IUFOPRA Information Network Newsletter vol 2 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK NEWSLETTER, published by The Irish Ufo & Paranormal Research Association, is dated March/April 1996 and is Volume 2, Issue 2. The newsletter covers a range of topics including space missions, unexplained phenomena, public perception of ufology, and detailed astronomical data.

Clementine Mission

The article "CLEMENTINE: (CONTINUED FROM LAST MONTH)" discusses the Clementine Mission, a project aimed at mapping the Moon's mineral and geological content. The mission's technological goals included proving the durability of its lightweight, cutting-edge sensors in deep space. Despite a malfunction in Clementine's thruster, causing the spacecraft to orbit the Sun, there is hope that NASA can re-establish communication. The article notes that many ufologists speculate that such projects might be part of a Military Response to UFOs in outer space. However, spokesmen from both DOD and NASA deny this, with DOD stating a categorical 'NO' and NASA deferring to DOD's control over military aspects. UFOlogists remain curious if the sensing equipment is intended to search for alien spacecraft or capture high-resolution photographs. The article questions the recurring technical problems encountered by data-gathering missions, referencing the Phobos Mission to Mars and the Hubble Telescope repair. It poses a speculative question about whether humanity has crossed a threshold that warrants a 'cover-up' or if these events are meant to convey that we are not alone and must adhere to certain protocols before further space exploration.

Explosions Over Ireland

An incident on November 2nd, 1995, involved mysterious explosions heard and felt along the East and South-East Coast of Ireland. These events caused houses to shake and vibrations to be felt from below ground. Worried members of the public contacted RTE Radio Programme seeking explanations. One report described the house shaking twice. Subsequent investigation by an investigator from the IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK revealed that the source of these 'explosions' was sonic booms from a Concord Aircraft flying at a low altitude. The report concludes that the situation has since returned to normal.

Flying Saucers and Space Debris

A brief section titled "FLYING SAUCERS" mentions a British scientific experiment on the Eureca Spacecraft, which was recovered in August and found to have hundreds of dents from orbiting man-made junk. It highlights the danger posed by approximately 7,000 large, useless objects circling the globe at 18,000 mph.

Ghosts Keeping Spirits Up

This section reports that Britain has the highest number of ghost sightings globally, with spectacular apparitions often seen outdoors. A theory suggests that ghosts in old castles might be a product of fungal spores stimulating hallucinations. The article questions the explanation for outdoor sightings in fungus-free air and mentions an unusual sighting of Sir Francis Drake in a black coach drawn by headless horses over Dartmoor.

UFOLOGY VERSUS SCIENCE FICTION

This article discusses the perception of ufology in the media. It contrasts the Discovery Channel, which airs serious UFO and paranormal programs, with the 'Sci-Fi' Channel, which is perceived as potentially relegating ufology to the realm of science fiction. The author argues that this distinction makes it harder for ufologists to gain credibility, as viewers might dismiss serious documentaries shown on the 'Sci-Fi' Channel as mere fiction.

Astro Report and Updates

The newsletter includes several detailed astronomical reports compiled by Tom Gardener. These reports cover:

• Planet View Info Report: Data for Venus, Mars, and Jupiter for April-May 1996, including rise and set times, Right Ascension (RA), Declination (Dec), Elongation, Illuminated Fraction (Ill Fr), and Distance in Astronomical Units (AU).
• Seasons Report: Details on the length of winter, spring, summer, and autumn for 1996-1997.
• Planet Orbit Graph for 1996: A visual representation of planetary orbits relative to Earth throughout the year.
• Jupiter Moons Orbit Graph for April 1996: A graph showing the orbital paths of Jupiter's four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) at midnight.
• Lunar Eclipse Report for 1996: Information on two lunar eclipses occurring on April 4th and September 27th, including moonrise/set times, magnitude, and phase timings.
• Solar Eclipse Report for 1996: Details on a partial solar eclipse on April 18th, visible in the southern hemisphere, with sun rise/set times and time of maximum eclipse.
• Planet-Earth Distance Graph for 1996: A graph illustrating the distance of various planets from Earth throughout 1996.

An introduction to reports generated by Astronomy Lab 2 explains that times and dates are in standard time (not daylight savings) and uses a 24-hour format. A list of abbreviations used in the reports is also provided.

Ten Points to Note If You Should See a UFO or Experience a Close Encounter

This section, updated on September 14th, 1995, provides crucial advice for UFO witnesses. It emphasizes that the matter is serious and advises:

1. Do not approach a landed UFO within 10 feet and stay under cover.
2. Never touch the UFO due to potential danger.
3. If alone, seek another witness but don't spend too long searching.
4. Avoid interfering with UFO occupants; comply if they wish to communicate and try to overcome panic.
5. Memorize as much as possible about the UFO, its actions, and any occupants.
6. Be aware of the time throughout the incident.
7. Photograph the UFO, landmarks, and occupants if possible. Look for signs of the UFO's presence after it leaves.
8. Consult a doctor and possibly a psychiatrist after the experience to check for radiation exposure, sickness, or psychological effects.
9. Write down all details immediately and again about four days later, comparing the two accounts.
10. Contact IUFOPRA INFORMATION NETWORK promptly with a precise report, noting any ground marks, burns, or rashes. A Witness Report form will be provided.

All reports are treated with strict confidentiality. The section is signed by Carl Nally, P.R.O. for IUFOPRA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the intersection of space exploration with potential military interests and UFO phenomena, the challenges of gaining public and scientific acceptance for ufology, and the importance of accurate reporting and documentation of unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO and paranormal topics, advocating for a scientific approach while acknowledging the speculative and sometimes controversial nature of the subject matter. The inclusion of detailed astronomical data suggests a broader interest in celestial phenomena alongside UFO research. The emphasis on confidentiality and detailed reporting for UFO sightings indicates a commitment to gathering credible evidence.

This issue, titled "THE NIGHT SKY:", presents astronomical information and a message of peace. The primary content is a detailed star chart for April 26th, 1996, at 11 pm, intended for viewing towards the east. The chart meticulously labels numerous constellations, including prominent ones like Orion, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor, alongside others such as Auriga, Perseus, Aries, Pisces, Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Pegasus, Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules, Canis Minor, Draco, and Bootes. A specific note points out the presence of unnamed comets located in the lower and upper left portions of the chart.

Peace Message

Following the astronomical content, the second page carries a significant message focused on global unity and peace. It features a graphic symbol that appears to represent a dove or a hand releasing a bird, often associated with peace. This is accompanied by a direct quote: "THE HUMAN RACE OF ALL CREEDS OR COLOURS MUST COME TOGETHER IN PEACE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." This message underscores a theme of universal cooperation and the urgency of achieving peace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue combines an interest in celestial observation with a strong call for global harmony. The astronomical section provides practical information for sky gazers, while the second page delivers a clear, unequivocal message about the necessity of peace among all people, regardless of their background. The editorial stance appears to be one that values both scientific curiosity and humanitarian ideals, advocating for a unified and peaceful world.