Data Net - No 56 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET
Issue: Vol. VI No. 2
Date: February 1972
Publisher: DATA-NET
Location: Ben Lomond, California, USA

This issue of DATA-NET, the publication of The UFO Amateur Radio Network, is dated February 1972 and presents a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on the August 1971 sighting reports. The magazine serves amateur radio operators and others interested in UFOs, offering a platform for information exchange and research.

Table of Contents and Key Sections

The cover prominently displays "REPORT NUMBER 56" and lists various sections including:

• Announcements
• Data-Net Communication Centers-Network Schedule
• The Editor's Desk
• "CQ" ...de WA5RON
• Sighting Report Distribution Map - August 1971
• Sighting Report Index - August 1971
• Clipping the News
• UFO Comments and Opinions

Editor's Desk and International Reports

Under "The Editor's Desk," Tommy Helmer of SWEDEN reports on UFO groups of lights spotted in Norway and Sweden, noting that for the first time, UFOs were regarded as "UFOs" by the mass-media, with military officials offering no explanations. Reports from Finland and Russia did not indicate a large-scale UFO flap.

Stanton T. Friedman, a Nuclear Physicist-Lecturer, is noted for his upcoming lectures in the San Francisco Bay Area in March and April, covering topics related to UFO research.

IMPRESSIONS PLASTIQUES from Switzerland announces the development of a pocket-size UFO detector, offered at a special price to DATA-NET members.

Roving Director Mike Jaffe provides an account of his experiences in New Orleans, describing the French Quarter as a unique and hazardous environment. He recounts a break-in at his quarters and a near-disaster at sea during a storm, noting that some men on oil rigs had reported seeing strange objects at sea.

Project Starlight International

Jerold Johnson details "PROJECT STARLIGHT INTERNATIONAL," a bold attempt to precipitate a UFO event near Austin, Texas. The project involves using a large circle of high-powered spotlights with filters to attract UFOs. While previous attempts in other areas have not resulted in observed UFOs, the project aims to create conditions for trained observers and recording equipment to be ready.

Sighting Reports: August 1971

The issue features a "Sighting Report Distribution Map - August 1971," showing a concentration of reports in the United States (12), England (27), Australia (10), India (2), Japan (1), and New Zealand (1), totaling 53 reports.

The "Sighting Report Index - August 1971" provides detailed entries for numerous sightings, including:

• Westminster, Md. (Aug 1): A Type I, D-N sighting.
• Queenstown, Tas., Aust. (Aug 2): A Type 4 sighting.
• Hawaheta, Ceylon (Aug 2): A Type 4 sighting.
• Mawson, NSW, Aust. (Aug 3): A Type I-C-a sighting.
• Bedford, Eng. (Aug 5): A Type 4-B sighting.
• Ararat, Vic., Aust. (Aug 6): A Type 3 sighting.
• South Perth, NSW, Aust. (Aug 7): A Type 3 sighting.
• Long Island, N.Y. (Aug 7): A Type 4 sighting.
• Springfield, Ore. (Aug 8): A Type I sighting.
• Ballarat, Vic., Aust. (Aug 8): A Type 5-BC-a sighting.
• Sydney, NSW, Aust. (Aug 8): A Type 3 sighting.
• Elaine, Vic., Aust. (Aug 8): A Type 2-B sighting.
• Frizzleburg, Md. (Aug 8): A Type 4-a sighting.
• Long Island, N.Y. (Aug 8): A Type 4 sighting.
• Wembly, Perth, W.A., Aust. (Aug 10): A Type 2-C sighting.
• Spalding, Eng. (Aug 12): A Type 4-b sighting.
• Becida, Mina. (Aug 12): A Type 4 sighting.
• Pontiac, Mich. (Aug 12): A Type 2-a sighting.
• Himbleton, Droitwich, Worcestershire, Eng. (Aug 12): A Type I sighting.
• Santa Ana, Calif. (Aug 13): A Type 2-B sighting.
• Broadstairs, Kent, Eng. (Aug 14): A Type I-C sighting.
• Rotowaro, Auck., N.Z. (Aug 15): Type 3 & 2 sightings.
• Shaldon, Devon, Eng. (Aug 15): A Type C sighting.
• Bolton, Eng. (Aug 15): A Type 4-B sighting.
• Loughborough, Eng. (Aug 15): A Type 4-B sighting.
• Launceston, Tas., Aust. (Aug 15): A Type 4 sighting.
• Nunamara, Tas., Aust. (Aug 15): A Type I sighting.
• Tynemouth, Northumberland, Eng. (Aug 16): A Type 2-a sighting.
• Aldridge, Staffordshire, Eng. (Aug 16): A Type 2-C-b sighting.
• Raritan, N.J. (Aug 16): A Type 3 sighting.
• Loughborough, Eng. (Aug 16): Type 2 & 4-B sightings.
• Stamford, Eng. (Aug 16): Type 4 sighting.
• Deniyaya, Ceylon (Aug 17): A Type I sighting.
• Suffolk, Eng. (Aug 17): A Type 4-B sighting.
• Porthcawl, So. Wales, Eng. (Aug 17): A Type 3 sighting.
• Crosby, Eng. (Aug 20): A Type 4-a sighting.
• Akita Prefecture, Honshu, Japan (Aug 24): A Type 4-b sighting.
• Hampton Lucy, Warwickshire, Eng. (Aug 25): A Type 4 sighting.
• Loughborough, Eng. (Aug 25): A Type 4-B sighting.
• Worcester, Eng. (Aug 25): A Type 2 sighting.
• Merseyside, Eng. (Aug 25): A Type 2 sighting.
• Caddington, Eng. (Aug 25): A Type 3-B-b sighting.
• Toppenish, Wash. (Aug 27): A Type 4-ab sighting.
• Skelmersdale, Eng. (Aug 27): A Type 2 sighting.
• Norfolk, Eng. (Aug 27): Type 2-C and Type I sightings.
• Toppenish, Wash. (Aug 28): A Type 4 sighting.
• Gloucester, Eng. (Aug 29): Type 4-B sightings.
• Claydon, Eng. (Aug 25): A Type 3-BC-ac sighting.
• Bolton, Eng. (Aug 27): A Type 2-AB sighting.
• Inverness, Eng. (Aug 29): A Type 2-C sighting.

