OVNI - 2013 01 - January-February

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI, 'The Journal for the discerning researcher,' dated January/February 2013, presents a collection of articles and reports on various phenomena, including UFO sightings, astronomical events, and crop circle investigations. The cover features illustrative drawings of different UFO shapes and a stylized human figure, with the title 'OVNI' prominently displayed.

Superstorm Sandy and Doomsday Predictions

The issue opens with a report titled '21st December 2012: Not the End of the World, but almost!' featuring images of Superstorm Sandy hitting New York and a flooded Silbury Hill in Wiltshire. Following this, an article by Tom Worden from Bugarach, France, recounts the 'Doomsday fanatics' who hoped for alien rescue during the supposed Mayan apocalypse on December 21, 2012. The small French settlement of Bugarach was believed to be a sanctuary, with hopes that aliens would emerge from the nearby Pie de Bugarach mountain. Approximately 150 armed police were present to manage the situation, as rumors suggested thousands of followers might arrive. The Pie de Bugarach itself has a history linked to UFO sightings.

Closest Asteroid Ever Tracked

An article by Alexandra Bruce reports on CNN's coverage of asteroid 2012 DA14, which was predicted to pass extremely close to Earth on February 15th. Scientists tracked the asteroid, estimated to be 150-160 ft in size, passing within 14,000 miles of Earth, which is the closest pass recorded since tracking began. While scientists were confident it would not hit Earth, the event raised interest in its gravitational pull and potential for closer passes in the future. The report includes a quote from anchor Brian Williams advising preparedness.

UFO Event Night of November 5th 2012

This section details a UFO sighting reported by witness C.J. Harris from Derby on November 5th, 2012. Harris described a bright red object with three legs that changed course and moved over his house. He initially considered it a Chinese lantern but realized it was something else. The object was silent and appeared to be changing its shape. Later, Omar Fowler of OVNI reported a UFO sighting over Pitlochry, Scotland, on the same date, with video footage available online. Harris later clarified that his sighting was not similar to the Pitlochry one, describing it first as a glittering red star outline with legs, then a solid round shape, and finally a back covered in haze with dark grey parts.

UFO Sighting in Pitlochry Captured on Video

Jenalyn Villamarin reports on Adrian Musat, a chef from Romania living in Pitlochry, who witnessed and filmed an Unidentified Flying Object on November 5th, 2012. Musat described seeing a light pulsing about a mile away, moving above the trees. Later that day, he observed a similar object over Clunie Wood, described as a small red cloud above a pulsing light, which remained for about 25 minutes. The evidence was submitted to the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). The article also includes skepticism from Nick Pope, a former government UFO project head, who suggested camera effects could create diamond-shaped images. Pitlochry is noted as an area with frequent UFO sightings, referencing a 1990 incident near Calvine described as 'compelling evidence'.

ESA Study Shows Phobos is Manufactured

An article by Ray discusses a European Space Agency (ESA) study suggesting that Phobos, a moon of Mars, is artificial. This aligns with theories previously proposed by Richard C. Hoagland. The ESA study reportedly indicates that Phobos is at least one-third hollow and not of natural origin. The article references astrophysicist Dr. Iosif Samuilovich Shklovsky, who calculated Phobos's orbital motion and concluded it was artificial. Russian astronomer Dr. Cherman Struve's calculations also contributed to this understanding. The ESA abstract in Geophysical Research Letters apparently contradicts the idea of Phobos being a captured asteroid, suggesting it is hollow with internal geometric voids. The article posits three possibilities for Phobos: a gigantic spaceship, a generation star-ship, or an unfinished construction project in Mars orbit. The origin and purpose remain unknown.

Crop Circle Memories

This section features recollections from the late Pat Delgado, shared by his daughter 'Jan'. Delgado recounts an experience on June 18, 1989, during a crop circle surveillance at Cheesefoot Head, Hampshire. While investigating two flattened crop circles, he and Colin Andrews experienced a distinct trilling sound. Delgado felt controlled, with his arms being pulled by an unseen force. He and Colin were pulled downwards, and they had to fight against this force to crawl to safety. Jan Delgado notes that her father went cold during the incident, and a trilling sound was recorded at approximately 5.4 MHz. Later, in August 1989, while filming a crop circle at Beckhampton, Wiltshire, with Colin Andrews and a BBC film crew, Delgado experienced a loud trilling noise and a static field, which caused camera malfunctions and a temporary power outage at the BBC studio. The noise was analyzed and found to be at a similar frequency (5.2 MHz) as the Cheesefoot Head incident.

PRA Crop Circle Photo's from the Archives

This section includes photographs of two crop circles: 'Dolphin' at Lockeridge Downs (Wiltshire) from 1991, photographed by O. Fowler, and a 50ft diameter circle at Worthy Down (Wiltshire) from May 8th, 1987, photographed by Busty Taylor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and crop circles, alongside astronomical events and speculative scientific theories. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting evidence and personal accounts for the 'discerning researcher' to consider. There is a clear interest in challenging conventional explanations and exploring possibilities that extend beyond mainstream scientific understanding, as seen in the articles on Phobos and the crop circle experiences. The editorial team, represented by the 'ED' notes, encourages further investigation and acknowledges the intriguing nature of the subjects covered.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated February 1984 for the lead story and featuring content from late 2012, presents a diverse range of topics including personal accounts of alleged extraterrestrial encounters, scientific discoveries in extreme environments, and advancements in space technology.

