Pegasus - Vol 20 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PEGASUS
Issue: Volume 20, #1
Date: 20/1 (likely January 2000, based on context)
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Country: UK

This issue of PEGASUS, the publication of the Surrey Investigation Group into Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), features several in-depth articles on UFO phenomena and related scientific theories. The magazine's leadership is listed, including President Gordon Millington, Chairman Ian Wheatley, and Vice-Chairmen Paul Whitehead and Sonya Porter, with contact details for SIGAP.

CREDO

The 'CREDO' section, attributed to G.M. (likely Gordon Millington), discusses the nature of belief in the UFO phenomenon. It distinguishes between ufologists who base their beliefs on evidence and those who are merely credulous. The text emphasizes that the number of believers does not determine the truth of a proposition, using the historical example of the Earth being believed flat then spherical. SIGAP members are defined as ufologists who believe that available evidence supports the theory of UFO existence, acknowledging that this is the current extent of their certainty.

THE RENDLESHAM FILES REVIEWED

Author: Nick Pope

Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence (MOD) official, reviews the release of MOD documents concerning the Rendlesham Forest incident. He addresses common questions about his involvement, potential cover-ups, and the authenticity of the papers. Pope confirms the documents are genuine, citing his personal knowledge of the covering letter from the MOD.

He clarifies that the papers come from two main files: D/DS8/10/209 (a general file) and D/Sec(AS)/12/2/1 (a discrete file opened in 1982). He notes the complexity of MOD filing systems, which can confuse conspiracy theorists but are often just bureaucratic. Pope explains that the MOD's Secretariat, contrary to some myths, acted as the lead department, tasking specialist divisions for investigations, thus debunking the idea that certain branches operated independently.

Pope admits he cannot recall every document from his time in Sec(AS) (1991-1994) but recognizes most. He mentions that five documents were withheld due to exemptions to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, and that some key witness statements and photographs may never have been on the official files.

Regarding the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS), Pope confirms their involvement and collaboration with DS8, explaining that his silence on this joint investigation was due to the Official Secrets Act and the need to adhere to the party line until matters were in the public domain.

Two key aspects of the case are highlighted: the radiation readings and radar evidence. Pope discusses the radiation readings taken at the landing site, noting they were significantly higher than background levels, peaking in specific depressions and near a tree. He also addresses the radar evidence, explaining that a blip seen by radar at Bentwaters coincided precisely with an unidentified light seen visually by the crew, suggesting a correlation.

Pope concludes by stating that the released documents are a significant breakthrough, encouraging further investigation into Britain's most famous UFO mystery.

TAKE A LEAP INTO HYPERSPACE

Author: Haiko Lietz
Date: 05 January 2006, from New Scientist Print Edition

This article explores the theoretical work of German physicist Burkhard Heim and its potential application to hyperspace propulsion. Heim, who worked to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, proposed a model with additional dimensions. His theory led to a method for calculating particle masses with remarkable accuracy, surpassing standard physics models.

In 1982, researchers at DESY implemented Heim's mass theorem in a computer program, yielding precise predictions. After Heim's death, his collaborator Illobrand von Ludwiger refined the calculations. Later, Walter Dröscher extended Heim's ideas into an "Heim-Dröscher space" model with eight dimensions, suggesting the existence of two additional fundamental forces beyond gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear forces.

One of these forces is described as a repulsive anti-gravity, potentially related to dark energy, and the other could be used for propulsion without rockets. Dröscher, collaborating with Jochem Häuser, proposed an experiment involving a rotating ring and a superconducting coil to create intense magnetic fields capable of reducing gravity. They suggest that a spacecraft could be propelled into a multidimensional hyperspace where physical constants might differ, allowing for rapid interstellar travel.

While the theory is complex and has not undergone standard peer review, its predictive power regarding particle masses has earned it serious consideration. Physicists like Hans Theodor Auerbach and Roger Lenard express interest, though challenges remain in developing the necessary technology for experimental verification.

The article also provides a brief biography of Burkhard Heim, detailing his early ambition to be a rocket scientist, a severe lab accident that left him disabled, and his dedication to his work despite significant challenges.

