Pegasus - 1985 November-December

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: November/December 1985
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), focuses on investigations into crop circles and UFO sightings, alongside news concerning prominent figures in the field.

Editorial and News

The issue opens with a regretful announcement regarding the serious illness of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a leading voice in UFO research. Dr. Hynek, who advised the American Air Force on UFOs for twenty years and held significant positions at Northwestern University and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, has been forced to cease his work. The journal extends wishes for his speedy recovery and retirement.

A report on SIGAP Meeting 25/11 details a meeting held at the Prospect Country Club, Ash Vale. The meeting featured a first-hand account of a UFO encounter by witness Dave Mc Murray, who was questioned about his experience and its physical repercussions. Busty Taylor presented a video of the Andover "Circles", which sparked discussion. Infra-Red aerial photographs taken by Omar Fowler were to be shown at the next meeting.

The Alresford "Circles" Conference

This section details a meeting held on October 13th, 1985, in Alresford, organized as a "think tank" by Pat Delgado, a retired design engineer involved in investigating crop circles. SIGAP members, including Paul Whitehead, Graham Raine, Busty Taylor, Geraldine Phillips, and Omar & Deana Fowler, attended, alongside representatives from BUFORA, such as Paul Fuller, and Lt.Col. Edgecombe of the Army Air Corps. Lt.Col. Edgecombe was part of the helicopter crew photographed investigating circles on behalf of the M.O.D.

• Pat Delgado presented an agenda to consider the causes of the circles, listing:
• (a) Man Made Hoax
• (b) Helicopter Damage
• (c) Military Devices
• (d) Metereological
• (e) UFO's
• (f) Ley Lines
• (g) Other Force Fields

Man Made Hoax

Early aerial photographs by Busty Taylor showed no intruder infiltration of the Andover ring site. Pat Delgado conducted trials on the pressure required to compress wheat, calculating that approximately 30 tonnes would be needed to flatten the area of five circles. He also demonstrated methods for creating circles using a long chain or pole pivoted at a central point. The process would involve compressing wheat into a "wall" and forming a "stepped" pattern, which would damage crop heads and leave extensive marks. The complexity of measuring and forming four smaller circles precisely without leaving trails, especially in the dark, was highlighted. Diagrams illustrate the pressure required to pull a 24ft long pole, estimated at 80-90 lbs, and the resulting tread path.

Helicopter Damage

Lt.Col. Edgecombe, with expertise in helicopter downdraft, explained that a helicopter would likely create a "blown out" pattern without sharp definition. The need for a smaller helicopter to create the four smaller circles was questioned, and this theory was discounted.

Military Devices

The possibility of small "drone" guided flying vehicles causing the patterns was considered remote, with little apparent purpose for the M.O.D. to undertake such an effort.

Metereological

Wind damage was discussed, but it was agreed that whirlwinds could not create such distinct and geometric patterns.

UFO's: Unidentified Flying Objects

This theory gained credence among SIGAP members. A UFO report from Mrs. Joan Simms (mentioned in a previous Pegasus issue) described a large circular light with four smaller lights. A sighting by Mrs. Collins and her husband of a "Big funfair wheel hovering in the sky" over Stockbridge Down was also noted. Pat Delgado produced sketches of possible "craft" designs responsible for the patterns.

Ley Lines and Other Force Fields

Pat Delgado proposed that circles could be formed by the crossing of underground power lines, such as Ley Lines. The theory expanded to include unknown underground electro-magnetic power creating a spiralling current that draws wheat down in a clockwise spiral. Unusual events linked to geological fault lines were mentioned, and electro-magnetic force fields were claimed to be observable in misty conditions, which coincided with some circle reports.

Conclusion of the Conference

The meeting concluded by discussing other ideas, including Chemical Warfare, Parallel Universes, Pollution Monitoring, Sound Effects, Satellite Experiments, and a local "Hippy" fraternity. While no definitive explanation was found, it was generally accepted that the "rings" could not have been man-made.

Bagshot Heath: Latest Developments

A follow-up visit was made to the Mc Murray family on November 5th to ascertain developments in Mr. Mc Murray's condition. His physiological symptoms had not diminished, with red rings appearing on both sides of his body. He experienced moments of explaining mechanical functions to himself and reported two instances of "out of the body travel" while asleep. The most peculiar aspect was a continuous message in his head: "EPSILON 44L 47L". During a return visit to the UFO encounter site, he felt an overwhelming urge not to proceed beyond the road's edge.

The Mystery of "Epsilon"

Pat Delgado provided information suggesting "Epsilon" is a Greek letter used in astronomical coding for stars and planets. The message might indicate the UFO's origin planet, though this is speculative. The text references a 1928 phenomenon where European radio operators received echoes from an object 450,000 to 2,250,000 km away. Duncan Lunan theorized these signals could originate from an alien spaceship orbiting Earth, with intervals representing coded messages or maps. Lunan identified a constellation as Bootes and the star as Epsilon Bootis (Izar), located about 103 light-years away. It is suggested that "Epsilon" could be a key to the UFO jigsaw, and Dave Mc Murray is to be placed under hypnosis. The "44L-47L" might refer to a map or planetary reference.

