Probe Report Volume 1 Issue 2

Magazine Overview

Title: PROBE
Issue: Volume 1, No. 2
Date: August 22, 1980
Publisher: NUFOR (SOUTHWEST)
Type: Official publication, published quarterly.

Editorial Comment: "Reviving the Dead"

The editorial, written by Ian Mrzyglod, addresses a contentious meeting held on July 12th in Southampton concerning the formation of a new UFO network called SUFON (Southern UFO Network). Mrzyglod expresses strong criticism and skepticism regarding the meeting, which he describes as a "shambles." He questions the necessity of creating a new network when MAUFOG (Midlands UFO Group) already exists and is affiliated with the British UFO Groups (B.F.S.B.).

• Key points of contention raised by Mrzyglod include:
• The purpose of initiating a network in an area where one is already operating.
• The attempt to revive an organization whose originator admitted it was virtually non-existent.
• The involvement of individuals who were members of B.F.S.B. (a MAUFOG member) in organizing a rival conference.
• The suspicion that this was an attempt to disrupt MAUFOG out of spite.

Mrzyglod laments the difficulties in achieving unity within ufology, contrasting it with MAUFOG and NUFON's efforts to bridge divides. He apologizes for the serious tone but feels the air needed clearing. He concludes by stating that this second issue is an improvement on the first.

Feature Page

• Kate Bush: The singer-songwriter Kate Bush has agreed to become a Patron of the group, having previously expressed belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
• UFOSIS: Thanks are extended to Bob Taylor of UFOSIS, Birmingham, for supplying invaluable press clippings and data used in the "UFO CITINGS" sections.
• Grounded UFO Expert: Ian Vinten, president of the Unidentified Flying Object Association, is criticized for sending a 'death threat' letter to the Chief Executive of Woodspring District Council, which led to negative press coverage dubbing him an "Obsessed UFO Man." The article suggests his three-month prison sentence might provide time for reflection on the damage caused to UFO investigators' public image.
• Dave Kay: Dave Kay of NUFOR (Brighton) is resigning as Secretary and leaving the field of ufology for a break. The future of the Brighton group is undecided.
• Exhibition: A UFO exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, at the Rachel Fowler Arts Centre in Melksham, Wiltshire, featuring UFO detection equipment and a portable computer for data storage.

Contents

The issue includes articles on "The Classic U.S. Cover Ups," "UFO Citings," "Westbury UFO Nests," "The UFOs That Never Exist: Lens Flare," "Case Closed (SCUFORI)," "More UFO Puzzlers," and "Terry's Skywatch Page," along with a book review.

The Classic U.S. Cover Ups

This section alleges that governments worldwide are involved in a "shocking cover-up" of UFO sightings and encounters, despite official statements expressing no interest. It suggests that governments fear public panic and anger if the truth were revealed. The article highlights several cases:

• Kingman, Arizona Crash (May 1953): A crashed UFO, approximately 30 feet in diameter, was discovered half-buried in desert sand. A civilian consultant was asked to calculate its descent speed and file a report, but was told to remain silent. The military allegedly kept this incident secret.
• Stanton Friedman's Research: Physicist Stanton Friedman claims to have interviewed over 80 former military personnel who have sighted UFOs and learned of many "officially documented" sightings filed with security agencies but never made public.
• Strategic Air Command Base Incident: Three UFOs were observed travelling side-by-side at about 100 mph just above the runway of a base outside Bangor, Maine. They then tilted upward and shot into the sky. Guards and other witnesses saw the event and were interrogated by military investigators, told to keep quiet.
• Jim Lorenzen's Encounter: Jim Lorenzen, head of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation (APRO), reported an encounter with a hovering "flying wing" on a mountain road. He lost consciousness and awoke 12 hours later on the other side of the mountain. Lorenzen agreed to a lie-detector test but mysteriously disappeared from his motel, later reappearing having apparently been intimidated into silence.
• Military Personnel Secrecy: The military reportedly tries to hush up its own personnel involved in UFO tracking, requiring them to sign secrecy pledges. The U.S. Air Force, despite claiming to no longer investigate UFOs, is reportedly still compiling reports.
• Project Blue Book: The article critiques Project Blue Book, the Air Force's UFO investigation project, suggesting it withheld many cases and lost reports. A former investigator, Mr. R. Pestalozzi, admitted that "Interesting files just disappeared." Major G. Hawksworth stated that all types of sightings were made public, but this is contradicted by other sources.
• W. Coleman's Sighting: A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, W. Coleman, reported a sighting of a 60-foot diameter saucer in 1954. Reports filed by his crew members were later found missing from the Blue Book files.