Clipping the News

This section includes a detailed account from Oklahoma City regarding an alleged "MYSTERY NORAD ALERT" on January 12, 1971. Bill Eckhardt and his family claim to have overheard a highly sensitive communications alert involving NORAD and military installations, suggesting fighter scrambles and downed planes. However, authorities, including Lt. Col. Dorothy Sherber from the Pentagon and spokesmen from NORAD and Tinker Air Force Base, denied any such transmission or alert occurred. A telephone company spokesman suggested it might have been radio or TV interference.

Another report from Toppenish, Washington, details UFO sightings revealed by fire lookouts, starting in the summer of 1971. Bill Vogel, a fire control officer, described seeing a "large, bright, tear-drop shaped object" and photographed it. Other sightings included objects changing color, descending into canyons, and emitting bright lights. Scientists examined Vogel's photographs and concluded the object was not stellar and not a weather balloon.

Specific Incident Reports

• Greenville, Ill. (June 10, 1971): A smouldering object fell in a yard, with pieces striking a car and landing in a cornfield. The material was described as metal and porous grey rock-like, and it smoked and popped.
• Wembley, Perth, W.A., Aust. (Aug 10, 1971): Michael Gottfrie reported a "large, bright object" that moved slowly, then suddenly belched red flames and disappeared.
• Pontiac, Mich. (Aug 12, 1971): Three witnesses observed a "whistling, glowing UFO" described as round or disc-shaped and red to orange in color.
• Rotowaro, Auck., N.Z. (Aug 15, 1971): Flashes resembling an arc welder were seen, followed by a brilliant stationary light that later seemed to disappear.
• Shaldon, Devon, Eng. (Aug 15, 1971): A violent flash of lightning and thunder was experienced, causing people to collapse and electric instruments to burn out. The event was described as a "MYSTERY FLASH" with possible connections to UFO sightings.
• Bolton, Eng. (Aug 15, 1971): Four silent, sphere-shaped objects glowing white were spotted moving in joined pairs.
• Loughborough, Eng. (Aug 15, 1971): Geoffrey Cripps saw a round orange object hovering, described as much bigger than aircraft lights. Later, Mr. Ronald Brown reported seeing eight bright silver dots.
• Launceston, Tas., Aust. (Aug 15, 1971): Dr. J. C. Marwood saw an object traveling fast, described as elongated with a bright light at the leading end and small lights in the middle.
• Tynemouth, Northumberland, Eng. (Aug 16, 1971): Mr. Wolfgang von Metz and Mr. G. R. O'Brady-Jones observed a "MANEUVERING UFO" for nearly three hours, described as a disc seen edgeways-on, yellowish at the center with red tips.
• Loughborough, Eng. (Aug 16, 1971): Catherine Woolley saw a "LOW HOVERING UFO" shaped like a saucer with a pillar box red glow.
• Stamford, Eng. (Aug 16, 1971): A "FLYING LIGHT" described as an orange and gold colored light was reported.
• Suffolk, Eng. (Aug 17, 1971): Mr. Costas Clymbios reported "CAR CHASES UFO," following two "sparkling and golden" flying saucers for three-quarters of an hour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the investigation into these phenomena, and the role of amateur radio networks in collecting and disseminating information. DATA-NET's editorial stance is clear: they believe sufficient evidence exists to prove the reality of UFOs and are actively seeking answers to fundamental questions about their nature and origin. The magazine promotes a sense of community among those interested in UFOs, offering services like a research library, technical assistance, and a shop-and-swap section for members.

