OVNI - 2009 01 - January-February

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: January/February 2009
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE PHENOMENON RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Country: UK
Date: January/February 2009

This issue of OVNI, 'The Journal for the discerning researcher', presents a collection of recent UFO and paranormal reports, primarily from the UK and USA, alongside an obituary for a notable researcher.

Key Articles and Reports

Wind Turbine Incident in Lincolnshire

The lead story, referencing an article from 'The Sun' on January 8, 2009, details claims by UFO researchers that damage to a wind turbine in Conisholme, Lincolnshire, was caused by a mystery aircraft. The turbine lost one 66ft blade and had another badly damaged. Ecotricity, the owner, stated that while investigations were ongoing, they were not ruling anything out, noting the damage was 'unique'. Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, expressed that they had no immediate explanation and were analyzing the damage. The Ministry of Defence stated they were not investigating, as their remit is to check for hostile or unauthorized military activity, not to identify UFOs unless a threat is present. An 'Editors Note' suggests that a UFO's guidance system would be too sophisticated to allow it to crash into a turbine. A follow-up report from 'The Sun' suggests Ministry of Defence insiders offered an explanation that the UFOs might be secret unmanned stealth bombers, possibly the 'Taranis' aircraft, on test flights. Witnesses described a black delta-wing craft, similar in size to a Hawk jet trainer, with dangling strands, dubbed the 'Octopus UFO'. An 'Editors Comment' questions the source of this information and references a similar British craft from 1996.

Latest UFO Reports (UK)

This section compiles several recent sightings:

• Staffordshire Sighting (January 3, 2009): Two witnesses reported seeing a bright orange light approaching from the east, which they initially thought was a helicopter. They observed three such lights that seemed to be searching, moving slowly, and forming a triangulation before disappearing. They noted no sound and no apparent green or red lights.
• Wickford, Essex (January 1, 2009): Two witnesses reported seeing four orange, round objects moving in formation. These were observed around midnight as the new year began and were distinguished from fireworks due to their movement and colour.
• Worthing, West Sussex (January 1, 2009): Two witnesses reported seeing three large orange orbs flying in a clear triangle formation towards the west. They estimated the altitude at around 15,000ft and noted they were much larger and brighter than aircraft lights, with no sound or blinking lights.
• Belton, North Lincolnshire (December 31, 2008): A single witness reported a round orange ball appearing in the sky, initially thought to be a burning aircraft. The object moved towards a road, then stopped above a pub, its colour fading to red. It hovered for approximately two minutes before moving back towards the M180 motorway, with no sound heard.

Huge 'Flying Triangle' Seen Over Ohio

This article by Steve Hammons details a sighting on October 24, 2008, near the Ohio River. Truck driver Tim Comstock reported seeing a bright object the size of a large pickup truck rising above the trees, followed by a much larger dark object with three bluish lights in a triangular pattern. Comstock took three photos with his cell phone. He described the smaller object as self-luminescent and the larger object as dark gray or black with a crystalline surface, resembling a 'cracked open piece of coal'. He noted that several cars had pulled over, with people transfixed by the sight. Comstock found the experience awe-inspiring and beautiful, describing it as a 'paradigm shift' that changed his perspective on life and the universe.

What's zap? (Bristol Sighting)

This report, from 'The Sun' newspaper on November 6, 2008, details footage captured by Shellie and Betty Williams of a mysterious craft hovering over Bristol. They filmed a red beam of light shooting to the ground, along with red and white vertical beams not visible to the naked eye. Through binoculars, they saw clusters of lights forming a circle. Air traffic control at Bristol International Airport reported no unusual activity. The article includes a link to a YouTube video showing two UFO balls of light emitting red beams, followed by a third ball of light.

'Flying Triangle' Recollections!

This section features a report from Pablo Esteban Mendez in Argentina about a triangular UFO sighting in the winter of 2002. He described a triangular craft with white lights at the corners and a red light in the middle, moving horizontally and then vertically, with strange low noises. He also reported seeing a similar object with three orange lights in the winter of 2008. The report includes an 'Editors Comment' and a reply from Pablo detailing the sounds, comparing them to 'The Jetsons' cartoons, and noting that some people had seen similar things.

