Project Red Book vol 4 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol.4 # 3
Date: September 2000
Publisher: YORKSHIRE UFO SOCIETY

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, is a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena, fortean events, and related mysteries. It features a prominent interview with veteran ufologist Omar Fowler, alongside articles on sea-serpent reports, the Loch Ness Monster, and the enigmatic 'Flying Triangle' UFOs.

An Interview with Omar Fowler

The central piece of this issue is an extensive interview with Omar Fowler, conducted by Dave Baker. Fowler, who has been researching UFOs for almost thirty years, shares his background in aviation and how a personal UFO sighting in Guildford in 1967 sparked his interest. He recounts his first significant case, the 'Peter and Christine' incident in Surrey in 1982, involving a large, silent craft that disappeared inexplicably. Fowler discusses his involvement with organizations like SIGAP and FSR, and his work as the editor of the bi-monthly magazine OVNI.

He highlights key lessons learned from his research, emphasizing the tendency for witnesses to see what they expect and warning against inter-group bickering within the ufology community. Fowler also touches upon the phenomenon of 'Flying Triangles', noting a significant 'flap' over Derby between December 1994 and May 1995, and mentions the earliest recorded sighting in Australia in 1942. He discusses the characteristics of these craft, including their shape, silent flight, and occasional electromagnetic effects.

Fowler expresses his belief in alien visitation, citing his past role with BUFORA and his interactions with researchers like Professor John E. Mack. He also comments on the potential monitoring of nuclear power stations by these craft and the widespread use of camcorders as a significant tool for UFO researchers today. He is particularly intrigued by recent events in Bradford.

Crop Circle Phenomenon

The magazine delves into the crop circle mystery, presenting the premise that there are two types: natural formations and those created by 'An Intelligence'. Investigations by the PRA, founded by Fowler, revealed crop stems with 'burn' and 'crease' marks, suggesting the influence of high-frequency energy waves. The issue mentions research using an ionisation meter to identify energy sources and discusses Colin Andrews' theory that the Earth's magnetic field shifts induce currents that cause crop collapse, a theory that Fowler finds questionable due to wheat being an insulator.

From Around the World...And Beyond!!!

This section compiles various fortean and paranormal reports:

• Giant Trap Set for Monster in Lake: An international team of monster hunters has deployed an 18-foot-long trap in Seljord Lake, Norway, to catch a fabled serpent known locally as "Selma," reputed to be a cousin of the Loch Ness Monster.
• Policeman, Workers Track Roaming, 12-Foot Creature: In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, police and witnesses searched for a mysterious 12-foot-tall, upright, black creature. A large footprint, approximately 15 to 20 inches long, was found, though its origin remains uncertain, with bears being a possible but unlikely explanation due to the print's size.

Other Articles and Features

• Sea-Serpent Reports Found at PRO: A brief mention of reports related to sea-serpents.
• Hunt for Nessie on Internet: An article about searching for the Loch Ness Monster online.
• UFO-The Key Turning Point (pt.3): Bill Booker discusses sound and gravity in relation to UFOs.
• Fireball Meteor or UFO?: Dave Baker investigates a report from the Derbyshire Peak.
• Schweinhurt - A Mystery Solved?: Andy Roberts examines a Foo-Fighter puzzle.
• Magnetic Solution to Crop Circle Puzzle: Colin Andrews' theories on crop circles are discussed.

Editorial Stance and Contact Information

The magazine includes contact details for the Yorkshire UFO Society, subscription information, and a disclaimer stating that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the society. It also features a quote about the bogeyman, attributed to Michael Jackson. A 'Next Meeting' notice for the Yorkshire UFO Society is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings (particularly 'Flying Triangles'), the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena like crop circles and lake monsters, and the potential for government cover-ups. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Omar Fowler's interview and the selection of articles, is one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging the sharing of information and a critical yet curious approach to evidence. The magazine promotes the idea that genuine unknowns exist and warrant serious study, while also cautioning against misinterpretations and internal conflicts within the research community.

PRB, Vol. 4, #3, September 2000, is a magazine issue that delves into a variety of intriguing topics, including unexplained aerial phenomena, historical accounts of sea serpents, scientific endeavors to find extraterrestrial intelligence, and fundamental physics concepts like gravity. The issue features articles on recent UFO sightings, investigations into cryptid creatures, and updates on space exploration.

