Pegasus - Vol 06 No 1 Summer 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Journal of: The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Issue: Volume 6, Number 1
Date: Summer 1974
Price: 20P

This issue of PEGASUS, the journal of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, explores various facets of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The cover features illustrations of potential alien life forms and poses the question: "ARE CREATURES LIKE THIS WATCHING US?" The issue delves into the "Zoo Hypothesis," reports on new scientific discoveries and sightings, and includes a survey of public opinion.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "THE POWERS OF EARTH," reflects on the current global preoccupation with survival due to shortages of raw materials. It suggests that humanity has often forgotten about more advanced civilizations that may have already passed through similar crises. The editorial highlights the extraordinary powers demonstrated by Uri Geller, suggesting that his telekinetic abilities, possibly triggered by a flash of light from an extraterrestrial source, could offer solutions to the energy crisis if properly harnessed.

In This Issue

The "In This Issue" section lists the articles featured: "Surrey sighting shocks salesman," "UFO survey," "Are we part of a zoo? The Zoo Hypothesis," and "Guildford sightings."

SIGAP Membership and Contacts

Details are provided for SIGAP's secretarial address in Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey. Membership is open to all interested in UFO research. Annual subscriptions are £1.50 for PEGASUS (four copies for £1.00), and a sample copy is available for £0.25 including postage. Articles and exchange journals should be sent to the managing editor at 316 Pinewood Park, Cove, Farnborough, Hampshire. A list of consultants is also provided, including J M Adams BSc, FRMetS, Rev Dr N G Cockburn MA,BD,PhD, T C Childerhouse, Professor F B Salisbury PhD, and R T Toft FRAS. The publication is printed and published in England by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena in 1974.

New Signals From Outer Space: Sensational Russian Discovery

This article reports on Soviet radio astronomers, Professors Vsevilod Troitsky and Nikolai Kardashev, who detected "radio signals of a new type" coming in pulses after definite time lapses, lasting several minutes and being repeated. These signals were detected using apparatus designed to receive from the celestial hemisphere overhead. The signals' regular form and strict periodicity led to the assumption of artificial origin, possibly from an alien artificial satellite. However, the claim has been challenged in the US, with suggestions that the signals might be from classified USAF satellites. Western astronomers are mystified, but the report has been confirmed by NOVOSTI science correspondent Irina Lunacharsky. Kardashev has not yet established what the object is, and further observation, analysis, and calculation are needed to develop a theory. The article notes that the Russians are unlikely to release information that could embarrass them.

Little Green Barnards

This section discusses a suggestion by Russian scientist Ural Zakirov that visitors might be coming from Barnard's Star. Zakirov proposed in a paper delivered at a recent IAF conference in Baku that a starship using constant electrical propulsion would take 290 years to make the six light-year journey. Professor Samuil Kaplan of Gorky University suggests that it is statistically unlikely that there is only one civilization in our galaxy, estimating there could be another 10 existing simultaneously. He cautions that once contact is made, "we shall have to be very, very careful."

The Zoo Hypothesis

Authored by John A Ball, this article explores the "Zoo Hypothesis" as an explanation for the apparent lack of interaction with extraterrestrial life. The hypothesis posits that intelligent life may be ubiquitous, but advanced civilizations have set us aside as part of a "wilderness area or zoo." The article outlines three working hypotheses: 1. Whenever conditions are right, life will exist and evolve; 2. There are many places where life can exist; and 3. We are unaware of them. It argues that it is statistically unlikely for another civilization to be at a comparable level of development to ours; we would expect either primitive life forms or very advanced ones. The article categorizes technological evolution into three possibilities: destruction, technological stagnation, and quasi-continuous technological progress. It suggests that advanced civilizations, being in control of the universe, might deliberately avoid contact, similar to how humans set aside wilderness areas or zoos. The perfect zoo, it posits, would be one where the inhabitants are unaware of their zookeepers. The hypothesis predicts that we will never find them because they do not want to be found and possess the technological capability to ensure this. The author hopes the hypothesis provides inspiration for further work, acknowledging it may be incomplete or contain errors.

Scientists Find UFO on Film of Eclipse

This report details how scientists using special cine film equipment on the Concorde 001 during the solar eclipse captured a large, unidentified flying object on film. The object, screened on French television, was calculated to be 200 meters in diameter and was travelling at an altitude of about 55,000 feet, approximately eight miles from Concorde. A spokesman for the French National Centre for Scientific Research stated that they do not know what the object is but refrained from speculating about flying saucers. The French newspaper Le Figaro suggested that this official document could put a new aspect on scientific thinking. The quote is attributed to AIRFRAME, the monthly newspaper of the British Aircraft Corporation, March 1974.

