BUFORA Newsfile - No.72 - Oct 1998

Magazine Overview

BUFORA UFO NEWSFILE, Issue Number 72, dated October 1998, is a publication from BUFORA, focusing on UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial encounters. The magazine presents a mix of witness accounts, historical research, and expert opinions on the subject.

UFO Sighting Report: Chaffcombe, UK

A report from Chard & Ilminster News details a sighting by a couple living in Old Station Court, Chard, of a "round silver object" in the sky above Chaffcombe on Wednesday last week, which suddenly disappeared from view.

How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction

This section, drawing from Ann Druffel's book, outlines various techniques for resisting alien abduction. These include:

Mental Struggle

This involves blocking mind control, maintaining a feeling of terror, and sustaining a strong internal struggle to move a body part, which can break paralysis and cause visitors to vanish.

Physical Struggle

Effective against initial stages of abduction before paralysis sets in. The intent is not to harm, but to assert the witness's right to privacy. Firearms are not recommended in urban areas.

Intuition

Sensing the approach of entities intuitively allows experiencers to prepare emotionally, strengthening their resistance.

Righteous Anger

Summoning anger focused on asserting rights, rather than hatred, and combining it with strong commands like "Go away!"

Repellents

Using time-tested substances such as herbs, flower essences, and essential oils like yarrow, St John's wort, and pennyroyal. Traditional items like iron bars, crucifixes, and crosses are also mentioned, as are metal fans and bar magnets.

UFO Research Midlands: Stourbridge, UK

UFO Research Midlands has alerted people in Stourbridge to be vigilant after an increase in UFO activity, particularly triangular-shaped objects. Organizer Steven Poole notes sightings characterized by bright objects moving erratically. While research suggests these are remotely piloted vehicles, members are asked to report any unusual sightings.

The Origin of the Species Known as... UFOS

This feature article explores the history of UFO sightings, challenging the notion that they are solely a modern phenomenon linked to science fiction. It presents evidence of UFOs being spotted in ancient times, citing Chinese records from 1914 BC, Roman historian Julius Obsequens in 216 BC, and Japanese historical accounts from 1180 and 1235. The article also mentions a ninth-century account from Agobard, bishop of Lyons, concerning "sky ships" and "Magonia."

A Ninth Century Sky Ship

Agobard documented an incident where locals accused prisoners of falling from a "sky ship" that had taken crops away to a kingdom in the sky called Magonia. Agobard dismissed these claims.

Alien Encounters and Evidence

The article touches upon Timothy Good's book, "Alien Base: Earth's Encounters With Extraterrestrials," which reportedly contains convincing photos of aliens and new cases of the "Men In Black." It also mentions Albert Coe's testimony of an encounter with an alien.

"It's very likely they are here already but I absolutely do not think they've made contact. They're watching us"

This quote, attributed to John Pike, Director of Space Policy for the Federation of American Scientists, reflects a view that extraterrestrial life may be present on Earth but has not made overt contact, possibly due to advanced technology. The article contrasts this with the idea that alien abductees do not invent their stories, despite an increase in such claims after the TV show "The X-Files" aired.

Sandwiches with a Venusian Couple

Dr. Tobias Owen, professor of astronomy, suggests that life could exist elsewhere in the universe, but aliens may have disguised themselves if they have made contact. The article also recounts Hubert Lewis's alleged contact with Venusians.

A Hundred Years of UFOs

This section provides a timeline of significant UFO sightings and related cultural events throughout the 20th century:

• 1897: Kansas farmer Alex Hamilton sees a 300ft cigar-shaped craft.
• 1920: Albert Coe encounters an injured alien in Ontario, Canada.
• 1947: The Roswell, New Mexico, UFO crash incident.
• 1952: George Adamski claims to have met a UFO owner and taken a space ride.
• 1951: Release of the movie "The Day The Earth Stood Still" spurs alien movie trends.
• 1953: Release of "Robot Monster."
• 1954: A cigar-shaped craft is seen over Rome, with numerous other sightings reported globally.
• 1968: A US Air Force report officially states UFOs don't exist, but the report is undermined by the sacking of committee members.

Even the MoD admitted all the witnesses couldn't have invented the story

This article discusses the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980, where a UFO was allegedly witnessed by US Air Force personnel. An MOD investigation admitted that the witnesses' accounts were difficult to dismiss. It also mentions a mysterious sighting in Britain and Ireland in 1993 involving bright lights or a diamond-shaped object.

An American Nightmare

The year 1973 is highlighted as a period of significant UFO activity in the United States, with a high number of encounters involving occupants and abductions.

Unidentified Flying Objects d'Art

This section examines the design of UFOs depicted in media and alleged sightings, comparing them to contemporary design trends. Examples include a 1963 Albuquerque sighting resembling a Raymond Loewy design, and a 1974 Tavernes, France, sighting with a retro, spindly tripod look.

"Faster space travel could change our view that we are alone in the universe"

This article discusses the potential implications of faster space travel for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe. It also touches upon the CIA's alleged involvement in UFO cover-ups and the Ministry of Defence's stance on investigating UFO sightings, primarily for national security reasons.

How to Listen Out for ET

A step-by-step guide on how to potentially detect extraterrestrial signals, involving radio telescopes, computers, and pointing them at specific areas of space like Tau Ceti or Alpha Centauri.

The Star of Bethlehem

This piece by Anthony F. Aveni explores various explanations for the "Star of Bethlehem" mentioned in the Bible, including astronomical phenomena, supernatural events, and the role of astrology in ancient beliefs.

UFO spotted over Cleator, UK

A personal account from Howard R Hughes describes seeing two round, fast-moving orange and blue lights in the sky over Cleator, UK, on February 8, 1998. The lights moved towards the fells and disappeared within seconds, accompanied by a sudden change in atmosphere and temperature.

Lights in sky leave Britain in grip of the 'Z Files'

This article reports on a series of "weird 'Z' shapes" and bright lights seen in the sky over Britain, sparking numerous calls. While initially thought to be a meteorite, the unusual shapes led to speculation of alien craft. The Department of Transport reported the phenomena, and a pilot flying from France reported a large explosion.

E-TEASE OF SKY LETTERS

This section details reports of alien contact and sightings of giant letters of light in the night sky. It mentions an airline pilot reporting a large explosion and a meteor hitting the atmosphere. A UFO researcher is seeking witnesses to mysterious flashes of light seen near Stamford.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the mystery of UFOs and alien encounters, presenting a wide range of perspectives from witness testimonies to scientific investigations. There's an underlying theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a suggestion of government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging readers to report their own sightings and consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life, while also acknowledging the need for rational explanations and the challenges of proving contact. The magazine seems to aim to rescue the debate about UFOs from what it perceives as its more outlandish supporters.