Probe Report Volume 3 Issue 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: Vol 3, No 1
Date: July 1982
Publisher: PROBE UFO INVESTIGATION ORGANISATION
Country: ENGLAND
ISSN: 0260-8189

This issue of THE PROBE REPORT, the official publication of the PROBE UFO Investigation Organisation, is dated July 1982. The editorial, penned by Ian Mrzyglod, announces a shift in the publication schedule to January, April, July, and October, a move necessitated by the editor's academic commitments. This adjustment results in a one-month delay from the previously established datelines. The editor also addresses a subscription price increase to £2.50 for four issues (1 year) post paid, and 60p plus 15p postage for single issues, effective from July 1st, 1982, citing general economic conditions.

The editorial highlights that almost the entire issue is dedicated to a research paper by Hilary Evans on 'BOLs' – Balls of Light. Due to this focus, other planned articles, including Geoff Bird's examination of the George Adamski/Elizabeth Klarer contactee cases and Colin Birch's inquiry into NASA's UFO involvement, are postponed to the October issue. Book reviews are also affected, with some being deferred.

Articles and Features

CASE CLOSED - A RATHER CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE MOON by Jenny Randles

This section summarizes an 11-page investigation report prepared for UFOIN by Philip Taylor BA, MSc, FRAS, concerning a sighting on October 4th, 1981, in Hollington, East Sussex. The case involved a retired lady (Mrs A) and her daughter-in-law (Janette), who reported seeing a large, bright yellow object that transformed into various shapes, including a cross, a vertical cigar, and a crescent. They claimed telepathic rapport with the object and experienced severe physiological effects, including headaches and a blackout. The investigation, however, concluded that the object was likely the Moon viewed through clouds, noting its position in the sky and the cloud cover conditions. Despite the investigators' conclusion, the witnesses strongly dispute that it was the Moon, stating they saw it 'over my shoulder' and not in that part of the sky. The report also mentions strange characters appearing on Mrs A's TV screen the day after the sighting, which she interpreted as a message. The MOD denied having any other reports for that date, and a researcher, Gordon Taylor, suggested the light and cloud effects could account for the changing shapes. Mrs A interpreted the police and MOD's lack of follow-up as a cover-up. The physiological after-effects, including Mrs A's blackout, are discussed, with a connection drawn to the Alan Godfrey 'abduction' case. Jenny Randles, in her concluding remarks, emphasizes the importance of this case for understanding the distortion of stimuli and the psychological processes involved in witness accounts, questioning the validity of UFO reports if such gross distortions are possible.

SIGNALS: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter from Paul Wilson, Richmond, N. Yorks:
Paul Wilson comments on the discussion of resource centres, drawing parallels to a past argument between amateur astronomy societies. He advocates for the value of well-handled resource centres, emphasizing that case histories are only useful if accessible to researchers. He criticizes BUFORA for its 'dusty unopenable research drawer' and suggests resource centres can help make information available.

Letter from M.A. Tyrrell, on behalf of OSEAP, Crewe:
M.A. Tyrrell responds to the editorial, defending OSEAP's 'RESOURCES CENTRE' against what they perceive as uninformed remarks. They state that over 35 organizations and 1700 individuals have supported the Centre, which aims to move beyond the 'hoarding dogma' of some UFO buffs into positive action. Tyrrell argues that PROBE could have benefited from OSEAP's resources during their Westbury Circles investigation. They question whether other projects like ASSAP's 'data bases' and NUFOIS are also considered private collections. Tyrrell reiterates their belief that OSEAP's Centre is essentially David Rees' personal collection and questions its long-term viability if OSEAP were to fold.

Editor's Reply to M.A. Tyrrell:
The editor defends his viewpoint, stating that his personal perspective should not be dismissed as 'uninformed'. He clarifies that ASSAP aims to utilize existing libraries rather than create a new one. He maintains his stance on OSEAP's Resources Centre being a personal collection and questions the nature of the 1700 donations. He expresses skepticism about OSEAP's long-term establishment and notes that PROBE investigated the Westbury Circles in late 1980, making OSEAP's offer of background material late. He also dismisses the potential usefulness of material similar to a specific Mystery Circle article.

Letter from Mark F. Brown, BUFORA RIC, Midlands:
Mark F. Brown congratulates PROBE on its objective and informative magazine, contrasting it with publications that fuel speculative theories. He believes PROBE's thorough research can lead to a better understanding of UFO cases and ufology in general.

BOLS - BALLS OF LIGHT by Hilary Evans

This extensive paper by Hilary Evans proposes the existence of a natural, intelligent, protean entity, generally air-inhabiting and native to our atmosphere, which is most frequently reported as a 'BOL' (Ball of Light). Evans argues that BOLs, despite being often overlooked in favor of structured UFO cases, may hold the key to the UFO enigma.

Thesis:
Evans postulates a natural, intelligent, protean entity, primarily air-inhabiting, that can change its shape. It is often reported as a ball of light, hence the term 'BOL'.

Appearance:
BOLs are typically reported as spheres but can shift instantly to oblong, delta, or more complex shapes. Their size varies, often around 1 meter in diameter, and they are luminous, sometimes pulsating.

Behavior:
They are usually seen hovering or moving in the air, often hovering slightly above the ground rather than landing. They can move at immense speeds, change direction instantly, and appear and disappear at will.

Motivation:
BOLs appear to respond to humans and act with intelligence and purpose. Their actions are seldom malevolent and can be benevolent. Their habitat and life-style are unknown, but they show a partiality for power sources like power lines and certain geological configurations.

Disclaimer:
Evans acknowledges that BOLs have been observed longer than UFOs and that theorizing a link is not new. He notes that information on BOLs is often meager, leading investigators to focus on more structured encounter cases. However, he suggests that BOLs offer a truer path to understanding the UFO phenomenon, which may extend beyond traditional ufology.

• Mysterious Spheres (Cases C1-C6):
• The paper details several cases of spherical or ball-like objects:
• C1 (Antwerp, Belgium, Sept 1944): Five glowing 'globes' about 1 meter in diameter, appearing under intelligent control.
• C2 (Near Union, Oregon, June 1947): Kenneth Arnold encountered 20-25 brass-colored balls.
• C3 (New Zealand, Jan 1957): A bright fluorescent object, initially rectangular, changed to a sphere.
• C4 (Alliance, Ohio, July 1970): A gold-colored oval object pulsed and disintegrated.
• C5 (Bournemouth, England, Oct 1969): A hovering ball about 20cm diameter, pulsating, moved away at high speed.
• C6 (Larchant, France, Nov 1978): Three metal-grey spheres and a larger one observed in a quarry, with the larger one landing and the smaller ones flying off at speed.

Evans notes that these cases, while perhaps less dramatic than 'encounter' cases, reveal piquant parallels when compared to other phenomena.

Natural Causes (Case C7):
Evans discusses the reluctance to accept natural explanations for UFOs, referencing the 'swamp gas' controversy. He presents Case C7 (Queensland, Australia, date unknown) where a man saw a huge glowing ball that appeared to lead him into dangerous marshy ground. He suggests this indicates intelligence and mischief, akin to 'will-of-the-wisp' folklore, implying a phenomenon with at least poltergeist-level intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for rigorous investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations, particularly regarding 'Balls of Light' as a fundamental aspect of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of transparency regarding publication challenges and a commitment to providing in-depth research, even if it means postponing other content. The letters section reveals ongoing debates within the UFO community regarding the nature and accessibility of research resources and the differing approaches of various organizations like OSEAP and ASSAP. The magazine appears to favor objective, well-researched articles over sensationalism, as indicated by the positive feedback from Mark F. Brown.

