Northern UFO News - No 184

Magazine Overview

Northern UFO News, Issue 184, Summer 2000, is a UK-based magazine focusing on UFO phenomena, edited by Jenny Randles and with cover design by Roy Sandbach. The subscription rate is £6 for five issues, with a renewal rate of £5 for existing subscribers, payable to 'NUFON'.

Contents Overview

The issue features a wide array of articles and reports, including:

• Cover Story: "The aliens are coming..." (p.2)
• News: Roswell on TV, Festival Hall events, dwindling UFO sightings, and Ministry of Defence (MOD) revelations (p.3-4).
• Abductions: A new focus on abductions and a proposal for an "Abduction Investigation Monitor" (AIM) initiative (p.5-6).
• Major Articles: A look at significant UFO research and changes within BUFORA, reviews of books like "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Earth Mysteries" and "Gateway to Atlantis", and discussions on the ETH debate (p.8-10).
• Investigations: Reports on crop circles (including a historical case from 1880), a Stockport sighting, an Irish mid-air encounter, EM effects in East Anglia, and missing time incidents (p.10-14).
• Book Reviews: Detailed reviews of "The UFO Investigators Guide", "Visitation: The certainty of alien activity", and "Journal of UFO Studies 7 - Year 2000" (p.8-9).
• Other Sections: "JR Comments" on Dr. Steven Greer's "Disclosure News Programming", "MOD UFO Policy Discoveries", and reviews of various other UFO magazines and bulletins (p.2-7).
• Events: Information on summer conferences and lectures, and a rundown on UFO groups in the region.

JR Comments: The aliens are coming -well maybe!

Jenny Randles discusses Dr. Steven Greer's announcement on US radio about "Disclosure News Programming" (DNP), an initiative involving 200 witnesses and aerospace executives to reveal proof of alien contact. Randles expresses skepticism, viewing DNP as a UFO community effort to promote a conspiracy theory rather than an official government disclosure. She notes a significant downturn in public interest in UFOs and paranormal topics, with declining book sales and a lull in UFO groups and magazines.

UFO NUMBERS ON THE DECLINE

Gloria Dixon of BUFORAS reports a decrease in UK UFO case reports for 1999, with 217 cases logged, a significant drop from previous years. However, the percentage of 'high strangeness' cases increased to 12.7%. A similar trend is observed in the US, where NIDS (National Institute for Discovery Science) has too few cases to utilize its rapid response team effectively. The article highlights a specific case in Dupo, Illinois, involving a large, well-lit triangle sighting over nine hours, which NIDS investigated.

MOD UFO POLICY DISCOVERIES

Nick Redfern reports on uncovered Ministry of Defence (MOD) files dating back to 1948-1952, indicating earlier official interest in UFOs than previously thought. These files reveal studies by intelligence officers and scientists, including reports on the May 1950 McMinville case and Major Donald Keyhoe. Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts found a 1967 discussion paper from DI 55 (Defence Intelligence Agency) that shows a sophisticated awareness of UFOlogy and the rejection of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) due to a lack of defense threat evidence.

ABDUCTIONS - AN AIM TO STRIVE FOR

This section addresses the controversial idea that many alien abductees are gay, a notion Randles finds unsubstantiated. She emphasizes the need for data beyond anecdotal evidence in abduction research. To address this, Randles proposes the AIM (Abduction Investigation Monitor) initiative, which aims to unite UK UFO groups and investigators to collect and share data on abduction cases, and to provide an ombudsman service for witnesses.

MAJOR ARTICLES ELSEWHERE

This section reviews other UFO and paranormal publications, including "The X Factor", "Fortean Times", and "BUFORA Bulletin". It notes a general downturn in UFO content in "Fortean Times" but highlights its continued value for enthusiasts of weird phenomena. The "BUFORA Bulletin" mentions the passing of chairman Arnold West and the appointment of new leadership, including Lionel Fanthorpe as President.

MUSIC OF THE SPHERES (AND DISCS, TRIANGLES AND SAUCERS)

This piece discusses the intersection of UFOs and music, mentioning a classical piece inspired by the Roswell case and "Roswell: The Musical". It humorously questions the 'finely tuned' nature of the Roswell UFO, which supposedly crashed.

INVESTIGATION - Latest UFO sightings

Crop Circle reported in 1880

This article presents evidence of crop circles dating back to 1880, found in the journal "Nature". The report by Rand Capron describes circular patterns in wheat fields, supporting the theory of natural atmospheric vortex phenomena and suggesting that many modern crop circles are human-made.

Putting a rocket up Stockport

This section critiques a "Nostalgia" column in the "Stockport Express" that claimed to have solved a 1978 UFO case. The author, Jenny Randles, refutes this, stating that the case was widely known to be the result of the Russian satellite Cosmos 1068's booster rocket and that the media's reporting was inaccurate.

BOOKS OF THE MOMENT

The magazine features reviews of several books:

• Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ancient Earth Mysteries by Paul Devereux: Praised for its production values and comprehensive coverage of earth mysteries, though the reviewer disagrees with Devereux's views on crop circles.
• Gateway to Atlantis by Andrew Collins: Lauded as a detailed exploration of ancient mythology, with the reviewer considering it the best book on the subject and a "forensic detective inquiry".
• The UFO Investigators Guide by David Coomer: Described as eccentric, with sections on MIBs, British law regarding abductions, and lobbying Freemasons. It is noted for useful sections on IFOs and interview techniques.
• Visitation: The certainty of alien activity by Peter Hough: This book, commissioned as an experiment to see if readers of "lifestyle" texts would engage with UFO topics, argues that aliens are from a parallel dimension. The reviewer acknowledges its originality but notes its morbid tone and the controversy it has generated.
• Journal of UFO Studies 7 - Year 2000 edited by Stuart Appelle: This refereed science publication features papers on UFO sightings and atmospheric radiation, a geomagnetic study, and analysis of the 1947 USAF "Estimate of Situation" report. It also includes papers on abduction research, addressing questions about alien contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights a perceived decline in UFO interest and reporting, contrasting this with the persistence of dedicated researchers and groups. There is a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly in media reporting. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and data collection, as evidenced by the support for the AIM initiative and the critical reviews of books and articles that lack empirical grounding. The magazine also touches upon the historical aspects of UFO research and the ongoing debate about the nature of abductions and the possibility of alien contact, often with a skeptical but open-minded approach.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Volume: 11
Date: Spring 2000
Publisher: Northern UFO News
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Northern UFO News features a variety of UFO reports and investigations, with a focus on sightings in the UK and Europe. The cover headline highlights a 'Mid Air Sighting over Ireland,' and other prominent articles include 'The lights go out on Angel Street' and 'UFO siege in Lancashire.' The magazine also discusses crop circle activity in Russia and provides a list of upcoming UFO-related events and groups.

Article: Media Reporting Critique

The issue opens with a strong critique of media reporting on UFOs, specifically targeting a piece that claimed to have solved a UFO mystery. The author dismisses the reporting as 'utter pap,' highlighting inaccuracies and sensationalism. The article criticizes the claim that BUFORA helped solve the Stockport paper's mystery, stating that the case was already well-documented and understood by UFOlogists years prior. The author argues that the case, involving Cosmos 1068 and its booster rocket re-entry, was a classic example of an IFO (Identified Flying Object) study and a template for judging multi-witness sightings, rather than a genuine UFO event. The author calls for exposure of such 'awful standards of UFO reporting.'

Article: Mid Air Sighting over Ireland

This section reports on a sighting from 1970 or 1971, provided by Doug Moffett of Australia. Witness A, a flight engineer on a Qantas flight over Ireland, observed an 'upturned funnel' object about 10,000 feet above their aircraft. The object was described as three times the size of a Jumbo Jet and appeared as a flattened diamond. It drifted slowly east to west. Shannon ATC confirmed a radar lock on the object at 42,000 feet, noting that winds were moving in the opposite direction. The witness claims that a British Airways flight crew from Heathrow to Rio also witnessed the same phenomenon. The article suggests that MoD files from 1970 might be released, and IUFOPRA could investigate Irish ATC files from Shannon.

Article: A family and UFOs (Hungary)

This article details a series of sightings experienced by Lukas and his family in Bodrogkeresztur, Hungary, between October and December 1990. The first sighting involved a greenish-violet light sweeping downwards. On October 4th, another brilliantly illuminated object appeared, accompanied by a sensation of a whirlwind. Four days later, Lukas witnessed an oval object emitting orange light. The most significant event occurred on December 2nd, where Lukas experienced a 21-minute time lapse after seeing a red light. He described a structured craft, a silvery discus with blue portholes and a darkish yellow glow from its base. The article notes that Hungary was emerging from Communist rule at the time, and UFOs were a topic of national interest.

Article: The lights go out on Angel Street

This fascinating close encounter report comes from Mr L, near Ipswich, UK, occurring in mid-summer 1982 around 1 am. Mr L, who had experienced significant personal upheaval that year, was with his girlfriend on Angel Street when the bedroom lights flickered, accompanied by a loud buzzing/humming sound. Suddenly, all lights on the street and in adjacent buildings went out. From the window, they saw a brilliant white light at rooftop level, which began to accelerate away and then split into three separate white blobs that shot off in different directions. Shortly after, the lights returned. The case is noted for its location, potential links to electromagnetic effects around Orford Ness, and similarities to the Rendlesham Forest case where a white object split into three parts.

Article: Missing Time in Staffordshire?

This case, dated August 3, 1979, involves witness R driving home with his girlfriend near Cannock, Staffordshire. They heard a strange beeping noise, experienced suffocating heat, and then saw an object resembling an upturned pie dish or jelly mould with an orange glow. The object made a whooshing/whining sound and came to rest above a hedgerow. It then accelerated away at great speed. R was desperate to leave the area, and the journey back took significantly longer than usual, suggesting a possible missing time event. The article mentions that there have been other close encounters in the Cannock Chase area.

Article: UFO siege in Lancashire

This disturbing case, reported by witness R and investigated by Roger Markham, occurred on June 13, 2000, in Ribchester, Lancashire. R and his family claimed to be under siege due to a persistent buzzing/crackling noise heard directly over their house. On the night in question, R saw a UFO shaped like a spinning top with blue portholes emitting light. The object swayed and moved downwards, likened to a leaf dropping from a tree. Following the sighting, the dog became fearful, the bedroom light bulb blew, and R could not get a phone signal. Police were called, and one officer, a former sceptic, was convinced by local sightings. R was distressed by the sighting of a metallic craft, fearing its return.

Article: The Russians are coming

This brief report from December 24, 1999, describes the S family seeing distant flashing lights in white, red, and blue colours while driving in Cheshire. These lights were initially unrecognized as an aircraft. However, investigation revealed they were from a massive Russian cargo plane ferrying aircraft parts to Manchester. The article suggests this might be a misidentification of a UFO.

Article: Hammer, Sickle and Circles

Announced on June 24th, this article discusses the latest crop circle activity in Russia, specifically in the Stavropol area. A farmer reported a large circle (60 feet) surrounded by three smaller circles in his barley crop. Local security police investigated and concluded that an 'unknown object definitely landed there,' noting a five-inch deep hole in the center of the largest circle. The author expresses cynicism, suggesting a simpler terrestrial explanation involving a pole and rope. The article draws parallels to the early days of the crop circle phenomenon in Britain and speculates that Russia may see more complex imagery in the future.

Allen Alibi

This short, humorous piece recounts a police arrest in Des Moines, Iowa, where a 37-year-old man claimed he was spacenapped by aliens and dumped inside a stranger's house. The police remain skeptical, but the man's 'alibi' is presented with a sarcastic tone.

This Just In...

This section reports that Joe Firmage, a computer guru, has joined forces with Carl Sagan Productions to create a new media network focused on fringe science. The project, reportedly funded with $23 million, aims to educate the public on various topics, including UFOs. The article notes that while it's unknown if UFOs will be a primary focus, Firmage's interest in the subject is said to be undiminished. It also mentions Carl Sagan's past skepticism but his earlier openness to discussing UFO phenomena.

Coming Attractions

This section lists upcoming UFO-related events in the UK, including lectures by Jenny Randies, Graham Birdsall, and others in Glossop, Stourbridge, and London. It also mentions the 'Alternative Egypt 2000 Questing Conference' in London and provides a list of 'Groups in Northern Britain' with their respective locations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO sightings, the critique of media sensationalism regarding UFOs, and the exploration of potential explanations ranging from misidentified aircraft to extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, favoring evidence-based investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and rigorous study within the field of ufology.