Pegasus - 1979 September

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: SEPTEMBER 1979
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA (SIGAP)
Event Covered: THE FIRST LONDON INTERNATIONAL UFO CONGRESS

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), focuses on the First London International UFO Congress held on August 27th, 1979. The cover prominently features Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who delivered a key address on the classification of UFO phenomena. The magazine includes a report on the congress, a summary of Dr. Hynek's talk, photographs from the event, and several detailed reports of UFO sightings.

Report on the First International UFO Congress

The issue begins with a report on the First International UFO Congress held in London on August 27th, 1979. The congress took place at the Mount Royal Hotel, Marble Arch. The report congratulates the organizers, BUFORA and CONTACT U.K., on the smooth running and technical content of the program, noting an efficiency that has been lacking in past events. The main theme of the congress was the processing and interpretation of UFO reports and data, with a strong suggestion that computers are essential for this task. The report is signed "O.F.".

Dr. J. Allen Hynek's "Towards a Working Classification of UFO Phenomena"

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a summary report of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's talk at the congress. Dr. Hynek begins by acknowledging the crisis in ufology, characterized by a lack of scientific ordering and a struggle for recognition as a science. He notes the dual criticism faced from the scientific fraternity and the "lunatic fringe." Hynek proposes that BUFORA's initiative to reformulate a classification system is a crucial step towards a "winning game" for ufology. He emphasizes that the classification system must be a research tool, not merely a "finding list." He stresses that the system should not presume an origin for UFOs (e.g., extraterrestrial, psychic, or interdimensional) but should be based solely on observed characteristics, minus interpretation. Drawing an analogy from astronomy, where stellar classification evolved from observing spectral lines, Hynek argues for a similar approach in ufology. He reflects on his own earlier classification system, which divided reports into "close encounters" and "distant" sightings, and then further into categories like "nocturnal light," "daylight disc," and "radar," acknowledging its flaws but its wide acceptance. He also touches upon the further development of close encounter categories (CE4, CE5) and mentions the UFOCAT system, developed by Dr. David Saunders, as a comprehensive and actively used classification system with over 100,000 entries.

Congress Photographs

Pages 3 and 4 feature photographs from the congress. One photo shows Dr. Allen Hynek with "Tim" O'Brien, President of BUFORA. Another photo shows Omar Fowler, Chairman of SIGAP, discussing a point with Dr. Allen Hynek. A third photo depicts Bill Fishwick, Ron Harman (SIGAP), and Ivor McKay (BUFORA). A final photo shows Peter Hill, Chairman of the Congress Working Party and SIGAP member, addressing the congress.

Book Review: "The Uninvited"

Ron Harman reviews "The Uninvited" by Clive Harold. He describes the book as a must-read for those interested in UFOs, Humanoids, or Teleportations, detailing frightening experiences of a farming family at Ripperstone Farm, Pembrokeshire. Harman finds the account compelling and unlikely to be a hoax, especially given the presence of children. He expresses frustration over the lack of photographic evidence and the indifference of the police and armed forces but ultimately deems it an enthralling book.

UFO Sightings Reports

Mystery Light at Blackwater

Investigator D. Piper reports a sighting on July 30th, 1979, at 22:55. Mr. R.P. Yeomans observed an intense white light moving upwards and towards him, which then took the form of twin headlights moving NE through patchy cloud. The speed was estimated at approximately 200 mph, and the altitude at about 1,000 ft. The light was observed for two minutes before fading. No aircraft navigation lights were visible. Mr. Yeomans' wife also witnessed the latter part of the sighting. The object was initially seen as an elliptical light, seemingly stationary, with the two lights maintaining a consistent distance apart as it moved away, suggesting it was not aircraft landing lights.

Pulsating Light Over Weybridge

Investigator L. Spencer reports a sighting on July 25th, 1979, in the early hours, over Weybridge, Surrey. The primary witness, Mr. Paul Wigmore, observed a pulsating light through binoculars, showing red, green, and white lights moving from left to right. The light, at high altitude, was visible for several hours and viewed by multiple witnesses, including Mr. Wigmore's parents (his father being an ex-RAF Pilot) and a police patrol. At one point, witnesses drove to higher ground for a clearer view. The report notes that various objects approached the main light, with a red light from behind and to the left, and two white lights from the right. The object emitted a white hazy beam downwards and to the left. It was observed from 1 am to 3 am, before fading. The object reportedly zig-zagged and moved rapidly up and down. Dogs in the area were also barking.