The article concludes that this is just the "tip of the iceberg" and that governments worldwide withhold information. It notes that the UK Ministry of Defence is not allowed to release information on UFO reports until 30 years have passed, by which time its impact is lessened. Public awareness is deemed crucial to pressure governments into releasing full information.

UFO Citings

This section presents press clippings of UFO sightings:

• Cornish Guardian (April 10, 1980): Reports unidentified objects sighted over St. Austell, Cornwall, on Easter Sunday. Nine adults and children saw three shiny, metal objects resembling "upturned umbrellas" at an estimated altitude of 6,000-10,000 feet, on the flight path of RAF Nimrods. The objects did not show up on radar, and the Met. Office confirmed they were not meteorological balloons.
• South Wales Argus (June 20, 1980): Three people reported a UFO sighting over Maindee Square, Newport. Descriptions included a "red cloud of smoke with something in the centre" and a "big, bright pink light like a flare." Police could offer no explanation.

The Westbury UFO Nests

This article details an investigation into three circular depressions discovered on August 13, 1980, in cornfields belonging to Mr. Scull near the Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire. Initially, the local infantry school suspected a helicopter, but the military denied any such activity.

Mike Seager and Ian Mrzyglod of NUFOR(SOUTHWEST) investigated the site on August 16th. By then, one field had been harvested, leaving two depressions approximately 150 yards apart.

• Details of the Depressions:
• Depression No. 1: Smaller, measuring 58' 7" in diameter. The bed was flattened corn, with a spiral pattern whose center was off-center from the circle's actual center.
• Depression No. 2: Larger, measuring 61' 8" in diameter. It also had a flattened corn bed with a spiral effect. This depression was less uniform, with standing corn patches and a distinct "dent" on one side.

• Analysis:
• The corn appeared undamaged, with no burn marks. Soil samples showed no marks or holes.
• The flattening effect was attributed to air pressure or a similar force, not mechanical impact. There were no tracks leading to or from the depressions.
• The perimeter was sharply defined, unlike the tapering effect expected from a helicopter. The corn was flattened to a mean level of 3" right to the perimeter, then abruptly untouched at a height of 3' 6".
• Weather conditions on the night of August 12th/13th included heavy rain, drizzle, fog, and low cloud, but the Met. Office at RAF Lyneham suggested the weather was not responsible for the isolated cases.

Conclusions:

The investigation ruled out helicopters and conventional aircraft. The article suggests that nothing actually landed or touched down, but possibly hovered a few feet above the soil. The object(s) may have described a circular pattern, explaining the off-center spiral. The size of the object was estimated to be roughly 50 feet in diameter. The case remains unexplained, with UFOs not being ruled out but not readily accepted as the sole answer. Further analysis of soil and corn samples, along with more photographs, will be detailed in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, particularly in the United States. It highlights alleged suppression of evidence and official disinterest contrasted with covert investigations. The issue also touches upon the internal dynamics and conflicts within the ufology community, as seen in the editorial's critique of network formations and rivalries. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ian Mrzyglod, is critical of disunity and calls for greater transparency and cooperation, while acknowledging the challenges in achieving these goals within the field.

This issue of PROBE magazine, dated June 1980, focuses on debunking UFO sightings by explaining the phenomenon of lens flare. The cover headline boldly states, "THE UFOS THAT NEVER EXIST: LENS FLARE," positioning the magazine's stance on many reported UFO encounters.

