OVNI - 1993 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Title: <OVNI>
Issue: October 1993
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association (PRA)
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1 incl. postage

This issue of <OVNI> focuses heavily on recent UFO activity in the UK, particularly the "Derbyshire UFO Flap," and also revisits the historical "Foo Fighters" phenomenon from World War II. It includes a section on astrological concepts and an announcement for a crop circle forum.

Derbyshire UFO Flap

The newsletter reports on a significant wave of UFO sightings in the Matlock/Bakewell area of Derbyshire during September 1993. The cover story highlights a "huge illuminated triangle" seen over Bakewell on the night of September 26th. An immediate investigation by the PRA included interviewing primary witnesses within hours. The report states this was "the tip of the iceberg" and details a range of other incidents in chronological order:

• August 23rd, 1.15 am: Mr & Mrs E.G., returning from holiday, witnessed a glowing shape with red and white lights emerge from clouds near Abor Low stone circle on the B5055. The object, described as having a searchlight-like beam, passed slowly over their vehicle, causing them to feel "very scared." Both witnesses are academics who requested no publicity.
• September 12th, 9.15 pm: Mrs Matthews and her family in Derby saw a large illuminated dark triangle with lights around it emit a "very faint" sound as it flew over their house.
• September 18th, 4.15 pm: Mr Bower and his daughter near Bakewell observed a dull grey cigar-shaped object that did not shine but had a dull red end, which then suddenly disappeared.
• September 19th, 8.25 pm: Mrs R. of Spondon saw a brightly lit craft flying over rooftops after a light illuminated her garden.
• September 19th, 9.25 pm: Mr Barlow, an aircraft spotter in Belper, watched approaching lights described as "a lot brighter than normal jet lights" and "massive searchlights" for about ten minutes through binoculars. He called it "the wierdest thing I've ever seen" and noted it flew in the direction of Bakewell.
• September 26th, 7.45 pm: Mrs Hutchinson and her 6-year-old daughter in Alport, Bakewell, saw a brightly lit object, with the child commenting, "I don't like that aeroplane mummy."
• September 26th, 9 pm: Mr Rickers in Matlock sighted an object "lit up like a huge fairground."
• September 26th, 9 pm: Mr Curtis saw lights hovering near Bakewell while walking his dogs, which became excited.
• September 26th, 9 pm: Andrew Johnson (12) and his friend in Matlock saw an illuminated object with red & white lights shining a beam downwards.
• September 26th, 9.25 pm: Mr & Mrs Hewitt, travelling on the M1 near junction 29, saw what they initially thought was a "helicopter with a big searchlight" fly over towards Bakewell.
• September 26th, 9.30 pm: Mr Paul Andrews saw a triangle with bright lights perform several turning manoeuvres over Bakewell.
• September 26th, 9.30 pm: Mrs Pailing of Bakewell saw a large triangle with red, green and white lights pass overhead.
• September 26th, 9.30 pm: Mrs Shah saw a brilliantly lit triangle craft fly over her house at Matlock Baths.
• September 30th, 5 am: John Nash, herding cows near Chesterfield, observed a brightly lit object with "windows" fly low overhead, emitting a humming sound. The object was cigar-shaped with a line of white lights and a red light, but caused no reaction from the cattle.

The editors thanked investigators Alan Hitchcock, Richard Servante, and Garry Stapleton for their work.

"The Awareness Programme"

This section discusses the possibility of alien visitation and a potential "alien acceptance" program. It suggests that widespread knowledge of alien visits could cause societal collapse. The article posits that films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and leaked information are part of a gradual introduction to the public, possibly even orchestrated by aliens themselves to "parade" their craft "like a huge fairground."

A diagram illustrates reported "triangle" details, showing directional flight and identifying "Brilliant White Lights," "Flashing Red Light," "Deep Pink Lights," "White Centre Lights," and "Flashing Green Lights."

"Foo Fighters" - Timothy Good Puts The Record Straight!

This article addresses the World War II aerial phenomenon known as "Foo Fighters." Contrary to an earlier claim that they were encountered only in the Pacific, author Timothy Good asserts that European sightings have long been available. The piece reproduces information from "Just Cause" (USA) and discusses the nature of these phenomena.

