Probe Report Volume 3 Issue 2

Magazine Overview

Title: THE PROBE REPORT
Issue: Vol 3, No 2
Date: October 1982
Publisher: PROBE UFO INVESTIGATION ORGANISATION
Country: ENGLAND
Language: English
ISSN: 0260-8189
Price: £3.40 for four issues (1 YEAR) post paid (UK); 85p plus 15p postage for single issue. Overseas £4.40 for four issues (1 YEAR) post paid.

This issue of The Probe Report, the official publication of the PROBE UFO Investigation Organisation, covers a range of topics including the introduction of 'The Warminster Casebook', an epilogue on 'Mystery Circles', and a discussion on 'Balls of Light' (BOLs).

Editorial: Crisis

The editorial addresses a financial crisis that threatened the journal's publication. The organization faced a significant increase in printing costs (54%), leading to a necessary subscription price hike from £2.50 to £3.40 per annum (a 36% increase). The journal's continued publication was made possible by the support of SCUFORI (Swindon Centre for UFO Research and Investigation). The editor appeals to regular subscribers for their continued support and encourages readers to recruit new subscribers to help stabilize the publication.

The editorial also previews upcoming content, including a detailed account of a local UFO investigation group that was threatened by electronic voices and coded messages. This incident is linked to the phenomenon of Men In Black (MIBs) and their role in shutting down UFO organizations and intimidating witnesses. The issue also begins the first part of 'The Warminster Casebook', a series that will alternate with 'Case Closed'.

News

The news section highlights several UFO-related publications and events:

• UNITED KINGDOM SIGHTING REPORT CATALOGUE 1977-1978-1979: Available from UFO INTERNATIONAL, this catalogue lists approximately 700 sightings with statistical tables. The price for the catalogue and tables combined is £4.
• UFOS-AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS by Cynthia Hind: The author provides updated information on the book's price (£2.95 plus postage) and two addresses for purchase.
• BUFOS JOURNAL: The British UFO Society (BUFOS) has launched its first journal, primarily for members, featuring case reports and a news section. Enquiries can be sent to 85 Chelford Crescent, High Acres, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 8PA.
• BUFORA and MUFORA Seminar: A seminar titled 'THE UFO INVESTIGATOR AND THE WITNESS' is scheduled for October 9th at the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology (UMIST). Admission is £2 (£1.50 for BUFORA or ASSAP members).
• UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION: This investigatory supplement, written by members of PROBE, SCUFORI, and others, is available from SCUFORI for 80p plus 20p postage. It aims to help identify the sources of UFO reports and turn them into IFOs (Identified Flying Objects).
• Paper Transition: The journal notes a transition from glossy interior paper to ordinary bond paper due to printer issues, with efforts underway to rectify the situation.

Contents

The issue includes letters to the editor, articles on Mystery Circles, Adamski & Klarer, Sci-Fi, Intelligent Control, Book Reviews, NASA on UFOs, and the Warminster Casebook.

Signals: Letters to the Editor

Pete Tate (UFO INTERNATIONAL, Kingswood, Bristol) writes about the OSEAP Resources Centre, emphasizing the importance of efficient information dissemination and constructive criticism in UFO enterprises. He advocates for inter-group cooperation rather than dogmatism.

Dr. Harley Rutledge (Chairman, Dept. of Physics, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri) responds to Hilary Evans' article on BOLs. He agrees that BOLs are an important UFO phenomenon but questions the religious interpretation. He shares his firsthand experience with BOLs, noting their enigmatic nature and suggesting conventional explanations are unsatisfactory. He also mentions his book 'PROJECT IDENTIFICATION: THE FIRST SCIENTIFIC FIELD STUDY OF UFO PHENOMENA'.

Paul Wilson (Richmond, N. Yorks) comments on Hilary Evans' BOLs article, suggesting that studying BOLs as a potential form of intelligent life is a valid hypothesis, no worse than 'nuts and bolts' explanations. He proposes a detailed study of BOL cases to reproduce their environment and gather more data, suggesting basic equipment like magnetometers and cameras could be used.

