Project Red Book vol 6 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PROJECT RED BOOK
Issue: Vol 6, # 1
Date: July / August 2002
Publisher: YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society)

This issue of Project Red Book, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, features a range of articles on UFO phenomena, government investigations, and unusual events. The cover prominently asks "UFOS RETURN TO WASHINGTON?" and highlights a multiple-witness UFO sighting over Sheffield and an explanation for "RODS". The price is listed as £1:50.

Editorial

Dave Baker, the editor, addresses the delay in publishing this issue, explaining that it was due to circumstances beyond their control, ensuring a quality product rather than rushing a sub-standard one. He notes that over the past five years, YUFOS has published 60 issues of PRB (including its earlier incarnation as YUFOS Magazine), missing only one. He emphasizes that subscriptions cover a number of issues, not a specific time period. Baker then previews the content, including an article re-formatting a web-page that offers an alternative explanation for the "Rods" phenomenon, and a "stop-press" story about F-16 jets being scrambled over Washington D.C. on July 26, 2002, to investigate an unidentified radar source.

He also highlights Jenny Randles' regular column, reprinted from America's MUFON Journal, which discusses the British Government's investigations into UFOs and the difficulties in penetrating apparent secrecy. Another feature is a revised "Case from the Files" concerning a multiple-witness Nocturnal Lights case. The "From Around The World" section includes various unusual reports, such as sea monsters and the "Monkey-Man" of India. Finally, Baker announces a change in the YUFOS meeting venue to The Old Queen's Head pub in Sheffield, mentioning the closure of their previous venue, The Mosley's Arms, and speculating about possible government interference given the timing of the closure and an upcoming presentation by Tom Bolloxinski on secret NASA video footage.

The View From Britain - The Jenny Randles Column

This column, originally published in The MUFON JOURNAL in May 2001, discusses the British government's approach to investigating UFO reports. Randles notes that the UK debated UFOs in parliament as early as 1913, during a period of high fear of German invasion. Winston Churchill showed interest in sightings of strange lights, which retrospectively resemble the US airship wave of 1896/7. While Churchill's concerns might have been politically motivated, it demonstrates an early willingness to take UFO threats seriously. The article touches upon the misperception of Venus as a cause for some sightings. Randles then delves into Britain's "secrecy rules," attributing them to a long-standing fear of invasion and the need for major security precautions. This has ingrained a "cover-up to protect oneself" mentality into British society. Unlike the US, Britain has historically lacked strong freedom of information laws, with the Official Secrets Act actively preventing information sharing. Despite these restrictions, the pressure of EU membership and the inevitability of FOI acts have led to a "genuine burst of knowledge" about British government interest in UFOs.

Power Games

This section, written by Jenny Randles, explores the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) involvement in UFO investigations. Historically, the MoD's department, known as 'DS 8' or 'Air Staff 2', was run by mid-ranking civil servants who collated public reports. The department's stated purpose was to discover if UFOs had any defence potential, though they never found such potential. The job was often seen as unglamorous. Randles recounts her interaction with Nick Pope, a former MoD UFO investigator who later became a prominent ufologist. Pope suggested that witnesses might be misidentifying government agents or experiencing 'Walter Mitty' fantasies. However, Randles disputes this, believing that some witnesses were indeed visited by government agents. She argues that the MoD's continued investigation, despite not finding defence potential, suggests a deeper, possibly covert, interest. She points to the existence of other agencies like DSTI (Directorate of Scientific and Technical Intelligence) and a Defence Intelligence Unit that may handle more significant cases, possibly requiring higher security clearance than the Air Staff team possesses. The Air Staff team is described as a "shop window" to appease the public, while a "secret workshop" might exist elsewhere.

Scotland 'Out of This World' For UFO Sightings

This article, by Kevin Schofield of PA News, reports that Scotland has been dubbed "the Costa Del Sol for aliens" due to having the highest concentration of UFO sightings globally. Research indicates 300 reported sightings annually, four times more per square kilometre than France and Italy. Scotland also records the highest number of sightings per capita, four times higher than Canada. The "Falkirk triangle" area around Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, has been a hotspot since the early 1990s. UFO expert Ron Halliday suggests the area might be a "window into another dimension." Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, posits that remote areas and proximity to airbases contribute to sightings, noting that 10% of reports remain unexplained.

Return to D.C.

This article by Dave Baker details the events of July 26, 2002, when rumours spread about F-16 jets being scrambled over Washington D.C. to intercept a UFO. A FOX News report, transcribed in the article, describes NORAD detecting an unidentified object and scrambling two DC Air National Guard F-16s. Witnesses in Waldorf, Maryland, reported seeing a fast-moving, bright blue light chased by military jets. However, the F-16 pilots reported seeing nothing upon arrival. NORAD confirmed the scramble but provided no details on the object's location, direction, or speed. The article notes this event coincided with the 50th anniversary of similar unexplained sightings over the nation's capitol in 1952. A subsequent Washington Post article by Steve Vogel suggests that military officials indicated the "object" was a private plane, though they could not explain what it was.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges of obtaining credible information from official sources, and the global nature of sightings. The magazine adopts a stance of critical inquiry, presenting different theories and investigations while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for government secrecy. There is a clear interest in debunking sensationalism while still exploring unexplained phenomena, as seen in the "Rods Explained?" article and the detailed analysis of the MoD's UFO investigation practices. The editorial tone is one of engagement with the UFO community, encouraging discussion and providing a platform for various perspectives.

