The S.I.G.A.P. Newsletter

Magazine Overview

The S.I.G.A.P. Newsletter, No. 3, dated August 5th, 1967, is a publication from The Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (S.I.G.A.P.). The newsletter's stated aim, in affiliation with the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association, is to promote unbiased investigation and research into Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena. Enquiries are directed to the Hon. Sec., R. Beet, at 16, Hillerest Rd, GUILDFORD, Surrey.

Investigations and Sightings in July

The month of July was described as extremely active, with the group investigating ten reports. Among these were four 'Red Ball' type reports and a cigar-shaped object sighted at Send, Woking on July 2nd, 1967. During an investigation of a 'White Globe' report at Chilworth, the group encountered a 'hawk balloon'. This was identified as a white rubber balloon, 14 feet in diameter, tethered to a concrete block and flying at approximately 150 feet. A dummy hawk was suspended from the balloon by a 25-foot nylon cord. The movement of the balloon in the wind caused the hawk to bob, creating an impression of hovering. This contraption was designed to deter birds. The newsletter notes that this type of balloon has been responsible for one, if not two, local sighting reports.

UFO Detectors

Two new Mc Carthy detectors, mentioned in the previous month's newsletter, have arrived. One is located in Guildford, and the other is undergoing testing before deployment in the Guildford area. The group also utilizes two other detectors: one made by Mr O. Fowler, based on an earlier Australian 'compass needle' type, and another developed independently by Mr G. Raine, featuring a directional aerial. The intention is to exhibit these various types of detectors at the next meeting, scheduled for September 5th.

Satellite News and Collaboration

The newsletter reports on a recent contact with Mr T. Childerhouse from the Space Department of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough. Mr. Childerhouse has offered to assist the group in assessing 'lights in the Sky' reports by cross-referencing them with a list of satellites. He has supplied the group with a table listing over 450 earth satellites, including launching rockets and other related objects. Mr. Childerhouse has agreed to give a lecture on the subject of satellites at the next meeting, which will be held in the canteen of Plastic Coatings Ltd on the By-Pass, Guildford, on September 5th at 7:30 pm.

Aids for Identification of Flying Objects

Page 2 of the newsletter provides a condensed definition of an unidentified flying object from the USAF Handbook: 'An airborne object which by either, performance, aerodynamic characteristics or unusual features does not conform to any presently known aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be positively identified as a familiar object'. It elaborates on how unusual weather or light conditions can transform familiar objects like meteors, comets, balloons, or aircraft into perceived UFOs due to altered speeds, movements, and shapes. Other explainable phenomena include the sun's illumination of vapour trails and moving lights at night or shiny objects in the day, which could be aircraft. The newsletter then classifies UFO phenomena into 20 groups for explanation, ranging from conventional aircraft seen from unusual angles to meteorological phenomena, birds, and even physiological or psychological conditions, as well as hoaxes. Types 19 and 20, 'Insufficient technical information, therefore unidentified' and 'Unidentified in spite of all technical data', are highlighted as requiring further sub-classification into UFO types, a topic proposed for a future issue. The newsletter suggests adopting this classification system for their investigation report forms.

Member Contributions and Constitution

Members are invited to submit short articles for the newsletter to the Hon Secretary. Members are also encouraged to add 'Flying Saucers, Serious Business' to their library list and to contact R. Beet or O. Fowler if they have lost their list or require further copies. The promised copy of the S.I.G.A.P. Constitution is included with this newsletter, based on the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association's basic constitution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes a methodical and unbiased approach to UFO investigation, as evidenced by its affiliation with a research association and its detailed classification system for identifying potential phenomena. There is a clear effort to demystify sightings by identifying common misidentifications, such as the 'hawk balloon'. The group actively seeks to improve its investigative capabilities through new detection technology and scientific collaboration, particularly with the Royal Aircraft Establishment for satellite identification. The editorial stance promotes rigorous research and informed analysis, encouraging member participation and knowledge sharing.