MUFOB - New series - No 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of MUFOB, titled 'Autumn Book Number', published in Autumn 1977 as New Series 8 (Whole number 42), is an informal journal devoted to ufology and related subjects, published independently by the Editors. The cover features the magazine's title in bold black letters, along with the issue details and an illustration of a historical printing press. The main cover headlines highlight 'Vehicle stoppages', 'Signs in the sky', and 'Visions in Hull!'.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section begins by reminding readers that MUFOB welcomes letters on any topic connected to their subject, but notes a lack of stimulating correspondence, with readers often offering encouragement rather than discussion. The editors express a desire for more reader engagement.

A key topic highlighted for reader discussion is Alan Sharp's article in this issue, which presents a statistical study of vehicle stoppage reports. The editors propose that if these statistics are confirmed, the assumption that 'inexplicable' motor vehicle stoppages in a UFO context are the result of an external, physically induced force becomes difficult to support. They suggest that such phenomena might be demonstrations of mental or paraphysical control over physical processes.

The editorial also references an article by Roger Sandell in a previous issue ('The Ghost in the Machine') which examined mysterious vehicle stoppages outside the UFO frame of reference. It notes that the current articles by Nigel Watson and Alan Sharp challenge the assumption that vehicle stoppages in a UFO context are solely due to external, physically induced forces.

More Ghosts in the Machine: Examining the Statistics

This article by Alan W. Sharp, BSc BEng, delves into the reported interaction between UFOs and motorised vehicles. It acknowledges the phenomenon is not new but stresses the importance of a thorough treatment. The author points out the usual pitfalls in UFO research, such as a dearth of vital information, sensationalism, and imaginative embellishments.

Classic examples of UFO interference with vehicles are cited, including incidents in Loch Raven, Maryland (1958), Levelland, Texas (1957), and Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire (1962). These incidents typically involve engine malfunctions, partial or total failure of lights and radios, with conditions returning to normal after the UFO's disappearance. The cause is often attributed to an unspecified electromagnetic effect on the vehicle's circuitry.

Sharp notes that while the Condon report's researchers investigated magnetic field alterations, they did not explore alternative causes for the malfunctions. He criticizes both official and unofficial UFO groups for readily embracing vague 'force-field' hypotheses.

The article argues that auto failures are common in everyday life and can arise from numerous mundane causes, unrelated to mysterious external influences. However, it acknowledges that many ufologists believe a powerful interaction between UFOs and vehicles is indicated by the reports.

To investigate this further, Sharp compiled a list of relevant reports from six ufological books. The data, when analyzed by month, shows a peak incidence of cases in the autumn months of October and November, with a particular concentration in the four-week period of October 13th to November 9th. This pattern is contrasted with normal auto malfunctions, which typically peak in autumn due to weather and in spring after winter hibernation, with summers being relatively trouble-free.

The author suggests that the observed pattern in vehicle malfunctions is intimately related to the time of year, meteorological conditions, and reduced daylight hours, all of which strain auto electrical systems.

References are provided to works by J. Allen Hynek, Alan W. Sharp, Robert Chapman, and E. Condon.

The Folklore Connection

This section, written by Nigel Watson, explores the connection between UFO phenomena and folklore. It points out that vehicle stoppages are not unique to UFO lore, citing historical examples of horse-drawn vehicles being prone to such stoppages, often attributed to witchcraft. The article also recounts an incident involving two young men on bicycles near Listowel, Eire, who felt an uncanny presence and weight preventing them from moving, and a similar incident in Lincolnshire involving a man's bicycle lamps.

These incidents are linked to gateways associated with violent death and phantom phenomena, suggesting a broader pattern of unexplained interference.

INTCAT: Part 13

This section presents an international catalogue of Type I UFO records, compiled by Peter Rogerson. It lists numerous sightings from the 1950s, detailing the date, location, time, and a brief description of the event. The catalogue includes cases from various countries, such as France, USA, Spain, South Korea, and New Zealand. Many entries describe objects landing, hovering, emitting lights, or causing localized effects like ground blackening or tree damage. Some reports involve encounters with beings.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

• 'The UFO Enigma' by Donald H. Menzel and Ernest H. Taves: The reviewer disagrees with the book's claim to definitively explain UFOs as meteorological and optical phenomena, finding the arguments lacking detailed case studies and objective analysis.
• 'Without a Trace' by Charles Berlitz: Reviewed by Roger Sandell, this book is criticized for its lack of thorough research and reliance on unsubstantiated claims regarding the Bermuda Triangle and other mysteries.
• 'The Undiscovered Country' by Stephen Jenkins: Reviewed by P.R., this book covers a wide range of topics including leys and Mahayana Buddhism. While it contains fascinating details of paranormal experiences, the reviewer finds the style rambling and verbose, and criticizes the author's reliance on certain theories and contactee beliefs.
• 'In Search of Extraterrestrials' by Alan Lansburg: Reviewed by P.R., this book is noted for interviewing close-encounter percipients but is criticized for an 'ancient astronauts' chapter.
• 'The Haunted Universe' by D. Scott Rogo: Reviewed by P.R., this book explores the 'psychic' component of Fortean and ufological events. While praised for its valuable material and readable account, the reviewer finds it self-contradictory in its stance on the human mind's capabilities.
• 'Project Blue Book: the top Secret findings revealed' edited by Brad Steiger: Reviewed by P.R., this collection of Blue Book documents is described as containing well-worn classics with poor photographic reproduction and lacking an index.
• 'Strange Stories of UFOs' by Len Ortzen: Reviewed by J.R., this book is seen as a competent but not brilliant account of UFO classics, aimed more at casual browsers than dedicated ufologists.
• 'Encounters with UFO Occupants' by Coral and Jim Lorenzen: Reviewed by P.R., this book is an update of a previous work, serving as a useful introduction to CEIII cases, but is limited by its reliance on the authors' own files and lack of acknowledgement of other researchers' contributions.
• 'Omens of Awareness' by David Tansley: Reviewed by P.R., this book is criticized for its dense Theosophist philosophy and jargon, though the author is acknowledged for his grasp of UFO literature and interesting ideas on wish-fulfillment dreams and evolving consciousness.
• 'A Field Guide to the Little People' by Nancy Arrowsmith with George Moore: Described as an invaluable guide for ufologists and Hull policemen.
• 'Phenomena: a book of wonders' by Robert J. M. Rickard and John Michell: Reviewed by John Rimmer, this book is highly praised for its comprehensive survey of strange phenomena, exploring historical and thematic continuity and promoting 'phenomenal reality'. The illustrations are excellent, and the paperback is considered good value.

Visions and Visionaries

This section by John Fletcher discusses remarkable halos and parhelia seen on March 29th, and historical accounts of witchcraft and prosecutions in Somerset, including instances of a young boy flying and sightings of two suns and three moons. It also touches upon the political and religious climate of the country during the Civil War and Interregnum.

Notes, Quotes and Queries

This section includes a report from the Hull Daily Mail about a police constable's sighting of three dancing figures in the mist, which disappeared into thin air. The report notes the similarity to fairy lore and the constable's interpretation of it as a 'ghostly sighting'. It also mentions a BBC 'Horizon' documentary producer's interest in the 'Ancient Astronaut' theory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the statistical analysis of UFO-related phenomena, particularly vehicle stoppages, and their potential connection to mundane or psychological causes rather than solely extraterrestrial ones. There is a strong emphasis on challenging established assumptions within ufology and encouraging critical thinking. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with folklore, historical accounts, and broader 'paranormal' or 'phenomenalist' perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and critical examination of evidence, while also acknowledging the limitations and potential biases within the field.