PRB, Vol. 6, #1, dated July, August 2002, is a magazine featuring a collection of articles on unexplained phenomena, UFOs, and fortean events. The issue includes a detailed investigation into the "rods" phenomenon, reports of unusual animal sightings, a mysterious sea creature encounter, and a series of UFO sightings.

"RODS" EXPLAINED?

This article addresses the phenomenon of "rods" often seen in high-speed photography, particularly in UFO videos. Jose Escamilla's theory suggests these are cylindrical animals moving at high speeds, frozen by the camera's exposure. However, the article presents an alternative explanation: motion blur. It posits that a spherical object, such as an insect, videographed at a slow shutter speed (1/60 second), will appear as a "rod" due to the continuous blur captured within the field's capture time. The article demonstrates this with experiments using small balls of aluminum foil, showing how motion blur at 1/60 and 1/100 second exposures can create the "rod" effect, including the "two rod lengths per frame" correlation. It also notes that the undulating pattern seen in some "rod" pictures can be attributed to the beating wings of insects, similar to a white bug photographed under similar conditions.

THE INCREDIBLE SKYDIVING ROD

This section continues the discussion on "rods," referencing a video by Fox TV showing a "rod" associated with a skydiver. The article analyzes images composited relative to the skydiver's helmet and the cliff face, suggesting the "rod" appears to skid or fall like a bomb. It concludes that the most reasonable explanation is a small bug flying near the camera lens, possibly within the lens shield, which can create such artifacts.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD...AND BEYOND!!!

This section compiles various reports of paranormal and fortean events.

POSSIBLE THUNDERBIRD PAIR REPORTED IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA

Researcher Stan Gordon reports a sighting from July 2, 2002, of two huge black birds, estimated to be about six feet from head to tail with a wingspan of 12 feet, possessing bat-like wings. The witness initially thought they were Herons but noted their unusual color and size, and compared their wings to those of a bat.

SOMERSET BIG CAT

A farmer named Robert Harding from Dundry, near Bristol, has reported a mystery animal that savaged three of his sheep. The damage was described as "unbelievable," with a tremendous amount of flesh taken, suggesting a large animal. Harding has set a trap and taken video footage of the carnage. Police have stated there is not substantial evidence to warrant action.

RETURN OF 'THE MERE MONSTER'

This report, referencing PRB Vol. 5 #9, details a giant fish attacking swans at Martin Mere in West Lancashire. Wildlife experts believe it could be a Wels Catfish from Eastern Europe. The creature is described as being about seven feet long and weighing 24 stone. A team is using specialized equipment to find photographic proof.

HE'S BACK! MONKEY MAN SCARE GRIPS EASTERN INDIA

Reports from Patna, India, describe attacks by an elusive "monkey-like creature." Local newspapers are filled with these accounts, but police have dismissed them as rumors, stating no official cases have been lodged. Eyewitnesses describe the creature as black, ape-like, with sharp claws, and some allege it "jumps and sparkles red and blue lights" or resembles a remote-controlled machine. The fear intensified when a group of people beat up a Hindu Sadhu, suspecting him of being the creature.

GIRL STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

An 11-year-old girl, Jade Greenwood, was struck by a glowing red ball of lightning at her home in Wigston. The phenomenon, described as a massive shock, left a faint red mark and a burning sensation. Experts suggest this was consistent with ball lightning, also known as St. Elmo's Fire.

SEA CREATURE SPOOKS SWIMMERS

In Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA, a group of friends and family encountered a large, unknown sea creature. Described as about 15-feet long with greenish-black skin and a white belly, it had four-inch teeth and exhibited aggressive behavior, toying with one of the swimmers. Experts are baffled, with theories ranging from a tropical animal swept north to a local resident's release. The creature was last seen near broken-down piers, possibly as a hiding or nesting area.

MULTIPLE "NL" CASE OVER SHEFFIELD

This extensive report details a series of unusual light sightings over Sheffield on June 6, 1998. The case, compiled by Dave Baker, involves multiple independent witnesses reporting bright orange lights moving in the sky.

WITNESS #1 (Anita Thorseby)

Anita Thorseby reported seeing three vivid orange lights moving west, described as circular or elliptical and sharply defined, about the size of a 5p coin at arm's length. They moved slowly and low, changing direction with sharp angle turns. She later saw two more identical lights moving in the opposite direction.

WITNESSES # 2 & 3 (Ken & Linda Dickinson)

Ken and Linda Dickinson reported seeing five bright orange lights, initially in a triangular formation with one trailing. The lights moved with an "up and down bobbing motion." One light dipped downwards as if crashing, while the other three continued northeast. They noted a police car that seemed to follow the direction of the lights.

