Pegasus - Vol 18 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Volume 18, #3
Date: 18/3 (likely March 1999)
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Country: UK

This issue of PEGASUS, the magazine of the Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena, covers a range of topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and space exploration. It features articles on a significant abduction case in Brazil, the search for life on Mars, and an analysis of government secrecy surrounding flying saucers.

Martian Enigmas

The section "Martian Enigmas" discusses recent scientific findings about Mars, specifically the announcement from the Open University regarding an icebound sea of frozen water beneath the planet's equatorial surface. This discovery is presented as a potential explanation for surface features that have long suggested the presence of water flows. The article also mentions the MARSIS instrument on the Mars Express mission, which may provide further discoveries about subterranean dwellings or water in the northern lowlands in March 2005.

High Strangeness in Brazil

This extensive article, extracted from "UFOs and Humanity" by SIGAP's Gordon Millington, details the famous abduction case of Antonio Villas-Boas. The incident, which occurred on October 14th, 1957, is presented as the first properly investigated and recorded abduction. Villas-Boas, a young farmer, was allegedly taken aboard a UFO while ploughing his field. The report, recorded by Dr. Olavo Fontes, a respected South American ufologist and Professor of Medicine, describes how Villas-Boas was stripped, had blood samples taken, and experienced intercourse with a female entity. The article emphasizes the witness's credibility, his detailed recall, and the lack of fear he reported. It also notes similarities with later abduction cases, such as the effect of UFOs on electrical systems and the phenomenon of 'missing time'. The case is highlighted for its unique importance as an early, thoroughly investigated abduction with almost total recall obtained without hypnosis.

The Earliest Crop Circle?

This short piece presents a woodcut from Hertfordshire, England, dated 1678, depicting "The Mowing Devil." The accompanying text describes a farmer's dispute with a mower, leading to the farmer swearing the Devil would mow his oats. The next morning, the crop appeared to be neatly mown as if by an infernal spirit, an event attributed to the Devil. The source is cited as http://www.hemelonline.com/local_history/mowing_devil.html.

Aliens: Why They Are Here (Book Review)

This section reviews Bryan Appleyard's book "Aliens: Why They Are Here," reviewed by Mark Henderson of The Times Online. The review criticizes the book for its lack of skeptical analysis, arguing that while it covers a wide range of sightings and science fiction, it fails to critically evaluate outlandish claims. The reviewer notes Appleyard's focus on the cultural significance of alien beliefs rather than their factual basis, and his acceptance of 'recovered memories' from hypnosis, which the reviewer deems unreliable. The review suggests that Appleyard avoids a rigorous, scientific approach, instead presenting an "anti-Enlightenment diatribe."

Official Reticence

Written by W.B. Smith, this article explores the reasons behind government secrecy regarding flying saucers. Smith argues that there is no single reason but a combination of circumstances. He traces the public's interest back to the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947, noting how the media's focus on news value rather than significance led to a loss of perspective and the creation of a "literature" of speculation. Smith explains that governments are slow to respond to new phenomena due to bureaucratic processes and the need for public justification. He suggests that "classified projects" are often used as a "back door" arrangement, but these are gambles that can backfire. The article details how the Air Force's attempts to "explain away" sightings led to a situation where they are now trapped, unable to release disturbing scientific information that contradicts conventional science. Politicians are reluctant to engage with the issue due to a lack of strong public support and the negative publicity associated with the subject. Smith concludes that significant official statements are unlikely, with any revelations likely coming from researchers after they retire.

BLURFOs Are Not UFOs

James Neff addresses the problem of misidentifying common objects as UFOs. He introduces the term "BLURFO" (Blurry, Distorted Images) to describe images captured by digital cameras that are mistaken for UFOs. Neff explains that these are typically bugs or birds passing close to the camera, which appear as distorted streaks or blobs when freeze-framed from video footage. He aims to clarify this distortion problem to end the misidentification of such images as genuine UFOs.

