1987 - UFO World '87 BUFORA Jenny Randles

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFO WORLD '87
Issue Date: 1987
Publisher: BUFORA - British UFO Research Association
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of THE UFO WORLD '87, compiled by Jenny Randles on behalf of BUFORA, serves as a comprehensive international review of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena) activity and research. The publication acknowledges the passing of several key figures in the UFO community during 1986 and early 1987, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Jim Lorenzon, Betty Wood, Pam Kennedy, and Idabel Epperson, highlighting the profound impact of these losses.

Jenny Randles, in her introduction, thanks readers for their feedback on the trial issue and explains that while the format remains similar, the content reflects the excitement of the 40th anniversary year of UFO phenomena. She appeals for correspondents worldwide to contribute to future issues, emphasizing the need for timely and accurate reporting. Randles stresses the importance of serious, objective study of the UFO subject, contrasting it with sensationalism and the work of 'fringe' investigators who she believes damage the credibility of genuine research. She calls for a more effective public relations effort to educate the public and provide a sensible avenue for reporting sightings.

International News

Australia

The year 1986 was active in Australia, with ACUFOS (Australian Centre for UFO Studies) coordinating efforts. ACUFOS, a clearing house with a computer database, organizes UFOCONs and produces publications. Reports indicate 189 logged sightings in Australia, with 46 unexplained, a significant number for a country of 15 million inhabitants. Notable cases include a widely publicized landing with traces in Orange, New South Wales, later identified as an ambulance helicopter, and a 'Mystery Space Crash' in South West Australia and Victoria, likely a bolide meteor or space junk. The issue notes that many unexplained cases occurred during a September-November flap in Western Australia.

Canada

Information from Canada is limited, but the 'Magic Mountains' near Snowdrift in the Northwest Territories have been a site of multi-colored lights. A Royal Canadian Mounted policeman reported a light that separated and rejoined. The consistency of these UAP sightings is compared to the Hessdalen, Norway lights and Brown Mountains in the USA, suggesting a potential geophysical explanation being explored by researchers like Dr. Micael Persinger and Paul Devereux.

Chile

Journalist J Antonio Huneeus established a serious UFO research group in Chile. A significant sighting on August 17, 1985, involved an estimated two million people in Santiago and Valparaiso observing luminous spots. The event was photographed, filmed, and tracked by radar, but remains unexplained, with explanations ranging from weather balloons to genuine phenomena. Jorge Anfruns has since set up a MUFON group to collate reports.

France

French ufology is characterized by its theoretical and often skeptical approach, exemplified by Bertrand Méheust's book "Soucoupes volantes et folklore." Méheust suggests psychological or sociological explanations for UFOs, likening the subject to a modern myth, a perspective influenced by Jacques Vallée and Carl Jung. Paradoxically, France also hosts GEPAN, a government UFO research team funded since 1977, which investigates cases scientifically with the gendarmerie, analyzing landing traces and vehicle malfunctions. A detailed investigation of a flight OA 132 encounter with a UFO was attributed to a toy balloon.

Italy

Italy experienced a wave of entity cases in 1986. Major organizational changes occurred with the formation of CISU (Italian Center for UFO Studies), which coordinated previous efforts and published the 'UFO Information Review' with English summaries. A 1986 statistical review of 1977 cases found 57% identified as IFO (Identified Flying Object) and 25% as UFO. Entity cases focused on the 'Irpinia Monster,' a large, hairy creature reported in the mountains. Other reports included bright lights and mundane theories like a hydrophobio dog or a bear. There was also mention of mass psychosis potentially generating spurious reports.

Mexico

An ex-patriot living in the USA shared experiences from Mexico City, noting that during earthquakes, lights resembling distant lightning were observed, which he attributed to ground-over-atmosphere piston effects. He also reported a 1966 UFO encounter involving five venus-like lights moving at high speed, tracked by radar, and estimated to be supersonic. Despite attempts at rationalization, the case remains intriguing.

Poland

UFO research in Poland began in the late 1970s, with groups like the Space Contacts Club and the Varsovian UFO Research Society. A notable case from May 22, 1979, involved a close encounter of the second or fourth kind near Warsaw, where a witness described a puck-shaped object with beams and symbols, experiencing symptoms of mild radiation sickness. This case is presented as evidence that a real mystery exists, regardless of the ultimate solution.

Scandinavia

Norway and Sweden had a quiet year, largely due to funding issues affecting research at the Hessdalen Valley. However, a Swedish CE4 (abduction) case from March 23, 1974, involving a man named Harald, was detailed. Hypnosis sessions revealed missing time, a blinding light, and injuries, with Harald recalling being taken into a room with tall figures and a shimmering light.

