NORTHERN UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: SEP - OCT 1988
Volume: 133
Publisher: NUFON (Northern UFO Network)
Country: UK
Language: English
Price: £6 for six issues

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated September-October 1988, offers a detailed look into the world of UFO phenomena, featuring a mix of statistical analysis, case reports, and news updates from various UFO research organizations.

J.R. Comments: A French UFO Survey

The issue opens with a commentary by J.R. on a well-tabulated statistical survey of nearly 1000 UFO cases in France, compiled by reader Michael Hudson. A key finding is that only 1.8% of explained cases were rated as hoaxes, challenging the common perception that many UFO reports are fabricated. October emerged as the most frequent month for sightings (over 20% of cases), with the most likely time being between 10 pm and midnight. Sighting durations were often lengthy, with over a quarter lasting between 2 and 10 minutes. Single witness incidents were common (61.1%), with fewer than 20% involving more than two observers.

The survey also provided insights into witness demographics. Contrary to findings in Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind (CE4) cases, close UFO sightings showed a significant bias towards male reporters (70.3% male to 29.7% female). The majority of witnesses were young, with 38.2% under 20 and 63.9% under 30. Surprisingly, a quarter of witnesses were in 'professional' occupations. The most common location for sightings was in a car (30.2%), significantly more than inside a building.

The typical UFO described was a disc-shaped object (30.3%), often glowing red or grey metallic, measuring between 5 and 8 meters. While usually silent, other reported noises included hissing, whistling, and humming. Many were described as brilliantly luminous.

When entities were involved, most sightings involved a single entity (44.2%), with fewer cases involving two or three. Entities were often seen in silhouette, but when clearer, 17.2% were described as very human-like. Two distinct height peaks were noted: 30.9% between 65cm and 125cm (2-4 ft), and 45.8% between 4 and 6 ft, with some taller figures up to 7 ft.

Entities' actions included attempts at communication (one-fifth) and the use of apparatus (14.5%). They were perceived as friendly (18.6%), like doctors (18.1%), or curious (17.0%), with aggression being rare.

Witness effects were significant, with fear being the most common (18.1%). Paralysis occurred in nearly 10% of cases, and memory loss in 6.9%. The eyes were the most commonly affected body part (just over 3%). Almost half of close encounters involved some reported effect on the witness.

Physical traces were found in a fifth of cases, most commonly as holes in the soil (24.4%) or impressions in the ground (22.0%). Burning or scorching occurred in 13.2% of cases.

The survey, conducted by Project Becassine, is commended for its thoroughness and contribution to research.

News Round-Up

MUFORA's Silver Jubilee: The oldest constituent group of the NUFON alliance, MUFORA, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. An open day is scheduled for November 12th at the University, welcoming the public.

Promoting American UFO Groups: The magazine highlights two American organizations:

• MUFON (Mutual UFO Network): Known for its monthly magazine and annual conference, MUFON is an international organization. Membership details and conference information are provided.
• FUFOR (Fund for UFO Research): This organization provides grants to UFO researchers for projects. Bona fide research submissions are considered, with FUFOR having the first right to publish results.

Other Publications and Projects:

• EARTH: Has moved to a new address in Bradford and features articles on various phenomena.
• UFO BRIGANTIA: Reprints John Lear's document on MJ-12 and dead aliens, and includes a letters debate on abductions.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Praised as an indispensable paranormal journal, its latest issue includes an article on 'Alfred' (sic) Budden's CE4 investigations.
• UFO UNIVERSE: Features articles on Stanton Friedman, John Keel, Shirley Maclaine's ET contacts, and British abductions. The November issue includes interviews with Mas Dewey Fournet and astronaut Gordon Cooper.
• IUR: Covers mystery circles, fantasy personalities, abductions, and debates on the fantasy-prone personality hypothesis.
• JUST CAUSE: Aims to update their 1984 book 'Clear Intent' on UFO secrecy.
• Archaeus Project: A research group correlating paranormal phenomena, publishing 'Artifex' magazine and annual specials. Membership and subscription details are provided.

Personal Anecdotes and Observations

The issue includes several personal anecdotes, including a humorous account of a TV set tuning into Jesus, and a more serious discussion about a child counselor's interpretation of abduction phenomena. A letter from a prisoner in Winson Green prison describes bizarre paranormal adventures.

