OVNI - 2011 09 - September-October

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: Sept/October 2011
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE PHENOMENON RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Country: UK
Date: September/October 2011

This issue of OVNI, 'The Journal for the discerning researcher', covers a range of UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, government file releases, and ongoing investigations into historical cases. The cover features various artistic renditions of UFOs and a stylized human figure, with the prominent title 'OVNI'.

Key Articles and Features

A Confusing Start to August!

The editorial highlights several significant events occurring in early August 2011: riots, the release of more MOD UFO files, a reported disc-shaped UFO near Stanstead Airport, and the death of UFO researcher Budd Hopkins.

The Release of Further MOD/UFO Files: Thursday 11 August 2011

This article details the release of a wide range of UFO-related documents by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), covering the years 1985-2007. The files include eyewitness accounts, drawings, letters, and parliamentary questions. Notably, seven files contain copies of public UFO reports submitted to the MoD between April 1993 and July 1996. Dr. David Clarke, a National Archives consultant, commented that it was timely for the data to be released, and highlighted an intelligence officer's statement that despite thousands of reports since WWII, no study had been conducted, and little money or time spent on the subject. An internal memo from a DI55 wing commander dated July 5, 1955, stated that the media's portrayal of DI55 as 'defender of the Earth against the alien menace' was inaccurate, and that revealing intelligence on UFOs could cause 'disbelief and embarrassment' due to the lack of funds and higher priorities preventing study.

The article also mentions Alex Birch's report of a 'flying saucer' over Retford, Nottinghamshire, with images sent to the Defence Geographic and Imagery Intelligence Agency (DGIA) in July 2004. The DGIA report concluded 'no definite conclusions' could be made but suggested a possible lens anomaly or droplet of moisture. The editor was contacted by Central TV News for comments on MOD/UFO cases, but the news crew was diverted to cover riots in Birmingham.

Disc Shaped UFO Seen Near Stanstead Airport (Hertfordshire) 4.15am, 3rd August.

This section details a sighting by Mike Sewell, a media reporter, who was driving near Stanstead Airport. He observed a bright light that approached and resolved into a metallic disc-shaped object, larger than a helicopter, with flashing lights and panel lights underneath. Sewell described it as a 'big round shape' that circled the area for two to three minutes before he lost sight of it. He noted it was not a normal aircraft and was travelling west. He appealed for any other witnesses, particularly a VW transporter driver, to come forward. Timothy Good provided comments on the event.

In Memoriam: BUDD HOPKINS Passes on to The Afterlife to Find His Answers!

This section is a tribute to Budd Hopkins, described as one of the leading lights in the UFO Abduction scene. Bob Reid and Victor Martinez are quoted, stating that Hopkins was a good friend and guiding force, and that he would now find answers to the profound questions he helped formulate. The article provides his birth and death dates (June 15, 1931 - August 21, 2011) and notes he died peacefully at home in New York after hospice care, with his daughter Grace Hopkins-Lisle and Leslie Kean by his side. The cause of death was liver cancer and pneumonia. Leslie Kean expresses gratitude for the support of Hopkins and thanks those who supported him.

TIME FOR A BIT OF LIGHT RELIEF

This short piece presents two images: a crop circle near Cherhill White Horse, Wiltshire, reported on July 27, 2011, and an artistic rendering of aliens and a craft. The editor expresses skepticism about crop circles being anything other than computer-designed, contrasting them with the potential authenticity of a report from farmer Maurice Masse at Valensole, France, in July 1965, about alien landings. The editor's own research on crop circles in 1983 is mentioned.

UFO sparks search on shores of Loch Ness

By Gordon Daroch, this article reports on a large-scale search by emergency services on August 20-21, 2011, following reports of a 'round, balloon-like' object falling from the sky near Dores, on the southern shore of Loch Ness. Northern Constabulary described the object as blue in colour. The search, involving police, coastguard, RNLI, and an RAF helicopter, was initially prompted by fears of a parachutist or hang-glider crash. Local resident Denise Rooney reported seeing a white globe moving across the sky. RNLI crew members Martin Douglas and Vivian Bailey confirmed reports of a balloon-like object. Despite the extensive search, no trace of any object or person was found. The object was described as being approximately two to five kilometres south-west of Dores.

