Irish UFO News - No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: IRISH UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 3
Date: January 1976 (with a note indicating a misprint on the cover regarding the year)
Publisher: Irish UFO Research Centre
Country: Ireland
Price: 25p

This issue of Irish UFO News is a twice-yearly publication from the Irish UFO Research Centre, an informal group of active ufologists. The editorial panel is not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors. The publication aims to cover UFO phenomena in Ireland and is open to anyone wishing to contribute. Subscriptions are available for 60 pence per year, or 50 pence for members of BUFORA, Spectrum, and NUFON groups.

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

John Hind, the editor, expresses his skepticism towards the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) in this issue. He observes a difference in attitude between scientists and amateur ufologists, where scientists might privately consider the ETH but are unwilling to state so publicly, while amateurs loudly proclaim it but may have private doubts. Hind argues that the ETH is no longer a 'useful' theory because it has not adequately explained the phenomenon's characteristics over the past ten to fifteen years. He contends that while UFOs could be spacecraft, time travelers, beings from other dimensions, or collective hallucinations, none of these theories are currently useful because there's no way to distinguish between them. He concludes that idle speculation is best left to art forms like science fiction.

A Tale of the Englishman and the Irishman

Jenny Randles, secretary of NUFON and editor of 'Northern UFO News', discusses the landscape of ufology in England. She notes the multiplicity of UFO groups in England, many of which exist primarily to give members something to do, leading to confusion and duplicated efforts. She highlights two 'national' groups: BUFORA, which has a dwindling membership and limited regional engagement, and Contact UK, a research body centered in Oxford that does not hold meetings. A new body, the British UFO Documentation Centre, has also emerged, causing friction with ufologists who seem resistant to scientific interference. Randles praises 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR) as a leading international publication and expresses hope for improved UFO structures in the UK. She contrasts this with Ireland's credible and respectable Irish UFO Research Centre, encouraging them to continue their efforts.

News and Comment

Report on BUFORA's R. & I. Conference:
This section reviews BUFORA's second research and investigations conference held in November. The conference featured presentations on cataloging 'type one' reports, time/frequency correlations of UFO reports, and occupant research. Ted Bloecher presented a detailed account of American occupant cases. The reviewer notes a complaint about opening the occupant research presentation to the public, which led to public ridicule. Despite this, Bloecher's presentation was considered the highlight. The conference also included discussions on BUFORA's vehicle interference project, which found that diesel engines are rarely affected by UFOs unless connected to an electric generator, suggesting an electrical cause. Bob Digby also presented work from BUFORA's photographic analysis department.

The American Scene: Hynek Rules O.K.?:
This article examines the exceptional impact of the UFO phenomenon on the American public, citing a 1974 Gallup poll where 54% believed UFOs were real and 94% were aware of the phenomenon. It discusses major US UFO organizations like APRO and NICAP, noting their commitment to the extraterrestrial theory and their struggles with funding. The article highlights the emergence of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Center for UFO Studies in 1974, intended to serve scientists. It notes Hynek's critical stance towards established organizations and his association with the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' expressing concern that it might fuel public emotional interest rather than objective study, similar to 'Jaws' impact on shark perception. The author believes Hynek's Center can overcome difficulties and serve as a focal point for progressive ufologists.

Review: BUFORA's Investigators Handbook

The reviewer praises BUFORA's 'UFO Investigation' handbook as a valuable resource for active UFO investigators. It covers procedures for various cases, including misinterpretations, high strangeness landings, photography, and landing site procedures. Minor criticisms include the neglect of sociological and psychological aspects and the use of identikit-type UFO shape charts, for which the reviewer sees no evidence of internal consistency. Despite these points, the handbook is considered well worth its £2.50 price.

Magazines:

• Skyskan's 'Alert': The Dublin-based organization Skyskan's 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: This independently produced quarterly journal focuses on the sociological and metaphysical aspects of ufology. It is noted for being clear of organizational politics and for excluding unjustified speculation. It includes a serialisation of Peter Rogerson's 'International Catalogue of Type One Reports'.
• BUFORA Journal: This journal was cut back to fund other areas, a decision the reviewer questions, arguing that a research organization should prioritize disseminating research over producing a magazine solely for member 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.
• WUFOS's 'Skylink': This magazine from the Wirral UFO Society has been thin recently but offers high-quality content, providing good value for money and a vehicle for investigation reports.

