SIGAP News No 4 - 1978 February incomplete

Magazine Overview

Title: Bigap News
Issue: 4
Date: February 1978
Price: 15p

This issue of Bigap News, dated February 1978, features a prominent cover story about a UFO sighting and includes articles on aviation incidents and scientific discoveries.

Boys Panic at Sight of UFO Over Mytchett

This article, by Omar Fowler, details an encounter reported by two 15-year-old Mytchett schoolboys, Ron Hills and Ian Hoole, on the evening of Wednesday, January 11, 1978. While returning home around 9:35 pm, they noticed a large object flying over them. Initially thinking it was an aircraft, they observed it had two headlights illuminating the clouds and two red lights flashing alternately on its underside. As the object descended, they could discern a large dark shape and hear a faint noise. They concluded it could not be a plane due to its low altitude and the relatively quiet noise.

The object moved into the distance, leaving the boys speechless and scared. As they continued home, approximately half a mile away, they spotted the lights again between rooftops, moving from side to side. Stepping into the road for a clearer view, they heard the object's noise again, which seemed to be getting louder. Realizing the object was getting closer and seemingly following them, they ran another 100 meters before stopping. The article notes this as the most frightening incident of their experience.

A diagram illustrates Ron and Ian's sighting on January 11, 1978, in Mytchett, Surrey, with a note indicating 'Below: Surrey and Hampshire, 1974'.

A Classic Pilot Sighting

This section recounts an incident reported by Donald Keyhoe of the Washington-based National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena, as translated from the Danish magazine 'UFO Nyt'. The event occurred on the evening of April 27, 1950, at 20:25 hours, when a Transworld DC3 aircraft was flying at 600 meters over Gosham, Indiana, approximately 140 kilometers east of Chicago.

Captain Manning and co-pilot Captain Robin Addicks observed a peculiar red light approaching. The DC3 was flying at 280 kph, but the light maintained its position relative to the aircraft. The light then changed to orange, resembling a fireball, burning clearly on top but not at the bottom. Captain Manning, initially questioning his sanity, turned to Captain Addicks. Addicks radioed TWA Chicago to report a 'remarkable object', but the air traffic controller could offer no assistance.

Both pilots estimated the object to be 800 meters from them. They maintained their course and speed. Captain Manning considered veering closer, but the object receded and returned multiple times. Other passengers, including two Boeing engineers, were asked to observe the phenomenon and were described as 'amazed'. The sighting was reportedly widely reported in newspapers.

Research Uncovers 'New' Life Form

This article reports on the identification of a 'new' form of life on Earth by biologists working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the US National Science Foundation. This life form may date back to the planet's first billion years.

Previously thought to be ordinary bacteria, this new form is a methane-producing organism. It represents a distinct evolutionary line, separate from animals, plants, and bacteria. Scientists believe these organisms are the oldest life forms, predating plants, animals, and even bacteria.

The discovery was made by a research team led by Dr Carl Woese, Professor of Genetics and Development at the University of Illinois, an expert in genetic code. Methane-producing organisms are well-suited to the Earth's presumed primitive atmosphere. They can obtain all their food and energy from simple compounds like carbon dioxide and hydrogen, do not require complex chemicals like sugars and amino acids, and can grow at high temperatures (65-70°C).

These organisms are currently found in oxygen-depleted environments, such as deep within hot springs at Yellowstone. The researchers expressed optimism that this discovery will provide significant insights into the creation of life on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings and aviation mysteries, alongside scientific discoveries related to the origins of life. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these events and findings, presenting witness accounts and scientific research without overt skepticism, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of the Mytchett sighting and the classic pilot encounter. The inclusion of a scientific article on a new life form suggests a broader interest in the frontiers of knowledge.