OVNI - 1998 05 - May-June

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: May/June 1998
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Date: May/June 1998

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated May/June 1998, presents a collection of articles and reports concerning unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and unusual events.

'World Changes' and Global Events

The lead article, "HAVE THE 'WORLD CHANGES' STARTED?", discusses the unusually wet April of 1998 and links it to the 'El Niño' phenomenon. It touches upon 'Earth Changes' warnings from various sources, suggesting the planet might be cleansing itself of pollution. The article highlights media coverage of floods in England, fires in Borneo, and tornadoes in the USA, but notes the scant mention of a mysterious power failure in Auckland, New Zealand, and a complete power failure along the East Coast of Australia in Queensland. The report is supplemented by a fax from Bernadette Pattison of Toogoolawah, Queensland, detailing the power outages.

Bernadette describes how the power breakdown in Auckland, which lasted for weeks and led to an evacuation order, was followed by a similar event in Queensland within 12 hours. She reports that four large cables supplying Auckland burned out due to extreme ground heat. In Queensland, four power stations on the eastern seaboard failed simultaneously. The official explanation cited overusage of power during a hot summer, but Bernadette finds this analogy inadequate. Investigations revealed overheating and massive pipes carrying major cables being ripped apart and burnt out. She emphasizes that these power stations are not connected to a grid and are privately owned.

Analysis of the Queensland Power Failure

Jeff Whitear, a retired electrical inspector and PRA member, offers his views on the Queensland power failure. He notes that the four power stations are spread over three hundred miles in a straight line along the Eastern Seaboard. He hypothesizes an earth fault line running parallel to the power stations, suggesting that any shift in the earth's movement could exert equal force on the supply cables. He explains that the high-voltage cables, rigid and oil-insulated, are typically buried in sand trenches. An earth movement causing a cable fracture could lead to a sudden surge of current to earth, burning out the conductor, exceeding the oil's boiling point, ripping the cable apart, and rapidly heating the ground, potentially damaging generators. Whitear dismisses the idea of a sudden consumer demand causing the simultaneous breakdown of four stations.

In a discussion with Tony Dodd of Quest International, the mystery of the Queensland failure is linked to activities at the 'Pine Gap' installation in central Australia, described as being as secure as 'Area 51' and run by the American Military. Speculation arises from Aboriginal stories of light rays shooting into the sky from Pine Gap, possibly related to beam/particle weapon development, and whether an experiment gone astray could have caused the power surge.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Triangular Object Near Cole

Heather Crowe reports on an event experienced by her daughter-in-law, Vivienne, on June 1st, 1996. While returning home late, Vivienne encountered cars parked in disorder on the road. Upon investigation, she was directed to look at the sky, where she saw a large triangular object with a "hollow" middle, dull violet lights at its flattened corners, and slightly tipped. The object was motionless and observed by several people. Vivienne later created a model of the object, estimating its size to be about a football field.

Flying Triangle Over Birkenhead

Colin Crane and his workmates reported seeing a very bright metallic silver triangle moving very fast (estimated at 2,000mph) from East to West across the sky in June 1997. The object was described as having a totally flat surface, no engines, and made no sound. It was seen to change direction and head upwards into the sky.

UFO Lights Over Rolls-Royce Nuclear Workshop (Derby)

An historical report from Mr & Mrs M. Edwards concerns a sighting in 1980. Two bright yellowy/orange, pear-shaped lights were observed hovering over the Rolls-Royce Nuclear workshop. The lights joined together, becoming brighter, then one ascended vertically at high speed, followed by the other moving off along the River Derwent at approximately 200ft.

The Repton Shrubs Encounter

Omar Fowler reports on an incident from 1978 involving Kevin, a forestry worker. Kevin and two friends witnessed a large light appear over woods, from which three white lights detached and dropped into the woods. The main light then shot off vertically. About a year later, while working in the same woods, Kevin and his colleagues encountered a four-foot-high creature described as a fox on two legs, brown in colour, with short hands and a sloping back like folded wings. It had dark eyes and moved silently through the trees. The creature then veered away and appeared to descend into the ground as if going down steps.

