1986 - UFO World '86 BUFORA Jenny Randles

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFO WORLD '86

Issue Date: 1986 (raw), 1986-01-01 (ISO)

Publisher: BUFORA - the British UFO Research Association

Country of Publication: ENGLAND

Language: English

Cover Price: £1.50 (US $ 3.50)

Cover Headline: THE UFO WORLD '86

Document Type: magazine_issue

Cover Description: The cover features the title 'THE UFO WORLD '86' in large, stylized letters, with a circular emblem and an illustration of two UFOs emitting beams of light above a landscape.

Introduction

The idea for this publication had been brewing for some time, and thanks to BUFORA, it has finally appeared. The plan is to provide a review of UFO activity in 1985, covering news, research projects, significant cases, theoretical insights, and key publications. The issue is experimental, with the hope of it becoming an annual event. The presentation is intentionally skimped to maximize information for the cost, with the success of this issue determining the possibility of a 'THE UFO WORLD 87'. Readers are encouraged to submit material for the next edition. The compiler expresses gratitude to all contributors, specifically mentioning Hilary Evans for his efforts in gathering data from European colleagues. The issue is dedicated to the memory of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, described as the greatest UFO champion, who recently passed away.

Content Overview

The issue is structured into several sections:

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Covers UFO activity in Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Switzerland, UK, and USA.
• SIGHTING REPORTS: Pages 15-22.
• RESEARCH AND THEORIES: Contributions from Darren Chanter (23-25) and Ian Cresswell (25-28).
• PUBLICATIONS: Reviews of books (1985) and magazine articles (30-31).

International News - Country Reports

Australia

Despite the arrival of Halley's Comet, UFO sightings were few. Some misidentifications of satellites occurred. A photograph of a 'spaceship' was revealed to be an aircraft contrail. Between July and September 1985, a wave of sightings involved high-flying objects. An RAAF aircraft intercepted one, identified as a complex weather balloon. Computer plotting traced it to a French experiment. Premier Neville Wran reported being 'buzzed' by a high-altitude balloon, described by investigator Bill Chalker as likely sustained by 'hot air'. Information supplied by Bill Chalker & Paul Norman.

Denmark

Investigation is handled by SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information), which publishes the journal 'UFO Nyt'. The issue highlights a re-evaluation of the famous Swedish photographic case from Skillingaryd (May 1971). Diligent work by the group GICOFF revealed flaws in the original analysis, suggesting the missing negatives showed hub caps, and the photographer claimed to see another UFO later.

France

France is regarded as having the most advanced ufology globally, partly due to GEPAN, the only government-sponsored UFO research group. GEPAN, based in Toulouse, investigates sighting reports. Civilian UFO groups in France are noted for their caution and skepticism, often arguing that UFO reports are reducible to hoaxes, hallucinations, or misperceptions. This 'psycho-social' hypothesis is detailed with five justifications. French groups are numerous but small, with committees handling specific areas. They produce an annual 250-page document. The independent magazine 'LDLN' (Lights in the night) is mentioned. Independent researchers like Michel Monnerie and Bertrand Méheust are prominent. Méheust's book 'Flying Saucers and Folklore' draws analogies between UFO sightings and folklore. Jean-Pierre Petit is researching an extra-terrestrial UFO origin theory using MHD. French ufology has an annual meeting with British researchers. The media shows sporadic interest, often focusing on sensationalism rather than serious research. There are concerns about a declining number of investigators, leading to a potentially 'dangerously thin' field despite maturation.

Italy

Research focuses on CUN (National UFO Centre), which experienced a major split in 1985. The central archives in Turin are establishing a database of 20,000 cases. 'Project Italia 3' in Rome re-evaluates close encounters. 'Project 1947' is scouring newspaper files for pre-1950s reports. Computers are increasingly used, with Maurizio Verga developing software for close encounter cases. Paolo Toselli is conducting a study comparing children's imagined sightings with genuine cases. UPIAR Research in Progress is a refereed science journal. Massimo Greco authored the book 'UFO: Illusion or Reality?'. 1985 was a significant year for UFO reports, with sightings by pilots and alerts at local NATO bases. However, official sources claim no radar detection. Information supplied by Massimo Greco.

