OVNI - 2009 09 - September-October

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: September/October 2009
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE PHENOMENON RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Country: UK
Price: £2.50+pp UK: 4 Euros incl: pp

This issue of OVNI, 'The Journal for the discerning researcher', focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a cover headline proclaiming 'OVNI' and featuring various illustrations of unidentified flying objects.

THE MOD RELEASE HUNDREDS OF UFO CASES!

The lead article, by Michael Rundle of the Daily Mail, reports on the UK Ministry of Defence's release of thousands of pages of documents pertaining to UFO sightings between 1981 and 1996, dubbed the 'British X-files'. These files contain 4,000 pages of statements from fighter pilots, police officers, and the public. The article suggests that while some accounts are 'bonkers', others are interesting, and the full files are available from the National Archives. The author humorously suggests spending time with a torch and whiskey in a field as a more productive UFO hunting method.

Britain's Roswell a 'banana skin'

This section discusses the well-known 1980 UFO incident at Rendlesham, UK, involving two US airmen. The tale was taken seriously enough to prompt a warning to Michael Hesseltine. However, it was later revealed in 2003 that two US officials had staged the event by shining their car lights, a prank attributed to 'classic American humour'. The article notes '(Ed.) Not So! See page 4' for further commentary.

Lemonhead aliens attempt abduction

The Sun newspaper reported a story from April 1995 about two youths in Staffordshire who claimed to have encountered a four-storey high, lemon-shaped flying saucer. The craft allegedly said, "We want you, come with us." The youths ran to the police, but their report was not met with an enthusiastic response. A subsequent police visit found a farmer who claimed to have seen nothing, a common response according to the article.

Cemetery Sighting

An incident not widely reported, found in the National Archives (DEFE 24/1976), describes a man in Cheshire who saw a beam of light and heard a wailing noise over a cemetery. A cloud of smoke appeared, and the man fled. The next day, police found a still-smouldering hole burned in a railway sleeper, with no trace of accelerant.

'600 Sightings in one year'

This headline, reported by the Daily Mail, refers to the fact that in 1996, over 600 alien and UFO sightings were made in the UK, a significant increase from the previous year. By 1998, the number had dropped to 193 per year. The Mail's 'UFO expert' speculates this might be linked to the popularity of the movie 'Independence Day', though the article draws a parallel with the movie 'Twister' and the lack of a corresponding increase in tornado reports.

Aliens at Glastonbury

In June 1994, two female festival-goers at Glastonbury reported seeing a UFO over the jazz stage. Their report is available in the National Archives (DEFE 1960). The women stated they were "stone cold sober," and submitted a drawing of the object.

UFO captured by BBC webcam?

An article by Michael Rundle reports on a strange blast of white light captured by a BBC webcam overlooking the Millenium Bridge in Gateshead on August 6, 2009. The object appeared to streak into the sky behind presenter Colin Briggs. 'UFO experts' quoted by The Sun were baffled, with the article humorously suggesting it might be an 'over-caffeinated bird' or a new superhero. The footage is available online. The article also mentions the 'Rods' phenomenon, first seen in film from Mexico, where elongated objects were observed. The BBC, when contacted about the webcam footage, suggested it might be related to the 'Rods' phenomenon.

NEW RENDLESHAM REVELATIONS

This section contains two personal accounts related to the Rendlesham Forest incident.

Local Visitors Recollections by Paul Jeffs

Paul Jeffs recounts a story from the early 1980s, when he was living in Ipswich and his girlfriend was dating American servicemen from the Bentwaters and Woodbridge bases. During a period of high alert and 'lockdown' due to the Cold War, a young serviceman related an incident where the control tower detected an object on radar, tracked it to the forest area, and witnessed it take off at high velocity. Jeffs is convinced something unusual happened that night, though he is unsure if it was a UFO or something else.

