Northern UFO News - No 185

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 185
Volume/Date: Winter 2000
Publisher: NUFON

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated Winter 2000, presents a comprehensive look at the UFO phenomenon, blending investigative reports, commentary, and news from the UFO community. The cover features a festive greeting for the upcoming year 2001, hinting at a 'great space odyssey'. The magazine is edited by Jenny Randles and designed by Bill Callaghan.

JR Comments: A Call for Objectivity

In his commentary, Jenny Randles reflects on the state of British UFOlogy, describing it as a skeptical community that paradoxically produces prominent proponents of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and successful UFO magazines. He notes the amicable nature of investigators but highlights how debates, especially online, can become contentious. Randles critiques the promotion of the Hartford video case in July 2000, arguing that its hype overshadowed its actual merits and that such sensationalism damages the subject's credibility. He calls for a more open and honest approach, advocating for objectivity over extreme claims without evidence. Randles suggests that UFOlogy is at a critical juncture, requiring crucial decisions for its long-term future. He posits that the elusive proof of alien contact remains distant and questions whether future generations will witness a grand revelation. Randles controversially suggests that the ETH may have failed its burden of proof. He praises the 'new breed of objectivity' emerging, citing US cases like Roswell and the Williamette Pass photo, which were re-examined by open-minded researchers. He also introduces UFOIN, a UK-based community of objective investigators, who have been uncovering disturbing details about well-known incidents, leading some to question if 'real UFOlogy' is left.

Randles emphasizes that while UFOIN is important, it should not be seen in isolation. He stresses the need for a positive direction and a balance between different approaches. He warns against the pitfalls of 'debunking' and the tendency for UFOlogists to seek only proof of the strange or to dismiss cases too quickly. He advocates for appreciating that truth often lies between extremes and calls for a willingness to admit when one might be wrong, a quality he feels has been lacking in UFOlogists.

News News News

Requiem

• The issue begins with a somber note, marking the recent loss of three prominent figures in the UFO community:
• Cynthia Hind: An African UFOlogist known for her globetrotting lectures and investigations, who passed away from cancer.
• Arthur Tomlinson: A north-west UFOlogist who ran the group DIGAP for many years and was an early supporter of Jenny Randles. He was active in lectures until his death.
• Ron West: Who operated the Project FT (Flying Triangle) data collection in Essex. His work is being continued by Victor Kean.

UFO Land

• This section highlights the growing trend of UFO-themed attractions. These include:
• 'UFO Zone' at Granada TV's theme park in Manchester, featuring a UFO display.
• A 'MIB' ride at Universal Studios in Florida.
• A planned UFO and mysteries theme park in Interlaken, Switzerland, by Eric von Daniken, set to open in summer 2002, featuring virtual reality simulators.

Book News

Jenny Randles mentions her latest book, 'Time Storms', which deals with real-life time warp cases and is published by Piatkus. She notes that not much else is happening in the UFO book market for 2001, though Nick Redfern is believed to have sold a new 'government cover up' book. The recession is noted as impacting the market.

Circular Logic: Crop Circles in 2000

Jenny Randles reports on the 2000 crop circle season, expressing disappointment that the field has not fizzled out despite the prevalence of hoaxing. She notes that while she left direct investigation years ago due to compromised research, the phenomenon continues. A wave of circles in Russia is mentioned, where a farmer's discovery of a large hole in a circle led to speculation of a spaceship landing. In the UK, the charging of a UFOlogist for faking a formation is reported as the first prosecution of its kind.

Colin Andrews is discussed, who, after years in the USA and securing funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, announced findings that simple circles are natural phenomena while complex formations are hoaxes. Randles notes the similarity of these findings to earlier work by others who lacked funding. The debate is further fueled by support from the Daily Mail and writer Colin Wilson, who defended the alien origin of crop circles.

Randles critiques Colin Wilson's arguments, finding them based on inadequate research and outdated information. Wilson's claim that circles only appeared in the last 20 years and thus cannot be natural is challenged, as historical accounts of similar phenomena exist. Randles dismisses Wilson's assertions about geometric precision and musical ratios as fanciful.

Can Radar Waves Down Aircraft?

This section explores a theory by Professor Elaine Scarry linking two baffling air crashes (TWA flight to Paris in July 1996 and a Swissair flight to Geneva in 1998) originating from JFK airport. Both flights departed at the same time on a Wednesday. A third crash, an Egypt Air flight to Cairo in October 1999, also departed JFK at a similar time. Scarry found a connection to military activity and radar transmissions in the areas where the planes crashed. She suggests that these radar beams, while normally harmless, might have interfered with the aircraft's sensitive onboard computers, similar to how mobile phones can cause interference.