This issue, titled "GHOST', 'SPOOK', AND OTHER RECURRENT LIGHTS," delves into a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena, including 'ghost lights,' UFOs, fireballs, and 'foo fighters.' The content spans historical accounts from the 18th century to more contemporary reports from the 1980s, presenting numerous case studies and exploring potential explanations and the challenges in categorizing these events.

Ghost Lights

The article begins by discussing 'Min-Min Lights' from Australia and similar phenomena worldwide. It notes that while UFO debunkers often attribute these lights to natural causes like car or train headlights, some cases, like the Brown Mountain lights, are harder to explain. A specific incident (C8) describes a local proprietor and friends witnessing a large, pulsating light over their heads near Brown Mountain. While acknowledging less credible accounts, the author emphasizes that many ghost light reports are sober accounts from dedicated investigators. A key characteristic highlighted is the elusiveness of these lights and their apparent awareness of observers, exemplified by the Watersmeet Light which 'goes out' when approached, suggesting a degree of control or intelligence.

Establishing the Reality

This section details a seven-year study by Harley Rutledge, head of the Physics Department at a local university, who investigated recurrent lights reported near Piedmont, Missouri, in 1973. His team recorded 178 UFO sightings on 157 occasions, noting physical presence and lack of explanation by natural causes or man-made artifacts. The objects displayed typical UFO characteristics like abrupt changes in direction and acceleration. Notably, on at least 32 occasions, there was a high degree of coincidence between UFO movement and observer actions, even unspoken thoughts, suggesting awareness and response. Rutledge's study implies a category of UFOs with a 'ball-of-light appearance' capable of intelligent response and extra-sensory data collection.

Fireballs

The issue then shifts to fireballs, acknowledging that thousands of meteorites enter the atmosphere daily. However, it presents cases where the 'fireball' explanation seems inadequate. C10 describes the Tucumcari, New Mexico incident where a fireball caused destruction, but an expert found no meteor evidence. C11 details a blinding ball of blue light falling on a colliery in Lancashire, causing an explosion, followed by a similar event nearby two weeks later, deemed an astonishing coincidence. C12 recounts the Great Canadian Fireball Procession, a line of lights that crossed the sky multiple times on the same precise path, raising questions about meteorite explanations. The term 'fireball' is presented as a convenient label for unknown phenomena, and cases like C13, where a ball of fire headed towards a ship before changing course, suggest intelligent behavior.

Ball Lightning

Ball lightning is discussed as a phenomenon that UFO debunkers often use as a natural explanation, despite its own improbability and infrequent documentation. The article notes the difficulty in distinguishing ball lightning from other 'fireball' phenomena. Generally described as a short-lived, luminous sphere, ball lightning is often associated with electric storms and can explode on contact, sometimes passing through solid objects. Several erratic behaviors are documented: C14 describes a fireball following Mrs. Will upstairs and exploding out of a window; C15 recounts a fireball throwing a man into a field; C18 details a fireball killing five sheep after passing through a floor; C19 describes a fireball passing through people and killing a pig; C20 shows a fireball climbing up a girl's clothes before exploding; and C21 notes a 'huge red ball of fire' passing through a closed window, burning a woman's scalp. C22 links a case to spontaneous human combustion, where a man's wife was found burning fiercely, obscured by a fireball, with no damage to the surroundings.

Foo Fighters

The 'Foo Fighters,' observed during World War Two, are examined. C23 describes two bright, orange-coloured lights climbing towards and staying with an American bomber for two minutes, appearing under perfect control. C24 recounts a USAF pilot's encounter with a ball of light that stayed with his plane for 45 minutes. The author questions the explanation of these as ball lightning, citing the unusually long duration and apparent control, suggesting they are distinct from typical ball lightning phenomena. The fact that Foo Fighters were reported only during WWII in specific theaters of operation is highlighted as a significant feature, suggesting a connection to human activity.

Evidence of Intelligence

This section presents cases that specifically suggest intelligent control or purpose behind the phenomena. C25 describes a young man who repeatedly saw a BOL that seemed to be 'playing games' with him, vanishing and reappearing, and changing shape. C26 discusses a housewife who claims to control UFO movements, with the objects responding to her requests. C27 details two policemen observing a yellow light that approached their patrol car, stopped and hovered, and matched their movements, implying a game-like interaction. The witnesses' use of phrases like 'playing a game' and 'took itself off' implies consciousness.

Evidence of Purpose

Further cases suggest not just intelligence but purpose. C28 recounts Mrs. Hight's experience in New Mexico, where a glowing light expanded, whirled through her body, and left her feeling refreshed and restored, suggesting a healing purpose. C29 describes aerial lights appearing over chapels in Wales during a religious revival, seen by many, including journalists, suggesting a connection to Mrs. Mary Jones and possibly her enthusiasm acting as a trigger. C30 discusses the folklore of Rangiroa, where a fireball named Kaha is believed to emerge from underground, change color, and is interpreted as an omen. The author notes that human features can be projected onto phenomena, suggesting that some structured UFO reports might actually be simple BOLs.

Angels and Blobs

The possibility that BOLs might assume human aspects in response to witness expectations is explored. C31 mentions Swedenborg's claim of receiving visits from angels that often appeared as balls of light before assuming angelic form. C32 describes a German lady lost in the Alps who was led to safety by a 'chinese-looking gentleman' that condensed from a ball of light. C33 details a luminous spot in Brussels that changed into a bell shape formed of thousands of tiny luminous particles. Several cases describe shapeless or blob-like objects: C34 mentions an amoeba-like UFO that changed shape and color; C35 describes a jellyfish-like object with flashing lights that changed shape continuously; C36 recounts patrolmen seeing an airborne object that dissolved upon being touched; and C37 details a football-sized object in Miami that spread out on the ground, glittered like crystal, and evaporated.

Organic UFOs

John Philip Bessor's theory of UFOs as 'organic' or extraterrestrial life forms is introduced, proposing they are propelled by telekinetic energy or will, capable of changing shape, and possessing intelligence. Trevor James Constable is mentioned for confirming this theory, suggesting some UFOs are invisible organic creatures photographable on infra-red film as shapeless blobs. This is presented as a curious by-way in ufology.

Conclusions

The author concludes that it is unrealistic to draw a hard line between various ball-of-light phenomena, suggesting that treating them as a single category might be more fruitful. The observed facts suggest the existence of an entity or entities inhabiting our atmosphere with properties different from known earth creatures, possessing intelligence and possibly exhibiting benevolence towards humans. The author advocates for setting aside preconceptions and considering hypotheses beyond conventional explanations, even if they seem far-fetched, to understand these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse manifestations of unexplained aerial lights (ghost lights, UFOs, fireballs, ball lightning, foo fighters), the persistent challenge of explaining them with conventional science, and the recurring suggestion of intelligence and purpose behind these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the consideration of unconventional hypotheses, such as intelligent entities in our atmosphere, when empirical evidence demands it, rather than forcing phenomena into pre-existing, inadequate categories.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 24, Number 2, published in 1978, is primarily a compilation of book reviews and advertisements related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena. The cover prominently features an advertisement for a publication titled "UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION" and announces the upcoming "CONGRESS 1983 - THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 1983".

Congress 1983

The Third International UFO Congress is scheduled to be held on the Bank Holiday weekend of August 1983, specifically the 27th, 28th, and 29th of August. The anticipated venue is the Lorch Foundation, located at Lane End, near High Wycombe, Bucks. This location is noted as being midway between London and Oxford and close to the M40 motorway. The organizers, BUFORA, hope this will be their first full three-day event and are announcing the dates early to avoid overlaps with other organizations. A PICUR meeting is also planned.