New Linda Moulton Howe Revelations about Rendlesham

This piece, from August 28, 2009, references an interview with Col. Charles Halt by Linda Moulton Howe. Halt reiterated his belief that the 1980 Rendlesham objects were extraterrestrial craft and expressed disappointment with his superiors' handling of the case, which was deemed a 'Brit problem'. Halt was sceptical of government revelations and believed a major incident was needed to uncover the truth. Michael Heseltine urged Halt to seek a definitive statement after 29 years, and speculated that "we don't know more than 75% of what occurred." Howe also noted that witness James Penniston, under hypnosis, reported that the beings were time travellers and "they are us." The editor adds a note about 'time travellers' potentially explaining why aliens might not intervene in disasters, citing an example of a hologram projection of the 9/11 towers shown to contactee Mrs P. Winfield prior to the event.

STRANGE LIGHTS OVER HEANOR

This section features a photograph of a red glowing light taken on April 21, 2009, over Heanor, Derbyshire, flying over Ilkeston. A friend of the contributor also saw them. A total of five lights were seen moving towards Stapleford. The objects were described as being as high as a plane coming in to land at East Midlands Airport, with no noise, and moving upwards steadily. The contributor and their friend also saw two more lights a week later. Richard Colborne reports seeing two red lights emerge from behind a bungalow in Fladbury on August 16, 2009. These lights were bright, red, and moved steadily, unlike Chinese lanterns. He observed two separate objects or aircraft, each with a single landing light with a red filter. He notes that military aircraft often use this route. Links to YouTube videos are provided.

MID-WALES UFO'S

This article from the Newtown 'County Times' (July 24th) reports on a sighting by Melissa Lewis Clubbe, a 17-year-old from Newtown, who filmed a bright white object on her mobile phone. She described the object as 'egg shaped and was spinning on an axis,' silent, and hovering like a glider, with a bright orange light at the back. She is convinced it was not a Chinese lantern due to its speed and 2D appearance. The article mentions previous reports of UFO sightings over Newtown possibly being Chinese lanterns from a wedding party, but Melissa disputes this explanation. UFO investigator Phil Hoyle is seeking information on similar sightings in the Mid Wales area.

UFO over RAF C-130 at RAF Lyneham on July 22, 2009

John Powell, a retired computer sciences teacher, reported spotting a mystery silver shape tracking a C-130 military craft near RAF Lyneham. He described it as an unusual silver orb following the C-130 as it landed. Powell, a pilot himself, stated the object was unlike any aircraft he knew and much larger than any aircraft he had seen. The Ministry of Defence stated they would not be investigating as it was not considered a 'potential threat'.

Reports of flying saucers being spotted hovering over Whitchurch (Shropshire)

This article from the Whitchurch Herald (August 6, 2009) details two sightings. George Harry Robinson reported his brother waking him up to see a saucer with a light underneath and bright colours hovering over their house for about five minutes. Debbie and Mark Rowley reported seeing a bright light similar to a large Chinese lantern on July 4th, which drifted and then headed southeast. Approximately 10 minutes later, a much bigger fireball was seen in the east. Neither sighting was accompanied by sound. They noted the objects moved at considerable speed.

Owl crop-circle appears in Wiltshire field

An article from the Daily Telegraph (August 22, 2009) describes a giant crop circle resembling an owl that appeared overnight in Woodborough Hill, Wiltshire. A theory suggests it is a tribute to Harry Potter's pet Hedwig. Crop circle specialists are searching for meaning, with some believing it's a tribute to the wizard. Steve Killick, a Harry Potter fan, finds the idea exciting. Pattern expert Karen Alexander suggests the owl is an ancient symbol of wisdom, implying a message to think deeper about the world. The article also mentions a farmer firing a shotgun at circle-spotters. The editors comment on the ingenuity of crop circle makers and suggest it's unlikely to be alien intelligence.

Connecticut Flying Triangle

This report, from Files Flies #35 2009, details a sighting by a private investigator in Guilford on August 24, 2009. He observed a large, flat, triangular object with rounded corners and sides, featuring yellowish-white, red, blue, and green pulsating lights. The object hovered motionless at 600 feet before darting away at 'bullet-like' speed, with all lights extinguishing. The object was half the size of a football field, black or dark gray, and emitted no sound. The investigator, a licensed pilot, stated it was unlike any known aircraft.

