Irish UFO News - No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: IRISH UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 3
Date: January 1976 (with a handwritten correction to 1977 and another annotation '1977 1ㅋㅋ')
Publisher: Irish UFO Research Centre
Country: Ireland
Price: 25p

This issue of the Irish UFO News, a twice-yearly publication from the Irish UFO Research Centre, offers a diverse range of articles focusing on ufology, space exploration, and reviews of relevant publications. The editorial panel emphasizes that the publication is open to all contributors and is not an organizational journal, with the editorial panel not responsible for opinions expressed.

Editorial: It May Be True, But Is It Useful?

Editor John Hind critically examines the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) for UFO phenomena. He contrasts the public stance of many amateur ufologists, who loudly proclaim the ETH, with the private doubts some scientists express. Hind argues that the ETH, in its current conception, has not adequately explained the phenomenon for over a decade and is no longer a 'useful' theory, comparing it to outdated theories. He contends that while UFOs could be spacecraft, time travelers, or from other dimensions, without means to distinguish, none of these theories are useful. He concludes that idle speculation is best left to science fiction.

A Tale of the Englishman and the Irishman

Jenny Randles, secretary of NUFON and editor of 'Northern UFO News', provides an overview of the ufological landscape in England. She notes the proliferation of UFO groups, many existing primarily for members' activities, leading to confusion and duplication of effort. Randles highlights BUFORA and Contact UK as 'national' groups, but criticizes BUFORA for its dwindling membership and lack of engagement, and Contact UK for its limited investigative work and lack of meetings. She praises 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR) as a leading international publication. Randles contrasts the fragmented English scene with Ireland's unified Irish UFO Research Centre, encouraging Ireland to become a forerunner in European ufology. She reflects on the squabbling and mistrust among ufologists, pondering if the phenomenon itself causes discord, but ultimately attributing it to the emotive nature of the field. She expresses a wish for proof that UFOs are not extraterrestrial spacecraft, believing this would reduce the number of involved individuals to a more manageable 25%.

News and Comment

Report on BUFORA's R. & I. Conference: This section details BUFORA's second research and investigations conference held in November. The event featured presentations on cataloging 'type one' reports, time/frequency correlations of UFO reports, and occupant cases. Dr. J. Allen Hynek spoke informally, and Ted Bloecher presented his compilation of American occupant cases. The author notes a complaint about opening the occupant research presentation to the public, which led to public ridicule. The conference also included discussions on BUFORA's vehicle interference project and photographic analysis department.

The American Scene: Hynek Rules O.K.?: This article discusses the high public awareness and belief in UFOs in America, citing a 1974 Gallup poll. It examines major US UFO organizations like APRO and NICAP, noting their commitment to the extraterrestrial theory and struggles with funding. The emergence of Dr. Hynek's Center for UFO Studies in 1974 is discussed, intended to serve scientists. The article expresses concern that Dr. Hynek's efforts to popularize the phenomenon, especially with the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', might fuel public emotional interest rather than objective scientific inquiry, potentially mirroring the impact of 'Jaws' on public perception of sharks. However, it acknowledges the Center as a focal point for progressive ufologists.

Review

BUFORA's Investigators Handbook: The handbook 'UFO Investigation' is highly recommended for its comprehensive information on investigation procedures, from simple LITS to high strangeness cases. It includes sections on misinterpretations, photography, and landing sites, along with contact information and reading lists. Minor criticisms include the neglect of sociological and psychological aspects and the use of identikit-type UFO shape charts. The reviewer praises BUFORA for this valuable reference work, priced at £2.50.

