Pegasus - 1974 Autumn - No 23

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: NUMBER 23
Date: AUTUMN 1974
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Country: UK
Price: 20 pence

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, marks a significant change to its new A5 format. The editorial board, comprising Richard Beet, Omar Fowler, Carol Godsell, and Michael Prewett, expresses hope that the new format is acceptable. The magazine positions itself as one of the longest-running UFO periodicals in the UK, aiming to be 'brighter' despite its smaller size.

Articles and Features

TRIANGLES, UFOS AND SIGAP by John Scarry

John Scarry, a SIGAP member, proposes a revolutionary theory suggesting that the pyramids of Egypt possess mystical powers that can also exist in triangles. He posits that Surrey, along with Warminster and Banbury, forms a 'great triangle' where numerous UFO sightings have occurred, raising the question of whether Surrey might experience another UFO 'flap' and potentially make contact with visitors. The article touches upon the literary trend of linking historical events to extraterrestrial visits and highlights the enduring mysteries of megalithic constructions like the Egyptian pyramids, noting their sophisticated design and astronomical positioning. Scarry suggests that ancient texts hint at the use of levitation and that the pyramids emit an undefined force capable of confusing electronic equipment. He also mentions experiments with a pyramid replica that showed a razor blade remaining immune to rust when the pyramid was aligned with true north. Furthermore, it's noted that pyramid-shaped containers can preserve food, like milk and yogurt, for extended periods. The article connects these ideas to ufology, recalling cases like the Goddard case at Shere where marks resembling triangles pointing true north were reported. It speculates on the possibility of 'miraculous cures' or enhanced plant growth if hospitals or greenhouses were built in pyramid shapes and aligned correctly.

The Surrey Scene

This section compiles local UFO sighting reports from Surrey and Hampshire during January. The Farnham Herald reported on 'Sky Object Mystery' sightings, generally describing hovering objects between 200 to 300 feet. Mr T F Davies of Baslemere reported seeing an object 'about three times as bright as a star with a torch beam in front'. Mr Tim Duell and others sighted a stationary, rectangular object with torch-like beams above Stag Hill, Guildford, which moved off northwards. Mr and Mrs Fisher of Headly reported a bright star-like object that split into two lights, displaying colored flashing lights. The Sunday Mirror reported on three schoolboys who saw a red flashing light that exhibited unusual zig-zagging behavior, unlike a typical aircraft, before disappearing. Nicholas Wells and friends estimated lights to be around 2000 feet. The commentary from the Investigations Co-ordinator, Carol Godsell, suggests that most of these reports were likely based on sightings of aircraft landing lights, though she acknowledges the unusual characteristics reported in some cases.

Search for life 'ill-founded' report by Richard Beet

This article reports on Professor David Bates's address to the British Association meeting in Edinburgh, where he argued that serious attempts to contact extraterrestrial civilizations are unjustifiable. He described the task as formidable and unpredictable, with debatable rewards, and called the assumptions behind projects like the American proposal 'Cyclops' (estimated to cost £60m annually for 25 years) 'utterly ill-founded'. Professor Bates calculated that contact between two civilizations using radio telescopes could take a million years, though this could be reduced if one party sent a powerful beacon. He suggested that governments would not fund such an endeavor merely to provide a possibility of a reply from a primitive civilization. Project Cyclops, however, did offer the potential to detect nearby civilizations through their television transmissions. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their opinions on the search for extraterrestrial life.

Uforum

This section contains letters from readers. Mr Peter Hill, Chairman of WATSUP (Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena), writes to express support for SIGAP during its difficult period and to highlight WATSUP's activities. WATSUP, based in the Portsmouth and Southampton areas, holds monthly meetings and has engaged in lectures and interviews with witnesses. He encourages SIGAP members, stating that ufology is far from dead. Mr John Scarry, a SIGAP member, thanks the magazine for the loan of a book and mentions informal meetings held in Guildford and Farnborough.

Poems

Two poems are included: 'O Mortal Man' and 'Them', both by Carol Godsell.

Forthcoming Meetings

Compiled by Nike Prewett, this section lists upcoming meetings.

STOP PRESS

This section reports on a UFO sighting over Farnborough RAE, where two boys saw UFOs flying in formation. It also mentions a sighting of 20 white UFOs in groups spinning in circles over the RAE on Sunday, October 20, at about 5 pm. More details are promised in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, local sightings, and theoretical discussions within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and discussion, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the commentary on the 'Surrey Scene' sightings and Professor Bates's views on extraterrestrial contact. There's an interest in connecting UFO phenomena with historical mysteries and ancient theories, as exemplified by the 'Triangle Theory' and pyramid discussions.

This issue of PEGASUS, dated from the 1970s, focuses on UFO sightings, paranormal experiences, and the activities of UFO research groups.

Letters and Investigations

D N Young's Experiences

A letter from D N Young of Netley, Southampton, details his experiences with mental images, which he sometimes associates with a humming noise. He has enclosed slides and photographs of diagrams, noting that most are simple to remember. He also mentions having more recent drawings he intends to send. Young believes these images are the result of a higher life force or energy attempting contact. One of his drawings is reproduced, which he interprets as a form of higher intelligence or a 'BEING' within a 'semi-circular ph' that had the appearance of some 'celestial' form.

