries failed to find any clues. The lights were described as a 'flash' and a 'long string of smoke with three lumps'. A second call reported a similar phenomenon. Police checks with civil and military authorities confirmed no aircraft were missing.

Mysterious corn circles stripped of demonology

This article discusses the phenomenon of crop circles, stating they are not the work of Satan, ghosts, electrical force fields, whirlwinds, or aliens. Investigators admit they are no closer to finding an explanation after a year of hysteria. Author Maria Ward believes people are too quick to dismiss the circles due to a fear of being labelled cranks. She notes that the phenomenon has existed since 1918 and symbols have been reported globally. Ward mentions that crop circles are common in Wessex, near ancient hill forts and standing stones. She recounts an investigator's experience of being physically sick after entering a circle and being thrown clear by a surge of power. Ward also describes a terrifying experience of pain without visible cause. The article mentions that pictures thought to be drawn by the devil can be created in seconds and be miles wide. Scientific analysis shows the corn is flattened by the signs and its molecular structure has changed, yet the plants remain unharmed. The article also notes that in Japan, paddy fields have been hit, and tons of water have disappeared. Ward is searching for other enthusiasts to share their experiences for a book.

Crop riddle scientists going round in circles

This article reports that after 10 years of investigation, scientists still have not solved the crop circle riddle. The mystery has deepened with the appearance of intricate patterns and pictograms. It is suggested that the answer may lie beyond present-day scientific knowledge. Two new books, 'Crop Circles - the Latest Evidence' by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, and 'The UFO Report 1991' edited by Timothy Good, offer no conclusive proof. Delgado and Andrews, founders of the Circles Phenomenon Research Group, investigated pictograms in growing crops. They describe experiences they cannot logically explain, such as an electrostatic-detection device revealing unusual fluctuations in a flattened crop. Colin Andrews recounts an incident where an investigator experienced a loud noise and felt powerful energy around his head. The article details the complex requirements for crop formations, including rectangular boxes, troughs, straight pathways, and semi-circular ring pathways. Delgado leans towards a form of undiscovered energy related to evolution, concluding that the designs demonstrate energies and intelligence beyond scientific dogma.

Meet the group who watch the skies

This article profiles Ron West, chairman of the Essex UFO Research group, which comprises scientists, accountants, and policemen. The group takes its 2,500 annual reports seriously, with about 300 termed unidentified. Their files date back to 1906 and are kept in a secret location. Mr. West defines a UFO as 'anything that is unidentified'. The article mentions a sighting by clairvoyant Mark Parnham, who described an object that was 400ft above the ground, coming to earth in an anti-clockwise manoeuvre, and then shooting off silently. Stansted and Southend airfields, the military, and the coast-guard had no information. The group's theories include inter-dimensional aspects, extraterrestrial origins, time travel from the future, and the 'inner world' concept, which suggests the Earth is hollow. The article also touches on cases of people losing themselves in time. Mr. West is reluctant to reveal all theories to the public, believing they would not understand. The group arranges skywatches, but the best they have seen is a passing satellite. A memorable report of lights in the sky was attributed to an Ipswich nightclub's lightshow, though a triangular-shaped object was also reported. Mr. Parnham had predicted that circles would become more complex and geometric.

Explosive moonlit mystery

An Aberdeen man, David Wood, claims he saw a 'Hiroshima-scale' explosion of light in the sky while driving on a Northeast road. He stopped his car, convinced he would hear of a tragedy, but heard nothing. After contacting sky-watching institutions, he remains mystified. He is convinced others must have seen it. The event covered at least 50 miles of sky. Mr. Wood believes the flash came from over Ballater. The Astrology Centre in Edinburgh had not heard of such an event. Possible explanations offered were a meteor burning up, a UFO, or a 'prophecy of war'.

Circling round the crop circle enigma

This article reviews 'The Crop Circle Enigma', edited by Ralph Noyes. It states that crop circles have made thousands of appearances and are almost as if they are responding to growing interest. The book features photographs by Busty Taylor, showing circles in remote fields. The article criticizes some explanations as 'potty', such as the 'earth goddess as lover' theory. It concludes that the book does not provide a definitive answer to why crop circles appear where they do and why.

Couple spot UFO

A couple in Brierley, Tony Fletcher and Julie Creasey, reported seeing a bright, diamond-shaped object in the sky hovering and darting erratically for about 40 minutes. They described it as having a rounded front end, looking like a sting-ray, and emitting red, green, and white flashing lights. It was about as large as the North Star and made no noise. They are puzzled as to what it could have been.

UFOs just sun spots seen in the mist

Richard Judd, chairman of Hampshire Astronomical Society, explained that two pale orange lights seen by Norma Greenfield in Hayling Island were likely sun spots refracted through a heavy mist. He stated that the mist can act as a filter, and that he himself had observed several sun spots while looking at the sun through the mist. Mrs. Greenfield initially dismissed the lights as a flare or helicopter, but was mystified by the lack of noise. She had not previously believed in UFOs but kept an open mind. Mr. Judd advised against looking directly at the sun.

Intelligent message

J. C. Harding of Exmouth suggests that crop circles are significant messages from intelligent beings, and that all available means should be used to unravel their code. He proposes using computers, competitions, and school projects to decipher them.

French say corn circles are a hoax

French students claim that Wiltshire corn circles are hoaxes created by garden rollers. They demonstrated their theory by creating patterns in a corn field. Donald Shirreff, a part-time astronomy teacher, shares this theory. However, Colin Andrews of the Circles Phenomenon Research Group dismisses this, stating that the theory does not account for changes in the plants' molecular structure.

Aliens secret held by- Bob's trousers!

This article discusses a potential UFO mystery involving Bob Taylor from West Lothian, who claims to have had a close encounter in 1979. Three research groups are planning to use psychics to examine Bob's old, torn trousers, which allegedly have rips from the encounter. Organiser Ron Halliday hopes the psychics might reveal what happened. Bob Taylor is skeptical, having not heard about the trousers since police took them for forensic tests 11 years ago.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsfile are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings and crop circles, the scientific and public interest in these phenomena, and the ongoing efforts to find explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and witness accounts while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific approach, even when dealing with subjects that challenge conventional understanding. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by researchers and witnesses in being taken seriously, often being dismissed as cranks or hoaxers. The role of media in either sensationalizing or dismissing these events is also implicitly present.

This issue of the Wigan Observer, dated January 3, 1991, features a cover story titled "Anthony on aliens trail" and a prominent article previewing "Professor brings the UFO down to earth." It also includes a report on a "MYSTERY OBJECT STARTLED PLANE CREW." The publication appears to be a compilation of news clippings, indicated by the "BUFORA NEWSCUTTING SERVICE" at the bottom of the pages and the varying publication dates and sources of the articles.

Mystery Object Startled Plane Crew

A British Airways pilot reported a startling encounter with a UFO during a night flight from Rome to Gatwick over Genoa. The pilot described a large silver disc with three points of light in an arrow formation and a fourth light behind, travelling at phenomenal speed. The object was visible to the pilot, co-pilot, and two cabin crew. Jenny Randles of the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association explained that this sighting was later identified as a piece of a Soviet satellite coming back to Earth. Randles noted that pilots are excellent observers and that such reports are typical, with the majority of UFO sightings being explainable. She highlighted that the remaining 5% of unexplained cases are what make the field exciting.

Anthony on Aliens Trail

This article focuses on Anthony James of Bulwell, who has been researching UFOs and alien life since the early 1970s. He has established the East Midlands Unidentified Flying Object Research Association to encourage people who see strange phenomena in the sky to contact him for a register of sightings. James explains that a UFO is a flying object that cannot be readily identified, and while 95% of sightings can be explained, he is interested in the 5% that cannot. He firmly believes in alien life and cites research from the USA suggesting communications with captured aliens from crashed UFOs. Readers are encouraged to contact Anthony on Nottingham 275623 if they witness anything unusual.

