NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 125
Date: May - June 1987
Publisher: NUFON

This issue of Northern UFO News, edited by Jenny Randles, focuses heavily on the media's handling of UFO-related news, particularly the extensive coverage given to the Aetherius Society. It also presents a collection of UFO sightings and detailed case histories from across the United Kingdom.

Aetherius Society Media Frenzy

The lead article, "J. R. Comments," critically examines the surge in media attention towards the Aetherius Society, a group promoting beliefs about Jesus living on Venus. The author expresses dismay that this group received far more coverage than serious UFO research, despite a lack of hard evidence. The article details how the Aetherius Society utilized a 'Hot Line' and PR efforts to gain national attention, with newspapers like the London Evening Standard, TODAY, and The Independent featuring their claims. The author questions the source of their funding and the media's willingness to promote such unsubstantiated stories, suggesting it might be a deliberate attempt to discredit the UFO movement.

Scottish UFO Open Day

Plans are announced for a "Scottish UFO Open Day" to be held on October 17, 1987, in Glasgow. This event is described as a unique combination of lectures, an exhibition, and a rock concert, featuring UFO-inspired music. Several notable figures in ufology, including Albert Budden, Jenny Randles, and Hilary Evans, are expected to give lectures.

Book Reviews: Communion and Intruders

The "Books of the Moment" section reviews two significant books:

• Communion by Whitley Strieber: Hailed as a bestseller in the USA, the book recounts Strieber's alleged close encounters with aliens. The review notes its vivid writing but also its confusing nature, characteristic of many CE IV cases. The book's publisher is criticized for attempting to distance it from ufology.
• Intruders by Budd Hopkins: This book is highly praised as one of the most important works by a UFO researcher, detailing investigations into abduction cases. The review highlights Hopkins's theories on aliens and genetic experiments, emphasizing the book's conviction and detailed research.

UFO Sightings and Case Histories

The magazine features several "Brief Cases" and "Case Histories" from various regions:

• BUFOS Case 8425: A sighting of a red glowing disc near the Derbyshire/S. Yorkshire borders, described as silent and varying in speed.
• MUFORA Case 8424: An observation of a large orange light in the sky over Lancashire.
• Return of the Humadruz: A report from Liverpool about a strange, intermittent sound heard by a witness.
• BUFOS Case 8639: A sighting of bright white lights near Alwalton, Cambs, which the report suggests could be explicable as aircraft or flares.
• New North Yorkshire Photograph: An analysis of a photograph showing a 'greysmudge,' ultimately concluded to be a processing fault on the negative.
• MUFORA Case 8702: Sightings of three orange lights near Hartlepool, Cleveland, with one object reportedly falling into the sea.
• Case Histories (Shrewsbury): A detailed account from Mrs. K of a hovering, glowing orange object seen in 1967.
• Encounter at the Butley Ash: A daylight sighting in Cheshire of a disc-like object by a pub landlord and a cyclist.

Media Matters

This section discusses UFO-related news beyond the Aetherius Society coverage, including reports on Whitley Strieber's visit and claims about "Aliens using hypnosis in rural Surrey." It also touches on a Glasgow singer whose song was reportedly inspired by aliens.

Other Sections

• For Your Perusal: A roundup of articles from other UFO publications like BUFORA, UFO ERI GANTIA, IUR, and FOCUS II-7.
• Final Words: Discusses public opinion polls on UFO belief in the USA and Britain, and statistics on telepathy, ghosts, UFOs, and poltergeists.
• Calendar: Lists upcoming UFO events and lectures.
• Regional Groups: Provides contact information for various UFO research groups across the UK.
• Alien Plans for the End of the World: A report by Clive Potter detailing a group preparing for Armageddon based on alleged alien guidance, involving the search for artifacts and potential evacuation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the validity of sensationalist UFO claims, particularly those promoted by groups like the Aetherius Society, contrasting them with serious investigative ufology. There's a clear stance against cult-like organizations infiltrating the UFO field. The editorial tone is critical of media sensationalism and supportive of rigorous research, as evidenced by the detailed case analyses and book reviews. The issue also touches upon the growing interest in 'end of the world' scenarios linked to alien contact, suggesting a potential shift in paranormal phenomena focus.