Probe Report Volume 1 Issue 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The PROBE Report
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 3
Date: December 1980
Publisher: PROBE UFO Research Organisation
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Editorial

The editorial by Ian M. Mrzyglod announces a name change from NUFOR (Southwest) to PROBE, with the magazine now titled 'The PROBE Report'. This change aims to move away from a strict 'flying saucer' categorization and adopt a more open view on the origins of the UFO phenomenon. The editor also mentions attending the NUFON conference in Birmingham and expresses disappointment that delegates did not attend a subsequent PROBE meeting. The editorial praises Arthur C. Clarke's objective handling of the UFO enigma in his 'Mysterious World' series and notes that the current issue is printed on glossy paper for improved photographic reproduction.

Features and Articles

Exhibition

The magazine reports on a successful joint venture exhibition with Search (West), which attracted over 300 visitors, with support from SCUFORI, SKYWATCH, and UFO International.

Quest for Support

UFO International's official magazine, QUEST, is ceasing publication due to lack of interest. The article emphasizes the need for magazines like QUEST to support the broader UFO cause.

Dr. 'Con' Donn

Complete adventures of a cartoon strip character, Dr. 'Con' Donn, previously featured in TARGET magazine, are now available from PROBE via photocopying.

G.P.O. Up to Their Tricks?

An incident where film sent to Search (West) for developing was lost by the Post Office is recounted, highlighting the unreliability of standard postal services for sensitive items.

Shake-Up at the Bureau

The British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB) has launched a new 'UFO News Bulletin' under a new editorship, featuring a brand-new blue cover.

Contents

The issue includes articles on Astronaut Sightings, The Westbury Circles (Part 2), UFOs and the Re-Discovery of Lost Skills, Early Morning Entity in Trowbridge, Case Closed (PROBE), Terry's Skywatch Page, UFO Zone Investigated, Book Reviews, and On the Ethics of Skywatching.

Astronaut Sightings: Where Is the Evidence for Extraterrestrial Craft? (By Keith Knight)

This article critically examines evidence for UFOs seen in space by astronauts and cosmonauts. It questions the reliability of literary sources, citing discrepancies in accounts by James Irwin and Al Worden. The author discusses the Apollo 11 incident where Neil Armstrong reportedly saw spacecraft near a crater, a claim denied by NASA. Another Apollo 11 report concerns a film taken by Buzz Aldrin showing strange lights, with PROBE acquiring a Japanese UFO magazine for translation of accompanying text. The article also reviews sightings by Gemini astronauts, including James McDivitt's film of an egg-shaped object, and reports from Russian cosmonauts concerning unidentified objects and mission aborts. The Gemini II photograph of an unidentified object is discussed, along with the Apollo 12 mission where astronauts reported being followed by two flashing objects. The testimony of Astronaut Gordon Cooper regarding his past UFO sightings is also mentioned. The article concludes that while many mysteries remain, astronaut testimonies deserve serious consideration.

The Westbury Circles. Part 2 (By Ian Mrzyglod)

This article revisits the Westbury crop circles, apologizing for previous inaccuracies. It clarifies that the circles appeared on different dates in May, July, and July, not simultaneously overnight. Investigations into helicopter rotors as a cause were inconclusive, with opinions divided. The article explores the possibility of whirlwinds, supported by meteorological data and the proximity of hills, but notes that the circles were discovered in the early morning, suggesting an overnight appearance. Strange sounds reported by a housekeeper and howling dogs also point to an overnight event. The neatness and size of the circles are questioned as being too large for simple whirlwinds. Samples from the circles were analyzed at Bristol University, yielding negative results for radioactivity and spectroscopic anomalies, suggesting a natural cause. A UFO sighting near Westbury White Horse by a woman who later withdrew her report is also mentioned. The conclusion is that the circles are attributed to funnel cloud/tornado damage, with no evidence supporting UFO landings.

UFOs and the Re-Discovery of the Lost Skills (By Arthur Shuttlewood)

This article posits that advanced ancient civilizations, possibly influenced by extraterrestrial visitors, possessed sophisticated knowledge. It cites astronaut convictions of seeing alien spacecraft and suggests that primitive man 60,000 years ago had an advanced civilization, potentially benefiting from extraterrestrial knowledge in areas like surgery, nuclear reactors, and jet propulsion. The article highlights evidence discovered years ago but not understood until modern analysis, which suggests a rewriting of human history. Maurice Chatelain, a space engineer, is quoted as believing that extraterrestrial visits provide a missing chapter in human history. The article mentions the 'Ninevah Constant' and its astronomical calculations, found on tablets from King Assurbanipal's palace, suggesting knowledge from 64,800 years ago. It also refers to 'bird objects' found in the Cairo Museum, identified as model aircraft by an archaeologist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, moving beyond the traditional 'flying saucer' narrative. It emphasizes the importance of evidence, critically examining astronaut sightings and investigating natural explanations for phenomena like crop circles. The publication also explores speculative theories about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance is that of a research organization presenting information and encouraging open discussion, while acknowledging that the content does not necessarily reflect the views of the entire PROBE team.