United Kingdom

Britain has numerous local and regional UFO groups, with varying standards. The issue mentions the ongoing debate over 1981 photographs from the Pennine hills, with TUFOS and WIUFORG presenting different interpretations. A Sunday Mirror headline about Prince Charles encountering a UFO was investigated by BUFORA and found to be a misinterpretation of a bright meteor. The article emphasizes the importance of UFO investigators seeking the truth and debunking sensational claims, noting that the media often invents myths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the global nature of UFO phenomena, the challenges of conducting serious research in the face of sensationalism and media hype, and the importance of international cooperation and accurate reporting. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of objective, scientific investigation, aiming to separate genuine mysteries from mundane explanations or hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on the need for credibility and integrity within the UFO research community, and a call for readers to actively participate in this endeavor.

The UFO World '87 is a publication dedicated to the exploration of UFO phenomena, featuring a mix of investigative reports, case studies, and analysis of sightings from 1986 and earlier. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious ufological research, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting.

Hoaxes and Investigations

The issue begins by addressing a notable hoax: the 1954 book "Flying Saucers From Mars" by the pseudonymous 'Cedric Allingham'. Investigator Chris Allan, with help from Steuart Campbell, unmasked the author as Patrick Moore, a prominent astronomer known for his anti-UFO stance. The article highlights the tenacious work of ufologists in uncovering such deceptions and emphasizes the objectivity required in the field.

Hilary Evans' 'Polide' exchange is presented as a positive development in UFO research for 1986, facilitating information exchange among dedicated ufologists interested in 'balls of light' UAPs rather than 'spaceships' or abductions. This initiative is seen as a crucial step for progress.

The Anamnesis project, initiated by Dr Alex Keul in Austria and involving EUFORA under Ken Phillips, is discussed. This project involves a detailed study of witnesses using standard psychological and sociological tests. Preliminary analysis of Austrian and British witnesses revealed a higher incidence of ESP experiences compared to the general population, particularly among those who witnessed close encounters. This provides the first hard evidence supporting the hypothesis that UFO close encounters might be a form of ESP or consciousness event. A psychological hypothesis regarding UFO witnesses seeing more UFO images in Rorschach tests was negated, but the negative results are deemed useful for refining the project.

Corn-Field Circles

BUFORA's ongoing work to find an answer to the riddle of corn-field circles is detailed. Since 1981, numerous fields in southern England have shown single or multiple circles appearing suddenly between May and August, often linked to giant UFO landing marks by the media. BUFORA, through its investigator Ian Mrzyglod and the work of meteorologist Dr Terence Meaden, concluded that UFOs were not involved. The explanation is believed to lie in hoaxes or fairweather whirlwinds. The publication of "Mystery of the Circles" and a public debate aimed to counter the sensationalist stories. A winter survey by Paul Fuller and Dr Meaden in 1986-1987 provided new data for a reprinted edition of the book.

UFO Research in the United States

1987 is predicted to be a significant year for UFO research in America. The build-up is attributed to groundbreaking UFO books and the increasing release of government documents via the Freedom of Information Act. This has led scholars like Dr David Jacobs to suggest that the field is evolving into 'extraterrestrial studies'. The article notes the abuse of the FOIA by authorities, involving excessive charges and denial of files. People like Dill Moore and Ray Boeche are credited with bringing to light what authorities know about UFOs.

The work of Budd Hopkins in investigating abduction cases is highlighted, making many previously skeptical individuals question their assumptions. The article also touches upon the tragic loss of Jim Lorenzon, a founder of APRO, and the continued importance of CUFOS (J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies) and MUFON, noting their cooperation and strong investigational abilities. The annual MUFON conference and the FUFOR initiative, which provides grant aid for UFO research, are also mentioned.

Sighting Reports Worldwide

The issue presents a selection of UFO sighting reports from 1986, emphasizing that while the number of reports may seem low, UFOs are still present. The selection focuses on cases with merit, often requiring extensive investigation due to delays in reporting.

Australia: A car-stop case from July 1978 involved a witness experiencing a vibration, vehicle system failures, and a projected beam of light from a large object. The car's power returned after the object departed.

North Carolina, USA (May 1985): An investigation into a strange 'low flying plane' that made no sound and appeared to hover or stand still.

Italy (September 1985): A case involving hundreds of witnesses and photographs of a cone or triangular UFO, later identified by CISU as a stratospheric research balloon.

England (May 1985): An alleged alien contact case in Lowton, Lancashire, where a man reported encountering two figures and an egg-shaped object, though evidence for its objective reality was limited.