This document is an issue of a magazine focused on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings, primarily from August and September 1971, with a few entries extending into October and December of the same year. The magazine details numerous reports from various locations, including England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, Yugoslavia, and the United States.

Key Articles and Reports

The issue is structured as a chronological listing of UFO sightings, each with a date, location, and a brief description based on witness accounts. The reports are often accompanied by newspaper clippings or references to their original sources.

August 1971 Sightings:

• August 19, 1971 (Colchester, England): A witness described a UFO with a large flame on its back, traveling slowly, which was speculated to be the planet Venus. Films processed showed no sign of the UFO.
• August 17, 1971 (Porthcawl, Wales): Mr. D. H. Cooper and his family sighted a stationary, brilliant egg-shaped object emerging from a small dark cloud. It moved NE and climbed, leaving a powerful, brilliant white and reddish glow.
• August 20, 1971 (Crosby, England): A man observed a white cylindrical object with an object on top resembling a conning tower. It reappeared in a different part of the sky and remained visible for five minutes. It was also seen by a neighbor and children.
• August 25, 1971 (Hampton Lucy, England): Police responded to reports of a bright yellow object with three antennae, estimated to be 500 feet up and swinging from side to side. This was the second such sighting in the area within 10 days.
• August 25, 1971 (Loughborough, England): Maurice Wakefield, an ex-RAF man, reported seeing a bright disc fly over the river, reflected twice in the water, and then streak across the sky. His wife also made a sighting.
• August 25, 1971 (Worcester, England): Mrs. Joan Sheppard and her three children saw a strange, low-flying white object with a tiny nose and triangular wings, described as completely silent and whiter than anything they had ever seen.
• August 25, 1971 (Merseyside, England): Three bright lights were observed traveling in a SE to NW direction, changing from orange to blue.
• August 25, 1971 (Caddington, England): Evening Post photographer Keith Dobney took a picture of an object hovering in the sky. Mr. Tony Northwood of the Bedfordshire UFO Society suggested it might show a second object on a parallel course.
• August 27, 1971 (Skelmersdale, England): Five men witnessed a shining white object that zoomed past, disappeared, and reappeared, emitting an orange-colored flame and bright white flashes.
• August 27, 1971 (Norfolk, England): Mr. Philip Arthur saw a bright orange ball moving across the sky, then up and down, with its light changing. He described its shape as resembling a flying saucer.
• August 27, 1971 (Norfolk, England): A couple reported a huge reddish-orange glow covering a diameter of about 200 yards, which appeared on their right and left sides but did not seem to get nearer.
• August 29, 1971 (Gloucester, England): Levina Anthony and Jayne Hardwick saw a gold-colored light cross the sky very fast, with a bluish tinge. Mr. Lionel Lord also saw a V-formation of lights.
• August 29, 1971 (Gloucester, England): Mr. Lyndon Dennis reported a single light moving southerly, followed by a smaller one, then a V-formation of bluish lights moving very fast and silently.
• August 25, 1971 (Claydon, England): Residents reported clusters of orange-colored lights and a blinding cone-shaped light above houses. Explanations like car headlamps were dismissed. Strange happenings included a terrific whining noise and power outages.
• August 27, 1971 (Bolton, England): Councillor Frank Isherwood and his wife saw two silver objects hovering above a low-flying aircraft, with one separating and following them. It was cigar-shaped and flat.
• August 29, 1971 (Inverness, Scotland): Ten people watched a UFO constantly changing shape and color, traversing the sky. It had an arrowhead shape with an exhaust trail and changed color from lime green to red to bright yellow.

