Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 6 No 1 - 1973

Magazine Overview

MUFOB, Volume 6, Number 1, is a bulletin from Merseyside UFO, featuring an editorial panel of John Harney, John Rimmer, Peter Rogerson, and Alan Sharp. The cover art depicts an ancient Egyptian scene of hauling a monumental sculpture on a sledge, attributed to Austen Henry Layard's 'The Monuments of Nineveh'.

Editorial: Archaeological Barmpots

The editorial addresses the persistent issue of linking serious UFO research with 'barmpot ideas,' particularly the 'Was God an Astronaut' cult. It notes that many books on this theme are plagiarisms, with some ideas originating from the Soviet bloc. Roger Sandell's article, published in this issue, is highlighted for examining the historical antecedents of the UFO phenomenon and demolishing claims made by proponents of the 'Ancient Astronaut' theory. Sandell's study, based on a year of concentrated effort including evening courses in Ancient History and extensive research, aims to demonstrate the ignorance of basic archaeological facts among these proponents.

UFO Evidence in an American Reservoir?

This section critically examines the classic Loch Raven Dam case from October 20, 1958. Two friends reported seeing a mysterious, 'egg-shaped' object, approximately 100 feet in diameter and height, hovering about 75-100 feet above the superstructure of the bridge near Baltimore, Maryland. The object was described as glowing with an iridescent glow, then flashing a brilliant white light, accompanied by a heat wave and a loud noise. The witnesses' car engine died, and lights went out when they were about 25 yards from the bridge. The object then rose vertically and disappeared within five to ten seconds. The authors, Alan W Sharp, critically analyze the case, referencing reports by Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek. They propose a rational explanation: the UFO was a large, partly deflated balloon carrying a payload. The payload was jettisoned by an explosive charge, causing the balloon to lighten and rise quickly. The battery, seemingly run down, only provided enough current to illuminate the underside of the fabric after the jettisoning. The payload likely submerged in the lake. The article also dismisses the car's electrical malfunction as unusual, suggesting common issues like loose contacts or a run-down battery, drawing parallels to other reported cases.

Archaeologists and Astronauts by Roger Sandell

Roger Sandell's article delves into the theory that extraterrestrial visitants could explain certain archaeological mysteries, a concept popularized by writers like M.K. Jessup, Desmond Leslie, and prominently, Erich von Daniken. Sandell critiques these theories, questioning the evidence and the necessity of rewriting early human history to include extraterrestrial interference. He points out the lack of clear timelines for alleged visitations and the jumbling of 'mysteries' from different eras and locations (e.g., Egypt, Easter Island, Maya cities). Sandell criticizes the credulity of proponents, who accept various sources uncritically, citing the 'Book of Dzyan' as an example of a fabricated text falsely attributed ancient origins. He also challenges claims about ancient technologies, such as the construction of pyramids and Stonehenge, arguing that historical evidence supports human engineering capabilities without recourse to extraterrestrial intervention. Sandell concludes that the 'Ancient Astronaut' advocates have failed to establish their case, with much of it based on misunderstanding and mis-statement.

Further reading suggestions include 'Lost Tribes and Sunken Continents' by Robert Wauchope, and books by L. Sprague du Camp and Clifford Wilson.

A postscript notes the publication of von Daniken's new book, 'The Gold of the Gods,' dealing with alleged archaeological discoveries in South America, but states it has not been examined in detail.

International Catalogue of Tyle I UFO Reports

Compiled by Peter Rogerson, this section lists numerous UFO reports from various countries, primarily from the 1930s. These reports detail sightings of aerial machines, lights, and unusual objects, often described as resembling aeroplanes or having strange shapes and behaviors. Examples include:

