Pegasus - Vol 03 No 2 Summer 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: VOLUME 3, NO 2
Date: SUMMER 1971
Publisher: SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, delves into several key topics within the UFO and paranormal research community. It features critical analyses of external reports, personal accounts of investigations, and updates on the group's activities. The cover highlights articles on space experts denouncing UFO reports, unusual sightings over Spain, UFOs and astral projection, a concluding installment of Professor James McDonald's article, an aerial phenomena guide, and AGM and Skywatch reports.

Editorial: Critiquing the Birmingham Report

The editorial strongly refutes a report from the University of Birmingham's Institute for the Study of Worship and Religious Architecture, titled "Mobility and Religious Commitment." This report claimed that the decline of institutional religion has led people to seek spiritual solace in "cults" like the flying-saucer movement. The author dismisses this as "utter twaddle," arguing that UFO research arose because science was deliberately ignoring a genuine phenomenon, not as a substitute for religion. The editorial points out that the Birmingham report, based on a religious survey in Dawley, Shropshire, barely mentions UFOs and inaccurately characterizes ufology as a "non-Christian cult." It emphasizes that one can be a Christian and study UFOs, and that ufology is a scientific investigation, not a belief system. The editorial also challenges the report's assertion that the flying-saucer movement grew from a fear of nuclear war, stating that sightings increased post-war due to genuine public interest.

Professor James E. McDonald's Death

A brief but significant report announces the death of renowned physicist Professor James E. McDonald, a prominent figure in UFO research. His body was found on June 13 in Arizona, with evidence suggesting suicide. The article states that his death is a "tremendous blow to UFO research," noting his consistent opposition to the establishment's handling of the UFO enigma and his belief that genuine UFOs were likely products of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

"Space Expert Denounces Flying-Saucers" by Ron Toft

This article critically examines a feature by novelist and science-writer Arthur C. Clarke in the London Daily Mail, where he declared flying-saucers "dead." Ron Toft argues that Clarke's piece exhibits "scientific arrogance and dogmatism" and dismisses UFOs as having conventional explanations, labeling investigators as "crackpots." Toft refutes Clarke's claim that the International Geophysical Year (IGY) debunked UFOs, pointing out that the IGY's objective was not to track UFOs but to study natural phenomena. He also challenges Clarke's assertion that astronauts have never sighted flying-saucers, citing specific incidents involving Apollo 12 and Gemini 4 missions. Toft suggests that Clarke, despite his expertise in space matters, has not adequately researched the UFO phenomenon and that many sightings might be overlooked or deliberately concealed.

"Report from Warminster" by Dick Colborne

This section details "Project Warminster," an investigation into unknown phenomena in the Warminster area, directed by Dr. John Cleary-Baker. The project aims to conduct a scientific survey, investigate new sightings, and study classic Warminster cases. The Bedfordshire UFO Society is participating with advanced measuring equipment. The project has garnered media attention, and its findings are expected to be published. The article notes that while the phenomenon's nature is presumed extraterrestrial, the instruments are designed to detect any unusual activity.

National Skywatch

This report describes a National Skywatch event organized by SIGAP members on Pewley Downs, Guildford. Despite heavy rain, participants observed the night sky, noting celestial bodies like Jupiter, Mars, and the crescent Moon. A specific experiment involved launching three Guy Fawkes rockets to try and replicate a previously observed unidentified light in the Hindhead direction. While the rockets produced moderately bright specks, they were not as brilliant as the original source. The event was supported by the BUFORA Mobile Research Unit, providing refreshments. The skywatch, organized nationally by Lincoln Richford, had about a dozen posts across the country. Notable attendees included Edgar Hatvany, Ivar Mackay, and Christopher Ford, a journalist from The Guardian, who wrote a fair report on the event.

SIGAP's Fifth Annual Meeting

The magazine reports on SIGAP's fifth annual meeting, noting a significant reshuffle in its officer positions. Omar Fowler stepped down as chairman after leading the group since its inception in May 1967. Ron Toft was elected as the new chairman. Dick Beet relinquished his post as secretary, a role he held since SIGAP's founding with Omar Fowler. Mike Prewett was elected secretary, and it was decided to amalgamate the secretary and treasurer roles, with Miss Marjorie Dalley, the existing treasurer, not seeking re-election. Mike Prewett also agreed to manage the group's finances. Omar Fowler will remain involved as the Investigations Co-ordinator. Dick Beet was appointed vice-chairman and SIGAP's official observer in Warminster. Dan Butcher was honored as SIGAP's first honorary life member for his contributions, including UFO paintings, booklets, and articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the skepticism and dismissal from mainstream science and media, and the dedication of independent researchers. The editorial stance is clearly in defense of UFO research as a legitimate scientific pursuit, distinct from religious belief or cult activity. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, challenging unsubstantiated claims, and highlighting the work of dedicated individuals and groups like SIGAP. The issue also touches upon the broader implications of searching for extraterrestrial life and the public's perception of these topics, as evidenced by the Harris Poll survey mentioned at the end.

This document is an issue of the magazine SIGAP, focusing on UFO phenomena and related topics. It includes reports on SIGAP's internal affairs, detailed case studies of UFO sightings, and discussions on scientific interpretations and folklore.

SIGAP Internal Affairs

The issue details the winding up of SIGAP's executive committee, noting that decisions had been effectively managed by the officers. Committee meetings were held infrequently due to members living far apart and a general lack of business. An amendment to the constitution will require an extraordinary meeting if at least six paid-up members request one with a legitimate reason. Due to a lull in UFO activity, a drop in membership, and difficulty securing speakers, SIGAP decided to hold meetings quarterly. The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, with a venue change anticipated. The membership fee was reluctantly increased from 75p to £1, effective June 1, to address rising costs and declining membership. The May 18 meeting included the election of officers, administrative business, and the screening of two films: one on the Apollo 12 moon mission and another on a UFO sighting from August 11, 1970, by Mr. W. H. Huntington. Retiring Chairman Omar Fowler and Secretary Dick Beet presented reports, and the statement of accounts was presented by the outgoing treasurer, Miss Marjorie Dalley. SIGAP's bank balance was reported as £28. The issue also noted a donation of £4 and listed the two newest members, bringing the total membership to 58.

Pennsylvania UFO Cases and the Condon Report

This section, Part II of an article by Professor James McDonald, examines several Pennsylvania UFO cases and their bearing on the Condon Report. The article is based on a lecture given by Prof. McDonald on May 15, 1969, at Mansfield State College.

Case 3: Lansdale, Pennsylvania (October 1958)

This case involved four teenagers (Carol Loburak, Daniel Loburak, Lee Kellner, and Rudy Usic) who observed a disc-shaped object about 15-20 feet in diameter hovering over their backyard. The object emitted a faint buzzing noise and then a bright shaft of light. The teenagers decided not to report the incident, fearing disbelief. Dr. J. V. Hales, who heard the account from his former secretary, brought it to Prof. McDonald's attention.

Case 4: Springfield (Delaware County), Pennsylvania (April 24, 1962)

This case involved multiple witnesses in the greater Philadelphia area observing a slow-moving disc-shaped object with flashing lights. Mr. Joseph A. Gasslein, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, and his wife, Mrs. Alice W. Gasslein, along with her mother, Mrs. Estelle W. Wilkinson, and another witness, Miss Barbara Berryman, reported sightings. The object was described as smaller at the top than the base, suspended at an angle, and emitting colored lights. Mrs. Gasslein described it as circular with a dome, emitting green light, and having a center section with square-shaped windows emitting white light. The base was saucer-shaped, and shafts of white light were directed downward. The object was seen at close range, about 50 feet above street level, and moved without sound. This incident was not reported to official agencies, and attempts to get it published in the Philadelphia Inquirer were unsuccessful.

Discussion on Reporting UFOs and the Condon Report

Prof. McDonald notes that many UFO sightings go unreported, with only about 10% of the public likely to report to official agencies. He attributes this to fear of ridicule, a pattern observed in other countries as well. He criticizes the Condon Report for its dismissive conclusions, arguing that it overlooks many significant unidentified cases. He points out that six cases from the Condon Report bearing resemblance to the Gasslein sightings all ended up in the 'unidentified' category, questioning how Condon could conclude the problem held no scientific interest. McDonald suggests that a project director who avoids field investigation and credible witnesses, and is instead intrigued by 'nuts and crackpots,' would arrive at such negative conclusions.

Case 5: Auburn, Pennsylvania (March 10, 1967)

This section briefly introduces the case of a daytime sighting in Auburn, Pennsylvania. Prof. McDonald had intended to summarize the classic Killian case of February 24, 1959, but limited the summary due to length constraints. He mentions that R. H. Hall's book 'UFO Evidence' is a valuable resource, criticizing Condon for unfairly lumping such works with 'crackpot literature.'

Auburn, Pennsylvania Daytime Sighting (March 10, 1967)

Mrs. George Binner reported seeing a fast-moving, light-green, discus-shaped object with a bright band around its middle, moving at tree-top level. It had no wings, tail, exhaust, or smoke, and no sound was audible over her car's engine. Mrs. Russel Koch, working at the Auburn post-office, also saw a bright green object moving rapidly from south to north. Several schoolchildren also witnessed the object. Prof. McDonald interviewed three principal witnesses and found the descriptions consistent.

Possible Pattern for Origin of Life

This section discusses research by NASA scientists, led by Dr. Cyril Ponnamperuma at the Ames Research Centre, which has led to the discovery of a remarkable coincidence related to the origin of life. The research team found the same 18 amino-acids and two pyrimidines (vital to nucleic acids) in a second meteorite, the Murray meteorite (fell in Kentucky, 1950), as were previously discovered in the Murchison meteorite (fell in Australia, September 1969). Dr. Ponnamperuma suggests that this identical complex pattern in two meteorites could indicate a basic phase in the chemical process leading to life, determined by the inherent chemical characteristics of the universe. This discovery strengthens the case for the chemical evolution theory and the likelihood of life elsewhere.

Factor Folklore?

This section, by Dan Butcher, explores Eskimo legends of phantom boats that may point to past UFO encounters. The stories fall into two classes: meetings with strange kayaks and reports of mysterious umiariaks (large family boats). One story, from Dr. H. Rink's 'Tales and Traditions of the Eskimos' (1875), describes a servant girl witnessing a bright glittering object at sea that approached as a boat. Figures with glittering swords landed and attacked the occupants of a tent, resulting in their deaths. Butcher draws parallels between this legend and UFO encounters, noting the glittering light, the uncanny nature of the object, and the cataleptic paralysis of the witness. He suggests the 'seals' mentioned in the legend could represent discarnate entities or multiple phantoms released at the moment of death, possibly linked to shamanistic practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, critical analysis of official UFO investigations (particularly the Condon Report), and the exploration of potential scientific explanations for the origin of life. The magazine also delves into folklore and legends as potential historical records of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, critical of dismissive official attitudes, and supportive of credible witness testimony and scientific investigation, even when exploring unconventional theories like extraterrestrial chemical evolution and the interpretation of ancient legends through a UFO lens.

This issue of Pegasus magazine, dated Autumn 1970, delves into a variety of aerial phenomena and UFO-related accounts, aiming to provide a comprehensive guide for investigators. It features a mix of folklore, scientific observations, and personal testimonies.

Eskimo Story of Akigsiak

The issue begins by recounting an Eskimo story about a young man named Akigsiak who encountered a monstrous reptile in the north. This creature is described as having features that, to a modern interpretation, resemble a UFO: two large windows and a hill-like shape. The story details Akigsiak's flight from the creature and his eventual escape. The article suggests that this ancient tale could be an early account of a UFO encounter, noting similarities to contemporary UFO descriptions and the concept of 'sky animals' proposed by Ivan T. Sanderson. The recurring placement of such 'reptiles' in the north also points to potential UFO activity in polar regions.

An Aerial Phenomena Guide

Pages 21-23 present an alphabetical reference guide to common natural and man-made phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs. This section, compiled by Dick Beet, Vice-Chairman of SIGAP, covers:

• Aerodynamic Trail: Condensation trails from aircraft.
• Afterglow: A glow above high-altitude clouds at sunset caused by dust particles.
• Aircraft: Various circumstances that can lead to misidentification, including reflections, cabin illumination, unusual designs, and research aircraft.
• Aircraft Lighting: Details on standard navigational lights on aircraft.
• Airglow: A steady chemiluminescent glow in the upper atmosphere.
• Angel: A slang term for a radar echo of an unconfirmed physical object, often caused by temperature or moisture inversions.
• Angel Hair: An unstable, fibrous material reported to fall from the sky, possibly caused by airborne cobwebs.
• Artificial Earth Satellite: Man-made satellites that can be mistaken for UFOs, especially at night.
• Asteroidal Fragments: Meteoric objects entering the atmosphere.
• Astronomical Scintillation: Stellar scintillation caused by atmospheric turbulence, leading to apparent movements and colour fluctuations.
• Atmospheric Electricity: General term for electrical disturbances in the atmosphere.
• Aurorae: Auroral displays, particularly the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, which can take various forms resembling UFO activity.

No Life on Moon

A brief report from NASA details the findings from lunar rocks brought back by the Apollo 11 and 12 missions. Scientists concluded there was no indication of life, past or present, on the moon. The lunar rocks were also noted to be older than any found on Earth and composed of similar chemical elements but in unusual proportions.

The Contactee as an Astral Projector

This section, by Dan Butcher, analyzes a case presented in "Flying Saucer Review" concerning an American working for the U.S. Occupation Army in Austria in May 1951. The individual reported an encounter with a figure wearing a helmet and holding a pencil-like object. The experience involved paralysis, being fitted with a black square plate, and being led to a round object approximately 150 feet in diameter. The narrative describes being taken inside the object, experiencing a sensation of rising, and seeing celestial bodies like the moon and Mars. The article interprets this event as a case of astral projection, where the contactee's consciousness was partially or fully projected from his physical body. It discusses the 'driver' figure as a possible aspect of the higher self and the 'pencil-like thing' as part of an astral link or cord. The paralysis experienced is described as a common phenomenon in astral projection. The analysis suggests that the contactee's experience was a vivid fantasy shaped by his subconscious, possibly influenced by the 'helmet' and the concept of space travel.

