Pegasus - 1981 July-August

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: JULY AUGUST 1981
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA (SIGAP)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Pegasus magazine focuses heavily on the Second London International UFO Congress, held on May 24-25, 1981. The cover features a photograph of Dr. Bruce Maccabee (USA) and Mike Prewett (SIGAP) from the congress. The magazine aims to bring readers insights from the event, including talks and 'behind the scenes' discussions.

The Second London International UFO Congress

The congress is described as an event of immense interest, held at the Mount Royal Hotel, Marble Arch, London. The slick presentation was attributed to the hard work of BUFORA members. While the numerous fascinating talks could not all be reproduced due to space limitations, the 'behind the scenes' discussions were highlighted as equally interesting, leading to new friendships and the uncovering of facts covered in this issue.

Contents This Month

The issue includes a variety of articles and reports:

• Pages 2/3/4: Changing Views On The Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis by Dr. Bruce Maccabee (USA).
• Pages 5 & 7: Conference "Snippets" by Omar Fowler.
• Page 6: Conference Photo Page.
• Pages 8 & 9: A Strange Smelling UFO by Mike Prewett.
• Page 10: New UFO Reports by SIGAP.
• Page 11: Jean Bastide's Cartoon Time by Jean Bastide (France).
• Page 12: Scottish Newsletter by Peter A Hill.
• Page 13: Tale Enders (News various).
• Page 14: Exchange Information (Rear Cover).

Subscriptions for SIGAP membership are also mentioned as being due, costing £4.00 per annum.

Changing Views On The Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis

This section features extracts from a talk by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, who discusses the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). He argues that the ETH, stating that 'alien beings' are visiting Earth, is unscientific because it is not specific enough to be quantifiable and can lead to contradictory predictions. He proposes that independent evidence, not induced by UFO sightings, is needed to verify the ETH. He introduces the 'ETM (extra-terrestrial monster) theory' and contrasts it with the 'they can't' hypothesis, which argues that interstellar travel is impossible. Maccabee also discusses the 'All Reports Explainable Hypothesis' (AREH), which posits that all UFO reports have a rational explanation. He stresses that for the AREH to be valid, each UFO case with sufficient information must have a specific, verifiable explanation. He criticizes scientists who make vague comments about UFOs, such as suggesting they could be stars or planets, without naming them. Maccabee also presents slides on a filmed light over New Zealand, refuting the 'Squid Boats' explanation, and discusses the Trent Photo case, concluding that if the Trent photos cannot be explained, the AREH fails. He notes that the Trent photos have been investigated and endorsed as a true sighting by astronomer William Hartman.

Conference "Snippets"

This section provides brief reports from various speakers at the London International UFO Congress:

• David Haisell (Canada) discussed intriguing events, including the probability that the Canadian Government undertook a UFO investigation project in the early 1950s, codenamed "Operation Magnet." This project involved setting up UFO "detector stations" in Ottawa, which reportedly picked up UFOs using gravitometer instruments between 1952-54. The project later went "underground."

• Joaquim Fernandes & J.M. Andrade (Portugal) discussed UFO events in Portugal, including the Fatima incident and a sighting of the Virgin Mary, noting the sensitivity of such topics in a religious country.

• Jan Fjellander (Sweden) recounted a story about Uri Geller and his psychic powers. During a controlled scientific test, a watch was placed in a locked box. After the experiment was paused, the watch was found on the observation table, with the box still locked and empty. A T.V. camera, left on accidentally, captured footage of the watch materializing.

• Omar Fowler played a tape recording of a strange undulating noise from the Aldershot UNO incident (October 20, 1978). This sound was also heard underwater by divers in Lake Alchichica, Mexico, in 1976. The origin of the sound remains a mystery, and the possibility of UFOs using bodies of water for seclusion is discussed.

• The Earl of Clancarty (Brinsley Le Poer Trench) chatted with SIGAP members, discussing his theories.

Apologies are extended for not mentioning all speakers due to space and cost constraints.

A Strange Smelling UFO ?

Investigator M. Prewett reports on the experience of the Hopgood family during their summer holiday on July 30, 1981. While driving towards Salisbury, they first noticed a strong smell like sewage, followed by a strong coffee smell. Later, approaching Pepperbox Hill, Mr. Hopgood spotted what he initially thought was a lorry's tail light. The object, described as round, pinky-red, and about the size of a car tyre, lifted off the ground to about 40 feet and disappeared over the hill. The car behaved normally, but the family experienced an electric feeling. Mrs. Hopgood confirmed the sighting lasted about twenty seconds and was frightening. Mr. Hopgood, usually a skeptic, found this experience unexplainable.

New UFO Reports

This section is attributed to SIGAP and likely contains brief summaries of recent UFO sightings, though the details are not fully elaborated in the provided text.

Scottish Newsletter

This section, by Peter A Hill, would typically provide updates on UFO activity or related news from Scotland.

Tale Enders

This section appears to be a miscellaneous news roundup.

Exchange Information

This section is likely for correspondence or information exchange between members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on reporting on international congresses and conferences. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO reports, exploring various hypotheses, including the ETH and AREH, and presenting witness accounts and scientific analysis. There is a clear interest in documenting specific cases, such as the Trent Photo and the Hopgood sighting, and in fostering a community of researchers through SIGAP. The magazine seems to lean towards a critical but open-minded approach to the subject, encouraging rigorous investigation and specific explanations for phenomena.

Title: SCOTTISH NEWSLETTER
Issue: No 5
Date: September 1981
Publisher: SIGAP (Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the Scottish Newsletter, published by SIGAP, focuses on UFO investigations and upcoming events in the UFO research community.

T.V. Interference Case (Ash, Surrey)

Investigator O. Fowler reports on a sighting on July 30th, 1981, at 2305 hours in Ash, near Aldershot, Hampshire. David White was watching television when the screen became distorted by interference. His sister, Carole (18), about to go to bed, noticed flashing lights outside her upstairs bedroom window. She looked out and saw what she sketched: a black, clearly defined shape with rotating lights that were red and white. Carole initially thought it was an aeroplane but then saw the lights rotating around the body of the craft and flashing. The object sped past at a fast speed, disappearing behind trees. It was not illuminated and was observed at a low angle of about 15 degrees, travelling in an Easterly direction without sound. The object was visible for only a few seconds.

Triangular Flying Object (Basingstoke, Hants)

Investigator Hilda Downes documented a sighting on August 15th, 1981, at 2229 hours in Basingstoke. Hilda observed a moving light in the sky and used her 10x50 binoculars. The object appeared to be moving silently at high altitude and travelling fast. Through the binoculars, it appeared to be about 2 inches in size, with a smokey grey appearance in the shape of a triangle. It had a series of lights across its base in a red, blue, white, and orange sequence, with a noticeable gap between the white and orange light. The lights were flashing in a specific sequence and the object travelled in a West to Easterly direction. Hilda contacted another witness in the Camberley area who confirmed the sighting as it passed overhead.

"Weaving Lights" (Aldershot, Hants)

Investigator O. Fowler also reports on a sighting by Mr M.S. Breakspear on August 2nd, 1981, around 2300 hours in Aldershot. Mr. Breakspear, who uses a telescope for stargazing, noticed two lights moving across the sky and weaving in and out of each other. They were moving from West to East at high altitude and travelling very fast, clearly not aircraft or satellites due to their movements. The lights soon passed overhead and then separated; one shot off to the East, and the other veered South. Mr. Breakspear watched the southern light until it shot out of sight like a "shooting star." When he turned to follow the eastern light, it had already gone. The entire event lasted less than thirty seconds, with no sound heard. The objects passed over at an angle of approximately 75 degrees. They had a definite round shape and were orange in color, with a greyish haze around the light.

Scottish Newsletter No 5 - September 1981

BUFORA 1982 National Conference Details:
Peter A Hill provides further details on the BUFORA 1982 National Conference, to be held in Edinburgh. The main session is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, 1982, with registration and a reception on the preceding Friday. The conference aims to feature papers from professional scientists. Registration continues on Saturday morning before the official opening at 10:00 AM. Names of invited speakers are not yet disclosed pending replies.

• Robert Taylor Close Encounter Case:
• A significant feature on March 13th will be a symposium on the close encounter case of Mr. Robert Taylor of Livingston, which occurred on November 9th, 1979. This case is described as remaining open and unique in the British Isles due to several features making it an excellent candidate for long-term study. These attributes include:
• A known, reliable reporter with a steady job and local residence.
• Rapid response by investigators, enabling photographs of physical evidence.
• Examinations conducted by more than one UFO Association.
• Measurement of ground marks and holes by the Livingston Police.
• Torn clothing of the reporter examined by The Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Edinburgh.
• Site inspection by well-known ufologists, including S Campbell, A Collins, Professor D Haisell, P A Hill, and M Keatman.

