OVNI - 1997 04 - April

Magazine Overview

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

Main Articles and Features

FT's - IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

This section announces an upcoming Skywatch event in the vicinity of Bretby village, scheduled for the night of April 30th into May 1st. The 'Flying Triangle' (FT) season is noted to be approaching, with increased activity observed in the Burton-on-Trent area over the past two years, particularly around Bretby. The article recalls a previous skywatch on August 17th of the previous year, during which a photograph captured a white 'something' passing between observers. It is mentioned that similar phenomena have been encountered by other groups in the UK and USA.

UFO Reports

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• Bretby Skywatch Phenomenon (August 17th, 1996): A photograph from this event showed a white object. It's noted that similar phenomena have been seen elsewhere.
• Geoff's Photo Oxford (November 8th, 1994): A photograph taken in Garsington, near Oxford, by 'Geoff of the Plymouth UFO Research Group' shows a trail of multi-images of a glowing white disc that appeared to move towards and then across the camera. An area of green light was also noted.
• The Nottingham 'Boggart' (1966): Reported by Frank Earp, this incident involved a UFO spotting near a disused canal at Wollaton, Nottingham. A 'fat doughnut' shaped object with internal luminescence was observed. Subsequently, a six-foot high furry creature with claw-like hands appeared, holding two red rods, before fading away.
• Latest UFO Reports:
• March 11th, 1997: Mr. Ian Wharton of Southport reported a Flying Triangle passing over at an altitude of 100ft, flying quietly at approximately 5mph. A sketch details its features, including white lights and a grey mushroom-shaped light.
• March 2nd, 1997: Jonathan Franklin of Littleover, Derby, witnessed a bright 'spotlamp' in the sky with accompanying white and red lights. The object hovered, shone a light on the ground, and then moved away. Its low altitude and lack of sound made a helicopter explanation unlikely.
• April 11th, 1997: A Derby student, Philip Dore, observed an off-white, ovoid object moving slowly across the sky at approximately 30mph. It was estimated to be about a third the size of an aircraft, unilluminated, and made no sound.
• February 26th, 1997 (Stockport Advertiser): A cyclist reported a triangular gun-metal coloured craft hovering and rotating over Roman Lakes.
• Skywatch Diary (Florida, USA, March 26th, 1997): Carole Baker reports on the Project Awareness' Fifth Annual Gulf Breeze Conference. Sightings included:
• March 20th: Larren Warren observed a row of amber lights with a red and blue light, which moved erratically and emitted a blue beam.
• March 21st: A group observed two red lights that became amber, rotating and blinking out after three minutes.

A MESSAGE FROM THE E.T.'s

This contribution, related by Tanya and Mary Barrett, presents a spiritual perspective on UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence. The authors believe that governments are focused on money and control, while humanity needs to become more spiritual, understand life after death, and recognize that 'we are all spirit and cannot die'. They describe seeing various UFOs since April 1996, not typically triangular, which are stationary and flash red, green, and white lights. They also recount an encounter with a 'goblin-like' creature.

OPEN SKIES: OPEN MINDS

By Melanie Cunningham, this article critiques modern science's limitations in understanding phenomena that defy its established laws, such as UFOs. Cunningham argues that science, while valuable, can be dogmatic and limited by perception, often rejecting anything outside its 'compact science-Pandora's Box'. The author suggests that a larger reality exists beyond our five senses and that UFOs are part of this reality. The piece emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and recognizing 'other-ness' rather than trying to rigidly categorize UFOs.

The Evening Sky (April 1997)

This column by Barry Parkinson provides astronomical highlights for April 1997:

• Comet Hale-Bopp: Expected to reach its climax in the first weeks of April.
• Planetary Visibility: Mars is a brilliant orange beacon, Mercury is visible in the northwest at twilight, and Jupiter shines in the southeast before dawn.
• Comets: The article references the Tunguska event of June 30th, 1908, where a comet hit Siberia.
• Radio Astronomy: Light pollution and the demand for data exchange are impacting radio astronomy.
• Clyde Tombaugh: The discoverer of Pluto died at age 91.
• Pioneer 10: The spacecraft is heading out of the solar system, 10 billion miles from Earth, and will eventually drift towards the nearest star.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and related anecdotal accounts from readers and researchers. There is a recurring theme of questioning the limitations of conventional science and embracing a more spiritual or open-minded approach to understanding the universe and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various perspectives and reports without necessarily endorsing them as definitive fact, as indicated by the disclaimer that reader contributions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Phenomenon Research Association.

