Northern UFO News - No 114

Magazine Overview

This issue of Northern UFO News, number 114, dated July-August 1985, is published by NUFON... UFO Research North and edited by Jenny Randles. The cover features a striking spiral graphic with a rocket-like object and question marks, hinting at themes of mystery and exploration. The main cover headline poses the question, "Where have all the UFOs gone - again?", suggesting a focus on the decline in reported sightings.

Contents and Key Articles

Editorial: JR Comments

Jenny Randles opens the issue with a reflection on the need for proper classification and definition of UFOs. She notes the lack of an accepted universal standard and the potential harm of defining phenomena before understanding them. Randles proposes a new set of definitions: 'UFO' for raw cases, 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) for the majority of cases, 'UAP' (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon) for cases without alien components, and 'Exotic UFOs' for those suggesting an alien origin or constructed reality. She also revisits the Hynek scheme for classifying UFO types, proposing a hybrid version with five types of close encounters (CE1 to CE5).

News Round-up

This section reports on the CSICOP's third international conference in London, highlighting speakers like Philip Klass and James Randi. It also mentions a cut-price bookseller, Specialist Knowledge Services, and a Daily Mirror advert for a 'Solar Powered UFO' kite.

Where Have All the UFOs Gone Again?

This article addresses the observed dramatic fall in UFO sightings worldwide since 1979, citing comments from the French government UFO team GEPAN and New Scientist. It explores potential reasons, including public disinterest and cuts in research grants. The article contrasts this decline with a curious growth in media interest in UFOs, testing the skeptic's premise that UFO sightings are generated by media interest. It presents statistics from 1982-1984 comparing press cuttings (PC) with BUFORA cases (B) and NUFON cases (N), showing a general decline in sightings despite fluctuations in media coverage. The author notes that the publication of 'Sky Crash' in late 1984 may correlate with the fall-off in sightings.

For Your Perusal

• This section provides reviews of other UFO publications:
• QUEST: Praised for its value and detailed reviews, including a report on the March conference in Leeds and a lecture by a former head of the MoD UFO department.
• YUFOS: Offers a detailed case report on a July 1984 Leeds encounter.
• BUFORA BULLETIN: Noted for its improving quality and detailed cases, including updates on the Valentich disappearance and a historical survey of UFOs.
• INFINITY: Discusses 'Reality and mechanism in modern science' and the implications of experiments proving faster-than-light data transmission.
• ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA REVIEW: This publication suggests that UFOs can be explained by conventional reasons and that the 'UFO enigma' is nearing a final solution.
• COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK: Described as a 'hodge-podge' magazine with a quirky approach to issue numbering.

Media Matters

• This section reviews UFO-related articles in various newspapers:
• North Wales Weekly News: Features an article about a 'UFO riddle of lights' and interviews investigator Margaret Fry.
• Leicester Mercury: Mentions a sighting of an "aerial machine" from 1843.
• Newcastle Journal: Reports a UFO sighting in Rookport, Texas, that stalled a car engine.
• Yorkshire Evening Post: Attributes red and white lights over Leeds to jet aircraft.
• Manchester Evening News: Recounts an incident where a suspected UFO turned out to be a kite that had landed on a TV aerial, causing a large emergency response.

Crop Circles

The article discusses the recurring phenomenon of crop circles, noting their appearance in June/July each year. It suggests they are likely the work of 'tricksters' and criticizes media sensationalism. The West Sussex Gazette and West Sussex County Times are mentioned for their coverage, with one article interviewing a 'psychic' and another exploring the 'UFO theory'. The Brighton Argus is also cited.

Brief Cases

• This section presents brief UFO reports:
• Spot the UFO: A report from Mrs SM on December 31, 1978, of a cigar-shaped aircraft/airship with portholes seen near Ellesmere Port.

UFO Observes a Local War

This report details an account from R.L. Hilton, a former Rhodesian Air Force man, who in 1972-73 witnessed a long cylindrical object flying east to west near Untali, Zimbabwe. He describes it as rotating and having no wings, glinting in the sun. He also recalls hearing a radio transmission about an astronaut being paced by a UFO.

Case Histories

• Case 8503 (May 17, 1985): Four witnesses in Scholes, Wigan, observed a red light travelling slowly towards the town. The case is noted as being similar to the Swissair Do-9 cargo plane incidents.
• Case 8504 (June 23, 1985): Four witnesses in Heaton Norris, Stockport, reported a bright silvery ball in the sky that was bobbing up and down. The case was initially investigated but not pursued.
• Case 8505 (July 1, 1985): A witness in Macclesfield reported a UFO, with the case being investigated by MUFORA.
• Case 8092 (January 14, 1980): This case involves a witness (WCB) who reported seeing a dark, humming object in a lay-by near Todmorden. The witness describes a time lapse and effects on his truck. The investigation notes the difficulty in separating this case from the Alan Godfrey abduction, which occurred later in the same area.
• Case 8506 (July 7, 1985): An 'angled oval' shape was observed stationary in the sky over Pemberton, Wigan, which grew brighter and dimmer before moving off. The case is considered unexplained by WAPIT.

The Imposter

This investigation by Paul Fuller details a frustrating case from April 23, 1984, in Lavant, West Sussex. A 21-year-old man, Mr C (who identified himself as Lt.Cl), and his 79-year-old neighbor, Mrs I, reported seeing two bright lights over the Sussex Downs. Mr C's account, initially brief, became much more detailed and inconsistent upon further interview. He claimed to be a liaison officer in the RAF and alleged he had taken photos which were at Wright Patterson AFB. The investigation suggests Mr C may be a 'Billy Liar' type, and his claims are questioned, particularly his alleged military status and the origin of his story.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs with a critical yet open-minded approach. There is a strong emphasis on investigation, classification, and the analysis of evidence, including media reports and witness testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking rational explanations where possible (e.g., IFOs, UAPs) while acknowledging the existence of genuinely unexplained cases ('Exotic UFOs'). The magazine actively engages with its readership, soliciting feedback on classification systems and cover designs. There's a clear interest in historical cases and the broader context of UFO research, as evidenced by the reviews of other publications and the discussion of the decline in sightings. The magazine also highlights the importance of regional UFO groups and their contributions to the field.