Sirius - Vol 1 No 3 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: SIRIUS
Issue: No 3
Volume: Vol 1
Date: Jul-Sep 1971
Publisher: SIRIUS
Country: England
Language: English
Price: 20p + postage

This issue of SIRIUS, a journal dedicated to the investigation of unidentified flying object sightings, focuses on the "February flap" in south-east London and provides an in-depth look at UFO phenomena, media coverage, and ongoing research projects.

Editorial: "Official Views"

The editorial discusses a telephone conversation with Mr Leslie Akhurst of the Ministry of Defence regarding the department's handling of UFO reports. Mr Akhurst states that the Ministry investigates such reports only for potential air-defence implications. They treat all reports as private correspondence and do not release details to the public, adhering to a general rule of not making official information publicly available. The Ministry's experience is that most reports are misidentifications of mundane occurrences like aircraft lights, celestial objects, or satellites. While they have found no actual air-defence implications from these reports, this remains the sole reason for their investigation. The editorial questions the reasonableness of the Ministry's approach, which lumps unidentified reports with those containing "insufficient information" unless they exhibit potential air-defence threats.

February Flap in South-east London

This section details a series of UFO sightings and auditory phenomena that occurred in south-east London on February 22, 1971. The initial report, from Mrs Jackie Fillery, described a strange object in the sky emitting a loud noise, heard by her husband as well. This was reported in the Kentish Independent on February 25. Subsequent investigation by SIRIUS revealed inaccuracies in the newspaper report, such as the duration of the incident and the description of a glow. The article presents reports from other witnesses, including Mr B. from Pegwell Street, Plumstead, who heard a noise at 4 am. Mr and Mrs R Wilton also reported a noise around 4:30 am, described as a "squadron of aeroplanes hovering." These noises were intermittent and loud, likened to "Thunderbird 2." The report notes that Mrs Fillery and Mrs Wilton were frightened by the experience.

Another visual sighting occurred on the same evening at 7:00 pm when Mr Frederick A. Munns of Sidcup Road, New Eltham, saw a small orange light that grew into a lozenge-shaped object with two bright orange glows. Initially thought to be a navigation light or a burning aircraft, it hovered before moving rapidly. Mrs Munns and her sister, Mrs Moseley, corroborated the visual description, noting the object became narrower as if turning before shooting off. Dave Oakley-Hill estimated the object's position and altitude. Mr Munns, with prior experience in observer corps, found the sighting reliable.

Meteors or UFOs?

Two reports are presented that could potentially describe meteors or satellite re-entries, though SIRIUS makes no definitive claims. One report from a 19-year-old reporter for the South London Press described a bright round light with a shaft of light or vapour descending rapidly over Aubyn Hill. The incident lasted about 15 seconds, with the object appearing brighter than the moon and having the size of a sixpence at arm's length. The witness described it as solid and white. Another report from Mr William Corpe of Chipping Ongar, Essex, described seeing a "parachute-shaped" object, bright at the bottom with fainter rays, descending slowly and disappearing behind hedgerows. This was identified by radio reports the next morning as a meteor or meteorite, though the witness noted its speed was constant and faster than an aeroplane.

Project Warminster

This section introduces Project Warminster, launched to investigate UFO activity in the Warminster area of Wiltshire, known as a "Ufocal." The project, directed by J Cleary-Baker PhD and supported by the British UFO Research Association, aims to apply investigative techniques to current and past UFO reports. Mark Stenhoff and Norman Oliver are involved as staff. The project is expected to produce a booklet of its findings and invites UFO researchers to act as observers. The project began on May 1, 1971, and was planned to cease in October 1971, with potential extensions.

Review: BBC TV "SEARCH" FOR UFOs

Barry Marsh reviews a BBC TV program titled "Search: Is Somebody Up There Watching?" with John Craven. The review praises the program for addressing the UFO controversy at a child's level and encouraging them to share their viewpoints. The program focused on a few key areas, including the validity of photographs, comparisons of cave paintings with astronaut equipment, and witness testimonies. The review highlights the inclusion of Captain Howard's sighting and a case from Hook, Hants. It also discusses the role of radar coverage in UFO detection and mentions the potential for censorship of RAF records. The review commends the program for including a lecture on UFO propulsion to pilots, suggesting government concern over advanced craft.

Marsh offers criticisms, suggesting the program could have been more decisive and that John Craven could have facilitated a more productive discussion by having children direct questions to the expert, Charles Bowen. He also notes that the display of a Newark film was incorrectly oriented. Despite these points, the review concludes that the program offered an interesting glimpse into the phenomenon and hopes for further objective investigation on a child's level.

SIRIUS meeting success

This section, written by C David Oakley-Hill, reports on SIRIUS's informal evening meetings. The first meeting on April 23 involved discussions on a 1967 sighting report and a hoaxer's testimony. J Graham Cowell of "Perception" joined the SIRIUS Committee as Director of Research. A subsequent meeting on May 14 focused on George Adamski, featuring audio excerpts of his private conversations and public addresses. On June 11, John A C Reynolds gave a talk on astronomy and astrophysics, illustrating concepts with historical information and a demonstration of pocket spectroscopes.

SIRIUS represented at COS-MOS meetings

Barry P Marsh reports on SIRIUS's participation in COS-MOS meetings. SIRIUS was represented at a "Contact Forum" on March 27, where David Oakley-Hill joined a panel discussing UFO occupant cases. At a meeting on April 24, Dave Oakley-Hill was asked to fill in time by discussing recent UFO sightings in South London investigated by SIRIUS.