Exploding Ball of Light: Frimley

Investigator O. Fowler reports a sighting on September 4th, 1979, at 03:45. Mr. J. Cashmore, a security guard, observed an unusual ball of light in the eastern sky over Frimley Green, Camberley. The light, described as an oblong ball, was viewed for approximately 1.5 minutes before suddenly disintegrating in a pattern of triangular sections from the top of the disc.

Conclusion and SIGAP Information

Dr. Hynek's talk concluded with an acknowledgment of space limitations preventing the full printing of his talk, but it is available on cassette for SIGAP members. The issue also includes a notice about the next meeting of SIGAP and "Stop Press News."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific approach to ufology, the importance of classification systems for research, and the reporting of specific UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as reflected in Dr. Hynek's address and the overall content, favors rigorous investigation, data-driven analysis, and a move away from speculative or fringe interpretations towards a more structured and scientific understanding of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on the need for a robust classification system that can serve as a research tool, acknowledging the challenges posed by both skepticism from the scientific community and sensationalism from some within the UFO field.

PEGASUS magazine, issue 930, dated August 27th, 1979, is published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). It is a bi-monthly publication intended for SIGAP members, with this special issue covering the First International UFO Congress available to non-members for £0.50. The magazine is dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Object phenomena.

Main Article: A Sensational Encounter Over Blackbushe Aerodrome

The primary focus of this issue is a remarkable UFO sighting that occurred over Blackbushe Aerodrome on Monday, August 27th, 1979. This incident is currently under investigation by SIGAP, with support from BUFORA and UFOIN. The sighting of a small silver disc was widely reported in the national press, with newspaper cuttings from the Mirror and Daily Mail included. A full report of the investigation is promised for the next issue.

"MYSTERY OF TINIEST UFO"

This article, by a Mirror Reporter dated 31/8/79, details the baffling experience of two flying instructors from the Three Counties Acroclub. The pilots reported close encounters with a UFO that was only nine inches long. The first sighting was by chief instructor Laurie Adlington, 58, during a training flight from Blackbushe airport. He described the object as looking like a flattened blob of mercury, shining in the sunlight, as he approached it at 2,500 feet. Adlington noted that the object consisted of "little flat hexagonal panels, each about an inch across," and appeared to be in two halves with two clasps and two short aerials. He observed it from fifteen feet away, noting it seemed motionless but then rose to 3,000 feet, appearing to rotate, and he expressed bewilderment as to how it stayed aloft.

"The mini-Martians"

This related article from the Daily Mail, dated 31/8/79, corroborates the sighting. It states that flying instructor Laurie Adlington and student pilot James Plastow, 53, circled the 9-inch diameter object for five minutes. The next day, a similar object was seen by pilot Simon Spence, 21, also an instructor at Three Counties. Spence reported that the object flew off towards Farnborough at an estimated speed of 150 miles per hour.

SIGAP Meeting Invitation

An announcement notes that Lt. J. Plastow, one of the pilots interviewed, has accepted an invitation to attend the next SIGAP meeting at the "Prospect Club" in Ash Vale on Wednesday, October 10th, at 8 PM. The meeting is open to non-members.

Stop Press / Late News

Mexico City Report

Richard Colborne reports from Mexico City (dated 28/8/79) about rumors that an area approximately 1.5 hours drive from the city has been closed off by NASA personnel. This action was reportedly taken after an individual claimed to have been in contact with alien beings. Colborne expresses skepticism but plans to investigate.

Farnborough Noise Report

Lance Spencer reports from Farnborough, Hants, that the "UNO' noise" has been heard in the area again on the night of September 8th at 1945hrs.

About SIGAP

The magazine provides background information on the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), founded in early 1967. SIGAP is a non-profit organization primarily focused on investigating UFO reports in Surrey and surrounding counties, contributing to studies across Southern England. Their investigation procedure involves eliminating obvious explanations, interviewing witnesses, visiting sites, and consulting experts. They also liaise with similar organizations nationally and internationally. Their most significant reports are sent to the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA, run by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a former consultant to the US Air Force on UFOs.

The Group Secretary is Michael G. Prewett, and the Chairman & Investigation Co-ordinator is Omar Fowler, both based in Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on a specific, well-reported UFO sighting, emphasizing the credibility of the witnesses (flying instructors) and the unusual nature of the object. The inclusion of national press reports and the ongoing investigation by SIGAP highlight the seriousness with which these phenomena are treated. The magazine also touches upon other reported anomalies, such as the Mexico City incident and the 'UNO' noise, suggesting a broad interest in unexplained aerial phenomena. SIGAP's methodology, which aims to provide rational explanations for a majority of reports while thoroughly investigating the remainder, indicates a balanced and scientific approach to the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging witness reports and collaborative investigation.