Skywatch - No 21

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: No. 21
Date: September/October 1976
Publisher: Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team
Country: England
Language: English

SKYWATCH is an informal publication dedicated to UFOlogy and related subjects, published by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily shared by the Group or Editor. Items included may be reproduced in full or part, and contributions of journals or cuttings are welcomed.

Editorial and Contact Information

The editorial address is 92, Hillcrest Road, Offerston, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England. The telephone number for inquiries is 061-483-4210.

Letters Section

A letter from Michele Piecha of Southampton expresses interest in MAPIT and the SKYWATCH magazine, finding it most interesting. Piecha has been interested in UFOs for many years and recently joined the Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena (WATSUP). Piecha is a firm believer in UFOs and finds it difficult to understand those who do not accept UFO sightings, attributing it to a belief that Earth is unique. Piecha wishes to become a member of MAPIT and hear other people's views.

Back Issues

Available back issues of SKYWATCH include Nos. One, Two, Three, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, and the current issue. Each copy costs 10p plus postage and can be ordered from the Editorial Address.

News and Group Activities

UFO Investigation Society Directory: The Nottingham UFO Investigation Society is compiling a directory of British UFO Societies and Clubs for publication. They are requesting information available to the general public to ensure accuracy.

MAPIT's Publications: MAPIT has sent details of the Group to the Glossop Centre for inclusion in their publication "CONTACT," which lists local groups and societies. This has led to an increase in membership inquiries.

Media Coverage: Articles about MAPIT have appeared in the Glossop Chronicle and the North Cheshire Herald.

International Distribution: The distribution of SKYWATCH has expanded to include Australia, Denmark, and the West Indies, bringing the total to fourteen countries.

• Other Publications:
• ESSEX UFU STUDY GROUP: Produces a bi-monthly journal with UFO sightings and articles. Available for 25p plus postage.
• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual aspects, mysticism, philosophy, psychic development, UFOs, and world events. Single copies are 15p plus postage; subscriptions are 50p plus postage.

Article: I Wonder (by Ann Beard)

This section discusses a BBC programme about a drug that combats a deficiency in human growth. A 22-year-old girl, who had been receiving injections for nine years, was shown to be significantly shorter (3'10") without the drug. A comparison is made to her 2-year-old brother when she was seven, where they were the same size. The author speculates humorously about interbreeding with dwarf-like spacemen as a possible explanation for increased human size.

Article: Window Into the Universe (from the Byurakan Observatory)

This piece explores the Byurakan Observatory in the Armenian Republic, a major centre for astronomical research. It highlights the ancient history of astronomical observation in the region and the ongoing debates among astronomers regarding the universe's age, operating schedules, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The observatory houses several large telescopes, including a one-metre Schmidt Telescope, with a 2.6-metre one under construction. Current research includes the structure of the Galaxy, stellar phenomena, radioastronomy, and cosmology. Discoveries made at Byurakan in 1947 are mentioned, including Supernovae, variable stars, nebulae, and galaxies. The article notes the multilingual environment and the dedication of the scientists.

• Cosmological Hypotheses:
• Primitive Plasma: Astronomers suggest the universe began as a "primitive plasma" of Hydrogen and Helium, which later exploded and formed galaxies. Other elements were created in stars.
• Galactic Evolution: A hypothesis by Academician Victor Ambartsumyan suggests that the initial nuclei of galaxies divide to form new galaxies. This idea, initially considered fantastic, is now a working hypothesis indirectly confirmed by many astronomers.
• Life on Earth: One hypothesis suggests that the evolution of life on Earth, including the extinction of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals, was due to cosmic factors.

Newsclipping Section

This section compiles various news reports on UFO sightings from different publications:

• "SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER" (USA, Jan 26, 1976): Two organisations disagreed on whether sightings in New Mexico were UFOs or refracted starlight due to temperature inversion.
• "BUENOS AIRES HERALD" (Argentina, Feb 20, 1976): Strange objects were seen hovering at high speed over Bahia Blanca and Claromeco, leaving multi-coloured streaks.
• "DAILY MIRROR" (GB, June 7, 1976): A mysterious flashing object, described as Green, Blue, and White, was seen across a wide area of Northern England and appeared to explode. The Meteorological Office could not identify it.
• "MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS" (GB, June 7, 1976): Experts suggested the flashing object was likely an "extraordinary bright planet."
• "MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS" (GB, June 11, 1976): A witness described a bluey/green ball of fire with a red tail that disappeared, concluding it was a meteorite.
• "FENLAND ADVERTISER" (GB, July 21, 1976): John Prewer reported seeing a formation of about 14 lights in the sky, possibly an aircraft from another star.
• "MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS" (GB, Aug 13, 1976): An article discusses the possibility of life on Mars and the challenges of communication with other species.
• "THE SUN" (GB, Aug 17, 1976): Technician Robert Cotton built a "UFO PORT" in Bordeaux, France, to welcome extraterrestrial visitors.
• "SUNDAY PEOPLE" (GB, Aug 29, 1976): A dragon-like monster was spotted in Lake Uri, Switzerland, compared to the Loch Ness monster.

UFO Congress in Poitiers, France

An international ufological congress was held in Poitiers, France, on June 16-17, 1976, headed by journalist Jeane-Claude Bourret. The event featured scientists and investigators, including Patrick Aimedieu, Jean Goupil, Pierre Guerin, Pierre Kohler, Auguste Meesson, Jean-Pierre Petit, Claude Poher, and Jacques Vallee. Representatives from the Gendarmerie Nationale also attended.

• Key Conclusions and Discussions:
• Claude Poher: Based on statistical studies, concluded that UFOs exist and are not known natural phenomena. Discussed plans for automatic observation stations, though funding is an issue.
• Captain Cochereau: Reported that Gendarmerie brigades are investigating UFO sightings, with 240 records drawn up in 1975, including 72 concerning landings. Believed their presence deters hoaxers.
• Dr. Pierre Guerin: Argued that UFOs are a real phenomenon, citing three main evidences: 1. Observations by credible witnesses cannot be identified as known phenomena. 2. Similarity in reported details among witnesses. 3. Coherence in sifted sightings suggests a genuine phenomenon.
• Jean-Pierre Petit: Constructed a scale model of a "flying saucer" powered by a new type of magnetohydrodynamic transformer and a plasma laser-fusion engine.
• Jacques Vallee: Stated that UFOs, regardless of their physical reality, have questioned our concept of reality.

French Ministry of Defence Report: A report published in April 1976 by the French Ministry of Defence admitted that 20% of all sightings remained unexplained.

Article: A Moon for Pluto

Astrophysicist Rolan Kiladze has postulated the existence of a moon orbiting Pluto, the remotest planet in the Solar System, which has not yet been detected due to observation difficulties. Pluto's characteristics distinguish it from Mercury and Venus.

SKYWATCH UFO DETECTOR

An advertisement for the SKYWATCH UFO DETECTOR Mark 3, a magnetic-needle type detector with an audio alarm, priced at £7.80 including battery, post, and packing. It is available from Malcolm Jay in Chingford, London.

Recent U.F.O. Sighting Information

UFO over Bramhall (April 7, 1976): This case involved two cigar-shaped UFOs. The Manchester Airport Authority had no record of aerial activity, and the MET office stated that noctilucent clouds, while possible, are rare and usually observed between May and September. The incident was investigated, and the witness, Mr. Simpson, was found to be sincere. The case is filed as "Unidentified possible inversion."

UFO Witnessed by Three Girls Over Church (April 14, 1976): Three girls in Oldham reported seeing a red oval-shaped object with a yellow centre that became brighter and disappeared at a slanting angle. A group of people at Sholver also saw a bright red light over Oldham. The MET report indicated cloud cover, but the girls described the weather as fine and clear.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SKYWATCH are UFO sightings, astronomical discoveries, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting various reports, witness accounts, and scientific perspectives on UFOs and related topics. There is a clear emphasis on gathering information, encouraging public participation, and fostering a community of interest in the subject. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs are a real phenomenon worthy of serious investigation, as evidenced by the coverage of the Poitiers Congress and the inclusion of scientific and expert opinions.

This issue of UFO Times, identified as issue number 9 and dated August 1976, focuses on UFO sightings and related scientific endeavors. The cover prominently features the headline "POACHER PHOTOGRAPHS UFO OVER PENNINES," highlighting a specific case that has garnered attention.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Poacher Photographs UFO Over Pennines

The issue details a case brought to their attention via local radio, where a Mr. Alan Ellis from Salford claimed to have taken a photograph of a UFO. The sighting occurred around 2 or 3 pm, described as having a loud buzz like a bee, being very fast, and shaped like a plate, hovering over the Pennines. Mr. Ellis also mentioned life on Mars and having written a book. The UFO Times attempted to contact Mr. Ellis through DJ Pete Reeves, who responded that Mr. Ellis was unreachable and that his story was under investigation by another UFO Society, with his photographs considered suspect.

