Probe Report Volume 2 Issue 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: Vol 2 No 1
Date: June 1981
Publisher: PROBE
Country: UK
ISSN: 0260-8189
Price: £2.00 for four issues (post paid); Single issue: 50p plus 15p postage and packing.

This issue of The Probe Report, published quarterly by the UFO Research Organisation (PROBE), addresses the magazine's purpose, its financial challenges, and presents several articles and case studies related to UFO phenomena and related topics.

Editorial Comment: IS IT WORKING ?

In this editorial, Ian Mrzyglod, the editor, reflects on the first year of The Probe Report's publication. He explains that the magazine originated from NUFOR (SOUTHWEST) and was intended to establish the group as a UFO investigation and research body. The initial distribution of Issue No. 1 exhausted the finances of the four members, and the response was minimal, with only a few subscription requests vital for survival. The costs were borne by the members, as no hobby is entirely free. Mrzyglod questions whether the magazine is effectively communicating the right information to its diverse readership, which ranges from experienced ufologists to the mildly interested public. He notes the lack of constructive criticism in the early months, which prevented the establishment of a letters page until the fourth issue. The editorial also addresses criticisms regarding the magazine's perceived profitability, stating that it actually runs at a loss. The reasons for producing a glossy magazine are twofold: to thank supporters and to present a professional image that might appeal to the scientific media and authorities. Despite the challenges, the team is committed to continuing 'The PROBE Report'.

NEWS ROUND UP

This section provides updates on various UFO-related organizations and events:

• Department of Forensic Analysis: This organization has permanently closed. It will be replaced by the UFO RESEARCH CENTRE, which will continue UFO research and investigation from the same address in Birtley, Co. Durham.
• SEARCH (WEST) magazine: This magazine has ceased publication due to lack of funds and declining enthusiasm from its members. Subscribers will be refunded.
• SWINDON UFO STUDY GROUP: Formed by former members of SKYWATCH of Swindon, this new group is based in Pinehurst, Swindon, and has already begun investigations.
• 'Can a Flying Saucer Fly?': An article from Brian Smith's work, 'Zen & The Art Of Flying Saucer Maintenance', published in a previous issue, is planned for full publication as a supplement, complete with diagrams and illustrations. The price will depend on the response.
• PROBE Exhibition: The next PROBE exhibition is scheduled for August 8th at the Rachel Fowler Centre, Melksham, Wiltshire. The aim is to surpass last year's attendance of 350 with new exhibits, including a giant flying saucer model.
• Ken Rogers and the British UFO Society: Ken Rogers launched a publicity drive for his weekend skywatch cottage in Warminster, which received local media attention. A television spot featured a postman reporting a 'star-like' object as big as two houses hovering at a significant height.
• Anti-gravity Devices: Two organizations are reportedly working on anti-gravity devices. UFO INTERNATIONAL is building a device using U2 batteries, and John Searl of the NATIONAL SPACE RESEARCH CONSORTIUM has been featured in the Daily Star with a non-working model of a flying saucer, claiming his previous models flew away. He is seeking £30 million to build a 2,000-seater saucer.
• Editor's Wedding: The editor, Ian Mrzyglod, married Julie Blake, the group's secretary and treasurer, on May 16th, with the editorial policy expected to remain unchanged.

M4 UFOS

By Ian Mrzyglod. Case Ref: P5-80/ID.

This article details an incident reported by Jenny Randles and her fiancé, Paul Whetnall, on September 6, 1980, at 21:15 on the M4 motorway near Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire. While returning to Cheshire from the Farnborough air show, they observed a brilliant white light at about 20 degrees elevation. Initially, they thought it was an aircraft's landing light. The light then split into two, and later a third light appeared, forming a triangle formation. The lights flared with incredible intensity. The witnesses estimated the objects to be about two miles away. They stopped at a service station to compare notes and agreed on what they had seen. They considered possibilities like military aircraft or flares but found them unsatisfactory, especially the hovering duration on a windy day.

