Northern UFO News - No 86

Magazine Overview

Title: NORTHERN UFOLOGY
Issue: 86
Date: JULY 1981
Publisher: Northern UFO News
Country: UK
Price: £3.60 PA

This issue of Northern UFology, published by the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), features a cover story on "UFOS AND THE E-M EFFECT" and includes a range of articles, news items, and book reviews related to ufology and paranormal phenomena.

Editorial: Let there be light! .....Or; where "Deep Thought" went wrong.

In this speculative editorial, Jenny Randles explores the concept of light as a fundamental aspect of life and consciousness, drawing parallels between light, EM radiation, and the concept of God. She posits that light's omnipresence and fundamental nature might be the answer to the meaning of life, rather than the '42' from "Deep Thought." Randles suggests that our existence might be part of a larger universal consciousness or 'God's life,' and that our individual roles are to maintain this life. She also touches upon the idea of consciousness and the universe being alive, and how our limited human apparatus might be designed to fulfill basic functions within this grander scheme.

NEWS::

This section provides updates on upcoming events and activities within the ufology community. The October issue will focus on "THE UFO INVESTIGATOR" and the role of investigators. MUFORA has adopted a new meeting place and schedule in Manchester. A recent NUFON seminar on June 6 featured presentations on UFOs and psychic phenomena, the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) in modern terms, and research into "Angel Hair" cases, concluding that concrete research is needed. NUFOIS is organizing a seminar in Nottingham, and MAUFOG is allowing NUFON groups to attend as observers. UFO INTERNATIONAL, SKYSCAN, and NUFOIS are collaborating on a joint conference. Brief mentions are made of other publications like FSR 271, MERSEY NEWS, and SKYWATCH, highlighting their content related to UK and international ufology.

THE ANGEL HAIR PROBLEM IN UFOLOGY

Dr. Robert Morrell's paper, presented at the NUFON seminar, is summarized. His research analyzes "angel hair" reports, concluding that many can be explained by spider webs, possibly influenced by electrostatic charge or atmospheric phenomena. His work is described as impressive and a prime example of ufological research.

WILEMAN £1 (inc post)

This section reviews a publication from FORTEAN TIMES about China's "Yeti," noting its potential UFO interest and the link between Sasquatch/Bigfoot and American UFOs. It also mentions an article on the UFO phenomenon in China, suggesting it offers a rare insight into a little-known area.

CAT-ASTROPHIC HUMOUR "Scrodingers Cat"

This review discusses Robert Anton Wilson's book, describing it as a "Hitch-hikers guide to reality" filled with humor, satire, and philosophical musings. The book explores concepts of reality, quantum mechanics, and coincidence, with UFOs and Fortean phenomena appearing occasionally. The reviewer notes Wilson's unique perspective and the book's potential for multiple interpretations.

NEW BOOKS...

This section briefly reviews two books: "UFOs & THE LIMITS OF SCIENCE" by Ron Story, described as a compilation of data, and "DYFED ENIGMA" by Randall Jones-Pugh & FW Holliday, noted as the best of three "Welsh Triangle" books.

CODE OF PRACTICE - Update

This section details updates to a code of practice for UFO investigations, agreed upon at a meeting in Swindon. Key changes include the desirability of two investigators for interviews, the witness's option to continue or cease contact, and strict guidelines on the use of specialized techniques or equipment, including hypnosis, requiring written consent and qualified practitioners.

UFOS AND THE OCCULT

Geoff Grundill explores the potential connection between UFOs and the paranormal. He speculates that Men in Black (MIBs) might be agents of hell or Satan's messengers, and that UFOs could be conjurations or manifestations of evil forces. He also notes UFO sightings near ancient stone circles and monuments, suggesting a link to pagan rituals and power.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Ian Mrzyglod discusses Warminster, a famous ufological location, and the legacy of Arthur Shuttlewood's book "THE WARMINSTER MYSTERY." He notes that while Warminster is no longer a UFO hotspot, Cradle Hill remains a gathering place for skywatchers. Mrzyglod reflects on the past, when strange lights were reported, and contrasts it with the present, suggesting that Warminster's reputation is sustained by publicity rather than constant sightings.

THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

Kevin McClure critiques the terms "paranormalism" and "unscientific" in ufology. He argues that if ufology aims to investigate the unknown, it must be experimental and may need to borrow from other disciplines. McClure emphasizes the importance of identifying conventional phenomena (chaff) and criticizes those who focus solely on it, while also asserting the need for genuine, open-minded researchers. He questions the business of calling oneself a "paranormal researcher" and whether it constitutes a scientific heresy.

UFOS AND VEHICLE INTERFERENCE EFFECTS

Geoff Falla discusses the EM (electromagnetic) effect in UFO sightings, noting its repeatability and its potential for scientific investigation. He presents numerous cases from France, Italy, Texas, New Mexico, Spain, Norway, and Brazil, where UFOs have caused vehicle electrical systems to fail, engines to stall, and witnesses to experience physiological effects like prickling sensations and heat. Falla suggests that only vehicles with conventional electric ignition systems are affected and that the phenomenon might be linked to the witness's consciousness.

IMAGES OF ELECTRO-FAIRYLAND?

Ian S. Crewwell posits that the EM effect is a genuine attribute of close encounters, possibly linked to the witness's consciousness and the manifestation of the UFO experience. He challenges the conventional view that it's solely due to the motive power of physical craft, suggesting that UFOs might employ anti-electromagnetic force fields. Crewwell highlights recurring factors in EM cases, such as trigger signals, occurrences during darkness, single witnesses, receptive consciousness, close proximity to the UFO, and associated physical effects. He proposes that understanding these effects might involve linking them to the witness's mind and intelligence.

