Pegasus - 1981 September-October

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1981
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, covers a period described as a "slack period" in UFO phenomena, focusing on reports from Africa in the early 1950s and recent sightings from the UK in 1981. It also includes a paper on the Fátima apparitions and their potential connection to UFO phenomena, as well as news of an exchange with a Norwegian research institute and the cancellation of a NASA program.

Contents This Month

The issue features several articles and reports:

• UFO's Over Rhodesia 1954: Detailed accounts of sightings from Africa in the 1950s, contributed by Brian Maguire and O.Fowler.
• NASA Cut Back On Space Search: A report on the cancellation of NASA's extraterrestrial intelligence search due to funding issues.
• Jean Bastide's Cartoon Time: A humorous cartoon by Jean Bastide.
• The Surrey UFO Scene: Incident reports from the Surrey area.
• CEAFI Report On Fatima: A paper by Joaquim Fernandes & J.M.Andrade exploring extraterrestrial interference in Fátima.
• Tale Enders: A section likely containing shorter pieces or concluding remarks.
• New Exchange: Norway: An announcement of a magazine exchange with NIVFI, the Norwegian Institute For Scientific Research and Information.

UFO's Over Rhodesia (1954)

This section details several incidents from Africa in the 1950s. Mr H.Charmud, a former resident of Rhodesia, shared his experiences. One incident in 1974 involved a star-like object flashing and moving in a zig-zag pattern, which he believed might have been sending down a beam for information.

A more significant event occurred in 1954 over Mount Kilimanjaro, where a plane from Nairobi (S.A.A.) reported seeing a cigar-shaped object with portholes. Calculations suggested the object was at a height of about 100,000ft and approximately 2 miles in length. This sighting was corroborated by an affidavit signed by the plane's passengers and crew, and was dubbed the "mother ship" by the press.

Another account describes an incident near Lusaka, Zambia. Eric Williams, an engineer and pub owner, witnessed a "Flying Saucer" hovering near his service station. He described it as a metallic object with a humming noise, a green light, and "ball things" underneath, estimating its size at fifteen feet deep and thirty feet across. The object moved away deliberately. After its departure, a hole was found in the ground, with the earth displaced in a line. The police were informed, and R.A.F. officials examined the site. The report page from the police book was removed, with the explanation that "We don't know much about them, the more we can find out, the better it will be for our scientists who are investigating them."

Further reports from the same period include a "Flying Saucer" pacing a car near Kesama, causing the driver to abandon it, and a sighting near Bulawayo that appeared to be moving along the Great North Road towards Kilimanjaro.

NASA Cut Back

An article from the DAILY EXPRESS dated September 24th, 1981, reports that NASA's six-year search for extra-terrestrial intelligence was to be cancelled at the end of October due to lack of funds. This program involved an elaborate system of "dishes" designed to detect "non-random souud events" from deep space. The cancellation is noted as a disappointment, as it would have increased surveillance range.

Jean Bastide's Cartoon Time

This section features a cartoon by Jean Bastide, with the caption "SPECIAL 'SHUTTLES' ARE MADE BY THOUSANDS IN MARSEILLES, FRANCE! ...AT THE OVEN OF SHUTTLES ('LE FOUR DES NAVETTES')".

The Surrey UFO Scene

This section presents two incident reports from the UK:

• An Incident at Oxshott (27.9.81): Julian Idle (17) observed two oval objects, pulsating with red and orange colours and flashing white, moving South-East at an estimated height of 500-1500ft. They moved silently and accelerated rapidly.
• Basingstoke Light (17.4.81): Mr Jon Jones reported a bright light that changed colour (red/white/green/blue) as it moved from side to side, appearing to spin at high speed. Five witnesses observed the object for about 1.5 hours before it vanished.

L.I.T.S. Over Alton (28.9.81)

Mrs Woodger observed a brightly coloured object in the early hours of the morning. Initially thought to be a plane, it was realized to be stationary. The object changed shape from a circle to an elongated form and back to a circle, described as "hazy". It moved slowly across the sky and was lost from sight after about 15 minutes. The colours observed were blue/green and gold.

"Hogs Back" L.I.T.S. (12.10.81)

SIGAP member Ron Harman reported a bright white light, described as "tear drop" in shape, passing overhead in a North-East direction. It left a faint luminous trail and had a faint glow but no noise was heard. The object's flight path was not consistent with a meteor, but could be explained by satellite debris.

Extra-Terrestrial Interference in Fátima

This paper, presented by Joaquim Fernandes & J.M.Andrade of CEAFI, explores new aspects of the 'Marian Apparitions' in Fátima, Portugal, based on historical documents and research since 1975. Historian Fina d'Armada's work is cited, particularly her analysis of the "Formigão Archives".

