OVNI - 1996 09 - September

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, the Newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association, dated September 1996, presents a diverse range of topics within the ufology and related fields. The cover features the title 'OVNI' prominently, along with the date and a subtitle indicating it is a 'Newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association'. The cover art includes various symbolic images such as a flying saucer, a pyramid and sphinx, a complex geometric diagram, and a crop circle design, suggesting the breadth of content within.

Flying Triangles, What Is Going On?

Authored by Omar Fowler, the lead article discusses the increasing number of 'Flying Triangle' (FT) sightings across the UK. Fowler recounts his experience at the Quest Conference at Leeds University, where he met international speakers like Jorge Martin and Santiago Y. Garza, and was asked to present on the rise of FT sightings due to Jenny Randles' cancellation. He notes a significant increase in reports and mentions receiving statements from witnesses. The article highlights sightings in Avon, south of Bath, and a report from an amateur astronomer who observed an FT moving on the edge of space. Fowler questions the meaning behind these sightings, referencing the first FT 'flap' in the Hudson Valley in March 1983 and earlier 'V-shaped glows' in Illinois in 1897. He notes that the first FT with a specific light configuration was seen over Tyneside in September 1960, and since then, activity has increased, with reports of FTs hovering over motorways and nuclear facilities. Fowler emphasizes the need to log and analyze these reports, posing questions about the aerodynamic purpose of the triangle shape and the function of the central white beam seen in some sightings.

Nick Pope Reveals All at the E.M.U.F.O.R.A. Conference

This section details a conference in Nottingham arranged by the East Midlands group E.M.U.F.O.R.A., featuring Nick Pope, a former government official and author of 'Open Skies Closed Minds', and UFO investigator Matthew Williams. Nick Pope addressed the audience, stating, "The UFO's are running around us, if a conflict started, we would be on the losing side!". He discussed his work in a Civil Service department that handled UFO investigations, noting that his initial view of UFO witnesses as 'quirky' was incorrect. After three years, he believed that a high proportion of the 10% of unexplained sightings were extraterrestrial. Pope also mentioned his involvement in the 'Desert Storm' operations and his subsequent move to the 'UFO Investigations' department, where the main concern was the invasion of UK airspace. He expressed a desire for a country-wide database for UFO reports and cited reports from trained observers like RAF pilots and police. He recounted an incident in 1970 involving a Phantom pilot and a UFO over the North Sea, and a more recent incident where a flight of Tornadoes was overtaken by a UFO. Pope also highlighted the prominence of 'Flying Triangles' and a spate of sightings over Lincolnshire. He discussed the Rendlesham Forest landing, obtaining radiation readings that were ten times above normal levels.

Matthew Williams spoke about his investigation into secrecy surrounding government establishments, particularly Rudloe Manor in Wiltshire, believed to be involved in tracking UFO reports. He described his attempts to get information from the establishment, receiving evasive replies, including a claim that the establishment was closing down, which later proved false. Williams also mentioned speaking with locals employed at Rudloe Manor, who revealed more about the work inside. He was challenged by armed military personnel during his investigation.

Nick Pope, in a Q&A session, reiterated his view that there is no deliberate government 'cover up', based on his three years in the MOD. He stated that "abductions" are the most disturbing aspect of the phenomenon. He also commented on media programs like 'Independence Day', believing the public could handle the truth about UFOs. He argued that Flying Triangles are unlikely to be secret prototype aircraft operated over public areas. He noted that the speed and maneuverability of FTs during the Belgian FT flap had shaken military analysts, and that these UFOs pose a significant threat, potentially leaving the UK on the losing side in a conflict. The article mentions two higher echelons of UFO investigation within the MOD: DSTI and D155.

Tacit Blue

This section briefly reports on the unveiling of the 'Tacit Blue' stealth technology demonstrator by the US Air Force on April 30, 1996. Developed by Northrop, the project provided data for the B-2 flying wing design and aimed to demonstrate a low-observable surveillance aircraft with high survivability. The program ran from 1978 to 1985, with 135 flights conducted starting in February 1982. This article was contributed by Tony Weaver.

A Report From Dr. Oscar Rafael Padilla Lara (Guatemala)

This exclusive report details the 'Blood Sucker' phenomenon in Guatemala, compared to the 'Goat Sucker' of Puerto Rico. Dr. Lara, accompanied by investigators Rolando Castillo, Miguel Alfredo Aguilera, and Armando Vela, investigated recent reports in Estanzuela, Zacapa. Stories of the 'Blood Sucker' have persisted for 18 years, with recent incidents occurring since October 1995. Victims include Mrs Galdamez and a teacher, Alicia Fajardo de Cabrera, who lost 150 chickens. The attacks, occurring between 11 pm and 3 am, result in animals being found dead with two holes in their necks and drained of blood. Witnesses reported hearing a hum, seeing a spiral design in the soil, and described the creature as looking like a black dog with a very long tail and big red eyes. The creature is believed to hide in caves near the Quebrada del Jacote river. Another witness, Julio Conde, described the being as standing on two feet like a human. The creature is said to rip through wire mesh to enter hen houses and can open doors, suggesting intelligence and a flexible, boneless body.

End of the Season Crop Circles

This section features photographs of two crop circles: 'Three Arm Spiral' at Windmill Hill, near Stonehenge, consisting of over 225 circles ranging from 45ft to 5ft in diameter, and 'The Sundial' in East Oakley, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, observed in early July. The photographs are credited to Busty Taylor.

