1973 - Newchapel Observatory (HQ)Investigation Overview

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 1 of the BUFORA JOURNAL, published by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association. The cover date indicates UFO statistics from January 1, 1949, to December 31, 1969. The primary focus of this issue is 'UFO RESEARCH IN GREAT BRITAIN,' detailing the organization's methodology, objectives, and findings.

UFO Research in Great Britain

The article begins by presenting the hypothesis that a small proportion of UFO reports might indicate contact with advanced technology, acknowledging that the extra-terrestrial vehicle theory is not the only possibility but deserves serious consideration. It references Dr. Carl Sagan and Vsevolod Troitsky's work, suggesting a vast number of advanced civilizations exist, raising the question of direct confrontation. BUFORA's research is divided into three key areas:

1. Detection and Observation

This section highlights the rarity of UFO events and the challenge of observing them to gather significant scientific data. BUFORA has conducted regular 'skywatching' activities, including a national observing day, to observe the phenomenon. The emphasis has shifted towards using recording instrumentation, such as placing a diffraction grating in front of a camera lens to obtain a spectrograph. This spectrograph can provide information on the UFO's composition, temperature, density, and magnetic fields. The article suggests that a national or international network of observing 'posts,' similar to the Prairie Network in the U.S.A. or the All-Sky Camera Network in Czechoslovakia and Germany, could enhance the probability of recording meaningful data. However, it notes that these fireball networks alone could not adequately identify the UFO phenomenon.

Parameters for UFO Data Collection

To place the UFO phenomenon in a new category, scientific data is required. The following parameters are listed, taken from "The Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects":

1. Dimensions
2. Position (coordinates relative to the observer)
3. Shape
4. Mass
5. Motion (velocity and acceleration, method of propulsion)
6. Interactions with other systems (effects of electric/magnetic fields, energy emission, aerodynamic lift, ionization)
7. Matter primarily involved (composition, state, temperature, rigidity, structure)
8. Origin (genesis, conditions, mode of transport)

BUFORA is also collaborating with the Interstellar Research group, which operates a fully-instrumented observation caravan in Yorkshire, to measure the environment and gather data supporting their theory of extra-terrestrial visitation.

2. Active Field Investigation

BUFORA's Investigations Section handles all significant UFO sighting reports. Its functions include:

A. Interviewing witnesses to gather data.
B. Sifting data into reliable/unreliable and significant/insignificant categories.
C. Appraising reliable and significant data to identify normal events.
D. In-depth investigation of unidentifiable phenomena.
E. Assisting a panel in selecting and preparing reports for scientific publication.

Investigators are organized into sixteen geographical regions across the British Isles, overseen by a National Investigations Co-ordinator. Upon receiving a sighting notification, the NIC informs the appropriate Regional Co-ordinator, who assigns an investigator. The investigator interviews witnesses, visits the site, and helps them complete a standard Sighting Report Form.

The second stage involves sifting data by assessing witness reliability, observation accuracy, and special credibility factors. Regional Co-ordinators may request further information before forwarding a final report to the NIC. The NIC then classifies reports, identifies significant ones for in-depth investigation, seeks expert assistance, and produces a report for evaluation.

3. Evaluation and Analysis

A Panel of Evaluators, composed of members with scientific backgrounds and UFO investigation experience, has been established to appraise selected reports. BUFORA hopes to attract scientists from various disciplines to cover all aspects of the phenomena. The Panel's work includes:

1. Advising the investigations Section on obtaining further information.
2. Studying investigated but unidentified cases to reach an agreed identification.
3. Selecting cases suitable for scientific publication and advising on preparation.

The article stresses that recognition of the subject by scientific institutions and governments will only be achieved through painstaking, scientifically rigorous investigation.

(a) Appraisal of Sighting Reports

Over the past twelve months, BUFORA's Sighting Report files have been appraised. Reports with explanations, or insufficient data for evaluation, have been separated, leaving a residue of inexplicable cases. This 'hard core' of 'quality' UFO sightings with scientific data will form the basis of the Report Analysis Card system, facilitating comparative research projects.

(b) Expansion of BUFORA Report Files

BUFORA is checking other UFO sighting records and sources, such as the magazine 'Flying Saucer Review,' to identify British cases missing from its files. The organization aims to build a more complete picture of UFO activity in the UK, prioritizing the quality of reports over quantity. There is also an emphasis on international cooperation, exchanging 'hard core' case histories with global UFO groups for comprehensive coverage.

(c) Specialisation

Specialization is seen as a key factor for future UFO research, with an emphasis on individual members and those directly responsible to the Research Director.

Research Projects

(i) General

Future research will focus more on comparative studies to establish the scientific reality of commonly reported UFO characteristics and effects within the broader phenomenon. The article notes that past statistical analyses often suffered from incomplete data or the inclusion of normal explanations, limiting their value. To establish a characteristic, perhaps 50-500 authenticated reports with sufficient supporting data are needed.

(ii) Specific Projects

BUFORA is arranging to have its entire sighting files microfilmed for safety. Project COMCAT, initiated by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization in the U.S.A., is a computerised cataloguing project. BUFORA will contribute microfilm details of unidentified British cases. BUFORA also commenced ambitious projects in early 1973, including developing a basic kit for active field investigation and a potential 'UFO investigators' manual.' Another project involves a comparative study of UFO cases describing the inhibition of motor vehicle electrical systems. Small groups within BUFORA are focusing on specific interests like landings, occupant cases, radar reports, and photographic evidence, as well as characteristics such as burnt circles, sound reports, glowing effects, and radiation effects.

The article concludes by stating there isn't enough space to detail all prospects but invites further inquiries to BUFORA's Research Headquarters at Newchapel Observatory.

Further Reading

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

UFO Statistics (1949-1969)

Page 5 presents UFO statistics from January 1, 1949, to December 31, 1969, based on reports in BUFORA's files. The data is categorized by year and type of report, including Satellites and Debris, Balloons, Celestial Objects, Meteorological Phenomena, Aircraft, and Miscellaneous Data. It also lists 'Insufficient UFOs' and provides a 'Total' for each year and category. The totals for the period are: Satellites and Debris (133), Balloons (99), Celestial Objects (235), Meteorological Phenomena (88), Aircraft (287), Miscellaneous Data (102), and Insufficient UFOs (283), with a grand total of 1,372 reports.

BUFORA Sighting Report Analysis Card

Page 6 displays the actual size of the BUFORA Sighting Report Analysis Card. This card is designed to capture detailed information about each sighting, including reference number, date, time, location (county, state, country), source of report, witness details (family, social, age, sex, job class), sighting type, evaluation, effects (physio, magnetic, sonic, radioactive, physical, animal, communication, colours), duration, angular size, shape, and physical evidence. It also includes fields for smell, sound, radar, and illustration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic, scientific approach to UFO research. BUFORA advocates for rigorous data collection, analysis, and evaluation, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to establish the scientific reality of the phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, both domestically and internationally, and on specialization within research efforts. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, aiming for scientific recognition and understanding of UFOs, while acknowledging the complexity and the need for robust methodology. The organization appears dedicated to building a comprehensive database and fostering a scientific community around UFO research.