Irish UFO News - No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: IRISH UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: July 1976
Publisher: BUFORA (IRELAND)
Country: Ireland
Price: 20p

This issue of "Irish UFO News" is a ufological journal published twice a year by a group associated with the British UFO Research Association's Irish Branch. The content is intended to be of interest to ufologists in general, across both parts of Ireland. The publication welcomes articles, letters, and reports from all sources, with opinions expressed belonging to the individual correspondent or editor, and BUFORA holding no corporate views.

Contents

The issue features a variety of articles and reports:

• Editorial by John Hind: Discusses the need for the publication to become financially self-supporting through subscriptions and to broaden its appeal. It also calls for contributions and feedback from readers.
• News and Comment: Includes sections on "UFO Research-A New Direction," "The Viking Invasion of Mars," and "The Manna Machine."
• A New Irish Close Encounter Report: By Mark Malony, detailing a sighting from Christmas 1945.
• A Historical Sighting From Ireland: By Edward Downey, quoting a medieval account.
• Anatomy of a Flap: By John Hind, analyzing the phenomenon of concentrated UFO sighting periods.
• UFOs and Secrecy: By Miles Johnston, discussing government knowledge and secrecy surrounding UFOs.
• BUFORA Irish RIC's Report: By Miles Johnston.
• BUFORA Dublin News: By Chris Gaffney.
• Investigations: Modifications to the Sighting Weighting System, Sighting Summaries.

A Special Supplement is also mentioned, containing photocopied transcripts and articles related to the main issue's content, available separately.

Editorial - John Hind

John Hind's editorial addresses the administrative and financial aspects of producing "Irish UFO News." He explains the decision to upgrade the publication and offer it on a subscription basis to both BUFORA members and the general public to ensure financial viability and wider reach. The subscription is set at 50 pence for two issues. Hind also appeals for contributions, including articles and papers of ufological interest, with a closing date for copy set for the tenth of the month of publication (July and December). He also requests feedback in the form of letters from readers.

News and Comment: UFO Research - A New Direction

This section, likely penned by the editor or a senior contributor, argues that over thirty years of intensive UFO research, largely by amateur organizations, has yielded limited progress in solving the UFO problem. The author suggests that a key reason for this lack of progress is the unwillingness or inability to theorize and test hypotheses against the data. The article posits that the confusion between 'UFO' and 'UFO report' hinders progress. It advocates for a new research direction, moving beyond traditional report collection and tape recording towards the use of quality instrumentation. The work of groups like the "Extra-terrestrial Society" in Britain, using equipment to detect hypothetical interstellar spacecraft, is mentioned. The article also references Project Starlight International (PSI) in Texas, an organization using advanced equipment like lasers and magnetometers for UFO detection. An Irish UFO Research Centre project is also noted, investigating the design of semi-automatic tracking apparatus, recording magnetometers, and all-sky cameras. The author expresses a belief that traditional investigation methods, while still valuable, must be supplemented by instrumental approaches to analyze the growing volume of data.

The Viking Invasion of Mars - Miles Johnston

This article details the NASA Viking missions to Mars, focusing on their primary objective: the detection of extraterrestrial life. It explains the biological experiments designed to detect photosynthesis, metabolic functions, and respiration in Martian soil. The article also describes the molecular analysis of the atmosphere and soil, and the function of the Lander cameras, which build up panoramic and 3-D images. Despite potential faults in the biological laboratories, the spacecraft were rectified. Scientists believe there's a good chance of finding simple bacterial life on Mars, which would have profound implications, suggesting life could have arisen independently on two planets and making the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs less improbable.

The Manna Machine

This short piece speculates on a recent article in 'New Scientist' suggesting that the biblical "manna" was produced by a machine, possibly from a visiting spacecraft. The article theoretically reconstructs this machine as capable of producing protein-rich food from single-cell cultures, proposing it as an ideal solution for providing sustenance for a large spacecraft crew on a long interstellar voyage.

