New Ufologist - No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: The New Ufologist
Issue: 5
Issue Date: 1996
Publisher: The New Ufologist
Country: England
Price: £ 2.50

This issue of The New Ufologist, published quarterly, presents a critical examination of various UFO-related phenomena, blending investigative journalism with skeptical analysis. The cover prominently features a fiery object graphic and headlines teasing articles on the alien autopsy coffin, a 1964 ground marking and UFO incident, the Westbury White Horse Mutilation, and a GAO report.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Joe Dormer, opens with a discussion on the discovery of micro-fossils on Mars, contrasting the scientific implications with the public's potential reaction. Dormer expresses skepticism towards sensationalized alien claims, particularly the Santilli alien autopsy footage, which he labels a "farce." He criticizes "True Believers" who remain convinced even in the face of evidence to the contrary, likening their persistence to "thumping a pillow." Dormer argues that claims of crashed UFOs and alien retrievals are as absurd as believing in a lavatory brush orbiting Uranus or angels in space. He posits that the phenomenon of UFOs and alien encounters might relate to a "rainbow reality" or an altered state of consciousness, rather than literal extraterrestrial visitors. He also dismisses the idea of a crashed spacecraft at Roswell in 1947 having any connection to the broader UFO phenomenon, questioning the logic of aliens using imperial measurements.

Articles and Features

Final Nails in the Alien Autopsy Coffin

Authored by Kent Jeffrey, this article scrutinizes the "anthropomorphic aspect" of the alleged alien in the Santilli film, noting its human-like external features but amorphous internal cavities, a point also raised by Houston pathologist Ed Uthman. Special effects artist Trey Stokes is quoted, stating that the corpse's posture and weight are inconsistent with a body in a supine position, suggesting it was made from a body-cast taken upright. The article highlights inconsistencies in Santilli's story, such as the initial claim of President Truman being visible and the craft being in pieces. It notes that the supposed "debris site" has never been seen, replaced by images of wooden tables. The "collector" of the original film, Volker Spielberg, is identified as being in the video distribution business, and his evasiveness when questioned by Television France One (TF1) is detailed. The article also points out that the film's symbols appear to spell out "VIDEO O TV."

The Non-Existent Film

This section further debunks the Santilli film, with Kodak stating they never produced "1947 16mm nitrate film." Analysis of the film's chemical composition could date it, but Kodak's formulas are proprietary. While Santilli submitted some film with a 1947 edge code, it was either blank or contained unidentifiable images. The "tent footage" is also examined, with security markings like "RESTRICTED ACCESS" and "AOI CLASSIFICATION" being dismissed as "pure Hollywood," and the date format being incorrect for US military standards.

The Camera-Man

Ray Santilli's story of purchasing the film from an elderly American camera-man is questioned. The camera-man's account, including expressions and terminology, is noted as being "British English," raising doubts about his claimed American origin. His description of filming the Roswell crash is deemed preposterous by former combat camera-men, who state that qualified personnel would have been present immediately. The filming techniques are also described as inconsistent with standardized procedures of the time.

1964 Unexplained Ground Marking and UFO Incident

This article by Nick Redfern details a file de-classified by the British Government concerning a 1964 incident. Rector T.E.T. Burbury reported observing a blue light, approximately 8 feet in diameter and 15 feet high, which disappeared, leaving a circular mark of slightly disturbed earth. The mark, about 12 feet in diameter, was visible for months. The report was forwarded to the National Physical Laboratory and the Meteorological Office, who seemed dismissive, with one official suggesting it might be "Will o' the Wisp" or aurora borealis. The article speculates that a more comprehensive file might exist within the Defence Intelligence Staff. The witness, Robert G. Ellis, later provided a detailed account, describing an "electric blue" elliptical light and a circular trace of vigorously raked earth. He estimated the light to be 7 to 8 feet deep at its center. Ellis also noted that his father, a lifelong farmer, was puzzled by the trace, and that no footprints or holes were found.

The Westbury White Horse Mutilation

This article, by Joe Dormer, is mentioned in the contents but not fully transcribed in the provided pages. It likely discusses the mutilation of the Westbury White Horse, a historical landmark, and its potential connection to UFO phenomena.