Lightwater "Hot Spot"

Following Dave Mc Murray's story, other witnesses in the Lightwater area have come forward. Mr. W.G. Cooper reported car vibrations and starter motor issues near power lines. Mrs. E. Terry saw a UFO in the area, causing her dog to run away. A farmer's wife claimed to have seen a cigar-shaped object pursued by two fighters over Farnborough, though the R.A.E. could not confirm this.

Spanish Scare

Another report, originating from Alicante, Spain, in the spring of 1972, came to light. Mr. Alan Smith described seeing a brilliantly lit UFO with elliptical shape and hazy outline flying silently. One of his dogs reacted fearfully as the UFO disappeared behind a hill. The sighting occurred in clear weather conditions.

Police Chase UFO?

SIGAP member Brian Maguire overheard a conversation on the police waveband concerning a potential UFO incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly crop circles and UFO sightings, and the sharing of witness accounts. The journal adopts a scientific and investigative stance, presenting evidence, theories, and witness testimonies for consideration by its readers. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous analysis, as seen in the detailed breakdown of theories for crop circles and the exploration of astronomical connections in the Bagshot Heath case. The publication also serves as a platform for reporting on the activities of UFO investigation groups like SIGAP and BUFORA, and acknowledges the contributions of researchers like J. Allen Hynek and Pat Delgado.

This issue of the "Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena" magazine, published bi-monthly and intended for SIGAP members, details several UFO-related events and discussions. The magazine is available for purchase by non-members at a cost of 0.50 per copy. SIGAP itself is a non-profit voluntary organisation founded in 1967 to study unidentified flying objects, primarily focusing on reports in Surrey and surrounding counties, but contributing to studies across Southern England. Their investigation process involves eliminating obvious explanations, interviewing witnesses, visiting sites, and consulting experts.

UFO Report on the Winchester to Eastleigh Road

A UFO sighting on the Winchester to Eastleigh road, specifically at the junction of "The Bridges," caused significant traffic congestion. A police car was dispatched to investigate, but by the time it reached the area, the unidentified object had already departed. The report notes a question raised about who should be responsible for filing the official paperwork for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) – the police car crew or officers at the Police Station. Investigator Pat Delgado later looked into this incident but was unable to get official confirmation from the police that it had taken place.

Andover Incident on December 6th, 1985

Another report details an incident received from Mrs. Mary Melling of Andover, which occurred on December 6th, 1985, at 4 am. Mrs. Melling was awakened by the brightness of an object. She observed an oblong-shaped object that appeared to have a hazy light underneath. It was high in the sky at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. The sky was clear, and the object was visible for about 5 minutes before it "just went." Its brightness was described as being as bright as the Sun. The UFO was subsequently reported in the local paper, which included a drawing of the object that Mrs. Melling recognized as what she had seen.

East to Aid West? Media and Propaganda

The magazine then discusses a report treated lightly by the News Media, suggesting it might be a subtle approach in a forthcoming propaganda campaign to inform the public about UFOs and their potential threat. This section references a "Daily Express" article from Thursday, December 5th, 1985, titled "When The Space Invaders Come Marching In." The article highlights a conversation between U.S. President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev at Geneva, where Reagan described a science fiction scenario involving aliens from space attacking Earth. Reagan's statement, made in Maryland, suggested that if such a threat existed, humanity might "forget our little differences." The magazine questions whether this was a genuine observation or part of a deliberate effort to prepare the public for the existence of UFOs.

SIGAP Information and Contacts

The second page provides details about the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). It lists various exchange magazines, including Northern UFOLOGY, BUFORA Journal, FSR Quest, UFO Insight, and others from Portugal, Germany, Yugoslavia, Sweden, and Italy. The magazine is published bi-monthly and is intended for SIGAP members, with copies available for non-members at 0.50 each. The contact information for SIGAP is provided: Chairman & Investigation Co-ordinator Omar Fowler at 45 Burden Way, Guildford (Tel: (0483) 235949), Secretary Mrs. D. Fowler, and Treasurer Mr. R. Harman. A copyright notice states that all articles are copyrighted by SIGAP and may not be reproduced without express permission. SIGAP is identified as a non-profit-making voluntary organisation founded in 1967.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the challenges of official investigation and confirmation (as seen with the Winchester-Eastleigh incident), and the potential role of media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena, possibly as part of a propaganda effort. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO reports, while also critically examining how such events are reported and potentially framed by the media and political figures. The magazine aims to provide factual accounts of sightings and encourage a rational approach to understanding aerial phenomena, distinguishing between explainable events and those requiring further study.