Mysterious Force Crushes Side of Woman's Car

This report from Northbrook, Illinois, USA, dated November 4, 2008, describes a young woman's car suddenly lurching and sustaining damage to its entire left side, appearing scorched with no paint removed. Investigating police could not provide an explanation, noting no paint scratches or animal hair. The case has been passed to MUFON for follow-up. The magazine's editor suggests the damage might be from a strong invisible wave motion, possibly a beam weapon, but acknowledges a rational explanation is unlikely at this stage.

Eric Morris - UFO and Paranormal Researcher - 1953-2008

This is an appreciation by Tim Matthews of the late Eric Morris, a prominent Ufologist who passed away in Gibraltar. Morris began his involvement with UFOs in the 1970s while serving in the Royal Navy, including as a combat medic in the Falklands conflict. After his naval service, he pursued a career in nursing and obtained a specialist Nursing Degree. He was active in the UFO community, attending events, appearing on TV, and writing articles. He was known for investigating cases, initially focusing on Close Encounters and abductions, but becoming more skeptical over time. He also participated in crop circle investigations and was involved in organizing paranormal conferences, with a significant passion for animal welfare, donating to the Cat's Protection League. The article highlights his kind nature and dedication to research.

I Spotted a Triangular UFO (Shirley, UK)

This letter from Julian Doncom recounts a sighting in Shirley in the 1980s of a triangular object moving very slowly, with visible machinery, pipes, and lights. It made no noise. He hesitated to report it for fear of ridicule.

Bus Travellers Near Oxford Spot UFO 'shooting beams of light'

Three unnamed individuals reported seeing an impressive object on January 5, 2009, near Oxford, shooting orange and white beams in all directions. They described its base as flat and made of panels, and noted it moved silently.

Other Witnesses In The Area Reported...

• Bicester (January 6, 2009): Two UFOs with bright red-orange lights were seen hovering for about 10 minutes before moving behind clouds.
• Abingdon (January 7, 2009): A witness reported seeing strange lights that split into two and shot off, appearing as silent orange flames that changed shape. A local radio station had also received numerous calls about red/orange and white lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are diverse UFO sightings across different geographical locations, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and the personal accounts of witnesses. The magazine appears to present these reports with a degree of seriousness, encouraging further investigation and discussion, as indicated by the 'Editors Notes' and 'Editors Comments' sections. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these events, with a focus on witness testimony and the physical evidence or lack thereof. The inclusion of an obituary for Eric Morris underscores the magazine's commitment to the history and individuals within the UFO research community. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the unexplained while also critically examining potential explanations, including conventional ones and more speculative possibilities like advanced technology or unknown forces.

This issue of OVNI, dated November 16, 2008, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, alongside scientific discussions on the origins of life and space exploration.

UFO Sighting Near Cheltenham

The issue begins with a report from 'Brian' detailing a sighting by a local man, referred to as 'D H', near Cheltenham on November 16, 2008. 'D H', an account director, described seeing a large, perfect triangle-shaped object in the sky while driving towards Cheltenham. He noted that another car braked as well, indicating shared observation. The object was described as being about the size of two double-decker buses, approximately 100ft in the air, with lights at each corner and one at the center. It was heading in the direction of Charlton Kings. Mr. Hicks, who also saw the object, emphasized its vividness and strangeness, stating he had never seen anything so vivid. The sighting is presumed to have occurred on November 15th or 16th. A Gloucestershire Police spokesman stated that no reports of strange objects were received. The article speculates on possible explanations, including proximity to air bases like Brize Norton and the F117 nighthawk, but notes the lack of detailed information from the reporting news outlet.

