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 a quarterly journal dedicated to UFOs and related subjects, published by the IRISH UFO RESEARCH CENTRE (IUFORC). It is available to members, via subscription, or over the counter.

Editorial

The editorial, dated February 5, 1979, by David Patterson, addresses the recent surge in UFO sightings reported in the media at the end of 1978 and the beginning of 1979. Patterson dismisses conventional explanations like the planet Venus or space flotsam re-entering the atmosphere, arguing that such explanations do not account for the observed behaviors of UFOs, such as looping, spiraling, or rapid horizontal movement. He draws a parallel to advancements in aircraft technology, such as McDonnell-Douglas's CCV vehicle, which can perform maneuvers previously thought exclusive to UFOs. The editorial also touches upon Sir Bernard Lovell's critical stance on UFOs and the ongoing scientific exploration of Venus. Patterson emphasizes that the scientific frame of reference is constantly changing and what seems inconceivable today may be commonplace tomorrow.

The editorial announces that this issue will examine reports of sightings that occurred over Northern Ireland leading up to World War I. It also provides updates on NASA and the European Space Agency's Shuttle program, and a speculative piece on UFOs as an ultra-dimensional phenomenon. Due to recent pressure on the Centre and a re-organization of its administration, the issue is appearing late, but a short piece on a recent sighting still under investigation is included.

An invitation is extended to readers to contribute to a new letter column in the next issue.

The 1909 Mystery Airships in the Irish Papers

This article by John Hind explores historical UFO data from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the 'phantom airships' phenomenon. These reports differed from modern UFO sightings in that they were interpreted as powered airships, possibly from a 'foreign power' or a 'secret inventor'. The article notes that these 'airship' reports occurred in geographically localized waves, with documented waves in the US (1896), Britain (1909, 1913), and Denmark (1908). The reports often described strange lights and encounters with craft and occupants, with 'close encounters' invariably describing human occupants and mechanical constructions.

The article highlights that at the time of the 1909 sightings in Britain, there were very few airships operating, with the first British airship, NULLI SECUNDUS, flying in 1907, and others like BETA and GAMMA by 1913. These were low-powered craft. The first rigid airship was flown in Germany in 1900.

It is noted that a comprehensive survey of the 1909 airship phenomenon is not yet available, but the author sampled coverage from three Irish newspapers: the "Belfast Telegraph" (Unionist-oriented), the "Irish Times" (non-political), and the "Irish News" (republican-oriented).

The "Belfast Telegraph" reported on May 15, 1909, under the headline "AMAZING AIRSHIP STORY," indicating that the War Office was taking the mysterious airship reports seriously. The reports detailed sightings by witnesses, locations, and dates. The article mentions two specific reports in detail: one by Peterborough PC Kettle and another by a 'Southend lady'. The "Belfast Telegraph" presented two prevailing opinions: that the airship belonged to an English inventor conducting secret experiments, or that it was a German airship released from a North Sea warship.

Table 1: Sightings Reported in the Irish Papers

This table lists 18 specific sightings from May 1909, primarily from the "Belfast Telegraph" and "Irish News," with some references to the "London Star." The sightings include descriptions such as "cigar-shaped, lit object making whizzing noise," "complex airship on ground, occupants," and "cigar-shaped craft, hovering." Locations range from Cardiff docks and Caerphilly Mountain in Wales, to Teddington and Clacton in England, and various locations in Ireland like Belfast.

Irish News Coverage of the Airship Phenomenon

The "Irish News" reported on May 21, 1909, with the headline "MORE 'INVASION' HYSTERICS." The article discusses the 'spalding story' and the potential for German airships to be used for bombing raids. It also references a report from the "Irish News" House of Commons section, where Sir John Barlow questioned Mr Haldane about the presence of German soldiers and ammunition in England.

A letter to the "Irish News" from "Wide Awake" warns of the danger of supposed German airships and urges vigilance, suggesting that reports should be sent to the Belfast Boy Scouts for preparations.

Belfast Telegraph Coverage

The "Belfast Telegraph" on Monday, May 17, 1909, reported on a "MYSTERIOUS AIRSHIP FLIES OVER BELFAST." The article describes a "nocturnal visitor" observed over the districts of Malone and Balmoral. Witnesses reported a brilliant light and a long-shaped object at a great altitude. The "Belfast Telegraph" also discussed German military airship activity, noting Germany's leadership in aerial navigation.

