1976 - A Guide to the UFO Phenomenon plus original 1972 covers

Magazine Overview

This document is a guide to the U.F.O. Phenomenon published by BUFORA Ltd. in July 1976. It was available for members at 45 pence and non-members at 65 pence. The publication originates from the British UFO Research Association, based at Newchapel Observatory, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.

History and Objectives of BUFORA

The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA) has its roots in the London U.F.O. Research Organisation (LUFORO), founded in July 1959. LUFORO's initial goal was to establish a national and international federation of UFO societies. Through the efforts of Nigel Stephenson, LUFORO united seven other societies to form The British U.F.O. Association (BUFOA) on September 22, 1962. Notable among the founding societies was The British Flying Saucer Bureau, established in 1952, whose member Graham Knewstub served as BUFOA's first president. LUFORO merged with BUFOA on January 25, 1964, and was reconstituted as The British U.F.O. Research Association, with an eight-point program and constitution drafted by John Cleary-Baker. Prior to this, LUFORO published the LUFORO BULLETIN, and BUFOA published two editions of BUFOA JOURNAL. These were later merged into BUFORA JOURNAL AND BULLETIN, with the "AND BULLETIN" eventually dropped. In November 1975, BUFORA became a Company Limited by Guarantee, encouraged by its Chairman, Roger Stanway.

BUFORA's core objectives remain consistent: to encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation into Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena, to collect and disseminate evidence and data related to UFOs, and to coordinate UFO research nationally and internationally. The association benefits from autonomous member-societies and individual members, maintaining administrative stability. This stability has allowed BUFORA to study a wide range of reported UFO phenomena and build a nationwide team of investigators. However, the need for competent personnel in less populated areas remains. BUFORA has actively engaged with the public by providing lecturers and appearing on radio and television. Regular meetings have been held in London, with occasional regional conferences. A significant public outreach event was a large stand at the New Year Show at Olympia in January 1969. BUFORA has also strived to cooperate with the press, moving away from "silly season" stories and working to gain a respectable image for UFO research, often being treated as "a member of the establishment." Daily reports of UFOs continue to arrive, necessitating ongoing review of investigation techniques to foster scientific community interest.

This "Guide to the UFO Phenomenon" is published by BUFORA Ltd. to further its aims and objectives.

Introduction to the UFO Phenomenon

The phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects is described as a fascinating scientific enigma, characterized by elusiveness that causes bewilderment and exasperation. The reality of UFOs is no longer seriously questioned by those who have examined the global evidence. Scientists and governments acknowledge that approximately 10% of all UFO reports remain unexplained. The controversy centers on whether further investigation would reveal natural or manufactured explanations for this 10%. The official governmental and scientific stance, asserting a natural explanation must exist, is deemed unfounded and based on a false assumption that a global phenomenon unknown to current technological achievement cannot exist. This assumption is considered dangerous and has historically led to embarrassment in scientific circles.

The document presents four facts regarding the UFO phenomenon:

• FACT 1: There has been a negligible amount of official scientific investigation into the UFO phenomenon publicly.
• FACT 2: The limited official investigation conducted has failed to satisfactorily explain the baffling 10% of reports.
• FACT 3: In November 1971, the prestigious American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) officially recommended the renewed scientific study of UFOs, granting the phenomenon scientific respectability.
• FACT 4: In line with other serious national UFO research associations, BUFORA continues to draw the attention of laymen and scientists to the challenge of the UFO phenomenon.

The author, Roger H. Stanway, Chairman of BUFORA, expresses hope that the following pages will be helpful and thought-provoking, aiming to stimulate curiosity about UFOs and the scientific quest for truth. Readers are encouraged to contact BUFORA or other research associations for more information.

Definition of a UFO

The University of Colorado's Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects (1968) defined a UFO as "the stimulus for a report made by one or more individuals of something seen in the sky (or an object thought to be capable of flight but seen when landed on the earth) which the observer could not identify as having an ordinary natural origin, and which seemed to him sufficiently puzzling that he undertook to make a report of it to police, to government officials, to the press, or perhaps to a representative of a private organisation devoted to the study of such objects."

This definition, taken literally, suggests that any unidentified artifact in the sky is a UFO. The text suggests a more accurate definition would include "as having an ordinary natural or artificial origin." The stimuli for UFO reports can originate from misinterpreted natural phenomena (like cloud formations, ball lightning, planets) or man-made devices (aircraft, balloons, satellites). In some cases, the stimulus may not be real. Statistically, 9 out of 10 UFO reports fall into these categories.