Wales (January 1986): A sighting of a large, rounded oval object with steady white lights and a bright blue light at the rear, observed over an industrial area. Speculation included a possible experimental aircraft.

Ohio, USA (February 1986): A single witness case involving a large triangle with bright white lights and a dark mass, observed stationary.

Washington, USA (March 1986): Reports of lights and aerial maneuvers near an army base, potentially parachute flares or a military exercise, preceded by an incident where two amber balls headed towards a light plane.

England (April 1986): A witness described a bright blue-white object likened to a 'burning rock' moving slowly and steadily, with no aircraft or helicopter explanation found.

Brazil (May 1986): A major case involving military pilots and radar detecting multiple colored lights moving at high speeds. The incident was officially acknowledged but lacked a technical explanation, with speculation on various causes.

England (May 1986): A 'tractor stop' case investigated by Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller, which, upon careful investigation, was determined to be a likely misinterpretation of an accident involving a motorized lawn mower, possibly influenced by the witness's desire to be involved in ufology.

England (June 1986): A mid-air sighting by a former RAF pilot of a bright point of light that rapidly accelerated, disorienting the pilot. No obvious explanation was found.

Australia (October 1986): A 'car-stop' phenomenon where a vehicle's systems failed, and a buzzing sound was heard, followed by the car idling despite full acceleration. The witness's hands were red from gripping the steering wheel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications. There is a clear stance against sensationalism, advocating for a scientific and objective approach to ufology. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by investigators, including the difficulty in accessing information and the need for meticulous follow-up. The evolving nature of UFO research, moving towards 'extraterrestrial studies' and the impact of government document releases, is a recurring theme. The publication also underscores the value of psychological analysis in understanding witness testimony and the potential connections between UFO phenomena and other anomalous experiences like ESP.

Title: THE UFO WORLD '87
Issue Date: June 1987
Publisher: FUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom

This issue of THE UFO WORLD '87 provides a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, featuring detailed reports on specific sightings, reviews of books and articles, and discussions on emerging theories within the ufology community.

Key Articles and Sightings

Viareggio, Italy Sighting (October 28, 1986)

A couple driving near Viareggio, Italy, reported observing a large, dark triangle-shaped object with four bright yellow/white lights above the local harbour. The object bore similarities to the Lima, Ohio case. As the couple drove beneath it, a loud 'boom' occurred, coinciding with strange effects on their vehicle, including a reduction in speed, engine revving, and the rear of the car being lifted into the air, creating a sensation of reduced gravity. The occupants experienced severe headaches for several days following the incident. Other local inhabitants reported peculiar lights that night. The case is considered a possible CE4 due to the reported 'floating sensation'. The investigation was conducted by Moreno Tambellini of CISU, with the conclusion listed as 'Unknown'.

Alaska Sighting - JAL 1628 (November 17, 1986)

This issue highlights the Japan Air Lines Flight JAL 1628 incident as a significant mid-air encounter of 1986, receiving extensive media coverage. Captain Kenjyu Terauchi and two crew members observed three flashing lights, colored yellow, amber, and green, moving alongside their Boeing 747 at 35,000 feet over Alaska. The objects descended in formation with the jet, with the captain describing them as "very big...one/two times bigger than an aircraft carrier." The encounter lasted for thirty minutes before the objects were lost as the jet circled to land. The story gained prominence after crew members spoke to relatives and the Japanese press picked it up. The FAA confirmed the event and released a report. A detailed MUFON investigation, based on FAA debriefings, accepted the sincerity of the air crew. The aircraft's weather radar and military radar at Elmendorf Air Force Base detected a target near the JAL plane, though it was intermittent and weak, with some attributing it to 'random clutter or weather interference'. Captain Terauchi had a second sighting on January 11, 1987, describing "irregular lights, looks like a spaceship." The FAA report ultimately suggested the November target was a weather-induced echo effect, but the article notes the 747's weather radar is typically only able to pick up very large weather systems, leaving room for further investigation.

Geophysical Theories and 'Earthlights'

The article "Geophysical UFOs - The only hope we have?" by David Clarke and Andy Roberts explores the rise of geophysical theories in ufology, particularly those proposed by Persinger and Lafrenière, and Devereux. These theories suggest that unusual lights observed under certain conditions and terrains are unexplained energy phenomena, possibly created by geological faulting or stress. The Pennine Hills in the UK are identified as a region with a high incidence of features conducive to such phenomena, including hills, point sources, and areas of mineral enrichment. Project Pennine is an initiative underway to research UFO sightings and folklore in the Pennines, comparing them with geophysical theories, including magnetic and meteorological anomalies.

