Project Red Book vol 3 no 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Project Red Book" (Vol 3 #12, June 2000), published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, is a 6-page magazine focused on UFOs, cryptozoology, and other unexplained phenomena. The cover features a drawing of multiple flying saucers over a house and highlights an interview with Loren Coleman as a key article.

AN INTERVIEW WITH LOREN COLEMAN

This extensive interview with Loren Coleman, introduced as a leading cryptozoologist and honorary member of international cryptozoological organizations, delves into his field. Coleman explains that cryptozoology, a term coined by Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans, is the study of hidden animals. He notes that it involves input from local traditions, sightings, and folklore, and is often focused on large, unverified animals. He also mentions that Russian cryptozoologists view it as the study of the evidence for hidden animals. Coleman shares his personal journey into cryptozoology, sparked by films and reading John Keel's work, and his subsequent extensive fieldwork across 45 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Virgin Islands, investigating reports of creatures like Bigfoot, Sasquatch, lake monsters, and giant snakes. He has not personally seen any cryptids but has found traces like footprints and teeth marks. He rates cryptid evidence, such as footprint casts and recordings, as more 'solid' than UFO photos, but emphasizes that the ultimate evidence would be a physical body or tissue. Coleman dismisses claims of a 'zipper' on the Patterson film, calling it a misinterpretation, and defends the film as positive evidence for unknown hairy hominoids. He also rejects the idea that bizarre Bigfoot reports involving imperviousness to bullets or vanishing acts are linked to UFOs, attributing them to investigator bias or eyewitness accounts. He discusses lesser-known cryptids and refers readers to his book "Cryptozoology A to Z" for more information. He expresses excitement about the development of a Museum of Cryptozoology and encourages readers to visit his website.

MCMINNVILLE UFO PHOTOS SOAR THE GLOBE

This article by Pat Forgey revisits the famous McMinnville UFO photographs taken by Paul and Evelyn Trent on May 11, 1950. Despite 50 years passing, the photos remain unexplained, with possibilities ranging from interplanetary visitors to secret military craft, optical illusions, or hoaxes. Researcher Bruce Maccabee highlights the photos' clarity as a key factor in their interest. Journalist Bill Powell, who first published the photos, concluded the Trents were not the type to perpetrate a hoax. The article details how Evelyn Trent saw a flying disc and called her husband, Paul, who took two photos with his Kodak camera. The Trents' simple farm background is presented as evidence against them faking the story. The photos gained national attention after being published in "Life" magazine. Skeptics have challenged the consistency of the Trents' story, but Maccabee argues that variations are natural and that their core narrative remained consistent. Critics also point to shadows suggesting a morning photo, contradicting the Trents' evening sighting, but no explanation for a lie about this detail is offered. Tim Hills, a historian, notes that only the original "Telephone-Register" published the full-frame photos, with subsequent publications using cropped versions. Hills finds the story credible and a 'masterful' fake if it is one.

BALL LIGHTNING SUSPECTED IN KITCHEN MISCHIEF

Written by John Switzer, this piece reports on an incident in Upper Arlington where strange balls of fire were seen floating through the air during a thunderstorm. Eyewitness Emma McClenaghan described seeing a large ball of flame in her kitchen that caused damage to phones, a garage door opener, and an oven light. Neighbors also reported seeing similar phenomena. The article references "The Handy Weather Answer Book," which describes ball lightning as a mysterious phenomenon, typically appearing as spheres of glowing light during thunderstorms, capable of lasting minutes and passing through solid objects. Meteorologist Ken Reeves suggests that electric impulses during lightning strikes can create illusions that might be described as ball lightning, though he has not personally witnessed it.

GHOSTS? – I SHOULD SAY SO.

This article by Andrew Ashmore recounts personal experiences and family anecdotes related to potential ghostly phenomena. Ashmore describes smelling his deceased grandmother's perfume years after her death, a scent that was particularly noticeable in certain areas of the house. He also recounts a feeling of someone being behind him while visiting the house. More recently, after his grandfather's passing, his uncle also reported smelling the same grandmother's perfume, which was detectable in the kitchen. Ashmore questions whether these experiences are due to imaginativeness, subconscious images, or actual ghosts, noting that nothing was seen or heard, only the distinct scent.

Other Articles and Sections

• YUFOS Contact Information: The magazine provides contact details for the Yorkshire UFO Society, including address, phone number, email, and website.
• Subscriptions: Details on subscription rates for "Project Red Book" are provided.
• Editorial Staff: The issue lists the editor, chairman, web-master, and other contributors.
• "From Around the World...And Beyond!": This section includes brief mentions of cloning the Tasmanian Tiger, satellite photos of Area 51, and a French military study suggesting UFOs are extraterrestrial craft.
• "Scientists Discuss The Paranormal": A brief mention of scientists discussing the paranormal.
• "NASA to Analyse Canary Islands UFO Footage": Reports on a project by Dr. David Clarke and UFOIN to analyze UFO footage from the Canary Islands.
• "Black Triangle 'Lands' in Grenoside": A YUFOS case report by Dave Baker and Lester Wainwright.
• "Mystery Aircraft Over Rotherham": Another YUFOS case report by Dave Baker.
• "Next Meeting": Announcement for the next YUFOS meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2000, at The Three Cranes in Sheffield City Centre.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and analysis, cryptozoology, and unexplained phenomena, including ghosts and ball lightning. The editorial stance, as reflected in the content and the society's focus, appears to be open-minded and investigative towards these subjects, presenting various cases, interviews, and discussions without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, but rather encouraging reader engagement and thought. The inclusion of YUFOS case reports and the emphasis on interviews with researchers like Loren Coleman suggest a commitment to exploring and documenting these phenomena within the UFO and paranormal community.

This issue of PRB, dated June 2000, features a prominent cover story detailing the Vatican's announcement regarding the 'Third Secret of Fatima,' which reportedly foretold the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II and the persecution of Christians. The magazine also includes articles on the perceived decline in UFO media coverage, advancements in cloning technology, the expansion of Area 51, a French military study on UFOs, scientific debates on the paranormal, and reports on 'ghost planes' at O'Hare Airport and a NASA analysis of a 'UFO' video.

Fatima Secret Foretold Pope Shooting, Vatican Says

The lead article reports on Cardinal Angelo Sodano's announcement that the 'Third Secret of Fatima' included prophecies concerning the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II and the persecution of Christians by communist regimes in the 20th century. Sodano stated that the Vatican would publish the entire text of the secret after appropriate preparation. The secret, which has intrigued the world for over 80 years, was revealed during a mass where the Pope beatified two of the three shepherd children who reportedly received the message in 1917. Sodano described the vision as concerning 'the war waged by atheist systems against the Church' and the 'immense suffering' of Christians and Popes. He linked the Pope's survival after the 1981 assassination attempt to the 'motherly hand' of the Madonna. The Vatican's doctrinal department, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was tasked with preparing a commentary for the publication of the third part of the secret, which is to be interpreted symbolically. The article notes that while atheist regimes have fallen, attacks on the Church continue, and 'Our Lady's call to conversion and penance' remains timely.

The Pope, in his homily during the mass, called for a return to traditional values, stating that modern society must return to them to avoid self-destruction. The beatification ceremony was attended by Sister Lucia dos Santos, the sole survivor of the visionaries. The Pope met with Sister Lucia before the mass, emphasizing that Fatima's message is a call to conversion and that a struggle between good and evil persists.

The first part of the Madonna's message was a vision of hell. The second part predicted World War Two and asked for Russia to be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart, warning that Russia would 'spread her errors' if not consecrated.

Forum: "Where Have All The UFOs Gone?"

Andrew Ashmore writes a letter to the editor expressing concern over the apparent disappearance of UFO-related content from television, books, and magazines. He notes a drastic reduction in media coverage and a lack of regular programming on the subject, contrasting it with the abundance of such content a year or two prior. Ashmore wonders if magazines like 'Alien Encounters' are still published and if sensationalist publications have become defunct due to frequent editor changes. He attributes this decline partly to a lack of media attention and partly to his own increasing skepticism, though he believes it was more 'fun' to be an 'alien-freak' in the past. Despite his reservations, he argues that abandoning the subject would mean missing out on future discoveries and urges continued investigation.

In response, the editor, Dave Baker, clarifies that the suggestion to broaden PRB's scope was to maintain its 20 A4 page length per month, acknowledging the difficulty of finding sufficient UFO-related material. He states that PRB produces its own content rather than relying on unsubstantiated internet garbage. Baker explains that UFO sightings occur in waves and troughs, and the current period is a 'trough.' He suggests that media interest plays a role and that perhaps UFOs are simply not being observed due to people's daily routines. He also speculates that 'Reticulans' might be 'doing something else.' Baker confirms that while the magazine will continue to follow up on UFO reports, it may broaden its scope to include other paranormal subjects due to the lack of UFO cases and the members' existing interest in the paranormal.

From Around The World... And Beyond!!!