Carol Godsell's Investigation in Guildford

Investigator Carol Godsell reports on a visit to Mrs J Ball in Guildford on July 25, 1973, following a sighting report from July 3. Mrs Ball described a large, round orange light, as big as a street lamp, moving slowly and hazily at an elevation of about 40 degrees. Her son Mark, along with two friends and her husband, also witnessed the object. A police constable joined them and also saw the UFO. Godsell speculates the object might have been a helicopter, noting that while bright lights can appear stationary, binoculars can reveal aircraft. When asked about other unusual experiences, Mrs Ball calmly stated, "Yes, the house is haunted." She recounted a tale where her daughter, then aged 13 or 14, experienced an unpleasant smell in a specific room, which a spiritualist later attributed to the spirit of a drowned girl seeking a companion. The daughter had also previously mentioned a friendly column of light. Another incident involved Mrs Ball's daughter being found wandering by a policeman, claiming she had to rescue a drowning girl.

Round and About

BUFORA and SIGAP Meetings

The 'Round and About' section covers recent meetings and activities of UFO groups. The recent BUFORA AGM had low attendance, though Treasurer Arnold West reported rising membership. The low turnout is speculated to be due to the proposal to nearly double membership dues. The article notes that AGMs are generally unpopular.

Uri Geller

Uri Geller is mentioned again, with scientists from Stanford University declaring spoon-bending and thought-transference achieved by trickery, though other scientists disagree.

SIGAP Meetings and Activities

SIGAP has not held formal meetings for some time due to low attendance, rising costs, and the availability of BUFORA's organized meetings. They are exploring informal arrangements and visits. The BUFORA AGM was followed by an amusing half-hour orchestrated by chairman Omar Fowler, who also presented an 8mm film of SIGAP sky-watches accompanied by a soundtrack.

Skywatch 74

SIGAP participated in 'Skywatch 74', a nationwide event involving vigils at various locations. Despite initial low turnout, the event continued, but the weather turned against them by 3:00 am, and no UFOs were observed. The author expresses skepticism about the value of sky-watching.

Astronomical Society Visit

In August, SIGAP members visited the Camberley Astronomical Society, run by ex-SIGAP chairman Ron Toft. They also visited the Mullard Space Laboratories in Cambridge, noting the large radio telescopes and their role in mapping the sky, which led to the recognition of Professors Sir Martin Ryle and Anthony Hewish with the Nobel Prize for Physics.

Themes and Speculation

The Triangle Symbol

An article speculates on the significance of a triangle symbol, noting its historical use to represent Truth and its pointing towards true north. It poses questions about whether unknown entities are trying to communicate about a force from true north and if a pyramid form can receive this power. The possibility of executing a similar tactic in Surrey as seen in Warminster and Banbury is raised, suggesting a large white triangle be laid out in a field.

The 'Them' Poem

A poem titled 'THEM' describes leaves of various colors (Green, Grey, Red, Gold, Yellow, Black, Blue, White) and bodies lying around, posing questions about their identity, mission, and origin.

Editor's Note on 'Flaps'

An editor's note recalls that UFO 'flaps' have occurred in Warminster (1964/65), Surrey (1967/68), and Banbury (1971), suggesting potential future activity in 1974/75.

A Call for Contributions

The journal encourages readers to share their sightings, ideas, and frustrations, emphasizing that printed contributions add value to the publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and the activities of UFO research groups like BUFORA and SIGAP. There is a strong emphasis on witness accounts, investigations, and speculative theories about the nature of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial or higher intelligence contact. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse theories and encourages reader participation, acting as a medium for sharing experiences and ideas within the UFO community. The publication also touches upon broader scientific advancements, such as radio astronomy, and societal events, like the Guildford bomb incidents, linking them to the broader context of unexplained phenomena or societal anxieties.

This document is a subscription and membership form for PEGASUS, a journal published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). The issue date indicated is October 1974. The form is addressed to the Administration Director at 20 Loman Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey.

Subscription and Membership Details

The form allows individuals to subscribe to PEGASUS and join the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena. To receive four issues of the journal, a payment of £1.00 is required, which covers the cost of postage and packing. For those wishing to become members of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, an additional 50 pence is needed, bringing the total to £1.50.

• The form includes fields for the applicant's:
• Name
• Address
• Occupation
• Qualifications
• Age
• Signature and Date

Publisher and Editorial Board

• The journal PEGASUS is produced, printed, and published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena. The copyright for the material is held by this group for 1974. The editorial board members listed are:
• Omar Fowler MISM
• Carol Godsell
• Richard Beet MAIE(Dip),FRAS,AFBIS
• Sintool Drawett FRTS

Usage Policy

Quotations of any length from PEGASUS for the purpose of criticism, review, or summary may be taken, provided that they are accompanied by sufficient acknowledgement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document clearly indicates a focus on aerial phenomena and UFO investigations through the name of the publishing organization and the journal itself. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging participation and investigation, as evidenced by the membership drive and the detailed information requested from potential members. The publication is based in the UK, specifically Surrey.