Northern UFO News - No 15

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: No 15
Date: August 1975
Publisher: NUFON (Northern UFO Network)
Price: 18p

This issue marks a significant step for NUFON, transitioning from a newsletter to a fully-fledged magazine aimed at reaching a wider audience, including the general public. The editorial emphasizes the magazine's goal: to promptly report on recent sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena in northern skies and the activities of investigative groups. It promises to include initial summaries of ongoing investigations and, where warranted, detailed reports on particularly interesting cases. The magazine also intends to feature articles on various aspects of ufology and welcomes reader letters for discussion and criticism.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Jenny Randles, the Editor, expresses excitement about the launch of the magazine. She welcomes new readers and appeals to long-time supporters to help make the publication a success. The aims are clearly stated: to bring attention to UFO sightings in northern skies and the work of investigators. The magazine will feature summaries of cases under investigation, with the intention of publishing more detailed reports on significant findings. Articles on ufology are also planned, and reader feedback is actively encouraged.

News Around the North

This section provides updates and information relevant to the UFO community in the north of England. It includes:

• Joining a Group: Addresses of various UFO groups are listed, encouraging readers to join or support these organizations. Groups are noted as often being short of active investigators.
• Publicity Week: A joint initiative by the Wirral UFO Society and NUFON groups, held from May 3-10, 1975, aimed to generate respectable publicity for the subject. The week included local radio interviews and feature articles, with hopes for continuation.
• Special Reports: NUFON offers several research project reports for sale, including a comprehensive list of UFO books and magazines, an essay on UFOs and folklore in Lincolnshire, and a joint NUFON report (1970-74) with case studies and statistical analysis. Orders require an additional 7p for postage.

Associated Groups

A comprehensive list of UFO research groups across the UK is provided, including their addresses. These include the British UFO Research Association, Contact (UK), BUFORA (Staffs and Yorks), BYUIG, Cleveland UFO Research Group, D.I.G.A.P., Manchester UFO Research Assoc, Midlands UFO Research Assoc, NAPRA (Cheshire), R.I.G.A.P. (Rossendale), Scunthorpe UFO Soc, and Wirral UFO Soc. NUFON expresses a desire to hear from other UFO societies in the north.

NAPRA Report: UFO Landing at Rainhill

This report details an incident on May 18, 1975, involving three witnesses in Rainhill, Merseyside. At approximately 10 pm, an object described as three white balls in a triangular formation, pulsing and appearing the size of tennis balls, was observed moving at low height. After the object descended behind trees, a white glow was seen emanating from a hollow. A humming noise was reported by witnesses. Subsequent investigation by NAPRA (Northern Aerial Phenomena Research Association) revealed four strange markings resembling footprints in the mud near a pond. These prints were large (13-14 inches by 6 inches with a 45-inch stride), deeply imprinted, and of unusual shape. Chemical analysis of stone, water, and soil samples was pending at the time of publication.

MUFORA Report: UFO Over Stretford Field

This report covers a sighting on June 15, 1975, near Stretford, Manchester. Two witnesses observed a fast-moving white light that slowed to aircraft speed and then hovered. It was described as a 'spikey' ping pong ball, brilliant white, and approximately 200 feet high. A triangular shape was noted on top. The object suddenly flashed and shot upwards into cloud at about 1500 feet. A commercial aircraft passed overhead shortly after the object vanished. MUFORA (Manchester UFO Research Association) investigated, noting that no natural explanation like aircraft or meteorological phenomena seemed to fit. The witnesses reported developing headaches afterward.

The Sonic Effects of UFOs

Written by Jenny Randles, this article explores the sounds, or lack thereof, associated with UFO sightings. While most reports describe UFOs as silent, some mention faint whirrs or hums. The author discusses the possibility that these sounds are a function of the UFO's propulsion system. The article notes that such sounds are heard in only a small percentage of cases, suggesting their faintness requires exceptional hearing or favorable conditions. It also touches upon less common sounds like roars and engine noises, which may be related to initial impulse or exhaust, and speculates on propulsion methods that might involve electromagnetic fields.

Group Sighting Report Summaries

This section provides brief summaries of various UFO sightings:

• 1960, Liverpool: A cigar-shaped object, size similar to a house, observed moving West to East at 10 mph.
• June 1966, St Helens: A disc-shaped object, reflective silver with a yellowish tint, moved erratically and disappeared into a cloud.
• June 14, 1975, Rochdale: Three witnesses observed a saucer-shaped craft with a domed top, which banked, tilted, and sped away at high speed.
• June 16, 1975, Merseyside: Reports of glowing balls seen by many witnesses.
• June 17, 1975, Scunthorpe: A flame-coloured triangular shape hovered and disappeared after a plane appeared to fly through it. The local RAF denied aircraft presence.
• June 29, 1975, Rawtenstall: Two ball-shaped objects, white, accelerated rapidly and turned green.
• Staffordshire Flap (June 17 onwards): A significant 'flap' of sightings occurred, including an object like an upturned cornet seen near Keel, which was circled by a Phantom Jet aircraft before vanishing. The RAF initially denied the aircraft's presence. Later, on June 25, a silver-coloured object was seen moving in and out of a vapour trail, descending, and moving off north.

UFO Magazines

A list of national and northern UFO magazines is provided for readers interested in further research. "Flying Saucer REVIEW" is highlighted as the world's leading publication.

In the Post

This section indicates that NUFON has received mail and is increasing liaison with "Contact (UK)". Copies of the magazine are being sent to international UFO organizations, including the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre for UFO Studies, to foster information exchange. Developments in a 24-hour UFO phone number scheme are noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on reporting UFO sightings and the investigative efforts of various UK-based UFO groups. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and the results of investigations, while acknowledging the need for further analysis. The editorial stance is open and encourages participation from readers and other organizations. The issue highlights the challenges of identifying UFO phenomena, with reports often concluding as 'unidentified' due to lack of natural explanations. The sonic effects of UFOs and the potential for physical trace evidence are also recurring topics of interest. The magazine aims to be a credible source of information for both the general public and dedicated ufologists.