Scandinavia

The Project Hessdalen in Norway and Sweden is highlighted as a major development. Located in a remote valley, it began reporting UFOs in December 1981. The project, formed in June 1983, involved scientific investigation with equipment from the Defence Research Establishment and universities. Astonishing photographs were taken, and objects were observed moving at high speeds. The project faced financial difficulties but continued with a four-week experiment in January-February 1984. A technical report was published. Scandinavian ufology is characterized by grit and scientific enthusiasm.

Switzerland

Ufology in Switzerland revolves around the magazine 'OVNI-Présence', edited by Yves Bosson. The magazine focuses on psycho-social theories and exposes classic cases. It translates important pieces from English journals and covered Italian ufology, particularly the December 5, 1984 sightings, concluding it was likely a meteoric event.

United Kingdom

British media attention in 1985 focused on sensationalist topics like 'Is your pet an alien?'. The El-Legions, two American tourists, charged for their claims of alien origin and NASA conspiracies. A serious national media feature was an ITV debate. Serious UFO work continued with local groups, though interest is generally low. The Yorkshire UFO Society and SI GAP (Surrey Investigations into Aerial Phenomena) are mentioned. 'FSR' (Flying Saucer Review) celebrated its thirtieth year. The 'Northern UFO Network' (NUFON) is a liaison system for local groups. BUFORA, the oldest and only active country-wide body, has stabilized its membership at around 250, with 22 accredited field investigators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue presents a diverse landscape of UFO research and reporting across different countries. A recurring theme is the contrast between sensationalized media portrayals and serious, often underfunded, scientific investigation. Skepticism, particularly the psycho-social hypothesis, is a significant force, especially in France, challenging the more traditional 'nuts-and-bolts' approach. The dedication of individuals and small groups to collecting data and pursuing research despite financial and societal challenges is evident. The issue also acknowledges the passing of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a pivotal figure, and emphasizes the ongoing struggle for truth in ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting comprehensive reporting and encouraging reader participation, while maintaining a critical yet open perspective on the phenomenon.

THE UFO WORLD '86 is a magazine issue from 1986 that focuses on UFO investigations, sightings, and related phenomena. It covers a range of topics from organizational efforts in UFO research to specific case reports from around the globe.

Investigations and Research Projects

The issue highlights the collaborative efforts of UFO investigators in the UK, forming the National Investigations Committee (NIC), which includes groups like the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group, Manchester UFO Research Association, and Leicester UFO Centre. A significant development in 1985 was the computerization of data, with Mike Wootten managing the sifting of 15,000 files for BUFORA to identify potential patterns.

The NIC also developed the IFO Sensitivity Index, a card test designed to assess a witness's sensitivity to various Identified Flying Objects (IFO), aiming to standardize the measurement of UFO report strangeness. Statistician Paul Fuller assisted in designing the scoring method.

Another research project, 'Anamnesis,' initiated by Austrian psychiatrist Dr. Alex Keul and coordinated by Ken Phillips, began field testing in Britain. This project aims to create life profiles of close encounter witnesses using questionnaires and psychology tests to explore potential similarities in their backgrounds and challenge the theory that such witnesses are mentally unstable. Sociologist Dr. Shirley McIver and clinical psychologist Dr. Malcolm Scott are involved in the analysis.

BUFORA has also been instrumental in establishing a code of practice for UFO investigators, agreed upon after meetings with several British groups. This code guides investigators in their interactions with witnesses, fellow researchers, and the public. The code has been adopted by ASSAP and the Australian Center for UFO Study.

Key Figures and Organizations

Several key figures and organizations are mentioned. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned ufologist, suffered a major illness. Jerome Clark took over as editor-in-chief of the 'International UFO Reporter' and introduced changes to focus on a new agenda for ufology, emphasizing sound thinking.

CUFOS experienced a brief hiatus but aimed to steer through difficult times. A proposed project for the International Center for UFO Research, reportedly backed by a million-dollar anonymous donation, collapsed due to a lack of scientific principles from those responsible.

APRO, one of the oldest UFO groups, also faced challenges due to illness affecting its founders, Coral and Jim Lorenz-on. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) remains active, publishing the 'MUFON Journal' and sponsoring an annual conference.