This issue of PROBE magazine, Volume 1, Number 2, published in 1981, focuses on unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the investigation of UFO reports. The cover story, "CASE CLOSED," presents an explained UFO case, while other articles delve into ancient technology, early surgical practices, and the ethics of UFO research.

Ancient Knowledge and Technology

The issue explores ancient texts that suggest a surprisingly advanced understanding of technology and geography. The "Samarange Sutradhara," an ancient Hindu sacred book, is discussed for its detailed knowledge of aircraft design and function, including pilot attire and diet. Another text, the "Shan Hai King," a geography book attributed to the Chinese Emperor Yu (circa 2208 B.C.), is presented as remarkably accurate in its maps and descriptions of North America, suggesting Chinese exploration of the continent thousands of years ago. The Piri Reis chart, dated 1513, is also highlighted for its accurate depiction of South America and Africa, and even the coastline of Queen Maud Land in Antarctica, predating its official discovery by centuries. Professor Charles H. Hopgood's research into 16th-century maps suggests that ancient peoples possessed advanced mathematics and surveying skills.

Astonishing Ancient Surgery

Evidence of sophisticated ancient surgical practices is presented from various locations. A team of Russian researchers discovered 30 skeletons in Central Asia, some of which showed signs of heart operations that patients had survived for three to five years. In Soviet Armenia, skulls dating before 2000 B.C. reveal remarkable skill in brain surgery, including a case where a woman's skull had a quarter-inch hole plugged with animal bone, and her own skull bone grew around it over the years.

The Rod James Encounter

A detailed account is given of an encounter experienced by Rodney James, a lecturer in Painting and Decorating in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. On January 5th, 1980, James reported seeing a glowing greeny-white entity in his bedroom that communicated telepathically. The entity spoke of Homo Sapiens mating with Earth people to create an adaptable race for colonizing planets, and of a current effort to prevent Earth from splitting along a rift using crescent-shaped craft that fire missiles. The entity faded, and James found himself looking at his dressing table. The report concludes that James likely perceived something, whether a dream or otherwise, and that the testimony did not appear to be a hoax, though the origin and nature of the entity remain unexplained.

The Alma Millard Sighting (Case Closed)

This section details PROBE Case No. 1, concerning a sighting by Mrs. Alma Millard in Bossington, Somerset, on June 21st, 1980. Mrs. Millard described seeing a small, pulsating object moving rapidly within a cloud. After investigation, Dr. G. T. Meaden of the Tornado Research Organisation provided a meteorological explanation: the sighting was likely the initial stage of a funnel cloud vortex, a rare but natural phenomenon. Mrs. Millard accepted this explanation, finding it reassuring that the object was not a 'flying saucer.' The report emphasizes the accuracy of her testimony and the importance of meteorological knowledge in distinguishing natural phenomena from potential UFOs.

On the Ethics of Skywatching

Jenny Randles contributes an article discussing the ethics of skywatching. She argues that genuine UFOs are rare and that most reports are misidentifications. Randles criticizes skywatching for attracting negative publicity that harms the image of Ufology, as it often focuses on the sensational aspects rather than serious investigation. She believes that while skywatching might be useful for those who need convincing or possess new instrumental techniques, she personally does not skywatch regularly and does not particularly approve of those who do, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and evidence.

Other Book Reviews and Advertisements

The issue also includes reviews of several books related to UFO research and science fiction, such as "The UFO Handbook" by Allan Hendry, "Harmonic 33" and "Harmonic 695" by Bruce Cathie, "Time Warps" and "Our Changing Planet" by John Gribbin, and "Mortal Gods" by Jonathan Fast. Advertisements for other UFO-related magazines and merchandise are also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient knowledge and technology, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and a critical examination of UFO reporting and research methods. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, favoring scientific and meteorological explanations where possible, while acknowledging the enduring mysteries of ancient civilizations and potential extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes, and a cautious approach to claims that lack substantial evidence.

PROBE is a magazine focused on UFO research and related phenomena. This issue, identified by its page number '19' and '20', delves into the practice of skywatching, its utility, and the challenges faced by investigators. It also includes reviews of science fiction books and a directory of UFO research organizations.

The Utility and Practice of Skywatching

The author, while acknowledging the enjoyment people derive from skywatching, outlines three specific reasons for its validity in the context of UFO investigation. Firstly, it serves as an essential training exercise for would-be investigators, helping them to become acquainted with natural phenomena that might otherwise be misinterpreted as UFOs, such as fireball meteors. The article quotes from 'BRITISH VIEWPOINT' to support this, stating that skywatching can be beneficial to inexperienced ufologists.

Secondly, skywatching is valuable as part of a coordinated program. This involves multiple sites linked by a central phone-in number to regularly report observations. The article recalls an experiment by BUFORA and more recently by NUFON during the 1977 wave, where six groups participated over three nights. Despite the disappointing result of only one unidentified light being seen, it was considered a useful exercise in coordination and data compilation, with the subsequent production of accurate report logs serving a functional purpose.