Cone-Shaped UFO Seen by Plane Crew

This article by Ron Toft details a sighting by the crew of a DC63 aircraft on September 9, 1967. While flying 80 miles north-west of Barcelona at 16,000 feet, the pilot, Capt. F. E. C. Underhill, and his crew observed an object moving at what they described as ultra-sonic speed. The object initially appeared as a black mass and then took the shape of an inverted ice-cream cone. The crew agreed on its shape, colour (metallic, silver), and inclination. The object was estimated to be 'largish to airship size' and was seen at a distance of 50-60 miles, passing relatively close. An official report was made to the Ministry of Defence and Spanish Air Traffic Control, neither of whom had information about it.

Unusual UFO Sighted Over Halifax

This section reports a sighting by Mrs. Shirley Ogden in Halifax, Yorkshire, on May 31 of the same year (presumably 1970, based on the NASA report date). Mrs. Ogden observed a very bright, shining object hovering in the sky. Over ten minutes, the object's dome part separated and flew off, while the remaining strip changed shape, becoming more cigar-like, then vertical, and dimming and brightening rapidly. It then began to disappear from the bottom up. The object reappeared, reverted to its former shape, and slowly fell out of sight. The UFO was described as orange-yellow and sharply defined. BUFORA Investigator Trevor Whitaker is attempting to find other witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with human perception and interpretation. There's a clear editorial stance favoring a critical, investigative approach, as evidenced by the 'Aerial Phenomena Guide' which aims to demystify sightings by explaining natural and man-made causes. The interpretation of the Eskimo legend and the analysis of the contactee's experience as astral projection highlight a willingness to consider unconventional explanations while still grounding them in psychological or physical principles. The inclusion of pilot reports and scientific findings from NASA suggests an effort to present a balanced view, acknowledging both the unexplained and the scientifically explainable. The magazine appears to be a platform for detailed case studies and educational content for those interested in UFOs and related mysteries.

Title: Pegasus
Subtitle: Journal of the Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Date: Not specified
Language: English

This document is the first page of the journal 'Pegasus', published by the Surrey Investigation Group On Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). It outlines the publication's editorial guidelines, provides contact information for key personnel, and lists the members of its Board of Consultants.

Editorial Policy and Submissions

The Editor, Ron Toft, welcomes articles for publication in Pegasus, stating that submissions can be "long or short". These should be sent to the Editor, along with any exchange journals. The editorial explicitly notes that "Views expressed in Pegasus are not necessarily those of SIGAP as a whole." Extracts from the magazine may be used provided they are presented in context and full credit is given.

Individual copies of Pegasus are available from the Secretary for 15p each, with an additional 24p charge for postage.

Contact Information and Membership

Editor & SIGAP Chairman:
Ron Toft
14 Buckhurst Road
Frimley Green
CAMBERLEY, Surrey.
Telephone: Deepcut 6265.

SIGAP Secretary & Treasurer:
Mike Prewett
20 Loman Road
Mytchett
CAMBERLEY, Surrey.
Telephone: Farnborough 46376.

All general inquiries regarding membership, advertising, and other matters should be directed to the Secretary. UFO reports are to be sent to the Chairman.

The annual subscription for the journal is £1.00.

SIGAP Board of Consultants

The journal lists a Board of Consultants, indicating the interdisciplinary nature of the group's investigations. The consultants and their associated fields are:

• John Adams, B.Sc., F.R.Met.S. - Associated with OPTICAL PHYSICS and SPACE RESEARCH.
• Tim Childerhouse - No specific field listed, but grouped with the others.
• Rev. Dr. Norman Cockburn, M.A., B.D., Ph.D. - Associated with THEOLOGY.
• Ronald Pilkington - No specific field listed, but grouped with the others.
• Professor Frank B. Salisbury, Ph.D. - Associated with METEOROLOGY and EXOBIOLOGY.

It is noted that the fields listed in parentheses appear to be associated with the consultants listed above them, though the exact mapping is not explicitly stated for all.

Publication Details

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

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is clearly Aerial Phenomena and UFOs, as indicated by the group's name and the mention of UFO reports. The editorial stance emphasizes an open-minded approach to submissions while maintaining a clear distinction between the views expressed in the journal and the official stance of the SIGAP organization. The inclusion of a diverse Board of Consultants suggests a commitment to a rigorous, multi-disciplinary approach to the study of these phenomena.