Irish UFO News - No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: IRISH UFO NEWS
Issue: No. 6
Date: January 1979
Publisher: IRISH UFO RESEARCH CENTRE
Price: 60p

This issue of IRISH UFO NEWS is an independent journal published quarterly by the IRISH UFO RESEARCH CENTRE, dealing with UFOs and related subjects. It is available free to members of IUFORC, by subscription at £3.00 per annum, on an exchange basis to other UFO organisations, or over the counter at the cover price.

Editorial

The editorial, dated 5 February 1979, notes a significant upsurge in UFO sightings reported in the media at the end of 1978 and the beginning of 1979. The editor dismisses common explanations such as the planet Venus or space flotsam re-entering the atmosphere, arguing that these do not account for the observed behaviors of UFOs. The editorial also touches upon advancements in aircraft technology, specifically McDonnell-Douglas's CCV (Control Configuration Vehicle) which allows aircraft to perform maneuvers like flying sideways, drawing a parallel to UFO capabilities. It highlights the changing nature of scientific understanding and frames the UFO phenomenon within this evolving context.

The editorial announces that this issue examines reports of sightings that occurred over Northern Ireland leading up to the First World War. It also mentions a NASA and European Space Agency update on the Shuttle program and a speculative look at UFOs as an ultra-dimensional phenomenon. Due to recent pressure on the Centre, a fully documented report is not included, but a short piece on a recent sighting under investigation is present.

The editor apologizes for the late publication of the journal, attributing it to a recent surge in UFO sightings, a sudden increase in membership, and the need to reorganize the Centre's administration. The editor wishes members a happy new year and announces the intention to open a letter column in the next issue.

Articles and Features

THE 1909 MYSTERY AIRSHIPS IN THE IRISH PAPERS

This article by John Hind explores historical UFO-related data from the late 19th century and the first fourteen years of the 20th century, specifically focusing on 'Phantom Airship' reports. The author notes that these reports differed from modern UFO phenomena in that they were interpreted as airships, possibly from a 'foreign power' or a 'secret inventor'. The article identifies waves of such reports in the US (1896), Britain (1909, 1913), and Denmark (1908). These reports often involved strange lights and encounters with craft and occupants, with 'close encounters' describing human occupants and mechanical constructions.

The article examines newspaper coverage of the 1909 airship 'flap' from three Irish newspapers: the "Belfast Telegraph", the "Irish Times", and the "Irish News". The "Belfast Telegraph" reported extensively, noting the War Office's interest and suggesting the sightings could be from an English inventor or a German airship. The "Irish Times" provided briefer coverage, while the "Irish News" took a more parochial view. The article includes a table (Table 1) listing numerous sightings reported in the Irish papers, detailing the date, location, description, and source of each report. These include cigar-shaped objects, complex airships, and hovering craft with occupants.

One detailed account from the "Irish News" describes an encounter with a 'mysterious aero' over London by Messrs. Grahame and Bond, who reported seeing a cigar-shaped craft with two men on board, one of whom spoke with a German accent. The craft was described as a collection of big cigar boxes with the ends out, approximately 200-250 feet long, and equipped with a searchlight.

The "Belfast Telegraph" reported on a nocturnal visitor over Belfast on May 17th, 1909, described as a brilliant light and a long-shaped object, possibly an airship, seen at a great altitude. The "Irish Times" on May 18th briefly mentioned English and Welsh sightings and discussed German airship technology. A letter in the "Irish News" warned of the danger of supposed German airships and urged vigilance.

Other Content

The issue also includes a 'CUTTY SARK' COMPETITION (page 11), the 'SEAFORDE EXPERIENCE' (page 12), 'ENIGMA' (page 14), 'WORLD NEWS' (page 18), 'SPACE WATCH' (page 22), 'SPECTRUM REPORT' (page 27), and a 'BOOK REVIEW' (page 28), as well as 'BOOKS IN BRIEF' (page 30).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a particular emphasis on historical cases. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, critical of simplistic explanations for UFO sightings, and supportive of rigorous research. The publication advocates for an interest in UFOs and related subjects, positioning itself as a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to the investigation, research, and documentation of UFO sightings.

The magazine also touches upon the intersection of technology and unexplained phenomena, noting how advancements in aviation can sometimes mirror the capabilities attributed to UFOs. There is a clear interest in historical context, as demonstrated by the detailed examination of the 1909 airship reports, suggesting that understanding past phenomena can inform current research.

The editorial also expresses a desire for reader engagement, with plans for a letter column to foster discussion and gather further information. The overall tone is informative and investigative, aiming to provide readers with a platform to explore the mysteries of UFOs.