WITNESSES # 4, 5 & 6 (Matthews Family)

Stephen and Chris Matthews, along with their mother, saw a single gold-colored light that was joined by two similar lights, forming a triangle. These lights moved fast on a straight course, described as the size of a 10p coin at arm's length. They thought they saw two objects "drop something black."

WITNESSES # 7 & 8 (Ritchie Family)

Mrs. Ritchie and her daughter Kathryn reported seeing three gold or orange colored lights moving at high speed in a triangular formation. Kathryn estimated them to be the size of a match-head at arm's length and were clearly defined, not fuzzy or pulsating. They contacted Sheffield Airport Air Traffic Control, who confirmed no known air traffic in the area.

WITNESSES # 9 & 10 (Slater Family)

Jon Slater reported seeing three unusual bright orange objects in a horizontal line, moving slowly northeast. They were described as solid, clearly-defined, and self-luminous, about the size of a 10 pence piece at arm's length.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PRB are the investigation of anomalous aerial phenomena (UFOs), unexplained animal sightings, and other unusual events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting multiple explanations for phenomena where possible (as seen in the "Rods" article) while also documenting witness accounts of unexplained events without immediate dismissal. The magazine aims to compile and present information on these topics for its readers, particularly for newer subscribers to YUFOS Magazine.

This issue of PRB magazine, dated July-August 2002, focuses on a UFO sighting and explores potential explanations, primarily the 'prank balloon' theory. The publication itself is identified as PRB, with the issue being Volume 6, Number 1.

Witness Account and Object Characteristics

The article details an account from witnesses, including Jon and Anita Slater, who observed unidentified lights in the sky. Jon rushed inside to phone a friend, and upon returning, saw the lights still visible and heading north-east. As they watched, one 'right-hand' object suddenly accelerated and shot off NE, described as 'faster than a jet'. Another object stopped dead and either diminished in brightness or vanished. The final object followed the others, making a sharp angle turn to the north-west without changing speed, and then vanished.

Jon was particularly impressed by the objects' sudden acceleration, speed, ability to 'stop dead', sharp-angle turns, complete silence, and the intensity of the lights, which he compared to a jet's after-burner.

The article lists several characteristics that distinguish these lights from typical 'nocturnal lights' (NL) as defined by J. Allen Hynek:

• Number of lights: Appears to have been between three and five objects, exhibiting independent movements.
• Intensity and colour: Not white or yellow like aircraft lights, but stressed as gold or very bright orange.
• Light behaviour: Constant like a lamp, sharply defined, not strobing or flickering.
• Altitude: Well below cloud level.
• Duration: Visible for too long to be meteors or 'shooting stars'.
• Maneuverability: Described as 'sharp-angle' turns, indicating control, and at times flying in formation.

These qualities appear to reject conventional explanations such as meteors, satellites, planets, or conventional aircraft like passenger jets and helicopters.

The 'Prank Balloon' Theory

One of the primary theories discussed is the 'prank balloon'. This explanation involves a simple construction: a small tray filled with paraffin or other flammable liquid, or birthday candles, attached to struts made from drinking straws or balsa wood, and taped to a plastic bag or bin-liner. When lit, hot air fills the bag, causing it to rise. The reflection of flames on the inside of the bag can create the impression of a glowing sphere or disc.

The proximity of Longley Park to the witness sighting is noted as a potentially secluded location for such a hoax. Witness descriptions of 'burning droplets of metal' or 'blobs of fire' are attributed to melting plastic falling from the construction as it burns. Ken (witness #2) and Stephen (witness #4) reported seeing something fall from the objects, which could have been parts of the prank balloon.

Ken also described the objects moving in a 'bobbing' motion, similar to a balloon travelling on the wind. The article notes that wind currents can change dramatically at higher altitudes, potentially carrying prank balloons at a reasonable pace even if the air appears still at ground level.

However, the article questions whether wind currents could move multiple objects separately at varying speeds and directions, or propel them away at the exceptional speeds described by Jon. The police treat prank balloons seriously due to the fire hazard they pose.

Rejection of Other Explanations

The article also addresses and largely rejects other common explanations:

• Military aircraft: While acknowledging that military jets can be mistaken for UFOs, the complete absence of sound during the reported high-speed maneuvers lasting over five minutes makes this explanation unlikely.
• Searchlights or laser light shows: These are rejected because the lights definitely travelled over a distance and were not seen to merely hover.

Conclusions and Open Case

The article concludes that while witness testimony can be argued as unreliable, and Jon may have exaggerated the speed, the lights still moved fast enough to warrant comparison to a jet. The case remains open due to a lack of further information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena and the critical evaluation of witness testimony against various explanatory models. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and theories while acknowledging the limitations of current explanations and the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes. The magazine emphasizes the strangeness of the reported phenomena, which led multiple witnesses to consider them extraordinary.