Have scientists found a crashed flying saucer on the seabed?

This article, by Daniel Bates, reports on a mysterious circle found on a grainy sonar scan on the ocean floor between Sweden and Finland, approximately 300ft down. Researchers claim it is evidence of a flying saucer. The ocean exploration team, led by Peter Lindberg, found the object while searching for a century-old wreck. They noted the earth around the craft appeared scarred, suggesting it had moved. Lindberg suggested it could be a 'new Stonehenge'. The object is described as being large, about 60ft in diameter, and round. Lindberg stated that the scars could indicate where the craft landed and skidded. However, the team lacks the resources for further examination. The article also references the 'Bimini Road' and notes that experts question the assumption that flying saucers are round.

TEST CONFIRMS ROSWELL DEBRIS IS NOT FROM EARTH

This article details the investigation by Frank Kimbler, a teacher at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, into the alleged 1947 Roswell UFO crash. Kimbler used satellite imagery to identify a disturbed area consistent with witness descriptions and began searching with a metal detector. He found small, silvery metal fragments, some appearing shredded and possibly melted, resembling aluminum but with unusual isotopic ratios. He also found aluminum buttons possibly from military fatigues. Kimbler collaborated with the Roswell International UFO Museum and Research Center, and initial tests by New Mexico Tech determined the material to be an aluminum, silicon, manganese, copper alloy. Further isotope work was conducted at another lab, funded by the UFO Museum, which revealed isotopic ratios that were 'off' compared to Earth-based materials. Kimbler concluded that either the lab made an error or the material is not from Earth. An attempt to get analysis from the University of New Mexico Institute of Meteoritics was refused by an expert who dismissed the idea of a spaceship crash as 'hooey'. Bigelow Aerospace showed interest but yielded no results. A micro-probe specialist confirmed the material's composition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. There is a clear interest in government transparency regarding UFO information, as evidenced by the article on MOD file releases. The investigation into the Roswell incident suggests a leaning towards the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for the debris. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts for the reader to consider, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific rigor. The inclusion of a 'light relief' piece on crop circles suggests a broader interest in anomalous aerial events, though with a critical eye towards some explanations.

This issue of OVNI, dated August 23, 2011, focuses on two main topics: the ongoing analysis of material purportedly from the Roswell incident and a significant UFO sighting over Shanghai and Beijing. The magazine also includes a brief report on a UK sighting, news regarding Russia's space program, and a warning about a scam.

Roswell Debris Analysis

The article details the work of Frank Kimbler and Dr. Peter Sturrock on the Roswell debris, specifically focusing on magnesium isotope fractionation. A chart modified from Dr. Sturrock's analysis of the Ubatuba UFO fragment shows that magnesium-bearing compounds, metals, and minerals should plot on or very close to a specific line. However, the Roswell AH-1 alloy plots significantly off this line. The article explains that a chondrite, a type of meteorite, does not originate from Earth and therefore does not plot on the line. The anomalous plot of the AH-1 alloy is presented as either an analytical error or evidence that the material is not from Earth. Kimbler emphasizes the need for good scientific protocol and states that one set of data is insufficient. He plans to have two more certified labs conduct isotopic testing to confirm the results, aiming for two or three labs to show the same outcome to confirm the material is not from Earth.

Another significant aspect discussed is that aluminum, a component of the material, must be manufactured. Unlike natural elements like gold or silver, aluminum is not found in raw form in nature. If the material is proven to be not of Earth, it implies it was manufactured elsewhere. The article notes that humans are not currently manufacturing anything in space, let alone something that would fall from space and land near Roswell in 1947, the site of an alleged spacecraft crash.