Australian Clone Work Targets Endangered Species

Paul Tait reports on Australian scientists working on a pilot cloning project to preserve endangered species. Professor Alan Trounson of the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development has been collecting skin samples from the northern hairy-nosed wombat for cloning. Trounson believes this project could serve as a model for other endangered species, noting that only 80 northern wombats remain in the wild. Australia has also recently achieved cloning breakthroughs with a merino sheep and a calf. The Australian Museum has announced a more ambitious project to recreate the extinct Tasmanian tiger, believed to have died out in 1936. They have extracted DNA from a preserved Tasmanian tiger pup and hope to generate a cell for reproduction. However, Professor Michael Archer notes that finding suitable surrogate species is a challenge. Trounson expresses doubt about the Tasmanian tiger project's success due to the lack of closely related species for surrogacy and the difficulty of generating a viable cell from the DNA. He estimates the chance of success is close to zero. Major concerns also include the loss of habitat for extinct species. Australia's GeneEthics Network warns against recreating extinct species, with director Bob Phelps stating such animals would lack mates and live out their lives in zoos. The wombat skin samples have been frozen, and the team hopes to use the common wombat as a surrogate.

Most Detailed Images Ever of Top-Secret U.S. Air Base Show Major Expansion

Mary Motta reports on detailed images of Area 51 released by Space Imaging, which show significant expansion of the super-secret U.S. Air Force base. John Pike of the Federation of American Scientists, who ordered the 1-meter resolution images, noted the base's growth over the past few months, with a runway approximately 3,800 meters long, complete rebuilding and expansion of housing complexes, and new support facilities. A geometrically-shaped munitions storage area and four aircraft hangars are visible. Conspiracy theorists associate Hangar 18 with holding alien bodies and technology. These images were released shortly after Aerial Images also released similar photos. Pike's purpose for obtaining the images was to test how long it would take to gain access and how such imagery might be used by military agencies. He believes this technology, once exclusive to intelligence agencies, will become more accessible, raising concerns among government officials about industrial espionage and terrorism. However, Pike suggests the technology's usefulness is limited to peacetime monitoring due to the time it takes to obtain images. Mark Brender of Space Imaging countered that they can produce images very quickly, citing rapid turnaround for natural disaster imagery.

Area 51 is located about 75 miles northwest of Las Vegas, occupying about 150 square miles in the Great Basin Desert. It came into existence in 1955 for testing high-altitude surveillance planes like the U-2 and later became a proving ground for prototypes like the F-117A Stealth fighter. Secrecy increased when the Air Force bought surrounding land. Ufologists believe the area houses underground bases for aliens and conducts alien autopsies, while conventional wisdom suggests it is for sophisticated military aircraft operations. Pike jokingly suggested that extraterrestrial activity might be occurring at a CIA facility in Ohio.

2 Million Download SETI Screen Saver

More than two million home computers have joined the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project, using a screen saver program to crunch astronomical data from the Internet. Celebrating its first anniversary, the SETI organization called it the 'largest distributed computing experiment ever.' The application utilizes spare computer power to analyze data from the Arecibo radio telescope. Participants have logged 280,000 years of computing time. The Planetary Society, a co-sponsor, stated that users who detect an alien signal will be recognized for opening the door to a new view of the cosmos.

Astronomers Find Evidence of Eight Objects Orbiting Distant Stars

European astronomers have found evidence of eight planet-like objects orbiting distant stars, bringing the total number of discovered extra-solar system planets to 43. An astronomy team from the Geneva Observatory reported finding six planet-sized objects and two more massive objects orbiting stars up to 140 light years away. These objects range in size from slightly less than Saturn to about 15 times the mass of Jupiter. Two of the objects are large enough to be classified as brown dwarfs, which are considered 'failed stars.' Extra solar system planets are discovered by measuring the motion of host stars, which wobble due to the gravitational tug of companion objects. The first exoplanet was found in 1995, and discoveries have been steadily increasing since.

French Military Study Says UFOs Are "Craft of Extraterrestrial Origin"

A report by high-ranking French officials, including retired generals from the Institute of Higher Studies for National Defense, has openly challenged skepticism about UFOs. Based on a three-year study examining nearly 500 international aeronautical sightings, radar/visual cases, and undisclosed pilots' reports, the study concluded that unexplained manifestations observed by reliable witnesses could be the work of 'craft of extraterrestrial origin.' The report, titled 'UFOs and Defense: What Should We Prepare For?', suggests the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' as the best explanation. The authors note that about 5 percent of documented sightings cannot be easily attributed to earthly sources and appear to be 'completely unknown flying machines with exceptional performances.' The report also states that science has developed models for interstellar travel and propulsion technology. The French study assures that UFOs have demonstrated no hostile acts, though intimidation maneuvers have been confirmed. The study's originators include General Bernard Noriain and General Denis Letty. The 'Committee for In-Depth Studies,' which wrote the report, urges international action, suggesting the EU undertake diplomatic action with the U.S. to clarify the issue. The report highlights that declassified U.S. government documents show unexplained objects pose challenges to military activities, citing instances of fighter jets pursuing UFOs and 'military aircraft shadowed' in the U.S.