Marty Moffatt (SCUFORI, Swindon) also addresses Hilary Evans' article on BOLs. While acknowledging the bravery of the hypothesis, Moffatt questions specific points, such as the idea that a lack of shape description implies no distinct shape. He argues that spheres are easily noticed and that 'intelligent behaviour' might be misinterpreted. Moffatt expresses skepticism about the quality of older UFO cases used as data and stresses the need for more reliable and accurate reports.

Steuart Campbell (Edinburgh) writes regarding Hilary Evans' piece on BOLs, questioning the objectivity of the author. Campbell suggests that Hilary Evans has distorted the evidence regarding 'fireball' and 'ball lightning' (BL). He argues that BL is a real phenomenon, often misunderstood, and that its behavior might be misinterpreted as intelligent control. Campbell believes that Hilary's arguments for intelligent control are 'special pleading' and that the UFO phenomenon is not unambiguously intelligently controlled. He criticizes the reliability of anecdotal reports and the claim that 'Foo Fighters' only appeared during WWII.

Hilary Evans (London) responds to the letters, clarifying that his piece on BOLs was intended to open debate and encourage a multi-disciplinary approach. He acknowledges Steuart Campbell's response and agrees that current categories are inadequate to explain the phenomena. Evans defends the use of cases, even if some are considered inadequate, as they represent the best available data from thousands of reports.

Mystery Circles - The Epilogue

By Ian Mrzyglod

This article revisits the investigation into large flattened circles found in westcountry cornfields during the summers of 1980 and 1981. Initially, PROBE struggled to find a rational explanation. Help came from Dr. G.T. Meaden of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, who proposed that whirlwinds were responsible for creating the circles. This theory was met with skepticism, particularly from those who had been inside the circles.

The article explains that the whirlwind theory gained traction because it offered a logical explanation, unlike the hope that UFOs were involved. The precise and massive damage, with minimal impact on surrounding corn stalks, seemed difficult to attribute to mere weather. However, the circles were often found at the base of hills, which could trap winds and cause a stationary whirlwind for a short period, flattening the corn in a circular pattern. The circles were not perfectly circular, and their centers were not always precisely in the center of the spiral.

Mrzyglod addresses the common question of why no one witnesses these events or photographs them. He emphasizes that these are rare occurrences. The article notes that no credible photographs exist showing UFOs hovering over cornfields flattening stalks.

Following a previous mention in the March 1982 issue, the article details a new discovery. An office of 'UNEXPLAINED' reported that a reader had spotted and photographed a strange circle of flattened corn. This circle was found in Wiltshire, in a cornfield, on August 10th, 1982, at the foot of Cley Hill, a well-known skywatching spot near Warminster.

Mrzyglod visited Cley Hill on August 27th to photograph the circle. He found it at the foot of Cley Hill, consistent with other mystery circles. He also observed the remains of a larger circle in an adjacent harvested field, also at the foot of Cley Hill. This larger circle, measuring at least 60 feet across, might have been caused by a whirlwind retained longer in a more enclosed area. The first circle measured approximately 50 feet. These measurements could not be verified due to lack of permission to enter the fields.

The article concludes by stating that the 'mystery' circles are a result of meteorological phenomena. Fair-weather whirlwinds, especially in open countryside, can cause damage. However, at the bases of hills, advancing wind can be trapped, potentially causing a whirlwind to remain stationary for a brief period, thus creating the circles. Ordinary strong winds can also collapse dry, brittle corn stalks, which then remain flattened.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for:

• CATALOGUE OF UFO PERIODICALS: Information on over 1,100 titles, available from Tom Lind.
• BROAD SPECTRUM: A journal covering the paranormal, mystical, and occult. Annual subscription £1.80.
• FORTEAN TIMES: A journal covering strange phenomena. Subscription rates are £5 for 1 year (4 issues) in the UK, or $12 overseas.
• UFO Network Directory: A comprehensive guide to UFO and strange phenomena groups, publications, and suppliers. Price £3 (overseas $).
• Arcturus Book Service: Offers a comprehensive list of books on UFOs and related topics. Their catalogue costs $2.50 plus postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly 'Balls of Light' (BOLs) and 'Mystery Circles'. The editorial stance emphasizes a commitment to open debate, multi-disciplinary approaches, and the publication of research, even when facing financial difficulties. There is a clear effort to present rational explanations (like whirlwinds for circles) while acknowledging the persistent questions and the need for further investigation into phenomena that remain unexplained. The magazine appears to value rigorous investigation and the sharing of information among different groups within the UFO community, while also being pragmatic about the business aspects of publishing.

Title: UFO REVIEW
Issue: 9
Volume: 1
Date: August 1982
Publisher: UFO Review
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0262-7877
Price: £1.25

This issue of UFO Review presents a diverse range of articles and reviews focusing on the UFO phenomenon, crop circles, and related anomalous events. The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded approach, examining various claims and theories within the field.

Crop Circles: Natural Phenomena or UFOs?

The issue opens with an examination of crop circles, suggesting that the "mystery" surrounding them should be dropped, as they are as predictable as meteorological phenomena. The article notes the lack of media excitement over recent appearances, even in UFO hotspots. A visit to Cley Hill on September 8th, 1982, revealed that most traces of circles had been erased by stubble-burning. Local farmers attributed similar damage to whirlwinds. A smaller, oval-shaped circle was observed, where the corn was angled rather than flattened, indicating a lesser force. This observation supports the theory that whirlwinds, varying in ferocity and size, are responsible for crop circle formations, attributing them to "Good old Mother Nature."

A Look at Adamski & Klarer

Geoff Bird analyzes the famous contactee cases of George Adamski and Elizabeth Klarer, noting that they remain unsolved puzzles for ufologists. Bird acknowledges that while many alleged contactees may be cranks or hoaxers, their stories can still merit examination. He contrasts the backgrounds of Adamski, a journalist, and Klarer, a romantic, and their respective environments. Klarer, who grew up in South Africa, wrote "BEYOND THE LIGHT BARRIER" and acknowledged the scientific advisor to the Prime Minister and the South African Security Police, which Bird finds unusual for a UFO contactee. Her writings are described as having a high emotional tone, with references to prophecies and a society with a strict social hierarchy. Klarer's experiences include a close encounter on a sacred hill and a mysterious meeting in England where she was marked for important work by aliens. Her writings also express a longing for a "heavenly haven" away from racial strife and nuclear war, and a desire to rid herself of English inhibitions, hinting at sexual repression. Adamski, conversely, is presented as more of a philosopher and teacher, whose conversion to belief in UFOs began with astronomical observations and conversations with military personnel. His first meeting with an alleged alien intelligence in November 1952 is described as a "low-key affair" compared to Klarer's encounters.

Bird questions whether the desire to see something can induce a state of group awareness or create a thought form that temporarily becomes reality, leading individuals to sign affidavits. He notes that Adamski's companions signed affidavits regarding the appearance of a "Venusian visitor."

Under Intelligent Control?

Jenny Randles contributes an article examining "BOLs" (Balls of Light), suggesting that most ufology, around 95%, concerns UAPs (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena). Randles believes that UAPs are rare natural phenomena, possibly including ball lightning and Fortean events like spontaneous human combustion, and are associated with radiation that can cause physiological effects. While acknowledging Hilary Evans's work, Randles disagrees on the aspect of "intelligent control," viewing UAPs as phenomena indigenous to the atmosphere whose intelligence is projected by the observer. She uses the example of "ghost lights" or "Will-O-the-Wisp" to illustrate how lights in naturally dangerous places can lead people astray, creating a narrative of being enticed by an "evil" light when they simply got lost.

