Project Red Book vol 4 no 9

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol.4 # 9
Date: March 2001
Publisher: YUFOS YORKSHIRE UFO SOCIETY
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1:50

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, focuses on UFO investigations and sightings, particularly those with Australian connections, and includes an analysis of the Mexborough UFO footage.

Air Marshall Sir George Jones and the UFO

This article by Bill Chalker details the involvement of Air Marshall Sir George Jones with the UFO phenomenon. Jones, who became RAAF Chief of the Air Staff during World War Two, had an early encounter in 1930 when he was sent to Warrnambool, Victoria, to investigate reports of mystery aircraft. He found no explanation, noting they were not aircraft belonging to any known power and could not be identified as birds.

Jones himself became a UFO witness in 1957, observing a brilliant white light at the bottom of a shadowy shape travelling quickly and silently at approximately 400 mph at 1,500 feet. He was certain it was not a meteor or reflected light and described it as travelling purposefully. He was reluctant to speak publicly about it for fear of being considered incompetent.

Chalker interviewed Jones in 1988, finding him lucid and articulate. Jones was also a patron of the civilian UFO research organization CAPIO and a member of VUFORS. The article highlights the 'Wave of 1957', a period of significant UFO activity globally, including in Australia.

The Wave of 1957

Coinciding with a UFO wave in the United States, Australia experienced numerous reports. On September 27th, 1957, the Air Traffic Controller at Launceston airport, Tasmania, observed a strong white light moving at high speed. During nuclear weapons test series in Maralinga, South Australia, in September and October 1957, Corporal Derek Murray witnessed a silver-blue object with 'windows' hovering silently over the airfield. On November 8th, 1957, astronomers at the Commonwealth Observatory at Mount Stromlo observed a bright pink object moving across the western horizon.

Sir George Jones and the 1965 UFO Convention

Sir George Jones was a key figure at a major civilian UFO research convention in Ballarat, Victoria, in February 1965. The convention aimed to elevate the respectability of UFO research. Jones spoke in support of serious UFO research, and the RAAF was represented by B. G. Roberts, Senior Research Scientist, who presented an official assessment of aerial sightings.

Roberts argued for the term 'unidentified aerial sightings' (UAS) over UFO and stated that the Department of Air was responsible for assessing such reports, with 9 out of 10 sightings being explainable. He also confirmed that the Department had not received or discovered any evidence of extraterrestrial machines visiting Earth.

During the convention, Sir George Jones challenged Mr. Roberts, emphasizing the need to keep an open mind and referencing cases like Charles Brew and Rev. William Gill. Jones also recalled his 1930 investigation and a 1963 sighting with his wife of a brilliant white light that moved silently at high speed.

The Mexborough Footage: The Final Report?

This section details the investigation into UFO footage filmed by Michael Nicholls in Mexborough in March 1999. Following previous reports and analyses, Tim Farrow of TJF Video Productions was asked to provide a second opinion on the camcorder footage.

Professional Details of Tim Farrow

Tim Farrow has extensive experience in the RAF, including basic electronic training, radar principles, and electronic image interpretation. He was responsible for the introduction of major radars and ECM on the Nimrod. After leaving the RAF, he worked in Saudi Arabia teaching radar and electronic imaging before establishing TJF Video Productions in 1983. He is now a registered expert witness in video and photographic enhancement and image identification, with experience in court cases.

Report on Sighting by Michael Nicholls on 13th March 1999 at Mexborough

Farrow's analysis of the initial observations from the video indicates two objects moving. The first object moved on a straight path, initially at 4 o'clock to 10 o'clock relative to the camera, then moving towards 12 o'clock. The object appeared to be slowing down, but this was due to the angle of movement relative to the camera. The cloud base was estimated at 6 to 7,000ft, placing the objects at a flying height of 8 to 10,000ft. The distance was estimated at a minimum of five miles, increasing as the object moved away. The speed was estimated at 150 to 250 knots.

The second object appeared from the bottom of the picture and was only visible digitally. Both objects gradually disappeared from view. Farrow concluded that the second object was likely present all along but not visible due to being off-screen. The disappearance was explained by increasing distance and cloud density. He noted that Michael Nicholls stated he could not see the object with the naked eye early in the video.

Farrow's conclusion is that the position and action of the two objects are consistent with two small military aircraft flying in 'Loose Formation'. He questions whether any military bases are known within 150 miles of the area.

Early Australian UFO Investigations

The magazine also touches upon earlier potential UFO evidence and investigations in Australia. The Navy submarine depot ship 'Platypus' was involved in a search in Bass Strait in 1920 where mystery lights were observed. The article also mentions the 1978 Valentich affair. It highlights evidence of official military involvement in investigating UFO phenomena near Queenscliff, Victoria, in 1914, with Lieut. Henry Petre reporting on strange aircraft and moving lights, though concluding there was no evidence of hostile aircraft.

Other historical sightings mentioned include a 'fireball or will-o'-the-wisp' in the Macleay River in 1913 and a nocturnal mystery in November 1914 involving mystery planes and lights. The article notes that while UFO activity was intense in 1971, sightings have continued, suggesting factors common to certain areas are significant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue emphasizes the historical depth of UFO investigations, particularly within Australia, and the persistent nature of the phenomenon. It highlights the importance of witness testimony, official reports, and scientific analysis, as seen in the detailed accounts of Sir George Jones and the Mexborough footage. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical approach, presenting evidence and analyses while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the need for further research. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging the exploration of historical cases and contemporary evidence.

PRB, Volume 4, Issue 9, dated March 2001, is a compilation of UFO, conspiracy, fortean, and paranormal events, compiled by Dave Baker. The issue features a variety of articles, including detailed analyses of UFO sightings, scientific theories on extinction events, and behind-the-scenes looks at paranormal-themed movies.

UFO Sighting Analysis: Mexborough

The lead article focuses on a UFO sighting over Mexborough on March 13, 1999. Tim Farrow analyzed video footage, estimating the objects' speed and size to be comparable to small light aircraft. He noted the objects were moving in formation, making them unlikely to be civilian aircraft. Farrow concluded with 95% certainty that his analysis was correct, though he acknowledged a small doubt. Dave Baker, the editor, commented on the difficulty of enhancing the low-resolution footage, which prevented definitive identification. Bill Rose, another analyst, also reviewed the case, expressing reservations about the 'large bird' explanation and suggesting that normal fixed-wing aircraft were unlikely due to the slow motion and lack of engine noise. Both Farrow and Rose rejected balloons as an explanation. The investigation also explored hang-gliders and micro-lites, but these were difficult to trace. Editor Dave Baker decided to investigate if any military aircraft were over Mexborough on the day of the sighting, with the results pending.

The 'Imp' of Pitrufquen

This section details reports from Pitrufquen, Chile, about a strange being described as an 'imp' by local children. The entity, appearing at night, was described as small (under 50 cm), with wizened features, hairy, pig-like ears, and shining eyes. It was said to hide in a cave and react violently when disturbed. Witnesses reported it could blind with light and squeal. The children claimed it had moved a car and attacked dogs. The local hospital was reportedly involved, with suggestions the entity was captured for experiments. Delmira Munoz, the children's aunt, corroborated the sightings, noting the imp's loyalty to a master and its violent behavior towards animals. Hernan San Martin, another witness, described seeing a small man-like figure and noted that his hens and chickens were dying, with the creature seemingly drinking their blood.

Skunk Ape Expedition

The article discusses the reappearance of the 'Skunk Ape,' a Florida version of Bigfoot. The story is filed under 'Suspicious Incident' by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, based on an anonymous letter detailing an encounter with a large, ape-like creature smelling strongly and taking apples from a backyard. The letter writer estimated the creature to be six and a half to seven feet tall and expressed concern about it being loose. The story has gained traction online, with speculation ranging from a hoaxer in an ape suit to an undiscovered anthropoid. David Barkasy, owner of the Silver Cit Serpentarium, is investigating the case.

