Irish UFO News - No 8

Magazine Overview

THE IRISH UFO NEWS - 1980 EDITION: NO.8

This issue of The Irish UFO News, published by the Irish U.F.J. Research Centre in Belfast, presents a collection of UFO sightings, radar tracks, and related phenomena primarily from Ireland, with a focus on reports from the late 1970s and 1980, but also including historical cases from the 1950s and 1960s. The magazine also dedicates a significant portion to exploring psychic phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

Dungiven CE 1?

This report details a sighting on Good Friday 1980 where a family driving home near Altnagelvin Hospital, L'Derry, observed a large red/orange object float over from the hospital towards their car, then descend into a housing estate. They pursued the object and saw intense 'red rays' emanating from it, described as being like a bonfire but not hurting the eyes. The object was seen again after they drove out of the estate.

COACHMAN Report

In April 1979, a security officer at the Coachman Inn near Bangor, Co. Down, reported seeing a strange object. A bright light maneuvered near an electricity pylon, and upon closer inspection, appeared to be two globes joined by a bar in the middle.

BELFAST Radar Tracks 67 UFO

This article, uncovered by Danny Wilson and reprinted from the Queens University magazine Spectrum, details a unique report of a radar-located object over the Belfast Area. The object was tracked by two radar stations and spotted by an incoming aircraft. This report is presented as a significant case from the 1960s.

Spectrum View On The Psychic

Authored by Owen McQuail, this article explores the concept of 'psychic phenomena'. It defines 'psychic' and 'phenomenon' and discusses the levels of the mind (conscious, sub-conscious, unconscious). It then delves into paranormal topics such as dreams (precognitive experiences), automatic writing, scrying, and Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP). The article also touches upon the work of Uri Geller and the Stanford Research Institute.

Ghosts

Continuing the theme of psychic phenomena, Owen McQuail discusses ghosts, describing them as possibly the most well-known and least understood psychic phenomena. It mentions famous incidents like the Ghost of Goodwin Sands and the Flying Dutchman, and poses questions about the nature of ghosts. Poltergeist activity is also briefly mentioned.

Reports From The Archives: '60s

This section compiles several historical UFO sightings from the 1960s:

• May 21st 1962: Cpt. Gordon Pendleton, an Aer Lingus pilot, saw a UFO at 17,000 feet above Brecon, Wales.
• March 1964: A bright, circular object with a flashing light was seen by workers at Shaw's Bridge, Belfast, drifting and hovering over the Co. Down sky.
• October 1965: Mr. A.D. Holding of Belfast saw a UFO described as a small dimly lit disc encircled by a crescent-shaped area of light, emitting sparks.
• October 1965: An observer in Bangor, Co. Down, spotted an object with a long tail, resembling a speed boat, traveling at high speed.
• Saturday Nov 12th 1966: Mrs. Stevenson of Letterbin reported ghostly figures and tapping sounds, followed by stones and sods being thrown from a wood.
• February 19th 1967: A 15-year-old boy heard a noise and saw an object fly overhead, described as large as a two-storey house.
• February 19th 1967: A farmer from Killyslavin saw a large object with a strange whizzing noise that appeared to break into three parts.
• October 25th 1967: Three witnesses observed a bright golden light in the sky near Belfast that changed color and traveled at high speed.
• October 26th 1967: Police were informed of a flying saucer landing in Falls Park, Belfast.
• September 1963: A sighting of an inexplicable orange light over Howth-Sutton was reported.
• April 1965: Two witnesses saw a ball of light gyrating over Howth Head, changing color from blue to red.
• November 3rd 1967: Two circular UFOs were seen near Cookstown, Co. Cork, with white and orange glows, remaining stationary for some time.

Radar Tracks 67 UFO (Continued)

This section provides further details on the 1967 Belfast radar incident, including multiple sightings and radar confirmations. It mentions two people watching a low-flying object with a yellow beam, two strange objects maneuvering over bog land, and two objects in the sky that intercepted each other at 500 feet. It also notes a report of Shorts' radar being put out of action. The incident on November 16-17th, 1967, is described as a 'golden opportunity lost' for investigation, involving a bright, flashing red pulsating disc with white and green lights, tracked by radar at 9,000 feet.