Notable Cases and Sightings

The magazine details numerous UFO sightings and incidents from 1985:

• Burnley, England (January 23, 1985): A school headmaster and his family witnessed a silent, diamond or kite-shaped object with multiple colored lights at a low altitude.
• Tynset, Norway (February 18, 1985): A mother and her children observed an object with green, red, and orange bands that projected beams of light, performed a loop, and vanished at high speed.
• Castladia, Italy (April 14, 1985): Two individuals experienced their car engine failing while two tall, silvery-suited creatures crossed the road. A bright egg-shaped object was also seen.
• Ventnor, Isle of Wight, England (May 19, 1985): A man observed a discus-shaped object with a glowing rim and lights, passing very low over the ground.
• Mount Newman, Australia (June 9, 1985): Two pilots reported an orange ball of light that materialized, stopped, and paced their aircraft.
• Pennsylvania, USA (June 21, 1985): Multiple reports described huge, oval objects with blue and white lights, some appearing to be the length of a football field.
• Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (July 22, 1985): Military jets were scrambled to investigate a glowing orange object that ascended to an extremely high altitude.
• Aosta, Italy (September 15, 1985): Reports of a triangular or cone-shaped object with silver balls were received, and a TV crew filmed it.

Government Secrecy and UFOs

The issue touches upon the 'Freedom of Information Act' in the USA, which has led to the release of numerous government documents concerning UFOs. However, agencies like the NSA have denied access to their files. Ray Boeche of MUFON made a breakthrough by obtaining 139 pages of DIA material, including reports on UFO sightings in Antarctica, the Soviet Union, and Peru, as well as the scrambling of Peruvian Air Force fighters.

A significant discovery within these releases was the mention of 'Project Moon Dust,' a term appearing in intelligence reports from 1967 and 1979. This project appears to be concerned with physical evidence of space objects, suggesting a continued secret study of UFOs even after the closure of Project BLUE BOOK.

Other Topics

The decline in UFO sightings since the 1978 release of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is noted, with figures dropping significantly in Britain. The issue also discusses the misinterpretation of space debris re-entries as UFOs, citing the dramatic event of the COSMOS 1068 satellite booster crash.

In the USA, key issues dominating ufology are 'official cover-up' and 'abductions.' The work of Budd Hopkins and Dr. Aphrodite Clamar on abduction cases is highlighted, noting the implications of these reports not being psychological in origin and suggesting an incomprehensible alien intelligence.

British researchers Harry Harris and Dr. Albert Kellar are also investigating similar abduction cases, though their work is less publicized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, scientific soundness, and ethical conduct in UFO research. There is a clear stance against unprovable speculations and a focus on gathering credible data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and potential implications of UFO phenomena, including the possibility of government secrecy and alien intelligence. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort to understand the UFO phenomenon through systematic research, case analysis, and the pursuit of official documentation.

This issue of "The UFO World '86" features a prominent report on a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Bagshot Heath, Surrey, England, on September 15, 1985. The magazine also includes articles exploring the psychological aspects of UFO encounters, comparing them to Near Death Experiences (NDEs), and discussing potential underlying intelligences. Several other UFO reports from Norway are also presented.

Bagshot Heath Sighting

The lead story details the experience of David and Sue McMurray, who encountered a UFO while driving on Bagshot Heath. They described a bright white glow that vanished, followed by a second object that hovered and paced their car. The object was oval with red and green lights on its base and white lights around its side, emitting a faint buzz or hum. Sue McMurray described it as "saucer shaped, flat underneath, with large 'spotlights' on the rim." The sighting lasted about a minute and a half before the object shot away. The McMurrays experienced significant after-effects, including severe headaches, memory lapses, disturbed sleep, and odd sensations. Their car battery was also inexplicably drained the following day. The case gained national media attention and was investigated, with regression hypnosis conducted by Dr. Leonard Wilder.

Norwegian Sightings

Two separate incidents from Norway are reported. The first, on October 28, 1985, in Honefoss, involved a group of school children aged 7-12 who witnessed an oval, grey object during a lunar eclipse. The object projected a blinding glow and illuminated small creatures on the road below. The children described the creatures as being under two feet tall, of various colors, and wearing box-like structures on their heads. The creatures appeared frightened and ran away. Some children reported feeling sick afterwards.

The second Norwegian report, dated December 21, 1985, from Hessdalen, describes a man who observed a large globe hanging low over the River Valley, which was causing disturbances on his TV set. The report notes that UFOs are common in Hessdalen.