GAO Report Fails to Provide 'Smoking Gun' for Roswell Incident

Authored by Paul Fuller, this piece critically examines the General Accounting Office's report on the Roswell incident. It suggests that the report did not provide conclusive evidence, implying that the phenomenon remains unexplained or that the investigation was insufficient.

Ghosts, UFOs and Other Rainbows

Written by Ralph Noyes, this article likely explores the intersection of paranormal phenomena, UFO sightings, and other unexplained events, possibly drawing connections between different types of anomalous experiences.

All in the Brain

Craig Roberts' article delves into the psychological or neurological aspects of UFO experiences, perhaps suggesting that some phenomena may have internal, rather than external, origins.

Right To Reply

This section features contributions from Gloria Dixon, Jenny Randles, Philip Klass, and Steuart Campbell, likely offering diverse perspectives and rebuttals on topics previously discussed in the magazine.

Skywatch

Joe Dormer's "Skywatch" column likely provides updates or observations on recent UFO sightings or related news.

Book Reviews

Neil Nixon and Joe Dormer review books related to UFOs and the paranormal, offering critical assessments of new publications in the field.

Sightings Update

Mark Rosney and Gordon Barraclough present a compilation of recent UFO sightings, providing brief summaries of reported encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The New Ufologist consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. The editorial and several articles, particularly those concerning the Santilli film and the Roswell incident, exhibit a strong critical approach, prioritizing scientific methodology and evidence-based reasoning over unsubstantiated claims and "blind belief." The magazine seems to favor exploring the psychological, historical, and investigative aspects of UFO sightings, while questioning the literal interpretation of extraterrestrial encounters. There's a recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and hoaxes or misinterpretations. The publication also highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and the potential for government secrecy or cover-ups, as suggested by the discussion of de-classified files. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging readers to critically evaluate evidence and consider alternative explanations for anomalous events.

Title: The New UFOlogist
Issue: 5
Volume: 1
Date: 1995 (estimated from content)

This issue of The New UFOlogist presents a collection of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO incidents, crop circles, and potential government cover-ups. The magazine features detailed investigations, critical analyses of official reports, and discussions on the nature of evidence and perception.

Low Woodside Farm Incident

The issue begins with an examination of a ground trace incident at Low Woodside farm, Cumbria, on March 21, 1964. Robert Ellis reported a roughly prepared seed bed-like trace with no signs of burning. David Reynolds investigated the meteorological conditions, noting cloudy skies and an easterly wind. The article explores a theory proposed by CERES' David Reynolds, suggesting the marking was created by the breakdown of an eddy vortex formed by wind shear within katabatic airflow. This vortex could have become self-illuminated, explaining the light effect witnessed by Ellis. However, the article notes the lack of rotational forces, acoustics, or electrostatic effects, leaving the meteorological explanation not entirely conclusive. An archaeological connection is also mentioned, with a cairn circle located nearby, suggesting a possible link to Meaden's theory of crop circles being located on top of vortex-produced sites.

The Westbury White Horse Mutilation

Joe Dormer investigates the alleged mutilation of a white horse near Bratton, Wiltshire, which had been previously dismissed by Kevin McClure as based on an uninvestigated, non-expert report. Dormer presents his findings, stemming from an incident at the 1991 International UFO Congress where a witness claimed the horse's penis and left ear were cleanly removed, and that the police were involved in a cover-up. The witness provided a detailed report and sketch of the location. The horse was found with foam protruding from its nostrils and bulging eyes, with minimal blood. Investigations with Trowbridge Police and Wiltshire Constabulary yielded denials of any record of such an incident, contradicting earlier police statements to TV producer John MacNish that the horse died of natural causes. The article highlights the suspicious lack of records and the reluctance of members of the 'Operation Blackbird' team to provide information, suggesting a possible cover-up. A witness, Busty Taylor, recalls a colleague hearing a noise like an animal in pain around the time of the incident.

