Pegasus - 1981 January-February

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Volume/Year: 1981
Publisher: SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA (SIGAP)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), opens with somber news of the passing of two long-standing ufologists: Captain Ivor Mackay, a former SIGAP and BUFORA member known for his experience in psychic phenomena and his chairmanship of BUFORA from 1967-1971, and Dr John Cleary-Baker, a former editor of the BUFORA Journal from 1965-1973, noted for his outspoken views.

Contents

The issue features a variety of articles and reports:

• Pages 2/3: "Glowing Dome" - A report from Staines, Middlesex, detailing a sighting by Mary Newham and David on January 7, 1981. They observed a bright, electric blue, dome-shaped light at ground level in a field. The object was intense and projected light around itself. David later noted three rabbits near the spot that did not move, which he found unusual.
• Pages 4/5: "Personal View of Mexico" - Richard Colborne shares his experiences and observations from Mexico, focusing on archaeological sites and the UFO aspect of prehistory. He consulted Professor Jorge Olvera, an archaeologist, who stated that claims of advanced civilizations producing certain artifacts lack supporting evidence. Olvera recounted a story about the Aztecs and 'Space People,' referencing the 'Plumed Serpent' and the concept of a 'screen' or mirror.
• Page 6: "UFO Over London Airport" - A report by Mrs P.Browne of Egham, Surrey, dated December 27, 1980. While near Heathrow Airport, she, her husband, and children observed a white light with unusual motion and no navigation lights. The object performed a 'Z' type manoeuvre at high speed before disappearing behind clouds.
• Pages 7/8/9: "Psycho-Physiological Effects" Conclusion CEAFI (Portugal) - This section, attributed to CEAFI (Centre for Astronomical Studies and Unexplained Phenomena), explores the psychological and physiological effects of UFO encounters. It discusses phenomena such as hypnosis, paralysis ('sofrologia'), loss of notion of time/space, and numbness/drowsiness, suggesting that UFOs may modify the state of consciousness of witnesses.
• Page 10: "Glowing Cigar" - A report from Christchurch, Hampshire.
• Page 11: "Tale Enders" - Details about an International Conference.

Additionally, there is a brief mention of UFO activity at Ross-on-Wye, involving a 'coffee saucer' shape seen multiple times.

Article Details

"Glowing Dome" Near Staines

Witnesses Mary Newham and David reported a sighting on January 7, 1981, around 0030 hours, near Staines. They described a bright light in a field, which resolved into a "dome" shape surrounded by a halo, emitting an "electric blue" colour. They estimated watching the object for one to three minutes. The main impression was its extreme brightness and vivid color. On a return journey an hour later, David noticed three rabbits near the spot that did not move, an unusual observation given the ongoing motorway construction.

"Glowing Dome" Shape Reports

The article references other instances of the "Glowing Dome" shape and "Electric Blue" light. It cites FSR Vol.20, No.1.1974, concerning a sighting where a bright red ball descended, causing car headlights to dim, and was estimated to be 100 feet in diameter and dome-shaped, making a sound like a lawn mower. Another case, FSR Vol.14, No.4, describes Reverend Anthony G.Millican and his wife seeing a glowing "object" in Bristol in 1968. This object was dome-shaped, 12-15 feet high, with a yellow rim and off-white interior, hovering 6 feet off the ground. The vivid electric blue color is also compared to a description by farmer Mr Graham in Woodmansterne in 1968.

Richard Colborne's Personal View of the Mexican UFO Scene

Richard Colborne reported on his talk to SIGAP members on November 19, 1980. He spent time visiting archaeological sites in Mexico and spoke with archaeologists about the UFO aspect of prehistory. He consulted Professor Jorge Olvera, who indicated that claims about advanced civilizations and certain artifacts lack archaeological evidence. Olvera shared a story about the Aztecs, who were apparently warned of the Spanish conquest by 'Space People.' The story involves the Aztec Emperor, referred to as the 'Plumed Serpent,' and a hunter who caught a strange bird with a 'screen' in front of its head, which Colborne suggests could mean a screen/mirror. Colborne notes that Mexicans are generally 'UFO Mad,' accepting UFOs as commonplace. He expresses skepticism about the credibility of some Latin American UFO reports, suggesting that the prevalence of UFO-themed media in Mexico City might contribute to this perception.

