Project Red Book vol 5 no 7

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 5, # 7
Date: January 2002
Publisher: YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society)
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1:50

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, features a striking cover illustration of an alien and delves into several prominent UFO cases and related phenomena. The magazine includes articles on the controversial Alex Birch photograph, the identification of NOSS satellites as potential UFOs, and the intriguing 'New British Roswell' case.

The Alex Birch Photograph: Genuine or Hoax?

The lead article, "NO KIDDING THIS TIME...MY FLYING SAUCER PICTURE IS GENUINE! (Part 2)" by Andy Roberts & David Clarke, critically examines the famous Alex Birch photograph. The article traces the history of the photo, taken in 1962, and the conflicting accounts surrounding its authenticity. Leonard Cramp initially declared the photos "completely authentic." Alex Birch's family, though less affluent than the Darbishires, were open-minded. Alex, along with schoolpal David Brownlow and friend Stuart Dixon, took the photo with a Brownie 127 camera in a field near Sheffield. The image depicted five flying saucers. Alex's father and teacher, Colin Brook, promoted the photo, with Birch senior stating his conviction that "we are being visited by flying saucers of other planets." Alex Birch, at 14, addressed a BUFORA meeting in London, where the photos were endorsed by Alan Watts.

However, the narrative shifts to the official investigation. The Air Ministry, prompted by Alex's father, took an interest. Senior RAF officers R.H. White and Anthony Bardsley examined the photo, with Bardsley noting in a memo that reproducing the photograph would be a "relatively simple task" and that the exposure sequence on the negatives didn't quite fit the boy's story. The Ministry eventually offered the explanation of "ice particles in the atmosphere," which was widely rejected and seen by many as a cover-up.

In 1972, Alex Birch admitted the photo was a hoax, claiming it was cut-out shapes pasted on glass. This confession was reportedly made due to ridicule and pressure. His father only learned the truth the day before the newspapers carried the story. David Brownlow confirmed it was a joke that snowballed.

In 1998, during a UFO revival, Alex Birch again changed his story, claiming the photograph was genuine after all. He stated he had claimed it was a fake to escape pressure, but the "UFO fraternity" didn't believe him and suggested government pressure. His former schoolpals, Brownlow and Dixon, were contacted by the Sheffield Star. Brownlow maintained it was a hoax, describing how they "were just messing around in Alex's dad's greenhouse." Stuart Dixon later retracted his original statement after meeting Birch.

The article also references the Cottingley fairy photographs as a parallel, where a similar shift from hoax to alleged authenticity occurred. It highlights the role of 'svengali-like figures' and how the narratives of young witnesses can be manipulated by the adult world of media and ufology.

UFOs and the NOSS Problem

Anthony Eccles of MARA and BUFORA investigates "UFOS AND THE NOSS [NAVAL OCEAN SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM] PROBLEM." Eccles suggests that many UFO sightings are misidentifications of artificial satellite systems. He references a Guardian newspaper feature on sun storm satellites and the European Space Agency's Cluster project. Eccles notes that in 1996, observers of the Perseid meteor shower reported seeing a triangular formation of three lights.

Eccles' investigation began with a case from October 1999, where a witness named John reported seeing three lights forming an isosceles triangle moving simultaneously in the sky near Thingwall, Merseyside. The lights moved at satellite speed and altitude and disappeared as they entered Earth's shadow. While initially considering military aircraft, Eccles focused on astronomical phenomena.

His research led him to the NOSS (Naval Ocean Surveillance System) satellites, a US Navy electronic intelligence system. These satellites, launched in groups (Parcae), are designed to track naval ships by detecting their signals. The NOSS system was denied by the US Government until 1996. Each satellite is about three meters long. They fly at an altitude of 1100km and in formation approximately 100km across. While they are meant to maintain formation, their orbits cause them to appear in various shapes, including triangles and straight lines, from Earth's perspective.

Eccles found that NOSS satellites were mentioned by satellite enthusiasts online, who discussed their formation capabilities. He notes that the NOSS constellations consist of three visible satellites, each moving in a roughly geocentric orbit. The triangle shape is not maintained due to intersecting orbits, but the appearance can vary continuously. Eccles concludes that NOSS satellites are a plausible explanation for some UFO sightings, particularly those involving triangular formations of lights.

