OVNI - 1999 09 - September-October

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: September/October 1999
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of OVNI, the Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association, dated September/October 1999, presents a collection of UFO sightings and unusual phenomena from around the world, with a particular focus on events in the UK and Israel.

Flying Triangle Caught on Film Over Belper, Derbyshire! (Exclusive)

The lead article details a sighting by PRA member Melanie Cunningham in Belper, Derbyshire. After months of reporting various UFO types, she was supplied with an 8mm movie camera. The processed film revealed several frames showing the moon and a "yellowy triangle" at the bottom left. This image, reproduced in the magazine, was confirmed as genuine by "Mallard Imaging". The report notes that the object appeared as a blunt-cornered triangular shape, glowing yellow. A further section of the film showed a luminous ball of light. The article also references a similar yellow FT sighting over Derby by Hailey Williamson. Victor J. Kean's 'Project FT' database is mentioned, indicating 17 reports of yellow 'FT's' in the UK.

UFO's Over Israel

This section covers multiple sightings in Israel. The editor recounts observing and photographing a "whitish oval object" hovering in the Negev Desert. Another report details sightings of "Flying Triangular formations" over Israel during the summer of 1999, with sightings in Tsfat and Yoknearm, and a professional photographer, Rafi Malka, capturing footage. Professor Rami Shkalim, a Kabbala professor, was among over two hundred people who viewed a craft with silvery lights and red auras. The report notes that UFO incidents in Israel often coincide with Jewish holy days.

Alien Animal Captured in Jordan?

This segment reports on an "unidentified creature" that terrorized the town of Mafraq in northern Jordan. Described as a small, cat-like animal with large eyes, teeth, and a tail, it was responsible for devouring poultry. Townspeople hunted it down after complaints. The creature, nicknamed Al-Massara, was handed over to local vets. Drought is speculated as a possible reason for its appearance.

Triangular UFO Seen Again in Israel

Israeli Ufologist David Ronen spotted a large triangular UFO over Tel Aviv on August 27, 1999. He alerted other ufologists, and two minutes of video footage were captured before the camera's batteries failed. This sighting is described as "identical" to one seen in October 1998. The report also mentions other triangular craft sightings in Israel, including one in Tsfat and Yoknearm, and another videotaped by Rafi Malka.

Israel: Return of the Biblical Giants?

Jenny Randles reports on the alleged return of the "Anakim or Refaim," the giants of the Bible, to Israel. She notes two historical periods when giants were reported: Biblical times and 1993. Randles has filmed a documentary on "Giant entity cases" which is scheduled to air on 'Discovery'.

The Day the Sun Went Out in Cornwall

This article details UFO activity observed during the solar eclipse in Cornwall on August 11, 1999. PRA members and others reported unusual events. Dave Gillham of the Cornwall UFO Society confirmed mysterious lights were seen and captured on video. Two Bodmin families reported seeing three balls of light hovering before shooting off at high speed. A professional cameraman from St. Austell also captured "strange images" on videotape, describing a "fast moving object" unlike anything he had seen. The "Cornwall Guardian" newspaper also reported skywatchers seeing UFOs. Dominic Beglin of BUFORA compared the event to Mexico sightings during an eclipse.

Day of the Eclipse: Continued

Further details from Cornwall include four witnesses camping out who reported three distinct UFO sightings: a swaying ball of white light joined by another object, two balls of light appearing to play a game, and a pulsating red light. The editor's note discusses the difficulty in judging the movement of celestial objects without a reference point and mentions satellites as a possible explanation for some phenomena.

UFO News From IUFORN: Norwich

Howard W Hackett, Norfolk Co-ordinator for the International UFO Research Network (IUFORN), reports on two recent sightings of strange craft in Norfolk. One witness was a former Canadian Special Forces member, and the other was a local researcher. The sightings occurred near the Thetford Battle Area. Hackett speculates on whether these are alien craft or advanced military technology, mentioning a strange incident over Norwich prior to the first sighting.

East Harling, Norfolk Sightings

Two incidents involving "huge black square" objects are reported in East Harling, Norfolk. On January 24, 1999, two witnesses saw a large square object (approx. 300 feet across) with white and red lights, travelling slowly at about 200 feet altitude. On February 18, 1999, a smaller black square object (approx. 50 feet across) was seen at a lower altitude (80-100 feet). This second sighting was also observed by a UFO investigator. The report notes that the first sighting coincided with a loud noise heard over Norwich, attributed by local radio to a low-flying aircraft, but with conflicting explanations from RAF Lakenheath regarding a C-5 Galaxy.

PRA Member Jeff Whitear Discovers Something Unusual!

This section discusses video sequences from the American Shuttle craft showing "strange glowing balls of light". PRA member Jeff Whitear took photographs of these objects from his television screen. His photograph revealed a "clear-cut tube" shape, differing from what was seen with the eye on the screen, raising the question of whether he captured the object's true shape.

