Sirius - Vol 1 No 2 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: SIRIUS
Issue: Vol 1 No 2
Date: April-June 1971
Publisher: SIRIUS (Society for Investigation and Research Into Unidentified Flying Object Sightings)

This issue of SIRIUS, which incorporates 'UFO Chronicle', marks a shift in editorial policy towards a more factual and less speculative approach to UFO phenomena. The magazine is issued quarterly and is sent free to members, with individual issues available for purchase by non-members.

Editorial: Certainty or Conjecture?

The editorial, likely written by the Director or a committee member, outlines the new direction for SIRIUS following the takeover of 'UFO Chronicle'. The previous publication's motto, "leaves the speculation to the reader," is highlighted as a successful policy. The editorial argues that a reference or non-speculative magazine is more valuable, as it focuses on scientific subjects and avoids the clutter of numerous conflicting theories. This approach also reduces the need for constant solicitation of articles. The editorial states a preference for including theories based on observational evidence, while avoiding rehashes or unsubstantiated ideas. The magazine will also avoid excessive reports of 'lights-in-the-sky,' focusing instead on analyses of interesting reports that might attract 'pure' science men. All confirmed 'unidentifiable' reports will be detailed.

Contents and Features

Information Sources and Future Plans: The magazine details the contents of 'UFO Chronicle' No 6, including information sources, satellite re-entries, datelines of events, and listings of other UFO publications and societies. SIRIUS plans to incorporate similar features.

Reader Input: Readers are encouraged to provide feedback on whether they prefer the old 'theory-inventing' days or the new factual approach, and to what extent speculation should be included.

BISTRA Information Service: Information is available on recent reports from the press, with monthly collections of sheets obtainable by sending self-addressed envelopes and stamps.

Back Issues and Special Offers: Back issues of 'UFO Chronicle' are available, as is a complete set of issues 1-6 with 'The Great Wave of 1967'.

Article: The Chances for June 30 1971

By Alan Watts BSc, FRMetS, this article discusses potential UFO sightings in Essex. Watts, a meteorologist, believes UFOs are extra-terrestrial. The article references observations made on June 30, 1961, and July 1, 1966, of objects described as cigar-saucer shaped and like an uninflated sky-hook balloon, respectively. The latter object reportedly drifted upwards against strong winds. The author notes that rural Essex is frequently visited by UFOs and expresses surprise if a 'cloud-cigar' appears on June 30, 1971, but states this would not invalidate UFOs.

Article: Mystery of the Tungusian Tundra (Part Two)

By Antoni W Szachnowski, this article continues the investigation into the Tunguska event. It discusses theories proposed by Alexander Kazancew, who suggested a cosmic vessel with an exploded atomic fuel, and Artaim Monochow, who concluded the object was a flying machine. The article mentions soil analysis and radioactivity measurements from expeditions, as well as barograph data suggesting an atmospheric explosion. Professor Krinow's 'comet' theory is contrasted with Geophysician A V Zolotov's hypothesis of a thermo-nuclear explosion.

Article: Pollution

This article, taken from 'International Times', highlights the global crisis of pollution. It discusses the problem of overpopulation and the detrimental effects of industrial waste, chemicals like DDT, and the poisoning of the environment. The article predicts severe consequences, including crop destruction, extinction of fish species, widespread famine, and a potential 'greenhouse effect' due to atmospheric carbon buildup, leading to a significant rise in global temperature.

Article: UFO over Thamesmead

Investigated by Mark Stenhoff and David Oakley-Hill, this case details reports from Thamesmead residents on February 22, 1971, of strange noises and a dark grey, bowl-shaped object with a red glow. The object was observed hovering and then drifting away. The authors acknowledge the possibility of a cloud phenomenon but consider the account truthful and reasonably accurate.

Article: The UFO mystery deepens...

By Gavin Gibbons, this article reviews the evolution of UFO theories. Gibbons recounts his early classifications of UFO types ('Vulyas', 'Vunus', 'Vimanas', 'Vidyas') and notes how the advent of space exploration and discoveries about planets like Mars and Venus have challenged earlier theories. He discusses the work of ufologists like John Keel and the emergence of new theories, including the possibility that UFOs might simulate human inventions. The article concludes that after decades of research, the mystery of UFOs remains unsolved.

Our First Meeting

This section reports on SIRIUS's inaugural meeting held on January 23, 1971, at Charlton House. The meeting included talks by the Director, Mark Stenhoff, on the society's aims; Co-Director Norman Oliver, on the scope of UFO research; and David Oakley-Hill, on SIRIUS publications. The report also thanks various individuals and publications for their support.

Recommended Reading: A list of recommended books on UFOs and related topics is provided, including works by Robert Chapman, Ivan T Sanderson, Jacques Vallee, Eileen Buckle, and Charles Bowen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by scientific evidence versus speculation, and the growing concern over global environmental pollution. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a scientific, evidence-based approach, moving away from purely theoretical or speculative discussions, while still acknowledging the profound mystery that UFOs represent. The magazine aims to be a platform for rigorous research and informed discussion within the UFO community.

This issue of the UFO Manual, published by SIRIUS, is identified as "No 1" of a "SIRIUS Guide to WHO'S WHO IN UFOLOGY" series, focusing on Norman Oliver. The cover date is listed as April-July 1971. The publication appears to be a UK-based magazine focused on UFO research and investigation.