Conference Logistics:
The BUFORA dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, 1982. On Sunday, March 14th, a trip to the site of the Robert Taylor close encounter at Livingston is planned. Although ground evidence may be gone, visiting the site is considered of much interest. Attendees are encouraged to bring diagrams and photographs.

SIGAP members are invited. British Rail operates sleepers from London (King's Cross) to Edinburgh on Friday evenings. An inclusive Rail/Hotel/Conference package is available for £67.69 from Surrey stations, covering return 2nd class rail, two nights' accommodation, and conference attendance. Additional costs apply for the special dinner and cocktails. Coach options from London to Edinburgh are also available.

"Tale Enders"

"International UFO Directory": The first edition (1981) of this directory is available for 50p + 15p postage. It lists names, addresses, and telephone numbers of 213 prominent individuals involved in UFO phenomena, from Aasheim to Zigel. Orders can be sent to Peter A Hill at 47A Easter Bankton, Murieston, Livingston, W. Lothian EH54 9BD.

USSR Interest: SIGAP received a request for information from V.I. Sanarov in the USSR, sent via plain envelope from Thames Polytechnic, posted in London. The newsletter questions why Soviet citizens would use London ratepayers to cover postage.

BUFORA Journal Closure: The BUFORA Journal has ceased publication due to the resignation of its editor, Norman Oliver. It has been replaced by a cheaper news bulletin. As a result, SIGAP has received inquiries about their subscription rates for the Pegasus Magazine. Subscriptions are due this month and remain at £4.00 per annum. Payments should be sent to Mike Prewett, Secretary.

Richard Colborne: Has moved to Manchester. Members wishing to contact him can get his address from Mike Prewett.

BUFORA's National Conference 1982: Confirmed to take place in Edinburgh on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th March 1982. Interested parties should contact the secretary for details.

Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO): This organization has contacted SIGAP for the exchange of UFO reports. Scandinavia is noted as becoming increasingly prominent in UFO research.

UFO Exhibition at Portsmouth: SIGAP has agreed to send exhibits to an exhibition in Portsmouth on November 7th and 8th, 1981. Interested parties can contact Omar Fowler for details.

Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)

This section details SIGAP's activities and affiliations. They exchange magazines with various UFO organizations worldwide, including Northern UFOLOGY, BUFORA Journal, FSR Quest, UFO Insight, SAPRT, Radio 210, CEFAI (Portugal), MAPIT (Manchester), UFO Network, GEP (Germany), UFO News Bulletin (Bristol), Guernsey UFO Research Gp, J.B. Odyssey (Yugoslavia), Archives For UFO Research (Sweden), and CUN (Italy).

The SIGAP magazine is published bi-monthly and is intended for members, but copies can be purchased by non-members for 50p each.

SIGAP was founded in early 1967 by a small group to investigate the UFO phenomenon locally. Primarily focused on Surrey and surrounding counties, SIGAP has contributed to studies across Southern England. Their investigation process begins with a 'Hot-line' (Farnborough 41012) which triggers a preliminary inquiry to eliminate obvious explanations, noting that over 80% of reports are explained by natural or man-made phenomena.

If no immediate explanation is found, SIGAP investigators interview witnesses and visit the site. They then consult their own experts and liaise with similar organizations nationally. SIGAP sends its most significant reports 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.

Group Secretary: Michael G. Prewett, 20 Loman Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey.
Chairman & Investigation Co-ordinator: Omar Fowler, 149 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey.

All articles are copyright SIGAP and cannot be reproduced without permission. SIGAP is a non-profit-making voluntary organization devoted to the study of unidentified flying object phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, with a particular focus on detailed case reports and the scientific approach to analyzing them. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of UFO research organizations like BUFORA and SIGAP, promoting their conferences, publications, and collaborative efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, methodical investigation into UFO phenomena, aiming to distinguish between mundane explanations and genuinely unexplained events. There is also an interest in international UFO research, as evidenced by the mention of NIVFO and the USSR inquiry.