Northern UFO News

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 107, dated May-June 1984, is a publication by NUFON, edited by Jenny Randles. The cover features the magazine's title prominently, along with a graphic of a radiating sun and a grid pattern. The issue includes a list of contents, subscription information, and contact details for various UFO research groups.

Editorial and Correspondence

The "FINAL WORDS" section announces that the editor has moved and provides new contact details. It also mentions that hospitalisation is imminent, and apologizes for any delays to the July/August issue. Back issues of the magazine are listed as available for purchase, along with the 1983 'Summer Report'. A calendar of upcoming events includes a 'UFO anamnesis' training scheme in London.

New UFO Group Formation

"The birth of a new UFO group" details the formation of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG). Driven by a high level of UFO activity in North Yorkshire, WYUFORG aims to conduct scientific investigations, collect photographic equipment, and analyze data using a ZX Spectrum 48K computer. They plan to publish a quarterly journal called "West Yorkshire UFO Scene" and seek financial contributions and advice from other ufologists.

JR Comments: UFOs vs. UAPs

In his 'JR Comments', the author addresses negative responses to his books, particularly concerning his views on UFOs. He distinguishes between 'UFOs' (Unidentified Flying Objects) and 'UAPs' (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena), stating they are different and should not be mixed. He argues that UAPs are natural atmospheric phenomena, while real UFOs may represent a small fraction of reports and could be a form of hallucination or a 'message' from an external intelligence. He emphasizes the need for scientific data collection and a less dramatic approach to the subject.

News Round-Up

The 'NEWS ROUND-UP' section provides brief updates on UFO-related news and activities:

• Book Catalogues: Mentions new catalogues from ALPHA BOOKS and Arcturus Books, specializing in UFO literature.
• Computer Data Storage: Nigel Mortimer of WYUFORG is storing UFO data on a ZX Spectrum 48K and is interested in developing a loan system.
• Junior UFO Club: Walter Reid of the Junior UFO Club is seeking help and donations.
• Medium's Claims: A medium claims to travel out of body to a cold planet called 'Andromeda 7'.

Case Histories and Investigations

The magazine features several detailed case histories and investigations:

• THE PAST THIRTY YEARS OF UFOS OVER WEST YORKSHIRE (4): This section continues Nigel Mortimer's research, detailing sightings of orange ball-like UFOs in Bradford from 1966 to 1981.
• Follow-up at Telford: Report on an alleged UFO abduction: This article details an investigation into a July 1981 case involving three young women who reported a time-loss and abduction. Regression hypnosis revealed a domed object with windows and a painful light. The case is noted for the unusual level of agreement between the three witnesses under hypnosis.
• A WORLD WAR TWO ENCOUNTER: A case from Winter 1942/43 in Scholes, West Yorkshire, where a witness saw a flame red ball of light descend and hover near her. The object was described as solid, oval, and around 12-13 feet in diameter.
• Case 6511 (Unknown date, early am): An enormous object, at least 100 ft in diameter, was observed hovering at a low altitude over rooftops in Liverpool, Merseyside. It had window 'panels' on the underside and a central projection emitting light.
• LIKE AN ENORMOUS BALLOON... (NLUFOIG Investigation): A sighting in Grange, Cumbria, on January 1, 1982, and November 27, 1982. An elliptical, pinky red glowing object was seen drifting like a balloon, and later an orange 'cone' hovered. NLUFOIG regards this as a true UFO with unusual features.
• AN OUTCAST AT THE MOTORBIKE SHOW... (INST / P): A case from Ramsey, Isle of Man, on June 8, 1982, where a witness saw a white ring, very fine in appearance, drifting slowly west. Multiple witnesses saw it, and photographs were taken.
• ANOTHER CASE OF MOONSHINE? (MUFORA): A case from October 21, 1983, in Whitchurch, Shropshire, where Mr and Mrs C reported a disc-like object pursuing their car, projecting beams of light. The investigation suggested the sighting might be a miscalculation due to the full moon.
• Case 8403 (February 14 1984): A sighting in St Helens, Merseyside, of a brilliant white light, possibly an inbound aircraft.
• Case 8404 (February 27 1984): A sighting in Heysham, Lancashire, of a strange object gliding like a butterfly, alternating circles of grey/black and silver.
• EPITAPH FOR AN EARTHQUAKE...: A report from April 15, 1984, in Powys, Wales, where a bright 'star' was seen below the full moon, moving and entering a cloud, never to emerge.
• CASE HISTORIES: AN UNEXPECTED VISIT TO THE TOILET! (WYUFORG report): A detailed account of an encounter on March 13, 1979, in Alverthorpe, West Yorkshire, where a witness saw a structured device surrounded by greenish mist. He then found himself inside the men's toilets with no memory of how he got there.
• REVENGE OF THE SQUASHED UFO (MUFORA report): A case from November 9, 1980, in Mobberley, Cheshire, where a witness and his family saw a pinkish light that paced their car and later hovered over a field. The witness had a previous encounter involving a UFO and his truck.

Reviews and Commentary

• FOR YOUR PERUSAL: Reviews of various UFO publications including BUFORA BULLETIN, YUFOS QUEST, INFINITY, EARTHQUEST, APRO BULLETIN, and CUFOS Newsletter.
• BOOKS OF THE MOMENT: A review of 'The World's Strangest Stories' from FATE magazine.
• Between the devil and the wide blue yonder: Kevin McClure critically examines the state of FSR (Flying Saucer Review), criticizing its editor, Gordon Creighton, for sensationalism, conspiracy theories, and beliefs in demonic influences. He contrasts this with serious UFO research and investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, data collection, and a scientific approach to UFO phenomena. It distinguishes between natural atmospheric phenomena (UAPs) and potentially non-terrestrial craft (UFOs). There is a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the ufological community, particularly regarding FSR and its editor's views. The publication also highlights the formation of new research groups and the ongoing efforts to understand UFO sightings through detailed case studies and analysis.