BUFORA Newsfile - No.67 - Jan 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE
Issue: 67
Date: January 1998

This issue of the BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, from scientific theories about alien communication to eyewitness accounts of strange aerial phenomena and explorations of government secrecy surrounding the subject.

Are aliens being cut off by gas in the galaxy?

The lead article explores a new theory from American astronomers suggesting that vast clouds of gas in deep space might be disrupting radio signals from alien civilizations. This could explain why signals picked up by SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) have been fleeting and unrepeated, leading scientists to dismiss them as random noise. Joseph Lazio, one of the paper's authors, states that current SETI data is inconclusive, compatible with both zero and tens of thousands of ET civilizations, emphasizing the need for more observations.

Borders put on UFO alert

This section reports on a meteorite that flashed across the Borders skyline, sparking emergency calls with reports of crashed planes, meteoric showers, and even alien landings. Initially, the Ministry of Defence suggested it was the Kosmos 2343 satellite, but later confirmed it was a meteorite. Coastguards, the RAF, and police received numerous calls, with one woman reporting a possible plane crash.

Is there anybody there?

This is a reader's letter from J Sheppard of Skelton Lane, Woodhouse, detailing a UFO sighting on November 30th at approximately 5 pm near Barnsley. The witness described a beautiful, very bright light over the fields, resembling Halley's comet. The object moved slowly, and its unusual nature was confirmed by other witnesses. The object was last seen as a small star in the distance by 8:45 pm.

The world's secret organisations

This article by Michael Shermer, published in Skeptic magazine, examines why people believe in pseudoscience and superstition. Shermer, a skeptic, rounds up various beliefs such as the paranormal, near-death experiences, alien abductions, and Satanism. He offers explanations for these beliefs, often attributing them to psychological or neurological phenomena, such as subclinical temporal lobe epilepsy for alien abduction experiences. The article also touches upon the role of secret organizations and intelligence communities in concealing information.

Dr Hendry's UFO Casebook

This section, likely a regular feature, discusses the nature of secret organizations and their potential involvement in UFO phenomena. It lists various British and American intelligence agencies, including MI5, MI6, CIA, and NSA, and speculates on how UFO records might be lost or concealed. The article highlights the magnitude of these organizations and their budgets.

UFO above Dorset could be Russian space station

This report suggests that sightings of a mystery object in Dorset skies could be attributed to the Mir space station. Weymouth carpenter Luke Morris witnessed the Russian-built craft, followed by its supply ship, and believes many people might have mistaken it for a UFO. Space expert Richard L.S. Taylor explains that Mir orbits the Earth frequently and can be seen with the naked eye.

UFO group probe into white light

This article from the Burnley Express reports on a mysterious white light seen over Burnley on Sunday night, which has puzzled UFO experts. Five men reported seeing the light hover for about 10 minutes before disappearing. The Pendle and Hyndburn UFO Network is investigating and seeking more information.

We saw the light! Did anyone else?

This is a reader's account from Hemel Hempstead describing a sighting on October 4th of a large, bright white, round light, the size of the moon, that appeared like a fireball and shot across the sky at tremendous speed before vanishing. The witness, who does not believe in UFOs, found the event very puzzling.

Madron UFO?

This report from The Cornishman details an unidentified flying object spotted over Madron on Friday morning. Three local people reported seeing a bright, tear-shaped object with black lines moving slowly. RNAS Culdrose confirmed no aircraft were flying in the area at that time.

'Lights in sky' UFO scare

A late-night laser show in Nottinghamshire sparked fears of a UFO invasion, with police receiving calls about lights in the sky. The cause was later identified as laser beams from an open-air theatre production.

Riddle over Notts UFOs

A man and his sister reported seeing six objects with bright lights performing strange maneuvers in the sky over Home Pierrepont. They initially thought they were planes but noted they could stay stationary.

Roswell Revisited

This article reveals the Roswell-like case of a Chard family who claim they encountered an alien. The family reported seeing a huge orange cigar-shaped light, after which their car engine died and headlights went out. A tall dark shape was seen outside the car. The mother later admitted the experience for the first time two years ago. BUFORA director Gloria Dixon is investigating.

Why I'm now convinced there are aliens in our midst

This piece by Colin Wilson, a renowned author, details his journey from skepticism to belief in aliens. He discusses UFO abductions, citing the work of Professor David Jacobs and Dr. John Mack. Wilson suggests that aliens may be acting as guides for humanity's next evolutionary stage, possibly through genetic engineering or altering consciousness. He also mentions the work of astronomer Jacques Vallee and the idea of aliens existing in a parallel dimension.

Everyday tales of ordinary madness

This is a review by John C. Marshall of Michael Shermer's book 'Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of our Time'. Marshall, while acknowledging Shermer's defense of science, casts a skeptical eye on the skeptics themselves. He discusses Shermer's explanations for beliefs in the paranormal, near-death experiences, and alien abductions, often attributing them to psychological factors. Marshall also critiques Shermer's engagement with beliefs like Holocaust denial and racism.

Close encounter in a Chelsea flat

This article recounts the claim of Air Marshal Sir Peter Horsley, a former RAF chief, who states he met a visitor from another galaxy named Mr. Janus in a London flat in 1954. Horsley kept this encounter secret for 43 years before revealing it in his autobiography. He describes talking for hours about space and time, and believes the visitor was here to observe humanity.

Flood of strange sky sightings

This report from the Heywood Advertiser details an increase in UFO sightings and encounters in the Heywood area. The author, Paul Williams, claims to have made predictions based on reported sightings and notes that Heywood has experienced three major UFO waves over the past 30 years, with 1998 potentially being a year of high activity.

UFO sighting: Claife Heights

A brief report from the Westmorland Gazette about Charlie and Moira Lippett of Bowness seeing a cluster of blue and green lights over Claife Heights. The object hovered for about 30 minutes before sinking slowly. The RAF had no knowledge of any nighttime exercises in the area.

UFO above Dorset could be Russian space station

This article from the Dorset Evening Echo suggests that sightings of a mystery object in Dorset skies could be the Mir space station. Weymouth carpenter Luke Morris witnessed the Russian-built craft and believes it might have been mistaken for a UFO.

The Great UFO Mystery

This article from The Mail on Sunday investigates a claim by Joseph Carpenter, a London electrician, who is hoping for a £1 million payout for being abducted by aliens near Swindon. The story details his alleged abduction and a policy he took out with an insurance company called GRIP. The article also touches on the skepticism from the Association of British Insurers and the annoyance of UFO investigators.

Mysterious white lights spotted speeding through the night sky

This report from the Loughborough Echo discusses sightings of mysterious white lights over Shepshed and Kegworth. Unidentified Flying Object researchers suggest these could be new prototype aircraft. Tim Matthews of the British UFO Research Association notes that prototype aircraft are tested in various parts of the country.

They're back!

This article from the Southport Midweek Visitor refers to a previous sighting in September 1996 and asks if "visitors" have returned. It describes a sighting on December 2nd of two oval-shaped objects with a silvery sheen appearing against grey clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the role of government secrecy. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of exploring these topics seriously, presenting both scientific theories and eyewitness accounts, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for critical evaluation. The magazine appears to be a platform for UFO enthusiasts and researchers to share information and discuss unexplained aerial phenomena.