Pegasus - Vol 13 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Volume 13, #4
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena
Date: October 25, 2001 (inferred from article date)

This issue of PEGASUS, a publication from the Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena, explores a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life. The cover features a drawing of Pegasus and a flying saucer, setting a tone of mystery and wonder.

The Legacy of Sumer

This section, attributed to G.M. (likely Gordon Millington, the Chairman), discusses the ancient Sumerian civilization and their advanced knowledge of astronomy. It posits that the Sumerians possessed wisdom imparted by extraterrestrial beings, referred to as 'gods,' who inhabited the planet Nibiru. The text highlights Sumerian contributions to our understanding of time and mathematics, such as the sexagesimal system, and connects these to the 3,600-year orbit of Nibiru. The article mentions Zecharia Sitchin's work and the ongoing search for Nibiru in the Southern skies, suggesting it is inhabited by an advanced humanoid race that once colonized Earth.

Our Galaxy Should Be Teeming With Civilizations; But Where Are They?

Written by Seth Shostak, an astronomer at Project Phoenix, this article addresses the Fermi Paradox. Shostak explains Enrico Fermi's famous question, "Where is everybody?" He discusses how, given the age of the galaxy and the potential for rapid colonization by advanced civilizations, it is puzzling that we have found no clear evidence of their existence. Shostak explores several potential explanations, including:

• Cost of Interstellar Travel: The immense energy and financial cost required to colonize another star system might deter civilizations.
• Lack of Stamina: The sheer generational effort required for galactic colonization might be too demanding for any single civilization.
• Hiding or Observing: Advanced civilizations might be deliberately concealing their presence or observing us as part of a 'zoo hypothesis,' where Earth is an ecological exhibit.

Shostak notes that while these explanations are debated, some scientists find them contrived.

The Hybrid Puzzle

Authored by Colin Mulligan, this article examines the theory that extraterrestrials are conducting an alien/human hybridization program. Mulligan discusses reports of abductees having sperm or eggs taken and cases involving alleged forced copulation with aliens. He explores potential alien motives for such programs:

• Benefit to Humanity: Hybrids might be created to be more spiritually advanced and free from human psychopathic tendencies, working to eradicate poverty and war.
• Selfish Reasons: Aliens might be creating hybrids for their own purposes, such as global colonization or to create a servile workforce.

Mulligan expresses skepticism about the 'benefit to humanity' theory, finding it too romantic and quasi-religious. He concludes that while the evidence for hybridization is often based on historical accounts and abduction reports, it remains unproven.

Interview with Georgina Bruni

This interview, conducted by Alex Trelinski of BBC Radio West Midlands and transcribed by Joe McGonagle, features Georgina Bruni, author of "You Can't Tell the People." Bruni discusses her book, which touches upon UFOs and government secrecy. She recounts how former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's response to a question about UFOs was "Well, you have to have the facts, and you can't tell the people," which inspired the book's title. Bruni suggests that a "conspiracy of silence" has surrounded UFOs since World War II, leading to the public being treated like children. She mentions that many world leaders and former defense officials likely know more than they reveal, citing Michael Portillo's interest in the subject. Bruni also discusses the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident, describing the discovery of a triangular object, missing time experienced by witnesses, and subsequent interrogations. She notes that while the US Air Force and Ministry of Defence initially denied the existence of a file on the incident, a memorandum from Colonel Halt eventually surfaced, though some documents were reportedly missing. Bruni expresses a desire for a public inquiry into the matter, supported by Colonel Halt.

Mystery Space Blast 'Solved'

This report by Dr. David Whitehouse of BBC News Online discusses the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908. Italian researchers, led by Dr. Luigi Foschini, believe they have solved the mystery, concluding that a low-density asteroid, possibly similar to Asteroid Mathilde, disintegrated in the atmosphere, causing a massive explosion but no impact crater. The event, equivalent to 10-15 million tonnes of TNT, flattened thousands of square kilometers of trees and caused atmospheric shock waves and dust that made nighttime reading possible in London.

