BRITISH UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT RESEARCH ASSOCIATION

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by the British UFO Research Association, focuses on UFO research within Great Britain. It outlines the organization's hypotheses, methodologies, and ongoing projects.

UFO Research in Great Britain

The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) operates under the hypothesis that a small proportion of UFO reports may involve advanced technology. While not dogmatically asserting an extra-terrestrial vehicle theory, they consider it a serious possibility, citing the potential for numerous advanced civilizations in the universe.

BUFORA's research is structured into three interconnected aspects:

1. Detection and Observation: This involves appreciating the rarity of UFO events and the challenges of observing them with scientific rigor. BUFORA has conducted regular 'skywatching' activities, including a national observing day. The emphasis has shifted towards using recording instrumentation, such as diffraction gratings with cameras to obtain spectrographs, which can provide information on composition, temperature, density, and magnetic fields. The establishment of a network of observing 'posts,' similar to the Prairie Network in the U.S.A. or the All-Sky Camera Network in Czechoslovakia, is seen as crucial for enhancing the probability of recording meaningful data.

2. Active Field Investigation: BUFORA's Investigations Section handles significant UFO reports. Its functions include interviewing witnesses, sifting data into reliable and unreliable categories, appraising data to identify normal events, and conducting in-depth investigations of unidentifiable phenomena. These investigations are prepared for a panel of expert evaluators. Investigators are ordinary members organized into geographical regions across the British Isles, overseen by a National Investigations Co-ordinator. Upon receiving a sighting notification, an appropriate investigator is assigned to interview witnesses, visit the site, and help complete a standard Sighting Report Form.

3. Evaluation and Analysis: A Panel of Evaluators, composed of members with scientific backgrounds and experience in UFO investigation, appraises selected reports. Their roles include advising the investigations section on further information needed, studying unidentified cases to reach an agreed identification, and selecting cases suitable for scientific publication. BUFORA stresses that recognition by scientific institutions and governments hinges on painstaking, scientifically rigorous investigation.

BUFORA has completed an appraisal of its Sighting Report files over the past twelve months, separating reports with explanations from a smaller residue of inexplicable cases. This 'hard core' of quality sightings will form the basis of a Report Analysis Card system for comparative research. BUFORA is also expanding its files by checking other UFO sighting records and sources, aiming for quality over quantity and emphasizing international cooperation. Specialization among members is encouraged, with individuals reporting to the Research Director.

Research Projects

BUFORA is placing increasing importance on comparative studies to establish the scientific reality of commonly reported UFO characteristics. They believe that perhaps 50 to 500 authenticated reports with sufficient data are needed to establish a particular characteristic, rather than analyzing all cases, many of which may have normal explanations.

Specific projects include:

• Microfilming Sighting Files: For safety and preservation, BUFORA is arranging to have its entire sighting files microfilmed.
• COMCAT Project: BUFORA is contributing details of unidentified British cases on microfilm to the Computerised Catalogue Project, initiated by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization in the United States. This aims to create a global UFO catalog.
• Active Field Investigation Kit: A short-term project initiated in early 1973 was designed to establish a basic kit for active field investigation, to be included in a UFO investigators' manual.
• Comparative Study: A longer-term project involves a comparative study of UFO cases describing the inhibition of motor vehicle electrical systems.

Small groups are being formed within BUFORA to focus on specific types of UFO reports, such as landings, occupant cases, radar cases, and reports involving photographs. Specialist attention will also be given to common characteristics like burnt circles, sounds, glowing effects, and radiation effects.

UFO Statistics (1949-1969)

A table presents UFO statistics from January 1, 1949, to December 31, 1969, based on reports in the BUFORA files. It categorizes reports into Satellites and Debris, Balloons, Celestial Objects and Natural Phenomena, Miscellaneous Data, and Insufficient UFOs. Over this period, a total of 1,372 reports were analyzed. Notable years include 1966 with 245 reports and 1967 with 379 reports.

Further Reading

A list of recommended UFO books by scientists is provided, including titles by Jacques Vallee, C. Maxwell Cade, Dr. Edward Condon, Dr. David Saunders, Ivan T. Sanderson, and Dr. Allen Hynek. These books are available from Lionel Beer (Specialist Bookseller).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic and scientific approach to UFO research, the importance of data collection and analysis, and the commitment to rigorous investigation. BUFORA's stance is one of open-minded inquiry, treating UFOs as a phenomenon worthy of serious scientific study, while acknowledging the need for caution and adherence to scientific methodology to gain recognition from mainstream institutions and governments. The organization actively seeks to improve its methods and expand its knowledge base through collaboration and detailed case analysis.