A New Irish Close Encounter Report - Mark Malony

This report, sent anonymously, describes a close encounter that occurred around Christmas 1945 on an island off the west coast of Ireland. The witness, alone on a beach, observed a bright flash and an object described as square with a silvery dome descending into the sea. The object then moved to a field, where two figures emerged. These figures are described as having short, square legs and disproportionate bodies, wearing black-grey rubber-like suits. One figure walked over the water, placed an object in it, and returned. A farmer's dog barked, and one of the figures used a device on the dog, which then entered the box. The craft then scanned the sky, and a fleet of five to six craft flew overhead. The object then elevated and departed. The witness fled to a nearby house, where the occupant dismissed the sighting as common.

A Historical Sighting From Ireland - Edward Downey

Quoted from Jacques Vallee's 'Passport to Magonia,' this report dates from about 1211 A.D. It describes a marvel in the borough of Cloera where an anchor with a rope was dropped from the sky, catching in the arch above a church door. A ship with men on board was seen floating nearby, and a man leaped overboard to the anchor. The townspeople attempted to seize him but were forbidden by the Bishop. The man was freed and returned to the ship, which then sailed away.

Anatomy of a Flap - John Hind

John Hind's article analyzes the phenomenon of short, concentrated UFO "flap" periods, specifically referencing the November 1975 flap. He argues against the tendency to universally apply the extraterrestrial hypothesis to all UFO reports, emphasizing the need for consistent analysis criteria regardless of whether a sighting occurs during a flap. Hind proposes a hypothesis that many flaps are not due to an increase in actual UFO activity but rather an increase in the number of reported sightings. He suggests a feedback loop where media attention, public awareness, and the involvement of UFO organizations can amplify the reporting of sightings, leading ordinary phenomena like helicopters or Venus to be described in extraordinary terms. He advocates for researchers to maintain a low profile during flaps to avoid influencing the data and to explore other explanations before resorting to the E-T hypothesis.

UFOs and Secrecy - Miles Johnston

Miles Johnston discusses the belief that governments possess significant, undisclosed information about UFOs, including their origins and capabilities. He argues that in the current global climate of military tension and the proliferation of advanced technology, governments would maintain strict secrecy over any information that could provide a military advantage. Johnston suggests that a benevolent alien intelligence would likely not reveal itself openly in such a volatile world, as any disclosed advanced technology could be exploited. He references George Ward's opinion that messages from advanced civilizations would be kept secret for military exploitation and quotes Antony Hewish on the profound implications of receiving an intelligent signal from space, describing it as "Galactic Politics."

BUFORA News - Miles Johnston (BUFORA Ireland R.I.C.)

Miles Johnston announces a reorganization of BUFORA's investigation efforts in Ireland, proposing the formation of small, local investigation groups with a central address and phone number for reporting UFOs. He mentions the possibility of two large centers in Belfast and Dublin, with the 'Irish UFO Research Centre' in Belfast already operational. The center aims to conduct research, investigations, and set up a mobile investigation team. Membership is informal. Johnston also reports on the establishment of good relations with Sky-Skan, another major UFO organization in Ireland, agreeing to an exchange of published material and reports, and planning co-operation on skywatches. A major project by John Hind is underway to design a semi-automatic tracking device for skywatches, capable of recording color photographs, height, distance, dimensions, velocity, and object maneuvers. The article concludes by stating the organization's effort to have members join other national and international UFO organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the use of instrumentation. There's a clear stance against simplistic explanations, particularly the over-reliance on the extraterrestrial hypothesis without rigorous testing. The journal advocates for a more analytical and data-driven approach to UFO research, acknowledging the role of media and public perception in shaping the understanding of UFO "flaps." The issue also touches upon the broader implications of UFO sightings, including potential government secrecy and the search for extraterrestrial life, as exemplified by the Viking mission to Mars. The editorial stance promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject, encouraging detailed reporting and scientific inquiry.

This issue of the "IRISH UFO NEWS" provides updates on the activities of UFO research organizations in Ireland, focusing on BUFORA (Ireland) and its collaborations. The publication itself is undergoing changes, with BUFORA (Ireland) no longer able to support it financially, leading to a new pricing structure for non-members and a shift towards independent publication.