Personal Account and Observations

An account from Messrs. Grahame and Bond describes an encounter with a "MYSTERIOUS AERO" that stopped over London. They reported a soft buzzing sound and saw a craft creeping along the grass. The occupants, one described as a clean-shaven Yankee and the other as a German smoking a calabash pipe, used a searchlight to blind the witnesses. The craft was described as approximately 200-250 feet long, with a shape resembling "big cigar boxes with the ends out." Mr. Grahame sketched the craft, noting two men on board and a searchlight. The German spoke first, apologizing for disturbing them and asking for tobacco.

Another witness, Mr. Grahame, recounted seeing the tall man pull a lever, similar to a beer engine, before the craft disappeared in ten seconds.

Other Content

The issue also includes a "BOOK REVIEW" and "BOOKS IN BRIEF," as well as a section on "WORLD NEWS" and "SPACE WATCH." The magazine is published by IRISH UFO RESEARCH and offers regular monthly publications including a JOURNAL, BULLETIN, and NEWSLETTER.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings (specifically the 1909 phantom airships), contemporary UFO reports, and the intersection of technology and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of overly simplistic explanations for UFO sightings and advocates for a more open-minded and thorough investigation, acknowledging that scientific understanding and technological capabilities are constantly evolving.

This issue of the Yale Scientific Magazine, dated April 1963, delves into historical accounts of aerial phenomena, particularly the 1909 airship scare in Ireland and its parallels with modern UFO sightings. It explores various theories, from hoaxes and political satire to more complex explanations involving psychic phenomena and ultra-terrestrial origins.

The 1909 Airship Scare in Ireland

The issue details the "Lethbridge case" as reported in the Irish News, with headlines like "INVADED!" and descriptions of "Foreigners, an Airship and a grim message in French." The report links the airship sightings to other occurrences, including reports of German military airships hovering over Colchester, UK, and foreigners taking notes of local infrastructure. The Belfast Telegraph also quotes the "DAILY EXPRESS" regarding an "Airship Fender" found in Clacton. The Irish News, in an editorial titled "Invasion Hysterics," uses the events to score political points against the English, sarcastically comparing German inventions to those of the Wright brothers.

An "Anxious Orangeman" letter to the Irish News is presented as an example of political satire, humorously depicting a conversation about capturing Belfast between a German Emperor and Irish figures.

Analysis of the Airship Phenomenon

The author presents several points for consideration 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. Profile similarities with UFOs: The airship phenomenon shares similarities with modern UFOs, including lights in the sky, close encounter reports, localized 'wave' and 'flap' phenomena, and the 'them-and-us' interpretation.
3. Hoaxes and political satire: Newspapers used the phenomenon as a vehicle for political satire, as seen in the "Anxious Orangeman" letter.
4. Cultural specificity: The phenomenon adapted to contemporary cultural specifics, with the Unionist Belfast Telegraph treating reports seriously due to invasion fears, while the Irish News was more dismissive.

The author suggests that due to the antiquity of the reports, a definitive conclusion about the physical stimuli is difficult. Two tentative hypotheses are proposed: mass hysteria or a phenomenon of the collective unconscious, analogous to a dream premonition, especially given that airships were used by Germans in WWI.

The close analogy between the airship phenomenon and modern UFOs suggests that studying the former could aid in understanding the latter. The article includes a bibliography of relevant works.

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 strange object, larger than a Wessex helicopter, traveling at great speed and about 300 feet above the ground. The object was described as giving off its own light, a blend of yellow and orange, as bright as the full moon. It was almost rectangular in shape but with the corners removed, sharply defined, and made no noise.

After disappearing behind a hill, Mr. Killen later saw the object again in a different position, approximately 3 miles away, appearing to be going to land. He became frightened and returned home. The author, Danny Wilson, visited the site but found no evidence of a landing. The object's speed and movement over a short distance, its lack of sound, and its distinct brilliance ruled out conventional explanations like Venus or a helicopter. The Seaforde object remains a mystery.

ENIGMA: Paranormal Activity and UFOs

David Patterson's article "ENIGMA" argues that paranormal activity and aerial phenomena did not begin in 1947 but have been documented throughout history in various forms, such as winged discs, flying wheels, and fiery chariots. The phenomenon, regardless of its shape (cubed, spherical, cylindrical, or elliptical), has always existed.