Animal Attacks

This section presents two separate incidents of animal attacks:

1. Killer Croc Shot Dead: In Borneo, soldiers shot dead a 4.6-meter-long crocodile that had snatched and devoured a 10-year-old boy. Villagers found the boy's remains in the crocodile's stomach.
2. Cougar Attack: In Victoria, Canada, a man named Jon Nostdal was attacked by a cougar. Elliot Cole intervened, using his lunch pail and bicycle to drive the cougar away. Nostdal was mauled but in stable condition. Conservation officers were searching for the cougar.

UFO Central: Sightings from Around the World

Jonathan Slater compiles several UFO sighting reports:

• Isle de Sol: Six people on an island in Lake Titicaca reported seeing a bright object moving slowly like a satellite, which then became extremely bright and disappeared. They could not explain its sudden disappearance.
• Cornwall: A witness reported seeing a bright, moving object in the sky that was not a helicopter or light aircraft. It moved slowly and silently, then stopped, reduced in size, and disappeared over the Atlantic. It later reappeared, flashed lights, and moved away. The witness's husband was initially dismissive.

Scientific Discoveries

• Asteroid Impact and Extinction: Research suggests that Earth's largest mass extinction, 251 million years ago, was triggered by a comet or asteroid impact. Fullerenes containing helium and argon isotopes, found in rock layers from that period, indicate extraterrestrial origin, likely from a star that exploded before the Sun was born. The impact released energy equivalent to one million times the largest recorded earthquake. This event, occurring alongside massive volcanic activity, wiped out 90% of marine species and 70% of land vertebrates.

Mothman Movie Production

This article delves into the making of the movie 'The Mothman Prophecies,' directed by Mark Pellington and starring Richard Gere. Pellington aimed to create a psychological mystery focusing on perception and destiny, rather than a typical horror film. The production was based in Pittsburgh, chosen for its terrain and atmosphere. The director praised the crew and Gere's collaborative spirit. The script was developed with screenwriters Louis Klahr and Ernie Marrerro to fit Pellington's vision.

Correction

An earlier article's translation error is corrected: Eileen Fletcher, who translated 'Ufonaut or King's Daughter?', clarified a sentence regarding Japanese investment in the Hessdalen project.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings and cryptid reports (Skunk Ape, Pitrufquen imp, Frankfurt big cat) to scientific mysteries like mass extinctions linked to celestial events. The editorial stance, as seen through Dave Baker's comments, is one of open investigation, encouraging detailed reports and analysis while acknowledging the challenges of definitive proof, especially with low-quality evidence. There's a clear interest in distinguishing between potential hoaxes and genuine unexplained events, with a focus on rigorous analysis where possible. The inclusion of movie reviews related to paranormal themes also indicates a broader interest in how these subjects are portrayed in popular culture.

Title: IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!
Issue: Vol. 4, #9
Date: March 2001
Publisher: PRB
Author: Dave Baker

This issue of PRB magazine, dated March 2001, delves into a series of unusual aerial phenomena reported in the UK. The primary focus is on a widespread sighting event on Thursday, February 8th, 2001, which was initially perceived as a spectacular bolide (meteor) but also generated numerous UFO reports. The magazine also examines a subsequent incident in York, initially believed to be a meteorite impact, which was later debunked.

The February 8th, 2001 Sighting Event

The article begins by detailing the events of Thursday, February 8th, 2001, when a significant aerial event occurred, visible across Yorkshire and much of England. While many dismissed it as a meteor, the sheer volume of reports to UFO groups, newspapers, and radio stations indicated something more significant. In Sheffield, The Sheffield Star received numerous reports but did not deem the story newsworthy. A physics teacher on local radio described classic UFO symptoms: flashing lights moving at speed, colored lights falling away, and a shooting star-like trajectory.

As the night progressed, it became clear the phenomenon was not confined to Yorkshire. Sightings flooded in to various UFO organizations. Gloria Dixon of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) and Strange Daze magazine reported a sighting from Helsby, Cheshire, at 7:35 pm. The witness described an orange ball of light with a brilliant jade green tail, which travelled horizontally and disappeared behind a tree line, possibly landing. The observation lasted only two to three seconds.

