OVNI - 2002 01 - January-February

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: January/February 2002
Publisher: Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association
Country: UK
Price: £1 plus postage

This issue of OVNI, the Journal of the Phenomenon Research Association, presents a collection of UFO-related reports and articles, blending local news with international perspectives and broader scientific commentary.

A Busy New Year and Full of Interesting Events

Omar Fowler, the Group Leader and Editor, opens the issue by noting a shift from a lack of reports to an inundation, partly due to his monthly 'UFO Phone-In' broadcast on BBC Radio Derby. These broadcasts have generated numerous witness reports, several of which are featured in this issue.

The Sad Passing of a Friend and International UFO Researcher

The issue marks the passing of Antonio Ribera, a well-known Spanish (Catalan) UFO researcher, who died on September 24, 2001, at the age of 81. Omar Fowler recounts his personal meeting with Ribera in Spain in 1986, describing Ribera's background, including his experiences during the Spanish Civil War and his later work as an international author, notably a book on his underwater survey of Easter Island, for which he received an award from Jacques Cousteau. Ribera's contribution to UFO research is noted as a significant loss.

Reflections on a Mote of Dust

This section features a reprinted excerpt from a 1996 presentation by astronomer Carl Sagan. Sagan reflects on the 'family portrait' of the solar system taken by the Voyager 1 spacecraft, emphasizing Earth's smallness in the vastness of space. He uses the image of Earth as a 'pale blue dot' to highlight human conflicts, misunderstandings, and the folly of our perceived self-importance, urging a more compassionate approach to one another and the preservation of our planet.

Local Derby News

Investigator Peter Edwards PRA presents several local reports. Krista Beighton of the Derby Evening Telegraph details a mysterious light captured on film by Andrew Garlick in Derby. Garlick and his wife Danielle reported seeing a slow-moving oval white light and a teardrop shape falling from it. They also witnessed other formations, including three white shapes in a triangle and a red-coloured light. Peter Edwards suggests the footage is unlikely to be a hoax, noting similarities to other cases. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment.

PRA Member Paul Usher's FT Encounter 25-11-01

Paul Usher reports on an encounter on November 25, 2001, while driving near Norwich. He describes seeing an almost invisible triangular craft moving through misty clouds, capable of generating light and colour to match the sky. He estimated its speed at around 200mph. The editor notes the possibility of this being a Stealth aircraft due to the presence of airfields in the area, but leaves open the possibility of it being an 'Alien craft'.

Hucknall Airfield Incident

In a letter to Mr. Fowler, G.N.J. Robinson recounts an incident witnessed with his wife some years ago near Hucknall Airfield. They observed a cluster of red and yellow lights in the sky, which appeared motionless but with the yellow lights drifting. The phenomenon was silent and moved off towards Nottingham at the speed of a light aircraft. Robinson, an 84-year-old aviation enthusiast, shares this account for posterity, noting the difficulty in pinpointing the exact date but estimating it around 1990 ±5 years.

More Strange Stories from the Bramcote, Notts. Area

This section compiles reports from the area between Trowell and Bramcote. One report, from a witness named 'John', describes seeing a white light near the 'Hemlock Stone' after dark, which moved against the wind without noise. Another witness, who has lived in the area for thirty years, reports seeing lights over Bramcote Park for the past 2.5 years, visible in daylight. These lights appear at random intervals, are described as sodium street lights, and move horizontally and erratically.

'The Flying Dwarf'

Continuing the Bramcote reports, 'John' describes a peculiar event from July 1992. He witnessed a 'Floating Alien' figure, described as dwarf-like, chunky, and dark green, descending at a 45-degree angle. The figure had a semi-transparent dome over its head, boots, gloves, a jacket, and trousers, and appeared to be operating a twin cylinder backpack. The figure hovered for about 15-20 seconds before moving off. The witness found the creature 'distinctly menacing'.

A Selection of New Zealand Reports

Harvey L. Cooke of Tauranga, NZ, presents several notable UFO reports from New Zealand. These include:

• 1178 AD, Tapanui: A report of a very bright light exploding, involving four controlled discs, which left traces in the ground and fused sand and timber.
• 1909, Otago: A craft resembling an airship with a powerful searchlight was seen over Otago, travelling between the islands and using its light to illuminate the ground.
• 1969, Ngatea: A disc-type craft landed on farmland, leaving behind evidence of crushed trees and three pad marks, with the affected area shaped like a cone on its side.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the investigation of these events. The editorial stance, as indicated by Omar Fowler's introduction and the inclusion of diverse reports, is one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging witness accounts and presenting them for consideration. The inclusion of Carl Sagan's piece suggests an appreciation for scientific perspective and the humbling nature of astronomical discovery, while the obituaries and local news highlight the ongoing human interest and engagement with these mysteries. The magazine aims to document and share these experiences, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts.

Title: OVNI (also referred to as The Evening Sky for the astronomy section)
Issue: Page 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Date: January 2002 (issue date raw), 2002-01 (issue date)
Publisher: The Evening Sky
Country: UK
Language: English

New Zealand Reports

The first section details several UFO-related incidents in New Zealand. One case involves a craft that left triangular pad marks on the ground, killing vegetation with radiation. Experts from Auckland University and the D.S.I.R. examined the site. The craft was estimated to be on legs about 5ft high, with radiation spreading outwards upon take-off.

Another significant case is the Kaikoura sightings, recorded on film by a crew from SAFE Air. The aircraft was tracked on radar from Wellington and its own radar. The film captured a strange dot of light that, in one frame, showed a mark resembling an '&' symbol. Analysis suggested the object performed a 2000ft loop and stopped, implying speeds of over 4000MPH. The possibility of film shake was dismissed.

Further reports include a case in Tauranga witnessed by nine people, involving an object described as a 'railway carriage with lights at the windows' that moved at high speed. Near Te Kuiti, a disc landed near a pond, leaving twisted rushes and footprints. Another incident on a dairy farm involved a hole in a cattle race with baked hard sides, suggesting temperatures around 680°F, possibly from something overhead taking a 'large plug of ground out'.

International UFO Reports

Southern Brazil:
On December 12, 2001, a UFO was videotaped over Araraquara, Sao Paulo, described as an object of great luminosity. Two days later, on December 14, 2001, a UFO was filmed over Samambaia, near Brasilia, described as a brilliant white light making circular manoeuvres. Brazilian authorities reported no unusual radar activity.

Mississippi, USA:
On December 21, 2001, in Red Banks, Mississippi, witnesses saw two bright balls in the sky, followed by about ten more that formed a motionless triangle. Individual UFOs then moved in formation, forming straight lines before moving west towards a flashing tower. The objects changed lights from bright to dim and some UFOs flew into a bright UFO and disappeared. Witnesses estimated the altitude to be around 30,000 feet.

Edinburgh, Scotland:
On December 23, 2001, footage was shot of three massive motherships, estimated to be half to one mile long, over the estuary near Edinburgh. These elliptical ships disgorged smaller, pod-shaped ships that flew over the city. The footage is described as being of 'earth shattering significance'.

Tale Enders

This section reviews recent UFO-related publications and events.

• UFO NEWS U.K.: Described as a new 'on-line' magazine covering world-wide UFO activity, produced by Anthony James.
• 'Chat it's fate' magazine: A new publication featuring an article on the Bonsall UFO activity.
• ARCHIVES FOR UFO RESEARCH (Norrkoping, Sweden): An organization exchanging information with PRA, focused on keeping researchers updated with UFO material.
• 'UNDER STARRY SKIES -Tracing Our Cosmic Heritage': A new book by Walter Berg, described as an uplifting and spiritual view of astronomy. Details provided include ISBN, page count, price (£7.45), and contact information.
• TRIANGULAR UFO SEEN BY A MOTORIST IN OXFORDSHIRE: On December 27th, 2001, a triangular UFO with one light at each corner was observed hovering silently over Wytham Wood for about four minutes, no higher than 22 feet above the trees. The witness felt nervous about reporting it.
• BELGIUM AND FRANCE NEW UFO WAVE!: Reports indicate an upsurge in UFO sightings in Europe, with new reports of blue lighting on the underside of craft and orange UFOs. Belgian TV interviewed witnesses who reported a close encounter with a silver, cylindrical shaped UFO.
• 'TR3B' Craft: The possibility that the TR3B, a secret 'Black Budget' triangular craft, could be responsible for some UFO reports is discussed. It is described as pitch black, triangular, travelling silently, and capable of hovering for ten minutes before settling. A corona of silver-blue light is said to glow around its circumference.

Next PRA Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, January 29th, at the Royal British Legion, Allenton, Derby. The meeting will feature a video of Brian Wood speaking on 'A UFO Crash Retrieval in Missouri, Spring 1941'.

The Evening Sky

January 2002:

• Jupiter: Will be brilliantly visible in the Orion constellation, coming to opposition on the 1st, making it visible all night.
• Saturn: Visible to the right of Jupiter in the Taurus constellation, with its ring system clearly visible through binoculars or a telescope.
• Mars: Visible in the southwestern sky, beaming red in the Pisces constellation.
• Venus: Not visible in January, lost in the glare of the Sun.
• Earth's Perihelion: Reaches its closest point to the Sun on the 2nd, 92.5 million miles away.
• Quadrantid Meteor Shower: Peaks on the 3rd, but moonlight will interfere.
• Moon Phases: New Moon on the 13th, Full Moon on the 28th.

Light Pollution:
The article discusses light pollution as a major problem for stargazers and the environment. It affects the behaviour of living creatures, creates stress and confusion, and can cause serious physiological and ecological problems. Light pollution is defined as sky-glow produced by the scattering of artificial light. It can be substantially reduced without detriment to social lighting objectives, helping to protect the nocturnal environment and avoid glare that impedes aircraft and ships. Sky-glow presents a real threat to professional astronomers, obscuring the faint light from remote cosmic sources.

Contact Information: Walter Berg, PO Box 5212, Milton Keynes, MK9 3HD, UK. Website: http://www.theeveningsky.co.uk. Email: [email protected].

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena from around the world, with a particular focus on New Zealand. It presents witness accounts, photographic and film evidence, and expert analysis. The tone is generally factual, aiming to inform researchers and enthusiasts. The inclusion of astronomical information and discussions on light pollution suggests a broader interest in the night sky and its environmental impact. The magazine appears to be a platform for sharing information within the UFO research community, evidenced by its exchange of information with other organizations and its coverage of books and events.