BUFORA Dublin News

Chris Gaffney reports on the situation in Dublin, noting the folding of "Contact (Eire)" but the establishment of cooperation with "Sky-Skan." He expresses a desire for greater cooperation among Dublin-area members and welcomes new members, including Tom Higgens, D. McConnell, and Tony Cervi, while noting some members have become inactive. A significant event was the joint skywatch with Sky-Skan on the Sugar Loaf mountain, which, despite not yielding sightings, was seen as a positive step for inter-organizational collaboration. Gaffney also highlights the interesting nature of Sky-Skan's fortnightly meetings and the potential for growth, partly due to their chairman's radio interviews. He suggests assigning specific areas of responsibility to members for handling sightings and encourages country members to connect for better branch efficiency. Contact information for report forms is provided.

New Members

The publication welcomes several new members to BUFORA (Ireland), including Tom Higgens (Co. Kildare), Barry O'Hara (Lurgan), Peter Boyd (Helen's Bay, Co. Down), Kenneth Hunter (Belmont, Belfast), Philip Day (Belfast), and Tommy Cullen (Dunmurry).

Investigations and Sighting Investigations

This section is a footer indicating the general content of the publication.

Modifications to the Sighting Weighting Scheme

This article discusses the review of the statistical weighting system used for UFO reports (N-1 to N-25). The system is based on two indices: probability (defined as the reportee's accuracy in describing an event) and strangeness (the measure of inexplicability without postulating new science). The method was adapted from J. Allen Hynek's system, with ratings assigned subjectively. An error in the previous issue's drafting caused the probability scale to be inverted. The article provides a formula to correct probabilities from the last issue, noting that the current issue's probabilities are correct. It also mentions that research is ongoing to assign ratings more objectively, which may lead to reassignment of ratings for past reports.

Report Summaries

This section details several specific UFO sighting reports:

• N-26 (Summer 1974): Witness T. Cullen (age 15) in Bundoran, Co. Donegal, observed a circular white object with a grey center, about the size of the full moon, moving SE to the west at an elevation of 45 degrees for about 10 seconds. Evaluation: Unknown. Probability: 3. Strangeness: 3.
• N-27 (September 29, 1975): Witness Mr. VP Carter and children observed a small, white round object drifting NW. Through a telescope, it appeared to have a well-defined outline and a smaller object composed of two cones suspended underneath. Evaluation: Balloon, probably weather. Probability: 4. Strangeness: 1.
• N-28 (November 20, 1975): Witness Edward Mulhern in Belfast observed three small, white lights in an equilateral triangle formation at an elevation of 60 degrees. The objects were stationary and silent, then began to move slowly before accelerating to high speed, maintaining perfect formation for 30 seconds. Evaluation: Unknown. Probability: 3. Strangeness: 4.
• N-29 (November 25, 1975): Witnesses Michael Duffy and Mr. Adams at St. Louises Comprehensive School observed three objects (two white, one red) in a line, moving fast in a N-S direction SW of their position. They were observed for about 2.5 minutes. Evaluation: Possible Helicopters. Probability: 4. Strangeness: 3.

Additionally, three other sightings are briefly noted: 3 Helicopters, 1 other aircraft, and 1 parachute flare.

Subscriptions

BUFORA (Ireland) can no longer financially support "The News." For the current issue, non-BUFORA members are charged 20 pence, while BUFORA members receive it free. Future issues will be available for direct purchase at 30p or by subscription at 60p for two issues. Members of BUFORA, Sky-Skan, or NUFON groups receive a special rate of 50p for two issues. Starting with the next issue, "The News" will be published separately from BUFORA (Ireland) and will appear twice a year, in December and July, with the same general size and format. Subscription forms are provided for individuals to register their interest and aid forward planning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the operational aspects of UFO research organizations in Ireland, including membership, cooperation between groups, and the reporting and evaluation of sightings. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific approach to analyzing UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed discussion of the sighting weighting scheme. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting organized research, encouraging collaboration, and striving for more objective data analysis within the field of ufology. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by such organizations in terms of financial sustainability and the need for continued member engagement.