General characteristics of unexplained luminosities in the Pennines include low-level sightings, predominantly ball-shaped, amorphous or gaseous, varying in size, and often described as passing through obstacles and performing impossible motions. The article discusses the concept of 'window areas' where UFOs and related phenomena are seen repeatedly. Several locations in the UK, including Dyfed, Egryn, Warminster, and Calverly Woods near Bradford, are identified as potential 'window areas'.

Calverly Woods is described as a large woodland area with a history of unexplained phenomena, including sightings of a 'Calverly Ghost' and UFOs. The article notes that earth tremors can act as catalysts for UFO activity, strengthening the geophysical connection. A significant flap in West Yorkshire in July 1984, following small tremors, is cited as an example. The article also references a 1982 event near Todmorden involving lights and radio interference, which ended with a 'bang' linked to seismic activity.

The authors emphasize the need for rigorous field testing of these theories, rather than mere armchair speculation, suggesting that phenomena like 'earthlights' can be replicated under laboratory conditions. They advocate for using proper instrumentation to record and film Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena (UAP) in these 'window areas'.

Book and Article Reviews

The magazine features a comprehensive list of books and articles published in 1986 related to UFOs and related topics. Notable reviews include:

• MUFON: 1986 Symposium Proceedings: A highly rated volume publishing papers from the annual conference, including case updates and scientific research.
• Extraterrestrials Among Us: Described as a paranoid attempt to accuse the US government of various wrongdoings.
• In Advance of the Landing: A look at the folklore and sub-culture of American contact and 'space brother' cults.
• UFOs and ET Contact Movement: A mammoth bibliography of books, pamphlets, and articles on UFOs.
• Sky Crash: An in-depth report on the Rendlesham Forest/Bentwaters Air Force Base landing case.
• Visions-Apparitions-Alien Visitors: A seminal work on apparitions, including UFO entities and MID.
• Mystery of the Circles: A historical survey of crop circles, concluding no evidence for any UFO connection.
• Spooklights: A detailed look at the history of strange lights in Worcestershire Hills.
• Cat Flaps: A study of mystery cat sightings related geographically to UFO sightings.

Major Magazine Articles

This section lists significant articles from various international journals, including:

• "The Mystery of APEN": An in-depth review of a strange secret UFO group.
• "Hotline to the aliens": A profile of the cult Aetherius Society.
• "Jacques Vallée": A conversation and profile of the UFO scientist.
• "Phenomenal Intimidators": A profile of Men in Black cases.
• "My experiences with the visitors": A personal account of UFO awareness by an abductee.
• "The use and abuse of hypnosis in UFO inv.": Guidelines for using hypnotic regression in research.
• "UFO Data-Processing": An account of a coding system for UFO case reports.
• "Global Distribution of reported close encounters (1868-1973)": A paper plotting sightings against great circles.
• "What role will extra-terrestrials play in humanity's future?": A look at future scenarios involving ET contact.
• "UFO COMFILE": A profile of an Australian data base for UFO records.
• "Introduction to Fortean Data Base": A study of using mainframe computers for Fortean subjects.
• "Post Abduction Syndrome": Symptoms reported by witnesses to alien abductions.

Sightings Section

This section provides brief summaries of various sightings reported in different publications:

• "Waiting for the space brothers": A contactee case study.
• "Anatomy of a UFO Wave": A chronological review of a mini-wave in Britain.
• "Close Encounter in Scotland": A review of a physical trace investigation.
• "A Mantell Diary": A re-investigation of pilot Thomas Mantell's death.
• Accounts of 'earthlight' type UAP, including a photo.
• "Phil Klass and the Roswell Incident": A response to criticisms of the Roswell crash.
• "The Heflin case, then and now": A reappraisal of photographs taken in 1965.
• "Livingston: A New Hypothesis": A theory about a Scottish CE II involving witness epilepsy.
• "Haunted Hills and Spooky Spots": Early sightings from Pennine hill locations.

Cover-up Section

• "The Churchill Papers": A review of British cabinet papers showing UFO enquiries launched by Sir Winston Churchill.
• "CIA Involvement: The early years": Documentation of CIA involvement in UFOs.
• "What the Admiral knew": New evidence of involvement of the then CIA chief in UFOs and the secret MJ-12 group.

Other Sections

The issue also includes an "Addresses" section listing UFO organizations and publications worldwide, and information about FUFORA's publications and activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of THE UFO WORLD '87 are the detailed reporting of specific UFO sightings, the exploration of alternative explanations for UFO phenomena (particularly geophysical theories), and the examination of potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging unbiased scientific research, collecting and disseminating data, and coordinating UFO research, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and testing of theories. There is a clear interest in moving beyond speculation towards more evidence-based understanding of UAP.