LETTING THE MOTOR IDLE

Patricia Austin speculates that the UFO experience might be, in part, a function of the human brain. She suggests that information is disseminated throughout the galaxy and received by the human brain as ideograms, which are then interpreted based on individual knowledge. Austin proposes that a "booster" might be needed to amplify and activate this signal, potentially provided by natural phenomena like earthquakes or electrical fields. She also considers the possibility of the signal originating from our own subconscious mind.

QUESTIONNING THE EM ENIGMA

Jenny Randles addresses the EM effect, noting its consistent presence in UFO data and its resistance to simple debunking. She highlights that EM cases offer specific scientific data for research. Randles poses several questions about the EM enigma, including why EM cases pre-date the discovery of electricity, why car-stops appear in science fiction before modern UFOs, and the association with sensations like tingling, burns, and nausea. She questions whether the phenomenon generates a broad bandwidth of EM radiation and critiques the Condon team's failure to substantiate EM fields as a cause for engine stops. Randles suggests that the Nelson and Barnard Castle cases offer significant clues and proposes an in-depth study, seeking scientists' opinions and potentially a catalyst for greater scientific interest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the "EM effect" as a tangible aspect of UFO encounters, the potential link between UFO phenomena and human consciousness, and the importance of rigorous, scientific investigation in ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging speculation while emphasizing the need for concrete research and data. There's a clear effort to move beyond mere anecdotal evidence towards a more systematic understanding of UFOs, even if it challenges conventional scientific paradigms.

Title: MEDIUM DEFINITION INVESTIGATIONS
Issue: 66-a
Date: August 9 1966
Publisher: MUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of MEDIUM DEFINITION INVESTIGATIONS presents a compilation of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) or UFO sighting reports, primarily from the United Kingdom, spanning several decades from 1966 to 1981. The publication focuses on detailed case files, investigator notes, and a general overview of the UFO landscape during these periods.

Case Reports

August 9 1966, Sallala Hills, Aden Two soldiers of the Royal Pioneer Corps on guard duty observed an unusual "helicopter" that was not a helicopter. The object was lens-shaped, silver, approximately 30 feet wide, with flashing green, blue, and yellow central lights. It moved slowly along a ridge before shooting away at fantastic speed towards the coast. An official report was filed.

July 19.30, Portpatrick, Scotland Two women on holiday reported seeing an orange/red oval object, estimated to be 30-40 feet long, moving slowly northeast across the sky. The sighting lasted for six minutes.

February 7 1970, Hoylake, Wirral This incident, described as an "excellent 10pp report," involved a housewife who observed a white disc surrounded by a white glow through her curtains. She went outside and watched the small oval disc for 30 minutes as it hovered above the rooftops. Beneath it was a smaller dark light not directly connected to the phenomenon. The object then tilted slightly and shot away northeast. There was no associated sound, but hours before, the woman and her daughter had heard a strange high-pitched sound. The incident was reported to the police.

September ??, Killantringan Bay, Scotland Two men unloading fishing gear witnessed a strange "aircraft" approaching from the north. It passed overhead as a discus shape, silver/grey, and approximately 50 feet across. The object moved out of sight towards the horizon, with the sighting lasting three minutes.

October 12 03.30, RAE West Freugh, Scotland Three MOD police officers on duty at the air base reported a light heading fast towards them from Stranraer. The object slowed and took 15 minutes to pass over Stoneykirk, then headed south towards the sea. During its flight, it stopped to hover several times and varied its speed. No sound was associated with the object, which was observed as a small oval of reddish light.

June 15 22.00, Wrexham, Clwyd A young couple in their late teens saw a strange "cloud" in the northwest while on a drive. They stopped to watch an object that looked like a tube, about the size of the moon and orange/pink in colour. The sun had set, but the sky was still light. After about two minutes, the object, which had been stationary, faded out, becoming fuzzy and vanishing. MUFORA suggests this may have been a cloud reflecting the last rays of the sun.

General Observations and Trends

The publication notes that unless otherwise stated, the reported cases should be filed as "Insufficient data." A significant observation is the low number of cases for 1981, which is even lower than the "incredible drought" suffered in 1980. There appears to be no sign of an increase in reported sightings, with only about five or six cases known to be under investigation from the recent past throughout the region. The issue references a widely syndicated newspaper article by Angus McGill asking, "Where have all the UFOs gone?"

Todmorden CE 4 Investigation Update

MUFORA is continuing its investigations into the Todmorden CE 4 case. The police officer involved has consented to regression hypnosis, and is anxious to uncover what happened during the period he has forgotten, with snatches of memory returning to him. This case has gained a new dimension as it appears that at approximately 04:50, four police officers on patrol in Halifax (12 miles away) saw a very similar object swoop over their car, causing them to duck, and head for Todmorden. Additionally, at approximately 05:45, a school caretaker near the primary witness independently reported a blue/white object rising into the air, wobbling, and shooting away. These sightings appear to corroborate the primary witness's account. MUFORA possesses interview footage with Alan D. and Mario Luisi, thanks to solicitor member Harry Harris.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the documentation and investigation of UAP/UFO sightings, with a focus on detailed witness accounts and the challenges of classifying and verifying such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival and investigative work, acknowledging the limitations of data while pursuing further understanding, particularly in cases like the Todmorden CE 4. The publication expresses concern over the declining number of reported sightings, suggesting a potential shift or lull in UAP activity or public reporting.