Kimbler expresses hope but remains cautious, stating that certified labs are generally reliable and the individuals who performed the work are top professionals. The implications of the material being of extraterrestrial origin and manufacture are described as startling, raising the possibility that it could be the 'smoking gun' proving visitation by an intelligent civilization that crashed in 1947. Kimbler has provided pictures of the material and analysis and will keep readers updated. He was also featured discussing his findings on Open Minds Radio.

Accompanying the text are tables showing microprobe data of the AH-1 alloy's elemental composition, including elements like Al, Si, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cl. Another table presents magnesium isotope values from a certified lab, showing observed abundances for 24Mg, 25Mg, and 26Mg compared to natural abundances. The data indicates slight deviations from natural values, particularly for 24Mg and 26Mg.

Microscopic images of the AH-1 material are included, showing banded or layered structures and more areas of banding.

Shanghai & Beijing UFO Sighting

The issue reports on an "Enormous spherical mass seen in Shanghai & Beijing skies" on August 23, 2011. The event occurred around 9 pm on Saturday night in Shanghai. A "huge white ball" was reported by civil aviation pilots flying at an altitude of 10.7 km (35,100 feet). The object reportedly grew 'bigger and bigger' as time passed. A pilot on China Southern Airlines flight CZ6554 described observing an "enormous spherical glowing heavenly body" that grew in size from small to large, estimated to be several hundred times larger than the moon, with a diameter of over 50 nautical miles. It faded away after 20 minutes, and dozens of flight crews also reported the sighting.

Eastday reports that Beijing residents also claimed to have seen a spherical entity in their skies on Saturday evening. Yu Jun, a former editor of a scientific magazine and amateur astronomer, described the object as a "white round bubble" that appeared in the sky and expanded quickly before disappearing after five minutes. He took pictures of the object.

CNN/CCTV also reported that dozens of people spotted an unidentified, glowing object above Shanghai and Beijing simultaneously. The pilot who first posted information online stated the "UFO" grew to be about 100 times larger than the moon and slowly faded after hovering for nearly 20 minutes.

An expert from the Shanghai UFO Research Center suggested the UFO could be a fragment of a satellite launched by Russia two days earlier.

Other News and Reports

Hinckley, Leics Sighting: Colin Saunders reported a very bright white light in the sky on August 16th, travelling faster than a satellite and below cloud level. He described it as omni-directional and a very bright white light, with no strobing or other colors. He has seen similar lights a few times in the past ten years.

Jodie Foster's Donation: Actress Jodie Foster donated cash to the Search for Extraterrestrial Institute (SETI) appeal, contributing towards the Alien Telescope Array dishes. The appeal aimed to raise £120,000 and had already amassed £134,000 from 2,557 donors. Foster, who played a scientist searching for aliens in the film 'Contact', stated that the Alien Telescope Array could turn science fiction into science fact if actively searching.

Russia's Space Program Issues: The article notes that two of Russia's most flown rockets are grounded due to investigations following mishaps that affected a communications satellite mission and a resupply flight to the International Space Station. There is also a concern that astronauts might need to temporarily withdraw from the ISS if Russia cannot resume manned Soyuz flights after a recent failed cargo launch.

Scam Warning: A warning is issued that advertised "Fake UFO's" balloons are a scam, and readers are cautioned not to send any money.

PRA Meeting: Information is provided for an upcoming PRA meeting in Derby on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 8 pm. The meeting will include a discussion of personal UFO incidents, UFO news, and a book raffle for "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer" by Leonard G. Cramp (1954). A £2 contribution is requested from non-members.

About the Author: Alejandro Rojas is introduced as a radio host for Open Minds Radio, editor, writer, and former spokesperson for MUFON. He is described as a UFO/Paranormal researcher and journalist who has been interviewed by global media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, scientific analysis of potential extraterrestrial materials, and eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific data and witness reports while maintaining a degree of caution and emphasizing the need for rigorous verification, as exemplified by Frank Kimbler's approach to the Roswell debris analysis. The inclusion of news from various international sources, such as Russia's space program issues and sightings in China and the UK, suggests a broad scope of coverage within the UFO and paranormal field. The magazine also serves as a platform for community engagement, with announcements for meetings and warnings about potential scams.