Irish UFO News - No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: Irish UFO News
Issue: NO.5
Date: April 1978
Price: 35p
Publisher: IUFON

This issue of Irish UFO News is an independent magazine published twice yearly, focusing on UFOs and related subjects. It is available via subscription or over the counter. The magazine welcomes articles, notes, book reviews, and sighting investigations, interpreting 'UFOs and related subjects' liberally. Exchange publications are also welcomed.

Editorial: Ignatius Donnelly: Eccentric Genius

The editorial delves into the life and work of Ignatius Donnelly, an Irish-American figure known for his off-beat causes. Donnelly, who served as Lieutenant-Governor of Minnesota and later as a Congressman and Senator, was a political reformer. He authored two novels: 'Doctor Huguet,' a plea for racial tolerance, and 'Caesar's Column,' a prediction of Fascism. The editorial highlights Donnelly's more unconventional interests, particularly his 1882 book 'Ragnarok,' which proposed a theory of planet-wide catastrophes caused by a comet, a concept deemed similar to Immanuel Velikovsky's catastrophism. Donnelly also explored the myth of Atlantis, publishing a popular book on the subject in 1882, which even influenced British Prime Minister Gladstone to finance an expedition. Furthermore, Donnelly proposed that Shakespeare's plays were written by Francis Bacon, a theory he detailed in 'The Great Cryptogram' and 'The Cipher in the Plays.' Donnelly died in 1901, having been a candidate for the US Vice-Presidency.

News and Views

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP)

This section introduces CSICOP, a group of 43 scientists, journalists, educators, and magicians formed about a year prior. Headed by philosopher Paul Kurtz, its members include Carl Sagan, BF Skinner, James Randi, and Isaac Asimov. CSICOP has lodged complaints with the FCC and congressional sub-committees regarding NBC documentaries on psychic phenomena and has criticized Kirlian photography, Velikovsky's theories, Biorhythms, astrology, and ufology. The group's objective is to refute 'this new nonsense' and prevent irrationality from spreading. The article criticizes CSICOP's 'flamboyant attitude' and suggests they target 'easy' opponents, while ignoring the rigor of ESP experiments.

NASA to Look at UFO Reports

President Carter has requested NASA to investigate UFO reports due to numerous inquiries received by the White House. The President himself has been linked to the UFO phenomenon, having reported a personal sighting and promised to make UFO information public. NASA scientists are reviewing reports from the past ten years to determine if a special inquiry is warranted. However, NASA is reportedly reluctant to handle the subject, possibly passing it to another agency like the US Public Health Service, due to concerns about its emotive nature affecting their public image. UFO organizations are enthusiastic, with Dr. Hynek applauding the decision for an 'impassionate unbiassed look at the data.' It is hoped NASA will avoid the methodological blunders of the Condon Report. A NASA spokesman questioned how one proves something doesn't exist, which the article interprets as a negative attitude.

BUFORA Planning Conference at Nottingham

BUFORA is organizing its third conference on April 15-16 in Nottingham, with a preliminary program focusing on 'Extraterrestrial Studies.' The conference fee is £6.00 for members and £6.75 for non-members.

NASA Budget Cut-back Again

President Carter's 1978 budget includes cut-backs in space research, with spending increases directed towards other areas, particularly defense. The article argues that the responsibility and financial burden of the space program should not fall solely on the United States, suggesting international cooperation and financing, possibly through oil-producing nations and American technology.

Spectrum Report

The group 'Spectrum,' now 18 months old, has been active in UFO investigation. RTE produced a half-hour show on their activities in December 1977, which raised public awareness. Radio Dublin has also interviewed members. Spectrum is planning further media appearances, including a TV spot with a live audience discussion and a filmed sighting report.

Review: 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

This section reviews Stephen Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' comparing it to '2001: A Space Odyssey.' The film is noted for dealing with the 'UFO myth' rather than the 'UFO phenomenon.' Ufologists expecting a documentary compilation of cases might be disappointed by the film's 'psychic overtones' and focus on human aspects. 'Newsweek' is quoted, stating the film's power comes from the 'Human reality' and its focus on people rather than the paranormal. The review suggests the film's climax, with a giant spaceship and the concept of aliens descending to save humanity, offers a message of hope and a 'Second Coming' for modern beliefs. The build-up is praised for its credibility, focusing on a relatable hero who experiences a UFO encounter. The film's special effects are also highlighted.

