Irish UFO News - No 7

Magazine Overview

Title: IRISH UFO NEWS
Issue: No. 7
Date: Summer 1979
Publisher: Irish UFO Research Association (IUFORA)
Price: 35p

This issue of IRISH UFO NEWS, dated Summer 1979, is number 7 and is priced at 35p. The cover prominently features the headline "TOP SECRET!" alongside a stylized drawing of a UFO and a montage of clouds with a faint UFO shape. The magazine is published by the Irish UFO Research Association (IUFORA).

Contents and Key Articles

The issue's table of contents lists several articles and sections, including:

• EDITORIAL
• TOP SECRET
• SPACE WATCH
• PRESS RELEASE
• CLOSE ENCOUNTER AT NORTH WOODBURN RESERVOIR
• THE TWILIGHT SIDE OF UFOLOGY (PART ONE)
• WORLD NEWS
• BOOK REVIEW

Editorial

The editorial discusses the inherent dangers of limited knowledge, particularly in ufology, contrasting it with the concrete examination possible in fields like geology. It highlights the challenge ufologists face in documenting subjects with little hope of definitive proof, often facing criticism. The editorial touches upon the US government's "blanket silence" on UFOs in the 1950s and 1960s, drawing parallels to the Watergate scandal to question the feasibility of such a prolonged cover-up. It mentions the "Ground Saucer Watch" organization and the alleged "leak" of information from the 50s and 60s, which fueled public curiosity. The editorial also notes that this issue includes an article on the alleged cover-up, a book review by John Hind, an update on space technology, two recent sightings in Northern Ireland, and the first part of Nigel Watson's article "The Twilight Side of Ufology."

General Information

IRISH UFO NEWS is described as a quarterly journal published by IUFORA. It is available free to members, in exchange for similar publications, or by subscription for £3.00 per annum within the British Isles.

Items for Publication

The editor welcomes articles, notes, and letters of comment from any source, interpreting "UFOs and related subjects" liberally. The editor reserves the right to amend items and refuse publication, with pre-publication proofs available on request. All contributions should be sent to the editorial address provided.

TOP SECRET

This extensive article, authored by David Patterson, investigates the alleged cover-up of UFO phenomena by the US government, particularly the CIA. It begins by referencing a court case brought by the Phoenix-based UFO research group "Ground Saucer Watch" against the CIA under the Freedom of Information Act. This case reportedly led to the release of one thousand pages of documents, including a sworn statement from two retired US Air Force Colonels who claimed to have seen the dead bodies of humanoid aliens, approximately four feet tall, removed from the wreckage of two crashed UFOs.

The article details the history of USAF UFO investigation projects, starting with Project Sign (also known as Project Saucer), followed by Project Grudge, and finally Project Blue Book, which concluded in the late sixties. It suggests these projects were often cover-ups hiding the real investigation, possibly powered by the CIA. The article questions the conclusions of these projects, which dismissed most reports as misinterpretations or natural phenomena, especially given the number of reports verified by military and civilian personnel.

Key incidents discussed include:

• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (June 1947): Arnold described UFOs as "saucer-like" after observing nine unknown objects flying at high speed. He became involved with Ray Palmer, editor of AMAZING STORIES, and was later approached by USAF intelligence officers Captain Wm. Davidson and Lt. Frank Brown.
• Maury Island Mystery: This incident involved two harbour patrolmen, Harold Dahl and Fred Crisman, who claimed to have found pieces of UFO material. Dahl was reportedly visited by a man in black who warned him against discussing the matter. Davidson and Brown were tasked with retrieving the material, but the plane carrying it, a converted B-25 bomber, exploded mid-air shortly after takeoff, with only two survivors.
• Captain Thomas Mantell Incident (January 1949): Mantell was killed while pursuing a large, metallic UFO over Kentucky. The official explanation was that he was chasing "Venus," a conclusion questioned by the article.
• Project Sign and Grudge: Ruppelt's investigation into the Mantell affair led him to discover negligence and misrepresentation by the original investigating committee, potentially controlled by the CIA. He later concluded Mantell had chased a weather balloon, though the article notes no weather balloons were released at that time.
• Lubbock Lights (1947): Residents of Lubbock, Texas, reported seeing formations of greenish lights. Despite numerous reports, these were dismissed as natural atmospheric phenomena.
• Trent-McMinneville Photograph (1950): A farming couple from Oregon took two photographs of a disc-shaped object. The Condon Committee's photoanalyst concluded the object was real, but the Air Force denied having information and claimed all received UFO photos were misinterpretations.
• Newhouse Film (1952): Delbert Newhouse, a US Navy photographer, filmed a group of a dozen disc-shaped craft flying in formation in Utah. The film was analyzed by the US Navy and Blue Book, which concluded he had filmed seagulls or balloons.
• Washington Invasion (July 1952): Skies over Washington D.C. were filled with unknowns, prompting fighter plane scrambles. The official explanation was natural phenomena, but the article suggests thousands of sighting reports were hidden.