While the University of Colorado's definition is general, the British U.F.O. Research Association defines its research focus more precisely. BUFORA is primarily concerned with reports that are puzzling not only to the observer but also to technically and scientifically qualified individuals. These are cases that defy explanation in normal terms, resisting attempts to classify them as misperceived natural phenomena or man-made devices, constituting a small residue of cases with high credibility and high strangeness.

It is noted that most researchers pronounce UFO as "YEWFO" and not "OOFO" as suggested by the Condon Committee.

Nature of UFOs

UFOs are generally considered an aerial phenomenon, observed visually, by pilots, via radar, in photographs, and even by astronauts. Numerous cases involve UFOs landing on Earth and taking off again, or entering/leaving oceans. The global nature of the phenomenon is evident from distinctive patterns in thousands of inexplicable reports worldwide, with identical objects observed and photographed across vast distances and time.

The most frustrating aspect of UFOs is their transient nature, with manifestations often lasting only seconds or fractions of an hour. This necessitates investigating reports rather than the UFOs directly. UFOs present as unconventional, complex phenomena, often appearing "craft-like" or "machine-like" with "wingless discs or cigar-shaped objects," exhibiting unparalleled performance that seems to defy the laws of physics.

Dr. James E. McDonald, a senior physicist, summarized the problem in 1968, stating that the UFO problem is unconventional, involves improbable events, and defies present-day scientific knowledge, leading scientists to not take it seriously. He noted that scientists are not well-oriented towards problems that lie far beyond the frontiers of their knowledge.

For scientific study, both quantitative and qualitative data are required. The text poses the question of what constitutes proof for UFOs, referencing Edward J. Ruppelt's query about whether a UFO landing at the Pentagon or being intercepted by a jet would suffice. While accumulated evidence might prove the case in a court of law through witness testimony and circumstantial evidence, scientific evidence requires more. Unfortunately, many UFO sightings lack sufficient data for accurate description or classification.

The text attributes the paucity of scientific data to science's own neglect of the problem for 25 years. It draws a parallel to the 18th-century scientific establishment's attitude towards meteorites, which were initially ignored because they "did not make sense." The author argues against dismissing lay reports, citing Major General John A. Samford's statement that "Credible observers have sighted relatively incredible objects." While witness credibility is a challenge, especially in "high strangeness" cases with single witnesses, corroboration from multiple observers enhances reliability. Witnesses come from all walks of life, and observations are often fortuitous.

Evidence for UFOs

Eyewitness reports form the bulk of UFO evidence, describing a spectrum of events. The most common reports are "lights in the sky" or nocturnal lights, considered the least significant scientifically. A second category, "Daylight Discs," are observed at moderate distances during daylight and appear solid, often metallic. A more interesting third category involves close-range sightings of wingless discs and cigar-shaped objects, with reported structural details like "ports" and "legs." This category includes landed UFOs and descriptions of "operators" or "pilots." A fourth class consists of close-range night sightings of glowing, hovering objects with pulsating lights, where a distinct shape is often not seen due to brilliance. These are difficult to account for by known vehicle types.

Beyond eyewitness accounts, there is a smaller but more valuable source of evidence from instrumentation and scientific measurement. Radar sightings are significant, with the Lakenheath, England radar-visual case of August 13/14, 1956, being highlighted. The Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects described this case as the most puzzling and unusual, suggesting a mechanical device of unknown origin due to the UFO's apparently rational, intelligent behavior.

Photographs, when authentic and combined with visual sightings, can provide additional scientific evidence. Two well-known cases are the Santa Ana, California sighting of August 3, 1965, and the McMinnville, Oregon sighting of May 11, 1950. In the Santa Ana case, traffic investigator Rex Heflin observed a metallic-looking disc that caused his radio to cut out. He took three photographs, and later photographed the emitted smoke ring. The McMinnville incident involved a witness observing and photographing a metallic-looking disc-shaped UFO. The Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects concluded that this case was consistent with the assertion of an extraordinary, artificial flying object, though it did not definitively rule out fabrication.

Physical Effects and Characteristics

Physical effects on the environment from UFO approaches or landings offer significant potential for scientific measurement. These include "electro-magnetic effects" (causing ignition and light failures, radio/TV interference, magnetisation of materials), psychological effects on witnesses (mild radiation exposure), and physical traces like depressions, burn marks, and disturbed vegetation. US researcher Ted Phillips has extensively studied these physical traces. Diagram 1 illustrates a sketch of depressions, burn marks, and footprints at the Socorro, New Mexico landing site on April 24, 1964, where a police officer witnessed the take-off of an unidentified aluminium machine.

