BUFORA Newsfile - No.51 - 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE, titled 'Lights fantastic' and identified as Issue No. 51, delves into the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily focusing on sightings within the UK. The magazine presents a collection of witness testimonies, expert opinions, and investigative reports, exploring various theories from natural explanations to extraterrestrial origins.

The Dark Peak and Phantom Lights

The lead article, "Lights fantastic," highlights the phenomenon of 'phantom lights' appearing at the top end of Woodhead, in the Peak District. Sean Wood, a resident of Bleak House, recounts numerous sightings of these lights since 1982, describing them as large, pulsing balls of light, sometimes appearing in groups or moving in an arch. He notes that these lights are not isolated incidents, as neighbours have also witnessed them. The article connects these sightings to the 'Dark Peak' region, a mountain range known for such phenomena. Wright Cooper, whose family has farmed in the valley for centuries, recalls his grandfather talking about these lights, which were once attributed to the devil but later linked to ghostly Roman soldiers.

Laverne Marshall, a mother from Glossop, shares a frightening experience of being chased by strange lights that appeared inside her car. She describes them as bright balls of light dancing on the dashboard, which then split into groups and moved towards the back window.

The local Mountain Rescue Team has been called out on numerous occasions due to sightings of lights and 'flares,' with their commander, Phil Shaw, expressing fascination with the phenomenon. He notes that while many reports are due to misinterpretation or natural causes, the police no longer pass on all mystery light reports unless they suspect a genuine distress flare.

Nature's Own UFOs?

Another section explores scientific theories that attempt to explain these lights as natural phenomena. Scientists suggest that lights similar to those seen at Woodhead, reported globally for centuries, could be caused by natural electric fields produced by the Earth's crust, released by mini earth tremors. Experiments by the US Geological Survey Office have even created mini UFO lights by crushing granite rocks. Ball lightning, freak weather, and sparks from electricity pylons have been ruled out by investigators.

The article promotes two television programs: "The Mystery of Dark Peak - Strange But True" on ITV and "Earthlights" on Channel 4.

Harborough's UFO Corridor?

Following a report on sisters Violet Windridge and Josephine Lee seeing a UFO from their garden in Harborough, the 'Harborough Mail' received numerous calls about similar sightings in the same area. The Knight family of De Lisle Close reported seeing a disc-shaped object with a dark centre and edge spikes moving towards Leicester at high speed with a wobbly motion. Stephen Knight, while not believing in aliens, admitted he would argue he had seen one if he did.

On the same night, Sue Jepson and seven other witnesses on Welland Park Road saw an object flying south to north, described as a dark shape with a silver skirting, behaving strangely and moving very fast.

Kevin Paitman and his friends reported seeing a mysterious black object, about 1,000 ft up, with no noise, fast movement, and a round wedge shape with a fin on the back.

A mother and toddler, Susan and Nathan Raimi, spotted a bright white, triangle-shaped object in broad daylight in Welland Park Road, which darted and then disappeared.

Keeping Tabs on the Local X-Files

Patrick Leonard, a UFO enthusiast from Scaldwell and a member of the Northamptonshire UFO Research Association (NUFORA), monitors and evaluates UFO sightings. He explains that NUFORA takes a deep interest in only about four percent of sightings, often explaining them as misinterpretations, atmospheric conditions, or test flights. However, he notes that when they are interested, they pass relevant information to the British UFO Research Association. Leonard became interested in UFOs after seeing a bright, solid cross in the sky at age eight. He believes the popularity of 'The X-Files' and films like 'Independence Day' has made it more socially acceptable to admit sightings, but also cautions against people jumping on the bandwagon or letting their imaginations run wild. He also suggests governments know more about UFOs than they reveal and anticipates an announcement from the US government on aliens.

Regional Sightings and Investigations

Several local newspapers report on UFO sightings across the UK:

