EUFOSG Journal - 1978 - Winter 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: EUFOSG The Official Journal
Issue Date: Winter 1978
Publisher: Essex Unidentified Flying Object Study Group
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue marks a significant transition for EUFOSG, the Official Journal of the Essex Unidentified Flying Object Study Group. The editorial announces that the magazine is undergoing a transformation, moving from a bi-monthly to a quarterly publication. This change is accompanied by an increase in the number of pages, while the yearly subscription remains unaltered. Furthermore, this issue is the last to feature the familiar front cover design and title of "Journal." The next issue, due in Spring 1978, will introduce a new cover design and a new magazine name: "EARTHLINK." This rebranding signifies a broader aim to reach a wider audience, with Group affairs to be allocated their own section, while investigations will retain prominence.

Key Articles and Reports

Editorial: Things to Come

The editorial welcomes the first 1978 issue and details the upcoming changes. It explains the shift to quarterly publication due to various reasons, primarily the available time. The subscription price remains the same, but the content will be rearranged to align with the new "EARTHLINK" image, targeting a broader audience. The editorial also notes that the publication will no longer be solely a "true Group journal."

Group Meetings

Next Group Meeting: Scheduled for Friday, 7th April 1978, at 8:15 pm at Harts Lane Hall, Cowbridge Lane, Barking, Essex. The guest speaker will be Mr. J.B. Delair of CONTACT (UK), who will discuss the UFO phenomenon. Mr. Delair is noted as a well-known and respected ufologist and former editor of CONTACT's journal "Awareness."

Group Meeting held Friday, 27th January, 1978: The guest speaker was the internationally-known psychic consultant and medium, Gay Muir. Ms. Muir, a Psychic Consultant/Clairvoyant for the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain, shared her experiences with the spiritual world from a young age. She discussed developing her psychic abilities over twenty years and her belief in reincarnation and UFOs. During the meeting, she demonstrated her abilities by relaying a personal message from a spirit to a lady in the audience. Ms. Muir emphasized the close link between the spiritual and physical worlds and warned of the dangers of dabbling in psychic matters without proper guidance, noting the existence of "evil and dangerous souls." She shared an experience from Canada where she assisted the police with an investigation into the Ku Klux Klan. Ms. Muir also described the "third eye," a psychic center in the forehead, which can be seen by psychics and may have different colors. She suggested that some UFO witnesses might be seeing UFOs psychically through this third eye, noting that many contactees admit to being psychic. Ms. Muir also recounted an experience where she and other mediums visited a spaceship during a meditation state. After the talk, Ms. Muir answered some audience questions and offered to return for a future evening of clairvoyance.

Following Ms. Muir's talk, Ron Markwick, the Group's Technical Advisor, briefly discussed a space message broadcast illegally over Southern ITV on 26/11/77 and strange "boom" noises heard over the US East Coast. Ron Rider, the Acting Chairman, closed the meeting.

Investigations

Lead-in: From November 1977 to late January 1978, there was a noticeable lack of UFO reports from the Essex/East and North London areas, which contradicted previous patterns. This quiet period was followed by a potential change in UFO patterns for the Essex area.

The Big Wave of UFOs: The issue references a computer prediction in the USA that a major wave of UFOs would manifest strongly near the Aral Sea in southern Russia in December 1977. While the outcome of this prediction is unknown, an "overspill" to other parts of the world, including Great Britain, is expected. Essex is known for its high number of sightings, leading to expectations of reports that did not fully materialize.

Historical Pattern of UFO Waves: The report notes that major UFO waves occur approximately every five years, with a pattern of geographical movement: June '47 (north-west USA), July '52 (midwestern USA), August '57 (South America), September '62 (Mid-Atlantic), October '67 (England), and November '72 (South Africa), indicating a progressive easterly movement.

Current Activity: As of early February, there was reported to be some UFO activity in Essex, with an interesting sighting from the Chelmsford area anticipated for the next issue.

Report No.1 (Case No. 1977-7-12) Level B: The Spaceship of the A13

This report details an encounter by Mr. Paul Jones, a bowling-alley mechanic, on Saturday, 9th July 1977, at 2:30 am. Mr. Jones was pushing his motor-cycle, which had run out of petrol, along the main A13 London to Southend road near Stanford-le-Hope. He switched on his indicator lights for safety. While stopped, he observed two bright stars in the eastern sky. He identified one as the North Star and then noticed the other "star" move, hover, and descend rapidly towards the ground. The object, described as a "star" and later a "craft," approached along the road at approximately 35 mph (56 Km/hr.) at a height of about 35 ft. (10.7m.). The sighting lasted about 10 minutes.

Mr. Jones described the craft's front face as having a shaft of white light projecting downwards, similar to a car's headlight, with bubble-like protuberances on either side, which he believed were observation chambers. The craft's general shape was likened to a "Thunderbirds" TV series craft, being short and "bulky," with two main parts (head and body). The color was described as light green or pale blue, with red non-flashing lights on fins extending from the sides. The rear and underside were black. A greyish mist swirled around the craft, hindering observation. A quiet, swooshing noise, like a vacuum cleaner or hovercraft, was noted. Mr. Jones felt the craft was riding on a cushion of air but detected no rush of air or smell.

Estimated dimensions were: Length: 30ft. (9.1m.), Width: 15ft. (4.6m.), Height: 10ft. (3m.). Mr. Jones experienced no abnormal symptoms, and his wind-up watch was unaffected. Notably, the motor-cycle's indicator lights, which were on throughout, also remained unaffected, contrary to typical reports of electrical disruption.

The report questions Mr. Jones' identification of the North Star, as calculations suggest no prominent star was in that position. Mr. Jones did not recall seeing the moon. The sighting was reported to Dagenham East Police Station nearly a month later. The newspaper "Barking & Dagenham Post" published an account, which contained some errors. Mr. Jones initially kept the sighting private but reported it after seeing the newspaper article. EUFOSG investigator Mr. Sam Chuter interviewed Mr. Jones.

Mr. Jones compared the craft to elements from "Thunderbirds" and "Star Trek" but insisted he had no interest in UFOs or science fiction, reporting the sighting out of a need to be heard. The investigators concluded the case was not a hoax and that Mr. Jones was reporting it accurately. They noted the craft's strange appearance and pondered the variety of UFO shapes, questioning if it implies infinite civilizations or a supreme intelligence shaping them. They speculated that the flashing indicator lights on Mr. Jones' motor-cycle might have attracted the craft, suggesting UFOs might interpret them as distress signals.

Report No.2 (Case No. 1977-7-8) Level A: Police observe "UFO"

This report details an incident involving Mr. and Mrs. Day on Friday, 29th July 1977, around 3:00 am, while driving home on Forest Road, Hainault, Essex. Mr. Day spotted two bright white lights in the sky, which suddenly appeared. Mrs. Day, who was driving, also saw them. The lights were motionless, appearing in an "eleven o'clock position" relative to the car's windscreen, somewhere over recreation grounds. They consisted of a very bright white light and a fainter white light to the upper left.

As the car approached a roundabout where Forest Road meets Hainault Road, the lights "swung round" to maintain their position relative to the car, rather than moving to the rear as expected for satellites or celestial bodies. The Days continued driving, and the lights followed. They eventually stopped at Chadwell Heath Police-Station to report the lights, but Mrs. Day was hesitant. They then drove east along High Road, turned south, and then south-east before deciding to report the lights at Dagenham East Police Station, now convinced they were part of a UFO.

At the police station, Sergeant Tulloch confirmed they often received UFO reports and offered to investigate. He mentioned having a contact number for someone who deals with such objects. At 3:10 am, EUFOSG investigator Sam Chuter was alerted and picked up by a police car. Mr. Chuter also saw the lights shining brightly towards the east. At the police station, six policemen and one police-woman observed the lights. One officer suggested Venus might be the answer, while another recalled seeing something similar previously. The lights gradually faded around 4:30 am as dawn broke.

Newspapers reported the sighting the following week. Mr. Chuter and Mr. John Saville interviewed the Days, making a tape recording. The EUFOSG investigation split the sighting into two parts: observations up to Chadwell Heath and those afterward.

The report concludes that the lights seen from Dagenham Police-Station were indeed the planets Venus and Jupiter, which were close together in late July/early August '77. However, the initial part of the sighting, before reaching Chadwell Heath, remains uncertain. Mr. Day described the lights as being to the left of Forest Road (approx. N.E.) when first seen, but the planets Venus and Jupiter at 3:00 am were low on the horizon (6-7 degrees above) and directly in line with the end of Forest Road. The report notes that Forest Road and Hainault Road are lit by sodium street lamps, and with dipped headlights, these bright planets would have been difficult to see or unimpressive. The elevation of the lights (30-45 degrees) also did not match the planets' position. The report states that even if the Days were watching the planets along Forest Road, they could not have seen them through the windscreen while driving along Hainault Road, as the sky in that direction (south) was barren, with only one faint star. The real planets would have been visible through the side door window, but no mention was made of them until the sighting from Chadwell Heath onwards. The Moon was also visible and full, but the lights were not a reflection in the windscreen, as Mr. Day opened the window to check. No noise was discernible, and aircraft and helicopters were ruled out.