Investigation:

The investigation involved obtaining detailed weather conditions for the area, which indicated a southerly light wind, good visibility, and a temperature range of 13-16 degrees C. The area was identified as being on the approach path to RAF Lyneham, with military activity common. The possibility of a Lockheed Hercules C130 H aircraft was considered, but the brightness and formation of the lights made this explanation improbable. The witnesses rejected the aircraft theory, stating the aircraft would have been almost on top of them if it were the case. The flare theory was also considered but deemed impossible to verify. Ultimately, the case was classified as 'Insufficient Data' due to the difficulty in obtaining factual backing and precise details.

CASE CLOSED: PHOTOGRAPHIC MISINTERPRETATION

This section features a case where photographic evidence for UFOs was not what it appeared to be.

A lady from Wells, Somerset, sent PROBE a selection of photographs, questioning whether a 'splodge' of light in the images was a UFO. She had received PROBE Report Vol 1, No 4 and was intrigued by the 'Lost: Two UFOs' article.

She conducted an experiment to replicate the photos, standing square to the window with a Polaroid 1000 camera using SX-70 land film and flash cubes. The initial photos showed a bright blob of light to the right of a floral display. In a second batch of experimental photos, taken at an angle, the blob did not appear.

PROBE suggested further experiments, including removing the floral display and ensuring she stood squarely to the window. A subsequent photograph (Figure 2) clearly showed the 'splodge' to be a reflection of the flash bulb, enhanced by the removal of the floral decoration and by standing directly in front of the window.

The photographer, who wished to remain anonymous, felt embarrassed by the simple explanation, describing herself as a 'Charlie' and her family thinking she was 'dim'. The case was used to illustrate photographic misinterpretation.

ADVERTISEMENTS

• WANTED: 'Warminster Mystery' by Arthur Shuttlewood (hardback or paperback). Contact 'PROBE', 16 Marigold Walk, Ashton, Bristol, BS3 2PD.
• SKYWATCH: A publication covering national and international UFO news, sightings, letters, articles, and adverts. Subscription to MAPIT-SKYWATCH is £3.00 for six issues. Single issues are 35p. Contact David Rees, Mapit-Skywatch, 92 Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE.
• OCCULT WORLD: An independent magazine covering various occult traditions, described as stimulating and controversial. Quarterly at 30p post paid. From 91 Lytham Road, Blackburn, Lancs. BB2 3EB.

BOOKS

This section reviews several books related to UFOs, archaeology, and the paranormal:

• UFOS AND THE LIMITS OF SCIENCE by Ronald D. Story (£5.95): A strong objective case for UFOs, presenting detailed accounts of ten selected cases, including the Betty and Barney Hill abduction and the Tehran jet-chase case. It also features a section on photographic computer analysis.
• THE SPACE-GODS REVEALED by Ronald D. Story (85p): A classic book that objectively dismisses Erich von Daniken's 'Chariot of the Gods' theory.
• UFO-UK by Peter Paget (£1.00): Described as a monotonous list of UFO reports that lacks order and offers little insight. The level of investigation is questioned.
• PHONE CALLS FROM THE DEAD by D. Scott & Raymond Bayless (£1.00): An intriguing book exploring cases of people receiving calls from deceased relatives, with the mystery of these calls yet to be solved.
• SECRETS OF THE LOST RACES by Rene Noorbergen (£1.00): Explores the theory that mysterious artifacts and structures were created by advanced ancient humans on Earth, rather than extraterrestrials.
• HARMONIC 288 by Bruce Cathie (£1.50): Explores the theory of a world power grid based on magnetic force lines. The author's theories are presented with confidence, and his allegations of attempts to dissuade him from research add a new dimension to conspiracy theories.
• PSI PSYCHIC DISCOVERIES BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN by Sheila Ostrander & Lynn Schroeder (£1.95): Covers research into parapsychology in Russia, Bulgaria, and Czechoslovakia, including telepathy, ESP, and UFOs. The UFO chapter is briefly discussed but offers little new information.
• HANDBOOK OF PSI DISCOVERIES by Sheila Ostrander & Lynn Schroeder (£1.95): A handbook designed to encourage readers to conduct their own psychic experiments, explaining basic principles and offering practical advice on techniques like dowsing.
• YOUR INNATE PSYCHIC POWERS by Jean Burns (£1.50): A guide to telepathy and psychic arts, aiming to help readers develop their latent psychic potential through exercises and techniques.
• WHO WERE YOU? by Roger Elliot (£1.50): A book that uses astrology and other methods to help determine past lives.
• WAR IN 2080 by David Langford (£1.50): A futuristic scenario depicting warfare in 2080, with destruction primarily from space-based assets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Probe Report revolve around UFO investigation, the challenges of disseminating information within the ufology community, and the critical examination of evidence, particularly photographic. The magazine positions itself as a serious research publication, aiming to provide a platform for UFO-related cases and discussions while also addressing common misconceptions and debunking questionable evidence, as seen in the 'Case Closed' segment. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of communication within the field, even while acknowledging the financial and logistical difficulties involved in producing a publication. There is a clear effort to balance the presentation of intriguing cases with a rational, investigative approach, seeking factual backing for explanations but also acknowledging when data is insufficient.