The article notes that the film's message, while naive, contains subtleties. It contrasts the Earth team's technology with the aliens' advanced technology, illustrating Arthur C. Clarke's Law. The review suggests the film taps into a 'collective desire for salvation from the stars,' paraphrasing Clarke's Law to imply advanced intelligence might be indistinguishable from God. The film's impact is seen as symptomatic of a 'great pessimism and a loss of self-confidence.'

The review argues that successful films reflect their times, with 'Close Encounters' being a product of the late seventies. It posits that humanity must explore the stars, as advanced civilizations likely have a 'non-interference directive.' The film's success is attributed to people's desire to believe in extraterrestrial spacecraft, making it a reflection of a powerful social image and superb entertainment.

'Close Encounters' in the Press

This subsection summarizes press coverage of the film. 'Newsweek' featured the film on its cover, with a review praising its perception of the UFO phenomenon. 'Showbill' magazine described the film's theme seriously. 'Time' magazine called the confrontation between human and alien 'an ecstatic evolutionary experience.' 'Playboy' magazine ran an article on the film's making and a symposium on UFOs featuring various experts, both pro and con.

Isaac Asimov is quoted from the Toronto 'Daily Star,' expressing anger over the UFO movie and stating there is no evidence of extraterrestrial spaceships reaching Earth, calling it 'nonsense' that keeps people ignorant of science.

The Newbridge UFO: Close Encounter with a Saturn-shaped Object

This article details an investigation into a UFO sighting in Newbridge, Ireland, in July 1977, by Mr. and Mrs. O'Doherty and their daughter Mary. The investigation, conducted by Miles Johnston, Tom Higgins, Allen Lawler, and John Hind, included interviews and a technical analysis. Mary O'Doherty first observed a large, elliptical, light grey/silver object hovering over a shed, described as having a ring with red and green lights. The object emitted a humming noise and tilted. Mrs. O'Doherty also saw the object, though her husband did not. The object then moved off at an elevation of about 45 degrees. Later, the object was seen again, receding rapidly. Mary reported the object was visible for about an hour, while her mother's sighting was shorter. Discrepancies in descriptions, such as flashing lights and the object's orientation, are discussed, with the investigators concluding that the differences likely stem from the witnesses' perspectives and the object's dynamic nature. The article emphasizes Mary's objective and detailed testimony. Calculations based on witness accounts suggest the object was very large, subtending angles of 9º and 5º at the witnesses' eyes, significantly larger than the full moon's approximate 1º.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a critical yet open-minded approach. It investigates specific sightings, reviews related media like films, and discusses the scientific and skeptical viewpoints through organizations like CSICOP. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious investigation into UFO reports while acknowledging the public's fascination and the potential for misinterpretation or sensationalism. There is a clear interest in historical figures and theories related to unexplained phenomena, as evidenced by the extensive coverage of Ignatius Donnelly. The magazine also touches upon broader societal themes, such as the human desire for salvation and the impact of scientific and technological advancements on beliefs.

IUFON, Issue 13, is a magazine focused on ufology and related subjects. It aims to provide material that is both interesting and stimulating to a wide audience, particularly those actively interested in the field. The magazine presents itself as a compromise, catering to both seasoned ufologists and newcomers to the subject.

Newbridge UFO Report

The issue begins with a report on a UFO sighting in Newbridge. Witnesses described an object hovering over a building, estimating its size to be about 1 meter across its longest axis and its distance to be approximately 8 meters. The object displayed colored lights and seemed to react to the witness's cry. Investigators concluded that the object was likely between 1 and 8 meters in size and between 8 and 80 meters away, suggesting artificial construction but ruling out mundane explanations and leaving open the possibility of unusual natural phenomena.

Reviews

Book Reviews

Phenomena: A Book of Wonders by John Michell and Robert Rickard is described as a beautiful, artful book rather than a scientific reference. It covers a wide range of phenomena, from frog showers to spontaneous combustion, presented with pictures in short, anecdotal articles. However, it is criticized for lacking references, a bibliography, and an index, making it difficult to use as a reference work. Despite its visual appeal, the reviewer found it somewhat anticlimactic after a strong philosophical introduction.