Chilean Chief of Naval Operations Declares: “UFOs are real"

This brief report details a statement made by the former Chilean Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jorge Martinez, who declared UFOs are real. He recounted personally witnessing two UFOs at sea, one of which caused significant interference with shipboard electronics and radar. Another Chilean officer, Guillermo Jimenez, also reported detecting two submarine-like objects that caused similar malfunctions.

The CIA's UFO History

Written by Mark Rodeghier, Scientific Director of CUFOS, this article examines a CIA study by historian Gerald K. Haines on the agency's involvement with UFOs from 1947 to 1990. Rodeghier highlights key findings from Haines's report, including:

• Misidentified Spy Planes: Haines claimed many UFO sightings in the late 1950s and 1960s were actually misidentified secret American spy planes, such as the U-2 and OXCART.
• Project Blue Book Cover-up: The article suggests that Project Blue Book may have been involved in misleading the public and falsifying UFO explanations.
• Robertson Panel: The CIA-sponsored Robertson Panel in 1953 recommended debunking UFO reports and monitoring UFO groups, a strategy influenced by CIA concerns about communication channels and psychological warfare.
• Government Secrecy: Rodeghier criticizes the CIA's excessive secrecy, which he argues fueled public suspicion of a cover-up. He notes that the CIA and Air Force were reluctant to openly contact UFO investigators, hindering cooperation.

The article also touches upon the monitoring of UFO investigators by agencies like the CIA and FBI, citing the case of Leon Davidson. It concludes that the government has likely lied about UFOs for years and that the Haines article, while significant, missed some aspects of the story.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PEGASUS revolve around the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, the potential for alien contact, and the role of government secrecy and cover-ups in relation to UFO phenomena. The publication appears to adopt a stance that is open to the possibility of UFOs and alien visitation, critically examining official explanations and government actions. There is a clear interest in historical UFO cases, scientific inquiries into the Fermi Paradox, and the implications of alleged alien interactions with humanity, such as hybridization. The articles collectively suggest a belief that the public has been deliberately kept in the dark about significant truths concerning UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Title: UFO Magazine
Issue: December 2001
Volume: 16
Date: December 2001
Publisher: UFO Magazine
Country: UK
Price: £3.50

This issue of UFO Magazine features a prominent headline about British intelligence ceasing its UFO studies, alongside articles examining the historical role of the CIA in UFO investigations, witness accounts from various locations, and an analysis of a purported UFO video. The magazine maintains a critical stance on government transparency regarding UFO phenomena.

CIA and the U-2 Reconnaissance Program

The article discusses claims that over half of all UFO reports from the late 1950s through the 1960s were accounted for by manned reconnaissance flights, specifically the U-2, over the United States. This led the Air Force to issue misleading statements to the public to protect national security projects, which fueled later conspiracy theories about a cover-up. The percentage of unexplained UFO sightings reportedly fell significantly during this period. The source for this claim is a CIA History Staff monograph, which is classified, making verification difficult. The author notes that a key figure, Lt. Col. Robert Friend, former head of Blue Book, found the claim that Blue Book was covering up spy flights 'absolutely not true' and considered the idea laughable. Friend did acknowledge that Blue Book occasionally concealed classified activities reported as UFOs but stated it was not a regular occurrence. He also confirmed regular contact with the CIA, as the agency monitored all government intelligence activities, and that the Air Force utilized the CIA's National Photographic Interpretation Center for UFO photo analysis. However, Friend was never told by the CIA or U-2 project staff to conceal U-2 sightings.

Forcing Disclosure of CIA Records

Beginning in the mid-1970s, UFO researchers used the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request CIA documents on UFOs. The CIA initially mishandled these requests. After a lawsuit, the CIA released approximately 800 pages in December 1978, surprising the media with the extent of the agency's involvement. CIA Director Stansfield Turner reportedly asked his senior officers if the CIA was involved in UFOs, receiving a negative answer. Despite this, Haines found that the CIA continued some low-key interest in UFOs and associated phenomena like parapsychology in the late 1970s and 1980s. CIA officials also examined UFO sightings to assess Soviet progress in rockets and missiles and reviewed counterintelligence aspects. The Life Science Division of OSI and OSWR devoted time to UFO issues, including counterintelligence concerns that the Soviets and KGB might be using US citizens and UFO groups to gather information on sensitive US weapons programs or the vulnerability of the US air-defense network.

