Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 4 No 2 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: 4:2
Date: June 1971
Editors: John Harney and John A. Rimmer

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin delves into the complexities of UFO investigation, critiquing common approaches within ufology and examining specific cases. It features articles and letters that question the scientific validity of certain UFO claims, advocate for a more objective approach, and discuss the challenges of separating fact from fiction in the field.

The Ubatuba Magnesium

This section, "The Search for Physical Evidence - Part Three" by John Harney, critically examines the Ubatuba magnesium case. The case originated in 1957 when a Rio society columnist reported that fragments of a flying saucer, which had exploded over Ubatuba, Brazil, were recovered. These fragments were sent to Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, who submitted them to the Mineral Production Laboratory of the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry. Initial spectrographic analysis indicated a high degree of purity of magnesium and an absence of other metallic elements. Fontes, unsatisfied, sought more detailed analysis, which eventually led to the conclusion that the magnesium was of a higher purity than could be obtained by known terrestrial refining processes at the time, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin.

However, the article highlights that the Condon Report's analysis, using neutron-activation analysis, found that while the Ubatuba sample had specific impurities (500 p.p.m. zinc, 500 p.p.m. strontium), a sample from Dow Chemical Company, produced as early as 1940, contained similar concentrations of strontium (though less zinc). The Condon Project concluded that there was nothing unique or unearthly about the composition, thus invalidating it as evidence for extraterrestrial origin.

Dr. David R. Saunders, who was dismissed from the Condon Project, argued that the significance lay in the *absence* of certain impurities (like aluminium and copper) and the lack of silicon and mercury, which would be expected in terrestrial purification processes. However, the article points out that the Ubatuba sample still contained larger proportions of other impurities than the Dow sample. The author, John Harney, concludes that the Ubatuba affair was likely a hoax, citing the lack of traceable witnesses and the unconvincing nature of the evidence, especially given the time and technical expertise involved.

Editorial: The End of the Rainbow

The editorial, "The End of the Rainbow," by an unnamed author, likens the pursuit of definitive UFO proof to chasing a rainbow for a crock of gold. It suggests that most UFO sightings can be explained as misinterpretations of natural or man-made phenomena. The remaining cases, which defy rational analysis, are the focus of "serious" ufologists. However, the editorial posits that the UFO phenomenon is governed by natural laws that cause it to retreat as one approaches, implying that a true solution will only come from understanding these laws, which most ufologists are far from achieving.

Letters to the Editor

This section features several letters from readers, offering diverse perspectives on ufology and the magazine's content.

Letter from John A. Keel: Keel expresses his relief at the continued publication of the bulletin and mentions the upcoming British release of his book, "Operation Trojan Horse." He agrees with Alan Sharp's critique of ufology's pragmatic and often denigrating approach, noting that those with divergent views are often labeled as "crackpots." Keel humorously defends his own research methods, even referencing a supposed scientific method involving Scotch. He criticizes the "extreme right wing groups" infiltrating ufology and employing smear tactics, citing an instance where NICAP mischaracterized his writing. Keel laments the trend of "New Ufologists" withdrawing from the field, leaving it to "fanatics and fringe types."

Letter from Jacques Bonabot: Bonabot, Director of Groupement pour l'Etude des Sciences d'Avant-Garde (GESAG), praises the recent issues of MUFOB, particularly John Rimmer's "An Open Letter to Alan Sharp." He agrees with Rimmer's suggestion that the framework for understanding UFOs might come from the "sciences of the mind and the subconscious," equating this to the idea that "people will be the UFOs, or rather the UFO phenomena." Bonabot cites Aime Michel and Michel's technical approach involving ethnology, comparative psychology, brain physiology, and epistemology as relevant to this new direction.

Letter from Gary R. Lesley: Lesley expresses admiration for the bulletin, particularly for its satirical tone, which he finds refreshing in the "grim, tiresome field" of ufology. He defends the bulletin's "nasty" and "satirical" Mr. Rimmer, stating that more humor is needed. Lesley criticizes the "conservative" Mr. Gardner for his reaction to the bulletin's approach. He also mentions his own upcoming UFO zine, "Observations," and his realization that the "main mass of circumstantial evidence refutes the ETH" (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis).

