SIGAP Newsletter No 04 1967-09

Magazine Overview

Title: The S.I.G.A.P. Newsletter
Issue: No 4.
Date: September 10th 1967.
Publisher: Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP)
Affiliation: British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA)

This issue of the SIGAP Newsletter focuses on recent investigations, lectures, and reported sightings related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and aerial phenomena.

The Satellite Lecture

The newsletter details a lecture given by Mr Tim Childerhouse from the Space Department of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough. The lecture, held on September 5th at Plastic Coatings Ltd., included a demonstration of a solar cell fitted to the UK-3 satellite and scale models of satellites with antennas. From a UFO perspective, Mr Childerhouse discussed satellite orbits, noting that while most orbit West to East, retrograde orbits (East to West) are rare. He suggested that satellites with mirror reflectors could explain flashing lights seen in the sky and that a satellite's rotation could account for continuous flashing. Large colour photographs taken in space were shown, along with a piece of silver plastic film identical to the material used in the Echo satellites. Echo 1 itself was described as sausage-shaped and riddled with meteorite holes. It was mentioned that American astronauts planned to inspect Echo 1. A puzzling phenomenon concerning early satellites was their premature entry into Earth's atmosphere, later explained by the sun's pressure exerting a force on them. Mr Childerhouse also admitted to unexplained radar contacts, including an object the size of the Queen Mary at 160,000 ft moving at 60 mph over Scotland for twenty minutes.

Sightings in AUGUST

The newsletter reports on several sightings and investigations from August:

• UFO Hoax: A hoax on Monday, September 4th, provided an exercise for SIGAP members. After initial investigation and contact with BUFORA, the group learned it was a hoax announced on the BBC. They hoped to obtain one of the 'hoax' saucers for publicity.
• Satellite Beta Kappa 1: A report from the International Sky Scouts (ISS) at Shepperton described a fast-moving light identified as satellite Beta Kappa 1, seen at Whitmore Common near Guildford. It was on a course N.N.W. to S.S.E., passing overhead zenith at 72 degrees with a magnitude of 3 at 10.22 pm. Beta Kappa 1 was launched in October 1962 and was due to decay in September, accounting for its brilliance and apparent speed.
• Mrs Strudwick's Sighting: On July 11th, Mrs Strudwick reported seeing a lemon-coloured 'tennis ball' in the sky moving East.
• Mr G. Raine's Sighting: On August 5th, Mr G. Raine observed a red ball in the sky at Aldershot that looped the loop and performed other antics, though he commented it might have been a kite.
• Guildford Double Light: Also on August 5th, a 'double light' hovered over the Park Barn area of Guildford at 9.30 pm. Reported by five independent witnesses, the lights changed colour from white to red to orange and then shot skyward. The twin lights were described as being about the size of a golf ball at arm's length. SIGAP noted the efficiency of their organisation, with two members independently reporting the incident within minutes.
• Mr M. Magnet's Sighting: Mr M. Magnet reported seeing a cigar-shaped object, glowing orangy/yellow, cross Broadwater Lake near Godalming at 2.30 am. It was visible for about half a minute and made no noise. His friend was asleep and did not witness it.

A Surrey U.F.O. Book?

Robert Couttie, a 16-year-old schoolboy and member of the International Sky Scouts, is writing a book on UFO activity in Surrey. The book will include information on sightings and his own theories. SIGAP has made its 45 reports available to him. The Woking Review has publicised the forthcoming book.

A Skywatch on Pewley Downs

A Skywatch event was scheduled for Saturday, September 16th, from 7 pm to 7 am on Pewley Downs. A 240v generator was arranged to power Mr G. Raine's 'magnetic field detector'. Members were reminded that nights were colder and that the watch might be cancelled due to weather. Disturbingly, the wooden shelter on the downs had been burnt down, leaving only a smaller shelter. Despite this, members were encouraged to attend for any duration, with coffee and biscuits provided.

Change of Address

The Secretary, Mr R. Beet, has moved to 195, Epsom Road, Guildford. The new SIGAP telephone number for Guildford is 63381.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes unbiased investigation into UFO phenomena, as stated in its affiliation with BUFORA. It documents a range of sightings, from satellite observations to unexplained aerial objects, and includes reports from both official sources (RAE) and the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, while also acknowledging and investigating potential hoaxes. The publication encourages member participation and the sharing of information, as seen with Robert Couttie's book project and the planned Skywatch event. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and analysing data, including radar contacts and witness testimonies.