Northern UFO News - No 179

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 179
Date: June 1998

This issue of Northern UFO News, edited by Jenny Randles, delves into the current state of UFOlogy, the media's portrayal of UFO phenomena, and significant case updates. The cover features artwork of alien figures and a headline questioning if the 'UFO world bubble burst'. The magazine addresses the proliferation and subsequent decline of newsstand UFO magazines, while highlighting the continued efforts of dedicated UFOlogists and niche publications.

The UFO World Bubble Burst?

The lead article discusses the saturation of the UFO magazine market, with many newsstand publications ceasing or reducing operations. Nick Redfern's second book is reviewed, noting the increased status of UFOlogy but warning of the danger of being 'killed off by too much of a good thing'. The article laments the demise of 'UFO Reality' and 'Alien Encounters', and criticizes 'Sightings' for reprinting old material. It contrasts these with surviving publications like 'Fortean Times' and the more commercially successful 'UFO' magazine, which is praised for its shrewd production and understanding of its audience.

The piece also touches upon the pressures faced by publications like 'The X Factor', a Marshall Cavendish pan work, and reflects on a past period of 'X Files' euphoria that led to a similar market saturation. The author suggests that media greed has led to an overabundance of UFO titles, potentially impacting the book market as well.

Rendlesham Returns

This section provides an in-depth look at new revelations concerning the Rendlesham Forest incident. It highlights the discovery of key documents, including original witness statements compiled by Deputy Base Commander Colonel Charles Halt. These statements, from individuals like Jim Penniston and John Burroughs, as well as other military personnel, offer new perspectives on the events of December 1980. The article notes that these documents were held by a US group and their release is considered significant, especially as the British government had previously denied possessing copies.

The author, who has written a book on the case, discusses his understanding of the situation, including the involvement of a third airman, 'Cabanasag'. He analyzes the written statements, comparing them to previous verbal testimonies and addressing apparent discrepancies, such as the misidentification of a lighthouse. The piece argues that these new statements do not invalidate the case but rather offer mitigating circumstances and a more complex picture, suggesting that the Rendlesham case is far from dead.

The MoD Admits a 'Space Division'

This article revisits the discovery that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) used a defence intelligence unit, DI 55, to visit witnesses and secure sighting information, potentially linking to 'men in black' stories. It mentions the release of MoD files from 1967, which indicate that the Air Staff 2A had a mandate to check early warning radar at Fylingdales. If a sighting could not be explained, the case was to be handed over to DI 55, which was referred to as the 'space division'.

A debate between Nick Redfern and Nick Pope is discussed regarding the MoD's role. The author suspects that the MoD's involvement might extend beyond visible files, possibly relating to secret technology or foreign power activity, rather than solely focusing on alien spacecraft. The article suggests that DI 55 may have had a role similar to the US 'Project Moondust' team.

Giant UFO Heads for the UK - or does it?

This piece scrutinizes a Daily Mail report claiming a giant UFO was detected over the North Sea and pursued by Dutch jets. The MoD reportedly denied the story, attributing it to a disgruntled ex-employee. However, the reporter stood by his story, citing an RAF officer as his source. The article questions the MoD's naming of a potential source and notes the timing of the report, which preceded the BBC's UFO drama 'Invasion Earth', suggesting a possible influence on the script.

New Twist on the Circle Mystery

A new type of crop circle, made of stone, was discovered in March on the Morvern Peninsula in western Scotland. These stone circles, approximately 20 feet in diameter, are visible from surrounding hills and are linked to local folklore and potential alien abduction narratives.

News Snippets and Reviews

The magazine includes a 'News Snippets' section featuring new book catalogues, a UFO cartoonist, and a PC text service for UFOlogists. It also highlights various UFO and paranormal publications, including ETH Bulletin, The Parranormal, The Researcher, Contact UK, Magonia, Abduction Watch, Armchair UFOlogist, Naro Minded, Strange Daze, Phenomenal News, and Haunted Scotland.

• Several book reviews are presented:
• The Roswell File by Tim Shawcross is praised for its thorough investigation and use of documents, being written by an 'outsider' to the field.
• Gods of Eden by Andrew Collins is described as a blend of the supernatural and history, with deep research and compelling writing.

Updates

• Howards End: An apology is issued to UFOMEK regarding a previous report on a UFO sighting above Michael Howard's home. UFOMEK's special report, 'The Burmarsh Incident', is recommended for its detailed account of multiple sightings.
• Nick's knack: A discussion about Nick Pope's 'abduction' story in Florida and the upcoming paperback edition of 'The Uninvited'. Pope's reluctance to confirm his identity in the story is explored, with the author questioning his decision to include it in his book if he wished to avoid publicity.
• My Nick knocking knack: Nick Redfern responds to a review of his book 'A Covert Agenda', arguing that MoD files reveal more than just a lack of investigation. He cites evidence of MoD involvement dating back to 1953 and notes the involvement of security services. The author clarifies that his argument concerns the visible PRO files, which he believes show incompetence and a limited perception of UFOs, distinct from the MoD's potentially more extensive, unseen investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently critiques the commercialization of UFOlogy, lamenting the focus on profit over genuine investigation. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of critical analysis, particularly concerning media reports and government involvement. The magazine champions dedicated UFOlogists and publications that maintain a critical yet open-minded approach. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, investigative approach to UFO phenomena, questioning sensationalism and advocating for a deeper understanding of the subject beyond simplistic explanations.