• Tomintoul, Scotland (1930): A white light brightened, revealing figures.
• Salisbury, England (1930): A black mist enveloped a lorry, with projections resembling 'luminous gory hands'.
• Wattsburg, Pennsylvania (1932): A glowing blue sphere approached a farmer.
• Rahey, Morven, Scotland (1933): A dim light suddenly became brighter, joined by a smaller light, then vanished.
• Chrysville, Pennsylvania (1933): A man found an ovoid object with a circular opening, smelling of ammonia.
• Langtrask, Sweden (1933): A mysterious machine like a monoplane was observed multiple times.
• Bingham, New Mexico (1933): A red glow from a lighted object moving erratically.
• Holmogadd, Sweden (1934): An object maneuvered low near an island, spiraled down, and ascended.
• Kvaloj, Norway (1934): An aerial machine landed and took off.
• Gjeslingan Island, Norway (1934): A loud noise and a strong beam of light from an object that landed on water.
• Rortrask, Sweden (1934): An aerial machine lit up the forest and accelerated.
• Sleipskar Island, Norway (1934): Beams of light and engine noises from an aerial machine that landed on water.
• Vikna, Norway (1934): Residents reported the landing of an aerial machine.
• Oksboson, Norway (1934): An aerial craft was seen to land.
• Tromsø, Norway (1934): A large grey object resembling an aeroplane projected a blinding beam of light onto a ship, with a man visible in the cabin.
• Dollis Hill, London, England (1934): A cylindrical machine with two men was observed.
• Malselv, Norway (1934): An aerial machine was seen to 'crash land', with traces and footprints found later.
• Melbo, Norway (1934): A huge aerial machine with two wings flew close to the water.
• Sandnessjoen, Norway (1934): A huge aerial machine with eight engines descended over Altenfjord.
• Dollis Hill, London, England (1934): A glowing object passed a house, and a car crashed while avoiding a similar object.
• Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada (1935): A light approached closely, and then moved away.
• Kvalsik, Norway (1937): A large object like an aeroplane rested on the water, then disappeared in smoke.
• My lingslykten, Norway (1937): A large object like an aeroplane resting on the water took off with bright lights.
• Minneapolis, Minnesota (1938): A doughnut-shaped object with interwoven parts was observed.
• Hartlepool, England (1933): An aerial machine plunged into the sea.
• Dudgeon, England (1933): An aerial object burst into flames and crashed.
• Dieppe, France (1933): An object plunged into the sea, causing smoke.
• Somerville, Massachusetts (1938): A silvery, cylindrical machine with four rectangular portholes was observed.
• Guadalajara, Spain (1938): A dark lens-shaped object hovered, with a column descending and figures observed.
• Juminda, Estonia (1933): A strange 'frog-man' was observed.
• Lowestoft, England (1938): An aerial machine fell into the sea.
• Langatte, France (1938): A 'strange air-machine' fell into the sea.
• Felixstowe, England (1938): An aerial object fell into the sea.
• Meridan, England (1938): A metallic, domed structure was encountered, with tall men and subsequent 'dream-like trips'.
• Dalesville, Quebec, Canada (1940): An object ascended from a hill with a large light and spluttering sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of fringe theories, particularly the 'Ancient Astronaut' hypothesis, and the presentation of UFO sighting reports. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical towards unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the need for evidence-based analysis and rational explanations for reported phenomena. The magazine aims to debunk pseudoscience while still documenting UFO reports, as seen in the extensive catalogue of historical sightings. The overall tone is one of rigorous investigation and a desire to separate fact from speculation in the field of ufology.

MUFOB, issue number 6, published in July 1973, is an informal journal focused on UFOs and related subjects. The publication is described as having a restricted circulation and no subscriptions. The editorial panel consists of John Harney, John A. Rimmer, Peter Rogerson, and Alan W. Sharp.

Content Analysis

The issue begins with commentary on 'serious, university trained UFO students' and notes that many have ceased active study, while 'cranks and self-publicists' continue to dominate sensationalist media. The editorial agrees with comments made about 'Data net', edited by Mrs. Jo Clark in California. 'Data net' is highlighted for publishing approximately 20 A4 pages monthly of serious scientific articles and news clippings, effectively refuting claims by some British UFO editors about being too overworked to publish substantial journals.

Correspondence from Mr. Peter Maddock, Secretary of the Institute of Parascience, is included. He expresses willingness to exchange literature and mentions that 'Parascience 3:8' is enclosed, with their publications released quarterly. Maddock notes that some members of his institute reject conventional explanations for UFOs, believing the phenomena have a more complex basis, citing anomalies in the Condon Report and 'high strangeness' sightings as justification. He commends the recipient for producing a catalogue and organizing a conference on strangeness. Maddock states he cannot devote much personal attention to UFOs but suggests that members might welcome opportunities for active collaboration with Merseyside, and welcomes suggestions for novel lines of investigation.

Peter Rogerson replies to Maddock, recommending 'Parascience Notes' for those interested in applying modern physics concepts to parapsychology. He advises serious UFO researchers interested in 'paranormal' concepts in UFO research to contact Mr. Maddock.

The publication also introduces the 'MERSEYSIDE UFO BULLETIN', Volume 6, Number 1, dated July 1973. It is described as an informal journal devoted to the study of UFOs and related subjects, with restricted circulation and no subscriptions. The Editorial Panel members are listed with their addresses and telephone numbers: John Harney (Bromborough, Wirral), John A. Rimmer (Liverpool), Peter Rogerson (Urmston, Manchester), and Alan W. Sharp (Widnes, Lancashire).

The document concludes with a statement that it was 'Printed and published by the Editors'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the quality and seriousness of UFO research, distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and sensationalism. There is an emphasis on the potential for interdisciplinary approaches, particularly the application of modern physics to parapsychology and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, scientific investigation and encourages collaboration among researchers. The publication itself, the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, aims to provide a platform for such serious study.