Professor Brings the UFO Down to Earth

John Earnshaw, a physicist from Queen's University Belfast, speaking at the Royal Astronomical Society in Armagh, stated that unidentified flying objects are "bunk." He explained that 90% of UFO sightings can be attributed to astronomical objects (Moon, Venus, meteors, halos, mirages), aircraft, or weather balloons. The remaining 10% fall into categories of hoaxes, misremembered events, or uncommon natural phenomena, negating the need to invent extraterrestrial beings. Earnshaw's comments were made in light of recent UFO reports from Maracaibo, Venezuela. He questioned how extraterrestrials would reach Earth, given the vast distances to other planets.

What Happened to Phil?

This article details a reported incident on Ilkley Moor in 1987 where a former police officer, Philip Spencer, claimed to have photographed a green creature and a disc-shaped UFO. Spencer stated he lost nearly two hours of time during the encounter. The investigation is being led by Peter Hough, writer and Vice Chairman of the Manchester UFO Research Association, with assistance from Kodak, scientists, and clinical psychologists. The findings were to be presented in a slide lecture.

Warming – and why I believe in UFOs

This section includes a letter from Mrs. Cummings of Leigh Park, Havant, who connects global warming and freak weather conditions to satellite launches and airplane traffic. She also recounts personal experiences and family anecdotes related to UFO sightings and unexplained events, including hedgerows being burned near Sellafield after a radioactive leak, and a silent, large, round object with coloured lights seen by her sister. She questions how people knew about the fall-out and if they collected samples, suggesting intelligence behind these events and a possible warning.

Skeptics and Paranormal Investigations

This article introduces Csicops (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), a group of scientists, skeptics, and magicians who investigate paranormal phenomena. James Randi, a magician and Csicops team member, explains his expertise in understanding deception and how people can be convinced. He demonstrates spoon-bending and discusses his skepticism towards dowsing, offering a prize for anyone who can prove it works. Professor Ray Hyman, also a skeptic, explains his method for bending spoons by fatiguing the metal. Hyman works with the National Academy of Sciences, advising the US army and CIA on human performance enhancement techniques, including remote viewing. He expresses frustration that despite scientific work, paranormal interests persist in the military, often due to personal experiences.

The First Earth Battalion and Out-of-Body Experiences

The article mentions the "First Earth Battalion of Delta Force," a concept developed by the army imagining future wars involving human potential movements. It also discusses out-of-body experiences, which have impressed the US army. Susan Blackmore, a Bristol University psychologist, offers a scientific explanation: as the retina becomes starved of oxygen, nerve cells fire randomly, creating a bright spot that appears as the end of a tunnel. She suggests that the sense of self dissipates, leading to an experience of peace and calm, and that people can be transformed by such experiences.

UFOs in Olmos Basin

This section, written by Craig Phelan, discusses the author's personal history with UFO sightings and skepticism. He mentions a sighting in the Olmos Basin, Texas, in 1974, involving a large, dark, triangular object. Phelan also references a report by Richard Bartell about a UFO sighting in Arizona in 1967 and an investigation by Patricia McPhee into a case in San Antonio, Texas, involving a UFO and a lost time phenomenon similar to the Ilkley Moor incident. The article touches upon the scientific community's ongoing interest in UFOs and the challenges of investigating such phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the scientific investigation of paranormal claims. There is a clear tension between those who believe in the reality of unexplained phenomena and those who advocate for skeptical, evidence-based explanations. The articles present both eyewitness accounts and scientific debunking, highlighting the ongoing debate. The editorial stance, as suggested by the inclusion of skeptical voices like John Earnshaw, James Randi, and Ray Hyman, leans towards rational explanations for most reported phenomena, while acknowledging the fascination with the unexplained 5% of cases.