OVNI - 1994 07 - July

Magazine Overview

This issue of the newsletter <OVNI>, published by the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) in July 1994, addresses the growing public awareness of UFOs and the phenomenon of 'Flying Triangles'. The cover features various depictions of unidentified aerial objects, including a disc-shaped craft and triangular formations. The newsletter is priced at £1, with free membership for subscribers.

An International Awareness Programme?

The lead article posits that the general public is being gradually introduced to the existence and interaction of UFOs with humanity. It notes a shift in media treatment of the subject from 'little green men' to a serious topic of discussion, citing the appearances of Professor John E. Mack on 'This Morning TV' and '48 Hours'. The author suggests this might be a deliberate, gentle 'indoctrination' to prevent a repeat of the widespread panic caused by Orson Welles' 1938 'War of the Worlds' broadcast. The article highlights the increasing number of 'Flying Triangle' cases reported globally since the late 1980s, originating in Belgium and now seen worldwide. This issue includes recent sightings, including one near the Rolls-Royce works in Sinfin, Derby.

The 'Flying Triangle' Mystery

Authored by Omar Fowler, this section details a series of events commencing on September 26, 1993, in Bakewell, Derbyshire. Witnesses reported brightly lit objects in the sky, described as being like stacked squares or illuminated triangles. One account from Mrs 'H' and her daughter describes an object about the size of a telephone at arm's length. Later that evening, multiple witnesses observed a large, illuminated triangle flying slowly and silently over the town, displaying red, green, and white lights. Mr. Andrews, a key witness, described it as lit up like a 'xmas tree' with bright corner lights, and noted it moved at a steady speed of 40mph, even being overtaken. The object performed slow, silent maneuvers, including 'U' turns and right-angle turns, before disappearing.

Reports from Around the World

The Essex UFO Research Group

This group reported several 'Flying Triangle' sightings in November 1993. One massive object, described as the size of a football field, was seen flying silently with colored lights and dark indentations, including a large black circle. Its estimated speed was 40-50mph. Another large black triangle was observed at 3:25 am, moving slowly before rapidly accelerating.

Belgium

The country where 'Flying Triangles' reportedly began, Belgium continues to report sightings. The SOBEPS group reported a large triangle, 20 meters long, with specific colored lights and patterns underneath, flying at an estimated speed of 20km/hr (12mph) at an altitude of approximately 20 meters.

USA

The 'Oklahoma MUFON News' reported an incident on September 5, 1993, where several individuals saw a triangular UFO over the city. It made a buzzing noise, had red and white lights underneath, and a detached red light at the rear. Its speed was estimated at 10mph, and car alarms were triggered as it passed.

Sweden

The 'AFU Newsletter' reported a small black triangular aircraft observed for 5-6 seconds in Brandstorp on June 20, 1992. Witnesses heard a 'swish' sound, and investigations with the air force confirmed no military activity in the area.

Japan

The Japan Space Phenomena Society reported several 'Flying Triangle' sightings. In Tenjin, Sagashi, on November 17, 1992, a witness saw a strange light that resolved into a triangular object with three lights and orange rings on each corner, flying silently at an estimated height of 35 meters. On June 16, 1991, in Chiyodachoo, Kanzakigun, a triangular object darker than the night sky with red lights at the rear was observed. In January 1994, in Sagaken, a witness saw a light that stopped, performed acute angled turns, and then moved off. The object was identified as having three lights: one red and flashing, and two white.

Why the Roswell Debris Couldn't Be a Fugo Balloon

This reprinted article by Robert Durant challenges John Keel's hypothesis that the Roswell crash debris was a Japanese WWII Fugo balloon. Durant presents several arguments:
1. The estimated surface area of a Fugo balloon (3,848.4 sq ft) is significantly smaller than the amount of debris described by witnesses who collected it for days, filling jeeps and staff cars.
2. The material of the Fugo balloon (two or three-ply rice paper) would not reasonably be expected to remain intact and airborne for over two years, as required if launched in the summer of 1945 and the crash occurred later.
3. Durant suggests comparing the strength and texture of rice paper to a dollar bill and then considering how witnesses described handling and testing the Roswell debris (hitting it, rolling it, creasing it), implying Fugo balloon material would not withstand such treatment.
4. He acknowledges that rice paper was used in Japanese houses, but points out this led to devastating fires during Allied incendiary bombing raids, highlighting its flammability rather than durability in extreme conditions. Durant concludes that the Fugo balloon hypothesis can only be supported by disregarding the unanimous testimony of the Roswell witnesses.

List of Crop Circle Formations 1994

This section, provided by the Southampton UFO Group, lists crop circle formations found between April 23rd and July 1st, 1994. Locations include Sanctuary near Avebury, Monkton Down, Longwood Warren, Junction 13 Newbury, Burdrop Down, West Kennet Long Barrow, Morgans Hill, North East Swindon, Marlborough Downs, Silbury Hill, and Meopham, Kent. The descriptions range from simple circles and rings to more complex formations like 'figure of 8', 'large pictogram', 'spiral fan', 'quintuplet/cross formation', and 'sunwheel'. The crops involved were primarily rape seed, with some in barley and winter wheat.

