Pegasus - Vol 04 No 5 Sept-Oct 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Volume 4, Number 5
Date: September/October 1972
Publisher: SURREY INVESTIGATION GROUP ON AERIAL PHENOMENA (SIGAP)
Country: England
Price: 15p

This issue of Pegasus, a journal dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects, presents a range of articles exploring UFO phenomena, classification, and the broader implications of extraterrestrial life.

Editorial

The editorial for this issue, dated Saturday, September 2nd, 1972, notes a significant development in UFO research: the public rejection of the Extra-terrestrial Hypothesis by John Cleary-Baker, PhD, Editor of the BUFORA Journal. The editorial suggests that this decision may stem from a lack of physical evidence, the amorphous nature of the phenomenon, and the psychological and physiological effects on witnesses. It contrasts the earlier, more rigid ideas of flying saucers visiting from Mars and Venus with more 'enlightened and open ideas' that acknowledge the multiform nature of UFOs, referencing hypotheses from figures like Keel, Sanderson, and Greenfield. The editorial concludes with an appeal to the ufological fraternity and the scientific community, including Dr. Cleary-Baker, to 'Do not reject but continue to accept,' warning that any other policy could lead to failure.

Contents Overview

The issue features a variety of articles and reports:

• 2. Hawk Balloon or UFO? by Omar Fowler: A synopsis of SIGAP investigations into sightings in the Chilworth Area during July 1967.
• 6. Classification of UFO Phenomena by Bob Skinner: Discusses methods for classifying UFO reports.
• 8. We are not alone - Official (Adapted from an interview with Ian Mather and Professor Antony Hewish): Explores the shift in scientific opinion regarding extraterrestrial life.
• 10. Fact or Folklore by Dan Butcher: (Content not detailed in the provided scan).
• 12. Supplementary Report by Investigation Co-ordinator by R. Colborne: (Content not detailed in the provided scan).
• 15. Press Releases
• 16. SIGAP Policy Changes
• 17. Forthcoming Meetings

SIGAP and Membership

Information is provided for SIGAP's secretarial address in Camberley, Surrey. Membership is open to all interested in UFO Research, with an annual subscription of £1.50, and a reduced rate for students. Details are also given for sending articles and exchange journals.

Consultants

A list of consultants includes J M Adams BSc FRMetS, T C Childerhouse, Revd Dr N Cockburn MX BD, Prof FB Salisbury PhD, and R T Toft.

Article: Hawk Balloon or UFO?

This article, by Omar Fowler, details SIGAP's investigation into two sightings in the Chilworth Area during July 1967. The first report is from Sqd. Ldr. Shipwright, who, with his wife, observed a 'snow white object' at Newlands Corner on June 27th, 1967. The object, described as looking like a balloon or parachute, moved rapidly up and down, then slowly West to East. Shipwright analyzed its movements as deliberate and investigative, concluding it was definitely a UFO, not a balloon or parachute. He noted it was about twice the size of a cow and had a deflationary, billowing movement, with a black thing at one end. He also mentioned a 'shimmering football' sighting over Guildford by Mr. B. Knowles on the preceding Saturday, which was later identified as an aircraft landing at London Airport. Shipwright speculated that his sighting might have been the same object. The investigation was accompanied by I.S.S. (International Sky Scouts) investigators, who found a lump of sandstone with triangular lines on it at the site where the object had changed direction.

The second sighting, by David Clarke on July 1st, 1967, described a 'silver sphere' seen near Halfpeeny Lane and White Lane, which exhibited a bobbing motion but did not move from its position. During the investigation, a man in a nearby house mentioned a 'Hawk Balloon' used by the residents of a large country house called 'Whiteways'. Further inquiry at 'Whiteways' revealed that a Hawk Balloon had indeed been cut loose and shot into the air on the evening of June 28th, 1967. These balloons are described as approximately 14' in diameter, made of white rubber, held by a nylon cord with a dummy hawk suspended underneath to scare birds, and filled with hydrogen. The report notes that the 'Whiteways' house is located about a mile and a half NW of where Sqd. Ldr. Shipwright saw the white egg object, and another house known to operate a Hawk Balloon is about half a mile from that field. The article suggests that the 'Hawk Balloon' explanation is a plausible, though not definitive, alternative to a UFO for the Shipwright sighting.