Earlier Reports: The 1950s

• July 1950: A member of the Irish Astronomical Society reported seeing a classic UFO, a large green oval-shaped object with yellow lights, hovering at a high altitude.
• August 7th 1958: A farmer in South Londonderry attempted to capture an egg-shaped UFO that landed on his farm.
• December 29th 1958: A farmer in Co. Antrim witnessed a black object that cut a tree in two.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of UFO research and the documentation of sightings, even those that remain unexplained. The editorial stance, as expressed by Miles Johnston, acknowledges a recent drop in large-scale UFO activity but stresses the continued publication of case histories. There is a clear effort to present factual accounts, with a note that witness names are changed for protection. The publication also highlights the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychic experiences, suggesting a broader scope of unexplained events. The editorial also mentions the challenges of production costs and the shift from a magazine format to a news sheet, indicating a dedication to continuing the research despite these obstacles. The publication expresses gratitude to past contributors and organizations like BUFORA.

This issue of "Irish UFO News" from 1980 features a cover with the prominent "UFO SOLUTION This Way! By Order." sign, accompanied by a drawing of a UFO and a figure in a spacesuit. The magazine delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including sociological interpretations, detailed case reports, and reviews of other UFO publications.

On Being Wrong For The Right Reasons by John Hind

John Hind, a sociologist, presents a thought-provoking article contrasting two hypothetical countries and their approaches to understanding strange phenomena. In the first country, 'magi' (astrologers/scientists) attributed sky phenomena to the displeasure of gods, leading to appeasement through tax reduction or leadership changes. This approach, while not scientifically accurate, led to prosperity and order by addressing the people's anxieties. In the second country, 'magi' (scientists) focused on observation and explanation but neglected the social and emotional needs of the populace. When expansion ceased and social problems arose, these scientists proclaimed them to be the concern of politicians, not themselves. This led to a populace seeking irrational explanations and losing faith in the 'magi'. Hind suggests that while the first country's method was brutal and stagnant, it was effective in its context. He concludes that the scientific method, while useful, must be adapted to cope with all phenomena, including the paranormal, and that observation should not be superseded by theory.

A Familiar Story? by Seamus McConnell

Seamus McConnell, a new contributor from Derry and a member of UFOIN, reflects on his personal entanglement with the UFO enigma. He suggests that people attracted to ufology may be seeking to fill a spiritual or existential gap. While acknowledging the potential for psychological explanations, he asserts that this does not invalidate the existence of UFOs. McConnell recounts his experience with alleged UFO activity in the 'Maiden City', attributing most sightings to misinterpretation or natural phenomena, with a few genuinely strange incidents. He concludes by stating his continued interest in the subject, despite not knowing what UFOs might be, and that theories are abundant but only time will reveal the truth.

What Are We Doing & Where Are We Going? by Miles Johnston

Miles Johnston expresses frustration with the lack of progress in UFO research despite years of documentation and debate. He questions the effectiveness of forming new organizations and engaging in counterproductive theorizing. Johnston advocates for a shift towards hard data and rigorous investigation, suggesting that the field has become too focused on theories rather than observable facts. He proposes looking at the UFO enigma from a wider social context to identify patterns and build a foundation for analysis. He believes that a lack of clear direction stems from a lack of a tangible pursuit.

Irish News Section

This section features several articles and reports related to UFO sightings and discussions within Ireland.

The 'UFO SOLUTION' Sign

A commentary on the "UFO SOLUTION" sign suggests that while the general level of UFO activity seems to be dropping, the effect of societal depression on people's imagination might be a factor. It questions whether a correlation exists between social discord and UFO waves. The author ponders if technological advancement and societal anxieties might lead to a new surge in UFO sightings or if the energy has dissipated.

