Pegasus - Vol 02 No 2 March-April 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: VOLUME 2 NO 2
Date: MARCH/APRIL 1970
Publisher: JOURNAL OF THE SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
Price: 2/- 10p

This issue of Pegasus, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), presents a collection of articles, reports, and reviews related to unidentified flying objects and related subjects. The cover features an illustration of Pegasus, the winged horse, a symbol often associated with flight and the sky.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Ron Toft, discusses the rapid increase in the number of UFO journals being published. He expresses disappointment with many of these publications, citing speculative drivel, poor quality duplication, patchy paper, and atrocious spelling and phraseology. He contrasts these with three British UFO journals he reads regularly: Flying Saucer Review (FSR), Spacelink, and the BUFORA Journal. FSR is highly praised for its quality and content, while Spacelink is also considered excellent. The BUFORA Journal, as the national organisation's quarterly publication, is noted as having less impressive editorial content and fewer pages. Toft echoes the sentiment that there are too many UFO periodicals and suggests that editors of poorly produced journals should cease publication. He then turns to Pegasus itself, acknowledging positive comments received but noting that financial constraints prevent it from being printed. He highlights the effort made to maintain a high standard of duplication and minimize spelling errors through thorough proofreading. However, he also expresses a desire for a greater variety of views in the editorial content, noting that many articles come from himself or a small group of contributors. He thanks his contributors and asks readers to send in articles, letters, book reviews, newspaper clippings, accounts of sightings, and general snippets to help improve the magazine.

Key Incidents and Reports

Policemen See Cigar-Shaped UFO

Two policemen, P.C. M. Cargill and P.C. D. Tilley of Wood Green Police Station, reported a sighting of a cigar-shaped UFO near Alexandra Palace on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 1970. P.C. Tilley described the object as a pinkish cloud with a cigar-shaped aeroform appearing at one end. It hovered for 5-10 seconds, tilted nose down at about 30 degrees, and then moved away slowly in a WNW direction. He estimated its size as a narrow pencil held at arm's length and thought he saw 'portholes' or dark markings. The object was dark grey and did not reflect sunlight. Mr. K. Phillips, who investigated the sighting, reported that misinterpretation of natural phenomena seemed remote. He noted that it was strange that no one else observed the object in a populated suburban area. P.C. Tilley provided a rational explanation, while P.C. Cargill was less forthcoming. Later, P.C. Cargill seemed agitated when approached about the sighting, mentioning 'mickey-taking' and his impending transfer. P.C. Tilley had previously reported seeing an illuminated 'lamp-shade' UFO in 1964.

Flying Disc Seen in Argentina

A report from the South American UFO organisation 'Asociacion de Observadores de los Astros (A.O.A.)' details a UFO sighting over Hume, Argentina, in the first week of November 1969. A group of witnesses observed a flattened, elongated, disc-shaped object at an altitude of about 200 metres. It was described as an inverted 'foenton' (a word untranslatable by Mrs. Thurston) surrounded by a red light. The object's contours were clear, with a transparent top part revealing four medium-stature figures with human form. It executed a sharp turn at incredible speed and disappeared upwards, leaving a white trail. Witnesses were interviewed separately and gave consistent accounts. One witness was blinded by the object's glow when trying to observe it from a nearby house. The A.O.A. gives authenticity to this case.

The Case of the Mushrooms

This report, also translated for SIGAP by Mrs. Francisca Thurston, concerns findings by A.O.A. investigators on the farm of Senor Humberto Damiani near Rosario, Argentina. Senor Damiani's brother Antonio noticed strange circles, nine metres in diameter, in a field. Upon investigation, they found marks shaped like an 'eight' and unusually large mushrooms, apparently of accelerated growth. The A.O.A. investigators inspected the site and found a series of circles and impressions. Soil samples from inside and outside the circles showed differences in humidity and crystallization. The mushrooms, which had been taken for study by the navy and aeronautical authorities, were in an advanced state of decomposition. Checks confirmed that such large mushrooms do not grow naturally in the region. Neighbours reported seeing circular luminous objects in the sky with red flaming trails, and other sightings were made in Canada de Gomez. The case is still under investigation.

UFO Sightings in the Philippines

Three farmers reported sightings of UFOs and occupants near the Philippines Communications Satellite ground station east of Manilla on November 1, 1968. Colonel Aderito de Leon and Rufino Santiago interviewed the farmers, whose accounts were identical. They described a white, low-slung, saucer-shaped vehicle landing and taking off, with two passengers inside. One farmer described the occupants as Caucasian, about six feet tall, wearing white flying suits and glass-like headgears. Colonel Patterson of the USAF expressed interest but stated there was insufficient information for a decision or investigation.