Lens Flare - A Phenomenon In Its Own Right

The lead article explains that many photographs submitted as UFO evidence are actually the result of lens flare. This occurs when intense light sources are photographed, causing reflections on the camera lens or its housing that project onto the film. These reflections can create geometric shapes that often resemble typical UFOs. The article emphasizes that these images are non-existent in reality and advises checking for lens flare first when evaluating such photographs. It notes that different types of lenses produce different effects, with blue-coated lenses creating more solid images and uncoated lenses producing a halo-like effect. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate these points, showing examples of lens flare.

Rules for Identifying Lens Flare

• The article provides specific rules for identifying lens flare in photographs:
• A) Diagonal Axis: The diagonal axis of the 'UFO' image points towards the light source and coincides with the diagonal of the full negative image.
• B) Distances from Diagonal: The center of the 'UFO' image and the light source are equidistant from the diagonal of the full negative image.
• C) Reciprocal Relations: The 'UFOs' and the light source's center are equidistant from the longitudinal and vertical sides of the full negative frame, meaning they are the same distance from the edges. Flipping the negative upside down would cause the image and light source to swap positions.

The Washington D.C. Photograph

This section presents a photograph from Washington D.C. as a definite example of lens flare. Despite numerous UFO reports in the area at the time (July 19th-20th, 1952), the formations depicted were non-existent. Analysis by the Intercontinental UFO Research and Analytic Network (ICUFON) and the Deutsche UFO - Studiengesellschaft (DUIST) in 1973-1974 concluded it was an unusual example of lens flare, with balcony lights reflected in the lens producing the images 'behind' the Capitol building. Figure 3 illustrates this, with a key explaining the components.

Details of Figures 1 (1b) & 2

• Figure 1: Taken by Charles Luttor in Toronto, Canada, on October 26th, 1968, using a Miranda Sensorex camera with a 50mm lens. The image shows a lens flare phenomenon, with the moon also visible.
• Figure 2: Taken in May 1968 in the Cerro de Pasco Mountains, Peru, by Ing. Rolando Delgado. The lens flare was caused by light reflected off a mineral plant.

Signals

This section features selections from letters received by the magazine, expressing positive feedback on previous issues and articles, including mentions of 'PROBE,' the 'Bermuda Triangle Pyramid article,' and 'UFOSIS.' Notable correspondents include Magdalene Graham, Gloria Saville, Bob Taylor, David L. Rees, and Arthur Shuttlewood.

Case Closed: Report on the Observation of a Red Light Source From Swindon, Wiltshire

This section details an investigation by SCUFORI into a reported UFO sighting. On April 22nd, 1980, the MacKay family in Swindon, Wiltshire, observed a stationary bar of red light that faded after about five minutes. The witnesses, who had past psychic experiences, initially found the phenomenon strange.

The Sighting Details

The light was seen from a bungalow in Park North, Swindon, towards the north-west. The weather was cool and humid with stratocumulous cloud cover. Mrs. MacKay first noticed the bright red bar of light, described as like a neon sign, low in the sky over a school. Mr. MacKay confirmed the observation. The light was oblong, initially sharply defined, then became hazy and transparent.

The Investigation

SCUFORI investigators Martin Shipp and Robert McGregor interviewed the witnesses multiple times, collecting detailed reports and photographs. The investigation explored a possible meteorological explanation.

Explanation of the Sighting

Dr. G. Meaden of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation analyzed the report and concluded that the phenomenon was a solar parhelion, also known as a mock sun or sun-dog. This is an image of the sun formed by refraction of light through ice crystals in cirrus clouds. The parhelion was observed at an elevation of about five degrees, consistent with the sun's position at that time. Parhelia are typically the same color as the sun, which would have been red due to its low position in the sky. The final conclusion was that the witnesses observed an image formed by the sun refracting through cirrus clouds, seen over 20 miles away through a gap in the clouds.

More UFO Puzzlers - Part 2

This section, continued from a previous issue and written by Arthur Shuttlewood, presents two more unusual cases.