Other Articles and Features

This issue also includes:

• "ALIEN MESSAGE TESTS HUMAN DE-CODERS"
• "THE NEW BRITISH ROSWELL" by Tom Bolloxinski, described as a "shattering case that will upset the Crash / Retrieval cart forever!"
• "UFO COVER-UP REVEALED" - questioning if the MOD investigated UFOs in the 50s.
• "'PANTHER' SIGHTING IN GARDEN" - presented as one of the first cryptozoological cases of 2001.
• "FROM AROUND THE WORLD...AND BEYOND!" - a section with brief reports including "Area 51 Guards go on strike" and "Twilight Zone of New Squid Discovered."
• An "EDITORIAL" thanking contributors.

The magazine also lists its editorial team, including Editor Dave Baker, Web-master Richard Moss, and Treasurer Jacqui Baker. Contributions are acknowledged from Dave Baker, Tom Bolloxinski, Dave Clarke, Anthony Eccles, Andy Roberts, and Stephen Biscoe. The issue includes a disclaimer that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or YUFOS members.

A "NEXT MEETING" notice is included for Tuesday, 12th February 2002, at The Moseley's Arms in Sheffield.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence, and the potential for misidentification of conventional technology as UFOs. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded approach, investigating cases thoroughly and considering explanations beyond the purely extraterrestrial. There is a strong emphasis on historical cases, such as the Alex Birch and Stephen Darbishire photographs, and a willingness to challenge established narratives. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and the debunking of hoaxes, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena, as seen in the NOSS satellite article and the introduction of the 'New British Roswell' case. The publication also touches upon the broader cultural impact of UFOlogy and the manipulation of witness accounts.

Title: PRB
Issue Date: January 2002 (Vol. 5, #7)
Publisher: PRB
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of PRB delves into various topics related to unexplained phenomena, military surveillance, and potential extraterrestrial contact, featuring articles on satellite technology, alleged alien encounters, and government secrecy.

White Cloud (NOSS) Naval Ocean Surveillance System

The issue begins by describing the White Cloud Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS), a Navy program for wide-area ocean surveillance. NOSS uses triangulation to pinpoint the location of radio and radar transmissions, allowing for the identification of naval units by analyzing their operating frequencies and patterns. Each NOSS launch deploys a primary satellite and three smaller sub-satellites, forming an array that can determine transmitter locations and identify units. The system primarily uses the Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) technique called 'time difference of arrival' (TDOA). The initial phase of Operation White Cloud ran from 1976 to 1987, with later phases using modernized satellites and more powerful rockets like the Titan 4#17. The system is described as a joint US Navy and Air Force program, known collectively as the Space-Based Wide Area Surveillance System.

A paper by Russian military advisor Major A. Andronov explains the rationale behind using three satellites: one for wide observation, a second for fixing emitter positions with some ambiguity, and a third for precise co-ordinate determination and transmission to Navy ships for weapons employment. This system enables over-the-horizon targeting for warships and is employed by nuclear submarines. Targeted information can be relayed to land stations such as Blossom Point in Maryland and Winter Harbor in Maine.

UFO Magazine and Satellite Formations

The article mentions a feature in UFO Magazine (UK) about an observation of satellites, raising the question of whether satellites orbit in symmetrical formation. James Oberg is cited as claiming that three top-secret DoD satellites orbit in triangular formation. UFO Magazine reportedly stated that NOSS satellites could not account for a witness's sighting from 1975, while NOSS was first launched in 1976. This discrepancy prompts the author to investigate further.

Early Satellite Launches and ELINT Systems

Further research reveals that formation satellites might have been launched earlier than initially thought. The first launch of ELINT Naval reconnaissance satellites, code-named Parcae, occurred on December 14, 1976, at Vandenberg Launch Site using an LT Thor Agena D rocket. The article notes that NOSS is a civilian term and that rocket launches were sometimes cover for other military satellites. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, satellites were launched on powerful rockets like the Atlas F, Atlas H, and Titan 4, designed to deploy multiple satellites in Low Earth Orbit using Altitude Control Electronics (ACE). Discrepancies exist regarding the specific rockets used and the satellite types deployed, with some payloads being for Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) rather than Electronic Intelligence (ELINT).

Future Satellite Technology and Threats

For the 21st century, satellites are expected to be smaller and more economically produced, with tasks like space-based radar. The NAVSPASUR surveillance system uses Doppler shift to track objects in space. The article highlights the vulnerability of Low Earth Orbit satellites to anti-satellite attacks (ATAS) and notes that tracking satellites is relatively easy, even for amateur astronomers. Countering satellite surveillance is becoming more feasible for other nations.

The New British Roswell?