The article posits that the CIA became more directly involved in UFO investigations in January 1950, aiming to strengthen its control over "classified information" and monitor non-government UFO investigating bodies.

It also discusses the establishment of the University of Colorado study, headed by Dr. Edward Condon, which was prompted by the CIA to shift responsibility from the USAF. However, a leaked memorandum suggested the project needed careful management to appear objective, leading to the resignation of some committee members. The Condon Report, published in January 1969, led to the closure of Project Blue Book. The article concludes by questioning why such a blatant cover-up was necessary and what secrets remain locked in CIA vaults.

SPACE WATCH

By Miles Johnston, this section discusses current issues related to space exploration. The primary focus is on the Space Shuttle program.

• Test Problems: The 1979 launch date for Shuttle orbiter 002 (Columbia) was unlikely to be met, with a postponement to 1980 anticipated. This was due to ongoing problems with the shuttle engines, including a destructive failure and fire during a static test in December of the previous year. February tests also revealed more delays due to cracks in turbine blades and fuel injector issues. A National Research Council Assembly report criticized the Administration for not maintaining a program to prevent cracks in blade platforms.
• Engine Test Bed: The Administration faced additional challenges in certifying the engine test bed due to differences between ground test configurations and the planned orbiter test configuration.
• Tiles: Numerous tiles, particularly on the leading edges of the wings and tail stabilizers, broke away during a 250-knot flight test. Out of 34,000 tiles used, 7,000 needed replacement.
• Large Space Structures: The article mentions that the space experiments carrier will be the first large space structure demonstrated from the shuttle. It describes a composite materials deployable structure measuring 35'x30' that can be pulled from the payload bay.

A photograph shows a Matched 747 and orbiter during a 17-minute evaluation flight, which resulted in tile loss and damage, leading to a postponement of the ferry flight to Kennedy Space Center.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme of this issue is the alleged government cover-up of UFO phenomena, with a strong focus on the role of the CIA. The magazine presents a critical stance towards official explanations and military/intelligence agency actions, suggesting a deliberate effort to suppress information and discredit witnesses. The "Top Secret" article, in particular, reads as an exposé of these alleged machinations. The "Space Watch" section provides a more conventional news update on the challenges facing the Space Shuttle program, indicating a broader interest in aerospace beyond just UFOs.

The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that significant information regarding UFOs has been deliberately hidden from the public. The magazine aims to inform its readers about these alleged secrets and encourage further investigation.

This issue of "SPACE WATCH" focuses on recent developments in space exploration and UFO investigations. It covers the Voyager mission's findings regarding Jupiter and its moons, details a specific UFO sighting at North Woodburn Reservoir, and touches upon the Soviet space program and declassified UFO-related documents.

Space Exploration

Soviet News

The Soviet Union achieved a space flight record on Salyut 6 with the successful docking of a Progress Five tanker/transport. This allowed cosmonauts to refuel, refurbish the station, and boost its orbit. Notably, they also experimented with growing plants in a new centrifuge and conducted space processing experiments using French samples. An unmanned Cosmos 1090 was launched into a 354 x 212 km orbit at 72.9 degrees.

Voyager One Mission

The Voyager One spacecraft provided exciting data from its fly-by of Jupiter and its moons en route to Saturn. Jupiter's atmosphere showed increased turbulence compared to earlier Pioneer encounters. Andrew Ingersoll, from the Voyager imagery team, noted that atmospheric textures could reveal information about the planet's atmospheric processes. The mission observed auroras during the Jovian day and enormous auroral arcs stretching 30,000 kilometers. Intense lightning storms were also detected, suggesting an atmosphere charged with energy, potentially leading to the development of complex molecules. Large, puffy clouds appeared in striated bands, indicative of convection with lateral shear. Ingersoll described these features as 'morpologies such as circulation and S-shaped features,' many of which are anti-cyclonic, resembling hurricanes.

