Probe Report Volume 1 Issue 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PROBE
Issue: Vol.1, No.1
Date: June 1st, 1980
Publisher: NUFOR (SOUTHWEST)
Type: Magazine

Editorial

The first issue of PROBE, the official publication of NUFOR (SOUTHWEST), is introduced by Editor Ian M. Mrzyglod. He welcomes readers and explains that NUFOR (SOUTHWEST) is a new group based in the southwest of England, working in cooperation with NUFOR (BRIGHTON). The magazine aims to provide material for experienced researchers and basic information for newcomers to the UFO phenomenon. Producing the magazine is described as a difficult task, requiring a balance of content beyond mere newspaper cuttings. The title 'PROBE' is noted as potentially original. The editorial research will be supported by electronic equipment, including ultrasonic and infra-red detectors, to approach the UFO mystery more scientifically. Readers are encouraged to send comments and criticisms, with a letters page planned for future issues.

Key Articles and Features

UFO IS BLAMED IN ATTACK ON LAWMAN

This article details an incident where Marshall County deputy Val Johnson reported being attacked by an "UNIDENTIFIED THING" which caused him to lose control of his patrol car. The car sustained damage including a smashed windshield and bent antenna, and its clock was found to be 14 minutes slow. Deputy Johnson described a bright white light during the encounter. Investigations by the Sheriff and Federal Aviation Administration yielded no explanation, with the object's speed and impact suggesting an unknown phenomenon.

UFO CITINGS (Clippings from the Press)

This section compiles several newspaper reports of UFO sightings:

• Milford Haven, West Wales (31.3.80): Multiple people observed a bright object hovering in the sky for over 30 minutes, described as having an orange and red light on top. Investigations were initiated, but RAF Brawdy and the Civil Aviation Authority had no extraordinary reports.
• Cambridge (2.11.79): A mysterious flashing white light was seen in the sky, puzzling police and the public. It was observed to be stationary and later moving erratically, with no explanation offered by local air force stations.
• Papigoe, by Wick (21.12.79): Mrs. Delina Irvine reported seeing a large, bright "white ball with a large red ring round it" that vanished quickly. Local police, coastguard, and Wick Airport had no information or explanation for the sighting.

THE DUMB-BELL ASTEROID

This feature discusses Asteroid 624, nicknamed "Hektor," which has an unusual dumb-bell shape. Initially, its brightness variations suggested it could be a spherical object or an elongated one. Scientists like J. L. Dunlap, Tom Gehrels, Dale P. Cruikshank, and William K. Hartmann have studied its shape and origin. The article explores two possibilities: Hektor being a fragment of a larger body, or two smaller asteroids that met and fused. The article notes the uncanny similarity of its dumb-bell shape to UFOs seen on Earth and in space, referencing sightings over Washington D.C. in 1952 and images from Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 film. It further speculates if Hektor could be a derelict alien spaceship, referencing a 1979 article about a potential spaceship wreck in orbit around Earth, with fragments suggesting an original craft size of 200 by 100 feet.

HOW WOULD YOU REACT?

This article poses a hypothetical question to readers: "What would you do if they landed? What would you say to them?" It reflects on the desire to witness a UFO landing but the unlikelihood of it happening. The author, Christopher Trubridge, shares an unnerving experience on Cradle Hill in Warminster where he encountered a tall, dark figure, which led to a fractured ankle. The piece contrasts the excitement of witnessing such an event in a movie like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" with the potential fear of the unknown in reality. It concludes by stating that conveying the feeling of such an experience is difficult and that readers will continue to read about others' reactions until they experience it themselves.

Other Content

• Terry's Skywatch Page: Mentioned in the contents, suggesting personal accounts or updates on skywatching activities.
• More UFO Puzzlers: Indicates further articles exploring unexplained UFO phenomena.
• Book Review: A review of "WARNINGS FROM FLYING FRIENDS" by Arthur Shuttlewood is advertised, available from NUFOR(SOUTHWEST).