• Magazines:
• Skyskan's 'Alert': This Dublin-based magazine is described as commercially produced with advertisements. Early issues contained rambling articles by the chairman, though smaller articles by other members showed a less evangelistic attitude.
• MUFOB: An independently produced quarterly journal focusing on the sociological and metaphysical aspects of ufology. It is praised for being free of organizational politics, controversial, and for excluding unjustified speculation. Each issue includes a serialization of Peter Rogerson's 'International Catalogue of Type One Reports'.
• BUFORA Journal: This journal's funding was cut back to prioritize other areas like the investigator's handbook. The reviewer argues that BUFORA's primary function should be disseminating research, not producing a magazine solely to retain non-involved members' interest.
• NUFON's Northern UFO News and Northern Ufology: These publications from the Northern UFO Network offer insights into the UFO scene in Northern England. The 'News' is monthly with organizational news and sighting summaries, while 'Northern Ufology' is periodical and includes more detailed investigation and theoretical articles. Reproduction quality is noted as poor but content is prioritized.
• WUFOS's 'Skylink': This magazine from the Wirral UFO Society has faced issues with material, resulting in thin issues. However, the content is generally high quality and offers good value for money.

Features

Viking Update: This section provides an update on the Viking landers and orbiters on Mars. It details the testing of Einstein's theory of relativity by measuring the bending of radio energy by gravity. The mission director, Calvin Broome, has approved an 18-month extension for reactivation, aiming for confirmation on life experiments. Other goals include lowering the orbiter's periapsis for clearer photographs, excavating a trench, and conducting further biological and chemical analysis.

The Picture So Far (Mars): This part of the Viking update details atmospheric data, noting the pink atmosphere composed mainly of CO2, with variable H2O vapor. Surface pressure variations are recorded. Despite the evaporation of water, soil erosion has been minimal due to the dipole moment interaction of charged soil particles. A five-foot deep trench is planned to gather more data. The seismometer on the first lander is still inoperative.

Phobos: Orbiter 1 is scheduled for a close fly-by of Phobos to determine its mass and density. Recent pictures reveal a battered surface, suggesting Phobos was once part of a larger body that broke up. Two speculations for the surface striations are presented: passage through a shower of small bodies or layers within Phobos's rock composition.

Biology (Mars): The pyrolytic release experiment showed a positive result for CO2 release, but the absence of organic compounds led to the conclusion that it might be chemical action. Further experiments will be conducted under varied conditions, including at planet surface temperature.

The Surface: Geology (Mars): Mars is described as having vast, heavily cratered plains with no continents or oceans.

Sighting Investigation

Sighting Summaries: This section likely contains brief summaries of reported sightings.

S.I. Report No.4: A Close Encounter Near Ballymena: This report details a specific UFO sighting near Ballymena.

S.I. Report No.5: The Naas Sightings: This report covers UFO sightings in Naas.

Editor's Note: A brief note from the editor.

IUFORC Publications

A 22-page report on the Belfast Contactee case is available for 60 pence, with loan copies also available for 15 pence postage and packing. Orders should be sent to John Hind.

Editorial Apology

The editorial panel apologizes for the late appearance of this issue, attributing it to a misprint on the cover date, and assures subscribers that efforts will be made to return to schedule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of established UFO theories, particularly the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, and the practical aspects of ufological investigation. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the need for useful, evidence-based theories. The issue also highlights the challenges and fragmentation within the ufological community, particularly in England, while commending the more unified approach in Ireland. The publication also covers space exploration news, specifically the Viking missions to Mars, and reviews various ufological publications, offering a critical perspective on their content and organization. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation, clear thinking, and a move away from unsubstantiated speculation towards more grounded research.

This issue of UFO TIMES (Volume N.30, Issue N.30, dated January 1965 or 1966) is primarily focused on ufology, with a secondary article on the geology of Mars. The cover features a striking black and white image of a disc-shaped object with the headline "HOAX OR U.F.O.?" and a promise of a full report in the next issue. The publisher is IUFORC, and the country of publication is the United Kingdom.