GAO Report Fails to Provide 'Smoking Gun' for Roswell Incident

Paul Fuller reports on the US Government Accounting Office (GAO) report published in July 1995, which investigated documents related to the 1947 Roswell incident. The report, prompted by Congressman Steven Schiff, aimed to determine reporting requirements for air accidents and identify relevant government records. The GAO examined classified and unclassified documents from 1947 through the 1950s. Key findings include: the US Army was required to maintain air accident records, but none related to Roswell; the US Navy reported no air accidents in Mexico in July 1947; Air Force officials stated there was no requirement to prepare reports on crashed balloons in 1947. A significant discovery was the destruction of important administrative and RAAF outgoing messages from October 1946 to December 1947, with unclear authority for disposal. The GAO identified only two documents specifically mentioning the Roswell event: a July 8, 1947 teletype message describing a 'flying disc' recovered near Roswell, and a Combined History document from July 1, 1947, which stated the object was a 'radar tracking balloon'.

Critiques of the GAO report are presented. Mark Rodeghier and Mark Chesney argue that the report does not confirm the USAF's conclusion that the event was a Mogul balloon crash. Kent Jeffrey agrees, noting the report's brief mention of the 1994 Air Force report and the absence of new evidence supporting the Mogul balloon hypothesis. He points out that the destruction of records, particularly outgoing messages from Roswell Army Field, is suspicious and could have contained key information. Philip Klass, a skeptic, focuses on the lack of evidence for a crashed saucer and highlights the documents supporting the weather balloon hypothesis. The article also touches upon the unauthorized destruction of RAAF messages and the failure of military police to submit records, which researchers suggest is consistent with a cover-up.

The 'Conclusions' section summarizes that the GAO report has not quelled claims of an alien spaceship crash but has provided skeptics with further negative evidence. It presents two main explanations: either the Roswell case is a social myth that grew out of control, or it represents a cover-up of something more unusual, not necessarily involving aliens. The controversy is expected to continue.

Ghosts, UFOs and Other Rainbows

Ralph Noyes, formerly of the Ministry of Defence, discusses the concept of UFOs as 'mirages'. Drawing inspiration from Steuart Campbell's work, Noyes suggests that unexplained UFOs might share characteristics with optical illusions like mirages and rainbows. He advocates for a 'phenomenological approach' to studying such phenomena, emphasizing direct experience and witness credibility, free from pre-existing theories. Noyes uses the analogy of rainbows, which appear and disappear without leaving physical traces, to illustrate how phenomena can be 'real' in their occurrence but difficult to study or prove. He contrasts the 'believer' and 'non-believer' divide that often surrounds such events, noting the tendency for both sides to develop elaborate explanations or dismissals. The article suggests that UFOs, like rainbows, are phenomena that exist 'out there' but differ from more tangible objects like tigers and bananas in their transient nature and reliance on fewer senses. The article includes a hypothetical Q&A session with witnesses describing a rainbow-like phenomenon, highlighting the diverse interpretations ranging from divine warnings to alien visitations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, government secrecy, and the challenges of investigating and verifying evidence. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards official explanations, particularly in the case of the Roswell incident, and highlights the importance of independent research and witness testimony. There is a recurring emphasis on the potential for cover-ups and the difficulty in obtaining straightforward information from authorities. The articles also delve into the nature of perception and the interpretation of evidence, using examples like crop circles and UFOs as 'mirages' to illustrate how phenomena can be real yet elusive and subject to varied interpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations when official accounts are lacking or suspicious.

This issue of The New UFOlogist, issue 5, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, psychical research, and related topics. It features articles that explore the nature of UFOs, potential scientific explanations, and personal accounts, alongside book reviews and an astronomy column.

Articles

The 'Optics' of UFOs and Other Anomalies

The lead article draws parallels between UFOs, rainbows, and ghosts, suggesting they are all real but elusive phenomena that require a phenomenological approach. It argues for setting aside preconceived theories to understand the 'sheer optics' of these occurrences, including favoured times, angles of vision, witness states, and environmental circumstances. The author notes that while the task is more difficult than with rainbows, the lack of explanation after decades of research should not be discouraging, drawing a parallel to Newton's eventual explanation of rainbows after centuries of occult interpretations. The article introduces the idea of 'multiplicity of spaces' beyond the simple three-dimensional space, drawing from psychical research and physics, to better understand anomalous phenomena. It cites Professor John Poynton's work, suggesting that the physical universe is part of a manifold and other universes may be manifested, offering a new framework for understanding.