Features:

Viking Update:
This section provides an update on the Viking landers and orbiters. At the time of writing (late December 1976), the spacecraft were in a 45-day 'sleep' period due to solar conjunction. The article details the testing of Einstein's Classical Theory of Relativity on November 25th, where radio energy was bent by gravity as predicted. Despite initial disappointing results regarding life on Mars, the mission director approved reactivation for an 18-month extension. Future goals include lowering the second orbiter's periapsis for clearer photographs, excavating a trench for analysis, and attempting to uncage the seismometer on Lander One. The article also discusses atmospheric data (95% CO2, 4.5% N2, 1.5% Ar, 1% CO, variable H2O vapour), surface pressure variations, and evidence of past liquid water on Mars. It notes that soil erosion has been minimal, with soil held together by dipole moment interaction. The article also touches upon Phobos, mentioning an upcoming close fly-by to determine its mass and density, and discusses its battered surface and striations, speculating on their cause. The pyrolytic release experiment detected CO2 release, but the absence of organic compounds suggests chemical action rather than biological processes.

Socioufology:
This section appears to be a placeholder or a title without accompanying text in the provided scan.

Sighting Summaries:
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S.I. Report No.4: A Close Encounter Near Ballymena:
This is a referenced report within the issue, detailing a specific sighting.

S.I. Report No.5: The Naas Sightings:
This is a referenced report within the issue, detailing specific sightings.

Editor's Note:
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IUFORC Publications

A 22-page report on the Belfast Contactee case is available for 60 pence, or on loan for 15 pence postage and packing. All IUFORIC publication prices are calculated for zero profit.

Editorial Apology

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

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO theories, particularly the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, with the editor advocating for a focus on 'useful' theories. There's a strong emphasis on reviewing and assessing UFO organizations and publications, both in the UK and internationally. The issue also delves into scientific investigations, such as the Viking mission to Mars, and the challenges of ufological research. The editorial stance, as presented by John Hind, is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated theories and a call for rigorous, useful investigation, while acknowledging the complexity and emotive nature of the UFO field.

This issue of UFO TIMES (Volume N.30, Issue N.30, dated January 1965 or 1966) delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, planetary science, and investigative challenges. The cover prominently features the question "HOAX OR U.F.O.?" related to a "NEWBRIDGE JULY 15 '76 IUFORC PHOTO:", with a promise of a full report in the next issue. The magazine includes a generalized geological map of Mars and articles discussing the nature of UFO reports and potential explanations.

Mars: A Geologically Active Planet

The issue presents a "GENERALIZED GEOLOGICAL MAP OF MARS BETWEEN 65°N AND 65°S," detailing various geological features. The accompanying text describes Mars as a geologically alive planet, distinct from Earth's Moon or Mercury. It highlights numerous volcanoes and rift valleys, shaped by fierce Martian winds and liquid water. The discovery of dry river valleys, likely from the Viking mission, is noted. The largest volcano, Nix Olympia, is described as being 500 km in diameter and over 23 km high. Seasonal variations, once thought to indicate vegetation, are now understood to be caused by widespread duststorms. While water-eroded features are less common, remarkable channels, similar to those in the Sahara desert, suggest past flash floods. The text posits that Mars's climate may have been more favorable for life in the past and that it might now be undergoing an ice age. Despite finding no life, the planet is described as alien, with a soil composed of super-oxidized ferric material. The geological landscape is unique, and evidence of ice particle clouds and strata in the polar ice caps indicates dramatic climate changes over time. The issue concludes that Mars, while not containing life, is not dead.

New Directions in Ufology: Socioufology

John Hind introduces a new field called "Socioufology," defined as the study of the effects of the UFO phenomenon on human populations and vice versa. Hind acknowledges that he invented the term. He contrasts this approach with "instrumented ufology," which presupposes UFOs are "genuine extraterrestrial hardware." Socioufology traces its roots to Jacques Vallee's book 'Passport to Magonia,' which sought to build a bridge between folklore (specifically the fairy-faith in Celtic countries) and modern UFO occupant reports. Vallee's argument was not that fairies were aliens, but that cultural myth structures and modern UFO phenomena share striking similarities, suggesting UFOs might be a modern extension of folklore. Hind anticipates that this approach may be unpopular with ufologists seeking mechanistic explanations for individual sightings.