Mars: A Geological Perspective

The issue includes a "GENERALIZED GEOLOGICAL MAP OF MARS BETWEEN 65°N AND 65°S," detailing various geological features such as channel deposits, canyon deposits, chaotic deposits, knobby deposits, grooved terrain material, volcanic deposits, sparsely, moderately, and heavily cratered plains, mottled cratered plains, mountainous deposits, and cratered deposits. The accompanying text discusses Mars's geological activity, noting volcanoes and rift valleys, and mentions that the discovery of dry river valleys was a significant breakthrough from the Viking mission. It highlights Nix Olympia, a massive volcano, and discusses seasonal variations, attributing apparent vegetation changes to duststorms. The text concludes that while life has not been discovered on Mars, the planet is geologically active and has a landscape vastly different from Earth, with evidence of dramatic climate changes.

New Directions in Ufology: Socioufology

Authored by John Hind, this article introduces the concept of "Socioufology," defined as the study of the effects of the UFO phenomenon on human populations, and vice versa. The author acknowledges inventing the term and explains that this field, while not seeking a mechanistic explanation for individual sightings, offers a valid perspective by examining the societal context of UFO reports. It traces the origins of this idea to Jacques Vallee's work, particularly 'Passport to Magonia,' which sought to build a bridge between folklore (like the fairy-faith) and modern UFO occupant reports. Vallee's approach suggests that UFO phenomena might be a modern extension of folklore. The article argues that while some ufologists may find this approach lacking in providing concrete explanations for individual sightings, it is necessary for understanding the broader phenomenon, especially when considering the potential for an "extra-human intelligence" or a phenomenon that adapts to societal perceptions.

UFO Sightings: Detailed Reports

The issue presents several detailed UFO sighting reports, categorized under "Sighting Investigations." These reports are analyzed for their "strangeness" and "probability" of being identified phenomena.

Case N.30 (Report No. N.30)

• Date: Unknown, January 1965 or 1966
• Location: Lurgan, Northern Ireland
• Witness: Nr. TE Crawford (Age 15/16 at the time)
• Account: The witness saw two lights, like stars, moving very fast in an abrupt zig-zag fashion without sound. They moved parallel to each other towards the north and were briefly obscured by clouds.
• Details: The objects were high up and moved quickly.
• Conclusion: The case is noted for its unusual trajectory.

Case N.33 (S.I. Report No.4)

• Date & Time: August 11, 1976, 21:30-22:00 BST
• Location: Approx. 7 miles out of Ballymena, on the T.7, Northern Ireland
• Witnesses: Mrs. E. (mother), Evelyn (18-year-old daughter), and two young sons. Mr. E. (husband) was also present during the interview.
• Introduction: The report includes a letter from Mrs. E. describing her emotional reaction, fear, and the object's intense light.
• Account: The family's car was shadowed by a very bright, white, light-emitting object that descended rapidly. It appeared to want to come to their car. The object was silent and moved with them for about three miles before rising vertically into a cloud and disappearing. Evelyn distinguished a bright ray effect but no outline.
• Object Description: Large, very radiant white, brighter than the moon but not dazzling, almost a disc but horizontally elongated like an egg. Size descriptions varied, but all agreed it was significantly larger than the full moon.
• Effects on Witnesses: The witnesses were very scared, believing the object was aware of them. Mrs. E. was too frightened to retrieve a camera.
• Astronomical Note: The moon was nearly full, but the investigator considered it unlikely to account for the sighting.
• Conclusion: The case is considered useful for illustrating fear and non-comprehension in witnesses facing a perceived super-normal event.

Cases N.34 to N.41 (S.I. Report No.5 - The Naas Area Sightings)

This section, authored by John Hind and Tom Higgins, discusses a cluster of sightings in the Naas area, characterized by enigmatic red 'fireballs' and other phenomena. The authors acknowledge the difficulty of objectively assessing reports from individuals known to be interested in UFOs but state they have made a conscious effort to focus on objective aspects.