Organization and Contact Information

• NUFOR (SOUTHWEST) HQ: Main HQ, Brighton. Tel: 0272 666270 / 646710.
• Editorial Address: 16, Marigold Walk, Ashton, Bristol. BS3 2PD.
• Foreign Liaison Address: 88, Kings Head Lane, Bedminster Down, Bristol. BS13 7DD.
• Key Personnel: Terry Chivers (Publicity/Treasurer), Mike Seager (Foreign Liaison), Ian Mrzyglod (Editor/British Liaison/Artwork), Miss Julie Blake (Secretarial/Assist. Treasurer).
• Subscription: £1.60 for 4 issues (postage and packing free).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the psychological and hypothetical reactions to potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, aiming for a scientific approach while acknowledging the mystery and speculative aspects of the subject. The publication emphasizes cooperation between different UFO research groups and encourages reader participation. The content suggests a blend of factual reporting of sightings, theoretical discussions, and personal accounts.

This issue of "UFO Gitings" is a compilation of press clippings, presenting a collection of reported UFO sightings and related mysteries from various sources. The publication date is not explicitly stated for the compilation itself, but the articles span from late 1979 to mid-1980.

Little Greenland Men

An article from the Daily Express dated 26.2.80 reports on alleged "invasion from space" claims in Greenland. Teachers and children at the Sissimut Secondary School reported seeing two UFOs hovering over the coast, described as oval space ships with brightly lit turret windows that disappeared, leaving behind fiery tails of light. Sightings in Greenland have involved groups of up to 100 people, with a notable incident at Assiait where a "space ship" hovered over the town, turned into a blue cigar shape, and then flew off at incredible speed. Meteorologists have attempted to explain these reports by attributing them to weather phenomena.

Sky's the Limit for UFO Disc

From News Of The World, dated 4.5.80, this piece details how an amazing UFO sighting inspired the song "No Doubt About It" by Hot Chocolate. The song writers, Mike Burns and Steve Glen, spotted a low-flying object surrounded by a halo of light while driving through London one night. They followed it for 90 minutes, finding no obvious explanation for what they saw, stating it was "certainly wasn't a plane or anything like that." Lead singer Erroll Brown expressed belief in visitors from space, noting that thousands have seen unexplainable things.

Did UFO's Buzz Plane?

This article from Newsman Herald, dated 4.12.79, recounts a sighting by two young women in Springfield. Carol Davison and Gail Shepherd witnessed a luminous white UFO hovering with four smaller ones. An aeroplane appeared and was approached closely by the largest UFO. Subsequently, a much smaller plane appeared and pursued the UFOs. A spokesman for Stanstead Airport denied knowledge of the incident. The article also mentions other sightings: a bright red circular object seen by 16-year-old Paul Spain in Great Baddow, and an identical object seen by 12-year-old Michelle Bevans.

Meteorite Showers

An article from the Ashton-under-lyne Reporter, dated 4.1.80, suggests that unusual flashes in the sky might be part of the annual quadrantids meteorite shower. A spokesman at Jodrell Bank indicated that meteorites could be visible between January 1 and 6, with best sightings anticipated for about ten hours on January 4th, particularly around midnight.

Mysterious Pyramid Found in the Bermuda Triangle

This section, spanning pages 10-11, details a significant discovery made by Captain Don Henry using modern sonar equipment. A colossal pyramid, larger than the Great Pyramid of Cheops, was found submerged in 1,200 feet of water in the Bermuda Triangle, approximately 50 miles off the South Florida coast. The structure rises 780 feet high, with a base measuring 1000 feet on each side. Charles Berlitz, a Bermuda Triangle investigator who accompanied Henry, stated the pyramid is in an area where many ships and aircraft have disappeared. He speculated that it could be a key to the mystery of the triangle or evidence of a lost civilization. Dr. J. M. Valentine, an anthropologist and zoologist, and sonar expert J. M. Pirtle examined the sonar tracings and described the object as a "massive symmetrical pyramid shaped object." Berlitz believes this could be where Atlantis may have existed. Dr. Valentine calculated the pyramid's volume at approximately 9,600,000 cubic yards, more than twice that of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. However, sonar readings suggest it is not as high as the Quetzal Coatl pyramid near Mexico City. Berlitz is planning an expedition using a submarine equipped with TV cameras and detecting equipment.

Terry's Skywatch Page

This column, on page 4, discusses skywatching activities on the Warminster hills between May 10-13th. The author notes an increase in people skywatching compared to previous years, attributing it partly to the current weather. Warminster is referred to as the "Mecca" for UFO sightings. The author describes different types of newcomers: those with expensive cameras hoping to photograph UFOs, and those who follow Arthur Shuttlewood's books, often misinterpreting field marks. The column mentions strange markings in fields from UFO activity in the mid-sixties, which are now overgrown. The author promises a future article about "Rolling Down Cradle Hill in a Sleeping Bag Whilst Fast Asleep."

More UFO Puzzlers

This section, starting on page 5, features excerpts from Arthur Shuttlewood's upcoming book. It begins with a philosophical reflection on humanity's curiosity and desire to explore space. It then presents several UFO sightings:

• Frank Chapman Sighting (September 12, 1977): Former RAF pilot Frank Chapman and his friend John Hanley observed a blue pulsating light near Torbay, Devon. The object stopped, hovered, reversed direction, and then shot into space at high speed at a 55-degree angle, estimated at 5,000 feet high and three times the size of a Lightning fighter. Chapman believed it was intelligently controlled, tear-shaped, and brilliant.
• Gray and Peach Sighting (October 26, 1977): Mr. and Mrs. J. Gray and Mrs. Peach saw a "skyform" above trees, described as a "flattened rugby ball" that seemed to shine. It moved towards Warminster and vanished into a cloud.
• Philip Justice Sighting (September 21, 1977): Philip Justice observed a circular shining object, about half the diameter of a passing jet airliner, travelling closely behind it. Both entered a cloud, where the object turned dark and vanished.
• Mr. C. Parret Report (October 8, 1977): Fishermen reported a white-blue glow on the horizon near Eyppe Mouth.
• P. N. Cook Report (November, unspecified year): P. N. Cook described a brick red-brown object, approximately 25 feet long, with no visible features, resembling an old-fashioned bed-warming pan with a tail assembly like a P38 Lockheed Lightning.

UFO Gitings - Clippings from the Press (Continued)

UFOS Over the Severn Bridge (The Citizen, 18.1.80): Gloucestershire Police received reports of three round objects with multi-coloured flashing lights, and a large cylindrical object with flashing lights, hovering over the Severn Bridge for nearly an hour. The three round objects were in a triangular formation. The RAF had no aerial activity to account for the sightings.

Police See Mystery in the Sky (Evening Standard, 29.11.79): Two police officers near Rickmansworth saw a cigar-shaped object. Later, two other officers saw the same thing near Chorley Wood. The object hovered, had lights surrounding it and coming from underneath, and moved off towards Oxhey at about 400 feet. The RAF at West Drayton were informed, but nothing showed up on radar.

Mystery UFO Turns Night into Day (South Yorkshire & Rotherham Advertiser, 11.3.80): A mysterious object fell near Maltby, described as a ball of fire that exploded in a brilliant white flash, illuminating the sky. It affected police VHF radios and was thought to have plunged to earth between Maltby and Rossington. Astronomers suggest it could be a meteor or space debris. The article also mentions a previous incident where Maltby officers chased an object emitting a bright white light.

Sphere Book Review

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and psychic phenomena:

• The New Soviet Psychic Discoveries by Henry Gris & William Dick: Examines parapsychology in the Soviet Union, the Tunguska explosion, and a legendry "missing planet." (Pagination: 448, Illustrated, Price $1.50).
• The Flying Saucerers by Arthur Shuttlewood: Examines eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings in the UK and abroad, and discusses "hollow Earth" theories and "Bible" sightings. (Pagination: 160+, Illustrated, Price 95p).
• UFO Magic in Motion by Arthur Shuttlewood: Covers more Warminster UFO sightings, reports from other UK areas, ancient folklore, and events like the slowing down of Earth. (Pagination: 256, Price £1.10).

It also lists several other UFO-related books with brief descriptions:

• The Hynek UFO Report by Dr. J Allen Hynek
• My Contact With UFOs by Dino Kraspedon
• UFO Trek by Warren Smith
• Situation Red: The UFO Siege by Leonard Stringfield
• Messengers From The Stars by W Raymond Drake
• Strange Creatures From Time and Space by John A Keel

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact or ancient advanced civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing them, but highlighting the intriguing and mysterious aspects of these phenomena. The compilation of press clippings suggests an effort to document and share a wide range of reported events within the UFO community.