Research and Theories: Near Death Experience and Close Encounters

An extensive article by Darren P. Chanter, a psychologist and member of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group, explores the similarities between Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind (CE4s). Chanter suggests that these experiences are fundamentally related and represent different aspects of the same phenomenon, both occurring in altered states of consciousness.

The article outlines fifteen typical stages or events of NDEs as noted by Dr. Raymond Moody, including "Ineffability," "Hearing the news," "Feelings of peace and quiet," "The noise," "The dark tunnel," "Out of the body" experiences, "Meeting others," "The being of light," "The review" of one's life, and encountering a "border or limit."

Chanter draws parallels between these NDE stages and accounts from UFO close encounters. He notes that descriptions of experiences as "ineffable," reluctance to share stories, and feelings of timelessness and heightened awareness are common in UFO witness reports, similar to the "Oz Factor" described by Jenny Randles.

Furthermore, Chanter discusses out-of-body experiences (OOBEs) reported in CE4 cases, such as those by Caynor Sunderland, which parallel NDE phenomena. He highlights that both NDEs and CE4s often occur in isolation, usually at night, and frequently involve individuals who are driving or engaged in automatic tasks. The involvement of children and the use of regression hypnosis or dreams in uncovering these experiences are also noted as common factors.

Chanter proposes that a lowering of sensory input is crucial for these experiences, allowing the conscious barriers to breach and unconscious content to manifest. He suggests that the hours of darkness may play a biological role, as the conscious mind is more dominated by the unconscious, leading to a "new reality" where dreams become the landscape. The article also touches upon the idea that young children, with less defined ego consciousness and stronger 'psychic' lives, are more prone to these experiences, often blurring the lines between subjective images and objective reality.

The Nature of Intelligence

Ian S. Cresswell contributes an article exploring the possible nature of the intelligence behind UFO phenomena. Cresswell questions whether these manifestations are purely physical and objective or of a different kind. He concludes that many close encounter cases present inconsistencies and distortions that make little sense if viewed as purely external, physical phenomena. Instead, he suggests that these experiences may involve subjective images superimposed upon objective reality, making them indistinguishable from it.

Cresswell argues that the UFO phenomenon cannot be proven to be objective based on available evidence and falls into the domain of psychology. He identifies several factors that strengthen this view: close encounters often occur in isolation, during darkness, during automatic activities, and are frequently reported by children or individuals from rural areas. The role of regression and dreams in uncovering these experiences further supports the idea of subjective imagery.

He posits that a general lowering of sensory input is necessary for images from a different level of the psyche to manifest. Cresswell suggests that an advanced intelligence might be imparting information through consistent, subjective stimuli, transforming into subjective images that are then projected onto the "real world." The purpose of this, he speculates, could be an educational program to create belief systems within human society, using scientific and technological imagery that keeps pace with human progress but never introduces anything entirely unknown.

Cresswell concludes that this intelligence may not be extra-terrestrial but rather closely connected to humanity, potentially existing within us. He suggests that the intelligence manipulates human perception to make us see what it wants us to see, indicating its presence. This intelligence is seen as creating belief systems and possibly acting as a form of intelligence test, with the message underlying these "technological visions" being of great importance for the human race.

Publications

The issue also includes a "Publications" section reviewing books published in 1985 and early 1986. These include foreign language books from France, Italy, and Spain, as well as American works such as MUFON Symposium Proceedings, "Aliens Among Us" by Ruth Montgomery, and "Research Working File on Adamski." British publications reviewed include "Science and the UFOs" by Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington, "The UFO Literature" annotated bibliography, "The UFO Casebook," and several UFO-themed novels and collections.

Major Magazine Articles

A list of major magazine articles is provided, offering researchers scope for further investigation. Topics include interviews with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, lectures by Ralph Noyes, research into IFO (Identified Flying Object) reports, and studies on abductees and the effects of UFOs on car engines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and subjective nature of UFO experiences, drawing parallels with NDEs and religious visions. The magazine appears to lean towards an interpretation of UFO phenomena that emphasizes altered states of consciousness and the potential for an internal or immanent intelligence rather than purely external, physical alien craft. The editorial stance seems to favor a scientific and psychological approach to understanding these events, while acknowledging the profound impact they have on witnesses. The publication aims to provide a platform for research and discussion within the UFO community, offering a mix of case reports, theoretical articles, and book reviews.

