Northern UFO News - No 103

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 103
Date: July / August 1983
Publisher: NUFON (NUFON UFO RESEARCH NORTH)

This issue of Northern UFO News, edited by Jenny Randles, delves into the controversial topic of crop circles, criticizes media sensationalism, and explores various theories surrounding UFO phenomena, including psychological and geological explanations. It also highlights ongoing research projects and reviews relevant books and publications.

J.R. Comments: The Media Circus and the Wiltshire Circles

Jenny Randles opens the issue with a critique of the media's handling of the Wiltshire crop circle phenomenon in July 1983. She notes a threefold increase in UFO-related press coverage, largely driven by what she terms a 'media circus,' and expresses disappointment with the lack of informed investigation among some UFO enthusiasts. Randles emphasizes the extensive research conducted over two years by Ian Mrzyglod of PROBE, in collaboration with meteorologist Dr. Peter Meaden, which conclusively proved that the circles were the product of wind-vortexes. Despite this evidence, the media, particularly the Swindon Advertiser, sensationalized the events, with headlines like 'Fraud of the Rings!' and 'Watch out! Martians are back.' Randles recounts her own frustrating experience of being bombarded by national dailies seeking quotes, while trying to explain the scientific findings.

She details how the reappearance of circles in Westbury, Wilts, in July 1983, featuring a large central circle and four smaller ones, was misinterpreted. Despite no UFOs being sighted in the vicinity, the media, including the Wiltshire Times and the Daily Express, fueled speculation about extraterrestrial involvement, even linking it to the 'famous Warminster Triangle.' Randles highlights the media's selective reporting and the invention of 'UFO enthusiasts' to support their narratives. She contrasts this with the scientific approach, noting that even the Met. Office confirmed whirlwinds as the cause. The article also touches upon the media's interest in the Peter Day case and the controversial claims made by Lord Clancarty regarding royal interest in UFOs.

Project GAIA Underway

This section announces Project GAIA, a new initiative largely spearheaded by Paul Devereux, following his book 'Earthlights.' The project aims to involve ufologists, earth mystery researchers, ASSAP members, and geologists. Phase One involves geiger monitoring of stone circle sites across Britain to produce maps, with completion expected by early 1984. Phase Two will focus on skywatch operations at prime target circles and geological sites, scheduled to begin in Spring 1984. The project also includes two subsidiary schemes: one attempting to create recordable PK effects related to earthlights and psychic manipulation, and another involving a statistical reworking of the UFO event-fault line-geological trigger hypothesis. Jenny Randles is coordinating the statistical correlation work and welcomes suggestions. Contact information for Paul Devereux and Jenny Randles is provided for those wishing to offer assistance.

For Your Perusal: Major Articles Elsewhere

This segment provides brief reviews of other publications and research relevant to ufology:

• UPIAR RESEARCH IN PROGRESS Vol 1-2: Hailed as the first international scientific UFO journal in English, it won a US award and features reports on radiation levels in lightbeam cases, solid light phenomena, the Livingston case, ball lightning, and extensive bibliographies.
• BUFORA BULLETIN June 1983: This issue includes a report on the Ken Phillips investigation of the March 1982 Milton Keynes sighting, an update on the Frederick Valentich disappearance by Paul Norman, a discussion of a 1926 Yorkshire sky phenomenon by Nigel Watson, and a piece on UFO abduction imagery by Betty Wood.

News Round-Up

This section offers brief updates:

• The Australian Centre for UFO Studies has adopted a modified Code of Practice for its workers, raising the question of whether Britain and Australia are just the starting point for such standardization.
• Bob Girard's ARCTURUS BOOK SERVICE is recommended for affordable UFO books, with a comprehensive booklet available by airmail.
• Walter Reid of the Junior UFO Club has a new address.
• A request is made for information from anyone researching the Fatima, Portugal, visionary experience, particularly pre-1940 references.
• The address for the magazine COMMON GROUND is also provided.

