BUFORA Newsfile - No.74 - Jul 1999

Magazine Overview

This issue of BUFORA NEWSFILE, dated July 1999, focuses on UFO sightings and related investigations. The cover story, "Shedding light on the Pennine UFOs" by Denis Kilcommins, details an incident on February 2nd where two unidentified flying objects were reported over the M62 motorway, affecting Manchester, Bradford, and Leeds. The article includes witness accounts and the investigation by UFO Magazine, which found no unusual air traffic on radar.

Pennine UFO Incident

The article describes how dozens of people reported seeing two unusual and very bright lights. Ken Fields, who lives near Leeds-Bradford Airport, filmed the objects, noting they were not standard aircraft lights but similar to aircraft strobes. George Hickenson, a security guard, also filmed them and noted the silence as they moved away. A former RAF pilot, John Summerville, observed the lights moving at a steady speed at an estimated altitude of 700-1,000 ft. Simon Nicholls, waiting for a bus in Leeds, noted the objects were off the usual flight path of airliners.

Andy Rackham, airport services manager at Leeds-Bradford Airport, stated that radar tapes showed no unusual traffic, and while there was nothing to support anything unusual, there was also nothing to indicate it was out of the ordinary. Mark Ian Birdsall of UFO Magazine estimated the objects traveled at approximately 60 mph, following the general direction of the M62. He suggested that if they were microlight aircraft, their pilots were engaged in a dangerous activity.

The issue also highlights a feature in UFO Magazine's May/June edition about an incident at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1977, involving a US Army infantry battalion, questioning whether it was an alien abduction or the testing of a secret weapon.

Llangollen UFO Sighting

An article by Dan Evans reports on mysterious flashes of light over Llangollen on March 4th. Ufologist Ron Lalek is investigating claims that balls of electric blue light were seen by locals, who also experienced interference on their television sets. The flickering lights were observed for about an hour, with three white flashes seen in a field. Police in Llangollen received no reports, and the Ministry of Defence was unavailable for comment.

Joe Firmage and the Search for Truth

An article by Ivor Key from New York reveals that computer tycoon Joe Firmage has abandoned his £1.2 billion business to search for UFOs, convinced of an alien cover-up. Firmage believes that recent scientific advances are linked to technology recovered from a crashed alien spaceship in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. He has published a 600-page manifesto online, including supposed memos on Roswell.

Bournemouth and Poole Lights

Scott Neil reports on strange lights seen across Bournemouth and Poole, described as 'sparkling jewels'. Police officers and residents witnessed mysterious orange and yellow lights flying in formations. Airport and coastguard services could not identify the lights. One witness described seeing 'very beautiful' silvery-yellow lights, while another reported a red and orange pulsating light.

Pilot's Close Encounter with UFO

Simon Bird reports on a British charter jet pilot who claimed to have encountered a UFO described as 'the size of a battleship' over the North Sea. The Debonair BAe146 crew reported being buzzed by a long, cylindrical object. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed receiving a report, noting the aircraft's underside was illuminated by an 'incandescent light' not from another plane. Military sources insisted no military aircraft were in the area.

UFOs and Public Belief

Michael Hanlon discusses a survey indicating that over half the UK population believes in alien intelligence, with men being more likely to believe than women. The survey also suggests a widespread belief that the government would cover up evidence of alien life. Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence civil servant, investigated UFO sightings and found a small number to be genuinely intriguing.

Fireballs and Ancient Cultures

An article by Gordon Host revisits the phenomenon of 'glowing fireballs' reported in the 1950s, which scientists often attributed to meteors or swamp gas. It notes a resurgence of fireball sightings globally and in the UK, with investigators planning to camp out to gather evidence. The issue also touches upon books exploring theories of alien influence on ancient civilizations, such as those by Graham Hancock and Robert Temple.

SETI and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Michael Hanlon writes about NASA's SETI project, which invites the public to use their home PCs to help search for alien radio signals. Jill Tarter, chief scientist for SETI, believes that finding life elsewhere in the universe is highly probable, especially with advances in technology allowing for the detection of signals from distant solar systems.

The Great Glasshouse

Amanda Evans describes the Great Glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, which, with its spaceship-like appearance, has been mistaken for a UFO by visitors and drivers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena, and the public's belief in alien life and potential government cover-ups. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from witness accounts and scientific investigations to theories about alien influence on history and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, reporting on unusual events while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence.