EYE Magazine Vol 1 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: EYE Magazine
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2
Date: Spring 2002
Price: £2.00
Publisher: EYE Publications
Joint Editors: Chris Evers & Gary Anthony

This issue of EYE Magazine, subtitled 'For UFOlogists, By UFOlogists!', presents a diverse range of articles exploring UFO phenomena, ancient astronaut theories, and space exploration. The editorial welcomes readers to the second edition, emphasizing the magazine's aim to provide a serious and dedicated effort in the field of UFOlogy. It encourages reader participation through subscriptions and feedback, highlighting the goal of reducing subscription costs and improving content quality.

Featured Articles and Content

Cover Stories:

• 1909 Hull's First UFO? By Gary Anthony: This article revisits what is likely Hull's first widely recorded UFO sighting, part of the 1909 'phantom airship' wave, noting it remains a mystery.
• Was ET Here OK? Ancient Astronaut Theories. By Chris Evers: This piece examines the theories of Erich von Däniken, focusing on his book 'Chariots of the Gods' and the concept of ancient extraterrestrial visitation influencing human development. It traces von Däniken's background, his controversial claims about ancient artifacts and myths, and his eventual debunking by investigators, while acknowledging the enduring public fascination with such ideas.

Editorial and Introduction:

The editorial, penned by Gary Anthony, welcomes readers and outlines the magazine's mission. It stresses the importance of reader support through subscriptions and encourages submissions of letters and emails. The editorial also previews key articles, including NASA's mapping of Mercury, Chris Evers' look at ancient astronaut theories, and an investigation into a Jet and UFO encounter over the North Sea by David Clarke and Clas Svahn. It also mentions brief reports on recent UK sightings and introduces a new local UFO archive feature.

Table of Contents:

• The magazine features a comprehensive table of contents, listing articles such as:
• EYE on Space: NASA To Map Craters On Mercury
• EYE on Myths And Legends: Was ET Here OK! (Von Däniken's Ancient Astronaut Theories)
• EYE on Recent UK Sightings & Is This The FT?
• EYE on Space: Red Star In Orbit
• EYE on Alien Intervention: THE MIND PARASITES: A MIRROR INTO THE SOUL OF MANKIND: Part one.
• EYE on Sightings: (Airport Update) By David Clarke
• EYE on US
• EYE on Reviews: Out Of The Shadows
• EYE on Hull's First UFO! By Gary Anthony
• EYE on Quotation Corner: Jenny Randles 1981
• EYE on Groups: MAPIT
• EYE on Classifieds

EYE on Space:

• NASA unveils mission to map frozen craters on Mercury: This article by Steve Connor reports on NASA's Messenger space probe mission, scheduled to launch in March 2004. The $286m mission aims to map Mercury's topography, magnetic field, and particularly its polar craters, which may contain frozen water. The probe will take a circuitous route, taking five years to reach its destination. It highlights Mercury's proximity to the Sun and the challenges of studying it.
• Red Star In Orbit: By Chris Evers. This piece discusses China's space ambitions, including the launch of the Shenzhou 3 spacecraft and its goal of reaching the Moon by 2010. It touches upon the transfer of technology from the US to China and concerns about China's growing presence in orbit.

EYE on Myths and Legends:

• Was ET Here OK? A look at the Ancient Astronaut theories of Erich von Däniken. By Chris Evers. This article critically examines Erich von Däniken's theories, particularly those presented in 'Chariots of the Gods.' It discusses his claims that ancient civilizations were influenced by extraterrestrial visitors who 'seeded' the planet. The article details von Däniken's life, his travels, and his controversial use of evidence, including alleged photographic proof. It notes that his credibility was undermined by accusations of fraud and the debunking of his theories by experts. The piece also mentions the resurgence of interest in his ideas and his ongoing projects.
• Nazca Lines: This section discusses the Nazca Lines in Peru, attributing their construction to the Nazcan people between 200 BCE and 600 CE, refuting von Däniken's theory of them being ancient interstellar airports. It describes the lines as geoglyphs created by clearing dark surface stones to expose lighter subsoil, forming shapes of animals, plants, and humans visible from the air. The article also touches upon the controversy surrounding von Däniken's claims about pottery depicting flying saucers.