The paper discusses a pre-announcement of the apparitions by 'spirit-rappers' (mediums) on February 7th, which predicted great joy on May 13th, signed "Stella Matutina". The authors suggest a connection between this extra-sensorial process and modern UFO encounters.

They highlight discrepancies between the Virgin Mary's appearance as described by the principal witness, Lúcia, and the sanctuary's sculpture. Lúcia described a "beautiful little woman", while the Parish Inquiry detailed a "feminine figure, very beautiful, surrounded by a blinding light: measuring about 1 metre and 10 centimetres, appearing to be between 12 and 15 years old." This figure wore a tight-fitting skirt, a coat with golden squares, had dark eyes, rings on the neck, and a luminous ball at the waist. The paper suggests that the year 1917, when the apparitions occurred, coincided with a peak in solar activity, linking this to increased extra-sensorial abilities and UFO phenomena.

Part 2 of this report is scheduled for the Nov/Dec issue.

New Exchange: Norway

The journal announces a new exchange of magazines and reports with NIVFI, the Norwegian Institute For Scientific Research and Information in Trondheim, Norway. An example of a sighting reported by NIVFI is the "Great UFO Over Hielset, Molde" on October 25th, 1981, where several people saw an enormous, shining UFO, 100m long, with red/blue/yellow colours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the investigation of potential extraterrestrial activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO sightings, including historical cases and contemporary reports, while also acknowledging the possibility of military suppression of information. The Fátima article introduces a more speculative angle, connecting UFO phenomena with parapsychology and solar activity, suggesting a broader scope for unexplained events. The inclusion of cartoons and the announcement of international exchanges indicate an effort to engage readers and foster collaboration within the UFO research community.

This issue of 'Tale Enders' (Volume 27, Issue 10, dated August 1981) focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and investigations. The magazine is published bi-monthly by SIGAP (Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena) and is intended for its members, with copies available for purchase by non-members.

The Zygmunt Adamski Case

The issue opens by discussing the ongoing speculation surrounding the death of Zygmunt Adamski, a Polish-born miner found on a coal tip in Todmorden. The article notes that the 'Sunday Mirror' quoted this case as its own discovery, claiming to have revealed the mysterious 'UFO Death' in its November 29th issue. However, the 'Tale Enders' article points out that the 'Sunday Mirror' failed to mention that the report had first been carried in the 'Flying Saucer Review' in August 1981, a month prior to the 'Sunday Mirror's' own report. The initial investigation into this case, titled 'A Policemans Lot' by Jenny Randles, is recommended for reading. A later report by the 'Sunday Mirror' features testimony from P.C. Godfrey, who recounted his encounter with alien beings or robots under hypnosis. The article expresses interest in this account but awaits a full factual report.

UFO Picture Exclusive: Halifax Sighting

The 'Evening Courier' of Halifax is highlighted for producing a 'UFO PICTURE EXCLUSIVE' on its front page on Monday, October 19th. The photograph featured a thin, worm-like light against a black sky background, taken above Halifax town centre by Mr. Anthony Vaivods. Mr. Vaivods, aged 65, and his wife Betty witnessed the bright, cigar-shaped light flashing across the sky from their sitting room. The article also mentions recent UFO sightings reported in Greetland, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge, and Southowram.

Report from the Guernsey UFO Research Group

A report from the Guernsey UFO Research Group details a remarkable UFO sighting over St Peter Port. On Sunday, September 20th, at 6:30 am, a family at Clairval Estate observed an unusual object in a S.E. direction under clear weather conditions. The object was described as rather oblong in shape, emitting a very bright white-yellowish light, with three lights on top. It remained stationary for several minutes before moving away southwards. No sound was heard, and the Police and local Airport were contacted.

Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)

The magazine provides information about SIGAP, an organization founded in early 1967 to investigate UFO phenomena locally. Primarily focused on Surrey and surrounding counties, SIGAP has contributed to studies across Southern England. The group receives news of sightings through its 'Hot-line' (Farnborough 41012) and follows a procedure to eliminate obvious explanations, noting 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 sites, and consult with internal experts. The group also liaises 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.

Contact information for SIGAP is provided: Group Secretary Michael G. Prewett at 20 Loman Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey, and Chairman & Investigation Co-ordinator Omar Fowler at 149 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey. The magazine is published bi-monthly and costs £0.50 per copy for non-members. All articles are copyrighted by SIGAP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, media reporting of these events, and the investigative processes undertaken by civilian research groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, questioning media sensationalism (as seen with the Zygmunt Adamski case) while also presenting detailed accounts of sightings and the work of dedicated researchers. There is an emphasis on factual reporting and the elimination of conventional explanations before accepting a UFO hypothesis. The magazine also highlights the importance of international collaboration in UFO research, as evidenced by SIGAP's relationship with the Center for UFO Studies.