Voyager One also discovered that Jupiter has a thin ring, detected accidentally during a run on Amalthea. This ring, approximately 30 km thick and 8000 km wide, is composed of debris. Amalthea itself is distorted by Jupiter's gravity.

The issue details the interaction between Jupiter's magnetic field and Io, known as the 'Flux Tube.' This interaction generates a massive current, estimated at ten million amperes, flowing between Io and Jupiter. Io's ionised outer atmosphere acts as a conductive medium, and its movement through Jupiter's magnetic field creates electrical currents. The distortion of this flux tube by the induced magnetic field requires precise measurement to confirm passage.

Jupiter's Moons:

• Io: Described as an 'extraterrestrial pizza,' Io exhibits significant volcanic activity, including explosive volcanism (gas outflow or geyser type), slow lava flows similar to Hawaiian types, and volcanic vents emitting volatile material. This activity contributes to a torus of ionised sodium surrounding Jupiter. Some data on Io's volcanic activity was lost due to magnetic and electrical storms over Canberra, Australia.
• Europa: Observed 750,000 km from Jupiter, Europa is slightly smaller than Earth's moon and is expected to have less volcanic activity due to reduced gravitational influence from other Galilean moons.
• Ganymede: The largest moon, with a diameter of 5270 km, bigger than Mercury. It is covered with ridges and grooves caused by tectonic forces and has a rocky core with an ice crust.
• Callisto: The outermost Galilean moon, similar to Ganymede in size and density. It features a large bullseye pattern with surrounding rings and has the most craters of any known planetary body.

It is anticipated that Jupiter's atmosphere will be sufficiently changed for scientists to conduct sample analysis in July, with Voyager 2 also visiting the planet.

UFO Investigations

Top Secret (ctd)

This section discusses the declassification of CIA files on UFOs and alleged occupants, suggesting that these secrets have been kept for decades due to fear of public panic. The data used for this piece originated from various sources, including newspaper clippings, periodicals, journals, official reports, and books. It aims to provide the casual reader with an insight into UFO investigations, particularly those involving US military involvement.

IUFORA: Mechanised UFO Witness Project

Irish UFO Research Association engineers have designed a replacement for human UFO witnesses called FRED. The design considered a microelectronic, battery-powered soul but was discarded for energy economy. FRED is equipped with:

• Radio Antenna: A 4-piece telescopic aerial.
• Compass: Miniaturised, suspended in an alcohol bath, with a sensory matrix.
• Microphone: SHURE microphone capable of detecting whispers up to a kilometer away and adjusting to loud screams.
• Arc-Lamp: 85-watt halogen lamp for illumination.
• Camera (1): 16mm movie camera, film converted to micro code.
• Loudspeaker: Incorporates a modulator for conversing, producing humming noises, or emitting high-pitched screams.
• Micro-Computer: With a 500 million character storage capacity, multi-lingual word processor programmed by Von Daniken, and terrestrial/atmospheric analysis packages. It includes a 'floppy-disc' that can be ejected to simulate a 'flying saucer' manufacturing device.
• Tape Recorder: Multi-track device for recording interviews.
• Field Sampling Unit: For gathering mineralogical samples.
• Sworn Affidavit: Laminated affidavit signed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. E. Condon.
• Telescopic Legs: Laser-proof material for facing entities.
• Tracks: US army bazooka-proof tracks for rough terrain.
• Tyres: For pursuing UFOs on highways.
• Stabilisers: To anchor the witness.
• Charging Socket: To recharge dry cells.
• Geiger Counter: For monitoring radioactivity.
• Cassette Transport: Japanese cassette recorder.
• MIB Detector: Classified.
• Back-Up MIB Detector: Extremely classified.
• Camera (2): CCTV with illegal satellite network access for live UFO incident coverage.
• Infra-Red Prismatic Lens: For use when arc lamps are impracticable.
• Atmospheric Analyser Antenna: Monitors atmospheric pressure changes.
• Multi-Sensory Panel: Detects UFOs within 50 miles and entities in crowds.
• Multi-Purpose Antenna: Broadcasts to networks and jams police messages.
• Solar Cell: Adapted from a NASA lunar module.