Letter from Norman Oliver: Oliver, Director of COS-MOS, responds to Peter Rogerson's criticisms. He clarifies that COS-MOS aims to cover a broad spectrum of ufological viewpoints, including those that might be considered "cultism." Oliver defends the inclusion of diverse speakers and ideas, stating that the meetings are not intended to inspire but to present different viewpoints. He expresses intrigue about the "remaining 10% of spiritualism" that Rogerson did not dismiss as "unsavoury cultism" and notes that John Keel seems to escape Rogerson's criticisms.

Letter from Peter Booth: Booth is drawn to the cover photographs of Vol.2, No.4 and initially suspected they were faked. However, he concedes that if Alan Sharp's drink was Guinness, he sees little point in wasting time on the matter, calling it "the UFO photo of 1969." He also mentions correspondence from Nature, suggesting that continued attention to such cases might lead prominent figures like Patrick Moore and Sir Bernard to avoid UFO questions.

Operation Trojan Horse

A brief announcement promotes the British edition of John A. Keel's book, "Operation Trojan Horse," described as an "exhaustive study of unidentified flying objects - revealing their source and the forces that control them." It is published by Souvenir Press, London, and priced at £2.

The Saucer Lecturer

This piece by Allen H. Greenfield recounts a staged lecture designed to debunk UFO beliefs. The author and his associates, including "Welooh" and "Raong," deliberately created a poorly executed lecture with technical glitches (faulty PA system, upside-down slides, blown bulb) to make the audience uncomfortable and foster a sense of a "lost cause." The lecture covered standard UFO cases and contactees, presented objectively at first, then devolving into a staged event where "Welooh" yelled "Fake!" and stormed out. The author reflects on why people might need to believe in a fake, referencing a "Orwell broadcast" and questioning if their own flying saucer-like vehicle was mistaken for ball lightning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Merseyside UFO Bulletin, through its articles and letters, adopts a critical and often skeptical stance towards conventional ufology. There is a strong emphasis on the need for scientific rigor, objectivity, and a willingness to question established beliefs, even those held by prominent figures in the field. The magazine appears to favor a "new ufology" that moves beyond simple extraterrestrial hypotheses and explores psychological, sociological, and epistemological dimensions of the phenomenon. The Ubatuba case is presented as an example of how seemingly compelling physical evidence can be debunked through careful analysis and by considering the possibility of hoaxes. The publication also embraces satire and humor as tools to critique the often overly serious and sometimes irrational aspects of UFO research. The editors and contributors seem to advocate for a more grounded, evidence-based approach, even if it means challenging deeply held beliefs within the UFO community.

Title: MUFOB
Issue: 4
Volume: 4
Date: May 1971
Cover Headline: An examination of some mythological traditions, with relevance to contemporary ufology

This issue of MUFOB delves into the profound connections between ancient mythological traditions and the contemporary UFO phenomenon. It posits that UFO events are not isolated incidents but are deeply embedded within a broader tapestry of human myth and belief.

The Sun Maiden and Magonia

Peter Rogerson's lead article, "The Sun Maiden," explores the concept of Magonia, a mythical realm inhabited by supernatural beings who interact with humans. Drawing on Jacques Vallee's "Passport to Magonia," Rogerson suggests that UFO phenomena can be understood within this framework of mythological intervention. He highlights the belief that these beings may 'take' humans for various purposes, and that they can influence human affairs.

Rogerson introduces the idea that the 'Sun Maiden' archetype is central to this mythos. This figure is described as a divine entity capable of seducing men, imparting messages, and leading them to an unknown country. She is simultaneously associated with mermaid-nereid figures and the sun goddess, linking her to the sun's radiance, the Mandala symbol, and the Grail legend. This connection to the sun is further explored through accounts of sun worship.

The Sun's Dance and the Price of Vision

The article recounts a tradition from South Uist in the Western Isles, where on Easter Day, the sun is said to 'dance' on the peak of Ben More, celebrating the Resurrection. This phenomenon, rooted in older sun worship traditions, was witnessed by a widow who described the sun changing colour from gold to green, purple, red, and white-gold, and appearing to dance. However, like those who witness the 'enchanted secrets of Fairyland,' the price of this mystic vision was blindness.

