Northern UFO News - No 183

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 183
Date: The End (of 1999)
Editor: Jenny Randles

This issue of Northern UFO News marks the transition into the new millennium, focusing on the future of UFOlogy and new initiatives within the field. The cover features a prominent illustration of a stylized UFO and the headline "HAPPY NEW MILLENNIUM."

New Millennium, New UFOlogy

In her editorial, Jenny Randles discusses the formation of UFOIN (UFO Investigators Network), an organization born from a summer-long internet debate among disaffected UK UFOlogists. UFOIN aims to bring a new approach to British UFOlogy, emphasizing scientific principles, common sense, and rationality, and eschewing personal theories or preconceptions. It is envisioned as a near paperless unit, utilizing the internet for communication and data exchange. Membership is based on a statement of intent and a demonstration of case investigation skills, with a one-person, one-vote system for applicant acceptance. The goal is to foster serious research and uncover verifiable evidence, rather than engaging in social club activities or producing magazines. UFOIN plans to produce a stream of case histories, initially sold in hard copy and later made available on their website.

News News News

Small Screen UFOs: The article notes the success of the US TV drama series 'Roswell,' which is set to air in the UK in early 2000. It also mentions the indefinite postponement of a TV documentary about the "UFO industry" by the production team behind 'Strange but True?', which the editor felt lacked balance.

MOD to Release Files - Or Not?: This section discusses media reports in November claiming the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would release all its UFO files, possibly due to the Freedom of Information bill. However, the article expresses skepticism about the bill's effectiveness and suggests that the MoD might not be significantly impacted. Nick Redfern is quoted as saying the MoD press office denied planning any large release. The article also raises concerns that the Fol act might limit access to files from certain defence intelligence units, which could be more significant than the release of older sighting reports.

Investigations

Up in the Air-Again: This section details a mid-air encounter case that occurred on June 9, 1998, involving an MD 81 jet near Heathrow. The pilot and co-pilot reported seeing a bright light, initially described as a flare or something passing close to the aircraft, later evolving into a 'metallic grey' object the size of a small aircraft. The CAA investigation concluded the case was "unassessable," with no evidence of UFOs found, but the article suggests it is another example of a "menace" of mid-air UFO encounters.

Case 9630 Inverness, Scotland: This case from June 2, 1996, describes Mrs A witnessing a glowing orange ball descend and then rise over the mountains. The incident was taken seriously by local police and RAF Kinloss, indicating a heightened interest in UFO sightings in the area.

BITZ...

This section provides brief updates on various UFO-related activities and publications:

• Project FT: A study comparing flying triangle reports from 1993-1997 found a correlation between European and UK sightings and a connection between UK sightings and nuclear power stations.
• Philip Mantle: Reported to be recovering from hospital.
• Lynda and Tim Matthews: Welcomed a new child, Alexandra.
• Tim and Philip: Are writing a book on the alien autopsy footage.
• UFOIN Publications: Spring 2000 publications will include a reinvestigation of the October/November 1967 UFO wave and a new study of the 1956 Lakenheath/Bentwaters radar-visual case.
• UFOIN Research Venture: A new annual research project will be announced, with the 2000 topic being 'car stop cases'.
• Quiz Results: An announcement of the winner of a competition to create anagrams from UFO book titles, with Nick Redfern being the winner.

Major Articles Elsewhere

This section reviews other UFO and paranormal publications:

• The X Factor (Issue 66-68): Features articles on NASA's warp technology attempts, the Mundrabilla encounter, top IFO types, and giant entity sightings from Israel.
• Fortean Times: Discusses an eclipse special, 1999 crop circles, and a 'Stargate Conspiracy' book suggesting the channelling movement might be a covert experiment.
• Fate (Issue 597): A special Millennium edition looking at top paranormal stories of the century.
• Beyond: Has produced one issue so far, with more planned, potentially becoming more commercially oriented.
• EJUFOAS (European Journal of UFO & Abduction Studies): A new refereed scientific journal about UFOs and abductions, with an international editorial board.
• FTL (Faster than Light): A review of internet gossip and stories from the UFO world.
• BUFORA Bulletin (Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Oct/Nov): Features a retrospective on Graham Knewstub, censorship, alternatives to the ETH, memory retrieval, media portrayal of UFOs, and lucid dream states.
• IUR (CUFOS (USA)): Includes a UFO crash landing case from Argentina, cases from Canada, the South Pacific, and Dave Clarke on the Howden Moor case.
• MUFON Journal (USA) (June, Aug, Sep, Oct): Covers the 'Alien Skeleton' story, a review of a Washington DC conference, a Swissair Boeing 747 mid-air encounter, and a computer analysis of a UFO wave.
• MAGONIA: Features Martin Kottmeyer on the future of humanity and Joe Firmage's work with UFOlogy and space technology.
• Abduction Watch 19/20: Offers perceptive questioning of fringe UFOlogy topics.
• Strange Daze: Described as a general paranormal title covering topics from the Kennedy assassination to mountain men and an interview with Tim Good.
• Project Red Book (YUFOS): Praised for its consistently interesting content, featuring interviews and debates on topics like the CIA and UFOs.
• UFO Network UK: Letters, clips, and sightings from West Yorks.
• OVN1 Sep/Oct 94: News on UFO sightings in Derbyshire.
• Phenomenal News Scotland Summer (SEMR): Covers Scottish UFOs, ghosts, and oddities.
• SUFOG: Reports on TV and radio appearances by UFOlogists and updates on 1999 crop circle activity.
• UFO Afrinews 20 (Zimbabwe, Africa): Reports on case investigations across the African continent.
• IUFOPRA Journal Autumn 99: Covers strange events, UFOs, and animal mutilations in Ireland.
• UFO Historical Review 5 (USA): Focuses on sightings pre-modern UFO era, including airship sightings from 1897 and a 1933 Mount Everest climb case.
• Georgia Sky Watch Sep 99 (MUFON Georgia USA): News and sightings from Georgia, USA.
• Folklore Frontiers 36: Explores folk tales, urban myths, and mystery deaths.
• Journal of Meteorology Apr 99: Covers flukes of nature, UK tornado activity, and ball lightning sightings.
• The Labyrinth 2: Features articles on UFOs, secret steam locos, and relief work in Rwanda.
• The Circular Summer 99 (CCCS): Focuses on cerealogy.

Books of the Moment

This section provides reviews of several books:

• Cosmic Crashes by Nick Redfern (£16.99): The third in a trilogy on government UFO investigations, this book focuses on British crash cases. While noted for its readability and coverage of lesser-known stories, the reviewer finds the evidence sometimes stretched and suggests a critical approach.
• UFO Scotland by Ron Halliday (£7.99): A comprehensive book on Scottish UFO cases, praised for its fairness and detailed statistics. The reviewer notes some minor points, such as the handling of the Jim Templeton case and video footage analysis, but deems it a valuable reference work.
• The Paranormal Investigator's Handbook by Valerie Hope (£14.99): This ASSAP publication covers various paranormal topics but is criticized for its limited UFO content (12 pages) and focus on well-worn cases like Roswell and Betty Hill, rather than more in-depth investigation data. Crop circles also receive minimal coverage.
• The World of the Unexplained by Janet A Colin Bord (£16.99): A glossy coffee-table book with excellent coverage of alien animals and crop circles, but with minimal UFO content beyond basic information on earthlights and ball lightning. The reviewer suggests its main attraction is the large colour reproduction of strange photos.
• From Other Worlds by Hilary Evans (£14.99): Hailed as a superb coffee-table book with great text and brilliant illustrations, it traces humanity's association with the concept of other entities. The reviewer highly recommends it for its mature perspective and spectacular design.
• SUFOI News 1999: A 32-page English summary of Scandinavian UFO cases and research, featuring case analyses and statistics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the need for a more scientific and rational approach to UFOlogy, as exemplified by the launch of UFOIN. There is a critical stance towards sensationalized media reporting of UFO events, particularly concerning the potential MOD file release. The magazine also serves as a comprehensive guide to current publications in the UFO and paranormal fields, offering reviews and summaries of other magazines and books. The editor, Jenny Randles, appears to advocate for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, while also acknowledging the broader paranormal spectrum.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 12
Date: November 1999
Publisher: HUFORA

This issue of Northern UFO News, primarily focused on the 1990s, presents a collection of recent UFO sightings and related phenomena, alongside announcements for upcoming events and a review of a UFO publication.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Case 9904: UFO Leaves Heat Haze (September 1999, Wigtown, Scotland)

Mrs G and her family reported seeing a large orange light over hills near Baldoon Airfield Kirkinner at 20:15. The light disappeared and then reappeared, described by witnesses as an 'area of rising heat' emanating from a field. Two men in hills near Whauphill also reported seeing an orange ball with a tail rush towards them. The source, Roy Sandbach, suggests the Wigtown report might be a bright meteor or the moon through mist, noting similar shape-changing, disappearing orange masses have been reported before.

