MUFOB - New series - No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFOB
Issue: NEW SERIES 2 (Whole number 36)
Date: MARCH 1976
Publisher: MUFOB (informal journal)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English
Price: £1.00 p.a. (four issues) post paid for Great Britain and Ireland; $2.50 p.a. post paid for the United States.

This issue of MUFOB transitions to an all-litho printed format, an experimental change dependent on subscription numbers. The magazine is an independent publication devoted to ufology and related subjects, with views expressed by contributors not necessarily shared by the editors.

Editorial Notes

The editorial notes explain the shift to a new printing format and address the search for a new title for the bulletin, as the 'Merseyside' aspect is no longer relevant. The acronym 'MUFOB' has become the established title. The editors also commend 'THE NEWS' magazine for its coverage of Fortean curiosities.

EXPERIMENTAL UFO HOAXING

Author: D.I. Simpson

This extensive article details an experiment conducted by the Society for the Investigation of Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena (SIUFOP) in Warminster, Wiltshire, in March 1970. The primary goal was to assess the reliability and objectivity of UFO experts and witnesses by staging a controlled hoax.

The Experiment:

A simple visual stimulus—a purple light shone from a car on Sack Hill—was presented to ufologists gathered on Cradle Hill. Simultaneously, photographic evidence was introduced, featuring a superimposed image of a UFO inconsistent with the actual stimulus. This was intended to observe how subsequent investigations, recording, and publicity would handle the fabricated evidence.

Methodology:

'Landing' marks were dug, and an area of grass was singed near Sack Hill. A 144-watt tungsten lamp with a purple gelatine filter was used to create the light stimulus. Mr. Norman Foxwell, a SIUFOP member, used a camera with pre-exposed film to create a spurious UFO image, which was then superimposed onto two frames of the night-time streetlamp scene. The intention was to create a 'perfect' fake photograph.

Investigation and Publicity:

Mr. Foxwell passed the film to Mr. John E. Ben, who had connections with 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR). FSR subsequently published articles on the 'Warminster Photographs', with its editor Charles Bowen initially stating the negatives were genuine. However, the article highlights numerous inconsistencies in the reporting and analysis, such as exaggerated object size in artistic impressions and misinterpretations of background details like car headlights.

Critique and Analysis:

Dr. Pierre Guérin offered a 'Tentative Interpretation' suggesting the object emitted ultraviolet light, a 'soft sighting' hypothesis. However, the author criticizes the lack of critical examination of the evidence, particularly the failure to interview the photographer, Mr. Foxwell. The article points out that the 'soft sighting' could be secondary effects of a solid object, a hypothesis formulated long ago. SIUFOP's own newsletter, 'The Hoax of 1970?', also criticized the investigation's methods.

Later Developments:

Further investigations by SIUFOP and subsequent publications in FSR continued to scrutinize the case. The experiment eventually became public knowledge, leading to its conclusion. The author emphasizes that scientific evaluation requires critical appraisal of all evidence, and inconclusive or self-contradictory evidence should be shelved to avoid building hypotheses on myths.

VERY LIKE A WHALE: An appeal for a new approach to the UFO phenomenon

Author: Bryan Jeffery

This article argues that the UFO phenomenon is a significant cultural manifestation, with a high proportion of 'believers'. It suggests that reported sightings are only the tip of the iceberg and that the phenomenon is 'parasitic' on the aspirations and fears of mankind, taking its form from the subconscious and archetypal myth forms.

Key Arguments:

• The UFO phenomenon is a 'Rumour' that defies objective analysis due to its illogicality and absurdity.
• It is linked to the collective subconscious, similar to ancient spirit-faiths and modern 'fairy- or spirit-faiths'.
• The author critiques the tendency to dismiss UFOs as purely psychological or to attempt to fit them solely within the framework of physical sciences.
• He advocates for using conceptual and analytical tools from the social sciences, such as historical study, to understand the phenomenon, drawing parallels with how history deals with ideas and collective phenomena.
• The article questions how phenomena like 'flaps' and occupant cases, which show remarkable coherence across different locations and times, can be explained without considering a collective, rather than individual, psychological basis.

The Catalogue: An International Catalogue of Type I Reports

Compiler: Peter Rogerson

This section presents a list of numerous UFO sightings and encounters, primarily from France, with some from India and Germany, dated October 1954. Each entry includes a date, location, time (where available), and a brief description of the sighting, often involving luminous objects, craft, and sometimes occupants described as small or unusual beings.

• Examples include:
• 343 (October 1, 1954, Dhubri, India): A luminous disc leaving a trail landed and took off again.
• 344 (October 1, 1954, Blanzy, France): Two bricklayers approached a cigar-shaped object that took off with a whistling sound.
• 346 (October 1, 1954, Ressons-sur-Matz, France): A farmer saw a white craft in a field; flattened grass was found at the site.
• 370 (October 4, 1954, Poncey-sur-l'Ygnon, France): A housewife saw a luminous circular object land near her farm, leaving an area where the earth had been 'sucked up'.
• 374 (October 5, 1954, Mertrud, France): A roadmender reported seeing a hairy dwarf in an orange jacket climb aboard a cigar-shaped craft.

The compiler notes that the authenticity of cases cannot be guaranteed and any proven false cases will be reported in future issues.

Notes, Quotes & Queries

This section includes a brief mention of a 'big bird' sighting in Texas, reported in the Daily Mail. It also congratulates Brinsley Le Poer Trench on becoming the 8th Earl of Clancarty and his intention to introduce the subject of UFOs into the House of Lords.

Book Reviews

• The UFO Controversy in America by David Michael Jacobs: Reviewed by John Harney, this book is described as a definitive history of the UFO controversy in America from 1947 to 1973. It covers the 1897 airship mystery, the rise of NICAP, and the Colorado Project. The reviewer notes that while Professor Jacobs attempts impartiality, he seems to lean towards the 'believers' and the 'nuts and bolts' approach, potentially overlooking the psychological aspects and the contactee syndrome.

• The Mothman Prophesies by John A. Keel: Reviewed by John Harney, this book is seen as a continuation of Keel's work on 'ultraterrestrial' horror, MIBs, and paranormal phenomena. The reviewer suggests that Keel's underlying argument points to the UFO problem being fundamentally psychological.

• Miracles of the Gods by Erich von Däniken: Reviewed by Roger Sandell, this book argues that religious visions are attempts at communication by extraterrestrials. Sandell notes that von Däniken denounces orthodox Christianity, which seems contradictory to his earlier works. The review also points out the book's extensive bibliography but criticizes its lack of credit to other researchers who have explored similar themes.

• The Magic of Uri Geller by James Randi: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is described as effectively deflating the Uri Geller myth. The review highlights Randi's account of his first meeting with Professor John Taylor, who displayed credulity.

• The Complete Books of Charles Fort by Charles Fort: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this is a reprint of the 1941 Fortean Society/Holt edition. The reviewer finds Fort's style heavy but acknowledges the monumental nature of the work, calling it a bargain despite its price.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes critical analysis and scientific rigor in the study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards uncritical acceptance of UFO reports and a desire to debunk hoaxes and expose flawed investigations. There is a clear preference for evidence-based research and a concern that emotionalism and credulity can impede genuine understanding. The publication also shows an interest in the broader context of anomalous phenomena, as evidenced by the inclusion of Fortean curiosities and discussions on the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO beliefs. The shift to a new format and the ongoing search for a title reflect a desire for modernization and a clear identity.