Hind argues that while he believes in ultimate mechanistic explanations, some phenomena are theoretically impossible to explain with current scientific certainty. Therefore, he advocates for exploring lines of inquiry that may not be strictly scientific, to gain understanding. He notes that UFO reports can be a function of the society reporting them, citing examples like early 1900s airship sightings versus 1950s UFOs. He observes that modern UFO reports increasingly describe experiences that are less physical, with UFOs exhibiting behaviors that defy understanding of physics, such as impossible accelerations, noiseless flight, and disappearing acts. The inconsistency in these reports (sometimes appearing on radar or film, leaving traces, or making noises) is highlighted. Hind suggests that simple extraterrestrial theories fail because they try to explain alien motives using human intelligence or natural laws.

He quotes Aime Michel from 'The Humanoids,' stating that superhuman intelligence, by its nature, includes an incomprehensible part and may display contradictions. Recognizing that intelligence might be not only superhuman but also alien, understanding it in simplistic terms becomes more difficult. Hind suggests that this challenge could lead to a fundamental breakthrough in understanding humanity's place in the universe. He concludes that UFOs manifest or represent some form of intelligence, which could potentially be human. He recommends that ufologists consider the sociological aspects of the phenomenon, warning against simplistic sociological explanations like "The UFO phenomenon is a modern myth."

Hind emphasizes that sociological theories deal with the phenomenon as a continuum and cannot explain individual sightings. He proposes discarding theoretical models and investigating the variance of the phenomenon within different societal contexts. He suggests that this might help determine if the effect is due to noise in perception or an intrinsic property of the phenomenon, which could be compatible with an extra-human intelligence.

Sighting Investigations

This section details several UFO sightings, categorized and summarized. A new classification, "LITS" (reports with above average strangeness but lacking detailed information), has been introduced to filter out less significant reports. The statistics section lists 2 LITS, 1 Hoax (a misinterpretation of a fictional article), and 1 Satellite.

Other Sightings:

• REPORT NO. N.30: Occurred in January 1965 or 1966 in Lurgan, N.I. Witness TE Crawford (age 15-16) reported seeing two lights, like stars, moving in parallel, very fast, in an abrupt zig-zag fashion, making no sound, and disappearing behind clouds. They appeared high up.

Page 12: Further Details and Conclusions on Sightings

• N.30 (Continued): The objects were visible for 6-10 seconds, passing overhead from 45° to 90° to 45°, with a total subtended arc of about 90°. Their brightness was comparable to a bright star. The zig-zagging was abrupt, with acute direction changes of about 20°. The objects appeared to stop momentarily during direction changes. They were estimated to be 3-4 full moon diameters apart. The witness believes he could see stars between them. The conclusion is that the behavior is not unique, but no explanation is readily available. The case is rated Strangeness 3, Probability 3.

• N.31: Occurred at midnight on 15/4/1975 in Andersonstown, Belfast. Witness Seamus O'Boyle (age 18) reported seeing three fuzzy, gold, boomerang-shaped objects flying in a V-formation in a NW direction. They were silent and moved very quickly, with the end objects catching up and dropping back from the first. They moved uniformly and disappeared quickly. The witness, an amateur astronomer, observed them with the naked eye. The objects were larger than a full moon's wingspan. Conclusion: Possibly low-flying birds, with speed and size being mental impressions. Strangeness 2, Probability 4.

• N.32: Occurred on 28/11/75 at 20:05 in N. Belfast. Witnesses Mr. J. McFadden (age 19) and Miss Margaret Gibson reported an object brighter than Jupiter, with a yellowish-orange color, travelling between SW and SE for 10 seconds. It had no flashing lights or sound. It was not a helicopter, aeroplane, or satellite, according to Mr. Howard Miles of the British Astronomical Association. Conclusion: The repeater aspect suggests a satellite, but Mr. Miles's expertise is noted. Strangeness 3, Probability 4.

Reports catalogued: N.33 in SI report no.4. N.34 to N.41 in SI report no. 5.

An interesting photographic case from Naas, yielding ten clear frames, is under investigation. A professional photographer vouched for their authenticity, and the negatives have been sent to BUFORA for analysis.