Two Elliptical UFOs Over Chobham

Two witnesses, Christopher Hughes and his girlfriend, reported seeing two brilliant egg-shaped masses of light circling a tree in Chobham, Surrey, on the night of Friday, March 13, 1970. The lights were seen at about 250 yards away, circling the top of an oak tree. After about ten seconds, the objects moved away from the tree, getting lower to the ground. Mr. Hughes noted that the objects were identical in size, shape, and colour, and that 'a split second after they were witness, another brilliant yellow light appeared'. He also mentioned that the objects consisted of 'brilliant bases of light' and did not illuminate the surrounding area. The objects were not seen before or subsequently, leading him to wonder if they were a spacecraft.

Book Reviews

"Chariots of the Gods?" by Erich von Daniken

This book review, written by Peter Hill, discusses Erich von Daniken's provocative work which explores the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on ancient civilizations. The reviewer highlights a quote from Professor Hermann Oberth, the father of space-travel, who stated that beings who fly spacecraft are culturally advanced and that humans could learn from them if they approached things properly. The book is described as intellectually stimulating and presents theories from an essentially scientific approach, avoiding cultism or crackpot ideas. The reviewer recommends it for ufologists and anyone with an unprejudiced mind.

"Water and its Symbolism in UFO Encounters" by Dan Butcher

This is a review of Dan Butcher's first book, which is described as a comprehensive survey of intriguing aspects of UFOs and their association with water. The review notes that the book delves into cases of UFOs hovering over water, plunging into and emerging from water, and making water boils are examined. The book also covers the 'body experience' and its symbolism in UFO encounters. The review mentions that the book is a 'better duplicated three-shillings worth' and is a comprehensive survey. It also notes that the book is available from SIGAP Secretary Dick Beet.

Scientific and Technical Articles

Organic Compounds in Meteorites

According to Soviet scientist Alexander Vinogradov, organic compounds can develop in meteorites from inorganic substances under space radiation. After discovering complex organic substances like amino-acids and carbohydrates in meteorites, Soviet specialists suggested their inorganic origin. Experiments at the Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry simulated space conditions by irradiating mixtures of carbon and nitrogen with protons, synthesizing compounds like glutamine, aspartic amino-acids, glycine, alanine, lysine, and valine, all of which are found in living organisms.

Signs in the Sky

Eileen Garrett, a renowned medium and researcher, recounts in her book 'Many Voices' (1969) her sightings of a phantom airship over Hyde Park, London, in 1926, and a similar object in 1928. She describes puffs of smoke emerging from the object and its disappearance into clouds. She also experienced precognitions of the impending doom of the airship R101, which crashed in France. Garrett suggests these sightings might be precognitory visions of future events, raising the question of whether other UFO sightings could also be precognitions of air crashes or glimpses of future events.

The Demise of Explorer

America's first space satellite, Explorer I, re-entered Earth's atmosphere on March 31, 1970, after over 12 years in orbit. Launched on January 31, 1958, Explorer I made a significant scientific discovery: the Van Allen radiation belts. Dr. Wernher von Braun commented on the satellite's demise, contrasting its 'feeble' capabilities by today's standards with the advanced Saturn 5 rocket, which can launch significantly larger payloads. Explorer I completed over 58,000 revolutions of the Earth before its final plunge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pegasus reflects a commitment to investigating and reporting on aerial phenomena with a degree of scientific rigor, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of the field. The editorial stance is one of critical engagement, distinguishing between well-researched material and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on the need for quality publications and a desire to foster a broader range of perspectives within the ufology community. The inclusion of scientific discussions, such as the formation of organic compounds in meteorites and the historical context of space exploration, alongside UFO reports, suggests an effort to bridge the gap between fringe science and established scientific inquiry. The magazine aims to be a platform for serious researchers, encouraging reader participation and contributions to enhance its content and credibility.

Title: PEGASUS
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Articles and Content

Fact or Folklore? By Dan Butcher

This article presents a story from the last century about a village schoolmaster near Tring, Hertfordshire, who encountered a strange phenomenon. While returning home by horse and trap, he saw a "flame of fire as large as a man's hat" near a spot reputed to be haunted by a Black Dog. His horse stopped, trembling, and he then saw an immense black dog with fiery eyes and huge teeth lying on the road. The dog appeared to grin at him before sinking into the ground. The account is referenced from Patricia Dale-Green's "DOG" and Rupert Hart-Davies's 1966 work.

