MUFOB - New series - No 09

Magazine Overview

MUFOB: New Series 9, Winter 1977-8

This issue of MUFOB, an informal journal devoted to ufology, presents a diverse range of articles and reports. The cover prominently features the Danish 'airship' of 1908, a topic explored in depth within the magazine. The issue also includes an editorial, a section on facts, fraud, and fairytales, a compilation of UFO sightings, letters from readers, book reviews, and notes and quotes.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section begins by commending the former editor of 'Official UFO' magazine for his efforts to counter sensationalism. However, it notes a decline in content after his departure, with the new editor eventually resigning after discovering a fabricated letter. MUFOB advises readers to avoid 'Official UFO' due to its perceived lack of credibility. The editorial also announces that the next issue will mark MUFOB's tenth anniversary and will include a retrospective and prospective view of ufology, inviting reader contributions and planning an expansion to twenty pages.

Facts, Fraud, and Fairytales by John Rimmer

This lengthy article explores the complex relationship between UFO experiences, hoaxes, and artistic expression. Rimmer posits that all three can be seen as manifestations of subconscious feelings and beliefs, a 'naive art' through which individuals externalize their inner world. He argues that while 'real' UFO experiences and deliberate fiction are generally accepted in different ways, hoaxes can be desperate attempts to make sense of overwhelming impressions. Rimmer draws parallels between American science fiction stories and genuine contactee reports, suggesting a shared cultural 'primaeval soup' of ideas. He critiques the tendency of some ufologists to dismiss hoaxes and fiction, advocating for a more inclusive approach that considers these phenomena as part of a spectrum of human experience. The article discusses the work of J.R.R. Tolkien as an example of consciously created myth-making, comparing it to the 'Magonia' of contactees and the 'imaginary universe' of hoaxers. Rimmer highlights that the psychological examination of witnesses should not be used to dismiss 'unreliable' individuals but rather to understand the subjective experience. He also touches upon the Arthur Machen story 'The Bowmen' and its alleged influence on wartime sightings, suggesting retrospective memory as a possible explanation. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to examine not only 'genuine' UFO reports but also hoaxes and artistic works as manifestations of collective archetypes.

The Danish 'Airship' of 1908 by Willy Wegner

This article investigates reports of unknown airships sighted over Denmark in 1896-1897 and 1908, suggesting these sightings are a significant part of the UFO myth. Wegner focuses on the 1908 wave, particularly in Vendsyssel, Denmark. He details numerous witness accounts from newspapers like 'Thisted Anstidende' and 'Vendsyssel Tidende', describing objects that were large, airship-like, and sometimes emitted lights or flames. The sightings occurred at night, and witnesses often described the objects moving against the wind. Wegner explores potential explanations, including those from von Zeppelin's airships and French and German vessels, but finds them unlikely due to flight characteristics and secrecy. He notes that while the phenomenon was often described as an 'airship', the lack of official notification and the unusual flight patterns lead him to classify it as an Unidentified Flying Object, with ongoing exploration into a possible German origin.

Fairies and Fireballs by Peter Rogerson

Rogerson explores the connection between folklore, particularly fairy tales, and UFO phenomena, specifically fireballs. He recounts a Moravian fairy tale where a 'little man' rejects fairy food, linking this to the concept of rejecting 'fairy food' in other myths. Rogerson also discusses the association of fairies with fireballs in more recent times, citing Spanish accounts of a shepherd encountering a 'fairy fireball' and an old lady seeing a 'strange being' in a silver suit. He mentions the 'Ghost Flyers' of the 1930s and mystery 'rockets' of 1946 as further examples of Scandinavian UFO reports. The article also includes a brief mention of the 'intcat' section, an international catalogue of UFO records.

Book Reviews

This section reviews several books:

• 'UFO Exist!' by Flammonde: Criticized for rehashing old UFO stories with minor variations and inaccuracies, and for its conspiracy-laden approach.
• 'Jung's Flying Saucers: a modern myth of things seen in the sky' by Carl Gustav Jung: Praised for anticipating modern UFO research themes, including the psychological aspects and the connection to dreams and art. The review notes the book's elusiveness in English editions and its importance for understanding the psychological implications of UFOs.
• 'The Cosmic Pulse of Life' by Trevor James Constable: Heavily criticized for its pseudoscientific speculation, overstatement, and reliance on questionable sources. The reviewer dismisses Constable's interpretations of sky photographs and his critique of conventional physics.
• 'World of the Unknown Series' (All about UFOs, All about ghosts, All about monsters): Recommended for children, these books are praised for their intelligent and level-headed approach, offering brief descriptions of cases, highlighting misinterpretations and fakes, and providing context for ghosts and monsters.

Notes and Quotes

This section includes several brief items:

• A report about a hoax broadcast by students claiming to be from 'Asteron', delivering a message about the 'period of Aquarius'.
• A quote from James Fenton in the 'New Statesman' commenting on the nature of UFO research, suggesting it aims to maintain befuddlement rather than find explanations.
• Information about a UFO news-clipping service operated by Rod Dyke, now managed by Lucius Farish.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MUFOB include the historical investigation of aerial phenomena (like the Danish 'airship'), the psychological and cultural underpinnings of UFO reports, the distinction between genuine sightings, hoaxes, and fiction, and a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims in ufology. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the role of subjective experience, myth, and cultural influences alongside physical evidence. MUFOB positions itself as a journal for serious, albeit sometimes controversial, ufological research.