This issue, dated April 1980 and published by NUFORPRESS, focuses on UFO sightings, particularly those in the Worcester area, and explores the possibility of meteorites being the cause. The article "METEORITES-POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WORCESTER UFOS" by Keith Knight details several reports from early April 1979.

Worcester UFO Sightings and Meteorite Explanation

During early April 1979, numerous sightings were reported in the West Midland area. Ian Lowker of Bevere, Worcester, reported seeing a large bright ball with a long stem in the sky. His girlfriend witnessed the same phenomenon simultaneously. Mr. Lowker noted other people around who seemed alarmed. The West Mercia Police received four separate reports on April 9th between midnight and 1 a.m., including one from police officers on night duty. Initially, duty officers considered the reports might be about a plane crash, but London air traffic control and local airfields reported no aircraft in trouble. Air traffic experts in London indicated they had received similar reports of UFOs covering an area from Yorkshire to South Wales. The television news program "ATV Today" interviewed three witnesses who gave varied descriptions: one saw a white stationary object, another an orange glow, and a third described a row of flashbulbs. A ufologist from Nottingham suggested that the sightings could be related to Russian cosmonauts being launched into space, with the objects being space debris re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

Back in Worcester, a police spokesman stated that West Mercia had no rational explanation for the wave of sightings, but investigations were ongoing. Skyscan also pledged to investigate, with their spokesman Tony Green commenting that explanations for widespread sightings are usually mundane.

Edbaston Observatory could not provide a reason related to weather conditions. One report received by the police described a "Ball of light with a Meteorite type tail," from Mr. Chris Mowbray of Crowle, Worcester. He described the light as greenish, possibly due to viewing it through a hawthorne hedge, while a friend described it as the color of fire.

The Ministry of Defence later explained the sightings as meteorites burning up in the atmosphere. In a statement to the Worcester Evening News on April 11th, they said the lights were caused by two showers of falling meteorites. The article notes that major meteorite showers are not typically expected at that time of year in the UK, with the Quadrantids ending in January and the April Lyrids starting on April 19th. However, minor showers can occur. The article concludes that the Ministry of Defence's explanation could be correct for at least some of the April sightings.

UFO Landing on Outskirts of Bristol

Page 2 details an incident that occurred on Wednesday, June 11th, 1979, between Blagdon and Compton Martin, near Bristol. The sighting lasted from 11:15 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, totaling 45 minutes. Four witnesses were involved: Ann Moore (19), Mark Tossell (15), Mrs. Fear (65), and Mrs. Blair (50).

Part 1 of the account, based on two sighting report forms, describes four people witnessing a large circular object. The color conflicted between reports, with one describing it as dark orange and another as purple. The object may have fluctuated in color. The witnesses first saw it as they approached their car after leaving the Mendip Hotel and noticed a flow surrounding the object. While driving towards Ubley, the sphere was visible, appearing to follow or travel in the same direction.

Part 2, based on one report as Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Fear had been dropped off, involved Ann Moore and Mark Tossell driving towards Compton Martin. They observed the UFO moving at a slow speed, which then increased. It lost altitude and disappeared behind trees and houses. Within minutes, it rose again, circled the area, and stopped stationary above a clump of trees about 300 meters away. After about 10 minutes, it slowly descended and landed behind the trees. The witnesses observed this landing from about 400 meters and could discern what appeared to be jets on top of the UFO. No noise was heard while the object was landed. After 15 minutes, it lifted off and disappeared behind the hills.

Further information provided includes: Sky: Clear, Wind: None, Temperature: Warm, Precipitation: Dry.

Illustrations depict a "Visible Jets" and "Glow" from the object, with captions indicating "From Report (A)" and "From Report (B)".

Addendum

An addendum on page 3 states: "ADDENDUM: PAGE 2 'MAGPIE' SHOULD READ 'BLUE PETER'."

Publication Information

Page 4 indicates the magazine was "PRINTED BY 'NUFORPRESS' U.K. 1980."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically UFO sightings. The magazine presents witness testimonies and official explanations, critically examining the latter. There is a clear interest in UFOs and a desire to understand their nature, whether terrestrial, extraterrestrial, or natural phenomena like meteorites. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and encouraging further investigation, as evidenced by Skyscan's promise to investigate and the detailed reporting of the Bristol landing incident. The inclusion of the addendum suggests a commitment to accuracy and correction within the publication.