Northern UFO News - No 71

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFONEWS
Issue: 71
Date: April 1980
Publisher: NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON)
Editor: Jenny Randles (MUFORA)
Cover Design: John Watson (CHRYST.S)

This issue of NORTHERN UFONEWS, published eight times a year by the NORTHERN UFO NETWORK (NUFON), addresses the ongoing debate surrounding UFO investigation ethics and presents a series of case reports and reviews. The magazine is edited by Jenny Randles and the cover design is by John Watson. The editorial team apologizes for delays due to house-moving problems, assuring readers that four issues will still be produced in 1980. Martin Keatman is thanked for his significant contribution to this issue.

Editorial: "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon"

The editorial, penned by Jenny Randles, delves into the subject of UFO investigation ethics, referencing a debate forum opened by MAGONIA and an article she contributed to UFOINS magazine. The catalyst for this discussion is an article in SKYWATCH by Mark Moravec, which was followed by comments from David Rees, editor of SKYWATCH. Rees discusses an evaluation report from the 'Institute for the Evaluation of Anomalous Phenomena,' which Randles notes is the institute's sole contribution to ufology and was written three years prior.

This report, circulated anonymously, attempted to explain a late 1976 flap in Staffordshire, specifically a CE3 at Bignall End, as a misidentification of the moon. Randles acknowledges that the report made some useful points but criticizes its 'underhand manner of presentation' for attempting to denigrate the abilities and integrity of the ufologists involved, questioning the use of 'cloak and dagger tactics' by this 'phantom institute'.

Randles agrees that ufologists have a responsibility to conduct thorough investigations and publish objective conclusions, but emphasizes the need for continuous improvement. She sees no issue with criticizing work where justified, citing Bob Morrell's FSR critique of the Rainford, Merseyside CE3 case as a correct and fair approach, even if she disagrees with his conclusion that the sighting was a cow. She notes that Morrell's arguments were made openly and were debatable. Randles expresses a suspicion that one of the people implicated by Morrell's comments on the Rainford case may have been involved with the phantom institute, wondering how that person felt being on the receiving end of such scrutiny. She directs further comments on this affair to David Rees at SKYWATCH, marking this as her final word on the matter.

News Round-Up

This section includes a brief note requesting no more articles for the 'held over' issue of NORTHERN UFOLOGY, which has seven articles on UFOs and the Paranormal. Readers are encouraged to submit articles for the July issue, with the theme being 'PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: Its extent and its validity'. Lionel Beer is noted to have resigned as Chairman of BUFORA, replaced by Leslie Bayer. Randles acknowledges Beer's contribution and wishes him and his successor well.

Something New for the Investigator

This section recommends the magazine 'INVESTIGATION,' produced by the UFOIN team and edited by Martin Keatman. It is described as offering a mature ufologist's viewpoint on investigation and research, published irregularly. Issue One is highlighted, featuring articles on 'Terror in the House of the Dolls,' physical trace investigation, alien photographers, ethical factors of investigating a CE3, bioluminescence at landing sites, case follow-through, and UFOIN guidelines. Copies are available for 50p, with a 3-issue subscription for £1.50, payable to Martin Keatman.

Magazine Reviews

Several publications are reviewed:

• FSR Vol 25 No 4: Continues the Sunderland family saga and includes an article on the definition of 'UFO Report' adopted at a recent BUFORA congress.
• MAGONIA No 2: Features a research proposal from John Hind and a case from Nigel Watson. It also includes pieces on graphology and psi-UFO interlinks from Australia, plus comments by John Hind.
• SKYWATCH Mar/Apr: Previously referred to, it contains comments by John Hind on the definition of 'UFO Report'.
• ASWR, No 8: A reviews magazine covering earthmystery and UFO books and magazines.
• UFO NEWS BULLETIN (BFSB): Includes a potpourri of cases and an article by Geoff Falla on vehicle interference.
• PEGASUS (SIGAP): Features Surrey cases and comments on personal appraisals of incidents from the book 'The Uninvited' by Clive Harold.
• EARTHLINK: The Summer 1979 issue is mentioned, with an article by Dr. Leo Sprinkle.

Visitors from the World-Mind?

This section reviews Ian Watson's book "Miracle Visitors," a science fiction story that explores a new theory about UFOs. The book is described as reaching the boundary of belief and containing elements like contact, MIBS, and regression hypnosis. It posits that UFOs might be intrinsic to our world or a universal phenomenon, offering a concept that could be 'astounding'. The reviewer notes a potential 'Jungian synchronicity' in the ideas presented, linking authors like Peter Warrington, Lyall Watson, Colin Wilson, and himself, all with names starting with 'W' or related to the phenomenon.

"UFOS AS PSYCHIC PROJECTIONS?"

Geoffrey Grundill explores the connection between ghosts and UFO occupants, suggesting that some UFO occupants gliding or hovering might be projected images. He proposes that 'astral travels' or OOBEs allow us to see things beyond our physical body, and that witnesses feeling paralyzed or in a trance state might be experiencing their astral body witnessing events in another time continuum. Hypnosis is suggested as a means to retrieve such events. Grundill notes that UFO events can happen without warning, likening the UFO to a projector and the witness to a screen. He also considers the possibility that vivid dreams might be mistaken for UFO events. The article concludes by posing the idea that some UFO abductions might involve double projected images, with two people seeing the same event, and invites reader opinions.

INVESTIGATION DATA

A table lists UFO sightings with details such as date, time, location, investigator, and evaluation level. Notable entries include:

• 79-118 AUG 2: Two W LITS moving south for about 1 minute.
• 79-123 OCT 22: Red LITS moving very fast across the sky in Stafford.
• 79-124 OCT 22: Two sets of witnesses saw two W LITS, confirmed by Manchester ATC as a Boeing 707.
• 79-125 OCT 28: Large W LITS seen stationary for several minutes in Stoke.
• 8002 Jan 13: Three witnesses saw blue LITS moving slowly across the sky.
• 8003 Jan 31: W LITS followed by Red LITS moving slowly and silently.
• 8004 Feb 1: W LITS and Orange LITS moving across Wirral towards Liverpool.
• 8005 Feb 12: Brilliant flashing W LITS moving up and down, identified as an aircraft by Liverpool ATC, but disputed by witnesses.

Cases 8003-8005 are part of a Wirral flap under investigation by MIGAP. The summary of cases in this section is: Insufficient data 5; Aircraft 5; Satellite 1; UFO NIL.

MEDIUM DEFINITION

This section continues the investigation data with more detailed case reports:

• 79-121 SEPT 16: A 16-year-old boy reported a red oval object with steady white lights hovering near the RAF Stafford base, moving erratically.
• 79-128 NOV 12: Five separate sightings of a diamond-shaped object made up of W LITS (plus orange) moving slowly E or SE, described by one witness as looking like an American B52 bomber. This correlates with a previous report (78-149).
• 79-129 DEC 9: Three small silvery oblongs with a pinkish glow seen entering or leaving a bank of cloud in Halesowen.
• 79-130 DEC 30: Two men observed two starlike objects that joined, separated, and then one hovered as a cigar shape with red LITS.
• 8006 FEB 13: William Mowitt and six students observed a cylinder-shaped object with orange lights at each end hovering over woods near Coldstream, Scotland.
• 78-262 NOV 8: Damion Harte and his wife observed a hazy mass of light surrounded by a reddy glow, which then appeared as a row of lights with a hazy dome shape, hovering just above trees near Maltby.

Cases 6

• A REALLY CLOSE ENCOUNTER CE 1 Psycho: Investigated by Stephen Banks, this case involves Lynn Noga, who awoke to see a large, dome-shaped object with four rectangular window lights in the East. The object repeated a sequence of light displays and approached within 5-6 feet of the window. Lynn claims to be very psychic, with experiences including hearing a voice, telepathic ability, precognitive dreams, and OOBEs.

• MYSTERIOUS BLOB PRECIPITATES ENCOUNTER: Andy Collins & Martin Keatman investigated this unique case where a witness experienced a pink, amorphous blob spreading on his face, followed by the impression of being scanned by UFO personnel. The substance vanished, and the witness found himself walking towards a hanger with a domed disc UFO inside, which then faded away. The witness experienced a two-hour time loss and has a history of psychic experiences.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE UFOS GONE?

This section highlights a significant decrease in reported UFO cases for the first quarter of 1980, with only 6 reports filed, compared to 27 in 1978 and 21 in 1979 by the same time. Historical data shows annual totals: 1975 (158), 1976 (166), 1977 (322), 1978 (262), and 1979 (130). Extrapolating the current trend suggests 1980 might only reach 50-60 cases. The article poses the question of why the numbers are falling so dramatically and asks for suggestions.

The summary of cases in this issue is: Insufficient data 9; Aircraft 6; Satellite 1; Psychological 1; UFO 3 (15%).

NOTES ON THE NUFON CLASSIFICATION:

The classification system used is based on Randles and Warrington's "UFOs: A British Viewpoint," modifying Dr. J. Allen Hynek's system. It includes:

• LOW: No defined shape, no effects or interaction.
• MEDIUM: Defined shape, effects or interaction.
• INST: Instrumentally detected (photographic or radar).
• CE 1: Transient effects or interaction.
• CE 2: Semi-permanent effects or interaction.
• CE 3: Entities associated.
• CE 4: Psychic or reality distortion interaction.

LEVEL refers to investigation depth: A (on-site investigation), B (witness interviews), C (standard report form only), D (written statements).

Case numbers allow tracing at the NUFON HQ in Nottingham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and rigorous methodology in UFO investigation. The editorial stance is critical of reports that employ 'underhand tactics' to discredit researchers, advocating instead for open, fair, and debatable evaluations. The magazine also highlights the role of psychic phenomena and psychological factors in UFO experiences, as seen in the CE4 cases and the discussion on 'UFOS AS PSYCHIC PROJECTIONS?'. The decline in reported UFO sightings is a significant concern, prompting a call for reader input. The NUFON classification system is presented as a structured approach to categorizing and understanding UFO reports.