Randles discusses her forthcoming book, "UFO REALITY," which explores UAPs and their potential natural origins. She mentions "Window Areas" where UAPs frequently manifest, noting connections to power lines and land subsidence, and referencing research on the "piezo-electric" effect. The article also touches upon the case of Terry and Pamela Cox, who reported a close encounter with a floating green BOL, subsequently experiencing illness that cleared up. Pamela Cox described a shaft of light and an incandescent red ball of light with a snowflake-like pattern. Randles concludes that while she believes unintelligent UAPs are responsible for most BOLs, she respects the witnesses' accounts and the need for vigilance.

Book Reviews

The "BOOK REVIEWS" section offers critical assessments of several UFO-related publications:

• THE MEIER INCIDENT: THE MOST INFAMOUS HOAX IN UFOLOGY by Kal K. Korff: This review strongly supports Korff's exposé of the Eduard "Billy" Meier case, labeling it a clever hoax. It details the trickery employed in manufacturing the story and supporting evidence, and criticizes the gullibility of Meier's supporters and publishers. Despite grammatical errors, the reviewer finds the book enlightening and important for serious ufologists, highlighting how panoramic photographs were contrived.

• THE ROSWELL INVESTIGATION - NEW EVIDENCE - NEW CONCLUSIONS by William L. Moore: This collection includes two papers. The first updates the investigation into the Roswell crash, suggesting more suggestive evidence of a UFO crash in 1947 and the alleged recovery of alien bodies. The reviewer remains skeptical but acknowledges the importance of such papers for those researching the topic. The second paper by Stanton T. Friedman attempts to restore credibility to the Roswell case.

• THE ROSWELL INVESTIGATION: NEW EVIDENCE IN THE SEARCH FOR A CRASHED UFO by Moore: This review describes the book as an update on the continuing investigation into the crashed saucer/retrieval, useful for those who still believe in such events. The reviewer, however, remains unconvinced but acknowledges Moore's efforts.

• OTHER WORLDS - Space, Superspace and the Quantum Universe by Paul Davies: This book, while not directly related to ufology, is considered relevant for investigators. It explores the quantum theory and the concept of multiple universes, which the reviewer suggests ufologists should examine as a possibility for understanding UFO phenomena.

• THE UFO-ANTHROPOID CATALOGUE by Mark Moravec: This catalogue attempts to link UFO sightings with anthropoid creatures like the Yeti. The review notes that a significant portion of the cases have only a tenuous link to UFOs, but it is deemed useful for those interested in CE3 cases and bigfoot studies.

• PUFORG (Plymouth UFO Research Group): A mention of a professionally produced booklet by PUFORG, financed by an anonymous benefactor, highlighting a fascinating case from their records.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate about the nature of UFO phenomena – whether they are natural, misidentified terrestrial events, or genuinely extraterrestrial. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, with several articles and reviews questioning the validity of certain UFO claims and exposing potential hoaxes. The magazine also explores the psychological aspects of belief and perception in UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, encouraging readers to examine evidence critically while remaining open to the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena. The inclusion of book reviews suggests a commitment to providing a comprehensive overview of current UFO research and literature.

This issue of PROBE, titled "in NASA on UFOs," dated November 1981, features an investigative report by Colin Birch of the Wessex UFO Investigation Research Group. The magazine also includes a review of a UFO book and an introduction to a new series on the "Warminster Casebook."

Colin Birch's NASA Investigation

Colin Birch recounts his visit to the U.S.A. in November 1981, which included witnessing the second launch of NASA's SPACE SHUTTLE. Following this, he infiltrated NASA itself to gather firsthand information on staff reactions to UFOs and alleged astronaut sightings. Birch acknowledges that NASA officials would not reveal all information, but he managed to gather some facts and reactions from various staff members, including guides, duty officers, and information-desk clerks.

Birch's primary question to NASA staff was whether the organization had a department dedicated to UFOs. The response was that NASA does not, and that UFOs would fall under the purview of the United States Air Force due to security risk considerations.

When asked about NASA's role, a staff member quoted the National Aeronautics and Space Act 1958, stating that space activities are dedicated to peaceful purposes for the benefit of mankind.