PRA Investigation: Derbyshire 29th June 1994

This investigation by Alan Hitchcock details a sighting in the early hours of June 29, 1994, near the Rolls-Royce aero engine complex at Sinfin, Derby. Mr. Alan Beardmore observed a triangular pattern of lights hovering over an electricity pylon. He described the lights as brighter than stars and the pattern as triangular. While hovering, the van's headlights went out, though the engine continued to run. The object moved away slowly with a 'bobbing' motion. The report notes the proximity to electricity pylons and the Rolls-Royce works, and speculates on potential power drain. It also points out that the diesel engine's ignition principle might explain why it continued to run when the electrical system was affected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing global awareness and reporting of UFO phenomena, particularly 'Flying Triangles', and the role of media in shaping public perception. The PRA appears to adopt a stance of serious investigation, presenting detailed witness accounts and critical analysis of hypotheses, such as the Fugo balloon theory for Roswell. The inclusion of crop circle data suggests a broader interest in anomalous phenomena. The editorial tone is analytical and investigative, aiming to inform readers about recent developments and ongoing research in the field of UFOlogy.

Title: OVNI
Issue Date: August 1994
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of OVNI, a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, provides a detailed look at crop circle reports and other anomalous events from the summer of 1994.

Crop Circle Reports

The magazine extensively documents crop circle formations, providing dates, locations, and descriptions of the patterns observed. Key reports include:

• 3-4/6 ?: Maiden Castle, near Dorchester, featured a "Dumbbell with Boxes" formation, described as "(1990 Style)".
• 4-5/6 ?: Near Hackpen Hill, a "Bewick Basset Pictogram" was found, characterized by a wheel shape with protruding arms, identified as an "Isle of Man Symbol", located in barley.
• 6/6: West Sussex reported a "Single Circle" formation.
• 8/6: In Bethune, South Carolina, USA, a complex formation of "3 Circles & Two Strange Concentric Circles" was documented, measuring 42ft in diameter and located in rye. Detailed measurements indicate an outer ring of 64ft diameter and an inner ring of 60ft diameter, with each ring being 6 inches wide.
• 9/6: McBee, South Carolina, USA, also reported a "Single Circle", 80ft in diameter, found in rye.
• 15/6: Oare, Wiltshire, featured a "Small Pictogram" formation.
• 12-16/6: Huish, Draycott near Alton Priors, presented a "Crescent & Dumbbell" formation in barley.
• 17/6: Borstal, Rochester, Kent, showed a "Pictogram in Wheat".
• 18/6: Sompting, West Sussex, documented "3 Circles in Wheat".
• 18/6: Dundry Hill, Bristol, reported a "Large Formation, like a Roman Candle. Too 'big' to be seen at ground level!". Additionally, on June 27th, three triangular lights were seen over the hill.
• 17-19/6: Lockeridge reported "12 x 15ft Circles. 11 in a Straight Line & One Set Off to the Left."
• 17-20/6: Below the West Kennet Longbarrow, near West Overton, an "Underground Type Symbol" was found. This formation featured a curved centre line with a circle on each end. One circle had a "coma tail", and the second circle entered two other smaller circles. The entire formation was approximately 150ft across.
• 25/6: Dorset, England, reported a summary of "8 Formations in the County, around the Dorchester/Weymouth Area."

News and Personalities

The "Tale Enders" section provides updates on individuals and organizations within the UFO research community:

• Apologies: An apology is issued to TUFORG, clarifying their base is in Torbay, not Torquay as previously stated.
• Ken Rogers: The passing of Ken Rogers, a prominent UFO researcher associated with Warminster, is announced. He died in January of that year at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
• Publication Delay: The OVNI issue is noted as being late due to holidays and illness within the family circle.
• Jenny Randles: Jenny Randles was mentioned in the "News of the World" on June 26, 1994. The article notes she was born male and underwent a sex change operation in 1976, and is a well-known writer and broadcaster.
• Flying Saucer Review: Gordon Creighton, editor of "Flying Saucer Review", has changed the magazine's name back to its original title. The summer issue includes a report from Adelaide, Australia, about crop circles found in a paddock.
• Japan Space Phenomenon Society: Mr. Shin-ichiro Namiki of this society has been in contact regarding crop circle news. Thanks are extended to Claire Upton for supplying recent crop circle photographs from Wiltshire, which have been sent to Japan.
• Flying Triangle Sighting: A report from the "Womans Realm" (July 28, 1994) details Ray and Eleanor Baughn of Swindon, Wiltshire, who witnessed a "Flying Triangle" with three red lights hovering over West Swindon for an hour. Ray Baughn believes that "they" will reveal themselves within the next few years.
• Celebration of the Strange: A two-day symposium was held on June 18th-19th at the University of London Union. Jeremy Beadle was a presenter, and Dr. David Jacobs was a guest speaker at this "Fortean" meeting. The article notes "The Guardian" mentioned women being impregnated by 'little green men'.

Upcoming Events

• Next Meeting: A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th, at 8 pm at the STANLEY CLUB, Stanley Common (A609) near Ilkeston. The event will feature a series of crop circle videos and an up-to-the-minute crop circle report. Non-members are welcome, with admission costing 50p.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers crop circle phenomena with detailed reporting and photographic evidence. It also maintains a strong interest in UFO sightings and the broader field of anomalous phenomena, often referencing media coverage and the work of prominent researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also acknowledging the more sensational aspects, as seen in the mention of "little green men" and the "Fortean" nature of some events. The publication also serves as a community hub, announcing meetings and sharing news about key figures in the field.