BUZZ ALDRIN SPEAKS OF UFO EXPERIENCE

This section transcribes a segment from a Science Channel program, "First on the Moon: The Untold Story," detailing a UFO encounter experienced by the Apollo-11 crew. Buzz Aldrin recounts that three days into their flight, approximately 200,000 miles from Earth, the crew observed a mysterious object alongside their spacecraft.

Aldrin describes the object, which was filmed on a later mission, as having ellipses when viewed sharply and being sort of L-shaped. He notes that Mike Collins also saw it through the telescope. The crew was hesitant to report the sighting directly to Mission Control for fear of ridicule or demands to turn back. Instead, they cautiously inquired about the position of the S-IVB stage, which was approximately 6,000 nautical miles away.

Dr. David Baker, Apollo-11 Senior Scientist, states that NASA knew little about the object and that such sightings were not uncommon. He also mentions that NASA secured an agreement with the crew not to publicly discuss these events to avoid ridicule.

HOW BRITAIN'S X-FILES SAID THAT UFOS WERE JUST A WASTE OF TIME

Author: David Charter
Source: The Times, February 04, 2005

This article discusses the release of secret Ministry of Defence (MOD) papers from the 1950s, revealing the conclusions of the Flying Saucer Working Party. The committee dismissed reports of flying saucers, including those from RAF personnel and the public, deeming the evidence uncoordinated and subjective.

The working party concluded that no progress could be made without organized, country-wide observation using coordinated networks of visual observers, photographic equipment, and radar. They recommended strongly against further investigation unless material evidence became available, leading to the party's dissolution in June 1951.

The article contrasts this historical dismissal with the ongoing release of UFO sighting reports in Britain, citing examples from various locations and dates in the preceding year. It highlights West Kilbride, Scotland, as an area with frequent mysterious activity. The author notes that none of these recent reports would have passed the stringent examination of the original working party.

Specific cases, like a "careful and accurate" observation over Derby being dismissed as a meteorite and a report by Flight Lieutenant Hubbard of a "flat disc" being attributed to an optical illusion or misidentification of a normal aircraft, are mentioned. Judith Jafar of the British UFO Research Association criticizes the government's disclosures as a "pointless exercise" that won't yield new information.

However, the MOD's accompanying letter states that they have no expertise in UFO matters and remain "totally open-minded" about the existence of extraterrestrial life-forms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PEGASUS consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena, official investigations, and cutting-edge physics. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking evidence-based understanding while acknowledging the complexities and potential bureaucratic hurdles involved in government disclosures. The magazine champions the pursuit of truth, whether through reviewing historical UFO cases like Rendlesham, documenting astronaut experiences, or exploring theoretical scientific advancements that could explain phenomena beyond current understanding. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between belief and evidence, and a commitment to presenting detailed analyses of both historical events and speculative scientific theories.

This issue of the magazine, dated August 11, 2005, features a prominent cover story titled "FLYING SAUCER SURGEONS CURED MY DODGY BACK" by Nick Capehorn, sourced from www.icberkshire.co.uk. The magazine covers a range of topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and unexplained phenomena, including personal accounts, scientific discussions, historical folklore, and recent sightings.

'Flying Saucer Surgeons Cured My Dodgy Back'

The lead article details the extraordinary claims of Terry Walters, a 62-year-old man from Crowthorne, Berkshire. In 1966, Walters suffered a severe back injury that left him in agony and facing possible confinement to a wheelchair. He recounts that one night, an entity entered his room and instructed him to follow. Upon waking, his back was cured. When he sought answers at Heatherwood Hospital, staff had no knowledge of any operation. Subsequent tests revealed he had undergone "then-impossible back surgery." Furthermore, his blood makeup was found to match that of an astronaut who had spent 10 hours in space. Doctors offered rational explanations such as lifelong smoking or visiting polluted Mexico City, neither of which applied to Walters. A Harley Street specialist later informed him of similar experiences of "interstellar medical procedures" and suggested he might undergo further unremembered operations, which Walters claims have already happened with a discovered back operation and ear surgery. He states his claims are supported by University of Connecticut scientists. Walters admits that before his experience, he would have dismissed UFO talk as madness, but now, while 90% of him still seeks rational explanations, 10% remains inexplicable, leading him to believe in extraterrestrial life. He has written a book titled "Who on Earth am I?" and has lectured nationally, meeting celebrities and alien investigators.

