Gemini - Vol 1 No 1 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: GEMINI
Issue: Vol 1 No 1
Date: Jan-Mar 1972
Publisher: Oliver Stenhoff and Oakley-Hill Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This inaugural issue of GEMINI, a new UFO journal incorporating COS-MOS/SIRIUS/UFO Chronicle, presents itself as a platform for 'UFO news and views'. The cover features a stylized 'GEMINI' logo, a depiction of a UFO, and a textured sphere alongside Earth's atmosphere, with the main headline 'UFO news and views'. The issue is dated January-March 1972, Volume 1, Number 1.

Editorial: The one and only Earth?

By J Graham Cowell, Editor of PERCEPTION, this lead article explores the growing scientific consensus that extraterrestrial life is not only possible but probable. Cowell posits that many planetary systems may harbor conditions suitable for organic evolution, leading to civilizations far advanced beyond our own, potentially capable of interstellar travel. He urges readers to consider the evidence from UFO witnesses, suggesting that common sense applied to the controversy will favor the existence of UFOs over skepticism. The article touches upon strange radio signals from space and poses questions about potential extraterrestrial contact, anticipating that answers may emerge within the decade.

Contents Overview

The magazine's contents are diverse, covering a wide range of UFO-related topics:

• The one and only Earth? by J Graham Cowell (Page 1)
• Flap 71 (Pages 2-17): A comprehensive summary of numerous UFO sightings reported across Britain from August to October 1971, with detailed accounts, locations, dates, and witness descriptions. This section forms the bulk of the issue.
• The twin UFO journal (Page 2): An introduction to GEMINI, its editorial team, and its incorporation of other UFO publications.
• Australian UFO Symposium: Review (Page 20): A review of an Australian UFO symposium.
• The Oyeren UFOs by Richard Farrow (Page 22): An article detailing UFO sightings in Oyeren.
• Two overseas reports (Page 25): Brief accounts of UFO incidents from outside the UK.
• The birth of GEMINI (Page 26): An article discussing the establishment of the magazine.
• The Connelly case by Robert W Tibbitts (Page 28): An examination of the Connelly UFO case.
• Themes of contact: Tape messages (Page 38): An exploration of contact experiences, specifically focusing on tape messages.
• Cancer Planet Mission: Book review by Colin Bord (Page 47): A book review.
• COS-MOS meeting: Introducing GEMINI (Page 49): A report on a COS-MOS meeting and the introduction of GEMINI.
• UFO quiz results (Page 50): Results of a UFO quiz.
• A box-dropping saucer (Page 51): A description of a specific UFO sighting.
• Letters (Page 52): Correspondence from readers, including a letter on 'the Tundra mystery'.
• Raiders from Mars? (Inside back cover): An unspecified article.
• Crossword / Coming BUFORA meetings (Outside back cover): Puzzle and event announcements.

FLAP 71: A Detailed Report

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings from August to October 1971, primarily focusing on the Banbury area in Oxfordshire, which was identified as a peak area for activity. Each report includes the date, time, grid reference, location, description of the object, witness accounts, and often an explanation or investigation note. Some notable incidents include:

• August 5, Bottesford, Lincs: A blue light and sparks from an object that snapped tree branches.
• August 7, N Bradley, Wilts: Multiple lights forming a triangle, and a luminous object moving erratically.
• August 12, Droitwich, Worcs: A large object described as a 'terrifying noise' followed by silent hovering with red and green lights.
• August 15, Aldridge, Staffs: A slowly moving light observed for over two hours, estimated at 7-800 ft.
• August 15, Tynemouth: A glowing yellow object described as an edge-on disc with red tips.
• August 15, Broadstairs, Kent: A fireball exploding near cars.
• August 16, Eltham: A large, bright red-orange ball described as 'like scaffolding-poles rolling on concrete'.
• August 16, Llwyngwril: A yellow-orange cigar-shaped light with a dark spot.
• August 17, Kersey: A sparkling golden object followed by another 'flying saucer' with a flame.
• August 18, Uppingham: A report of a UFO landing and taking off, described as a large spinning top.
• August 24, Brownhills: A silver object with a bluish sheen, described as a vertical cigar shape with extending arms, which folded and ascended rapidly.
• August 27, Strensall: Two straight sausage-shaped objects moving SW, with pulsing lights.
• August 30, Clee Village: A metallic silver cone-shaped object with port-holes and round lights, hovering in a valley.
• August 30, Llanfairfechan: An oval white light that moved and altered shape.
• August 30, Faversham: A cigar-shaped object that turned egg-shaped, then cigar-shaped again.
• August 30, Eltham: Two large bright stationary lights that moved slowly, described as a dark cigar-shape.
• September 1, Solihull: A bright yellowish-white object that scattered into tiny pieces.
• September 3, Great Barr: A green L-shaped object that changed to cigar-shape.
• September 5, Barden Tower: A 'hazy metallic inverted saucer or cone' above a plane, which reversed direction and accelerated rapidly.
• September 6, Strensall: A bright white missile or rocket making a roaring noise.
• September 7, West Coast: Reports of 'flying saucers', attributed by weather offices to rocket launch reflections.
• September 8, Forest Hill: An object described as 'floating along' with a dipping motion, like a 'partly-deflated balloon'.
• September 24, Wantage: Reports of a 'monster' approximately 8 ft tall with glowing red eyes, horns, and a protruding back, capable of running and jumping large obstacles.
• September 27, Bodicote: A driver claimed to be frightened by a creature similar to the 'Wantage monster', who subsequently disappeared.
• September 28, Ruscote Estate: Boys reported a large silver cigar-shaped object accompanied by smaller silver objects.
• October 17, Farnborough: A bright yellowish-white light, pulsing and changing direction.
• October 19, Daventry: An intense red disc flipping over and coming towards a housing estate.
• October 19, Banbury area: Witnesses reported intensely bright flashing lights on the ground.
• October 26, Enstone: ATV cameramen filmed an orange-white object flying east towards Banbury.
• October 27, Greatworth: An object similar to report 40 was seen.
• October 27, Ruscote Estate: An object leaving an unusual vapour trail.
• October 27, Church Hanborough: Two slowly-moving, flaming orange cigar-shaped objects.
• October 27, Blackbird Leys & Charlton: Reports of the same sighting with sketches and photos.
• October 27, Ruscote Estate & Middleton Cheney: Reports of two orange objects merging.

Other Articles and Features

Beyond the extensive 'FLAP 71' report, the issue includes a review of the Australian UFO Symposium, an article on the Oyeren UFOs by Richard Farrow, and an examination of the Connelly case by Robert W Tibbitts. 'Themes of contact: Tape messages' delves into communication experiences. A book review of 'Cancer Planet Mission' by Colin Bord is also featured. The issue announces the COS-MOS meeting and the introduction of GEMINI, presents UFO quiz results, and discusses a 'box-dropping saucer' sighting. Reader letters, including one on 'the Tundra mystery', are published, along with crossword puzzles and announcements for upcoming BUFORA meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings, the exploration of potential extraterrestrial contact, and the promotion of UFO research through publications like GEMINI. The editorial stance, as expressed by J Graham Cowell, is open to the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations and encourages a rational, common-sense approach to evaluating UFO evidence. The magazine aims to be a comprehensive source for UFO news and views, consolidating information from various sources and investigations.

This issue of GEMINI magazine, identified as Volume 2 and part of the COS-MOS/SIRIUS series, is dated November 1971. The cover prominently features the title "Themes of Contact-" with a subtitle "TAPE MESSAGES" presented by Norman Oliver. The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including alleged extraterrestrial communications, sightings, and research.

Tape Messages: Philip Rodgers' Experiences

Norman Oliver introduces the main section, "Themes of Contact-", emphasizing that he will present only incidents he has personal knowledge of, primarily his own experiences and those of Philip Rodgers. He states that the interpretation of these "contacts" is left to the reader.

Philip Rodgers, described as a long-time friend and tape-correspondent, has recorded numerous voices and sounds that defy ordinary explanation. These are often short, sometimes barely audible, and require a musician's ear to detect. Rodgers himself notes that his recordings are fragmentary, lasting only a second or so, and do not contain "messages" from Venusians, but rather provide a "living sound picture of the people who produced them" when fitted together.

In the summer of 1957, Rodgers reported many sightings in the Sheffield area. In September of that year, he heard a large number of musical notes, seemingly produced by invisible flying objects, which sometimes whizzed past or paced him, emitting bell-like tones. Several months later, on November 24, 1957, Rodgers attempted to record these melodies. Placing his Grundig microphone on his windowsill, he heard a peculiar whistling sound with a rising, double fundamental note, which he describes as alien to any sound heard on Earth. He considers this his "first recording of a sound believed to emanate from outer space."

Around midday on March 21, 1958, Rodgers recorded a mechanically produced computer-voice saying, "Ship is real, people," against a clicking background. This was followed by other terse messages.

A few days later, he picked up a series of musical sounds, mostly from instruments unknown to Earth, including a violin-like instrument tuned in fifths, and a woman's voice with a rich mezzo-contralto quality. He confirmed that no broadcast performances could be connected.

One evening, Rodgers recorded voices of youngsters making animal noises, chatting, playing, and laughing, alongside an unidentified trumpet-like instrument. A boy said "sputnik" followed by "Ya-du-par-du," and a girl said "Hallelujah" followed by "Nyanna-poddo." He had checked that no children were playing nearby.

Two weeks later, he heard a boy shouting "Ya-ba-huseta," followed by an amorous-sounding lady saying "Mee-see-mah." Later, a man said "Mee-see-see." The syllable "NYA" appears in several recorded words, including "Nyanna-poddo," "Nyanna-puizee," and "Ya-va-nyanna-donnava." Early one morning, a man said "Hiroshidu." About three months later, in Shrewsbury, the same voice said, "Hirashidu-check," suggesting that vowel changes alter meaning. A group of boys and girls shouted "Driota," followed by a feminine giggle.

One day, while invited to tea in Sheffield, Rodgers had a strong feeling he should return home, and upon switching on his machine for a time-check, he heard a man's voice making a hesitant correction to his time-check according to the 24-hour system, asking if he was right.

In June 1959, Colin Hand, a composer, wrote a sonatina for recorder and piano. When Rodgers practiced it, he was amazed to find the entire piece recorded on his tape, with sometimes three sections playing simultaneously, growing fainter and ending in discord. Mr. Hand, initially skeptical, was staggered.

Rodgers explains that most of his recordings are made by placing the microphone on his bed-sitting room windowsill, closing the sash, and switching on the machine. The signals are never heard at the time of reception but only on playback. He found the best time for recording to be around 9 pm.

These excerpts illustrate the type of "message" received, and Oliver notes similarities between Rodgers' voices and those recorded under laboratory conditions by Dr. Konstantin Raudive, as described in his book "Breakthrough." The Raudive voices are suggested to be from the dead, including famous people like Churchill and President Kennedy. While often faint and inconsequential, they share characteristics with Rodgers' recordings, leading to speculation about a common source. Philip Rodgers believes some of his recordings are directed at him personally and are of extra-terrestrial origin.

The "Scoriton" Tapes

These tapes are so-called because their story is related in "The Scoriton Mystery." The incidents happened to the author and Eileen Buckle while investigating a claim, and the recordings are baffling unless one resorts to hypnosis or a "sub-conscious hoax." The author believes Arthur Bryant's "contact" claim was a hoax, possibly engineered to test UFO researchers. The mystery of the tape messages remains.

In January 1966, at a meeting at Tony Wedd's home in Chiddingstone, Kent, a recording was made. On the following Sunday morning, while playing the recording back, a voice was heard saying: "Heed that which is for yourself you believe we are playing my friend, we will play with you more, hear me: The furlong is long, be there Sunday week, Overlooking the vale when all are asleep. Before the dark falls on Edburton go If timing is wrong why there you will know.."

This message, possibly from Tony Wedd, presented a temporal puzzle. The author and Eileen Buckle decided to investigate the following two weekends. On Saturday, June 11, 1966, they went up Edburton Hill. A new tape was used, and during playback, a faint voice, unlike the first recording, said: "If we arrive before two it will be, we may be prevented from coming all three. Take care from today in all that you do And keep well together, divided you'll rue. A time to receive is at the last quarter As the bright one you see in the Bearer of Water."

This message was later deciphered to indicate a time related to the Moon's last quarter and Saturn rising in Aquarius. They adjourned to the Long Furlong but found nothing. A second message was picked up on the second Saturday evening at Edburton. The author describes the location as the Long Furlong, a stretch of road at the foot of the Downs, and Edburton, a small village nearby.

Later, the author attempted to record a message by asking if anyone was out there. After 18 seconds, two loud metallic knocks were heard, though no one was present and the microphone had not moved.

Back in Worthing, a series of taps, like Morse code, were heard. Mark Stenhoff attempted to record them, but the microphone was disconnected, and the taps ceased.

The next morning, at Edburton, a UFO detector held by Mark emitted rapid buzzes like a Morse message. The detector then ceased to function. The author notes that if they had been able to record these events, the question of whether they were Morse messages would have been solved.

Animal, Vegetable or Alien?

On April 2nd-3rd, the author and Mark Stenhoff revisited the Worthing area. While skywatching, they tried recording with the microphone outside the car window. They heard a male voice say two syllables sounding like "SHUB-SHEE." This was similar to interjections in Philip Rodgers' recordings. The author speculates that this might have been an entity commenting contemptuously on their discussion about "Scoriton" tapes, possibly relating to the Urdu word for "vegetable."

Book Review: Cancer Planet Mission

This section reviews Ludwig F Pallman's book, "Cancer Planet Mission," published in 1970. The story is told in the first person by Pallman, who recounts meeting a spaceman named Satu Ra in India. Satu Ra reveals his home is on a planet other than Earth and that his people consider Earth a "Cancer Planet" due to human conflict. The spaceman's voice comes from a device clipped to his chest, and his fingertips are sensitive organs. Telepathy is not used for communication.

Satu Ra and his sister Xiti later meet Pallman in Peru when he is hospitalized. They administer a healing tablet, curing him. They then take him to a camp in the depths of the South American jungle, where they have extensive research facilities and conduct expeditions. The spacemen's philosophy, "cosmophilosophy," advocates living in harmony with oneself, others, and nature. The book presents seven commandments for this philosophy. The reviewer notes that these ideas are not new and have been taught by various spiritual leaders throughout history.

COS-MOS Meeting

A report details a COS-MOS meeting held at Kensington Library on November 27, 1971. Over 100 people attended. Capt. Ivar Mackay gave a talk titled "UFO Entities, Occult and Physical." Richard Colborne, Mark Stenhoff, and Dave Oakley-Hill reported on recent UFO sightings. Norman Oliver chaired the meeting and conducted a UFO quiz. Andrew Tomas spoke about the Blue Mountains sightings in Australia, and Ivar Mackay presented slides warning against taking things at face value, showing natural formations resembling sculpted figures and UFOs that were actually sun-dogs or reflections.

UFO Quiz

This section presents the results of a UFO quiz given to 37 audience members at a meeting. About 50% had five or more correct answers. Two individuals disliked the quiz. The section lists the questions and answers, and names the winners, Colin Bord and Rev. Norman Cockburn, who received a year's free subscription to GEMINI.

A Box Dropping Saucer

This is a report of an odd sighting in Edmonton, Alberta, in September 1969, experienced by Sharon and Cathy Radomski. They saw an occupied flying vehicle swoop low over school grounds. Lights glowed from its dome-shaped superstructure, and a door opened in its base. As the craft descended, two "boxes" fell from the opened hatch. The object then sped away. The girls were frightened, and the father searched for the "boxes" but found no trace.

Letters

On the Tundra Mystery: Anthony Pace, FRAS, writes that meteorites can explode in the air due to atmospheric pressure, causing disruption into fragments. He notes that the Siberian event's responsible body was "evidently not of the iron or stony varieties."

Antoni Szachnowski replies, maintaining that meteorites do not explode in the air but disintegrate due to external factors. He explains that "detonations" are caused by the violent filling-in of vacuums created by air currents and ballistic pressures.

Richard Colborne, of SIGAP, addresses the fallacy of accelerated plant and animal growth as proof of radiation exposure. He suggests that saplings, initially tall and thin, grow normally after mature trees are blown down, allowing full sunlight. He also explains how trees combat fire damage by utilizing stored food to grow new bark and limbs.

An article titled "A Captured Comet" (Findings of the 1962 Tungus Expedition) by Kirill Morensky is mentioned, which attributes the Tungus event to a comet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of alleged extraterrestrial contact through various means, particularly audio recordings (EVP), and the reporting of UFO sightings. The magazine presents personal accounts and research findings, encouraging readers to form their own interpretations. There is a clear interest in the scientific and investigative aspects of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the UFO quiz and the detailed reporting of meetings and research efforts. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet critical, presenting evidence and allowing for reader interpretation, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes or misinterpretations. The magazine also touches upon broader philosophical and cosmological ideas presented by alleged contactees.