The Chilean Case

An exceptional true story from Chile on April 25th, 1977, involves an army cavalry patrol and a time-spanning adventure. The account draws parallels to the Book of Enoch, describing a visit to a gigantic spaceship. The patrol witnessed twin bright lights descending, and one soldier, Corporal Armando Valdes, was seemingly abducted by a merging UFO. He reappeared 20 minutes later, having aged five days according to his wristwatch, and spoke of returning.

The Spanish Soldiers' Case

This case involves four Spanish soldiers returning to Burgos in January 1975. Near Puerto del Escudo, they encountered a luminous object described as a 'star' with pink and blue flashes. The object then swept across the heavens and descended. They observed a stationary, luminous body shaped like a truncated cone, emitting an eerie glow. Later, four identical objects appeared in a line. The soldiers drove on, but the incident was reported, leading to an investigation and confirmation that the governor of the Philippines had indeed died on the same day the soldier from Manila appeared in Mexico City.

The Swedish Engineer's Encounter

On September 20th, 1971, Swedish engineer Stan Sture Ceder was driving near Ojebyn when a black object raced past. He then drove into a cluster of light beams that descended from the sky. His car was enveloped, and he felt an unnatural force. Despite braking, the car moved forward into a dense, floating mass of 'dark smoke.' After exiting the 'smoke,' he found his car had traveled a considerable distance. He then saw a dark, kite-shaped aeroform speeding away. The article suggests this might have been an attempted abduction where Ceder was deemed unsuitable.

UFO Citings - Clippings from the Press

This section compiles recent press clippings about UFO sightings:

• Two Theories on South Devon UFO Sighting (Western Evening Herald, 26/6/80): Hundreds reported a glowing white disc over South Devon. Theories included unusual cloud formation and lightning, or a helicopter searchlight. Many rejected these explanations, noting the object was silent.
• Cigar-Shaped UFO Sighted (Knowsley Reporter, 16/5/80): Police and civilians reported a cigar-shaped UFO with multi-coloured lights flying over Rainford towards Eccleston.
• Villagers in UFO Mystery (Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 8/4/80): Four villagers in Yaxley reported an unidentified object hovering, described as a flashing white light. UFO expert John Barton predicted an increase in UFO activity in the area.

Advertisement

An advertisement for 'OCCULT WORLD,' an independent magazine covering occult traditions, Pagan Co-operation, and controversial topics, is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the demystification of UFO sightings, particularly those captured in photographs, by attributing them to natural phenomena like lens flare and atmospheric effects such as parhelia. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, presenting detailed case studies and scientific explanations to counter sensational claims. The "Case Closed" section explicitly highlights the magazine's purpose: to feature investigations into UFO reports that are eventually explained, thereby preventing the distortion of genuine statistics. The inclusion of historical accounts of teleportation and other unusual aerial phenomena suggests an interest in the broader spectrum of unexplained events, but the core focus remains on providing rational explanations for commonly reported UFO sightings. The editorial stance is clearly towards critical analysis and evidence-based reasoning, encouraging readers to consider mundane explanations before accepting extraordinary ones.

PROBE is a magazine published by NUFOR(SOUTHWEST) in the UK. This issue, Volume 1, Number 3, is dated 1980. The cover headline teases 'HOW TO RIP OFF A CAR DOOR IN ONE EASY LESSON!', while the main content focuses on ufology and skywatching.

Skywatching: A Defense Against Criticism

The lead article, 'TERRY'S SKYWATCH PAGE', addresses criticisms of skywatching, particularly those made by Jenny Randles in her book 'UFOs: A British Viewpoint'. Randles is quoted as calling skywatching a 'peculiar pastime' that is a 'waste of time' and a 'thorn in respectable researchers' sides' due to adverse publicity. The author strongly refutes this, arguing that skywatching is a respectable hobby and a valuable social opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and discuss Ufology. The author suggests that Randles herself has participated in hilltop sittings with her own network, NUFON, implying hypocrisy.