The article then draws a parallel to a South African UFO report from 1963. In this report, two men in the Vereeniging district investigated a dog described as "as big as a buck" that they had seen on the roadside. Upon reaching the spot, they were buzzed by a UFO, as reported in "Flying Saucer Review" (Vol. 10, No. 3).

A further comparison is made to the experience of M. Alphonse Ratisbonne, a French Jew who converted to Catholicism in Rome in 1842. While idly in the church of San Andrea delle Frati, he suddenly saw a black dog trotting on the floor. The dog then disappeared, and he experienced what he took to be a vision of the Virgin Mary. The article notes that while the details of this vision are not provided, it recalls the UFO-like phenomena associated with the visions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima in 1917.

SIGAP Information

Annual Meeting: SIGAP's annual meeting is scheduled for May 5th, to be held in the canteen of the Plastic Coatings Factory in Guildford, Surrey, commencing at 8 p.m.

Information Request: A request for information about SIGAP was received from Mr. Thomas Miller of Franklin Park, Illinois, U.S.A.

Membership: Ordinary membership costs 15s per year, and junior membership (for ages 14-16) is 7s 6d per year.

• Contact Information:
• Editor: Ron Toft, 14 Buckhurst Road, Frimley Green, Camberley, Surrey.
• SIGAP Chairman: Omar Fowler, 149 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey. (Tel. Farnborough 41012)
• SIGAP Secretary: Dick Beet, 23 Coatham Place, Cranleigh, Surrey. (Tel. Cranleigh 4420)
• SIGAP Treasurer: Mrs. Jean Fowler, 149 Mytchett Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey.
• Committee Members: Omar Fowler, Dick Beet, Jean Fowler, Ron Toft, Dan Butcher, Graham Raine, Richard Munford, Miss Marjorie Dalley, and Philip Parkinson.
• UFO Reports: To be sent to the Chairman.
• General Inquiries: To be sent to the Secretary.

• SIGAP Board of Consultants:
• John Adams B.Sc. F.R.Met.S. (OPTICAL PHYSICS)
• Tim Childerhouse (SPACE & SATELLITE RESEARCH)
• Rev. Norman Cockburn M.A., B.D., Ph.D. (THEOLOGY)
• Stuart Miller B.A. (PSYCHOLOGY)
• Ronald Pilkington (METEOROLOGY)
• Professor Frank B. Salisbury Ph.D. (EXOBIOLOGY)

Publication: PEGASUS is printed and published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena.

Submission Guidelines: Articles for publication are welcome and should be sent to the Editor. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the SIGAP Executive Committee. Extracts may be used with full credit.

• Advertising Rates:
• Classified: Members 2d. per word, Non-members 4d.
• Display: Quarter-page 15s., Half-page 30s., Full-page 55s. Special rates available for members.

Advertisements

UFOLOG: Contains information on UFO sightings in the UK and abroad. Obtainable from Mrs. K. Smith, "Ringlemere", Colwell Rd, Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight. Monthly subscription 10/6 for 12 issues.

MINEAR and BRUCE: Honda and BSA motorcycles and scooters specialists, located at 20-22 Bedford Road, Guildford, Surrey. (Tel. Guildford 61243).

FLYING SAUCERS ARE FACT: A quarterly UFO magazine, 20 pages, published by the Flying Saucers Are Fact Investigation Society. Subscription: 10/- from C.N.ROSE, 8 Findon Place, Sheffield 6.

SPACE LINK: A magazine for UFO news and views, described as a "must". It is fully lithographed with historical, contact, and reference sections. Single copies are 3/6 from Miss C. Henning, 99 Mayday Gardens, S.E.3.

FLYING SAUCER REVIEW: Described as the "world's leading UFO journal" and recommended by researchers worldwide. Bi-monthly. Annual subscription 30/- from 49a Kings Grove, London S.E.15.

CRANLEIGH REPROGRAPHIC SERVICES: Offers lithographic printing, electronic stencil cutting, and duplication services. Contact J.E.Barker, 8 Fettes Rd., Cranleigh, Surrey.

JOIN SIGAP: Members receive PEGASUS by post, and can participate in meetings and use the library. Information Literature is also available.

Advertisement for Secondhand Books: Required: secondhand UFO and allied books, magazines. Please send list and prices to Derek Toombs, 28 Clynmaur Street, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Pegasus" appears to focus on UFO and UAP phenomena, often exploring connections between reported sightings, folklore, and religious experiences. The editorial stance seems open to investigating unusual phenomena, as evidenced by the inclusion of diverse anecdotal accounts and the publication of a UFO journal. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing information, soliciting reports, and promoting the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) and its activities.