Strange Phenomena by William Corlis is part of his 'Source Books' series, which reprints articles from scientific journals on anomalistic phenomena. The review focuses on the 'Strange Phenomena' volumes, noting that the series is well-established in America but less known in the UK. The books are organized by type, with indexes for subject, date, and author. The reviewer highlights the inclusion of articles on unexplained astronomical observations, monsters, geological curiosities, unexplained archaeology, and parapsychology.

The Crack in the Universe by Jean-Claude Bourret is mentioned as a long-awaited French book now available in English, published by Neville Spearman. Two UFO classics have also been republished: 'The Humanoids' by C.J. Jung, in an 'augmented version' by Futura, and 'Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things seen in the Sky' by Routledge. A review of Jung's book is promised once it can be fully understood.

Magazine Reviews

Pulsar, published by the Preston group, is described as a repository for 'delightfully batty theories'. The latest issue features speculations about terrestrial zodiacs, Stonehenge being built by ancient Egyptians, male and female mazes representing 'speed of time' and 'angles of space', and the number 144 as the 'marriage maker'. It also presents Einstein's energy equation as 'E=MCS'.

MUFOB magazine is noted for reaching its tenth anniversary. It is characterized by a radical attitude towards the phenomenon and a tendency to poke fun at other ufologists, rarely reviewing books favorably. The reviewer expresses admiration for MUFOB, crediting it with bringing a much-needed aura of scholarship to the subject.

UFO Research Review takes an editorial stance against non-physical interpretations of UFO phenomena. An item in the latest issue reports a poll where more people believed in extraterrestrial life than in God, and more believed in Earth being visited by extraterrestrials than in God. The reviewer notes that the editor of UFO Research Review often criticizes other magazines, calling MUFOB 'old-fashioned and conservative'.

Ufology Notebook is a privately published, professional magazine by American ufologist Allen Greenfield. A major theme appears to be drawing parallels between modern physics and mysticism, with a potential confusion between 'individual reality' and 'consensus reality'. A poem by Allen Greenfield, 'The Age of Reason', is quoted, reflecting on the loss of mysticism in favor of logic and the passing of figures like Ray Palmer.

New Study Throws Light on Abduction Cases

This section reviews a study by Alvin Lawson on hypnotic abduction cases. The study aimed to create a 'control experiment' by hypnotizing eight individuals to imagine the classic sequence of abduction events. The results showed that these imagined narratives were not substantially different from those obtained in 'real' abduction cases, even among subjects with no prior knowledge of UFOs. This work casts doubt on purely physicalistic interpretations of abduction cases (CE 4) and suggests that heightened suggestibility and imagination of witnesses under hypnosis may be partially responsible. The study also provided evidence for a telepathic exchange of information between witnesses, previous witnesses, and investigators.

The Extraterrestrial Coverup

Chris Gaffney's article takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the extraterrestrial theory. It traces the development of the theory from ancient 'fiery chariots' to modern UFO sightings. The article discusses 'Contact Cases' where individuals are taken aboard spacecraft and given messages about impending landings. It humorously depicts the disillusionment of contactee cults when these events do not materialize. Gaffney also explores the idea that governments and UFOs themselves might be covering up the truth, deliberately making evidence seem ridiculous to divert attention from the extraterrestrial theory.

Endnotes

The magazine's endnotes emphasize that UFOs are a complex subject, far from the simplistic portrayal in the press and by some scientists. It states that the magazine will not define what UFOs are or are not, but will present reports of investigations into strange sightings and experiences from ordinary people, assuring readers that these accounts are carefully investigated and reliable. The endnotes also caution readers to critically assess speculation about the nature of UFOs and advise against blind adherence to authority. For those seeking simple solutions, it suggests politics as a more suitable interest. The magazine encourages readers to get involved in investigating UFO sightings or to write to John Hind for more information and a list of suggested reading material. Reports of UFO experiences are welcomed and treated with strict confidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of anomalous phenomena, the nature of UFO sightings and experiences, and the psychological aspects of belief and perception. The magazine adopts a stance that UFOs are a complex subject requiring critical analysis, rejecting simplistic explanations and emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and careful investigation. It appears to value scholarship and a rigorous approach to the subject, while acknowledging the role of imagination and the limitations of current scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and providing resources for further exploration.