MUFORG Bulletin - 1966 04

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFORG Bulletin
Issue Date: April 1966
Publisher: Merseyside Unidentified Flying Objects Research Group (MUFORG)
Editor: John Harney

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin provides a detailed look at UFO sightings and related topics from the perspective of a UK-based research group. It includes a 'Comment' section reflecting on the state of ufology, news from MUFORG, reports on specific sightings, discussions on scientific approaches to UFO research, and book and lecture reviews.

Comment

The 'Comment' section reflects on the trend of UFO sightings since 1947, noting a recent increase in reports, particularly those describing UFOs seen on or near the ground. The author expresses concern that public expectations, fueled by ufologists, might lead to a rise in spurious reports. While acknowledging the 'lunatic fringe' and those who readily accept 'flying saucers are real,' the author emphasizes the importance of those who patiently and carefully check reports to separate facts from fantasies.

MUFORG News

Key news from MUFORG includes the resignation of Hon. Secretary Alan Rawlinson due to work pressure. Rawlinson, who founded the group three years prior, is described as its most active member. His resignation was accepted with regret. The section also notes that a recent IGAP lecture on Adamski in Manchester disappointed most MUFORG members who attended.

Skywatching Scheme

The Midland Interplanetary Association is mentioned for holding monthly sky-watches on the last Saturday of each month. Other groups are encouraged to participate, with contact information for their Hon. Secretary, Mr. D.C. Samson, provided.

Bootle UFO Sightings

Alan Rawlinson presents sketches and details of several UFO sightings investigated in Bootle:

• February 4th, 6:30 p.m.: A bright, solid, cigar-shaped object with orange and blue lights hovered, changed brightness, and disappeared rapidly towards the east. Two witnesses observed it for about 5 minutes. It was described as twice the size of a plane, 3 miles away, at an elevation of 45-50 degrees.
• February 5th, 6:00 p.m.: A round object seen entering a bluish-white cloud. Two witnesses observed it for 4-5 minutes.
• February 4th, 6:00 p.m.: A bright, rotating object with blurred edges was seen in the east, then increased speed and shot off north, leaving a white light trail. One witness observed it for 3-4 minutes. It was estimated to be at 600 ft height, 1/2 mile distance, and faster than a jet plane.
• February 3rd, 11:30 p.m.: A bright, throbbing object with a white light trail appeared from the northeast, then climbed higher and disappeared north. Two witnesses described it as a "luminous ball." It was visible for about 3 minutes and was photographed. Its comparative size was "as large as the sun."
• February 4th, 8:30 p.m.: A solid, rotating object with sharp edges appeared from the west and shot off east. Eight witnesses observed it for 4-5 minutes. It was described as bigger than a plane and faster, at 600 ft height and 1/2 mile distance.

Possible Explanations: The MUFORG Committee considered explanations such as the Russian satellite Cosmos 97, insufficient information, or possibly a fireball or ball lightning. For the photographed object, a well-defined, round shape with trailing wisps of vapour was noted.

Other North West Sightings

• Wigan Incidents: Three witnesses reported seeing a flying saucer on March 11th at Shevington, near Wigan. Mrs. Faith Hudson described the object as having a glow and flying up and down and sideways, disappearing and reappearing before heading towards Gathurst. It was estimated to be the size of an aeroplane and lasted for about a quarter of an hour.
• Earlier that day, two objects were sighted at Saddleworth, near Oldham, initially thought to be meteors but which doubled back. The Manchester Weather Centre suggested they could be radio-sonde balloons.
• A report in the Liverpool Echo mentioned a sighting at Up Holland, near Wigan, describing an object about 15 ft long, dark orange, round and flat with a dome, flying fast and leaving a thin trail, illuminated from within.
• A "mysterious animal, like a small lion" was reported in Wigan, with large paw prints found around outbuildings and in a field. These prints were 4.5 inches across with a stride of two feet six inches. Police took plaster casts. A similar sighting of a "lion" was reported in Worsley, and more paw prints were found near a canal at Abram.
• A lorry driver reported nearly running over a lion on the 16, 15 miles from Aspull, identifying it as a full-grown lion.

• Wilmslow Sighting: On January 7th, Police Constable Perks observed an object hovering 100 yards away, 35 feet from the ground, surrounded by a greenish glow. It was about 30 feet long, appeared in three sections, and shot away horizontally at tremendous speed. A sketch published in the Daily Telegraph showed a familiar flying saucer shape.

Scientific UFO Investigation

Anthony Durham, Hon. Secretary of the Cambridge University Group for the Investigation of UFO's, comments on an article by R.D. Hughes regarding scientific UFO research. He suggests using spectrographs and automatic instruments like cine-cameras to pick up anything moving in the sky. He also proposes checking known sightings against photographic records and investigating magnetic and pseudo-seismic effects. Durham expresses surprise at the usefulness of Kraspedon's book, finding it lacking in details and prone to misinterpreting scientific theories. He critiques the "Bismuth Cycle" explanation as being a declassified chemical process. Durham invites others to digest such books without preconceived ideas and offer comments.

Book Review: Flying Saucers Through the Ages

This review discusses Paul Thomas's book, which references ancient writings, including the Bible, as indications of extraterrestrial intervention. The reviewer notes that the book's approach might be outside a strictly scientific UFO investigation but is not a "crackpot book." It suggests that some extraterrestrials may act as intermediaries between God and man. The reviewer believes most ufologists will find the book interesting, regardless of their opinions on religions and myths.

Talking Point: "Respectability"

This section addresses a perceived antipathy in some UFO groups towards "respectable" groups that insist on a factual, scientific approach. Mr. Alex Kenyon of the Nottingham UFO Group is quoted, suggesting that some "respectable" groups have a "closed mind." The editorial from "Orbit" is also referenced, arguing that those solely focused on factual approaches may be on dangerous ground, as scientists are already exploring ideas anathema to them. The author of this section counters that those who blindly accept contactees' stories and reject critical approaches are the ones with closed minds.

MUFORG Bulletin - Editorial Information

Contact details for the editor, John Harney, are provided. Contributions (articles, letters, comments, reviews, press cuttings) are welcomed. The Bulletin is free and distributed to UFO organizations, with a policy of revising the mailing list to ensure it reaches interested parties. The copyright allows free reprinting of original material with credit given to MUFORG Bulletin.

UFO Film Shown on TV

Independent Television featured a UFO sighting supported by 8mm film taken by Mrs. Joan Oldfield during a Viscount flight from Manchester to Southampton. The film showed an object resembling an airship with fins, which appeared to fall away behind the plane and then suddenly disappeared. The object was described as dark grey with square portholes. Experts suggested it could be the aircraft's shadow or a mirage, but the solid appearance on film made these theories unconvincing. None of the crew or other passengers noticed anything.

American Flap

Reports from America indicate a major UFO "flap" in progress, particularly in Michigan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the challenges of maintaining a scientific approach in ufology, and the distinction between factual investigation and speculative or religious interpretations of UFO phenomena. MUFORG's editorial stance is clearly in favor of a rigorous, fact-based approach, distinguishing itself from groups perceived as less critical or more prone to sensationalism. The issue highlights the ongoing debate within the UFO community regarding methodology and credibility.