OVNI - 1994 12 - December

Magazine Overview

<OVNI> is a newsletter from the Phenomenon Research Association, with this issue dated December 1994. It features articles on UFO sightings, media coverage of paranormal phenomena, and astronomical observations.

UFO's and the Television Media

This section reviews recent television programs that have begun to explore the UFO and abduction mystery. The BBC's 'Horizon' program on November 28th, 1994, featured Dr. Susan Blackmore, a psychologist from the University of the West of England, as an 'unbiased' investigator. Dr. Blackmore, associated with an American skeptics group, stated that in over twenty years of investigating psychic phenomena, she had found nothing to convince her of their validity. The article notes that many spiritualists are easily convinced, but a shift may be occurring. 'Psychic News' has a new editor, Tim Haig, who previewed the 'Horizon' program and felt it would not convince skeptics that there was nothing to the phenomena.

The ITV series 'Strange But True?' on December 9th, 1994, presented an episode on the Rendlesham Forest incident. The events of December 26th-28th, 1980, were recreated using American actors portraying USAF Police. The report mentions the use of a tape recording for authenticity and computer graphics for realism. While 'beams of light' were depicted, the article notes the omission of the UFO landing and the subsequent 'face to face' meeting between USAF officers and aliens, concluding that it was 'a beginning...preparing the way'.

Flying Triangle Activity Increases

This section reports on increased flying triangle activity in the Nottinghamshire area, particularly north of Nottingham near Mansfield. On November 17th, slow-moving lights in an 'L' shape were reported near Mansfield in the Centre Parks area. Further activity was reported near Mansfield in the Kingsmill area on December 8th at 22:50, with two bright lights seen moving slowly towards Bakewell.

A full report from Mr. David Probert of Fareham, Hants., details his sighting of a flying triangle on the night of September 12th. At approximately 9 pm, he observed a light that appeared to be a commercial aircraft approaching Gatwick at 8,000ft and 4/500mph. However, he later realized the light pattern might not be that of a normal aircraft. The object displayed a triangle of bright white lights with a less bright 'strobe' in the center. It moved from East to West north of Fareham. Mr. Probert heard no sound and saw no navigation lights. The strange aspects were the lack of noise and the triangular lighting configuration. He observed the object for about twenty seconds before it disappeared behind rooftops.

Wingerworth, Chesterfield Sighting 21-4-94

PRA Investigator Andy Mott reports on a sighting on the night of April 21st, 1994. Mrs. Jenny Stacey and her husband were in their living room when they noticed two orange lights drifting across their window at their home in Swathwick Farm, near Chesterfield. They observed a shape between the lights moving slowly over nearby trees. The couple estimated the object's height at only 80ft from the ground. The object was viewed for several minutes, appeared black against the evening sky, and made no audible noise. They had the impression it was 'very large'. The object drifted towards a gap in the hills and disappeared. An artist's impression by Andy Mott is included, noting the shape is consistent with many worldwide observations. The area was also the scene of UFO activity in September 1993, when a glowing ball of light was reported.

The Evening Sky

This column, written by Barry Parkinson, provides advice on astronomical equipment and celestial events. For Christmas, it suggests that cheap telescopes advertised in department stores are unsuitable for observation. Instead, it recommends buying a good pair of binoculars, which are relatively inexpensive, portable, and offer enjoyable viewing. The column provides a table of recommended binoculars with specifications and prices, and also lists some telescope specifications.

For December 1994, the column notes the waxing crescent Moon on the 3rd. It highlights the constellation Orion, visible in the southeast around 10 pm, pointing out the blue star Rigel and the red star Betelgeuse. The Great Pyramids of Egypt are mentioned as being built in honor of and representative of Orion. The winter solstice occurs at 2:23 am on December 22nd, marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The column encourages readers to look up at the heavens and reflect during the holiday season.

A Traveller's Tale

The Editor recounts a short trip to the Dominican Republic in October, during which he hoped to meet Jorge Martin in Puerto Rico. However, Martin could not be contacted as he had recently moved and his whereabouts were unknown. Puerto Rico is noted as a source of numerous UFO reports.

During the flight to the Dominican Republic, the aircraft passed through the 'Bermuda Triangle'. A photograph shows Second Pilot Brian McKay checking the position of the 'Britannia' Boeing 737. Upon landing, the group found they had 'lost' 6 hours, which was explained as a time zone difference, not a disappearance en-route.

Swedish UFO Reports

Eileen Fletcher, who often contributes translated articles for <OVNI>, has access to UFO reports from Sweden. These reports are published in 'Aktuellt', and one such report is included in this issue. Readers interested in exchanging Swedish UFO reports or longer articles are directed to contact Eileen Fletcher.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of UFO phenomena by mainstream media, personal UFO sighting reports from the UK, and amateur astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO reports, while also providing practical advice on astronomical observation and acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. The publication acts as a platform for sharing sighting accounts and discussing the broader implications of UFO phenomena.