This section, authored by Tom Bolloxinski, presents a case that the author refers to as the 'New British Roswell'. It details an alleged crash retrieval of an alien spaceship and its occupants in England, near London. 'Dennis', an insider who worked at Rudloe Manor, provided a photograph of an alien autopsy and recounted the discovery of four alien corpses near a crashed dome-like craft. The craft was described as embedded in the ground, with debris scattered around. The aliens were humanoid in shape, with large heads, large eyes, slit mouths, small noses, and large ears, and varied in skin color (red, purple, yellow, green). Artefacts found near the bodies included a spherical device, a transportation vehicle, and a helmet. A 'mechanoid creature' resembling a cross between a vacuum cleaner and a humvee was also discovered and taken to RAF Kinloss.

One of the aliens was found to be alive and was taken to an underground base beneath Rudloe Manor. It survived on a syrupy yellow substance and 'roasted-bread like cakes' inscribed with an alien symbol. Attempts were made to communicate with the alien via a biologically-implanted device, which involved a phosphorescent skull protuberance and a digital video screen in the torso. Military code-breakers were involved in deciphering these messages, which were sometimes embedded within transmissions of music. The alien reportedly uttered the word 'Eg'N, Eg'N'. The creature eventually died, and its remains were reportedly cut up and put into bottles.

UFO Cover-Up Revealed (Stephen Biscoe)

This article by Stephen Biscoe (Yorkshire Post) discusses the British Government's historical denial of UFO phenomena, often referred to as their version of the X-Files. A secret working party was established by the Ministry of Defence in 1950 to investigate UFO sightings. Despite producing a report, the MoD denied its existence for 49 years. Dr. David Clarke, a researcher, was instrumental in bringing these papers to light. The report, based on Churchill's orders, examined cases like that of Flight Lieutenant Stan Hubbard, who reported seeing a 'flat disc' flying at high speeds. However, the report concluded that UFO sightings were likely 'optical illusions and psychological delusions' or hoaxes, and recommended no further investigation unless material evidence became available. Clarke suggests that the MoD's secrecy was a cover-up of ignorance, not of alien knowledge, possibly due to Cold War anxieties about Russian aircraft or missiles.

'Alien' Message Tests Human Decoders

This section reports on a project to broadcast a message into space designed to test human decoders. The message, created by Yvan Dutil and Stephane Dumas, is a two-dimensional image converted into a binary string, designed to withstand significant interference. The goal is to develop a system that can automatically decode an alien reply. The message includes about 10% meaningless noise and some deleted parts to simulate transmission interference. The sensitivity of interplanetary communications was demonstrated when a previous message by Dutil and Dumas contained an error that could have confused an alien recipient. The pair plan to develop software to automatically decode alien messages, regardless of noise. Telescopes worldwide are used to search for patterns in radio waves, and cryptanalysis techniques could be used for decoding. Douglas Vakoch of the SETI Institute notes the challenge of deciphering unexpected message types.

Security Guards Strike at Area 51

An article compiled by Dave Baker reports on a strike by approximately 70 security guards, known as 'camo dudes', at the covert military installation near Area 51 in Nevada. The guards, employed by EG&G Technical Services Inc., are striking for higher pay and better benefits, citing excessive overtime since September 11. The guards previously held a contract with EG&G Special Projects before a new contract was signed in 1996. The article mentions that the installation is where former workers have charged that coatings for stealth fighter jets were burned in open trenches, causing illness. Glenn Campbell, an Area 51 watchdog, received an anonymous call about the strike. The striking guards are seeking fair treatment and equitable pay, with one guard stating he hasn't received a raise in 14-15 years and lost pay when the contract switched.

Twilight Zone: A Place Where Cars Go Dead

This report from Keller, Texas, describes a phenomenon where vehicles, specifically Isuzu sport utility vehicles, sputter and die when passing a large white ball perched atop a building. Amy and Jodi Johnson have experienced this repeatedly. The white ball is identified as part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Route Surveillance Radar system. Isuzu officials attribute the problem to strong radio signals from the radar interfering with the vehicle's engine sensors, a rare issue that can occur near military bases or airports. Isuzu has offered to install a shield to protect the sensors from interference, and the company has begun adding this as a standard engine part.

Panther Sighting in Garden

An 'Evening Echo' report details an incident where Michael Lefevre of Shoebury spotted a panther-like cat in his garden. Alerted by a security light, he saw two 'piercing emerald green eyes' belonging to a large cat eating food scraps. The RSPCA and police were called, but the police were skeptical, suggesting it was a fox. Lefevre insists his fence was damaged and there are indentations in his garden. The RSPCA stated they would only get involved if an animal was injured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PRB include the exploration of advanced military surveillance technologies (NOSS, ELINT, radar), the persistent mystery and alleged cover-ups surrounding UFO phenomena (British Roswell, UK government reports), and the ongoing scientific and speculative endeavors related to extraterrestrial contact (interstellar messages, SETI). The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative journalism, presenting various accounts and theories while also seeking explanations and debunking myths where possible, as seen in the analysis of the NOSS system and the Keller, Texas car stalling incident. The magazine seems to aim at informing its readers about a wide range of unexplained events and the efforts to understand them, from the technological to the potentially extraordinary.

PRB, Vol. 5, #7, published in January 2002, is a magazine focused on ufology and related mysteries. This issue prominently features an article on a newly discovered deep-sea squid, alongside an editorial thanking the magazine's contributors and volunteers.

Sea Mystery: 8 Sightings of New Squid

The lead article, "SEA MYSTERY: 8 SIGHTINGS OF NEW SQUID" by Margaret Munro (National Post, December 21, 2001), details the discovery of a remarkable new squid species in the deep ocean. William Sager, a scientist from Texas A&M University, recounts an encounter two kilometers beneath the sea in the Gulf of Mexico, where he observed a creature with thin tentacles stretching six to eight feet, or possibly ten times its body length. The encounter was videotaped, and the footage was sent to Michael Vecchione, a biologist at the National Museum of Natural History.

Vecchione notes an increasing number of calls about such "mystery" creatures, with eight submersible crews reporting sightings in recent years in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. While no specimen has been recovered, video clips suggest the creature is new to science, with a report featured in the journal *Science*. The article emphasizes how little is known about deep-ocean ecosystems, with Vecchione stating, "Our knowledge is so rudimentary that anytime we look we find amazing things."

The mystery squid is described as much slimmer and more docile than the giant squid, which can grow up to 18 meters long. Scientists speculate it may belong to the Magnapinnidae family, as juvenile members have been seen floating in surface waters. The animals are observed at great depths, with one sighting nearly five kilometers below the surface in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil. They are described as solitary, pinkish, and seemingly oblivious to submersibles, unlike other squid that quickly swim away when startled. Sager noted one creature "just hung there, looking at us, as if suddenly seeing [the submersible] ALVIN float up like a whale with lights was no big deal."

The squid's long, thin tentacles, measuring up to seven meters, are noted for their stickiness, which Vecchione suspects are used to catch small crustaceans. He also points out the difficulty in understanding how the squid transfers food from its tentacles to its mouth. Vecchione advocates for increased scientific effort to explore and catalogue deep-ocean life.

Editorial - Or The Bit That No-One Reads

In his editorial, Dave Baker, the editor, expresses gratitude to the many individuals who have contributed to the production of YUFOS (presumably the organization behind PRB) and its monthly magazine over the past year. He thanks Jonathan Slater and Richard Moss, referred to as the "Three Amigos," for their help in brainstorming, running, and promoting YUFOS activities. Brenda and Jon of Slater Productions 2001(2) are thanked for providing their house and photocopiers for producing the magazine, and for managing the "UFO Central" section which features witness accounts.

Richard Moss is also credited with creating and maintaining the YUFOS website, designing posters and handouts, and assisting with computer operations. Baker acknowledges the numerous interviewees who have shared their insights, including Jenny Randles, Clas Svahn, Nick Redfern, Jon Downes, Kevin Randle, Lionel Fanthorpe, and Tom Bolloxinski. Writers such as Bill Chalker, Jenny Randles, Richard Hall, David Clarke, Andy Roberts, Adam Bradley, Nick Redfern, Eileen Fletcher, Clas Svahn, Mark Martin, David Percy, and Tom Bolloxinski are also thanked for their contributions.

Talks given by Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts at YUFOS meetings are appreciated, as is Bill Booker's donation of books and magazines to the YUFOS library. Lindsay and Bill are thanked for lending display boards for the YUFOS stand at The Sheffield Show. Baker also expresses gratitude to his wife, Jacqui, for her role in distributing merchandise and managing the piles of books and videos, and to his son Matthew for balancing family life with his father's ufology pursuits.

The editorial concludes with a lighthearted note, thanking anyone else who helped with advice, support, or "getting rid of evidence," and expressing a wish for the continuation of their efforts, stating, "Long may we continue. It's a laugh, if nothing else."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the exploration of the unknown, both in the deep sea with the discovery of the new squid and in the realm of ufology. The magazine highlights the vastness of what remains undiscovered on Earth and the importance of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is one of appreciation for community effort and volunteerism in sustaining niche publications and organizations like YUFOS. There's a clear dedication to promoting UFO research and sharing witness accounts, while maintaining a sense of humor and camaraderie among contributors and readers.