The Fafari Incident

On September 9, 1976, a Phantom F4 of the Iranian Air Force was scrambled to investigate an unusual object over Teheran. The object sped away, flashing various colors. A smaller object detached and homed in on the Phantom, causing the pilot, Lieutenant Fafari, to experience frozen weapon controls, radio failure, and instrument malfunction. After evading the object, Fafari resumed the chase, and another smaller object detached, heading earthward. Fafari followed it down, saw it touch down, and then it disappeared. Upon returning to base, a cylindrical craft approached him and then vanished.

The article questions whether these experiences are hallucinations or illusions, referencing the case of Thomas Mantell, who died chasing a UFO. It notes that authoritative figures are increasingly turning to parapsychology to explain UFO phenomena.

Theories on UFO Origins

The article explores various theories:

• Extra-terrestrial vs. Psychic: Jacques Vallee suggests UFOs may not be extra-terrestrial but could originate from a different point in time or be a psychic phenomenon, a "control system" from a peculiar space/time frame beyond normal consciousness.
• Dimensional Planes: Oriental-type psychic religions suggest the ability to traverse the cosmos via the "Third Eye." Research into ESP indicates that certain brain areas perceive differently, where time and space have no real meaning, potentially explaining the "seeing" of UFOs.
• Electromagnetic Energy Source: John A. Keel views UFOs as sources of electromagnetic energy, often invisible and operating in spectrums beyond normal vision, occasionally emerging into visible light. The article mentions UFOs hovering near electric pylons and the phenomenon of ball lightning as potential energy sources.
• Ultra-terrestrial Phenomenon: The article posits that UFOs might be "ultra-terrestrial," existing beyond our field of vision but slipping into our space/time frame. This is presented as an alternative to extra-terrestrial origin.

The article concludes that while some phenomena can be explained conventionally, those that are stubbornly non-conform must have a causation, possibly an ultra-terrestrial one.

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 between Australia and Tasmania 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, allegedly lasting six minutes (though some reports suggest up to thirty), was partially released to the press. Valentich reported the object appeared to be a large aircraft with four bright lights, approaching him at an estimated speed and altitude of 4500 feet. He confirmed he could not identify the aircraft and that there were no RAAF aircraft in the vicinity. The object was approaching Melbourne from the east, and Valentich described it as "playing some sort of a game."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on historical and contemporary accounts of aerial phenomena like airships and UFOs. There's a clear interest in investigating the nature of these sightings, moving beyond simple explanations to consider more complex theories, including psychological, paranormal, and even ultra-terrestrial origins. The publication seems to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena, but rather highlighting the enduring mystery and the limitations of current scientific understanding. The use of historical accounts alongside modern cases suggests a belief that understanding past events can shed light on present mysteries. The inclusion of political commentary and satire in relation to UFO sightings indicates an awareness of how such phenomena can be interpreted and exploited within societal contexts.

Title: SPACE WATCH
Issue: 19
Date: January, 1965 (as stated in a quote, though content suggests later dates for some articles)
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Not specified
Language: English

This issue of SPACE WATCH, edited by MILES JOHNSTON, provides a diverse collection of reports and updates on UFO sightings, space exploration, and scientific endeavors. The magazine covers incidents from various countries, delves into the potential for life on Mars, and details advancements in space technology.

UFO Reports from Around the World

Portugal

Dozens of reports from Lisbon describe a large, round, unidentified flying object with red and white lights hovering over the city at an altitude of 500 to 800 feet.

Italy

Rome experienced numerous reports of UFOs as bright as the sun. Initially, the Italian Government suggested these were pieces of the US satellite PEGASUS burning out upon re-entry, a theory discounted by NASA officials who stated PEGASUS was still in orbit.

Israel

Hundreds of Israelis reported sightings of UFOs, including glowing red globes over Haifa and glittering lights over Jerusalem. A military 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 erratically.

USA

A significant revelation came from the examination of CIA documents obtained by "GROUND SAUCER WATCH." A sworn affidavit from two retired US air force colonels stated they had 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 put on standby. Separately, two cameramen filmed a UFO described as a brilliant white light moving at tremendous speed, and reported seeing over fifty UFOs during a 5½ hour flight.

Pilot Encounter

A transcript details a communication between a pilot and FSU (Federal Security Unit?). The pilot describes an object that is not an aircraft, long-shaped, orbiting, and then disappearing. Contact was lost after a metallic click.