Books of the Moment: Sunstroke (& Other Stories) and Chekhov's Journey by Ian Watson

This review highlights the literary contributions of Ian Watson, a science-fiction writer whose work often explores paranormal and UFO-related themes. The reviewer praises Watson's ability to blend fiction with perceptive theorizing, making his work relevant to ufologists. 'Miracle Visitors' is cited as a key work. 'Sunstroke' is noted for its compelling stories, particularly 'The thousand cuts,' which deals with time-lapse phenomena where individuals find themselves further along in their lives with no memory of the intervening period. 'Chekhov's Journey' is presented as a novel exploring a Soviet film crew's experiment using regression hypnosis on an actor to portray Anton Chekhov's journey, which becomes entangled with the Tunguska explosion. Watson's work is characterized by its exploration of consciousness, reality, and the nature of the universe, often presenting complex ideas in a non-fiction-like style.

How Real is Real? by Paul Watzlawick

This book review discusses Paul Watzlawick's work on communication, paradoxes, and the concept of reality. The reviewer highlights an example of experimental data relevant to ufology: a scenario where individuals guess the health of cells, with one person receiving correct feedback and the other false feedback. This leads the second person to develop complex, incorrect theories to explain their failures. Watzlawick's conclusion, 'Once a tentative explanation has taken hold of our minds, information to the contrary may produce not corrections but elaborations of the explanation,' is presented as a significant statement for understanding UFO phenomena.

A La France (2): The French UFO Federation

This article discusses the formation and structure of the French UFO Federation, established in October 1980, aiming to unify French ufology. It details the federation's board structure, membership criteria, and annual fees. The federation has unified investigation methodologies and adopted a code of ethics. The article suggests that Britain could consider a similar formalization of NUFON, noting that the French Federation arose from an informal system akin to NUFON. Jean-Pierre Troadec, the Secretary, has published a booklet in English detailing the federation's policies.

Media Matters: A look at UFOs in the public eye

This brief section notes that while there have been UFO stories in the public eye, few have been about actual sightings, with most coverage focusing on other aspects.

Earthlights...A Theory Based on Sand?

By Ian Cresswell and Granville Oldroyd

This article critically examines Paul Devereux's 'Earthlights' theory, which proposes that UFO phenomena and earthlights can be explained by tectonic electrical/plasma discharges. While acknowledging the theory's fascination and Devereux's proximity to 'possible truths,' the authors express frustration that the explanation sometimes moves away from the core phenomenon. They suggest that electrical discharge phenomena might be misinterpreted as UFOs but argue that the theory doesn't fully explain the 'main core, objective phenomenon.' The authors question the convincing nature of the evidence, particularly the laboratory tests, and suggest that a review of geological literature would be beneficial. They also ponder the commonality of these electrical fields and whether they are frequent enough to explain all objective phenomena. The article concludes by suggesting that the varied nature of light effects reported in UFO contexts cannot be explained solely by this theory, hinting that a clue might lie elsewhere.

Non-Physical Appearance and Behaviour of UFOs and Alleged Occupants

This section, likely a continuation of the previous article or a related piece, discusses the non-physical aspects of UFO encounters. It posits that the main core phenomenon is still considered objective, despite the author's efforts to suggest otherwise. The article highlights the significant role of light in UFO experiences, acting as a signal. It questions whether light is merely a by-product or an actual component of the encounter. The concept of 'proto-entities' is introduced, suggesting mental impressions originating from cultural sci-fi ideas and the unconscious mind, akin to Jung's archetypes. However, it questions whether these images can take objective form or act as motive power for PK effects. The authors propose a 'two-explanation theory' involving an objective hard-core event and a shadow mental component. They suggest that the UFO phenomenon might be entirely internal and subjective, a product of the mind and brain producing electrical imagery superimposed onto objective reality. The article concludes by stating that if superimposed images are received, they could be processed as indistinguishable from objective reality, implying that perhaps no part of the UFO phenomenon is objective. A note from Jenny Randles suggests this article aligns with her own evolving ideas and those expressed in 'The Pennine UFO Mystery.'