Other physical effects include residual radiation and apparent microwave destruction of vegetation. The reported characteristics of UFOs are vast and complex. Their outward appearance distinguishes them from conventional aircraft. Common shapes reported include discs, lenses, saucers, spheres, triangles, and cylinders. Additional details sometimes reported include "portholes," "windows," "doors," and "landing gear."

Sizes vary greatly, from inches to thousands of feet. Reported colors range across the spectrum, with daylight sightings often described as silver or metallic, while at night, UFOs can "glow" brightly in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. Evidence suggests emission of radiation beyond the visible spectrum, and colors can change dynamically. At a distance, UFOs are usually silent, but at close quarters, humming or whistling sounds have been reported.

The motion and maneuvers of UFOs are unparalleled by conventional aircraft, suggesting advanced technology. They appear to defy gravity and inertia, exhibiting tremendous acceleration and deceleration rates. Reported motions include "pendulum," "floating," and "falling-leaf" patterns. UFOs have demonstrated the ability to hover, follow, lead, or negotiate other objects, and have been observed singly, in pairs, or in formation, sometimes with smaller discoid objects accompanying larger cylindrical ones. Speeds exceeding 10,000 m.p.h. have been recorded.

How BUFORA Investigates

BUFORA investigates significant UFO reports through its Investigations Section. Its functions include interviewing witnesses, sifting data into reliable and unreliable categories, appraising significant data to identify normal events, and conducting in-depth investigations of unidentifiable phenomena. Reports are prepared for submission to expert evaluators for scientific publication.

Investigators, who require objectivity, keenness, tact, patience, and commonsense, are organized into sixteen geographical regions across the British Isles, each overseen by a Regional Co-ordinator. A National Investigations Co-ordinator manages the section. Upon receiving a sighting notification, the NIC informs the relevant Regional Co-ordinator, who assigns an investigator. The investigator interviews witnesses, possibly tape-records conversations, visits the site, and assists in completing a standard Sighting Report Form with relevant data and sketches.

The second stage, data sifting, occurs at the investigator level, assessing witness reliability and observation probability. The Regional Co-ordinator reviews preliminary reports, requesting additional information if needed, before forwarding a final report to the NIC. The NIC classifies incoming reports, selects significant cases for in-depth investigation, enlists experts, and produces a final report for evaluation.

Search for Explanations

Globally, investigators find that approximately 95% of UFO sightings can be explained by natural events (like planets, meteors, unusual clouds) or man-made objects (satellites, aircraft, balloons, flares, chemical clouds) that are misinterpreted due to unusual situations or lack of knowledge. Natural events include viewing planets Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, meteors, fireballs, and unusual clouds. Man-made objects may include brightly reflecting satellites, aircraft in unusual orientations, meteorological balloons, flares, and chemical clouds released into the ionosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This publication strongly advocates for the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. It highlights the historical neglect by the scientific community and the need for rigorous, unbiased research. BUFORA positions itself as a credible organization working to legitimize UFO research, aiming to move it away from sensationalism and towards a more respected status within the scientific community. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of the unexplained 10% of UFO reports and the ongoing effort to understand this phenomenon through systematic investigation and data collection.

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, revised in 1976 and originally published in October 1972, delves into the complexities of UFO investigation, the evolving scientific and governmental attitudes towards the phenomenon, and various theoretical explanations. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous, scientific methodology in analyzing UFO reports and highlights the growing engagement of researchers and institutions in this field.

The Investigator's Role and BUFORA's Approach

The journal outlines the fundamental role of a UFO investigator: to identify the object or event. While experienced investigators can resolve about half of cases, expert assistance from various professionals like air traffic controllers and meteorologists is often necessary. BUFORA, as an organization seeking to establish itself as scientifically oriented, has formed a Panel of Evaluators. This panel, composed of members with scientific backgrounds, is tasked with appraising selected reports, advising on further investigation, studying unidentified cases, and identifying suitable cases for scientific publication. The emphasis is placed on painstaking investigation, rechecking, and adherence to the scientific method to gain recognition from scientific institutions and governments.

Scientific and Governmental Interest

The article addresses the question of whether scientists are interested in UFOs, answering with a resounding 'YES'. It notes a significant shift in the scientific community's attitude, moving away from contemptuous dismissal towards serious consideration. Prominent scientists, some of whom were initially skeptical, are now urging in-depth study. The issue also touches upon governmental interest, distinguishing between public and secret governmental agencies. It suggests that both British and American governments possess more information than publicly known, with military and air defense personnel likely being sources of many reports. The U.S. Air Force's long and often contradictory involvement with UFO investigations, starting in 1947, is detailed through a chronological summary of policy statements and investigations.