Article: UFO Manual for Investigators & Researchers

This section, authored by Roger H Stanway, FRAS, and Anthony R Pace, FRAS, details the progress and content of their upcoming "UFO Manual" manuscript. Anthony R Pace, from Newchapel Observatory, Staffordshire, is the primary source of information. He states that the second production, the "UFO Manual," will differ from their 1967 report on Staffordshire sightings. The manual is intended to include a foreword by a leading scientist like Dr J Allen Hynek or Dr James E McDonald. The structure of the manual will comprise an introduction to the UFO phenomenon, chapters on detection, observation, investigation techniques, methods, analysis, and evaluation of reports. It will also cover the social, philosophical, legal, and political aspects of the phenomenon, a major theories section, recommendations for future research, and an appendix of tables and data. The research is nearing completion, with only additional enquiries pending. Notably, Dr E U Condon and the Board of Regents of the Colorado University have granted permission to quote from "The Scientific Study of UFOs." The authors are also acquiring photographs from SSUFO, the US Air Force, and NASA. Enquiries and contributions are welcomed via mail to Anthony Pace and Roger Stanway at Newchapel Observatory. SIRIUS fully supports this publication, viewing it as a practical approach to UFO research.

Article: SIRIUS Guide to WHO'S WHO IN UFOLOGY No 1 NORMAN OLIVER

This article introduces Norman Thomas Oliver, Co-Director of SIRIUS. It aims to provide biographical details of individuals who study the UFO phenomenon, similar to how astronomy publications feature astronomers, to counter the perception that UFO investigators are cranks. Norman Oliver was born on July 20, 1926, in Worthing, Sussex, England. He moved to London in 1945 and works as an auditor for the Metropolitan Water Board. He co-compiled "THE SCORITON MYSTERY" (published May 1967) and authored "SEQUEL TO SCORITON" (October 1968), a booklet offering a new perspective on the Scoriton affair based on new evidence. Oliver believes "genuine" UFOs are likely extra-terrestrial spacecraft but acknowledges other possibilities. He notes that most UFO reports have normal explanations, but some are "proven flying saucers." He is the Director of COS-MOS and a Committee Member of the British UFO Research Association. SIRIUS values his distinguished knowledge and pleasant demeanor. His interests include astronomy (member of the British Astronomical Association), science-fiction, and the unusual. He is also a member of the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE).

Page 2: Crossword and Satellite Re-entries

Page 2 features a crossword puzzle with clues related to UFOs and general knowledge. Below the crossword is a section titled "Satellite Re-entries," sourced from the Satellite Re-entry Newsletter of the Volunteer Flight Officer Network (VFON). This section provides a table detailing the re-entry of various satellites into Earth's atmosphere, including their names (e.g., Cosmos 368 Debris, Luna-17 Rkt Bdy), dates of decay, time of re-entry (GMT), location of re-entry (degrees latitude and longitude), and ballistic coefficient. The data spans from April to November 1970. A note indicates that out of 143 reports received by VFON since July 1970, one remains "unidentified." VFON collects reports on various aerial phenomena, including fireballs, meteors, space tests, launches, balloons, atmospheric probes, and satellite re-entries. The total number of man-made objects in space is estimated by VFON to be 2086. Enquiries about these tables are welcomed. A "STOP PRESS" section mentions corroborative reports for the "Thamesmead sighting" to be detailed in the next issue.

Page 3: Meetings in London April-July 1971

This page lists scheduled meetings for various UFO organizations in London between April and July 1971. BUFORA and COS-MOS meetings are held at Kensington Central Library, CONTACT UK meetings at Alliance Hall, and SIRIUS meetings at Charlton House. All meetings commence at 7.0 pm.

• April:
• 3rd: "SAUCER MISCELLANY" by Charles H Gibbs-Smith (BUFORA)
• 17th: "NO TIME FOR SAUCERS" by Norman Oliver (CONTACT UK)
• 24th: "SINCE 1947 - A FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" by Rodney Higgins (COS-MOS), illustrated with slides.

• May:
• 1st: "BRAINS TRUST" chaired by Mike Holt (BUFORA)
• 14th: "ADAMSKI POST-MORTEM," featuring tape selections of his addresses, introduced by Norman Oliver. Also, recent SIRIUS investigation results into Thamesmead & SE London sightings on Feb 22.

• June:
• 5th: BUFORA MEETING (details awaited)
• 11th: "SPATIAL PHENOMENA" by John Reynolds (SIRIUS)
• 26th: NATIONAL SKYWATCH DAY - SIRIUS plans to participate in coordination with COS-MOS.

• July:
• 16th: SIRIUS MEETING (details in the next issue).

Enquiries about BUFORA meetings can be made by telephoning 01-723 0305; COS-MOS at 01-852 7653; CONTACT UK at 01-878 3914; and SIRIUS at 01-856 6994 or 01-850 4528.

An editorial note explains that the inclusion of articles on pollution and "Pattern of the Past" was an experiment to gauge reader interest in topics beyond UFOs. The committee decided, with reservations, that these features were justified. They also decided to include a crossword puzzle, attributing its compilation to "Dave."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion and development of UFO research resources (the "UFO Manual"), the profiling of key figures in the UFO community (Norman Oliver), and the dissemination of factual data related to UFO phenomena (satellite re-entries). SIRIUS, the publisher, appears to be a central organizing body, coordinating meetings and research efforts with other UFO groups like BUFORA, COS-MOS, and CONTACT UK. The editorial stance is one of serious, scientific investigation, aiming to legitimize UFO research and distinguish it from "drivel." There is an openness to exploring related fields and a willingness to experiment with content formats, such as crosswords, to engage readers. The emphasis is on practical, evidence-based approaches to understanding the UFO phenomenon.