MUFOB - New series - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFOB (Metempirical UFO Bulletin)
Issue: New Series 12 (46)
Date: Autumn 1978
Publisher: MUFOB (Independent)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MUFOB, an informal journal devoted to ufology, features a lead article by Donald A. Johnson titled "RE-EXAMINING THE STATISTICS," which critically analyzes the correlation between UFO sightings and car stoppages. The magazine also includes an editorial by John Rimmer, a section on "intcat" (an international catalogue of UFO records), articles on percipient experiences, historical UFO waves, and book reviews.

Editorial Notes

John Rimmer's editorial expresses frustration with the BUFORA Journal for allegedly plagiarizing a review from MUFOB without attribution. He humorously coins the phrase "Imitation is the surest form of foolery" to describe the situation.

Re-Examining the Statistics

Donald A. Johnson's article challenges Alan Sharp's hypothesis that UFO-related car stoppages are caused by weather conditions. Johnson argues that Sharp's sample was too small and heavily influenced by major UFO waves in 1954 and 1957. By analyzing a larger dataset from the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), Johnson demonstrates that while there is a seasonal variation, it is primarily driven by these major waves, not by general weather patterns. The statistical analysis, using a Chi-square test, shows a significant variation, but when reports from major UFO waves are removed, the seasonal influence becomes insignificant. Johnson concludes that the influence of major UFO waves adequately explains the observed variations in car stoppages.

Anatomy of a Percipient (Part 2)

Nigel Watson continues his investigation into the experiences of Paul Bennett. Watson details further interviews and information from Bennett, including his first UFO sighting in 1972 and his encounter with a 'Wrose Monster' or robot. Bennett reported physical traces such as burnt patches and circular impressions. The article also touches upon Bennett's interest in the 'Cottingley Fairy photographs' and his belief that Swastika stones on Ilkley Moor might indicate entrances to a hollow earth. Watson also recounts Bennett's UFO sightings in the 'Metro Triangle' area and his plans to publish a book on local UFO reports.

intcat: An International Catalogue of Type I UFO Records

Compiled by Peter Rogerson, this section (Part 17) lists numerous UFO sightings from November 1957. Each entry includes the date, time, location, a description of the object and encounter, and references to other sources. The cases detail various craft shapes, behaviors, and alleged occupant descriptions, often involving car malfunctions, landings, and close encounters.

Letters

Several letters are included:

• Ian Lawes from Brighton expresses surprise at Roger Sandell's reaction to a Horizon program on "Chariots of the Gods," feeling the program was not a complete demolition of Erich von Daniken's claims and that the experts presented were too orthodox.
• Nigel Watson from Scunthorpe comments on the editorial, objecting to the mention of Paul Bennett's "guru" and asserting Bennett's independence of thought.
• Alan H. Greenfield from Tucson, Arizona, expresses admiration for MUFOB and notes the similarity in approach between MUFOB's informal staff gatherings and his own experiences in "middle ufology."

The Airship & Other Panics

Roger Sandell's article examines the historical context of UFO waves, drawing parallels between the 1913 British "mystery airship" wave and earlier invasion scares. He suggests that these panics, often amplified by the press, are linked to technological developments and social anxieties. Sandell also discusses the concept of "guardian angels" and "winged beings" in relation to UFO phenomena, citing Paul Bennett's experiences and other cases.

The Concrete Dream

Peter Rogerson's article explores the paradoxical nature of UFO reports, which seem to exist on a spectrum between physical and psychological properties. He discusses cases that blur the lines between physical phenomena like ball lightning and psychological experiences, suggesting that some high-strangeness encounters may be linked to psychological states such as "metachoric experiences."

Theatre and Book Reviews

• Theatre Review: A review of "All Along the Watchtowers" at the ICA Theatre, described as a remarkable play that dramatizes the impact of the UFO myth on individuals, exploring themes of disintegration and the irrationality of the UFO phenomenon.
• Book Review: "OVNI: el fenomeno aterrizaje" (UFOs; the landing phenomenon) by Vicente-Juan Ballester-Olmos is recommended for its comprehensive catalog of Iberian UFO cases and scientific discussions, though it lacks an index.
• Book Review: "The Vanishing People" by Katharine M. Briggs and "Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries" by W.Y. Evans-Wentz are reviewed as useful resources for studying the relationship between traditional fairy beliefs and contemporary folklore.
• Book Review: "The Tumour in the Whale" by Rodney Dale is described as a collection of contemporary apocryphal anecdotes and rumors, offering a world of strange tales and sinister figures, with parallels drawn to traditional fairy tales and legendary themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, the psychological dimensions of UFO experiences, and the historical context of UFO-related panics. MUFOB maintains an informal, independent stance, encouraging contributions and critical examination of ufological subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, questioning established hypotheses and exploring diverse aspects of the UFO phenomenon, from statistical data to psychological interpretations and historical parallels.