UFO Lights Over Borrowash, Derby

Another report, from Mrs. 'BV', describes an encounter on November 21, 2008, at 9:30 PM in Borrowash, Derby. She and her husband observed two very bright orange lights that initially seemed like fireworks but were soon recognized as something else as they approached. A third object then appeared behind them. The objects moved slowly, appearing to be driven or controlled. Mrs. 'BV' managed to take three photos and a video with her mobile phone before the objects moved over their roof. They continued to observe the lights from the front of the house, noting one of the front lights darted off to the right and then returned. The entire observation lasted about two minutes. Following the sighting, her mobile phone was unusable for calls for three and a half hours. The photographs were not of high quality, but a video showed an orange/red line descending from one object. The lights were described as orange and hazy, like rugby balls, and were completely silent, observed at an altitude of about 100ft.

A Shipwreck Mystery in 1964

Written by Mark Andrews, this section recounts a personal UFO encounter from 1964. While serving as a radio officer on the Israeli ship M.V. Atzamaut of the Atid Shipping Company, anchored off Jaffa, the ship was caught in a hurricane-force storm and broke anchor, running aground on the coast. After sending an SOS, Andrews went on deck and observed a calm, clear sky. About a mile away and at an altitude of approximately 1000-2000 feet, he saw a silvery, box-like object covered in a criss-cross trellising, resembling a garden fence, with a leg at each corner. He speculated it might be a survey craft from a larger UFO. Following this sighting, the dead-weighted ship, which had filled with water, began to bump along the seabed and was eventually gently placed alongside the concrete jetty of Jaffa harbour. Andrews attempted to retrieve binoculars to get a closer look, but the object had disappeared by then. The report notes that Mark Andrews had 'astral' experiences and alien contact throughout his life and died on December 25, 1999.

Are We Martians?

This section, condensed from 'Filers Files #36', discusses the hypothesis that life's seeds are widespread in the universe and could have originated from Mars or other star systems. It cites a 2000 study suggesting bacteria can survive space travel, supporting the idea of panspermia. Scientists like David Morrison and K. Ingemar Jonsson are mentioned for their work on extremophiles. The article explores the possibility that life originated on Mars when it had a stable crust, about 4.5 billion years ago, and was transported to Earth via asteroid impacts during the Late Heavy Bombardment. Jay Melosh of the Lunar and Planetary Lab at the University of Arizona supports this scenario. Conversely, Schuerger suggests life might have started on Earth. The article also references Dr. Francis Crick's view that the 'origin of life' was from space, proposing that an advanced civilization may have devised a way to pass on their existence. It highlights the immense probability against DNA arising by chance, citing Crick's calculation of ten to the 40,000th power, which is statistically impossible given the number of electrons in the universe.

Martian News

This section presents recent findings about Mars. Radar images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter suggest the presence of huge glaciers of buried ice in mid-latitude craters in Hellas Basin. This ice, covered by dirt, could represent a significant water resource for future astronauts. Another report details how climate cycles over millions of years have left rhythmic patterns in sedimentary rock layers on Mars, as revealed by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in Becquerel crater.

Tail Enders

This section contains brief news items. Two taxi drivers and a security guard reported seeing a diamond-shaped craft, described as a flying 'sting-ray', over the River Dee in Wales on November 14, 2008. Paul Ponssot, a French researcher, has postponed a visit to Derby. Dr. Emily Baldwin reports on scientific findings about cosmic radio noise booms. A '2012 Solar Prediction' warns of potential solar flares and severe space weather. A news item from January 4, 2009, discusses the Home Office's plan to allow police to hack into personal computers without a warrant. Finally, a report from Blackpool on December 30, 9 PM, describes an orange light moving at incredible speed with no noise.

The Next PRA Meeting

Information is provided about an upcoming meeting of the PRA (Psychical Research Association) on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 8 PM in Allenton, Derby. The meeting will feature a presentation by Physicist and lecturer Andrew Johnson on 'The Mars Mystery (Part 2)', along with UFO news and a book raffle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its origins, and scientific exploration of space, particularly Mars. The editorial stance appears to be open to reporting on unexplained phenomena and scientific theories that challenge conventional views, as evidenced by the inclusion of personal accounts of UFO encounters and discussions on panspermia and the origin of life. The magazine also touches upon contemporary issues like government surveillance and technological advancements, framing them within a broader context of mystery and the unknown.