Article: Classification of UFO Phenomena

Bob Skinner's article addresses the divergence in UFO descriptions and the necessity of classification for an orderly view of the subject. Two main methods are presented: classification 'by type' and 'by shape'.

Classification by Type: This method covers both behavior and shape and is less restricted. It is not detailed further in the provided text.

Classification by Shape: Two versions are presented:

1. Vallee's Classification: Jacques Vallee's system, published in 'Anatomy of a Phenomenon', divides the phenomenon into 5 broad types:
* Objects on or near the ground.
* Vertical cylindrical objects associated with diffuse cloud.
* Stationary spherical, discoid, or elliptical objects in the sky.
* Objects moving continuously through the air.
* Less definite objects, or light sources.

2. Stephenson's Classification: Nigel Stephenson's system, from 'The Correlation of UFO data', is designed to be applied to all reports. Reports are initially categorized as 'knowns' (satellites, aircraft, balloons, meteors, etc.) and disregarded. The remaining categories (E-Q) are accepted.
* NIGHT (Twilight): E. Moving single lights with coronas, halos, trails; F. Pairs of lights; G. Formations of lights; H. Complete luminous shapes; I. Silhouettes or illuminated objects without own lights; J. Objects visible with lights; K. Extraordinary single lights; L. Miscellaneous.
* DAY (including sunset and sunrise): M. Objects accelerating from stationary; N. Moving objects of unconventional shape; O. Grounded objects; P. Miscellaneous; Q. Stationary objects of unconventional shape.

The article also briefly mentions NICAP's classification by shape, listing examples such as Flat Discs, Domed Discs, Saturn shaped, Hemispherical discs, Flattened sphere, Spheres, Elliptical objects, Triangular objects, Cylindrical objects, and Light sources only.

Article: We are not alone - Official

This article is adapted from an interview with Ian Mather of The Daily Mail and Professor Antony Hewish, Professor of Radio Astronomy at Cambridge. It highlights a significant shift in scientific circles regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial life and serves as a dual warning for ufologists. Professor Hewish acknowledges the potential of the universe but notes that many scientists still exhibit 'blinkers' when considering extraterrestrial life. He states that while scientists admit they lack the intelligence or technology to 'see the signs,' they should not dismiss the possibility that originators of such signs could have visited Earth.

Astronomers have largely become firm believers in intelligent life on other planets, taking it for granted that contact will occur. Professor Hewish expresses concern that if signals were received, humanity might not know how to reply, and the signals could originate from 'superior beings who have polluted their own planet and are looking for another world to occupy.' He questions whether humanity should reveal its presence.

Professor Hewish emphasizes that given the millions of stars similar to our sun, it is 'damned impertinence' to assume Earth is unique. The advancement of radio astronomy has enabled scientists to detect natural radio waves from space, leading to the discovery of millions of new stars. A report to the American National Academy of Sciences states that the existence of life on planets of many stars can be taken for granted, with inhabitants potentially being intelligent.

He posits that the universe has the same basic ingredients, making it natural for life to develop on other planets, though creatures may differ significantly from humans. A group of astronomers at Cambridge, using Professor Hewish's telescope, detected highly regular radio signals. Initially believed to be from intelligent beings, further analysis revealed the signals to be from a pulsar, a type of neutron star. Despite this, Professor Hewish maintains that the possibility of intelligent signals remains, and humanity may lack the means to detect them. He advises against preparing for specific scenarios, as contact, if it occurs, will likely be unexpected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation and classification of UFO phenomena, and the scientific and philosophical implications of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance, as expressed in the appeal to 'continue to accept' rather than reject, suggests an open-minded approach to the study of UFOs, even in the face of skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation and evidence. The magazine advocates for continued exploration of all hypotheses, including the extraterrestrial one, while also presenting scientific perspectives on the likelihood of life beyond Earth.

