Pegasus - Vol 01 No 4 October 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Vol. I No. 4
Date: October, 1969
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena
Price: 1s 6d.

This issue of "Pegasus" is the monthly journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, featuring articles on UFO sightings, classic cases, and discussions within the ufology community.

Editorial: Scientists and the Unknown by Ron Toft

The editorial, penned by Ron Toft, critiques the scientific establishment's often dismissive attitude towards UFO phenomena. Toft argues that while scientists are lauded for their advancements, they paradoxically exhibit a reluctance to seriously consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, even while acknowledging the high probability of life existing elsewhere in the universe. He suggests this resistance stems from a fear of upsetting established scientific principles and a desire to maintain humanity's perceived position as the dominant intelligence on Earth. Toft posits that humanity must confront the vastness of the universe and decide whether to remain confined to a limited perspective or engage with a potentially larger cosmic reality.

Landing at Kidnapper's Hole by Arthur Shuttlewood

Arthur Shuttlewood recounts a dramatic UFO sighting and landing event that occurred on August 27, 1969, near Warminster, Wiltshire, involving thirteen witnesses. The event began with the observation of a 'burning bush' which transformed into a large, stationary orange ellipsoid hovering about 100 feet above a clubhouse. After approximately three minutes, the object increased its radiance and moved away towards Starr Hill. Following this, a second, smaller, dull mat-white object was observed keeping pace. The narrative then shifts to a more startling encounter when two witnesses, Chris and Robert, who had gone to investigate the initial 'burning bush' site, returned visibly shaken. They reported seeing a tall figure, dressed in a black suit with a sheen, standing near a hedgerow. The figure was described as having long dark hair, bright eyes, and feminine features, and was estimated to be a foot taller than Bob Strong (6ft 1in). Overcome by fear, they did not approach closer than 30 yards. Later, three cigar-shaped formations appeared in a triangle, two of which vanished. The third then broke in half, with the lower portion transforming into a three-dimensional pyramid shape that was sometimes opaque and sometimes transparent.

Fact or Folklore? by Dan Butcher

Dan Butcher's article explores the intersection of UFO phenomena and folklore, drawing a parallel between a Chippeway legend and common UFO sighting characteristics. The legend of Algon, a young man who encounters an 'osier-car' containing twelve singing maidens from the stars, is presented. Butcher highlights similarities such as a circular landing trace, a descending craft, and the collection of specimens, noting that the maidens come from the stars, a common theme in 'bird-maiden' folktales. He also mentions ancient tales of individuals using gold disks and singing to achieve flight. The article concludes by noting that Butcher is a SIGAP member and this is the first in a series of his articles for "Pegasus".

Notable Mentions within "Fact or Folklore?"

• Prominent Scientist Killed: Dr. Miran Lindtner, President of Australia's UFO Investigation Committee (UFOIC), died in an accident in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 29.
• New UFO Group: The National Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation (NUFORO) has been formed and publishes a duplicated bulletin.

The History of Flying Saucers: Part 4. Some Classic Cases by Ron Toft

Ron Toft presents six 'classic cases' of UFO sightings that defy terrestrial explanation. This installment covers two cases:

• Case 1: Pretoria, South Africa (September 16, 1965): Two police officers encountered a shiny, coppery circular craft, approximately 30 feet in diameter, with a glowing dome. The craft ascended on two jets of flame, causing the tarmac to melt.
• Case 2: Quarouble, France (September 10, 1954): A metal-worker reported seeing a large dark mass near railway lines, accompanied by two small humanoids (3-4 feet tall) after his dog barked.

Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from various individuals and organizations, primarily discussing the BUFORA's absence from a UFO convention and the broader perception of ufology.

• From Dr. J. Cleary-Baker (Editor of BUFORA Journal): Dr. Cleary-Baker expresses surprise at BUFORA's absence from the convention. He states that BUFORA received only a belated, 'tatty' circular and notes that the convention attracted 'religious and crank bodies.' He questions whether public interest automatically promotes better understanding, asserting that researchers should focus on study rather than evangelism.
• From Mr. Michael Holt (Secretary of the British UFO Research Association): Mr. Holt echoes Dr. Cleary-Baker's sentiments, criticizing the convention organizers for not providing adequate information or a personal invitation. He suggests that the convention's quality was more important than its size and that BUFORA had previously supported a modest, high-quality convention in Wakefield. He also implies that the convention's content might have been a 'hotch-potch' of publicity-seeking groups, discrediting serious research.
• From Mr. John Bostock (SIGAP member): Mr. Bostock congratulates "Pegasus" on its editorial and agrees that the public perception of ufology needs to change. He advocates for ufologists to be seen as serious researchers. He proposes clear definitions for 'UFO' (unidentified flying object) and 'flying-saucer' (hypothetical extraterrestrial spaceship) and suggests that when discussing flying-saucers, it should be acknowledged that their existence is uncertain and that time is a complex phenomenon.
• From Mr. Peter Hill (SIGAP member): Mr. Hill clarifies a previous letter regarding Stanywkovitch and Condon, stating his intention was to report an opinion on interstellar travel, not to judge it. He finds Condon's view that interstellar travel is unlikely for 10,000 years peculiar but acknowledges the need to consider all viewpoints and rely on facts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO evidence, the skepticism of the scientific community, and the desire for ufology to be recognized as a serious field of research. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ron Toft and echoed in the letters, is critical of mainstream science's dismissal of UFO phenomena and advocates for a more open-minded, evidence-based approach. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between serious research and sensationalism or 'crank' elements within the UFO community. The issue also highlights the ongoing efforts of groups like SIGAP to promote a responsible image of ufology.