A special notice states that only one FRED model was made and its blueprints mysteriously disappeared. FRED is no longer in existence, having destroyed itself after listening to a House of Lords debate on UFOs.

Close Encounter at North Woodburn Reservoir

This detailed report investigates a UFO sighting by Steven Harbinson on November 12, 1978. The investigation was conducted by John Hind (IUFOIN) and Danny Wilson (IUFORA).

The Sighting:

On November 9, 1978, Steven Harbinson, an 18-year-old storekeeper, was fishing at North Woodburn Reservoir. Around twilight (estimated between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM), he noticed a 'strange vessel' emerge from the water. It was described as 'Mexican hat' shaped, silvery-white, metallic, and seamless, breaking water about twenty meters away. It had crystal or diamond-like windows and a row of pinkish lights. The object rose slowly, leaving a concentric wave, then tilted, revealing a pink glow underneath, and shot off vertically in a NE direction at high speed. During the sighting, Steven felt a 'tingly feeling' and described the object as making 'clicking and purring' sounds, later changing to a 'whistling' sound. He reported being 'just a bit scared.'

Supplementary Events:

• Giant White Bird: Steven and his brother Gary reported seeing a giant white bird emerge from trees, fly low, and disappear. They estimated its wingspan at 20 feet.
• Impact Event: Gary reported being hit with 'great force' by an unseen object while cycling, hearing a bang but seeing nothing.
• Amorphous Object: Steven and Gary saw a large, amorphous, cigar-shaped object glowing pearly-white move across the skyline at high speed.

Mrs. Colville's Experience:

Steven's mother, Mrs. Colville, recounted an experience from 1962 when she heard a distressed human voice crying for help. Later, she heard a similar noise and saw an object with red and green flashing lights rise from behind buildings.

Follow-Up Investigations:

Danny Wilson checked with the occupant of Commons Farm, who was also the game warden, but he had no unusual recollections. Steven's mother stated that Steven was 'disappointed' that the investigators did not believe him. Wilson suggested hypnosis to prove credibility, but Steven declined, claiming he was 'scared' of it.

Analysis and Conclusions:

The author concludes that the case has low credibility due to having only one witness for the main event, and that witness is not considered particularly credible. While there are no major inconsistencies, the author suggests a credible scenario involving fantasy. The author posits that Steven may have confused the reflection of the moon in the water with a UFO light, leading to a fantasy projection. The location (Woodburn Forest) is suggested to be a 'magical garden' area for Steven and Gary, where reality rules may be suspended for fantasy projection. The author believes the case is of interest as modern folklore but not convincing as an objective observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific discovery (space exploration) and unexplained phenomena (UFOs). There's a clear interest in detailed investigation and analysis, as seen in the Voyager reports and the North Woodburn Reservoir case study. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical, evidence-based approach, as indicated by the cautious conclusion drawn from the Harbinson case, suggesting fantasy over objective reality. The inclusion of the FRED project highlights a forward-thinking, albeit somewhat speculative, approach to UFO research methodology. The magazine also seems to acknowledge the role of declassified information and public interest in UFOs.

Title: Twilight
Issue: 23
Volume: 2
Date: September, 1978
Publisher: IGAP
Country: United Kingdom
Cover Headline: the twilight side of ufology

This issue of 'Twilight' features an in-depth exploration of ufology, primarily authored by Nigel Watson, a British investigative ufologist. The magazine delves into the methodologies, evidence, and psychological aspects of UFO investigation, questioning prevailing theories and highlighting potential biases and censorship within the field.

The Presumption of Extra-terrestrial Spacecraft

Nigel Watson begins by addressing the common assumption that UFOs are spacecraft from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. He acknowledges the logical chain of reasoning that leads to this conclusion, given humanity's own advancements in space travel and the vastness of the universe. However, he points out that despite decades of investigation, there is a painful lack of convincing physical evidence to support this hypothesis. Watson quotes Donald A Johnson, who stated that explanations based on current evidence would be deemed inadequate, and J Allen Hynek, who expressed concern that UFOs might be related to psychic phenomena, a direction he felt compelled to explore despite his preference for physical sciences.

The article criticizes the tendency within ufology to focus solely on physical evidence, often to the exclusion of other aspects, in pursuit of 'scientific respectability.' This narrow focus, it is argued, can lead to the dismissal of data that doesn't fit the preconceived notion of UFOs as physical craft.

