Northern UFO News - No 104

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 104, September/October 1983, is a publication from UFO RESEARCH NORTH, edited by Jenny Randles, with cover design by Ian Mrzyglod. The issue is priced at £4.20 and covers a wide array of UFO-related topics, including international congresses, book reviews, case histories, and investigations into significant events like the Rendlesham Forest incident.

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The editorial stance, as articulated by J.R. (Jenny Randles), emphasizes the need for a fundamental question regarding UFOs: 'are ANY UFOs extraordinary physical craft of unknown origin?' The publication advocates for a rigorous, non-conventional approach to UFO investigation, focusing on cases that exhibit physical evidence, photographic proof, and potential cover-ups. The magazine categorizes potential explanations for UFO phenomena into three options: natural physical phenomena (UAPs), 'Reality Distortion' (Quasi-Conscious Experiences), and physically objective craft of alien or time-traveler origin. It argues that focusing on non-conventional cases is crucial for advancing scientific credibility and potentially proving the existence of alien craft.

Key Articles and Features

J.R. Comments: The Fundamental Question of the UFO

Jenny Randles outlines her three main options for understanding UFOs: UAPs (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena), 'Reality Distortion' (Quasi-Conscious Experiences), and physically objective craft. She asserts that UAPs are proven and the focus should be on distinguishing between the other two categories. Randles proposes four types of non-conventional cases to study: those with symmetrical trace marks, photographic evidence of craft, cases of apparent official cover-up, and difficult-to-evaluate cases with implicit intelligence. She highlights the Rendlesham Forest case as a prime example of a non-conventional case worthy of serious attention.

NEWS ROUND-UP

This section provides brief updates, including a mention of Arcturus Book Service's new catalogue and structural changes within BUFORA to make membership more attractive. It also includes a snippet from a 'fan' letter criticizing a book for its 'para-psychology' content.

IN THE COUNTRY: BUFORAS THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

This article details the BUFORA International Congress held in Lane End, Bucks. It describes the event as a significant UFO gathering with a collection of speakers and delegates. Highlights include Paul Devereux on 'earthlights', Ali Abu Taha's theory about UFOs originating from the Sun, and Stanton Friedman's presentation on government cover-ups. The article also mentions research from the Missouri 'window' and new findings from a Swedish 'window'. Hilary Evans's talk on UFO hoaxes and Allen Hynek's insights are also noted.

FOR YOUR PERUSAL: Major articles elsewhere

This section lists and briefly reviews several UFO-related publications and articles, including contributions from Dr. Pierre Guerrin on cover-ups, articles from MAGONIA, INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER, APRO BULLETIN, and FATE magazine. It discusses topics such as cattle mutilations, witness reliability, the Trindade Island case, and critiques of debunking methods.

BOOKS OF THE MOMENT

Two books are reviewed: 'The Evidence for UFOs' by Hilary Evans and 'The Evidence for Visions of the Virgin' by Kevin McClure. Both are presented as part of a new publishing venture by Aquarian Press, aiming to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research into anomalous phenomena. The reviewer notes that these books are relevant to ufology and written by authorities in their fields.

UFO INVASION - YORKSHIRE!

This article details the extensive media coverage of UFO sightings in Yorkshire, largely due to the efforts of the Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS) and the Birdsall brothers. It highlights numerous newspaper articles and features, including a front-page headline in the Yorkshire Evening Post about UFOs over Yorkshire. The article notes the success of YUFOS in gaining visibility and public attention.

A RADAR/VISUAL ENCOUNTER "HUSHED UP"??

This case history, reported by Jenny Randles, describes an incident in Summer 1948 involving a Sergeant in the RAF who witnessed a small silver disc while stationed at RAF Tangmere. The object was tracked by radar at a high altitude and was pursued by Meteor jets, but it accelerated rapidly and disappeared. The witness concluded it was a craft from another planet due to its behavior, which was unlike any known aircraft.

"I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE MY WIFE" CE 3 Investigation by Stephen Banks

This investigation details a Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE3) case involving a witness named Alan. Alan reported encountering two beings after seeing an object in the sky. The report describes the beings' appearance, their communication, and Alan's refusal to accompany them. Stephen Banks notes that Alan is a psychically sensitive individual who has undergone a 'pointless' CE3 experience, possibly triggered by a life crisis.

CASE HISTORIES

This section includes several brief case histories:

• The Case of the Phantom Moon: A report of an oval, dull orange object observed over Norfolk, possibly related to atmospheric phenomena or marsh gas.
• A "FLYING SAUCER" LANDS... CE 2 TR(?): A witness reported seeing a dark, metallic flying saucer hover over a meadow in East Bierley, West Yorkshire, in 1977. Investigators later found trace marks at the site.
• THREE MORE ENCOUNTERS OVER THE PENNINES....Summary accounts of a new "UFO" type: Three distinct daylight sightings are described: a silvery ball over Lancashire, an oval object over West Yorkshire, and a rotating object over Ilkley, West Yorkshire. These sightings share characteristics such as rotation, flashing, and a SSE or E direction of flight.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH.... The past thirty years of UFOs over West Yorkshire (1)

This article begins a new series by Nigel Mortimer, examining UFO sightings in West Yorkshire from the past three decades. It aims to identify recurring UFO types and patterns, highlighting that UFO events have occurred sporadically over time, not just during periods of public interest. The research draws from local newspapers and emphasizes the need for more investigators to document these cases.

SPOT THE UFO... Test your powers of investigation

This section presents a case investigated by David Clarke, involving a bright object observed in Sheffield. The witnesses rejected the explanation of a helicopter with a searchlight.

MEDIA NATTERS: - A look at UFOs in the public eye

This piece contrasts the media attention given to UFO events in West Yorkshire and Rendlesham Forest with the lack of interest shown in the BUFORA International Congress. It criticizes media outlets for sensationalizing UFO stories and ignoring scientific conferences, suggesting a disconnect between serious ufology and public perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs (physical craft vs. other phenomena), the importance of rigorous investigation and evidence collection, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the historical context of UFO sightings. The editorial stance consistently favors a scientific and evidence-based approach, advocating for the study of non-conventional cases to uncover the truth about UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes, while also acknowledging the possibility of official cover-ups.