OVNI - 2007 11 - November-December

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: November/December 2007
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association (PRA)
Country: UK
Language: English
Cover Headline: OVNI
Cover Description: The cover features various line drawings of UFOs, a stylized human figure, and geometric patterns, with the title 'OVNI' prominently displayed in large letters, and the issue date 'Nov/Dec. 2007'.

The 'Roswell 60' Conference

The issue highlights the 'Roswell 60' Conference, held at the Parkside Hotel Conference Centre in Pontefract on October 20-21, 2007. Hailed as the 'Biggest UFO Event' of the year, it drew a large crowd of UK and International Ufologists. The Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) was well represented, with the editor attending and meeting fellow researchers. A key outcome of the conference was the discussion of new revelations, particularly concerning 'The Alien Autopsy' film. Russel Callaghan of UFODATA Magazine is credited with organizing the event. PRA member Neil Cairns met Dr. Jesse Marcel Jnr., who addressed the conference on its first day. The editor also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Marcel Jnr. on the second day.

'The Alien Autopsy' Film Controversy

The magazine delves into the controversial 'Alien Autopsy' film, showing a frame from Ray Santilli's alleged 1947 footage. The film was shown to new PRA member Derek Pickering, a former Royal Army Medical Corps serviceman with experience in autopsies. Pickering strongly criticized the film, stating it was "Everything was wrong, it just wasn't real, it was so silly!" He detailed several anatomical inconsistencies, such as the method of accessing the brain and the lack of a headrest. He also noted the absence of a biological protection suit for the alien body. It was disclosed at the conference that the film was a fake, with artist and sculptor John Humphreys admitting to creating the alien body and participating as a 'pathologist.' Legal action for fraud and consumer fraud against Ray Santilli is mentioned.

Conference Insights and Encounters

Beyond the formal presentations, the conference offered valuable one-on-one interactions. The editor spoke with Michael Hesemann, who has shifted from producing UFO video compilations to writing a book on the subject. American researcher and author Donald Schmitt was seen chatting with PRA associate David Sankey about a future project. PRA member Colin Saunders, a close encounter witness, discussed a forthcoming UFO stage production with a significant budget. Nick Pope also had a chance to speak with Omar Fowler, discussing developments including challenges with low-level radar returns.

Latest Sighting Reports

Chaddesden, Derby (November 3, 2007)

A line of orangey lights was observed, initially appearing as an arrowhead formation.

Langley Mill, Notts. (October 10, 2007)

A witness described a bright orange glow that lit up his room, initially thought to be fireworks. The object remained stationary, appearing like a plane 'on fire,' then took a right-hand turn and seemed to adopt a clover-leaf shape. It was estimated to be 10-20,000 ft up, with tongue-like flames and three bright lights. It then disappeared suddenly.

Shrewsbury (October 16, 2007)

A witness reported seeing a bright yellow structure, resembling a combined harvester or a huge bouncy castle, on two occasions. The structure covered the entire road and vanished instantly without flying off.

Yorkshire Moors Phenomenon

A photograph sent by Derek Pickering shows a sudden beam of light that appeared over the North Yorkshire Moors in the mid-1990s. It shone for several minutes before shutting off and did not appear to be diffused sunlight.

Mystery Aircraft Baffle Observer

An article from the 'Northumberland Gazette' (October 11, 2007) reports on a sighting of two strange black triangular aircraft over north Northumberland. The observer, with a military background, noted their unusual shape, flat profile, and lack of tail, and that they performed manoeuvres in tight formation. The aircraft were not identifiable as any known military type, including the USAF's F-117 Stealth Fighter. The Ministry of Defence and RAF Boulmer were unaware of any foreign forces exercising in the area. The sighting is compared to a previous photo of a similar object near Tynemouth, speculated to be a TR-3A Black Manta, though critics suggest it could be a prototype for the B-2 Spirit bomber.

Duxford Air Show Mystery

Dale Robins submitted photographs taken at the Duxford Air Show on September 9, 2007, during a Red Arrows display. While processing the images, Robins, an experienced photographer, discovered an unidentified object. The object, highlighted in the photos, does not appear to be a bird and is difficult to identify, though it is noted as being similar to one photographed at a previous airshow at Goodwood. It is speculated that it could be a surveillance UFO craft showing interest in the performing aircraft.

UFO and Alien Progress

Bill Foster's article discusses the perceived lack of significant progress in understanding the UFO and alien situation. He argues that brilliant minds are working in isolation on various aspects, such as the Roswell crash, crop circles, cattle mutilations, and government cover-ups, without a unified purpose or central clearinghouse for information. Foster proposes a unified front where researchers acknowledge existing information and focus on foundational questions like obtaining credible evidence of flying craft and authentic material evidence of UFOs. He questions the commonalities of sightings and abductions, the establishment of a centralized reporting system, and national standardization efforts. Foster draws a parallel to business collaborations, noting that a lack of trust among investigators can hinder progress, similar to competitors in the same industry. He criticizes the historical MUFON 'field guide' for not including questions about missing time or abductions. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for private parties to unite and organize UFOlogy into a scientific and logical endeavor, warning that waiting for government revelations may be futile.

August 12, 1952; Bakersfield, California, Project Blue Book Report

Daniel Wilson submitted a report detailing a sighting from Bakersfield, California, on August 12, 1952. Multiple witnesses at a drive-in theater observed a group of lights forming a large 'V' shaped, crescent shaped, or triangular object. The object moved generally south to north at 60-80 MPH and disappeared at high speed. One witness described a triangular object larger than an airline, flying at an altitude of 200-300 feet, which then disappeared suddenly while traveling northeast. A page from the Project Blue Book report is included, noting that the object was not considered to be a threat and that further investigation was recommended.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the analysis of specific sightings and historical cases, and the critical examination of evidence, particularly concerning the 'Alien Autopsy' film. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages rigorous investigation, critical thinking, and a more organized, collaborative approach to UFO research, moving beyond isolated efforts and potential hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on debunking fraudulent claims while remaining open to credible evidence and systematic study.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated approximately November 2007, focuses on the ongoing search for and discussion of extraterrestrial life and phenomena. The cover story highlights Victor Viggiani, director of media relations for Exopolitics Toronto, and his efforts to push for government disclosure regarding aliens. The magazine also includes reports on space exploration, meteorite events, and UFO sightings.

Ex-defence minister joins search for aliens

The lead article introduces Victor Viggiani, a retired elementary school principal and director of media relations for Exopolitics Toronto. Viggiani's group advocates for full disclosure about extraterrestrials, believing they have visited Earth and possess knowledge beneficial to humanity. He emphasizes pointing to evidence rather than trying to convince individuals. Exopolitics is described as a field that assumes the existence of intelligent, sentient, ethical extraterrestrials, their contact with Earth, and their potential to share knowledge on sustainable energy and other global matters. Viggiani aims to foster a 'civilian diplomacy movement' to prepare humanity for a relationship with these beings, acknowledging that the species is not yet ready. A significant part of this effort involves lifting the 'truth embargo' on government information. Viggiani has used the Access to Information Act to obtain documents from the Canadian Department of National Defence concerning pilots tracking 'non-correlated targets' (UFOs). He identifies 'ridicule' as a major hurdle, which he believes is a deliberate government tactic to suppress information and deter witnesses. Exopolitics Toronto sent a letter to the Governor General of Canada requesting a meeting with experts to discuss disclosure and diplomacy, receiving a response suggesting the Canadian Space Agency and Canadian Security Intelligence Service as appropriate contacts. Viggiani views this response as a 'major breakthrough' in Canada's disclosure initiatives.

Emergency Space Walk Thriller

This section details a successful emergency space walk undertaken by NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski to repair a damaged solar wing on the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, postponed twice due to the risk of electrocution, involved Parazynski, assisted by Astronaut Doug Wheelock, repairing a torn solar wing essential for powering future space missions. Parazynski was positioned on the end of the Orbiter Boom Sensor System. The solar panel, carrying over 100 volts, could not be turned off. To mitigate the electrocution risk, Parazynski's spacesuit and tools were wrapped in insulating tape. Live video from a helmet-mounted camera guided the repair. The mission lasted over seven hours, during which Parazynski installed homemade braces and fixed twisted wires. The Space Shuttle Discovery was scheduled to complete its mission and undock soon after.

