Project Red Book vol 5 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 5, # 4
Date: October 2001
Publisher: YUFOS YORKSHIRE UFO SOCIETY
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1:50

This issue of "Project Red Book" (PRB), published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, presents a collection of articles exploring UFO phenomena, paranormal investigations, and scientific advancements. The cover prominently features the title "PROJECT RED BOOK" alongside a striking sketch of an alien and a ghostly figure, with key article titles listed below, including "THE CANADIAN ROSWELL?" and "YUFOS ON GHOSTS & UFOS."

Key Articles and Features

The Shag Harbour UFO Crash/Retrieval

The main article, titled "SHAG HARBOUR," investigates what is described as potentially the most significant UFO crash/retrieval case ever to emerge from Canada. It draws comparisons to the Roswell Incident but emphasizes the extensive documentation available for Shag Harbour, including a "paper trail a mile wide" from various government and military agencies, and even CBC television footage of the retrieval. The case was revitalized by researcher Christopher Styles, who, with a modest grant, sifted through a large legacy of documents and witness testimony. The incident occurred on October 4, 1967, when a UFO, approximately 60 feet in diameter, was seen hovering over the water near Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia. It displayed four bright lights, tilted to a 45-degree angle, and descended rapidly, impacting the water with a bright flash and an explosive roar. Initial reports from witnesses focused on a possible aircraft crash. Three RCMP officers investigated and found the object still floating, glowing pale yellow and leaving a trail of dense yellow foam. Neither the Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax nor NORAD had any knowledge of missing aircraft. Cst. Pond reported the object had changed shape and was "no known object." A coast guard lifeboat and local fishing boats were summoned, but the UFO had submerged. Search efforts continued for days with "nil results," and media attention faded. The article notes that the case became Case #34 in the Condon Committee Report. It highlights that authorities, not witnesses, first referred to a UFO. Extensive documentation, including military orders and communications, was available in Canada's National Archives, suggesting a serious search effort for a UFO of extraterrestrial origin. The case also led to UFO responsibilities within the Canadian military being transferred to Canada's National Research Council, which believed UFOs exhibit advanced technology. Several other sightings over eastern Canada on the same night are mentioned, including a dragger with 18 men observing solid radar returns, and reports from children and an insurance salesman. Air Canada Flight 305 also encountered UFO activity. Newspaper clippings indicated continued military interest. The article also touches upon the role of Father Michael Burke-Gaffney, a Jesuit priest who was an astronomer and a UFO investigator for Canada's NRC, despite publicly stating he had no interest in the phenomenon. A potential second recovery operation near Shelburne is also discussed, supported by documents and anonymous military personnel accounts. Chris Styles hopes to avoid direct comparisons with other UFO crashes, emphasizing that UFO phenomena offer the promise of a greater understanding and that belief systems may need to be challenged.

"PENDULUM" UFO OVER ROTHERHAM

This report by Dave Baker details a sighting by YUFOS member Paul Garner and his son, Ryan, on August 10, 2001, at 10:35 PM in Eastwood, Rotherham, England. Paul, an experienced amateur astronomer and former UFO investigator, was skyward-gazing when he and his son noticed two moving lights. They initially thought they were aircraft but realized the object was unusual when it came closer. A central column connected the two lights, dimly lit by a dull orange color. The top light had a bright white core surrounded by a blue haze, and the bottom light was smaller with a dim orange center and glow. The central pillar swung like a pendulum. They watched for about two minutes until the lights went out, but a solid object was still seen moving before disappearing. No sound was heard, and the dog showed no awareness of the objects. Paul, despite usually carrying a camera, had left it at home. The conclusions suggest the lights were not astronomical, and Paul is convinced it was not an aircraft. A possible explanation involving drug-trafficking aircraft dropping packages is considered, referencing a similar incident at Charlton Brook Dam where a "dark object" dropped a "bright light" into the water. However, Paul maintains the central column was too thick to be a rope or cable and that he would have recognized any aircraft. He concludes that the object remains "unidentified" and of an unusual nature.

THURSDAY THE 13th: YUFOS INVESTIGATE A HAUNTING

Written by Mark P Martin, this article details a YUFOS investigation into a reported haunting in Sheffield. Jon Slater, Dave Baker, and the author visited a man named Steve who claimed his house was paranormally infested. The house, a pre-war council semi, was occupied by Steve, his wife, and their two toddlers since February 2001. Supernatural activity reportedly began in June. The evidence section outlines several alleged occurrences:

1. Object moved unaided: A child's toy ball rolled about 6-7 feet across the living room floor. This was the only reported incident of this nature.
2. Paranormal cold spots: Steve described sudden temperature drops that started in his legs and rose, causing goosebumps.
3. Anomalous odours: Strange smells, such as fried onions or bananas, were perceived without a source.
4. Nondescript apparitions: Steve reported seeing "black things," described as black shapes about the size of a rat, moving quickly across the carpet, usually at the edge of vision.
5. Physical force exerted by supernatural means: Steve felt an invisible force push him by his shoulders while sitting on the sofa. Two visitors also encountered this force, with one feeling her nightie being pulled up.
6. Mediumistic contact with Spirits of the dead: A medium contacted five spirits, who communicated their names and ages at death, ranging from 58 to 76, with death dates between 1826 and 1976.