Scientists Debate The Paranormal

Approximately 50 scientists and academics met at Cambridge University to explore the possibility that paranormal experiences may have a basis in fact. The conference brought together physicists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiologists, and astronomers, some of whom described themselves as open skeptics. Cosmologist Bernard Carr identified three categories of paranormal phenomena: 'pseudo-psychic phenomena' (like poltergeists, which can sometimes have physical explanations), phenomena within the mind (like out-of-body experiences and apparitions), and phenomena involving direct interaction with the physical world (telepathy, ESP, and psychokinesis). Physicist Fotini Pallikari presented an example of an experiment where participants attempted to mentally influence random physical processes, with statistical analysis suggesting a potential weak influence. Nobel physicist Brian Josephson is also studying the paranormal, exploring how organisms might bias statistics. The interaction between mind and matter is a key area of interest, with quantum mechanics being relevant due to the observer's role in the system. Physicists like Roger Penrose and Henry Stapp are exploring how quantum mechanics might explain consciousness and paranormal effects, though some find it disruptive to current theories. Carr defended the study of paranormal phenomena, noting that much of 'conventional' modern physics is also speculative.

O'Hare Controllers See Ghost Planes

False radar images, referred to as 'ghost planes,' have been appearing on the screens of O'Hare International Airport's air traffic controllers, forcing pilots to take sudden evasive maneuvers. At least a dozen such incidents have been reported recently. Controllers have ordered pilots to take sudden turns to avoid what appear to be planes on radar, potentially endangering passengers. Charles Bunting of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association described the situation as 'complete terror.' Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro stated that false radar images can appear due to cranes or construction towers, and planes from nearby airports can also appear closer than they are. He noted an increase in ghost images compared to the usual number. However, Mike Egan of the controllers union accused the FAA of downplaying the problem, claiming there have been many more incidents. The radar situation raises questions about the safety of FAA plans to speed up air traffic by stacking planes vertically. The article concludes by questioning the reliability of UFO 'radar tracings.'

NASA to Analyse Canary Islands 'UFO' Video

Dr. David Clarke reports that NASA will study a film showing a brilliant fireball captured on camcorder by a witness in Yorkshire, UK, during a visit to Gran Canaria in 1997. Numerous people across the Canaries reported seeing a 'fireball' move slowly across the night sky. While Spanish astronomers suggested it might be bolide meteors, UFOlogist Vicente-Juan Ballester-Olmos collected witness accounts. The witness filmed the object with a camcorder, noting it was silent and had a trailing tale. Analysis of the 20-30 second VHS footage suggests the image area represents an angle of view between 1.5 and 2 degrees. The 'explosion' observed was likely due to a loss of autofocus. Investigations by photo analyst Bill Rose and inquiries into U.S. Navy deployment records ruled out a missile test. The possibility of a meteor fireball was dismissed due to the sighting's duration. Bill concluded that the re-entry of space junk or a de-orbiting satellite was the best candidate. UFOIN, with the help of photographic analysts and space scientists, identified the object as the re-entry of a piece of man-made space debris, 'Resurs FIM Soyuz U-r.' This Russian-built rocket was in final orbit at the time of the sighting. Satellite data confirmed its trajectory over Gran Canaria. The findings of the investigation have been forwarded to NASA's Space Debris Program for comments and analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PRB include the intersection of religious prophecy and unexplained phenomena (Fatima secret), the ongoing mystery and perceived decline in public interest surrounding UFOs, advancements in scientific and technological fields (cloning, space imaging), and the exploration of the paranormal. The magazine maintains a stance of reporting on these topics with a degree of skepticism but also an openness to investigation, particularly evident in the 'Forum' section where the editor acknowledges the challenges of finding sufficient UFO material while expressing a commitment to covering the subject and potentially broadening the scope to other paranormal areas. The editorial approach appears to be one of presenting diverse reports and analyses, from official Vatican statements to scientific studies and eyewitness accounts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

PRB, Vol. 3 # 12, June 2000, is a magazine issue focusing on UFO and unusual aerial phenomena investigations. The cover story details a sighting in Grenoside, Sheffield, while another article covers a 'mystery aircraft' incident in Rotherham.