Key Figures in UFO Research

Several influential figures are highlighted for their contributions and perspectives on UFOs:

• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: A Professor of Astronomy and consultant to the U.S. Air Force, he transitioned from skepticism to urging scientific study and later founded the 'Center for UFO Studies'.
• Dr. James E. McDonald: A Professor of Atmospheric Physics, he was a prolific writer and advocate for the seriousness of the UFO problem.
• Dr. Miran Lindtner: A Senior Scientist who actively sought scientific interest in UFOs in Australasia.
• Dr. Donald J. Menzel: An Astronomer and Astrophysicist, notably a critic of UFO researchers.
• Dr. John Taylor: A Professor of Mathematics who authored works on the subject.
• Dr. Harley Rutledge: Initiated 'Project Identification' in Missouri, employing extensive instrumental scrutiny.
• Dr. Edward U. Condon: Directed a U.S. Air Force commissioned study of UFOs, whose report concluded further study was likely not justified, though he supported individual scientists with defined proposals.
• Dr. Carl Sagan: Professor of Astronomy, involved in discussions and symposia on UFOs.
• Dr. Robert L. Hall: Professor of Sociology.
• Dr. James A. Harder: Associate Professor of Civil Engineering.
• Dr. Robert M.L. Baker Jr.: Involved in Computer Sciences and Engineering.
• Alexander Tikhonov: Member of a Russian UFO Commission.
• Dr. Hermann Oberth: A rocket scientist who believed in extraterrestrial visitation.
• Commander Robert B. McClaughlin: U.S. Navy missile expert who reported seeing flying discs.
• General Johnson: Former U.S. Secretary of Defense.
• General John Samford: Former Director of Intelligence, U.S. Air Force.
• Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding: Stated UFOs are real and interplanetary.
• General L.M. Chassin: Former NATO Air Defence Co-ordinator.

UFO Statistics and Theories

The journal presents UFO statistics from the British Ministry of Defence for the period 1959-1970, showing a total of 1497 reports, with approximately 9% remaining unexplained. It then categorizes major theories attempting to explain UFO phenomena:

1. Extra-terrestrial: UFOs are spaceships from other worlds, a view that has seen weakening support among experienced students.
2. Terrestrial: UFOs are manufactured by human powers (Russia, USA, Britain) or represent advanced technology from secret groups, possibly remnants of Nazis.
3. Psychic & Psychological: UFOs are psychic projections from the collective unconscious, stirred by modern stresses, or a form of 'UFO psychosis'. Other schools of thought link them to spirits, elementals, or inhabitants of other dimensions.

BUFORA's working hypotheses range from misidentifications and hoaxes to genuine sightings involving advanced technologies from within or beyond our universe, or even intelligent processes beyond our space-time continuum.

Advice to Witnesses

Recognizing that thousands are startled by unusual aerial events annually, the journal provides practical advice for witnesses. This includes carefully memorizing details, seeking additional witnesses, sketching the object and its surroundings, photographing if possible, estimating size, recording all facts (time, place, direction, shape, color, motion, weather), and observing the event's duration and disappearance. Witnesses are urged to contact BUFORA officers rather than the press initially, and BUFORA guarantees anonymity.

Quotes and Publications

The issue includes quotes from notable figures like Commander Robert B. McClaughlin, Ex-President Truman, General Johnson, General John Samford, Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, and General L.M. Chassin, reflecting various stances on the reality and nature of UFOs. A comprehensive list of UFO societies and publications worldwide is provided, detailing their addresses and publications, serving as a resource for researchers. BUFORA itself publishes a bi-monthly journal and presents lectures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic investigation of UFO phenomena, the growing acceptance and study of UFOs by the scientific community, and the exploration of diverse theories to explain sightings. The editorial stance is one of encouraging rigorous, scientific inquiry and data collection, while acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained phenomena that may represent advanced technology or unknown processes. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond mere dismissal and towards a more open-minded, evidence-based approach to understanding UFOs.

This document appears to be the cover of a publication titled "A GUIDE TO THE U.F.O. PHENOMENON". It is published by BUFORA, which stands for The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association. The cover price is indicated as 42p.

Cover Content

The cover prominently displays the title "A GUIDE TO THE U.F.O. PHENOMENON". Below this, a photograph, credited to NASA, shows a disc-like object against a dark background. The lower portion of the cover features a stylized, jagged landscape and reiterates the publisher's name and affiliation.

Key Information

• Title: A GUIDE TO THE U.F.O. PHENOMENON
• Publisher: BUFORA (The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association)
• Price: 42p
• Visuals: NASA photograph of a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication clearly focuses on the UFO phenomenon, aiming to provide a guide to the subject. The involvement of a dedicated research association (BUFORA) suggests an intent to explore and document UFO sightings and related information from a research-oriented perspective.