Northern UFO News - No 119

Magazine Overview

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, number 119, dated May-June 1986, is published by NUFON... UFO RESEARCH NORTH. The cover features a striking illustration of a flying saucer with the letters 'N N' on either side, and the main headline is 'NN'. The publication details include an address in Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6PQ, and notes that the cover art is by Nigel Mortimer (WYUFORG). The subscription for 1986 is £5.40 for six issues. The contents list includes usual features, an obituary for Allen Hynek, an update on 'The Uninvited', and case reports from various UK regions.

J.R. Comments: The Passing of J. Allen Hynek

This section is a heartfelt tribute to Dr. J. Allen Hynek, described as the world's greatest UFO researcher. The author, J.R. (Jenny Randles), reflects on Hynek's pivotal role as a civilian consultant to USAF projects, his patient observation of UFO cases, and his strategic approach to influencing government action. Hynek's background as an astronomer and his work with the 'Invisible College' (later CUDOS) are mentioned. His book, 'THE UFO EXPERIENCE', and his classification system of close encounters are highlighted. The author notes Hynek's humility, integrity, and pleasant personality, recalling meeting him at BUFORA congresses. Hynek's involvement in Steven Spielberg's movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is discussed, along with the unfortunate financial repercussions he faced due to his consultancy fee being offset by lost royalties. The piece also mentions Hynek's visit to Hessdalen in 1985 and the transfer of editorship of 'International UFO Reporter' to Jerome Clark due to Hynek's terminal illness. The author quotes Hynek's desire to make UFO study scientifically respectable and concludes that the world has lost a great ambassador and the author a friend. The phrase 'close encounter' entering the cultural vocabulary is seen as a fitting memorial.

News Round-Up

This section provides various updates and announcements. John Cottom of WAPIT proposes a collaborative effort for 'UFO Scene North' to share comments and ideas not covered by NUN. A review of 'Science and the UFOs' is mentioned, referencing remarks by Dr. Thornton Page. David Clarke's booklet 'SPOOKLIGHTS' is noted, along with an award to US researchers for a sequel report on the 1913 Airship wave. New UFO groups like AZIMUTH and SCUFON (SPI) are introduced with their contact details. MAONIA magazine announces a change of address. The section also includes a note about the new daily paper 'Today' and an article by Bryn Davies (or Carl Rider) that allegedly plagiarized material from 'The Unknown' magazine.

Media Matters

This section reviews media coverage of UFOs, particularly in West Yorkshire. It mentions articles in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Bradford Argus, and Bradford Star, discussing a YUFOS conference and UFO encounters. The author criticizes the Bradford Star for a journalistic error regarding astrological connections. A brief mention is made of John Edwards of Carlisle, who is seeking members for a flying saucer club. The section also notes a report in the Derby Evening Telegraph about UFOs in Derby, linking it to the International Aetherius Society.

Book Reviews

Several publications are reviewed:

• 'The UFO World 1985': A 32-page booklet by Jenny Randles, published by BUFORA and printed by EMJAY, offering a comprehensive review of ufology in 1985, including country-by-country developments, key cases, theoretical advancements, and a bibliography. Only 300 copies are in print.
• 'The Eye of Fire': A book by Martin Keatman and Graham Phillips, described as a sequel to 'The Green Stone'. The reviewer finds the narrative fantastical, involving psychic quests, magical objects, and supernatural elements. Despite its implausibility, the book is reviewed because several individuals involved in the 'quest' were UFO investigators. The reviewer expresses a sense of responsibility for the project's inception.
• 'PSI-EYE': A new journal edited by Mike Costello, promising a critical review of psi phenomena. The first issue features a lengthy article on near-death experiences.
• 'ANOMALY 2': The second issue of this annual publication from ASSAP, containing articles on the subjective nature of the UFO phenomenon, a ghost case, and an entity case.
• 'Northern Earth Mysteries': A spring issue featuring articles on will-o'-the-wisps and UFO sightings.
• 'The Ley Hunter': The 100th issue, including an article on the history of the Brown Mountain Lights.
• 'IUR' (International UFO Reporter): Jerry Clark's bi-monthly publication, featuring articles on earthlights theory and hypnotic regression, as well as an Australian case with official cover-up implications.
• 'MUFON Journal': A publication from MUFON, covering topics such as astronaut sightings and childhood abductions.
• 'Journal of the Fortean Research Center': A new quarterly publication.

Case Histories

This section presents detailed accounts of alleged UFO sightings and encounters:

• The Strange Experiences of Mrs AB: A report by Jenny Randles detailing Mrs AB's experiences since 1971, including sightings of yellow balls of light, cigar-shaped objects, and a significant incident involving missing time and a possible UFO encounter in 1977. The reviewer suggests a bright planet as a possible explanation for some sightings.
• WYURORG Case 75-167: A sighting in Brighouse, W. Yorks, in June 1975 of a reddish-orange ball of light with a green trail, moving at high speed. The case is compared to a meteor or a hot air balloon.
• MUFORA Case 78-282: A sighting in Liverpool in July 1978 of a bright white light descending over trees.
• COMING THROUGH THE GLEN Case 79-169: An encounter in Fort William, Scotland, in May 1979, where a family observed a cone-shaped object with orange light and flashing white lights.
• UFO OVER POWERLINES: An incident in Shotton, Clwyd, in August 1979, where a large, saucer-shaped craft with lights was observed near powerlines.
• WYUFORG Case 8529: A sighting in Ilkley, W. Yorks, in November 1985 of a cluster of red lights.
• UFO RETURNS TO HIDSTON HILL: A report by Peter Hough and Arthur Tomlinson concerning a December 1985 sighting in Bidston, Merseyside, of a metallic cone-shaped object with projected beams. The case is compared to a similar sighting from 1980 and potential explanations involving aircraft are discussed.

Final Words

The editor apologizes for the slight delay in the issue's publication, citing a family bereavement and his involvement in producing a six-part documentary series on the paranormal for BBC Radio Manchester. The series, which will include a segment on UFOs, aims to be open-minded and feature witnesses, researchers, and scientists. The editor encourages readers to contact their local BBC stations to request transmission of the series.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Northern UFO News demonstrates a commitment to detailed reporting of UFO sightings and research, particularly within the UK. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, seeking explanations while acknowledging unexplained phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on case histories, with investigators providing analysis and potential solutions. The magazine also engages with media coverage of UFOs and reviews relevant literature. The passing of J. Allen Hynek is treated with great respect, underscoring his importance in the field. The publication actively promotes UFO research groups and encourages reader participation and investigation. The overall tone is informative and dedicated to exploring the UFO phenomenon with a degree of scientific rigor.