NORTHERN UFONEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFONEWS
Issue: 70
Date: March 1980
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Description: This issue of Northern UFO News, a publication of the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), is presented as the 70th issue, published eight times a year. The cover features a stylized map of the British Isles overlaid with flying saucers and a silhouetted industrial skyline, with the prominent title "NORTHERN UFONEWS" and the acronym "NUFON" below.

Editorial: "It must make sense - he's an authority"

The editorial reviews the ITV program "Friends in Space," a satire on UFO contactee narratives. The program is described as a brilliant parody of the Ufology world, featuring a fictional UFO society run by a character named Rex G. Thornton. The editorial highlights the program's witty portrayal of typical UFO group members and their interactions, including a CE3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) tale. While acknowledging it as a send-up, the editorial notes that the satire was so effective it didn't need to be overly exaggerated to make its point about the real UFO scene. The author recounts watching the program with others who quickly lost interest, reflecting on the potential absurdity of the UFO field.

NUFON Meeting Details

Details are provided for a NUFON meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 1980, from 1 pm to 5:30 pm at the YMCA in Liverpool. The meeting will cover HQ development, a research file system, and will include lectures and discussions on topics such as a 1979 multi-witness CE case from the West Coast with alleged MOD cover-up, and CE3/CE4 experiences from Clwyd. NUFOIS is also expected to present on detection equipment. The venue is described as being in the city centre, with easy access to transport and amenities.

News Round-Up

This section reports on the formation of new UFO research groups: the Scottish UFO Network, being formed in liaison with NUFON, and Lincolnshire UFO Research (LUFOR), which is part of the Lincolnshire Earth Mysteries Group and will publish an earth mysteries journal. Another group mentioned is GUFORT (Grimsby UFO Research Team), coordinated from London. An upcoming "earth mysteries weekend" on the North Yorks Moors, organized by the Northern Earth Mysteries Group, is also announced.

Close Encounters of the Funny Kind

This article discusses a selection of amusing UFO-related letters published in The Sun newspaper. Examples include a man falling off his bike due to a streetlight mistaken for a UFO, a UFO with legs described as a "falling-leaf motion," and a man mistaking UFO lights for stars. It also mentions a more serious case where a UFO lightbeam allegedly drained a car of oil, and a sighting of a UFO over a US Air force base in Germany that was reportedly tracked, filmed, and covered up.

Review: "Anatomy of a Wave"

This is a review of a 36-page booklet by Kevin and Sue McClure titled "Anatomy of a Wave." The booklet is described as a meticulously researched work that explores historical UFO waves beyond the commonly cited 1947 period, including the 1896-97 airship waves. The authors also examine the Welsh religious revival of 1905, suggesting it shared characteristics with paranormal phenomena, including visions and the "Egryn lights." The review highlights the authors' work in collating source material and contemporary investigations, recommending the booklet for its comprehensive approach to historical paranormal events.

Constructions of Reality by Nigel Watson of SUFORS

This article, quoting Lennon & McCartney, delves into the nature of Ufology research. It critiques John Harney's "UFO Reports: A need for a rational approach," arguing that Ufologists are intrinsically part of the phenomenon they study. The author posits that the assumptions and biases of researchers, whether focusing on physical evidence (ETH) or psychological aspects, distort perception. The article emphasizes the need to consider UFO percipients within a wider sociological context, suggesting that labelling and media attention can lead individuals to adopt the role of a "UFO Percipient." It warns that this can lead to muddled thinking, with researchers seeking a single causal answer (ETH or paranormal). The article concludes by posing questions about investigator bias and the role of the percipient in shaping UFO events, and suggests that theories should be examined within their social context. It references two previous articles and mentions Nigel Watson is finalizing a book on alien encounters from a sociological viewpoint.

Investigations

This section details various UFO sightings categorized by "Low Definition Phenomena" and "Medium Definition Phenomena." Each entry includes a reference number, date, time, location, brief notes on the sighting, investigator, and evaluation. Examples include stationary white stars moving off with flashing lights, orange ovals with multiple lights, grey/black clouds changing shape, and dark oval masses with lights. Some entries note potential explanations such as helicopters, aircraft, or atmospheric phenomena, while others are marked as "Insuff Data" (Insufficient Data).

UFOS NOT ON STRIKE AT STEEL WORKS

A report from Normanby Park Steel Works in Scunthorpe, which was shut down due to a strike, mentions UFO sightings. While cameras showed white cigar-like lights, SUFORS and RAF Cranwell suggest these were likely lens flares or internal reflections within the camera, not actual UFOs.

UFO INSTILLED LEVITATION?

This case describes an incident where a British Rail employee reported seeing a green glow that kept pace with him. As he crossed the tracks, he was lifted vertically into the air and deposited on the track, experiencing terror. He later saw an oval object with a green glow and vapour behind it.

ANOTHER PSYCHIC WITNESS

A witness reported an orange oval with two lights that moved away. The witness felt a peculiar attraction and sense of benevolence from the object. The investigators speculate on a psychological solution, noting a BAC 1-11 aircraft was in the area.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH LIGHTBEAM

This case details a 10-year-old daughter disturbing her father from watching TV due to a bright, flicking light in the yard. A white oval object with numerous bright lights appeared, hovered, spun, and dropped down before vanishing. The object was later confirmed to be a lightplane inbound from Blackpool, though Manchester Airport reported having no radar contact except for the aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of Ufology, including media portrayals, the formation of research groups, and the sociological aspects of UFO investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism, as evidenced by the satirical review of "Friends in Space" and the emphasis on rational approaches to research. There's a clear effort to document and analyze UFO sightings, while also questioning the interpretations and biases involved in the field. The publication also serves as a platform for announcing NUFON meetings and the activities of related UFO and earth mystery groups.