Pegasus - 1980 May-June

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: MAY/JUNE 1980
Publisher: SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, dated May/June 1980, presents an "International" flavour due to a marked decrease in UK sightings. The editorial notes that the reduced number of reports has led the group to utilize information from outside their usual Southern area.

Contents

The issue features several articles and reports:

• Pages 2-4: American Co-Operation: "The Robin Peck Case" This detailed report, originating from the NUFORO BULLETIN No.1 by John Claydon, recounts an incident involving Robin Peck on June 19th, 1969. Peck, an electronics engineer, was travelling home near Docking, Norfolk, when his Ford Thames van's engine began to misfire, and the headlights dimmed and extinguished. Upon stopping and exiting the vehicle, he observed a bright, luminous blue object, shaped like an inverted mushroom without a stalk, with a gold aura, hovering about a quarter-mile ahead. The object was estimated to be 100-150 feet high and 150 x 40 feet in size. Peck noted that his luminous wristwatch's luminosity increased significantly during the sighting, and afterwards, it lost its luminosity and began to run slow. The object reportedly moved off at "fantastic speed." The incident was reported to the police, and radiation readings taken by the investigator (J.C.) found nothing abnormal. Mr Jan Eric Herr of San Diego, California, who initiated the investigation to trace Mr Peck, commented on the potential value of analyzing Peck's watch for radiation frequency and field strength.

• Page 5: Australian UFO Landing Extracted from "The Advertiser" Adelaide, sourced from Jean Bastide (France), this report details a mystery object sighting on Thursday night (February 8th, 1980) at Stirling, Australia. A large tree was damaged by what was claimed to be a yellow UFO. Mr Daryl Browne reported hearing howling sounds and trees smashing, and then saw a yellow, speedboat-shaped object, about 25-30 feet long, described as a "big cylinder and sort of half mooned shape on the bottom." The object had gone before the police arrived. The damaged tree was compared to damage on a pine tree in McHarg Creek in June 1966. Radio hams also reported a "blackout" of transmissions in Adelaide that night.

• Page 5: New Psycho-Physiological Item This section introduces a report translated by J.M. Andrade from a Portuguese publication produced by CEAFI (Centre for Astronomical Studies and Unexplained Phenomena). The author is José Figueiredo, a graduate in Medicine and Surgery from Oporto, Portugal. The report, titled "A MANUAL OF PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE UFO PHENOMENA", is intended to be reproduced in "Pegasus" in serial form over six issues, starting the following month.

• Page 6: Scottish Newsletter No 2 Written by Peter A. Hill, this newsletter covers events in Scotland in March 1980. It mentions the arrival of Concorde at Edinburgh Airport and the Annual General Meeting of the Edinburgh Branch of BUFORA, noting membership growth and successful public lectures. Media interest is reported as satisfactory, with broadcasts and press mentions. A full report on the Livingston case is anticipated, with torn trousers from the witness being examined and found to have cuts consistent with metallic objects. The newsletter also references a previous report by Collins and Keatman in Pegasus and discusses a recent sighting in Uphall, West Lothian, on November 8th, 1979, where a clerk saw a dull white round object with a red patch. Peter A. Hill mentions attending a BUFORA lecture meeting in London on April 12th, 1980, and discussions with Scandinavian UFO researchers regarding their experience with computer application to UFO data.

• Pages 7-8: Live Letters This section contains correspondence addressing various points. Peter A. Hill responds to comments on the Report of the International Working Party, discussing the predictability of UFO reports (suggesting 93% are false reports due to misinterpretation), the resolution of financial matters, the need for improved geographical representation in the Provisional International Committee (Africa, Asia, Australia), and the future use of computers for analysis by BUFORA, assuring that original reports will be preserved. Richard Colborne contributes a piece titled "ON THE MEXICAN SCENE," referencing a press snippet from 'La Prensa' (Mexico, March 11th, 1980) quoting Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell (Apollo 14). Mitchell states that UFOs and extraterrestrial beings exist, but life in the galaxy is not in our solar system, and that "Ufonauts" have superior knowledge but no intention to conquer Earth. He also suggests prominent historical figures might have been extraterrestrials. The piece notes the denial of alien beings and UFOs in official circles. A letter from Richard F. Haines, Ph.D. (Research Consultant), addressed to "Omar," inquires about an International UFO Conference proposed by the Italian journal "UFO Phenomena," potentially in late 1980 or early 1981 in Europe, expressing strong support for such an event. Haines mentions his own investigations of pilot sightings and a forthcoming text, with his first two UFO books gaining traction. An advertisement for his book "Observing UFOs" is included.

