Pegasus - Vol 02 No 3 May-June 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: VOLUME 2 NO. 3
Date: MAY/JUNE 1970
Publisher: SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA (SIGAP)
Price: 2/- 10p

This issue of "Pegasus" presents a blend of detailed case studies, editorial commentary on research methodology, and scientific exploration into the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Editorial: The Merits of Skywatches

The editorial, written by Ron Toft, addresses the ongoing debate within ufology regarding the value of 'skywatches' – organized vigils to observe the skies for UFOs. Toft notes that while some enthusiasts are pro-skywatch, his own views have shifted towards an 'anti' stance, questioning their intrinsic ufological value. He argues that statistically, the odds of seeing a genuine UFO during a short skywatch are low, and that many sightings are misidentifications of satellites, balloons, or aircraft. Toft suggests that skywatches, particularly in areas without a history of sightings like Warminster, may offer little beyond an opportunity for the uninitiated to mistake conventional objects for UFOs. He proposes that researchers might contribute more effectively by discussing improved investigation techniques and analyzing existing sighting reports. The editorial also touches upon the negative publicity UFO research often attracts, portraying ufologists as 'starry-eyed cranks'. Toft announces a survey on the issue, urging members to complete a form sent with the magazine, with results to be published in the next issue.

Case Study: UFO Landing at War-Time Aerodrome

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an in-depth report by Ron Toft on a UFO landing incident that occurred in May 1957 at a disused aerodrome in Winkleigh, Devon. The report is based on a case unearthed from the files of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and investigated by SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler. The witness, a tanker driver identified as Mr. J. P. (who wishes to remain anonymous), reported seeing a 'submarine-shaped' object on the runway at 4:50 a.m. Upon approaching within approximately 200 yards, he encountered an invisible 'forcefield' that resisted his movement, described as "just like walking into a cushion". The UFO then ascended vertically "like an elevator" for about 1,200 feet and sped off towards the North Devon coast at high speed. The object was described as metallic fluorescent blue with sharp edges and tail fins. It was visible for ten to fifteen minutes and made no sound. Mr. J. P. noted that the object was clearly physical as it moved in front of trees and a low hill. After the UFO departed, he was able to walk to the landing spot, where he found a faint, fine black powder circle about 50 feet in diameter, resembling burnt carbon. Mr. J. P. also reported that his watch was 20 minutes slow upon arrival at his destination, a phenomenon noted in other UFO cases. Dr. John Cleary-Baker of BUFORA evaluated the report, calling it "a most fascinating one" and "perhaps one of the most significant BUFORA has received for a long time", noting the force-barrier as a "noteworthy feature". The report also mentions that Mr. J. P. has not seen a UFO since and that another witness, who also wishes to remain anonymous, saw the object on the runway.

Scientific Exploration: Exobiology and the Search for Life

The magazine includes articles discussing the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. One piece, referencing Dr. Orr E. Reynolds, Director of Bioscience Programmes at NASA, outlines the agency's exobiology program. This program aims to understand the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and is preparing for the Viking mission to Mars in 1975, which will provide the first reports from the planet's surface. The research involves biological analyses of lunar material and studies focused on the origin and fundamental nature of life. The article details three stages of investigation: chemical evolution (synthesizing organic molecules under primitive Earth conditions), analysis of ancient rocks and sediments for fossil evidence of early life, and the study of naturally occurring 'microspheres' that exhibit properties of living cells.

SIGAP's Fourth Annual Meeting

Details are provided about SIGAP's fourth annual meeting held on May 5, 1970, in Guildford. The meeting was attended by approximately 15 people, including officers. The following officers were elected or re-elected: Omar Fowler (Chairman), Peter Hill (Vice-Chairman), Dick Beet (Secretary), Majorie Dalley (Treasurer), Ron Toft (Magazine Editor), and Dick Colborne (Librarian). The Executive Committee includes Dan Butcher and Robert Skinner. A statement of accounts for the year ending April 30, 1970, shows SIGAP had total receipts of £88 11s 11d and payments of £85 13s 9d, resulting in a balance of £2 18s 2d. The report also notes that SIGAP accepted 27 new members during the year, bringing the total to 85.

SIGAP Chairman's and Secretary's Reports

SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler's report summarizes the past year as "quiet but far from uneventful". Key events mentioned include widespread interest in a meteor that flew across the sky on April 25, 1969, which was confirmed not to be a UFO. A significant UFO event occurred on May 12, 1969, when a red fiery ball of light was seen hovering over Yateley, Hampshire. The report also notes the loss of the balloon satellite ECHO II and the passing of UFO contactee Barney Hill. SIGAP's membership grew to 100, and the group attended the National Space and UFO Convention at Woburn Abbey. Member Dan Butcher's contributions, including a booklet on UFO sounds and paintings, are highlighted. The magazine "Pegasus" transitioned to a bi-monthly format to manage rising postage costs.

SIGAP Secretary Dick Beet's report details the acceptance of 27 new members, bringing the total to 85. He acknowledges the lull in UK sighting reports, the negative Condon Report, and the disbanding of Project Bluebook, yet expresses surprise at SIGAP's membership maintenance. Beet confirms "Pegasus" is now bi-monthly to reduce costs, with an order of 200 copies per issue. He encourages more contributions for the magazine. The report also mentions the success of "A Reference Book of UFO Sounds" by Dan Butcher and that two further booklets are in development. Emphasis has shifted towards sighting investigation rather than active watching, with the national skywatch in June being more scientifically prepared and successful. SIGAP representatives attended BUFORA conferences, and Omar Fowler was elected BUFORA Investigations Co-ordinator, while Ron Toft was appointed to a BUFORA Journal editorial board.

Other Articles and Notes

An article titled "HOW TO CATCH YOUR WITNESS AT HIS BRIGHTEST" by Dan Butcher discusses the concept of periodic recall of memories, referencing the work of Dr. Wilhelm Fliess and Dr. Herman Swoboda on physiological and psychological cycles that might influence witness recall.

Another section, "IS THERE LIFE ON OTHER WORLDS?", explores fundamental questions about the Universe, the formation of planets, and the possibility of life elsewhere. It discusses how space exploration could enhance understanding and potentially lead to a revolution in humanity's view of itself. The article references major historical shifts in human understanding, such as the Copernicus and Darwinian Revolutions.

Finally, a brief note by SIGAP Investigator Dick Colborne suggests that two yellow elliptical lights seen in Chobham, Surrey, in March might have been Army flares, given the proximity of Army ranges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical evaluation of UFO investigation methods, particularly the practice of 'skywatches', and the scientific pursuit of understanding life beyond Earth. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ron Toft, is one of cautious skepticism towards uncritical methods and a call for more rigorous, evidence-based research. There is also a clear interest in scientific advancements and the broader philosophical implications of discovering extraterrestrial life. The magazine also serves as an internal communication organ for SIGAP, reporting on its activities, meetings, and financial status.

Title: PEGASUS
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, explores a range of topics related to UFOs, exobiology, and space exploration. The content suggests a publication from the 1970s, given the references to the 1973 Venus-Mercury spacecraft fly-by and the 1975 Viking missions.

Exobiology and Life Detection

The issue begins with a discussion on the nature of life, contrasting simple micro-organisms with the complex intelligence of humans. Scientists are attempting to assemble living cells from components, with success in producing DNA and cytoplasmic extracts, suggesting complete cell assembly is a future possibility. The field of exobiology is examining the adaptability of Earth organisms to extreme environments, with Mars identified as a likely habitat for extraterrestrial life. Studies in the Antarctic's dry valleys, which share characteristics with the Martian surface, have revealed bacteria, fungi, and algae. Intriguingly, significant carbon deposits were found in samples devoid of living organisms, later identified as the fossil residue of ancient life, or coal dust.

To further investigate Mars, the development of automatic and miniaturized life detection equipment for the Viking missions is underway. These instruments will be capable of detecting bio-organic matter, metabolic activity, and growth. Techniques like pyrolysis and chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry, are being refined for biological analysis, including amino acid and nucleic acid identification.