"Black Triangle" Lands in Grenoside

This section details an incident that occurred in Grenoside, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, in July/August 1998, between 9:00 pm and 9:15 pm. The investigation was conducted by Dave Baker and Lester Wainwright.

The witness, identified as Mr.F, and his neighbour were in the garden after painting a fence on a calm, windless evening, about half an hour before dusk. Mr.F noticed movement in his peripheral vision and looked up to see a dark shape at what he initially thought was a bird. As he watched, the object grew closer and he realized it was much too large to be a bird.

As the object approached, it picked up speed, moving east to west. The witness described the object as a dark equilateral triangle, which he initially thought might be a hang-glider or a microlight based on its general shape. However, the object then tipped its pointed end downwards at a sharp angle and began to descend at high speed, leading Mr.F to believe it was going to crash.

The object passed by on their left, heading towards trees across fields. The witnesses observed that the object had no visible engines, no pilot hanging below a canopy, no sound, and no recognizable features, leading them to conclude it was not a hang-glider or microlight.

As the triangle neared the trees, it slowed down while still in its dive, leveled out, and passed above a cottage. It then hovered for a moment by a large, rounded tree before moving horizontally from left to right and disappearing behind the trees.

The object's color began to change from black to silver, though the witness was unsure if it was revolving, changing color, or flashing lights.

Using a noticeable tree for comparison, Mr.F estimated the object's size to be "about the size of a small car." Curiously, the witnesses did not investigate the area where the object appeared to land, despite it being a short distance away. The investigators themselves checked this area.

The report notes that such behavior (retiring indoors after a strange sighting) is common among witnesses to unusual phenomena.

Mr.F was already known to one of the investigators from a lecture in January 1999, and his story remained consistent. A neighbour corroborated details of the sighting.

Conclusions: The investigators expressed no doubt that Mr.F was telling the truth, as his story was consistent. They acknowledged the possibility of the event being "set up" but did not think so. While they agreed that it was likely a hang-glider or microlight, they noted it was impossible to confirm without a more precise date.

"Mystery Aircraft" in Rotherham

This article details a sighting that occurred on April 30, 2000, at 2:00 am, on Morthen Road, Wickersley, Rotherham. The witness was unable to sleep and was watching television.

He became aware of a low droning sound, which he initially thought was from the TV. After muting the sound, he realized it was increasing in volume. He thought it was an aircraft, but found it unusual to hear one so late at night and so low.

Looking out of his living room window, he saw nothing, so he went outside. He then saw lights from an object flying east to west, across Morthen Road, heading towards Sheffield. The "aircraft" had typical port and starboard 'wing-tip lights' and a number of 'inboard' lights at the center that strobed and flashed, though the color of these lights was uncertain.

He could not discern any body or shape behind the lights but assumed there was one, and that it was "wider than it was deep." The object passed over his house at an estimated altitude of "100-150" feet, though an earlier report had estimated it at "telegraph pole height."

Judging by the distance between the 'wing-tip lights', he estimated the object to be at least 30-40 feet wide, "Certainly wider than the house."

The witness consistently referred to the object as an aircraft and stated it had the sound of a "turbo-prop engine, not a jet engine." He was certain it was not a helicopter, as his son flies them and he is familiar with their sound.

He expected to lose sight of the object in the lights of Sheffield, but it turned north and was lost from sight. He spoke to a couple across the road who also heard the plane's engines.

Conclusion: The investigators acknowledged that witness judgments of altitude, speed, and size should be taken with caution. However, they agreed that the object was low, certainly lower than anything major flying from other airports. The witness was sure it was an aeroplane, probably a light aircraft, and the investigators agreed. The main mystery was the origin and destination of the aircraft at that early hour. One possibility suggested was that it was a 'drug plane' flying into remote areas.

The case was noted as not yet closed, with potential updates to be reported.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PRB focuses on detailed witness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena, emphasizing the investigative process. The magazine appears to take a serious approach to these reports, with investigators attempting to corroborate witness statements and analyze the evidence. While the conclusions often lean towards possible misidentification of conventional aircraft (hang-gliders, microlights, or light aircraft), the magazine leaves room for the possibility of genuinely unexplained events, particularly when official records do not support conventional explanations, as in the Rotherham case. The recurring theme is the presentation of unexplained sightings and the efforts to understand them through diligent investigation and witness testimony.