EYE on Alien Intervention:

• THE MIND PARASITES: A MIRROR INTO THE SOUL OF MANKIND: Part One. By Clive B. Potter. This extensive article explores the UFO phenomenon from a psychological and archetypal perspective. Potter argues that the phenomenon may not be solely extraterrestrial but could stem from the human collective unconscious, manifesting as various entities like aliens, demons, or angels. He suggests that these manifestations are shaped by cultural expectations and beliefs, acting as 'Artificial Intelligences' or 'Artificial Intermediaries' that guide human evolution. The article critiques both sceptics and uncritical believers in UFOlogy, proposing that a true understanding must encompass all aspects of the phenomenon without contradicting established facts and be predictive. It draws parallels between UFO encounters, demonic possessions, and mythological accounts, suggesting a common underlying intelligence or mechanism.

EYE on Sightings:

• Recent UK Sightings: Brief reports include a sighting of three UFOs in a triangle formation over Whitley Bay and a 'string of pearls' configuration seen near Chorley, which caused the witness to feel unwell.
• Is This The FT?: This section reports on milestones achieved by Northrop Grumman for the X-47A Pegasus experimental unmanned air vehicle, including engine tests and preparation for its first flight.
• JET CREW ENCOUNTER UFO OVER NORTH SEA: By David Clarke. This article investigates a reported sighting by the crew of a small passenger jet (Debonair BAe 146) over the North Sea in April 1999. While newspapers sensationalized the event with claims of a 'battleship-sized' object, the official report to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was less dramatic, describing an 'incandescent light' and a radar return. The article highlights the media's tendency to exaggerate such incidents and notes that the MOD and CAA were not officially investigating.
• EYE on SIGHTINGS (Airport Update): This section further analyzes the North Sea incident, citing UFO Sweden's investigation which suggests the reported object might have been a bolide (fireball meteor). It criticizes the press for misreporting and distortion, noting that the 'battleship' claim originated from a previous, similarly sensationalized report about a UFO tracked over the North Sea in 1998. The article emphasizes the role of media sensationalism in UFO reporting.

EYE on US:

This section is brief and mainly serves to introduce the editors, Gary Anthony and Chris Evers, and their work in producing EYE Magazine and their website. They express gratitude for the readership increase and encourage further subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

EYE Magazine positions itself as a platform for UFOlogists, aiming to provide a balanced and serious perspective on the subject. Recurring themes include:

• UFO Sightings and Investigations: Detailed accounts of recent and historical sightings, with an emphasis on critical analysis and debunking sensationalism (e.g., the North Sea incident).
• Ancient Astronaut Theories: A critical examination of figures like Erich von Däniken, questioning the validity of their claims and highlighting the scientific and historical counterarguments.
• Psychological and Archetypal Explanations: Exploration of the UFO phenomenon through the lens of human consciousness, collective unconscious, and archetypal imagery, as presented in Clive Potter's 'Mind Parasites' series.
• Space Exploration: Updates on current and future space missions, such as NASA's Mercury probe and China's space program, linking these to broader themes of humanity's reach into the cosmos.

The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging evidence-based discussion while acknowledging the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding UFOs. The magazine seeks to differentiate itself from purely sensationalist reporting by offering in-depth analysis and diverse viewpoints, including those that challenge conventional explanations.

EYE Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 3, published in Autumn/September 2002 by East Yorkshire Encounters, is a publication for UFOlogists. The issue features articles on book reviews, historical UFO sightings, and UFO research organizations.

Eye on Reviews: 'Out of the Shadows'

This section reviews the book 'Out of the Shadows: UFOs, the Establishment & the Official Cover-up' by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. The reviewer, Tracie Wayling, finds the book to be factual and down-to-earth, offering an objective look at officially reported UFO sightings. Wayling suggests that governments may keep UFO reports secret to prevent panic or embarrassment, and highlights the book's inclusion of recently released documents. The review notes that credible witnesses, despite their experience with aircraft, reported sightings that were publicly dismissed while investigations behind the scenes were panicked. The book is praised for its detailed explanations and objective approach, countering a less favorable review in 'The Observer'. A quote from Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, "I have never seen a flying saucer and yet I believe they exist. I have never seen Australia, and yet I believe that too, exists," is used to support the idea that belief in the unexplained is valid.

Eye on Hull's First UFO?

This article, by Gary Anthony, delves into the archives to examine Hull's ufological past, prompted by a recent article on phantom airships seen in Essex in 1909. Anthony re-examines Hull's UFO sightings, focusing on a wave of phantom airships in 1909, which included Hull's first recorded UFO sighting. He found three references for sightings in Hull during the week of May 10th to May 16th, 1909, which preceded the sensationalized story of Mr. G. Lethbridge of Cardiff, who claimed to have encountered a landed airship.