The W.F.Tweedy Story

The primary article details the account of W.F.Tweedy, transcribed by Omar Fowler, concerning an experience following a motorcycle accident on the night of February 28th, 1984. Tweedy was hit by a car and thrown from his motorbike, losing consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, he perceived a bright light and became aware of three 'beings' with oversized heads, pale off-white/light grey skin, slit ears and nostrils, pointed chins, and small mouths. Their eyes were tilted upwards with a slight diamond shape. Tweedy observed another 'bed' in the room with a body that resembled himself and appeared unconscious. He sensed the beings were communicating telepathically, assuring him they would heal him and that he should not worry. He felt no malice and believed they wanted to help. He then fell asleep.

Upon waking, he was informed his injuries were extensive but had been cured, and that he was lucky they had been observing the area. He was told he would feel tired. When he awoke again, the other body had been removed. Tweedy noticed he was wearing clothing similar to the beings' metallic 'jumpsuits,' which were greyish and had no buttons or zips. He described the corridors as having walls and ceilings that emitted light, creating no shadows. He also recalled a circular control bridge with one or two entrances, a raised panel, and displays on a wall. He could not recall seeing other humans on board.

Tweedy emphasized that the beings' actions did not indicate hostility or maltreatment. He had a strong impression that the 'leader' asked for his help, which he agreed to, though he doesn't know what he agreed to. He was told they would break his arm to make his recovery from the accident appear more plausible, given the extensive damage to his motorcycle (dented fuel tank, bent handlebars and footstand, torn seat, and an L-shaped rear wheel). He believes he should have died in the accident.

His injuries included a severe fracture of the upper third humerus, possible nerve severing in his right arm, and loss of most of his right elbow due to infection. He was treated at Epsom District Hospital and discharged himself, feeling well enough to travel despite being unable to walk initially. Tweedy notes that his sketches are based on his impressions and he is not a skilled artist. He provides his contact information as W.F.Tweedy, Farnham, Surrey, February 1993.

NASA Science News: Ancient Microbes Found in Antarctic Lake

This section reports on a scientific discovery made on November 30, 2012. Scientists from NASA, the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the University of Illinois at Chicago, and nine other institutions found a community of bacteria living 65 feet beneath the icy surface of a remote Antarctic lake named Lake Vida. This lake is located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys and is characterized by its lack of oxygen, being mostly frozen, and having extremely high nitrous oxide levels. The water is a briny liquid, six times saltier than seawater, with an average temperature of minus 8 degrees Fahrenheit. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition.

Alison Murray, a molecular microbial ecologist at DRI, described the study as providing a window into a unique ecosystem and expanding knowledge of geochemical and microbial processes in lightless, subzero environments. The brine harbors a diverse and abundant variety of bacteria that survive without a direct energy source from the sun. Previous studies dating back to 1996 indicate the brine and its inhabitants have been isolated for over 3,000 years.

Adrian Ponce from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory noted that this discovery expands knowledge of environmental limits for life and helps define new habitability niches. Researchers used secure, sterile tents to drill ice cores, collect brine samples, and assess water chemistry. Geochemical analyses suggest that reactions between the brine and iron-rich sediments generate nitrous oxide and molecular hydrogen, which may provide energy for the microbial life. Further research aims to analyze these interactions and microbial communities to understand the potential for life in similar cryogenic environments beyond Earth, such as on Mars.

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Passes Key Flight Test

This news item, dated December 20th, 2012, by Leonard David, reports on Virgin Galactic's suborbital SpaceShipTwo completing a key flight test at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. This test was a precursor to upcoming hot-engine flights using its hybrid rocket motor. The flight, on December 19th, was the 23rd glide flight and the first with rocket motor components and tanks installed, as well as the first with thermal protection applied to the spaceship's leading edges. After being released from its WhiteKnightTwo mothership, SpaceShipTwo was piloted to a smooth runway touchdown. George Whitesides, CEO and president of Virgin Galactic, stated that this was a significant step towards first powered flight. The spaceliner firm is backed by entrepreneur Richard Branson.

Tale Enders

This section contains several short news briefs:

• YMCA Event Organiser (30th Sept) Andrew Johnson, comments on the 'Starchild'. Johnson states that new DNA results indicate the 'Starchild' is not a hybrid as previously thought. While its mitochondrial DNA was initially considered human, it is now found to be human-like. Although it shares some DNA with humans, the FoxP2 gene is different, suggesting an alien origin.
• Russian Prime Minister Reveals Alien Contact: On December 7th, 2012, Dmitry Medvedev reportedly made 'off-air' comments suggesting that extraterrestrials are visiting Earth and some are living among us. He suggested that the Russian documentary ‘Men In Black' could provide more details. Initially, this was presumed to be a joke referencing the Hollywood film, but the report suggests otherwise.
• NASA NEWS: Astronomers have discovered a large asteroid belt around the star Vega, similar to the one observed around Fomalhaut. Scientists used data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory. The discovery suggests the presence of multiple planets maintaining the gap between the warm inner and cool outer belts. The article provides a link to the NASA press release.

NEXT PRA MEETING

Details are provided for the next PRA meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, January 29th, at the Royal British Legion in Allenton, Derby. The meeting will feature a 47-minute Russian video titled ‘Men In Black' with English subtitles, along with a supporting program. Non-members are welcome for a £2 entry fee, which includes a free UFO book raffle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine covers a range of topics related to the unexplained, ufology, and scientific frontiers. The lead story on W.F.Tweedy's encounter suggests a personal experience with extraterrestrial beings and their advanced capabilities. The inclusion of NASA's scientific findings on extremophile bacteria and Virgin Galactic's spaceflight advancements indicates an interest in cutting-edge research and exploration, even if not directly UFO-related. The 'Tale Enders' section highlights alleged government knowledge of alien presence and unusual biological findings, reflecting a continued focus on potential extraterrestrial contact and mysteries. The editorial stance, as indicated by the disclaimer, is that the opinions expressed in OVNI do not necessarily reflect the views of the PRA, suggesting a platform for diverse perspectives within the ufology community.