IFO Corner: With the Investigator in Mind

This section presents a brief case study titled 'Spot the IFO,' involving two men who witnessed a ball of 'glowing gases' traveling at high speed in Warwickshire in August 1973. The object was fluorescent, with green and red tones and a short tail, and was visible for 10 seconds before vanishing into cloud without sound. Newspapers claimed to have solved the mystery, but the witnesses did not accept the explanation.

Sky Notes (August & September 1983)

Compiled by Peter Warrington FRAS, this section provides astronomical information, including sunrise and sunset times for various latitudes (52N and 56N) and moon phases. It notes that the moon will be New on August 8th and Full on August 23rd, and again New on September 7th and Full on September 22nd. Prominent planets Venus and Mars are discussed, with Venus becoming visible in the east before dawn by the end of September. Mars is noted as appearing in the east from about 03:00. Jupiter is described as a bright 'star' in the SW. A special note highlights a Jupiter-Moon occultation on the evening of September 12th, warning that the unexpected proximity of a bright object near the moon might lead to reports of UFOs.

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

This section reports on UFO investigations. While overall reports are at a low level, there are signs of a pick-up, particularly in Yorkshire, with the publication of 'The Pennine UFO Mystery' expected to boost interest. New close encounters have been received from Cheshire, South Yorkshire, and Leicestershire, with many being older cases reported for the first time. The tragic accident at Huyton, Merseyside, where two boys were killed by a train, is mentioned as still unresolved. The police are baffled, and the UFO sighting is not considered relevant. MUFORA investigations into this case are to continue.

Paintings from Afar? A Strange Case from the Files of Nigel Watson

This case study describes Mrs. AA, who began producing paintings of 'spiritual beings or guides' after a visitation experience. She believes she is painting space beings and gods, and has developed a form of 'alien writing' filling over 52 pages of notebooks, hoping it can be translated in the future. She describes dreams of UFOs and beings who wish to help the world but can be forceful. Nigel Watson is investigating this case, and interested investigators are invited to contact him. The witness lives in East Anglia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine sightings and misinterpretations (particularly crop circles), and the role of the media in sensationalizing or accurately reporting such events. There is a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and the debunking of simplistic or sensationalist explanations. The editorial stance appears to favor rational, evidence-based approaches, as seen in Jenny Randles' critique of media coverage and her support for research like that of Mrzyglod and Meaden. The magazine also explores more speculative theories, such as the psychological and non-physical origins of UFO experiences, and promotes ongoing research projects like Project GAIA. The publication aims to inform its readers about current developments in ufology, book reviews, and astronomical events relevant to potential sightings.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: ELEVEN
Volume: TWELVE
Date: 1983

This issue of Northern UFO News focuses on a collection of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings, primarily from Ireland and the United Kingdom, spanning historical accounts and more recent events up to 1983. The publication aims to document and investigate these phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and analysis from various UFO research groups.

Irish Encounters Old and New

The issue begins with a historical account from Spring 1796, predating the term 'UFO'. George Blackler witnessed a 'great light' near Portadown, Ireland, which startled villagers. The object moved majestically across the sky towards Lurgan. While a meteor was considered, the Armagh Observatory has no records confirming such an event in that area, leaving it as a potential early UAP sighting.

Another case, 'The UFO in the trees', from April 1980, details an event in Ballinaskeagh, Ireland. Donal Strain and two colleagues saw a grey, shiny object descend from the sky, hover, and appear like a flat car wheel. It was later seen to get caught in a tree before ascending higher. The Armagh Observatory could not explain it, noting it was unlikely to be picked up on radar.

A more recent report, 'The Lough Neagh UFO' from March 22, 1983, describes multiple sightings. Witnesses near Lurgan and Craigavon saw 10 red lights and a larger flashing light. Later, an object shaped like a rugby ball buzzed a car, featuring red and white lights. The military stated it was not a helicopter and offered no explanation.

