CUFORN Bulletin - Vol 13 No 02 - 1992 - Mar-Apr

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin, dated March-April 1992, is published by the Canadian U.F.O. Research Network, Inc. It features a cover illustration by Donald Cowper depicting aliens and a UFO. The issue includes a variety of articles, reports, and reviews related to UFO phenomena, investigations, and related topics.

Articles and Reports

Police Chase Banana-Shaped UFO in Israel

This article by Hadassa Arbel details an incident on November 6, 1991, where a real estate dealer and taxi driver in Beith-Sha'an, Israel, witnessed and were followed by a peculiar, silent, banana-shaped light. They alerted the police, who then pursued the object. Major Y. Mordechai, the police commander, confirmed the chase, estimating the object's speed at 35 mph and altitude at 200-300 meters. The object crossed into Jordanian territory and hovered until 5:50 am before fading away. Military authorities had no explanation and the object was not detected by radar. The following morning, an announcement attributed the sighting to a searchlight reflection caused by a sleeping soldier. However, eyewitnesses were outraged, finding the explanation nonsensical. The next day, Israeli military sources retracted the searchlight explanation, leaving the incident unexplained.

Previous CUFORN Chart May Have Been Disinformation

Dianna Walker investigates claims that a chart of 'new elements' published in a previous CUFORN Bulletin issue may have been based on disinformation. She found that many of the listed 'alien' elements, such as Corbomite, Ditlithium, Zienite, and pergium, are directly from the Star Trek television series. Walker questions whether this was a deliberate attempt to mislead or if Star Trek writers had access to sensitive information. She concludes that coincidence is unlikely and criticizes the lack of a clear explanation for the chart's origin.

A Most Peculiar Bolide

Hadassa Arbel reports on a massive UFO event in Israel on January 27, 1992, witnessed by hundreds or thousands. The object was described as a fiery ball with escorting lights and a sparkling tail, flying silently from northeast to southwest at an estimated altitude of 1.5 to 2 km. The sighting lasted between 15 seconds and three minutes. While most witnesses agreed on the general description, there were discrepancies regarding the object's exact shape, color, size, and altitude. The author notes the significant excitement this event generated in Israel. The editor, Lawrence J. Fenwick, comments that based on the description, he believes it was a bolide (a bright meteor) rather than a UFO.

Shedding New Light on An Old Report

Paul Cerar presents an excerpt from Timothy Good's book 'Above Top Secret' describing an alleged abduction where a person's health was assessed by shining an amber light. He also includes an excerpt from Reader's Digest about a new device that tests blood sugar using a light beam, questioning if this is an advancement in alien technology. Cerar's contribution is presented as a note and excerpts, with the editor providing context.

A Follow-Up on The Green Light Report in Our Last Issue - UFO Becomes IFO

Drew Williamson investigates a report from the previous issue about a 'Green Beam Seen in Taranto Area'. He discovers that the phenomenon was actually the result of a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system operated by York University. The LIDAR system uses a pulsed laser beam to study atmospheric gases. When the beam interacts with clouds, it can create a glowing effect that appears as a horizontal beam of light. The article clarifies that this was a scientific experiment, not a UFO.

Readable But Not Really Shocking - A Review of 'Silent Invasion: The Shocking Discoveries of a UFO Researcher'

Lawrence J. Fenwick reviews Ellen Crystall's 1991 book. He finds the book readable but not groundbreaking, noting that its photographic evidence is of dubious value and origin, with many images appearing to be light splashes or fireworks. Fenwick criticizes Crystall's dismissal of the Eduard Meier case and her interpretation of JPL's analysis of Meier photos. While acknowledging the book's 11 eyewitness statements and well-written narrative, he concludes that it lacks new discoveries and recommends against purchasing it for that reason.

Letter To The Editor

Victor Lourenco expresses disappointment with an article titled 'The Theory of Earth's Second Moon' by Hirbod Nickpay, published in the December 1991 issue. Lourenco questions the speculative nature of the article, which suggests 'black planets' are populated with UFOs and that UFOs function using 'motors which produce their own magnetic power'. He argues that the article lacks scientific rigor and shifts the bulletin towards science fiction, urging the editor to define the publication's objectives more clearly.