BBC's Heaven & Earth Programme Discussion

A part-transcription of a BBC's "Heaven & Earth" programme broadcast on 16/10/05 explores the fascination with aliens. Stephen Foulger, curator of a Science Museum exhibition on aliens, explains that aliens are used to populate age-old myths, fulfilling a similar cultural and psychological function as the spirit world. He notes that science has increasingly provided real possibilities for alien life. Foulger believes in alien life due to the vast number of stars and planets, finding it incredible if life evolved only on a few. The programme also features Stuart Miller, editor of UFO Review, who estimates that 8 out of 10 people in the UK believe in extraterrestrial life. Miller suspects aliens might be "walking amongst us" and states that ufologists work on evidence, suggesting sufficient evidence points to intelligent extraterrestrial life having existed and possibly visited Earth. He contrasts this with those who accept ET's existence without proof, treating it as a religion.

Ancient UFOs on a Deadly Mission

This section, referencing Richard Holland's book "Wales Of The Unexpected," examines UFO sightings as potentially modern phenomena but delves into older beliefs. It discusses Welsh folklore, including "tan-we" (strange lights from the heavens) and "Corpse Candles" (supernatural lights associated with the dying), which are linked to doom. The area around Barmouth became known for mysterious lights in the sky, considered death omens, which coincided with a major religious revival. In 1905, newspaper reporters investigated these phenomena, with many returning impressed. Two well-attested accounts describe mysterious lights predicting deaths: one seen at a ferry house at Penrhyn, and another seen dancing in the air at Borthwyn/Borthwnog, with both incidents followed by drownings shortly after.

News in Brief / Sightings Roundup

This section compiles several brief reports:

• No Life on Venus?: A special study group advised NASA that Venus is too hellish for life. They concluded there are "no significant risks" in contaminating Venus with Earth organisms on future missions and that returned materials pose no risk of "back contamination."
• Extraterrestrials Have Left a Message Implanted in our Minds: A short item from the Moscow newspaper Moskovskiy Komsomolets suggests scientists believe extraterrestrials will make contact in about 12 years, when humanity reaches a sufficient maturity level. American psychologist Frederik Malmstrom discovered that the typical image of a space alien (human-like, large grey heads, slanted eyes) mirrors how babies perceive faces at birth, suggesting a subconscious imprint.
• Moon Explosion Might Indicate Mining: NASA scientists observed an explosion on the moon, potentially indicating mining or an accident. Astronauts claimed to have seen construction and UFOs. Lights have been frequently recorded on the moon since 1540, often within or near craters.
• Swedish Fighter Chases UFO: Clas Svahn of UFO-Sweden reports on an incident in the summer of 1977 where a Swedish Air Force pilot chased an unidentified target over the Baltic Sea. The target, initially stationary, suddenly ascended rapidly out of radar range at an altitude of 40-50 kilometers. The pilot could not keep up and noted the object left no vapour trails. The pilot later died in a helicopter accident.
• Moscow Programme Summary: A summary of a Moscow Channel 1 TV "Novosti" program features ufologists Aleksandr Semeonov and Gennadiy Zadneprovskiy. Semeonov discusses UFO flaps correlating with sunspot activity and predicts the next major flap for 2012. Zadneprovskiy presents a small metallic object, claiming it is a fragment of a crashed ET spacecraft, and reports experiencing intense headaches when attempting to polish it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life, the scientific and cultural fascination with UFOs, and the interpretation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine presents a mix of personal testimony, scientific inquiry, historical folklore, and reports of alleged sightings and encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence without necessarily endorsing all claims, as indicated by the disclaimer that the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the editor or SIGAP. The issue highlights the ongoing debate and public interest in UFOs and aliens, ranging from alleged medical procedures by extraterrestrials to ancient myths and modern military encounters.