Case 9905: Thingwall, Wirral (October 5, 1999)

Mr B, walking his dog near Heswall, observed a point of light moving across the sky, followed by two others forming an isosceles triangle. These lights disappeared as if entering the earth's shadow. Tony Eccles, reporting the case via the astronomy section of Liverpool Museum, concluded through detailed investigation that these were NOSS satellites, US navy ocean surveillance operations that disappear by entering the earth's shadow. This is highlighted as a 'first rate piece of investigation'.

Case 9906: Humberside (November 2, 1999)

This case provides sketchy details of a UFO described as 'big as a four bedroom house' seen over a farm near Humberside Airport at 19:50. The event was witnessed by occupants of three vehicles.

Video of UFO over Livingston (November 29, 1999)

Mrs W, a shop assistant in Craigshill, Livingston, filmed two golden yellow balls hovering over the Pentland Hills using her Sony Handycam. Zooming in, she observed black rings surrounding the stationary objects, which then altered shape to ovals and a rhombus. The five-minute footage concluded when a smaller aircraft entered the shot and the UFOs disappeared. The article notes the proximity to Dechmont Law, site of a famous 1979 alien attack case. Professor John Brown, Scotland's astronomer royal, suggested the objects could be 'sun dogs' caused by ice crystals. The author cautions that camcorder optics, particularly autofocus, can create artifacts that mimic weird shapes and auras, and advises caution in interpreting such details.

Other News and Events

Tornado Stops Play! (October 30, 1999, Stockport)

Reader Ann Chamley reported a freak weather event in Stockport where a tornado swept through the town. Mrs W of Cheadle Hulme described a 'wall of water' hitting her home. The Met Office attributed the event to plunging pressure. Uniquely, a football match at Edgley Park was stopped by the referee, allowing players to flee the tornado.

This Just In...

• IUFOPRA has produced a special report titled 'The UFO Drive' by Dr Mark Dixmier, which examines UFO propulsion systems. A review is promised for the next issue.
• An apology is made for the 12-page issue, attributed to Christmas/Millennium printing and posting deadlines.

Coming Attractions

• Professor Arthur Ellison, a paranormal researcher, is scheduled to speak about altered states, lucid dreams, and remote viewing.
• Len Farra will present research on ancient astronauts and evidence of ET visitation 5000 years ago at a BUFORA event on March 4, 2-6pm.
• Lionet Fanthorpe, described as a 'Fortean Times motorcycling vicar', will lecture on mysteries of ancient man at a BUFORA event on April 1, 2-6pm, at the University of Westminster, London.

The First Big Conference of the Millennium

Announced for Lancashire on January 29, the conference, themed 'Discovery', will feature speakers including Andy Roberts, Tim Matthews, Steve Mera, Jon Downes, Nigel Wright, Brian Allan, Ralph Ellis, Ras Hennessey, and Jenny Randles. The venue is Woodlands Centre, Charley, Lanes, with tickets costing £10.

Groups in Northern Britain

A directory of Northern UFO Network groups in the region is provided, listing organizations such as SPI Scotland, SEMR, Haunted Scotland, SRUFO, NUFORI, Connect, YUFOS, UFO Network, NLUFOIG, Discovery, LUFOS, LAPIS, NARO, Dragon, PRA, and SUFOG, with associated locations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of contemporary UFO sightings, the investigation and analysis of these events (including photographic and video evidence), and the potential for misidentification with natural phenomena or technological artifacts. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging detailed investigation while also advising against jumping to conclusions, as seen in the analysis of the Livingston video. The publication also serves as a hub for the UFO research community, announcing events and listing local groups.