Articles

SETI Scope Searches Stars

This article details the significant boost to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project with millions of dollars in funding pledged by Microsoft co-founders Paul Allen and Nathan Myhrvold. The funding is for the construction of the Allen Telescope Array, a massive new telescope designed to scan the skies for signals from alien civilizations. The SETI Institute, a non-profit organization, is leading this effort. The telescope, to be jointly administered by the University of California at Berkeley, will be located at the Hat Creek Observatory. This project represents a major step for SETI, which has been searching for extraterrestrial intelligence for over four decades. The Allen Array will differ from existing radio telescopes by using hundreds of small, mass-produced dishes, similar to those used for home satellite television reception. The project aims to have a large-scale prototype ready by 2003 and the full telescope operational by 2005.

Yowie Checked Out by Bigfoot Expert

This report, sourced from AAP on August 17, discusses American experts investigating a potential Australian relative of Bigfoot, known as the yowie. Dean Harrison, head of Yowiehunters, is sending footprints and hair samples from a yowie found on a property near Springbrook, Gold Coast hinterland, to the Texas police pathology forensics unit for examination. The findings will be compared with those from Bigfoot cases. The investigation is part of a documentary for the Discovery Channel, involving Texas police pathologist Dr. Jim Chilcutt and Dr. Jeff Meldrum of Idaho State University. The report recounts an expedition where the yowie hunters tracked a creature, which then followed their cars, and later found footprints around their camp. Another expedition in Taree, New South Wales, involved a film crew who reported being growled at by a creature and seeing its red eyes.

Think You Saw a UFO? Think Again

This short piece by Philip Chien (Fox News, August 11, 2000) discusses NASA's International Space Station and the ability to see satellites with the naked eye. It mentions that a giant radar built during the Sputnik era is still tracking satellites and space junk. The article provides tips for viewing satellites, noting that they appear as steady points of light or flash unpredictably. Russia's Mir space station is currently the brightest manmade object, but the ISS will surpass it. Hundreds of objects, including live and dead satellites, are visible. The article also touches upon the classification of military satellite data since 1983, which has spurred amateur tracking efforts. It notes that some military satellites, like the 'White Cloud' trio and 'Lacrosse' series, are often mistaken for UFOs. The National Reconnaissance Office has a laid-back attitude towards amateur tracking, while some military experts believe it undermines national security.

New Evidence Suggests Ocean on Icy Jupiter Moon

This Reuters report by Lisa Richwine discusses new evidence suggesting a salty ocean of water beneath the icy surface of Jupiter's moon Europa. Data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft, specifically magnetic field measurements, indicate that water is the most probable explanation for a layer on the moon that conducts electricity. Researchers Margaret Kivelson and her colleagues reported these findings in the journal Science. Previous images from NASA orbiters showed cracks on Europa's surface, suggesting a liquid ocean, but couldn't confirm its state. The presence of liquid water is a key ingredient for supporting life. Geophysicist Krishan Khurana of UCLA stated that Europa's ocean could be between 4 to 60 miles deep and that life forms could draw energy from heat sources below, similar to deep sea creatures. David Stevenson of the California Institute of Technology ranks Europa as the most attractive extraterrestrial environment in our solar system for seeking evidence of life after Mars. Future missions to Europa are planned, though budget constraints have been a hindrance.

Sea-Serpent Reports Found in Public Records Office

Authored by Andy Roberts, this article presents historical accounts of sea serpent sightings found in the Public Records Office. It includes a log entry from Captain James Stockdale of the Barque Rob Roy (May 9, 1830), describing a sighting of a large sea snake estimated to be about 129 feet long. Another entry from the log of the Ship Castilan (December 13, 1857) details an encounter with a huge marine animal that reared its head out of the water, estimated to be over 200 feet long. The article also references a report from the African Royal Mail steamer Athenian (May 16, 1863) about a large snake, approximately 100 feet long, with a dark brown color and a mane-like feature.

Hunt for Loch Ness Monster Goes on Internet

This brief item notes that the hunt for the Loch Ness monster has gained a technological boost with a Web camera installed underwater in the Scottish lake, feeding pictures over the Internet. Pictures are available at www.lochness.scotland.net.

Is This For Real??? Department

This section promotes a website (http://www.stopabductions.com/) that provides instructions on how to make a 'thought screen helmet' designed to block telepathic communication between humans and aliens. It states that preliminary results show aliens have not abducted anyone while wearing these helmets.

UFOs - The Key Turning Point (Part 3)

This installment by W.H. Booker (YUFOS) focuses on the physics of sound and gravity. The section on sound discusses how wind affects sound waves, how they can be amplified, and the potential for research into sub-audible sounds to understand UFO silence. It also touches on ancient folklore about flying. The section on gravity explores it as a fundamental force of attraction, noting that its cause is unknown. It discusses how gravity affects large animals and the difference between gravity and weight. The author suggests that accurate study of gravity might require a laboratory in space.