UFO Over London Airport?

Mrs P.Browne reported a sighting on December 27, 1980, near Heathrow Airport. She, her husband, and two children saw a white light travelling towards them. Although its speed was similar to an aircraft, its motion seemed wrong, and it lacked navigation lights. After passing over them, the object executed a high-speed 'Z' type manoeuvre before continuing. The event took place about a mile from the 'Glowing Dome' incident.

Psycho-Physiological Effects Attributable to UFO Phenomena (CEAFI)

This section details the potential psychological and physiological impacts of UFO encounters. It identifies several effects: amnesia, increased capacity for oneiric production, activation of hallucinations, alteration of living reality, loss of space/time perception, and decreased consciousness without losing awareness. The report categorizes these under 'investigation into ufology.'

1) Hypnosis: Witness claims of fascination with UFO luminosity, often following perception of a strong luminous ray. People may be 'constrained' to act independently of their will.

2) Paralysis: Often caused by an intense luminous ray, accompanied by fear and anguish. This state is termed 'sofrologia,' potentially reinforced by negative air ionization. It is noted that not all individuals experience the same symptoms, and suggestions are individually different.

3) Loss of notion of time and/or space: Associated with intense luminous rays and fear/anguish.

4) Numbness or drowsiness: The 'sofrologia' state can persist, possibly induced by suggestions from an intelligence aboard a UFO, transmitted verbally or telepathically. This drowsy state is not true sleep and diminishes over time.

5) 'Sofrologia' factors emanating from UFOs: These include affective-emotion causing catalepsy, fixation and fascination by luminous rays, chromatic variations of UFOs affecting attention, purring-sonorous modulation, air ionization, and the strange character of UFOs. The report suggests a physiological motivation for the witness's reaction.

The conclusion posits that UFOs may modify consciousness, making the 'sofrologia' hypothesis acceptable. It is not necessary to assume the intelligence aboard the UFO desires this state, but they may use it to their advantage, with the manifestations serving as camouflage.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography listing various magazines and books related to ufology, such as 'Ouranos,' 'Inforespace,' 'Insólito,' 'Science & Vie,' and works by authors like Henry Durrant, Fernand Lagarde, Jacques Vallée, and Donald E.Keyhoe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the psychological and physiological impacts of these encounters, and the exploration of ancient astronaut theories. The journal appears to maintain a serious, investigative stance, presenting witness reports and scientific analysis of phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation, as seen in Richard Colborne's report on Mexico. The inclusion of a bibliography suggests a commitment to academic rigor within the field of ufology. The passing of prominent figures in the field also underscores the historical context and dedication of the ufology community.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the reference S.956, focuses on a UFO sighting over Christchurch, Hampshire, on Tuesday, December 16, 1980. The main cover headline is "GLOWING CIGAR OVER CHRISTCHURCH (Hants)". The magazine is published by SIGAP and is intended for its members, with copies available for purchase by non-members at $0.50.

Report: Glowing Cigar Over Christchurch

A report was received via telephone from Mr. C. Barron, a 36-year-old ophthalmic technician residing in Christchurch, Hampshire. While driving home from work towards Ford Bridge around 0630 on December 16, 1980, Mr. Barron observed a bright object moving erratically from West to East. He stopped his car to watch as the object halted and emitted strong beams of light.

Mr. Barron then drove towards the M.V.E.E. (Military Establishment) where he stopped and drew the attention of Mr. Jones, an ambulance driver. Together, they studied the object for approximately twelve minutes, agreeing it was "very strange". Mr. Barron then proceeded to the local Police Station, where two policemen also observed the object, noting its unusual brightness and movement.