The theory is extended to the Rendlesham Forest case, noting similarities in the types of phenomena observed: unexplained radio blackouts, strange radar signals, electronic glitches, and computer controls being 'taken over'. The area of military energy beam and telecommunications research at Orford Ness is highlighted as being central to these events. The section also mentions two time-coincident RAF plane crashes into the sea, where a crew member reported the computer-controlled jet was 'taken over' by interference.

Major Articles Elsewhere

• This section provides brief reviews of other publications:
• Fortean Times: Described as a monthly publication, its recent highlights are noted as largely being newspaper pastiches, though an article on the Kenneth Arnold case and one on fairy rings are praised. The magazine is noted as becoming more skeptical.
• BUFORA Bulletin: Features recent BUFORA cases and articles on UFOs and ASC (Altered States of Consciousness), with a piece questioning the Roswell autopsy footage.
• Awareness (CONTACT UK): Focuses on recent crop circles.
• IUR (CUFOS, USA): Praised as a leading journal for case studies, it reviews Roswell, a daylight disk sighting, and an EM and partial 'car stop' CE 2 case.

MUFON Journal (MUFON, USA)

Reviewed as a strong journal for detailed case studies, it is noted that the organization is undergoing a transition with a new chairman, John Schuessler, following the retirement of Walt Andrus.

MAGONIA 70

Features a critical assessment of TV paranormal pundit Dr Chris French and a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the ETH and psychosocial theories.

Strange Daze 19

Described as the best value UK magazine, it includes articles on space projects that never left the ground, phantom airship waves, and an interview with Andy Roberts, discussing electro-powered aircraft and an Oman sighting.

Project Red Book (YUFOS)

A local group magazine featuring interviews with UFOlogists.

UFO Network UK

Covers news and events from a West Yorkshire group.

OVNI (PRA)

Reports on UFO investigations from the East Midlands.

SUFOG

Provides updates on media coverage of UFOs.

Faster Than Light

A collection of items from the internet.

The Haunted Realm

Short items and net chat from Sheffield.

IUFOPRA Newsletter

Analyzes old cases via document retrieval, including the Great Falls Montana movie film case.

UFO Historical Review (USA)

Barry Greenwood analyzes old cases, with a focus on the Great Falls Montana movie film case.

Dead of Night

A 92-page publication covering a range of supernatural topics.

The Skeptic

This UK skeptic's journal features articles from UFOlogists Hilary Evans and Bob Morrell, indicating a blurring of boundaries in modern times.

Books of the Moment

• Abductions and aliens by Chris Rutkowski: Praised as a well-written book by a prominent Canadian UFOlogist, despite a challenging market for such publications.

Investigations: Latest UFO Sightings

Pennine sparklers

Case 9909, 8 Sep 1999, Ashton-U-Lyne, Lancashire: Mrs P reported seeing sparkling lights in the pre-dawn sky that flashed and moved. While acknowledging the possibility of air traffic, she was adamant the objects moved distances and were 'spacecraft'.

MIB target skywatching UFOlogists

Case 9910, 4 Oct 1999, Maryport, Cumbria: Sharon Larkin and other UFOlogists reported a hovering dark triangle with a searchlight. They were subsequently pursued by men in white coveralls driving jeeps. Sharon's photographs of the event were black, attributed to a haze that interferes with cameras, though a camcorder recording was allegedly made by another witness.

Chopper Squad

Case 2000/5, 20 July 2000, Glossop, Derbyshire: Mr R reported a stationary red and blue light, which then vanished. Later, a twin-rotor helicopter, identified as a military Chinook, was observed hovering and projecting a searchlight over the area where the light had been. Checks revealed a military exercise ('Eagle Strike') involving Chinooks was occurring in the UK at that time.

Macclesfield Mystery

Case 2000/6, 29 July 2000, Macclesfield, Cheshire: Mrs P reported seeing an 'unusual star' moving slowly east, followed by a second object with two bright searchlights. The object was in an area where planes do not typically fly.

Summary of Investigations

The investigations section details several recent UFO sightings. The 'Pennine sparklers' case suggests moving lights observed by a witness. The 'MIB target skywatching' incident describes a close encounter with a hovering triangle and subsequent harassment by unidentified individuals. The 'Chopper Squad' case links a UFO sighting to a military helicopter exercise. The 'Macclesfield Mystery' reports on unusual aerial lights observed in the night sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing tension between UFOlogy and skepticism, the challenges of promoting the subject responsibly, and the importance of objective research. The editorial stance, particularly in Jenny Randles's commentary, advocates for a more critical and evidence-based approach to UFO investigation, emphasizing honesty and a willingness to admit errors. There is a clear concern about the field's stagnation and public perception. The issue also highlights the continued interest in crop circles, the impact of recent events on the UFO community, and the emergence of UFO-themed entertainment. The magazine aims to provide a platform for reporting on sightings and investigations while encouraging a thoughtful and balanced perspective on the phenomenon.