Apparitions and Celestial Encounters

The issue presents several case studies that echo the themes of celestial apparitions and divine or supernatural encounters:

Fatima

The Fatima events of 1917 are discussed, where three peasant children in Cova da Iria encountered a 'celestial woman' in a globe of fire. The lady, described as young with a white dress and golden halo, delivered messages on several occasions. The culmination of these events was the 'Dance of the Sun,' where the sun appeared to spin wildly, change colour, and descend towards the earth. The article notes that this spectacle, and the lady's appearance, are difficult to explain solely through electromagnetic spaceship theories.

Marechal Ferraut's Encounter

Two centuries before Fatima, in France during the reign of Louis XIV, Marechal Ferraut encountered a strange light in a forest that materialized into a beautiful woman adorned with jewels. This apparition claimed to be the spirit of the King's late wife and commanded Ferraut to deliver a message to the King, involving a previous apparition the King himself had witnessed. Ferraut experienced further encounters before delivering the message, and the King reportedly paid him to keep silent.

The Maine Apparition

In August 1799, a strange voice was heard in the house of Captain Paul Blaisdel on the Maine coast. This was followed in January 1800 by an apparition of a beautiful woman in white, who claimed to be Mrs George Dutler (deceased) and compelled George Butler to marry her daughter Lydia.

Other Shape-Shifting Encounters

Parallels are drawn to other accounts, including a ghostly figure of a small girl growing into a woman seen in a bedroom in Northfleet, Kent, and an incident in Warminster where investigators were 'taken' by tiny beings who grew to normal size. These are linked to the concept of 'changeling' in folklore, where the Sidhe (fairies) transform individuals.

The Nature of Magonia and Abductions

Those taken to Magonia are described as entering an enchanted world, often located 'just over the horizon.' Entry is often by force, particularly for those who have offended the beings or disturbed their sacred places. An attempted kidnapping by fairies is recounted from Elliot O'Donnell's work, where shadowy figures tried to drag a driver from his side-car, their touch being cold and benumbing.

OGEA and the Study of MIB

David H. Westhead introduces the Observation Group on Extraterrestrials' Activities (OGEA), a group dedicated to studying UFOs and related phenomena, particularly Men in Black (MIB) and humanoids. OGEA operates on the principle that truth emerges from error, choosing a hypothesis and rejecting it if contrary to evidence. Their aims include determining the origin and purpose of MIB, and investigating UFO landings and creature emergence. They believe that if these beings have any part of their personality similar to humans, they might send their own kind rather than machines, and that the creatures seen emerging from UFOs are not all robot androids.

Notes, Quotes, and Queries

Ball Lightning Controversy

This section features correspondence from the journal *Nature* regarding ball lightning. Writers like R.C. Jennison and W.N. Charman discuss sightings and argue against the optical illusion theory proposed by E. Argyle. P.C.W. Davies criticizes Argyle's approach, comparing it to the mistreatment of UFO evidence.

Neasden UFO Hoax?

An investigation into a photograph of a supposed UFO over 'Rimmer Road, Neasden' casts doubt on its authenticity, suggesting it might be a hoax. The article highlights the difficulty of researching Neasden due to such hoaxes, but notes that if genuine, it could be a significant breakthrough.

Practical Ufology for Gendarmes

A report from the *Daily Telegraph* details unusual advice given to France's Gendarmerie Nationale to look for evidence of UFO landings, collect debris, examine insects for anomalies, and measure radioactivity. The article suspects this might be a hoax perpetrated on the gendarmes.

Paranoia

An item from the *Liverpool Daily Post* describes a strange call received by police from a woman claiming Soviet aircraft were dropping ashes over Birkenhead Park, a call the police radar could not track as it only works on roads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of mythology, folklore, and the UFO phenomenon. The magazine consistently explores the idea that modern UFO sightings are not entirely novel but are deeply rooted in ancient human beliefs and archetypes, such as fairies, supernatural beings, and celestial apparitions. There is a strong emphasis on the subjective and psychological aspects of these experiences, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and statistical analysis, as exemplified by OGEA's methodology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the complex nature of these events by examining historical accounts alongside contemporary reports, and critically evaluating evidence, even when it challenges conventional explanations. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by researchers, including hoaxes and the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations or folklore. The tone is academic yet accessible, aiming to connect disparate accounts into a coherent, albeit complex, understanding of the UFO mystery.