Is Anyone Out There? Life on Other Planets Could Change God Debate

Carrie A. Moore, writing for the Deseret Morning News, discusses the implications of finding life on other planets. The article highlights a NASA rover's discovery of an unusual rock on Mars, which may indicate a history of water. The prospect of finding simple life forms, such as microbes, on other worlds is considered probable by astrobiologists. Such a discovery would not only advance scientific research but also potentially widen the religious debate about God's role in the universe. NASA astrobiologists are preparing for the social implications of confirming extraterrestrial life, whether fossilized or alive, microbial or intelligent.

Upcoming

This section briefly mentions an upcoming ABC Television report titled "UFOs - Seeing is Believing," a two-hour special report by Peter Jennings that includes over 150 interviews with scientists searching for life beyond Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PEGASUS consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and societal perceptions. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, investigative approach to UFO sightings and related topics, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of the Villas-Boas case and the critical review of Appleyard's book. There is a clear interest in challenging conventional explanations and exploring the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena, while also debunking misidentifications like "BLURFOs." The magazine also engages with the broader implications of these topics, including scientific discoveries on Mars and the potential impact of finding extraterrestrial life on religious beliefs. The article on "Official Reticence" suggests a critical view of government handling of UFO information, implying a belief that important truths may be suppressed or obscured.

Title: Pegasus
Issue Date: February 2005
Country of Publication: United States
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Media Control and Presidential Interest in UFology

This article by Dennis G. Balthaser explores the perceived control of the news media by the government and the limited information provided to the public and even the President regarding UFOs. Balthaser questions why UFO sightings, which are reportedly popular on the internet, receive little serious coverage in mainstream media. He notes that when UFOs are mentioned, it's often with a dismissive tone. Exceptions are made for certain radio shows that provide a platform for researchers.

The author argues that while some national defense information may be justifiably kept secret, the general lack of UFO coverage suggests a deliberate suppression. He draws a parallel to the secrecy surrounding the atomic bomb development and the Stealth fighter, highlighting how significant technological advancements were kept from the public for extended periods.

Balthaser posits that Presidents may not be fully informed about the UFO situation due to term limits and security clearance issues. He believes that certain individuals within the government possess this information and choose not to share it, even with the President. The article then delves into specific instances of presidential involvement and statements concerning UFOs.

Presidential Involvement and Statements:

• Harry Truman: Rumors link him to the Majestic 12 group. When asked about flying saucers shortly after the Roswell Incident, he stated he had only seen them in newspapers and had no other explanation.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: When questioned about UFO sightings in Europe in 1954, he claimed no information had reached him, and a trusted Air Force contact had deemed such beliefs inaccurate.
• Lyndon B. Johnson: As Vice President, he directed a researcher to NASA for analysis of a UFO photo.
• Richard Nixon: Responded to a young girl's UFO theory.
• Gerald Ford: Stated he was unable to get answers about UFOs during his time as a Congressman, Vice President, or President.
• John F. Kennedy: Reportedly told a steward that he wanted to reveal information about the 'alien situation' but his 'hands were tied,' a statement that became tragically relevant after his assassination.
• Ronald Reagan: Showed an obsession with the UFO phenomenon, making several public comments and having personal sightings. He famously remarked at the UN in 1987 about a potential 'alien threat' uniting humanity.
• George H. Bush: As Vice President, expressed interest in finding the truth about UFOs.
• Jimmy Carter: Publicly admitted to seeing a UFO in Georgia in 1969 and expressed a desire to make all UFO information available to the public if he became President. However, a White House study on Extraterrestrial Communications was reportedly suppressed.
• Jackie Gleason: The actor, a friend of Richard Nixon, reportedly took Gleason to Homestead Air Force Base to see mangled remains of what looked like alien spacecraft.
• Bill Clinton: Kept a book on the Roswell crash in his study and, when asked by a young boy about the Roswell crash, stated that no alien spacecraft crashed there and that he was not informed if alien bodies were recovered.
• George W. Bush: When questioned about UFOs, he referred the inquirer to Vice President Dick Cheney, former Secretary of Defense.

Balthaser concludes that while Presidents may have some information or interest, it is unlikely that the public will learn much from them directly, suggesting that information must be sought from other sources.

The Truth Is Out There: Declassified UFO Sightings

This section, authored by Robert Verkaik, reports on declassified documents from the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealing 88 UFO sightings from the previous year. These files, released under the Freedom of Information Act, provide details of reports from military personnel and the public.

Recent Sightings:

• January 15th: Two reports from Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, and Whitstable, Kent, described 'strange lights seen in the sky'.
• September 24th: A report from Devizes, Wiltshire, described an object like a 'big ball of fire' with a tail and sparks.
• Previous week (to Sept 24th): A report from Somerset described an intense, bright light, like a ball of fire moving rapidly towards the ground.
• May 20th (previous year): A report from Surrey described a UFO with 'grooves and windows' but no room for humans, noted by the MoD inspector as clearly seen by the witness.

Commonly reported characteristics include changing colour, speed, and shape, with yellow, orange, and black being the most frequent colours. A report from Goole, East Yorkshire, in April described a stationary 'boomerang' object over a power station, with an aircraft circling it. Another from Seaforth, Merseyside, in the same month, noted a UFO with a cluster of four bright lights in a ring shape, emitting three beams of white light.

Historical Declassified Files:

These recent files are noted as less complete than those from mid-1976 and 1977, which detailed hundreds of reports previously kept secret by the MoD's special UFO department, S4F. These older files include reports of possible extraterrestrial visits, such as one from an RAF pilot and two NCOs at RAF Boulmer.

July 1977 Incident:

Flt-Lt A. M. Wood reported 'bright objects hanging over the sea' near the coast. The object was described as luminous, round, and significantly larger than a Whirlwind helicopter, observed at a height of about 5,000ft, three miles offshore. The report, supported by Cpl Torrington and Sgt Graham, detailed how the objects separated and maneuvered, changing shape to become 'body-shaped with projections like arms and legs.' The report deemed Flt-Lt Wood 'reliable and sober.' This account was considered so sensitive that its release was delayed for an extra three years.

Video Distortion vs. UFOs

The first page of the magazine includes a diagram and explanation about how video cameras can create distorted images that are mistaken for UFOs. It explains that video tape recording differs from film, and a 'freeze frame' on video is not a single moment in time but a composite of microseconds. This process can cause moving objects, especially those at the edge of the focal range or in motion, to appear blurred, elongated, or streaked, leading to misidentification as UFOs. The article criticizes the selective editing of video frames to support UFO claims.

Letters and News in Brief

• LETTERS: An invitation for readers to submit opinions, ideas, or comments.
• NEWS IN BRIEF/SIGHTINGS ROUNDUP: A report from London states that British defence ministry officials are refusing to rule out the existence of alien life visiting Earth. A confidential letter acknowledged that the ministry collects reports of alien life sightings to assess if they have 'defence significance.' While few reports warranted further investigation and none revealed a threat, the ministry remains 'open-minded' about the hypothesis.

Other Sightings Mentioned:

• An anonymous caller reported 'strange lights' above Kent.
• Another caller claimed to have seen a flying saucer above Stoke, central England.

Peter Jennings ABC News Explores UFOs

Tom Carey, a Roswell Researcher, criticizes Peter Jennings's ABC News report on Roswell, stating that Jennings repeatedly referred to the incident as a 'myth' without evidence, ignoring substantial evidence to the contrary. Carey asserts that the Mogul Balloon Hypothesis, often presented as an explanation, disintegrates under scrutiny. He recounts spending a week with the ABC crew in Roswell, attempting to educate them about the case and introduce them to witnesses like astronaut Edgar Mitchell, but found the crew uninterested. The ABC crew reportedly chose to cover a parade featuring alien costumes instead of a presentation at the UFO Museum.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government secrecy and control of information regarding UFO phenomena, the alleged suppression of evidence by mainstream media, and the historical interest and limited disclosure from US Presidents. The magazine appears to advocate for greater transparency and serious investigation into UFO sightings, challenging official explanations and media narratives. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon worthy of serious consideration, distinct from misidentified terrestrial objects or video artifacts.