Title: THE UFO WORLD '86
Issue Date: May 1986
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country of Publication: England
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of THE UFO WORLD '86, published in May 1986, offers a diverse range of articles and reviews concerning UFO phenomena, sightings, and theories. The publication, produced by BUFORA, aims to encourage scientific research and disseminate data related to UFOs.

BUFORA Journal Review

The issue opens with a review of the BUFORA Journal (pp. 23-28) featuring an article by Hilary Evans titled "The Frontiers of Ufology." This piece examines various aspects of science and how UFO phenomena intersect with them, including folklore and meteorology.

Sightings Reports

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailing UFO sightings:

• "Boomerang over three counties" (FSR, pp. 17-24): Reports on "V" formation UFO sightings in New York State by Imbrogno, Lesnick, and Clark.
• "The Missing Films" (FATE, pp. 52-54): Dr. Bruce Maccabee investigates the fate of films taken of 'green fireballs' in the USA during the secret Project Twinkle research.
• "The South-West lights" (IUR, pp. 10-13): Brad Sparks and Jerry Clark provide a detailed analysis of sightings that occurred during the Project Twinkle era, noting numerous strange green fireballs observed by military and nuclear facilities.
• "Crashed Discs" (IUR, pp. 4-7, 16): A debate between Drs. David Jacobs and R. Hall on the validity of crashed UFO sightings, with Jacobs expressing skepticism and Hall being less certain.
• "Men in Black a new case" (MACONIA, pp. 19-21): Peter Hough reports on a rare case in Britain involving sinister individuals following up on a UFO case in Wigan, exploring the possibility of 'Men in Black' (MIBs) being either part of the phenomenon or a government agency.
• "UFO sakateurs" (FATE, pp. 19-21): Micheal T. Shoemaker discusses mysterious aircraft sightings in 1916 on the US mainland, questioning whether they were related to war nerves or early UFO phenomena.

Theories and Hypotheses

The magazine also explores various theories attempting to explain UFO phenomena:

• "Earthlights update" (ANOMALY, pp. 10-18): Devereux, McCartney, and Robins present the latest developments in the "earthlights" theory, which posits that geophysical origins might explain UFO phenomena. The article includes reproductions of lights observed in British laboratories with photographic evidence.
• "Ufonauts-homo sapiens of the future?" (MUFON Journal, pp. 7-13): Dr. M. Swords proposes that UFOs could be vehicles for time-traveling humans, suggesting that ufonauts might be our own descendants.
• "UFO abductions or birth memories?" (FATE, pp. 68-80): Alvin T. Lawson reviews his theory that UFO contact experiences might stem from repressed memories of birth.
• "Birth traumas from outer space" (IUR, pp. 4-5, 16): D. Scott Rogo responds to Lawson's theory, presenting critical evidence that challenges the idea of birth memories being the source of abduction experiences.
• "The UFO as a geopsychic artifact" (FORTEAN TIMES, pp. 63-65): Hilary Evans revisits the theory that geophysical processes can generate energy fields that trigger psychic or psychological experiences in witnesses of close encounters.
• "Seeing the lights" (FATE, pp. 82-87): Hilary Evans discusses UFOs as intelligent balls of light that may manifest in the atmosphere, with this topic also covered in the November issue.
• "The Doorman Effect" (BUFORA Journal, pp. 2-6): Jenny Randles introduces the concept of the "Doorman Effect," questioning whether a brain filter allows subconscious data to emerge, clothed in UFO imagery, as a message from an external source.

Useful Addresses

The magazine includes a comprehensive list of useful addresses for UFO research organizations and publications worldwide, including contacts in Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It also lists English-language UFO magazines.

BUFORA's Mission

The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) outlines its dedication to encouraging unbiased scientific research, collecting and disseminating UFO data, and coordinating research efforts globally. BUFORA publishes the "BUFORA BULLETIN" and holds monthly lecture programs in London.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of various sightings from different regions, and the exploration of diverse theoretical explanations, ranging from geophysical origins to psychological interpretations and even time travel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and encouraging further research, as evidenced by the inclusion of debates and critical reviews of theories. The emphasis on providing contact information for research organizations suggests a commitment to fostering a community dedicated to understanding UFOs.