British Intelligence Ends UFO Study

Under the headline 'BRITISH INTELLIGENCE NO LONGER STUDIES UFO REPORTS,' the magazine reports that Britain's spies have ceased investigating UFOs after more than half a century. The Ministry of Defence's intelligence branch logged reports from the public and military personnel since the early 1950s. However, the Directorate of Intelligence, Scientific and Technical concluded that these records 'have not proved valuable' and requested no further reports. Dave Clark of the National Centre for Folklore Studies described this as the army intelligence experts admitting they 'have wasted their time for 50 years.' Britain's official search for UFOs began in the late 1940s, peaking with a 1951 government study that concluded no sightings were genuine but recommended suppressing reports to avoid public panic during the Cold War. Clark believes modern radar systems can explain most sightings, and the Ministry of Defence will maintain a small internal UFO desk for logging reports, but its intelligence experts are no longer interested, with the operation now seen as a 'PR stunt.' Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, found the decision 'extraordinary' and believes UFOs are still being seen in large numbers.

UFO and ETs Haunt Construction Site in Chile

This section details an investigation by the Calama UFO Center in Chile, based on the testimony of a lone watchman. On October 14, 2001, the watchman reported hearing strange noises and observed a bright oval-shaped object, described as a small airship, floating about 35 feet away. He experienced intense cold and fear, feeling paralyzed except for his eyes. The object moved at approximately 15 MPH, emitted no noise, and left no contrail. The watchman also mentioned other strange occurrences at the site, including lights turning on and off, and security guards reporting sightings of elusive grey-clad men.

News in Brief / Sightings Roundup

This section compiles several brief reports:

• English UFO 'Hot Spot': Derek Holmes reported seeing a large, bright, white object near Cromford, UK, on Halloween night. He described it as a round airborne object with curved edges that moved into the distance and turned yellow before disappearing.
• United Kingdom Yellow Lights: Kevin Yates reported that on October 29, 2001, he and his wife witnessed a diamond formation of four bright yellow lights, which later changed shape and color, moving slowly and emitting no noise. Other people also appeared to have seen the lights.
• Cuba UFO Seen by Pilots: Nick Balaskas, a passenger on a Canadian charter flight (Airbus 320 Skyservice) approaching Cayo Coco, Cuba, on December 14, 2001, described a near weightlessness sensation and the captain announcing evasive maneuvers due to a false signal of another aircraft. Passengers reported seeing a single red light fly low over the airport. Balaskas suggests the pilots might have been more comfortable with a UFO explanation than faulty instruments.

New York Sci-Fi Video Analysis

This report analyzes a 30-second video advertised by the SCI FI Channel, showing a woman in a helicopter pointing to a UFO behind the World Trade Center Towers on July 24, 2000. The UFO reportedly accelerates and flies out of sight, leaving a contrail. MUFON's Jeff Sainio analyzed the video and concluded that while the background appears real, the UFO itself was edited into the video. His improved image-analysis software revealed that the UFO's motion was inconsistent, moving only every other frame, indicating it was a hoax.

Competition Winners and Subscription Reminder

The magazine congratulates the winners of the SIGAP Moon Video competition and reminds readers that SIGAP subscriptions for 2002 are now due.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include government secrecy and alleged cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, the cessation of official UFO investigations by intelligence agencies, and the persistent reporting of sightings by the public and pilots. The magazine appears to favor witness testimony and critical analysis of official statements, while also highlighting instances of hoaxes and misidentifications. The editorial stance seems to be one of skepticism towards official denials and a belief that UFO phenomena remain active and worthy of investigation, despite the withdrawal of government interest.