The analysis section discusses the ball's movement, noting that while the motion itself was normal, its self-initiated movement was paranormal. The author considers the possibility of a sloping floor or draughts contributing to the ball's movement. The cold spots are described as inexplicable drops in temperature within specific areas. The article emphasizes the investigator's duty to find conventional explanations first, noting that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.

ATOM EXPERIMENT BRINGS TELEPORTATION CLOSER

This short piece, sourced from "Japan Today" (September 27, 2001), reports on physicists in Denmark who have made two samples of trillions of atoms interact at a distance. This experiment, involving quantum entanglement, is seen as a step towards Star Trek-style teleportation and rapid quantum computing. Eugene Polzik and his colleagues at the University of Aarhus achieved this by entangling a large number of atoms using laser light. Polzik stated, "It is the first result where two macroscopic material objects have been entangled." The research is considered important for quantum communication and teleportation. The article also mentions a 1998 experiment at the California Institute of Technology that teleported a beam of light. Ignacio Cirac of the University of Innsbruck believes this achievement could lead to real-life quantum communication systems, teleportation, and quantum computers.

Other Mentions

The issue also includes a section titled "FROM AROUND THE WORLD..." which briefly lists topics such as "Mystery mutilations," "Bubbling seas sink ships," and "Russian re-entries." There is also a "Message of the month" and a note about contributions from various individuals and organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFOs, crash retrievals, and sightings. The publication also delves into paranormal investigations, such as hauntings and poltergeist activity. There's an underlying interest in scientific exploration, as evidenced by the article on teleportation. The editorial stance, as indicated by the disclaimer, is that the articles and views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the YUFOS members, suggesting an open platform for diverse perspectives within the UFO and paranormal community. The emphasis on rigorous investigation, seeking conventional explanations first, and the pursuit of understanding UFO phenomena are also evident.

PRB, Vol. 5, #4, October 2001, is a magazine focused on unexplained phenomena, including hauntings, UFO sightings, and government secrecy. This issue features several articles exploring these themes.

Investigation into a Reported Haunting

The issue begins with an investigation into a reported haunting at a house belonging to a resident named Steve. Investigators Dave Baker, Jon Slater, and another individual visited the house and noted cold spots and unexplained odours, including bananas and frying onions. They found evidence of cold draughts and concluded that Steve's experiences might be influenced by his suggestibility and his habit of watching paranormal documentaries. The investigators also noted that mediums communicate with spirits from various locations, not just the place of their death, and that the medium involved in Steve's case provided unusual details like death dates. The article concludes that, based on the available evidence, no paranormal phenomena were involved, and more evidence would be needed from the medium and other witnesses.

UFO Sighting Over Lake Vättern

The magazine details a Swedish daytime UFO sighting from June 20, 1992, in Brandstorp. Witnesses Hans and Seija Augustsson reported seeing a small, black, stealth-like plane flying at incredible speed over Lake Vättern. They described a unique, metallic, cosmic sound, not like an engine, but more of a 'suction'. The object was described as completely black, with no visible exhaust trail, and it flew at a comparatively low altitude. The Air Staff suggested it might have been a remote-controlled airplane, but the witnesses found this unlikely given the speed and sound. Another witness in Hjo reported hearing a similar eerie, cosmic sound on the same day.

Secret Archives: Chemical Warfare and Nuclear Defense

Nick Redfern contributes an article titled 'Secret Archives,' discussing declassified government files. He focuses on a file from the late 1960s intended as a training-aid for Royal Air Force personnel at the Defence NBC School in Wiltshire. The file covers topics such as contamination control, protection against nuclear attack, and survival shelter design. A significant portion of the article highlights the 'Riot Control Agents' section, which provides guidelines for military response to post-nuclear or chemical holocaust scenarios, including the use of CS gas on civilians. The file also details training with Mustard Gas and discusses military plans for coordinating government continuation and managing surviving populations in a post-nuclear UK, including measures like 'Public Protection and Warning' and 'Justice.' The article expresses concern over these 'riot control' and 'justice' measures, hoping they will never be needed.

Response to Clas Svahn: Apollo Moon Landing Debate

David Percy responds to an article by Clas Svahn concerning a Fox TV program about the Apollo moon landings. Percy argues that Svahn has not fully researched the topic and relies on opinions from others. He clarifies that he and Mary Bennett, co-author of 'DARK MOON: Apollo and the Whistle-Blowers,' believe humans did go to the Moon, but not necessarily as portrayed in NASA's official photographic and filmed accounts. Percy points to anomalies in NASA's images and discrepancies that suggest the use of artificial light and possibly studio sets, with Bill Kaysing suggesting Area 51 as a location. Percy asserts that he and Kaysing were merely interviewed and not involved in the program's production. He criticizes Svahn for implying that all programs by a TV company are dubious if one is disapproved of and for potentially misinterpreting the concept of 'conspiracy theorist.' Percy defends the availability of evidence in books and on the internet that support their views and suggests Svahn lacks background knowledge on space exploration history. The article also briefly mentions a failed Biosatellite III mission with a monkey, highlighting the challenges of space travel.