Book Reviews

The issue contains several detailed book reviews:

EXPLAINING THE UNEXPLAINED by Hans J. Eysenck and Carl Sargent

Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, this 192-page book is reviewed by Geoff Bird. Despite initial skepticism due to the title, the reviewer found the book to be a serious examination of anomalous phenomena, including clairvoyance and telepathy. The authors present a strong case for parapsychology and are commended for their use of statistics and clear presentation. The review highlights the chapter "Who is Psychic?" and the examination of the human factor. While the book is praised for its introduction to altered states of consciousness and the brain-arousal theory, the reviewer notes that UFOs are only briefly mentioned, which is seen as an unfortunate omission given ufology's importance. Overall, the book is highly recommended for serious researchers.

THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM MYSTERY by David Hughes

Reviewed by Ian Mrzyglod, this Corgi paperback (£1.75) examines the Star of Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men, and the flight into Egypt. Hughes's research supports the conclusion that the Star was a planetary conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces, debunking theories of a biblical UFO or spaceship. The review suggests the book offers more insight than previous discussions on the topic.

SPACE WEAPONS, SPACE WAR by John W. Macvey

This New English Library paperback (£1.75) is reviewed by Geoff Bird. The book explores the possibility of Earth facing an invasion by advanced space aliens, discussing potential technologies like teleportation and strategies. While acknowledging the book's intriguing possibilities and its departure from typical discussions on nuclear war, the reviewer points out that much of the subject is speculative and the technology described is beyond current scientific knowledge, though the author admits this. The reviewer hopes Earth is not under surveillance by extraterrestrials and that terrestrial conflicts do not render the planet uninhabitable.

THE INTERRUPTED JOURNEY by John G. Fuller

Reviewed by Ian Mrzyglod, this Corgi paperback (£1.50) recounts the story of Betty and Barney Hill's alleged UFO abduction and medical examination. The review notes that for twenty years, the story has been understood as a factual account of missing time. However, it raises the possibility that this might be a "most incredible non-event in UFO history," with researchers uncovering evidence suggesting no UFO experience occurred and that the sighting might have been the planet Jupiter. Despite this, the book is considered good reading material that presents the facts as known.

UFOS-AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS by Cynthia Hind

Also reviewed by Ian Mrzyglod, this book published by Gemini is described as containing extensively researched material on major UFO encounters in South Africa. The review highlights cases like that of Meagan Quezet, who reportedly encountered a landed UFO with her son, and the Elizabeth Klarer encounter. The author, who is the Coordinator for Africa in MUFON, reportedly used hypnosis in her investigations. The book is noted for its thorough compilation of information without resorting to wild theories. It is not price-marked but is recommended.

Other Books

Two additional books are mentioned as likely to sell well due to their popular appeal rather than their ufological content: "E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL" by William Kotzwinkle (the book of the film) and "FLYING SAUCERS," a compilation of science fiction tales edited by Isaac Asimov. Both are noted as being published in the USA at the time.

Advertisements

Several advertisements appear in the issue:

• PROBE & SCUFORI are promoting their publication "UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION," a 44-page booklet with photographs and diagrams, available for 80p plus 20p postage.
• UFO NETWORK offers an updated directory of UFO and strange phenomena organizations, groups, societies, and publications for £3 (overseas $7 U.S.).
• PROBE is selling secondhand paperback books on UFOs and allied topics, including science fiction, for prices ranging from 10p to 50p, as well as back issues of Flying Saucer Review for around 50p.
• John Trotter of Middle East Books offers rare and out-of-print books on various esoteric subjects (Atlantis, UFOs, Ancient Mysteries, etc.) and can source new books from UK and foreign publishers.
• Steve Roberts recommends the magazine "TRIPLE ECHO" for science fiction readers, offering a £2 annual subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue leans heavily towards the critical examination of UFO reports and related phenomena, as evidenced by the review of "The Interrupted Journey" questioning the validity of the Hill abduction case and the promotion of "UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION" which focuses on eliminating 'culprits' for sightings. The inclusion of books like E.T. and science fiction compilations suggests an awareness of the broader cultural context of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and a cautious approach to unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the importance of the field of study.