Case Histories from the UK

A Case of Faulty Memory?

This section discusses a sighting on December 31, 1978, near Liverpool, Merseyside. Peter Hough of MUFORA investigated a report from a witness who saw an object passing overhead. The description of a white body with 'port-holes' and sparks from the rear closely matched the re-entry of the Russian satellite Cosmos 1068, which occurred on New Year's Eve 1978. However, the witness insisted the event happened a month later, on January 31, 1979, raising questions about the reliability of witness memory, especially concerning dates.

Repeater for a Famous Witness

Case 8245, from November 24, 1982, in Mexborough, South Yorks, involves a well-known UFO observer, Mr. P. He and four other witnesses saw two white headlights moving slowly, joined by a dim red light, then a flickering red light. The object vanished. One witness, Mr. L, saw a dim domed shape. While one witness suggested a helicopter, the object was described as silent and its movement was unusual.

Tell Me If I'm Seeing Things...

Case 8247, from December 10, 1982, in Weir, Lancs, is compared to the Irish encounter. Mr. Low, his wife, and their son reported seeing a pulsing white light on top of Cribden Hill. The object moved slowly and vanished. This sighting is presented as typical of phenomena observed in the Pennines region, often referred to as 'mystery helicopters'.

The Case of the Flying Doughnut

Case 8304, on April 25, 1983, in Horton Bank, West Yorks, describes a purple/blue doughnut-shaped object with a hole, or a 'polo mint', seen by Mrs. Merasa Kay and her twins. It rotated, changed colour, and emitted light. The object moved towards the SW and was lost in cloud. Wind direction data suggested it was not carried by the wind.

UFO Effects TV Signal

Case 8305, from July 1, 1983, in Addingham, W. Yorks, details a close encounter reported by Jane, an auxiliary nurse. She saw a bright, metallic, oval object hovering near a TV booster mast. The object moved west, picking up speed. Although Nigel Mortimer, who lived nearby, saw nothing, he noticed his TV reception was very snowy afterwards, which cleared the next day.

Case History: The Interstellar War on Bidston Hill

This section delves into a highly unusual case investigated by Jenny Randles. The report centers on 'Bob' (B.I.R.), who claims his family has been experiencing similar events to the Sunderlands, involving UFO abductions. Bob's experiences began in 1959 with apparitions he called 'Green eyes' and later 'pixies'. His UFO encounters intensified after moving to the Wirral in 1975. He describes a 'window' on Bidston Hill linked to UFOs and their supposed home in the Pyrenees. Bob recounts numerous close encounters, including a 'UFO fleet' and a 'concave disc'. He also describes physical traces from a beamed light, and encounters with entities he calls 'The Hairy Balloon' and 'The Hairy Pillar-box'. A recurring entity named Algar is also mentioned.

Bob claims that Algar was killed in a cosmic war in October 1981. He believes Earth is caught between warring factions and that he himself has killed at least two aliens. The report also mentions an incident at a Tesco hypermarket where Bob and Bess encountered two 'aliens' (XY4 and XY5) studying dog food. The author expresses skepticism about the objective reality of Bob's claims but acknowledges that Bob and Bess seem genuinely caught up in these experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents witness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, often with detailed descriptions of object shape, color, behavior, and movement. A recurring theme is the difficulty in definitively explaining these sightings, with possibilities ranging from conventional aircraft and natural phenomena to genuinely unknown craft. The publication seems to lean towards acknowledging the reality of unexplained phenomena, as suggested by the concluding sentence of the Irish encounters section: "When you see 'coincidences' like this you do have to wonder if there might not, after all, be a real craft behind some of the strange reports!!"

The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting, presenting cases with varying degrees of detail and analysis. There's an emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of corroborating evidence. The inclusion of historical cases alongside contemporary ones suggests an interest in the long-term nature of UFO phenomena. The publication also highlights the work of various UFO research groups and individuals involved in collecting and investigating these reports.