The Odyssey of Proof

Donald Cowper discusses Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion', noting its significant impact on the UFO community and the evolution of UFO research. He argues that while the book brought attention to abductions and the idea that humanity is not alone, many ufologists have failed to grasp its deeper implications. Cowper suggests that the phenomenon of UFOs and abductions is inherently personal and subjective, escaping traditional scientific methods. He posits that proof may not be found externally but through personal introspection, drawing an analogy to religious faith. Cowper concludes that a paradigm shift in thinking may be necessary to understand these unknowns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CUFORN Bulletin consistently explores UFO sightings, investigations, and related controversies. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis, with articles questioning official explanations, scrutinizing evidence, and evaluating the scientific validity of claims. The editor, Lawrence J. Fenwick, often provides commentary, offering his own interpretations, such as classifying a sighting as a bolide rather than a UFO, and expressing skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The publication also engages with popular culture's influence on UFO discourse, as seen in the analysis of Star Trek and Whitley Strieber's work. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a cautious, evidence-based approach, while acknowledging the subjective and potentially paradigm-shifting nature of some UFO experiences.

Title: Flying Machines in Ancient India
Issue: March-April 1992
Publisher: CUFORN
Country: India
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the CUFORN Bulletin delves into historical accounts and artistic depictions of flying machines in ancient India, drawing primarily from Tamil literature and epics. The cover features a striking stone carving from the Mahabharatha War era, which the author, S. Sabapathy, interprets as depicting Arjuna using a telescope alongside an object resembling a modern multi-rocket launcher.

Ancient Flying Machine Accounts

The article presents several narratives detailing the existence and use of flying machines:

Perum Kathai (Big Story) (500 B.C. to 1000 B.C.)

This story recounts a man named Yugi who traveled in a machine constructed by a "Yavana man" or "space man." The machine was made of gray wood (possibly interpreted as iron) and had iron wings. It was powered by machines, not horses, and required special training to operate. The controls included a "Visai Aani," likely a steering wheel, allowing travel in various directions. The machine was named "Aani Vaiyam" and could be dismantled and hidden.

"Seevaga Chinthamani" (500 B.C.)

In this epic, a king commissioned a flying machine to be built in seven days by a carpenter (thatchan). The machine was named "Mayur Pori," meaning "peacock machine" or "flying machine." The king taught his wife how to operate it. The machine reportedly flew through the clouds with a great noise and at high speed, causing terror among the people who witnessed it.

The Ramayanam

Following the defeat of Ravana, Lord Rama wished to return to Ayodhya. Vibooshnan, Ravana's brother, provided Lord Rama with a vehicle called the "Pushpa Vimanam" (meaning "plane" or "bird plane"). This plane belonged to the God of Wealth and had been taken by Ravana. Vibooshnan described it as a "Vana Perunthu," an "air bus" (very large). The plane shone like a thousand suns and made the sound of many bells. It was capable of non-stop flights to any destination. Lord Rama used it for a non-stop journey from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya, which is presented as potentially the first international flight in history.

Personal Correspondence and Investigations

A Personal Letter From a Former CUFORN Member

Clive Nadin, a former CUFORN member, writes to MUFON members, journal subscribers, and associates, announcing his return to the UK for an indefinite period due to personal reasons. He mentions that his position as Provincial Director is open and he is coordinating with Mike Strainic and Walt Andrus to find a successor. Nadin plans to travel to Florida for 3-4 weeks and visit the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze area, hoping to witness "BOLS" (balls of light) sightings, which have been reported steadily since Ed Walter's observations. He also mentions a recent visit by the Oklahoma State Director, who had an "emotional" sighting of a red ball of light, her first UFO experience.

Nadin offers to continue corresponding and provides his new mailing address in Llandudno, Gwynedd, United Kingdom.

Notice For The "Guardian"

This section, by H. Tokarz, CUFORN Investigator, appeals to "The Guardian" for map co-ordinates related to the Carp, Ontario case. It details that a mysterious contributor, "The Guardian," has provided typed pages, photocopies, aerial maps, polaroid photos, and a videotape scenario concerning a military operation liaising with an alleged UFO in August 1991 in Carp, Ontario. Investigators from MUFON, including Tom Theofanous, Harry Tokarz, Bob Oeschler, a MUFON investigator from NASA, and Graham Lightfoot of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, have conducted an extensive investigation to "separate the wheat from the chaff," with a report to be issued soon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CUFORN Bulletin consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, mythology, and unexplained phenomena, particularly focusing on the possibility of advanced ancient technologies like flying machines. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting historical accounts and eyewitness reports for consideration by its readership. The inclusion of personal correspondence and investigative updates suggests a community-oriented approach, encouraging reader participation and sharing of information within the UFO research community.