OVNI - 1997 02 - February

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, the Newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association, is dated February 1997. The cover features a collage of symbolic images, including a pyramid and sphinx, a disc-shaped UFO, a complex geometric symbol, a planet Earth, and a Nazca-like line drawing, hinting at the diverse topics within. The main cover headline is 'DISTURBING PROPHECIES?'. The price is listed as £1 plus postage, with Members Free.

Disturbing Prophecies?

The lead article, 'Disturbing Prophecies?', discusses the increasing number of prophecies warning of great Earth changes as the year 2000 approaches. It mentions speculation about Comet Hale-Bopp bringing a 'companion' that some believe is under intelligent control. Several prophecies are presented, including extracts from Mother Shipton (16th Century) detailing societal changes, wars, and natural disasters, and Edgar Cayce (1934) predicting Earth's darkening and the appearance of 'His Star'.

A report from Wiltshire details a family of 'contactees' who claim to have been warned of a world catastrophe and have cashed in their Life Insurance Policies. Mary Barrett, one of the family, writes that the planet is undergoing physical changes every 26,000 years, attributing this to Earth's rebellion against ill-treatment. She calls for people to change their ways and live in peace with 'space brothers and sisters' for salvation.

The Editor's Notes discuss the passing of Comet Hale-Bopp and the potential effects of its 'companion'. It raises the question of whether a large heavenly body could cause a shift in Earth's poles, referencing a discovered 'shift of the poles' from ancient Aboriginal firestones in Australia. The notes also question whether Chinese prophecies forecast calamities and critically examine the accuracy of the Christian calendar, suggesting it might be three years out based on the known date of King Herod's death. The authenticity of the Mother Shipton prophecies is questioned due to anachronistic language, specifically the word 'trousers'. The family who cashed their insurance are noted to be in touch with the 'Greys', described as 'fibbers'. A disclaimer states the PRA cannot refund membership fees from May-October 1997 due to 'An Act Of God'.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Halo or Not?

This article by Simon Lewis investigates a photograph taken at Livington Pike, Lancashire, questioning whether it depicts a secret aircraft ('Halo') or the Eurofighter undergoing trials. The photograph shows a delta shape with a conventional look and greyish colour. The article analyzes the scale and context, suggesting it could be a Eurofighter. It notes that no noise was reported, which can be explained by the surrounding hills. Information from various sources confirms the Eurofighter was airborne in the area, often escorted by Tornado aircraft. The article concludes by stating that eyewitness reports vary and light conditions can cause misidentification.

Birmingham UFO Society Report: Mid-Sept. 96

This report by Robert Bamford details a sighting by two witnesses in the Halesowen area. They observed two lights, one resembling a helicopter following a red light, which through binoculars appeared as red lights in a circle with curved wings. The 'helicopter' followed the object for twelve minutes before it disappeared. The incident occurred in the Blackheath/Rowley Regis/Quinton area.

BUFOS Flying Triangle Reports 1996

A list of flying triangle sightings reported to BUFOS in 1996 is provided, with dates, locations, and times:

• 22 January over M6 (2347hrs)
• 26 September Near Worcester (0200hrs)
• 10 October Walmley Sutton (2300hrs)
• 15 October Kidderminster (0200hrs)
• 20 November Worcester (?)
• 21 November Stafford (2347hrs)

More on the Welsh Sighting 21/11/96 (Case 96/50)

This section provides further details on a Flying Triangle (FT) report from Mrs June James, a teacher from Penparc near Cardigan. On November 21st, 1996, at approximately 8:45 pm, she heard a loud rumbling noise, described as similar to a Vulcan Bomber. Investigating outside, she saw a huge triangular object with curved tips, red and blue lights, and a silvery light, travelling slowly above rooftop height. Another object with a single white flash followed it. She had a similar experience two years prior. On January 21st, 1997, she heard the same noise and saw two red flashing balls of light. A postscript mentions the 'Flying Triangle Mystery' book.

Incident at Mickleover, Derbyshire 25th October 1996

Investigated by A. Hitchcock, this report details Mrs G. Jones' sighting on October 24th, 1996, at 12:30 am. She saw a brilliant ball of light emerge from behind a tree, which then revealed a huge triangular shape outlined by small lights. The object travelled silently about 30ft high before banking sharply and disappearing. Mrs Jones described the size, brilliance of light, and dark triangular shape. She felt elated but did not go outside due to the cold. The object made no sound.