Steven Mera of MAPIT (Manchester Aerial Phenomenon Investigation Team) also noted a surge in sightings. An individual named 'Ian' from Urmston reported a UFO around 7:30 pm as a "white rocket like object with a tail travelling across the sky from West to East," positioned about 25% above the horizon.

A witness in Audenshwae described a "rocket like with a tail with bits of it falling off" between 8:00 and 8:30 pm. In Preswich, a blue-green object was seen moving towards Heaton Park between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. 'Andrew' from South Reddish watched a bright white light that appeared to be sparking around 8:30 pm to 8:45 pm. A couple, 'Sean' and his wife, observed a strange object with a tail from their lounge window in Salford, describing it as moving backwards and forwards.

Even the magazine's own 'YUFOS towers' received reports from individuals seeking confirmation of what they had seen.

The Knottingley/Pontefract Sighting

Over a week after the event, an email was received from a website visitor about a friend's experience in West Yorkshire on Friday, February 9th, around 8:10 pm. The friend, Barbara, a nurse at Pontefract Hospital, was outside with her mother in Knottingley when a massive, luminous green 'thing,' described as "as big as a field," flew low over the houses without making any sound. Barbara's husband rushed out, asking what the bright green light was. This incident occurred near the border between Knottingley and Pontefract.

Despite the discrepancy in the date (Friday the 9th instead of Thursday the 8th), the description bore similarities to the bolide meteor sighting, particularly the green trail and low trajectory. The article notes that this discrepancy might be due to witness error.

Analysis of Witness Testimony and Misperception

The author, Dave Baker, expresses skepticism about the accuracy of the reports, particularly concerning the date of the Knottingley/Pontefract sighting. After asking his correspondent to double-check, it was confirmed that the event did indeed occur on Thursday, February 8th, meaning the witness had the date wrong. Baker notes the wide range of times (from 6:30 pm to after 10:00 pm) and descriptions for what is presumed to be the same object, questioning how long a bolide would take to burn up.

He concludes that all reports are likely of the bolide meteorite and that descriptions and times are based on witness misperception. Factors such as weather conditions, relative angles, and whether the witness was indoors, outdoors, or in a moving car can lead to varied descriptions. The article also highlights the influence of individual perception, descriptive abilities, memory, and the contamination of reports from others, referencing Andy Roberts of UFOIN's point about the varying accounts of events in court cases.

Related News: The York 'Meteorite' Incident

The issue includes a related news item reported by Dave Clarke on BBC Online in March 2001. A meteoroid was reported to have landed in a field in York, UK, narrowly missing a woman walking her dogs. North Yorkshire police were called to the Hopgrove area after Silvia Mercer heard a rush of air and a loud explosion at 0800 GMT. A smoking crater, about 12 centimeters wide and just under a metre deep, was found. Officials from the Yorkshire Museum confirmed it was likely a rock falling from space, noting it had been almost 10 years since a similar event in the UK.

Mrs Mercer described being frightened, thinking her last moments had come. The area was cordoned off, and the meteorite began making "weird" popping and cracking noises, attributed to background radiation. Experts from York University and the Natural History Museum in London, including meteoriticist Dr Matthew Genge, were consulted.

Dr Genge expressed a need for more information, stating that some reported characteristics were inconsistent with meteorites, such as smoking upon impact. He did note that meteorites can make noise due to sonic booms from their speed.

Debunking the York Incident

However, Dave Clarke later posted a follow-up, revealing that the York incident was a case of "radical misperception." The object thought to be a meteorite was, in fact, an underground electric fire caused by a shorting live cable. Clarke humorously points out how many 'experts' had been convinced it was a meteorite, expressing relief at being an amateur.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into UFO and unexplained phenomena reports. While acknowledging the existence of numerous sightings and the public's interest, the editorial leans towards rational explanations, particularly misperception and natural phenomena like meteors. The article emphasizes the unreliability of witness testimony when not corroborated and critically examines how easily both the public and experts can be misled. The debunking of the York 'meteorite' serves as a cautionary tale about jumping to conclusions and the importance of thorough investigation. The magazine seems to advocate for a skeptical yet open-minded approach, prioritizing evidence and logical analysis over sensationalism.