OVNI - 1995 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: < OVNI >
Issue: April 1995
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1 including postage

Ilkeston UFO Mystery Solved

The lead article in this issue, titled "PHENOMENON RESEARCH ASSOCIATION CRACK THE ILKESTON UFO MYSTERY," reports on an intensive investigation into strange lights seen circling over Ilkeston, Derbyshire, for five hours on the night of Monday, March 20th, 1995. Witnesses described a silent object carrying a variety of lights, passing low over the town and countryside every twelve minutes. After assessing information from multiple trained observers, including a policeman with twenty-two years of service, the PRA concluded that the object was a low-flying aircraft. This was confirmed by a member of the Mc Kinnon Clarke Company, who stated the aerial object was a Rockwell Aerocommander survey aircraft, powered by two turbo-prop engines known for their low noise emission. The aircraft was conducting night survey work for the Nottingham City Council, using thermal imaging equipment at a height of 2,000ft. The flight lasted from 8 pm on March 20th to 2 am the following morning, with one refuelling stop at East Midlands Airport. The aircraft flew a predetermined path using 300-meter center lines, involving turns over the Ilkeston area, which accounted for the regular passing overhead of the lights. The article notes that this identification does not negate the fact of widespread UFO activity in the Derbyshire area in recent weeks, with more reports featured in this issue of OVNI.

Triangle Sightings Continue

This section discusses the challenge of editing the newsletter, emphasizing its purpose to keep members informed about local and global UFO developments. 'Flying Triangles' are highlighted as a typical example of a widespread problem, necessitating strict editing while still presenting an overall view. The PRA has been in discussion with the British UFO Studies Centre in Winsford, Cheshire, to exchange information, and the following article is condensed from their magazine.

TRIANGULAR SHAPED OBJECT IN THE NEW 'WELSH TRIANGLE'

By Eric Morris

On November 2nd, 1994, four people travelling from Chester to Oswestry on the A483 reported seeing a light in the sky near Gresford between 11:30 pm and midnight. As they approached, they identified it as a triangle against the dark sky. While driving underneath it, they realized it was travelling slowly and making no audible sound. The object was estimated to be about 50ft above the road. Witnesses lowered their car windows to get a better view. The object moved slowly and irregularly, with steady lights. Its size was described as being about that of a tennis ball at arm's length. The article includes diagrams illustrating the observation, an isometric view, and the base of the object.

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER NEAR MATLOCK, DERBYS.

This report, Case 95/30, is based on an account from witness Mr. Mark Cheetham of Alfreton. On February 26th, 1995, at approximately 9:40 pm, while travelling from Matlock towards Moorwood Moor near Southingfield, Derbyshire, his girlfriend noticed lights in the sky about a mile away, initially thought to be a plane. As they drew closer, the lights appeared to be hovering at about 200-300ft to the left of a cottage. Mr. Cheetham drove down the road towards the cottage. Within 50-75 yards of the object, he stopped the car. They observed three small red lights in a triangular formation, about 40ft in diameter, with two round white lights, the size of an old dustbin lid, in the center of the craft. A second car behind them flashed its lights, possibly having seen something. The object then began to move silently towards them at a speed of no more than 20mph, covering the 50-75 yards in 30-45 seconds, passing directly over their car. Mr. Cheetham's girlfriend was screaming to drive away, but he was frozen, watching until it went out of his vision. He then drove off, and his girlfriend reported that the object had gone straight up very high and disappeared towards Tansley. The article includes a diagram of the triangular formation with red and white lights.

A DERBYSHIRE INCIDENT 1993 (Case 93/10)

Investigated by Peter Edwards, this close encounter involved two witnesses, Ms. Hayley Richards and her boyfriend Mr. John Forde of Mickleover, Derby. While travelling on Long Lane, Longford, to attend a pool match, Ms. Richards noticed a very bright round light in the sky, similar in shape, size, and brightness to the moon, but known not to be the moon as it was on their left. As they drove, the light remained at a constant distance, sometimes appearing covered by a faint mist. When they were the only vehicle on the road, after other cars had turned off, they reached the crest of a hill. The single light then split into two beams, resembling bright headlights. Suddenly, the "craft" was very close, about 50-60ft above them on their left. They stopped the car. The craft was described as wedge-shaped with a black main body. Two floodlights were visible in the middle towards the front, with alternate red and white lights spread across the front. A superstructure was visible underneath, partly in shadow. A faint whooshing noise was heard. They decided to fetch Terry Rodgers, the landlord, and his camera from the Ostrich Inn, but upon their return, the craft had gone. The article includes a drawing of the craft with labels for alternate red/white lights, main lights, curved sides, and a super structure. The date 23/10/93 is noted.

THE MEDIA STIR'S OLD MEMORIES

Recent extensive media coverage of 'Flying Triangles' and the Phenomenon Research Association has brought several past UFO incidents to light. Witnesses who had seen or photographed UFOs years ago may not have known who to contact or may have been reluctant to report their sightings. The article suggests that times have changed, and the phenomenon is now treated more seriously. Mr. Gordon-Ranford of Alvaston, Derby, photographed two unusual UFOs in July 1967 while living in Swindon, Wiltshire. He was in his garden when he noticed a glint of light, seeing what appeared to be a transparent bubble with two points of light on either side. He took a quick shot, and then another 'bubble' appeared. He took a second photograph, and a third as the two balls flew away rapidly. These three color slides, now 26 years old, were later processed and enhanced. The "bubble" was described as a short transparent cylinder with two bright 'neon' type lights down either side. A drawing based on the photograph is included, showing the object with lights and dated July 67, Swindon, Wiltshire.

