OVNI - 1999 05 - May-June

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: May/June 1999
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2 plus postage

This issue of OVNI, the Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association, is dedicated to the '99 UFO Flap, with a particular focus on reports from the East Midlands of the UK. The cover features the title 'OVNI' prominently, accompanied by various illustrations of UFO-related imagery, including a disc, a triangle, and a geometric shape, along with the issue date.

Editorial: Reports Galore, As the '99' Flap Continues!

In his editorial, Group Leader and Editor Omar Fowler reflects on the significant increase in UFO activity and reports during 1999. He notes that the phenomenon is no longer confined to unusual reports from elderly individuals but now includes high-calibre witnesses such as engineers from aircraft manufacture and project design, who recognize the advanced technology of the observed craft. Fowler highlights the growing number of quality magazines dedicated to UFO research, contrasting them with poorly produced newsletters. He observes that the media's approach has evolved from the 'little green men' stereotype to a more informed discussion of topics like 'Area 51' and 'Roswell'. The editorial also touches upon the cultural integration of UFO concepts, such as 'The Greys' in the toy market. Fowler emphasizes the importance of professional and intense investigation, suggesting that the increase in UFO activity may have profound implications for mankind, even in the shadow of global events like the crisis in Kosova. He concludes with a quote from Professor John E. Mack: "You have more to fear from your fellow-man than the Aliens".

Key Sightings and Reports

Gigantic UFO Seen Over 'IKEA' at Eastwood, Notts.

This report details a sighting by Mrs. Campbell on February 8th, 1999, of a large 'Flying Saucer' hovering over an industrial estate near Eastwood. Her husband, Mr. Campbell, observed the craft for about fifteen minutes using powerful binoculars. He described it as white or silvery, oval-shaped with a green illuminated strip around its center and a small light on top. He noted markings on the craft and estimated its distance to be no more than half a mile away. The object moved away silently and disappeared. An inquiry to IKEA confirmed they had not used any balloons for publicity.

Rolls-Royce Engineer Spots an 'FT' 13-3-99

Mr. SH, a retired Rolls-Royce aeronautical development engineer, reported seeing a stationary, sharply defined black triangular shape in the sky on March 13th, 1999, near Little Eaton, Derby. He stated it was not an aircraft, despite resembling a Stealth bomber, due to its ability to hover silently. The object rose and disappeared from sight.

An 'FT' Encounter on an Old Roman Road 31-3-99

This report involves four witnesses, including Mr. Colin Saunders, a design draughtsman with experience in aircraft design, who encountered an object on the old Foss Way on March 31st, 1999. They observed red pulsating lights hovering about 100-200ft high. As they approached, the object's shape became visible, described as diamond-like, tilting to a 3D pyramid or 'Toblerone' shape. It was stationary, made no sound, and then disappeared at high speed towards Coventry. Victoria Saunders, aged 12, also recounted the event, noting the object's unusual lights and silent, fast departure. A subsequent check with Coventry Airport revealed no unusual landings or sightings.

Mr Colin Saunders' Further Reflections

Mr. Saunders reflected on the sighting, noting the object's hovering at 100-150ft, its diamond shape, and its apparent ability to 'materialize' or tilt. He described the surface texture as shimmering, as if through a heat haze. The object disappeared within 2-3 seconds, estimated to be 20-30 miles away, with the red light pattern still visible. Returning to the site the next day, they discovered pylons, which the editor notes have been associated with FT sightings. Points of interest include the complete lack of noise, the absence of fear, and the fact that the horses in a nearby stable were silent. Saunders believes they were observed, and the craft left due to their presence.

FT 'Flap' on the 7th April

This section compiles several reports from April 7th, 1999:

• 10.10pm, Belper, Derbyshire: Ms. Melanie Cunnigham saw a flashing formation of square lights, described as 'floating', with white cone-shaped lights at the corners and a red light in the center. It moved at an estimated 30 mph.
• 11.00pm, Strelley, Nottingham: Mr. Kevin Radford and his wife witnessed an oval-shaped craft with three alternately flashing lights (red, green, orange) passing overhead silently at a height of 50-70ft, moving at 30 mph.
• 11.00pm, Woodthorpe, Nottingham: A witness reported a large 'Triangular Craft' with two ovoid lights and a single white light, which appeared to be circling the area silently.

7th April 99 UFO's contd...

• 11.25pm, Lincoln: Mr. Brian Payne, a retired Police Officer, observed an illuminated 'boomerang' or 'horseshoe' shape with segmented lights moving very slowly (4-5 mph). He described its brightness as similar to a street light and its size as coverable by a 10p piece. The object then vanished suddenly.

The "99 FLAP" (Continued)

• 24-2-99, Brinsley, Nottingham: Mr. Adam Matthews saw a black square object with white lamps on the sides, described as a 'flying wedge' or triangular shape, passing silently overhead at about 30 mph.
• 12-3-99, Chaddesden, Derby: A couple noticed a row of lights hovering over the road, which resolved into a large black triangle with an orange light and three red lights. It hovered silently and then took off at great speed.
• 2-4-99, Wollaton, Nottingham: Mrs. Margaret Danaford reported a large kite-shaped object with a bar, bright red lights, and three rows of blue lights hovering for about 30 minutes before moving quickly towards Derby.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in the UK, particularly in the East Midlands, during early 1999. The reports consistently describe silent, hovering craft with unusual lighting and shapes, often exhibiting rapid acceleration or disappearance. There is a noticeable emphasis on the credibility of witnesses, including professionals in technical fields, suggesting a move towards more serious investigation of the phenomenon. The editorial stance promotes a professional and diligent approach to UFO research, acknowledging the growing public awareness and acceptance of the subject, while also hinting at potentially significant implications for humanity. The magazine aims to provide up-to-the-minute reports, distinguishing itself from information readily available on the internet.