The Coachman's Inn Report

Investigated by D. Patterson, this report details a UFO sighting that occurred on April 16th, 1979, at the Coachman's Inn in Bangor, Co. Down. Mr. McMurray, a part-time worker at the Inn, reported seeing a bright light that evolved into an object described as a 'dumbbell' shape with a transparent front and a solid yellow rear. Mr. Owens, a second witness, corroborated the sighting, describing it as a bright 'Ball of light' and later as 'two balls with a tube in the middle'. The object was observed moving in a wide arc before disappearing behind a factory complex. The investigator, Patterson, concludes that while the witnesses may have seen something out of the ordinary, he discards the hypothesis of a deliberate hoax due to their hesitant demeanor.

CE 1 DUNGIVEN.Co. Derry Investigation

This report details an investigation by Miles Johnston and Danny Wilson into a sighting that occurred on April 4th, 1980, near Dungiven. The witnesses, designated Mrs B. Rose and her family, reported seeing a red pear-shaped object with two black bands moving over Altnagelvin Hospital. The report notes that witness names were changed to protect their identity. The investigators acknowledge the possibility of a hoax or misidentification of a military helicopter but lean towards accepting the witnesses' account as a genuine paranormal experience, despite their down-to-earth nature.

Magazine Review

By John Hind, this section provides reviews of several UFO-related publications.

Zetetic Scholar

Described as an "independant scientific review of claims of anomalies and the paranormal," Zetetic Scholar is a bi-monthly journal published by Eastern Michigan University. It serves as a forum for proponents and skeptics, with a significant UFO content. The journal uses a dialogue format, publishing contributions and subsequent reactions. It is noted for its detailed reviews, bibliographies, and high standards, making it a valuable resource for the intelligent layman, despite its cost.

Flying Saucer Review (FSR)

FSR is presented as one of the oldest and most comprehensive publications in the field, with a genuinely international scope. However, the review criticizes its lack of dedication to the scientific method, its tendency to publish speculative articles, and occasional reliance on dubious sources. Despite these criticisms, it is still considered one of the better publications in the field.

Magonia

Magonia is described as a perceptive, hard-hitting, witty, and intellectual magazine that deals with the sociological and humanistic side of ufology. It is primarily theoretical but includes installments of Peter Rogerson's "Catalogue of type 1 UFO records." The magazine is recommended for its thoughtful articles and hard-hitting book reviews.

Northern Ufology

Published by the Northern UFO Network, this monthly publication is noted for its cover featuring naked alien figures. It is considered primarily a communication and update medium, vital for ufologists wishing to stay connected with others in the field. It is described as a pleasant talking shop, not requiring advanced degrees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the sociological and psychological underpinnings of UFO beliefs, the challenges of applying scientific methodology to paranormal phenomena, and the presentation of detailed witness accounts from Ireland. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach, encouraging rigorous investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the potential for social factors to influence UFO reports. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of observation and factual data, as highlighted by Miles Johnston's article.

Title: Irish UFO News
Issue Date: 1980
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Irish UFO News" from 1980 focuses primarily on witness testimonies of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) in Ireland, alongside updates on space exploration.

Witness Accounts of UAP Sightings

The Derry Incident

The central narrative details an encounter experienced by Mrs. B. Rose and her son-in-law, Mr. Harris, near Derry. The incident began with the sighting of a large, red, flashing object, initially mistaken for a red balloon, over Altnagelvin General Hospital. Mrs. Rose described it as pear-shaped with a rough black band, emitting intense red rays. The object moved towards them, crossed the road, and appeared to descend or float down behind a housing estate.

Mr. Harris followed the object into the estate, but they lost visual contact, only seeing red rays and a red light between houses. The object then reappeared, spanning the width of the road, leading the witnesses to believe they would collide with it. They noted the object was "on the road in front of us" and seemed to be coming for them, but there was no sound on the clear night.

During this time, two other cars passed the witnesses' vehicle. Curiously, neither of these cars seemed to notice the object, a fact that puzzled the witnesses. Mrs. Rose suggested one car might have been driven by a girl, implying a potential lack of attention.