Title: SIGNALS
Issue: No. 4
Volume: Vol. 17
Date: March 1981
Publisher: PROBE
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Cradle Hill Photo's

This section details a series of three photographs taken by professional photographer James Rose in October 1978, near Cradle Hill, Warminster. Warminster has a long-standing reputation for UFO sightings, often dismissed due to hoaxes or misidentification. Rose's photographs captured a single light source, which he guaranteed to be genuine, taken with a Topcon 35mm SLR camera and 2475 Recording film. The analysis of the photographs, including blow-ups and interpretations, suggests that while camera shake may have contributed to the uniform shape of the lights, the formation in the third photograph differed from the first two, indicating movement. A night-time survey investigated street lights as a potential cause, but they were at a lower elevation than the photographed object. The conclusion is that the photographs show an unknown light source(s) of varying brightness that currently defy explanation. The article emphasizes that while no one is claiming they are UFOs, the case illustrates genuine reports from Warminster despite its reputation.

Swindon Cigar

This case report investigates the apparent observation of a silver cigar-shaped object over Pinehurst, Swindon, on March 9, 1980, by a 55-year-old witness named Mr. Claridge. The object was observed for approximately eleven seconds in broad daylight. SCUFORI (South Coast UFO Research) became involved after an appeal in the local newspaper. The investigation involved multiple visits to the witness and cross-checking information. Weather conditions were noted as cloudy but bright, with a light wind. Information from RAF Lyneham ruled out known aircraft. The possibility of the sun reflecting off a glider was considered, and the Swindon Glider Club confirmed a 'Blanik' glider was airborne at the time. The glider had a polished aluminum fuselage and blue wings. However, a contradiction arose: the object was initially observed at a 39° elevation, but a few seconds later was directly above the witness. If the object moved into a cloud bank, its height would be at least 2800 feet. This led to the conclusion that either the witness was wrong in his estimation of angles, or the object traveled at very high speed, faster than any aircraft. Due to this contradiction, the case was classified as 'insufficient data'.

Terry's Skywatch Page

This page offers a personal perspective on skywatching at Cradle Hill, Warminster. The author, Terry, notes that smaller crowds nowadays mean fewer hoaxers. He recounts an incident from a few years prior where a single white light was seen hovering over the West Wilts golf club. This light was later identified as a kite with a small bulb powered by four HP7 batteries and a complex electronic circuit for flashing. The press reported it as a 'Kite spoofs UFO spotters' story, which the author found annoying as it received more publicity than genuine sightings. The page also includes a humorous anecdote about helping a friend whose car got stuck in mud, resulting in Ian being covered in mud. The author mentions that the evening was otherwise uneventful, contrasting it with a previous skywatching session where six inches of snow fell. The next issue promises a feature on 'Chasing aliens over the hilltops of Warminster'.

The Mayan Connection?