Cattle Mutilations

Cattle Mutilations in England?

Omar Fowler discusses recent developments on the UFO scene and draws attention to 'Flying Triangle' activity over Nuclear Power Stations. He mentions a BBC Radio Derby 'phone-in' programme where a farmer reported finding dead stock with missing eyes, jawbones sliced, and rectums cored out. An advertisement in 'Farmers Weekly' by David Cayton, a UFO investigator, sought information on such cases. Cayton had received numerous calls and had collected sheep carcasses from farms in SW England for veterinary examination. The report details two farmers who found mutilated sheep, one lamb having its head surgically removed.

Tissue analysis probes what's behind strange cattle mutilations

This Associated Press report from Tucson, Arizona, details incidents in northern New Mexico where cattle have been found mutilated with large, neat holes and cored-out anuses, but with no blood or predator tracks. Ranchers Jessie Gonzales and Tony Trujillo describe similar scenes. The article notes that while some blame aliens, government, or satan worshipers, others argue for natural death followed by predator attacks. However, the precise nature of the wounds leads some, like Paul Velasquez, to suspect UFO involvement. Investigators collect evidence, and the process is described as serious business for the local ranching community.

Rendlesham Forest Incident and Related Questions

A section titled "A REPORT FROM ‘HANSARD' ON QUESTIONS RAISED BY LORD HILL-NORTON (BRITAINS FORMER MILITARY SUPREMO) ON THE ‘RENDLESHAM FOREST' INCIDENT" presents written answers from the government. Lord Hill-Norton questioned the Ministry of Defence regarding Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt's 1981 memorandum about an unidentified craft near RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge, and the comparison of reported radiation readings to normal levels. The Ministry of Defence stated that the memorandum was assessed and deemed not to contain anything of defence significance, and there is no record of an official assessment of the radiation readings. Lord Hill-Norton also inquired about instructions for a possible evacuation of Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, but records for the period were unavailable. Further questions addressed allegations of nuclear weapons stored at RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge in violation of treaty obligations, reports of light beams striking weapons storage areas, the suicide of a US security policeman, and medical problems experienced by US Air Force personnel involved in the Rendlesham Forest incident. In each case, the government, through Lord Gilbert and Lord Williams of Mostyn, provided responses indicating a lack of information, a policy of neither confirming nor denying nuclear weapons locations, or that such matters are for US authorities.

Extracts from Our Mail Bag

Cecily M. Forder, Sheffield

Cecily M. Forder reports a hole in her lawn, approximately a year old, which was a perfect round with clean-cut sides, 7-8 inches in diameter and 6-7 inches deep. A smaller piece of earth was also removed from the bottom. She notes that such holes in the ground are becoming more common than Crop Circles and finds it difficult to identify a tool that could have made them.

Tommy Dunsford, Malmesbury, Wilts.

Tommy Dunsford encloses an article from a Mr G.M. describing a circular patch of crystallised ice, slightly more than 4ft in diameter, observed on a driveway on a mild and damp evening. The ice was dry and crisp, and the circle was slightly irregular at the circumference.

Dr. Ellen Crystall, Ph.D., U.S.A.

Dr. Ellen Crystall, author of "Silent Invasion, The Shocking Discoveries of a UFO Researcher," thanks the magazine for its booklet on flying triangles and notes similarities with her own research, including underground bases. She expresses difficulty in finding a publisher for her second book, suggesting that American publishers are less receptive to the truth than British ones, often focusing on fraudulent abductee cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI magazine include unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs, flying triangles), mysterious terrestrial events (power failures, unusual geological occurrences), and alleged government cover-ups or lack of transparency regarding these incidents. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting various reports and allowing readers and experts to speculate on possible causes, often linking these events to UFO activity or broader 'Earth Changes'. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging investigation and the free exchange of information, as indicated by the magazine's subtitle and the inclusion of reader contributions and expert analyses. The magazine also highlights the challenges in obtaining official information and the potential for suppressed knowledge.