LINCOLNSHIRE FT'S

This section features Mr Eric Goring, an avid reporter of Flying Triangle sightings since September 2008. He has invested in a night vision scope to document his encounters. Goring describes seeing a large pulsating white central light on the FT, with four smaller dimmer lights pulsating around it when viewed through his night vision scope. He notes that while others have reported red central lights, he has only seen white, though he has seen them flash a dark red light to the ground. Goring expresses gratitude that these 'aliens' are friendly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI are UFO sightings, government transparency (or lack thereof) regarding UFO data, and the media's portrayal of these events. The magazine presents a range of reported incidents, from official file releases to personal accounts and photographic/video evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also maintaining a critical eye on sensationalism and offering rational explanations or skepticism where appropriate, as seen in the crop circle commentary and the 'Britain's Roswell' debunking. The magazine encourages reader contributions and provides contact information for reporting sightings and sharing information.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated August 2009, is a compilation of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, scientific investigations, and tributes to notable figures in the field. The publication is based in Sweden and covers a range of topics from personal sightings to official investigations and historical cases.

The Mysterious Blue Light?

The first article, edited by Richard Colborne, details personal observations of a mysterious blue light in the sky. The author has witnessed this phenomenon on numerous occasions from Fladbury, near Evesham, over several years. The light appears in the northern sky as the sun sets, sometimes resembling daylight but with a distinct blue/white hue, and can be seen through clouds or in a seemingly clear sky. The author notes that it is not identifiable with street lighting or distant sports arenas. A specific sighting occurred at 03:15 hours in Chadwell Heath, Essex, where a blue light was observed shining through curtains from the north. The author photographed the light, which appeared to emanate from clouds in the upper atmosphere and was visible through large gaps in lower cloud. It was steady, did not undulate, and gradually increased in brightness and extent as dawn approached. The light was centered about 20-30 degrees East of North. The author dismisses the possibility of it being Aurora Borealis and suggests a theory that warming ocean currents might cause plankton in the North Sea to fluoresce and reflect light onto clouds, but questions why this hasn't been photographed. The article concludes with a speculative remark about 'powers that be' not wanting to cause panic.

Scientist Admits To Study Of Roswell Crash Debris! (Confirmed by FOIA Document)

Authored by Anthony Bragalia, this article reports on a research study recently obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The study confirms that Wright-Patterson Air Force base contracted Battelle Memorial Institute to analyze material from a crashed UFO at Roswell in 1947. Remarkably, a co-author of this metals study, Elroy John Center, had previously confessed to analyzing extraterrestrial metal from a crashed UFO while a research scientist at Battelle. The document also reveals that another metallurgist author reported directly to a Battelle scientist conducting secret UFO studies for the USAF. The study appears to represent early attempts at creating highly novel and advanced Titanium alloys, some of which were later associated with the development of 'memory metal' reported as Roswell crash debris. This 1949 Battelle research study was not publicly available until recently and its release was compelled by FOIA. References to it were found in later military studies on shape-memory alloys like Nitinol. It was previously believed to be 'missing' as both Battelle and Wright historians could not locate it. Earlier research had traced a paper trail from Roswell to Wright Patterson, and then to Battelle and this 1949 study. Investigators were surprised to learn that Elroy John Center, who had privately related analyzing UFO metal in 1960, was a co-author. His story was first told publicly in 1992, but his co-authorship of this specific study was only revealed in August 2009. The article notes that Battelle, founded in 1929, operates six U.S. National Laboratories and is a major research and defense contracting organization.

PRA Member Ken Potts Died 9th July 2009

This section is an obituary for Ken Potts, a member of the PRA (Phenomenon Research Association). He is described as a stalwart member and a vital link in communications with worldwide UFO personalities and groups. Ken Potts, aged 62, lived in Meden Vale near Mansfield and died of a heart attack on July 9th, 2009. His funeral was held on July 20th. His contribution to the PRA is noted as substantial, and his presence will be missed. A photograph shows the late Ken Potts with Santiago Yturria Garcia at a Leeds UFO conference in the late 1990s.

