Sirius - Vol 1 No 1 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: SIRIUS
Issue: Vol 1, No 1
Date: January-March 1971
Publisher: SIRIUS Society for Investigation and Research Into Unidentified Flying Object Sightings
Country: England
Language: English

Editorial Stance

The editorial, penned by 'MS', addresses the proliferation of UFO groups and the perceived petty, unscientific competition among them. SIRIUS aims to act as a 'lubricant' to encourage cooperation and a unified approach to solving the UFO mystery. The society seeks to share findings with all interested parties, regardless of membership, and is willing to exchange reports with other groups. They emphasize a commitment to scientific meetings and objective research, contrasting this with what they perceive as less rigorous approaches by other organizations. The editorial expresses a hope that SIRIUS will become a well-informed UFO research body by recycling reports received from cooperating groups.

Key Articles and Features

Foreword: "Unidentified Flying Objects" by Robert Chapman

Robert Chapman, science correspondent for the London Sunday Express, contributes a foreword, likely from his book "Unidentified Flying Objects." He describes the common experience of witnessing a flying saucer, noting the phenomenon's rise in public consciousness since June 1947. Chapman highlights that while many sightings are easily explained, a significant number remain unexplained, leading to a growing suspicion that governments possess more information than they reveal. He emphasizes the credibility of witnesses like pilots and police officers, whose testimonies suggest the existence of objects not explainable by terrestrial means. The foreword also touches upon the vastness of the universe and the increasing likelihood of extraterrestrial life, suggesting that any potential interest from superior intelligences in humanity would likely be recent, post-World War II. The article concludes by linking the UFO mystery to humanity's rapid technological advancement, including space exploration, and posits that such phenomena might be observed by advanced civilizations.

"Why another UFO society?" (Editorial)

This editorial elaborates on the motivations behind the formation of SIRIUS. It criticizes the competitive nature of existing UFO groups and advocates for a more collaborative approach to UFO research. SIRIUS intends to bridge the gap between various organizations, aiming to solve the mystery through shared information and rigorous investigation. They are actively seeking communication with groups like COS-MOS, BUFORA, and DATA RESEARCH, and are willing to exchange reports. The editorial expresses a desire to become a leading source of UFO information by consolidating and analyzing reports from various sources.

DATA RESEARCH (CONTACT UK): Its purpose, work and aims by J B Delair

J B Delair, editor of THE UFO REGISTER, outlines the objectives of DATA RESEARCH, a section established by CONTACT UK in January 1970. DATA RESEARCH is dedicated to the systematic investigation of the UFO phenomenon, encompassing both recent and historical occurrences. Its bi-annual journal, THE UFO REGISTER, serves as a permanent repository of UFO-related facts. The research program includes geographical and calendrical distributions, behavioral patterns, materialization, emissions, and analyses of various aspects of UFO encounters. DATA RESEARCH collaborates with official bodies and utilizes library facilities for background studies, while also maintaining an extensive library of UFO literature. The ultimate goal is to assemble a comprehensive picture of the UFO phenomenon through widespread collaboration.

Mystery of the Tungusian Tundra by Antoni Szachnowski

This article, the first part of a series, details the Tungusian Tundra event of June 30, 1908. It describes a massive explosion in Central Siberia, accompanied by a bright light and an airwave that circled the globe. Initial scientific conclusions pointed to a meteorite impact. However, a 1927 expedition led by Professor Kulik found no crater but rather a large, flattened area with thousands of strangely altered trees. The article suggests that the object's slow movement and unusual characteristics, as described by witnesses, led Professor Liapunow to propose the possibility of an "extra-terrestrial origin" for the object, challenging the meteorite theory. The article is continued in a later issue.

STOP PRESS: Chichester Sighting by Barry Marsh

Barry Marsh, chairman of SIRIUS and a student, reports a sighting on December 5, 1970, near Chichester. He observed several rings of light (yellow, blue, red) flying at "aircraft speed." The objects were described as having a bright, pea-shaped light in the middle and were estimated to be at an altitude of 1000-2000 feet. They made no audible sound and were observed for about six minutes. Two corroborating police reports were received from people who saw the phenomena simultaneously on the other side of the South Downs. Barry Marsh is also investigating a potential landing site in Brighton.