September 1971 Sightings:

• September 8, 1971 (Sheffield, England): A Ministry of Defense spokesman stated that many reports of an object had been received and were under investigation. Michael Castle described a small shining object traveling at fantastic speed, oval-shaped with a hazy circle, moving over Sheffield.
• September 22, 1971 (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA): Mysterious red lights were reported for the second night. Residents saw two lights one night and five the next, hovering then zooming away silently.
• September 29, 1971 (Medulin, Yugoslavia): A photograph of a blurred whitish round object with a tail was published after 12 sightings in 11 days. It was said to emit light stronger than the moon.
• September 30, 1971 (Wollongong, NSW, Australia): Mr. Neil Hugo reported a grey-white hat-shaped craft with two large lights, hovering about 40-50 ft above him. It reportedly gave his Volkswagen a thorough 'once over' with spotlights.
• October 5, 1971 (Springfield, Illinois, USA): Scores of police and the public reported seeing several UFOs. John Wells described an object hovering between 300 and 3,000 ft, appearing white with red flashes, changing to yellow and blue-green through a telescope.
• October 7, 1971 (Denny, California, USA): Nelson E. "Sparks" Divine sighted a strange "mexican hat-shaped" object with at least three bands of lights, slowly circling and changing shape.
• October 11, 1971 (Willow Creek, California, USA): Mrs. Mary Ann Wagner saw an extremely bright light hovering over the river, which she described as a large, round object with windows around the middle part.
• October 13, 1971 (San Jose, California, USA): Several residents reported a flashing object in the sky. Vandenberg AFB reported no rocket launches scheduled.
• November 2, 1971 (Delphos, Kans., USA): Ronald Johnson reported a "really bright, like a welder" object that whistled and rose rapidly. A phosphorescent ring was found on the ground, and a nearby Chinese elm tree was toppled.
• November 5, 1971 (Miriwinni, Qld., Australia): Mrs. Clifford reported sighting a "saucer" and had a photograph of damaged cane. Other residents reported seeing a brilliant blue light descend from the skies.
• November 13, 1971 (Lucerne Valley, California, USA): Three hunters claimed a flying saucer landed, and a mysterious occupant emerged. They found five round impressions in the ground.
• December 2, 1971 (Walker, Mich., USA): Steve Lossenort and five witnesses saw a "great big bright red ball with blue and white lights following a plane." The object zoomed around above trees and then shot straight up and disappeared.
• December 7, 1971 (Brightwalton, England): A man reported a dullish-grey, circular object about 20 ft in diameter that suddenly took off and disappeared. A patch of completely dry ground was found in the muddy field.
• December 7, 1971 (Lachlan, Tas., Australia): Mr. A. De Blas saw a light plane or helicopter-like object that appeared to be crash-landing, but then rose and headed north, signalling with a powerful torch and receiving three answering pulses of light. His wife and sons also saw two red-orange circular lights.

Comments and Opinions:

• Lull in UFO Activity Doesn't Shake Believers: Tom Nicholl, president of Nicholl Brothers, Inc., guaranteed the existence of UFOs, stating they are not man-made and have been sighted globally. He mentioned reports of "wheels" in the skies by biblical figures and sea captains. He also claimed "hundreds of examples" of UFO landings with occupants emerging.
• Are Other Galaxies Calling Us? Let's Tune In, Say Scientists: This section discusses a proposal for a co-ordinated, international effort to scan the skies for radio signals from intelligent extraterrestrial beings. Scientists believe intelligent life exists elsewhere and that contact is possible.
• Australian scientists urged to overcome fear of ridicule: Dr. B. H. Horton of Adelaide University advocated for Australian and New Zealand scientists to investigate UFOs without fear of ridicule, stating that numerous sightings demand explanation and could lead to significant scientific discoveries.
• Mount Airy Man Keeps Tally of UFOs: UFO researcher George D. Fawcett noted a recent worldwide surge in UFO sightings, with December traditionally being the month of heaviest sightings. He observed an increase in landings and reports of occupants in the past 18 months and stated that the quality of sightings has improved.
• Purely Personal - by Sam Hunter: This piece mentions over 400 flying saucer spotters gathering weekly near Kineton Army camp in England for a "skywatch," organized by the International UFO Research Assn. due to an unprecedented number of sightings.

Data-Net Report:

The issue includes an advertisement for "DATA-NET," described as a comprehensive UFO news report, available via subscription. It also lists the "UFO Amateur Radio Network."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often quoting witnesses and referencing official investigations or lack thereof. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are real and warrant serious investigation, despite skepticism or ridicule from some quarters. The recurring themes include the variety of shapes, colors, and behaviors of reported objects, the potential for physical trace evidence, and the growing scientific interest in the subject, including the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine appears to aim at informing the public about these events and encouraging a more open-minded approach to their study.