ALL IN THE BRAIN: Can electromagnetic influences on the brain cause UFO sightings and alien abductions?

This article, a critique from an honours degree dissertation in psychology by Craig Roberts, examines Michael Persinger's geopsychological theory. Persinger's analysis of 7,000 reports over 160 years linked UFO sightings with geophysical processes, particularly luminous phenomena associated with seismic activity. His theory posits that the electrical activity of these lights could interact with the human brain, causing sensations like tingling, apprehension, and vivid imagery, potentially leading to UFO/abduction experiences. The article discusses research showing a correlation between temporal lobe activity and paranormal beliefs, and how magnetic fields can induce vivid imagery. It recounts an experiment by Blackmore where a helmet stimulating the temporal lobe induced sensations of being grabbed and pulled. However, the article raises several criticisms of Persinger's theory: Blackmore did not report seeing an 'alien entity', and Persinger's experiments have not replicated the specific 'alien' figures often described in abduction reports. It questions why alien entities are so similar across cultures if verbal labels are culture-specific. The article also notes that studies have not found percipients to be more prone to temporal lobe stimulation than non-percipients, and that partial temporal lobe epilepsy does not necessarily lead to abduction claims. It concludes by questioning the ethical implications of Persinger's experiments, particularly regarding potential side effects and the long-term lability of temporal lobe structures.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address previous articles and topics:

• Jenny Randles comments on the Godfrey UFO report, defending her position and questioning Steuart Campbell's arguments and investigation methods.
• Philip Klass speculates on the possibility of aliens using steam-driven spaceships during the Industrial Revolution, citing 'Mysterious Airships' reports from the 1890s and a dubious 'abduction' case involving a cow.
• Steuart Campbell refutes Albert Budden's claim that a window damage at the University of Edinburgh was caused by ball lightning, presenting evidence that it was likely caused by a child throwing a glass marble. He also discusses the Aberdeen window damage.
• Dr Keith Weston provides information regarding the Edinburgh window damage, confirming Steuart Campbell's assessment and mentioning ongoing tests on the glass by Dr David Turner.

Errata and Right to Reply

An errata section corrects several errors in a previous article by Dr Serena Roney-Dougal on 'The Pineal Connection'. Gloria Dixon writes a letter to the editor praising the magazine but critiquing the lack of feasible theories and reliance on second-hand reports, while also commending Dr Roney-Dougal's article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, belief, and the unexplained. There's a clear interest in rigorous investigation and phenomenological analysis, as seen in the critique of Persinger's work and the discussion of ball lightning. The editorial stance appears to favour open-mindedness while maintaining a critical perspective, encouraging readers to consider new frameworks for understanding anomalous phenomena, such as the concept of multiple dimensions. The magazine also highlights the growing role of spirituality in reported UFO experiences and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, belief, and the unexplained. There's a clear interest in rigorous investigation and phenomenological analysis, as seen in the critique of Persinger's work and the discussion of ball lightning. The editorial stance appears to favour open-mindedness while maintaining a critical perspective, encouraging readers to consider new frameworks for understanding anomalous phenomena, such as the concept of multiple dimensions. The magazine also highlights the growing role of spirituality in reported UFO experiences and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers.

This issue of The New UFOlogist, identified as Issue 5, focuses on recent UFO sightings and investigations, primarily from the United Kingdom. The content includes a review of a book on the Gulf Breeze UFO phenomenon, a detailed update on sightings in Southport and the Torrisholme Barrow area near Morecambe, and a personal account of a daylight sighting of a boomerang-shaped craft.

Review: Gulf Breeze

The issue opens with a review by Joe Dormer of a book concerning the Gulf Breeze UFO incident. The reviewer notes the author, Nick Pope, questions whether the events were a hoax or genuine alien craft. Dormer suggests the book is either a brilliant evaluation of the UFO phenomenon or 'a bit of a hoot,' recommending readers purchase it.

