Northern UFO News - No 4

Magazine Overview

This is the August 1974 issue of the "UNION OF NORTHERN OBSERVERS JOURNAL". It is a publication produced by people interested in the UFO subject, aiming to share ideas and reports among subscribers. The journal is edited by D. Morley, with editorial correspondence directed to 75 Hey Street, Rochdale, Lancashire. The Hon. Secretary is Miss D. Higson, located at 17 Meadows Road, Sale, Cheshire, with a contact telephone number of 061.962.2765.

Editorial: Aims of This Journal

The editorial emphasizes that the journal is for its subscribers and aims to broaden its interest by including news, comments, letters, and ideas. It requests that contributions be brief due to limited space. The editorial also encourages readers to promote the journal to friends to help it grow. A recent news item about women in space is mentioned, referencing Valentina Tereschkova and the upcoming US-Soviet space shuttle link-up, suggesting that women will perform equally in space missions.

News and Group Information

The journal lists several UFO groups that are pleased to receive reports of new sightings in their areas. These include:

• WIRRAL UFO SOCIETY (Gt. Sutton, Wirral)
• NAPRA UFO SOCIETY (Runcorn)
• BYUIG UFO SOCIETY (Bootle, Liverpool)
• SCUNTHORPE UFO RESEARCH SOCIETY (Scunthorpe)
• ESSEX UFO STUDY GROUP (Dagenham)
• STAR TREK UFO SOCIETY (Wigston, Leicester)
• BUFORA (STAFFS..) (Newcastle-under-Lyne)
• KETTERING UFO RESEARCH GROUP (Kettering)
• MERSEYSIDE UFO GROUP (New Malden, Surrey)

Publications from some of these groups are also noted, such as "Skylink" magazine and "Essex Group News".

A news item mentions that the NAPRA group may have to reduce its UFO activity and asks for support from UNO and NAPRA members. It also states that Mr. Hoes and UFO files are moving, and sightings should be sent to the Hon. Secretary to avoid delays.

The WIRRAL UFO SOCIETY is noted for taping a UFO conference, with tapes available for purchase.

Local holidays for 1974 are listed for various towns in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

UFO Reports

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• UFO REPORT 6.5.74: A bright domed object with blurred edges was seen travelling away from Rochdale toward Oldham, near the A664 at Ashfield Valley flats. Reported by M. H. of Rochdale.
• UFO REPORT 13.7.74: A star-like object was seen travelling fast north near Stanley Park North Bootle, Liverpool, at 10:38 p.m., with a magnitude of M3. Reported by P. B. and A. W. of BYUIG.
• UFO REPORT 24.7.74: A white round object was sighted over fields near the M62 motorway at approximately 9:15 p.m. It was initially thought to be a star, then moved away slowly and disappeared behind clouds in daylight. Witnessed by Mrs. M.H. (Housewife) of Sale, Cheshire.
• UFO REPORT 1.8.74: A star-like object was seen moving W. N. W. to E. S. E. for almost 20 seconds. Reported by S. A. Middleton.
• UFO REPORT 3.8.74: An orange glow in the sky was seen moving from South east towards North West over Chadderton. Reported by W. V. G. of Chadderton.

A previous UFO report from Shaw and Oldham is still under investigation.

Second Thoughts

This section discusses the historical Russian skepticism towards flying saucers, contrasting it with the establishment of a committee to examine UFO reports. It quotes The London Times commenting on the need for an explanation for UFOs, otherwise, the Russians would not have formed an inquiry committee.

Two historical incidents are mentioned:

• June 30th, 1908: A gigantic fireball fell into a forest in Siberia.
• February 29th, 1959: Port side workers saw a glowing object fall into the harbour, with divers' reports remaining secret.

