Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 3 No 1 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 3, number 1
Date: January-February 1970
Publisher: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the interpretation of UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on challenging the dominance of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and exploring alternative explanations. The cover prominently features a discussion between Alan Sharp, who advocates for retaining the ETH, and John Rimmer, who disputes this and examines other possibilities. The issue also includes personal accounts of sightings, local reports, and reviews of relevant books.

Editorial: Cliches

The editorial criticizes the poor quality of writing found in some UFO magazines, describing it as vague, woolly, and full of clichés. It emphasizes the need for clear and direct communication in UFO research, using the metaphor of 'girding our loins' and 'putting our shoulders to the wheel' to convey the effort required to advance the field.

Letter to the Editor

Dr J. Cleary-Daker, Editor of the LUFORA Journal, writes to Mr. Harney, the editor of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin. He praises the high standard of the Bulletin and its predecessor, MUFORG LULLETIN, and acknowledges the editor's 'sly digs' at him. However, he expresses concern about the proliferation of small UFO publications, arguing that limited resources (cash, talent, labor) would be better served by a few well-produced journals. He believes that scruffy publications with silly opinions, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes harm the public image of UFO research. Dr. Cleary-Daker states his willingness to welcome genuine researchers but not those who inflict 'half-baked notions' on the public. He questions how much harm inferior publications may cause before they naturally die out.

A Look at the Alternatives by John A. Rimmer

John A. Rimmer presents a critical examination of various explanations for UFO phenomena, contrasting them with the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH).

The ETH: Attractive Features

• Rimmer outlines the perceived strengths of the ETH:
• It superficially fits reported facts, aligning with expectations of advanced interstellar or interplanetary transport.
• It is an explanation within human experience, clearly defined, and does not require new concepts.
• It is finite and capable of scientific proof or disproof.
• It is attractive to scientists and extraverts interested in advanced civilizations, as well as those receptive to 'space-brother' ideas.

Alternative Explanations

Rimmer categorizes alternative explanations into three main groups: Physical Craft Theories, Natural Phenomena Theories, and Subjective Phenomena.

#### Physical Craft Theories

• These theories propose that UFOs are physical craft originating from Earth. Examples include:
• Ray Palmer's 'doughnut-shaped Earth' theory: UFOs originate from the inside of a hollow Earth.
• Hollow Earth Theory: The Earth is a hollow sphere with an alternative world inside, or a network of caverns inhabited by 'dero' (deranged robots).
• Undersea Origin: UFOs originate from under the sea, possibly linked to alien bases or 'gates' to an inner world, sometimes involving the concept of Atlantis.
• Unknown Terrestrial Civilizations: Civilizations located in remote areas like the Andes or Tibet.
• Secret Terrestrial Craft: UFOs are advanced secret weapons or aircraft of nations like the USA, USSR, Britain, or Italy.

Rimmer dismisses these theories, noting that if UFOs were Earth-originated, the facts would be so overwhelming that it would be common knowledge. He suggests that blaming 'dero' might be a displacement of feelings that have historically targeted groups like Jews, Negroes, or foreigners.

#### Natural Phenomena Theories

These theories suggest that UFOs are a result of natural phenomena, possibly unknown or poorly understood. Rimmer acknowledges that these must be accepted by ufologists to a large extent and can explain many 'unexplained' events, potentially accounting for up to 99% of 'lights in the sky' sightings. However, he cautions against irrationally attributing all sightings to natural phenomena, stating that there are physical limits to what such phenomena can do, even unknown ones. He also notes that untrained observers have limits to their misinterpretation of facts.

