OVNI - 1997 01 - January

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: January 1997
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association
Type: Newsletter

Cover Story: COVERT FLYING TRIANGLES ARE NOT ALL UFO's

This issue's lead article explores the increasing speculation that the British Aerospace industry is testing covertly a new type of Stealth aircraft, designated 'HALO' (High Altitude Low Observable). Information from the Lancashire UFO Society suggests a small black triangular craft, approximately 30ft in length, has been test-flown along the Lancashire coast over the past 18 months. This 'HALO' aircraft, along with a 'chase' plane (a Tornado), has been reportedly seen by numerous witnesses.

The article questions the LUFOS group's assertion that all 'Flying Triangles' seen in Northern skies are of terrestrial origin. The Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) perspective is that ufologists should always consider the possibility of man-made craft, citing historical delta-wing aircraft like the Avro 707a, 707b, Boulton Paul 111, Fairey Delta 2, and Avro Vulcan.

During a BBC Radio Derby broadcast, the editor responded to claims made by Tim Matthews of LUFOS. Matthews suggested the 'HALO' craft was responsible for various Flying Triangle sightings, including incidents during the 'Belgian Wave' of 1989/90, a UFO filmed over Mansfield in 1994 involving helicopters, an encounter with a British Airways airliner in 1995, and Flying Triangles over Derby in 1994/95. PRA member Jonathan Franklin disputed Matthews' claims, citing a sighting on 16/9/96 that he believed could not be explained by a man-made craft.

The editor noted that Flying Triangle craft are observed globally, not just in Britain. Matthews indicated Americans were flying similar craft and controversially stated that 'Nick Pope knew nothing about UFO's' and that Tony Dodd had doubts about the Scottish landing case.

The article highlights the extensive research by Victor J. Kean, who has logged over 1,900 'Flying Triangle' incidents in 1995 and over 1,000 in 1996. Kean's data suggests these craft approach from the North Sea, cross the country, show interest in Nuclear Power Stations, and return over the East coast.

Rumours of a government 'D Notice' restricting media information on 'Flying Triangles' are discussed, with the possibility that it relates to the development of the secret triangular Stealth aircraft. Timothy Good, however, stated that if such a notice were in effect, he would have known about it.

The article suggests that the 'D Notice' and the 'secret British aircraft' story could be a disinformation campaign to destabilize UFO research by providing a seemingly logical explanation for sightings.

Tim Matthews' publication 'Stealth, Lies and Videotapes' is mentioned, with a specific quote about Professor John Searl flying saucer-shaped objects in the late 1960s/early 1970s using his 'Searl Effect Generator'. The article also notes Matthews' extreme views, including a claim that his house was being spied on by ufologists.

While acknowledging Matthews' work on British Stealth aircraft, the article advises circumspection regarding his claim that they account for all 'Flying Triangle' reports.

THE 'FT' LANDING IN SCOTLAND: IS THERE A COVER UP?

This section revisits the alleged landing of a huge 'Flying Triangle' craft at Falklands Hill, Fife, Scotland, reported in the previous issue. The incident, widely reported in the USA, apparently received no mention in the British press. The story was covered in detail by 'UFO Magazine', with updated information from David Colman of the Scottish Unexplained Phenomena Research organisation.

On September 23rd, 1996, following initial sightings, four witnesses observed a huge Flying Triangle landed on the ground. They described multi-coloured lights from a pulsating blue object, and saw small figures carrying boxes and tubular canisters, and taller figures directing them. The beings were described as having big dark eyes and disproportionately large heads. The craft was triangular with a dome on top and had two large white lights. Witnesses experienced 'lost time' and later recalled the events. The report notes that one witness commented, "I have only given you the tip of the iceberg" to David Colman.

CHRISTMAS EVE TRIANGLE SIGHTING

Mr Tom Culleton, a Post Office driver with previous FT encounter experience, reported a sighting on Christmas Eve, 1996, at 0115hrs. While driving from Derby to Burton-on-Trent, his radio began crackling, a precursor to previous FT sightings. Near Swadlincote, stationary at traffic lights, he observed a bright light from the East, associated with a large black shape and three white lights on each corner of a large black FT. The lights appeared to be rotating. The craft banked over and silently flew back East.

COULD THIS FT BE THE MYSTERIOUS 'HALO'?