• N.34:
• Date & Time: Approx. 23:30, June 19, 1976
• Location: Celbridge, Nr. Naas, Ireland
• Witness: Paddy Galvin, painter
• Account: While cycling, the witness was blinded by a bright white light in an adjacent field, appearing to be about 500-600 ft high. The light disappeared suddenly.
• Further Information: The witness was shaken. The investigator suggests it was likely light shining on a low cloud.
• Probability: 3, Strangeness: 2.
• N.35:
• Date & Time: 20:00, June 20, 1976
• Location: Allenwood, Nr. Naas, Ireland
• Witness: Name and address on file.
• Account: A bright yellowish light traveling at high speed passed overhead from east to west. The witness heard a loud hissing noise just before it disappeared, though it might not have been connected to the object.
• Probability: 3, Strangeness: 2.

Other Sightings Summaries

The issue also provides statistics on other sightings, including 2 "LITS" (reports with minimal information), 1 hoax (a misinterpretation of a fictional article), and 1 satellite sighting.

Newbridge July 15 '76: HOAX OR U.F.O.?

A specific photographic case from Newbridge, dated July 15, 1976, is highlighted with the question "HOAX OR U.F.O.?" A full report is promised for the next issue. The IUFORC PHOTO is mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the geological exploration of Mars and the detailed investigation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, particularly regarding UFO phenomena, acknowledging the limitations of purely scientific or reductionist explanations and embracing new conceptual frameworks like "socioufology." There is a clear effort to present witness accounts objectively while also considering less tangible aspects like subjective impressions and societal influences. The magazine seems to advocate for a broader, more interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex phenomena, whether they are extraterrestrial, psychological, or sociological in origin.

This issue of UFO Times, dated July 1976 (though containing reports up to January 1977), focuses on a series of unusual sightings primarily in the Sallins and Naas areas of Ireland. The reports detail observations of bright red objects, often described with unusual sounds and movements, and include investigative efforts to explain these phenomena.

Detailed Sightings and Investigations

N-36: Sallins, July 1, 1976, 22:00

Three adult brothers observed a "flame red cloud shaped object" from their home near Sallins. The object was described as being about the size of a tennis ball at arm's length and very bright, comparable to the sun. They observed it for approximately 15 minutes. The investigator noted that while the witnesses' integrity was questioned, the low "strangeness" rating suggested a possible basis in fact. Possible explanations were not detailed, but the report was included due to its proximity in time and location to the next sighting.

N-37: Sallins, July 1, 1976, 23:25 BST

A shopkeeper and his wife reported seeing a "red light like a beacon" about 100ft high and a mile away. The object descended, making a sound like a vacuum cleaner being switched off. It moved, landed briefly, and then the red lights switched off, replaced by white lights that eventually went out. The object was reconstructed as being about 12cm to 1cm at arm's length, or somewhat larger than the full moon. A helicopter explanation was ruled out by the Garde (Irish police). A subsequent investigation found a denuded, elliptical patch in a field about 1.5 km away, measuring 8m by 4.5m. However, a farmhand suggested the mark predated the sighting, making a connection unlikely. The wife described the object as an irregular, slightly elongated, blood-red light. This sighting was noted as being highly similar to others reported later.

N-38: Near Sallins, July 5, 1976, About Midnight BST

Mr. Michael Ryan, a Police Officer, and his sister Mary, a civil servant, observed a "very bright red oval shaped object" in the sky. They estimated its altitude at about 200ft and diameter at about 100ft. The object was on their left (West) as they drove North. They had it in sight for about 15 seconds before it disappeared. When they turned left at a crossroads and looked in its direction, it was gone. The night was clear, though there had been earlier thunderclaps. The object was described as "bright red and larger than the full moon, it was well defined," but only observed briefly. The investigator noted the similarity to the previous sighting made it interesting.