#### Subjective Phenomena Theories

• This category encompasses a wide range of explanations related to the witness's perception and psychology.
• Psychotics and Personal Anxieties: Some UFO events are seen as manifestations of individual psychological issues, marital or sexual anxieties, particularly in sensational 'contactee' incidents.
• John Keel's Work: Keel's research into associated phenomena suggests links between objective events and subjective experiences, hinting at a phenomenon that transcends conventional theories. Rimmer mentions the possibility of an elaborate hoax or deception, though the perpetrator is not identified.
• Occult Fields: Some theories view UFOs as variants of spiritual, religious, or crypto-religious manifestations, potentially representing 'Angels of the Lord' or the Devil. This is seen as a reversal of the ETH, which interprets Biblical descriptions of angels and devils as misinterpretations of extraterrestrial contacts. The idea that civilization is only possible through the brain filtering out overwhelming occult influences is also mentioned.
• Alien II. Greenfield's 'Alternate Realities': This theory posits that UFOs are projections from other universes occupying the same space-time but on different 'planes' of existence. Rimmer notes that recent discoveries in sub-atomic physics might lend credence to such ideas.
• Jung's 'Racial Memory': Carl Jung's concept suggests UFOs are part of mankind's collective unconscious, stimulated by various forces. This theory accounts for the elusive quality of UFO events and their broad public relevance, though critics find it too all-inclusive and a potential 'get-out' clause.

Rimmer concludes that while the ETH is a valid consideration, focusing solely on it risks missing a significant part of the UFO mystery and can lead to a closed-minded attitude. He stresses the importance of giving adequate consideration to alternative explanations, warning against stifling research into these areas due to a lack of encouragement and suitable outlets.

Some Personal UFO Experiences by Alan W. Sharp

Alan W. Sharp recounts two personal experiences with UFOs.

Cannes Sighting

During a holiday in the South of France in the early 1960s, Sharp and a friend observed a bright patch of light near Cannes. It appeared as an elliptical object with a bright white center, a black oval, and a larger white ellipse. It moved at low altitude inland. Just before disappearing behind a hotel, the light was replaced by the distinct shape of an aeroplane in silhouette. Sharp speculates this might have been an 'interference pattern' and draws a parallel to Arnold's Mount Rainier sighting, suggesting it could be a similar optical effect.

Optical Difficulties

Sharp notes the peculiar optical effect, likening it to an 'interference pattern'. He questions whether the 'fringes' observed were reflections from cabin windows or rotor blades. He humorously points out the irony that at the crucial moment, their cameras and binoculars were safely stowed away in the car.

Local UFO Reports

Sefton Park, Liverpool (January 4, 1970)

Amateur astronomer R. Halliday reported seeing an ill-defined disc or object moving very fast from east to west across the sky. It was estimated to be about magnitude 3 and lasted for 3-4 seconds before disappearing behind trees. The sky was clear, but there was ground mist.

Chester (February 7, 1970)

According to a report in the Liverpool Echo, Chester's mysterious UFO reappeared after being unseen since Christmas. Two men observed a bright white object for ten minutes in the Parkgate Road area. They initially feared being treated as practical jokers and did not report it to the police. William, a window cleaner, and Gordon Jones, a foreman tyre fitter, described the object as moving like a snake with a single bright light and no noise. They followed it in their van until it stopped and then shot off. The report notes several sightings of white 'star-like' objects over Chester in the past twelve months.

Books (BOCKS)

OPERATION EARTH by Drinsley Le Poer Trench

This book is described as presenting mystical speculations, with the author assuring readers that UFO entities are friendly. However, in this work, Trench reportedly includes more 'hostile' manifestations, framing the UFO phenomenon as a struggle between good and evil entities for the domination of mankind's minds.

UFOs THE WHOLE STORY by Coral and Jim Lorenzen

This book is a general review of the UFO situation. The reviewer finds it 'heavy going' and criticizes its tendency to provide overly long descriptions of individual sightings without an index, which is deemed a significant drawback for reference purposes.

Merseyside UFO Bulletin Contact Information

Details are provided for the Editor, John Harney, and Associate Editor, John A. Rimmer, including their addresses, telephone numbers, and affiliations. Alan W. Sharp is listed as the Science Editor. The publication is printed and published by the editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the critical examination of UFO explanations, particularly the need to move beyond a sole reliance on the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The editorial stance, as expressed by the editors and contributors like John Rimmer, is one of open inquiry, encouraging the exploration of diverse theories, including physical craft, natural phenomena, and subjective interpretations. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and clear communication, while also acknowledging the psychological and cultural aspects of the phenomenon. The publication aims to provide a platform for these alternative viewpoints, even if they are less conventional or scientifically established, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of UFOs requires considering a wide spectrum of possibilities.