The weather was clear, visibility 12 km, and temperature 11°C. The Days created models to explain the lights' movements. The investigation suggests an object imitated the appearance of the planets, noting that UFOs imitating common objects is not new. The report concludes that this was not the first time strange objects had been seen in the Forest Road and Hainault area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, presenting detailed witness testimonies and analysis. There is a clear effort to be objective, distinguishing between confirmed sightings (like the Paul Jones case) and potential misidentifications (like the Day's sighting of Venus and Jupiter). The publication also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychic experiences, as highlighted by the feature on Gay Muir. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, aiming to document and analyze reports, while also acknowledging the evolving nature of the field and the need to reach a broader audience, as evidenced by the upcoming rebranding to "EARTHLINK."

Title: Viewpoint Aquarius
Issue Date: January 1978
Publisher: Fish Tanks Ltd.
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Viewpoint Aquarius presents a collection of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, mysterious disappearances, and alleged alien communications.

Other Sightings

This section, attributed to David L. Rees, discusses various unexplained aerial phenomena. It begins by noting that objects seen in late July/early August could be mistaken for planets, suggesting that UFOs might exploit this for observation. The author references John Keel's work on unidentified aircraft and recounts reports of mystery helicopters in Cheshire and Yorkshire from 1973-1976 that flew at treetop height, left flattened grass, and were not picked up by radar. Additionally, unusual animal sightings are mentioned, including a creature described as 'about two feet tall with a tail like a fox and the appearance of an Alsation dog' seen in Cheshire in May 1974, and a 'monster bird' with a seven-foot wingspan reported near London's Heathrow Airport in September 1974. The Nottinghamshire Lion reports from the summer of 1976 are also noted as mysterious.

Mystery of the Sylvia L. Ossa

This article details the baffling disappearance of the 590-foot-long Panamanian ship Sylvia L. Ossa on October 13th, which vanished with 37 crewmen while en route to Philadelphia. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard investigators were unable to find a normal explanation. Investigations concluded that an explosion did not sink the ship, as wreckage was minimal. Rough seas were also ruled out, as other vessels in the area reported calm conditions. The ship did not split apart or develop a hole, as no distress messages were received. Life jackets were found bundled together, and a life raft was uninflated, indicating the crew had no time to use them. A single overturned lifeboat was also found. Petty Officer Dale Tuckett of the Coast Guard admitted the circumstances were mysterious, noting the absence of bodies and the lack of a Mayday signal. Cmdr. Alan Kyle described the scene as if 'all trace of human involvement had been wiped away.' The ship, carrying iron ore from Rio de Janeiro, was last heard from at 5 a.m. on October 13th, when it was 140 miles west of Bermuda. The captain reported heavy seas but no problems, and other ships noted only a small isolated storm. A 28-foot sailboat in the same area arrived safely. The article notes the similarity to the 1963 disappearance of the Marine Sulphur Queen, which also carried iron ore and had a similar size and crew.

Mysterious Aerial Detonations

This section reports on a series of mysterious explosions heard along a 500-mile stretch of the eastern United States, originating over the sea and defying scientific explanation. Mr. Ernest Jahn, a scientific investigator for the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, stated that these blasts were not earthquakes, sonic booms, or related to satellite re-entry or meteorological phenomena. Government assurances indicated no military exercises or upper-atmosphere experiments were conducted. Jahn's tentative conclusion was that it was a physical phenomenon not yet understood. The first booms were heard on December 2nd, 1977, with subsequent ones on December 20th, 22nd, and 24th. These were estimated to have an energy release equivalent to 50 to 100 tons of TNT. An explanation involving methane gas deposits igniting was considered but rejected. The possibility of extraterrestrial involvement was also raised, though Jahn could not see a direct relation to UFO phenomena. Mr. Richard Golob of the Smithsonian Institution described the earthquake theory as 'highly unlikely' and speculated about Concorde flights or military fighter planes. The 'Daily Telegraph' suggested a combination of causes and atmospheric conditions channeling sound. Extracts from 'The Observer' (January 8, 1978) propose that the bangs could be caused by aircraft maneuvering at supersonic speed, specifically the bending and focusing of the supersonic shock wave. This 'secondary boom' could be loud enough to be frightening. The phenomenon is thought to occur between late September and April due to atmospheric conditions. The article also mentions that these bangs have been known in the Channel Isles as 'Les Canons des Iles' and that some North American Indians called them 'Moodus' sounds. Ron Markwick postulates that alien craft switching dimensions might leave a void filled by air, creating the bang. Another theory suggests recurring ghost phenomena. The article concludes by questioning if UFOs are deliberately causing these bangs.

