OVNI - 2000 07 - July-August

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: July/August 2000
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Country: UK
Price: £1 plus postage

This issue of OVNI magazine delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena, featuring articles on Mars anomalies, historical sightings, and theoretical explanations.

Mars Tunnel System Discovered?

The lead article discusses the discovery of what appears to be an ancient tunnel system on Mars, based on 25,000 images released by NASA. Richard Hoagland is credited with scrutinizing these images, particularly one (M04-00291) showing a rift with a series of interlocking, reinforced, glass-like tubes. The article describes the tubes as having regularly spaced, cylindrical arches and exhibiting a brilliant specular reflection not typical of geological features. These structures are contrasted with Martian sand dunes, highlighting their artificial appearance. The author speculates that this could be part of an underground transportation system, drawing parallels to science fiction narratives about Mars colonization. A NASA scientist is quoted as being influenced by science fiction in his approach to future Mars missions.

Richard F. Haines, Ph.D, Comments on the Colin Saunders Incident 31-3-99

This section features comments from Dr. Richard F. Haines, a retired NASA research scientist and authority on UFO/Pilot encounters, regarding a 'Flying Triangle' (FT) sighting by Colin Saunders and his family in Warwickshire, UK. Haines acknowledges Saunders' assumption that the UFO was a solid, 3-D object but proposes his own 'Fractal Energy Exchange Mechanism' (FEEM) theory. He suggests that some UFO phenomena result from energy manipulation following fractal geometry principles. Haines notes that Saunders described a 'materialization' effect and a shimmering surface texture, which his theory would predict. He also raises questions about potential time-passage effects during sightings and the possible neural coupling of AC magnetic fields with the human nervous system, referencing US Air Force studies.

Flying Saucers Over the Caribbean by Ricardo Potts

This article, reproduced from 'Cuban Airlines In-Flight Magazine Sol y Son', details numerous UFO sightings and 'near encounters' in Latin America, particularly Cuba, during October 1995. It begins with Adolfo Zarate's report of a saucer-shaped object landing in Torriente, Cuba, from which a human-like figure emerged to collect plant samples. Police chief Rafael Acosta inspected the site and found burned, compressed pasture. The article mentions other sightings in Cuba, including three round objects seen by Rafael Herrado Valdes and a 'big yellow light' observed by five residents in Puerto Padre. A documentary by Octavio Cortazar is noted for its descriptions of alien landings and abductions. The report highlights the coincidence of these events with increased UFO activity in other countries like Colombia, Chile, and Panama. A large UFO, described as 'the size of a soccerfield', was also reported in Malasia.

A UFO Sighting From WW2

This account by Mr. Dan Butcher describes a UFO sighting on December 11, 1941, near Tobruk, Libya, during WW2. While observing air combat, Butcher and his companions spotted a silvery sphere hovering at an estimated altitude of 30,000 to 50,000 feet. They described it as reflecting sunlight and appearing 'alien, remote and fairy-like', with the impression that it was observing the scene. Initially mistaken for a parachute or meteorological balloon, its immobility and distinct appearance ruled out these explanations. Butcher notes that two other globes had moved off previously. He reflects on the event's memorability and the general reaction of awe and bafflement among the witnesses.

Mysterious Ground Complex Sighting Over Greenland

This article reports on an unusual aerial/ground observation over Greenland by Mr. Denis Frawley in early December 1992. While flying from England to Australia, Frawley observed a structure on a mountain top that appeared to be an 'Airport Control Tower' or a secret base, possibly 'Alien'. He described it as having a raised, umbrella-like top and large black windows, built within the crater of an extinct volcano and 'opened up like a flower'. The possibility of it being a secret American, Russian, or Alien base is raised.

Live Letter Page

This section includes correspondence from readers. Victor J. Kean comments on Dr. Richard Haines' FEEM theory, questioning whether craft resulting from such energy manipulation could contain intelligent crews. Malcom Stroud submits a draft analysis of the 'Petit Rechain, Belgium' UFO case from March 30-31, 1990, based on the Derek Sheffield book. Stroud discusses the photograph of a triangular object, analyzing the distortion of its lights and speculating on its propulsion or lift system. He also notes reports of 'distorted' atmospheres around triangular UFOs and wavy lower edges.

Further analysis in the 'Live Letters Contd.' section examines the 'Petit Rechain' photograph, comparing reproductions and discussing the object's geometry, including potential 'trailing edge wingtips'. The author expresses caution about accepting enhanced features as real and attempts to interpret the object's shape and perspective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts, photographic analysis, and theoretical discussions. There's a clear interest in historical cases, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the scientific investigation of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and theories while encouraging critical analysis. The publication aims to document and discuss these phenomena, bridging the gap between skepticism and belief by presenting evidence and expert opinions. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and their potential implications for humanity's understanding of the universe and its own place within it.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated July 2000, focuses on "The Evening Sky" with a cover story on astronomical observations for the month. However, the majority of the content delves into UFO sightings and related phenomena, particularly featuring reports from Bradford, UK, and a re-examination of the Petit Rechain case in Belgium.

Live Letters Contd.

The section begins by analyzing a photograph of a triangular object, possibly taken at an elevation of 45 degrees, noting that vertical dimensions might be foreshortened. The author points out the absence of details on the object's underside, which contrasts with descriptions of circular cupolas on other triangular objects. A complicating factor is the existence of at least two types of triangular craft during the Belgian wave. The Petit Rechain object's behavior is not accounted for, and based solely on the photograph, it could be mistaken for a straightforward jet aircraft.