Regarding the existence of life beyond Earth, a NASA representative confirmed a belief that life exists elsewhere, citing the Solar System's ingredients and evidence of single-cell life in meteor debris. This belief is linked to the etching of logos and messages on deep-space probes, intended to signal humanity's progress to potential extraterrestrial civilizations.

Concerning UFOs appearing in NASA photographs, particularly the ESSA 7 photo showing a dark hollow ring at the North Pole, the explanation provided was that photography in space is difficult due to light, movement, and pressure. The ESSA 7 pictures were composite images, and the alleged blobs and lights in Apollo mission photos were attributed to reflections and lens problems. NASA aims to release all pictures untouched.

Birch also questioned a NASA staff member about George Leonard's claims in "Someone Else is on Our Moon" regarding NASA covering up information about the Moon, including alleged alien mining operations and coded jargon used by Apollo astronauts. The NASA representative dismissed these claims, stating the Moon is "dead" and that there are no current plans for manned Moon landings due to cost and the priority of the SST (Supersonic Transport) program.

Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP) or lights on the Moon were explained as dust clouds lifted by gas pockets within the Moon's crust or potential electrical storms near the surface.

Looking towards the future of space travel, the NASA staff member expressed hopes for developing the Shuttle as a cheaper and safer concept. While atomic power for rockets is a distant prospect, the SST is expected to carry civilians within a few years, with the possibility of space flights booked through agencies like Pan-Am by the year 2000.

Birch concluded his interviews by noting that out of seven NASA staff members he spoke to, only one believed that UFOs exist. He regretted not asking more questions due to excitement.

Book Review: PUFORG's Enthusiasm vs. Research

A section titled "BOOKS" reviews a publication that, while enthusiastic about UFO investigations, is criticized for lacking references and detailed case reports. The reviewer notes that the book contains plenty of enthusiasm but little aid to real UFO research. The organization PUFORG is mentioned as doing hard work in UFO research, possessing high and medium definition cases, but the reviewer laments the absence of full investigation reports. The book is described as a "meaningless mish-mash" despite its attractive presentation and the obvious hard work involved. The reviewer suggests that thorough investigation might have solved some cases. The book is priced at 90p.

Re-Opening The Warminster Casebook

This section introduces a new series, "RE-OPENING THE WARMINSTER CASEBOOK," by Ian Mrzyglod. The series aims to provide a methodical and critical summary of Warminster's alleged UFO happenings, which have previously attracted cultist UFO groups and brought doubt into ufology. The editor feels an obligation to present a more balanced perspective, as much of the accepted information has been exaggerated or fabricated, largely attributed to the writings of Arthur Shuttlewood.

The series will examine photographs that illustrated Shuttlewood's earlier books, including a recent photographic case allegedly showing three UFOs. The 'UFO cult societies' and their activities will be analyzed, with alternative explanations offered for famous sightings. The series intends to be instructive, focusing on what really happened and potentially putting an end to the Warminster UFO phenomenon.

Back Issue Service

PROBE offers its available back issues for sale at the original price, described as being in mint condition. No reprints will be made, and the photocopying service has been cancelled. Readers are encouraged to purchase these issues to free up space for new material. Each issue costs 50p plus 15p for postage and packing. A discount is offered for purchasing multiple issues: buy 4 for free postage, or all 6 for £2.80. The address for applications is inside the cover.

Additionally, the SCUFORI/PROBE joint publication "UFO/IFO: A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION" is available for 80p plus 20p postage and packing. Overseas orders require an International Money Order. The contact address for SCUFORI is 29 Lethbridge Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, ENGLAND.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigative journalism, and critical analysis of UFO claims. There is a clear editorial stance against unsubstantiated sensationalism, as seen in the review of the PUFORG book and the introduction to the Warminster series, which aims to debunk myths and provide factual accounts. The magazine promotes rigorous research and a balanced perspective, distinguishing itself from less critical UFO publications. The coverage of NASA's official stance on UFOs highlights the contrast between public interest and governmental/official positions.