OVNI - 1994 01 - January

Magazine Overview

This issue of <OVNI>, published in January 1994 by the Phenomenon Research Association, focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of various aerial objects, setting the tone for the content within.

1994 Off to a Promising Start!

The newsletter begins by reporting that the Nottingham EMUFORA group received numerous 'Lights In The Sky' (LITS) reports, initially attributed to a light show demonstration of new laser technology. However, the section also notes that Tony James received reports of 'triangular' lights still under investigation. A detailed account is then provided of a UFO sighting over Ashbourne on January 23rd by Mr. and Mrs. C. Mr. C., the passenger, described seeing a low-flying object, 'less than 200' up', that appeared 'straight, ever so straight like a ruler' with a bright light at each end and a red light underneath. He further described it as resembling 'a half a pork pie on top of a ruler'. The object remained motionless for about thirty seconds to a minute before disappearing. Attempts to report this to Buxton Police yielded no results. Mr. C. later revisited the area and noted a large water reservoir nearby, speculating on its potential relevance. He also recalled seeing a similar unusual light years prior, regretting that his camera was at home on this occasion.

Another 26th September Case at Matlock (93/10/M)

Mr. and Mrs. 'C' from Matlock recount their experience on September 26th, 1993. Between 7:30-8pm, they observed a bright light over the 'Heights of Abraham' for 5-6 minutes. At approximately 7:45pm, they witnessed a large, cream-coloured, zeppelin-shaped luminous object gliding slowly over the chimney tops. Shortly after, a large collection of small coloured lights, defined by red, green, and yellow lights, zoomed low over a nearby bungalow roof. No sound was reported from any of these objects. Accompanying sketches illustrate a 'travelling east to west very large object' and a 'large mass of small lights travelling west'.

BUFORA in Conflict

This section reports on internal strife within the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). Jenny Randles, a prominent author and investigator, has resigned from the BUFORA board due to 'in-fighting' and 'conflict of opinion'. Randles had previously launched BUFORA's 'UFO Call' telephone information service, which has been running for four years and significantly boosted BUFORA funds. While she intends to remain a member, her active participation in policy decisions is expected to be missed.

The Mystery at Groom Lake

The article questions whether the US Air Force is testing a new supersonic aircraft, codenamed 'Aurora', at its Groom Lake facility in Nevada. It notes that on September 30th, 1993, Air Force Secretary Sheila Widnall requested the closure of 39,000 acres of public land for the 'safe and secure operation of the Nellis Range'. The report mentions that reporters and UFO watchers have been observing activities at Groom Lake (Area 51) from nearby hills, noting the daily arrival of commuter jets carrying workers and reports of night flights of craft with extraordinary manoeuvrability. An interior spokeswoman stated the land closure was to create a 'visual barrier'. Aviation expert Bill Sweetman questions the high cost of operating Groom Lake, suggesting other bases are typically used for secret projects, and wonders what is so special about Groom Lake that requires such secrecy.

Statement by Colin Andrews - 3rd November 1993

Colin Andrews recounts his experience addressing the S.E.A.T. group at the United Nations on October 22nd, 1993. The symposium's aims included encouraging the UN to establish an agency for UFO research and preparing public opinion for potential extraterrestrial contact. Andrews, after 11 years of research into crop circles, was asked to investigate connections with ancient scripts and symbols. His address was titled 'Introduction to Decoding ET-Related Alphabets'. He intended to announce advanced research on a free electrical energy generation device, claims that crop circle decoding confirmed its principles, share a Native American's perspective on world changes, and reveal that a major government planned to release UFO information.

Crop Circles, Free Energy, and UN Setbacks

Richard Hoagland claims that crop circle patterns have been deciphered, yielding information of extreme importance that could resolve problems related to pollution from fossil fuels and transportation. This discovery, based on Nikola Tesla's work and crop circle decoding, has led to advanced developments in environmentally pure energy and transport, with inventor Mr. Richard McKie having filed patents for a 'Power Supply 2 Tank Circuits' system. A prototype car is reportedly running and capable of over 70mph. Andrews was authorized by McKie to announce this breakthrough at the UN. However, a planned presentation by a Native American was refused by the UN on security grounds. The UN also refused to allow Andrews to make political statements, insisting his talk remain cultural. The symposium itself faced near cancellation, with the venue changed and technical difficulties plaguing the event, including a faulty projector screen and a malfunctioning public address system. The Japanese delegate announced that the Japanese government would openly research and release UFO information, with a large museum planned as part of a public education program. Andrews expresses disappointment at the UN's handling of the event and the refusal to allow the Native American speaker, suggesting it might be the last symposium of its kind under Mohammed Ramadan's organization.

UFO Lights Sighted Over Mansfield

Les Trueman, Chairman of MUFOG, reports on a sighting by Andrew and Jimmy Putnins on November 30th, 1993. The father and son witnessed a large array of 'bluish' lights in a circular pattern, rotating and pulsating, moving slowly over their house in Mansfield. They described it as 'about the size of two houses' and noted the complete absence of sound, unlike the usual aircraft in the area. Mrs. Putnins and their daughter were also shown the phenomenon, which lasted about eight minutes before disappearing. A drawing was made by Jimmy the next morning, and other witnesses are reportedly being gathered by the Mansfield U.F.O. Group.

Tale Enders

This section contains brief news items. Astronomers in Portsmouth were baffled by hundreds of people witnessing 'ghostly beams' of faint white light on December 17th, 1993. An 'Alien Acknowledgement Campaign' meeting was scheduled for January 29th in Oxford. Peking reported that 6,000 unidentified flying objects were seen between China and Taiwan, with a specific sighting of two 'hat-like objects' over Taipei airport on August 7th. The editor noted a 5,000-year-old 'Stone Circle' in Gambia, West Africa. Finally, the next meeting of the Stanley Club was announced for February 17th, featuring a video by Zecharia Sitchin on early civilizations and analysis of photographs from the Phobos satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential for advanced technology derived from unexplained phenomena (like crop circles), and the challenges of official disclosure and investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs and related mysteries, highlighting witness accounts and investigative efforts while also noting conflicts within the UFO research community and perceived obstacles from official bodies. There is a clear interest in the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific advancement, and governmental transparency.