Title: The Evening Sky
Issue: May 1998
Publisher: Walter Berg
Country: U.K.
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Astronomical Events and Discoveries

The May 1998 issue of The Evening Sky begins by detailing the visible planets and moon phases for the month. Venus and Jupiter are noted as bright planets in the east during morning twilight, with Jupiter rising higher than Venus. By May 15th, Saturn and Mercury become visible deep in the morning twilight. The waning crescent Moon's path is described from May 20th, cascading past Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury. The Full Moon is on May 11th, and a New Moon begins on May 25th.

A significant astronomical discovery reported is the existence of water throughout the universe. This has been found on the Moon, Europa (a moon of Jupiter), in Orion, and on Titan (a moon of Saturn). Titan is highlighted as the only other world believed to harbor life or its precursor molecules. The Cassini spacecraft, launched the previous year, is mentioned as being on its way to the Saturn system, with its Huygens landing craft scheduled to descend to Titan's surface in 2004 to search for life. The author humorously notes their name is archived on board the Cassini spacecraft.

Photographs from Mars are mentioned, with a new Mars landing craft planned for launch in 1999, which will carry a microphone to capture the sounds of the planet. Japan's mission to Mars, 'Planet B', is set to leave Earth in August, following 'Planet A' (the Moon).

The article also touches upon neutrinos, described as elusive particles that pass through everything unnoticed. It is stated that billions of light years can be traversed without collision. The Super Kamiokande telescope in Japan is mentioned as the world's largest neutrino telescope, detecting only a handful of neutrinos daily.

Voyager I spacecraft is noted as the most distant human-made object, over 6 billion miles from home, traveling at 40,000 miles per hour, and is expected to continue its journey through interstellar space indefinitely.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Patshy Family Sighting (Florida, USA)

Carole Baker reports on a sighting that occurred on December 5th, 1997, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Melanie Patshy was driving her children home from a concert when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, noticed anomalous lights over trees. While on Burgren Road, a dark, unlit road, they observed a silver, oval-shaped UFO hovering above the treetops. The object had three sets of three orange pulsing lights arranged in triangular configurations. Witnesses described the object as being as large as a full-size van. Mrs. Patshy stopped the vehicle to get a better view, restraining her daughter Elizabeth from exiting the van.

The UFO hovered silently for several minutes, about ten feet above the trees. Despite Mrs. Patshy's desire to continue observing, she drove away due to the fear of two of the children. As they drove off, the UFO began to move, following them until they turned off Burgren Road. Upon reaching their driveway, the occupants hurried inside. Later, they found no trace of the craft.

Interestingly, another woman reported a similar sighting on the same day. Vicki Lyons is attempting to identify this other witness. The report highlights the diverse reactions of the children, with the youngest showing little fear and the older boys becoming hysterical. Elizabeth, the daughter, had to be restrained from running towards the UFO. Drawings made by the witnesses depicted a similarly shaped object with orange lights. The sighting is compared to the Travis Walton case and the 'road shot' by Ed Walters.

Carole Baker and Vicki Lyons later retraced the route, noting the proximity of high-voltage cables and a generating sub-station.

New Jersey Sighting (USA)

A witness in Minotola, New Jersey, reported a sighting on February 9th, 1998, around 3:10 p.m. While walking home, the witness noticed a bright object that differed from a normal plane or jet. Using 7x35 binoculars and later a 200mm lens camera, the object was observed. Initially thought to be a large white bird, it later reflected the sun with a bright glare. Using a telescope, the witness described the object as a pearl black structure attached to a frame with two large, round, charcoal-colored flat objects on each side. A section resembling half an arrowhead was visible in front. The object was visible for about two to three minutes, traveling steadily from north to southeast.

The witness contacted Maguire Air Force Base, and an Air Force representative expressed extreme interest in the photographs taken, asking the witness to bring the film. The witness did not comply but is working on developing the pictures.

On February 25th, 1998, the witness saw a video clip on the TV show 'Sightings' from Mexico that featured the exact same object. The National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, stated that the object was unlike any weather balloon. Authorities also ruled out it being the Space Shuttle or a satellite. Nellis Air Force Base also expressed interest, noting that the witness's description of the object's superstructure was new information.