A Sixteenth Century Dervish: Star Rover

This brief piece recounts the story of Sayed Ja'far, who died in 1598 in Ephesus. He was the successor of Ibrahim Gulshani and is popularly believed to have "visited the stars in a luminous chariot which had no perceptible motive power." This is cited from Idries Shah's "Caravan of Dreams," Octagon Press, 1968.

Surrey UFO Survey

Prepared by three young SIGAP members over five years prior to publication, this survey of sixth-formers at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford aimed to compare their views on UFOs and extraterrestrial life with current attitudes. The survey involved approximately thirty replies. Key findings include:

• Q1: Do you believe that life exists elsewhere in the universe? Yes: 82%, No: 0%, Don't Know: 18%. Comments noted "inadequate evidence" and lack of sufficient knowledge about other planets.
• Q2: If such life were to exist, do you think it could be more civilized and intelligent than our own? Yes: 67%, No: 8%, Don't Know: 25%. Comments suggested that longer evolution on older planets could lead to greater intelligence and advancement.
• Q3: Do you believe that some UFOs are spacecraft from other planets? Yes: 29%, No: 53%, Don't Know: 18%. Most thought it possible but not the majority, with some suggesting misinterpretation of natural phenomena or fakes, while others considered the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft.
• Q4: Should government investigations into UFOs be published? Yes: 75%, No: 25%. Only those who answered 'No' commented, stating it was "a waste of time."

The article concludes that SIGAP is performing an invaluable service, and that scientists have increasingly accepted the possibility of life on other worlds.

Was Elijah in Surrey? Support for Orthoteny Theory

Authored by Dan Butcher, this article explores a potential connection between the biblical story of Elijah being taken up in a whirlwind and UFO visitation, linking it to "orthoteny" and "leys" (ancient trackways). The author recounts a conversation with an elderly former schoolmistress in Ash, Surrey, who mentioned a local legend connecting a standing stone to "Old Elijah" being taken up in a whirlwind. The stone is located near St Peter's Church, which is oriented along a straight line connecting two ancient standing stones. The article suggests that if these leys have been associated with orthotenic appearances of flying saucers, then Elijah's story could be interpreted as a UFO abduction. The stone itself is described as having faint markings. The author notes that the word 'star' in "Star Lane" (near the crossroads) could be interpreted by ley-students as a star shape or by UFO researchers as a reference to a light. Extending the line connecting the stones through Ash Church to the south-west skirts Farnham Castle and ends at Winchester, suggesting ancient importance. The article poses the question of whether UFO landings or sightings have been observed on this line. It also briefly touches on the names "Galgal" (associated with Ezekiel's "wheels") and "Bethel" (where Jacob erected a stone) in relation to Elijah's journey.

Surrey Sighting Shocks Salesman

This article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, January 23rd, 1974. Mr. D, a salesman, reported seeing two beams of light at a low altitude as he drove along the A3 near the Guildford Bypass, approaching the "Hogs Back" junction. He pulled over and observed a rectangular object, carrying red and green lights, hovering silently for about five minutes. The object emitted no noise and had no visible wings. The report notes that other witnesses were present, and none could identify the object. Local RAF and Army helicopter stations were contacted and confirmed they were not involved. The possibility of a Harrier VTO fighter was also dismissed due to the lack of noise. The object was reportedly seen a few miles away earlier that evening. The article raises questions about whether the identification lights were a disguise and why the craft hovered over a highway, possibly inspecting new road structures. More details were promised for the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PEGASUS revolve around the exploration of extraterrestrial life and UFO phenomena. The "Zoo Hypothesis" is presented as a significant theoretical framework for understanding the lack of direct contact with alien civilizations. The magazine also highlights scientific reports, such as the detection of potential alien radio signals from space and the capture of an unidentified object on film during an eclipse. Personal sightings, like the Surrey salesman's experience, are given prominent coverage, grounding the abstract theories in reported events. The issue also touches upon the public's perception of UFOs through a survey and explores historical and folkloric connections to potential UFO activity, such as the story of Elijah and ancient standing stones. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these phenomena, acknowledging the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial intelligence and the potential for paranormal abilities to hold solutions to earthly problems, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism and caution, as seen in the warnings about careful handling of potential contact.

PEGASUS is a magazine published by the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), focusing on news, features, and commentary on the UFO scene. This issue, dated 1974, is priced at 15p and is presented as the journal of the group.