The Rendlesham Forest incident is a recurring theme, with the magazine dedicated to presenting new evidence and analysis. The role of government agencies like the MoD in UFO investigations is also a significant focus, with a critical examination of their transparency and methods. The overall tone is one of informed skepticism, encouraging readers to look beyond superficial media portrayals and engage with more substantive research.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Date: August 1998 (inferred from conference dates)

This issue of Northern UFO News delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, featuring book reviews, investigative reports, and personal accounts.

Book Reviews

'Alien Abductions' by Peter Brookesmith

The review of Peter Brookesmith's 'Alien Abductions' highlights its approach as a 'coffee table book with a hard centre,' offering a skeptical yet well-argued perspective on alien abduction evidence. The reviewer notes that the book seems to contain two distinct books fighting for space: one a layman's guide to abduction 'greatest hits,' and the other a more cogent commentary on abductions. While acknowledging Brookesmith's commitment to rooting out evidence, the reviewer suggests the book's market may not fully appreciate the difficulties presented, and it's not ideally designed as a case reference. The book is rated 65% by Randles.

'The FBI Files' by Nick Redfern

Nick Redfern's 'The FBI Files' is reviewed as a follow-up to his previous work on UK government files, this time focusing on files available in the USA concerning the FBI's involvement with UFOs. The book is described as telling the story chronologically and sprinkled with documents, providing a good guide to the material. The reviewer notes that the FBI files are generally more known than British PRO records and that while the book fills a niche for a dedicated popular book on the subject, its impact might be limited for those already familiar with the documents. The reviewer also finds the book's structure somewhat meandering, making it difficult to follow the narrative thread. Despite these criticisms, the book is considered to be in parts very good, though not quite what it might have been, and is also rated 65% by Randles.

Investigations

Peak District Crash Case Solved?

This section details an investigation by Dave Clarke into a UFO incident over the Peak District on March 24, 1997. The event involved a fireball, sightings of mysterious 'aircraft,' and two explosions. A subsequent search and rescue operation yielded no findings. Initial theories suggested a fireball meteor or an illegal aircraft. However, speculation grew about an alleged dog fight between a military jet and a UFO. Investigations revealed that two Tornado GR I Strike Aircraft from RAF Marham were flying at low altitude in the area. The MoD confirmed a military exercise permitted low flying, but the timing of the sonic booms recorded by Edinburgh University seismology unit, occurring after the exercise supposedly ended and in pursuit of a strange droning triangle, raised questions. The MoD's explanation that pilots might accelerate to supersonic speed to avoid civil aircraft, or that they might cover their tracks if rules were broken, is presented as a possible, though not entirely convincing, explanation. The article concludes that thanks to Clarke's efforts, more information has come to light than the MoD initially intended.

Lost in Space: The Story of NASA's UFO 'haunted' Shuttle

This article discusses the NASA space shuttle 'Discovery' and its reputation for being involved in UFO-related incidents. It recounts two previous episodes: a reported aborted mission in March 1989 due to an electrical fire (later attributed to a hoax) and a September 1991 flight (STS 48) where fast-moving lights were captured on video. The latest incident involves satellite TV enthusiast John Locker, who recorded a different feed during Discovery's STS 82 mission in February 1997. Locker observed strange lights and a 'thing' passing the shuttle, which also mystified the crew. NASA's initial explanation was a reflection off a spacesuit, but Locker found this unconvincing. The article notes that NASA later claimed the tape had a 19-minute gap and provided a different explanation on a live TV show, attributing the event to a warning light on a console. Locker remains unconvinced, suggesting the UFO phenomenon might be used by the military to test secret aircraft.

Can You Solve This One?

Mark Fraser, editor of Haunted Scotland, presents a sighting from the late 1970s of a 'pear shaped' object with 'pale red and orange' colors, described as a 'sky slug,' seen by a bus passenger in Hull. The object was reportedly solid but resembled a floating life form. Other witnesses reportedly saw the same object, which was able to change shape and accelerate away at high speed.

Bigfoot in Scotland

Mark Fraser also reports strange sightings from the summer of 1994 in Torphins, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Two witnesses walking in a forest track encountered a Bigfoot-like figure. Later, a 'great muscular, hairy figure' bounded from the trees and chased a car at 40 mph. The creature was described as being about 6 feet 6 inches tall, covered in jet black hair, with red glowing eyes, and appeared curious rather than aggressive. A local legend of a 'haunted' spot in the area is also mentioned.

You Silly Ufologist

This section humorously points out ufologists making themselves look foolish. It mentions international footballer Paul Gascoigne's interest in UFOs and offers advice on using a telescope. It also recalls Uri Geller's association with the Reading football team and the team's subsequent relegation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the skepticism surrounding these phenomena. There's a focus on investigative journalism, particularly through the efforts of individuals like Dave Clarke. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories while also acknowledging skepticism and questioning official explanations. The magazine also touches upon related phenomena like Bigfoot and includes lighter, more humorous pieces to engage its readership. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and the challenges in obtaining clear, unbiased information from official sources.