RAF Tracks UFO (North Sea, UK)

A sensational disclosure in the Daily Mail on April 27th, 1998, reported that the RAF had tracked a UFO 'as big as a battleship' off the coast of Britain. Military sources revealed the massive craft was tracked flying in a zig-zag pattern at 17,000mph over the North Sea, then accelerating to 24,000mph before heading towards the Atlantic. The Dutch air force also tracked the UFO, but two F-16 fighters could not intercept it. RAF officials were reportedly baffled by the object, spotted by the Ministry of Defence's long-range listening station at Fylingdales moor. A source described the object as 'definitely under control' and triangular, approximately 900 feet long. Radar records were to be presented at a conference in June at RAF College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire. Other tapes, withheld due to revealing too much about the radar base's scanning ability, reportedly show 12 UFOs changing shape mid-flight.

While the 'battleship' UFO is considered by some to be an experimental aircraft or a freak weather effect, UFO watchers believe it is evidence of alien visitation. The article notes the renewed interest in flying saucers and conspiracy theories, partly fueled by TV series like 'The X-Files'. A spokesman for the Fortean Times suggested that while most strange objects have down-to-earth explanations, UFO investigators would be interested in seeing the tapes.

It is reported that the 'Military' establishment is attempting to counter these claims, with government press officers calling the story a hoax. However, freelance journalist Max Burns spoke to David Derbyshire, the Science Correspondent of the Daily Mail, who confirmed the report's truth. Graham Birdsall of Quest International also believes the report is true and is seeking more information. The UFO fraternity is reportedly in a frenzy of activity to substantiate the report.

Other Reports (Tale Enders)

• Crop Circles: Appeared near Thruxton Airfield, Andover, Hants, on Sunday, April 19th. Four circles were spotted by a pilot. Details are available via Busty Taylor's website.
• Burton-on-Trent: An overflight of UFO lights was witnessed on Sunday, April 26th, around 11:10 p.m. by a self-proclaimed 'skeptic'.
• Christopher Reeve: The ex-'Superman' star revealed in The Times (April 27th) that he experienced an out-of-body experience a week after his riding accident, involving a drug called Sygen. His breathing stopped, and he felt himself leave his body, observing medical staff working on him before returning.
• Southern Indiana, USA: Numerous 'V' shaped or triangular craft were sighted around Evansville during the last week of March, described as 'Triangular with yellow, blue and white lights,' and one hovering motionless 15ft above trees.
• France: Frequent reports of Mirage 2000s chasing flying triangles, with one report of them entering Irish airspace.
• Derby: A group of 4/5 balls of light were seen flying across Derby parallel to Sir Frank Whittle Road on January 24th, 1998, at approximately 1,000mph.
• Burton-on-Trent & Goodna (Australia): A pie-dish shaped UFO with a jutting lip was reported from two extreme locations. In April 1967, one was seen flying low and slow along the River Trent at Burton-on-Trent. In 1970, a similar object was seen at Goodna, Australia, travelling at high speed before disappearing suddenly.
• Central Michigan, USA: On March 26th, a V-shaped object with yellowish-white lights underneath passed overhead without sound.

Other Content

• Cartoon Feature: Supplied by Allan Baillie CARTOONS.
• Project FT Database: Statistical information on UFO reports is available via www.farshore.Force9.co.uk.
• Ron West: The Essex UFO Group member has been diagnosed with a serious illness; the magazine sends best wishes for his recovery.
• Mexico City: Astounding UFO witness video footage was shown to PRA members.
• Future Meetings: Dates for meetings at RBL Allenton, Derby, are listed for May 26th and June 30th.

Philosophical Reflections

The issue includes a reflection on the birth of a new world with the expression of subjective experience, leading to the world of ideas. It notes that science has turned many ideas into physical realities but has failed to recognize a spiritual dimension to human existence.

A quote about fools is presented: "There are two kinds of fool. The first fool believes everything from the ancient world is the best. The second fool believes everything from the modern world is better."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, astronomical news, and space exploration. There is a clear interest in unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on detailed witness reports and official investigations (or lack thereof). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting reports from various sources, including military and scientific perspectives, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for substantiation. The inclusion of philosophical reflections suggests a broader interest in human understanding and consciousness beyond purely physical phenomena.