Pegasus - Vol 04 No 2 March-April 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Volume 4, Number 2
Date: March/April 1972
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Country: UK
Price: 15p

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of SIGAP, is dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The editorial board includes R. C. Beet, R. P. Colborne, O. F. Fowler, and M. G. Prewett. The journal aims to document UFO reports and encourage contributions from readers.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on SIGAP's five years of operation, noting the elusive nature of UFO research and the difficulty in finding conclusive answers. It emphasizes the importance of continuing to document reports, as "Ideas are born out of knowledge and in turn creates stepping stones for furthering that knowledge." The journal PEGASUS is presented as the medium for sharing these ideas in 1972, with a call for reader comments and opinions.

Articles

Banbury in Retrospect

Richard P. Colborne analyzes UFO sightings in the Banbury area, comparing the 1967 and 1971 'flaps'. He notes that while the UFOs themselves differed, their behavior showed similarities. Both years saw a slow start, a midsummer peak, and a significant surge in October. Specific dates, like October 26th-28th, showed matching activity. The article mentions that Oxfordshire (including Banbury) was prominent in 1971, while Staffordshire led in 1967. SIGAP's immediate area in Surrey saw fewer reports in 1971. Several specific cases are detailed: three schoolboys saw a cigar-shaped object with smaller objects that merged; a stationary orange ball moved at high speed with a smoke trail; an ex-RAF pilot observed an object with a fanning smoke trail; another object belched flames and smoke, stopped dead, and made right-angle turns, filmed by ATV-Midlands. Close-range sightings included an object with yellow lights and a pulsating red light. Photographs of flaming orange cigar objects and a flashing red object were also reported.

On the Local "Seen"

This section details recent SIGAP investigations into local cases.

• Case S196: On February 11, 1972, in West Clandon, a witness saw a bright green ball of light, described as bowling ball-sized, fall from the sky. The conclusion suggests it might have been a meteorite.
• Case S197: On March 20, 1972, in Guildford, Mrs. O. observed a smoke ring-shaped object that darkened, narrowed, and eventually transformed into a cloud that changed colors and evaporated. No burning rubbish could account for it.
• Case S198: On March 19, 1972, in Jacobswell, a couple saw a disc-shaped, silvery-yellow object with a green light, observed through binoculars.
• Case S199 (Disc Mother Ships?): On March 24, 1972, in Bracknell, Mr. M. witnessed a stationary white circular object from which pieces broke away. Later, he and his neighbor, Mrs. E., observed two objects that merged into one, climbed to high altitude, and disappeared. Mrs. E. believes it was not a terrestrial phenomenon.

Aerial Phenomena Guide - Part 3

Richard C. Beet provides an educational guide to natural phenomena that might be mistaken for UFOs.

• Clouds: Discusses how clouds like lenticular, noctilucent, and opalescent formations can obscure vision or be mistaken for UFOs.
• Comets: Explains the appearance, composition, and tail formation of comets, noting their distance and apparent slow motion from Earth.
• Cometary Debris: Describes particles from comets entering Earth's atmosphere and fragmenting.
• Condensation Trail: Refers to Aerodynamic Trails.
• Coronae: Explains rings of light around the sun or moon caused by light refraction through ice particles in clouds.
• Coronal Point Discharge: Discusses atmospheric electricity phenomena, also known as St. Elmo's Fire, which can appear as a hovering ball of light and is theorized by some to cause UFO sightings.
• Counterglow: Describes a faint light spot seen before sunrise or after sunset, caused by sunlight refracting through atmospheric dust particles.

Fact or Folklore

Dan Butcher explores the parallels between the myth of the flying horse Pegasus and modern UFO reports. He notes the affinity of UFOs for water, similar to the mythical Pegasus, which was sired by Poseidon, the sea god.

Geophysical Data Broadcasts

Tim Childerhouse informs readers that amateur astronomers can now access real-time solar and geophysical activity information via shortwave radio broadcasts from stations WWV and WWVH. These broadcasts, provided by the Space Environment Service Center, include solar flare announcements, Geo alerts, and forecasts of solar activity and geomagnetic storms, transmitted on various frequencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation and investigation of UFO phenomena, even while acknowledging the inherent frustrations and lack of definitive answers. There's a clear stance on treating UFOs as a serious subject worthy of scientific inquiry, distinguishing them from known natural phenomena. The editorial encourages active participation from readers, positioning PEGASUS as a vital platform for sharing research and fostering knowledge within the UFO community. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing effort to understand them through careful observation and reporting.

This issue of PEGASUS, a bi-monthly journal published by SIGAP (Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena), explores the deep connections between ancient mythology and modern UFO sightings. The publication delves into various myths and legends, reinterpreting them through the lens of UFO phenomena and astral projection. The issue features discussions on the origins of the name Pegasus, its mythological significance, and its potential as a symbol for UFOs. It also covers the activities and organizational structure of SIGAP, including upcoming meetings and lectures.

Mythological Parallels with UFOs

The central theme of the issue is the comparison between mythological flying horses and UFOs. The article begins by discussing Bellorophon and the magical horse Pegasus, noting that Pegasus's name is linked to 'sources' or 'wells' and that Ocean, in Greek myth, represented the waters of space. The text draws parallels between Pegasus descending to drink from earth springs and UFOs engaging in 'siphoning operations' from terrestrial water sources. Several other myths are cited, including the Irish O'Donoghue's horse gliding over Lake Killarney, the Cornish Dando plunging into the River Tamar, and the Vedic god Surya emerging as a horse from mist or water. Scottish kelpies are also mentioned as instances of spectral horses.

Many of these flying horses are described with fiery aspects. The steed of Gabriel is 'made of fire,' and the fiery aerial phenomena accompanying Elijah's disappearance are likened to horses and a chariot of fire. The Wild Hunter's aerial steeds are depicted with eyes glowing like carbuncles (interpreted as portholes) and breathing fire and smoke, sometimes disappearing in smoke and flame. The term 'colt pixie' for the Will o' the Wisp is noted, with 'hob' akin to 'hoby' (small horse), suggesting that 'aerial lights' were once called 'flying horses'.

The aerial steeds of the Valkyries are described with manes suggestive of ionized air, from which 'hoarfrost' and 'dew' dropped, likened to UFO phenomena of 'angel hair'. An account of foul meat falling from the Wild Hunt's train is also mentioned. The text notes instances of UFO activity over cornfields, where Germans would say, "There runs The Horse!" when the wind passed over bending corn. Some spectral flying horses are described as headless, which the author suggests might relate to the shape of UFOs supported by landing gear.

Astral Projection and the 'Bridle'

Returning to the myth of Pegasus, the article posits that the legendary 'flying horse' could represent a vehicle for a person projecting from their physical body, a condition likened to a 'night mare'. Drawing on Frazer's 'The Golden Bough,' the text explains that Chinese mythology attributes fits and convulsions to spirits drawing souls out of bodies, referred to as 'celestial agencies bestriding galloping horses.' Bellorophon's ride on Pegasus is interpreted as the soul drawn out by a 'celestial agency.'

The dream-bridle received by Bellorophon is seen as a representation of the astral cord that links exteriorized consciousness to the physical body. This state is described as a trance, where the projector perceives the cord. The bridle is further equated to the beams of light, antennae, 'weapons,' and other appendages of UFOs and their occupants. The magic bridle is a common motif in flying horse mythology, appearing with Manannan's steed and in modern folklore, granting clairvoyance.

Bellorophon's story continues with him erecting an altar and waiting for Pegasus to drink. This is interpreted as the projector attaining full exteriorization and flying away as Pegasus. The hero's subsequent deeds, like slaying the Chimaera, are described as 'unworldly.' His downfall, when Zeus sends a gadfly to sting Pegasus, causing the horse to buck and fling Bellorophon, is seen as analogous to the stinging sensations or jolts experienced by UFO witnesses and astral projectors due to the repercussion of the exteriorized vehicle with the physical frame during rapid re-entry. The blinding of Bellorophon is also noted as a phenomenon observed in UFO encounters, with witnesses complaining of eye trouble.

Water Symbolism and UFOs

The article suggests that UFOs might be sources of water, as Pegasus not only drank from but also created the spring. The author references their booklet on water symbolism in UFO encounters, noting how frequently UFO occupants and witnesses seek water during contact. Water is presented as the 'Water of Life,' and the 'earth' from which Pegasus struck the spring is interpreted spiritually as the percipient's narrow attitudes and psychically as the physical body confining consciousness.