Title: FACT OR FOLKLORE
Issue Date: October 1972
Volume: Vol. 4 No. 4
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena

This issue delves into the historical and mythological roots of aerial phenomena, drawing parallels between ancient legends and modern UFO sightings. It also provides an update on the activities and investigations of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP).

Thematic Exploration: Clouds, Sky-Beings, and Aerial Vehicles

The lead article, "FACT OR FOLKLORE" by Dan Butcher, examines the recurring theme of aerial vehicles in various mythologies, often depicted as clouds or mist. These entities are frequently described as descending to Earth to abduct sky-beings or mortals. The article draws examples from diverse cultures:

• Dakota Legend: An account of the origin of the sacred pipe is compared to the 1967 incident involving the horse 'Snippy' and the 1897 'airship' wave, as well as a 1962 case in Brazil. A Dakota legend describes a mysterious stranger emerging from a cloud to introduce the sacred pipe after a young man advanced on a beautiful woman who was then enveloped by a cloud, leaving only bones.
• Maori Tale: The sky-woman Whaitari, meaning 'Thunder', was borne off by a cloud.
• Chinese Legend: A Ming-Ling-Tzu encountered a woman bathing, stole her clothes, married her, and after ten years, she flew off on a cloud.
• Hupa Mythology: A 'smoke' settled on a mountainside before the creator's arrival, accompanied by a metallic sound and spontaneous fires.
• Norse Mythology: The 'phantom barque of the dead' often took the form of a cloud-ship.
• Cinderella Theme: Cinderella is often veiled in mist, and the Prince sees only a 'shooting star through dense mist'.
• Yap Islanders: They believe the living could ascend to the celestial Yap in a cloud.
• Christian Accounts: A priest claimed to be taken into the air by a demon, with another priest witnessing him being taken away on something cloud-like. Christina of Stommeln, a Christian stigmatic, described a cloud entering her room and enveloping her.

The article notes that modern 'Flying Saucer cultists' attribute these phenomena to UFO entities, whereas in former times, fairies and other magical beings were responsible. Ancient Greek Telchines and Celtic Druids were known for mist-raising. The Wu in China and Western Kabalists also had beliefs about ascending into the air on clouds or riding 'peculiar clouds'. Modern astral projectors also report travelling through the air in clouds or mist, with descriptions ranging from black clouds to electromagnetic grey mist.

Supplementary Report by the Investigation Co-ordinator

This section provides updates on ongoing investigations by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP). Since the last issue, considerable fieldwork has been conducted, with reports numbered up to S 210.

• S 200 & S 201: Investigations by Bob Skinner encountered difficulties, and further information has not been forthcoming. The file will remain open for a few months.
• S 202: Investigator R. Colborne reported on a dirigible object seen at Gatwick Airport on August 13, 1972. The 'Zepelin'-shaped object, enveloped in blue smoke, vanished after about 70 seconds.
• S 203 & S 204: Three days prior to the Gatwick sighting, on August 10, 1972, Mr. W. Jelly reported a whirlwind near Gatwick Airport that raised a large quantity of loose straw to an altitude of at least 4 miles. A newspaper report in the 'Daily Mirror' on August 11 mentioned a straw fall at Heathrow Airport, and other reports indicated pilots encountering layers of straw at high altitudes. Straw was also reported falling in Histon, Cambridgeshire, on August 14, 1972.
• S 205: A young man in Rochester, Kent, investigated his own sighting of a white star-like object hovering over Maidstone for 8 minutes on December 19, 1971. A similar object was seen on June 13, 1972.
• S 206: The 'South African landing' case is still being investigated, with details being accumulated. Although other journals have published the story, SIGAP hopes for a first-hand account from their correspondent.
• S 207: An investigation into a bright light sighted on August 9, 1972, initially surrounded by mystery and misidentification, was resolved by the investigator. The object was identified as Venus.
• S 208: An observation of a bright white light on September 13, 1972, by Miss Stella Barlow and Russell Janes, with psychic overtones, was fully investigated by Bob Skinner.
• S 209: A 'LITS' (Limited Information To Support) report from Mr. Arthur Kearse on August 2, 1972, is mentioned.
• S 210: Mr. Michael Fiest and his girlfriend reported a bright light in the northern sky on September 24, 1972, which executed repeated movements before vanishing. Investigator John Scarry notes that such sightings often involve courting couples, suggesting a possible connection between this and flying saucers, a theory also explored by researcher Norman T. Oliver.