"Fireball" Meteor or UFO?

By Dave Baker, this article recounts an event on Sunday, August 17th, where 'Terry S' and a friend observed an extremely bright light in the sky that dropped vertically with a "big flash of light." While Terry's friend did not see the light itself, he witnessed the flash. The light was described as about the size of a pin-head and disappeared quickly. The event is compared to shooting stars and meteors. The article mentions that a Sheffield journalist was contacted, and the chairman of the Sheffield Astronomical Society confirmed it was almost certainly a "fireball" meteor.

Schweinfurt - A Mystery Solved?

Authored by Andy Roberts, this article revisits the 'foo-fighter' sightings reported during the 14th October 1943 Schweinfurt raid. The author, who previously expressed skepticism due to a lack of verifiable sources, details new findings from the Public Records Office. The article recounts Martin Caidin's description in 'Black Thursday,' where pilots reported a cluster of silver discs closing in on their B-17 bombers. The discs were described as about one inch thick and three inches in diameter. One B-17 reportedly flew through a cluster with no effect, and another disc was heard to strike the tail assembly. The report also mentions observing other aircraft flying through silver discs without apparent damage. The article notes that such discs were observed by pilots and crew members before and after Mission 115 of October 14, 1943.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, ranging from UFOs and cryptids to historical mysteries like sea serpents. There is a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and research, as seen in the SETI project and the discussion of gravity. The publication appears to be open to exploring fringe topics while grounding them in available evidence or scientific inquiry. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and a desire to uncover and present information on these subjects, often drawing from public records and scientific findings.

Title: UFO Brigantia
Issue: Vol. 4, #3
Date: September 2000
Publisher: PRB
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of UFO Brigantia delves into historical UFO accounts and contemporary phenomena, featuring a detailed investigation into a World War II intelligence report and exploring scientific theories behind crop circles.

Investigation into a WWII UFO Document

The lead article focuses on a document referenced by UFO writer Caidin, which he claimed supported his account of a UFO event. The author of the article reveals that the document exists and is almost as Caidin recorded it. The document, found in the AIR 40/464 file, is an intelligence report from the Shweinfurt mission dated 16 October 1943.

It details a sighting by the 348th Group of a cluster of silver discs, described as one inch thick and three inches in diameter, observed near Schweinfurt. These discs were gliding slowly in a uniform cluster, and an aircraft (A/C 026) flew through them with no effect on its engines or surface. One disc was heard striking the tail assembly, but no explosion occurred. The report also mentions a mass of black debris observed near the discs. The document's circulation details indicate it was received on 17 October 1943 and sent to various US recipients.

The author notes that Caidin's reference to the document was difficult to verify at the PRO (Public Record Office), possibly due to re-numbering of files. However, the author concludes that the document's existence is confirmed and that the objects, while unusual, were not necessarily 'craft' under intelligent control or dangerous. The article suggests the objects could have been 'window' (chaff) dropped by the Germans to disrupt radar or radio communications. The author distinguishes these objects from 'foo-fighters' and believes this particular mystery is now largely resolved.

Magnetic Solution to Crop Circle Puzzle

The second major feature explores the phenomenon of crop circles. Scientist Colin Andrews, after 17 years of research, suggests that approximately 80% of crop circle formations are man-made. However, he proposes that magnetism may account for the remaining 20%, which exhibit a simpler form compared to elaborate 'hoaxes'.

Andrews believes a mysterious shift in the Earth's magnetic field creates a current that 'electrocutes' the crops, causing them to lie flat. He has hired private detectives to track hoaxers and claims to have ruled out most of the formations as deliberate creations. The article notes that crop circles are a regular summertime feature in the UK, particularly in Wiltshire and the West Country, and that their designs become more elaborate each year, fueling debate about their origin.

Conclusion and References

The article on the WWII document concludes that while the objects were intriguing, they were not completely mystifying and could be explained within the context of wartime technology like coloured flak or 'window' drops. The author emphasizes that the explanation is now more a task for air historians than ufologists.

References cited include 'UFO Brigantia' (July 1990), the website http://www.project1947.com/, and Martin Caidin's book 'Black Thursday' (1960).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It prioritizes verifiable evidence and historical documentation, as seen in the rigorous examination of Caidin's claims. The publication also engages with scientific explanations for unexplained phenomena, such as the magnetic theory for crop circles, demonstrating an interest in both historical mysteries and contemporary scientific inquiry. The editorial stance seems to favor rational explanations and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the intriguing nature of unexplained events.