The first sighting in Hull occurred on Thursday, May 13th, 1909, reported by Mr. A. Walker of 31 Coltman Street. Walker described seeing a flashing light, like lightning, and then a luminous, arc-shaped body in the sky, which he estimated to be about a mile up. He noted a peculiar whirring noise and observed the object for about two minutes. His father and mother also witnessed the light.

The article notes the difficulty in attributing these sightings to any particular known airship. It also mentions other sightings in Hull during the same week, including one from the Boulevard area where witnesses saw a strange airship and a piercing searchlight focused on the River Humber. A lady in West Hull also reported a strange light hovering near the Humber.

The article draws a parallel to the R38 airship disaster in 1921, where the airship crumpled and exploded over the Humber, killing 44 crew members, and another airship, the R34, which had a near-disaster. It concludes that strange sightings in Hull skies are not a new phenomenon and that people continue to report UFOs in the context of current aerial technology. The author suggests that these sightings are deeply embedded in local history and culture.

Eye on Groups: MAPIT

This section provides information about MAPIT (Manchester's Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team), founded in August 1974 by Mr. Reese, who ran it until its closure in 1989. In 1995, Mr. Stephen Mera re-formed the organization as Manchester's Anomalous Phenomena Investigation Team, expanding its scope to include the paranormal and supernatural. In 2000, it was re-formed again as Manchester's Association of Paranormal Investigators & Training (MAPIT), focusing on investigation and training programs.

MAPIT offers the British Investigators Training Course (BITC), a comprehensive 20-week course available in person and via correspondence. The organization has over 200 overseas and 400 UK BITC qualified investigators. They hold quarterly meetings in Sale, Cheshire, and previously met in Manchester. MAPIT has around 40 members, with 25 investigators, and conducts investigations primarily in Greater Manchester but also operates outside the area.

The organization publishes a quarterly magazine called 'Phenomena' (£2.00), which covers investigations, findings, news, reviews, and advertising. MAPIT also offers free analysis of audio, video, and photographic anomalies to the public and runs a video trading service. Their website provides explanations of phenomena, research, links to other groups, magazines, journals, and investigators.

MAPIT launched the UPIA (Unknown Phenomena Investigation Association) in March 1999, with an office in Bebington, Cheshire. They also launched SEP (The Scientific Establishment of Parapsychology) in 1997, which investigates ESP and innate abilities and sends findings to universities. SEP aims to collate scientific findings to educate the public and media about parapsychology. SEP's web page is under construction, and MAPIT plans to launch a Lancashire Office in Burnley in the summer of 2002.

MAPIT conducts residential and corporate investigations, including one into paranormal disturbances at Sunlight House in Manchester. They also investigated a paranormal water forming captured by North West Water Laboratories. Currently, MAPIT is investigating High Velocity Anomalies and studying galvanic skin resistance in association with electromagnetic and geomagnetic fields, with plans to present scientific findings to universities in late 2002. MAPIT also offers lectures and talks to various institutions and provides a news clipping service and a paranormal photographic CD ROM.

Other Sections

• SETI BOOKS: An advertisement for buying and selling UFO phenomena books.
• EYE ON Events: Listings for SPI & BUFORA meetings in 2002, including speakers and topics such as 'My Experience with the MOD' and 'Crop Circles and UFOs'.
• Stanton T. Friedman: Announcement of Friedman as a guest speaker at The 21st Leeds International UFO Conference & Gala Dinner in September 2002.
• INTERESTED IN UK UFOLOGY?: A link to the UFOLOGY UK NEWS-GROUP.
• WHY?: A recommendation to visit The WHY Files website.
• V*GER 32:** An advertisement for a free magazine covering UFOs and the paranormal.
• Grimsby Abductions: An article detailing investigations into UFO sightings and alleged abductions in the Grimsby area by Gary Anthony & Chris Evers.
• EYE ON Groups/Investigators: An invitation for groups and investigators to advertise their events for free in EYE Magazine.
• Quotation Corner: A quote from Jenny Randles comparing the UFO phenomenon to a beach, emphasizing the need to analyze its constituent parts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, historical sightings, and the scientific and investigative aspects of the subject. There is a clear interest in debunking skepticism and presenting evidence, as seen in the review of 'Out of the Shadows' and the detailed reporting on MAPIT's investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to explore the subject matter thoroughly. The magazine also highlights the importance of local history and community involvement in UFO research, as evidenced by the focus on Hull and the promotion of local groups and events.