Skywatch - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: No. 8
Date: August 1974
Publisher: Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (Affiliated to the Wirral UFO Society)

Main Articles and Content

The Proof of the Pudding

This editorial piece compares UFO phenomena to a 'pudding,' a hodgepodge of theories, some potentially close to the truth, others wide of the mark. It emphasizes that theorizing about UFOs being alien spacecraft or from secret Earth civilizations is insufficient without testing. The author states that while the reality of UFO phenomena is accepted, and not merely misinterpretations of known objects like stars or aircraft, there is still a fundamental lack of understanding about what they actually are. The article concludes with a note that this topic will be continued in the next issue.

MAPIT and Related Organizations

The publication highlights that MAPIT is affiliated with the Wirral UFO Society, which recently appeared on BBC Television discussing the North-West UFO scene. The Wirral UFO Society also publishes a monthly magazine called "SKYLINK." Interested individuals are directed to contact Mike Deal for more information about UFOs. The magazine encourages readers who have had UFO sightings to send a letter to MAPIT, promising an investigator or a Sighting Report Form.

COMMENT

This section poses a question about the potential reaction of inhabitants of another planet if humans sent a diverse crew on a space mission. It suggests that our varied appearances might be baffling, potentially explaining why UFO occupants vary so much. An alternative theory of 'specially cultured beings via certain cells' is proposed, linking it to current scientific efforts in developing space pilots. The author wonders if these could be the pilots of UFOs and suggests that we may not yet have seen the 'true UFO aliens.' The article also notes the similarity in basic forms of our own transport (cars, buses, vans) while acknowledging their distinct appearances, suggesting this might account for differences in UFO shapes, sizes, and colors.

Details are provided for the Scunthorpe U.F.O. Research Society, with contact person Nigel Watson.

PROBE: UFO's and Disappearances

This section investigates a potential connection between UFOs and disappearances. It references well-known cases of 'saucer kidnappings' involving animals, people, aircraft, and ships. The majority of these disappearances are noted to occur in specific global areas, such as the Bermuda Triangle and the 'Devils Sea' off Japan, which also have a high incidence of UFO sightings. The article cites a "Weekend" magazine article from October 1971, estimating seventy-one vessels disappeared in the preceding ten years, taking 1,034 people. It also references Leroy Thorpe's 1957 estimate of 100,000 mysterious disappearances annually, F. Dickhoff PHd's estimate of 33,000 annually, and the International Fortean Organisation's figure of 30,000.

Charles Fort is quoted suggesting that if extraterrestrial beings were to abduct humans, they might prefer to do so at sea, away from observation. The article then provides examples of disappearances solved by accident: an aircraft that vanished in Peru in 1954 was found 18 years later on a snow-covered peak, and a Canadian jet missing since 1956 was found by fishermen after 16 years.

Further cases include an eight-year-old girl in Thompson, Manitoba, who was almost abducted by a hovering saucer in 1967 but was saved. Another incident involved Telemaco Xavier in North Brazil in 1962, who was seized by three humanoid creatures from a saucer-like object and taken away, witnessed by a plantation worker.

The concept of 'Teleportation' is introduced, quoting Kurt Glemser, who defines it as an involuntary transference between dimensions. An example given is a married couple in Mexico in the mid-sixties who, after being enveloped by mist, found themselves in Portsmouth, England, with only an hour having passed.

The section concludes by acknowledging the possibility that some disappearances might be criminal in nature rather than UFO-related, emphasizing this as a valid point to consider.

Bookshelf

This section reviews several recently published paperbacks related to UFOs and related topics:

• THE BIBLE AND FLYING SAUCERS by Barry Downing (Sphere): Explores the connection between past and present UFOs, questioning if biblical events like the parting of the Red Sea were caused by extraterrestrial beings in UFOs. Price: 35p.
• MYSTERIES FROM FORGOTTEN WORLDS by Charles Berlitz (Corgi): Proposes theories of advanced ancient civilizations and contact with extraterrestrial beings, inspired by the works of Daniken and Drake. Price: 40p (ILLUST.).
• THE SPACESHIPS OF EZEKIEL by J.F. Blumrich (Corgi): This book is described as one of the best published in years, going beyond Daniken. Josef F. Blumrich, head of NASA's systems layout branch, provides drawings and technical details about the design and propulsion of spacecraft, based on interpretations of Ezekiel's visions. Price: 50p (ILLUST.).

Readers interested in starting a UFO group are directed to write to M.A.P.I.T.

Advertisements

The magazine includes advertisements for:

• U.F.O. NEWS: Britain's youngest UFO publication, offering single copies and annual subscriptions.
• FORSIGHT: A magazine of Mysticism, Philosophy, Psychic Phenomena, Spirituality and UFOs, with details on single copies and subscriptions. A free subscription offer is mentioned under certain circumstances.
• THE BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION: Offering free literature.
• LECTURE: Announcement of a talk by Mr. Norman Oliver (BUFORA) on "British Contact Claims" on October 7th, 1974, for the Scunthorpe U.F.O. Research Society.
• ZIMRI: A fanzine (Amateur SF Magazine), with details from the editor, Lisa Conesa.

Advertisers are requested to mention "SKYWATCH" when responding. Material for publication should be addressed to "SKYWATCH" at the provided address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SKYWATCH revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO phenomena, the exploration of various theories attempting to explain them, and the documented cases of alleged UFO encounters and disappearances. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and encouraging reader participation through sightings and correspondence. There is a clear interest in connecting UFOs with unexplained events like disappearances and exploring potential extraterrestrial involvement. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting other UFO-related organizations, publications, and events within the UK, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.