• Nature of Foo Fighters: Described as strange balls of light, generally about a foot in diameter, bright, of varying colors, and capable of easy maneuverability. They were reported by pilots on both Allied and Axis sides during bombing and air defense missions.
• Media Coverage: The phenomenon became known in early January 1945 through newspaper reports, initially assumed to be Nazi secret weapons, though they did not affect aircraft. Mentions reappeared in December 1945 in the American Legion Magazine.
• Historical Records: Clues to wartime records appeared in declassified Air Force Intelligence files from 1947 and 1952. A 1952 letter from Lt. Col. W.W. Ottinger indicated an evaluation was done at the end of the war, concluding "nothing to the phenomenon," but the study was not made public.
• Nickname Origin: The term "Foo Fighters" was a nickname given by pilots of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, based on the comic strip "Smokey Stover."
• Potential Explanations: The article explores possibilities such as induction, ball lightning, and St. Elmo's fire. It notes that the synchronization of the objects keeping pace with planes suggests electrical induction. The ability of the "fire-balls" to zoom upward and away from planes is compared to ball lightning, though its origin is unknown.
• Ignition Interference: The possibility of ignition interference, a method to stop planes using a powerful plant, is mentioned, but the authors suggest the Germans might be using a less potent method.
• War Department Silence: The US War Department declined to comment on the phenomenon, citing security reasons.
• New York Times Report (Feb. 15, 1915): An earlier incident is mentioned where three or four "aeroplanes" crossed the US/Canadian border near Morrison, NY, heading northeast over Grananoque and Brockville, Ontario. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft drop "fireballs or light balls." This caused concern in Ottawa, leading to a blackout of important government buildings.
• Photographic Misidentification: The article clarifies that two photographs previously published in OVNI were misidentified. The aircraft shown were Japanese, not Allied or German.

"Just Cause" Newsletter Excerpt (June 1992)

This section provides further details on the "Foo-Fighter" phenomenon from a newsletter called "Just Cause." It reiterates that the phenomenon involved strange balls of light during WW2 and mentions that CAUS (presumably the organization publishing "Just Cause") launched an effort to find documentation. It notes that while the phenomenon was evaluated at the end of the war, the study was not made public. The article highlights that most published accounts come from pilots of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, whose job was to intercept enemy aircraft at night.

Aquarius -- A New Age of Understanding

This article explores the concept of the "Age of Aquarius," inspired by the song from the musical "Hair." It delves into astrological theory, specifically the "Precession of the equinoxes," a phenomenon discovered by Hipparchus of Nicaea. The "Great year" is described as 25,868 years, divided into 12 "Great months" of about 2,000 years each. The current Piscean age is drawing to a close, with the incoming Age of Aquarius promising "humanity and harmony."

The author expresses optimism that science and technology will become more user-friendly and that there will be a greater emphasis on caring for others.

CCCS (East Midlands) Crop Circle Forum

An announcement for an upcoming conference on Crop Circles, to be held on Saturday, December 4th, at the METRO CINEMA in Derby. The event will feature speakers including Andy Thomas, Barry Reynolds, Steve Alexander, John Holman, and Busty Taylor. The purpose is to hold an open discussion on crop circles. Tickets are £10, and supper will be available at the Goulshan Restaurant in Nottingham.

Tale Enders

This section provides brief updates and announcements:

• Pat Delgado sent a newsletter from the Ancient Astronaut Society (Illinois, USA), founded in 1973, which plans an expedition to Peru & Bolivia in May 1994.
• Busty Taylor is scheduled to give a talk to the PRA in early December.
• Bev D. Wright has supplied an American "Intercepts" newsletter with news on secret projects, including the "Aurora" aircraft.
• The PRA has received requests for OVNI newsletters from Scotland, N. Ireland, Denver USA, and Kuwait, suggesting potential international interest.
• Omar Fowler participated in two BBC Radio Derby interviews regarding the "UFO Flap," which generated immediate response.
• Flying Saucer Review features a four-page story by the editor about an incident in Australia involving an 8-foot tall alien.
• The PRA paper on "Crop Circles: The Final Solution?" is being reproduced in "The Circular."
• Next Meeting: The PRA's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27th, at the Stanley Club, near Ilkeston, featuring an account of the "Bakewell Triangles" and a video on the "Roswell (UFO) Crash."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of contemporary UFO sightings, particularly the "Derbyshire UFO Flap," and the historical context of unexplained aerial phenomena like "Foo Fighters." There is also an interest in broader phenomena such as crop circles and astrological interpretations of societal change (Age of Aquarius). The PRA appears to be actively involved in collecting witness testimony, investigating incidents, and disseminating information through its newsletter and public meetings. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and historical data for the reader's consideration.