This issue of OVNI magazine, spanning pages 10-14 and dated May 1999, delves into the intriguing phenomenon of 'differential perception' in UFO sightings, alongside astronomical observations and research updates. The publication, originating from the United Kingdom and published by FSR Publications Ltd, focuses on cosmology, eschatology, and reports of unidentified flying objects.

Differential Perception in UFO Sightings

The lead article, "NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T!" by Omar Fowler, questions the reliability of human visual perception, particularly in the context of UFO encounters. Fowler posits that our eyes perceive only a fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum, and our brains filter this information. This leads to the puzzling lack of corroborating witnesses in many UFO cases. The article introduces Dr. John E. Mack's concept of 'differential perception,' suggesting that individuals may not perceive reality identically.

Several case studies illustrate this phenomenon:

• Ferry Sighting: Gordon Creighton, Editor of Flying Saucer Review, recounts a story of a woman on a ferry from the Islands of Scilly who saw a disc-shaped UFO emerge from the water and shoot skywards. Astonishingly, her fellow passengers were oblivious, chatting or looking elsewhere.
• Ilkeston Incident (October 1989): Mrs W. from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, reported seeing a dull, metallic ball-shaped object above her rooftops and garden. She was in casual conversation with a lady who did not notice the object, leading Mrs W. to believe the other woman couldn't see it.
• Son's Sighting: A few days later, Mrs W.'s son, Lee, reported seeing a similar round ball with rotating prongs directly above their roof, which Mrs W. did not witness.
• 'Flying Triangle' Sighting (Christmas Eve 1998): Mrs SJ. of Towcester, Northants, described a huge, dark, triangular object with red lights flying low with a droning noise. Her husband, who was with her, could not see anything.
• West Hampton Incident (April 8, 1999): CAUS reports that 'Shirley' witnessed three triangular aircraft with lights and a red light in the center flying over her home on Long Island, making significant noise. She found no similar craft in Air Force computer records.
• Australian Alien Encounter (January 1971): Glenn Weston reported a close encounter with an egg-shaped structure and man-like figures near Warragamba Dam, NSW. He awoke to a humming noise, found the area lit by a glowing white light, and observed figures moving about the craft before they disappeared and the object rose silently.

The article questions why some people see UFO craft while others do not, suggesting sensory information is incomplete and hinting at a connection to the psychic field, mentioning out-of-body experiences associated with UFOs.

Astronomy Section: The Evening Sky (May 1999)

Walter Berg contributes a section on "The Evening Sky" for May 1999. It highlights the visibility of planets Venus and Mars in the evening sky. Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn are noted as being lost in the Sun's glare. The full moon is scheduled for May 30th at 5:40 am. The section also mentions distant astronomical sights visible through telescopes, such as the Virgo cluster of galaxies, and closer star clusters in Ursa Major.

It introduces the Stardust spacecraft, the first to return samples from beyond the Moon, expected to reach Earth around 2007.

The universe is described as hazardous, referencing a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) event on January 23rd, which released immense energy and could have annihilated life on Earth if it had occurred closer. A hypothesis links GRBs to mass extinction events, such as the one 250 million years ago.

The article touches on the speeds of celestial objects, noting Earth's orbital speed and the much higher speeds of comets, including Halley's comet and the discovered comet C/1996 S3 SOHO.

Berg reflects on the vastness of intergalactic space and the human capacity to comprehend such scales, concluding with "Enjoy Your Evening Sky!"

Research and Events

'Project FT': All UFO groups are invited to participate in research on 'Flying Triangles,' with a database director Victor J. Kean and data submission to Tony Spurrier.

SETI Mystery: Susan Cerdan reports a letter detailing the alleged suppression of outer space messages found by a Canadian scientist working with SETI in South Africa.

Crop Circles: Reports of crop circles appearing in various locations in the UK (oilseed rape and wheat) between April 11th and April 27th are listed.

NASA Contractor Speaks Out: Robert A.M. Stephens claims NASA has 'hushed-up' over 100 daily sightings of unknown craft in Earth space and documented over 1.3 million implants worldwide. He also mentions shuttle problems and near-disasters.

BUFORA Lecture: Max Burns is scheduled to reveal the results of his investigation into the 'Sheffield Incident' on Saturday, June 6th, at the University of Westminster, London.

Next Meeting: A meeting is announced for Tuesday, May 25th, in Allenton, Derby, featuring a video presentation on 'UFO's Over Phoenix' and an 'Area 51 Documentary.' Non-members are welcome for a small fee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a primary focus on UFO phenomena and related mysteries. The recurring theme of 'differential perception' suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges the subjective nature of witness experiences while also seeking to document and analyze these events. The inclusion of astronomical articles indicates a broader interest in space and cosmic phenomena, often framed within the context of potential extraterrestrial presence or advanced technology. The publication also appears to engage with critical perspectives on government or institutional secrecy regarding UFOs, as seen in the NASA contractor's claims. The overall tone is investigative and open to exploring unconventional theories, as evidenced by the discussion of time travel and interdimensional hypotheses. The magazine also promotes its own publication, 'Flying Saucer Review,' and related guides, such as the one on the 1999 Total Solar Eclipse.