Park Life: UFO Encounters and Events

Dave Baker provides an update on the 'Park Life' segment, detailing the Yorkshire UFO-fo-fo society's (YUFOS) participation in an event. He recounts an interview with Radio Sheffield personality Rony Robinson, where Baker discussed the history of UFO encounters and the classification of close encounters. The segment also mentions a UFO sighting in Birmingham in August 1972, where a metallic, oval silver shape was observed. Another incident from Winter 1972 in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, describes a child's experience of a 'silver man' and a UFO hovering over their flats, with the grass below burnt. A third sighting from Summer 1991 in Sheffield involved a football-shaped fluorescent blue object. The article concludes with plans for future events and a humorous note about training hamsters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PRB consistently explores themes of the unexplained, ranging from alleged hauntings and UFO sightings to government secrecy and historical controversies surrounding space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for phenomena while also acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and questioning official narratives. The magazine encourages readers to research topics thoroughly and presents differing viewpoints, particularly in the debate surrounding the Apollo moon landings. There is a clear interest in declassified documents and witness testimonies, balanced with a healthy skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of PRB, titled "FROM AROUND THE WORLD... AND BEYOND!!!", compiled by Dave Baker, focuses on UFOs, conspiracies, fortean, and paranormal events. The issue is Volume 5, Number 4, dated October 2001.

Mystery Light Was Russian Space Junk

This article reports on a fiery object that streaked across the US East Coast on September 6, 2001. Navy officials identified it as a Russian SL3 rocket body that re-entered Earth's atmosphere after orbiting since 1975. Cmdr. Rod Gibbons of the U.S. Space Command stated the object was not designed to survive re-entry and likely burned up. He mentioned that the center was tracking 8,300 man-made objects in space, with about 17,000 having re-entered Earth's atmosphere since the late 1950s. Sightings were reported from Massachusetts to Virginia. Charles Tekula, a fisherman from Long Island, described the object as a "big, slow-moving firework across the sky," which he found "fantastic." Officials from the National Weather Service and Naval Observatory had initially speculated it was a meteor.

Big Cat Fear As Sheep Mauled

Reported on September 18, 2001, this piece details a farmer's discovery of mauled sheep on his farm near Slaley, Hexham, UK. Bob Charlton, who has 600 ewes and 900 lambs on his 500-acre Linnel Wood Farm, found five dead sheep and a badly injured ewe and lamb. A half-eaten lamb carcass was found, similar to one discovered weeks prior. Charlton suspects a puma is responsible, citing possible sightings and the unusual amount of meat consumed from the carcasses, which he believes rules out foxes. He notes reports of paw marks and dung not matching native animals. Chief Inspector John Thompson of South West Northumberland Area Command stated they have had similar calls and sightings of big cats over the past four years. Sgt Eddie Bell, a wildlife liaison officer, estimates around 15 big cats are loose in the North East but believes a dog is more likely to blame, arguing that cats like pumas or lynx typically lick meat rather than consume it entirely, and the wool fiber of sheep is difficult for them to handle.

Bubbling Seas Can Sink Ships

This article, based on research by Johanna Marchant for New Scientist (September 26, 2001), explores how methane bubbles escaping from the seabed might cause ships to sink, particularly in the Bermuda Triangle and North Sea. Greek mathematician Archimedes' principle states that an object floats if its density is less than the liquid's. The theory suggests that mixing enough bubbles into water can lower its average density, causing objects on the surface to sink. Bruce Denardo from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, was initially skeptical, pointing out that rising bubbles can create upward currents that might keep an object afloat. However, Denardo and his colleagues conducted lab tests using a beaker of water and air bubbles, dropping steel balls filled with varying amounts of water and air. They confirmed that bubbles could make a ball sink, which surprised them as they expected upward drag to dominate. Denardo concluded that while the experiment was in a closed container, the phenomenon is plausible in the open sea, where upwellings might form near bubbles, but down currents could cause a vessel to sink if it drifted into them. The findings lend support to the methane theory for unexplained ship disappearances. The article also mentions Michael Stumborg, a researcher at the US Naval War College in Rhode Island, who proposed building "buoyancy bombs" that could extract and release methane to sink target ships.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, ranging from potential extraterrestrial or man-made objects in space (Russian rocket re-entry) to cryptid sightings (big cats in the UK) and mysterious natural or man-made events (ship sinkings in the Bermuda Triangle). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and scientific investigations without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The inclusion of scientific research, such as the study on methane bubbles, alongside anecdotal reports, suggests a balanced approach to exploring the unexplained.