The author shares personal anecdotes from skywatching sessions. One humorous incident involved spilling meths (methylated spirits) from a stove, creating a bright blue flame trail that ran down the road. Another anecdote describes falling asleep in a sleeping bag during a skywatch and rolling down a bank, with the implication that fellow skywatchers might have 'given me a helping shove'.

Reported Sightings

The article details a recent sighting of a 'very bright white light' that disappeared and reappeared as a 'smaller red one'. While a helicopter was suggested, the light was described as far too intense. This was logged as a LITS (Light in the Sky) and not pursued further. The author pointedly notes that this did not go on 'anyone's files as a UFO', directly addressing Jenny Randles.

Additionally, the issue mentions that 'army flares' have fooled newcomers to the hill. On Saturday, July 12th, three orange balls of light appeared and vanished quickly, believed to be parachute-type flares due to their lack of immediate downward fall.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes several book reviews:

• NEEDLES OF STONE by Tom Graves (Cosmology): This book explores Earth's energy system and ancient pagan magic. It details energy sources above and below ground and the role of ancient stones in sacred sites, offering thought-provoking suggestions about unexplained phenomena.
• GODS OF AIR & DARKNESS by Richard Mooney (Cosmology): This work examines theories on the origin of man, including the possibility of a nuclear war around 6,000 B.C. It references ancient Sanskrit texts describing fireballs and radiation, suggesting that dinosaurs became extinct and man originated from elsewhere in the galaxy due to an interplanetary war.
• BROTHERS OF THE HEAD by Brian Aldiss (Science Fiction): A tale about Siamese twins, Barry and Tom, with a third dormant head growing from Barry's shoulder. The review notes its 'sick' theme but acknowledges it as compulsive reading.
• THE MOMENT OF ECLIPSE by Brian Aldiss (Science Fiction): A collection of short stories, with 'Super Toys Last All Summer Long' highlighted. The review suggests that not all tales are strictly for pure science fiction fans.

NUFOR(SOUTHWEST) Merchandise and Subscriptions

Information is provided on merchandise available from NUFOR(SOUTHWEST), including back issues of PROBE (Vol. 1, No. 1) for 40 pence plus postage, EX UFO INFO EXCHANGE LIBRARY STOCK magazines (Vol. 2, No. 2) for 30 pence plus postage, and various data sheets. Arthur Shuttlewood's book 'WARNINGS FROM FLYING FRIENDS' is available as a hardback for 70 pence plus 50 pence postage.

An 'IMPORTANT NOTICE' details changes to the production of PROBE. From the December issue, the magazine will be printed on glossy paper, increasing printing and postage costs. Consequently, the annual subscription will rise slightly from £1.60 to £1.80 (including postage and packing). Subscriptions received before October 1st will be honored at the old rate. The individual copy cost will increase to 45 pence.

Affiliated Groups and Contact Information

The magazine lists numerous groups with which it has magazine and/or data exchange arrangements across the UK, including groups in Bristol, Clwyd, Dagenham, Birmingham, Crewe, Kidderminster, Stockport, Merseyside, Bideford, Nottingham, Warrington, Brighton, Ipswich, Plymouth, Redditch, Southampton, Swindon, Melksham, Worcester, and London. It also lists international affiliates in the USA (M.U.F.O.N., Mundo Monitor), Australia (Victorian UFO Research Society), and France (Lumieres Dans La Nuit).

There is a request for information regarding changes to the addresses of several organizations to whom magazines and letters have been sent without reply, including Contact UK, Irish UFO News, PAZ, SIGAP, and Chrysis.

Advertisements in PROBE are free for up to four lines, with a deadline of November 10th for the December issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the defense of amateur skywatching as a legitimate hobby, the reporting and analysis of UFO/UAP sightings, and the promotion of ufological literature and related organizations. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open discussion and investigation within ufology, while also being critical of what it perceives as dismissive attitudes from some established researchers. The magazine aims to connect enthusiasts and provide a platform for sharing experiences and information.