Dominic Beglin Reports:

A report from Nottingham details an incident on September 9, 1999, where fifteen people working on a land reclamation site near Chesterfield reported an unusual wedge-shaped object crashing into the ground. Witnesses described it as a blob of white light, a nose-shaped object, a ball-shaped object, or a beak-shaped object. Most witnesses stated the object skimmed the ground and ascended, while others said it vanished. Dust was thrown up, and the ground was gouged. The impact area was reportedly very warm and has since been covered by three feet of soil.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI are UFO sightings, particularly triangular and disc-shaped craft, unexplained lights, and unusual aerial phenomena. There is a consistent focus on witness testimony, photographic and video evidence, and reports from various UFO research organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of these phenomena, presenting the evidence and witness accounts without definitive conclusions, but with an underlying interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial or advanced technology involvement. The magazine also touches upon historical accounts and potential connections to ancient myths (Biblical giants).

This issue of OVNI, dated July 1949 for the memorandum and September 1999 for astronomical content, is a compilation of UFO reports, astronomical observations, and related news. The magazine, published by FSR Publications Ltd. in the UK, features a broad range of content from historical sightings to contemporary astronomical events and research initiatives.

Key Articles and Reports

Report of an Unidentified Flying Object

A detailed report from July 16th, 1999, describes a sighting near the Burton-on-Trent Power Station. The object was observed within a half-hour period, appearing as a large delta shape with multi-hued lights forming a large change pattern. It was described as white from a distance and was observed through a telescope. The observer noted it came vertically down and hovered under a pylon. Conditions were clear with few clouds.

Office Memorandum - United States Government

An internal memorandum from July 9, 1949, from 'Ladd' to 'The Director' discusses a letter received from Walter Winchell, which contained an account of a flying saucer sighting in Los Angeles in August 1947. The object was described as large, silver, greenish, top-shaped, with two windows and transparent portions. The memorandum suggests checking the background of the informant and interviewing them to verify the story, noting the informant's apparent knowledge of physics and the theory of negative gravity.

The Evening Sky - September 1999

This section provides an astronomical forecast for September 1999. It details the visibility of planets like Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and the approach of Venus towards maximum brightness in the pre-dawn sky. It also mentions the discovery of Uranus' 18th moon, described as a small chunk of rock. A significant event noted is the largest cyclone ever observed on Mars, spanning over a thousand miles in diameter with wind speeds of several hundred miles per hour, composed of sand particles. The article explains why stars twinkle while planets do not, due to atmospheric turbulence and angular size. The autumn equinox on September 23rd and the Harvest Moon on the 25th are also highlighted. The author, Walter Berg, shares a personal reflection on the magical quality of moonlight.

How to get The Evening Sky Electronically

This section provides information on how to access 'The Evening Sky' publication electronically. It can be obtained via the World Wide Web at a specific URL, or via e-mail by sending a request to be added to the distribution list. Amateur radio operators can also receive it via the Amateur Radio Packet Network. The publication is provided by Paul Rudkin.

Tale Enders

This section contains several brief news items:

• Richard Andrews Dies: The passing of Richard Andrews, a well-known crop circle researcher, is announced. He was associated with other researchers like 'Busty' Taylor, Colin Andrews, and Pat Delgado.
• Project FT: An invitation is extended to UFO groups to participate in 'Project FT', a research initiative on 'Flying Triangles' with a database of over 7,000 sighting reports since 1942. Contact details for Tony Spurrier and Victor J. Kean are provided.
• N.W. Cumbria UFO Awareness Group: A report from February 1, 1998, describes a sighting of a bright orange light that zoomed overhead, followed by lights towards the Scottish side, appearing as a triangular shape with red rim lights and white lights.
• Strange Lights Over Derby: On September 21st, at around 11:00-11:30 pm, what appeared to be searchlight beams were seen moving behind clouds over the city.
• Aircraft Encounter 1916: An account from Dominique Weinstein's 'Aircraft/UFO encounters' mentions a pilot reporting a row of lights that ascended and disappeared on January 31st, 1916, in Rochford, Kent.
• 1926 Sighting: A pilot reported seeing six 'flying manhole covers'.
• Sunday Telegraph Report: A report on August 29, 1999, highlights NASA's 'Remote Agent' software, which can diagnose and fix faults on the Deep Space 1 spacecraft, which is analyzing asteroids and distant moons.
• Cosmic Crashes: A book by Nicholas Redfern is mentioned, detailing UFO crashes in the UK.
• Catchers of Heaven (extract): An extract discusses future concerns such as pollution, conflict, environmental destruction, and population explosions, framing them as 'LATER' problems.

Next Meeting

Details are provided for the next meeting of the Northampton UFO Society, to be held on Tuesday, September 28th, at the Allenton, Derby. Royal British Legion. Diane Shepherd will share her experience of an abduction while driving late at night. Non-members are welcome with a £1 entry fee.

Editorial Team & List of Consultants & Correspondents

The issue lists the editorial team, including Editor Gordon Creighton, and numerous consultants and correspondents from various countries, indicating a broad international scope for the publication.

Subscription Information

Details on annual subscriptions are provided for the UK and other countries, including options for single copies and overseas airmail. Payment methods include cheques and credit cards via the website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings and reports from various historical periods and locations, government interest and investigation into UFO phenomena, and astronomical observations. The publication appears to maintain a neutral stance, presenting reports and information from diverse sources, including official documents and personal accounts, while also covering scientific and astronomical topics. The inclusion of the US government memorandum suggests an interest in official perspectives on UFOs. The 'Tale Enders' section highlights the ongoing nature of UFO research and related events.