UFO Books Worth Reading

Several books are recommended:

• "Flying Saucers From Outer Space" by Major Donald E. Keyhoe.
• "The Spaceships Of Ezekiel" by Josef F. Blumrich, which explores astonishing facts following Erich Von Daniken's theories and questions whether Earth was visited by extraterrestrial beings.
• "Words Of Science" by Isac Asimov, covering the history of scientific terms.
• "UFO's From Behind The Iron Curtain" by Ion Hobana and Jolien Weverbergh.

Why

This section explains the aims of the West Pennine Research Group (W. P. R. G.), which seeks to investigate UFOs using scientific methods and a rational approach. The Union of Northern Observers (UNO) is presented as a result of UFO groups and individuals cooperating to share ideas and news. Membership for practical purposes can be addressed to UNO.

National Skywatch Saturday 17th August 1974

An appeal is made for readers to participate in an organized skywatch event on August 17th, 1974. Contact details are provided for the West Pennine Research Group (UNO) and several other UFO groups (BUFORA, BYUIG, BUFORA NEWCHAPEL, SWAPS NEBURY) for information. Central control for the event will be from Surrey.

The Pyramid

This article discusses the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), detailing its construction with approximately 2,300,000 blocks averaging 2.5 tons each. It notes the precision of its measurements and orientation, questioning how such a feat was accomplished with primitive tools. The author, Lady D. of Salford, expresses skepticism about the construction methods described in history books.

Like a Shooting Star

A poetic piece describing a celestial phenomenon that appears like a shooting star but detaches itself and races across the sky.

UFO's In Brief

Short reports of UFO sightings:

• 1973 - 23.3.73: Offertnn, Stockport. Bright Green object (8:25 p.m.).
• 1973 - 18.4.73: Halington, Nr. Crewe CH. Red light seen in sky by four people (8:30 p.m.).
• 1973 - 15.8.73: Altrincham (10:25 p.m.). Green light in the sky. Also green lights seen in Rhyl (10:10 p.m.).

These reports are from members.

Westar Over America

This brief note mentions the launch of the first commercial satellite, Westar, capable of transmitting over 48 states, marking a shift from government to commercial satellites.

Classified Advertisements

Various classified ads are present, including:

• Requests for material for publication.
• Advertisements for binoculars (MICROSCOPES, TELESCOPES, LABORATORY EQUIPMENT, CHEMICALS).
• Lists for binoculars from LEWIS THE CAMERA SHOP.
• WESSEX UFO RECORD, a quarterly publication with subscription details.
• Advertisements for special lecture tapes from K.R.C. HQ.
• MARVEL D.C. COMICS listings.
• Advertisements for "BRITAINS YOUNGEST U.F.O. PUBLICATION" (28 pages, 15p plus postage, 75p per annum subscription).
• Requests for UFO hardback books, old books and prints of Germany, Switzerland, Austria.
• Science Fiction books for sale.
• Information on "FORSIGHT", a magazine of mysticism and UFOs.
• Works related to the "INNER EARTH theory".
• SCI-FI Books wanted.
• UFO material wanted.
• Information on a "SKYWATCHERS caravan" available from Easter to October.
• A mention of the "KEEP BRITAIN TIDY campaign".
• An advertisement for a TYPEWRITER WANTED.

Subscription Rates

Subscription rates are provided for the "UNION OF NORTHERN OBSERVERS" newsletter. Old rates (until September 1st) were £1.00 for 12 months and 50p for 6 months. New rates from September 1st, 1974, are £1.50 for 12 months and 75p for 6 months. After a free trial, subscribers are asked to send a subscription to remain on the mailing lists. Subscriptions are payable to the Union of Northern Observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes a collaborative approach to UFO research, encouraging members to share sightings and ideas. There is a clear emphasis on a rational and scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, as exemplified by the West Pennine Research Group's aims. The publication also shows an interest in broader topics related to space and ancient mysteries, as seen in the articles on space exploration and the Great Pyramid. The editorial stance is inclusive, positioning the journal as a platform for its subscribers and fostering a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts.