Skywatch - No 25 - 1973 06-08

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 25
Date: June/July/August, 1973
Publisher: Contact
Type: Quarterly Magazine

Editorial: The Importance of Balance

The editorial, written by Brinsley le Poer Trench, emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an open and balanced understanding in the study of ufology. He warns against foregone conclusions, advocating for an approach that allows for evolving concepts. Trench notes that the UFO phenomenon is more complex than just 'nuts and bolts,' and that while some contacts are beneficial, others can be harmful. He posits that the ultimate cause of existence is spiritual, relating to 'God, the image of complete universal beingness.' The editorial touches upon the struggle between good and evil, suggesting it extends beyond Earth into higher realms, referencing ancient legends of celestial battles. It also discusses the future of Earth as a place of peace for those who aspire to spiritual growth, implying a cleansing of negative influences.

International Skywatching Week

This section announces the annual International Skywatching Week, organized by the International Chairman of 'Contact,' Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench. The event is scheduled from Saturday, June 30th to Saturday, July 8th. Members are urged to dedicate time to observing the sky for UFOs and unusual phenomena, whether from home or in groups outdoors. The aim is to send out positive thoughts to 'space people' in hopes of eliciting signs of their presence, potentially leading to sightings, telepathic messages, or even direct contact. Contact information is provided for reporting sightings and paranormal incidents, with specific phone numbers and times for Mrs. Frances de la Coliniere and Mrs. Edna Smith in Durban.

"Between You and Me" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

This article focuses on the puzzling phenomenon of "Angel Hair," a substance reported to have dropped from UFOs and draped over the countryside. Trench highlights two famous, identical sightings in France in 1952 at Oleron and Gaillac, where objects left abundant trails of this substance. He considers these events highly significant, suggesting that their lessons have not been fully understood. While the article primarily addresses the 'Angel Hair' aspect, Trench hints at another, more important implication from these sightings that he will discuss in a future article. He laments that significant sightings are often reduced to mere data collection, missing their deeper purpose. He also references Professor Charles A. Maney's article "The Phenomena of Angel Hair" in "Flying Saucer Review" and his own book, "The Eternal Subject," where he compares Angel Hair to ectoplasm, describing it as a substance that forms materialisations and can be likened to 'whitish bubblegum.' Trench speculates that Angel Hair might be superfluous materialised energy from UFOs originating from other dimensions.

Space Comic Fan?

A short, anecdotal piece uses a conversation between a father and son to explain the concept of vibrations. The father likens the ability of a superhero to walk through a solid wall to the effect of a vibrator used in concrete construction, suggesting that some people can achieve high vibrations to pass through solid objects.

In Passing: Space Probe from Epsilon Bootis

This section reports on a lecture delivered by Duncan Lunan to the British Interplanetary Society. Lunan, a graduate in English and Philosophy with a background in physics and astronomy, presented his findings on a potential unmanned spacecraft orbiting the moon, allegedly sent by a dying star 13,000 years ago. His research involved analyzing radio signals and echoes from 1927-1929. Lunan's mathematical deductions led him to believe the signals originated from Epsilon Bootis, a double star system. He suggests the spacecraft was sent to contact other planets. The British Interplanetary Society is planning a scientific experiment to attempt contact with this probe.

Primary Perception in Plants

This article discusses the discovery of primary perception in plants, as reported in "Psychic" magazine and researched by Cleve Backster. Backster, a polygraph expert, conducted experiments in 1966, initially attempting to measure water uptake in a philodendron. He observed unusual reactions on his polygraph, similar to human emotional stimulation, when the plant was subjected to a perceived threat. Further tests, including using live brine shrimps dumped into boiling water, showed significant plant activity responses. Backster hypothesizes that an unknown communication signal links all living things. The article also mentions research by Sir Jagadis Chandra Bose, who used his 'crescograph' to demonstrate that plants have a sensitive nervous system and emotional life. Backster's findings are being investigated by numerous universities and research organizations, and he believes his work offers new insights into spirituality and the concept of the soul.

J. Allen Hynek and the UN

Professor J. Allen Hynek, author of "The UFO Experience" and Director of the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Centre, is attempting to persuade the United Nations to undertake a study of UFOs. The article notes that a similar proposal by Derek Mansell of Contact International Data Research Division was met with a reply that it would only be considered if officially submitted by a member country. There is speculation that a UN Unidentified Flying Object Investigations Committee may be formed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to ufology, encouraging members to look beyond conventional explanations and embrace new possibilities. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of UFO phenomena, suggesting connections between extraterrestrial intelligence, consciousness, and universal spiritual principles. The publication also highlights ongoing research and investigations, such as the 'Angel Hair' phenomenon, plant perception, and efforts to gain official recognition for UFO studies through international bodies like the UN. The editorial stance is one of curiosity, exploration, and a belief in the profound implications of these subjects for understanding life and the universe.

This issue of "Skywatch" (Page 11-16) focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring reports of sightings and a detailed review of John A. Keel's book "Operation Trojan Horse". The magazine also includes organizational news and upcoming meeting schedules for "Contact" groups.

