Northern UFO News - No 42

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue: 42
Volume/Date: NOVEMBER 1977
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Northern UFO News, dated November 1977, is the 42nd issue published by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON). The cover features a striking line drawing of a UFO and the main title. The newsletter is edited by Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall and is based at 23 Sunningdale Drive, Irlam, Lancashire.

Contents and Editorial Stance

The issue begins with a table of contents, listing articles such as 'Never mind the quality feel the width' by John Hind, 'Over the edge of reality on a very thin rope' by Jenny Randles, 'Skywatches' by Phil Whitehead, and various reports from different regions. It also includes a 'Group Biography' section.

The editorial, titled 'If the Martians landed
..... or maybe if they HAD', ponders the hypothetical scenario of alien contact. It uses the film 'Escape from the planet of the Apes' as a jumping-off point to discuss how humanity might react to familiar humanoid aliens. The editorial suggests that aliens might disguise themselves to avoid being perceived as monstrous and locked away. It then shifts to a critique of Eric Von Daniken, questioning his claims and noting his recent promotion of a new book. The editorial also discusses the BBC's 'Horizon' program on the Nazca lines, disagreeing with Von Daniken's extraterrestrial explanations and suggesting that more conventional ideas are logical. It concludes by urging a scientific approach, looking for answers closer to home before postulating extraterrestrial mentors.

Key Articles and Features

'Never mind the quality feel the width' by John Hind

John Hind expresses concern over the lack of vital data in reports featured in NUN. He argues that while NUFON's policy is to publish all reports without evaluation, this requires sufficient information for readers and researchers to assess them. Hind surveyed 25 reports and found that not a single one contained all eight basic pieces of data he deemed essential: time, direction of motion, colour of object, location of witness, date, relative size of object, duration of sighting, and direction and elevation. He emphasizes that the relative size of an object is crucial for estimating strangeness and suggests that investigators should reconstruct events and use methods like holding cardboard discs to gauge size. He attributes the problem to a lack of experience among local group investigators and suggests an investigator training program or experienced investigators writing articles for NUN.

'Over the edge of reality.... on a very thin rope' by Jenny Randles

This article presents a debate between Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall on the origins of UFOs. Paul argues that UFOs come from space, while Jenny challenges this, suggesting that UFOs are a phenomenon that creates its own solutions and interpretations over time, comparing them to historical beliefs in fairies and airships. Jenny posits that UFOs have a complex origin and may be related to the mind, referencing Keel's 'Cosmic Watergate' concept. The debate concludes with no definitive answers, highlighting the complexity and subjective nature of belief in UFO phenomena.

'Skywatches' by Phil Whitehead

Phil Whitehead questions the worth and effort of organizing skywatches, concluding with a personal answer of 'NO'. While acknowledging the effort of organizers, he believes that if the net results do not match the effort, they are not worthwhile. He suggests that public awareness of celestial phenomena could be achieved through simpler means, such as short outings with experienced individuals and a handout describing common sightings.

'Some Ideas for NUFON from Overseas'

This section presents suggestions for NUFON, inspired by an Italian organization called CSUI. Key ideas include: 1) The most experienced group or individual in a region acting as the regional office for the network. 2) Each group agreeing to be involved in at least one ongoing research project coordinated by NUFON. 3) The formation of special research teams to tackle specific problems within the subject. The article encourages NUFON members to discuss these ideas and propose projects, with a target of one year for publication.

Sighting Reports Section

The issue contains numerous detailed sighting reports from August 1976 to October 1977, covering various locations including Burnley, Cheshire, Cumbria, West Yorkshire, and Ireland. These reports describe a wide range of objects, shapes, colours, behaviours, and estimated sizes, often including witness testimony and investigator details. Notable reports include:

• Report 76/149 (August 23, 1976, Burnley): A craft shaped like a fifty pence piece, with two casings and inset lights, hovered for five minutes.
• Report 77/162 (January 1, 1977, Cheshire): A cigar-shaped object with rounded ends, silvery white, seen for 10-15 seconds.
• Reports from Ireland (April 18 & May 17, 1977): A saturn-like object with a humming noise in Newbridge, and a white light moving south in Donaghadee.
• Report 77/166 (August 12, 1977, Kirkstone, Cumbria): An intensely blue light, shaped like an electric arc, accelerated away at incredible speed.
• Report 77/167 (August 24, 1977, Eccles): An egg-shaped object, estimated the size of a tabloid newspaper, hovered for 20 seconds.
• Report 77/178 (October 1977, Millfarm, Cheshire/Staffs): Nine small rings appeared in a hay field, with fungi growing inside and a whitish powdery deposit.

News Round Up

This section announces a new group, the Congleton UFO Research Team, and provides their address. It also mentions the publication 'CATALOGUE OF UFO SIGHTINGS IN ESSEX FOR 1976' by Andy Collins. A reminder about NUFON subscriptions is included, along with an invitation for groups to submit a biography for publication. The section also details the MUFORA group biography, highlighting its history since the early 1960s, its focus on quality over quantity, its investigation-driven approach, and its public lecture program. Revised dates for MUFORA's lecture program are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO investigation methodologies, the analysis of sighting reports, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry, urging for detailed and accurate reporting, a rational approach to explanations, and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those of a sensational nature. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between belief and verifiable fact, and on the importance of rigorous investigation. The magazine promotes a network of researchers and groups working collaboratively to understand the UFO phenomenon.