Bits & Pieces

This section contains several short reports:

• Peruvian Meteorite Update: Astronomers studying a meteorite fall from September 15, 2007, in Peru have analyzed infrasound records and estimated its kinetic energy at about 0.03 kton of TNT. Over 30 kg of the meteorite have been recovered, with one researcher suggesting a 'multi-ton monster' might be hidden in its watery crater. Further information is available at http://spaceweather.com.
• U.S. Air Force Aircraft Identification Chart: A visual chart is presented, showing various shapes and labels, including 'Weather Balloon', 'Swamp Gas', and others that could be mistaken for unidentified objects.
• UFODATA Magazine Notice: The magazine announces its subscription price remains at 2006 levels (£22.00 per year) and promotes its 'Roswell 60 Conference' held in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, in October 2007. Guest speakers included Dr. Jesse Marcel Jr., Don Schmitt, Michael Hesemann, Gary Heseltine, and Malcolm Robinson. Subscribers before December 31st, 2007, receive a complimentary copy of the event's key lectures. Contact information for UFO DATA is provided.
• Ripley UFO Report: A witness named Martin reports a sighting on October 19, 2007, near Ripley. He and his partner observed four red/orange lights in the sky. Two lights appeared higher than the other two. All four lights remained stationary for about 30 seconds to a minute before disappearing sequentially, described as if the lights were switched off. The lights were of similar size, appearing about 6.00mm in diameter, but their distance was unknown.

Is There a "Living" Lake on Mars?

This article discusses 143 color images of Mars released by the University of Arizona-based HiRISE team, which operates on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The author recounts his wife's initial reaction to one of the images, mistaking a geological formation for a 'lake'. While the author acknowledges there is no confirmed evidence of a living lake, he finds the images 'really interesting' and suggests they depict 'many' lakes. UA Professor Alfred S. McEwen, the HiRISE principal investigator, stated that the color data is useful for interpreting geologic processes and history on Mars, highlighting the exciting and compositionally diverse areas shown.

Cave Skylights Spotted on Mars

This brief report mentions that NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft discovered seven potential cave entrances on the slopes of a Martian volcano on September 21, 2007. This discovery has increased interest in potential underground habitats on Mars.

Obituary: Gordon Millington

This section is an obituary for Gordon Millington (August 22, 1922 – October 16, 2007). Millington served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and later joined the Army, reaching the rank of Captain. After leaving the army, he returned to teaching English and sociology. In 1986, he retired to pursue his interest in the paranormal, becoming an accredited investigator for the British UFO Research Association and a consultant for Flying Saucer Review. He chaired the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena from 1992, editing its journal 'Pegasus' until 2000. He also published three novels and a non-fiction book, 'Alien Encounters – An interpretive approach to the UFO phenomenon and crop circles mysteries'. His magnum opus, 'UFOs and Humanity', was based on this work.

The Next PRA Meeting

An announcement for the next PRA meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th, at the Royal British Legion in Derby. The event will feature a presentation by Physicist Andrew Johnson on 'The Sheffield Incident', investigating an alleged 1997 aircraft crash possibly caused by an encounter with an 'FT' (unidentified flying object), investigated by Max Burns. The meeting will also include UFO news and a free UFO book raffle, with a £1 entry fee for non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and government disclosure efforts. There is a clear interest in investigative reporting and sharing eyewitness accounts, as seen in the Ripley UFO report and the discussion of Victor Viggiani's work. The inclusion of space exploration news from NASA and Mars missions suggests a broader interest in the search for life beyond Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts, while also acknowledging the challenges of public perception and government secrecy. The disclaimer states that articles and opinions printed in OVNI do not necessarily reflect the views of the PRA.