June James of Penparc, West Wales, reported a sighting on November 21st, 1996, at 8:45 pm. She heard a low rumbling noise and saw an object shaped like a 'Vulcan' bomber (delta) with red, blue, and white lights, possibly accompanied by a Tornado chase plane with a single white flashing light. She estimated the FT was about the size of three 'Jumbo Jets' and flying slowly towards Cardigan. Aberporth, known for a government test range, is in the vicinity.

GLOWING GREEN FT SEEN NEAR BRADFORD, WEST YORKSHIRE

On August 6th, 1992, at 11 pm, Russell Kellett reported seeing a "glowing green light" in the sky near Bradford while driving from Leeds. Initially mistaking it for fireworks from a Michael Jackson concert, he then realized it was a large, bright, glowing green object moving slowly, appearing to glide. He described it as "very large" and suggested someone else must have seen it. The object made no sound.

Skywatch Diary: Pensacola, USA

Carole Baker reports a sighting on November 22nd, 1996, at approximately 5:50 pm in north Pensacola, USA. Two witnesses observed a large bright orange light over a power sub-station. The object was described as perfectly round and hovering. As one witness approached, her pager began acting erratically. The light interacted with the sub-station, producing sparks. Two smaller balls of light emerged from the main object, merging and separating multiple times. The object then moved away, described as a triangle shape with lights, and disappeared. The pager and telephone line returned to normal function afterwards.

UFO ROUNDUP

ANOMALOUS OBJECT SPOTTED IN DEEP SPACE: Amateur astronomer Chuck Shramek of Houston, Texas, observed and photographed an anomalous object near Comet Hale-Bopp on November 14th, 1996. He described it as "Saturn-shaped, self-luminous" and "four-and-a-half times larger than the Earth." Astronomer Terence C. Platt identified it as a "nearby star, SAO141894." Astronomer David W. Knisely suggested it might be "another star" or a "geostationary satellite." The editor commented that the object might be a satellite or a "Saturn-shaped UFO" that wandered into the telescope's field of view, referencing the Trinidade Island, Brazil case.

SURREY UFO REPORT: Miss Karan Cheema, a student in Egham, Surrey, reported seeing a brightly lit object with a "yellow-white aura" on November 21st, 1996. The glow switched off, leaving two lights. The object, described as "disc-like shape, almost typical of UFOs," moved diagonally at an estimated 20 m.p.h. and disappeared. The lights were green or yellow/white. The behavior was noted as characteristic of Flying Triangles.

AN 'FT' REPORT FROM GLOUCESTER

On March 9th, 1996, a witness in Barnwood, Gloucester, observed an unusual object in the sky. It was described as too large for a satellite and different from a hot air balloon. It had a glow of lights underneath in quick succession: red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The object moved slowly. Using binoculars, the witness saw it was flattened in shape with coloured cells on the underside, pulsing like beating lights. The object disappeared quickly.

New Age Science

Barry Parkinson discusses the difference between orthodox science and New Age Science. He states that traditional science denies subjective experience, while New Age Science values both factual information and personal experience. Parkinson criticizes orthodox science for alienating people and suggests that its authoritarianism leads to a closed worldview, potentially resulting in "brutal violent destruction of all that is human."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around 'Flying Triangles' (FTs), their potential terrestrial origins (secret aircraft like HALO), and their possible extraterrestrial nature. The magazine presents a critical stance towards the assertion that all FT sightings can be explained by man-made craft, advocating for an open-minded approach that considers all possibilities. There is a clear skepticism towards claims of disinformation or cover-ups, while also acknowledging the extensive research being conducted in the field. The issue also touches upon the broader philosophical debate between scientific materialism and more holistic, subjective approaches to understanding reality, as highlighted in the 'New Age Science' section.

Title: The Evening Sky
Issue: January 1997
Date: January 1997
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Astronomical Observations and Earth Science

The January 1997 issue of 'The Evening Sky' opens with an evocative description of the winter night sky, encouraging readers to observe the stars. It notes that on January 1st, 1997, Earth was 92.4 million miles from the Sun, experiencing perihelion, its closest point to the Sun for the year. Conversely, it will be 94.5 million miles away at aphelion on July 4th, 1997, highlighting the disconnect between Earth's position and its experienced seasons. The article delves into historical changes, mentioning that 900 million years ago, an Earth day was 18 hours long, and the Moon orbited Earth every 23 days, being 30,000 miles closer. It also states that the Moon is currently moving away from Earth at two inches per year, a process that is expanding its orbit at the expense of Earth's rotation. This gradual recession means that in 900 million years, an Earth day will be 30 hours long.