This issue of the Yale Scientific Magazine, dated April 1963, delves into historical aerial phenomena, primarily focusing on the 1909 airship scare and its parallels with modern UFO sightings. It also includes reports on specific UFO/UAP incidents.

The 1909 Airship Scare in Ireland The issue details the 1909 airship scare as reported in Irish newspapers. A satirical letter from 'An Anxious Orangeman' humorously depicts a conversation about capturing Belfast, involving the German Emperor and local figures, highlighting the political undertones of the time. The 'Lethbridge case' is extensively reported, with headlines like "INVADED!" and descriptions of foreigners and a message in French. The article notes how the Colchester telegrams dismissed reports of German military airships as 'canards' but acknowledged serious attention to foreigners noting local infrastructure. The Belfast Telegraph quoted the 'DAILY EXPRESS' regarding an 'Airship Fender' found in Clacton.

The Irish News, in an editorial titled "Invasion Hysterics", used the event to score political points against the English. The editor sarcastically dismissed the Wright brothers' inventions as 'miserable mechanical makeshifts' compared to a 'marvellous German invention'. The editorial also commented on the 'foreignors' in Colchester, suggesting 'wild stories indicating the hysterical fear' in Britain.

Analysis of the Airship Phenomenon The author presents the data primarily for antiquarian interest and to bring it to the attention of researchers. Several points are made regarding the airship phenomenon:

1. Lack of historical evidence: No established histories mention extensive airship testing in Britain before World War I, making genuine airship activity unlikely to account for most sightings.
2. UFO similarities: The airship phenomenon shares similarities with modern UFOs, including lights, close encounters, 'wave' and 'flap' phenomena, and the 'them-and-us' interpretation (seeing the airship as an alien manifestation).
3. Hoax identification: Newspapers used the phenomenon for political satire, as exemplified by the 'Anxious Orangeman' letter.
4. Cultural adaptation: The phenomenon adapted to contemporary cultural specifics, with the Unionist Belfast Telegraph treating reports seriously due to invasion fears, while the Irish News, less concerned with invasion, did not.

Synthesizing these points, the author suggests that due to the age of the reports, determining the physical stimuli is difficult. Two tentative hypotheses are proposed:

• Mass Hysteria: The phenomenon was a form of contagion or mass hysteria, demonstrating a propensity for manufacturing compelling, specific evidence.
• Collective Unconscious: The phenomenon might be of the collective unconscious, analogous to a dream premonition, especially considering airships were used by Germans in WWI.

The article concludes that the analogy between the airship phenomenon and modern UFOs suggests that studying the former could help understand the latter. A bibliography of related works is provided.

The Seaforde Experience This section details an incident reported to the Irish UFO Research Centre in November 1978. Mr. Killen of Seaforde, County Down, reported a frightening experience on November 8th. While returning home with his wife and children, they observed a large object, described as larger than a Wessex helicopter, traveling at great speed and emitting its own light, a blend of yellow and orange, as bright as the full moon. The object was almost rectangular with rounded corners, sharply defined, and made no noise. It appeared to be about 300 feet above the ground and descended. Mr. Killen phoned the police. Later, he saw the object again, about 3 miles from the original point, appearing to be going to land. The author, Danny Wilson, visited the site but found no evidence of a landing. He rules out Venus and helicopters, noting the object's speed, lack of sound, and distinct light. The Seaforde object remains a mystery.

Enigma: UFOs and Paranormal Explanations David Patterson's article "ENIGMA" explores the nature of paranormal activity and UFOs, asserting that they did not begin in 1947. The article traces descriptions of aerial phenomena throughout history, from Assyrian reliefs to biblical accounts and 19th-century descriptions of 'flying ships'. It questions whether UFOs are real physical objects or illusions.

A specific incident involving Lieutenant Fafari of the Iranian Air Force on September 9, 1976, is recounted. Fafari was scrambled to investigate an unusual object over Teheran. The object sped away, flashing colors, and Fafari's weapon controls, radio, and flight instruments failed. A smaller object detached and homed in on the Phantom. After Fafari regained control, he chased another detached object that headed earthward. He observed it touch down and disappear. Upon returning to base, a cylindrical craft approached him. The article questions if Fafari and other witnesses were suffering from hallucinations, referencing the case of Thomas Mantell.

The article discusses the shift towards para-psychology to explain UFOs, citing Jacques Vallee's theory that UFOs might not be extraterrestrial but could originate from a different 'place in time' or be a 'control system' from a peculiar space/time frame. It also touches upon oriental psychic religions and the 'Third Eye', suggesting that paranormal activity might be linked to areas of the brain that perceive time and space differently.