• Caterham Mirror: An office worker, Alex Godden, reported seeing a bright, oblong-shaped light that zoomed across the sky near Tandridge. He believes in extraterrestrials, stating that the idea of being alone in the universe is ridiculous.
• Swansea South Wales Evening Post: Pensioner Anthony White claims to have seen a UFO hovering over St Thomas Church, with blue flashes emanating from the sky and a white cloud that gradually receded.
• Cotswold Standard: UFO researcher Ron Barrett suggests recent sightings in the Cirencester area could be explained by a new American 'wave rider' aircraft, capable of high speeds and maneuverability. However, he doesn't rule out extraterrestrial possibilities.
• Horley Mirror: A mysterious object, described as two halves of an aluminium football, appeared in Hornecourt Wood, leading to speculation about its origin, with UFO being a likely solution.
• Slough, Windsor & Eton Express: Edith Bigg reported seeing UFOs flying over her home, described as small objects positioned close together that darted away and rejoined. She is adamant they were not aeroplanes.
• Liverpool Echo: Investigators from the British UFO Research Association have declared Merseyside a 'UFO Window' due to a high number of sightings. A conference was planned to reveal findings on subjects ranging from alien abduction to alleged government cover-ups.
• Oxford Mail: UFO experts are investigating the sighting of a bagel-shaped flying saucer with red flashing lights reported by dozens of people in Oxfordshire. Police insisted it was an airship, but Contact International is also investigating.
• Oxford Star: Numerous reports of a low-flying object with red flashing lights were received across Oxfordshire, with police initially identifying it as an airship.
• Bordon Times & Mail: A 24-year-old woman in Headley Down reported seeing a fast-moving, cross-shaped object that illuminated the sky.
• Rutland & Stamford Mercury: A witness reported seeing a round, orange object appear on the horizon, which then got smaller, exploded into a bright light, and disappeared.

The Real X-Files? Nick Pope and the MOD

Tim Coleman interviews Nick Pope, a former 'UFO desk' officer at the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Pope, who refers to himself as the 'real Fox Mulder,' describes his role in investigating UFO reports from 1991 to 1994. He admits to a personal belief that some UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft, a view that initially shocked his colleagues. Pope investigated numerous cases, including the Rendlesham Forest incident, and states that five percent of cases remained unexplained and defied rational explanation, suggesting they were extraterrestrial in origin.

He discusses the increasing public fascination with UFOs, attributing it partly to the collapse of old paradigms and the influence of media like 'The X-Files.' Pope notes the significant increase in sightings and the growing number of academics involved in UFO research. He also highlights the interest in subjects like Area 51 and the alleged back-engineering of alien technology.

Pope recounts a significant event on March 31st, 1993, when multiple reports described two bright lights, and a third fainter one, darting across the sky, later identified as three craft flying in tight formation. These objects were seen across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, the Midlands, and Yorkshire, travelling at speeds equivalent to an F-16 jet fighter. A large, diamond-shaped object was also reported in Staffordshire, emitting a low humming sound.

Pope expresses concern about the implications for national security, as these craft invaded British airspace and probed military installations without being detected by early warning systems, indicating a superior technology. He claims his superiors initially dismissed his concerns but later instructed him to drop certain lines of inquiry.

Alien Abduction and Animal Mutilations

Pope also discusses his awareness of strange animal mutilations occurring on a large scale, primarily in America since 1967, and later in Britain. These incidents involved the neat removal of flesh and organs. He was required to refer these cases to the police or the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Alien Autopsy Film

The magazine discusses the controversial 'alien autopsy' film, presented by Philip Mantle. The footage, allegedly shot in 1947, depicts an alien body being examined. However, the quality of the film is described as appalling, and the consensus among the panel and audience was that it was an elaborate hoax. Despite this, the film has attracted significant media attention and has, paradoxically, succeeded in exposing a vast audience to the UFO phenomenon and the existence of the subject.

Open Skies, Closed Minds

Pope optimistically believes his book, 'Open Skies, Closed Minds,' will change people's attitudes towards UFOs. He acknowledges that without definitive proof of alien presence, sceptics will remain unconvinced. He concludes that the reality of an alien presence on Earth would fundamentally change humanity's view of itself.

The Rise of Alien Chic

An article explores the current wave of interest in UFOs and paranormal phenomena, linking it to young people seeking alternative belief systems. The appropriation of UFO imagery in fashion and the emergence of clubs like 'Club Alien' in London, which host UFO experts, are highlighted. This trend is seen as a manifestation of rebellion against old social norms and a way to embrace ideas that challenge terrestrial governments.

RAF Log Sightings as Meteor Showers

The RAF and Air Traffic Control at Prestwick have received numerous reports of green or orange objects with tails flying across the sky. While some sighters believe they have seen UFOs, RAF staff suggest these are likely aquarids or meteor showers, which occur in early May and are caused by specks of dust burning up in the atmosphere.

Space Spy Probe

US space spy scientists are investigating a mystery mid-air explosion off the Outer Hebrides, with a UFO expert involved. They hope to pinpoint the time of the explosion using satellite photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena, the ongoing debate between scientific explanations and the possibility of extraterrestrial origins, and the role of government agencies in investigating and potentially concealing information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena, while acknowledging the growing public interest and the potential implications for humanity.