Northern UFO News - No 7

Magazine Overview

Title: UNO NEWS
Issue: 7
Date: November 7, 1974
Publisher: UNION OF NORTHERN OBSERVORS
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UNO NEWS, dated November 7, 1974, is a publication from the Union of Northern Observors (UNO), a system of groups working together for UFO investigation. The cover features a hand-drawn title and logo, along with key article teasers such as 'UFO Over Hale' and 'What did they see?'. The magazine aims to unify UFO investigation efforts in the north of England and encourages active participation from its readers.

Editorial: Science & the UFO

The editorial critiques the scientific community's often dismissive attitude towards UFO phenomena, arguing that dismissing anything that doesn't fit current knowledge is a fallacious argument. It draws parallels to historical scientific shifts, like the acceptance of meteors, and suggests that a scientific revolution is underway with younger generations questioning established norms. The editorial expresses sympathy for young ufologists facing skepticism and criticizes figures like Patrick Moore for their disinterest in examining UFO evidence, suggesting fear of being proven wrong.

Contents

The magazine outlines its contents, including an editorial, UNO News and local group news, international and domestic news, letters to the editor, articles on Star Trek conventions and the MOD's approach to UFOs, and sections dedicated to research news and investigations.

UNO News and Local Group News

This section details the progress of UNO as a unified system of groups, aiming for better communication among northern UFO organizations. It mentions Trevor Whitaker of BUFORA showing interest in collaboration. The need for a committee is discussed, and personnel changes are noted, with Dave Rees continuing to handle UFO reports. Dave Morley is contributing a research page, and Dave Gittens has taken on the role of Publicity Coordinator. Ideas for a new name and symbol for UNO are solicited.

Local Group News:

• BYUIG (British Youth UFO Investigation Group): Reports a reorganization into Research, Admin, Convention Organisation, and Alien/Biological Research units. A branch is starting in Connecticut, USA, and they are planning a SKYWATCH month.
• MAPIT: Reports that issues have been resolved, with Dave Rees operating the Manchester branch. They received media attention from Granada TV and the Manchester Evening News.
• NAPRA: Criticizes groups for inactivity and emphasizes scientific experimentation and investigation, working on a detector kit.
• Scunthorpe UFO: Remains active, timing meetings to coincide with a BBC SF series. They have a hobby centre HQ and a library.
• Wirral UFO: Has sent information for publication and holds bi-weekly meetings. Their first outside meeting featured a talk on UFOs in New Zealand. They are selling branded pens and hope to buy badges.

The editor stresses the importance of regular group news submissions for the magazine's function.

Other News

• Across the Atlantic: A report from Wirral UFO mentions a Canadian Gallup poll showing significant public awareness of UFOs, though a lower percentage claimed to have seen one. The poll results are deemed not entirely encouraging for ufologists. It also references a claim by Dr. Arlen Zander that Project Sign issued a secret report on extraterrestrial craft, which was allegedly destroyed by the USAF.
• Back in Britain: The News of the World published a story about a UFO sighting in Bournemouth, featuring a photograph of a greeny-blue light. SCAN is investigating, and the magazine notes it as a potentially significant photograph, though it cautions against claims that it proves Adamski craft.

In the Post

This section features correspondence, including a letter from Norman Oliver, editor of BUFORA Journal, announcing his resignation due to personal reasons but reaffirming his continued membership. The recent BUFORA AGM discussed the situation, with hopes for improvement through regional conferences. Another letter is from the Kettering UFO Society, expressing interest in detector networks and TV scanners.

The Ministry of Defence Approach

A significant letter from the MOD is discussed. The UNO's request for the MOD to review a catalogue of UFO sightings was met with a response stating that the department investigates UFO reports solely for defence implications and does not pursue research beyond that point. The MOD stated that investigations into the scientific significance of the phenomena are not carried out. The magazine presents MOD figures for UFO identifications from 1959-1972, noting that an average of 10% remained unidentified and questioning the accuracy of 'identified' objects and the sudden increase in aircraft identifications.

Star Trek Convention (Report from BYUIG)

Alan Walsh and Paul Bennett report on a Star Trek convention in Edinburgh. They describe the event's disorganization, high costs, and limited attractions. Despite issues with the program and guest appearances, the exhibition area was accessible, and guests were engaging. BYUIG received sighting reports and a mention in STAG's magazine, which helped to counter criticism that UNO was a fringe group.

UNO on the box?

UNO has applied for a spot on the BBC 2 TV show 'Open Door'. A program outline has been submitted, and the group awaits a call. If selected, they will have six weeks to plan a detailed program with BBC producers for a live filming. The proposed outline includes contrasting real UFOs with SF ideas, street interviews, the MOD's viewpoint, UFO witness interviews, an explanation of UNO's methods, investigation reconstructions, and interviews with scientists like Hynek and Vallee.

What Did They See? (G. Woodhouse)

This article, by G. Woodhouse, author of 'The Mechanics of Matter', explores the nature of light and perception in relation to UFO sightings. It posits that light is a feeling in the eyes, dependent on opening them, and that seeing involves an oscillatory behavior. The author critiques Newtonian physics and the concept of attraction between bodies, proposing repulsion as a fundamental force. The article suggests that atmospheric phenomena like auroras might be related to charged particles and visible when conditions are right.

Research Notes (Dave Morley)

Dave Morley solicits ideas and views for basic UFO tracking or detecting devices. He provides a list of suggested tools and encourages readers to consider investing in a soldering iron. Several electronics suppliers are listed for obtaining components. The section also mentions the 'Tape Project', which has expanded its circuit but slowed down in the west, and suggests a 'Letter Circuit' for inter-group communication. Information on weather balloon releases and satellite re-entry times is also offered.

Investigation Section

This section comments on previous reports, with Tony Pace of BUFORA research identifying some sightings as fireballs. The magazine acknowledges inaccuracies in flight path data from previous reports but maintains the general alignment is noteworthy. Several other sightings are detailed:

• 74F 079-082 (Wirral UFO): A sighting in Avon Valley involving a bright red object that changed to orange and sped up.
• 74H 172 & 173 (Wirral UFO): Two white lights observed moving west to east near Queensferry, ruled out as satellites.
• 74J 177 (Wirral UFO): A red disc reported hovering over a park in Bromborough before speeding away; suspected hoax.
• 67F 179 (MAPIT): A triangular UFO seen over a police station in Northwich, which performed a ninety-degree turn and spun before disappearing.
• 73.0 1.80 (MAPIT): A bright, steady, glowing blue/white light hovering over rooftops in Hale, which then accelerated away. The witness felt strange and is seeking an explanation.

The section concludes by emphasizing the need for continued reporting and investigation, with the goal of fully covering all sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UNO NEWS include the ongoing effort to unify UFO investigation groups, the critique of mainstream science's skepticism towards UFOs, and the importance of rigorous, scientific investigation. The editorial stance is one of encouraging open-minded inquiry, supporting young researchers, and advocating for a more serious consideration of UFO phenomena by both the public and official bodies like the Ministry of Defence. There is a strong emphasis on practical research, data collection, and sharing information among different UFO groups.