Title: Northern UFO News
Issue: 11
Volume: 2
Date: July 2000
Publisher: NARO
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

The Wythenshawe 'Hat Trick' Case

The issue prominently features the 'Hat Trick' case, originating from Wythenshawe, Manchester, on July 2, 2000. The witness, referred to as 'L', reported observing a small ball of red light that moved rapidly across the sky and struck him on the head, causing his hat to catch fire. Following the incident, 'L' discovered an unusual, heavy, silver-yellow, sulphurous rock near where he was struck.

Initially, 'L' suspected he had been hit by a meteorite. The case was reported to Jodrell Bank and subsequently passed to NARO (National Archive for UFO Research). Astronomer Alistair Gunn initially considered the possibility of a meteorite, specifically a chondrite, but a meteor expert consulted by Dr Gunn suggested it was highly improbable due to the lack of heat and momentum trade-off typically associated with meteorites, especially given the small size of the object.

Professor Ray Leonard from UMIST's Total Technology Unit agreed to assist with lab facilities for rock analysis. However, 'L' became difficult to contact, leading to delays. It was later discovered that 'L' had appeared on BBC GMR radio, mentioning a past connection to the BBC in Manchester, which he had not disclosed previously.

Peter Hough, along with Earth Sciences expert Dr Whitby from Manchester University and Professor Leonard, analyzed the rock. They concluded it was not a meteorite but Lead Sulphide. While Lead Sulphide is not native to Manchester, it can be found locally, such as in the Peak District. Crucially, traces of gum residue were found on the rock, leading the experts to believe it was a small sample, possibly from a children's magazine freebie or a museum display, and that it might have been tossed over 'L's fence.

Upon being informed of these findings, 'L' accepted the conclusion that it was the wrong rock and stated he would continue searching for what had actually hit him.

Analysis and Alternative Explanations

The article notes that opinion within NARO was split regarding the case. While some actions by 'L' suggested a potential hoax, the author felt 'L' was sincere and had not exploited the story for commercial gain, which a meteorite claim might have attracted. The 'evidence' could have been faked, but there was no direct support for this.

Ball lightning was presented as a plausible alternative explanation. The article cites instances where ball lightning has emitted heat and either not harmed people or passed through them without injury. Supporting factors for this theory included a local thunderstorm occurring 45 minutes before the sighting and 'L' describing the weather as 'oppressive' with a 'heavy atmosphere'. Additionally, 'L' mentioned that his TV set had stopped working and that another local house had been struck by lightning that same night.

Cownap Case Resolution

Roy Sandbach provided a clue that may resolve the famous Cownap case from Frodsham in 1978. The original report involved four poachers witnessing aliens and a landed UFO preparing to abduct a cow using a cage-like device. Sandbach's research uncovered an old piece of veterinary equipment used by vets to immobilize cows for treatment, often at night using headlamps. The theory is that the sighting might have been a misinterpretation of vets using this portable cage, with their equipment stored in a tent, rather than an alien encounter.

NUFON Case Files

The article announces that the NUFON case files, which had been stored at the Friends Meeting House in Manchester for several years, were ejected by the Quakers. The files are now in temporary, inaccessible storage. NARO is seeking a new venue in a city or major town centre in the region (e.g., Liverpool, Preston, Manchester, Sheffield) with good transport access, space for a large filing cabinet, and security. The venue would need to be managed by a local UFOlogist or group who can supervise pre-arranged researcher visits, adhering to witness confidentiality clauses.

Coming Attractions

Two BUFORA lectures are announced:

• Monday, January 8, 2001, 7:00 PM: Albert Budden will speak on 'The Poltergeist Machine', exploring how strange phenomena might arise from natural energy effects.
• Monday, February 5, 2001, 7:00 PM: Tom Perrot will present on 'Haunting Memories', discussing cases he has studied as chairman of the Ghost Club.

Both lectures will take place at the Quaker International Centre, 1 Byng Place, near the British Museum and Russell Square tube station in London. Attendance is £4.50, with a £2 discount for members.

Groups in Northern Britain

A list of UFO groups in Northern Britain is provided, including SPI Scotland, SEMR, Haunted Scotland, SRUFO, NUFORI, Connect, UFO Network, YUFOS, NLUFOIG, LAPIS, MARA, Dragon, PRA, SUFOG, IUFOPRA, and their respective locations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It prioritizes rigorous investigation, scientific analysis, and the exploration of mundane explanations before accepting extraordinary claims. The Wythenshawe case exemplifies this, where initial UFO or meteorite theories were thoroughly examined and ultimately debunked in favor of more plausible explanations like a hoax or misidentification. The publication also serves as a platform for sharing research findings, resolving historical cases (like Cownap), and disseminating information about UFO research groups and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking truth through evidence-based inquiry, encouraging researchers to be thorough and avoid sensationalism.