John A. Keel's work is mentioned, viewing UFOs as electromagnetic energy sources, often invisible, that periodically enter the visible spectrum. The concept of 'transmogrification' is discussed, along with Harold Wilkins' theories of materialization and de-materialization of extra-dimensional objects. The possibility of UFOs being 'ultra-terrestrial' phenomena, existing beyond our normal field of vision but slipping into it, is explored.

The article concludes that UFOs are an enigma, possibly extra-terrestrial, ultra-dimensional, or ultra-terrestrial, existing somewhere beyond our current understanding. A bibliography of relevant books is provided.

World News: Australia - UFO Mystery: Nomad in Hunt This section reports on the mystery disappearance of Fredrich Valentich, a 20-year-old pilot instructor in the Bass Strait, Australia, on October 23rd of the previous year. Valentich contacted Air Control after seeing a long, green, metallic object with bright lights hovering over his single-engined Cessna 182. The conversation, which lasted about six minutes (though some reports suggest thirty), detailed the object's movement and speed. Valentich stated the object was approaching him from the east and that he could not estimate its speed. He confirmed that there were no RAAF aircraft in the vicinity. The last transmission indicated the object was approaching him from due east and playing 'some sort of a game'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, historical accounts of airships, and modern UFO sightings. There's a strong focus on exploring potential explanations for these phenomena, ranging from hoaxes and mass hysteria to more esoteric theories involving the collective unconscious, paranormal activity, and ultra-terrestrial origins. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the analysis of the 1909 airship scare, acknowledges the role of media and political commentary in shaping public perception of such events. The issue also highlights the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs, emphasizing that despite various theories, their true nature remains elusive.

Title: SPACE WATCH
Issue: 21
Volume: 1
Date: January, 1965 (though content appears to be from late 1970s/early 1980s based on article content)
Publisher: IUFORC (Dublin-based UFO research organisation)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of SPACE WATCH, a publication from the Dublin-based UFO research organisation IUFORC, presents a collection of UFO sightings and related space exploration news. The magazine covers reports from various international locations, including Portugal, Italy, Israel, and New Zealand, alongside updates on ongoing space missions and technological developments.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Pilot Encounter

A transcript of a communication between a pilot (PILOT) and an unknown entity (FSU) details an encounter with an unidentified craft. The pilot describes the object as not being an aircraft, having a long shape, appearing stationary, then orbiting before disappearing. Contact was lost after the pilot stated the craft was bearing down on him. A report suggests the Federal Department of Transport withheld parts of the tape, but a source indicated no break in transmission and that the pilot described the UFO in detail without panic.

Portugal

Dozens of reports from Lisbon describe a large, round, unidentified flying object hovering over the city, festooned with red and white lights. The craft was observed flying between 500 and 800 feet above the ground.

Italy

Reports from Rome described UFOs as bright as the sun. The Italian Government initially explained these as pieces of the US satellite PEGASUS burning out during re-entry, a theory dismissed by NASA officials who stated Pegasus was still in orbit.

Israel

Hundreds of Israelis reported sightings of UFOs over the Holy Land, with descriptions ranging from glowing red globes over Haifa to glittering red, blue, and white lights over Jerusalem. An Israeli air force spokesman stated nothing appeared on radar, and police authorities were tight-lipped. One policeman described three objects, the size of street lamps, shining red, blue, and purple, moving up and down like an electrocardiograph blip.

USA

Ground Saucer Watch obtained 1000 pages of CIA documents on UFOs since 1949. These documents reportedly included a sworn affidavit from two retired US air force colonels who claimed to have seen the bodies of extra-terrestrial beings from the wreckage of two crashed UFOs. The beings were described as 1.2 meters tall with silvery skin, wearing metallic suits welded to their bodies.

New Zealand

The Royal New Zealand Air Force was alerted after a television news team filmed an unidentified flying object over Auckland. The object was tracked by radar and a Skyhawk jet fighter was scrambled. A separate report details two cameramen filming a UFO described as a brilliant white light moving at tremendous speed, with over fifty UFOs sighted during a 5½ hour period. Radar confirmed several unknowns converging on their aircraft.

Space Exploration Updates

Viking Mission

There is a consensus that at least one of the Viking biology experiments on Mars indicates the presence of primitive biological life. The labelled release experiment yielded results consistent with metabolizing organisms, although oxidizing elements in the samples require caution. Debate continues regarding the experiments for the 1984 twin lander/rover mission, with Sagan advocating for active biology instrumentation.