Southern T.V.'s Alien Broadcaster

This article by D.J. Goring discusses a remarkable 'space message' superimposed over Southern Television's News programme on November 26th, 1977. The broadcast, lasting about four minutes, featured a voice warning that beings from outer space would take over unless the world pursued peaceful policies, identifying itself as 'Gillon, representative of the Ashdown Gallactic Command.' Thousands of TV viewers were stunned. The 'News of the World' published an account of the event. ITN promptly issued an apology, and Southern studios were flooded with calls. Engineers investigated, initially assuming it was a hoax. The equipment used was thought to be sophisticated and expensive. The broadcast frightened viewers, with one woman reporting that her friend in Southampton claimed the culprits had been apprehended, which was untrue. The debate continued on LBC radio, with many dismayed that the broadcast was denounced as a hoax without proof. Local TV news did not mention the event. LBC secured a 52-minute tape recording of the message, which sounded original and included peculiar drumbeat-like noises at the beginning and end, with a metallic and reverberating tailing off. These sounds are compared to abduction case phenomena, possibly having a 'conditioning' effect.

The Space Message

This section provides the full interpretation of the 'space message' from 'Viewpoint Aquarius' (January 1978). The voice, identified as 'Gramaha,' a representative of the 'Asta Galactic Command,' speaks of being seen as 'lights in the skies' for many years. The message warns of the 'destiny of your race and your worlds' and urges communication to avoid disasters. It states that the planet is passing into the 'New Age of Aquarius,' which can be a time of peace and evolution, but only if rulers are made aware of 'evil forces.' The message warns against experimenting with 'nuclear energy' and 'atomic bombs,' stating that atomic energy is always directed against life and has no peaceful application. It calls for the cessation of its use and research, and the removal of 'weapons of evil.' It suggests that humanity can proceed to higher planes of evolution if they learn to live in peace and goodwill. The message also warns of 'false prophets and guides' who will drain energy. It advises listeners to be sensitive to their inner voice of truth. The Asta Galactic Command thanks humanity for their attention and states they are leaving the planes of existence.

Hoax or not?

This section investigates the 'space message' broadcast. The Sunday Express suggested students used a van and equipment to transmit a signal into the Hannington transmitter. However, the article questions why sophisticated monitoring systems did not detect this. 'Viewpoint Aquarius' claims five transmitting masts were overridden, not just two. Radio Jackie also claimed to have broadcast the message. The article notes that UFOs do not need to use terrestrial masts. It questions the technical achievement of overriding broadcasts and the difficulty of arranging such a stunt. The article also discusses the possibility of the message being genuine, questioning the strange and difficult-to-understand voice and the relatively small broadcast area. It suggests that if the message were genuine, it would likely be delivered more clearly. The article also mentions that similar messages have been given to contactees and mediums, often emphasizing the banning of nuclear power, with the names 'Ashtar' and 'Galactic Command' being common. The article concludes that this is the first known instance of the 'Galactic Command' using British TV to convey a message, and Ron Markwick believes it won't be their last attempt.

Odds and Ends

Abduction in Essex

This subsection presents the case of an abduction in Essex, UK. A family (Mr. X, his wife, and two children) encountered a peculiar greenish mist in their car in 1975. The car's engine cut out, and the radio went dead while inside the mist. The car emerged from the mist, and everything returned to normal, though the radio was thought to be giving off smoke. The family had no memory of the event, as their memories were suppressed by the aliens. Mr. X contacted EUFOSG in early 1977. The case was learned of by Doug Canning, the Group's P.R.O. The article notes that additional information is lacking as an investigator gave the case to another publication for monetary gain.

