OVNI - 2000 09 - September-October

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: September/October 2000
Publisher: CONTACT INTERNATIONAL
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1 plus postage

This issue of OVNI, the Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, from cosmic threats to terrestrial sightings and historical mysteries.

WE MIGHT NOT HAVE PRINTED THE 'OVNI' THIS MONTH IF.......

This editorial piece by Omar Fowler and Deb' Hollis discusses the near-miss with asteroid 2000 QW7, which passed Earth at a distance of 2.4 million miles. The article highlights that this event, though not widely covered by the national press, was significant enough to warrant the designation 'PHA' (potentially hazardous asteroid). Scientists estimated that an impact would have been devastating, potentially flattening everything within the M25 motorway if it had hit London, or causing global tidal waves and a 'nuclear winter' effect if it landed in the Atlantic. The authors question whether 'contactees' have received warnings about such cosmic threats, contrasting it with the supposed warnings about atomic conflict. They ponder whether the emphasis on atomic conflict in our collective consciousness might explain subliminal messages and suggest a re-evaluation of our understanding of 'Reality' in light of such potential dangers.

MYSTERIOUS CRAFT CONTINUE TO PASS OVER BRADFORD

This article, by an unnamed author, details ongoing observations of strange craft over Bradford, West Yorkshire, primarily investigated by Russell Kellett. The sightings began around June 2000, with unusual craft exhibiting non-standard navigation lights, including triangular sets of white lights with a red center, and flying in a 'broad side' forward manner. These lights conform to descriptions from the Belgian 'Flying Triangle' flap of 1989/90. An airline pilot confirmed these lights were not compliant with Civil Aviation Authority regulations. Kellett has also filmed diamond-patterned lights and balls of light zig-zagging. Professor Green from Coventry University's Electronic Imaging Department was consulted to enhance a video of a three-light pattern. The article posits three possibilities for these craft: Alien 'Flying Triangles', conventional aircraft used for disinformation, or secret aircraft development. Kellett reported the sightings to authorities, after which the craft reportedly altered their course slightly, suggesting an attempt to confuse observers. The article also describes a falling object, resembling an aircraft ejector seat rather than a hang glider, filmed by Kellett on August 27th. The object fell slowly with a slight rotation and banked to the left. Helicopters were reportedly seen hovering in the area the following day.

LEEDS UFO CAPTURED ON VIDEO

Written by Peter Lazenby, this article reports on a school gala in Leeds where mysterious visitors arrived in vehicles displaying red, orange, and yellow lights, even in daylight. Denise Warren filmed these objects, describing them as appearing one by one, eventually numbering four. She noted three red lights underneath going on and off. The shapes captured on video were indistinct, baffling a UFO expert who has taken on the investigation. Denise, who had a previous sighting of a cigar-shaped object at age 18/19, is convinced these were not aeroplanes but something from another planet.

FLYING TRIANGLE SEEN NEAR SWADLINCOTE

This report details a sighting by George Brealey on August 23rd, 2000, near Swadlincote, Derbyshire. Brealey observed a large black triangular craft with a central white light on its underside, silhouetted against the night sky. He estimated its speed at approximately 800mph, significantly faster than the 30mph often reported for such craft. The area is noted for previous 'FT' (Flying Triangle) activity. Brealey, familiar with normal aircraft due to proximity to East Midlands Airport, reported the sighting to Omar Fowler.

1944: UFO GOES SUPERSONIC OVER TARAWA

This article, part of 'The UFO Files - Volume 5 Number 14', recounts an incident from April 1944 during WWII. Navy Lieutenant Matthew P. Dillingham, working at the Argus 16 Combat Intelligence Center on Tarawa, detected a 'bogey' on radar moving swiftly from north to south at approximately 700 miles per hour. This speed was far greater than any known aircraft at the time. Despite initial disbelief and suggestions of poor calibration, repeated sightings confirmed the phenomenon. The possibilities considered were a guided solid object or an advanced Japanese supersonic plane. Post-war debriefings of Japanese admirals revealed no knowledge of such a plane, leaving the origin of the object a mystery.

THE 76P MYSTERY SOLVED

This section addresses an appeal from a previous issue regarding the comet named 76P. PRA member Garry Stapleton clarifies that the mystery surrounding 76P/West-Kohoutek-Ikemura has been resolved through internet research. The comet was initially discovered in January 1975 by Richard M. West, then rediscovered by Lubos Kohoutek and independently by Toshihiko Ikemura. The article details the orbital computations for its close approach to Mars in June 2000, emphasizing that it is a natural celestial event and refuting claims of a possible collision or Mars fragments hitting Earth made by some internet groups.

A LITTLEOVER (DERBY) SIGHTING 1982

This report, taken from UFO TIMES July/August 1996, details a sighting from 1982 in Littleover, Derby. A witness, then ten years old, was awoken by a loud buzzing noise and saw an object hovering over nearby fields. The object had flashing lights of red, yellow, and green on its corners and a definite shape, described as bigger than the full moon and in a northerly direction. The witness emphasized it was not a plane or helicopter. A drawing of the object was made.

WAS THERE A UFO CRASH COVER-UP AT CANNOCK CHASE?

This article investigates a rumour of a UFO crash in the Cannock Chase area in the 1960s. Leonard Stringfield, a former US Air Force officer, revealed that in 1964, a UFO piloted by three aliens allegedly crashed and was recovered by NATO forces. The investigation located a witness who had encountered a military cordon on the Chase and saw a small, triangular-shaped object on a military trailer, described as 'nothing on Earth.' The witness's camera was confiscated, and they were warned against speaking publicly. The article mentions a subsequent unnerving phone call from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to the witness, and attempts to trace the call led to Whittington Army Barracks. The origin of the object remains unknown, with speculation that it was either a crashed UFO or a secret aircraft prototype.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI are the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the potential for catastrophic cosmic events (like asteroid impacts), and the possibility of government or military cover-ups regarding UFOs. The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts, expert analysis, and historical cases while encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and consider the broader implications of these phenomena for our understanding of reality. There is a clear interest in UFOs as potentially extraterrestrial craft, as well as a willingness to explore other unusual events and mysteries.

This issue of OVNI, dated September 2000, focuses on UFO encounters and related phenomena, alongside astronomical observations and news. The main cover story details a significant UFO sighting by a sailor aboard the USS Memphis submarine in 1989, which resulted in severe electronic damage and a subsequent crew reassignment.

Nuclear Sub UFO Encounter

The lead article, "NUCLEAR SUB UFO ENCOUNTER," by Anthony James, recounts a personal experience from a sailor serving on the USS Memphis (SSN-698). The incident occurred on October 24-25, 1989, approximately 150 miles off the Florida coast. While the submarine was patrolling, it experienced severe electronic malfunctions, including issues with its tanks and navigation systems, leading to a decision to shut down the reactor and surface. Upon surfacing, the sailor observed a large, inverted V-shaped UFO off the port side. Using a laser range finder, the distance to the craft was determined to be between 200 and 1,000 meters, with the UFO positioned at a 45-degree angle. The vessel was described as over half a mile across. The UFO made a half-circle around the ship, passing over the stern, which caused further electronic problems, particularly in communications and sonar rooms. The sailor noted that the rain stopped under the UFO's glow and the water appeared to rise. After a brief pause, the UFO moved away rapidly. The ship's systems returned to normal, except for the radio and sonar. The Captain, Executive Officer, and two Petty Officers were briefed, and the sailor was placed in 'protective custody.' The entire crew was subsequently transferred to new assignments, an unusual occurrence that the sailor believes indicates the significance of the event. The sailor was motivated to share his story after watching a television program.

Other UFO Sightings

Viegues, Puerto Rico

Ufologist Jorge Martin interviewed Angel Encarnacion, a fisherman who reported a UFO sighting while fishing south of the Navy's shooting range near Vieques. He described a large, shining, round saucer object with numerous lights, positioned about a hundred feet above the ocean. The most striking observation was the UFO's apparent absorption of water from the ocean, with a large volume of water visibly rising and entering the object. The event was silent.

Georgia, USA

On July 29, 2000, a Georgia leasing agent and two associates witnessed a craft with three rows of hazy green lights during a thunderstorm. The object, described as triangular with rounded edges and about the size of a family car, approached from the west and flew slowly at an altitude of 150-200 feet. It had three steady green lights on its rear. The witness, a former flight attendant, found the aircraft's behavior and proximity to the storm unusual.

Newark, New Jersey, USA

On August 17, 2000, two witnesses observed a fast-moving silver sphere UFO near Newark Airport. The object, described as a large, round silver ball about the size of a helicopter, moved in a perfect straight line at high speed. It appeared to be made of solid metal and glistened brightly. Radio interference was noted as it passed. The UFO traveled north for about six miles at an estimated 2000 feet altitude, with the entire sighting lasting about 30 seconds.

Tale Enders

This section provides brief news items and updates:

• Cynthia Hind: The passing of renowned UFO researcher Cynthia Hind in Zimbabwe is announced. She is remembered as a significant figure in UFO research, author of 'UFO's Over Africa,' and editor of UFO AFRINEWS.
• Alien Connection Exhibition: The unusual tourist attraction in Blackpool, which featured alien replicas and flying saucers, has mysteriously closed. The exhibits were reportedly moved to America.
• Colin Andrews' Theory: PRA member Jeff Whitear disputes Colin Andrews' theory that crop circles are caused by Earth's shifting magnetic field, arguing it would produce elongated, not round, circles. It is also noted that Colin Andrews believes most crop circles are hoaxes.
• Cannock Chase UFO: A witness reported a small triangular object in 1964. A similar sighting in 1979 involved a small triangular craft hovering over a field, with figures seen inside and outside.
• WW2 UFO Stories: A new book titled 'Weird War Tales' by Nick Redfern and Jonathan Downes is mentioned, focusing on crashed UFOs and German Luftwaffe saucer craft from the 1940s.
• USA Policeman Spots FT: An officer in Lebanon, USA, reported a noiseless, dark triangle hovering over his car at a height of 1,000-1,500 feet before streaking away.
• Big Brother Tracking: A report on new technology in Britain that will track mobile phone users' movements to within 5 meters, raising privacy concerns.

Next Meeting

Details are provided for the next meeting of the OVNI journal's associated group, to be held in Derby on Tuesday, September 26th, featuring a video on moon landings and 'FT' shots from Bradford. Non-members are welcome.

The Evening Sky

This section, presented as a personal reflection and guide to astronomy, is written by Walter Berg. It encourages readers to connect with nature and the cosmos by observing the night sky. It provides information on how to receive 'The Evening Sky' astro news-sheet via mail, the World Wide Web, or E-Mail, and over the Amateur Radio Packet Network. The project, which began in 1991 with 25 copies, now has a circulation of over a thousand and is published in several local newspapers. The section also mentions Paul Rudkin's efforts to release 'The Evening Sky' onto the Radio Packet Network in 1994 and the World Wide Web in 1995.

September 2000 Astronomy Highlights

• Venus: Visible low in the western sky.
• Saturn and Jupiter: Visible in the northern skies, near the star Aldebaran, best viewed with binoculars or a small telescope before dawn.
• Meteor Shower: The Alpha Aurigid meteor shower opens in September.
• Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST): Designed to replace Hubble, NGST will have an 8-meter segmented mirror and will be located a million miles from Earth at a Lagrangian point.
• Milky Way Galaxy: Simple sugar molecules have been discovered at its center.
• Star Types: Differences in stars are attributed to temperature, which is controlled by pressure at their core. Larger stars burn fuel faster and have shorter lives, while smaller dwarf stars have very long lives.
• Equinox and Harvest Moon: The Sun reaches the autumnal equinox on September 22nd. The Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the equinox, occurs on September 13th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, astronomical observations, and the ongoing research and reporting of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the publication's name (OVNI, meaning UFO in several languages), is one of serious inquiry into UFOs and related subjects, presenting witness accounts and research findings. The inclusion of 'The Evening Sky' section suggests an interest in broader cosmic awareness and the human connection to the universe. The publication also appears to be a platform for sharing personal accounts and news within the UFO community, as evidenced by the 'Tale Enders' section and the mention of PRA (Phenomenon Research Association).