Sightings Update: Southport, Lancashire

Investigator Mark Rosney of UFOTALK reports on two witness interviews conducted on February 23, 1996, in Southport. The two sightings, occurring independently on the same night, described different phenomena. The first encounter, around 6:00-6:30 pm, involved an object described as an illuminated crystal lattice with a bright tail, seen darting across the sky in a west-east direction. The second sighting, around 2:45 am, involved a loud, booming sound that shook a house. The witness looked out to see a massive Dark Triangle hovering approximately 500 feet away, described as typical with white lights in each corner and a central green light. The object remained static for about 15 minutes before moving off suddenly at incredible speed.

Sightings over Torrisholme Barrow

Reported by Gordon Barraclough of NLUFORG, this section details numerous UFO sightings in the Morecambe Bay area, with a recent shift in focus to the Torrisholme Barrow vicinity. Torrisholme Barrow is a long barrow with a triangular pillar, historically associated with a Celtic Chieftain's burial.

• January 1995: A triangular craft was photographed stationary over the Barrow, observed from a bedroom window. This object had been seen weeks earlier.
• February 1996: A triangular craft was captured on video from Heysham after being observed in the Torrisholme Barrow area.
• July 1996: Four large red flattened globes were observed stacked vertically for approximately three minutes before disappearing in the Barrow area.
• August 28, 1996: A slow-moving white/orange light was seen just above the Barrow at 10 pm. Various lights (LITS) have been observed in the area, ranging in color from white to orange.
• September 3, 1996: An orange globe with dancing lights was observed in the area.
• August 18, 1996: A newsagent, Mr. S.P., preparing to open his shop at 4:45 am, observed a very bright white object, about the size of the full moon, at a 70-degree elevation directly over Torrisholme Barrow. The object had small lights around its center and moved swiftly out of sight towards Lancaster within two seconds. Mr. S.P., who has no prior interest in UFOs, observed the same object again on August 28, 1996, for approximately fifteen minutes.

Sighting: Clayton, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

This personal account details a sighting on Tuesday, May 14, 1996, at 3:00 pm in Clayton. The witness, a musician and teacher, was in Hanchurch Woods when he felt compelled to look up and saw a black boomerang-shaped craft just below the clouds. Initially mistaking it for a large bird or a stealth bomber, he sought confirmation from two other individuals. The first witness, a lady, confirmed seeing 'the same thing' but didn't know what it was. A gentleman also confirmed seeing it. The craft moved straight ahead silently, then began to circle, appearing to change shape. It seemed to transform into a small black ball before returning to its boomerang shape, and then displayed a black appendage in the middle.

The witness was excited by the object's transformations, but the lady witness perceived it as 'getting bigger.' The witness attempted to follow the craft towards the woods but lost sight of it. Later, at 4:20 pm, the same craft reappeared and flew over his house. He observed it for about ten minutes performing the same circling movement. His student arrived at 4:30 pm, interrupting the observation.

Later that night, his friend Gary Cartlidge reported that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed no light aircraft, gliders, or radar contacts in the area at the time of the sighting. However, there were reports of a low-flying black helicopter in the area that day and again at midnight, which the witness's fiancé had seen.

Three days later, a man from Packmoor reported seeing three boomerang objects flying in formation over his house. This report was inspired by Gary Cartlidge's initial anonymous report to the local newspaper about the Clayton sighting.

The witness describes the experience as strange and magical, believing the sighting was intended for him. He notes this was his second daylight UFO sighting.

Postscript: On September 23, Gary Cartlidge informed the witness that another witness in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, reported a boomerang sighting about three weeks prior, possibly involving more than one object, and that the witness had seen it change shape while 'banking'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings, with a particular focus on the UK. The magazine presents witness testimonies, investigator reports, and attempts to corroborate sightings with official data (e.g., CAA checks). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging the reporting and documentation of such events. The inclusion of a review and personal accounts suggests a broad interest in the UFO subject, from historical cases to contemporary observations.