Voyager Program

Voyager 1 was scheduled to pass Jupiter on March 5, 1979, and Saturn on November 12, 1980, providing data and imagery of the moons. After its mission, Voyager 1 would join Pioneer F/G in extra-solar space.

Pioneer on Venus

The Pioneer on Venus mission was in progress, with Russian radar indicating surface relief of only 5 km. The American effort was primarily atmospheric, with landing probes not built to survive a landing.

Space Shuttle Program

The Space Shuttle is a NASA/USAF reusable space/orbit transportation system with five Shuttles to be developed. It will be used to ferry equipment, launch satellites, and construct space stations. Shuttle Orbiter 101 (USS Enterprise) began flight tests in December 1977. Orbiter 102 was scheduled for launch in August or September 1979. The tests involved drop tests from a 747 to assess stability and capability, and approach and landing tests.

Skylab

One of the first Shuttle missions was to boost the falling Skylab into a higher orbit or a safe burn-up. However, delays and technical problems meant Skylab was expected to enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up uncontrolled, likely in 1980.

European Space Agency Spacelab

Two hundred and twenty-two scientists were selected for the first Spacelab mission in 1980, representing the USA and fourteen other countries. The Spacelab concept involves pressurized compartments and unpressurized platforms for various scientific experiments, including atmospheric physics, plasma physics, solar physics, astronomy, and life sciences.

Space Telescope

The space telescope, scheduled for orbit by Shuttle in 1983, aims to observe the universe from an altitude of 500 km. It is expected to increase observational capabilities significantly compared to ground-based telescopes.

A note of caution is raised regarding an influential US Committee questioning the validity of processing materials in space, which could threaten the future development of the Shuttle and orbital power stations.

UFO Investigation and Research

IUFORC's Role

The IUFORC has numerous sighting reports awaiting investigation due to limited resources. They seek investigators with patience, diplomacy, and common-sense, who must be officially registered. Correlation and detective work are essential, and reports are circulated globally.

Spectrum Report (Dublin)

Owen McQuail reports on increased UFO activity in the South of Ireland. Spectrum has gained publicity through radio phone-ins and newspaper articles, leading to many requests for membership and reports. A meeting attracted approximately 80 people, with over 75% believing UFOs originate from 'outer space'. A Psychic Research branch of Spectrum was being organized.

Research Data

IUFORC is interested in obtaining data on strange occurrences, sightings, and experiences related to aerial phenomena. They request old press clippings, writings, and letters, which will be examined and either copied or retained in their Research Library.

Book Review

MAN AND THE STARS by Duncan Lunan

This book, originally published in 1974 and re-issued in paperback in 1978, discusses contact and communication with another intelligence. The rear cover carries a dramatic warning: 'WE SHOULD BEGIN TO PREPARE OURSELVES NOW FOR CONTACT WITH CIVILIZATIONS FROM ANOTHER GALAXY'. The book is divided into two parts: the first on interstellar colonization, based on discussions within ASTRA (Association in Scotland for Technology and Research in Astronautics), and the second on contact with other intelligence, informed by 'new and dramatic information'. The first part poses hypothetical questions about suitable planets, ships, and the nature of life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the global nature of UFO phenomena, with reports from diverse geographical locations. There is a strong emphasis on the need for continued investigation and the collection of data, as exemplified by IUFORC's call for information and investigators. The magazine also balances UFO reports with extensive coverage of space exploration and technological advancements, suggesting an interest in the broader context of humanity's reach into space. The inclusion of the CIA document revelation points to a theme of potential government secrecy or withheld information regarding UFOs. The book review on 'MAN AND THE STARS' reinforces the theme of potential extraterrestrial contact and the need for preparation.

The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into UFO phenomena, coupled with a keen interest in scientific and technological progress in space exploration. There's an implicit suggestion that official explanations are sometimes insufficient or incomplete, as seen in the Italian UFO report and the quote from John W McCormack regarding the Air Force withholding information.

This issue of 'The UFO Report' (dated 1979, based on content) delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring a report on a significant debate in the House of Lords, a critical review of a book on space exploration and extraterrestrial life, and a curated bibliography of recommended UFO literature.