An Unusual Lincolnshire Event: 10 August 1996

This report from Mrs P describes a family holiday event on the Lincolnshire coast. At midnight, they witnessed what they initially thought was a meteorite storm, seeing a galaxy of stars, planets, and over 20 shooting stars. This was followed by a thunderstorm out at sea. They then observed three separate triangular entities moving in unison, described as translucent with hazy, bright light. Mrs P, a psychotherapist, relates this to psychic experiences and dreams, suggesting it might be a sign of enlightenment.

Skywatch Diary

Carole Baker's 'Skywatch Diary' notes the recent proliferation of UFO and abduction-related television shows and movies, including programs on Discovery Channel, Learning Channel, A & E, and regular series like 'X-Files'. She wonders about the source and purpose of this media trend. The diary also mentions the 5th Anniversary Project Awareness Gulf Breeze UFO Conference and reports on a quiet week of skywatching, where a blimp flying north was observed and mistaken by some for a UFO.

The Evening Sky

This column by Barry Parkinson discusses astronomical topics. It explains Olbers' Paradox, why the night sky is dark despite the vast number of stars, attributing it to the universe's expansion and red shift. The constellation Orion is highlighted for February, with details on its stars Betelgeuse and Rigel. The article also touches on 'The Orion Mystery' book and its claims about the Giza pyramids. It mentions Sirius as the brightest star and discusses the supernova of Sanduleak (star in LMC) ten years prior (February 1987), explaining that heavy elements are formed in stellar explosions. The column concludes with the idea that 'we are star dust and we are golden'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are prophecies of future events, particularly concerning Earth changes and potential catastrophes, alongside UFO and unexplained aerial phenomenon sightings. There is a strong emphasis on investigation and reporting of these events, with contributions from various UFO research groups and individuals. The magazine also touches upon astronomical phenomena and the broader cultural impact of UFOs in media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also critically examining evidence and claims, as seen in the analysis of prophecies and the Eurofighter sighting. There's a sense of urgency regarding planetary changes and a call for humanity to alter its ways.

This document is page 10 of a publication by E.M.U.F.O.R.A. (East Midlands U.F.O. Research Association), dated with contact information for Mr. Tony James in Nottingham.

Editorial Announcement and Group Restructuring

The issue begins with an announcement that E.M.U.F.O.R.A.'s regular magazine has ceased publication. Omar, a contributor, will now write a regular page for 'Ovni' to share news, sightings, and gossip from Nottingham, the East Midlands, and potentially worldwide. The reasons cited for the magazine's closure are the immense difficulty in maintaining its production with limited help and the busy schedules of Carole and the author. With more UFO magazines available, they decided one less publication wouldn't be missed. The group has also undergone restructuring, removing 'wasters' and categorizing UFOlogists into three types: those who support by attending meetings (Type 1), those who join but do nothing (Type 2 - now removed), and those who actively investigate and help with meetings and investigations (Type 3). The author emphasizes the need for local UFO group support.

Nottinghamshire UFO Sighting (November 1996)

A UFO report was received from Lincolnshire concerning a sighting in November 1996. The author spoke to the witness, who provided a basic story and completed a questionnaire. However, after several requests, the family refused to cooperate further. The sighting occurred in the countryside on the outskirts of Nottinghamshire as a family of four was driving to Nottingham to visit relatives. The driver noticed an unusual light configuration ahead and pulled over. As the craft approached, it was described as large and triangular, hovering above their car. It had lights in each corner and along its base, accompanied by a slight, deep humming sound. The craft hovered at approximately 200 feet for about six minutes. During this time, no other vehicles passed on the main road into Nottinghamshire. The object then moved off slowly and disappeared. Almost immediately, another car approached and passed by. Crucially, there seemed to be no time loss, as the family arrived at their destination at their estimated time, despite the unscheduled stop. Other details are unavailable due to the witnesses' non-cooperation. The author promises more triangular reports and sightings from Area 51 and Nottingham in the next page.

The Wave of "Wing" Reports: More on the "Boomerang": "As Large As Two Football Fields"

This section, authored by R. Perry Collins, discusses a UFO wave of unprecedented duration and consistency that enveloped significant areas of the eastern United States from March 1983 to November 1985. Centered over New York and Connecticut, the UFO was repeatedly reported as being "larger than a football field," and by one witness, "about two football fields." It flew low over populated areas for over two years, often described as a huge "wing" or "boomerang" shape. The lights were variable, often forming a large open "V" or boomerang-shaped array, switching on and off, seemingly to attract attention. Related activity included flights of aircraft in various formations with non-regulation lights and reports of federal agency interest, which were largely ignored by the national media but covered by local press and broadcasts.

First Reports

The wave began in March 1983, with reports from Kent, New York, and motorists on the I-84 highway describing a large UFO hovering and moving slowly. The object was dark, metallic, and displayed glowing lights. The lights often formed a large open "V" or "boomerang," changing position rapidly into configurations like a "horseshoe," "cross," straight line, and a large circle, often returning to the "V" shape before accelerating away.

Press Headlines

One week after the initial reports, on March 24th, the UFO was seen again by citizens and police officers in Yorktown, Mt. Kisco, and Carmel, New York. Headlines in the Port Chester Daily Item read, "Hundreds Claim To Have Seen UFO." The object was sighted on subsequent nights and began appearing over Danbury, Connecticut, in early April. Between March 1983 and November 1985, over eighty articles appeared in local newspapers in New York and Connecticut. A recent article from October 18th, 1985, in the Bridgeport Post and Danbury News Times described a huge, low-flying object seen by an estimated 2,000 witnesses, with "V"-shaped lights that changed color from white to red to green and back to white. The "wing" shape also changed from a "V" to a straight line while hovering and back to a "V" upon acceleration.

The "Boomerang" Craft

Figure 1 illustrates the "Boomerang" craft. Mr. Kisco, Carmel, New York, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were among the locations where sightings occurred. The Port Chester Daily Item reported on the object's appearance on the night of April 25th, and the following night.

Tale Enders

This section provides brief summaries of various UFO-related incidents:

• MUFON, Michigan: On May 21st, 1996, at Charleston, Illinois, four witnesses at a Youth Camp saw a big white light followed by a Flying Triangle with two red lights, which illuminated the area with a spotlight.
• Fun Fair Fright: On October 26th, 1996, at Ripley, Derbys., Mr. C. Fleetwood and his son observed a cluster of lights in a triangular shape travelling east at high speed, estimated to be at 4,000ft, silently and without strobe lights.
• Another FT Alien Report: On September 7th, 1995, at Versailles, Minnesota, multiple witnesses reported a huge Triangular 'ship' with four disc-shaped 'ships' and up to 50 creatures underneath.
• LUFON (Lancs.): On January 29th, 1996, at 0550, Graham Thompson saw an object with four brilliant bright lights pulsing orangey-red from right to left.
• British Airways 'Near Miss': Eric Morris, Director of the British UFO Studies Centre, promised to reveal the exact nature of a British Airways 'Near Miss' sighting in the March issue of INTELLIGENCE magazine, stating they could prove what it was.
• Mysterious Ilkley Moor Tour: An ancient and UFO landing sites tour was scheduled for March 22nd, organized by Connect UFO Investigations.
• "They Lied, They Lied": A 17-year-old schoolgirl, Rohan Hilton, claimed abduction by Greys in Chesapeake Bay, Delaware, stating they broke their promise to leave her alone.
• The Fife Landing Case (OVNI Jan.): Primary witnesses were unhappy with a magazine story about a landed FT, involving figures and faces in balls of light. David Coleman (SUPR) is investigating.
• Stop Press: A Flying Triangle was sighted over Long Eaton, Notts., on the evening of February 4th.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 27th, from 7:30 PM to 10 PM at the British Legion, Allenton, Derby. The agenda includes a "Contact" video presentation on the Billy Meier UFO photographs and film footage by Wendell Stevens, and a review of 'Flying Triangle' video footage. Non-members are welcome with a £1.00 admittance fee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly Flying Triangles and large "wing" or "boomerang" shaped craft, and the activities of UFO research groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, with a focus on providing detailed accounts of sightings and research efforts, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations, such as witness cooperation. The group emphasizes the importance of supporting local UFO research organizations.