The Evening Sky

Authored by Barry Parkinson, this column discusses astronomical events in September 1996. A total lunar eclipse will occur on the evening of the 26th and morning of the 27th, turning the Full Harvest Moon a reddish-coppery color. The eclipse begins at 11:12 pm, with totality between 1:19 am and 2:29 am. Saturn will be visible near the Moon during totality. The Harvest Moon's significance to ancient cultures is mentioned. The Autumnal equinox occurs on the 22nd. Venus and Mars will rise together in the northeastern sky around 3 am. The column also includes a reflection on the fragility of Earth, referencing the asteroid impact 65 million years ago that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

A 'Flying Triangle' Sighting From 1981 (Stafford)

This is a personal account submitted by Mr P. Pearce, describing a sighting on December 23, 1981, at 5:55 pm in Stafford. While riding his motorbike along Eccleshall Road, he observed a large triangle directly above him. The triangle had red lights at each corner, green lights on its sides, and a large orange-yellow light in the center. A blue fluorescent light ran the length of the triangle's interior. The object moved gently and silently, making a soft hissing sound. The witness felt warm and relaxed. He encountered another man on a push bike who may or may not have seen the object. He reported the sighting to friends at a pub, but received dismissive remarks. He was prompted to report it later due to recent encouragement. A diagram of the Stafford sighting is included, showing the triangle's position relative to local landmarks and its direction of flight. The witness estimates the object was present for about half an hour to three-quarters of an hour and notes that he had not consumed alcohol before the sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly 'Flying Triangles', and the potential for government secrecy and extraterrestrial involvement. There is a strong emphasis on witness accounts and the collection of data for analysis. The magazine also touches upon other anomalous phenomena like the 'Blood Sucker' and crop circles, alongside regular astronomical observations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reporting and investigation, while acknowledging the skepticism and challenges faced by researchers. The inclusion of reports from international locations like Guatemala and Puerto Rico, alongside UK-based sightings and investigations, suggests a global perspective on UFO phenomena.

Title: OVNI
Issue: 12
Volume: 1
Date: 1996

This issue of OVNI magazine, published by the Phenomenon Research Association, focuses on UFO sightings and related research, featuring eyewitness accounts, news from the UFO community, and upcoming events.

Eyewitness Account: Tadcaster Sighting

The lead article details a personal sighting by a witness in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, in mid-August 1985, between 22:00 and 23:30 hrs. While observing the Perseid meteor showers, the witness, using a 6" Newtonian or Dobsonian telescope from their back garden, scanned the sky. They observed a spectacular object that was not visible to the naked eye but appeared through the scope. The object was described as "immense" and moved "very slowly." It was initially seen as a "wedge, like a block of cheese," then as a "figure of eight," and from the side, it looked like "two separate flat triangles." The witness noted its intense white and shiny black appearance and stated it was "real and solid and intelligent in its manouvrability." The object appeared to move rapidly towards the witness before fading and disappearing after about two minutes. The witness later found pictures of similar craft from eleven years prior, suggesting a connection to past sightings.

Film Crew Visit and Latest Reports

The magazine reports that a Paramount 'Sightings' film crew visited local FT (Flying Triangle) witnesses Robin Gibbard and Tom Culleton on September 5th, 1996, at the request of Phil Davis. The footage is intended for the 'Sightings' series, to be broadcast on Sky TV.

A "LATEST 'FLYING TRIANGLE' REPORT" details a sighting by Mrs M.A.Carr of Paulton, near Bristol, on September 4th, 1996, at 9:00-9:30 pm. The FT reportedly travelled slowly and had three bright white lights on its rounded corners and a large central red light, described as "dull red crystals." It emitted a faint rumbling sound as it passed overhead at a few hundred feet.

Community News and Events

Under the "TALE ENDERS" section, Daryl Spence is noted for forming a new UFO group, a branch of the B.E.A.M.S. organisation, in Mansfield.

"RUSSIAN HOLES" reports on two mysterious pits discovered in a field of oats in Porechive, Russia, one measuring 16ft across and 15ft deep, and another smaller one of unknown depth.

A new edition of the 'Fire Officer's Guide To Disaster Control' is mentioned, which includes a chapter on 'The UFO Threat-A Fact', 'UFO Hazards', 'Force Field Impact', 'Regional Power Blackouts', and 'The Panic Hazard', sourced from Ken Potts (NUFON & PRA).

The "BURTON-ON-TRENT UFO 1967" section recounts a sighting by a Mr B.S. in early November 1967, around 7:30 pm. He and his girlfriend saw two lights that wavered and disappeared, then a line of lights rose above trees, described as green, yellowy-white, and reddish-blue, about the size of a lorry. The lights moved rapidly towards them before moving away. The witness later read about similar sightings in Stoke.

A "PHOTO'S NASA HID FOR 20 YEARS" article from the Daily Mirror on August 22nd is referenced, mentioning claimed NASA UFO photos, including some from the Apollo 13 mission. The article questions the validity of astronauts taking time to photograph UFOs during a crisis.

A sighting of "Three Flying Triangles" over Dallas, Texas, on March 3rd is reported, joined by six spherical UFOs. The objects hovered before the FTs shot skywards and the spheres dispersed.

An upcoming meeting is announced for Thursday, September 26th, at the British Legion in Allenton, Derby, at 8 pm. The event features a lecture by Arthur Tomlinson on "The UFO Enigma," including colour slides and information on 'Flying Triangles'. Admission for non-members is £1.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, particularly 'Flying Triangles', and reports on UFO-related news and research from various sources, including international reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and witness testimonies for the reader to consider. There is an emphasis on documenting sightings and fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts, as evidenced by the announcement of new groups and lectures.