The Lords Debate on UFOs

The main cover story, reported by John Hind, details a debate held in the House of Lords on January 18, 1979, initiated by the Earl of Clancarty (also known as Brinsley Le Poer Trench, an author of UFO books). The motion called attention to the increasing number of worldwide UFO sightings and landings and the need for an intra-government study. The Earl of Clancarty presented his views, which were described as speculative, with his book 'MYSTERIOUS VISITORS' even questioning if modern youth were an alien race. The debate saw contributions from various Lords:

• Lord Kimberly, representing the Aetherius Society, championed the theory of a deliberate UFO cover-up and suggested Sir Bernard Lovell had lied to Lord Hewlett under government orders.
• Lord Davies of Leek brought color to the debate with quotes from his mother and Shakespeare, and made seemingly irrelevant connections to angels, the Virgin Mary, H.G. Wells, and historical figures, ultimately calling those who disbelieve in extraterrestrial intelligence 'anthropological arrogant specimens'.
• The Lord Bishop of Norwich offered a religious perspective, noting that the Bible suggests life elsewhere in the universe. He warned against UFO belief becoming a '20th century superstition' and an 'ersatz spirituality' that adopts technology as God.
• Lord Hewlett, acting as a spokesman for the 'scientific establishment', based his argument on the fact that the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope had never detected a UFO, an argument criticized as flawed because telescopes are limited in their detection capabilities.
• The Earl of Cork and Orrery suggested 'teratologist' as an alternative term for 'ufologist'.
• Lord Strabolgi, speaking for the government, acknowledged inexplicable sightings but stated there was no evidence of extraterrestrial craft. He asserted the government was not involved in a cover-up but would not release information to protect witnesses, nor did it see justification for an official study.
• Viscount Barrington raised a question about Black Holes, leading to a split vote along party lines.

Ultimately, the Earl of Clancarty quoted Sir Fred Hoyle and withdrew his motion for papers.

Analysis of Lunan's 'MAN AND THE STARS'

This section critically reviews a book by Lunan, focusing on its theories about space travel and extraterrestrial life. The reviewer finds Lunan's work to be speculative, even suggesting he ignores Einstein's theories of relativity. Lunan's chapter on expected life forms is described as jumping onto the RNA/DNA merry-go-round with theories ranging from humanoids with barrel-like chests to dolphin-like creatures. His justification for space journeys is equated to historical explorers like Columbus and Magellan, driven by a desire to explore and a need for species survival. The concept of a single giant spaceship for such a mission is deemed 'quite insane'.

Lunan predicts that by the end of the 21st century, vehicles capable of transporting a thousand people to new worlds will exist, with pioneers being specially selected individuals. Part Two of the book deals with theories of contact and what to do when confronted by extraterrestrials.

A significant part of the review focuses on the section 'Application: The News from Bootes', which claims that since 1927, intermittent signals from outer space have been received from a probe launched by an intelligent source in the Epsilon Bootes region. The reviewer finds this contradictory to Lunan's earlier sections and criticizes his subsequent 'bomb-blasting' of figures like Von Daniken and Adamski.

The reviewer questions why Lunan insists on the possibility of stellar travel for humans while dismissing the possibility of advanced intelligences having already visited Earth. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges that 'MAN AND THE STARS' is worth reading for its discussion on how humanity should approach space exploration, noting that Lunan has gone to great pains to prove his theory acceptable, with accompanying drawings requiring careful study.

Books in Brief

This section provides a curated list of recommended books on UFOs, compiled by the Irish UFO Research Centre. The list is divided into three categories:

1. Suitable for the newcomer to ufology: This includes titles like 'UFOs: A Scientific Enigma' by D.A.J. Seargent, 'The Humanoids' edited by C. Bowen, and 'The UFO Enigma' by Menzel & Taves.
2. For the scientist or more experienced ufologist: This section features more in-depth works such as 'UFOs: A Scientific Debate' by C. Sagan & T. Page, 'The UFO Experience' and 'The Hynek UFO Report' by J.A. Hynek, and works by J. Vallee like 'Passport to Magonia' and 'Anatomy of a Phenomenon'.
3. Some associated background reading: This category includes books on related topics such as 'Intelligent Life in the Universe' by Shklovskii & Sagan, 'Psychic Exploration' by E. Mitchel, and 'The Books of Charles Fort' by C. Fort.

Books considered unreliable or over-speculative were excluded but noted as an essential part of the UFO genre. Bibliographies are available at the Centre library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of extraterrestrial intelligence and humanity's interaction with it, ranging from scientific theories to governmental responses and public perception. There is a critical stance towards speculative theories, particularly those presented by figures like Lunan and Von Daniken, while also acknowledging the serious study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a balanced approach, encouraging scientific inquiry while cautioning against what is perceived as 'superstition' or 'ersatz spirituality' in the context of UFO belief. The inclusion of the House of Lords debate highlights the growing public and political interest in the subject, even if official government response remains cautious.