The Circle Line: Mystery Circles and UFOs

Ralph Noyes comments on the 'Mystery of the Circles' phenomenon. He acknowledges the ongoing debate between proponents of natural explanations (like Dr. Terence Meaden's whirlwind theory) and those who suggest a link to UFOs. Noyes finds it plausible that natural phenomena causing disturbances in crop fields might also relate to patterns of disturbance in human witnesses.

The BBC documentary 'Running Rings Round Arthur' is reviewed, with criticism of its biased conclusions and implication that circles are hoaxes. The article notes that the BBC's editors were aware of the hoaxing of certain circles for the film.

For Your Perusal: Major Articles Elsewhere

This section lists articles from other publications:

• EARTH: Features an article by 'Professor Paulus Fruitcake Bennett'.
• UFO BRIGANTIA: Discusses MJ-12 and a letters debate on abductions.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Includes an article on CE4 investigations.
• UFO UNIVERSE: Covers crashed UFOs, early UFO days, ET contacts, and British abductions.
• IUR: Features articles on mystery circles, fantasy personalities, and abductions.
• JUST CAUSE: Updates on UFO secrecy.

Books of the Moment

• GREAT MYSTERIES by John Grant: Reviewed as a rehash of old cases, but well-packaged with photos. The UFO section is noted as critical and includes typical UFO imagery.
• Mysteries of the Scottish Landscape by Ron Halliday: A brief mention of an offering that introduces hill figures and zodiacs.

Brief Cases: Some Current Investigations

This section details several recent UFO sightings and investigations:

• CASE 6620 (MUFORA): Two strange, glowing objects were seen in Longton, Staffs, in November 1966, possibly misidentified as a meteor or satellite.
• CASE 8656 (BASE): A 'dark silver childs balloon' that appeared to be a dome with windows was observed in Hagley, West Midlands, in October 1986. It was later suggested to be a metallic toy balloon caught in wires.
• CASE 8745 (MUFORA): A stationary light was observed in Sale, Cheshire, in March 1987 by a family.
• CASE 8725 (Unreported): A helicopter was reported chasing a circular object with flashing lights over Leigh, Lancashire, in September 1987. The case was initially reported by the Manchester Evening News and later the Daily Star, with claims of blue laser beams.
• CASE 8815 (IUN): Three youths reported a moving light leaving a white trail over Scaitcliffe Hillside, Todmorden, in February 1988. The explanation offered was a plane dropping sand.
• CASE 8817 (MUFORA): A pink-red ball was seen falling to earth in Chadderton, Oldham, in July 1988, possibly a rocket or flare.
• CASE 8818 (MUFORA): An elderly lady in Upton, Wirral, observed a bright light for 40 minutes in September 1988, which she identified as Venus.

Case Histories

• QUITE A REPEATER (BASE/PARASEARCH): This case is noted for having the most UFOs seen by a single witness.

Mr R Lives in Oldbury: A Repeater Witness

This section details the extensive sighting history of a Mr R from Oldbury, West Midlands, who began seeing UFOs in August 1954 as a child. His sightings include bell-shaped craft, wobbling yellow lights, black cigars with yellow cockpits, stubby-winged aircraft, and complex blue-white fiber glass structures. He has observed numerous objects over decades, averaging twice a week for six years. Investigators David Taylor and Peter Hough have differing opinions on whether his reports are genuine sightings or a psychological manifestation of filling in lights with expected shapes.

The Perfect Abduction? (Part 3) MUFORA Report

This part of the report focuses on the photographic evidence for Case 8744, involving a landed UFO and an entity observed on Ilkley Moor in December 1987. Philip, the witness, provided a photograph of the entity. The image, reproduced in media, appears fuzzy and grainy. An examination by a wildlife photographer, Tony Marshall, suggested it might be a large bendy toy. However, further analysis, including on-site measurements and comparative photos, indicates the figure is at least 4.5 feet tall and possibly more. The timing of the photograph was also questioned, with hypnosis suggesting it was taken later than initially recalled. The analysis concludes that the image is real and not a superimposed hoax, and the entity appears to be more human in size than a small model.

Final Words & Calendar

MUFORA's 25th Anniversary: The issue concludes with a reminder about MUFORA's 25th anniversary celebration, including an exhibition and presentations on November 12, 1988, in Manchester.

Calendar: A list of upcoming BUFORA lectures and NUFON regional group meetings is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, encounters, and investigations, presenting a mix of statistical data, eyewitness accounts, and analysis from various UFO research organizations. There is a clear effort to provide detailed case reports and updates on ongoing investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous analysis, as seen in the reviews of books and the discussion of witness testimony. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting UFO research groups and their activities.