The Death of John Keel (1930-2009)

This article announces the death of John Alva Keel, a friend, Fortean, writer, and journalist, who died on July 3, 2009, in New York City at the age of 79. Keel was an admirer of Mothman and other anomalies. He was an early admirer of Charles Fort and began writing articles for 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR) and 'Saga'. Influenced by Ivan T. Sanderson and Aimé Michel, Keel began a full-time investigation into monster, aerial, and paranormal phenomena in 1966, interviewing thousands of people across the U.S. He reviewed over 2,000 books and subscribed to numerous clipping services, receiving up to 150 clippings daily during the 1966-1967 UFO 'wave'. Keel wrote for various magazines, including an article titled 'UFO Agents of Terror' about Men in Black and was one of the first to write about Mothman for FSR. UFO historian Jerome Clark is quoted describing Keel's theory that UFOs are 'ultraterrestrial' rather than extraterrestrial, viewing them as shape-changing phenomena from another order of existence that are hostile or contemptuous of humans, manipulating them through staged 'miracles' and manifesting as various entities. A photograph shows OVNI Editor Omar Fowler chatting with John Keel in Sheffield in the mid-1990s.

Just In Case You Missed It: Mars Latest Picture!

This short piece highlights a new, dramatic image of Mars showing the half-mile wide Victoria Crater, complete with visible sand dunes at its base. Experts believe they can see the tracks of a Mars lander on the left-hand corner of the crater. The image was taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The article mentions that a NASA rover landed in 2006 and explored the area until August of the previous year, leaving behind its tracks. The crater is described as 800-meter-wide. A link to the original article on the Daily Mail website is provided.

Tale Enders

This section begins with an email from Steve Gerrard, who states he is not retiring and will continue publishing 'UFONEWS UK'. It then lists available DVD UFO programmes for members, including topics like World Governments and the Alien Connection, Dulce and underground bases, Rods, The Cash/Landrum UFO Sightings, Laughlin Conference 2009 presentations, the Roswell Incident, Classic USA UFO Revelations, Ancient Astronauts, and a film titled 'Night Skies'. These DVDs are available from Omar Fowler for £3.50 each (UK postage included).

Alvaston (Derby) Sighting

Nicola reports seeing three red lights in Alvaston, Derby, on July 25th around 10:30 pm. The lights moved together, darted behind trees, formed a triangle, disappeared, and reappeared. She believes they were not planes due to their proximity and speed.

Alvaston: Witness Mrs Newbold

Mrs Newbold reported seeing three 'very, very bright orange lights' moving NW to E over Bolton Lane, Derby, on the night of July 25th at 10:30 pm. Shortly after, two more lights followed the same track. No wind or sound was heard.

Derby Sighting

A witness reported observing a craft on Sunday night, August 16th, around 11 pm, flying over their house. The craft was described as similar to a photograph in the Derby Telegraph, flying slowly and very low, with no sound. It disappeared without going beyond the skyline.

The Next PRA Meeting

An announcement for the next PRA meeting, to be held at the Royal British Legion, Allenton, Derby, on Tuesday, September 29th, at 8 pm. The meeting will feature a DVD presentation on 'The Quicksilver Connection', Ancient Vimanhas Craft, German WW2 Experiments, and Flying Triangles or TR3B's, along with UFO news and a book raffle. Non-members are welcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI are UFO sightings (both personal accounts and reported incidents), the scientific investigation of alleged UFO materials (Roswell), and the contributions of prominent researchers in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous phenomena, with a focus on reporting findings, personal experiences, and the work of organizations like the PRA. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information through DVD offerings and meeting announcements. The inclusion of obituaries for Ken Potts and John Keel indicates a respect for individuals who have dedicated themselves to the study of UFOs and related mysteries. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific and historical contexts, such as Mars exploration and the history of UFO research.