Later, the object was seen to rise up from the hill and appeared to stay in the sky all night, resembling the moon. Mrs. Rose eventually concluded that the object was the moon, though this was inconsistent with her earlier descriptions of its color, movement, and the presence of distinct bands or rings. The investigators suggest that this identification might have been influenced by their own suggestions during the interview.

Other Witness Accounts

Mary, Mrs. Rose's daughter, provided a more direct account, describing the object as very orange and scary. She felt it was "something from another world." Her account corroborated the object's movement and descent behind houses. She also mentioned her fear and the panic of her sister.

Mr. Harris's account corrected some details from the original testimonies. He stated there were two black lines on the object, not one, and that the movement from the hospital to the houses took only about 20 seconds. He described the object as bigger than the full moon and appearing closer. He dismissed the idea of it being a flare due to its sustained presence in the sky. He also noted that the object moved erratically, bouncing down and then up, and that it was not behaving like an aeroplane.

When questioned about being "hypnotised," Mr. Harris stated he was merely curious. He and his wife observed intense red/orange rays through the space between houses. They later saw the object again, swizzing and appearing to land on the road. They could not explain how another car drove past without noticing it, leading Mr. Harris to theorize the object might have been miles away despite appearing close.

Other Sightings and Investigations

The issue also briefly mentions other sightings:

• July 14th, 1979: A resident of Wellington Street, Belfast, reported a large pear-shaped, red/orange object with flashes and flares.
• September 14th, 1979: A witness reported a bright shooting star near the M1 motorway.
• Good Friday, 1980: A lady witness saw a large orange/red ball hovering over a local rugby club.
• July 14th/30th: Mr. S. Greyson reported an object he photographed, which was later identified as Venus.

The report compilation was done by Miles Johnston and Danny Wilson. Seamus McConnel was involved in secondary investigations in Derry. The investigators express satisfaction with the witnesses' integrity but acknowledge the difficulty in definitively identifying the object, particularly the initial sightings.

Space News

NASA News: Voyager and Shuttle Programs

The magazine includes updates from NASA:

• Voyager Missions: The dual craft mission is highlighted, with Voyager 2 scheduled to encounter Uranus in 1986 after its fly-past of Saturn. The encounter with Uranus is expected on January 24th of that year at a distance of 107,000 km. The planet is described as distant, aqueous, ringed, and primarily composed of gases and liquid gases.
• The Shuttle (STS): The issue details the numerous delays and problems encountered with the Space Transportation System. Originally planned for launch in November 1979, it faced postponements due to an engine fire and other issues, with a March 16th date being pushed back to early April 1981. The article notes stringent budgetary conditions affecting NASA and the curtailment of the Shuttle's original design. A significant problem highlighted is the failure of the adhesive for the special silicon tiles used for heat shielding, which caused delays. The article questions NASA's confidence in these untested tiles.

Ariane/Hermes

This section discusses the European Space Agency's (ESA) proposed manned spacecraft, Ariane/Hermes, which is smaller than the Shuttle and designed to carry personnel to space stations. It also mentions the Ariane launch of early 1980, which provided a boost to the European space effort, and notes that several payloads have been switched to Ariane due to delays with the Shuttle. A long-term proposal for a heavy-launch capable Sll version to launch a 10-tonne, 5-man Hermes shuttle is mentioned, but its feasibility is questioned due to the lack of investment from member states.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Irish UFO News" consistently explores the theme of unidentified aerial phenomena, emphasizing witness testimony and the challenges of identification. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into reported sightings, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification with known celestial bodies like the moon or planets. The inclusion of space news from NASA suggests a broader interest in aerospace and the unknown, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial. The magazine highlights the difficulties in obtaining clear evidence and the potential for psychological factors or interviewer influence to shape witness accounts. The overall tone is investigative and cautious, seeking to present factual accounts while maintaining a degree of skepticism regarding definitive conclusions on the nature of the reported phenomena.