Space Exploration Updates

Viking on Mars

A consensus suggests that at least one Viking biology experiment indicates primitive biological life on Mars. The labelled release experiment yielded results consistent with metabolizing organisms, although the presence of oxidizing elements requires caution. The debate continues on the instrumentation for future Mars missions.

Voyager Mission

Voyager 1 was scheduled to pass Jupiter in March 1979 and Saturn in November 1980, collecting data and imagery of the moons, including Titan.

Pioneer on Venus

This American mission is primarily atmospheric, with landing probes not built for survival. Russian radar indicated significant surface relief on Venus.

Space Shuttle Program

The Space Shuttle is a NASA/USAF reusable transportation system. Five Shuttles are planned for use over ten years to ferry payloads, 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, focusing on stability and approach/landing separation.

Skylab

Due to delays and technical issues with the Shuttle orbiter engines, Skylab was expected to enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up uncontrollably in 1980.

European Space Agency Spacelab

Two hundred and twenty-two scientists from the USA and fourteen other countries were selected for the first Spacelab mission in 1980. The Spacelab concept involves pressurized compartments and equipment platforms for various scientific experiments.

Space Telescope

This project, to be orbited by Shuttle in 1983, aims to significantly enhance astronomical observation capabilities by being outside Earth's atmosphere.

UFO Investigation and Research

Spectrum Report

News from the Dublin-based UFO research organization "Spectrum." The report notes an increase in UFO activity and mentions ongoing investigations by members. It highlights the organization's efforts in public outreach through radio programs and newspaper articles, and the formation of a Psychic Research branch.

Research Data

The organization is interested in collecting data on strange occurrences, sightings, and experiences related to aerial phenomena, requesting old press clippings, writings, and letters.

IUFORC

IUFORC has many sighting reports awaiting investigation due to limited resources. Investigators require patience, diplomacy, and common-sense. John Hind is the investigation co-ordinator.

Book Review

MAN AND THE STARS: CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION WITH ANOTHER INTELLIGENCE by Duncan Lunan.

The book, originally published in 1974 and re-issued in paperback in 1978, warns readers to prepare for contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. Inspired by discussions within ASTRA, the book is divided into two parts: interstellar colonization and contact with other intelligence. Lunan avoids excessive jargon and addresses hypothetical questions about suitable planets, ships, and the nature of life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings globally, often highlighting official skepticism or attempts at rational explanation, while also presenting accounts that challenge these explanations. There is a clear interest in space exploration and technological advancements, with detailed coverage of NASA and USAF projects like the Space Shuttle, Skylab, and Spacelab. The issue also touches upon the potential for extraterrestrial life, both through UFO reports and scientific endeavors like the Viking missions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the volume of reports and the need for investigation, while also covering significant developments in space science and technology. The inclusion of a quote from the Speaker of the House of Representatives suggests a concern about the transparency of information regarding UFOs.

This issue of "The UFO Report" (Issue 32, Volume 1, dated January 1979) focuses heavily on a debate in the House of Lords concerning UFOs, alongside reviews of relevant books.

The Lords Debate on UFOs

The main article, reported by John Hind, details a debate held on January 18, 1979, in the House of Lords, initiated by the Earl of Clancarty (Brinsley Le Poer Trench). 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, an author of seven UFO books, presented his views, which were described as an escalation of absurdity, with his latest book "MYSTERIOUS VISITORS" questioning if modern youth are an alien race.

Several Lords contributed to the debate. The Lord of Kimberly, drawing from the Aetherius Society, championed the theory of a deliberate UFO cover-up, even suggesting Sir Bernard Lovell had lied to Lord Hewlett under government orders. Lord Davies of Leek offered a more eclectic contribution, quoting his mother, Shakespeare, and making tangential references to angels, the Virgin Mary, H.G. Wells, and the Loch Ness Monster, ultimately calling skeptics "anthropological arrogant specimens."

The Lord Bishop of Norwich provided a religious perspective, welcoming scientific research on UFOs but warning against a "20th century superstition" and an "ersatz spirituality" that adopts technology as God. He lamented the danger of Christian truths being obscured by a new religion of the extra-terrestrial.

Lord Hewlett, presenting himself as a spokesman for the "scientific establishment," argued based on a conversation with Sir Bernard Lovell that the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope had never detected a UFO in thirty years. This argument was criticized as nonsensical, as telescopes are limited in scope and radio telescopes can only detect specific radio wave frequencies. Lord Hewlett also demonstrated a lack of astronomical knowledge by using the light-year as a unit of time.