Thirdly, skywatching is deemed useful during a 'flap' in a Ufocal, which are areas with a high level of UFO activity. Warminster in the south and the Pennine foothills in the north are cited as examples. The author emphasizes that for skywatching to be effective in these situations, it must be properly organized, with several sites linked and good facilities available.

The author addresses a point raised by someone named Terry, who seemingly questions why members of 'her own network' engage in skywatching, implying it goes against orders. The author clarifies that they do not have a network and that NUFON is a collection of independent groups with diverse approaches. While some members skywatch regularly, others do not, and some remain indifferent. The author stresses that their personal opinions are not directives and that freedom of expression within Ufology should be preserved, stating, 'My ideas are my ideas. Your ideas are your ideas. We are both entitled to them and should respect one anothers opinions. Usually truth lies between two extremes, not at either end.'

Terry also suggested that the author should 'attend one myself'. The author notes for the record that they did participate in a MUFORA skywatch organized to train novice investigators, during which they saw their first and only bolide (fireball). The author and their fiancé, Paul, were the only MUFORA members to participate in all three NUFON skywatches during the 1977 coordinated program. While the author has not yet visited Warminster, they intend to. A planned trip with Paul to a recent skywatch held by MIGAP in Warminster was canceled because female members of MIGAP did not want to go, and the group decided it was an opportunity for a weekend away, with skywatching apparently taking a backseat to 'certain other pursuits'.

Ongoing Investigations and Challenges

The author reflects on the enjoyment people derive from skywatching, even if it involves spending time on cold, wet hilltops. The article then discusses the third aspect of skywatching: watches at Ufocals. It mentions an ongoing project by MUFORA for eighteen months to track the source of a curious aerial anomaly that appears regularly over Bacup, Lancashire. Numerous witness accounts have been documented, and there is movie film of the phenomenon. The investigation has been coordinated by a member who is a Detective Inspector in the police fraud squad, and even one of his superior officers has reportedly seen the anomaly. However, the author, their fiancé Paul, and others who recently spent a night there saw only a curious effect of a car light magnified through mist. Despite eight octars of cloud, they intend to try again. Peter and the author have approached this research from a different angle, utilizing access to radar coverage of the area during skywatches. The results of this experiment are to be published shortly.

Despite these efforts, the article acknowledges that they have not proven that a UFO exists over Bacup. The author's Detective Inspector colleague is quoted as saying, 'we can go on seeing it until the cows come home, but all we will do is go on seeing it!' The current impasse is attributed to the lack of resources, such as a helicopter, to actively chase the phenomenon, and insufficient funds. The author concludes that while the case is intriguing ('bugged'), they are presently stuck.

The author reiterates their considered view on the skywatch problem, stating that the scope of 'BRITISH VIEWPOINT' did not allow for a full expansion of their ideas, but this article provides that opportunity. They maintain their basic beliefs, which they suggest are expressed more strongly in their upcoming book, 'UFO STUDY', published in early 1981. Skywatching is considered beneficial when coordinated, well-organized, and unpublicized. However, skywatching as it is generally known is described as a 'thorn'. Nevertheless, the author does not believe it will stop and acknowledges that it can be fun, having personally enjoyed some skywatches.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of three science fiction books:

• THE VENUS HUNTERS by J. G. Ballard: A collection of 10 short compositions, with 'Now Zero' highlighted as an above-average contribution. The stories are described as well-written and fairly interesting.
• MISSION TO THE HEART STARS by James Blish: This story involves three men traveling to the Heart Stars to understand why Earth must wait 50,000 years to join the Galactic Federation. The theme is considered sound, and despite a laboured first half, the book is deemed worth reading.
• GALACTIC CLUSTER by James Blish: A collection of six short stories from the author known for his Star Trek adaptations. The stories are varied, with 'Common Time' and 'Nor Iron Bars' singled out as outstanding works. It is recommended as an excellent collection for science fiction fans.

Directory of UFO Organizations

Page 3 provides an extensive list of organizations with whom PROBE is operating an exchange of data and/or magazines. These include numerous UK-based groups such as ANGLIA UFO STUDY GROUP, BUFORA, NUFON, MUFORA, and many others, along with international organizations like AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL UFO-FLYING SAUCER RESEARCH, VICTORIAN UFO RESEARCH SOCIETY, MUNDO MONITOR, F.U.F.O.S. (U.S.A.), JEAN BASTIDE (DENMARK), and LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT (FRANCE).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical application and philosophical underpinnings of UFO investigation, with a particular focus on skywatching. The editorial stance, as expressed by the author, is one of pragmatic inquiry, valuing organized, coordinated efforts while respecting individual freedom of thought and expression within the field of ufology. There is an acknowledgment of the limitations imposed by resources and the need for rigorous methodology. The inclusion of science fiction book reviews suggests an interest in the broader cultural context and imaginative exploration of space and extraterrestrial themes.