The magazine contrasts Earth's weather with that of Mars, which experiences sand-storms covering an area the size of Europe at speeds of 800 miles per hour. The dark winter skies are recommended for excellent stargazing conditions.

Planetary observations for January 1997 are detailed: Mars appears as a dim, red star rising around midnight in the constellation Virgo. Venus is low in the eastern sky, visible as morning twilight begins, and Mercury joins Venus on January 12th. Saturn is described as very bright and high in the southern sky at dusk, with its rings potentially visible through a telescope or binoculars. Other planets are obscured by the Sun's glare.

The Quadrantid meteor shower is highlighted, peaking on January 3rd, with good observing conditions, though the waning Moon might affect early morning observations.

Regarding solar activity, 1996 is noted as a poor year for Sunspots, being at a minimum in the eleven-year cycle. In August and September 1996, no Sunspots were observed.

The article concludes this section with a practical tip: "If you are looking at the sky in January, do wrap up warmly. I wear arctic winter clothing and you must do the same." The section is signed off with "Enjoy Your Evening Sky!" by Barry Parkinson.

UFO and Anomaly Reports

The issue also features several reports and discussions related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena.

Stokesay, Shropshire: New residents John and Christine Roberts report strange glowing lights at night in this small village. The local police have been informed but have not yet solved the problem.

Eugene Bauer of Dover Plains, N.Y. (USA): Mr. Bauer has submitted information on early 'Hudson Valley' incidents and sightings of 'Flying Triangles' (FTs) and 'boomerangs' over New York State in 1983/85, which are slated for future publication in OVNI magazine.

EMUFORA: The East Midlands UFO Research Association has published its final magazine, with Tony and Carole James ceasing publication due to other commitments and a lack of volunteers to continue the task. Their next meeting is scheduled for February 17th.

Comet Hale-Bopp Mysteries: According to the December issue of UFO Roundup, Sky and Telescope News in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, revealed that Comet Hale-Bopp was emitting "radio noise." In mid-November, radio observatories detected the comet's nucleus pumping out 30 tons of water and 6 tons of carbon monoxide per second, which helps explain its magnitude 4.5 brightness.

Jerome Clark (USA): Mr. Clark is working on a directory of UFO organizations for a 1997 release as part of a UFO Encyclopaedia series, in collaboration with the J. Allen Hynek Center For UFO Studies. The PRA will be included in this directory.

The 'Oz' Factor: This term, coined by Jenny Randles, describes the strange, silent, and detached experience witnesses have near a UFO. While initially thought to be physiological shock, a recent case has led to discounting this explanation.

South Humberside Incident: A lorry driver, identified as Mr MS, reported an incident in February 1991. While walking across a yard, he became aware of something behind him in complete silence. He saw a fast-moving light in the sky that stopped and accelerated vertically out of sight. He estimated it was about a quarter-mile away and the size of a small van.

Meetings and Media

Next Meeting: A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd, at 7:30 pm at the Allenton, British Legion in Derby.

New Video from the USA: A video is announced featuring topics such as Cattle Mutilations, Black Helicopters, Secret Government Revelations, and other items from California. Admission for non-members is £1.00.

Data Presentation

FT Speeds (UK Only): Page 2 presents a bar graph titled "Ref: Project 'Flying Triangle' FT SPEEDS UK ONLY". The graph plots the frequency of instances of 'Flying Triangles' against their speed in miles per hour (MPH). The note explains that the speed ranges were initially 10 mph (25-105mph), then changed to 20 mph ranges (up to 205 mph), and continued with broader ranges thereafter. The graph shows peaks in frequency for speeds below 25 mph, around 35-45 mph, and a significant peak around 55-65 mph, with other smaller peaks at various intervals up to 450 mph and beyond.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently blends astronomical news and observations with reports and discussions on UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific findings without overt skepticism. There is a clear interest in historical cases, ongoing investigations, and the broader implications of UFO sightings, as evidenced by the discussion of the 'Oz' Factor and the mention of organizations like the J. Allen Hynek Center For UFO Studies. The publication also serves as a platform for announcing local meetings and related media, fostering a community around these subjects. The inclusion of detailed astronomical data alongside UFO reports suggests an attempt to contextualize the unexplained within a broader understanding of the cosmos and Earth's place within it.