The Earl of Cork and Orrery suggested the term 'ufologist' was ugly and proposed 'teratologist' as an alternative.

Lord Strabolgi, speaking for the government, acknowledged inexplicable sightings but stated there was no evidence of extra-terrestrial craft. He asserted that the British government was not involved in a cover-up, but that the Ministry of Defence did not release information primarily to protect witnesses. The government saw no justification for funding an official study.

Viscount Barrington raised a question about whether a Black Hole is an object, leading to a split vote along party lines.

In conclusion, the Earl of Clancarty quoted Sir Fred Hoyle and withdrew his motion.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

This section provides a list of recommended books on UFOs, curated by the Irish UFO Research Centre. The books are categorized into three sections: popular style for general audiences, serious UFO literature for in-depth study, and background reading on related subjects.

• Suitable for the newcomer to ufology:
• "UFOs: A Scientific Enigma" by D.A.J.Seargent (Sphere, 1978)
• "The Humanoids" edited by C. Bowen (Futura, 1974)
• "Close Encounter Cases From Flying Saucer Review" edited by C.Bowen (Signet, 1977)
• "The UFO Enigma" by D.H. Menzel & E.H.Taves (Doubleday, 1977)
• "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact With UFOs" by R. & J.Blum (Corgi, 1974)
• "The Crack in the Universe" by J-C.Bourret (Spearman, 1976)
• "UFOs Explained" by P.Klass (Random House, 1974)
• "UFO: Flying Saucers Over Britain" by R.Chapman (Mayflower, 1969)

• For the scientist or more experienced ufologist:
• "UFOs: A Scientific Debate" by C.Sagan & T.Page (Norton, 1974)
• "Ufology" by J.McCampbell (Jamac-Holman)
• "The UFO Experience" by J.A.Hynek (Corgi, 1972)
• "The Hynek UFO Report" by J.A.Hynek (Sphere, 1978)
• "The Edge of Reality" by J.A.Hynek & J.Vallee (Regnery, 1976)
• "UFOs: The Psychic Solution" by J.Vallee (Panther, 1977)
• "Passport to Magonia" by J.Vallee (Tandem, 1975)
• "Anatomy of a Phenomenon" by J. Vallee (Tandem, 1974)
• "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Sky" by C.G.Jung (R.K.P, 1977)
• "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse" by J.A.Keel (Abacus, 1973)
• "The UFO Controversy in America" by D.M.Jacobs (Signet, 1975)

• Some associated background reading:
• "Intelligent Life in the Universe" by Shklovskii & Sagan (Picador, 1977)
• "Psychic Exploration" by E.Mitchel (Putnam, 1976)
• "The Books of Charles Fort" by C.Fort (Dover, 1974)
• "The Psychology of Perception" by M.D.Vernon (Penguin, 1975)
• "Bigfoot" by J.Napier (Abacus, 1976)

The article also mentions "NEW HORIZONS: Journal of the New Horizon Research Foundation" (Toronto, Canada), "WHITAKER'S ALMANAC, 1979", and "ZETITIC SCHOLAR" (Eastern Michigan University).

Analysis of "MAN AND THE STARS" by Lunan

The review critiques "MAN AND THE STARS" by Lunan, questioning his dismissal of Einstein and his theories on life forms, including humanoids and dolphin-like beings. Lunan's justification for space exploration is linked to humanity's desire to explore and survive potential Armageddon. The concept of a single giant spaceship for such a mission is deemed "insane."

Lunan predicts that by the end of the 21st century, vehicles capable of transporting up to a thousand people to new worlds will exist, with pioneers being specially selected individuals. The review also touches upon Lunan's theories regarding radio pulses from Epsilon Bootes, suggesting a probe was sent 13,000 years ago by a civilization facing destruction. The reviewer finds Lunan's subsequent critique of figures like Von Daniken and Adamski contradictory to his own speculative approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the role of government and scientific institutions in studying or acknowledging these phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on reporting parliamentary discussions and providing resources for further research through book recommendations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical reporting, presenting different viewpoints from the Lords' debate while also offering a critical analysis of Lunan's book and questioning the scientific establishment's dismissiveness. The inclusion of a hotline number suggests an engagement with the readership.