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Monthly Journal
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 1s 6d. each.(By post 6d. extra)

This issue of Pegasus, the monthly journal of the Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), delves into various UFO case studies and related phenomena. The publication aims to present detailed reports and encourage scientific investigation into unexplained aerial events.

Case Studies

Case 3: Florida, United States of America

This case details an event on March 14, 1965, involving James W. Flynn, a professional dog-trainer in the Everglades, Florida. Flynn was awakened by barking and observed a brilliant object descending. He drove his swamp buggy to the location and discovered a disc-shaped craft sitting on the ground. Upon attempting to approach, he received a stunning blow and the craft had departed. A subsequent investigation led by Flynn, police, and UFO investigators revealed a 72-foot diameter circle of scorched grass and burns on nearby trees, with experts estimating that only an object weighing at least 30 tons could have created such indentations.

Case 4: Robertson Island, Antarctica

In early 1956, four Chileans were stationed on Robertson Island, off the coast of Antarctica, for research. On January 8, two scientists, identified as Dr. X and Dr. Z, observed two "metallic" cigar-shaped UFOs hovering vertically over the island. The objects were clearly visible and reflected the sun's rays. Initially questioning their perception, they were joined by a medical orderly who also identified them as "flying-saucers." Later, one UFO adopted a horizontal attitude and darted off, performing complex maneuvers before returning to its position. A significant finding was that a geiger count showed the radiation had increased 40 times during the observation period. The UFOs remained visible for the rest of the day and the following day, with one performing further maneuvers. A blizzard occurred on January 9, and by 2 a.m. the next morning, the radiation levels had returned to normal.

Case 5: Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States of America

This section addresses the question of why astronomers, tasked with observing the heavens, might not always report UFO sightings. It highlights Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, as an example of an astronomer who has seen a UFO. The sighting occurred at his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on August 10, 1949, at 10:45 p.m. While with his wife and mother, their attention was drawn to a dark, cigar-shaped object in the sky. Dr. Tombaugh described a row of yellow lighted openings along the craft's body, stating he had never seen anything like it and was convinced it was not a reflection.

Case 6: White Sands Rocket Range, New Mexico, United States of America

In April 1946, a UFO was reportedly seen following a weather balloon launched from the White Sands Rocket Ground in New Mexico. A team of scientists, approximately 60 miles from the actual range, were monitoring the balloon's progress. The theodolite operator's attention was drawn to a white disk estimated to be 100 feet across and nearly 60 miles high. The object was observed moving at an estimated speed of 18,000 m.p.h. During the observation, the UFO suddenly darted upwards, as if to get a closer look at the balloon. Experts calculated that the pressure on any occupants inside the disk during this maneuver would have been equivalent to 20G, or nearly 300 lbs./sq. in., a level considered lethal to humans.

Biblical and Historical References

The magazine also explores historical and biblical references to UFO-like phenomena. It mentions that UFOs have been seen for hundreds of years and can be found in ancient texts, including the Bible. The passage from Exodus (Chapter 13, verses 21-22) describing the Lord going before the Israelites by day in a pillar of cloud and by night in a pillar of fire is presented as a description of a cigar-shaped craft moving vertically with a fiery appearance. Another passage from Zechariah (Chapter 5, verses 1-3) is cited as a description of a cigar-shaped craft, referred to as a "flying roll" with specific dimensions. The possibility that the Star of Bethlehem was a UFO is also suggested, comparing it to flying-crosses seen over Devon in 1967.

Editorial Stance and Commentary

The editorial section strongly refutes the dismissive stance of government and Air Force officials regarding UFO sightings. It argues that the sheer number of sightings by trained observers, including policemen, astronomers, and pilots, cannot be easily explained away as misidentifications or hallucinations. The article posits that the reluctance to accept the reality of UFOs and potential alien visitation stems from a preconceived notion that life is unique to Earth. It suggests that those holding such views may face a "rude awakening." The publication encourages scientific investigation into these phenomena, emphasizing that the universe holds many mysteries yet to be uncovered.

Organization and Membership Information

The journal is published by the Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). The issue provides contact details for the Editor, Ron Toft, and lists the Chairman (Omar Fowler), Secretary (Dick Beet), and Treasurer (Mrs. Jean Fowler), along with other committee members. Information on membership is provided, with ordinary membership costing 15s. per year and junior membership (14-16 years) costing 12s. U.F.O. reports are to be directed to the Chairman. The publication also lists a Board of Consultants with expertise in various scientific fields. Advertising rates for classified, display, quarter-page, half-page, and full-page advertisements are also included.

Upcoming Events

A notice indicates that the next meeting will be held at the Flestic Coatings Canteen at 7 p.m. on November 11, 1969, featuring an 8mm film show titled "Man On The Moon."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include detailed case studies of UFO sightings from various geographical locations (Florida, Antarctica, New Mexico), the presentation of physical evidence and witness testimony, and the exploration of historical and biblical accounts that may relate to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of strong advocacy for the scientific investigation of UFOs, challenging official skepticism and asserting that the evidence warrants serious consideration. The magazine clearly believes that UFOs are a real phenomenon and that the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation should not be dismissed.