Aerial Activity Over Belgium

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a "FLURRY OF AERIAL ACTIVITY OVER BELGIUM" during the first half of 1976, with many reports concentrated near Antwerpen. The article notes that extensive press coverage by newspapers like the "Gazet van Antwerpen" might have influenced the number of reports. A list of preliminary reports is provided, emphasizing that these are not all confirmed UFO sightings but are under investigation.

Notable sightings include:

• 1976 (exact date unknown): M. Ghislain Struys observed a red light moving slowly over Kortesse and Borgloon.
• January 23, 1976: A couple in Heusden saw three lights (one red, two white) hovering at about 15 meters.
• April 7, 1976: A couple in Kontich observed a Zeppelin-like object with red and white lights.
• April 15, 1976: Eddy Valee and friends in Wallerode saw a red-orange light moving erratically.
• April 24, 1976: An object was observed over the university campus in Wilrijk.
• April 25, 1976: Yvette Vandenbroeck and her family in Tervoven witnessed an object stop at about 100 meters with searchlights directed downwards.
• End of April 1976: M. Van der Schueren in Wilrijk observed two yellow-red lights and a bright white one.
• May 2, 1976: Roelof Troubleyn and Luc van Hul in Steendorp saw an object with white rays that moved westwards.
• May 2, 1976: Three girls in Begijnendijk saw bright white lights descending and turning away, followed by green and red lights.
• May 3, 1976: Karin Verstraete saw an oval white object among trees in Schoten.
• May 4, 1976: A 74-year-old widow and grandchildren in Wilrijk saw a round object with a dome and lights around its rim.
• May 6, 1976: In Mechelen, several persons reported an object descending in a zigzag motion, but an investigation by Mrs. Lutgarde Torfs revealed the witnesses' details were false, indicating a hoax.
• May 9, 1976: Mr. M.P. and Miss V.C. in Braine le Comte saw a rectangular object with a funnel-like feature.
• May 16, 1976: Maes Marc in Kontich followed a strange light with various motions, including stops, and noted green and red lights.
• May 18, 1976: Two girls in St Job in 't Goor saw an oval aluminium-like object disappear.
• July 1, 1976: Two sightings of an orange-red ball were reported in the vicinity of Antwerpen, with a similar phenomenon observed over Thuin the next day.

Scientific Exploration: NASA's Gravity Probe-A

The magazine also features an article on NASA's "Gravity Probe-A" (GP-A), also known as the "Red Shift Experiment." This space probe, launched in late June, aims to test a crucial part of Einstein's general theory of relativity, the "Equivalence Principle." The experiment is expected to be significantly more accurate than previous ground-based measurements, potentially advancing the understanding of gravitational phenomena like "Black Holes."

The "Equivalence Principle" states that within a limited region of space, acceleration is indistinguishable from a gravitational field. The probe will carry an extremely accurate clock on a two-hour elliptical trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean, launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Center in Virginia. During the flight, the probe's clock will be compared to an identical clock on Earth to measure differences in their rates due to varying gravitational fields. The predicted "Red Shift" effect at maximum altitude is about seven parts in 10 billion.

The experiment utilizes highly stable atomic hydrogen MASERs developed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The ground reference clock will be at the Merritt Island Launch Area (MILA) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The probe itself is 114 cm long, 96 cm in diameter, and weighs 102 kg. The experiment is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, with tracking and data acquisition handled by US Ground Stations, including Goddard Space Flight Center.

Bookshelf

A brief mention is made of the book "OUR MYSTERIOUS SPACESHIP MOON" by Don Wilson, which discusses the moon as a "space balloon" and UFO activity during Apollo missions. The reviewer has not seen a copy and therefore cannot recommend it but makes known its existence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and the scientific investigation of related phenomena, particularly in the context of physics and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into UFO reports, while also maintaining a critical eye, as evidenced by the identification of a hoax in the Belgian sightings. The inclusion of the NASA experiment suggests an interest in the scientific underpinnings of phenomena that might relate to advanced physics, such as relativity and space-time. The magazine aims to inform readers about both unexplained aerial phenomena and relevant scientific research.