News and Organizational Updates

The issue includes a section titled 'VIEW FROM THE CHAIR,' featuring 'PALMERS PALINGENESIS.' This segment reports on Keith Palmer, who has masterminded the International UFO Research Association, being 'taken for a ride' by colleagues who photographed two hubcaps overflying Banbury. Palmer has announced the dissolution of his organization and denounced UFOs as 'rubbish.'

Another section, 'NO COMMENT,' mentions SIGAP receiving a request from the Ministry of Defence (Army) to lecture on UFOs to the Parachute Regiment at Aldershot.

Under 'UNO AND UFO'S,' Mr. Charles Gibbs-Smith, a British aviation historian, agrees with the suggestion for a UN inquiry into UFOs, possibly through the Outer Space Affairs Committee, citing the Condon fiasco in the USA and the UK's Official Secrets Act as reasons to negate parochial discussions.

'SIGAP, BUFORA AND ALL' discusses healthy disagreement within SIGAP's Executive Committee regarding its future role. The author acknowledges the difficulty of explaining SIGAP investigators' presence in Banbury or Warminster but highlights the advantages of being identified with a local organization. SIGAP's function is to collect, collate, and disseminate local reports and cooperate with BUFORA and similar global organizations.

'AND THEN WERE THERE THREE?' recounts an amusing incident from an Apollo Lunar Mission where an astronaut knocked on the lunar module's hatch, and the reply was, 'Who's there?'

'NEWS AND VIEWS' reports on the potential discovery of a tenth planet between Mercury and the Sun, inferred from slight disturbances in planetary paths. It also mentions the first British launched satellite, PROSPERO, launched from Woomera, which is difficult to observe due to its black paint and misty winter skies. Prospero was seen in the Farnborough area, with its solar cells flashing.

SIGAP News and Forthcoming Meetings

SIGAP announces its Annual General Meeting for the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena on Tuesday, May 9th, at 7:30 pm in the Powell Room of Guildford House. Nominations for the Executive Committee 1972-73 are listed, including R. C. Beet, R. P. Colborne, O. F. Fowler, Miss C. Godsell, M. Mercer, and M. G. Prewett.

SIGAP lectures are detailed: a slide and tape lecture was given to the Guildford Young Conservatives, and the same program was presented to the Junior Parachute Regiment at Malta Barracks, Aldershot. A young man from Banbury who had seen UFOs there was met after the latter lecture. The next lecture in May is scheduled for the 18+ Group in Guildford.

A 'SIGAP DUPLICATOR (EQUIPMENT) FUND' is mentioned, with SIGAP acquiring a RONEO 750 Electric duplicator that is not yet fully paid for, soliciting donations. The journal 'PEGASUS' is described as the organ by which SIGAP members can air their views.

Forthcoming meetings include a BUFORA lecture on 'INVESTIGATIONS OF 'LANDING CASES'' by Roger Stanway on Saturday, May 6th, at 7 pm at Kensington Central Library. The SIGAP Annual General Meeting is also listed for Tuesday, May 9th, at 7:30 pm at Guildford House. Guests are welcome at SIGAP meetings, but only subscribing members can vote.

Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)

A detailed description of SIGAP is provided, identifying it as a voluntary research organization formed in May 1967 to investigate UFO reports. It notes that UFOs have been seen for thousands of years, with a substantial increase in reported sightings since the late 1940s. SIGAP aims to investigate all sightings to understand the mystery. The organization's affairs are controlled by elected officers, special consultants (including an optical physicist and a satellite expert), who help evaluate reports. SIGAP publishes 'PEGASUS' and is affiliated with the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association.

Members receive the journal free, have access to a book, magazine, and tape library, and can attend meetings in Guildford. SIGAP also participates in organized Skywatches. An application form for membership is included, requiring a £1 annual subscription (50 pence for those aged 14-16), and asking for details about the applicant's name, address, age, telephone number, qualifications, observing equipment, and willingness to act as an investigator.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of ancient myths as early UFO accounts, the concept of astral projection as a parallel experience to UFO encounters, and the organizational activities of UFO research groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking to connect historical narratives with contemporary phenomena, while also maintaining a degree of scientific rigor, as evidenced by SIGAP's approach to lectures and report evaluation. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of organized research and information dissemination through publications like PEGASUS.