An American scientist

This part of the section features an American scientist, Harley Rutledge, Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Missouri, who is convinced of the existence of flying saucers. Rutledge began his study in 1973 and, after four years of research and precise observations, concluded that the existence of UFOs could no longer be denied. His work, comprising over 700 photographic documents, involved hundreds of nights spent outdoors with observers and equipment including telescopes, cameras, and a spectrograph.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Viewpoint Aquarius include UFO sightings, unexplained disappearances (particularly at sea), mysterious aerial phenomena (explosions, sounds), and alleged extraterrestrial communication. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, but rather encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. There is a clear interest in cases that defy conventional scientific explanation and a willingness to explore even speculative theories, including those involving extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine also seems to highlight the potential dangers of nuclear energy, as emphasized in the 'space message.'

This issue of Skywatch, dated December 1977, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a significant focus on UFO sightings and the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH).

Physicist's Personal UFO Encounters

The lead article features a physicist, Mr. Rutledge, who is risking his career to declare that UFOs exist and cannot be explained by conventional logic. He has personally witnessed 140 phenomena, with 25 described as 'incredible'. Three particularly convincing sightings occurred in May 1973 near Piedmont and Farmington, Missouri. During one sighting, ten luminous balls appeared, and on another occasion, he observed an object with a luminous triangle, later followed by an immense object with four lights (two red and two white). Mr. Rutledge believes these objects are intelligently guided and accomplish air acrobatics beyond human capability. He states, "I have not only observed, night and day, strange machines and lights, but they appear to be guided intelligently and in function of human beings." Despite initial unease, his research has changed his life, and he feels compelled to help others understand these phenomena.

UFO Abduction in Brazil

A report from Cuiaba, Brazil, details the alleged abduction of two children, Manoel Roberto and his cousin Paulo, by an unidentified flying object. Manoel Roberto claims they were attracted by the object, and he was later found 500 kilometers away. He stated that eight little men dressed in red were inside the machine.

Astronomical Observations and Misidentifications

An editorial warns readers to "Beware of the planets!" as Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are currently visible in the evening sky and could be mistaken for UFOs. Jupiter appears as a bright star, while Mars and Saturn are less prominent. The article explains that planets do not twinkle like stars because they have a visible disc, unlike stars which appear as points of light. It also describes the colors and potential telescopic views of these planets and their satellites.

Sasquatch Sightings in South Dakota

The "Sasquatch news" section reports on 28 sightings of Sasquatch in the area around Little Eagle, South Dakota. Some residents have left the hamlet due to fear, with one witness describing its "shrieking all night." Tracks measuring 6 to 7 feet have been found, and three creatures are believed to be involved, with two measuring between 6 and 9 feet tall and a smaller one about 6 feet tall.

Letters and Editorial Responses

A letter from Bill Eden responds to an article by Ian Ridpath regarding the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). Eden agrees that the ETH is not proven but should not be dismissed due to its far-reaching implications. He suggests that future alien successors might observe discreetly before making their presence known, which would be less damaging to human society. He also touches upon the concept of inter-stellar travel and the potential for advanced civilizations.

New Publications and Group News

The issue announces the launch of a new publication called "Earthlink," which aims to appeal to a wider UFO-interested audience. The magazine solicits contributions such as newspaper clippings, personal sightings, and magazine articles to support its future issues. The editorial team expresses hope that "Earthlink" will be a success.

A "Stop Press" section revisits the topic of people witnessing large numbers of UFOs, referencing EUFOSG files and a report from Res Bureaux Bulletin No. 29. It mentions a sighting at Robertsonville, Quebec, Canada, on January 23rd, 1978, where 150 bright lights were seen flying together. The editor notes that accurately counting large numbers of UFOs is difficult, with witnesses often resorting to terms like 'hundreds' or 'thousands'.

Advertisements and Listings

The magazine includes advertisements for various UFO and paranormal publications and organizations, such as 'Skywatch', 'Foresight', 'Res Bureaux Bulletin', 'Pulsar', 'Spacequest', 'Page Research Library', 'Essex Healers' Association', and 'BUFORA'. It also lists a book titled 'Diary of an Alien' by Richard Spencer and details the BUFORA 1978 Conference in Nottingham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential for extraterrestrial contact (ETH), unexplained phenomena like Sasquatch, and astronomical observations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information, while also cautioning against misidentifying celestial bodies as UFOs. There is a clear effort to present a balanced view, acknowledging the lack of definitive proof for the ETH while advocating for its continued consideration.