Page 8: S.I. Report No.4, Case No. N.33 - A Close Encounter Near Ballymena

• Time and Date: 21:30-22:00 BST, August 11, 1976.
• Witnesses: Mrs. E. (mother), her 18-year-old daughter Evelyn, and two 8-year-old sons.
• Location: About 7 miles out of Ballymena, on the T.7.
• Probability: 5, Strangeness: 6.

Introduction: The report includes a letter from Mrs. E. expressing her fear and distress about the sighting. She described the object as a "very bright light" that seemed to want to come to her car, causing her and her sons to cry. She turned off the wireless, fearing it was drawing the object. She described the light as "so strong and bright" and "some sort of object that works by light alone."

Investigators Report: Information was gathered through a 3-hour interview at the witnesses' home and by driving over the sighting location. Mrs. E. and Evelyn found it difficult to recall details and often disagreed, but the investigator felt their emotional reaction indicated a genuine experience, despite the time lag and their inexperience.

Details of Sighting: While traveling south of Portrush to Ballymena, the witnesses saw a very bright object descend rapidly into their view, settling at an elevation of about 20° to their left. The object shadowed the car for about three miles. The witnesses became very frightened, and the boys cried. Mrs. E. slowed the car to 15 kph and eventually stopped. The object moved with them, "bobbing like a bubble." After stopping, the object rose vertically into or behind a cloud, and a bright ray effect was visible. Evelyn used binoculars to observe the cloud. After less than a minute, the object descended rapidly and disappeared. There is disagreement on how it disappeared: Mrs. E. said it receded into the distance, while Evelyn said it vanished instantly. They did not notice other cars or farmhouses.

Page 9: The Object and Witness Reactions

The Object: Descriptions generally agreed it was large, very radiant white, brighter than the moon but not dazzling, observed through tinted car windows. It was described as almost a disc, horizontally elongated like an egg. Size descriptions varied greatly, with witnesses agreeing it was much bigger than the full moon. One description compared it to the size of a car, another to a roof size (about 12m at 25m). These are considered almost meaningless but convey the impression it made.

Effects on, and beliefs of, the witnesses: All witnesses were very scared and felt the object was aware of them. Mrs. E. was too paralyzed with fear to retrieve a telephoto camera from the car boot. During the interview, she repeatedly asked if the object was coming for them or if it didn't want her to take a photo. She expressed a belief in E-T life in connection with another case and sympathy for those who might be more sensitive to supernatural phenomena. Evelyn had a possible ghost experience.

Astronomical Note: The moon would have been nearly full, and the investigator considered it unlikely, but not impossible, that the moon could account for the sighting.

Conclusion: While several explanations involving imaginative effort exist, the case illustrates the fear and non-comprehension of witnesses facing something they believe to be super-normal.

Page 10: S.I. Report No.5 - The Naas Area Sightings

Introduction: By John Hind and Tom Higgins. This report covers cases N-34 to N-41. It notes an above-average number of 'top end LITS' from the Naas area. The authors discuss the challenges of investigating reports from individuals known to be intensely interested in UFOs, acknowledging that their own reactions might be biased. They emphasize the strong emotional impression of strangeness reported by witnesses, often feeling the sighting was organized around them, though these are subjective. The investigation focuses on strictly objective aspects, treating their own reports similarly to others. Less tangible aspects are presented for honesty.

N-34: Date/Time: Approx. 23:30, 19 June 1976. Location: Celbridge, Nr. Naas. Witness: Paddy Galvin (painter). Account: While cycling home, Galvin was blinded by a bright white light in an adjacent field, estimated at 500-600 ft high. He saw only the light, not the object's body. It disappeared instantly. Further Information: The witness was shaken. The investigator suggests it was likely light shining on a low cloud, given the short duration. Probability 3, Strangeness 2.

N-35: Date/Time: 20:00, 20/6/1976. Location: Allenwood, Nr. Naas. Witness: Name and address on file. Account: A bright yellowish light passed overhead at high speed from east to west. The witness was puzzled and heard a loud hissing noise just before it disappeared, though the noise might not have been connected. The witness stated there is no sound in the deep country that could account for it. The report cuts off mid-sentence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the subjective and objective aspects of UFO phenomena, highlighting the difficulties in obtaining definitive explanations. The concept of "socioufology" suggests that the cultural context and societal impact of UFO sightings are as important as the physical events themselves. The magazine emphasizes the emotional impact on witnesses and the challenges of reconciling personal experiences with scientific models. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding while encouraging the investigation of phenomena that may challenge conventional theories. The inclusion of geological data from Mars suggests a broader interest in planetary science and the potential for life beyond Earth, framing UFO phenomena within a larger context of cosmic exploration and mystery. The repeated emphasis on the subjective nature of witness accounts and the difficulty in establishing objective proof underscores the ongoing debate within ufology regarding methodology and interpretation.