This article, by Brian Palmer with credit to Tony Green of SKYSCAN, explores the ancient Mayan civilization. It begins by introducing Uaxactun (AD328) as the oldest known Mayan city, built in the "El Petén" region of Guatemala, characterized by artificially leveled plazas and causeways. The principal Temple Pyramid is noted as 27 feet high. Tikal, located 35 miles away, is described as the largest Mayan city, built on a limestone outcrop surrounded by dense forest. Tikal features numerous monuments, stelae, altars, and a prominent pyramid that is 229 feet high. The article lists other significant Mayan cities, including Copán, Palenque, Uxmal, Tulum, Labná, Chichén Itzá, Sayil, Kabah, Yaxchilan, Piedras Negras, and San José, suggesting that many more undiscovered cities may exist. It explains that while palaces served as residences for officials, most Mayan people lived in simpler huts. The construction of Mayan buildings was substantial and earthquake-proof, with joints improved by limestone slurry and a hard glaze. The pyramids were largely filled with rubble. The article also details the extensive road systems connecting Mayan cities, with the longest road stretching 625 miles. Some roads built over swampland are on timber piles estimated to be 2,000 years old, made from the Sapodilla tree, though termites are now a threat. The article concludes by noting that many of these roads have only recently been found through aerial photography used for oil drilling.

Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from readers. Dr. G. T. Meaden of the Journal of Meteorology writes regarding an article on tornado funnel clouds, disagreeing with the conclusion that they were responsible for three separate incidents in the same area. He argues that tornadoes are rarer than whirlwinds and usually rotate anticlockwise, while suggesting whirlwind diameters can be up to 20-50 meters. Brian Smith's article "Can a Flying Saucer Fly?" is praised by Arthur Shuttlewood for its open-mindedness, contrasting it with unkind personal views expressed by other correspondents. Shuttlewood defends the research of UFOs, mentioning Maurice Chatelain and a local farmer who captured UFO footage. He also notes that local police can attest to reliable witness accounts. Keith Knight responds to David Rees's criticism of his article 'Astronaut Sightings', explaining that the article was simplified for a general audience and that he relied on press cuttings and astronaut statements. He clarifies that he does not disagree with Leonard Stringfield. Marty Moffatt commends the magazine for its presentation and professionalism, particularly Brian Smith's article, appreciating its logical analysis of known quantities rather than resorting to other unknowns. David Rees's letter is mentioned by Mrs. Clare Stewart, who finds his remarks about Arthur Shuttlewood unnecessarily crushing, given Shuttlewood's dedication to UFO investigation. Stewart states she is a 'doubting Thomas' and will only believe what she sees.

Advertisements

Advertisements include "MAGIC SAUCER," a UFO magazine for children, and a "WANTED" notice for information on astronaut UFO sightings. Back issues of PROBE and The PROBE Report are available, and a "SIGHTING CATALOGUE 1977 to 1979" is offered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and photographic evidence, often with a critical yet open-minded approach. It aims to present material that is acceptable to both the general public and ufologists, encouraging logical analysis of phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking credible explanations while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events, as seen in the Warminster and Swindon cases. There is also an interest in historical and archaeological mysteries, as evidenced by the article on Mayan civilization. The letters to the editor section reveals a community engaged in debate, with differing opinions on explanations for UFO phenomena and a strong defense of individual research efforts against personal attacks.

Title: UFO TIMES
Issue: 19
Publication Date: 1981
Publisher: Probe Press U.K.
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO TIMES, dated 1981, presents a speculative article titled "The Maya - A Race of Astronauts?" The cover features a drawing of a pyramid under a starry sky with a shooting star, accompanied by a whimsical caption.

The Maya: Advanced Civilization or Alien Influence?

The article begins by discussing the Maya's writing system, noting that while their surviving books are post-eleventh century and in poor condition, the "Books of the Jaguar Priest" (Chilam Balam) is written in Spanish alphabet but Mayan language. The true Mayan writing is described as a 'picture puzzle' form of hieroglyphic symbols (Glyphs), considered superior to Aztec script but inferior to Egyptian, with each glyph having multiple meanings.