N-39: Sallins, October 31, 1976, 19:15

Four individuals—John Hind, Tom Higgins, Chris Gaffney, and Brendan Meddler—witnessed an object while in John Hind's mini car. They first observed a "diffuse but intense mid-red colour, nearly perfectly circular" object at an elevation of about 15° Northeast. It appeared steady, descended slowly, and disappeared behind trees. About a minute later, a second, similar object was observed, possibly performing a steeper trajectory. John Hind managed to take two Polaroid photos, but they were inconclusive. The witnesses attempted to locate a landing or launch point but were unsuccessful. The reports were consistent.

N-40: Naas/Dublin Road, October 31, 1976, 22:10

John Hind, Chris Gaffney, and Brendan Meddler were driving at approximately 100 kph when they spotted a "very bright red object" directly in front of them, at an elevation of about 40°. The object moved slowly horizontally across the road, then descended at a steep angle (about 80°) at a rate of about 1 every two seconds. Witnesses disagreed on how it disappeared; some thought it faded out at about 50° elevation, while others believed it went behind a small hump in the road. Chris Gaffney took two photos, which showed a clear red spot but also spurious images. The witnesses encountered another driver who had pulled over, visibly shaken, and who had stopped for the same reason. This driver's name and address were recorded but found to be indecipherable.

#### Further Details and Analysis (N-40)

Chris Gaffney had a "premonition" that they would see the object again, leading to the Polaroid camera being set for maximum exposure and focused at infinity. This anecdotal event is credited with yielding better photographic results than previous attempts. A comparison shot of the full moon showed comparable magnitude. The investigator noted the considerable coincidence between these and other observations. Explanations were rigorously pursued. Dublin airport radar logged no unidentified blips. Meteoric fireballs were considered unlikely due to the object's leisurely motion and change in direction, though the sightings occurred near a meteor shower maximum. Parachute flares were considered a more likely explanation, but the launch point could not have been the same as the observed flight path. The Met. office indicated southerly winds up to 500ft, which would oppose the object's flight path. Fireworks were also considered, but they had been banned in Ireland for nearly three years, and police reported no illicit displays.

N-41: Naas, January 5, 1977, 19:00 GMT

Thomas Higgins, his mother Mrs. Eileen Higgins, and his young niece Lauraine Higgins (age 11) reported a light that caught the eye through a front window. Initially thought to be a reflection, it was observed to be real. The light wavered slowly from side to side, bobbed up and down, and seemed to rotate. It descended and flashed a variety of colours (blue to green to red). The object went dark and slowly descended further. When it descended, it was clearly visible against a line of trees. The sighting could be explained as a bright star or planet with atmospheric diffraction, but assuming the former factor wasn't due to misinterpretation, parametric calculations were performed. These yielded a maximum object distance of 120m ± 4m, maximum altitude of 60m ± 3m, and maximum diameter of 3m ± 1m.

Conclusion (N-41)

At the time of writing, reports were still being received from Naas, and the Dublin team was investigating at least two cases of red fireballs. The investigators still felt that a specific natural explanation was most likely for these cases, but none had yet been identified.

Editors Note

The editor apologized for the omission of the regular "Organisation News" article due to space constraints, promising its reappearance in the next issue. A summary of the news items was provided:

• Chris Gaffney noted the formation of a new Dublin group called Spectrum, following the disbandment of Skyskan.
• Miles Johnston noted that BUFORA (Ireland) had been recognized as an official branch of BUFORA. He also mentioned the formation of two new organizations: BUDEC (the British UFO Documentation Centre, associated with Hynek's Centre for UFO Studies in the USA) and the UK Investigator's Agency (formed by Jenny Randles to improve investigative ufology in the UK).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings, particularly those involving bright red objects in Ireland during 1976-1977. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings while leaning towards the likelihood of natural explanations, though acknowledging that definitive answers were not always found. The magazine also highlights the ongoing development and networking within the UFO research community in Ireland and the UK, with mentions of new organizations and affiliations.