Additional unnumbered reports are being compiled, including a sighting in Alton, and several cases from the 1971 flap, which are considered to be of better quality.

Press Releases: UFOs - Hoaxes, Imagination and Phenomena

This section features a press release from the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), detailing their work since May 1967. They have investigated over 200 reports, including recognizable shapes and one reported landing. Mr. R.C. Beet, vice-chairman, stated that while some reports are due to hoaxes, vivid imaginations, or insufficient evidence, the concept of aerial phenomena is intriguing. SIGAP has 60 members and meets twice a month, with occasional sky watches and a bi-monthly journal, 'PEGASUS'.

Consultants include an optical physicist, a satellite expert, and a biologist. A notable case involved a reported landing near Epsom in 1969, where a farmer saw a large circular object with a blue light land in a field, which then shot into the sky, leaving a keyhole-shaped burnt area in the grass.

Mr. Beet believes that alien beings may have planted human life on Earth and observed its development. He theorizes that humanity is at a stage where it could either self-destruct or achieve interstellar travel. He also posits that civilized life may have once existed on Mars, and survivors might have come to Earth. He views UFO interest not as a threat to religion but potentially as a divine force.

The article notes a shift in public perception, with UFO groups being less readily considered 'cranks' in the past five years. Interest in aerial phenomena has spread, with groups maintaining contact and publishing 'The Flying Saucer Review'.

A separate article, "U.F.O. spotting a serious pastime," highlights SIGAP's activities, noting that the group was formed in 1967 during the 'May flap'. They investigate all sightings, aiming to uncover the mystery. SIGAP has special consultants and publishes 'PEGASUS'. They are affiliated with the British UFO Research Association. Interested individuals can contact the group via the phone book and are asked to fill out a form describing their sightings.

Forthcoming Meetings

SIGAP is holding a film show on November 7th in the Garden Room of Guildford House, starting at 7:30 pm. Details are on page 17. The films are NASA films, 16mm, colour, and sound.

SIGAP - Policy Changes

By Richard C. Beet, the Board of Directors have agreed on policy changes to improve the presentation of 'PEGASUS' and reduce costs by increasing circulation.

• Subscriptions: The subscription rate remains £1.50 per annum. Members not receiving 'Pegasus' as a benefit pay a 75p annual membership fee, which includes reduced meeting admission, library access, and investigation stationery. Individuals wishing to receive only 'Pegasus' pay an annual fee of 75p.
• Membership: Active members who subscribe to both 'Pegasus' and SIGAP membership are known as Members. Those who pay the reduced fees are Associate Members. Young persons aged 14-18 in full-time education receive full member benefits for a 75p annual payment.
• PEGASUS: The journal will continue to be published 6 times per annum, distributed free to Full Members. Individual copies will be available for 10p, a reduction of 33.3%, to increase external sales.

Application for Membership

The issue includes an application form for membership in the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, detailing administration director M.G. Prewett, address, and subscription fees. It asks for full name, address, telephone number, academic qualifications, observing equipment, and willingness to act as an Area Investigator. Payment is to be made via cheques or P.O.s payable to SIGAP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, mythology, and modern UFO phenomena, suggesting a continuity of unexplained aerial events across history. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, treating the subject seriously while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misidentifications. The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP) is presented as a dedicated organization committed to gathering and analyzing UFO reports, aiming to uncover the truth behind the mystery.