Their prowess in mathematics is highlighted, with calculations reaching back 90 million years and forward 4,000 years. A significant achievement was deriving a formula to predict solar or lunar eclipses, though they couldn't determine visibility. Their calendar systems are detailed: the Haab Year (360 days + 5 Uayeb days), the Tzolkin (260 days), and the Long Count, which began around 3,111 or 3,113 BC. The Maya's calculation of Venus's synodical revolution as 584 days is noted as remarkably accurate compared to modern measurements of 583.92 days.

Beyond intellectual pursuits, the Maya were also advanced in medicine. Despite using 'jungle recipes', their surgical instruments were similar to those used by modern surgeons. The article mentions that skeletons have been recovered showing evidence of successful brain operations, including trepanning, where new bone tissue grew over the replaced skull piece.

Their agricultural practices evolved from 'slash and burn' to 'cycle' farming due to soil exhaustion. The Maya were described as more superstitious than religious, with numerous gods for various aspects of life, leading them to be a generally peaceful people, though capable of defending themselves.

Speculative Theories on Mayan Origins and Disappearance

The article then shifts to more speculative theories. It questions the width of Mayan roads (up to 35 feet) for a race supposedly without the wheel, although children's toys did have wheels. This leads to the suggestion that they might have developed or been given advanced technology, possibly for transporting heavy limestone blocks using flying machines.

The Russian and American scientists' observation that Mayan writing resembles something from "another planet" is cited. The article also touches upon the brutal sacrifices attributed to the Maya, suggesting they might have been misunderstood operations, possibly even heart transplants, given their advanced surgical tools.

A prominent theory presented is that the Maya were a race of people who traveled from planet to planet, mining metals. Their initial base was supposedly on a planet designated 'X' (now the asteroid belt). After exhausting resources there, they moved to Earth and the Moon. The theory posits that their home base and planet X were destroyed due to gravity loss from their metal core. The Maya, losing their main base and transport, sent a distress call and waited. Their calendars, calculated up to AD 2,000, stopped at the time a rescue craft was due. The article suggests that due to advancements in spacecraft, the rescue arrived early, returning the surviving Maya home and explaining their sudden disappearance from Earth.

Further supporting evidence for advanced technology includes the Apollo spacecrews' report that the Lunar Modules made the Moon "ring like a bell," suggesting it might have been mined and hollow. A legend among Maya descendants speaks of a 'rock' containing a man who would appear and speak to officials, which the author relates to modern television screens when turned off.

International Connections and Publications

The latter part of the issue lists publications with which UFO TIMES was exchanging at the time of printing. This list includes numerous UK-based UFO journals and newsletters such as ANDROMEDA, AWARENESS, BUFORA JOURNAL, EARTHLINK, FORESIGHT, JOURNAL-TAP, LANTERN, MAGIC SAUCER, MAGONIA, MERSEY NEWS, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, NORTHERN UFOLOGY, NUFOIS NEWS, UFO RESEARCH REVIEW, OCCULT WORLD, PEGASUS, SCOPE, SKYWATCH, UFO INSIGHT, UFO NEWS BULLETIN, UFOSIS NEWSSHEET, and UFO WEST.

It also lists international magazine exchanges from Australia (AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES, UFO RESEARCH, AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN), USA (MUNDO MONITOR), Canada (CAMBRIDGE UFO RESEARCH), Denmark (UFO ASPEKT, UFO-NYT), France (AESU, CSERU, LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT, HYPOTHESES EXTRATERRESTRES), Germany (UFO NACHRICHTEN, JOURNAL UFO-FORSCHUNG), Italy (NOTIZIARIO UFO, IL SENZATITOLO), Norway (NORDIC UFO NEWSLETTER), Sweden (NYHETSBLAD NEWSLETTER, UFO INFORMATION), Turkey (PLANET), and Yugoslavia (ODISEJA).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential extraterrestrial origins or influence on ancient civilizations, particularly the Maya. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting speculative theories and encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for historical phenomena, technological advancements, and cultural achievements. The issue leans towards the idea that the Maya possessed knowledge or technology beyond their supposed capabilities, possibly derived from off-world sources.