Size

The size of the object is stated as unknown, with estimates being notoriously unreliable. Sheffield (1996) suggests the Belgian objects were about 46m across, comparable to other estimates of 'Flying Triangle' (FT) dimensions. An RAF meteorologist estimated a flying triangle in 1993 to be midway between a Hercules and a 747 in size.

Parallels

A similar sighting occurred in Ohmiya city, Japan, on August 17, 1994. The sketch showed 'clipped' wings, a flat nose, three white lights at the corners, and no center light. The object was described as triangular, reddish-orange, emitting a variable vermillion light, and had a short 'tail'. It moved fast and low, made no audible sound, and maneuvered oddly. While not identical, it provides a parallel.

Discussion

The Petit Rechain object is linked to a family of triangular craft with performance beyond jet aircraft. These craft can accelerate to supersonic speeds in any direction without a sonic boom, hover silently for up to 45 minutes, and travel at walking pace. Their lighting schemes are variable but typically consist of three white lights at the apexes and one red light at the center, sometimes with a searchlight. Their size is typically around 30m but can range from a few meters to much larger. Colors reported include dark, black, white, grey, and metallic. They are often described as moving in jumps or steps, with occasional reports of edge distortion, emerging from or entering water, splitting into two, or changing shape.

The characteristics of the photographed object are not certain but could include: a soft hum with no reaction force or exhaust, hovering for at least 45 minutes, travel at speeds from zero to over 1125mph, acceleration at 46g, and the use of electronic countermeasures. The color may be dull grey and metallic, and the size around 46m across (Sheffield 1996).

The Evening Sky - July 2000

This section, written by Walter Berg, provides an astronomical overview for July 2000. The night sky is described as darker, with stars appearing to sparkle more brilliantly. Constellations like Ursa Minor, Draco, Hercules, Ophiuchus, and Scorpio are prominent. Twilights are noted as captivating, displaying rainbow colors and a deep-red sun. Jupiter and Saturn are the only easily visible planets, rising in the eastern sky before dawn. The asteroid Vesta is also mentioned as visible to the naked eye in the southern sky, about 400 miles in diameter.

The Earth reaches aphelion on July 4th, being farthest from the Sun. Three eclipses occur in July: a partial solar eclipse on July 1st, another partial solar eclipse on July 31st, and a total lunar eclipse on July 16th. Unfortunately, none of these are visible from the UK.

Prince Charles's comments on intuition and reason are echoed, emphasizing that intuition is as valuable as reason in comprehending the universe and connecting with nature emotionally.

Tale Enders

This section presents a series of short UFO reports:

• Thruxton Airfield (Wilts.): A glowing UFO was sighted by a Crop Circle photographer and pilots on June 17th at 10:40 pm.
• Mansfield UFO: Ms. Amie Wragg reported a shiny, lit, round object near the ground on June 6th, which disappeared, leaving a smell of burning sulphur.
• Czech Crop Circles: Crop circles were discovered by a pilot between June 12th-18th near Krasna Lipa.
• Russian Crop Circles: On June 24th, crop circles appeared in a southern Russian field, puzzling farmers who suggested alien landings.
• UFO Over Azerbaijan: A UFO hovered over the capital for several hours starting September 24th, 1999, with astronomers witnessing high-quality video footage.
• Faster Than Light!: Scientists claim to have broken the speed of light barrier, accelerating light pulses up to 300 times their normal velocity in US research.
• Galactic Radio Pulsars - A Shocker: According to Dr. Paul LaViolette, galactic radio pulsars are part of a vast network of ETI communication beacons, with highly ordered and complex pulsation patterns.
• A Bleak Future?: Gloria Heather Dixon comments that email and the internet are creating an introverted society, potentially leading to a decline in social skills and a world without books.
• Does '76P' Mean Anything to You?: NASA was reportedly 'extremely excited' about comet 76P approaching Mars, but has since become silent, leading to speculation of censorship.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25th, at the Royal British Legion, Allenton, Derby, featuring an evening of 'Flying Triangle' videos. Non-members are welcome for £1.

Intense 'FT' Activity Over Bradford

This article summarizes reports from Russell Kellett of the I.U.F.O.Research Network concerning an increase in UFO sightings around Bradford, West Yorkshire, during June. Kellett captured two video sequences of triangular craft with three white lights and a red center light, passing overhead in the early hours of the morning. A droning noise, similar to a turbo-prop, was heard. The video, initially shot in infra-red, revealed bright white lights that made it impossible to discern the craft's shape. The lighting arrangement was noted as unconventional and illegal for conventional aircraft. Local airports were unhelpful in providing information. Six UFOs were also videoed over Bradford on July 1st. Other reports include people hearing overhead noises and their houses vibrating. An ex-RAF engineer reported seeing two bright objects over South Leeds on June 18th. Another witness described a dark, car-sized object with bright orange lights between Skipton and Long Preston on June 13th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery of triangular UFOs ('FTs'), their advanced capabilities, and the challenges in identifying them as conventional aircraft. There's a focus on photographic and video evidence, with detailed analysis of specific cases like Petit Rechain and recent sightings over Bradford. The issue also touches upon the broader implications of UFO phenomena, including potential extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) communication via pulsars and the societal impact of technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific speculation while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for misidentification or conventional explanations. The inclusion of astronomical information and philosophical reflections on intuition suggests a broader interest in the mysteries of the universe.