UFOs and Sightings Analysis

The journal features an analysis of UFO sighting reports received by the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). Preliminary analysis of 878 communications concerning sightings between 1925 and 1967 indicates a peak year in 1967, with numerous "flying-crosses" reported in the Okehampton district of Devon. A breakdown of sightings by year shows a gradual increase from pre-1950 to 1967, with 310 sightings recorded in the latter year.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a former scientific consultant to the U.S. Air Force's Project Bluebook, is quoted, emphasizing that the study of UFOs will continue despite ridicule. He suggests that future investigations should be privately funded and conducted by dedicated scientists who possess curiosity and a willingness to be astonished.

SIGAP and Related Activities

The Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) is actively involved in organizing events and disseminating information. The National Skywatch Day is scheduled for June 27/28, with Guildford serving as the British headquarters. Volunteers are sought for various shifts throughout the night.

SIGAP's meetings are scheduled for July 21 and September 22, with the July meeting featuring Rev. Alfred Bellerby discussing "Unsolved World Mysteries," including topics like the Mary Celeste, the Abominable Snowman, and the Loch Ness Monster, as well as "Gadgets in the Sky."

American astronomer Dr. Allen Hynek is visiting England in August to attend the 14th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in Brighton. He is also expected to consult informally with SIGAP and meet with UFO researchers, including Ron Toft, editor of "Pegasus."

A new UFO group, the Berkshire Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (BIGAP), has been started by SIGAP member Graham Raine in Bracknell. BIGAP will hold monthly meetings and maintain close contact with SIGAP.

SIGAP member Dick Colborne is considering organizing mini-skywatches in Surrey. Capt. Ivar Mackay, Chairman of BUFORA, has become a member of SIGAP.

Dan Butcher's latest booklet, 'Water and its Symbolism in UFO Encounters,' is due for publication. The journal also includes a quote from "Awake" magazine, which attributes the flying-saucer phenomenon to psychological affairs and man's insecurity.

Ghostly Footsteps and Ancient UFOs

The issue reports on "ghostly footsteps" in Warminster, with Mr. William Stock describing heavy, slow footsteps heard on Cradle Hill. Similar accounts from other individuals suggest a recurring phenomenon.

A conference on "UFOs in Antiquity and Pre-History," organized by the British Flying Saucer Bureau, was held in Bristol. The conference included discussions on "biblical evidence" and archaeological evidence, with talks by Mr. Graham Knewstub and Mr. L. G. May. SIGAP Chairman Omar Fowler gave a talk on British UFO sightings. The meeting concluded with an "open forum" and a mini skywatch on Cradle Hill.

Space Scene

Mercury Reveals Its Secrets: Radar astronomers at the Goldstone Tracking Station have discovered large, continent-sized rough spots on Mercury, the smallest and closest planet to the sun. These features, observed by Dr. Richard M. Goldstein, are larger and have less contrast than similar features on Venus.

Germ Survives on the Moon: A micro-organism, STRETOCOCCUS MITIS, that traveled to the Moon on the Surveyor III craft in April 1967 and was returned by the Apollo 12 astronauts, is still alive. This discovery challenges the assumption that the Moon's lack of water, atmosphere, and constant radiation would kill any Earth germ, reigniting the debate about life on the Moon.

Advertisements

The issue contains advertisements for "UFOLOG," a publication on UFO sightings; "MINEAR and BRUCE" for Honda and BSA motorcycles; "FLYING SAUCERS ARE FACT," a quarterly UFO magazine; "SPACELINK," a publication for UFO news and views; and "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW," described as the world's leading UFO journal. Advertisements also promote SIGAP membership and meetings, and reprographic services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PEGASUS are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the scientific search for extraterrestrial life (exobiology), and advancements in space exploration. The journal adopts a stance of open inquiry, encouraging scientific curiosity and dedicated investigation into unexplained phenomena. It highlights the efforts of various UFO research groups, such as SIGAP and BUFORA, and features contributions from scientists and researchers in the field. The editorial emphasis is on presenting factual reports, analyses of sightings, and scientific developments related to life beyond Earth, while also acknowledging the role of private funding and dedicated scientific pursuit in these areas. The publication also includes a section on space news, covering planetary exploration and the surprising resilience of life in extreme environments.