Survey on Government Explanations and UFOs

The magazine presents the results of a survey addressing public opinion on whether the government adequately explains UFO sightings. The findings indicate a significant level of public skepticism: 14% believed sightings were explained adequately, while a substantial 50% suspected a government cover-up. A further 36% were undecided. Comments from respondents varied, with some suggesting UFO societies might be hiding findings, others feeling the subject is not treated with sufficient importance, and one stating that nobody can adequately explain all sightings. Another respondent speculated about extraterrestrial visitors studying Earth, while also acknowledging that some sightings are experienced by multiple people and cannot be explained by known natural phenomena, thus warranting further investigation.

The editorial notes that while much literature is available on the subject, many questioned lacked a clear impression of what UFOs are or the nature of the problem, often failing to differentiate between common sightings and reports of alien spacecraft.

National Skywatch 1974

An announcement details the National Skywatch event for 1974, scheduled for Saturday, August 17th. The SIGAP contingent was to meet at 2000hrs on Chobham ridges. Map references were to be obtained from the Research Director, Omar Fowler, or Special Projects Director, Richard Beet.

Secretarial Notes

These notes provide an update on the operational status and challenges faced by SIGAP and the publication of PEGASUS. The journal's infrequent appearance (only the second in 1974) is attributed to difficulties in sourcing suitable material, a lack of feedback from members (such as letters commenting on articles), and rising costs. Postage for a 4oz magazine has nearly doubled, and paper costs have increased by 80% since the last supply. Consequently, the cover price for PEGASUS subscribers is raised to 20p, with an additional 5p for postage and packing. The publication schedule is reverting to four journals per year instead of six.

The notes also highlight the difficulty in obtaining paper of the correct grade due to shortages, leading to the current issue being composed of three different paper types. On a positive note, SIGAP has acquired an electronic stencil cutting machine, enabling them to produce the magazine using this method. The membership subscription remains £1.50 but is under review, and no further full memberships will be accepted until the next policy review meeting.

Lights Over Guildford Sighting Report S232

This section details a series of UFO sightings reported in the Guildford area. Councillor Eunice Tolley first observed a diamond-shaped object with a central red flashing light while driving from Shalford to Peasmarsh. She initially thought it might be an aircraft but was fascinated and observed it for 15 minutes from her in-laws' house in Farncombe. The sighting was reported to the police and the Surrey Advertiser. A Mrs Dawson of Park Barn confirmed seeing a similar object on the same night. Mr H Norton reported seeing a similar object hovering over a field near Bramley on April 4th, noting its very bright lights and stating it was definitely not an aircraft.

Following these reports, the author contacted the national Air Traffic Control centre, which confirmed that the object was not a Boeing 747. An article placed in the Surrey Daily Advertiser seeking more reports yielded an unexpectedly large response, with four other people confirming similar sightings from different areas around Guildford. The general direction of observation was from Wisley towards Farncombe. The report notes that BAC uses landing gear for its aircraft and that the exact configuration was seen on an aircraft travelling towards Heathrow. The author, Carol Godsell, Investigations Co-ordinator for SIGAP, expresses impressment with the response and notes that if it had been a UFO, it would have been a significant multi-witness case.

SIGAP Meetings and Membership

Members who have not renewed their subscriptions will not receive further copies of the Journal. Due to low attendance and high running costs, meetings at Guildford House have been suspended. SIGAP will now hold meetings alternately at Farnborough and Guildford. Beginning in August, meetings will occur every second Tuesday of the month at 8 pm, alternating between the 'HAM AND BLACKBIRD' in Farnborough and the 'WOODEN BRIDGE' in Guildford. The first meeting on August 12th will be at the Ham and Blackbird.

Suggestions for improving SIGAP and PEGASUS are welcomed, and members are encouraged to provide feedback on the magazine.

Secondhand UFO Books and Magazines

An advertisement offers secondhand UFO books and magazines for sale from Mr R. T. Toft, an Astronomical Consultant. Interested parties are invited to phone him on CAMBERLEY 32291 in the evening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, public perception of government involvement, and the practical challenges of running a UFO research group and its publication. The editorial stance, as indicated by the 'Secretarial Notes' and the 'Lights Over Guildford' report, is one of serious inquiry, aiming to present factual accounts and encourage further investigation without resorting to sensationalism. The magazine emphasizes the need for careful analysis of sightings and a critical approach to explanations, while also acknowledging the difficulties faced by the organization in terms of funding, material sourcing, and member engagement.