This issue, number 10, from 'Enjoy Your Evening Sky!', published in the UK, focuses on two primary themes: Comet Hale-Bopp and various UFO-related news and reports. The magazine provides a blend of astronomical information and paranormal investigations, reflecting a keen interest in unexplained phenomena.

Comet Hale-Bopp: A Celestial Visitor

The issue dedicates significant space to Comet Hale-Bopp, explaining general comet theory and providing specific details about this particular comet. Comets are described as originating from the Oort cloud, a region beyond Pluto, and are composed of icy, rocky material. As they approach the Sun, volatile gases and dust sublimate, forming a tail that can extend millions of miles. The Sun's solar wind is responsible for pushing this material away, causing the tail to always face away from the Sun.

Comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 01) is highlighted as the largest comet ever discovered, estimated to be 30 miles across, significantly larger than Halley's comet. It completed a 4,200-year journey through the outer solar system and came closest to Earth on March 22nd, approximately 120 million miles away. The comet was a good naked-eye object and visible with binoculars. Its tail was tens of millions of miles long by April 11th. Hale-Bopp reached its closest point to the Sun on April 10th, traveling at 97,000 miles per hour. The comet show was expected to end in the northern hemisphere by May, becoming a summer object in the southern hemisphere before fading. It was predicted to leave Earth in 1998 and not return for another 4,200 years.

UFO Reports and Investigations

The magazine also features a collection of UFO-related news items, often referencing newspaper articles. One report from March 2nd mentions Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, allegedly admitting to seeing UFOs, with details and photographs supposedly suppressed by NASA chiefs who feared causing panic. This admission was reportedly shared with a close friend and revealed by Capital FM DJ Dr Fox.

Another article from The Daily Star on March 10th, 1997, details a demand made to President Clinton by scientists seeking proof of extraterrestrial intelligence. These scientists, from the Committee For The Search For Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, threatened to go public with documented close encounters if the government did not. Their aim was to reduce the dangers of cover-ups and invite the President's assistance.

A report from The Daily Telegraph on April 3rd, 1997, states that UFOs officially do not exist and aliens have not visited Earth, according to the American Defence Department. This announcement followed the suicide of 39 members of the Heavens Gate cult. Department spokesman Ken Bacon claimed the Pentagon had stopped recording UFO sightings, and that out of 12,618 investigated by the USAF between 1947 and 1969, none showed technological advancements beyond current scientific knowledge.

Specific Sightings and Events

The issue highlights several specific incidents:

• Reg Presley presents 'UFO Abductions & Implants: The Proof': An event featuring Darrel Sims, an investigator of the abduction phenomenon for 27 years, and Dr. Roger K. Leir, a Californian surgeon who has removed alleged alien implants.
• EMUFORA Guest Speaker: Mr Dominic Beglin, a BUFORA investigator, was scheduled to speak on the 'UFO Crash At Mansfield 1980'.
• Schoolboy Sees UFO Over Road: A Shropshire Star report from March 10th, 1997, described an 11-year-old schoolboy's sighting of a triangular UFO hovering above him and a friend on February 25th, which emitted a flame and vanished.
• The Fife Landing: An investigation by David Colman (SUPR), reported in the previous month's OVNI, which drew significant reader response and involved witnesses later experiencing psychic phenomena.
• Peter Gregory's Experiences: The psychic from Lincolnshire shared articles on his experiences, including a meeting with a hybrid human/alien.
• Bretby Again!: A follow-up on a Bretby FT case from over twenty years ago, where a witness reported a figure by their bed and being taken up through the roof to a hovering triangular craft.
• Shropshire Abductions: Reports suggest an increase in abductions, with a woman in Ellesmere claiming aliens visited her home on December 15th, describing flashing lights and an alien with large slanting eyes before being abducted.

Publications and Meetings

The book 'Left at East Gate' by Larry Warren and Peter Robbins was announced as available from May 23rd, costing £15.99 and containing over 400 pages with photos.

The next EMUFORA meeting was scheduled for Sunday, May 18th, from 4 pm to 6:30 pm at the Old Basford Community Centre, Basford, with an entrance fee of £1.50. However, a notice at the end of page 3 states: "THERE WILL BE NO MEETING THIS MONTH. MEMBERS CAN MEET AT THE BRETBY SKYWATCH ON APRIL 30th!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, particularly comets and UFOs. There is a clear interest in alleged government cover-ups and the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and investigations while occasionally injecting skeptical commentary (e.g., "I think he's telling porkies. AJ" regarding Ken Bacon's statement). The publication aims to inform readers about both celestial events and paranormal occurrences, encouraging engagement through meetings and book recommendations.