Censorship and Psychological Factors in UFO Investigation

Watson highlights that conscious and unconscious censorship of evidence is common in UFO investigations. Witnesses may be reluctant to report their experiences, and even investigators might consciously or unconsciously filter out information that contradicts their theories. The article cites Jacques Vallee's studies on witness reporting and how different organizations receive varying types of reports (e.g., amateur groups receiving more landing and occupant reports than police). John Beloff's discussion on parapsychological research is also referenced, noting how a lack of significant results can lead to self-censorship and a reluctance to publish negative findings.

Ufologists themselves are accused of being prone to elaboration and sensationalization of mediocre sightings. The article suggests that some investigators become so enthralled by contactee stories and frustrated by the lack of evidence for the extraterrestrial hypothesis that they begin to believe in vast conspiracies designed to hide the truth.

Case Studies and Witness Accounts

The issue presents several case studies to illustrate these points:

The Trench Family Sightings

Mrs. Trench and her son Edward are featured for their UFO sightings in the UK. Mrs. Trench's first sighting in 1957 involved a silver, Saturn-shaped object. In 1959, she saw a brilliant blue-green flame resembling a U-shaped magnet. Edward, around 12 years old, reported two sightings in Thetford, Norfolk: one a silent, disc-shaped object with colored lights that seemed to coordinate with jet maneuvers, and another disc-shaped object with a flashing light. The article notes that Mrs. Trench's early sightings coincided with periods of high public interest in space exploration, such as the Sputnik 1 launch and the Apollo moon missions.

Government Cover-Ups and Scapegoats

The concept of government cover-ups is explored, with the article suggesting it can serve as a convenient ufological scapegoat. Desmond Leslie is quoted on the idea of a conspiracy to hide truths about visitors from space. David Sydeserff's survey of political parties in Scotland regarding UFO awareness is mentioned, along with a response from John P Mackintosh of the Labour Party, who believed UFOs were of interest but best left to individual observation. The article also references Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' as portraying methods used by the USAF to dismiss UFO evidence and a secret government cover-up.

The GEPAN Report (France)

GEPAN, a French government agency, published its first report investigating high-credibility UFO cases in France. The report studied eleven cases, with only one having a conventional explanation, and two involving humanoids. The methodology was praised for its thoroughness, with the conclusion that ten of the eleven cases involved material phenomena not explainable as natural or human devices.

The Fredrick Valentich Case (Australia)

The disappearance of Australian pilot Fredrick Valentich is discussed. While the press reported it as a UFO encounter, more reliable information suggests he filed a one-way flight plan and did not arrange for landing lights at his destination. The 'metallic noise' at the end of his final transmission is noted as strange, leading the CUFOS team to suggest a possible hoaxed suicide. The article concludes that the case is unlikely to be solved due to sparse data.

Book Review: 'Conjuring up Philip'

A book review of 'Conjuring up Philip: An Adventure in Psychokinesis' by Iris Owen and Margaret Sparrow is included. The book details an experiment where a group attempted to 'create' a ghost named Philip. The experiment involved meditation sessions and later, replicating Victorian seance conditions. The group reported spectacular results, including communication raps, partial levitation, and uncontrolled table motion. The review notes the book's struggle to balance scientific reporting with popular communication and its disorganized style. The importance of the experiment is highlighted for its insights into multi-participant psychic events and its potential repeatability for scientific acceptance.

World News: United States and France

Brief reports from the United States detail how Investigator Robert Todd, seeking information on a Cuban UFO incident, was threatened by FBI agents under espionage laws. The FBI's response was evasive, suggesting information was classified if accurate. The French GEPAN report is also mentioned again, with criticism that its findings, despite being potentially significant, were limited to 140 secret copies and not widely disseminated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Twilight' revolve around the critical examination of UFO investigation methodologies, the persistent lack of conclusive physical evidence for the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and the potential for psychological factors, witness bias, and even deliberate censorship to influence our understanding of the phenomenon. The magazine appears to advocate for a more open-minded yet critically rigorous approach to ufology, one that considers a wider range of explanations beyond simple extraterrestrial visitation and acknowledges the role of psychic and psychological elements. The editorial stance seems to lean towards skepticism regarding grand conspiracy theories while acknowledging that governments may indeed possess information they choose not to disclose, often using secrecy as a convenient tool.

The issue concludes with a note that the next installment will further detail the Trench family sightings and examine their religious aspects.