UNEXPLAINED LUNAR PHENOMENA

This section discusses claims from the US magazine "Argosy" regarding objects photographed on the Lunar surface by Russia's Lunar-9 and America's Orbiter-2 spacecraft. The photographs reportedly showed groups of mysterious spires arranged in geometric patterns, suggesting they were placed there by intelligent creatures. The author, 'MS', offers a personal opinion that the phenomenon might be caused by an unusual shadow, not experienced on Earth due to our atmosphere.

DANGER FROM THE ALIENS?

This piece reports on concerns raised at the International Astronomical Union Conference at Sussex University regarding the potential dangers of contact with aliens. Professor Z Kopal expressed worry that highly advanced beings might treat humans like insects, making communication impossible. Professor Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto, also stated that contact could be a disaster, though he acknowledged the possibility of Earth having already been visited by extraterrestrials, despite a lack of proof. Tombaugh himself claims to have had three UFO sightings.

The future of mankind? by Janet Gregory

Janet Gregory, editor of "Spacelink" and committee member of EUFORA, discusses the crisis of over-population. She presents figures illustrating the potential strain on Earth's resources and questions whether humanity's advanced medical techniques, which extend life, are leading to an "ignominious end." Gregory speculates on the connection between UFOs and this critical period, pondering if extraterrestrials might be observing humanity's fate or even guiding events towards salvation or warfare.

Review: "The Gods from Outer Space" by Erich von Daniken

This review discusses Erich von Daniken's second book, "Return to the stars," serialized in the Sunday Mirror. The book posits that aliens visited Earth in prehistoric times. The reviewer finds the work speculative, with little reason to accept its claims as unequivocal proof, and notes its reliance on ancient scriptures over modern data. The reviewer suggests that if extraterrestrial visitation is occurring, it is likely continuing today, and that modern UFO phenomena are more abundant and potentially more reliable evidence.

Review: The ATV series "UFO"

This review discusses the 26-episode ATV series "UFO," produced by the Andersons. It describes the series as thought-provoking science fiction focusing on "Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization" (SHADO), a secret organization protecting Earth from UFO attacks in the 1980s. The review details the organization's structure, the nature of the UFO threat, and the methods used to counter it, including tracking UFOs from the moon and intercepting them with advanced jets. The review notes that the series explores themes such as abductions, hypnosis, and ESP, and mentions that Dr Stranges may appear in an episode. The reviewer, quoting Paul Gregory, expresses hope that the series does not unduly stimulate the creation of "anti-UFO" devices, suggesting that most UFOs, particularly in contact cases, are not hostile unless provoked.

Three UFOs seen from cars by Mrs M B Tristram

Mrs M B Tristram recounts three personal UFO sightings. The first occurred in August 1966 in Nassau, Bahamas, where she saw a "golden shining plane with hooped wings" hovering and then moving at high speed. The second sighting was on October 27, 1967, in Welling, Kent, where she observed a "shining globe" about the size of a coconut. The third sighting took place on September 28, 1968, near Bexleyheath, Kent, involving a "chandelier" of lights. Mark Stenhoff provides investigator notes for each case, summarizing the date, time, location, duration, shape, color, and motion, and notes that Mrs Tristram appeared sincere and that all three sightings occurred under similar conditions.

How You Can Play an Important Part in the Work of SIRIUS

This section outlines opportunities for individuals to contribute to SIRIUS. These include roles as INVESTIGATORS (to check local UFO reports), NEWSPAPER "SCOUTS" (to clip and send UFO-related articles), PUBLICITY (to promote SIRIUS), and TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS (to comment on scientific aspects). Contact details for Head Office and specific individuals are provided for these roles.

The Hackney Sightings

This brief note directs readers to the COS-MOS JOURNAL No 12 (November 1970) for fuller details of recent sightings over East London, as reported in the Hackney Gazette. It also mentions an account of mysterious occurrences on Horsenden Hill, Harrow, East London.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SIRIUS are the promotion of organized and scientific UFO research, the sharing of information among different groups, and the reporting of personal UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of advocating for cooperation and a serious, objective approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, while also acknowledging the broader implications of extraterrestrial life and humanity's place in the universe. The issue also touches upon societal concerns like over-population and the potential risks and benefits of contact with advanced civilizations.