Review: UFOs - IS SOMEBODY UP THERE WATCHING?

This is a review of an article from "Honey" magazine (January 1971 issue) by an unnamed author. The review notes that the article discusses UFOs without relying on "classic" cases and includes overlooked reports. It mentions the sighting of a UFO by Gloria Bomford and the alleged "contact" case of "Cedric Allingham." The review highlights the views of Dr Derwent Mercer, a physics lecturer, and discusses the psychological aspects of UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SIRIUS include detailed accounts of UFO sightings, particularly the "February flap" in South-east London, and the investigation of these phenomena. There is a consistent effort to present witness testimonies and factual accounts, while also critically examining media coverage and official stances. The editorial stance of SIRIUS is one of serious study and investigation into the UFO enigma, encouraging open inquiry and cooperation among researchers, without necessarily asserting belief in flying saucers themselves. The magazine also touches upon the role of astronomy and the potential for misidentification, while maintaining an open mind to unexplained cases.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 17, Number 3, dated May-June 1971, is published by Flying Saucer Review and has an ISSN of 0015-4803. The cover headline highlights 'The British Flying Saucer Brigade,' and the price is 17½p. The magazine covers a range of topics within ufology, including discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena, personal experiences, and organizational activities.

Articles and Content

The issue begins with a discussion on the controversial aspects of UFO sightings and the people who claim to have experienced them, referencing the work of Carl Jung. The author expresses skepticism about the infallibility of hypnosis in UFO investigations. A new organization, 'The British Flying Saucer Brigade,' is introduced, with its statistical methods noted as potentially familiar to those acquainted with the Ministry of Defence. Suggestions are provided for reporting UFO sightings, including contacting local police or the RAF, though the latter may not disclose radar information. The magazine also acknowledges its own role in UFO reporting.

An editorial section provides notes on a review of 'Honey,' referencing several books and publications related to UFOs, including works by Robert Chapman, Cedric Allingham, and Carl Jung. It also touches upon the use of hypnosis in witness testimony, suggesting its greater utility in studying the witness's mind rather than the event itself.

Satellite Re-entries

A detailed list of satellite re-entries into Earth's atmosphere is presented, covering the period from February 3, 1971, to March 28, 1971. The data includes the satellite's name, date of decay, time and location of re-entry (latitude and longitude), and ballistic coefficient. Notable entries include various 'Cosmos' satellites, 'Titan 3C4 Deb*', 'OPS 7613 Deb*', and 'Apollo 14 P/L*'. The list distinguishes between US satellites and those originating from the USSR.

Meetings and Events

The magazine provides a comprehensive schedule of skywatches and meetings organized by ufological societies from July to December 1971. These include:

• COS-MOS Skywatches: Scheduled for New Forest (July 17-8, Oct 11-2) and Uffington White Horse (Aug 21-2). COS-MOS also has meetings planned for Harting Downs (Sep 18-9) and other unspecified dates.
• BUFORA Events: Includes a talk on 'First capture your UFO - by instrumentation' by David R J Viewing (Sep 4), an AGM with a talk by Trevor Whittaker (Oct 2), and a talk by Norman Oliver on 'No time for saucers?' (Nov 6), and a talk by Dr Geoffrey Doel (Dec 4).
• SIRIUS Meetings: Scheduled for Sep 17 with a talk on 'NU - the origin and power of the UFO' by Alan J Watts, and other meetings on Oct 22 and Nov 19.

Contact information for Lincoln Richford is provided for those wishing to participate in skywatches or experiments. Details for BUFORA and COS-MOS meetings are held at Kensington Central Library, while SIRIUS meetings are at Charlton House. All meetings generally begin at 7:00 PM.

Featured Personality: Fred Owen Gardner

The issue profiles Fred Owen Gardner, a ufologist who has been interested in the UFO phenomenon for several years. He has checked sightings personally, attended lectures, and participated in group research. Gardner edited the SHUFOIG Journal, wrote a booklet titled 'How I came to accept UFOs as a fact,' and is preparing a follow-up titled 'Beyond UFOs-What?'. He has also contributed articles to UFO journals and approached the press. Gardner's extensive background includes being an accredited minister of religion, missionary work in the Congo where he learned four languages, and serving as Field Secretary for the Mildmay Movement. He also edited the 'Ulster Protestant' newspaper and is a life Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Gardner expresses his anticipation for retirement, during which he plans to finish two books, believing his diverse experiences qualify him as a UFO researcher.

Other Content

Several publications and booklets are listed as available, including 'Sequel to Scoriton' by Norman Oliver and 'The Scoriton Mystery' by Eileen Buckle. Information is also provided on back issues of 'UFO Chronicle' and 'The Great Wave of 1967,' a catalogue of British UFO reports from 1967.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains a focus on UFO sightings, research methodologies, and the activities of ufological organizations. There is an emphasis on providing factual information, such as the satellite re-entry data and meeting schedules. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while acknowledging its controversial nature and the importance of credible evidence and witness testimony. The inclusion of personal backgrounds of researchers like Fred Owen Gardner suggests an interest in the individuals involved in the field. The magazine also serves as a platform for announcements and listings related to the ufology community in the UK.