UFO Reports

Queenstown Incident

The issue begins with a report from the Eastern Cape, South Africa, detailing an event on April 30th where Mr. and Mrs. D. Kruger of Queenstown were awakened by a droning sound and a dull light. Later that day, Mrs. Kruger discovered four oval marks on the grass, measuring 23 cm by 15 cm, with the grass inside still green while the surrounding grass was dying. These marks formed an area 3 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Mr. J.J. Gerber of Queenstown used a UFO detector imported from Switzerland, which recorded a negative magnetic field over one of the marks. A test for gamma rays yielded a positive result for the first time. A scorch mark was also found on a black brick porch pillar near the purported landing site.

Bulawayo Sighting

A separate report from Bulawayo, Rhodesia, describes a sighting on April 9th, 1973, at 3:50 a.m. Two Bulawayo policemen observed a red, boomerang-shaped object with a row of dull red lights. They watched it for half a minute as it moved across the sky. Eight minutes later, the object reappeared overhead before moving off very fast and disappearing.

Book Review: Operation Trojan Horse by John A. Keel

Pages 12-15 are dedicated to a review of John A. Keel's book "Operation Trojan Horse". The reviewer praises the book as a culmination of four years of documentation and research, essential for serious UFO investigators. Keel's work is described as having gone to great pains to establish the reliability of UFO reports, interviewing witnesses and traveling to various "flap" areas.

The review highlights Keel's exploration of the "paraphysical hypothesis", quoting Air Marshal Sir Victor Goddard, who suggested that UFOs might be creations of an invisible world coincident with Earth, rather than extraterrestrial in origin. Keel posits that flying saucers may be disguises for hidden phenomena, comparing them to "Trojan horses". He suggests that our reality is based on physical senses, but that a larger universe exists beyond our comprehension, composed of energies with different frequencies. Keel connects UFO entities to manifestations in religious miracles and spiritual seances.

The book also addresses the phenomenon of ultraviolet ray exposure reactions reported by witnesses. It discusses "purple blobs" that appear as clouds of glowing gas, theorizing that as UFOs adjust their frequency, they transition through the electromagnetic spectrum, appearing as purple, blue, bluish green, and finally glaring white when stabilized in our dimensions. The process of stabilization and movement causes color changes, with landing reports often mentioning orange or red objects. Upon landing, they "solidify" and dim, while take-off often involves glowing red. Keel terms the color red as the "ufo departure field".

Keel's book also references extracts from the Bible, reinterpreting them in light of UFO phenomena. Sightings from historical flaps (1897, 1909, 1910) over various countries are mentioned, posing questions about whether "biplanes" and "dirigible balloons" were probes from distant planets or from hidden bases.

A chapter is devoted to "unidentified airplanes" observed since 1896, often described as grey, delta-shaped, and lacking markings. These small, single-engined planes are frequently seen at low altitudes, performing search patterns, and flying at night in adverse weather conditions.

Keel's investigation into the "path" of alleged meteors led him to identify "windows" – areas where UFOs repeatedly appear, forming circles of activity. These "windows" are noted to be prevalent across the USA, often located over areas of magnetic deviation.

The author argues that ufologists have focused too much on unusual configurations, which are a minority of paraphysical objects. He suggests these objects might be composed of intelligent energy from high reaches of the electromagnetic spectrum, capable of restructuring into physical form by requiring energy sources like fire, living things, or human mediums.

Keel's own journey began as a skeptic in 1966, but his views changed rapidly due to firsthand experiences. The book is presented not for "wild-eyed believers" but for a cautious, comprehensive, and well-financed investigation by independent professionals.

Book News

The "Book News" section announces the latest book by Brinsley le Poer Trench, International Chairman of "Contact", titled "The Eternal Subject". It also mentions Erich von Däniken's new book "The Gold of the Gods" and his previous work "Return to the Stars". Bruce Cathie, author of "Harmonics 33" and "Harmonic 695", is reportedly preparing a third book on the UFO subject and anti-gravitational grid systems.

Organizational News and Meetings

Appointment Announcement

It is announced with pleasure that Mr. Frank van Vloten, Secretary of "Contact" South Africa, has been appointed as one of the Vice-Presidents of "Contact" International, in recognition of his hard work.

Meeting Schedules

Upcoming meetings for "Contact" groups are listed for Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town for June, July, and August. Specific dates, times, and contact persons (Mrs. E. Klarer in Johannesburg, Mr. Andre Nestel in Cape Town) are provided. The general correspondence address for the Secretary is P.O. Box 743, Durban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the investigation of UFO phenomena through empirical evidence, scientific instruments (like UFO detectors), and detailed witness accounts. The review of John Keel's work suggests a shift towards exploring the paraphysical and energetic aspects of UFOs, linking them to broader historical and religious phenomena, moving beyond simple extraterrestrial explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded yet critical inquiry, advocating for comprehensive and well-financed investigations, as highlighted in the review of Keel's book. The inclusion of organizational news and meeting schedules indicates a focus on community engagement and information dissemination within the UFO research field.