BUFORA Newsfile - No.71 - Aug 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE, dated August 1998, Issue Number 71, is a compilation of articles exploring various facets of UFO phenomena, from occult connections to scientific investigations and witness testimonies. The cover prominently features 'Dr Hendry's UFO Casebook: The occult and flying saucers' and a report on a massive UFO sighting over the North Sea.

Dr Hendry's UFO Casebook: The occult and flying saucers

The lead article delves into the esoteric and occult connections to UFOs, tracing a lineage from Helena Petrovna Blavatski and the Theosophical Society to modern contactees. It discusses the concept of astral travel and a hierarchical cosmology. The article highlights figures like Charles Leadbeater, Phyllis V. Schlemmer, and 'Sir' George King, founder of the Aetherial Society, who claimed contact with alien intelligences. It also touches upon the portrayal of 'Greys' in popular culture, referencing Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Dr. Rauni-Leena Luukanen, a medical officer and MUFON consultant, shares her belief that aliens exist on higher vibrational planes and are spiritually and technically advanced. She suggests a human-alien exchange program and that aliens believe in God, belonging to a 'Confederation of Planets'.

The article also features the testimony of psychic Grahame Wyllie, who claims to be in contact with a 'Light Race' named Josef and Peter, who protect him from the 'Greys'. Wyllie describes the Greys as a race from a dying planet in the Zeta Reticular star system, seeking a new home and attempting to cross-breed with humans to gain souls and eternal life. He warns of potential conflict in Earth's orbit.

24,000mph UFO buzzes Britain

This report details a significant sighting by the RAF of a massive UFO, described as 'as big as a battleship', over the North Sea. The craft was tracked at 17,000mph in a zig-zag pattern before accelerating to 24,000mph and heading towards the Atlantic. The Dutch air force also tracked the object, but F-16 fighters were unable to intercept it. RAF officials were reportedly baffled. The object was described as triangular and around 900ft long. Radar records were to be presented at a conference at RAF College, Cranwell. The article notes that other tapes of UFOs, possibly showing shape-changing craft, exist but are being withheld. While acknowledging possibilities like experimental aircraft or freak weather, UFO watchers see this as further evidence of alien visitation.

Scientists see serious side to UFO sightings

This section reports on a nine-member scientific panel, led by Peter Sturrock, which concluded that there is 'compelling physical evidence' for UFO sightings, though alien spacecraft are probably not involved. The panel reviewed evidence including photographs, radar data, and reports of soil damage. They suggested that phenomena like 'ball lightning' and rare natural occurrences might explain some sightings, while others could be linked to secret military activities. However, the panel found that some physical evidence remained unexplained and that current UFO investigations often lacked scientific rigor. This contrasts with a 1968 Condon report which found further study unjustified.

The article highlights the work of Dr. Lincoln La Paz, an expert in meteorics, who provided a memo to the FBI in 1949 detailing 'nine scientific reasons' for disproving meteorites as the cause of 'Green Fireball' sightings. La Paz noted a decline in fireball sightings coinciding with a rise in 'flying saucer' incidents.

The Green Fireballs

This article focuses on the mysterious 'Green Fireball' phenomenon that baffled experts for 50 years. Initially appearing in the 1940s and fading in the early 1950s, they reappeared globally in the 1980s and 1990s. Paranoid FBI investigators at the height of the Cold War suspected them to be Soviet missiles. Author Nicholas Redfern argues they were neither natural phenomena nor conventional missiles, suggesting disturbing implications. The article details FBI and USAF involvement, including Project Twinkle, and quotes memos describing the fireballs' speed (27,000 mph), size (compared to a basketball), and horizontal flight. Dr. La Paz's analysis and the FBI's acknowledgement of the phenomenon are discussed, along with the idea that the decline in fireball sightings correlated with an increase in UFO sightings.

'So why did they let Project Twinkle finally fizzie out?'

This piece questions the disbandment of Project Twinkle. It references a memo from Mickey Ladd to J. Edgar Hoover expressing OSI's concern over unexplained aerial phenomena. Despite Dr. La Paz's adamant stance against meteorites and the lack of evidence for domestic or Soviet projects, the USAF investigation failed to indicate alien origin. Redfern suggests the phenomena are linked, citing a declassified USAF document stating flying saucers might represent interplanetary craft. The disbandment was attributed to 'essentially negative' findings, but the article implies the true reasons remain unclear.

Are Aliens making 14-year-old virgins become pregnant?

This article, by Colin Wilson, explores claims of alien abduction and impregnation. It features the story of Beth Collings, who experienced phantom pregnancies and missing time, and believes her family is third-generation abductee. Wilson also recounts stories of aliens manipulating time, performing medical examinations, and the concept of aliens needing human DNA. The article touches on the idea of aliens being 'creatures from our own future' and the possibility of cattle mutilation being linked to alien biochemical needs.

UFO or flight of fancy, for the Butler family

A family in Rotherham claims a brightly-lit, triangular craft followed them home. They described it as unlike any aircraft they knew, with multi-colored lights and unusual darting movements. Air traffic controllers suggested it might have been a KLM flight from Amsterdam, but the family insisted it was something else entirely.

UFO spotter in TV debut

Sally Koob and her children saw a UFO in Warminster, which was also seen by a teacher. The Disney Channel plans to tell their story.

Scientists' serious look at UFO sightings

This article summarizes the findings of a scientific panel that reviewed UFO evidence. While not confirming alien spacecraft, the panel acknowledged 'compelling physical evidence' and recommended further study. They noted potential links to natural phenomena but also unexplained aspects. The panel's approach was more open than previous studies, like the 1968 Condon report.

Real-life Fox joins effort to solve night sky puzzle

This piece discusses the investigation into a UFO sighting in Leeds, where two bright lights were captured on film. Nick Pope, former head of the MoD's UFO desk, suggested the film be examined by independent experts. Dr. Paul Conway from Leeds Metropolitan University analyzed the video, doubting its extraterrestrial origin and suggesting man-made objects. The article also mentions a sighting by Eifion Rowlands of a 'portable cabin' like object with lights and windows, which he reported to various authorities without a definitive explanation.

Other Sightings and Reports

The issue includes several smaller reports: a UFO sighting above Mansfield described as triangular with many lights; a report from East Kilbride, Scotland, where military jets were seen chasing a UFO; a spectacular meteor shower that caused public alarm due to mistaken identity with UFOs; and a security officer's third UFO sighting in Queenborough.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, balancing witness accounts with scientific analysis and acknowledging the possibility of unexplained events. While often debunking hoaxes or suggesting conventional explanations, it also highlights cases that defy easy answers, suggesting a continued mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to report sightings and explore the subject further, reflecting the popular interest generated by shows like 'The X-Files'. The publication seems to lean towards the idea that not all UFO sightings can be easily dismissed, even if alien visitation is not definitively proven.