• Pages 9-10: UFO Reports This section presents "A SELECTION FROM THE LATEST REPORTS."
• S.948 (Date of sighting: 16/1/80, Area: Farnham, Surrey): Witness Mrs F.N. (35) reported a huge, rugby ball-shaped white light in the sky after stepping off a bus. The light faded and brightened, appearing to hover for about 45 minutes. It was described as unusual in brilliance and size, with no noise.
• S.951 (Date of sighting: 26/3/80, Area Guildford, Surrey): Witness Mrs P.K. (54), with her husband and son, observed an object initially thought to be a bright star. It changed shape from round to oval, was larger than a star, and displayed flashing red and green lights underneath. The object was white/silver in colour and was observed for about thirty minutes before being obscured by clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are international UFO phenomena, detailed case investigations, and the scientific study of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the serious study of UFOs and promoting cooperation between different investigation groups and countries. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation, as seen in the detailed reporting of the Robin Peck case and the analysis of its potential secondary effects. The inclusion of contributions from various international sources and the discussion of future conferences highlight a desire to broaden the scope of UFO research beyond local experiences. The magazine also seems to advocate for the establishment of UFO study as a serious scientific discipline, as suggested by the mention of Peter A. Hill's work on "Standards In UFO Research."

This document, identified as issue number 10 and potentially from March 13, 1980, focuses on the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena and mundane issues, specifically "CAR PROBLEMS AND THE UFO.". It details a specific case involving Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Hood and introduces the organization responsible for investigating such phenomena, the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP).

Case Study: Mr. and Mrs. Hood's Sighting and Car Trouble

The primary narrative recounts an experience by Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Hood on the night of June 9-10, 1978. While driving to Wales for a holiday, they stopped near Abergavenny around 02:00 on June 10th. Approximately half an hour later, they noticed a low-flying light in the sky, initially resembling a hovering helicopter with a light underneath. After about twenty minutes, the light began moving towards them. Mrs. Hood noted the complete silence, ruling out a helicopter. As the object flew over nearby trees, Mr. Hood described it as having no wings or visible blades, appearing lit from within, and producing a short exhaust trail. He estimated its speed at approximately 30mph and its altitude at around 300ft. He commented that it must have been a UFO, finding no other explanation. After turning the car around, he saw a stationary light in the distance. He felt a sense of someone being in the object. Around 04:30, the light moved away in a straight line and disappeared, leaving Mr. Hood disappointed by the lack of explanation.

Following this encounter, at 05:00, the Hoods resumed their journey and discovered their 1976 Ford Capri had developed a fault, with the engine running unevenly at low speed. Despite attempts to fix it by dismantling and cleaning the carburettor jets and replacing the sparking plugs, the problem persisted. After driving for another two hours, they stopped at a garage where a mechanic discovered that the High Tension (H.T.) lead to the No. 3 cylinder had burnt out. Mr. Hood, having read about UFOs affecting electrical systems, considered this a coincidence but remained convinced that the sighted object was "not from this earth."

Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)

The document also provides information about the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). Founded in early 1967 by a small group of people interested in the UFO phenomenon, SIGAP primarily investigates reports in Surrey and surrounding counties, contributing to studies across Southern England. They receive news of sightings through a 'Hot-line' (Farnborough 41012), which triggers a preliminary inquiry process designed to eliminate conventional explanations. The group estimates that over 80 percent of reports can be explained by natural or man-made phenomena.

If an immediate explanation isn't found, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses, visit the observation site if possible, and consult their own experts. The group also liaises with similar organizations nationwide and shares its most significant reports with the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA, which is headed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a former consultant to the US Air Force on UFOs.

The magazine is published bi-monthly and is intended for SIGAP members, with copies available for purchase by non-members at $0.50 each. The publication exchanges magazines with various UFO organizations globally, including Northern UFOLOGY, BUFORA Journal, Quest, UFO Insight, SAPRT, CEFAI, MAPIT, UFO Network, GEP, UFO News Bulletin, and the National UFO Laboratory.

Key Personnel and Contact Information

SIGAP's Group Secretary is Michael G. Prewett, located at 20 Loman Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey. The Chairman & Investigation Co-ordinator is Omar Fowler, residing at 149 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey. SIGAP was founded in 1967 and is described as a non-profit-making voluntary organization devoted to the study of unidentified flying object phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the common theme of UFO sightings coinciding with unexplained technological malfunctions, particularly in vehicles. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, acknowledging that while many sightings have conventional explanations, a significant percentage remain unexplained and warrant further study. The involvement of academic and scientific consultants, like Dr. Hynek, lends credibility to the group's efforts. The publication also emphasizes collaboration and information sharing within the UFO research community.