Upon returning home, Mr. Barron retrieved his binoculars (20x50) and studied the object again. He described it as "brilliant white", "cigar shaped", bowed in the centre with three circular discs on either side of the bend. These discs were radiating intense light with occasional flashes, and a "strange halo of light pulsating" was visible above the object. Mr. Barron watched for nearly an hour before going to bed around 0720, due to working a night shift.

He emphasized the clarity of the object, describing it as "as clear as crystal". The report notes that other witnesses were present at the time, and a local newspaper also carried a report from a woman, Miss Dunn, who saw a very bright light on the evening of December 16th. Miss Dunn reported the light was initially stationary but then moved rapidly westward.

The case is noted as still open.

"TALE ENDERS"

This section includes a brief note requesting the return of a borrowed item, "The Old Straight Track".

The Second London International UFO Congress

Details are provided for the upcoming Second London International UFO Congress, scheduled to take place at the Mount Royal Hotel, Marble Arch, London, on Sunday, May 24th, and Monday, May 25th. A provisional program has been received from BUFORA and is available on request. The speakers listed are:

• David Haisell: Director of Unexplained Phenomena Investigations Research Inc. and Editor of Journal UFO. He is noted for bringing Canadian UFO societies together and is a member of the Provisional International Committee for UFO Research.
• Dr. Bruce Maccabee Ph.D.: Appointed Chairman of the Fund for Research Inc. in Maryland, USA. He is known for investigating New Zealand airborne sightings and is an internationally recognized optical physicist specializing in lasers.
• Nigel Henbest M.Sc. F.R.A.S.: Astronomy consultant for 'New Scientist' and author of "The Exploding Universe" and "The Mysterious Universe".
• Charles Bowen: Editor of Flying Saucer Review and a well-known ufologist with extensive experience in UFO reports.
• Bertil Kuhlemann: Head of Computer Services for IUA Administrative Department of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Science, with 20 years of experience in ufology and founder of the International UFO Reporting and Data System.
• Hilary Evans: Council Member of the Society for Psychical Research and author of "U.F.O's - The Greatest Mystery."
• Stuart Campbell: Member of the Edinburgh Branch of BUFORA and investigator of the Close Encounter at Livingstone.

SIGAP members are invited to attend, and transport sharing is encouraged. Contact O. Fowler at Farnbr.41012 for details.

Article Announcement

An article titled "Segmented Beams Of Light" by Jean Bastide has been held over until the next issue of Pegasus.

Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)

This section provides information about SIGAP, including a list of exchange magazines received from various organizations such as Northern UFOLOGY, BUFORA Journal, FSR Quest, UFO Insight, and others from Portugal, Germany, France, Yugoslavia, and Sweden. The magazine is published bi-monthly and is intended for SIGAP members only.

SIGAP was founded in early 1967 by a small group investigating UFO phenomena locally. Initially focused on Surrey and surrounding counties, it has expanded its studies to many parts of Southern England. The group operates a 'Hot-line' (Farnborough 41012) which triggers a preliminary enquiry procedure to eliminate obvious explanations. It is noted that over 80 percent of reports can be explained by natural or man-made phenomena.

If an explanation is not immediately found, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses and visit the site. The group then consults its own experts and liaises with similar organizations nationwide. Significant reports are sent to the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA, run by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who was a consultant to the US Air Force on UFOs for 20 years.

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

Copyright Notice

All articles appearing in this magazine are copyright and may not be reproduced without the express permission of SIGAP. SIGAP is a non-profit-making voluntary organization devoted to the study of unidentified flying object phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, exemplified by the Christchurch case. The magazine also serves as a platform for announcing upcoming UFO conferences and providing information about organizations dedicated to the study of UFOs, such as SIGAP and its international counterparts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, with a focus on witness testimony and scientific analysis, while also acknowledging the need to eliminate mundane explanations.