This issue of UFO Times, identified as Issue 16 and potentially Volume 1, focuses on a series of UFO/UAP (Unidentified Flying Object/Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings reported in Ireland, primarily around Sallins and Naas, between July 1976 and January 1977. The magazine presents detailed witness accounts, investigator notes, and attempts to find natural explanations for the observed phenomena.

Detailed Sightings and Investigations

N-36: July 1, 1976, 22:00, Sallins, Nr. Naas

Three adult brothers reported observing a "flame red cloud shaped object" from their home. The object was described as being about the size of a tennis ball at arm's length and "very bright, about as bright as 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 basis in fact. Possible explanations were limited, and the report was included to potentially link with the next sighting.

• Probability: 3
• Strangeness: 2

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

A 50-year-old shopkeeper and his wife reported seeing a "red light like a beacon" about 100ft high and a mile away. The object descended with 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 went out after a few minutes. The object's size was estimated to be about 12cm to 1cm at arm's length. A search revealed a mark in a field about 1.5 km west, described as a roughly elliptical patch of denuded ground, approximately 8m by 4.5m. However, a farmhand indicated 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.

• Probability: 4
• Strangeness: 5

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

Mr. Micheal 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. It was visible for about 15 seconds before disappearing. The object was described as "bright red and larger than the full moon, it was well defined." The investigator noted that the observation's transitivity made evaluation difficult, but its similarity to the previous sighting made it interesting.

• Probability: 6
• Strangeness: 3

N-39: October 31, 1976, 19:15, Sallins Nr. Naas

Four witnesses (John Hind, Tom Higgins, Chris Gaffney, Brendan Meddler) observed an object from John Hind's shop. The object was described as a "diffuse but intense mid-red colour, nearly perfectly circular and about half the apparent magnitude of the full moon." It descended slowly and disappeared behind trees. Approximately one minute later, a second, similar object appeared, performing a steeper trajectory before descending and disappearing. The witnesses took Polaroid photos, but the shots were inconclusive. The investigator noted the consistency of individual report forms.

• Strangeness: 2

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

John Hind, Chris Gaffney, and Brendan Meddler, while driving at about 100kph, 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, appeared to undulate slightly, and then descended at a steep angle (about 80°) at a rate of about 1 every two seconds. Witnesses were unsure how it disappeared, with some thinking it faded out at an elevation of about 50°, while others thought it disappeared behind a hump in the road. Chris Gaffney took two photos of the object. They encountered another visibly shaken man who had pulled over, apparently having witnessed the same event.

• Strangeness: 5

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

Thomas Higgins, Mrs. Eileen Higgins, and Lauraine Higgins (age 11) reported seeing a light through a window. The light descended, flashed a variety of colours (blue to green to red), wavered, bobbed up and down, and seemed to rotate. It was clearly visible against a line of trees. The investigator noted that this sighting could be explained as a bright star or planet with atmospheric diffraction, but parametric calculations were performed assuming it was in front of the trees.

• Absolute maximum distance of object: 120m ± 4m
• Absolute maximum altitude of object: 60m ± 3m
• Absolute maximum diameter of object: 3m ± 1m

Conclusion and Editorial Notes

The investigators concluded that while reports were still coming in, and their Dublin team was investigating two cases of red fireballs, a specific natural explanation was most likely for these cases, though none had yet been definitively identified. The editor apologized for the omission of the regular "Organisation News" column due to space constraints and provided a summary of its content.

Organization News Summary

• Spectrum: A new Dublin group called Spectrum was formed following the disbandment of Skyskan.
• BUFORA (Ireland): This organization has been recognized as an official branch of BUFORA (England).
• New Organizations: Two new organizations were noted: BUDEC (British UFO Documentation Centre) and the UK Investigator's Agency, formed by Jenny Randles to improve investigative ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings in Ireland. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and attempting to find rational explanations, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many of the observed phenomena. The magazine also highlights the growing UFO research community in Ireland through its coverage of new organizations and affiliations.