MARCH 16th 1995 - A BUSY TIME FOR UFO's

On March 16th, 1995, four 'Flying Triangle' sightings were logged around Derby. This report comes to light following recent media publicity and is in the vicinity of an earlier incident on March 1st and 2nd, when Mrs. Cooper and her sister saw and video'd a 'LITS' UFO in the same area. A report from Mr. "S.F." of Derby, dated April 7th, 1995, describes driving down Osmanston Park Road towards the 'spider bridge' at Allenton. Stopping to let traffic pass, he glanced upwards and saw a 'Triangle' with lights hovering high over the bridge. He is certain he saw it and believes other witnesses were present. He checked local newspapers for reports but found none. The article includes a cartoon by Norris Hall of C & S Enterprises, depicting Carl Sagan and referencing the 'Horsehead Nebula', with thanks to Bev D. Wright.

THEORY OF OPERATION.

PROPULSION FOR SPACE CRAFT, MAIN UNIT FOR SINGLE VECTOR THRUST

By John Brickstock

This section presents a theoretical concept for spacecraft propulsion. It describes a centrally located motor or atomic power plant that provides clockwise drive to hydraulically or electromagnetically controlled weights. These weights are shifted off-axis by a telescopic arm, creating the effect of shifting the craft's center of gravity, theoretically providing thrust. A balanced counter-clockwise weight could be added to prevent the whole assembly from rotating, matching the RPM from the main drive. The unit is designed to provide thrust up to the maximum tolerance of the telescopic arms. The article includes diagrams of a 'Centrifugal Force Engine' showing a plan elevation and side elevation, illustrating the motor, electric hub, weights, outer hull, and the direction of theoretical travel. John Brickstock welcomes comments and requests SAE for more details.

The Evening Sky

April 1995

This column, written by Barry Parkinson, discusses astronomical observations for April. It highlights a band of bright stars and constellations visible in the Spring sky, including Canis Major, Orion, Taurus, Perseus, and Cassiopeia. The article notes that April is a month of rapid change and dramatic events, both on Earth and in the heavens, with planets moving into view. Mars is visible in the southern sky, moving away from Arcturus towards Regulus. Jupiter is visible after midnight in the southeastern sky. Venus appears in the eastern dawn, with Saturn rising higher each morning. A conjunction of Venus and Saturn is predicted for the morning of April 13th, encouraging readers to observe these planets. The column also mentions Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, which require telescopes for viewing, and notes their predawn visibility in April. It explains pulsars as rapidly spinning neutron stars discovered in the 1960s, referencing the pulsar associated with the Crab nebula and the supernova observed in 1054. The column is based at 'The Evening Sky', P.O. Box 4002, Milton Keynes, MK13 7ER, U.K.

TALE ENDERS

This section provides brief news updates and announcements:

• Centre for Crop Circle Studies: East Midlands Branch is holding a meeting on Tuesday, April 25th, at 7:30 pm in West Bridgeford, focusing on "Sample analysis 1995."
• Guatemala Contact: Dr. Oscar Rafael Padilla Lara confirms "Flying Triangles" are buzzing (humming) in Guatemala.
• Germany Fax: Victor J. Kean reports that Flying Triangles are invading Belgian airspace.
• Roswell Alien Autopsy: A report suggests this may be shown on CNN international news on April 28th.
• Groom Lake: Sensitive projects may be moving from Groom Lake to Idaho, possibly to the former Atomic Energy installation now called Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, as reported by Oklahoma MUFON news.
• EMUFORA: East Midlands UFO Research Association is holding a meeting on May 22nd at 7:30 pm, with guest speaker Alison Treadwell of CCCS.
• UFO Crash at Roswell: The book by Kevin D. Randle & Donald R. Schmitt is mentioned for providing clues about the interior lighting of "Flying Saucers," with a military officer noting that metal from a crashed UFO produced perfect illumination when energized.
• UFO Roadshow: The group at Warsop, Notts., run by Les Trueman, had Omar Fowler as a guest speaker on April 19th.
• Crop Circles: Michael Newark (Coventry) has assessed crop circles formed in 1994, and his list is expected to be printed in the next issue.
• Mansfield Sighting: Mrs. E.M. Leach reported a bright visitor on the night of March 31st, 1995, which shot off with a loud engine sound.
• Next PRA Meeting: Tuesday, May 23rd. Venue to be notified in the May issue. No meeting in April.

Copyright: (C) 1995 OVNI, published by the Phenomenon Research Association. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI revolve around UFO sightings, particularly 'Flying Triangles,' and the investigative efforts of the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA). The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and reporting, aiming to inform members with both local and global UFO-related news. There is a clear effort to debunk misidentifications, as seen with the Ilkeston incident, while still acknowledging the broader phenomenon. The inclusion of astronomical observations and theoretical concepts suggests a broader interest in anomalous phenomena and scientific inquiry. The newsletter also highlights the increasing seriousness with which UFOs are being treated by the public and media, contrasting with past reluctance to report sightings.